St. Robert's Catholic Church Bulletin, March 2, 2003

St. Robert's Catholic Church

1380 Crystal Springs Road, San Bruno, CA 94066

Tel: (650) 589-2800

PARISH BULLETIN
March 2, 2003
Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dear Parishioners,

Is it possible that Ash Wednesday and Lent are here already? I would like to invite you to think of Lent as a mini-retreat in our preparation for the Church's greatest feast, Easter. Many of us think of Lent as a private time for focusing on our individual relationship with God. I would like to expand that idea so that it includes our parish also focusing on its relationship with God. While individual prayers are heard, community prayer also has a great impact. Trying to attend an additional weekday Mass, Rosary, Stations of the Cross, prayer service, or Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament can not only inspire us as individuals but can also inspire us as a community.

The year's RCIA group has 9 adults preparing for the Easter Sacraments of Baptism, First Eucharist and/or Confirmation. Part of their Lenten Retreat is the Scrutinies. Scrutinies are times of self-examination of their relationship with God. It is hoped that through the Scrutinies, some life changes can be made so that they can better witness God's love for them, and once this is experienced then hopefully they will allow God to work through them to care for another. Scrutinies are held on the third, fourth, and fifth Sundays in Lent. They are not just for the RCIA but actually are an invitation to the whole parish to participate.

Two simple rules to keep in mind when considering what we can do for Lent; first, God loves us for who we are, after all we are made us in his image. And secondly, I read somewhere that, God loves in a special way those who Quitely act humbly and aggressively act compassionately.

Deacon Duffey

"Peace Prayers"

I hope you will get a chance this weekend to see the posters made by St. Robert's students this past week. On Tuesday the 25th we had several prayer services for peace in our world. This was one of those times when "the youngest of the Lord's disciples," as Fr. Tom likes to call them, set the standard for us as Church. Their art work and their prayer throughout their school day showed incredible Spirit. We were fortunate to be able to pray in that same holy Spirit later that evening. It was a day for which I am thankful and that I won't forget for a long time.

* * *

We have fielded some questions lately about the amount of singing we do at our Sunday Masses. Some have said it seems like every Mass is a "High Mass" in which nearly everything is sung. Whatever happened to the "Low Mass"?

For the next few weeks we will tackle these questions in this space. We will look at the High Mass / Low Mass question as well as specific parts of the Mass that we usually sing. We will look at some of the directives given to us by the Second Vatican Council and since then that address matters of singing at Mass. Pat Vallez-Kelly

Monday - March 3 Readings: Sir 17:`19-27 Mk 10:17-27
Mass Intention	6:30 8:30	Edward Bizal † Giarth Klingensmith †
Men's Club Mtg.	6:00p	Hall
Tuesday - March 4 Readings: Sir 35:1-12 Mk 10:28-31
Mass Intention	6:30 8:30	Betty Lucash † John P. Sullivan †
Religious Education Legion of Mary Lenten Prayer Group Choir Practice Passion Play Rehearsal	3:30p 6:30p 7:00p 7:30p 8:00p	Hall & Church Library Mary's Chapel Church Hall
Wednesday - March 5 Ash Wednesday Readings: Jl 2:12-18 2Cor 5:20--6, 2 Mt 6:1-6, 16-18
Mass Intention	6:30 8:30 10:30 6:00p	Angelica Rodriguez † Ivan Boncich † Al Lovett † Frank Vidulich †
School Mass Consolation Ministry 7th Gr. Cheerleading Bible Study Choir Practice	8:30a 9:00a 3:00p 7:30p 7:30p	Church Mary's Chapel Hall Convent Chapel Church
Thursday - March 6 Readings: Dt 30:15-20 Lk 9:22-25
Mass Intention	6:30 8:30	Frances Bernetich † Boncich Family †
Religious Education RCIA St. Vincent de Paul Parish Planning Committee Youth Group	3:30p 7:00p 7:00p 7:30p 7:30p	Hall & Church Convent Chapel Hall Library Kitchen
Friday - March 7 Readings: Is 58:1-9 Mt 14-15
Mass Intention	6:30 8:30	Seamus O'Shea † Sean Wrynne †
Lenten Soup Supper	6:00p	Hall
Saturday - March 8 Readings: Is 58:9-14 Lk 5:27-32
Mass Intention	8:30 4:30	Frank Vidulich † Victor Schaukowitch †
8th Gr. Practice	10:00a	Hall
Sunday - March 9 Readings: Gn 9:8-15 1Pt 3:18-22 Mk 1:12-15
Mass Intention	7:30 9:30 11:30 5:00	Maria Emilio † People of St. Robert's Charles Rocco † Catherine L. Cook †
Fil/Am Choir Rite of Election Rite of Election	10:00a 11:30a 2:30p	Hall Church Cathedral

