Associate for Liturgical Music (SAGINAW)
The Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption and the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw (www.saginaw.org) seeks an Associate for Liturgical Music serving in a dual capacity at the Cathedral and the diocesan Office of Liturgy. Major responsibilities include planning, preparing and coordinating the music for all Cathedral and Diocesan liturgies in collaboration with the newly established Cathedral Pastoral Team and the Office of Liturgy Staff. Requires proficiency in organ, piano, and conducting cantors, Cathedral and Diocesan choirs and instrumentalists; and experience in pastoral/liturgical music and Roman Catholic liturgy (both parochial and episcopal). Submit academic credentials, resume, references and salary requirements to: Catholic Diocese of Saginaw, Attn: Human Resources, 5800 Weiss St., Saginaw, MI 48603-2799.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Friday, May 04, 2007
Electronic Waste Collection - May 12, 2007
ASL Company is providing for the collection of E-WASTE sponsored by the San Jose Elks lodge.
Electronic Waste Collection
Hispanics Reshaping U.S. Catholic Church
A New York Times article from April 25, 2007, discusses a new study, conducted by the Pew Hispanic Center and the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, which found that “half of Hispanic Catholics practice a 'distinctive form' of charismatic Catholicism that includes speaking in tongues, miraculous healings and prophesying — practices more often associated with Pentecostalism.”
The article continues: “Roberto Suro, director of the Pew Hispanic Center, said in an interview, 'There are several measures on which Hispanic Catholics look different than your basic white suburban Catholics. They are different in terms of beliefs, practices, language and culture, but they remain very Catholic. The open question here is, Does the institution adapt to them, or do they adapt to the institution?'”
Click here to read more.
The article continues: “Roberto Suro, director of the Pew Hispanic Center, said in an interview, 'There are several measures on which Hispanic Catholics look different than your basic white suburban Catholics. They are different in terms of beliefs, practices, language and culture, but they remain very Catholic. The open question here is, Does the institution adapt to them, or do they adapt to the institution?'”
Click here to read more.
Classifieds: Seek and Ye Shall Find - outside of diocese of San Jose
Cathedral Organist
Cathedral of Saint Joseph, Wheeling, West Virginia, has a full-time opening for Cathedral Organist to play at three Sunday liturgies (6:00 p.m. Sat. and 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. Sun.), four weekday liturgies (12:05 p.m. Mon.-Fri. and 9:00 a.m. Sat.), all diocesan liturgies, and to accompany the Cathedral Choir. Additional responsibilities include holy day Masses, reconciliation services, other sacramental celebrations, and assistance with building a concert program. Weddings and funerals extra. Oversee maintenance of Casavant 49-rank organ with gallery and chancel consoles and a Baldwin grand piano. BA in organ performance, MA preferred, and thorough familiarity with the Roman Rite. Must be skilled in the performance of organ repertoire, improvisation, and service music. Competitive salary and benefits. E-mail letter of intent with resume to Very Rev. Kevin M. Quirk, JCD, Rector, by July 31, 2007.
Director of the Office for Pastoral Liturgy
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Cleveland is seeking a full-time Director of the Office for Pastoral Liturgy. The director’s primary function is to assist the Bishop in his role as “chief steward of the mysteries of God and the overseer, promoter, and guardian of the liturgical life” of the Church in Cleveland. On behalf of the Bishop, the director’s principal responsibility is the formation and preparation of liturgical ministers and liturgical committees, specifically, as the coordinator of the work of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission (an advisory group composed of pastors, liturgists, musicians, artists, architects, and directors of RCIA); a resource person to Diocesan parishes and institutions as well as Diocesan staff and Offices, handles correspondence for the Bishop dealing with liturgical matters; oversees the implementation of Built of Living Stones in the building and renovation of churches and chapels; maintains contacts with the Bishops’ Committee on the Liturgy of the USCCB; acts as the primary liaison to the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions.
Further, the director is responsible for the programming of the Office, including but not limited to: short and long-range planning concerning Liturgy and the Rites of the Church; educational (catechesis and mystagogy) programming concerning liturgical books and the Rites of the Church. As to the RCIA, the director coordinates the implementation of these Rites in parishes as well as the formation of RCIA ministers and teams. Finally, as an administrator, the director coordinates the staff, including a full-time Administrative Assistant and a part-time Diocesan Music Consultant; prepares and administers the Office budget; oversees the preparation of all Diocesan liturgies when requested; attends meetings of the Parish Life Secretariat Directors (of which it is a part) and other Diocesan groups as needed.
The candidate should have experience in Roman Catholic Liturgy and a master’s degree in Liturgy, theology or related field.
For further information or to submit a résumé, please contact: Donna Speagle, Human Resources Director, Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, 1404 East Ninth Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44114. The deadline for application is 31 May 2007.
Director of Music Ministries
Immaculate Conception Parish, Chicago, is currently seeking a Director of Music Ministries. The parish would like to fill the position as quickly as possible. Submit inquiries or application materials to the pastor (see parish website for information).
Job Description
I. Position Title: Director of Music Ministries and Organist at Immaculate Conception Church, Chicago, Illinois.
II. The Overall Goal for the Director of Music Ministries is: To assist assembled believers to express and share the gift of faith that is within them, and strengthen their interior commitment of faith through music. Using his/her administrative, liturgical, musical, pedagogical and pastoral skills, he/she will effectively plan, coordinate, execute, and evaluate all music for liturgical celebrations of the parish. With the cooperation and assistance of all the parish ministers in the church and school, the Director of Music Ministries will develop and realize a vision which supports the Gospel message through song and challenge the assembly to live that message more fully.
III. Duties and Responsibilities.
IV. Special Projects in Music Ministries:
To the extent that time and resources are available, the Director of Music Ministries will strive to:
V. Qualities.
The Director of Music Ministries possesses qualities common to all pastoral ministers. In particular, he/she is a person of prayer, is sensitive to the cultural experience of parishioners, understands their spirituality and worship life, and is someone who shares faith, serves the community, and expresses the love of God and neighbor through music.
VI. Competencies and Skills.
In addition to the competencies and skills required of all pastoral ministers, the Director of Music Ministries is:
VII. Training.
Preparation for this ministry demands professional training in music and liturgy. Minimally, a Bachelor¹s Degree in Music or equivalent is required for a Director of Music Ministries, however, the equivalent of a Master¹s Degree in music and liturgy is preferred.
Cathedral of Saint Joseph, Wheeling, West Virginia, has a full-time opening for Cathedral Organist to play at three Sunday liturgies (6:00 p.m. Sat. and 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. Sun.), four weekday liturgies (12:05 p.m. Mon.-Fri. and 9:00 a.m. Sat.), all diocesan liturgies, and to accompany the Cathedral Choir. Additional responsibilities include holy day Masses, reconciliation services, other sacramental celebrations, and assistance with building a concert program. Weddings and funerals extra. Oversee maintenance of Casavant 49-rank organ with gallery and chancel consoles and a Baldwin grand piano. BA in organ performance, MA preferred, and thorough familiarity with the Roman Rite. Must be skilled in the performance of organ repertoire, improvisation, and service music. Competitive salary and benefits. E-mail letter of intent with resume to Very Rev. Kevin M. Quirk, JCD, Rector, by July 31, 2007.
Director of the Office for Pastoral Liturgy
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Cleveland is seeking a full-time Director of the Office for Pastoral Liturgy. The director’s primary function is to assist the Bishop in his role as “chief steward of the mysteries of God and the overseer, promoter, and guardian of the liturgical life” of the Church in Cleveland. On behalf of the Bishop, the director’s principal responsibility is the formation and preparation of liturgical ministers and liturgical committees, specifically, as the coordinator of the work of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission (an advisory group composed of pastors, liturgists, musicians, artists, architects, and directors of RCIA); a resource person to Diocesan parishes and institutions as well as Diocesan staff and Offices, handles correspondence for the Bishop dealing with liturgical matters; oversees the implementation of Built of Living Stones in the building and renovation of churches and chapels; maintains contacts with the Bishops’ Committee on the Liturgy of the USCCB; acts as the primary liaison to the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions.
Further, the director is responsible for the programming of the Office, including but not limited to: short and long-range planning concerning Liturgy and the Rites of the Church; educational (catechesis and mystagogy) programming concerning liturgical books and the Rites of the Church. As to the RCIA, the director coordinates the implementation of these Rites in parishes as well as the formation of RCIA ministers and teams. Finally, as an administrator, the director coordinates the staff, including a full-time Administrative Assistant and a part-time Diocesan Music Consultant; prepares and administers the Office budget; oversees the preparation of all Diocesan liturgies when requested; attends meetings of the Parish Life Secretariat Directors (of which it is a part) and other Diocesan groups as needed.
The candidate should have experience in Roman Catholic Liturgy and a master’s degree in Liturgy, theology or related field.
For further information or to submit a résumé, please contact: Donna Speagle, Human Resources Director, Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, 1404 East Ninth Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44114. The deadline for application is 31 May 2007.
