When our RCIA candidates were confirmed they were marked with the Oil of Chrism. This oil was blessed by the Bishop and brought to our Parish especially for this use. Why do we anoint with oil at Confirmation?

Here is a message from St. Cyril of Jerusalem, who wrote for Catachumens in 300 AD.

The oil of gladness with which Christ was anointed was a spiritual oil; it was in fact the Holy Spirit himself, who is called the oil of gladness because he is the source of spiritual joy. But you also have been anointed with oil, and by this anointing you have entered into fellowship with Christ and have received a share in his life. Beware of thinking of this chrism as merely ordinary oil. As the Eucharistic bread after the invocation of the Holy Spirit is no longer ordinary bread but the body of Christ, so also the oil after the invocation is no longer plain ordinary oil but Christ's gift which by the presence of his divinity
becomes the instrument through which you receive the Holy Spirit. While symbolically, on your foreheads and organs of sense, your bodies are anointed with this oil that we see, your souls are sanctified by the holy and life-giving Spirit.

All of us are anointed by this "life-giving Spirit". Our job is to accept and live with this gift as fully as we can. Please continue to keep our newly-adopted Sisters and Brothers: Janet Lavin, Tammy Holicky, Mark Orillaneda, and Chris Schaller in your prayers.

Dennis Sexton: dwsexton@gmail.com

Children’s Liturgy of The Word at the 8:30AM and 10:00AM Masses will begin its summer break in June and resume again in September. 

Hope everyone has a great summer!

We welcome into our Christian community and into our parish these new members who were baptized:

MAY 16, 2009

Alberto Alek Rendon
Camila Revuelta
Alexandra Garcia Gurrola
Jorge Oregel Axalco
Alexandra Guadalupe Osuna Rodas
Angelee Milenka Atayde Amaya
Natali Jasmin Aguilar-Campos
Jocelin Marlin Aguilar
Aldo Alfredo Fuentes Torres
Alejandro Joel Villalpando Jauregui

Congratulations to their proud moms, dads, and families.

Nine Special Advent Masses
December 16-24 at 5:30 AM
(Simbang Gabi)

Confession (Confesión) December (Diciembre) 20 Saturday (Sabado) 4:00 – 5:00 PM

Christmas and its Eve (Navidad)

Christmas Eve (Vigilia) Wednesday (Miercoles) December (Diciembre) 24

5:00 PM - Family Liturgy (en Inglés) preceded by Christmas Carols Sung by children and the congregation at 4:30 PM
7:00 PM - Tamil (Indian) Mass
9:00 PM - Misa en Español
12:00 MN—Midnight Mass (en Inglés) preceded by Choral Christmas Program (a la Media Noche con canciones de Navidad) at 11:00 PM (a las 11:00 de la noche)

Christmas Day (Navidad) Thursday (Jueves) December (Diciembre) 25

7:00, 8:30, 10:00, 11:30 AM
1:00 PM Español

New Year’s Eve and Day (Vigilia del Año Nuevo)

Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God (Solemnidad de Maria, Madre de Dios)

Confession (Confesión) December (Diciembre) 27 Saturday (Sabado) 4–5 PM

New Year’s Eve (Vigilia Año Nuevo) Wednesday (Miercoles) December (Diciembre) 31

7:30 PM—English
9:00 PM - Misa en Español
10:30 PM —Tamil (Indian) Mass

New Year’s Day (Dia del Año Nuevo) Thursday (Jueves) January (Enero) 1, 2009

8:00 AM
12:10 PM

The RCIA Program is Underway.

RCIA continues. We have 5 candidates for the sacraments this  year. We also have one person who has started our 2 year program for baptism.

We hope you keep these people in your thoughts and prayers. Remember that the Parish that helps them to make the decision of whether to make a complete commitment. It is what they see, hear, feel when we worship, pray, and sing every Sunday that helps them to decide that this is a place they want to worship.
So be joyful every Sunday that we can worship our God and Savior.

We are looking for people who would like to  become a sponsor for one of our candidates. The primary job of a sponsor or godparent to be a spiritual friend to the
catechumen or baptized candidate. A sponsor or godparent needs to be able to share his or her own faith and needs to be a person of prayer. 

If you are interested in finding out more, please contact Dennis Sexton, Debbie Nelson, or Chuck Hullfish. 650 279-1025 dwsexton@gmail.com

This is our last weekend for the canned food drive! Don't forget to bring in a can or two when you come to class today.

We will not have class next weekend, November 30, in honor of Thanksgiving. We hope you enjoy a fun and faith-filled weekend with your families, and we look forward to seeing everyone again in a week.

Questions about Faith Formation?
Contact Amy Davis at 650-814-5099 or at ff@sjmv.org.

The YLI is collecting NEW baby clothes (0 to 3 months) to be distributed by Public Health Nurses in Santa Clara County.  The Layette Celebration will be held on Dec. 7th at St. Frances Cabrini Parish in San Jose. If you would like to donate to this worthwhile cause, please contact Shirley Karkas at 650-968-0838 and she will be glad to pick up any baby items.

The Children’s Liturgy of the Word for the 10:00 AM Mass is in need of volunteers before we can start this Fall.

If you are interested in helping, please contact Siobhan O’Malley-Paul, 650-967-4886.

CPC welcomes donations of pregnancy clothes, baby clothes (0-2T) and baby items all new or gently used. To make a donation please contact Barbara Sturgeon at 408-245-5470. Please support women in crisis pregnancy.

November 8 - December 13
This Drive is sponsored by St. Joseph’s Youth Group

Bins have been placed around the Church and the Rectory for your Generous Donations!! We need Children's Pajamas (all sizes) and Children's Books!!

Please help Us put a smile on a Child’s face this Christmas Holiday !!! If you have questions

Contact: Kathi Horn 650-452-3560 Or email: kathimhorn@aol.com

It’s that time of the year to start thinking about the spirit of giving. Our Church Christmas ornaments will be sold after all the Masses on this Sunday, Nov. 23, and Dec. 6, 2008, and any Wednesday afternoon at the Rectory.

At the 8:30 AM Liturgy this weekend, we celebrate the Call to Continuing Conversion of Candidates. Candidates, already part of the Christian community through baptism, are seeking to complete their Christian initiation through the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. In this rite, we recognize their desire to participate more fully in the sacramental life of the Church as they begin the final period of preparation before their full initiation at the Easter Vigil.

Please pray for our candidates Ismael Bettencourt, Danette Garcia, and Lisa Garcia and our (un-baptized) catechumen Wendy Tobagus, that they may continue to heed God's call wherever it may take them. Also, please pray for our RCIA sponsors – Ramon, Kara, Oscar, and Debbie – that they may continue to be examples of Christ's love and friendship.

The next RCIA rite will be the Penitential Rite, which we will celebrate at the 11:30 a.m. liturgy on Sunday, February 17. Please join us to support and pray for our candidates as they prepare to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time.

Dennis Sexton dwsexton@gmail.

Congratulations to the students who celebrated their first reconciliation yesterday! May they be an example of God’s saving grace for us all. Please keep these students in your prayers as they begin final preparations to join us at the Lord’s table in April.

Reminder: We will NOT have class next Sunday, February 17, in honor of Presidents’ Day. Class will resume February 24 as usual.

