This weekend is our second in a series of four weekends to enhance the lives of each one of us by ensuring that we are aware of the many services, activities and ministries of the parish. Last weekend our ministry faire introduced us to what we do in our parish. People were encouraged to learn more about our organizations and ministries. This weekend our focus is on cultivating God’s gifts responsibly. Where do I fit in? What are my gifts and talents? Where can my gifts and talents best be put to use to build God’s family?

The pamphlet in today’s bulletin helps us identify the gifts God has bestowed on us. In the process of discernment, the Holy Spirit guides us to a deeper understanding of God’s call in our lives. God gives us the necessary tools to live our calling. This combination of gifts is unique to each person. Take some time this week to prayerfully reflect on our gifts. There are some questions in the pamphlet to assist us.

A Stewardship Statement

I accept my life, my talents and resources as gifts from God.
I will use and develop these gifts for God’s purpose.
In doing so, I participate in Christ’s mission to the world.
I accept all persons as equals, worthy of dignity and respect.
I will give others the opportunity to develop their own talents.
I will encourage all persons to use their resources for God’s purposes.
I accept my family as a responsibility and trust from God.
I will encourage all family members to develop their full potential.
I accept my power and influence as a trust to be used to help others.
I will seek to prevent the exploitation of any person by others.
I accept the natural resources of this world as a trust from God.
I will become involved and bring Christian values to social issues.
I expect the Church to animate me to a Christ-centered life.

During these four weeks of reflection each of us will be given an opportunity to re-evaluate our existing commitment to the parish in hopes that people will contribute more of their time, talent, personality, creativity, spirituality and treasure.

“As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” (1 Peter 4:10)

Come and Enjoy a trip sponsored by the Fil/Am group. A scenic drive to RENO and CARSON CITY November 12th -13th. For more information call Adelaida Gallagher or Rose Benavente.

Bishops Endorsement

Our food supply shed is getting bare!

Items needed to replenish our food supply are :spaghetti and sauce, canned vegetables, etc, etc, etc. Items may be taken to the rectory on weekdays or left in the vestibule of church before Mass on the weekends.

MERCY CENTER
2300 Adeline Drive, Burlingame, Ca 94010
(650) 340-7474

Refreshments will be served in the Oak Room

Join us in our spacious new bookstore, preview our wonderful selection of holiday gifts, and celebrate the completion of 2 new offerings:

—”Sacred is the Call: Formation and Transformation in Spiritual Direction Programs” edited by Suzanne Buckely with chapters by Mary Ann Scofield, RSM, Janice Farrell, Don Bisson, Jim Neafsey and many others familiar to Mercy Center guests

—”The Life of Jesus: A Meditation in Sound” a new CD by Suzanne Toolan, RSM, to be released in December.

Dreams Where We all Meet: Waking Up to our Global Connectedness
November 20th 1-4 p.m.
Jeremy Taylor, D. Min.

Compassion, The Heart of Ministry
January 8th 10-4
Don Bisson, FMS

As a Parish Community

November is traditionally the month set aside by our church to commemorate and celebrate the memories of our departed loved ones. This year we will have a special Mass on the feast of All Souls, Wednesday, November 2nd. All are invited to this liturgy. The names of those buried from St. Robert’s and relatives of parishioners buried from other churches will be read aloud by members of the Consolation Ministry and a special candle will be lit and places on the altar in their memory.

We will have a special shrine erected in Our Lady’s alcove (in the church) with their names inscribed in a Memorial Book. Please, bring pictures, memorial cards or flowers to place in this shrine all during November. We will also post their names around the walls of the church, so that the faithful will be reminded of our departed loved ones each time they enter the church.

We are asking a special favor from you, the parishioners. We have recorded all those buried from Saint Robert’s but would like to remember all of your departed loved ones that are buried/cremated from any other church or Funeral Home during the past year. Information needs to be received to us no later than October 26th. Please either call the rectory at 589-2800 or Sister Patricia at 589-0104 with the name of your loved one along with the date of their burial.

We raised over $9,000 through our Adopt-A-Parish envelopes and will be sending it down as gift certificates for local stores to the families of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Long Beach, Mississippi and St. John the Evangelist Parish in nearby Gulfport.

We will try to remember them at Christmas time as well so make sure to watch for notes in the bulletin and on the web-site.

I Love You
I spent four days last week in Detroit with one of our sisters whose Mom had just died. She had moved to Detroit to be with her after her father’s death and kept in touch with us through e-mails, phone calls and coming for all our province gatherings. Maureen and her brothers and sisters had been taking shifts, sleeping by her Mom’s bedside, and were all exhausted. When I arrived, Maureen and I began the process of choosing readings and songs for the vigil and the funeral Mass. I thanked my folks (in heaven) repeatedly for encouraging me to take typing in high school as I hurriedly prepared the readings and booklets for the services.

As Maureen’s friends called to express their condolences, I was struck by the way she ended every conversation, with “I love you.” I asked myself, why we are so slow to utter those words? I, at least, hesitate before saying them. No doubt, most of us are blessed with many loving relationships. Are we afraid to express our feelings, to be that vulnerable? Are we fearful that once we’ve said that, the other person might make demands of us? When tragedy strikes, we often become more aware of the value of our relationships and more readily tell those we love what they mean to us. Jesus’ expression of the two great commandments which we heard proclaimed last weekend is a great reminder. How long has it been since I told those dearest to me that I love them? We can protest, “Oh, they know I love them!” But don’t our faces light up when we say those words? And even more so when we hear them. Peace, S. Sheral

Getting to Know the Word of God
We have two opportunities in this parish to understand the scriptures better. Sr. Ita leads a Wednesday evening bible study in the convent chapel from 7:30 to 9 pm each Wednesday. The group has just begun their study of the Letter to the Hebrews this week and you are welcome to join them. Please call Sr. Ita at 583-2544 if you’re interested. Sr. Sheral leads a Tuesday morning scripture sharing group from 9:15 to 10:30 am in Mary’s Chapel. This group reflects on the readings for the coming Sunday and shares their meaning for their everyday lives. Please call S. Sheral at 589-2800

Last Chance!
If you’d like to come on the Women’s Retreat, you need to sign up or let me know by this Tuesday. It will be at Mercy Center, Saturday, Nov. 12 th from 8:30 am til 3 pm. and our theme is finding God in everyday lives.