CSF April 2023

C HRIST IS R I SEN

Christian Meaning

What the early Church believed: The Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist

ABOUT THE COVERS: The stained-glass and bronze sculpture imagery on the inner and outer walls of the entrance to the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption beautifully depicts the Church’s Easter faith.

Front cover: The presence of the crucified and risen Body of Christ in the Eucharist is suggested by the silhouette of Jesus’ body in the sacred vessel of a chalice.

Back cover: The risen Jesus extends His arms to welcome people of all ages, every nation, and every way of life into the communion of His Church.

‘FATHER, FORGIVE THEM …’ - Lk 23:34

“Forgiveness is necessary so the killer can heal from his sins.” One does not need a high level of education to acquire wisdom and holiness; indeed, it can be an obstacle if such education is not accompanied by virtue.

On Jan. 27, I made a trip to a mushroom farm in Half Moon Bay, the site of the recent horrific mass shooting, to pray with the families and friends of the victims. It turned out, for me, to be an extraordianry journey

Our Archdiocesan Restorative Justice ministry, led by Julio Escobar, organizes small prayer services at the site of every homicide, and he invited me to lead this one. “We come together this day to reclaim this space of death as a place of life, this place where violence occurred, we are reclaiming as a place of peace,” I said, speaking the words of the standard prayer service we use and blessing the grounds with holy water.

The deep faith of the families in the midst of such horror shone like a beacon of light in the darkest of nights. As I reflect on that day during this season of Easter, I am reminded of the words of our Lord on the cross as He was dying, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” (Lk 23:34)

I am humbled even now by the strength of a faith that reflected our Savior’s example in that moment when family members extended forgiveness to the perpetrator of this heinous crime who took their loved ones away from them. The cousin of one of the victims told an NBC reporter,

We live in a world that is broken. So many of our institutions that have always been the bulwark of good order in society now seem mired in controversy, conflict and decline, from politics to public schools to the police, not to mention religious communities. Crime and disorder proliferate. Marriages break down or fail to form. The next generation fears having the children they want, if they want them at all.

The world has always been a mixture of strife, illness, want and suffering, along with love, care and creativity. That the world is full of both is not new. What is new is that the traditional sources of identity and stability in a fallen world are all actively undermined by our culture: faith, family, community, the nation; even the body itself is being stripped of its inherent meaning. We are not made to make up our own identities out of whole cloth. We are made for communion. We are made for the love of God, for that is what makes communion with Him, and one another, possible, and that is the ultimate end of human existence.

Catholics have recognized for centuries that the sacred beauty which reveals the reality of God is not a luxury item but a spiritual necessity, even – indeed especially –in times of trouble.

We all need healing. We all suffer. We all sin. We all need forgiveness. A Eucharistic revival and a renaissance of faith cannot stem from changing this or that uncomfortable teaching of Jesus Christ. No, not the ones that ask us to sublimate our sexual desires to His will. Nor the even more difficult teaching that we must do good to those who do us

We all need healing — most of all from the Lord God who made us to love and to be loved for all eternity.

ARCHBISHOP SALVATORE JOSEPH CORDILEONE

Eucharistic revival means a conversion of heart to conform our will to the will of God.”

wrong, to forgive as we hope for forgiveness, just as our Lord taught us to pray.

Eucharistic revival means a conversion of heart to conform our will to the will of God. God made us for communion, to love and to be loved for all eternity. It would be incoherent to turn our backs on His call to communion as He has mapped it out for us in our very nature while at the same time partake of the sacrament of that communion.

God knows this is hard. After all, He made us! So that is why He gives us the means, through the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Penance, to live our faith coherently, that is, to obtain the grace of purification through outward and visible signs and unite ourselves with Him in the communion of his body and blood.

The antidote to despair is hope. But hope doesn’t come just by wishing for it. As we look ahead to the month of May, a month dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, we are reminded of the many Marian feast days that give us hope throughout the year (see page 8 article honoring Our Lady). Lourdes, for example, is a living lesson. For it is Lourdes (not Disneyland) that is the happiest place on earth. As anyone who has been there knows, the most common sight in Lourdes is not churches, not water, not rosaries; it is the smile. And that is the mystery. In the midst of so much suffering, everyone in Lourdes is smiling, because it’s a place of love that puts us in touch with reality, the deepest reality: God is here, and He loves us. ■

Photo by Christina Gray

Following a prayer, Archbishop Cordileone blesses with holy water the victims’ families and grounds, reclaiming the space as a place of peace following the mass shootings at two mushroom farms in Half Moon Bay on Jan. 23.

The true grace of

BY ROD LINHARES Director of Mission Advancement for the Archdiocese of San Francisco.

“The true grace of the Life-Giving Wounds ministry is that before attending the retreat, I’d always thought I was alone in feeling this way. Now I know I’m not. While I realize there is more work to do, I am empowered to move forward.” Those are the words of a participant at the Life-Giving Wounds retreat, an archdiocesan ministry that is funded in part by your support of the Archdiocesan Annual Appeal.

The Life-Giving Wounds ministry helps heal, restore and provide peace of mind to adults of all ages affected by their parents’ divorce. Retreatants have ranged in age from 18 to over 60. Another retreat participant said, through tears, “my parents’ divorce was so traumatic that I didn’t even know if I believed in love.”

clergy, parish ministries and schools, the greater Church, and our pastors and parishes in financial and human resources efforts, to cite just a few examples. Your gift has a tremendous impact.

Consider the impact you have on an adult who remains affected by his or her parents’ divorce and think about how your generosity can help change his or her life. Now take another moment and imagine the consequences if this support weren’t there. Would he or she simply continue feeling alone? How, or when, would he or she work through the trauma they may have carried since childhood? In addition to your financial support, you provide something else perhaps just as important – the knowledge that people care.

The theme for this year’s annual appeal is “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path.” By following Christ’s word, we pursue the path on which we demonstrate our faith. We do so in countless ways, and one of these is through participating in the annual appeal. The complete list of the appeal’s benefits, as well as this year’s five-minute video, may be found on the archdiocesan website (sfarch.org/aaa).

You support Life-Giving Wounds and many other critical ministries through the annual appeal. By responding to God’s call to stewardship and grace and participating in the annual appeal, parishioners throughout the Archdiocese come together in supporting youths and young adults, social ministries,

Our mission as people of faith is ongoing, and the needs remain urgent, so we invite you to join thousands of others throughout the Archdiocese and consider your own gift to the annual appeal. All gifts are greatly appreciated, very beneficial and a tangible expression of your commitment to bringing Christ to others. You make a real difference. ■

The Life-Giving Wounds ministry helps heal, restore and provide peace of mind to adults of all ages affected by their parents’ divorce. Retreatants have ranged in age from 18 to over 60.”

HIGH SCHOOL WITH A HIGHER PURPOSE

VALLOMBROSA RETREAT CENTER

We are open for your spiritual renewal

In a beautiful and peaceful park setting that includes many prayer and mediations spots*, we will host your group’s retreat or conference. You may also sign up for a private retreat. We especially invite you to attend one of our five-day silent retreats which are very powerful and reasonably priced.

For group reservations or a private retreat:, call 650-325-5614 Or email jaynie@vallombrosa.org.

For our five-day retreat, call Deacon Dominick Peloso, (650) 269-6279

*The mediation spots available include: Lourdes, Fatima, St. Joseph, St. Mother Teresa, St. Francis, Spiritual Works, Corporal Works, Adoration Chapel, and (coming @ September ‘23), a large (50’ x 12’) crucifixion scene by Timothy Schmaiz.

Since 1959

Jesuit Institute for Family Life

Marriage Counseling Family Counseling Individual Counseling

Is your marriage what you want it to be? Are you struggling to express your need for your spouse? Are your children suffering from lack of communication with your partner? Has your spouse left you emotionally? Have you tried to solve problems like these and found you could not do it alone? This need has given rise to the Jesuit Institute for Family Life; a staff of competently prepared and professionally skilled marriage counselors who are Catholic in religious orientation perceiving marriage as a sacrament and whose training and interest is in dealing with the above questions and areas of growth in family living.

The Jesuit Institute for Family Life provides marriage counseling, individual and couples, family counseling, and group counseling for married couples as a means to meet the need within families to value the presence of individual family members and to improve the quality of intra-family relationships. To want to value one’s spouse and family members is often quite different from actually performing in a way that effectually expresses such value. We find that new skills are often needed and old obstacles to growth must be understood and worked through before effective human relating can be realized. When we do this we relate to Christ as He said, “In you give to these brothers and sisters of mine you give to Me.” (Matthew 25:40)

STAFF:

Robert Fabing, S.J., D. Mn., M.F.T., Director

Michael Neri, Ph.D., M.F.T.

Ann Rooney, S.M., M.A., M.F.T.

Marilyn Neri, M.A., M.F.T.

FOR AN APPOINTMENT

Phone 650/948-4854

Jesuit Institute for Family Life

Jesuit Retreat Center

(650)

1301 EL CAMINO REAL MILLBRAE, CA 94030

300 Manresa Way, Los Altos, California 94022

www.jiflinet.com

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How well do you know the Catholic Faith?

The Ultimate Catholic Quiz by Catholic Answers’ founder, Karl Keating.

Excerpted with permission and available for purchase from

https://ignatius.com/the-ultimate-catholic-quiz-ucqp/

May is traditionally dedicated in a special way to honoring and seeking the intercession of Mary as mother of God and mother of the Church. As we look forward to special celebrations honoring the Blessed Mother in the month of May, we offer the following Catholic Q&A with a Marian theme.

What is the dogma of the Immaculate Conception?

a. Mary conceived Jesus immaculately in her womb, without the aid of a human father.

b. Mary conceived Jesus immaculately in her womb, and he remained without sin.

c. Mary was conceived immaculately in her mother’s womb, without the aid of a human father.

d. Mary was conceived immaculately in her mother’s womb and was preserved from sin.

e. none of the above

Apparitions of Mary

a. are only pious illusions, but the Church does not forbid belief in them.

b. must be believed, if they are authentic, since any authentic revelation must be believed.

c. bind in conscience, if they are authentic, only the recipients of the apparitions.

d. are infallibly determined to have occurred if they are approved by the Church.

e. none of the above

Faithful Catholics must believe in the following apparitions:

a. Lourdes, because of the large number of proven miraculous cures there.

b. Fatima, because the miracle of the sun was witnessed by 70,000people, and their testimony is conclusive.

c. Guadalupe, because it was followed by the rapid spread of Catholicism in Mexico.

d. Lourdes, Fatima and Guadalupe.

e. none of the above

Veneration of saints

a. means giving them adoration in a lesser degree than the adoration given to God.

b. is a phrase no longer used; we now say that we honor saints.

c. is what Orestes Brownson meant by the word worship in his 19th-century book “Saint Worship.”

d. was encouraged by the eighth ecumenical council, which met at Regensburg.

e. none of the above

Statues

a. really shouldn’t be used by Catholics, according to Exodus 20:4-5, which warns against “graven images.”

b. have scriptural support in Exodus 25:18.

c. are prayed to by Catholics because this is a pious practice sanctioned by the Church.

d. are no longer recommended for use in churches, according to Vatican II.

e. none of the above

Crowning Mary as Queen of Heaven in May

BY AARON LAMBERT Writer from Denver

There’s something about May that marks the magnificence of the changing seasons. The air is crisper, the grass greener and countless colorful spring blooms begin to breathe life back into God’s beautiful creation.

