St. Robert's Catholic Church Bulletin, January 18, 2004

St. Robert's Catholic Church

1380 Crystal Springs Road, San Bruno, CA 94066

Tel: (650) 589-2800

PARISH BULLETIN
January 18, 2004
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dear Parish Family,

The Christmas season is over, and things are back to normal. In the language of the Church, normal is called Ordinary Time. It is now the beginning of a new year and perhaps a good time to focus on the areas in our spiritual life that need attention. We gain wisdom by reflecting at the places in our hearts where we have traveled this past year: where did the journey take us, what were the blessings, the appreciation that enriched us - while also attending to situations that challenged and tested us and perhaps left us discouraged.

Today's gospel story, according to John, focuses on the first of Jesus' miracles. At the wedding feast in Cana he changed water into wine. This event pointed to what would continue to happen throughout his public life and ministry. The changing of water into wine is symbolic of what He was about.

In Jesus' first miracle,Mary, His mother, played an important role in this event. She was the one who noticed that the wine had run out and asked Jesus to help.

His response is key; "Mother, my time has not yet come; you must not tell me what to do".

Mary then said to the waitress "Do whatever Jesus tells you to do."

As we reflect on this gospel story, let us count on God's power and goodness to help us in our need to change the things in our lives that need to be changed.

Sister Mary

Monday - January 19 PARISH OFFICE CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. BIRTHDAY Readings: 1 Sm 15:16-23 Mk 2:18-22
Mass Intention	8:30	Theodore Gossler †
Grownups	7:30p	Library
Tuesday - January 20 Readings: 1 Sm 16:1-13 Mk 2:23-28
Mass Intention	6:30 8:30	Anthony Cassetta † Patricia Rael †
Legion of Mary Religious Education Choir Practice Teens	6:30p 3:30p 7:00p 8:00p	Library Hall/Church Church Hall
Wednesday - January 21 Readings: 1 Sm 17:32-33 Mk 3:1-6
Mass Intention	6:30 8:30	Laverne Lorenzen † Patrick Teahan, Jr. †
8th Gr. Cheerleaders Religious Education Choir Practice Bible Study	3:00p 6:30p 7:00p 7:30p	Hall 6th Gr. Classroom Church Convent Chapel
Thursday - January 22 Readings: 1 Sm 18:6-9 Mk 3:7-12
Mass Intention	6:30 8:30	Paul Forbush † Manuel Falzon †
Religious Education RCIA School Board Mtg.	3:30p 7:00p 7:30p	Hall/Church Convent Chapel Mahoney Room
Friday - January 23 Readings: 1 Sm 24:3-21 Mk 3:13-19
Mass Intention	6:30 8:30	Oscar Moniri † Special Intention
8th Grade Cheerleaders InBetweener's Set-up	3:00p 6:00p	Hall Hall
Saturday - January 24 Readings: 2 Sm 1:1-4 Mk 3:30-21
Mass Intention	8:30 4:30	Frank Wait † Attilio Aste †
InBetweener's Crab Feed Confirmation Retreat	6:00p All Day	Hall Offsite
Sunday - January 25 Readings: Neh 8:2-4a 1 Cor 12:12-30 Lk 1:1-4
Mass Intention	7:30 9:30 11:30 5:00	Bernardo Mocelin † Carmela Dellegrazie † John Collins † People of St. Robert's
Fil/Am Choir Practice	10:00a	Hall

COMPUTER CLASS FOR ADULTS
Saturday, January 24th in the Presentation Center
9:00am to 10:30am

Do you have a computer that is collecting dust or waiting for the grand kids to come over and play solitaire? Are you nervous about using a computer because you think you won't be able figure it out? Have you not invested IN a computer because you've gotten along thus far without one? Although you most certainly CAN survive in this age of digital photography and automated checkouts without every touching a keyboard, you may not want to, once you learn a bit about them.

This is an opportunity to learn some very basic computer skills in a no pressure atmosphere. If you want to learn how a computer might benefit you, then come and use ours. We finished our first round and I think the class and I both learned a few things. I had a very pleasant experience with all of you and I'm looking forward to another class.

This time we will split the 90 minute class into two 45 minute time slots. The first 45 minutes we will hit the brakes and concentrate on the computer basics themselves. This will include things such as power on (boot-up) working with the mouse (double clicks and pointers) processing through to the start menu and installed programs.

The second half of the classes will be dedicated to a bit more advanced beginner topics. These will include things like browser basics, working with MSExcel (spreadsheets and charts) and MSWord (Letters, cards, etc.) and e-mail. (This time I will set up the email accounts for you in advance so we can skip the registration process and jump into the actual sending and receiving of mail, pictures, etc.)

I look forward to seeing you again, or for the first time.

Patrick McHale

YOUTH GROUP

The month of January is Marianist Heritage month. This is the month we honor Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, founder of the Society of Mary (the Marianist). Being a graduate of two Marianist schools, Archbishop Riordan and Chaminade University of Honolulu, Juan would like to invite all Teens to a Pizza Social in the Teen Room on Tuesday, January 20th, from 8-9 p.m.