As a Parish Community, We Pray...For our young people preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation - May the Holy Spirit fill them with a deep faith, renewed hope and lasting love for our God and for all those He sends into their lives.

WE CONGRATULATE THE NEWLY BAPTIZED

Connor Michael McKenna,
Jon Taylor Waugh,
Benjamin Charles Heinze,
Aliza Sophia Perez,
Jennah April Kattenhorn,
Zachary Rocco Loh &
Nico Mathew D'Emilio

WE CONGRATULATE THE NEWLY MARRIED

Liz Hooley & Matt Green

SICK RELATIVES AND FRIENDS

Dear Parishioners,Please notify the priesthouse (589-2800) if a loved one is in the hospital.

We pray for the ill: Sharon Aiello, Anne Marie Anderson, Marilyn Arancibia, Robert Bacci, Bastiaan Blumenthal, Marcia Bourne, Ann Burns, Maricris Candelaria, Arthur Candia, Josie Clarke, Nan Connolly, Zenaida Cortez, Ana Cosgaya, Walton & June Dickhoff, Sandra & William Dill, Carl Edwards, Joyce Flax, Adela Florez, Henry Fosson, Jesse Grube, Gladys Haff, Denise Hawald, Joanne Johnson, Koret Koelman, Muriel Krause, Shirley Latham, Josephine Lavoie, Greg Lille, Marky, Daniel McHale, Rosemary McHale, Terry McLeod, Sal Milizio, James Morrisey, Thomas O'Brien, Jim Olmo, Louis Ricardo, Bill Reilly, Doris Ross, Pauline Speranza, Don Vickery, Jennifer Westbrook & Frank Wright.

Our sincere sympathy to the families of
Kathleen Patricia Corby,
Claire Kendall,
James Murphy,
Ronald Fontana and
Lydia Liss
who died recently.

LEGION OF MARY NEEDS YOU

At St. Robert's Parish, a group of committed parishioners, under the leadership of Mary Mediatrix of all graces, have formed themselves into a legion of service to the parish community. These dedicated Legionares devote a part of their time attending Tuesday evening meetings for prayers, and active cooperation and participation visting the sick parishioners who are homebound and in convalescent and boarding care homes.

Please join the Legion of Mary, and show your unconditional love to Mary by reaching out to the people you care. Please call Manny Ortiz, President, Legion of Mary.

CALLING ALL SINGERS!
Easter Choir Rehearsals Under Way

The 9:30 Mass Adult Choir is seeking those interested in raising voices in praise. Men are especially needed! Rehearsals are on Wednesdays from 7:00-9:00pm, and we gather at 9:00am on Sunday to warm-up.

For more information, contact Kevin Imbimbo at 873-4480.

SEEKING NEW LECTORS & EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS

Excellent Archdiocesan training sessions are coming up for lectors and eucharistic ministers. St. Robert's is seeking additional lectors and eucharistic ministers especially for the following masses:

Saturday 4:30pm, Sunday 7:30am, 5:00pm

Teens already confirmed or enrolled in Confirmation preparation are encouraged to apply. Unique opportunities are also available for young adults, couples, and seniors. Our scheduling can fit your schedule.

Serving as a lector or eucharistic minister is a blessing for each minister and for St. Robert's. Interested? Call Pat Vallez-Kelly at 589-2800.

BUILDING FOR A NEW CENTURY

Pledge/Gifts as of February 21st Families	605
Cash received to date	$696,877.82*
* This figure is adjusted down by $55,000 because of moving and changes in circumstances.