Today your child received an Operation Rice Bowl kit from Catholic Relief Services. We encourage your family to try some of the Lenten activities! We will collect Rice Bowls after Easter.

If you have any questions about the parish Faith Formation program, or wish to volunteer, please contact Amy Davis, Kevin Ross, or Erika Underwood at ff@sjmv.org, or at 650-814-5099.

You probably have one or more pairs of old eye glasses that you no longer want or need. People in a small village in Ghana, Africa, want them and need them.

A box of donated glasses will be shipped to Ghana in April 2008.

Be sure your glasses are included in the shipment.

Bring your eye glasses to the "All Ministries Potluck" on Saturday, February 16, Doyle Hall, at 6:30 PM. 100% of the glasses will be delivered to the deserving individuals in that little village.

Potluck RSVP: Liz Joves, 650-996-1422 lizjoves@sbcglobal.net

St. Joseph Church in downtown Mountain View is seeking a minimum part time receptionist to work 9 hours per week (Tuesdays to Fridays from 5:15 PM to 7:30 PM).

The successful candidate is a bilingual high school graduate with at least one year experience in a clerical position. A working knowledge of Microsoft Office and web publishing is a plus. Job duties include greeting visitors to the parish office, taking phone messages, sorting mail, maintaining the parish website and database and other office duties. Please send resumes to:

St. Joseph Parish
Attn: Teresa Lumbreras
582 Hope Street
Mountain View, CA 94041

Proclaiming the Word of God and distributing the Body of Christ are privilege beyond compare.

We are looking for people willing to be instructed in Proclaiming the Word and or distributing the Body of Christ. It is a privilege we extend to you.

Maureen Rugala has trained many of our Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers. A training includes Theology, History and Scripture as well as practical training. The next training begins Saturday, March 29th at 9 AM in the Rectory and will last about six weeks.

For more information (and to sign up), please contact Liz Joves, Lector Coordinator, at 650-965-4070 or lizjoves@sbcglobal.net.

Eucharistic Minister candidates contact Maureen Rugala, EM Coordinator at 650-941-9096 or mmrugala@comcast.net.

We welcome into our Christian community and into our parish these new members who were baptized:

February 2, 2008
Arlene Regina Garcia Camacho

February 3, 2008
Geovany Lopez

Congratulations to their proud moms, dads, and families.

First Eucharist families: now is the home stretch before your child celebrates the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time next Saturday, February 9. Please bring your Reconciliation preparation books to class today, ready to turn in!

Kindergarteners and first graders will begin their Virtus Safe Touching lessons next Sunday, February 10. Parents, if you have any questions please contact Amy Davis. If you have any questions about the parish Faith Formation program, or wish to volunteer, please contact Amy Davis, Kevin Ross, or Erika Underwood at ff@sjmv.org, or at 650-814-5099.

Our RCIA (unbaptized) catechumens and (baptized but uncatechized) candidates are currently participating in the period of the catechumenate. During this period, the catechumens and candidates participate in what is known as a dismissal rite. They attend Mass together with the assembly while we hear God's Word proclaimed. After the homily, the catechumens and candidates are "dismissed" with their catechist to reflect more deeply on the scriptures. The purpose of dismissal is to help the catechumens and candidates grow in love and knowledge of God through the scriptures. Since they are not yet able to join the assembly at the table of the Eucharist, they are dismissed to be fed more fully at the table of the Word. After the dismissal the assembly continues to pray for the catechumens and candidates as we celebrate the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

Please continue to pray for our catechumen, Wendy Tobagus, and our (baptized) candidates, Ismael Bettencourt, Danette Garcia, and Lisa Garcia as they continue the RCIA journey.

Dennis Sexton dwsexton@gmail.com
"Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words." St. Francis

Welcome back, Faith Formation families! We can’t wait to start a new year in Christ with you.

Today, the third grade and the sixth grade will begin their Virtus Safe Touching lessons. Next Sunday, the fourth and the seventh grade will begin their lessons. If you have any questions about the Safe Touching lessons, please contact Amy Davis.

Next Sunday is your last chance to bring in a box or bottle of laundry detergent for our collection! If we receive 95 boxes or bottles, we’ll celebrate with an ice cream party!

If you have any questions about the parish Faith Formation program, or wish to volunteer, please contact Amy Davis, Kevin Ross, or Erika Underwood at ff@sjmv.org, or at 650-814-5099.

Are you interested in becoming a licensed foster parent and/or adopting a child from Santa Clara County or providing respite for those who do? Peninsula Bible Church Palo Alto is hosting the Santa Clara County PRIDE training. This is a unique opportunity to attend classes conveniently located in your area. Classes will be held every Tuesday from 6-9 PM starting January 15 through March 18 at Peninsula Bible Church, 3505 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto. To register for PRIDE, call (408) 299-KIDS. Low-cost childcare can be reserved in advance by calling Help One Child at (888) KID-HOPE.

The Annual Diocesan Appeal (ADA) Campaign “Secure the Vision,” is the 2008 annual fund-raising drive for the Diocese of San Jose. Each year, the parishes and missions of our local Church take part in the Appeal to raise funds for the support of the centralized services, ministries, activities and programs of the Diocese.

This year’s ADA theme of “Secure the Vision” reflects the challenge that we are all called to be disciples of Christ. we are called to be light in a dark world. Together, we do this by ensuring the Church, its clergy, religion and laity are equipped to lead God’s people and to minister to those in need. Our just-completed and successful endowment and capital campaign has positioned the Diocese of San Jose to address many of the long-range plans of our local Church. However, it is this annual appeal that funds day-to-day services that the parishes and schools rely on for support as they minister to the people of the Santa Clara Valley.

Next weekend, January 12 & 13 is our Appeal Sunday.

Our Pledge Sunday is on January 19 & 20, 2008. Please bring your pledges to the 2008 “Secure the Vision” Annual Diocesan Appeal, and drop it in the collection basket. Thank you.

We welcome into our Christian community and into our parish these new members who were baptized:

December 22, 2007

Vasco Nicolas Delgado
Yurissa Magaña

December 23, 2007

Kevin Miguel Martull
Ana Gabriela Savinovic
Marija Angela Savinovic

Congratulations to their proud moms, dads, and families.

Our RCIA (unbaptized) catechumens and (baptized but uncatechized) candidates are currently participating in the period of the catechumenate. During this period, the catechumens and candidates participate in what is known as a dismissal rite. They attend Mass together with the Assembly while we hear God's Word proclaimed. After the homily, the catechumens and candidates are "dismissed" with their catechist to reflect more deeply on the Scriptures. The purpose of dismissal is to help the catechumens and candidates grow in love and knowledge of God through the Scriptures. Since they are not yet able to join the Assembly at the table of the Eucharist, they are dismissed to be fed more fully at the table of the Word. After the dismissal the Assembly continues to pray for the catechumens and candidates as we celebrate the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

Please continue to pray for our catechumen, Wendy Tobagus, and our (baptized) candidates, Ismael Bettencourt, Danette Garcia, and Lisa Garcia as they continue the RCIA journey.

Dennis Sexton dwsexton@gmail.com
"Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words." St. Francis

We will not have Faith Formation class today! We hope your family is enjoying the Christmas season, and we look forward to seeing you next week, January 6!

