Saint Stephen Martyr Catholic Church

320 W. Garvey Ave. Monterey Park, CA 91754
Saint Stephen Martyr
Divine Mercy Sunday
April 3, 2016
Catholic Church
Divine Mercy: The Easter Gift
"Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one; I died, and
behold I am alive for evermore" (Rev 1:17-18). These words from
the Book of Revelation invite us to turn our gaze to Christ, to experience His reassuring presence. To each person, whatever his condition, even if it were the most complicated and dramatic, the Risen
One repeats: "Fear not!; I died on the Cross but now I am alive for
evermore"; "I am the first and the last, and the living one." "The
first," that is, the source of every being and the first-fruits of the
new creation;" the last," the definitive end of history; "the living
one," the inexhaustible source of life that triumphed over death forever.
In the Messiah, crucified and risen, we recognize the features of the Lamb sacrificed on
Golgotha, who implores forgiveness for His torturers and opens the gates of heaven to repentant sinners; we glimpse the face of the immortal King who now has "the keys of Death
and Hades" (Rev 1:18). Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy endures
forever! (Ps 117:1). Let us make our own the Psalmist's exclamation which we sang in the
Responsorial Psalm: "The Lord's mercy endures forever!" In order to understand thoroughly the truth of these words, let us be led by the liturgy to the heart of the event of salvation,
which unites Christ's Death and Resurrection with our lives and with the world's history.
This miracle of mercy has radically changed humanity's destiny. It is a miracle in which is
unfolded the fullness of the love of the Father who, for our redemption, does not even draw
back before the sacrifice of His Only-begotten Son.
Over and over this week, we are invited to place our trust in God. We can imagine the terrified followers of Jesus hiding behind locked doors until he appears in their midst, inviting
them not to be afraid. This might be a good week to spend time with Jesus looking at the
fears in our own lives which keep us locked up away from others. We can ask Jesus for the
courage to trust in him. What would it cost us to let go of the fears that smother our lives?
Our challenge might be to give up enough control in our lives to simply ask God for help
and a growing trust. What would it mean for our lives and for the relationships in our lives
if we were willing to let go of “the way we have always done things” and to beg Jesus for
help? Our lives can change. We have a standing offer from God to fall into his forgiving
embrace.
Dear Jesus, it feels impossible to believe that my life can change, that I can move out of
this rut I am in. I know I don't always live my life feeling your love and being my best self.
Help me to trust in you, to drop my defenses and to feel how deeply I am loved and forgiven by you. Give me the courage to feel it in my heart when you say, “Don't be afraid” and
“Peace be with you.” I so long for that peace in my life but it feels so far away sometimes.
Help me to believe in you, to drive away the doubts and unbelief that harden my heart.
I know my life can change, if only I can say with all my heart, “I trust in you, Lord. I believe in your mercy and I know that with your help, my life can be healed.”
Fr. Leo Ortega, Pastor
Tel. (626) 573-0427
E-mail:
[email protected]
website: ststephenmpk.org
Christina Arellano, Principal
Tel. (626) 573-1716
119 S. Ramona Avenue,
Monterey Park, CA 91754
MASSES
Saturday Vigil 5:00 PM (English)
Sunday 7:00 AM (English)
9:00 AM (Spanish)
11:00 AM (English)
2:00 PM (Indonesian)
Mon-Sat Daily Mass: 8:30 AM
Perpetual Help Mass & Novena
Wednesday 6:30 PM
Friday 7:00 PM (Spanish)
Holy Days as announced
Reconciliation:
Saturdays 3:30 PM—4:30 PM
PARISH OFFICE HOURS
Monday thru Friday
9 am - 1 pm & 4 pm - 8 pm
Closed
1 pm - 4 pm
Saturday
1 pm - 5 pm
Sunday
Closed
“We are a diverse faith-community that strives to conform ourselves into the image of Christ in and through the power of the
Holy Spirit, and nourished by The Word, Sacraments and Tradition to give glory to God and to be a light unto the nations.”