In the Church as well, May is a special month — it’s no mere coincidence that the Church dedicates the most colorful month of the year to honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary. A popular tradition within the Church that has endured through the centuries is the May crowning ceremony. And as with most Catholic traditions, the history of how it came to be helps us Catholics to better appreciate the richness of the ritual.

There are two facets to the May crowning tradition that began separately but merged over time and became what it’s known as today: Crowning ceremonies of Mary and Marian devotion in the month of May.

The earliest origins of crowning sacred images of Mary date back to the 700s. As Marianist Father Johann Roten, of the University of Dayton writes, Pope Gregory III (731-741) “donated a golden diadem to crown

a holy image located at St. Peter’s, which represents not only Mary but also Christ and other saints.”

Father Roten notes that further examples of Marian crownings became more numerous and traditional in the 14th century in places such as Essen, Germany, and Boerglum, Sweden. The Servite order would customarily crown well-known Marian images on Holy Saturday beginning in the second half of the 14th century. The custom continued to spread during the Counter-Reformation at the beginning of 17th century thanks to the initiative of Girolamo Paulucci de’ Calboli da Forli (1552-1620), Capuchin, and Count Alessando Sforza Pallavicino, who established a foundation entrusted to the Vatican for the financing of the crowning of Marian images. It was toward the end of the 18th century that the second part of what would morph into the May crowning tradition began to emerge. A Jesuit priest by the name of Father Latomia instituted the practice of dedicating the month of May to Mary to help foster more intentional devotion to Mary among students at Jesuit colleges. ›

In May crowning ceremonies, a statue or image of Mary is traditionally crowned with wreaths of flowers, roses if possible, which not only symbolizes the freshly blooming spring season, but also has its roots in bridal wreaths.

Photo by Debra Greenblat

Photo courtesy St. Cecilia Catholic Church

Traditional May crowning Procession at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in San Francisco.

From there, May devotions began to spread more widely in 1815, after Pope Pius VII granted a partial indulgence for participating in private or public Marian devotion in May. Pope Pius IX made it a plenary indulgence. Though this particular indulgence is no longer active, it still lives on in contemporary Marian practices such as praying the rosary or reciting the litany of Mary during the month of May. Another reason why May was likely chosen to be devoted to Mary is that the month is home to several major Marian feast days: Our Lady, Queen of Apostles (the Saturday following the Ascension); Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament (May 13); Our Lady of Fatima (May 13); Mary, Help of Christians (May 24); Mary, Mediatrix of All Graces (May 31); and the Visitation (May 31).

Additionally, four authenticated apparitions helped to bolster spread of the May devotion: Our Lady of Graces and the Miraculous Medal, Our Lady of La Salette, Our Lady of Lourdes and Our Lady of Fatima, who first appeared in May 1917.

All of this led to what is now known as the

May crowning. These ceremonies typically take place in parishes and at schools at the beginning of May. In May crowning ceremonies, a statue or image of Mary is traditionally crowned with wreaths of flowers, roses if possible, which not only symbolize the freshly blooming spring season, but also have roots in bridal wreaths. Moreover, wreaths of roses are considered early precursors to the rosary, and indeed, the crowning of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth is one of the Glorious Mysteries to meditate upon while praying the rosary.

In more recent years, Pope Paul VI reinforced the May crowning tradition with his “Letter on the Occasion of the First of May,” promulgated April 30, 1965. In it, he writes: “It is precisely because the month of May is a powerful incentive to more fervent and trusting prayer, and because during it our petitions find their way more easily to the compassionate heart of Our Blessed Lady, that it has been a custom dear to our predecessors to choose this month, dedicated to Mary, for inviting the Christian people to offer up public prayers.”

While the crowning of Mary is an obvious allusion to her queenship and her assumption into heaven, the tradition also has roots in sacred Scripture. In Revelation 12, Mary is described in this way: “A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of 12 stars on her head.”

Indeed, it’s only fitting that the Queen of Heaven be given due homage as springtime arrives in earnest. May our Blessed Mother intercede on our behalf this spring and grant that we too may share in the fullness of her

■

SOURCES:

What are the origins of the May Crowning?

- Catholic Straight Answers

This heartwarming May tradition will help your children love Mary Devotion: May Crowning – Catholic Telegraph Crowning Mary, Origins of : University of Dayton, Ohio

resplendent grace.

A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of 12 stars on her head.”

This oil painting by artist Matilde Olivera was commissioned for the premier of “Messe des Malades: in Honor of Our Lady of Lourdes” on the World Day of the Sick at the Memorial Mass of Our Lady of Lourdes, February 11, 2023, at Oakland Cathedral of Christ the Light. https://sfarch.org/lourdes

2023 HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE

Palm Sunday—April 2

Saturday 5:00 PM Vigil Mass

Sunday Masses 7:30 AM, 9:30 AM & 11:30 AM

Traditional Latin Mass 4:00 PM

2023 PASCHAL TRIDUUM

Holy Thursday—April 6

Mass of the Lord’s Supper—7:00 PM

Adoration until 10:00 PM (No morning Mass)

Good Friday - April 7

Stations of the Cross at Noon

Celebration of the Lord’s Passion at 1:30PM

Confessions following until 4:00 PM (No morning Mass)

Holy Saturday - April 8

Easter Vigil Mass—8:00 PM

Confessions 3:00 PM—4:00 PM (No morning Mass)

Easter Sunday—April 9

The Resurrection of the Lord

Masses 7:30 AM, 9:30 AM & 11:30 AM

Traditional Latin Mass 4:00 PM

Easter Egg Hunt - 10:30 AM

449 Holyoke Street • San Francisco

415 468 0820

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE 2023

PALM SUNDAY VIGIL, APRIL 1

Confessions: 4:00 pm • Mass: 4:30 pm

PALM SUNDAY, APRIL 2

Confessions: 9:00 am • Masses: 9:30 and 11:00 am

HOLY THURSDAY, APRIL 6

No Morning Mass • Morning Prayer at 8:30 am Confessions at 9:00 am

6:30 pm - Mass of the Lord’s Supper Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament until 9:00 pm

GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 7

No Morning Mass • Morning Prayer at 8:30 am Confessions at 9:00 am

12:00 - 12:45 pm 12:45 - 1:30 pm 1:30 - 3:00 pm ~ Stations of the Cross

~ Reflections on the Cross ~ Good Friday Liturgy

HOLY SATURDAY, APRIL 8

No Morning Mass • Morning Prayer at 8:30 am

Confessions: 9:00 – 10:30 am

EASTER VIGIL: SATURDAY, APRIL 8

Mass: 8:00 pm

EASTER SUNDAY: APRIL 9

Masses: 9:30 and 11:00 am

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CHURCH

1425 Bay Road, East Palo alto

Ph. (650) 322-2152; Fax (650) 322-7319 • Email: sfofassisi@sbcglobal.net

Holy Thursday, April 6, 2023

Mass of the Lord’s Supper

7:00PM Bi-Lingual Adoration until 12:00 Midnight

3

Mass: 9:00 AM* | Confessions: By Appointment

Holy Tuesday April 4

April 5

Mass: 9:00 AM* | Confessions: By Appointment

Community Morning Prayer: 9:00 AM*

Mass of the Lord’s Supper: 7:00 PM Adoration until 12:00 Midnight

Good Friday April 8

April 9

Good Friday, April 7, 2023

12:00 to 2:00PM Three Hours English

2:00PM Solemn Liturgy English

5:00PM The Way of the Cross re-enacted on Bay Rd, from Jack Farrell Park - Fordham St. & Michigan Ave. to St. Francis Church

7:00PM Solemn Liturgy Spanish

Holy Saturday, April 8, 2023

Confessions 10:30AM to 12:00PM and 3:30 to 5:00PM

8:30PM Easter Vigil, Bilingual

Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023

7:30AM English, 9:30AM Spanish

12:30PM Bi-Lingual followed by Easter egg hunt.

COMING HOME

Conversion stories help remind all Catholics of their own baptismal promises

BY CHRISTINA GRAY

Lead writer, Catholic San Francisco grayc@sfarch.org

The word “conversion” has at its root the verb, “convertir,” meaning "to turn around; to turn toward.”

You can hear this in the words of St. Augustine’s “Confessions,” in which he poetically laments the hedonistic life that blinded him to Christ before his conversion:

“You were with me, and I was not with you. The lovely things kept me far from you, though if they did not have their existence in you, they had no existence at all. You called and cried out loud and shattered my deafness. You were radiant and resplendent, you put to flight my blindness. You were fragrant, and I drew in my breath and now pant after you. I tasted you, and I feel but hunger and thirst for you. You touched me, and I am set on fire to attain the peace which is yours.” 1

This Easter, as hundreds of thousands of new Catholics enter the Catholic Church worldwide, let us consider, as we read these local stories of conversion, our own call to lifelong conversion.

VICTORIA MARCONDES

She doesn’t remember who first told her about Jesus, but it wasn’t anyone in her family.

Twenty-year-old Victoria Marcondes said the name of God “was never spoken” at home where she was raised in San Rafael. Her parents, Brazilian and French immigrants, were avowed atheists.

She was about 8, she said, when for reasons she still does not entirely understand, she became a believer.

“I immediately believed that Jesus was God and that I needed him,” said Marcondes.

Alone in her bedroom on her computer doing homework, she would secretly research Christianity in between assignments. She found herself particularly drawn to what she learned about the rosary, the Mass and the sacraments.

Unbeknownst to her family, the youngster began a private routine. She would slip into nearby St. Isabella Parish to pray.

“It was very intimidating, I’m not going to lie,” she said. “It is a huge church and it was dark during the day, but I fell in love with it.”

As much as it increased her desire to become a Catholic, she didn’t think it was possible.