ST. ROBERTS' ANNUAL CRAB DINNER
AND DANCING EXTRAVAGANZA
February 7th, 6:30pm to Midnight

(no host cocktails)

In Hennessy Hall. Cost is $37.50 per person $75.00 per couple. **Reservations a must!** Call Dan Uroz.

CONSOLATION MINISTRY
(Grief Support Group)

St. Robert's Consolation Ministry Committee meets on the First Wednesday of every month in Mary's Chapel, immediately after the 8:30 a.m Mass (9-10 a.m.). All are welcome.

Beginning this month we will host a Grief Support Group and plan to do so on the 4th Saturday of every month at 3:00 p.m. (before the 4:30 Mass) in the Convent Chapel. January 24th (3:00-4:15) will be specifically for Widows especially those women who recently lost a spouse and are now struggling with the issues related to "widowhood" and loneliness.

February 28th we will meet with the Parents who are trying to cope with the loss of a child.

March 27th we will meet with the Widowers and work with them in their sorrow and bereavement. We hope to make this a monthly Ministry. We ask you to pray for its success.

For more information call Sister Patricia 589-0104.

SAINT ROBERT CHURCH LIBRARY
VOLUNTEERS URGENTLY NEEDED

So that we may make Spiritual reading available to our parishioners during the Season of Lent we are seeking some eager volunteers. First to form a "Saint Robert's Church Library Club" and then to process and prepare the books in the Reconciliation Room. No previous Library skills needed. For more info...please call Sister Patricia 589-0104.

"CARNEVALE - A NIGHT IN VENICE"
March 6th Women's Guild Dinner/Dance

` The silent auction committee for the 2004 Dinner/Dance is in need of auction items. If you can donate gift certificates, a business service, cabin rentals, etc.; these are just examples of items we can use. Donations are needed by February 23rd. Please call Anna Carroll at (415) 973-2876

ST. ROBERT'S READERS

Fr. Andrew Greeley has called "The DaVinci Code" by Dan Brown "fast-paced, intricately plotted and skillfully written." He has also called it "filled with historical inaccuracies." This conundrum awaits us as we read our February selection. This book has been wildly controversial and I have many non-Catholics approach me to ask "Is this true?" What better way to discern the fact from the fiction than to read it and discuss it as our next book. The library has lots of copies. There is a waiting list, but you should be able to get a copy in two weeks. Also, maybe some people already own the book and we can share. So read it with a critical mind and a warm heart. We will meet Tuesday night, February 17th at 7:00 p.m. in the Convent Chapel .

As a Parish Community, We Pray...for unity among all Christian Churches...May the Holy Spirit heal factions that divide Christ's body. May we all be one.

WE CONGRATULATE THE NEWLY BAPTIZED

Ethan Daniel Javier,
Christopher Ryan Stratos &
Ysabel Teresa DerTorossian

SICK RELATIVES AND FRIENDS

We pray for the ill: Sharon Aiello, Marilyn Arancibia, Gabrielle Ausiello, Brady Avery, Robert Bacci, Genaro Badiable, Lito Badiable, Marcia Bourne, Ann Burns, Maricris Candelaria, Arthur Candia, Josie Clarke, Nan Connolly, Ana Cosgaya, Walton & June Dickhoff, William & Sandra Dill, Carl Edwards, Joyce Flax, Adela Florez, Henry Fosson, Jesse Grube, Denise Hawald, Dominique Hauscarriague,Jr, Sue Humphrey, Viko Ivancich, Joanne Johnson, Koret Koelman, Muriel Krause, Sisilia Langi, Shirley Latham, Josephine Lavoie, Austin Lehman, Marky, Michael Martinez, Kathryn McCann, Daniel McHale, Rosemary McHale, Terry McLeod, James Morrisey, Aurelia C. Munar, Thomas O'Brien, Lara Pinten, Jason Pimentel, James Piazza, Bill Reilly, Mary Shick, Pauline Speranza, Ron Stern, Justo Tan, Joan Thomsen, Mafi Tukumoatu, Gene VanSlett, Don Vickery, Diana Walter, Jennifer Westbrook & Frank Wright.

Our sincere sympathy to the families of
Byron Montross,
Gina Avanzino and
Rose Marie Russo
who died recently.

OUT OF HARM'S WAY
Teaching Kids to be Safe and Strong

St. Roberts in cooperation with the Archdiocese of San Francisco will be offering a two-hour seminar to help parents and guardians of children ages 4-14 work with their children to help ensure a safer environment for them.

Parents and guardians are invited to a sexual abuse prevention and education program customized by the KidWISE Institute for Catholic Parishes. The first component of the program is Out of Harm's Way, a facilitator-led, video-based workshop for parents. Scheduled dates are January 31st, February 5th and March 22nd. You need only attend one session. Please mark your calendars.

Letters and registration forms were sent home with the Religious Education and school students. If you did not receive one or if your children are not enrolled in these programs, please contact the parish office and information will be sent to you.

by Sister Sheral

The Extraordinary in the Ordinary

Last Sunday, the Baptism of the Lord, was the transition between the Christmas season and Ordinary Time. It's always good to remind ourselves that ordinary comes from the same Latin word as "ordinal" numbers, meaning "counted." We'll be counting the weeks til the next major liturgical season which is Len/Easter , completed on Pentecost. So, we have six weeks until Lent begins!

