Concert and Workshop by Marty Haugen and Tony Alonso: April 20 - 21, 2007

Marty Haugen and Tony Alonso, world renowned composers of religious music, will present a concert at Saint Clare Catholic Church in Roseville, California on Friday, April 20, 2007 at 7:00p. Tickets for the concert are $30. Mr. Haugen has presented concerts and workshops throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia for the past 25 years for both Protestant and Catholic denominations. He has over 30 recordings and more than 400 separate printed editions.

Marty and Tony will also be conducting a workshop on Saturday, April 21, 2007, from 9:00a to 4:00p at Saint Clare. Tickets cost $40.

Tickets for both events cost $60. Group discounts are available.

Workshop and Concert
Marty Haugen and Tony Alonso
April 20 and 21, 2007
Saint Clare Parish

1950 Junction Blvd.
Roseville, CA 95747

Contact Nina Malone at 916-772-4717 x112, or visit the Saint Clare web site for more information and registration.

Electronic Waste Day: March 31, 2007

On Saturday, March 31, 2007, from 9:00a to 3:00p, Saint Mary's School in Los Gatos will be having an Electronic Waste Collection Event.

Electronic Waste Collection

Saturday, March 31, 2007

9:00a to 3:00p

Saint Mary's School

30 Lyndon Avenue, Los Gatos

They are working in unison with a state-authorized recycling company that ensures your electronic waste is disposed of properly.

Items accepted include:

• TVs
• Monitors
• Computers
• VCR Players
• Microwaves
• Printers
• DVD Players
• Telephones
• Fax Machines
• Speakers
• Stereo Componets, and
• Keyboards

We will also be accepting various metals, including:

• Aluminum Cans
• Insulated Copper Wire
• Copper
• Metal Furniture
• All Appliances
• Ovens
• BBQ Grills
• Stoves
• Refrigerators
• Washer/Dryers
• Steel
• Brass
• All Metals
• Cardboard
• Radiators, and
• Batteries.

Catholic Charities workshop on JustFaith: April 22, 2007

The Call to Transform Our Hearts and the World

Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County
invites you to a Sunday workshop introducing

JustFaith

a program that empowers people

to develop a passion and thirst for God’s justice

presented by Jack Jezreel

Executive Director of JustFaith Ministries

Rooted in Hebrew and Christian scripture, and our experience in the world, the Catholic church has articulated principles of justice and just living that are summed up in these words: common good, shared rights and responsibilities, value of human dignity, solidarity, respect for creation, grassroots wisdom and energy, and the call to stand with the poor. These principles invite us to some remarkable possibilities in the name of love and compassion. The vision speaks to life-giving choices on behalf of a world that struggles to survive. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore some new possibilities for your life, your community, your heart!

Comments from previous participants: "I loved this workshop. It was both inspirational and challenging." "Extremely dynamic presentation." "Very motivating talk, inspiring, spiritual and practical." "Excellent presentation, rooted in scripture.” "This workshop is better than excellent."

Anyone interested in learning more about JustFaith or just curious to learn more about this faith tradition is welcome.

When: Sunday, April 22, 1-5 PM

Where: Holy Family Parish, 4848 Pearl Ave., San Jose (near highways 85 and 87)

Contact: Elizabeth Lilly, 408 325-5262 or elilly@ccsj.org

Cost: $15.00 a person with group discounts (starting at 2 for $25, ask about teams)

About the facilitator:
Jack Jezreel, popular national speaker and justice educator, holds a Master of Divinity degree from Notre Dame, spent six years in a Catholic Worker Community, and has been involved with parish-based justice ministry for 25 years. He is the author of JustFaith and serves as Executive Director of JustFaith Ministries. He received the prestigious Harry Fagan Award in 2006 for his unique contribution to the achievement of the Catholic vision of social justice. He is married and has three daughters.

About JustFaith: JustFaith Ministries is partnered with and promoted by Catholic Campaign for Human Development, Catholic Charities USA, Catholic Relief Services and Bread for the World. JustFaith is used in over ninety dioceses with over twelve thousand graduates.