Director of Music Ministries
Immaculate Conception Parish, Chicago, is currently seeking a Director of Music Ministries. The parish would like to fill the position as quickly as possible. Submit inquiries or application materials to the pastor (see parish website for information).
Job Description
I. Position Title: Director of Music Ministries and Organist at Immaculate Conception Church, Chicago, Illinois.
II. The Overall Goal for the Director of Music Ministries is: To assist assembled believers to express and share the gift of faith that is within them, and strengthen their interior commitment of faith through music. Using his/her administrative, liturgical, musical, pedagogical and pastoral skills, he/she will effectively plan, coordinate, execute, and evaluate all music for liturgical celebrations of the parish. With the cooperation and assistance of all the parish ministers in the church and school, the Director of Music Ministries will develop and realize a vision which supports the Gospel message through song and challenge the assembly to live that message more fully.
III. Duties and Responsibilities.
- Ministry of Worship - The Director of Music Ministries
- 1. Provides music and musicians associated with worship at all Saturday and Sunday liturgies, major feast day liturgies, monthly grade school assembly masses, weddings, funerals and other special celebrations. These include:
- a. Eucharistic celebrations on 52 Saturdays/Sundays (4 per weekend), Ash Wednesday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil, Fourth of July, Assumption, All Saints Day, Thanksgiving, Immaculate Conception, Christmas Eve (3), Christmas Day (3), Mary, Mother of God.
b. Additional celebrations for First Communion, Confirmation, School Parents Club Mass in May, School Graduation in June, Reconciliation (Advent and Lent), Anointing of the Sick (Spring and Fall), Parish Retreats or Missions, January Holy Hour for Life, Monthly Holy Hour (as needed).
c. Grade School Assembly Masses (9 per year) at which a children¹s choir usually sings.
d. Weddings (approximately 30 per year), Funerals (approximately 100 per year), and Anniversary and Memorial Masses (about 10 per year), all of which are paid for by the families or individuals requesting these services.
2. Selects and plans music for all of the above celebrations utilizing worship resources which clearly reflect and enhance the theme(s) of the day and which deepen the liturgical and scriptural understanding of the worshipping assembly.
3. Strives to increase sung participation of the parish community by introducing worship resources which are musically varied, technically accessible, and stylistically appropriate.
4. Provides liturgical consultation to individuals in planning weddings (1 hour or more per couple or bi-annual Wedding Faire), funerals, anniversaries and memorial masses (1Ž2 hour each), and grade school liturgies (1 hour each mass).
Ministry of Administration - The Director of Music Ministries
- 1. Collaborates with the Pastor, under whose supervision, and with other members of the parish staff, integrates his or her own musical area of responsibility with the overall goals of the parish.
2. Is responsible for all music associated with worship, religious education, social ministry, and evangelization in the parish.
3. Selects and plans music (both short and long-term) in cooperation with the Liturgy Committee which meets monthly. Collaborates with other staff members to ensure appropriate music for all parish sacramental celebrations, and provides them with consultation and needed assistance.
4. Orders music scores and worship materials and prepares same for use at rehearsals.
5. Maintains a music library consisting of the following components:
- a. Choral Music (Parish Choir, Children¹s Choirs, Disciples of Rhythm), Handbell Music for bells and chimes, a director¹s copy file.
b. Instrumental music for accompanying liturgy and hymns.
c. Liturgically organized reference library of materials for future purchase.
6. Provides input into the liturgical music component of the religious education program and parish school.
7. Prepares worship aids for use in liturgies which may include monthly ³Family Masses,² Holy Week, and other special celebrations.
8. Obtains copyright permission for materials printed in worship aids.
9. Oversees maintenance of musical instruments and sound equipment:
- a. 51-rank Holtkamp pipe organ
b. Kimball grand piano in sanctuary
c. Schulmerich Carillon in sacristy
d. Upright piano in Rectory Assembly
e. Kurzweiler PC88 keyboard with powered mixer
f. Wurlitzer Piano in School Hall (maintenance covered in school budget)
g. Schulmerich English Handbells (3 octaves with accessories)
h. Malmark Chimes (3 octaves)
i. Various percussion instruments
j. Mackie mixer, microphones and cables
10. Relocates and sets up instruments/equipment used by music ensembles as needed.
11. Schedules all parish musicians (paid assistant organist, volunteer choirs, volunteer cantors, guitarists, wind and string players), prepares typed schedules for choirs and cantors, and maintains up-to-date rosters of all parish music ensembles.
12. Selects, hires, and supervises assistant and substitute organists/pianists. Contracts with outside musicians to provide professional services at special liturgies (Christmas, Easter, concerts, weddings, funerals, and other celebrations). Arranges for timely payment of each.
13. Supervises volunteer director for Jr. Ringer Chime Choir.
14. Arranges for substitute accompanists to play for liturgies when he/she cannot be present.
15. Facilitates and assists visiting musicians/ensembles.
16. Prepares and manages the budget for the parish music program in collaboration with the Pastor and Business Manager.
Ministry of Education - The Director of Music Ministries
- 1. Invites, motivates, trains, and directs all parish ministers of music (volunteer and paid).
2. Provides liturgical formation, music education, and practical preparation for liturgical celebration for the following parish ensembles:
- a. Parish Choir, weekly rehearsal
b. Handbell Choir, weekly rehearsal
c. Disciples of Rhythm (contemporary group), weekly rehearsal
d. Choristers (grades 5-8), weekly rehearsal
e. Jr. Choristers (grades 3-4), weekly rehearsal
f. Cantor Guild, quarterly rehearsal
3. Provides ongoing individual tutoring for parish ministers in need of remedial training and for clergy as needed.
4. Arranges music, as needed, for instrumentalists.
5. Composes and/or arranges liturgical music for Handbell Choir.
6. Adequately prepares for worship celebrations by practicing on a daily basis.
7. Informs parish musicians of workshops and concerts which they may attend; facilitates their participation.
8. Keeps abreast of current developments in liturgy and music, and shares this information with staff, ministers of music and congregation.
Ministry of Pastoral Services - The Director of Music Ministries
- 1. Is visibly present at principal parish events, and promotes good public relations both in and out of the parish.
2. Strives to involve new parishioners in the music program, and continually expands the musical resources of the parish.
3. Works to foster unity among all parish musicians, and create a spirit of harmony with the presider and other liturgical ministers.
4. Is involved in ecumenical cluster and Archdiocesan networks of professional peers.
5. Attends to his/her professional and spiritual development by attending conferences, workshops, and retreats.
IV. Special Projects in Music Ministries:
To the extent that time and resources are available, the Director of Music Ministries will strive to:
- 1. Increase the number of vocalists and instrumentalists serving at liturgies, while broadening the demographics and raising the artistic level of volunteer music ministers.
2. Be a resource in the development of sung liturgies at weekday grade school masses.
3. Present two concerts or prayer services during the year, which have included a December service of Lessons & Carols and a Spring Music Ministry Concert.
4. Coordinate visiting choirs/performers for the spiritual and social benefit of the parish.
5. Organize and coordinate an annual choir appreciation event at the end of the season.
V. Qualities.
The Director of Music Ministries possesses qualities common to all pastoral ministers. In particular, he/she is a person of prayer, is sensitive to the cultural experience of parishioners, understands their spirituality and worship life, and is someone who shares faith, serves the community, and expresses the love of God and neighbor through music.
VI. Competencies and Skills.
In addition to the competencies and skills required of all pastoral ministers, the Director of Music Ministries is:
- 1. Knowledgeable and comfortable with church music literature in all forms and styles for the congregation, choirs, vocalists and instrumentalists.
2. Proficient in liturgical principles.
3. Has a thorough understanding of the musical, liturgical, and pastoral judgements which must be made in selecting music for liturgy.
4. Technically proficient in keyboard, voice, and choral/instrumental conducting.
VII. Training.
Preparation for this ministry demands professional training in music and liturgy. Minimally, a Bachelor¹s Degree in Music or equivalent is required for a Director of Music Ministries, however, the equivalent of a Master¹s Degree in music and liturgy is preferred.
Gathering and Workshop with Pedro Rubalcava - May 18-19, 2007
Pastors, parochial vicars, choir directors and liturgy coordinators are invited to gather for a social and a bilingual dialogue (English and Spanish) about their parish liturgy. The evening will be facilitated by Pedro Rubalcava, Director of Hispanic Ministries for Oregon Catholic Press. Hosted bar with wine, soft drinks, and appetizers included.
Pedro Rubalcava is a nationally known clinician and performer with expertise in various musical styles. He has been directing liturgical music groups for more than 20 years. For the past 16 years, he has been working in professional pastoral ministry in various areas, including liturgy and music, evangelization, youth and young adult ministry, catechetical ministry and RCIA.