Holy Thursday
$786.00
Catholic Relief Services
$655.00
Good Friday
$1,211.00
March 26th & 27th
$11,355.00
Blessing & Anointing of the Sick
Blessing of the sick will be held at the 8:30 a.m. Mass on
Saturday, April 9, 2016. The sacrament of the Anointing
of the Sick will also be administered to the aged, people
with serious illness or will be undergoing surgery.
Light refreshments will follow at the Gathering Place.
Men’s Retreat
“Holy Waiting…
In A World That Can’t Wait”
April 29 - May 1
THANK YOU FOR YOUR
COMMITMENT TO YOUR PARISH
SECOND COLLECTION
Today we will be having a Second Collection today to assist
the School in continuing to provide a Catholic Education.
Please be generous in your offering. We thank you in advance.
Safeguard the Children
In celebration of April as the National Child Abuse Prevention Month, St. Stephen continues to be the ears,
eyes and voice of our children and youth people and renews our commitment to protect them. In April, there
will be additional prayer petitions, lighted candle for
prayer for healing, “Do You Know?” special announcements in our parish bulletins, 2016 Archdiocese brochures at church vestibules, site safety evaluation followed by corrective actions, “Safeguard the Children”
display table after each Mass on April 9 and 10, and VIRTUS Training (English) for Adults on April 30 from 9 am to
noon in the Parish Hall. Please pre-register for the VIRTUS Training at your early convenience with Mabel Ng
([email protected]) by providing your full name,
email address and phone number. Attendees will be required to arrive no later than 9am, and children under 18
are not permitted to attend this training. Fingerprinting
dates and locations will be advertised on April 9th ,10th
and 30th . If you are interested in the VIRTUS ReCertification program (1½ hour) which is required every
four years, please let Mabel know.
NOCTURNAL ADOATION
We invite you to participate in the Nocturnal Adoration of the
Blessed Sacrament, on the second Friday of each month.
Shifts of adoration are one hour in length. We pray for the
intentions of the Pope, the parish and all personal intentions.
We started at 8:30 p.m. with an informational meeting in the
Room #1. All are welcome.
St. Stephen Parish Retreat for Men
will be held at Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center in the city of
Sierra Madre. The retreat, which is preached by the Passionate Retreat Team, begins Friday evening and concludes early
Sunday afternoon. The lovely grounds and peaceful atmosphere of Mater Dolorosa make this a perfect spot for a
weekend of spiritual renewal and growth.
Please call Bob Montanez (626)201-5083 or Augie Koch
(626)281-0605 for more information or to reserve your spot.
NEW / USED / BROKEN
RELIGIOUS ITEMS NEEDED
The Legion of Mary is collecting religious items for their
ministry. Items needed include new, used and broken
crosses, medals, scapulars rosaries and holy cards.
Please place your donated items in the box located in the
vestibule of the church.
Thank you for your generosity and support.
Legion of Mary meets every Wednesday
at 5pm in Room 2.
The meeting is followed by a Novena Mass
at 6:30pm in the Church.
T
he monthly billings for the Together in
Mission pledges have been mailed. It is
very important that these pledges be paid so
that our parish can reach and, hopefully, exceed our goal.
PARISH GOAL: $33,900.00
AMOUNT PAID: $13,563.00
REMAINING BALANCE: $20,337.00
Thank you for your continued support of
Together In Mission 2016
N
o temas, yo soy el primero y el último, el que vive; estuve muerto, y aque estoy vivo para siempre" (Ap 1, 17-18). Estas palabras del libro de Apocalipsis nos invitan a dirigir nuestra mirada fija a Cristo, para experimentar su presencia
tranquilamente. A cada persona, independientemente de su condición, aunque fuera la más complicada y dramática,
Cristo no repite: "No tengás miedo!; Yo he muerto en la cruz, pero ahora estoy vivo para siempre"; "Yo soy el primero y el último, el que vive." "El primero", es decir, la fuente de todo ser y la primicia de la nueva creación;" el último", el término definitivo de la historia; "el viviente", la fuente inagotable de vida que triunfó sobre la muerte para siempre.
