Archive of Christchild Weekly Bulletin for 2012

Scroll down to see earlier bulletins of 2012. Click HERE to see bulletins from last year

One stormy night many years ago, a man in his forties and his wife from New York entered the lobby of a small hotel in Philadelphia.

Trying to get out of the rain, the couple approached the front desk hoping to get some shelter for the night. “Could you possibly give us a room here?” the husband asked. The manager, a friendly man with a winning smile, looked at the couple and explained that there were three conventions in town. “All of our rooms are taken,” the manager said. “But I can’t send a nice couple like you out into the rain at one o’clock in the morning. Would you perhaps be willing to sleep in my room?” It’s not exactly a suite, but it will be good enough to make you folks comfortable for the night.”

When the couple declined, the Philadelphia manager pressed on. “Don’t worry about me; I’ll make out just fine,” the manager told them. So the couple agreed.

As he paid his bill the next morning, the New Yorker said to the manager, “You are the kind of manager who should be the boss of the best hotel in the United States. May be some day I will build one for you.”

As they drove away, the couple agreed that the helpful manager was indeed exceptional, as finding people who are both friendly and helpful isn’t easy.

The Philadelphia manager had almost forgotten the incident when he receives a letter. It was from the man, who recalled in it that stormy night and enclosed a round-trip to New York so the manager could pay them a visit.

The man from New York met him in airport. He then pointed to a great new building there, a palace of reddish stone, with turrets and watchtowers thrusting up to the sky. “That,” said the New Yorker, “is the hotel I have just built for you to manage.” “You must be joking,” the Philadelphia manager said. “I can assure you I am not,” said the New Yorker, a sly smile playing around his mouth.

The New Yorker’s name was William Waldorf Astor, and the magnificent structure was the original Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, one of the world’s most glamorous hotels.

“If a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies it produces much fruit.”

Young George Boldt buried his own comfort and convenience by giving up his room.

His sacrifice sprouted and brought forth the reward of becoming the manager of the most outstanding hotels in the world.

MASS INTENTIONS March 24 - 30

“This weekend you along with parishioners throughout the Diocese of Monterey are invited prayerfully to consider a pledge to the 2012 Annual Ministries Appeal (AMA). This year’s annual Diocesan Appeal reminds us to “The wind blows where it wills.” Since every parishioner is a member of Diocese of Monterey, every household is encouraged to support the work of our Diocese by participating in this appeal. No gift is too small. Once we have met the goal for our parish’s share for diocesan pastoral services, your donations will be returned to our parish for support to pay the bills. Your will have an opportunity to make your pledge during the Masses…

Last Friday of Lent, March 30 at 6:30 p.m. We will have soup followed by the Stations of the Cross at 7:15 p.m.

Monday, April 2 at 11 am at Madonna del Sasso Church in Salinas, Bishop Garcia will bless oils for anointing the sick and those to be baptized, and will consecrate Chrism for use in sealing with the Holy Spirit. He will thus prepare enough oils for the Sacraments in every parish throughout the diocese for one year. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Stations of the Cross at 12:00 p.m. around the Parish with the Mountain Bible Church

King Frederick II, and Eighteenth-Century King of Prussia, visited a prison in Berlin one day.

The inmates jumped at the opportunity to plead their cases directly to the king.

“What are you in for?” he asked. “Armed robbery, your honor.” The king asked, “Are you guilty?” “Yes sir,” he answered. “I entirely deserve my punishment.”

The king then gave an order to the guard: “Release this guilty man. I don’t want him corrupting all these innocent people.”

“If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

MASS INTENTIONS March 17 - 23

March 19 Monday, we will have Mass at 8:00 am. and a good breakfast in the Rectory afterward!!! All are welcome!!!

You are very generous with your contributions to your Parish and all the ministries of the Dioceses; please accept my thanks in the name of many people of the parish and the people of our Diocese of Monterey.

Our parish goal this year is $8,000.00. God willing, and with your help it will be achieved.