Pedro received national recognition in 1990 when Amanecer, his bilingual music collection, was nominated for a Grammy award in the Best Mexican/American Performance category. Currently, Pedro is the director of Hispanic ministries for Oregon Catholic Press. He also serves on the executive board of the Instituto Nacional Hispano de Liturgia as the Northwest representative. He lives in Boring, Oregon, with his wife, Kristin, and their two children.
Los pastores, vicarios parroquiales, directores de coros, y coordinadores de liturgia están invitados a participar en un diálogo bilingúe (Español e Inglés) sobre su liturgia parroquial. El diálogo será facilitado por Pedro Rubalcava, director de ministerios hispanos de Oregon Catholic Press. Incluye un bar gratuito de vino, bebidas gaseosas, y bocaditos.
also
“Formación para Ministros de Música Litúrgica”
Este taller de un día será ofrecido en Español por Pedro Rubalcava para directores de coros, cantores y otros músicos parroquiales. Tratará la formación básica en la liturgia, el año litúrgico, y los fundamentos de música litúrgica. Bebidas y el almuerzo incluido.
Pedro Rubalcava is a nationally known clinician and performer with expertise in various musical styles. He has been directing liturgical music groups for more than 20 years. For the past 16 years, he has been working in professional pastoral ministry in various areas, including liturgy and music, evangelization, youth and young adult ministry, catechetical ministry and RCIA.Pedro received national recognition in 1990 when Amanecer, his bilingual music collection, was nominated for a Grammy award in the Best Mexican/American Performance category. Currently, Pedro is the director of Hispanic ministries for Oregon Catholic Press. He also serves on the executive board of the Instituto Nacional Hispano de Liturgia as the Northwest representative. He lives in Boring, Oregon, with his wife, Kristin, and their two children.
A Social Gathering and Bilingual Evening of Dialogue
with Pedro Rubalcava
Friday, May 18, 2007
with Pedro Rubalcava
Friday, May 18, 2007
Wine, soft drinks, & appetizers, 7-7:30pm
Round-table Discussion, 7:30-9pm
Round-table Discussion, 7:30-9pm
Saint Mary Cathedral Conference Center
1111 Gough Street, San Francisco
$7/person
1111 Gough Street, San Francisco
$7/person
Los pastores, vicarios parroquiales, directores de coros, y coordinadores de liturgia están invitados a participar en un diálogo bilingúe (Español e Inglés) sobre su liturgia parroquial. El diálogo será facilitado por Pedro Rubalcava, director de ministerios hispanos de Oregon Catholic Press. Incluye un bar gratuito de vino, bebidas gaseosas, y bocaditos.
Una Reunión Social y Tarde de Diálogo Bilingüe
con Pedro Rubalcava
viernes, 18 de mayo, 2007
con Pedro Rubalcava
viernes, 18 de mayo, 2007
Vino, bebidas gaseosas y bocaditos, 7-7:30pm
Diálogo en mesas circulares, 7:30-9pm
Centro de Conferencias en la Catedral de Santa María
1111 Gough Street, San Francisco
$7/persona
Centro de Conferencias en la Catedral de Santa María
1111 Gough Street, San Francisco
$7/persona
also
“Formación para Ministros de Música Litúrgica”
Este taller de un día será ofrecido en Español por Pedro Rubalcava para directores de coros, cantores y otros músicos parroquiales. Tratará la formación básica en la liturgia, el año litúrgico, y los fundamentos de música litúrgica. Bebidas y el almuerzo incluido.
“Formación para Ministros de Música Litúrgica”
para Directores de Coros, Cantores y Músicos
sabado, 19 de mayo, 2007
9:00a — 4:00p
Parroquia de Nuestra Señora del Carmen
300 Fulton Street, Redwood City
$25 por persona por grupos parroquiales de 1-4 personas
$20 por persona por grupos parroquiales de 5-10 personas
$18 por persona por grupos parroquiales de 11 personas y más
para Directores de Coros, Cantores y Músicos
sabado, 19 de mayo, 2007
9:00a — 4:00p
Parroquia de Nuestra Señora del Carmen
300 Fulton Street, Redwood City
$25 por persona por grupos parroquiales de 1-4 personas
$20 por persona por grupos parroquiales de 5-10 personas
$18 por persona por grupos parroquiales de 11 personas y más
Monday, April 30, 2007
Music Ministry Tip #4: Become transparent
This article by Diana Macalintal originally appeared in Today's Parish Minister, Vol. 39, No. 4, April/May, 2007.
Two-Minute Training Tips – Idols and Icons
Learn how to make the assembly's song primary on Sunday.
There are liturgical ministers who are like icons, capturing you by the beauty and skill of their craft yet redirecting your gaze not to them but to God. These are transparent ministers who lead the assembly into worship by putting them first. Then there are others whose ministerial efforts place them front and center, often leaving the assembly to be spectators at the liturgy. This often happens in music ministry where performance and entertainment values can take over.
Don't distract the assembly
If you experience any of the following, you may be in “Catholic Idol” territory:
Two-Minute Training Tips – Idols and Icons
Learn how to make the assembly's song primary on Sunday.
There are liturgical ministers who are like icons, capturing you by the beauty and skill of their craft yet redirecting your gaze not to them but to God. These are transparent ministers who lead the assembly into worship by putting them first. Then there are others whose ministerial efforts place them front and center, often leaving the assembly to be spectators at the liturgy. This often happens in music ministry where performance and entertainment values can take over.
Don't distract the assembly
If you experience any of the following, you may be in “Catholic Idol” territory:
- The cantor overpowers the assembly during a hymn by singing too loudly into the microphone.
- The choir sings or the musicians play their instruments so loudly that the assembly can’t hear their own voices.
- The majority of music sung at Mass is unfamiliar to the assembly.
- The music ministers disengage in the Mass when they are not singing or playing.
- The song leader uses disparaging remarks before Mass or overly zealous gestures during Mass to get the assembly to sing.
- The music ministers disrupt the flow of the Mass by not starting music at the appropriate time, by not allowing for adequate silence, or by not singing the Communion song when they are sharing in Communion.
Make the music ministerial
Most music ministers want to follow what Music in Catholic Worship says: “The function of music is ministerial; it must serve and never dominate” (9). Yet sometimes their very effort becomes the dominating factor. Fred Moleck tells a story about a cantor who, realizing her microphone was not on, rushed to turn it on during the second verse of the gathering hymn and ended up overpowering the assembly which had been doing just fine without the cantor’s amplified leadership. “The cantor in her zeal to lead the congregation forgot the principle that a good liturgical minister does not draw attention to herself. The cantor’s voice cannot dominate the song of the congregation. The music ministers, like all liturgical ministers, are there to serve. It is not a spotlight moment. The minister is to become transparent” (“The Catholic Accent,” Diocese of Greensburg, September 9, 2004).
To help your music ministers become transparent, encourage them be more attentive to their role as assembly members. Liturgical Music Today provides a credo that helps all ministers place their work in context: “The church musician is first a disciple and then a minister. The musician belongs first of all to the assembly; he or she is a worshiper above all” (64). During every moment of the Mass, cantor, choir, musicians, and leaders should do everything that is expected of the assembly in gestures, postures, attention, silent prayer, and spoken responses. Go a step further, and refrain from using song books if the assembly is expected to sing acclamations without the aid of hymnals.
Be clear about roles
Next, help them distinguish their role from that of the assembly by having them do their role and only their role (cf. Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, 28). For singers, this means letting the assembly take the lead when they are the primary music makers. For example, during hymns, psalm refrains, acclamations, and sung responses, help the assembly get started, then let them go, giving them vocal and visual support only as needed.
Lastly, challenge them to imagine the assembly’s perspective. Assembly members have diverse musical abilities, vocal ranges, and comfort levels with public singing. They have limited opportunities to “rehearse” the music sung at Mass compared to the multiple rehearsals music minister may have during the course of the week. But assemblies generally do want to sing when they feel safe, supported, and respected. When music ministers foster this kind of worship environment, they move from being distracting idols to transparent icons that go beyond themselves, pointing the way to God.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Sacred Heart Catholic School of Saratoga in World Finals for “Odyssey”
Saratoga, CA April 11, 2007 -- Sacred Heart School in Saratoga, will represent California at the World Finals Competition for Odyssey of the Mind. Odyssey of the Mind is a NASA sponsored competition based on both spontaneous and long term problem solving. 800 teams from all over the world are participating in this 4-day event, May 23-May 27 in Michigan.
Sacred Heart’s team of seven 4th & 5th graders earned its place in world competition at the Odyssey California State Finals on March 31 in Visalia. The Championship team scored 341 out of a possible 350 points to earn the first place position. This was more than 60 points ahead of the second place team. They beat out 1,100 other teams on the way to the World Finals.
The students performing at World Finals will be Sacred Heart fifth graders Shannon Carte, Madison Miller, AnnaClaire Marley and Alexandra Murphy, and 4th graders Clay Kellinger, David Lucas and Tyler Morales.