“I knew my parents wouldn’t be supportive, and I didn’t know how to do it on my own,” she said.

“I began to fear that if I was not baptized by 18, the world would take me.”

— VICTORIA MARCONDES, 20, raised in an atheist home

VictoriaMarcondes

JimKey

Her parents were indeed, “not happy at all” when she told them. They said time would tell if it was just a phase.

By middle school, Marcondes had befriended a group of girls, most from Catholic families. They were supportive of her interest in their faith.

Every day, it seemed, she was given another article of faith: a rosary, a holy medal, a pamphlet or book of Catholic prayers.

“I began to fear that if I was not baptized by 18, the world would take me,” she said.

At 14, Marcondes told her parents it was not a phase; she had prayed every single day for six years that she could become a baptized Catholic.

At 16, Marcondes was baptized, received her first Communion and was confirmed at the Easter Vigil at St. Isabella Parish in 2019. Her parents were not in attendance.

“But all the girls from middle school showed up,” she said. “A whole pew of 16-year-old girls. I did have a support network; it just wasn’t my family."

Marcondes began work last year in the parish office at St. Hilary Parish in Tiburon while she pursues a college degree in math.

JIM KEY

Jim Key was raised a devout Episcopalian in Pittsburgh. “I was about as devout as Episcopalians get,” joked Key, 52. He regularly attended Episcopalian services most of his life and served as a lector and Eucharistic minister.

But after much thought, he decided to leave his childhood church behind in 2008. He entered the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults program at St. Dominic Parish in San Francisco and entered the Catholic Church a year later.

“What frustrates some people about the Catholic Church is that it doesn’t change,” said Key, a parishioner of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Mill Valley. “What I love about it is that it doesn’t.”

If one looks at the Episcopal Church through the lens of the history of America, he said, “it has had a very positive impact.” But he finds it difficult to determine its core beliefs.

“I can’t tell you for sure if the Episcopal Church is prolife or agnostic on the subject of abortion,” he said.

Key said he believes the Episcopal Church and other Protestant churches are trying to find relevance by preaching cultural politics.

“I live in the Bay Area, so I’m already fully aware of what the worldly beliefs are,” he said. “I didn’t need the Episcopal Church to underscore those for me.”

The Catholic Church is like a rock, he said. “It says here we are, this is what we believe and what we are about,” he said. “If you’d like to join us, welcome.” ›

“What frustrates some people about the Catholic Church is that it doesn’t change; what I love about it is that it doesn’t.”

— JIM KEY, 52, former Episcopalian

JeffYano

HermanBracey

VivianDudro

“I basically started from scratch. Do I kneel down to pray? Do I put my hands together? Do I just talk?” — JEFF YANO, third-year seminarian, unchurched

JEFF YANO

Jeff Yano got “Catholic curious” in college where he studied medieval European history. He didn’t know too much of anything about Catholicism, but the art and architecture made an impression on him, he said.

“You’re seeing this thing from the outside, and it makes you wonder what’s on the inside,” he said.

Yano was born into a nonreligious, mixed-faith household. His father is Japanese and his mother a Presbyterian from Texas. Church meant occasional Buddhist or Christian family weddings or funerals. By the time he was 7, his family stopped going to church entirely.

Some famous Catholic converts …

ST. AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO: St. Augustine’s conversion from a hedonistic lifestyle to Christianity is famously described in his “Confessions.” He is one of the early Church Fathers.

“From that point on I was unchurched in every respect,” said Yano, 32.

After college and graduate school, he returned to the Bay Area to work in the tech sector. One day in 2017, he was invited to Mass.

“It was random, but I went,” he said. Mass was at Church of the Nativity in Menlo Park, his parish now.

“After this Mass, it just rose up within me,” he said. “I liked being in church. I felt this sense of goodness there and wanted to become Catholic pretty quickly.” He entered the Church in 2018.

He admits prayer was completely new to him.

“I basically started from scratch,” he said. “Do I kneel

G.K. CHESTERTON: English writer who converted from Anglicanism to Catholicism and became a well-known Christian apologist.

BUFFALO BILL CODY: The Quaker-raised Wild West Show founder converted to Catholicism on his death bed after an audience with Pope Leo XIII.

CHRISTINA, QUEEN OF SWEDEN: Scandalized the Lutheran country she ruled by secretly converting to Catholicism, eventually abdicating her throne for her faith.

DOROTHY DAY: The Catholic Worker movement founder and activist felt God had given her a second chance at motherhood after she became pregnant after an earlyin-life abortion.

GRAHAM GREENE: The writer was engaged to a Catholic, but that wasn’t his only reason for converting to Catholicism. Intellectual reasoning brought him to the Church’s doors.

ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE: Pharisee who participated in the persecution of early Christians, St. Paul had

Augustine

down to pray? Do I put my hands together? Do I just talk?”

Learning to pray the rosary changed everything, he said. Two years after being baptized, he went into priestly formation at St. Patrick Seminary & University in Menlo Park.

Yano said there is a continuing aspect to his conversion and vocational calling.

“You’re still walking forward, and progressing, but there is this change in the trajectory of your life,” he said. “This route that you’ve never been on before is ahead of you.”

HERMAN BRACEY

Tuesday and Friday mornings are special for Herman Bracey. That’s when the 86-year-old retired postal worker and longtime St. Agnes Church parishioner brings the › a mystical encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus and immediately began to proclaim him as the Messiah.

THOMAS MERTON: Scholar, poet and social activist gravitated toward the Catholic Church and eventually became a Trappist monk.

DR. BERNARD

NATHANSON: Jewish former abortionist and founder of NARAL (National Association for the Repeal of Abortion Laws) became a devout pro-life Catholic at age 70.

ST. JOHN HENRY

NEWMAN: Anglican priest who became a Catholic priest and cardinal and was ultimately canonized.

ST. EDITH STEIN: Jewish philosopher who became a Carmelite nun and saint (St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross). She died at Auschwitz.

ST. KATERI

TEKAKWITHA: A member of the Mohawk tribe who was converted through the preaching of Jesuit missionaries and committed her short life to spreading the Christian faith among her tribesmen.

Eucharist to the homebound in his neighborhood in the Haight.

“I’m still trying to go deeper in my spiritual life and get things all squared away before my time is up,” said Bracey, who entered the Catholic Church in 2003 at age 65.

Though he was raised in a Baptist family in Philadelphia, baptismal records could not be found for him, and he was baptized and confirmed after going through RCIA at the Jesuit parish.

“I couldn’t stop singing,” he said. “That’s how happy I felt.”

Bracey said he moved to San Francisco in 1967 in a selfimposed exile after a few short years of bad choices.

“I’d be remiss if I did not tell you that I had a problem with alcohol back then,” said Bracey, who’s been sober for 50 years. “I ran out of goodwill back there and came out here to start over.”

His problems put him at odds with his Baptist community who convinced him he was a sure bet for the fiery flames of hell.

There was no way he was going to avoid it, they told him. “I had racked up too many points,” he said.

In San Francisco, though, he got sober through Alcoholics Anonymous, got a job and continued his search for a new spiritual home.

“My mother really planted the seeds of faith in my very young soul,” she said. “She was trying to carry me into the next world.”

But it was her mother who died only one year later. With a spiritually indifferent father, her religious education was left to kindly neighbors who took her to Protestant churches.

Dudro believes her mother’s imprint may have helped form her attraction to the sacred.

She recalls being in Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral when she was 16 and praying for her mother.

“No one taught me to pray for the dead; no one taught me to light candles,” she said. In another town, she chased after a small Eucharistic procession having no idea what the priest or bishop was carrying.

In college, though, she experienced a sort of spiritual whiplash. She lived in a commune, read Marxist literature and lived by a personal moral code of her own making.

The liberties of such a life wore thin, and she saw herself becoming a person she didn’t want to be.

At one point, a Catholic friend suggested he talk to the Jesuit priests at St. Ignatius Parish about its RCIA program, and he did. He learned St. Agnes, another Jesuit parish, was closer to his home, and he began attending Mass even before RCIA started.

“I thought it was warm and inviting,” he said of the parish.

Bracey’s Baptist relatives were incredulous he was becoming a Catholic. He admits he had some doubts too when the Boston sex abuse church scandal broke in 2002.

“I agonized over it for a while,” he said. “But it seemed right when I made the decision, and that’s the way it still feels.”

VIVIAN DUDRO

Vivian Dudro had a rare form of childhood cancer and was not expected to live to the age of 5.

Concerned for her daughter’s soul, her mother had her baptized at the age of 3 in the Episcopal Church, despite not belonging to it, according to Dudro. Her father “didn’t have a religious bone in his body.”

Dudro called out to a God she didn’t really know for help.

“I felt as if my words did not just go out into the void of space,” she said. “Those words were heard by a loving God, and I was absolutely convinced that Jesus was real and merciful.”

She walked into a Mass at an off-campus Newman Center and “was swept away by the beauty of it.” She was drawn to the Catholic Church by the worship, the coherence of its teaching, and most of all by the mystery of the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.

“No other Western Christian denomination has the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist,” she said. “The Catholic Church has been the faithful guardian of this mystery.”

She entered the Church at the Easter Vigil in 1981 when she was 22. ■

“I’m still trying to go deeper in my spiritual life and get things all squared away before my time is up.”

— HERMAN BRACEY, former Baptist

“No other Western Christian denomination has the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.”

— VIVIAN DUDRO, ‘spiritual orphan’

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GRI, SRES, CCRM, CPRES

Broker Associate Listing and Sales Specialist

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Cell (650) 867-3192

bertajtovar@gmail.com

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ST. DUNSTAN CHURCH

1133 Broadway Millbrae, CA 94030 | (650) 697-4730

Holy Thursday

8:00 a.m. Morning Prayer

7:00 p.m. Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament until 11:00 p.m.

Good Friday

8:00 a.m. Morning Prayer

8:30a.m.Confessions

12:00 p.m. Stations of the Cross

2:00 p.m. Seven Last Words

3:00 p.m Solemn Liturgy and Holy Communion with the dramatization of the Passion

Holy Saturday

8:00 a.m. Morning Prayer

8:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. Confessions

EASTER VIGIL: 8:00 p.m.

Easter Sunday Masses

7:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., & 11:30 a.m.