Download a registration form (Word doc) here.

Chrism Mass 2007 - Seating Charts

The seating chart for Chrism Mass 2007 is uploaded. Find out where your parish oil bearers are seated by clicking here (PDF file).

Don't forget about sending three representatives from your parish to be oil bearers. You can find all the information about this here.

To Veil or Not to Veil: Statues and Crosses during Lent and Passiontide

Prior to the revision of the Roman Missal (Sacramentary) in 1970, crosses and images were covered with veils during Passiontide which is the last two weeks of Lent, starting from the end of the Mass for Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent. Crosses remained covered until the adoration of the cross at the Good Friday liturgy, and images were uncovered at the beginning of the Gloria at the Easter Vigil.

After 1970, the practice was left up to the decision of each episcopal conference. (The bishops of each country make up that country’s episcopal conference. In the United States, our episcopal conference is called the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops or USCCB.) The rubric in the 1970 missal which is in current use says that the practice “may be observed, if the episcopal conference decides.”

Since 1970 in the United States, the practice of veiling crosses and statues was not allowed since the USCCB had not voted on the issue. In their April 1995 newsletter, the United States Bishops’ Committee on the Liturgy said that “[i]nvidual parishes are not free to reinstate the practice on their own.”

With the revision of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM), the USCCB, in 2001, approved adaptations specific for the United States. One of these adaptations included a rubric that said: “In the Dioceses of the United States of America, crosses in the church may be covered from the conclusion of the Mass for Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent until the end of the celebration of the Lord’ Passion on Good Friday. Images in the church may be covered from the conclusion of the Mass for Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent until the beginning of the Easter Vigil.” The adaptation was later recognized by the Vatican.

This rubric, however, does not appear in the newly revised General Instruction of the Roman Missal because the Bishops determined that it was more appropriate as a rubric for the sections designated for the Easter Triduum in the upcoming revision of the Roman Missal, or Sacramentary. (If you go to the current Sacramentary and the section for the Easter Triduum, you will find several rubrics there specific to the Triduum that do not appear in the GIRM.)

Therefore, the new U.S. rubric allowing for the veiling of crosses and statues during Passiontide appears only in the as-yet unfinished English translation of the Sacramentary which is not in use anywhere in the United States.

Some will interpret this as saying that the current rubric holds—that crosses and statues are not to be veiled. This could be a valid interpretation since one cannot practically implement a rubric that has not yet been published.

Others will say that the new rubric went into effect as soon as the GIRM adaptations for the United States were promulgated in April 2002, even though it does not appear in the current ritual books. This too could be a valid legal interpretation.

However, in either case, the fact remains that the practice is not mandated by the United States Bishops, but simply allowed. It is not an obligatory practice, and parishes that choose not to veil crosses or statues during Passiontide are certainly following liturgical law.

Practically speaking, if your parish is only now deciding to veil statues and crosses, it may be better to wait to implement this practice until next Triduum when you can have better preparation for it as well as catechesis for the assembly.

Also, in either case, it is never allowed to veil crosses or statues throughout the entire season of Lent. (Nor is it allowed to empty the font of holy water during the season of Lent.) Crosses and statues may only be veiled during Passiontide—from the end of the Mass for the Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent to Good Friday (for the one main cross to be venerated) and the beginning of Easter Vigil for images.

The Circular Letter Concerning the Preparation and Celebration of the Easter Feasts provided by the Vatican’s Congregation for Divine Worship in 1988 states that after the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, “[i]t is fitting that any crosses in the church be covered with a red or purple veil, unless they have already been veiled on the Saturday before the fifth Sunday of Lent” (57).

Note that in the rubric concerning the veiling during Passiontide, there is no mention of color of veils. If you will be veiling statues and crosses during Passiontide, make it easier for yourself and your environment team, and use shades of purple or red that would complement well with your Triduum environment.