Thank you, God reward all your generosity, and I pray for your families, Fr. Eugenio

Friday’s of Lent at 6:30 p.m. - Soup followed by the prayer of the Stations of the Cross

Marriage Singles Lifestyle – The Married Singles Lifestyle describes couples that may have lost a sense of closeness they once had as marriage partners and are living more like roommates. Retrouvaille teaches couples how to survive times like these in their marriage. This program has helped 10’s of 1000’s of couples experiencing difficulty at all levels of marital distress from disillusionment to deep misery.

For confidential information about, or to register for the program beginning with a weekend on May 4 – 6, 2012, call 831-479-1260 or email: Monterey@RetroCA.com or visit the web site at www.HelpOurMarriage.com

The Lord blesses you and keeps you. The Lord makes his face shine upon you and he is gracious to you. The Lord lifts up his countenance upon you, and gives you peace.

Please bring food every Saturday and Sunday and we will bring it to the Santa Cruz Soup Kitchen to help the people in need!!!

One can of soup makes a difference and we have the opportunity to help people.

This “custody of other is in contrast to a mentality that, by reducing life exclusively to its earthly dimension, fails to see it in an eschatological perspective and accepts any moral choice in the name of personal freedom. A society like our can become blind to physical sufferings and to the spiritual and moral demands of life. This must not be the case in the Christian community! The Apostle Paul encourages us to see “the ways which lead to peace and the ways in which we can support one another” for our neighbor’s good, “so that we support one another,” seeking not personal gain but rather “the advantage of everybody else, so that they may be saved” This mutual correction and encouragement in a spirit of humility and charity must be part of the life of the Christian community.”

The Lord’s disciples, united with him through the Eucharist, live in a fellowship that binds them one to another as members of a single body…

Did you read about a Connecticut Supreme Court case in which the court reluctantly ruled that a Suzanne Benson is entitled to half the estate of her dead son? If the newspapers are correct, this mother abandoned her two-year-old son 13 years ago.
Recently the son was killed in a car/bicycle collision. His dad’s insurance company awarded $300,000 to the son’s estate.
Mrs. Benson showed up after all this time to claim half the money.

Under Connecticut law, if Mrs. Benson had officially terminated her parental responsibility, she could not have profited from the money.
Abandonment of a baby, however, does not constitute formal parental termination.
(“Mother Who Abandoned Son Wins Half of His $300,000 Estate,” The Knoxville News Sentinel (May 10, 1989), Section A.P.7)
So she collected $150,000.

That violates my sense of justice, doesn’t it yours?
It’s not fair. It’s not right. But listen.
There are far worse injustices taking place in our world than that one isolated case.
We all know it’s true.
There are racial injustices, religious injustices, and economic injustice.

“For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.”
(1 Corinthians 1:22-25)

CONFESSIONS:
By request or appointment
BAPTISMS & WEDDINGS:
Call the office for an appointment.
For Pregnancy Support:
Birthright 241-8444 or 800-550-4900

MASS INTENTIONS – March 10 -16

Saturday     5:00 p.m. + Jean Pierre Magnin
Sunday    10:00 a.m.   + Cecily Olsen
Tuesday      9:00 a.m. +   Jim Shore
Wednesday 8:00 a.m.       Greg Nelson
Thursday    8:00 a.m.       Angela Rendon
Friday          8:00 a.m. + Fr. Porfirio Martinez

TREASURY REPORT SUNDAY
March 3 & 4, 2012

Plate………………………. $ 1,544.00
EFT……………………….. $ 395.00
Total $ 1,939.00

Thank you and God the Father Bless you!

