Thank you to all who helped prepare the Farewell Mass and Reception for Father Morris and Father Taheny. Father Morris had served us here at St. Robert’s for seven years and Father Taheny for two. During that time, they both ministered to so many people by their celebration of the Eucharist, Baptism, Reconciliation, Marriage and the Anointing of the Sick They were always available for funerals and vigil services and to listen to those who needed to talk to a priest. I hope that all parishioners, especially those they touched by their homilies or by their ministry, will pray for them each day and ask God to bless them in their new parishes. With the growing shortage of priests, we are all becoming more aware of how important priests like Father Morris and Father Taheny are in our lives.

The change in the Mass schedule has gone more smoothly than I could have hoped for. It has been an inspiration to see how people have put their personal preferences aside in order to benefit the total Parish. Special thanks go to Ben and Lisa Baldonado for redoing the Mass schedule on the wooden sign on the corner of Crystal Springs and Oak. Thanks also go to Pat Vallez-Kelly and Gene May for arranging the new schedules for the Liturgical Ministers.

I am happy to say that the new Educational Center is almost on schedule. My hope is that we will be able to move in by the end of January of 2003. Thank you to all who have been so generous with their time, talent and treasure in making this building possible.

I will be on vacation from November 4th until November 23rd. Along with two priest friends, I will be in New Zealand, visiting some old friends but also seeing parts of the country I have not seen before. Say a prayer for me and I will do the same for you.

All Hallows Eve—Halloween

What does an evening of costumes and masks have to do with the Christian feast of All Saints?

For the ancient Celtic tribes of Brittany, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, November 1 was the beginning of a new year. The night before, the Celts celebrated a festival in which they believed the souls of the dead mingled with the living. In order to scare away evil spirits, the people wore masks and lit bonfires. In 835 A.D., Pope Gregory IV transferred the feast of the holy martyrs (later All Saints) from May 13 to November 1, giving the ancient Celtic festival a decidedly Christian meaning. The evening before the feast of All Saints became known as All Hallows Even, or "holy evening." (Halloween and Its Christian Roots, St. Anthony Messenger, October 2001).

For all the saints we glorify God for the witness of their lives, and for those who await the life of heaven, we pray they will soon enjoy life everlasting.

We pray for the ill: Sharon Aiello, Marilyn Arancibia, Robert Bacci, Bastiaan Blumenthal, Marcia Bourne, Ann Burns, Arthur Candia, Josie Clarke, Nan Connolly, Zenaida Cortez, Ana Cosgaya, Imelda Daly, Walton & June Dickhoff, Sandra & William Dill, Carl Edwards, Joyce Flax, Adela Florez, Henry Fosson, Fred Gaedeke, Jesse Grube, Gladys Haff, Denise Hawald, Joanne Johnson, Koret Koelman, Muriel Krause, Abelardo Landin, Josephine Lavoie, Greg Lille, Marky, Daniel McHale, Rosemary McHale, Jeanne McHugh, Terry McLeod, Josefina Mercado, Sal Milizio, Catherine Murtagh, Thomas O’Brien, Louis Ricardo, Doris Ross, Pauline Speranza, William Wegman & Don Vickery .

In Pope John Paul II’s World Day of Peace Message - "Respect for Human Rights: The Secret of True Peace", He said:

"A genuine culture of life, just as it guarantees to the unborn the right to come into the world, in the same way protects the newly born, especially girls, from the crime of infanticide. Equally it assures the handicapped that they can fully develop their capacities and ensures adequate care for the sick and the elderly."

presents

CATHOLIC FAQ’s
(Frequently Asked Questions)

A look at questions about worship, liturgy, and the sacraments.

The Adult Choir singing at the 9:30 Mass is seeking those interested in joining us in raising our voices in praise. We will be rehearsing music for Advent and Christmas soon and would love to invite new members to help us make these seasons truly joyous! Our rehearsals are on Wednesday from 7:30-9:00PM and we gather at 9:00 AM on Sunday to warm-up. Although we welcome you to join us throughout the year, we would be happy for you to sing for Nov. and Dec. in preparation for Christmas. We are planning a Midnight Mass with a brass quartet and much beautiful and festive music.

Albertson Community Card. If you shop there and need a card please call Linda Cuddy.

1.  Know love and serve God.
2.  Know that you are precious and that God loves you.
3.  Set high standards for yourself.
4.  Smile and laugh a lot.
5.  Love and respect yourself.
6.  Love and respect other people.
7.  Walk, talk and dress modestly.
8.  Choose your friends carefully and do things in groups.
9.  Have fun and enjoy being a teenager.
10. Think positive and concentrate on your good points.
11. Care about people - reach out and help them.
12. Communicate with your family and friends.
13. Listen to adult role models.
14. Pray and go to church.
15. Count your blessings and be grateful.
16. Be choosy about your dates.
17. Be patient - you deserve the best!
18. Save the gift of yourself for marriage.
19. Stay away from bad situations.
20. Avoid temptations - persons, places or things.
21. Stay away from drugs and alcohol.
22. Remember that you are valuable, rare and very precious.
23. Treat yourself that way.
24. Know God loves you and has a special plan for you.
25. Believe in God and trust Him to guide you. He cares!

Kai and Hanan Holloway & family

MERCY HIGH SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE

All 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade families are invited to the Mercy High School Burlingame Parent-Student Open House, which will be held on Sunday, November 3, 2002. This Open House will begin with a formal presentation at 1:00 pm.

St. Robert’s web site is: www.saintroberts.org

While out-of-town you can check for nationwide Mass times and locations at (1-800-627-7846) or Internet at www.Masstimes.org.

A Catholic Site for Seekers: A new internet ministry from the Franciscans (sponsors of St. Anthony Messenger Press) seeks to help inactive Catholics reconnect with a local Catholic faith community. This site, www.oncecatholic.org, offers a special place where inactive Catholics can ask questions, interact with on-line companions, find resources and reconnect with a local parish. This website may also be beneficial for those of you are practicing Catholics.