Hispanic Pastoral Musicians Conference - July 26 - 29, 2007

Conferencia Hispana Para Músicos Pastorales
Hispanic Pastoral Musicians Conference

Mark Your Calendars for July 26-29, 2007
Albuquerque, New Mexico

What: Fifth Bi-Annual Hispanic Pastoral Musicians Conference
When: July 26-29, 2007
Where: Albuquerque, New MexicoWyndham Albuquerque Hotel
Sponsored By: The Southwest Liturgical Conference
Hosted By: The Diocese of Santa Fe

Click here for a brochure (PDF) in English
Click here for a brichure (PDF) in Spanish

Symphony Silicon Valley lecture on and discount tickets for Verdi's Requiem

Next Thursday, March 29, 2007, at 7:30p, Symphony Silicon Valley and a 100-voice chorale will perform Verdi's Requiem in the beautifully restored California Theatre in downtown San José.

Symphony Silicon Valley is providing discounted tickets for music ministers serving in our diocese's Catholic churches. The usual full ticket prices of $71 and $51 (both prices include a $5 processing fee) will be reduced to $60 and $40 (a $6 discount plus waiving of the processing fee) for those who purchase tickets by phone and identity themselves as choir members serving in the Catholic Church.

In addition, Rev. José Antonio Rubio, chaplain at San José State University Campus Ministry and diocesan Director for Interreligious and Ecumenical Affairs, will present a lecture on Verdi's Requiem before the concert on Thursday night at 6:30p.

Limited discounted tickets may also be available for Sunday's performance (April 1, 2:30p).

To purchase tickets, please call Symphony Silicon Valley at (408) 286-2600 x23.

End of the Jubile Year slideshow

Last Saturday, March 17, 2007, the 25th Jubilee Year of the Diocese of San José concluded with Mass and a reception at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph in San José. 58 youth and young adults representing the work of lay leadership, social justice, and ministry with and to youth and young adults in our parish communities were recognized, blessed, and commissioned by Bishop Patrick J. McGrath during the Mass. Click here to view a seven minute slideshow of the celebration.

Dial 211 for Free, Non-Emergency Help

United Way Silicon Valley is providing a great new resource for our San José diocese parish communities.

Dial 211 for a free, non-emergency, telephone service that connects people with hundreds of community services. A trained, caring professional will help callers in 140 languages, 24 hours a day, find information and referrals for:

• basic needs,
• child and elder care,
• counseling,
• employment assistance,
• health services,
• immigration assistance,
• volunteering,
• donating,
• and so much more.

Dial 211 is for everyday needs and in times of crisis. Rubén Solorio, Parish and Community Relations Manager, will be providing posters, brochures and information to all Catholic parishes and schools. To learn more, visit www.211scc.org or contact Rubén with Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County at (408) 325-5129.

Classifieds: Diocesan Associate for Youth and Young Adult Ministry

Position available: Associate for Youth and Young Adult Ministry
The Diocese of San José is looking for an experienced and energetic person to provide leadership and support services to pastors and their staffs in carrying out their responsibility to meet the pastoral needs of the young church through formation, information and leadership support.

As associate for youth ministry you would: 1) oversee, develop and implement diocesan training programs for adult and youth parish leaders; 2) supervise volunteers or program leaders and resource persons who lead specific diocesan youth ministry programs and services; 3) provide direction and consultation to parishes seeking to develop or enhance youth ministry, and 4) act as Diocesan liaison to regional, national and other Catholic youth organizations.

As associate for young adult ministry, you would: 1) develop vision and a strategic plan for young adult ministry in consultation with parish leadership and the Young Adult Advisory Board; 2) support the collaborative deanery and OPM outreach strategy of young adults in the multicultural communities in the Diocese of San Jose, and 3) provide direction and consultation to parishes and deaneries seeking to develop or enhance young adult ministry.

Qualifications – Bachelor’s Degree in theology, pastoral ministry or related field; Master’s Degree preferred. At least five years of full time youth and young adult ministry experience required. Good verbal and written communication, relational, decision-making, organization, computer and presentation skills are essential.

Application Process – Please fax resume to 408-983-0203 or e-mail resume in text to personnel@dsj.org.