Holy Week & Easter 2023

Palm Sunday, April 1-2

5 pm Vigil Mass

8 am Mass

10 am Mass with Outdoor Procession *

5 pm Mass

Wednesday of Holy Week, April 5

4:30 pm Family Stations of the Cross

Holy Thursday, April 6

6:30 pm Mass of the Lord's Supper *

Good Friday, April 7

12 pm Women Preach: Reflections on the Passion *

1:45 pm Celebration of the Lord's Passion with Veneration of the Cross * Sacrament of Reconciliation offered from 11 am-12 pm & 3-5 pm

Holy Saturday, April 8

8 pm The Easter Vigil in the Holy Night *

Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord, April 9 8 am, 10 am, & 11:30 am Mass of Easter Day *

For more information, visit www.stignatiussf.org * available via livestream

Mission Dolores Basilica

16th & Dolores St., San Francisco 415-621-8203 | www.missiondolores.org

Rev. Francis P. Garbo, Pastor LIVESTREAM: www.facebook.com/missiondoloressf

2023 Easter Liturgies

Palm Sunday, April 2 Saturday Vigil: 4:15pm

Palm Sunday, 8:30 & 10am

EASTER SUNDAY FOLLOWING THE 10AM MASS

JOIN US FOR AN EASTER EGG HUNT

EASTER TRIDUUM

Holy Thursday, April 6 7:30pm

Good Friday, April 7 12:15pm

Holy Saturday, April 8 Easter Vigil, 8:00pm

Easter Sunday, April 9 8:30 & 10:00am

MASKS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED

Parish Office (Mailing Address)

390 Missouri St. San Francisco, CA 94107

Email: info@stteresasf.org StTeresaSF.org

Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion - April 2nd Masses: 5 p.m. (Sat. Vig.), 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 12 noon (Span.) Blessing of Palms and Procession at 10 a.m. & 12 noon Masses

Holy Thursday - April 6th

6:30 p.m. - Seder Supper (tickets required)

8:00 p.m. - Solemn Mass of the Lord’s Supper [Bilingual] followed by procession and adoration until 11 p.m.

Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion - April 7th

12:00 noon - Stations of the Cross & Seven Last Words

6:30 p.m. - Liturgy of Good Friday [Bilingual] followed by Santo Entierro Procession

Holy Saturday - April 8th

3:30 - 4:30 p.m. - Sacrament of Reconciliation

8:00 p.m. - Easter Vigil Liturgy [Bilingual]

Easter Sunday - April 9th

8:00 a.m. - Mass [cantor and organ]

10:00 a.m. - Mass [Basilica Choir – brass and organ]

12:00 noon - Mass [Spanish – Coro y organo]

EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL

Local parishes called to form

missionaries’ as revival moves toward participation in cross-country pilgrimage

Parishes are in the driver’s seat during the second year of the National Eucharistic Revival.

Indianapolis, Indiana’s Lucas Oil Stadium on July 17, 2024.

BY CHRISTINA GRAY Lead writer, Catholic San Francisco grayc@sfarch.org

As the first year of the three-part initiative concludes this June and transitions into the second, the focus will shift to parish formation of “Eucharistic missionaries” ready and eager to go forth to share the mystery at the heart of the Catholic faith.

“Eucharistic revival is about starting all these small local fires of faith,” said Tim Glemkowski, a layman tapped by the U.S. bishops to organize what is designed to be a believer bonfire of the National Eucharistic Revival: the 10th National Eucharistic Congress on July 17-21, 2024.

More than 80,000 Catholic pilgrims are expected to traverse the country in four Eucharistic processions from points in California, Minnesota, Texas and Connecticut. They will converge at

According to eucharisticcongress.org, new pilgrims are expected to join in the processions all along the way, if only for part of the journey, to encounter the risen Christ in an unprecedented, public way.

The National Eucharistic Revival is a three-year, grassroots initiative of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. It launched nationally on June 19, 2022, the feast of Corpus Christi. The bishops hope the initiative will restore and reinforce the essential Catholic devotion to the mystery of the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.

The Diocesan Year, which will conclude on June 11, 2023, has been a time of prayerful preparation of clergy and lay leaders. It also included presentations by Eucharistic preachers, online workshops on Eucharistic miracles, easy access to schedules of ›

‘Eucharistic

Photo by Dennis Callahan

Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone leads the Rosary Rally’s Eucharistic procession through San Francisco.

Archdiocese of San Francisco, California

Diocese of Crookston, Minnesota

JUNIPERO SERRA ROUTE

START: Archdiocese of San Francisco, CA

JUAN DIEGO ROUTE

START: Diocese of Brownsville, TX

Archdiocese of Hartford, Connecticut Archdiocese of New York Archdiocese of Philadelphia

4 National Eucharistic Congress Pilgrimage

May 18 - July 16, 2024

Each route of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage will begin on Pentecost weekend (May 18-19, 2024) and arrive in Indianapolis on July 16. Sundays will include major Eucharistic processions and minor processions will take place during the week as pilgrims walk 10-15 miles a day from parish to parish. Stops will be made at Catholic universities. Pilgrims can engage in service projects on Saturdays. Parish events along the way include 40-hour devotions, holy hours, pilgrim testimonies and lectures on the Real Presence.

Register at eucharisticcongress.org/register

MARIAN ROUTE

START: Mississippi Headwaters, Lake Itasca, MN

ELIZABETH ANN SETON ROUTE

START: New Haven, CT

SCAN HERE FOR MORE ON THE EUCHARISTIC PILGRIMAGE ROUTES or visit

www.eucharisticcongress. org/pilgrimage

Archdiocese of Indianapolis, Indiana

The National Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help

Archdiocese of New Orleans Archdiocese of Mobile

Archdiocese of Atlanta

Diocese of Nashville

Archdiocese of St. Louis Archdiocese of Louisville

Archdiocese of Cincinnati

Diocese of Columbus Diocese of Steubenville

Archdiocese of Milwaukee Diocese of Fort Wayne–South Bend

Diocese of Springfield

Diocese of Jefferson City

Archdiocese of Baltimore

National Eucharistic Revival - 2022-2024

THE DIOCESAN YEAR

June 19, 2022 - June 11, 2023

Clergy and archdiocesan leaders share the mystery of the living Christ in the Eucharist with local Catholics through education and encounter. The Diocesan Year culminates in our Archdiocese with a Eucharistic Congress on June 10, 2023, at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption, transitioning to the Parish Year.

THE PARISH YEAR

June 11, 2023 - July 17, 2024

Pastors take the initiative to strengthen Eucharistic devotion at the parish level with the goal of cultivating “Eucharistic missionaries.”

THE YEAR OF MISSION & SENDING

July 17, 2024 - Pentecost

Sunday, 2025

The final year of the National Eucharistic Revival begins with the National Eucharistic Congress, July 17-21, 2024. Tens of thousands of Catholic pilgrims will walk from four corners of the country to meet in Indianapolis, Indiana. Having enkindled a missionary fire in their hearts at the event or in their own parishes or dioceses, pilgrims are “sent out” to share the gift of our Eucharistic Lord.

Eucharistic Adoration throughout the Archdiocese of San Francisco, and other activities designed to foster a renewed devotion to the Eucharist.

The Parish Year will officially begin in San Francisco one day after a local Eucharistic Congress on June 10 at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption. The one-day event will feature popular speakers on the topic of the Eucharist. The event will include keynote speaker Archbishop Emeritus J. Peter Sartain of Seattle, along with Mass, Eucharistic Adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It concludes with a Eucharistic procession through the streets of San Francisco.

Attendance at the local Eucharistic Congress is free and open to all Catholics in the Archdiocese, some of whom will also be pilgrims in the cross-country National Eucharistic Procession in the spring of 2024. Visit sfarch.org/eucharisticrevival/ for more details.

Father Nicholas Case was appointed chairman of the Archdiocese of San Francisco’s Eucharistic Revival Committee by Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone. The parochial vicar of St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Belmont said that how individual pastors choose to foster Eucharistic encounter and devotion during the Parish Year will be largely up to them and the resources available to them.

It’s not a “cookie-cutter strategy,” said Father Case. Pastors will be encouraged to promote the natural bond of the Sacrament of the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. During Eucharistic speaker events held during the Diocesan Year, he said, “we heard confessions the entire time.”

Capuchin Father Michael Mahoney, pastor of Our Lady of Angels Parish in Burlingame, said he is focusing on “in-depth catechesis on the Eucharist,” beginning with first and secondgraders preparing for their first Holy Communion, and their families.

Just recently he organized what he called a “Teaching Mass” for grade two students and their parents.

“I explained every aspect of the Mass to them, focused on the Eucharist itself, the Eucharistic prayers and their meaning, and the transformation during the Eucharistic prayer,” he said.

He plans to do the same thing with his entire parish soon at every Mass on what he will call “Catechesis Sunday.”

The National Eucharistic Revival is coming from the Church at an “apostolic” moment in its long history, said Glemkowski, a time when he says we have “more in common with the early Church than at the height of Christendom.”

“The prevailing mentality in our culture now is that we have to really invite people into relationship with Jesus,” he said. “We can’t just presuppose faith because people grew up Catholic or Christian.”

In August 2019, a Pew Research Center survey revealed a majority (69%) of self-identified Catholics believe that the bread and wine used at Mass are merely “symbols of the body and blood of Jesus Christ.” It is no less disheartening to know that many Catholics in the study were unaware of the faith’s most central belief that Jesus is truly, substantially

Parishes will emphasize Eucharistic catechesis and offer more opportunities for adoration during the second year of the National Eucharistic Revival.

present in the Eucharist under the appearances of bread and wine.

As the Church grapples with how best to elevate the faithful’s understanding of the Eucharist in these turbulent times, he said, “it’s critical that our mission comes from our Catholic identity found in Jesus and the Eucharist.

Glemkowski said registration opened for the 10th National Eucharistic Congress in February, and that space is going fast. Go to eucharisticcongress. org for registration and additional information.

“This is not just about being part of a gathering so we can just ‘feel good’ about who we are,” he said. “It’s about wanting to fall in love with the Lord more so He can send us out on mission for the life of the world. I think God is going to do something very powerful there.” ■

SCAN

HERE TO LEARN MORE

Radiating the Joy of the Gospel in the Heart of the City

PALM SUNDAY, APRIL 10

Holy Week

5:30 pm Saturday Vigil Mass (April 9)

7:30 am Quiet Mass

Palm Sunday, April 2

Mass Schedule

*9:15 am Mass begins at the Lourdes

5:30 pm: Saturday Vigil Mass (April 1)

7:30 am: Quiet Mass

Grotto, procession with donkey

11:30 am Solemn Choral Mass

9:15 am: Family Mass begins at the Our Lady of Lourdes

Grotto, procession into church with donkey

11:30 am: Solemn Choral Mass

1:30 pm Mass in Spanish with Passion Play

1:30 pm: Mass in Spanish with Passion Play

5:30 pm Mass with Contemporary music

5:30 pm: Mass with Contemporary music

HOLY THURSDAY, APRIL 14

*7:30 am Tenebrae

Holy Thursday, April 6

7:30 am: Tenebrae followed by a reception in the Siena Room

*7:30 pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper

7:30 pm: Mass of the Lord’s Supper

11:20 pm Last Supper discourse

11:20 pm: Last Supper Discourse, church closes afterwards.

GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 15

Good Friday, April 7

*7:30 am Tenebrae

7:30 am: Tenebrae followed by a reception in the Siena Room

12:00 pm: Stations of the Cross

*12:00 pm Stations of the Cross

12:30 pm: Confessions until 3:00 pm

12:30 pm Confessions to 3:00 pm

12:45 pm: The Seven Last Words of Christ

*12:45 pm The Seven Last Words of Christ

1:45 pm: The Passion of Our Lord (simple)

7:30 pm: The Passion of Our Lord (solemn)

1:45 pm The Passion of Our Lord (simple)

*7:30 pm The Passion of Our Lord (solemn)

Holy Saturday, April 8

8:00 am: Tenebrae followed by a reception in the Parish Hall

HOLY SATURDAY, APRIL 16

8:30 pm: Easter Vigil Mass

Easter Sunday, April 9

He is Risen! Truly He is Risen!

7:30 am: Mass with Easter Hymns

9:30 am: Family Mass with trumpet

11:30 am: Solemn Choral Mass, Schola Cantorum, trumpet, & strings

1:30 pm: Mass in Spanish

5:30 pm: Mass with Contemporary music

No confessions this day

ABOUT

EUCHARISTIC

REVIVAL IN OUR ARCHDIOCESE or visit sfarch.org/ eucharistic-revival/

2390 Bush St., San Francisco 94115 415.567.7824

www.stdominics.org

*Visit our website for updates and links to live streamed Masses and liturgies

Pictured: Church of the Visitation on Corpus Christi Sunday, 2014.

Photo by Debra Greenblat

Following Job’s example

This is the third of a series of seven meditations examining the Christian meaning of suffering according to the thought of Pope St. John Paul II in his 1984 apostolic letter “Salvifici Doloris.”

BY SIMONE RIZKALLAH Director of Program Growth

It is unsurprising that St. John Paul II, in his meditation on the meaning of suffering, explores the problem of human pain and suffering in light of the biblical character of Job. We discover in examining the Book of Job not only rich content for some of the reasons behind suffering but also the way in which suffering undoubtedly affects our relationship with God.

St. John Paul II writes, “it also happens that people reach the point of actually denying God” because of suffering. One of those reasons, St. John Paul points out, is that so much of human suffering is undeserved and so many people who are the cause of suffering remain unpunished. Another reaction to suffering is to deny that God is a personal God – Christian in name, but a deist in practice. God exists and sets things in motion but can’t possibly be personal and active in human affairs.

The Holy Father encourages us not to fall into those temptations but instead to put God on trial so to speak: “Man can put this question to God with all the emotion of his heart and with his mind full of dismay and anxiety.” In other words, the pope is asking us to follow Job’s example when it comes to confronting the meaning of suffering and how to be in relationship with God in the midst of it. Of course, this must be exactly why the Book of Job is in the canon of Scripture in the first place.

Job is not only the quintessential man who suffers because he suffers unjustly since he was known for being a righteous man (bad things happen to good people) but also a man of faith. How do we know this? Because he quite boldly airs his grievances to God.

Those who shy away from “questioning God with all the

emotion of his heart” aren’t being faithful, no matter how pious they believe their avoidance to be. In another, earlier text on suffering, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (later Pope Benedict XVI) warned that Christians run the risk of living “with the shades down” when confronted with the reality of evil and that those who don’t converse with God the way that Job did embrace “a kind of refusal of faith, or at the very least a profound form of skepticism that fears faith will not be big enough to cope with reality.”

Job’s friends advise him against this kind of faith and boldness. They wrongly believe the meaning of his suffering is merely punishment for sin. While it is true that suffering is sometimes punishment or the consequence of sin, that is not always why we suffer. The cause of suffering, as in Job’s case, is sometimes a great mystery. In this life, we cannot always find a complete answer to the question of why. But partial and incomplete answers in no way negate the fact that there is indeed a meaning embedded within the mystery.

For this reason, we can use the great mystery of suffering as an invitation to dialogue with God. This reaction is much more noble than denying Him or reducing His existence to a deistic “watchmaker”-type God, or reducing the meaning of suffering to a divine teaching moment. While it is true that suffering can and does impose profound life lessons, there is a recognition in the complexity of suffering that all the puzzle pieces may not be sorted out until the light of the eternal. And so the problem remains: Will suffering be the condition for dialogue? And will that dialogue assist in the grace of seeing God’s creative and surprising mercy operating within life’s dysfunctional circumstances? ■

Simone Rizkallah is the director of program growth at Endow Groups, a Catholic women’s apostolate that calls women together to study important documents of the Catholic Church. Endow exists to cultivate the intellectual life of women to unleash the power of the feminine genius in the world.

SCAN FOR MORE INFORMATION or visit www.endowgroups. org/study-guide-on-thechristian-meaning-ofsuffering-salvifici-doloris/

CHRISTIAN

at Endow Groups

Recognizing human dignity

Perspectives from Catholic School students on topics of faith

BY ISABELLA RINALDI Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory, ‘24

Students welcomed Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone of San Francisco to speak about the Church and Catholic perspective surrounding the death penalty as part of Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory juniors’ preparation for the most intensive research project in ethics class all year. The death penalty was one of many social justice issues juniors pondered in the weeks prior to the event. SHC’s Brother Victor Kenneth, FSC, facilitated the conversation with the Archbishop in SHC’s theater on the De Paul campus. Students were given the opportunity to ask questions about the Archbishop’s perspective and engage in an open conversation with him on the importance of this topic.

Archbishop Cordileone has previously spoken out against the death penalty. As an archbishop of the Catholic Church, he considers the death penalty to be unnecessary and ineffective as a tool for enforcing justice. The Church holds that every human life is sacred, and that the government has a responsibility to protect it, but it also believes that the methods

employed to do so must respect human dignity. The possibility of executing innocent people, the disproportionate application of the death penalty to the poor and people of color, and the potential for the death penalty to be used as a tool of political oppression are just a few of the serious moral and ethical issues the Archbishop raised in his discussion with SHC students.

In this conversation with Brother Kenneth, the Archbishop shared his personal experience in familiarizing himself with the death penalty during his college years, honestly admitting to having not given it much thought throughout high school. It did not seem like a pressing issue to him then. Through his relationship with God and his faith journey in becoming an archbishop, he shared the story of his first time at San Quentin visiting prisoners on death row. A common theme expressed throughout this discussion was the idea of recognizing every person’s inherent human dignity. Archbishop Cordileone reflected that after looking in the eyes of each prisoner, it became clear that the human dignity they possessed was being stripped from them. He proceeded to pray for each prisoner. He said many prisoners on death row still had faith and practiced that faith by reciting prayers and carrying a crucifix. From this experience, he urged everyone to remember the value of human life, which is a gift from God.

Photo by Francisco Valdez

When asked about inequalities in society that may lead to a disproportionate number of certain groups of people being on death row, such as African Americans, Archbishop Cordileone agreed and said it is a complex issue. Racist attitudes are still around in our country, he said, and that is part of the problem. But it is much deeper, more subtle and more insidious than that. He sees it as a long and lingering effect from slavery, which separated families. This left the African American family structure in a weakened state at a time when other social revolutions were taking place related to sexual activity, childbearing, child rearing and marriage. As a result, a disproportionate number of African American families continued to splinter. Today, he said, the outof-wedlock birthrate for African American families is 75%. The Archbishop quoted several studies that indicate the harmful social consequences of fatherlessness. This doesn’t mean, he said, that those growing up in singleparent households are not going to do well in life. Many are blessed with single parents making great sacrifices for their families. But when the problem grows dramatically, it begins to impact circumstances that we see today.

Sociologists, he said, speak about the success sequence: graduate from school, get a stable job, get married and then have children. If people follow this order, less than 3% end up in poverty. Too many African Americans are in situations where that success sequence is not available to them. In order to address this issue, he said, we must advocate for healthy family environments, better schools and whatever social assistance is needed to fight the cycle of crime and violence. It also requires educating the whole person, including moral and spiritual development that people need to follow that success sequence.

Through his discussion, Archbishop Cordileone urged society and SHC to concentrate not only on eliminating the death penalty, but on tackling the underlying causes of crime and violence, such as poverty, inequality and lack of access to education and employment opportunities.

SHC thanks Archbishop Cordileone for coming to present his thoughts and beliefs on the death penalty, offering a strong and faithful explanation of how justice may be served outside of the death penalty. He reminds us to recognize the dignity in each person, even if it is our worst enemy, so we may build a world full of peace and justice rather than one of violence and inequality. SHC’s juniors are using the Archbishop’s words and opinions to help them in their social justice projects as guidance and a resource as they present their topics to the class. ■

The pathway to God through the heart of His mother

BY MARY POWERS Assistant Director of Communications and Media Relations. Office of Communications, Archdiocese of San Francisco

“Dear Lady of Fatima, We come on bended knee, To beg your intercession, For peace and unity. Dear Mary, won't you show us, The right and shining way…”

Such goes a traditional song to Our Lady of Fatima, a simple tune of love asking for peace in the world. Today, we continue to search for that peace and await the final victory in the spiritual battle promised to come through the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

In 1917, Our Lady appeared to three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal, revealing to them the importance of devotion to her Immaculate Heart — a mother’s heart, filled with love for her Son and also for all humanity. Yet, it is deeply wounded by the sins committed against God and her heart. It was a message from a mother. A request for reparations, but also prayers for peace.

In the end, she promised that her heart would be our refuge and the path that would lead us to God.

“The devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary is simple,” explained the pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Father Mark Mazza. “It’s that Mary loves us. She is a mother. And she loves us so much that she wants us to come to her Son and live close to her Son as she did. And so she opens her heart to us.”

The artwork in the Belmont church illustrates the message

of Fatima, the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the way for us to live this devotion to her through the sacraments. The beautiful image of the Immaculate Heart of Mary graces the wall behind the tabernacle and faces a stained-glass window of the Fatima apparitions. Then, throughout the church are stained-glass windows of the sacraments.