Third grade and sixth grade parents: Next week your child will begin their Virtus Safe Touching lessons. If you have any questions at all about this program, please contact Amy Davis!

Don’t forget our laundry detergent collection! We’re still collecting to reach our goal of 95 boxes or bottles by January 13. Help us meet our goal, and we’ll enjoy a Sunday Sundae party!

If you have any questions about the parish Faith Formation program, or wish to volunteer, please contact Amy Davis, Kevin Ross, or Erika Underwood at ff@sjmv.org, or at 650-814-5099.

Day Break offers socialization and recreation activities to elderly, frail adults who are experiencing memory loss, while providing their caregivers with some time for a break.

There are immediate openings at Day Break I located at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in the Evergreen area of San Jose, Mondays through Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 pm. Contact Fran Kiernan at (408) 270-4900 for more information.

There are also openings at the new Day Break III at 535 Old San Francisco Road, Sunnyvale.

Contact Ginger McClure at (408) 530-8734 for the schedule. Both sites have a sliding scale based on the ability to pay with fees ranging from $20.50-$53.50 per day, including a nutritious hot lunch and two snacks. No one is denied service because of inability to pay.

We welcome into our Christian community and into our parish this new member who was baptized:

December 15, 2007

Yarely Veronica Herrera

Congratulations to her proud mom, dad, and family.

Catholic Charities story: Sharon recently took her three grandchildren into her home when their parents could not care for them. With the help of the Kinship Resource Center case manager she was able to receive food stamps in order to feed the children and still buy her own medications.

Catholic Charities opportunity: Many relatives are caring for family children. This situation often puts a strain on the caregivers. Kinship Resource Center staff can help find the needed resources and provide support groups and a “warm line” for emotional support, too. You need not be alone. Contact Marina Hurtado, 408-325-5164, mhurtado@ccsj.org.

Catholic Social Teaching: Call to Family, Community and Participation

Our RCIA catechumen recently celebrated the Rite of Acceptance and our RCIA candidates recently celebrated the Rite of Welcoming the Candidates. At this rite, the catechumen and candidates received the Sign of the Cross on their forehead, on their ears, on their eyes, on their lips, over their heart, on their shoulders, on their hands, and on their feet. These actions symbolize how through his death and resurrection Christ gives strength to every aspect of our lives, and how we can bear witness to Christ with our whole being.

Take a few moments to make the Sign of the Cross over your body. In your own life, how has suffering brought you strength? How have you been living proof of the saving power of the Cross?

The St. Joseph parish community extends a warm welcome to our catechumen, Wendy Tobagus, and our candidates, Ismael Bettencourt, Danette Garcia, and Lisa Garcia. Be assured of our loving support and prayers for you.

May the Lord remain with you always.

Dennis Sexton dwsexton@gmail.com

"Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words." St. Francis

Parents, please join us for our Advent prayer service! We will begin celebrating at 10:30 a.m. today in the school auditorium.

Don’t forget our laundry detergent collection! We’re still collecting to reach our goal of 95 boxes or bottles by January 13. Help us meet our goal, and we’ll enjoy a Sunday Sundae party!

We will not have Faith Formation classes next Sunday, December 23, or the following Sunday, December 30. We will return to classes January 6. We hope your Christmas season is full of faith and family, and we will see you in the new year!

If you have any questions about the parish Faith Formation program, or wish to volunteer, please contact Amy Davis, Kevin Ross, or Erika Underwood at ff@sjmv.org, or at 650-814-5099.

Do you believe in marriage? Are you looking for a ministry to do together that will strengthen future marriages as well as you own? We all have stake in each other’s marriages. The Catholic Engaged Encounter program needs your support now! Engaged Encounter serves as a marriage preparation weekend workshop. This in turn is a nice, relaxing retreat for you as a couple working the weekend, which is paid for you by CEE.

If you are interested in joining us in CEE please call: Anita & Buzz Bickham (408) 224-5941

Fourth Sunday of Advent

First Reading — You will be given this sign: The virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and shall name him Emmanuel (Isaiah 7:10-14).

Psalm — Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory (Psalm 24).

Second Reading — God has called us to belong to Jesus Christ (Romans 1:1-7).

Gospel — The son born of Mary shall be called Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. He shall be Emmanuel, which means “God is with us” (Matthew 1:18-24).

We welcome into our Christian community and into our parish these new members who were baptized:

December 9, 2007

Rihanna Larie Macias
Anjali Roshni Nand
Jake Edward Peterson
John Carroll Viguerie III

December 10, 2007

Aidan Matthew Arthur Slusser

Congratulations to their proud moms, dads, and families.

Our RCIA catechumen recently celebrated the Rite of Acceptance and our RCIA candidates recently celebrated the Rite of Welcoming the Candidates. At this rite, the catechumen and candidates publicly expressed their intention to become fully initiated members of the Catholic community by responding to the question "For what reason have you come here today?"

We all can learn from the example of these new members of our community and their strong commitment to the life of the Church. As we witness them grow in faith and fellowship over the coming months, we should take time to reflect on our own lives and ask ourselves "For what reason have we come here today?"

The St. Joseph parish community extends a warm welcome to our catechumen, Wendy Tobagus, and our candidates, Ismael Bettencourt, Danette Garcia, and Lisa Garcia. Be assured of our loving support and prayers for you. May the Lord remain with you always.
Dennis Sexton dwsexton@gmail.com

"Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words." St. Francis

Confirmation candidates and parents, please remember that we will meet today at 10 a.m. in the school auditorium.

We have begun collecting laundry detergent for needy families in the area. We are challenging each student to bring in one full-sized bottle or box of laundry detergent. If we collect 95 boxes or bottles (one for each student in the program), we’ll celebrate with an ice cream party! Help us meet our goal by brining in one or two boxes or bottles over the coming weeks.

Parents, please join us next week for our Advent prayer service! We will begin celebrating at 10:30 a.m.

If you have any questions about the parish Faith Formation program, or wish to volunteer, please contact Amy Davis, Kevin Ross, or Erika Underwood at ff@sjmv.org, or at 650-814-5099.

On Thursday November 15, 2007 the Day Worker Center of Mountain View received a use permit from the City of Mountain View. The use permit will allow the center to continue operating out of the Trinity United Methodist Church located on the corner of Hope and Mercy.

Third Sunday of Advent

First Reading — The barren deserts will rejoice and flower. Tired bodies will receive strength. Aching hearts will be made glad (Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10).

Psalm — Lord, come and save us (Psalm 146).

Second Reading — Be patient, for the coming of the Lord is as sure as the rain (James 5:7-10).

Gospel — Tell of what you hear and see: The blind regain their vision, the crippled their movement, the deaf their hearing. The dead are raised to new life! (Matthew 11:2-11).

Voices of Praise would like to invite parishioners to join our choir in preparation for the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebrations. The program will consist of popular Christmas carols and service music known in our parish. All voice types are welcome. Membership is open to adults and youth (ages 14 and up). Reading music is not required, but those with reading skills are strongly encouraged to join and learn exciting parts. Rehearsals will be held in the rectory on three consecutive Sundays, December 9, 16, and 23, between 11 and 12 a.m. (after 10 a.m. mass). For more information, please contact the choir director, Rajna Ledoux, at (650) 458-9806 or rajna_k@yahoo.com.