ANNUAL MINISTRIES APPEAL 2012
“The wind blows where it wills.”
Saint John 3:8
Diocese of Monterey
This phrase comes from Jesus’ answer to Nicodemus’ question as to how he can be born again from above. In part, Jesus replies by saying, “The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
In the same way, we know that the ministries supported by the Annual Ministries Appeal touch people in so many different ways as we can see the work they do, but we do not know all of the good God does through them and through the many people touched by those ministries.
The Spirit of God blows through the ministries and takes people in many different directions to build up the Body of Christ in our.
In joining together, we can work together to continue this important work of God…

I am asking you to join together and to allow the Wind to continue to blow through these important ministries to touch the lives of so many in our Diocese from the youngest children to our retired priests and deacons.

Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Richard J. Garcia, D.D.
Bishop of Monterey

Station of the Cross
Friday’s at 6:30 p.m. –Soup and followed by the prayer of the Station of the Cross.

Good Friday April 6 at 12:00 p.m. Station of the Cross around the Parish with the Mountain Bible Church.

Good Friday is a day of universal fast and abstinence in the Church.
Christ Child Men’s Club
Our next meeting will be at 6:30 pm. on Wednesday, March 14th Great conversation and dinner.
At the Community Center.
We have very good support for one another. All men welcome!!!

SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION
Grades 9-11
The Class is next Saturday March 17 at 3:30 pm. followed by the Mass at 5:00 pm.

LENT 2012 “Let us be concerned for each other, to stir a response in love and good works” (Heb 10:24)

HOLY WEEK & EASTER 2012

The Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday
Mass Saturday March 31st at 5:00 pm.
Mass Sunday April 1st at 10:00 am.

The CHRISM MASS
On Monday April 2nd at 11:00 am. at Madonna Del Sasso Church in Salinas.

The Sacred Triduum
Holy Thursday Evening: April 5th at
7:00 pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper.

Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion: April 6th at 7:00 pm.
Holy Saturday Night: The Great Vigil of Easter, April 7th at 8 pm.

Easter Sunday, April 8th
7 00 am. Sunrise Service with Mountain Bible Church at the Gazebo
Mass 10:00 am.
Mass Resurrection of the Lord

Easter Egg Hunt after Mass!

Dr. Peggy Hartshorne, president of Heartbeat International, tells a dramatic story about a woman who glimpsed the mystery of her unborn child.
The young woman was seeking an abortion. She simply could not handle having a baby at this time. But she agreed to an ultrasound. When the baby appeared on the screen, the woman was amazed to see the perfectly formed body, the tiny legs and arms moving inside her womb. But the woman kept saying, “No, no, I have to have an abortion.”
Dr. Hartshorne felt sad. She knew that seventy-five percent of women who see an ultrasound decide to keep their baby – but that a quarter, nevertheless, still have the abortion.
It seemed like this woman would be in that twenty-five percent.
All of sudden, Dr. Hartshorne’s assistant said, “Reach out and take your baby’s hand.” Dr. Hartshorne thought, “Oh, gosh, why is she saying that?” But the woman raised her hand and touched the monitor. As if by some divine cue, the baby stretched out his arm to the exact place of his mom’s hand. On the screen his tiny fingers met hers.
She kept her baby.

There is a mystery inside each one of us – the mystery of the image of God.
Today’s gospel tells us how three of the apostles saw a glimpse, a tiny glimpse, of who JESUS was.
That would transform them and sustain them through some dark moments following Jesus’ arrest.

“… And he was transfigured, such them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them. Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, and they were conversing with Jesus.”
(Mark 9:2-10)

CONFESSIONS:
By request or by appointment
BAPTISMS & WEDDINGS:
Call the office for an appointment.
For Pregnancy Support:
Birthright 241-8444 or 800-550-4900

MASS INTENTIONS March 3 - 9

Saturday      5:00 p.m. + Marilyn Shafer
Sunday      10:00 a.m.   + Leslie R. Olsen
Tuesday       9:00 a.m. + Catherine Henry
Wednesday 8:00 a.m.     Sharon Valentine
Thursday      8:00 a.m. + Jim Shore
Friday           8:00 a.m. + Luella Demers