In the centennial year of the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima in 2017, Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone consecrated the Archdiocese to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

“The purpose of the consecration was to rededicate ourselves to responding to God’s call to holiness in our lives by living our vocations faithfully and well,” wrote Archbishop Cordileone in 2019, “and opening our minds and hearts to God’s grace through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, mother of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

In living this consecration — praying the daily rosary, frequenting the Sacrament of Penance, performing other acts of penance and praying before the Blessed Sacrament each week — we comfort our mother’s heart, answering her request at Fatima. ■

God’s inclusive love proclaimed here!

St. Brendan Catholic Church 2023 Easter Schedule

Palm Sunday, April 1st & 2nd

Saturday 5pM

Sunday 7:30, 9:30, 11:30 am

2019 Holy Week Schedule

Holy Thursday , April 6th

God’s inclusive love proclaimed here!

2019 Holy Week Schedule

April 18

6 pm Mass of the Last Supper

Good Friday , April 7th

12 – 1 pm Stations of the Cross

1 -2 pm Seven Last Words of Jesus

2 -3 pm Liturgy of Communion & Veneration of the Cross

3 -4 pm Confessions

Holy Saturday, April 8th

8:15 am Seven Sorrows of Mary 6:00 pm Easter Vigil Mass EASTER

SAINT ROBERT'S PARISH

Palm Sunday - April 2

Saturday evening Vigil Mass, 4:30 pm

Sunday Masses 7:30 am, 9:30 am 11:30 am and 5:00 pm

Monday - Wednesday April 3-8 Mass 8:15 am

Holy Thursday - April 6

Mass of the Lord’s Supper 7:30 pm

Adoration in Church till 9:30 pm

Good Friday - April 7

1:00 pm Stations of the Cross

2:00 pm The Seven Last Words

3:00 pm The Lord’s Passion

29 Rockaway Avenue SF, CA 415 -681-4225

Holy Saturday - April 8 No Morning or 4:30 pm Masses

Confessions 3:00 - 4:30 pm

Easter Vigil Mass 8:00 pm

St. Brendan Catholic Church 2023 Easter Schedule

Palm Sunday, April 1st & 2nd Saturday 5pM

Easter Sunday – April 9 7:30 am, 9:30 and 11:30 am NO EVENING MASS

Sunday 7:30, 9:30, 11:30 am

Holy Thursday , April 6th

6 pm Mass of the Last Supper

Good Friday , April 7th

2019 Holy Week Schedule

2023 HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE

St.

April 18

Holy Thursday

April 6 – Holy Thursday

(Church remains open until 10 PM for quiet prayer)

April 19 Good Friday

April 20

Easter Vigil

April 8 – Easter Vigil

God’s inclusive love proclaimed here!

April 7 – Good Friday

April 19 Good Friday April Easter

Palm Sunday, April 1st & 2nd

Saturday 5pM

Sunday 7:30, 9:30, 11:30 am

Holy Thursday , April 6th

6 pm Mass of the Last Supper

April 21

Good Friday , April 7th

12 – 1 pm Stations of the Cross

1 -2 pm Seven Last Words of Jesus

2 -3 pm Liturgy of Communion

Veneration of the Cross

3 -4 pm Confessions

Holy Saturday, April 8th

8:15 am Seven Sorrows of Mary 6:00 pm Easter Vigil Mass

EASTER SUNDAY, April

29 Rockaway Avenue SF, CA 415

St.

What the early Church believed

The Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist

Editor’s Note: The following excerpt from the Catholic Answers website on the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist is one of many articles that will be published by Catholic San Francisco Magazine as part of the U.S. Catholic Church’s Eucharistic Revival (eucharisticrevival. org) that began on June 19, 2022, on the feast of Corpus Christi, and continues through Pentecost 2025.

The doctrine of the Real Presence asserts that in the Holy Eucharist, Jesus is literally and wholly present—body and blood, soul and divinity— under the appearances of bread and wine. The Bible is forthright in declaring it (cf. 1 Cor. 10:16–17, 11:23–29; and, most forcefully, Jn 6:32–71). We can learn much about how early Christian writers—the Church Fathers in particular—understood these Scripture passages by examining their writings. They clearly interpreted these Scripture passages about the Eucharist literally.

ST. IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH was a child at the time of Jesus’ crucifixion and had grown to maturity when the Apostles were preaching the Gospel. Here is what he wrote about the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist:

“I have no taste for corruptible food nor for the pleasures of this life. I desire the bread of God, which is the flesh of Jesus Christ . . . and for drink I desire His blood, which is love incorruptible” (Letter to the Romans 7:3 [A.D. 110]).

“Take note of those who hold heterodox opinions on the grace of Jesus Christ which has come to us, and see how contrary their opinions are to the mind of God. . . .They abstain from the Eucharist and from prayer because they do not confess that the Eucharist is the flesh of our Savior Jesus Christ, flesh which suffered for our sins and which that Father, in His goodness, raised up again. They who deny the gift of God are perishing in their disputes” (Letter to the Smyrnaeans 6:2–7:1 [A.D. 110]).

Some 40 years later, JUSTIN MARTYR wrote:

“For not as common bread nor common drink do we receive these; but since Jesus Christ our Savior was made incarnate by the word of God and had both flesh and blood for our salvation, so too, as we have been taught, the food which has been made into the Eucharist by the Eucharistic prayer set down by Him, and by the change

Ignatius of Antioch (30–110)

Justin Martyr (100–165)

of which our blood and flesh is nurtured, is both the flesh and the blood of that incarnated Jesus” (First Apology 66 [A.D. 151]).

ST. IRENAEUS, who died in about A.D. 202, wrote: “But what consistency is there in those who hold that the bread over which thanks have been given is the body of their Lord, and the cup His blood....For as the bread from the earth, receiving the invocation of God, is no longer common bread but the Eucharist, consisting of two elements, earthly and heavenly, so also our bodies, when they receive the Eucharist, are no longer corruptible but have the hope of resurrection into eternity.” (Against Heresies: 4, 18, 4)

TERTULLIAN

“[T]here is not a soul that can at all procure salvation, except it believe whilst it is in the flesh, so true is it that the flesh is the very condition on which salvation hinges. And since the soul is, in consequence of its salvation, chosen to the service of God, it is the flesh which actually renders it capable of such service. The flesh, indeed, is washed [in Baptism], in order that the soul may be cleansed . . . the flesh is shadowed with the imposition of hands [in Confirmation], that the soul also may be illuminated by the Spirit; the flesh feeds [in the Eucharist] on the body and blood of Christ, that the soul likewise may be filled with God” (The Resurrection of the Dead 8 [A.D. 210]).

ORIGEN

“Formerly, in an obscure way, there was manna for food;

now, however, in full view, there is the true food, the flesh of the Word of God, as He Himself says: ‘My flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink’ [John 6:55]” (Homilies on Numbers 7:2 [A.D. 248]).

ST. CYPRIAN OF CARTHAGE

“He [Paul] threatens, moreover, the stubborn and forward, and denounces them, saying, ‘Whosoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily, is guilty of the body and blood of the Lord’ [1 Cor. 11:27]. All these warnings being scorned and contemned—[lapsed Christians will often take Communion] before their sin is expiated, before Confession has been made of their crime, before their conscience has been purged by sacrifice and by the hand of the priest, before the offense of an angry and threatening Lord has been appeased, [and so] violence is done to His body and blood; and they sin now against their Lord more with their hand and mouth than when they denied their Lord” (The Lapsed 15–16 [A.D. 251]).

ST. AUGUSTINE

“Christ was carried in His own hands when, referring to His own body, he said, ‘This is my body’ [Mt 26:26]. For He carried that body in His hands” (Explanations of the Psalms 33:1:10 [A.D. 405]). ■

Iranaeus (120–202)

Augustine of Hippo (354–430)

“Take Courage, I Have Conquered the World.”

BY SEAN BRYAN

It’s no surprise that the relevance of the faith is often questioned. Secularism, scientism and other “isms” form the imagination of our children, polarize the political landscape, privatize the faith and threaten to systematically undermine religious authority. We may thus find ourselves quietly questioning why our personal devotions and faithful adherence to the precepts of the Church seem to have little impact on effectively witnessing the faith to our children or at work or in social circles.

even practicing Catholics – quietly question the relevance of the Faith in this secular age. It has formed the imagination of our children, polarized the political landscape and privatized the faith, and threatens to systematically undermine religious authority. Seeing these things in light of Revelation helps us to see what is most real. We must hear our lord speaking to us, “Take courage, I have conquered the world” (John 16:33). These words have resonated in my heart since they were first proclaimed to me, and they have shaped the manor of my witness of Our Lord to millions. When we are faced with a contradiction between what is apparent and what has been Revealed, we must not only prefer what is revealed, but stay with it and ponder it in our hearts like Our Lady. Although it’s not easy to develop this wonder-filled spiritual discipline, its fruits are delightful.

even practicing Catholics – quietly question the relevance of the Faith in this secular age. It has formed the imagination of our children, polarized the political landscape and privatized the faith, and threatens to systematically undermine religious authority. Seeing these things in light of Revelation helps us to see what is most real. We must hear our lord speaking to us, “Take courage, I have conquered the world” (John 16:33). These words have resonated in my heart since they were first proclaimed to me, and they have shaped the manor of my witness of Our Lord to millions. When we are faced with a contradiction between what is apparent and what has been Revealed, we must not only prefer what is revealed, but stay with it and ponder it in our hearts like Our Lady. Although it’s not easy to develop this wonder-filled spiritual discipline, its fruits are delightful.

even practicing Catholics – quietly question the relevance of the Faith in this secular age. It has formed the imagination of our children, polarized the political landscape and privatized the faith, and threatens to systematically undermine religious authority. Seeing these things in light of Revelation helps us to see what is most real. We must hear our lord speaking to us, “Take courage, I have conquered the world” (John 16:33). These words have resonated in my heart since they were first proclaimed to me, and they have shaped the manor of my witness of Our Lord to millions. When we are faced with a contradiction between what is apparent and what has been Revealed, we must not only prefer what is revealed, but stay with it and ponder it in our hearts like Our Lady. Although it’s not easy to develop this wonder-filled spiritual discipline, its fruits are delightful.

even practicing Catholics – quietly question the relevance of the Faith in this secular age. It has formed the imagination of our children, polarized the political landscape and privatized the faith, and threatens to systematically undermine religious authority. Seeing these things in light of Revelation helps us to see what is most real. We must hear our lord speaking to us, “Take courage, I have conquered the world” (John 16:33). These words have resonated in my heart since they were first proclaimed to me, and they have shaped the manor of my witness of Our Lord to millions. When we are faced with a contradiction between what is apparent and what has been Revealed, we must not only prefer what is revealed, but stay with it and ponder it in our hearts like Our Lady. Although it’s not easy to develop this wonder-filled spiritual discipline, its fruits are delightful.

