July 31, 2016 - St. Michael Catholic Church

July 31, 2016 - St. Michael Catholic Church

St. Michael’s Catholic Church
July 31, 2016
5882 North Ashley Lane
Stockton, CA 95215
(209) 931-0639 or (209) 931-6536
Fax: (209) 931-3621
Website: www.stmichaelpar ish.net
E-mail: [email protected]
Office Hours:
Monday 9-2pm
T-F, 8:30-12:00&1:00-4:00pm
Other times by appointment only
1130 North El Dorado
(209) 941-0968
www.xavier-college.com
President: Steve Reding (559) 275-4977 X-3014
www.careding.com
CATHOLIC IS TO BE
PRO-LIFE!
Tom & Carol Bielejeski
PRAY TO END
ABORTION
Schedule of Masses
Saturday
Sunday
Sunday
English
Spanish
Weekdays
Holy Hour
Mass
7:15am&5:15pm
7:30am&10:30am
2:00pm Spanish
Holy Days
7:15am, 6:00pm
7:30pm
7:15am
First Friday
4:00 pm
7:15am, 5:00 pm
Pastor
Veneration of the Relic of St. Faustina:
Msgr. Agustin Gialogo
The 3rd Thursday of each month
In Residence
at 3pm in the church
Msgr. Richard J. Ryan, J.C.D.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament:
Deacon
Perpetual Adoration Chapel
Allen Moznett
209 365-1711
(Enter from Vestibule of the Church)
For Adoration hours Please Call:
[email protected]
Roberta
931-3104 or Jan 956-2861
Deacon/Business Manager
Edward Formosa 209 401-8378
The following hours are available for
[email protected]
permanent coverage.
All hours are currently covered.
Parish Secretary
Please check the substitute sheets in the
Diane McSorley 209 931-0639
vestibule.
[email protected]
Sacraments
Director of Religious Education
Confession: Saturday-4:00-5:00pm
Sr. Angelamaria De Leo, msc
Baptism: 1st & 3rd Saturday 11:00am English
209 931-2696
Baptism:
2nd & 4th Saturday 11:00am Spanish
[email protected]
Marriage: 6 months advance notice
Director of Adult Faith Formation
& Pre-marriage preparation required
Offers 11-month
Vocational Nursing
Program approved
by BVNPT.
BPPE approved, ABHES
accredited school
TO BE
164th Edition
Roz Rine
209 931-0639
[email protected]
Director of RCIA
Elena Molina
209 931-5390
[email protected]
Youth Director
Michelle Harrison 916 335-5641
[email protected]
Bulletin /Bookkeeping
Patti Saldaña
209 931-3128
[email protected]
Classes begin in
September,
registration
information
available soon!
ST. MICHAEL’S MISSION STATEMENT
St. Michael’s Parish is a Catholic faith community deeply rooted in the Holy
Eucharist. Through our faith and worship, we honor the Lord’s commandment to love Him and one another, to proclaim the Gospel and bring about a
fair and just world for all people.
Please pray for
all the people
with our young
adult group who
are in Poland
for World
Youth Day.
In Loving
Memory of
SPIRITUAL ADOPTION PROGRAM:
And enjoy the
pictures they’ve
sent.
WYD
2016
Remember your spiritually adopted unborn baby whose mother is considering
abortion, and pledge to pray for him or
her every day that the mother will choose
life for her child.
The prayer is, “Jesus,
Mary, and Joseph I love you very
much. I beg of you to spare the life of
the unborn baby that I have spiritually adopted who is in danger of abor-
9th Annual Courtyard Market
by the Divine Mercy
Apostolate
Today, July 31, 2016
After all masses
The Divine Mercy is presenting the
Annual Courtyard Market featuring
International foods, baked goods and
various other items.
All sales of the handmade Rosaries support the future
project to house the First-Class Relic of St Faustina.
Please plan on stopping by Rose Liel Hall after mass to
grab a bite to eat and maybe browse through
our Rosary selection on July 31st after all the
Sunday Masses.
Thank you
Lost Rosary!
One of our parishioners lost their First Communion Rosary
that he has had for more than 80 years. He absentmindedly
put it in the rosary basket in the Adoration Chapel. Please
help us return it to him. It has brownish colored beads, the
cross is metal with ebony black wood on the inside of the
cross. Please call 931-4255 if you have found it.