Odyssey of the Mind is an international program that fosters critical thinking, innovative problem solving and team building among participating students from kindergarten through college. According to its website (www.odysseyofthemind.org), "it has grown into such a huge event because it makes learning fun while giving kids the chance to explore their imaginations and express their creativity."
Each year, Odyssey of the Mind publishes 5 new problems to solve. The students do all the work - from scriptwriting to building to devising sets, costumes and props - and must do it within a given budget and without outside assistance. The coaches are there to help only with brainstorming, providing materials and moral support. Millions of children around the world have been working hard all year to perfect their solutions to the 2007 problems and competing within their regions, hoping to advance to the World Finals.
See www.sacredheartodyssey.com
Sacred Heart’s team of seven 4th & 5th graders earned its place in world competition at the Odyssey California State Finals on March 31 in Visalia. The Championship team scored 341 out of a possible 350 points to earn the first place position. This was more than 60 points ahead of the second place team. They beat out 1,100 other teams on the way to the World Finals.
The students performing at World Finals will be Sacred Heart fifth graders Shannon Carte, Madison Miller, AnnaClaire Marley and Alexandra Murphy, and 4th graders Clay Kellinger, David Lucas and Tyler Morales.
Odyssey of the Mind is an international program that fosters critical thinking, innovative problem solving and team building among participating students from kindergarten through college. According to its website (www.odysseyofthemind.org), "it has grown into such a huge event because it makes learning fun while giving kids the chance to explore their imaginations and express their creativity."
Each year, Odyssey of the Mind publishes 5 new problems to solve. The students do all the work - from scriptwriting to building to devising sets, costumes and props - and must do it within a given budget and without outside assistance. The coaches are there to help only with brainstorming, providing materials and moral support. Millions of children around the world have been working hard all year to perfect their solutions to the 2007 problems and competing within their regions, hoping to advance to the World Finals.
See www.sacredheartodyssey.com
An Easter Walk in San Jose Finds New Life
During an Easter Walk in downtown San Jose last weekend, I saw signs at the top floor of the Martin Luther King, Jr., Library which said "San Jose falcons vista this way." I've heard about the falcons but had never seen them yet. Well, try as I might, I couldn't spot them from the library window.
Thanks to technology and the great folks at City Hall and at the Santa Cruz Predatory Bird Research Group, we can all see the new life springing up atop San Jose's City Hall.
Since last spring, two peregrine falcons have made the new San Jose City Hall their home. This year, the two falcons, named "Jose" and "Clara" by City Hall employees, have been tending three eggs which will be ready to hatch sometime this weekend.
Read more about the falcons here and watch them and the hatching on the 24-hour Falcon Cam!
Thanks to technology and the great folks at City Hall and at the Santa Cruz Predatory Bird Research Group, we can all see the new life springing up atop San Jose's City Hall.
Since last spring, two peregrine falcons have made the new San Jose City Hall their home. This year, the two falcons, named "Jose" and "Clara" by City Hall employees, have been tending three eggs which will be ready to hatch sometime this weekend.
Read more about the falcons here and watch them and the hatching on the 24-hour Falcon Cam!
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Guadalupe Immersion Experience
Reality Tour to Mexico (Oct. 9-18, 2007)
Come meet the people and experience the
culture and faith of Mexico
culture and faith of Mexico
It's a study tour, a retreat, a pilgrimage.
Spend 10 days in Cuernavaca, Mexico seeing the sights, but also learning "the other side" of the immigration debate. Learn about Liberation Theology as we worship with the Sisters of Guadalupe, hear from them the meaning of the Virgin of Guadalupe, and visit with the poor in their homes. You must register by April 23rd to be assured of a place on the tour. Sponsored by the Council of Churches.
Cost: $700 + airfare (around $500)
(A $200 deposit must be received by April1st to guarantee a place on the tour)
The trip is sponsored by the Council of Churches of Santa Clara County.
For more information and an application, contact Rev. Margo Tenold (408-297-2660) or revmargo@earthlink.net.
Connecting Sunday with Justice - Catholic Charities
Many of you in San José will know Elizabeth Lilly from liturgical, catechumenate, justice, and pastoral circles. She is now more actively working with parishes to help them foster and support their justice activities through her role with Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County. Because she is a liturgist at the core, she has been working on helping parishes make the connection between liturgy and justice clearer. Part of her motivation comes from the United States Bishops’ 1993 document, Communities of Salt and Light: Reflections on the Social Mission of the Parish.
For weekly bulletins, faith sharing groups, prayer at meetings, bible study, lectors, outreach actions…anywhere the word of God calls us to act with charity and justice. Community and Parish Partnerships Elizabeth Lilly, 408-325-5262, elilly@ccsj.org
April 29, 2007
“I, John, had a vision of a great multitude from every nation, race, people and tongue.” Revelation 7
Catholic Charities story: Mariama was an African refugee who escaped here alone, separated from family. She learned enough English to study at community college, and become a nurse. She is now working as a nurse's assistant, and hopes to be reunited with her children soon.
Catholic Charities opportunity: Volunteers are needed to speak English with newly resettled refugees and their families, visit them in their homes and accompany them on trips to the grocery store and other errands. The time commitment is flexible. Contact Archana Sharma, 408-325-5215, ashrama@ccsj.org. in our Refugee Resettlement Services.
May 6, 2007
“As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.” John 13
Catholic Charities story: Grandma Mickie spends her afternoons at a local school with Johnny, a preschooler who has difficulty learning and speaking. She gives him undivided attention, reads to him, plays games and does art projects. She has had several “foster” grandchildren and she keeps coming back because of all the love they give back to her.
Catholic Charities opportunity: Foster Grandparents are at least 60 years old, have good health, low incomes, and a desire to work with children. To learn more about becoming a Foster Grandparent, contact Teresa Wong, 408-325-5158 or twong@ccsj.org.
May 13, 2007
“Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” John 14
Catholic Charities story: A local skilled nursing home is discharging residents because Medicare won't continue to pay. Ombudsmen is empowering the residents to call the Medicare appeals number and coaching them on what to say and how to get their discharge reversed. About 80% of the time they appeal they can stay in the home a little longer to get healthier.
Catholic Charities opportunity: The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program advocates for all the residents of residential care homes and skilled nursing facilities in our county. Volunteers receive training and certification. For more information about this important ministry contact Bethany Pounders, 408-325-5134, bpounders@ccsj.org.
May 20, 2007
“You will be my witnesses to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1
Catholic Charities story: When Anna was a young child her family came to this country. Catholic Charities helped them settle in the community. By age 15, because of illness and death in her family, Anna needed help. Catholic Charities helped relatives become Anna’s legal guardians.
Catholic Charities opportunity: Anna is also supported by the Independent Living Skills program with our Kinship Resource Services. To learn more about our outreach to vulnerable teens contact Shelly Ahn, 408-938-6731, or sahn@ccsj.org.
May 27, 2007
“Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.” Psalm 104
Catholic Charities story: Ynez, after leaving a violent past, is blest with a home for herself and her three children, a case manager, daycare in the housing complex and the opportunity to be in a nursing program at the local community college.
Catholic Charities opportunity: For over 25 years Catholic Charities has been screening and placing appropriate clients in houses and apartments. Contact our Housing Search and Stabilization Services at 408-325-5277 if you are a landlord or if you need an individual assessment of your housing needs.
The most important setting for the Church’s social teaching is not in a food pantry or in a legislative committee room, but in prayer and worship, especially gathered around the altar for the Eucharist. It is in the liturgy that we find the fundamental direction, motivation, and strength for social ministry. Social ministry not genuinely rooted in prayer can easily burn itself out. On the other hand, worship that does not reflect the Lord’s call to conversion, service, and justice can become pious ritual and empty of the Gospel.
Below she offers us some bulletin reflections that you can use each week that connects God’s story found in the Sunday readings with our story found in the real-life events of a person affected by the work of Catholic Charities and gives information on how you can become part of this story by proclaiming the Gospel in concrete ways in Santa Clara County.
Here is the same text as a Word document that you can download and reprint.
Here is the same text as a Word document that you can download and reprint.
Sunday Reflections and Social Ministry
April and May – 2007
April and May – 2007
April 29, 2007
“I, John, had a vision of a great multitude from every nation, race, people and tongue.” Revelation 7
Catholic Charities story: Mariama was an African refugee who escaped here alone, separated from family. She learned enough English to study at community college, and become a nurse. She is now working as a nurse's assistant, and hopes to be reunited with her children soon.
Catholic Charities opportunity: Volunteers are needed to speak English with newly resettled refugees and their families, visit them in their homes and accompany them on trips to the grocery store and other errands. The time commitment is flexible. Contact Archana Sharma, 408-325-5215, ashrama@ccsj.org. in our Refugee Resettlement Services.
May 6, 2007
“As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.” John 13
Catholic Charities story: Grandma Mickie spends her afternoons at a local school with Johnny, a preschooler who has difficulty learning and speaking. She gives him undivided attention, reads to him, plays games and does art projects. She has had several “foster” grandchildren and she keeps coming back because of all the love they give back to her.