Even if we are capable of the discipline required to develop virtues of personal piety, it will only get us so far. We may find ourselves questioning why our personal devotions and faithful adherence to the precepts of the Church seem to have little impact on effectively witnessing the Faith to our children or at work or in social circles. Yet the Church teaches us that, through our Baptism, we are commissioned to the apostolate by Our Lord Himself and that we are living instruments of the mission of the Church (Cf. LG 33)!

Even if we are capable of the discipline required to develop virtues of personal piety, it will only get us so far. We may find ourselves questioning why our personal devotions and faithful adherence to the precepts of the Church seem to have little impact on effectively witnessing the Faith to our children or at work or in social circles. Yet the Church teaches us that, through our Baptism, we are commissioned to the apostolate by Our Lord Himself and that we are living instruments of the mission of the Church (Cf. LG 33)!

Even if we are capable of the discipline required to develop virtues of personal piety, it will only get us so far. We may find ourselves questioning why our personal devotions and faithful adherence to the precepts of the Church seem to have little impact on effectively witnessing the Faith to our children or at work or in social circles. Yet the Church teaches us that, through our Baptism, we are commissioned to the apostolate by Our Lord Himself and that we are living instruments of the mission of the Church (Cf. LG 33)!

How can this be? We are not magically given the tools and resources we need to answer our particular divine calling and evangelize our culture, our family and our friends, yet we are called to do so. We tend to imagine that the clergy are primarily responsible for the mission of the Church, and although it is not accurate, it’s perfectly understandable. The Church has put forward the resources for tailored formation for priests and religious and they go to seminary for years to prepare for their role in the Church. But what about the laity?

What is needed to bear fruit not only for our own relationship with our Lord, but also in all our relations is a mind and heart formed to see in light of Revelation. For instance, we must hear Our Lord speaking to us, “Take courage, I have conquered the world” (Jn 16:33). These words have resonated in my heart since they were first proclaimed to me, and they have shaped the manner of my witness of Our Lord to millions. When we are faced with a contradiction between what is apparent – secularism – and what has been revealed – Christ’s triumph – we must not only prefer what is revealed, but stay with it and ponder it in our hearts like Our Lady, enabling us to act in faith. What this looks like in your particular circumstances is different from anyone else. The tools and resources needed to answer your particular divine calling to evangelize our culture, your family and your friends are not bestowed in personal devotion and adherence to the precepts, yet that has been our imagination.

Even if we are capable of the discipline required to develop virtues of personal piety, it will only get us so far. We may find ourselves questioning why our personal devotions and faithful adherence to the precepts of the Church seem to have little impact on effectively witnessing the Faith to our children or at work or in social circles. Yet the Church teaches us that, through our Baptism, we are commissioned to the apostolate by Our Lord Himself and that we are living instruments of the mission of the Church (Cf. LG 33)!

How can this be? We are not magically given the tools and resources we need to answer our particular divine calling and evangelize our culture, our family and our friends, yet we are called to do so. We tend to imagine that the clergy are primarily responsible for the mission of the Church, and although it is not accurate, it’s perfectly understandable. The Church has put forward the resources for tailored formation for priests and religious and they go to seminary for years to prepare for their role in the Church. But what about the laity?

How can this be? We are not magically given the tools and resources we need to answer our particular divine calling and evangelize our culture, our family and our friends, yet we are called to do so. We tend to imagine that the clergy are primarily responsible for the mission of the Church, and although it is not accurate, it’s perfectly understandable. The Church has put forward the resources for tailored formation for priests and religious and they go to seminary for years to prepare for their role in the Church. But what about the laity?

What is required is a “formation.” The Church has put forward the resources for tailored formation for priests and religious and they go to seminary for years to prepare for their role in the Church. But what about the laity?

I did something rather extra-ordinary. For four years I

How can this be? We are not magically given the tools and resources we need to answer our particular divine calling and evangelize our culture, our family and our friends, yet we are called to do so. We tend to imagine that the clergy are primarily responsible for the mission of the Church, and although it is not accurate, it’s perfectly understandable. The Church has put forward the resources for tailored formation for priests and religious and they go to seminary for years to prepare for their role in the Church. But what about the laity?

Warrior”). However, laypeople cannot be expected to put their professions and their family lives on hold for years in order to effectively live out their particular calling.

apostolate by Our Lord Himself and that we are living instruments of the mission of the Church (Cf. LG 33)! Do we believe this, and how can this be?

Warrior”). However, laypeople cannot be expected to put their professions and their family lives on hold for years in order to effectively live out their particular calling.

Warrior”). However, laypeople cannot be expected to put their professions and their family lives on hold for years in order to effectively live out their particular calling.

Warrior”). However, laypeople cannot be expected to put their professions and their family lives on hold for years in order to effectively live out their particular calling.

It wasn’t until after my unique formation that I was able to see myself as an agent of the Church, and confidently witness the faith on national TV (“American Ninja Warrior”). As a Church, we have limited our imagination for lay agency, and formed laypeople to be recipients of the graces afforded in the sacraments, but not in a way tailored to the particular circumstances of our time, in order to be truly co-responsible with the clergy in mission and effectively witness the faith in the world. That is, until now!

The truth is that we, as a Church, have limited our imagination for lay agency and formed laypeople to be recipients of the graces afforded in the sacraments, but not in a way tailored to the particular circumstances of our time, and be truly co-resposible with the clergy in mission, and witness the faith to those outside the Church. That is, until now!

The truth is that we, as a Church, have limited our imagination for lay agency and formed laypeople to be recipients of the graces afforded in the sacraments, but not in a way tailored to the particular circumstances of our time, and be truly co-resposible with the clergy in mission, and witness the faith to those outside the Church. That is, until now!

The truth is that we, as a Church, have limited our imagination for lay agency and formed laypeople to be recipients of the graces afforded in the sacraments, but not in a way tailored to the particular circumstances of our time, and be truly co-resposible with the clergy in mission, and witness the faith to those outside the Church. That is, until now!

The truth is that we, as a Church, have limited our imagination for lay agency and formed laypeople to be recipients of the graces afforded in the sacraments, but not in a way tailored to the particular circumstances of our time, and be truly co-resposible with the clergy in mission, and witness the faith to those outside the Church. That is, until now!

Reflecting on my own formation, I, along with Fr. Michael Sweeney, OP, started the Lay Mission Project, a resource to help you discern and sustain you in living out your part of the mission in your everyday life. The project’s hybrid – online and in-person – approach has been developed from the ground up with practical application always in view. Over the past seven years, we have implemented, honed and seen great success in this life-transforming and confidence-building formation in the diocese of Sacramento and now we are able to offer it in the Bay Area! Archbishop Cordileone has requested us to implement the project in the Archdiocese of San Francisco and Bishop Barber has asked the same for the Diocese of Oakland.

Reflecting on my own formation, I, along with Fr. Michael Sweeney, OP, started the Lay Mission Project, a resource to help you discern and sustain you in living out your part of the mission in your everyday life. The project’s hybrid – online and in-person – approach has been developed from the ground up with practical application always in view. Over the past seven years, we have implemented, honed and seen great success in this life-transforming and confidence-building formation in the diocese of Sacramento and now we are able to offer it in the Bay Area! Archbishop Cordileone has requested us to implement the project in the Archdiocese of San Francisco and Bishop Barber has asked the same for the Diocese of Oakland.

Reflecting on my own formation, I, along with Fr. Michael Sweeney, OP, started the Lay Mission Project, a resource to help you discern and sustain you in living out your part of the mission in your everyday life. The project’s hybrid – online and in-person – approach has been developed from the ground up with practical application always in view. Over the past seven years, we have implemented, honed and seen great success in this life-transforming and confidence-building formation in the diocese of Sacramento and now we are able to offer it in the Bay Area! Archbishop Cordileone has requested us to implement the project in the Archdiocese of San Francisco and Bishop Barber has asked the same for the Diocese of Oakland.

Reflecting on my own formation, I, along with Fr. Michael Sweeney, OP, started the Lay Mission Project, a resource to help you discern and sustain you in living out your part of the mission in your everyday life. The project’s hybrid – online and in-person – approach has been developed from the ground up with practical application always in view. Over the past seven years, we have implemented, honed and seen great success in this life-transforming and confidence-building formation in the diocese of Sacramento and now we are able to offer it in the Bay Area! Archbishop Cordileone has requested us to implement the project in the Archdiocese of San Francisco and Bishop Barber has asked the same for the Diocese of Oakland.

Over the past seven years in the Diocese of Sacramento, Dominican Father Michael Sweeney and I have developed and honed the Lay Mission Project: a hybrid – online and in-person – formation tailored to help you discern – and sustain you in living out – your part of the mission in your everyday life. Archbishop Cordileone has requested us to implement the project in the Archdiocese of San Francisco and Bishop Barber has asked the same for the Diocese of Oakland. Join us for a Come and See(k) event and visit our website to learn more about how this project will ignite your faith and enable you to more fully live it out in your daily life and transform your world. ■

Join us for a Come & See(k) event and visit our website to learn more about how this project will ignite your faith and enable you to more fully live it out in your daily life and transform your world.

Join us for a Come & See(k) event and visit our website to learn more about how this project will ignite your faith and enable you to more fully live it out in your daily life and transform your world.

Join us for a Come & See(k) event and visit our website to learn more about how this project will ignite your faith and enable you to more fully live it out in your daily life and transform your world.

Join us for a Come & See(k) event and visit our website to learn more about how this project will ignite your faith and enable you to more fully live it out in your daily life and transform your world.

LEARN MORE

NBC’s Papal Ninja (American Ninja Warrior) Operations Director of the Western Dominican Province’s Lay Mission Project

PROTECTING CHILDREN

The Office of Child and Youth Protection at the Archdiocese of San Francisco is responsible for creating a safe and compassionate environment for abuse victim-survivors to come forward. Every allegation is treated seriously and discreetly, and immediate steps are taken to protect the confidentiality and the rights of both victimsurvivors and alleged abusers.

As a result of the diligent work and dedication of the staff and clergy who participate in the program, new cases of sexual abuse are rare today in the Archdiocese. Yet, we remain steadfast in our commitment to protect children, report allegations and remove perpetrators from ministry.

20,340

children are taught safe environment lessons to assist them in personal safety, abuse recognition and prevention. The Office of Child and Youth Protection serves our parishes and schools by assisting with training and implementing our Safe Environment Program.