ARCHBISHOP'S ANNUAL APPEAL

Goal is $80,200

As of February 26th Families	148
Donations to date	$27,541.00

MASS SCHEDULE FOR ASH WEDNESDAY
6:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 6 pm

INSTRUCTIONS FOR LENTEN ABSTINENCE AND FASTING

ABSTINENCE FROM MEAT Everyone fourteen years of age and older is bound to abstain from meat on ASH WEDNESDAY, the FRIDAYS of Lent and GOOD FRIDAY.

FASTING Everyone eighteen years of age and older but under the age of sixty is also bound to fast on ASH WEDNESDAY and GOOD FRIDAY.

On these two days, the law of fast allows only one full meal a day, but does not prohibit taking some food during the day, so long as this does not constitute another full meal. Drinking liquids during the day is permitted.

When health or ability to work would be seriously affected, the law does not oblige. In doubt concerning fast or abstinence, a priest assigned to pastoral ministry or confessor should be consulted. In the spirit of penance, the faithful should not lightly excuse themselves from this obligation.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS
FRIDAY LENTEN SUPPERS

Each Friday during Lent, we are invited to participate in the three Lenten disciplines: PRAYER, FASTING AND ALMSGIVING. Our Lenten theme this year is :

"RENEW US IN THE LIGHT OF FAITH"

As we follow Jesus on the road to Calvary, let us come together to be renewed through:

PRAYER Stations of the Cross at 6:00 p.m. in Church, led each Friday by members of our parish family.

FASTING AND ABSTINENCE A light meal hosted on Friday, March 7th, by the Men's Club (following Stations in Hennessy Hall).

ALMSGIVING We are invited to donate what we would have spent for our Friday night dinner. Our St. Vincent de Paul Society will use it to feed the members of our community who are in need of food.

LENTEN ANOINTING MASS
Sunday, March 16th, at 11:30am

As we pray during Lent, asking Jesus to "RENEW US IN THE LIGHT OF FAITH," we firmly believe that He knows that we need healing and that He truly cares. He has given us the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick to be celebrated during Mass to show us the special place we have in our faith community because of our illness and pain. The grace of this sacrament provides hope and staves off anxiety which might slow or interfere with our healing. All who are seriously ill in body, mind or spirit and those who are experiencing the ill effects of aging are invited to gather for Eucharist and to also receive from the priest the laying on of hands and an anointing with sacred oil. Come and be renewed.

LENTEN FAITH-SHARING GROUPS

It's hard to believe that Lent will be here on March 5th. Listed are some opportunities to deepen our faith experience as we journey to Easter. Lent is a time to scrutinize and improve our relationship with God. Toward this end, as we journey through Lent toward our Easter celebration, I would like to invite you to participate in a small faith-sharing group.

We will be using as a guide a publication called Crossroads to Easterlife. This publication is based on the Sunday Gospel passages for this Lenten season. In order to have enough booklets available, please contact me if you think you might want to participate. I'm planning a short introductory meeting on Tuesday, March 4th, at 7:00 p.m. in Mary's chapel in the Church. Regular meetings will be on Tuesday nights during Lent from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Please call if you have any questions or comments.

I can be reached at deaconduffey@saintroberts.org or by calling the rectory at (650) 589-2800.

OTHER LENTEN OPPORTUNITIES

The School of Pastoral Leadership is offering classes for 6 weeks at $50.

At Mercy High School in San Francisco on Thursday nights beginning March 6:
"Life in Christ: A Study of Catholic Moral Teaching"
"Becoming a Young-Adult-Responsive Church"
"Models of the Church and Lay Pastoral Leadership"

Junipero Serra High School in San Mateo on Tuesday nights beginning March 4:
"Life in Christ: A Study of Catholic Moral Teaching"
"The Passion Narratives: A Biblical Preparation for the Easter Triduum"

See Deacon Duffey for registration information or call Joni Gallagher (415) 614-5564, or www.splsf.org.

DAY OF PRAYER

Mercy Center, Burlingame, (650) 340-7474 or www.mercy-center.org

Praying with John of the Cross, March 1st or April 12th.