LENT 2012
“Let us be concerned for each other, to stir a response in love and good works”
(Heb 10:24)
The great commandment of love for one another demand that we acknowledge our responsibility towards those who, like ourselves, are creatures and children of God. Being brothers and sisters in humanity and, in many cases, also in the faith, should help us to recognize in others a true alter ego, infinitely loved by the Lord.
If we cultivate this way of seeing others as our brothers and sisters, solidarity, justice, mercy and compassion will naturally well up in our hearts…
Concern for others entails desiring what is good for them from every point of view: physical, moral and spiritual…
Benedictus PP. XVI

REPORT SUNDAY
February 25 & 26, 2012

TOTAL PLATE                  $ 1,482.96
     EFT                                        $   370.00
     TOTAL                                  $ 1,852.96

Second Collection for Maintenances in the Parish was $627.55

Thanks you!
Please help us!
God Bless You!

CHOIR CALL
If you’d like to sing or play an instrument in the choir, please give us your ideas. We need you! Questions? Call Norma Hammons @ 353-3326

And would you like to be Catholic or be confirmed or receive the Eucharist. Please call at 408 353-2210. We will be very happy to help you!
Men’s Club Meeting
Our next meeting will be a 6:30 pm. on Wednesday, March 14th Great conversation starts at 6:30 pm.
Community Center
We have very good support one and another.
For more information, contact to the Parish.
All men welcome!

Stations of the Cross Friday’s
Soup and 6:30 pm. and followed by the prayer of Stations of the Cross at 7:15 pm.

Lenten Journey: Every day please pick up your “Lenten Companion’s book and read, prayer and reflection…!
Read the book that Parish gift to you:
“Rediscover Catholicism”

AMA: Annual Bishop’s Appeal!
Please give your support to all the ministries’ of the Dioceses.
Our parish goal this year is $8,000.

Offered in solidarity with Pope Benedict XVI
That the whole world may recognize the contribution of women to the development of society.

That the Holy Spirit may grant perseverance to those who suffer discrimination, persecution or death for the name of Christ, particular in Asia.

We need your support!!!
Please Sign the give support to the Parental notification for females under 18 before abortions.
&

Scroll down to see earlier bulletins of 2012. Click HERE to see bulletins from last year

You might have heard the story of the machinist who worked years ago at the original Ford Motor Company plant in Detroit, Michigan.
Over a period of years he had “borrowed” from the factory various can parts and tools which he hadn’t bothered to return.
While the management never cordoned this practice, nothing was ever done about it.
In time, however the “forgetful” machinist experienced a Christian conversion and was baptized. More importantly, the man took his baptism seriously and became a devout believer. The very morning after his baptism, the machinist arrived at work with his pickup truck loaded with all the parts and tools he had taken from the Ford Company over the years. He went to his foreman and explained that he never really meant to steal them and asked to be forgiven.
The foreman was so astonished and impressed by this act that he cabled Henry Ford himself, contacting the auto magnate while he was away visiting a European Ford plant. In his telegram the foreman described the entire event in great detail.
Ford immediately cable back this striking two-line response:
“Dam up the Detroit River.
Baptize the entire Plant!”

Our reading for this First Sunday in Lent focus on the effect our baptism should have on our lives, especially during the Lenten Season.

The primary purpose of Lent is spiritual preparation for the celebration of Jesus’ death on Good Friday and his resurrection on Easter Sunday.
The Church tries to achieve this goal by leading her children to “repentance,” a type of conversion.
Repentance leads us to recorder our priorities and changes our valves, ideals and ambitions, with the help of fasting, prayer and mortification.
Hence, the Church ordains fasting and abstaining on assigned days of Lent. All Lenten observances are also intended to lead us to our annual solemn renewal of baptismal vows on Holy Saturday.
Through baptism we are called to live justly, to love God with all our being, to love our neighbor as ourselves, and to build the kingdom of God by our acts of Charity.