Beginnings and Beyond Institute: August 19 - 24, 2007

“Being initiated has changed my life drastically; my faith is so much stronger. This parish has been a great guide and the catechumenate team has been fabulous. I could not have done it without them.”

“The initiation ministry at this parish is truly inspired by the Holy Spirit. All of the leaders create a caring and secure environment. This experience has never seemed like a chore but is instead a celebration of faith. It has changed my life!”

These are actual quotes from people in our diocese who have been initiated this year into the Catholic Church through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Whether we hear it or not, the work that God does through our catechumenate ministries indeed changes people’s lives.

Because of this, the Catechumenate Committee of the Diocese of San José invites you to renew, revitalize, and refresh your experience and understanding of the RCIA by immersing yourself deep into the rites and process of initiation at our Beginnings and Beyond Institute.

Beginnings and Beyond
in Spanish and English

August 19 – 24, 2007
Saint Francis Retreat Center
549 Mission Vineyard Road
San Juan Bautista, California
(45 miles south of downtown San José)

Registration form (PDF) in English
Registration form (PDF) in Spanish

Register by June 19, 2007, to receive a discount.

Scholarship Update!
Click here for Scholarship Application - English (Word doc)
Click here for Scholarship Application - Spanish (Word doc)
Ministers from the Diocese of San José receive priority.
For ministers outside of the Diocese of San José, scholarship are available directly from Forum.

Beginnings and Beyond is a five-day workshop-retreat in which participants experience the initiation process, rediscover the power of conversion, look carefully at catechesis, and study and celebrate fully the rites of initiation.

Like the catechumenate, the Beginnings and Beyond Institute is life-changing:

I was asked to coordinate the RCIA in our parish. It is only because of the training I received during the Beginnings and Beyond Institute that I felt confident in this new undertaking. The institute put me in the catechumen’s position of seeking, questioning, discovering, and growing so that I could answer “Yes” to God. I was given a deeper awareness of how to meet people where they are and how to guide them into discovering who they are in Jesus’ eyes. The initiation process was no longer just a document or a book. It came alive for me. –Blessie LaScola, Holy Family Parish, Coordinator of Christian Initiation

I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to be more confident and inspiring co-workers with the Holy Spirit in changing the lives of those who seek to be in a deeper relationship with Christ and the Church.

To register:

• Registration form (PDF) in English
• Registration form (PDF) in Spanish

Still not convinced? Read on.

Many years ago, I attended Beginnings and Beyond. I was working at Saint Elizabeth Parish in Milpitas and multi-tasking in several roles: teacher training, sacramental prep, and the youth program. The catechumenal model informed every aspect of my work with the parents, teachers, and youth. As my ministry changed over the years from parish-based ministry to high school campus ministry, the catechumenal modal continued to be essential in forming my ministry. Just like the challenges facing today’s faith formation teams in parish-wide catechesis, the catechumens and candidates come with various stages of understanding of the Catholic faith. The beauty of the RCIA process is the flexibility. Beginnings and Beyond helped me gain practical insights on how to adapt the rites to meet the diverse needs of our catechumens and candidates. –Mary-Anne Madruga

My first experience of this immersion process was extremely spiritual on a personal level. Beginnings and Beyond allowed me to go deeper into my own conversion process, beyond the textbook and into the experience of becoming a Catholic. Professionally, I was given tools to adapt and incorporate at the parish level. I met other parish ministers, and we had the uninterrupted time to develop a relationship, listen to the stories, and share wisdom. The experience of sharing in the rituals and rites of the entire process taught me the richness, the importance, and the necessity of each rite and ritual. –Sheila Baldi

Register now (in English) (in Spanish).

For more information, contact Diana Macalintal - 408-983-0136.

Rachmaninov's Big Hands

Don't ever let your limitations prevent you from doing big things.

Rite for Receiving the Holy Oils

From the Sacramentary Supplement, published by Catholic Book Publishing, Co., New York, 1994, p. 31.

1. It is appropriate that the oil of the sick, the oil of catechumesn, and the holy chrism, which are blessed by the bishop during the Chrism Mass, be presented to and received by the local parish community.