Uno de nuestros parroquianos perdido su primera comunión
Rosario que ha tenido durante más de 80 años. Él distraídamente puso en la canasta rosario en la Capilla de Adoración.
Por favor ayúdenos a que volvemos a él. Cuenta con cuentas
de colores de color marrón, la cruz es de metal con madera
de ébano negro en el interior de la cruz. Por favor, llame al
931-4255 si usted ha encontrado. O entregarlo en la oficina.
Rose Liel Hall & Kitchen
It is time to clean and update the kitchen!
This year St. Michael’s Knights of Columbus and Ladies’
Guild have teamed together to make
this project happen! They are asking
all St. Michael’s church ministries
and parishioners to help by giving of your time,
a money donation, or by supporting all of the
fundraisers to get this project off the ground and done. Send
donations to: St. Michael’s Knights of Columbus, 5882 N.
Ashley Lane, Stockton, CA 95215
UPDATE: So far , we have collected
almost $13,000!!! But more is needed!
We currently have an architect drawing
up plans.
Bruno & Frances
Malucchi
Joke of the Day!
A Rabbi said to a precocious six-year-old boy,
“So your mother says your
prayers for you each
night? That’s very commendable. What does she
say?”
The boy replied, “Thank
God he’s in bed!”
BellaLise School of Dance
Is Taking Registration
for the 2015-2016
dance year.
Offering:
Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop
And Adult Fitness
for children 2-18 years old.
$50 monthly tuition
(family discount)
$25 registration fee
Studio Location:
18827 East Highway 26
Linden, CA 95236
Please contact us for
registration information
and class schedule
(209) 845-8246 or
[email protected]
See you in class!
Trivia Answer: B. Pope John Paul II
Attention Parents: I am in Italy visiting my family
after 3 years. I will be available for the registrations from
August 9th to August 23rd fr om 9am to 11:30am and
from 2:00pm to 4:30pm by appointment. The weekend of
August 20th and 21st I will be available for r egistr ation after all Masses. Many blessings, Sister Angela
In Loving Memory of
Maria Luz Tirado
Canchola
In Loving Memory of
Joseph
Turbetti
In Celebration of
the lives of
Jose Galvez
Edita & Quintin Abellera
& Carlo Abellera
In Loving
Memory of
Kaho Tesimoni
&
Tevita H. Hafoka
In Loving Memory of
Sialofi Fahina
&
Siu Lolovao Manu
In Loving Memory of
Herbert A. &
Mable H. Merritt
& Dawn Landeen
In Loving Memory
of
Steve Montion,
Jr.
Today, there is a Fifth Sunday collection on July 31st for the Social
Justice Fund. This fund helps our parishioners through difficult
times by providing assistance to them.
CALLING ALL THE LADIES:
St Michael’s Ladies Guild needs reinforcements. Membership fee is only $10 per year. Monthly luncheon meetings
are held every 2nd Wednesday from Sept. thru May. You
do not have to be present at the meetings as you can work
from home to help with
 Crafts for Christmas Boutique sales
 Baking items for sales events
 Work for Bingo nights in Rose Liel Hall
 Joint burrito sales with the Knights of Columbus once a
month after certain Masses or, working with Helping
Hands after funeral receptions and such.
HELP US, HELP THE ST. MICHAEL’S COMMUNITY.
Please call Gail at 209-931-4144, or Jeanne Zapara 9316860 to join. Or stop by the office to sign up.
Our main goal this year, working with the Knights of Columbus, is to raise money to remodel the kitchen in Rose
Liel Hall.
Mafi Concrete Design
"ALL TYPE OF CONCRETE"







Stamp with color
Patio
Slap
Driveway etc.
Flack Stone Wall
Block Wall etc.
All Type of wood fence
Contractor State License #752320
Robert Cell: (209) 475-2560
Free Estimates
Year of Mercy Excerpts from the Diary of St. Faustina
· Income tax preparation
· All states
· Audit representation
· Audit Protection Plus
· Bookkeeping/Payroll
· Immigration consulting
· Consulta de inmigración
16 W Elm St
Lodi,CA 95240
209 224-5410
http://saldanacompany.com
There will be no
Youth Group
meeting on July
23rd or July 30th
due to Youth Group Director being out of
town. We will see you all August 2nd. God
Bless.