Catholic Charities opportunity: Foster Grandparents are at least 60 years old, have good health, low incomes, and a desire to work with children. To learn more about becoming a Foster Grandparent, contact Teresa Wong, 408-325-5158 or twong@ccsj.org.
May 13, 2007
“Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” John 14
Catholic Charities story: A local skilled nursing home is discharging residents because Medicare won't continue to pay. Ombudsmen is empowering the residents to call the Medicare appeals number and coaching them on what to say and how to get their discharge reversed. About 80% of the time they appeal they can stay in the home a little longer to get healthier.
Catholic Charities opportunity: The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program advocates for all the residents of residential care homes and skilled nursing facilities in our county. Volunteers receive training and certification. For more information about this important ministry contact Bethany Pounders, 408-325-5134, bpounders@ccsj.org.
May 20, 2007
“You will be my witnesses to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1
Catholic Charities story: When Anna was a young child her family came to this country. Catholic Charities helped them settle in the community. By age 15, because of illness and death in her family, Anna needed help. Catholic Charities helped relatives become Anna’s legal guardians.
Catholic Charities opportunity: Anna is also supported by the Independent Living Skills program with our Kinship Resource Services. To learn more about our outreach to vulnerable teens contact Shelly Ahn, 408-938-6731, or sahn@ccsj.org.
May 27, 2007
“Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.” Psalm 104
Catholic Charities story: Ynez, after leaving a violent past, is blest with a home for herself and her three children, a case manager, daycare in the housing complex and the opportunity to be in a nursing program at the local community college.
Catholic Charities opportunity: For over 25 years Catholic Charities has been screening and placing appropriate clients in houses and apartments. Contact our Housing Search and Stabilization Services at 408-325-5277 if you are a landlord or if you need an individual assessment of your housing needs.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Dan Schutte & Janet Whitaker Concert - April 20, 2007
Come and enjoy an evening of inspiring music with noted liturgical musicians Dan Schutte (“Here I Am, Lord”) and Janèt Sullivan Whitaker (“Here At This Table”). Listen and sing along as they weave the music with stories and prayerful reflection. Proceeds from the concert will go to the Jesuit School of Theology Chapel Fund.
FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 2007
7:30 P.M. NEWMAN HALL
2700 DWIGHT WAY
BERKELEY, CA
General Admission Tickets $20 ($25 at the door)
Tickets available online at iTickets.com/events/175749.html
or by phone at 1-800-965-9324
For additional information contact: Catherine Kelly at (510) 549-5051
Dan Schutte & Janet Whitaker Concert (Flyer)
Parking Information
7:30 P.M.
2700 DWIGHT WAY
BERKELEY, CA
General Admission Tickets $20 ($25 at the door)
Tickets available online at iTickets.com/events/175749.html
or by phone at 1-800-965-9324
For additional information contact: Catherine Kelly at (510) 549-5051
Dan Schutte & Janet Whitaker Concert (Flyer)
Parking Information
Monday, April 23, 2007
Opera Openings
Trinity Lyric Opera, a new opera company in the Bay Area, is looking for a few good chorus members for their upcoming production of Aaron Copland's, Tenderland. They are looking for mostly Sopranos, but could also use a few Tenors and Basses.
The performances are July 14, 17, 20, and 22 at the Center for the Arts in Castro Valley. The chorus rehersals will be Monday evenings starting April 21 in Los Altos, and staging rehersals begin June 28. This is a wonderful opportunity to sing with some wonderful people, and keep your voice going over the summer. If you are interested please check their website, www.trinitylyricopera.org.
The performances are July 14, 17, 20, and 22 at the Center for the Arts in Castro Valley. The chorus rehersals will be Monday evenings starting April 21 in Los Altos, and staging rehersals begin June 28. This is a wonderful opportunity to sing with some wonderful people, and keep your voice going over the summer. If you are interested please check their website, www.trinitylyricopera.org.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
The How-Not-To-Do-PowerPoint PowerPoint Presentation
Here's a presentation by Don McMillan, a former engineer with a Masters degree in Electrical Engineering from Stanford. He gives some great advice on using the PowerPoint tool properly. This funny video is making the rounds on the Internet. Hat tip to Jim McGee and Presentation Zen.
Life After Death by PowerPoint
Life After Death by PowerPoint
Friday, April 20, 2007
OCP Parish Grants for 2008
Oregon Catholic Press (OCP) will offer parish grants for 2008 to help parishes enhance their worship experience. This program provides direct financial assistance to Roman Catholic parishes in the United States. Download a PDF application or learn more about the program. Applications will be accepted between April 30 and June 30, 2007.
Resources for helping youth and young adults through the Virginia Tech tragedy
The following was developed by Scott Miller in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Thanks to Patrick Mooney of the Diocese of Monterey for passing this on.For those of us who serve and love young people, today’s tragedy at Virginia Tech is most discouraging. The loss of 33 lives and the injury of many more are added to the horror of the Pennsylvania Amish in Nickel Mines and Columbine.
Here is a compilation of web-based resources for you to consider using in the upcoming days:
- NFCYM: www.nfcym.org/resources/pastoralresponse/ViolencetoYouth.htm
- Saint Mary’s Press: www.smp.org/SchoolViolence.cfm
- Youth Specialties: www.youthspecialties.com/free/web_violence.php
- Gospel.com: http://www.gospelcom.net/buzz/?p=391
Talking with Young People:
- American Psychological Association - Talking to your children about the recent spate of school shootings: www.apa.org/topics/schoolshooting.html
- Children and Parents: Talking with Kids about Violence: http://healthresources.caremark.com/article/plainprimer/100234508
- Tragic Times, Healing Words: www.sesameworkshop.org/parents/advice/article.php?contentId=49560
- Talking with Kids about News: www.talkingwithkids.org/television/twk-news.html
- Can School Shootings be prevented? www.kidspeace.org/pdf/SchoolShooting_Langman.pdf
- Ten tips regarding talking to your Child about School shootings: www.kidspeace.org/SchoolShootingPreventionTips.htm#ten
Liturgical Resources:
- Oregon Catholic Press (OCP), ecumenical prayer service for remembrance and healing: http://www.ocp.org/en/resources/virginia_tech.php
Immersion Fonts and Baptism
Did you see this excellent article by Kim Vo in the April 16, 2007, edition of the Mercury News? She gives a good overview on the increasing use of immersion fonts in the Diocese of San José.
Confirmation of Adults - May 27, 2007
On Pentecost Sunday, May 27, 2007, Bishop Patrick J. McGrath will welcome adult candidates for Confirmation to the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph.
Some things to know:
Confirmation of Adults
Sunday, May 27, 2007, 3:00p
Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph
Some things to know:
- The liturgy will begin at 3:00p and will be a Liturgy of the Word with the Rite of Confirmation.
- Candidates and their sponsors need to arrive by 2:30p to check-in and be ready for a brief rehearsal.
- Please supply each candidate with a nametag on which is written the name they want the Bishop to use when they are confirmed. It should be written or typed clearly in a large font (at least 18 point in a simple non-calligraphy font).
- Each candidate must be accompanied by at least one sponsor; they may bring two sponsors.
- Several rows of each section of the Cathedral will be reserved by parish for candidates, their sponsors, and two members of the parish Confirmation team. Families, friends, and parishioners are welcomed and can sit in the unreserved sections.
- At least one member of your confirmation team should be present to assist your candidates. Pastors and parish priests are encouraged to attend.
- Please review with your confirmandi and sponsors the responses for the Confirmation Rite (see Rite of Confirmation, #21-#30).
- Dress is Sunday best. (Wear something you would wear if you were visiting the Pope)
- The chancery does not give Confirmation certificates. If your candidates want a record of their Confirmation, you are welcomed to provide them with your own parish certificate.
- Each parish is responsible for recording the Confirmation date along with necessary information in your parish register. The place would be the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph. Bishop Patrick J. McGrath would be the person who confirmed.
- There is free parking on the street or in the city parking lots on San Fernando Street between First and Third Streets. Click here for a downtown San José parking map (pdf).
- fill out and submit the online form below no later than May 13, 2007;
- or, fill out and postal mail, fax, or email this PDF form or this Word doc form to the Office of Pastoral Ministry, attn. Bernard Nemis, 900 Lafayette Street, Suite 301, Santa Clara, CA 95050-4966, no later than May 21, 2006.
Questions? Contact Diana Macalintal, 408-983-0136.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Vino & Vespers - April 27, 2007
Vino & Vespers gives busy people of faith a place to pray simply (you don’t have to plan a thing!), eat and drink well (you don’t have to bring any food), and talk candidly about faith, church, and real life (you don’t have to prepare any lesson plans or make any handouts!).
Gather with others who love the Church, and spend an evening with three of God’s best gifts: prayer, food, and conversation. We’ll begin with Evening Prayer followed by an intimate conversation with our guest speaker about faith and daily life as we savor delicious desserts and fine wine.