2. The reception of the holy oils may take place at the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday or on another suitable day after the celebration of the Chrism Mass.



3. The oils should be reserved in a suitable repository in the sanctuary or near the baptismal font.



4. The oils, in suitable vessels, are carried in the procession of the gifts, before the bread and wine, by members of the assembly.



5. The oils are received by the priest and are then placed on a suitable prepared table in the sanctuary or in the repository where they will be reserved.



6. As each of the oils is presented, the following or other words may be used to explain the significance of the particular oil.



7. The people's response may be sung.

Download the following diocesan Rite for Receiving the Holy Oils (in English and Spanish) as a Word document here.

---

RITE FOR RECEIVING THE HOLY OILS

For use at the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper
on Holy Thursday in the Diocese of San José
revised 3/2006

The following are needed:

• the vessels containing the holy oils
• a table for placement of the holy oils with a burning candle upon this table

The order of ministers and representatives in the procession may be:

• incense bearer
• acolytes bearing lighted candles
• presenters bearing the vessels of the holy oils
• gift bearers with bread and wine

LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST

1. Procession of Gifts

Those who presented the oils for blessing at the cathedral carry the vessels in procession with the gift bearers. Arriving at the front of the assembly, they stand where they can be seen by all. A song or instrumental may accompany the procession.

2. Reception of the Oils

The presider, facing the people, gives an instruction concerning the blessing and use of holy oils in these, or similar, words.

Priest:
Several days ago, united with the priests and faithful of the Diocese of San José, Bishop McGrath consecrated the holy Chrism and blessed the oils for use in the anointing of the sick and in preparation of catechumens for Baptism. Tonight we receive these holy oils for use in the celebration of the Church’s sacraments during the coming year.

As each oil is presented, the cantor (in simple, solemn chant) or another minister (in recitation) makes the accompanying proclamations which follow. The vessel containing the oil is held high by each presenter.

Cantor:
Behold the oil of the sick, blessed by our Bishop Patrick, and sent to us for the anointing of all who suffer illness.

People:
Blessed be God forever! or Thanks be to God!

Cantor:
Behold the oil of the catechumens, blessed by our Bishop Patrick, and sent to us for the anointing of our catechumens in preparation for their baptism at the Easter Vigil and throughout the coming year.

People:
Blessed be God forever! or Thanks be to God!

Cantor:
Behold the sacred chrism, oil mixed with sweet perfume and consecrated by our Bishop Patrick, and sent to us for the anointing of the baptized who are to be sealed with the Holy Spirit.

People:
Blessed be God forever! or Thanks be to God!

The oils are then placed into the ambry or on a table with a burning candle. The Mass continues with the preparation of the gifts at the altar.

---

RITO PARA RECIBIR LOS SANTOS ÓLEOS

Para usarlo en la Misa de la Cena del Señor
el Jueves Santo en la Diócesis de San José
revised 3/2006

Para el Rito, se necesita lo siguiente:

• Los Santos Óleos
• Una mesa para poner los Santos Óleos y una vela encendida sobre la mesa

El orden posible de la procesión siguiente:

• El incienso
• Acólitos con velas encendidas
• Las personas que llevan los aceites
• Las personas que llevan las ofrendas del pan y el vino

LITURGIA DE LA EUCARISTIA

1. Procesión de las Ofrendas

Las personas que presentaron los santos óleos en la catedral para ser bendecidos, los llevarán ahora en la procesión de las ofrendas. Y al llegar frente a la asamblea se quedarán en un lugar donde todos puedan verlos. Durante la procesión se canta un himno de alabanza.

2. Recepción de los oleos

El sacerdote que preside explica el origen y usos de los santos óleos con estas palabras u otras similares.

Sacerdote:
Hace varios días, el obispo McGrath unido a los sacerdotes y fieles de la Diócesis de San José, consagró el sagrado crisma y bendijo los aceites que se usan en la unción de los enfermos y en la preparación de los catecúmenos para el bautismo. Esta noche recibimos estos óleos para usarlos en la celebración de los sacramentos de la Iglesia durante el próximo año.