Michelle Harrison
916-335-5641 or [email protected]
Schedules for next weekend, August 6-7
Lectors
5:15PM
7:30AM
10:30AM
2:00PM
Elena Molina, Jess Molina
Robert Hermann, Esperanza Scurini
Adam Torres, Raphel-Marie Sinco
Lili Martínez, Roberto Valencia
Eucharistic Ministers
5:15PM
7:30AM
10:30AM
2:00PM
Deacon Ed, P. Simon, A.Pelligrini
K. Norman, L. Scurini, D. Galvan
Deacon Al, M. Sansone, J. Perkins,
A. Giannecchini, B. Filas, S. Misasi,
E. Mafi
J. Castillo, H. Fernández, J. Esqueda,
A. Garcia, G. Castillo, M. Juarez,
M. Juarez
Altar Servers
5:15PM
7:30 AM
10:30AM
2:00PM
M. Rodriguez, R. Migliori, M. Kaehler
F. Segura, P. Segura, E. Renteria
J. Smith, F. Solano-Rosas, Z. McCormack
A. Ochoa, D. Ochoa, Y. Ochoa
Weekly Collection
Offertory
$6,111.17
Candles
$ 277.05
Please use your church envelopes!
Some food for thought:
Some thought on the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.
Besides coming to church to receive the precious gift of
His Holy Body and Blood, we should be happy to receive Him with appropriate and modest dress every
time we come to church services:
Avoid wearing flip flops, bare midriffs, shorts, and spaghetti or strapless tops.
Make our summer celebrations always pleasing to the
eyes of God and to the community.
Algunos pensaban en la celebración de la Santa Eucaristía. Además de venir a la iglesia para recibir el regalo precioso de su Santísimo Cuerpo y Sangre , debemos estar dispuestos a recibirlo con la vestimenta
apropiada y modesta cada vez que venimos a los servicios de la iglesia :
Evite el uso de chanclas, estomago descubierto , pantalones cortos y espagueti o blusas sin tirantes .
Hacer nuestras celebraciones de verano siempre agradable a los ojos de Dios y de la comunidad
WE NEED ADVERTISERS! The bulletin is published weekly
on our website at www.stmichaelparish.net . If you would like to
advertise in this bulletin, please call: Patti Saldaña at (209) 9312696 or email at [email protected] and most importantly,
please let our advertisers know that you found them through their
ad at St. Michael’s!
Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sidewalk Counselor Training
Are you interested in helping women choose life? Attend the
40 Days for Life Committee’s Sidewalk Counselor Training
on Saturday, August 13th from 9am—1:30 pm in the Community Room at St. Bernadette’s Parish (2523 Country Club
Blvd.) You will learn how to engage people that are going
into Planned Parenthood with a loving heart, offering real
help in a time of crisis. All are invited to come, especially
those who have participated in a previous 40 Days for Life
campaign. Please arrive early for coffee and breakfast treats.
Call Pilar 957-1822 for questions.
Catholic Trivia! - Answer located in the ads section
From 1979 through 1984, which pontiff gave a series of over
100 lectures about love, human sexuality, and marriage—
better known as Theology of the Body’?
A. Pope John Paul I
B. Pope John Paul II
C. Pop Paul VI
D. Pope Benedict XVI
Catholic Bible Study Adult Bible Study has begun r egistration for the next study, Matthew, The King and his Kingdom. Classes begin October 11, 2016.
Time will be Tuesday 10am-noon in LMC #9
Early Registration fee: $35 After September 15th: $40
Job Opportunity!
The Cathedral of the Annunciation is seeking a part-time
Director of Communications. The individual will be responsible for all major communication to parishioners utilizing
various media forms. The ability to read and write Spanish is
desirable. Submit a resume to Dennis Taricco at [email protected]. A complete job description and qualifications can be found on our website at
http://www.annunciationstockton.org.
