(Lk 1:38)

Today we begin the month of May, a month especially dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and we strive to imitate her virtues and her love for her Son, Jesus. Mary was willing to do whatever God the Father asked of her. And because of this utter reliance on God and willingness to serve, she brought Jesus into the world. Mary’s fiat had a long lasting impact on Salvation History.

Over sixty years ago in a convent in Ireland, Sister Ita Cleary said her “Fiat” when she professed her vows of poverty, chastity and obedience to God as a Presentation Sister. Ever since God has lead her in spreading the Good News to the people of Ireland and Northern California.

Sixty years ago she never had ever heard of San Bruno but by leaving herself open to the Lord’s call, about thirty five years ago He pointed out St. Robert’s to her as the parish where He wanted her to minister and spread His love and Gospel. During the past three and a half decades she has worked with children, parents, the elderly, the sick and dying. She loves working with people of all ages.

As we celebrate Sister Ita’s Diamond Jubilee and congratulate her on sixty years of faithful service, let us pray earnestly for vocations to the priesthood and the religious life. Asking God and His Blessed Mother to send many young and dedicated people into His Vineyard; young people who are willing to say “Fiat” as sincerely as Sister Ita said over sixty years ago.

As a spiritual gift to your mother, you will find cards in the vestibule of the Church to have her remembered in the Holy Sacrament of the Mass offered at St. Robert’s in observance of Mother’s Day, May 8th

MERCY CENTER
2300 Adeline Drive, Burlingame, CA 94010
650-340-7474

June 3rd-June 5th
A Renewal for Busy People
Father DeMello

May 7th, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Mary , Model of Contemplation
Suzanne Young

June 3rd-5th
Living the Beatitudes Today
Toinette Eugene, PhD.

June 17th-19th
Eucharist and Healing
A silent retreat for men and women
Father Richard Bain

May 6th, 10 a.m. –2 p.m.
A Mother’s Heart
A Retreat Day for Mothers
Denise Roy, LMFT, M. Div.

May 12th, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Women’s Spirituality
So little time, so many distractions
Kathy Miranda, MA

May 29thm, 1-5 p.m.
Day of Dialogue
Richard Purcell, OFM

This is the Year of the Eucharist, proclaimed by Pope John Paul II. At St. Robert’s Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament takes place on Saturday, May 7th, and on each First Saturday of every month, following the 8:30 a.m. Mass until Benediction at 10 a.m. Jesus invites us to spend time with Him in silent prayer. He has said to each of us:

Even though Pentecost is two weeks away, the readings include mention of the Spirit. It is fascinating that we still celebrate the coming of the Spirit in confirmation with prayer and the laying on of hands, as the reading from Acts indicates. And notice that they are Samaritans, the same outcast community to which the woman at the well belongs. They must have been very open to Philip since he was also able to work many miracles (they called them “signs” then).

The reading from Peter’s first letter speaks of Jesus “put to death in the flesh, he was brought to life in the Spirit.” He has gone ahead of us who will also be brought to life in the Spirit. This is especially consoling to me as I go to Roseville to be with my Mom as she journeys through death to fullness of life in the Spirit. She’s been in the emergency room four times in two weeks, with a urinary tract infection, a slight stroke, degenerative spine disease and not eating or drinking much. Thanks be to God, she is able to go back to the Alzheimer’s facility on hospice where people love her and she loves them. My sister and niece from Montana are coming tomorrow and perhaps, seeing them, she will give herself permission to go. It may be a week or two before her body gives out, but I know she is on her way to see my Dad and her other relatives who’ve “gone before us marked with the sign of faith” as we hear in the Eucharistic prayer.

Join St. Robert’s TIPPS at Happy Hollow Park and Zoo!!
(located just off Hwy 280 in San Jose)
Http://www.hhpz.org

Saturday, May 21, 2005
(rescheduled from April 23rd due to rain)

Happy Hollow has lots of activities for young children and toddlers. The Pirate’s Cove picnic area is reserved from 10am to 1pm. Bring a picnic lunch or enjoy the snack bar. Our group rate is $5 per adult and child over 2. Free for children under 2. Parking is $6. For those wishing to leave together, we will meet in St. Robert’s school parking lot at 9:30 am.

Please contact Andrew or Ana Kimoto or email  ajkimoto@sanbrunocable.com for reservations and directions.