En el Mesías crucificado y resucitado, reconocemos los rasgos del Cordero sacrificado en el Gólgota, que implora el perdón para sus verdugos y abre las puertas del cielo a los pecadores arrepentidos; vislumbramos el rostro del Rey inmortal, que ahora
tiene "las llaves de la muerte y del infierno" (Ap 1, 18). Doy gracias al Señor porque es bueno, porque es eterna su misericordia!
(Salmo 117:1). Hagamos nuestro el salmista la exclamación que hemos cantado en el Salmo responsorial: "la misericordia del
Señor dura por siempre!" Para comprender a fondo la verdad de estas palabras, nos permiten ser guiados por la liturgia en el
corazón del acontecimiento de la salvación, que une la muerte y la resurrección de Cristo con nuestra vida y con la historia del
mundo. Este milagro de la misericordia ha cambiado radicalmente el destino de la humanidad. Es un milagro en el que se
despliega la plenitud del amor del Padre que, para nuestra redención, no retrocede ante el sacrificio de su Hijo unigénito.
ADORACION NOCTURNA
Segunda Colecta para ayudar a la Escuela
Los invitamos a participar en la adoración nocturna del
Santisimo, el Segundo Viernes de cada mes. Los turnos
de adoracion son de una hora de duración. Oramos por
las Intenciones del Papa, por las de la parroquia y por
intencions personales. Empezamos a las 8:30 p.m. con
una junta informativa en el saloñ #1 de la escuela. Todos
son bienvenidos.
Este fin de semana tendremos una segunda colecta para asistir
a la escuela para que puedan continuar ofreciendo una educación católica. Por favor, sean generosos en su ofrenda. Le
damos las gracias de antemano.
SE NECESITAN ARTÍCULOS RELIGIOSOS
NUEVOS / USADOS / ROTOS
Bendición y Unción de los Enfermos
El grupo Legión de María está recolectando artículos religiosos para su ministro. Se necesitan cruces, medallas, rosariBendición de los enfermos se llevará a cabo en la Misa de las
os escapularios y estampitas. Por favor de coloqar sus ar8:30 am el sábado, 9 de abril del 2016. El sacramento de la
Unción de los enfermos también se administrará a las personas tículos dentro de la caja que esta ubicada en el vestíbulo de
mayores, las personas con enfermedades graves o que se some- la iglesia.
teran a cirugía.
Gracias for su generosidad y apoyo.
Habra refrescos despues de la Misa en el Gathering Place.
El Ministerio de Oración “Luz del Espirtu Santo”
¿SABÍA
USTED?
La Arquidiócesis sigue apoyando los sobrevivientes de abuso sexual y a sus familias
Los invita a orar, alabar, glorificar al Señor y darle gracias
por todos Los beneficios recibidos cada dia de nuestra
Comenzando el mes de abril, mes para la Prevencion del Abuso Infantil, la Arquidiócesis de
vida. Nos reunimos los Miercoles de 7pm a 9pm en el salos
Angeles
desea
reiterar el compromise de seguir
lon parroquial de nuestra Iglesia San Esteban Martir.
ayudabdo a los sobrevivientes y usus familias a encontrar la
sanacion y la paz. Si usted cree que usted o alguien que
Las facturas mensuales para Unidos en Misión conoce es victim de abuso sexual por algún empleado o
2015 ha sido enviada. Es muy importante que voluntario de la Iglesia, por favor contacte a la Coordinadora
estas promesas sean pagadas de modo que
para la Asisencia de Vicitmas al (213)637-7650. Suzanne
nuestra parroquia pueda alcanzar y, con su
Heaky está disponible para brindar ayuda.
apoyo, exceder nuestro objetivo.
META PARROQUIAL: $33,900.00
TOTAL PAGADO: $13,563.00
SALDO PENDIENTE: $20,337.00
Gracias por su apoyo continuado a
Unidos en Misión 2016
LIBRERÍA DE SAN ESTEBAN
Está abierta después de cada misa, el
Sábado y el Domingo o por cita. Mas
de 12,000 Regalos │ DVDs │ Libros
│ Biblias │ Joyeria y Accesorios │
Rosarios │ Novinas y Artículos religiosos. Apoye a nuestra parroquia.