The Precious Souls Memorial
Please help us! The Precious Souls Memorial in St. Michael’s
courtyard is a truly unique and beautiful artwork dedicated to those
children who died in the womb or shortly after birth. There is nothing like it in all of the Stockton Diocese. Part of its uniqueness and
charm is the little fountain in front of the tree containing the names
of the children who died so very young. However, we are having
trouble keeping the fountain going because children who play in
the courtyard unattended are dropping pebbles and other objects in
the fountains outlet. Don’t get us wrong, we love the children, however, we also wish to keep the fountain going. Therefore, the Respect Life Committee is requesting that parents not allow their children to play in the courtyard unsupervised, and if they see children
playing around the fountain they gently but firmly tell the children
not to play there and to not drop anything in the fountain. We sincerely thank you for your cooperation.
Marriage Encounter Mar r ied Couples: When you car e
enough to give the very best . . . Give yourself and your
spouse a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend. The next
Marriage Encounter Weekend is Sept. 30-Oct 2 in Turlock.
For more information visit our website at: https://
www.stocktonwwme.org or contact John & Angelica at [email protected] or 209-691-0603
Jesus urges us to be rich in what matters to God. The psalmist warns us against hardening our
hearts. Are our hearts open to what really matters?
Jesús nos incita a que seamos ricos en lo que es importante para Dios. El Salmista nos advierte contra el endurecimiento de nuestros corazones. ¿Están abiertos nuestros corazones a lo
que es realmente importante?
Mass Intentions for the Week
Saturday - July 30
7:15AM
Ben Waller+
5:15PM
Tuesday
Ben Filippini+
Sunday July 31
7:30AM
Monday
Marie DeMellow+
Joaquin Costa+
Aiden Horning+
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
10:30AM Mass for the People (Missa Pro Populi)
2:00PM
Teodulo Diaz+
Maria Diaz+
Saturday
Carmen Gonzalez Vazquez+
Sunday
Margarita Cabalbag-Intention
Monday August 1
7:15AM
Jose & Maria Silveira+
Tuesday August 2
7:15AM
Nick Arata+
Wednesday August 3
7:15PM
Bennie Filippini+
Thursday August 4
7:15AM
Wed., Aug. 3
Sarah Flores & unborn baby
intention
Anwar “Andy” Machiwalla+
Saturday August 6
7:15AM
Bruno & Frances Malucchi+
5:15PM
Machiwalla & Mendonca
Families-intention
St. Alphonsus Liguori Jer 28:1-17
Ps 119:29,43,79-80,95,102 Mt 14:13-21
St. Eusebius of Vercelli
Jer 30:1-2,12-15,18-22 Ps 102:16-23,29
Mt 14:22-36
Jer 31:1-7 (Ps) Jer 31:10-12b,13 Mt 15:21-28
St. John Vianney
Jer 31:31-34 Ps 51:12-15,18-19 Mt 16:13-23
Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major
Na2:1,3; 3:1-3,6-7
(Ps) Dt 32:35c-36b,39abcd,41 Mt 16:24-28
Transfiguration of the Lord
Dn 7:9-10,13-14 Ps 97:1-2,5-6,9 2Pt1:16-19
Lk 9:28b-36
Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Wis 18:6-9 Ps 33:1,12,18-22 Heb 11:1-2,8-19
Lk 12:32-48
Calendar for the Week
Mon., Aug. 1
Tues., Aug. 2
Friday August 5
7:30AM
Readings for the Week
Thu., Aug. 4
Fri., Aug. 5
Sat., Aug. 6
Sun., Aug. 7
Noon Light Weigh LMC #7
8:30 am Ladies Guild Crafts RLH
7 pm Divorce Survival Guide LMC#10
6:30pm-9pm Spanish Charismatic Prayer
Group FMC-Meeting Room
6:30 pm Baptism Class Spanish LMC#8
7pm Our Lady Queen of Peace in Chapel
7 pm Knights of Columbus RLH
7 pm Charismatic Prayer English LMC #8
4 pm First Friday Holy Hour and Mass
8 am Divine Mercy Cenacle RLH
6:30 pm Youth Group LMC #11
No activities
Prayers for the Sick – Cali Vanni, Harold “Gi” Raggio, Mark Fernandez, Corey Bowerman, Estela Flores, Vanessa
Sanchez, Manuel Trovao, Cathy Westphal, Pedro Alvarez, Valeti Fakava, Linda Bosche, Yvonne Ley, Catherine Maghirang,
Jaime Villarreal, Deacon Al Moznett, Enrique Parada, Lourdes Parada, Matt Lemos, Veronica Carranza, Richard Hinojos,
Ted Kerr Jr., Jose Fuentes, Raymond Fuentes, Kasandra Nicole Valenzuela, Hector Vega, Stella Mia Baez, Jamerson & Jackson Lopez, Kelly Roddy, Pat Harris, Tom & Noelle Seesing, Joseph Madar, Lynda Ripley, Aaron Devencenzi, Shawn Arnell,
Diane Daugherty, Sam Mafi, Peter Schall, & Sal Castellon. Please call the office to add your loved ones name for prayers.