During Advent, we reflected on Jesus' second coming and his coming as a child, the Word-made-flesh. The weeks of Christmas invited us to soak in the mystery - the Son of God now one like us in all things but sin. What shall we do with those six weeks? We hear some wonderful readings during this time: sections of Paul's first letter to the Corinthians with its well-known passages about ourselves as the body of Christ and our challenge to truly love one another. We'll also be hearing Luke's gospel with its emphasis on the Spirit; the antagonism Jesus faces from his own townspeople; the calling of the first disciples; and finally, a piece of the Sermon on the Mount.

Could we try to hear these readings with new ears and hearts? What if we try to continue to live the spirit of Christmas: the awareness of the poor and our generous response to their needs [which, of course, persist through January and February]. Many of us tried to stay centered on the heart of the season instead of its commercialism. Could we re-evaluate how we spend our money? Do we have the courage to think through the difference between what we want and what we actually need? Now that the absolutely crazy pace of those weeks has passed, could we consider one small change in our lives which might help us live more humanly? Surely, some of the increase in life-threatening illness must be due to the stress we let ourselves get used to! Let us pray for each other that we may let the Spirit speak to us during these "ordinary" weeks ahead. And may small, extraordinary growth happen in us.

The Week of Christian Unity

Beginning this weekend, the whole Catholic Church and many other faith traditions pray for the unity Jesus prayed for, "that all may be one." In addition to praying, we might ask ourselves how much we know of someone else's religious beliefs. Do we know the differences between our beliefs as Catholics and those of other Christians? Do we have any idea how Buddhists or Muslims or Hindus see the world and their place in it? If we're fortunate enough to have friends, family members or co- workers who are part of these other spiritual paths, this week might be a good time to ask them.

ARCHDIOCESAN CONFIRMATION CLASSES FOR ADULTS

Those adults, over 18 years old, who have already been Baptized and have received First Communion and who desire to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation please contact Deacon Duffey. There are several class sessions to chose from with the first beginning on January 24th. Upon completion of the classes, with the fulfillment of all the requirements, the Sacrament will be celebrated on Pentecost Sunday, May 30th, at St. Mary's Cathedral in San Francisco by Archbishop William Levada.

INTERFAITH COMMITTEE FOR LIFE
PRAYER SERVICE FOR UNBORN
Friday, January 23rd
at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
999 Brotherhood Way, San Francisco

The interfaith Memorial Service for the Victims of Abortion. This ecumenical evening observes that preserving life is the Challenge of this millennium. Its theme is "The Truth Will Set You Free". For more information call the Respect Life Commission of the Archdiocese at (415) 614-5572.

VOCATION DISCERNMENT DAY FOR YOUNG WOMEN

February 7th from 9:00am to 4:00pm at Nazareth House, 245 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael. Contact Sr. Rose at (415) 479-8282.

CELEBRATE YOUR ANNIVERSARY
WORLD MARRIAGE SUNDAY

There will be an Archdiocesan Anniversary Mass on Saturday, February 21st at 12 Noon at St. Mary's Cathedral. It doesn't matter how many years. Please come and celebrate together . Contact the Parish Office for a registration form or call the Family Life Office (415) 614-5680.

VELLA-DANKWERTH CULTURAL SCHOLARSHIP

The Maltese Cross Foundation is proud to announce its ninth annual Vella-Dankwerth Cultural Scholarship for students of Maltese descent in the San Francisco Bay Area. High school seniors, college freshmen, sophomores, and juniors are eligible to apply. Completed applications are due by March 22, 2004. For more information please Jennifer Dankwerth- Stunk (650) 272-1356.

FAITH

Recently parents, sponsors and other adults were asked to speak to the Confirmation class (10th graders) about their faith. One parent wrote the following testimony:

HOW MY FAITH HAS IMPACTED MY LIFE

There have been times in my life that were filled with great Joy and Happiness, Witnessing the birth of my children moved me spiritually and emotionally, rekindling My Faith.

And My Faith called me back to my Faith based community from which I had wandered. And they welcomed me.

And My Faith became an avenue of Happiness and Joy.

And My Faith became a conduit of Thanks and Praise.

And my Faith based community shared my Happiness and celebrated my Joy!

There have also been times in my life that were filled with Sorrow, and Despair, and great emotional pain. Times that make you ask the questions: Why?... Why me? Why here? and Why now? Questions to which there are no answers.

And My Faith gave me the strength to carry on, as I needed to do.

And My Faith gave me Hope in knowing that there was a light at the end of the tunnel through which I had to journey.

And my Faith based community shared my Sorrow and comforted me in my Grief, easing my burden. And with time and Grace, My Faith helped me to Heal and move on.

These are some of the ways in which My Faith has impacted My Life. And with Life being what it is, this is why I truly believe that Faith is a necessary part of Living.

Thank you for your generous donation of
$2,643.38
to our School, CCD and Confirmation Programs.