Al presentar cada aceite, el cantor (con un canto sencillo y solemne) o un ministro (recitado) hará la siguiente proclamación. Mientras, la persona que lleva el aceite correspondiente lo mantiene en alto.

Cantor:
Miren el aceite de los enfermos, bendecido por nuestro obispo Patrick que nos lo ha enviado para ungir a todos los que sufren enfermedades.

Todos:
¡Bendito seas por siempre, Señor! o ¡Demos gracias a Dios!

Cantor:
Miren el aceite de los catecúmenos, bendecido por nuestro obispo Patrick que nos lo ha enviado para ungir a los catecúmenos en su preparación para el bautismo en la Vigilia Pascual durante el próximo año.

Todos:
¡Bendito seas por siempre, Señor! o ¡Demos gracias a Dios!

Cantor:
Miren el sagrado crisma, aceite mezclado con perfume y consagrado por nuestro obispo Patrick que nos lo ha enviado para ungir a los bautizados que van a ser sellados con el Espíritu Santo.

Todos:
¡Bendito seas por siempre, Señor! o ¡Demos gracias a Dios!

Los que llevan los óleos los colocan en una mesa con una vela encendida. La misa continúa con la preparación de las ofrendas.

Music, Youth, and Liturgy: An online workshop

Saint Vincent de Paul Parish in Petaluma, California, with their pastor, Fr. Gary Lombardi, invited me to speak to their parish on March 11, 2007, on basic principles of music in liturgy with some focus on music that would attract youth. This short presentation was to help them prepare for small-group discussion on what priorities their parish would work on regarding music and the liturgy as they prepare for their 150th anniversary as a parish.

Fortunately, they videotaped my presentation. So now, you can also use this in your own parish and with your own choirs and liturgy committees. The presentation is relatively short (my part is about 25 minutes). So it could be a good discussion starter for one of your liturgy planning meetings or choir rehearsals.

Thanks to the good people at Saint Vincent de Paul for inviting me and providing this video online so others can use it!

Click here to view the presentation by Diana Macalintal on music in the liturgy.

I reference some handouts during the presentation which you can download here:

• Quotes all music ministers should know
• Principles for liturgical music planning
• Outline of the Mass
• Some rules for liturgy with children

St. Patrick's Breastplate - music and translations

Click here to get free sheet music (pdf) by Diana Macalintal of this prayer in English that you can download and use in your parish with permission.

Thanks to Rev. Wayne Negrete, SJ, for passing on these translations of the hymn ascribed to Saint Patrick.

Saint Patrick's Breastplate Prayer

Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

Oración Coraza de San Patricio
http://www.ewtn.com/spanish/prayers/orac_san_patricio.htm

Cristo conmigo,
Cristo frente a mí,
Cristo tras de mí,
Cristo en mí,
Cristo a mi diestra,
Cristo a mi siniestra,
Cristo al descansar,
Cristo al levantar,
Cristo en el corazón de cada hombre que piense en mí,
Cristo en la boca de todos los que hablen de mí,
Cristo en cada ojo que me mira,
Cristo en cada oído que me escucha.


Saint Patrick's Breastplate Prayer
Panalanging Panangga

translated by Rev. Eli Rowdy Lumbo, SJ

Kristo kasama ko,
Kristo sa harapan ko,
Kristo sa likuran ko,
Kristo sa loob ko,
Kristo sa babá ko,
Kristo sa taas ko,
Kristo sa kanan ko,
Kristo sa kaliwa ko,
Kristo pag ako’y nahiga,
Kristo pag ako’y umupo,
Kristo pag ako’y tumayo,
Kristo sa puso ng bawat taong iniisip ako,
Kristo sa bibig ng lahat na pinag-uusapan ako,
Kristo sa bawat matang nakikita ako,
Kristo sa bawat tengang naririnig ako.

Parish Representatives for Chrism Mass - 2007

Three representatives from each parish are requested to present the oils for blessing during the Chrism Mass on Tuesday, March 27, 2007, at 7:30p. They should be selected in advance for this responsibility and be seated in their reserved seats in the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph, 80 South Market Street, San José, by 7:10p.