The Saint Vincent de Paul team would very much like to thank the three people who in the last few months donated their vehicle. These donations will really help us through the Christmas season. God bless!

Special Thanks to Kim Iverson for her creative technical assistance on short order with the Thanksgiving Dinner. God bless you in your recovery!

The Communion Ministers welcomes Shelley Schneider, Carmen Vigo, Joe Pigg, Judy Geison, Lucienne Lu and Kara Cenac into the ministry. May the Body and Blood of Christ fill their hearts!

For the 17th year is a Christmas Tree on the altar during Advent. We call it the “Giving Tree” because each angel ornament has on it a gift suggestion for a needy child or adult. Please consider choosing one or more angels off the tree. You will be blessing someone in need.

Bring the gift to the rectory during regular office hours or to the church on Sunday.

Please do not take an angel unless you can meet the deadline date that is this Sunday, December 9, 2007.

We welcome into our Christian community and into our parish these new members who were baptized:

December 2, 2007

Erick Coca-Castillo
Joanna Rivera Perez
Crystal Linette Toris
Melany Adamaris Calderon Axalco

Congratulations to their proud moms, dads, and families.

The Knights of Columbus are promoting a drive to “KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS”. If you exchange Christmas cards please use cards with a religious connotation to the birth of Christ and when mailing your cards please use the Madonna Christmas stamp. In the near future, the Knights will be outside the church after all Masses selling Nativity car magnets for $5.00 each. Please join them in their endeavor in bringing back the true meaning of Christmas.

Thank you to everyone who participated in our first Faith Formation Mass!

Parents: Please plan on joining us December 2 for an important orientation meeting. We will discuss our use of the Virtus Touching Safety Program, which will be used in catechetical sessions starting in December. Please bring your questions, comments, and concerns!

Reminder: We will not have class next Sunday, November 25, in honor of Thanksgiving. Classes will resume December 2.

Today is the last day of our can drive! Please remember to bring in a can or two – you might just win a treat of your own!
Faith Formation classes have begun, but it is not too late too register! Please contact Amy Davis at ff@sjmv.org with any questions.

If you have any questions about the parish Faith Formation program, or wish to volunteer, please contact Amy Davis, Kevin Ross, or Erika Underwood at ff@sjmv.org, or at 650-814-5099.

A day worker can lighten your load and help you get jobs finished faster. Workers are available for painting, landscaping, moving, janitorial assistance, and garage, window, gutter, and house cleaning, as well as other skillful jobs.

We are also searching for people who speak Spanish and can teach more advanced aspects of the above jobs.

Contact Maria at (650) 903-4102, Day Worker Center, 748 Mercy Street, corner of Mercy and Hope Streets, MV 94041.

We welcome into our Christian community and into our parish these new members who were baptized:

November 11, 2007

Gabriela Nalani Hoover
Sophia Elizabeth Hale
Lydia Victoria Gonzales

Congratulations to their proud moms, dads, and families.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word resumed in the month of September. Children’s Liturgy of the Word is held during the 8:30 and 10:00 AM Sunday Masses. The children leave the Mass prior to the first reading, and return after the homily. During this time, the teacher goes over the same readings that the congregation hears, but at a child’s level. The children also get an opportunity to discuss the Gospel and share their thoughts. If you are interested in helping with this ministry, please contact:

8:30 Mass- Donna Marcopulos @ 650-960-4025
10:00 Mass- Siobhan O’Malley-Paul @ 650-967-4886

Quotes from Official Church Documents Reflecting the Principles of Catholic Social Teachings.
#3 Right & Responsibilities

“It is not right …for either the citizen or the family to be absorbed by the state; it is proper that the individual and the family should be permitted to retain their freedom of action, so far as this is possible without jeopardizing the common good and without injuring anyone.” _Pope Leo XIII, Rerum Novarum

“Beginning our discussion of the rights of man, we see that every man has the right to life, to bodily integrity, and to the means which are suitable for the proper development of life; these are primarily food, clothing, shelter, rest, medical care, and finally the necessary social services. Therefore a human being also has the right to security in cases of sickness, inability to work, widowhood, old age, unemployment, or in any other case in which he is deprived of the means of subsistence through no fault of his own.” _Pope John XXIII, Pacem in Terris

Villa Siena Auxiliary will hold its Annual HOLIDAY FAIRE at Villa Siena, 1855 Miramonte Ave. Mt. View, November 9 & 10 from 10 AM to 4 PM.

The Holiday Faire will feature handmade arts & crafts, raffles, home-baked cookies, cakes and breads plus our popular White Elephant Sale.

Proceeds will benefit Villa Siena, a Residential and Skilled Nursing Facility operated by the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul. For information call Mary EL Swanson at (650) 967-0932.

We welcome into our Christian community and into our parish these new members who were baptized:

October 20 , 2007

Guadalupe Zapata-Sanchez
Frida Zapata
Isabella Tello
Soljiselle Castro-Fernandez
Maritza Lopez-Cabrera
Antonio Garcia
Viviana Alavez Lopez
Abigail Adriana Alavez Lopez
Jose Luis Gonzalez
Alexis Antonio Pena Cortez
Elizabeth Torres

Congratulations to their proud moms, dads, and families.

The Day Worker Center of Mountain View has moved to the Trinity United Methodist Church, 748 Mercy Street, corner of Hope and Mercy Streets, one block off Castro.

If you need a worker for housecleaning, yard work, moving, basic carpentry or many other skills, please stop by 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM Monday through Saturday. Or contact Director, Maria Marroquin at (650) 903-4102.

Thank you.

The Santa Clara Valley Water District is informing low income seniors who own their home that they may be eligible for an exemption on their property tax for the Clean Safe Creeks special property tax. For more information and to request an application packet please call (408) 265-2607, extension 2810.

We welcome into our Christian community and into our parish these new members who were baptized:

August 26, 2007

Savina Kate Pontillas
Matthew Quintong Seigne
Maya Ryley Sullivan
Natalia Isabella Crowell
Michelle Kasumi Teicher

Congratulations to their proud moms, dads, and families.

The total annual support/contributions made to Catholic Charities by members of Saint Joseph Parish (from July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007) is $12,793.75. This amount includes contributions collected at the 2007 May Appeal, as well as gifts mailed to Catholic Charities by donors identifying themselves as members of Saint Joseph Parish of Mountain View.

Thank you St. Joseph parishioners!

We welcome into our Christian community and into our parish these new members who were baptized:

August 18, 2007

Sahire Gomez-Pacheco
Gabriel Gomez-Pacheco
Jose Francisco Ortiz Garcia
Nayelli Rodriguez Nova
Bryan Sanchez Hurtado
Andrew Lopez Galvez
Ana Cecilia Mauro Perez
Bryan Santos Olivares
Brandon Alexander Zamora

Congratulations to their proud moms, dads, and families.

When our RCIA candidates were confirmed they were marked with the oil of the Chrism. This oil was blessed by the Bishop and brought to our Parish especially for this use. Why do we anoint with oil at Confirmation?

Here is a message from St. Cyril of Jerusalem, who wrote for Catachumens in 300 AD.