Our guest speaker for this evening is
Br. Rufino Zaragoza, OFM
Br. Rufino Zaragoza, OFM
Br. Rufino ministers as a liturgical music consultant while continuing studies in multicultural ministry focusing on the Vietnamese-American community. He frequently travels to Vietnam, researching examples of liturgical inculturation and writes on the gift of Vietnamese liturgy for the American church. Read more about the Vietnam pilgrimages he organizes at vnpilgrimage.com/ocp.html.
Another very special guest will be
Bishop Patrick J. McGrath, Bishop of San José.
Vino & Vespers are interactive evenings that feature prominent Catholics talking about how they live their faith through the real events of contemporary life in the Silicon Valley. Young adults over 21 and those very much over-21 are especially invited.
Vino & Vespers
Friday, April 27, 2007, 7:30 pm
Friday, April 27, 2007, 7:30 pm
Casa Maria Conference Center
200 Prospect Avenue, Los Gatos, 95030
$5 suggested free will donation
Please RSVP with Bernard Nemis
408-983-0126 or online.
200 Prospect Avenue, Los Gatos, 95030
$5 suggested free will donation
Please RSVP with Bernard Nemis
408-983-0126 or online.
Click here for a PDF flyer that you can print.
Driving Directions to Casa Maria Conference Center from Downtown San Jose:
- 280 N toward San Francisco
- HWY 17 S toward Santa Cruz
- Exit HWY 9 (Los Gatos-Saratoga Road). Get into left lane immediately.
- LEFT at the first stoplight which is University Avenue.
- Take University to the end where it forms a T with Main Street. LEFT on Main Street.
- Go to the first stoplight which is College Avenue and turn RIGHT (there’s a sign for “Novitiate” on the corner of College and Main).
- Go one block to the top of the street and turn RIGHT at Villa Avenue (follow the signs for “Novitiate”).
- Go 0.6 miles up the hill. When you see the Jesuit Novitiate and Winery on your right, turn LEFT onto Prospect Avenue.
- Go 0.1 miles and turn LEFT at the sign for "Sisters of the Holy Names Main Entrance." Parking will be in the lot on your left. The Chapel entrance is in the building to your right.
Neophyte Mass - April 21, 2007
The Diocese of San José invites all who were baptized during this Easter season, all who were received into full Communion with the Catholic Church, and all who celebrated any of the sacraments of initiation during the Easter season, along with their friends, godparents, family, and fellow-parishioners to celebrate Eucharist together in Easter joy.Neophyte Mass
A Mass Celebrating New Life
Saturday, April 21, 2007, 4:30p
Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph
An informal reception follows after the Mass where the newly baptized and initiated can meet Bishop McGrath in an informal setting.
Cathedral Tours
This would also be a great opportunity to take your neophytes on a “magical mystagogical tour” of the Cathedral. Come to the Cathedral early, and use this free script (Word doc) to help your newly initiated "decode" the many symbols and images in the Cathedral and to reflect on their experience from their initiation.
For more information, contact Diana Macalintal at Macalintal@dsj.org or 408-983-0136.
Friday, April 06, 2007
Peeps and Plagues
For your Triduum enjoyment: the 10 plagues portrayed by peeps.
(Warning: graphic content. May be unsuitable for those who love peeps...or Kermit.)
(Warning: graphic content. May be unsuitable for those who love peeps...or Kermit.)
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Bishop Patrick J. McGrath's End of the Jubilee Year Homily
On Saturday, March 17, 2007, Bishop Patrick J. McGrath called the Diocese of San Jose together to conclude it's 25th anniversary Jubilee Year. (Click here for more information on the events that took place during the Jubilee Year.) Below is the text of the homily he gave at the concluding Mass.
Click here to watch a 17 minute video of the homily (Windows media player)
The architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, was known to say, “First we form buildings; then they form us.”
Click here to watch a 17 minute video of the homily (Windows media player)
Homily for the Conclusion
of the Diocese of San Jose Jubilee Year
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph
2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16
Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 27 and 29
Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22
Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a
of the Diocese of San Jose Jubilee Year
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph
2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16
Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 27 and 29
Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22
Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a
The architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, was known to say, “First we form buildings; then they form us.”
Like the quiet but powerful presence of Joseph in the Gospels, this building named after him, this house for the Church of San José, has been quietly yet profoundly forming us throughout the years.
Look around at the walls, up near the ceiling. Written in Latin around this building are three Scripture passages about Saint Joseph. This building is teaching us something very powerful about our faith.
On the north wall (sacristy side, starting over the choir loft) is an inscription from the Gospel reading that was just proclaimed: “The angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream: ‘Do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.’ When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.” (Mt 1: 20, 24)
This passage shows us Joseph’s gift of recognizing God speaking to him through his dreams. In our culture, dreams and visions are often dismissed as New Age spirituality or youthful but impractical idealism. Yet our Scriptures and this building are teaching us otherwise.
Now, there are two significant Josephs in Scripture, one from the Old Testament and the other from the New Testament, both relied on dreams which they interpreted as messages from God. Their dreams helped them point a new way for themselves or their family or for the leaders and the people of their land.
The Old Testament Joseph, the son of Jacob later named Israel, interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh’s household and came to be known as the master of dreams. His dreams and his ability to see God’s message in them not only saved his family but also the people of Egypt from starvation during a time of famine.
The New Testament Joseph, son of Jacob, descendent of David, and husband of Mary, also heard God in his dreams. Joseph’s dreams gave him courage in times of doubt. The message he receives in today’s Gospel is “Do not be afraid.” That is, do not be afraid to take a risk. Do not be afraid to embrace what you do not understand. Do not be afraid to invite into your home those whom society rejects—by law, Mary should have been stoned for being pregnant before living with her husband. But Joseph’s dream tells him to have the courage to show mercy and to do God’s justice.
Behind me, the text on the east wall (over the Blessed Sacrament chapel) comes from a later passage in Matthew’s Gospel: “’Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.’ Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt.” (Mt 2: 13-14)
In this inscription, we see Joseph not only as a person of dreams but also one who takes action and leads his family to safety. Here again, he has just received a message from God in a dream: “Take the child and his mother and go to Egypt.” Joseph, being a responsible husband, probably already had plans for his home and where his son would grow up. Egypt was likely not part of those plans. For Egypt was where the Old Testament Joseph was sold into servitude and jailed. More importantly, it was where the people of Israel lived in slavery until their exodus led by Moses. In other words, Joseph was being told not only to change his plans but to go where his ancestors had suffered. Yet without hesitation, in the middle of the night, Joseph follows the message of this urgent dream.
What we learn here from Joseph and from this building is that following your dreams may change your plans. It could wreck your day!! It may lead you where you never imagined, into places where you would rather not go. But like the first Joseph, Pharaoh’s interpreter of dreams, and like the second Joseph, protector of his family, we see that following your dreams also leads to freedom. Dreams remain only dreams unless someone acts and takes the lead.
Finally, on the south wall (choir side, starting over Our Lady of Guadalupe) we read from Luke’s Gospel: “Jesus’ mother said to him, ‘Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.’ Jesus went with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. And Jesus was the son of Joseph.” (Lk 2:48-51, 3:23)
In this third inscription, we see Joseph in a more ordinary light. Jesus is missing, and his parents are anxious. Joseph, like many fathers, lets the child’s mother do the scolding. But he calls the child to obedience, teaching him by his own daily example of obedience to God’s word. Ordinary Joseph raises an extraordinary son just by doing all the ordinary things that parents do with their children—teaching them to follow their dreams, showing them how to listen for God’s hidden voice, getting lost and being found, living each day with joy.
What Joseph and this building are teaching is that dreams and visions are important. Dreams give us hope and courage; visions give us direction.
The first point in our diocese’s vision statement found in the pastoral plan is this: “Let us be a Church unafraid to dream.”
And so, what then is this diocese’s dream for the future? What kind of future do we want to embrace?
Throughout this Jubilee Year, I have visited every one of our 52 parishes and missions and our schools. I have seen the overwhelming hunger for justice that many in our faith communities have demonstrated. I have seen countless persons stepping forward to lead their communities in various ministries and works. And I have witnessed the untiring commitment of parents, grandparents, teachers, and mentors for our youth and young adults.
One year ago this weekend, we gathered in this church and looked back at the first twenty-five years of our history as a diocese. But if we are to be a church unafraid to dream, we must now look forward. And in particular, we must look to those who are the holders of our dreams today—our youth and our young adults.
You who are our young church today, I ask you to listen to your dreams, especially your dreams for this Church of San José, for God is speaking to you now. You are our prophets calling the church to truth, accountability, and courage in a culture of violence (From Age to Age: The Challenge of Worship with Adolescents). You are our leaders today and our leaders tomorrow showing us the way to freedom. Some of you are already parents yourselves, teaching your children the faith, just like Joseph. All of you are companions for/to your contemporaries, helping them listen to God’s voice, encouraging them to not be afraid, and strengthening them with your own example.