18,783

employees, educators and volunteers are fingerprinted and submit to background checks in compliance with the USCCB Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.

All those whose ministry or job involves interacting with minors must be fingerprinted and participate in a training course every three years on recognizing, preventing and reporting suspected abuse prior to beginning their employment or volunteer work. The Victim Assistance Coordinator supports and advocates for victim-survivors of sexual abuse through counseling and programs.

463

priests, deacons and candidates for ordination are fingerprinted and submit to background checks in compliance with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) charter.

NOTE: Statistics above were reported in the audit period ending June 30, 2022.

If child abuse is suspected, first call local authorities, then the Archdiocese Victims Assistance Coordinator at (415) 614-5506.

MARIN

Child & Family Services

24-hour Abuse & Neglect Reporting Hotline: (415) 473-7153

Sheriff’s Department: (415) 473-7250

Deacon Fred Totah

Director of Pastoral Ministry (415) 614-5505

Twyla Powers

Safe Environment Coordinator (Adults) (415) 614-5576

Karen Guglielmoni Safe Environment Coordinator (Youth) (415) 614-5578

Rocio Rodriguez

Victims Assistance Coordinator

(415) 614-5506

SAN FRANCISCO

Family & Children’s Services

24-hour Reporting Hotline: (800) 856-5553

Police Department Non-Emergency Number: (415) 553-0123

SAN MATEO

Child Protective Services Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline: (650) 802-7922 or (800) 632-4615

Sheriff’s Department Non-Emergency Number: (650) 363-4911

Archbishop blesses new Chesterton Academy of St. James in Menlo Park

BY MARY POWERS Assistant Director of

The Chesterton Academy of St. James, the new classical high school in Menlo Park, held its inaugural Mass of the Holy Spirit and school blessing on Feb. 8. Archbishop Cordileone celebrated Mass in the main chapel at St. Patrick’s Seminary & University for students, parents, faculty, staff, board members and other supporters of the school.

With a goal to educate the whole person in a rich Catholic intellectual tradition, Chesterton Academy opened in fall 2022. Young men and women are formed to be “joyful saints” by introducing them to great thinkers of Western civilization such as Socrates, St. Thomas Aquinas and Dante.

Speaking about the Chesterton Academy model of classical education, Greg Billion, headmaster of Chesterton Academy of St. James, said, “It’s Catholic, but it also has the classical liberal elements that teach kids how to read, how to reason and then how to communicate effectively. It’s even higher than educating for virtuous citizenship. We get to sprinkle in the transcendent, which then transforms the world.”

In his homily, Archbishop Cordileone discussed the need for a childlike (not childish) view of the world — looking at creation and everything around us with wonder, which is the beginning of education.

“Classical education cultivates within the soul the capacity to wonder, the ability to think, to explore and understand the mysteries of the universe,” he said. “As one ascends the levels of schooling … one preserves the childlike quality of wonder.”

Does classical education fit into 21st century high-tech life? Headmaster Billion answers yes.

“The fundamental human elements found in classical education prepare one to go into a Science, Technology, Engineering, and

Mathematics (STEM) field very well,” he said. “The problem is, if you take those formative years and just train students to perform activities but not to step outside and understand those activities, then they become malnourished and stunted in their formation. We’re seeing a lack of ability to figure out where’s my place in the world and a lack of ability to see the big picture.”

Following Mass, the Archbishop blessed the school located on the grounds of St. Patrick’s Seminary & University. ■

Communications and Media Relations. Office of Communications, Archdiocese of San Francisco

Archbishop Cordileone offers a blessing for the Chesterton Academy of St. James on the grounds of St. Patrick’s Seminary & University.

Photo by Mary Powers

Duggan’s Serra Mortuary, Daly City

Most requested Catholic Funeral Directors in San Francisco and the Peninsula Traditional and Cremation Options Pre-planning Services 650-756-4500

1 The

8 Jesus asked Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you ___ me?” (Jn 21:17)

12 “Why do you seek the living one among the ___?” (Lk 24:5)

14 This disciple said he would not believe Jesus was raised unless he could touch Jesus’ wounds

16 “On the ___ day he rose again…”

17 Possible Easter month

20 He ran to the tomb when he heard that Jesus had risen

21 Easter basket lining

22 It begins the Saturday night before Easter Sunday

23 Easter proclamation

DOWN

1 The chief priests and elders told the guards to say that the disciples had ___ Jesus’ body

2 Painted Easter decoration

3 Thomas said, “My Lord and my ___”

4 The first day of the week, the day on which Jesus rose

5 Jesus said to them, “Do not be ___” (Mt 28:10)

7 Easter treat

9 Condition of the tomb on Easter morning

10 “When they looked up, they saw the ___ had been rolled back” (Mk 16:4)

11 The mother of James and ___ Magdalene were some of the women who went to Jesus’ tomb

13 Event that occurred on the day Jesus rose

15 Word of Easter joy

18 Possible Easter month

19 Jesus said to the disciples, “___ be with you” (Lk 24:36)

Beautifully Remodeled Chapels & facilities, Unlimited Parking Most Compassionate and Kind Staff 500 Westlake Ave, Daly City FD1098 duggans-serra.com

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ACROSS

women brought these to the tomb

6 In the Gospel of John, Mary Magdalene mistook the risen Jesus for this

Knights of Columbus Council wins Contest of Champions award

The Knights of Columbus Council at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption received the Contest of Champions Award on Jan. 27. The award was presented to District Deputy Wallace Moore during a recent St. Francis Chapter meeting.

The Contest of Champions Award is presented by the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council to two councils in each state jurisdiction: the council with the highest percentage growth in membership and the council with the highest numerical gain in membership.

The St. Mary’s Cathedral Council was recognized by the Supreme Council for their work in membership and programs during the Columbian Year 2020-21.

Congratulations to all the men of the council who helped realize this prestigious award. ■

HELPLINES FOR CLERGY/CHURCH SEXUAL ABUSE VICTIMS

(415) 614-5506 This number is answered by Rocio Rodriguez, LMFT, Archdiocesan Pastoral Outreach Coordinator. This is a secured line and is answered only by Rocio Rodriguez.

(415) 614-5503 If you wish to speak to a non-archdiocesan employee please call this number. This is also a secured line and is answered only by a victim survivor.

(800) 276-1562 Report sexual abuse by a bishop or a bishop’s interference in a sexual abuse investigation to a confidential third party. www.reportbishopabuse.org

SAN MATEO, MARIN & SAN FRANCISCO COUNTIES BETTER HEALTH CARE

Trusted In-Home care. Hourly & 24 hr. Live-in. Hygiene assistance. Meal prep., housekeeping and errands/shopping. Low rates/free 1st day off. Bonded & insured. 415-960-7881 / 925-330-4760 / 650-580-6334

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District Deputy Wallace Moore receives the Contest of Champions Award on behalf of the Knights of Columbus Council at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption.

FENCES AND DECKS

JOHN SPILLANE

FENCES & DECKS

Lic. # 742961

Retaining Walls, Stairs, Gates, Dry Rot

Senior & Parishioner

Discounts

650-291-4303

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Painting, Roofing, Fences, Gutters, Gardening, Landscaping, Demolition, Hauling, Moving, Janitorial Call Grant: 415-517-5977

LANDSCAPING & GARDENING

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Clean up, Weed Removal

Lawn Services, Trimming

Fences and Cement

Serving SF; 415-664-1199

SEEKING USED CAR / TRUCK / RV

TRANSPORTATION

NEEDED

Private person seeking to buy a used car, truck and RV

Call Grant: 415.517.5977

NOVENA

PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN

NEVER KNOWN TO FAIL

Most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel Blessed Mother of the Son of God, assist me in my need. Help me and show me you are my mother. Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and earth. I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to help me in this need. Oh Mary, conceived without sin. Pray for us (3X). Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (3X). Say prayers 3 days. CO

TRAVEL

July 26-August 6: Alaskan Cruise with visit to Vancouver, B.C.

September 2-13: Holy Land Pilgrimage

JOIN FRANCISCAN

FR. MARIO DICICCO

(PhD In New Testament)

May 20-June 3: Balkan Adventure: Croatia, Montenegro, Albania

September 27-October 14: Turkey & Egypt: Following the Footsteps of St. Paul and visiting the 7 churches of the Book Revelation

Fr. Mario has been leading pilgrims to the Holy Land for 43 years. (Tours in Conjunction with Santours-#2092780-40)

Contact Fr. Mario at: (312) 888-1331 or mmdicicco@gmail.com FrMarioTours.weebly.com

SCAN QR CODE OR VISIT SFARCH.ORG/ EVENTS, to see the comprehensive calendar of events

April 16: Divine Mercy Sunday

April 30: Respect Life Essay Contest Winners Mass

Archbishop Cordileone will celebrate a special Mass at 11 a.m. followed by an Awards Ceremony to recognize the winners of the Respect Life Essay Contest at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption.

60th anniversary World Day of Prayer for Vocations

World Day of Prayer will be observed on Sunday, April 30, also known as “Good Shepherd Sunday.” Please pray that young men and women hear and respond generously to the Lord’s call to the priesthood, diaconate, religious life.

May 4 at 6 p.m.: St. Pius X Dinner celebrating Catechists in the

COME OUT AND JOIN US!

Archdiocese of San Francisco

The St. Pius X Dinner honors the many volunteers who for years have donated their time to serve the Church teaching adults, youth and children about the faith, forming them as disciples of Jesus Christ.

May 14: Mother’s Day

May 18: Feast of the Ascension (celebrated on May 21)

May 26-28: Project Rachel Retreat

If you have been carrying a burden from a past abortion, you are invited to the next healing retreat for women. Father Vito Perrone, COSJ, and Father James Liebner, SVD, will lead this three-day retreat, which will include Mass, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, counseling and sharing in a warm and healing environment.

If you are interested, please call (415) 614-5567 or email projectrachel@sfarch.org.

May 28: Pentecost

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THE ARCHDIOCESAN EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS!

SAVE THE DATE: JUNE 10, 2023

“My flesh for the life of the world.”

The Most Rev. Salvatore J. Cordileone invites you to the Archdiocese of San Francisco’s Eucharistic Congress

Keynote Speaker: The Most Rev. J. Peter Sartain, Archbishop Emeritus of Seattle

Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption

www.sfarch.org/ eucharistic-revival

WHERE WILL YOU BE CELEBRATING EASTER?

Find a Mass time near you on our Easter Mass page! Scan here to learn more.

SCAN FOR MORE INFORMATION or visit www. sfarch.org/ eucharisticrevival/