The oil of gladness with which Christ was anointed was a spiritual oil; it was in fact the Holy Spirit himself, who is called the oil of gladness because he is the source of spiritual joy. But you also have been anointed with oil, and by this anointing you have entered into fellowship with Christ and have received a share in his life. Beware of thinking of this chrism as merely ordinary oil. As the Eucharistic bread after the invocation of the Holy Spirit is no longer ordinary bread but the body of Christ, so also the oil after the invocation is no longer plain ordinary oil but Christ's gift which by the presence of his divinity becomes the instrument through which you receive the Holy Spirit. While symbolically, on your foreheads and organs of sense, your bodies are anointed with this oil that we see, your souls are sanctified by the holy and life-giving Spirit.

All of us are anointed by this "life-giving Spirit". Our job is to accept and live with this gift as fully as we can. Please continue to keep our newly-adopted Sisters and Brothers in your prayers. Watch for them and encourage them when you meet them.

For more information please contact: Dennis Sexton, RCIA, at 650-279-1025 or dwsexton@gmail.com

Reminder: Mandatory rehearsals for the First Eucharist Mass will be May 1 and May 3, from 3:30 ? 4:30 p.m., at St. Joseph Church. Questions? Please contact Kevin Ross at ff@sjmv.org or (650) 814-0802.

We need volunteers for the Faith Formation ball toss booth at the Festival! You can sign up for one hour or two hour shifts. This is a great way to get in your program volunteer hours. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. Please contact Erika Underwood at ff@sjmv.org or (650) 793-4243 if you are interested in volunteering.

For more information on any Faith Formation activity, please contact: Erica Underwood at ff@sjmv.org or (650)691-1525; Amy Davis at (650)814-5099; or Kevin Ross at (650)814-0802.

We welcome into our Christian community and into our parish this new member who was baptized:

April 15, 2007

Anika Katherine Sykora

Congratulations to her proud mom, dad, and family.

Easter Vigil Congratulations to our Baptismal-Confirmation and First Holy Communion Candidates!

We cherish them and hope they will challenge us to be better Catholics!

Baptismal Candidates

Kristi Dees
Joe Silva

Confirmation Candidates

Roxanna Bermudez
Griselda Gonzalez Gomez
Meg Hill
Gordon Hill
Kayla Hill

We welcome into our Christian community and into our parish these new members who were baptized:

April 1, 2007

Jesus Berber Valdivia
Juan Luiz Berber Valdivia
Ariana Itzel Calderon Guevara
Erica Lopez Arreguin
Kevin Emmanuel Valladares De La Rosa
Daniel Alberto Verduzco-Zaragoza

April 8, 2007

Isabela Libby Zuromski
Azle Anne Marie Sabando Bartolo

Congratulations to their proud moms, dads, and families.

We would like to invite all singers to join the Voices of Praise, the 10 o’clock adult choir, in our preparation for the Easter Sunday celebration. The choir will devote the first half of our weekly Thursday rehearsals to learning the songs for this concert.

Rehearsals will take place in the church choir loft from 7 to 8 p.m. on April 3.

Please let the choir director know if you would like to sing during Holy Thursday or Easter Vigil services.

For more information, please contact the choir director, Rajna Ledoux, at rajna_k@yahoo.com.

The parishes in Deanery 2 (Northern Deanery) are participating in a project to bring children, throughout the state of California, and their incarcerated Moms together for a visit this coming Mother’s Day, May 13th. These children are cared for by relatives, often grandparents, who are unable to make the drive to the prisons due to expense.

We will be collecting donations this weekend to help bring these children and their Moms together. Organizers of “Get On The Bus” are grateful for any help we can give them. Make checks out to St Nicholas Church and on the “memo” line write GOTB.

Please give checks to Fr. Bob or leave at Rectory by Easter.

We welcome into our Christian community and into our parish these new members who were baptized:

March 25, 2007

Siena Florence Fabella Sirovita

Branner Loren Boyd

Devon James Etheridge

Congratulations to their proud moms, dads, and families.

March 30 - April 1 - On the Path to Holy Week - Silent Retreat for Men Fr. Gerald F. Hudson, SJ

March 29 Lenten Day of Renewal - Three Ways to Enter Holy Week - Fr. Evan Howard, OFM, 9am - Includes Eucharist and Lunch - $20 RETREATS

SAN DAMIANO RETREATS AND
DAYS OF REFLECTION:
April 5-8, 2007 HOLY WEEK RETREAT - HOPE IN THE MYSTERY OF THE RESURRECTION Fr. Rusty Shaughnessy, OFM, Fr. Ray Bucher,OFM, Fr. Evan Howard, OFM & Rena Grant, MFT Includes Sunday Brunch

April 20-22, 2007 RECOVERY RETREAT - SOBRIETY OPENS THE DOOR - Fr. Tom Weston, SJ

April 21, 2007 YOUNG ADULT DAY RETREAT - SPIRITUAL SABBATH: SEEDLINGS OF RENEWAL 9:30 AM-3:00PM $20 Lunch included

April 23-27, 2007 MID-WEEK SILENT CONTEMPLATIVE RETREAT - EXPERIENCE THE GOD OF HOPE - Sr. Ishpriya THE JESUIT RETREAT CENTER

Days of Dialogue: April 22, Aug 12 For Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual and Trans-gendered People

For further information in any above retreat:
Call Mary Munden at 408-730-5385

Major Themes of Catholic Social Teachings

1 Life and Dignity of the Human Person
2 Call to Family, Community, and Participation
3 Rights and Responsibilities
4 Option For the Poor and Vulnerable
5 The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers
6 Solidarity
7 Care For God’s Creation

For quotations from the U.S. Catholic bishops’ Sharing Catholic Social Teachings: Challenges and Directions, plus a brief summary of these themes drawn from their statements, please read bulletin inserts.

Immigration: Opportunities and Challenges
Free Forum – Sponsored by World Affairs Council of the Peninsula, League of Women Voters, and Avenidas to be held at Hewlett-Packard Auditorium, 3000 Hanover St. Bldg. 20, Palo Alto on March 31, 2007, 9AM – 12:15PM.
More Information see free flyers on table at the vestibule of the church.

We will be offering MEMORIAL EASTER LILIES this year for purchase. You can dedicate an Easter lily to a loved one and the name will be included on a lovely framed plaque to be placed at the entrance of the church on Easter Sunday, along with your lily on the altar. You may pick up a flyer to be completed and returned no later than APRIL 1. All the information is in the flyer, available at the back of the church.

Sponsored by the Lilies of the Valley

We welcome into our Christian community and into our parish these new members who were baptized:

March 4, 2007

Diana Elizabeth Garcia Calderon
Jocelyn Flor Menjivar Gutierrez
Leila Elizabeth Nite
Sofia Giselle Muños Pacheco

Congratulations to their proud moms, dads, and families.

St. Clair's Retreat, Soquel, CA (831) 423-8093 or stclaresretreat@juno.com March 3-5 Retreat for Women "Deus Carita Est" God is Love" Fr. Allen Ramirez, OFM

Retreats at San Damiano
(925) 837-9141or www.sandamiano.org. March 9-11, 2007
Men & Women's Lenten Retreat-Our Lenten Journey by Fr. Rusy Shaughnessy, OFM & Rena Grant, MFT

Is Two Better Than One? led by Carol Kaplan, MFCC
Saturday, March 10, 2007 9:30 am - 3:30 pm
$40 includes lunch. Vallombrosa Retreat Center (650) 325-5614. Is it OK to be a single in our couple-oriented society? Is there value in solitude when everyone else seems to want to be part of a group? Come and reflect on the opportunities and challenges of being alone whatever your age or position in life.