Ombudsman Volunteers needed: Advocate for LTC Residents
rights, financial matters and abuse issues, dietary needs, exploitation, neglect, Advanced Health Care Directives and other concerns.
The San Joaquin County Department of Aging; Long-Term Care
Ombudsman Program is seeking volunteers to assist people residing Training sessions are scheduled for October 2016 which will inin long-term care facilities.
volve 40 hours over a two week period.
The Ombudsman Volunteers are trained and state-certified to inves- Those interested in becoming an Ombudsman or seeking further
tigate and resolve problems for residents in long-term care facilities. information should call (209) 468-3785.
They also serve as mediators, resolving complaints on residents’
Prayers for the Deceased
The Annual Retreat day for DRE’s, Coordinators and other catechetical leaders will be on Friday, A ugust 19, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
at St. Linus Parish in Stockton.
The cost is $15.00 per participant and includes lunch and materials for the day. Registration deadline: Friday, August 12, 2016.
Contact Leticia Rodriguez, (209) 466-0636 ext 621 for questions
or further information.
Please continue to keep our schools and their communities in your
thoughts and prayers. In August, Catholic schools throughout the
Diocese of Stockton will begin the 2016/2017 academic year.
On September 2nd, the Catholic Schools Office will host an inservice. Teachers and administrators will have an opportunity to
celebrate Mass as a community of educators, to be honored for
their years of service, and to be inspired by Sr. Carol Cimino, Superintendent for the Diocese of Buffalo, NY. Sr. Carol is a wellrespected speaker in the Catholic education and has been published in Momentum.
This year, the Church will celebrate Catechetical Sunday on
and will focus on the theme “Prayer: The Faith
Prayed.” Catechists will be commissioned for their ministry. Catechetical Sunday is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the role
that each person plays in handing on the faith and being a witness
to the Gospel. Catechetical Sunday is an opportunity for all to
rededicate themselves to this mission as a community of faith.
For resources you may go directly to http://www.usccb.org/beliefs
-and-teachings/how-we-teach/catechesis/catechetical-sunday/
We are celebrating parish ministry leaders at the 2016 Bishop’s
Awards Dinner! Join us for the 2016 Bishop’s Awards Dinner on
Saturday, October 29, 2016 at St. Bernard’s Parish-Holy Family
Center in Tracy.
Bishop Blaire would like to celebrate his retirement by honoring
outstanding parish ministry leaders in our Diocese at the 2016
Bishop’s Awards Dinner.
Proceeds from the event benefit SEEDS: which provides tuition
assistance to students who otherwise could not afford a Catholic
education and Catholic Charities which supports families, reduces
poverty and builds strong communities.
To purchase tickets and for sponsorship opportunities, call the
Development Office at (209) 466-0636 or visit: http://
stocktondiocese.org/bishops-awards
Jack Bozzano+
BUENAS NOTICIAS — El Escultor de Transformación.
El día anual de retiro para los coordinadores de Educación Religiosa y otros líderes de catequesis, se llevará a cabo el Viernes, 19 de
Agosto, de 9.30 am a 3.30 pm, en la parroquia de San Lino, en
Stockton.
El costo es de $ 15.00 por participante e incluye la comida y los
materiales necesarios para el día. Límite para inscribirse: Viernes,
Agosto 12, 2016. Contacte a Leticia Rodríguez al 209.466.0636,
ext. 621, para preguntas y más información.
Nuevo Año Escolar
Por favor, siga manteniendo en su pensamientos y oraciones a
nuestras escuelas y sus comunidades. En Agosto, las Escuelas Católicas de la Diócesis de Stockton comenzarán el Año Académico
2016/2017.