Apoye al Librería de San Esteban
WEEKLY MASS INTENTIONS
SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 2016
5 :00 pm Nguyen Cu
Nguyen Thi Dieu
Rose Pinto (D)
SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2016
7:00 am Nino Zagarolli (D)
Cac Linh Hon
Mo Coi
9:00 am
Isabella Vazquez (L)
11:00 am St. Stephen Parishioners
MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016
8:30 am For the Holy Souls in Purgatory
Frances Morgan (D)
TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2016
8:30 am Le Trung Thanh
Le Vu
Cac Linh Hon
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016
8:30 am Dale Ann Torbey - Happy Birthday!
6:30 pm St. Stephen Parishioners
THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2016
8:30 am Le Gi
Le Gue
Le Trung Chaih
FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2016
8:30 am Le Vu
Le Van Moy
Le Chi Hoang
7:00 pm
Fabian Lopez—Happy Birthday!
SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 2016
8:30 am Xm Le Cho
Cac Linh Hon
Ciem Nhan
ST. STEPHEN BOOKSTORE
is open after each Mass, Saturday
and Sunday or by appointment.
12,000+ Gifts │ DVDs │ Books │
Bibles │ Jewelry and accessories
Rosaries │ Devotional and
Religious Items │ Artwork.
One stop shop for Catholic gifts
and resources. Support our
parish. Support the Saint Stephen
Bookstore.
Frances Salaises, Kitty Carlucci, Rosie Grego, Liza Anne Sesti,
Nicholas Velarde, Ana Nunez, Elaine Denery, Jose Galicia Sr.,
Connie Gonzales, Norma Salazar, Michlina Kubek, Maria Cervantes, Maria Gonzalez, Jeanine Gregory, Peggy Jasso, Elena Dulay,
Alex Vasquez, Armando Loo, Annamae Koch, Rita Thoms, Elizabeth Dodge, Virginia Medina, Rita A. Durazo, Ernest Durazo,
Rudy Barraza, Sally Sandoval, Emilia Rodriguez, Dominic, Jason,
Rose Valdez, Antonia Castaneda, Natalia Castaneda, Kathy Garcia, Helen Lawrence, Sandy Aguiar, Maria Castillo, Frances Montez, Ramiro Sanchez, Judy Backer, Josefina Peralta, Tom Lujan,
Maria Ngan Fong Lung, Erin Gaffrey, Virginia Miranda, Frances
Mosqueda, John Jaurequi, Jeanine Lugo, Michael Alden Townsend, Augie Koch, Natalia Orozco, Tisha Platt, Teresa Ycedo,
Larry Hernandez, Marge LaVenture, Debbie Koch Mark, Vic Panganiban, Concepcion Rodriguez, Elizabeth Canadas, Maria
Mazloom, Phil Cisneros, Kenneth Adler, Carol Tollstrup, Howard
Lee, Eva Monroy, Al Acosta, Susan Acosta, Felipa McCrae, Angelica V. Rivas
Prayer list will be updated on a monthly bases. If you would like
to add a name or make changes to the above list. Please contact
the parish office.
Did You Know?
Archdiocese continues helping survivors of
sexual abuse and their families
As we start April, National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles
wants to reiterate that it remains committed to helping survivors and their families heal and find peace. If you believe you
or someone you know is a victim of sexual abuse by a
Church employee or volunteer, please contact the Archdiocesan Victims Assistance Coordinator at (213) 637-7650 for
help and support.
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
APRIL 3RD — APRIL 10TH
Sunday:
Acts 5:12-16; Ps 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24;
Rev 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19; Jn 20:19-31
Monday:
Is 7:10; 8:10; Heb 10:4-10; Lk 1:26-38
Tuesday:
Acts 4:32-37; Jn 3:7b-15
Wednesday: Acts 5:17-26; Jn 3:16-21
Thursday:
Acts 5:27-33; Jn 3:31-36
Friday:
Acts 5:34-42; Acts 6:1-15
Saturday:
Acts 6:1-7; Jn 6:16-21
Sunday:
Acts 5:11-14, 40b-41; Rv 5:11-14; Jn 21:1-19