March 16, 2007
Professional Development-The Journey Through Hunger by Shoshana Kobrin, MA, MFT from 9am to 4pm

March 16-18, 2007
Silent Contemplation-Four Gospels: The Inner Shape of Christian Life by Fr. Bruno Barnhart, OSB, Cam.

"Journey Into Joy" - March 23 & 24, 2007
Contact: Rosemarie Peoples at 408-778-3595 or rosemarie@spiritsite.org

Days of Dialogue: April 22, Aug 12
For Gays, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual and Trans-gendered People

For further information in any above retreat:
Call Mary Munden at 408-730-5385

St. Joseph Parish celebrates the feast day of its patron saint. Excitement is in the air at St. Joseph Parish in Mountain View as its parishioners prepare to celebrate for the first time the Feast Day of St. Joseph, husband of Mary and father of Jesus. The three-day event begins on March 16 and concludes March 18.

English Masses are scheduled as follows: Fri., Mar. 16, 7 p.m. Sat., Mar. 17, 5:30 pm. Light refreshments will be served after these Masses. The festivities will conclude with a multi-lingual Mass on Sun., Mar. 18, 10 a.m., which begins with a short procession. Representatives of the various ethnic groups in the parish, as well as students from St. Joseph Catholic School, are preparing a beautiful liturgy. After Mass, a reception follows in Father Doyle Hall.

As a parish, St. Joseph enjoys a rich history. Formerly a mission church of the Jesuits in Santa Clara Parish (1867-1900), it became a parish in 1901.

Through the years it produced eight daughter churches: St. Martin Parish (Sunnyvale); St. Aloysius in Mayfield (Palo Alto); St. Nicholas (Los Altos Hills);St. Cyprian (Sunnyvale); St. Simon (Los Altos); St. Athanasius (Mountain View); St. William (Los Altos). St. Joseph Parish takes pride in its cohesive culturally diverse population, and proudly boasts of its very own award winning elementary school. As well, St. Joseph and St. Joseph (Cupertino).

A commemorative scrapbook will be available during the celebration. Part I covers the parish history from the 1850s to 1928. Part II continues with the years 1929 to present. Monetary donations to defray the cost of publication will be appreciated.

This special celebration honoring St. Joseph has been a long time dream of Father Oscar D. Tabujara, Pastor, and Father Robert B. Moran, Parochial Vicar.

According to Father Tabujara, “Father Bob and I are blessed with parishioners who are making this dream come true.”

We welcome into our Christian community and into our parish these new members who were baptized:

January 28, 2007

Rowan David Imperial-Bobis
Natasha Danielle Harris
Nathaniel Gabrych Harris
Sean Uriah Oliver

Congratulations to their proud moms, dads, and families.

We show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. Good stewardship of the earth and of all its creatures…is a complex challenge …whatever we do to the earth we ultimately do to ourselves. We must live in harmony with the rest of creation and preserve it for future generations.

U.S. Catholic bishops A Century of Social Teaching

Let's Green St. Joseph

In the interest of following the above Catholic Social Teaching to be good stewards of our planet, Earth, the Peace and Justice Committee of St. Joseph is proposing that this coming Lent we, the Faith Community of St. Joseph, “give up” the use of Styrofoam cups. This small denial of convenience is to be a sign of our covenant with all of God’s creation.

Heads Up

On Feb. 25, First Sunday of Lent, all will be asked to participate in purging our cupboards of Styrofoam cups. They will be collected and recycled. More information to come or call Sylvia Villasenor (650) 941-9362.
sjvillasenor@sbcglobal.net

Community Services Agency of Mountain View has asked our parish to help with their homeless program by assembling 50 “Alpha Omega Emergency Kits.” We ask you, the parishioners, to assist the Outreach Committee.

On February 4th and 11th we will have signups after Masses for items needed for these kits. On those dates, please stop by after Mass and sign up to donate one or more items. For further information call Outreach Committee members, Kathie Franger, 964-8956, Rosalie Lopez, 967-3741, or Laura Kinney, 967-7956.

We welcome into our Christian community and into our parish these new members who were baptized:

January 20, 2007

Itzel Sarahi Gomez Palafox
Hennessy Layevska Ortiz Marquina
Javier Antonio Angel

January 21, 2007

Eric Michael Schmitt

Congratulations to their proud moms, dads, and families.

St. Joseph’s Outreach Committee will again be cooperating with Mountain View Community Service Agency’s Alpha Omega homeless program. Look for details in next week’s bulletin. Or for further information call Kathie Franger, 964-8956, Rosalie Lopez, 967-3741, or Laura Kinney, 967-7956.

We show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. Good stewardship of the earth and of all its creatures (including human beings) is a complex challenge …whatever we do to the earth we ultimately do to ourselves. We must live in harmony with the rest of creation and preserve it for future generations.

U.S. Catholic bishops A Century of Social Teaching

Recycling has been a part of our every day lives now, yet we still unconsciously use products that are toxic to our earth and do not recycle easily. In the interest of false economy, we choose to buy Styrofoam cups which in the long run desecrate our earth, a precious gift from God and leaves a polluted inheritance for our children.

As part of this coming Lenten offering, I am urging St. Joseph’s Faith Community to “give up” Styrofoam products. I am inviting all to take one small step to “Green” our parish. More information? Call Sylvia Villasenor (650) 941-9362

We welcome into our Christian community and into our parish these new members who were baptized:

January 14, 2007
Jocelyn Hazel Abriam
Sydney Leigh Mendelson

Congratulations to their proud moms, dads, and families.

We welcome into our Christian community and into our parish these new members who were baptized:

January 6, 2007
John Phillip Connell III

Congratulations to their proud moms, dads, and families.

We welcome into our Christian community and into our parish these new members who were baptized:

December 24, 2006
Alexa Nicole Peake Favela

December 30, 2006
Neave Laurette Theresa Briens

Congratulations to their proud moms, dads, and families.

Concerned for the exploitation and oppression of migrants and refugees all over the world, the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, has issued a statement of concern for those who are forced to leave their places of birth and familial ties. In his message to us, he calls for special attention and aid to the families who, seeking refuge from dire poverty or violence, often are subjected to greater hardships including human trafficking. Thus, the Pope has declared January 14, 2007 to be World Day of Migrants and Refugees and the theme for the year 2007 to be “The Migrant Family.”

By reminding us of Mary and Joseph’s flee to Egypt escaping the wrath of the king, (Mt. 2-13) the Holy Father is asking us to build awareness in our faith communities and public opinion of the needs and problems as well as the positive potentials of migrant families.

The full text of the Pope’s statement is on the table in the vestibule of the church. Also on the table are the names and addresses of our representatives in congress with a sample letter on the back that you may use should you wish to write to them on any issue.

PLEASE USE THE POWER OF YOUR PEN.

Questions about chruch teachings? Been away for a while? Been hurt by a representative of the church? Maybe it's time to take another look.