Click here for a map (pdf) of the free parking lots near the Cathedral.

It is recommended that those presenting the oils represent some link to the oil to be blessed, for example:

• Oil of the Sick: A minister to the sick, elderly, or hospitalized; or a parishioner who was anointed in the last year.


• Oil of Catechumens: A parish catechumenate team member; or a catechist working in baptismal preparation; or a catechumen.


• Sacred Chrism: A neophyte initiated at last year’s Easter Vigil; or a candidate for Confirmation; or a catechist working in Confirmation preparation; or an "Elect" (adult preparing for Baptism at the Easter Vigil).

If you have any questions, please contact Diana Macalintal at 408-983-0136.

De-Mystifying Mystagogy - Catechumenate Support Group - March 22, 2007

The period of Mystagogy seems to cause lots of hand wringing in parishes. Fret not. Mystagogy is no mystery. Mystagogy is simply the process of reflecting on the depth and meaning of God’s love.

At our next Catechumenate Support Group meeting, we’ll discuss some of the following:

1. What is a practical, sure-fire, can’t miss method for mystagogical catechesis—something so simple my mother could do it?
2. How many sessions should we schedule for mystagogy?
3. Where can I find an outline for the sessions during Easter season?
4. What do I do if they don’t come back?

We’ll also look at the preparation rites for Holy Saturday, so bring your RCIA texts with you.

Everyone who attends the meeting will receive a FREE photocopiable bulletin insert on the period of mystagogy to be given to the assembly. Get some practical answers to these and your other questions at the next Catechumenate Support Group Meeting.

Catechumenate Support Group
"De-Mystifying Mystagogy"
Thursday, March 22, 2007
12:30p to 2:00p
Saint John the Baptist
350 South Abel Street, Milpitas

Bring your lunch and your own questions to ask!

RSVP with Bernard Nemis at 408-983-0126
or online here

Other Catechumenate Support Group dates for the year:

Thursday, June 7, 2007, 12:30p – 2:00p, Chancery Offices

End of the Diocesan Jubilee Year Mass - March 17, 2007

This is what the back of the diocesan Jubilee Cross looked like on the First Sunday of Advent, 2005, when Bishop Patrick J. McGrath opened the Diocese of San Jose's Jubilee Year, marking our first 25 years as a diocese.

Since then, our Bishop has been traveling to each of the diocese' parishes and communities to celebrate Mass with them and to add their tessera (a small glass tile) to the Jubilee Cross. This weekend, the last of the 52 tiles will be added to complete the image that records our diocese's young history.

Want to see what the completed Jubilee Cross looks like?

Find out at the Mass for the End of the Jubilee Year on Saturday, March 17, 2007, 10:00a, at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph!

Bishop McGrath invites all persons of the diocese to celebrate with him the blessings of this Jubilee Year. He especially invites the youth and young adults and their families to this celebration. During the Mass, representatives from each of our parishes' ministries to the young Church will receive a blessing and commission to hand on our faith through the next 25 years.

End of the Jubilee Year Mass
Saturday, March 17, 2007, 10:00a
Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph
80 South Market Street, San Jose

Classifieds (non liturgy): Administrative Assistant

Let's face it. Sometimes working for the Church doesn't pay all the bills. Here's an announcement from the chancery that might help you or someone you know.

Administrative Assistant
There is an immediate full time opening for an Administrative Assistant to support both the Institute for Leadership in Ministry (80%) and the Office of Parish and Planning (20%). The position requires previous administrative experience, strong organizational and communication skills, and the ability to multi-task. Proficiency in Microsoft Office a must (MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access and Publisher). The ideal candidate will be efficient, customer focused, and detail oriented. Some knowledge of Catholic Church structure and procedures helpful. Bilingual Spanish a plus. If you or someone you know is interested in this position, please forward a resume to the Personnel Office by March 16, to the Personnel Office. Resumes can be emailed or faxed to 408-983-0203.