Men's Spirituality; Debating Priorities...The Juggling Act, March 8th Centering Prayer: Introductory Workshop, March 9th

MERCY CENTER, BURLINGAME
(650) 340-7474 or www.mercy-center.org

Centering Prayer Weekend - March 7-9

Busy Person's Retreat for Young Adults Ages 18-40 - March 23-27

Meditation Intensive Weekend - April 4-6

Centering Prayer Triduum Retreat - April 17-20

EL RETIRO, LOS ALTOS
(650) 948-4491

"This Special Time of Our Lives"
Silent Lenten Retreat for Women
given by Fr. Thomas Weston, S.J. - March 14-16

ST. CATHERINE'S 20s-40s ADULT COMMUNITY EVENTS

Are you in your 20's, early 40's, single, married, or single again and looking for community? Join us! Let us know if childcare is needed. Questions? Contact Elaine Yastishock, coordinator, at (650) 344-6884 evasta@juno.com.

Christian Meditation, Monday nights (except holidays or as listed): 7-7:45 p.m., meditation room (door to the right as you go through the main church entrance). Call Alan Leclerc at 344-6161 for more information.

Men's Morning Prayer Group, Friday mornings 6:30-7:15 a.m. meditation room (door to the right as you go through the main church entrance). Call Dennis Colbert 867-1983 for more information.

March 4: Mardi Gras Happy Hour/Dinner. 7:00 p.m. at For more information call Soon-Young Namgoong at 344-8477.

March 6th: Lenten Gathering, 7:30-9p.m. 6 week Lenten series. For more information call 743-0935.

March 8th: Hike! 9:30 a.m.-meet ing front of St. Catherine of Siena Church. Suggestions/questions? Contact Elaine at 342-5383.

March 15th: Single Parents' Family Pizza Patry. 6:00 p.m. Contact Toni Friscia at 548-5112 for details.

March 16th: 10:30 a.m. Gospel Mass at St. Paul of the Shipwreck Church + Lunch. Contact Elaine at 342-5383 for more information.

March 18th: April/May Event Planning. Contact Elaine & Richard at 342-5383.

March 23rd: Mad Hatter's Tea Party. 2-5 p.m. Call Laura at 401-7140 for more information.

March 26th: A Gathering for "40-Somethings". 7:00 p.m. Call Michele Dee 343-7651 for more information.

March 29th: Roping Fundamentals 101 w/BBQ & dance. 2-8p.m. Call Dennis Richarson, at 571-0214 or 740-1719.

AIDS LUNCH
March 12th

We are scheduled for the 2nd Wednesday of each month. If you can prepare a favorite cookie, snack or lunch items for 10 to 12 people, please drop it off at the Children's Chapel, in the back of Church, by 9:00 am on March 12th. Please pack the items in a non-returnable container. Frozen items can be donated.

We appreciate all your help.

We welcome you into our Parish!

Dominic & Anel Antonelli & Family
Clark & Sharon Wofford
Brian & Rose Barba & Family
Melinda Petiti & Family
Carl & Donelle D'Emilio & Family
Robert Kimberly McKeever & Family

If you're new to St. Robert's, we ask that you complete a registration form (found in the vestibule of the church). Drop it either in the collection basket, the mail, or at the parish office. We will send you a New Parishioner Packet with information about the parish, its organizations and groups.

PASSION PLAY NEWS

ATTENTION: YOUTH of the Parish:

Auditions for the annual St. Robert's Passion Play, to be performed on Good Friday, will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the church TONIGHT, Sunday, March 2nd. Auditions are open to the youth of the parish from 7th grade up. Please call Ben Baldonado or Bob Baker with any questions.

SOCIABLES

Our spring get-together will be held on March 9th at Dominic's at Poplar Creek. The address is: 1700 Coyote Pt. Dr., San Mateo. Please call Bunny Moniz for reservations.

DINNER DANCE

St. Roberts Women's Guild
presents 2003 Dinner ~ Dance

Through the Years

April 12th
San Francisco Airport Marriott
1800 Old Bayshore, Burligame

The night begins with a no host bar and includes a Three Course Dinner ~ 8th grade Entertainment ~ Silent Auction ~ Live Children's Art Auction ~ Raffle Prizes ~ Dancing until 1:00 a.m.

Ticket prices are $75 per person
Seniors $65 per person

Tickets available at the next Women's Guild meeting, March 10th