TAKE ANOTHER LOOK offers Catholics who have been away from the Church or who have serious questions about the Catholic faith an opportunity to tell their stories, ask their questions, and receive information on Catholic beliefs and current practices in a comfortable and non-threatening atmosphere. This free program is co-sponsored by the Catholic Parishes in Mountain View, Los Altos and Palo Alto and begins Thursday, January 11th, at 7:00pm at St. Athanasius Church (Room #2 in the School bldg.) 160 N. Rengstorff Ave. in Mountain View. For more information call Mike Cavera at (650) 967-7939 or email him at: mikepcavera@yahoo.com

Thank you, thank you for your response to the US bishops’ statement on a just and secure transition in Iraq.

277 letters have been sent from our parish. Please continue praying and writing your congressional leaders to use their influence to end the violence in Iraq and bring our troops home as soon as possible. Pray for peace.

In the vestibule of the church is a flyer with a list of the names and addresses of the two senators and representatives in Congress from California. On back of the flyer is a sample letter that you may wish to use.

Please take a flyer and continue writing to our leaders about this urgent issue.

Question or information? Sylvia Villasenor sjvillasenor@sbcglobal.net

We welcome into our Christian community and into our parish these new members who were baptized:

December 16, 2006

Nicole Herrera Rendon
Alitzel Lopez Santiago
Guadalupe Luna Martinez
Alexa Michelle Murillo Vazquez
Vianey Vazquez

Congratulations to their proud moms, dads, and families.

Sunday, March 11– Thursday, March 15, 2007
San Francisco/San Francisco- $1,199.00
Airport taxes $129 *Insurance (optional) $111
Single Room Supplement $299

Chaplain: Fr. Oscar Tabujara, St Joseph Parish, MV

For more information and reservation, please contact:
Eulocita D. Wenger, Tour Coordinator, 866 Wolfe Road, Sunnyvale, CA 94086 (408)733-9751 or (408) 431-1779, email: eulocita dwme@yahoo.com or Tour Operator, ADRIATIC PILGRIMAGES, 777 W. 9th Street, San Pedro, CA 90731 (310) 548-1446 (800) 262-1718. California Seller of Travel: #2000288-40

Passenger Registration Form is available at the Parish Office, and can be picked up during regular office hours.

Invite your family members, friends, or co-workers who have drifted away from the Catholic faith or who no longer attend Mass regularly to a wonderful program called TAKE ANOTHER LOOK. This program offers people who have been away from the Church or who have serious questions about the Catholic faith an opportunity to tell their stories, ask their questions, and receive information on Catholic beliefs and current practices in a comfortable and non-threatening atmosphere. The program, now in its 10th year, is co-sponsored by St. Athanasius in conjunction with the other parishes in Mountain View, Los Altos and Palo Alto and begins Thursday, January 11th, at 7:00PM at St. Athanasius Church (Room #2 in the School bldg.), 160 N. Rengstorff Ave. in Mountain View.

Each year TAKE ANOTHER LOOK touches many hearts and many spouses, sons, daughters, co-workers and friends have returned to the Church because someone like you invited them to attend or gave them the brochure. This year maybe it is your turn to extend that personal invitation to attend or at least to pick up a brochure at one of the Church exits and pass it on. The brochure has a map and directions. For more information call Mike Cavera at (650) 967-7939.

A New Year's Retreat for Men and Women, Dec. 31, 2006 - Jan 1, 2007, Fr. Tim Meir & Fr. David Robinson, SJ, Vallombrosa Center, www.vallombrosa.org or 650-325-5614

Spirit Site Information:

Spirit Site Retreats for Women - "Soul Sisters, Spirit Friends" - Jan. 26-28, 2007

"Journey Into Joy" - Feb. 23 & 24, 2007 and March 23 & 24, 2007 Contact: Rosemarie Peoples at 408-778-3595 or rosemarie@spiritsite.org

Spirit on the Mountain Talks: Sunday, Jan. 14, 2007 - Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153) info. www.presentationcenter.org

Oasis of Prayer Talks:
Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2007 - Augustine of Hippo, info. SpiritSite at 408-247-9237 or
michaelw@spiritsite.org

From St. Joseph Outreach Committee

Thank you for your gifts of time, money, music, and food to help make this Thanksgiving Dinner for the Needy a huge success. We served over 650 meals to 263 guests who greatly appreciated a fabulous meal and fellowship.

United we stood as a community to live out the Gospel and reach out to those individuals in need. Thank you! May God bless you and guide you now and always. Thank you to St. Joseph School students, staff and parents for all their help the day of the dinner. To our volunteers who spent 9 hours on their feet we hope you felt that special closeness that comes with being part of a community of love. Many thanks are due to the following people who planned and coordinated this annual dinner: Kathie Franger, Laura Kinney, Hugh Moore, Damien Palermo, Lory Torres and Tammy Pottorff (Chairperson).

We welcome into our Christian community and into our parish these new members who were baptized:

December 2, 2006

Victor Manuel Nova-Lopez

December 3, 2006
Aramis Alexander Duenas
Sabrina Hernandez
Aaliyah Lopez Vasquez
Brianna Lujano Medina
Michelle Valencia

Congratulations to their proud moms, dads, and families.

Voices of Praise would like to invite parishioners to join our choir in preparation for the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebrations. The program will consist of popular Christmas carols and service music known in our parish. All voice types are welcome. Membership is open to adults and youth (ages 14 and up). Reading music is not required, but those with reading skills are strongly encouraged to join and learn exciting parts.

Rehearsals will be held on two consecutive Thursdays, December 14 and 21, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the church choir loft. For more information, please contact the choir director, Rajna Ledoux, at (650) 458-9806 or rajna_k@yahoo.com.

HEADS UP NOTICE

Speaking for the US Bishops, Bishop William Skylstad issued a statement calling for a serious and civil dialogue on a morally responsible transition in Iraq. The central message of his statement is that the search for genuine justice and peace in Iraq requires moral urgency, substantive dialogue and new directions.

The statement declares: “Our nation’s forces should remain in Iraq only as long as their presence contributes to a responsible transition. Our nation should look for effective ways to end their deployment at the earliest opportunity consistent with this goal.”

Copies of the bishop’s full statement are in the vestibule of the church. Please read the document and use the information to write your representatives in Congress about the urgent matter of ending the war and bringing the troops home.

PRAY for the safe return of our men in the service.

Pray for their families.

Pray for all the suffering in Iraq.

PRAY FOR PEACE.

One of the parishioners that heard the talk by Fr. Kenan Osborne in August suggested that we include some of his book titles for those who are interested in reading them. We are glad that those that heard him enjoyed his presentation and spirit. The following is a short list of books written by Fr. Kenan and can be obtained through Amazon.com or can be ordered through religious bookstores.

"Christian Sacraments in a Postmodern World: A Theology for the Third Millennium"
"Orders and Ministry: Leadership in the World Church"
"The Resurrection of Jesus: New Considerations for its Theological Interpretation"
"Sacramental Theology: A General Introduction"
"The Franciscan Intellectual Tradition: Tracing Its Origins"
"Priesthood: A History of Ordained Ministry in the Roman Catholic Church"

Many thanks to those who contributed donations of jewelry and donations for jewelry at last weeks sale. We were able to raise $338.50 for the pipe organ fund. This was so much fun for many that we will be having another very soon for those who enjoyed it and for those who missed the chance of looking for trinkets and helping the pipe organ construction. This was another example of the community helping one another for a shared purpose.