Continue then to be our dreamers and visionaries. Help us not be afraid to leave our plans behind and go a different way. Show us how to see God in the ordinary events of each day. This church and the next twenty-five years of its history, its dreams and visions, are rightfully yours. I pray that you will continue to help us make the dream of this, your church, a reality.
In return I pledge to do the same: I pledge to be unafraid to dream with you.
- I dream with you of a church that welcomes all persons: the young and the old, the gay and the straight, the native and the immigrant, the sinner and the saint, the poor and the despised.
- I dream with you of a church that embraces the crying infant and the autistic child, the disabled and the mentally challenged, the elderly and the unborn; a church that honors single persons and those seeking meaningful relationships; a church that acknowledges the presence of God in those who are married, divorced, or remarried, those who have left their vocation and those struggling to remain faithful; a church that claims its faults, asks forgiveness, and rights relationships it has wronged.
- I dream with you that poverty in Santa Clara County, through the work of Catholic Charities and their supporters, will be cut in half by the year 2020.
- I dream with you that homelessness will be eradicated by providing high-quality, affordable housing.
- I dream with you that no elderly persons will spend their days alone and neglected.
- I dream with you that every child, regardless of language, income, or status, will learn not only how to read but how to succeed and thrive in this community.
- I dream with you of a church in which the wisdom of both women and men, whether lay persons or ordained, whether young in age or young in heart, are called forth, honored, and reverenced; a church that is irresistible because of the joy, laughter, and love its members share.
- I dream with you of a church, a people, that judges the authenticity of its worship by the concern it shows for the poor; a church that preaches not abstract theology, but uses the homily to interpret the lives of the assembly through the Word of God proclaimed in its midst; a people that shows compassion in other’s misfortune and courage in their own; church that knows its priorities—persons over things, truth over expediency, love over all else.
Every time we gather in this church, around this altar, we are formed by the dreams held by these walls, painted on wood and plaster and written on the hearts of all who have worshipped here. With every Eucharistic prayer spoken and nourished by the body and blood of the Lord from this table, we dare to dream together of a world united as the one Body of Christ. We dare to become the church God dreams us to be.
This morning, we gather in the shadow of our jubilee cross, which has traveled this year to every parish and mission of this Diocese. Christ leads us always, and it is more than symbolism that on this cross, the 52 parish and mission tiles are so closely bound to Christ, the crucified and risen Lord. May this cross remind us always of our bond to one another and to him.
So let us give praise for what has been and for what dreams may come in these next twenty-five years, and together may we act boldly and with courage for the Gospel and follow in the footsteps of Joseph our patron, interpreter, master, and lover of dreams.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Should we confirm children whom we baptize at the Easter Vigil?
The chancery offices here have received a few phone calls from parishes asking if they need to confirm children (who have reached the age of reason, that is, about seven years old) whom they are baptizing this Easter, or should they wait to confirm them with their already-baptized peers at a later age.
In this case, neither the bishop of a diocese nor the parish priest can make any choice other than what is mandated by Canon Law:
In this case, neither the bishop of a diocese nor the parish priest can make any choice other than what is mandated by Canon Law:
Unless a grave reason prevents it, an adult who is baptized is to be confirmed immediately after baptism and participate in the celebration of the Eucharist, also receiving Communion. (#866)and
What is prescribed in the canons on the baptism of an adult is applicable to all who are no longer infants but have attained the use of reason. (#852.1)These canons are further emphasized in the National Statutes for the Catechumenate (USA):
Since children who have reached the use of reason are considered, for purposes of Christian initiation, to be adults (canon 852.1), their formation should follow the general pattern of the ordinary catechumenate as far as possible, with the appropriate adaptations permitted by the ritual. They should receive the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and eucharist at the Easter Vigil, together with the older catechumens. (#18)The reason the Church mandates this is to preserve its teaching on the Trinity:
The conjunction of the two celebrations [baptism and confirmation] signifies the unity of the paschal mystery, the close link between the mission of the Son and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the connection between the two sacraments through which the Son and the Holy Spirit come with the Father to those who are baptized. (RCIA, #215).Delaying confirmation for those baptized at Easter distorts our understanding of the Trinity and implies that the persons of the Trinity work apart from each other. Confirming immediately after baptism and then welcoming the person to the Communion table at the same celebration teaches that the Spirit and the Son are one with the Father and that God’s chosen ones are called to participate in the full life of the Trinity.
Catechizing the Assembly: Mystagogy
From September 21 to 23, 2006, catechumenate directors, team members, liturgists, and catechists gathered to discuss the issues and challenges of implementing the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults in our diocese and to study the Rite of Acceptance and the Scrutiny Rite. (Read about some of the strategies we discerned in this Word document.)
One primary concern that was raised from that gathering was the need for simple resources to help catechize and prepare the assembly for the rites of initiation.
So, catechumenate ministers of the diocese: we hear you!
Below is part of the unformatted text from a bulletin insert that you can download, print, and copy for FREE for use in your parishes to help you catechize about the Rite of Acceptance. I ask that you simply include the author and copyright information on any copies you make.
Get the fully-formatted ready-to-copy bulletin insert (pdf) here.
Christian Initiation of Adults
Mystagogy
Savoring the Mystery of God
by Diana Macalintal
© 2007, Diana Macalintal.
All rights reserved.
Whodunit? Secret? Science?
God is a mystery, but not like an Agatha Christie novel, or a secret reserved only for special people, or a math problem to be solved.
God is a mystery in the way that grandma’s love is a mystery; in the way you look at your child and can’t imagine anything more beautiful; in the way you marvel at how deeply you still love your spouse even after so many years of being together.
The mystery of God is something that makes us feel so immensely close to God and at the same time so in awe of the tremendous, incomprehensible wonder of God. There is no way to completely, fully express this feeling or describe it to another person. We can only say the same thing we tell children who ask us how they will know when they’re in love—“you’ll know it when it happens to you.”
The word “sacrament” comes from the same Greek root for the word “mystery.” Often, at the beginning of Mass, the priest will say, “to prepare ourselves to celebrate these sacred mysteries….” Every time we gather to celebrate the sacraments, we enter deeply into the mysterious love of God.
We experience this divine mystery most fully in the Eucharist—that intimate act of eating and drinking together with those named after the one we love the most: Christ.
Reflecting on the Mysteries
Those who have been preparing to be initiated into the Church and are then baptized, confirmed, and welcomed to the Eucharistic table at the Easter Vigil are the newest members to be “christened,” that is, named “Christ.” They are those who have most recently and fully been hit by God’s mysterious love. Now, they know what it means to be a member of the Body of Christ because they have experienced it for themselves.
Anyone who is new to love and the overwhelming nature of it needs time to reflect on what happened to them. This “looking backward” to a specific moment when they experienced God’s mysterious presence gives them direction and renewed commitment for moving forward. Just like looking back at wedding pictures can give us more hope and joy for the future, reflecting on the experience of the “mysteries”—the sacraments—can renew our commitment to live according to Christ’s name which was given to us at baptism.
The neophytes are those who were recently initiated into the Church through the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist. During the Easter season, and often throughout the year after, they spend time reflecting on the mysteries. This process is called “mystagogy.” But their practice of mystagogy is simply a participation in what all baptized Christians are called to do. All of us who are baptized, whether last year or many years ago, are called to constantly reflect on our experience of God, discern its meaning, renew our commitment to our baptismal promises, and commit ourselves to living those promises in the ordinary events of our daily life.
Click here to read a step-by-step way to do mystagogy.
One primary concern that was raised from that gathering was the need for simple resources to help catechize and prepare the assembly for the rites of initiation.
So, catechumenate ministers of the diocese: we hear you!
Below is part of the unformatted text from a bulletin insert that you can download, print, and copy for FREE for use in your parishes to help you catechize about the Rite of Acceptance. I ask that you simply include the author and copyright information on any copies you make.
Get the fully-formatted ready-to-copy bulletin insert (pdf) here.
Christian Initiation of Adults
Mystagogy
Savoring the Mystery of God
by Diana Macalintal
© 2007, Diana Macalintal.
All rights reserved.
Whodunit? Secret? Science?
God is a mystery, but not like an Agatha Christie novel, or a secret reserved only for special people, or a math problem to be solved.
God is a mystery in the way that grandma’s love is a mystery; in the way you look at your child and can’t imagine anything more beautiful; in the way you marvel at how deeply you still love your spouse even after so many years of being together.
The mystery of God is something that makes us feel so immensely close to God and at the same time so in awe of the tremendous, incomprehensible wonder of God. There is no way to completely, fully express this feeling or describe it to another person. We can only say the same thing we tell children who ask us how they will know when they’re in love—“you’ll know it when it happens to you.”
The word “sacrament” comes from the same Greek root for the word “mystery.” Often, at the beginning of Mass, the priest will say, “to prepare ourselves to celebrate these sacred mysteries….” Every time we gather to celebrate the sacraments, we enter deeply into the mysterious love of God.