El 2 de Septiembre, la Oficina de Escuelas Católicas, patrocinará
un día de reflexión para el equipo de la escuela. Maestros y administradores tendrán la oportunidad de celebrar la Eucaristía como
comunidad de educadores, de ser honrados por sus años de servicio, y de ser inspirados por la Hna. Carol Cimino, Superintendente
para la Diócesis de Buffalo, NY. La Hna. Carol es oradora reconocida en la educación Católica y sus intervenciones se han publicado en Monumentum.
Oración: fe orada.
Este año, la Iglesia celebrará el Domingo de la Catequesis en Septiembre 18, 2016 y se centrará en el tema “Oración: fe orada.” Los
Catequistas serán comisionados para el ministerio. El Domingo de
la Catequesis es una oportunidad maravillosa para reflexionar sobre el papel que cada persona juega en la transmisión de la fe y en
el ser testigos del Evangelio. Este Domingo es una oportunidad
para que todos renueven su consagración a esta misión como comunidad de fe.
Para ayudas vaya directamente a http://www.usccbe.org/beliefsand-techings/how-we-teach/cathechesis/catechetical-sunday/
Reconocimientos del Obispo
Celebramos a los líderes del ministerio parroquial en la Cena de
Reconocimientos del Obispo del 2016¡ Únasenos para esta ocasión
en Octubre 29, 2016 en el Centro de la Sagrada Familia, en la parroquia de San Bernardo, en Tracy.
El Obispo Blaire quiere celebrar su retiro honrando a excelentes
líderes de ministerio parroquial en la Cena de Reconocimientos del
2016.
Lo recaudado en el evento beneficia a SEEDS, organización que
provee asistencia tutorial a estudiantes que de otra manera no pudieran pagar por una educación Católica, y a las Caridades Católicas, que ayudan a las familias, reducen la pobreza y construyen
comunidades fuertes.
Para comprar boletos y para patrocinar oportunidades llame a la
Oficina de Desarrollo al 209.466.0636 o visite
http//:stocktondiocese.org/bishops-awards
You’re Invited! Luke, The Gospel of Mercy. Would you join us as we discover unique insights into the Heart of God?
18– Part Bible Study-Find in Luke, the God who is rich in mercy, the God whose mercy is “from generation to generation”.
Join your fellow parishioners in a life-changing study of God’s work. Learn about the Gospel readings used during this Jubilee Year. Discover how God is calling you to live our His Mercy. Invite a Friend to Discover Luke with You! Classes begin
in September, watch the bulletin for registration information in the coming weeks.
Gospel Reflection:
Luke urges Christians to act in solidarity
with those in need.
God calls the rich person in Jesus’ parable a fool. Strong, insulting language.
To be foolish is the opposite of wise, a
treasured virtue in Israel’s scriptures.
King Solomon embodies the virtue and
bounty of wisdom; he builds the kingdom of Israel to its height among nations yet recognizes that wisdom, which
God alone can give, is what sustains his
rule. Wisdom begins with knowing God
is God.
Jesus’ parable tells us the rich person’s
decision to build bigger barns to store an
abundant harvest is foolish in God’s
eyes. The parable doesn’t say what other
people of the time thought.
We can imagine what they thought. Perhaps some saw in the new barns and
granaries a person who God singled out
and blessed with abundance. Perhaps
others saw a person they hoped to become—a landowner who never had to
worry about food again. Perhaps they
saw success.
All of us see new homes and buildings
around us. What do we see? Someone
willing to take on more debt than I am?
Someone with a gift for success that I
don’t know how to achieve? Someone
who values appearances more than I
care about? Someone who has worked
hard and deserves a little luxury?
From God’s point of view a surplus harvest is not to provide one person secure
access to food, drink, and merriment in
lean years. It is for everyone's benefit in
the present. The rich person in the parable plans no parties for friends, no feast
for villagers, only self-indulgence. He
has “blessings in reserve” with no plan
to invest or lend his wealth. The gospel
story makes a commonplace point: The
rich man can’t take it with him when he
dies.