We welcome into our Christian community and into our parish these new members who were baptized:

November 18, 2006

Leonardo Herrera Batana Jr.
Dalia Ximena Neri
Monica Joanna Flores Gonzalez
Asusena Abigail Flores
Stephanie Alexia Orozco Gomez
Elizabeth Orozco
Jair Ivan Merales Lopez
Kenia Janice Benites
Christopher Lombera - Gonzalez

November 26, 2006

Edward Glen Yuipco

Congratulations to their proud moms, dads, and families.

HEADS UP NOTICE

On Saturday December 16, 2006, the San Jose Diocese and Catholic Charities will present

Migrant Posada: Journey of Hope.

All are invited to experience the Latin-American tradition of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter on the first Christmas Eve. The event will take place outdoors in downtown San Jose, beginning at 6:30pm in front of the John XXIII Center, 5th and San Fernando.

Mark your calendars, plan to come and share traditional food, music, and prayers with our brothers and sisters in Santa Clara County. “Goody bags” for the children. More information to come.

The U.S. House and Senate have passed a bill for a 700-mile fence along the U.S.-Mexico border, an enforcement-only bill that will only lead to more deaths at the border and do nothing to address the complex issue of immigration. On Friday, December 1st, 2006, at 7 PM, in the Sullivan Hall of St. Maria Goretti Parish, 2980 Senter Rd, San Jose, the documentary “Letters from the Other Side” will be shown. The film provides the human context that has been missing in all political rhetoric. Focusing on a side of the immigration story rarely told by the media or touched upon in our national debate, “Letter“ gives voice to those who deserve to be heard, painting a complex portrait of families torn apart by economics, communities dying at the hands of globalization, and governments incapable or unwilling to do anything about it.

Registration before Nov. 27 since space is limited. Donation: $10. Information: Adriana Valenzuela (408) 983-0134 or valenzuela@dsj.org

Please reserve Monday, December 4, 7:00 PM for our annual Advent Communal Penance Service. Msgr Joe Milani, and Frs. Tom Shea & George Schultze, S.J. will join Frs. Oscar and Bob.

Confessions in English, Spanish, Tagalog. Come, join as we celebrate new life in Christ.

The Giving Tree is on the altar beginning Nov. 18th. Please consider taking an angel and purchasing the appropriate new gift or gift certificates. Please wrap any gift you buy, ATTACH it to the angel, and place it back under the Giving Tree by Sun., Dec. 10th. The School Stewardship Committee will sort the gifts, and the St. Vincent de Paul Society will deliver them to the many families we help at this time of year. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Sharon Fischenich at 650-968-4707. Thank you for your generous support of this St. Joseph Giving Tree tradition.

Dear Oscar and Bob,

Just a note to thank you for a lovely visit to Saint Joseph’s Church yesterday morning. I really had a great time and was delighted for the opportunity to meet with you and your parishioners. They are a wonderful group! Thank you for all that you did in preparation for the visit.

I also want to thank you for the generous check, the beautiful stole, the parish scrapbook, and the material you provided me on Charles Untz. I am truly grateful for your thoughtfulness.

I would be also grateful if you would be able to convey my thanks to the Tamil community for the gift of the photo album and the garland. It was very kind of them to remember me, and I am very thankful for their thoughtfulness.

Once again, it was great to be at Saint Joseph’s.

With every best wish and kind regard, I remain,

Sincerely yours,

Patrick J. McGrath
Bishop of San Jose

Two parishioners have just entered into a $10,000 Charitable Gift Annuity Agreement with the Diocese that will benefit St. Joseph’s in the future. In the meantime they:

Will receive a lifetime income of $700 (7%) per year, payable in quarterly installments.

$434 of the income will be tax free.

Receive a tax deduction of $4,607.

There can be a maximum of two income beneficiaries and the minimum contribution is $10,000. The income payment rate will vary depending upon the age(s) of the income beneficiary(ies). The older the beneficiaries the higher the rate; up to 11.3% for a 90 year old beneficiary.

The arrangement has the approval of the State Department of Insurance and is backed by the full assets of the Diocese.

If you would like to get information about what your benefits would be, please call Dick Lamport, Gift Planning Advisor for the Diocese at 415-970-2380. In just a few minutes, you’ll know what your benefits will be.

We welcome into our Christian community and into our parish these new members who were baptized:

November 4, 2006
Karla Justine Sandoval Aroche
Keian Cristy Hernandez Bohn

November 5, 2006
Julian Alberto Chavez-Zavala

Congratulations to their proud moms, dads, and families.

“In the Catholic tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue, participation in the political process is a moral obligation.” - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

The California Conference of Bishops, the Human Concerns Commission of the San Jose Diocese, and Catholic Charities are supporting certain Propositions on the November ballot. They urge all Catholics to seriously consider 1C, 85, and 86 because they reflect the Church’s social teachings of the dignity of all persons, the protection of family life, and the right to affordable and quality health care for the poor and vulnerable.

Please read their statements in the bulletin inserts this weekend.

Remeber to vote on Tuesday November 7, 2006.

Vote your conscience. Let your choices reflect the love and compassion of God for All.

Turn off the tube and connect with fellow young adults by sharing your ideas about faith and social concerns. We meet at the rectory every Wednesday night from 7 till 8:30 PM.

Our new meeting time is Tuesday night from 7 till 8.30 PM in the rectory. Also, every last Tuesday of the month we attend the Mass for young adults in our deanery, held at St. Nicholas in Los Altos.

For more information contact: BernadetteFriedrichs@gmx.de

We welcome into our Christian community and into our parish these new members who were baptized:

Jorge Gael Rancano Ramos

Congratulations to his proud mom, dad, and family.

We encourage you to show your love of Jesus by becoming a Lector or a Eucharistic Minister.

A basic training class will be offered for Eucharistic Ministers, starting Saturday, October 14, for 6 weeks. For more information on Eucharistic Ministers, contact Tina Andrea (408) 396-5430.

Some slots are still open for Lectors, especially needed at the 7:00 AM mass. Male lectors are encouraged to join the ministry. Three week basic training are Saturday mornings Oct. 14th, 21st, and 28th. Lector continued training are Monday evenings, November 6th, 13th, and 20th. For more information, contact Jennifer Tirva at (650) 650-961-7339.

We welcome into our Christian community and into our parish these new members:

Leia Ku'Uleialoha Bacio
Vanessa Terrel Lacey
Hannah Grace Carbullido Multz

Congratuations to their proud moms, dads, and families.

Please mark your calendar to attend a talk by Fr. Kenan Osborne, OFM, on Wednesday August 23, 2006, 7:00PM, at Doyle Hall entitled, "A Jesus Community".

Find out what makes "A Jesus Community" at this special informative talk. Thank you for your support of this speaker series.

Are you looking for a way to volunteer at St. Joseph?
Do you have one Friday per month available?
Do you enjoy or would like to learn flower arranging?
Do you want to join a team of fun and friendly ladies?

The Lilies of the Valley may be what you are looking for. Come join us and give it a try. You won't be sorry. You can contact our team leader: Diana Lloyd @ (650) 814-5159.