We experience this divine mystery most fully in the Eucharist—that intimate act of eating and drinking together with those named after the one we love the most: Christ.
Reflecting on the Mysteries
Those who have been preparing to be initiated into the Church and are then baptized, confirmed, and welcomed to the Eucharistic table at the Easter Vigil are the newest members to be “christened,” that is, named “Christ.” They are those who have most recently and fully been hit by God’s mysterious love. Now, they know what it means to be a member of the Body of Christ because they have experienced it for themselves.
Anyone who is new to love and the overwhelming nature of it needs time to reflect on what happened to them. This “looking backward” to a specific moment when they experienced God’s mysterious presence gives them direction and renewed commitment for moving forward. Just like looking back at wedding pictures can give us more hope and joy for the future, reflecting on the experience of the “mysteries”—the sacraments—can renew our commitment to live according to Christ’s name which was given to us at baptism.
The neophytes are those who were recently initiated into the Church through the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist. During the Easter season, and often throughout the year after, they spend time reflecting on the mysteries. This process is called “mystagogy.” But their practice of mystagogy is simply a participation in what all baptized Christians are called to do. All of us who are baptized, whether last year or many years ago, are called to constantly reflect on our experience of God, discern its meaning, renew our commitment to our baptismal promises, and commit ourselves to living those promises in the ordinary events of our daily life.
Click here to read a step-by-step way to do mystagogy.
Five principles for mystagogical preaching and catechesis
In the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, only two pages of texts are given to describe the period of mystagogy and post-baptismal catechesis. Below are the five main things you need to know about mystagogy during this period of the initiation process (from RCIA 244-247):
- Mystagogy and mystagogical preaching leads the neophytes and the community to a deepened grasp of the paschal mystery and helps them make it part of their lives through
- meditation on the Gospel
- sharing in eucharist, and
- doing works of charity.
- Mystagogy and mystagogical preaching introduces the neophytes into a fuller and more effective understanding of the mysteries through the Gospel and the sacraments.
- The main setting for mystagogy is the Sunday Mass.
- At Masses during the Easter season where neophytes are present, it is recommended to use the readings for Year A.
- Mystagogy and mystagogical preaching renews the inspiration and outlook of the faithful and brings them closer to the neophytes.
Take Easter Home: bulletin inserts for the Easter season
One way to help your parish keep the Easter season going for the entire 50 days of Easter is to encourage parishioners to do some Easter activities at home. Below are some simple ideas you can put in your bulletins this Easter season.
Take Easter Home
ideas for celebrating the season at home
- Take an Easter Walk
Sometime during the week after Easter Sunday, take a walk around your neighborhood, in your garden, at the park, or even at the local shopping center. Look for signs of new life all around you. Remember the neophytes—those who were baptized this Easter—who are “new plants” in the household of God. - Do a Baptism search
Search for photos and other mementos of your own baptism, for example, your baptismal gown or certificate. Place these in a prominent spot in your home during the season. Bring home some holy water from the parish baptismal font, and use it to make the sign of the cross each morning on your forehead. - Wear white and dress up
On Sundays during the season, try to wear lots of white or something more “Easter-y,” for example, a flower corsage on your wrist or lapel. If you don’t usually dress up for Sunday Mass, wear dressier clothes each Sunday of Easter. Each time you dress, remember that you have been “clothed in Christ.” - Light candles
Buy some nice candles for your home. Place them in your living room and on your dinner table. Light them at night and whenever you sit down to eat at home. Use a match to light them, and as you strike the match, say “Christ, our Light.” - Dress up your dinner table
Throughout the season, use a table cloth on your kitchen or dinner table if you don’t already. Use the nicer plates, utensils, and glasses that you save for special occasions. Commit to eating at least one meal at home on Sundays. Light candles, turn off the TV, and put on some nice music for these meals. Every time you eat, begin by saying, “Jesus, Lamb of God.” - Make bathing a time of renewal
Whenever you shower or bathe, remember your own baptism. Recall how the neophytes were bathed in the font. Make it a special time of prayer by saying, “Christ, the Water of Life” when you begin. Pamper yourself with soothing oils or lotions. Remember how you have been anointed with the Spirit of Christ. - Let each day be a little Easter
As you wake up each day, consecrate that day to God by saying, “This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” This comes from the traditional psalm for Easter (Psalm 118). If you can, give yourself some quiet time before the busyness of the day. Sit in silence with your morning coffee, light a candle, and let God speak to you in that moment. - Write a thank-you note, just because
“Eucharist” means “thank you” in Greek. Each week of Easter (there are seven), write a thank-you note to someone you appreciate but don’t often get to thank. Send it to them, and say a prayer for them as you seal the envelope or click the “send” button.
Six environment ideas for unifying the Easter season
The Easter season lasts from Easter Vigil to Pentecost. That's seven weeks of trying to keep up the enthusiasm and joy of Easter Sunday! How can you use the liturgical environment to unify the season as well as to keep the sense of Easter through the entire 50 days? Here are some ideas.1) Overlap colors, for example,
- Keep some red from Palm Sunday to Holy Thursday
- Transition the red from Thursday to Friday, but add some white
- Continue the red and white from Friday and add gold or yellow
- Keep some element of red throughout Easter to Pentecost
2) Keep the font decorated throughout the season including Pentecost. Leave the Easter Candle lit at every gathering and in a prominent place.
3) Have the neophytes wear their baptismal garments every Sunday of Easter.
4) Keep your church doors, inside and outside and on all doors on the church property, decorated throughout the season with festive wreaths or ribbons.
5) Leave symbols of the Triduum out, for example, bowls and pitchers near the font, the cross venerated on Good Friday placed outside and decorated. What other symbols were used during Triduum which can be displayed or used during Easter?
6) If you have a projection systems, show pictures of what happen at Easter Vigil throughout the Sundays of Easter as people are gathering. Include pictures of the neophytes.
Other ideas:
1) Remove tacky foil and price tags from flower pots and put them in terra cotta pots (large and small)—maybe even paint the pots with Easter designs—or large baskets. Don’t create an “altar rail” with them. As Peter Mazar said, “They’re not cabbages.” Bunch and layer them at main focal points: font, ambo, candle.
2) Add height to floral arrangements by using peacock feathers or pussy willows.
3) Incorporate some of the Easter Vigil decorating into the rite itself, for example, during the Gloria, Gospel Acclamation, preparation of gifts, have persons process in banners and flowers to place throughout the worship space.
4) Give an icon of the Resurrection prominence, if you have one, or highlight a stained glass window with the resurrection scene.
5) Use incense throughout; use green sprigs for sprinkling throughout.
6) Make sure sacristans and altar servers light other candles from the Paschal Candle.
7) Consider using origami, such as paper cranes. Parishioners can make some and bring them each Sunday to add to the environment.
8) Decorate trees, indoors and outside, with Easter eggs.
9) Decorate parking lot lights, add outdoor banners, use wind catchers and kites.
10) Decorate the assembly area: on columns, overhead, at windowsills.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Sing a New Song - April 20, 2007
Join the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley for the Sing a New Song benefit concert with Dan Schutte and Janet Whitaker, Friday, April 20, 2007, at 7:30 p.m., at Newman Hall, 2700 Dwight Way, Berkeley. Proceeds from the concert benefit the Jesuit School’s new Gesu Chapel. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.
Purchase your general admission tickets ($20) online at itickets.com or by phone 1-800-965-9324.
Click here for a pdf flyer of the concert.
Purchase your general admission tickets ($20) online at itickets.com or by phone 1-800-965-9324.
Nicene Creed, Apostle's Creed and The Lord's Prayer Posters - available at the Diocese of San Jose
Color posters of the Nicene Creed, Apostle’s Creed, and Lord’s Prayer calligraphied by Sister Terry Davis, SND, are now available from the liturgy office of the Diocese of San José, Office of Pastoral Ministry.
Each poster costs $3.00 for parishes and individual buyers and $1.80 for wholesale religious stores (no tax charged; additional shipping fees added).
The posters are 11” by 15” in size printed on high quality card stock. These are perfect gifts for catechumens, neophytes, and anyone celebrating the sacraments this Easter. Please contact Bernard S. Nemis at 408.983.0126 if you wish to place an order.
Each poster costs $3.00 for parishes and individual buyers and $1.80 for wholesale religious stores (no tax charged; additional shipping fees added).
The posters are 11” by 15” in size printed on high quality card stock. These are perfect gifts for catechumens, neophytes, and anyone celebrating the sacraments this Easter. Please contact Bernard S. Nemis at 408.983.0126 if you wish to place an order.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
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.
Contact Nina Malone at 916-772-4717 x112, or visit the Saint Clare web site for more information and registration.
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
Marty Haugen and Tony Alonso
April 20 and 21, 2007
Saint Clare Parish
Contact Nina Malone at 916-772-4717 x112, or visit the Saint Clare web site for more information and registration.
Friday, March 23, 2007
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
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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