The gospel regards using wealth in
one’s own self-interest as foolish. In this
perspective the gospel seems profoundly
un-American. The French commentator
on 18th-century American life, Alexis
de Tocqueville, praises America for its
experiment in self-interest, the freedom
of the yeoman farmer to reap the benefit
of his own labor rather than receive little
more than the means to survive by
working on the inherited estates of the
nobility.
In the Church in the Modern World the
bishops describe the distance between
rich and poor. “In no other age has humankind enjoyed such an abundance of
wealth, resources, and economic wellbeing; and yet a huge proportion of the
people of the world is plagued by hunger and extreme need while countless
numbers are totally illiterate. At no time
have human beings had such a keen
sense of freedom, only to be faced by
new forms of slavery in living and
thinking.” For Pope Francis the common
good summons us to solidarity and a
preferential option for the poorest of our
brothers and sisters.
In his gospel, Luke urges us to see ourselves within a web of social relations,
to stand in solidarity with those in need
rather than alone like the rich fool. Like
God, wise believers hear the cry of the
poor and do their parts to empower
those left behind or left out to participate
in our common economic life. “To desire the common good and strive towards it is a requirement of justice and
charity,” writes Pope Benedict XVI in
his encyclical, Caritas in V eritate. “The
more we strive to secure a common
good corresponding to the real needs of
our neighbors, the more effectively we
love them”.
For Luke wealth is not a sign of favor
but of danger. It is not good or bad in
itself but faces the person with a choice
to do good or evil. For Luke, God clearly holds the ultimate power to redistribute the wealth of people who will not
share. This is the fate of the rich fool
who must leave his full barns behind
and face God with whom he has stored
up no treasure.
Joke of the day!
A lady was driving around the Mall parking lot in a sweat because she couldn't find a parking space and feared that she
would miss out on the ONE HOUR SALE at her favorite store. Looking up toward heaven, she said, “Lord, take pity on me.
If you find me a space, I will go to Mass every Sunday for the rest of my life and give up cigarettes and martinis.” Miraculously, a parking space appeared. She looked up again and said, “Never mind, I found one.”
Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities ESL/CIVICS Citizenship Program has the pleasure to offer the ESL/CIVICS classes for Legal Permanent Residents
who are interested in becoming U.S. Citizens. The classes are free
(book to follow curriculum is $20). Free Child care is offered for
children from 5-10 years old. To register for these classes you must
be a Legal Permanent Resident for 5 years (or 3 years if you are
married to a U.S. Citizen). Take your Legal Permanent Resident
card to register the first day of class. We offer this service at the
following two locations:
STOCKTON: Mondays and Wednesdays fr om 6:00PM9:00PM. New cycle begins Monday, July 25th
ST LUKE’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL, 3847 N. Sutter St, Stockton,
CA. 95204. (Room #5)
MODESTO: Tuesdays and Thur sdays fr om 6:00PM-9:00PM.
Classes to begin Tuesday, July 26th
MARK TWAIN JR. HIGH SCHOOL, 707 S Emerald Ave, Modesto, CA 95331 (Room # 35). If you need more information please
contact our office at: 209-444-5910 or send an email to Norma Hernandez: [email protected].
Caridades Católicas tiene el gusto de ofrecer el programa de Ingles
(ESL)/Cívico para los Residentes Permanentes que están interesados
en hacerse Ciudadano americano. Las clases son completamente
gratis. (El libro para seguir el currículo vale $20). Se ofrece cuidado de niños gratis de 5 a 10 años de edad. Para inscribirse en estas
clases debe ser residente permanente por 5 años. (o 3 años si está
casado/a con Ciudadano). Lleve su tarjeta de Residencia para registrarse el primer día de clase. Para su comodidad lo estamos ofreciendo en dos ciudades:
STOCKTON: Lunes y Miér coles de 6:00PM a 9:00PM. Comienza lunes 25 de julio.
ESCUELA CATOLICA SAN LUCAS, 3847 N. Sutter St, Stockton,
CA. 95204. (salón #5).
MODESTO: Los Mar tes y jueves de 6:00PM-9:00PM Comienza
martes 26 de julio
MARK TWAIN JR. HIGH SCHOOL, 707 S Emerald Ave. Modesto, CA 95331 (Salón #35). Si desea más información por favor
comunicarse a nuestra oficina y al: 209-444-5910 o enviar un
correo electrónico a Norma Hernández: [email protected].