“Your ways, O Lord, are love and truth to those who keep your covenant.
(Psalm 25: 10)

CONFESSIONS:
By request or appointment
BAPTISMS & WEDDINGS:
Call the office for an appointment.
For Pregnancy Support:
Birthright 241-8444 or 800-550-4900

MASS INTENTIONS Feb 25 – March 2

Saturday   5:00 p.m. + Mariela Montalvo
Sunday     10:00 a.m.     Mullen Family
Tuesday      9:00 a.m.      Mullen Family
Wednesday 8:00 a.m.   + Guillermina Garcia
Thursday   8:00 a.m. + Bill Vermillion
Friday         8:00 a.m.   + Luella Demers

LENT 2012
“Let us be concerned for each other, to stir a response in love and good works”
(Heb 10:24)
The responsibility towards our brothers and sisters.
This first aspect is an invitation to be “concerned”: the Greek verb used here is ‘katanoein, which means to scrutinize, to be attentive, to observe carefully and take stock of something.
So the verb which introduces our exhortation tells us to look at others, first of all at Jesus, to be concerned for one another, and not to remain isolated and indifferent to the fate of our brothers and sisters.
All too often, however, our attitude is just the opposite: an indifference and disinterest born of selfishness and masked as a respect for “privacy”. Today too, the Lord’s voice summons all of us to be concerned for one another. Even today God asks to be “guardians” of our brothers and sisters
(Gen 4:9), to establish relationship based on mutual consideration and attentiveness to the well-being, the integral well-being of others…
The Pope Benedict XVI

Stewardship of Treasure
Report Sunday February 18 & 19, 2012
Total Plate                $ 1,324.00
               EFT                          $    395.00
               TOTAL                   $ 1,719.00
Thank You and God bless you!
          St. Francis Catholic Kitchen is in great need of men’s clothing of any sort, particularly pants and jackets. Clothing donations can be dropped off at the soup kitchen, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 am. -2:00 pm., at 205 Mora St., in Santa Cruz (around the corner from Pro-Build Hardware on River St.) Any questions you may have please call us at the kitchen at (831) 459-6712. Thank you very much.

“Save the Date” Saturday, April 21 has been scheduled for a day of Training for our church members to prepare themselves to be more useful in event of a disaster. Jim Uhey and Leon Milburn are trainers in this field and will provide the training sessions.
Mountain Bible Church

Support Parental Notification
The Bishops of California support the effort to place an initiative on the November 2012 ballot that will require a doctor to notify parents 48 hours prior to an abortion being performed on their minor daughter.
In their statement they say:
“As Catholic, we believe and teach that we bear the image of God. We come to life as the result of humanity’s collaboration in God’s creative work… As citizens, we believe that government serves best when it supports families in their irreplaceable task of nurturing the next generation.”
HOW CAN YOU HELP NOW?
WE COLLECT PETITION SIGNATURES…
SPREAD THE WORD…

Scroll down to see earlier bulletins of 2012. Click HERE to see bulletins from last year

Secular magazines have begun to notice that faith can make a difference in people lives. For example, Family Circle carried a story recently about Dr. Joseph E. Murray performed the first successful human organ transplant operation on December 23, 1954.

Dr. Murray devoted himself to unlocking the secrets of successful organ transplantation after serving as an Army surgeon in World War II.

In addition to perfecting organ transplantation techniques, Dr. Murray has also spent part of his career performing plastic surgery on those with facial deformities. He has traveled around the world, offering his services as a plastic surgeon in some of the poorest nations.

In 1990, Dr. Murray was recognized for his work and awarded the Nobel Prize in medicine.

An observant Catholic, Dr. Murray begins each morning with the prayer that “all my acts are consistent with being the creature of a loving Creator.”

Today’s gospel tells us how the faith of his friends brought healing to paralytic man.

A man saved by the faith of his friends. It is the faith of the friends who have brought the paralytic to Jesus that is highlighted. It is the faith of the community being exercised on behalf of an individual.

When Augustine was living a reckless and immoral life, his devout mother came to ask the help of her saintly bishop Ambrose.

“It is impossible,” he assured her, “that the child of such prayers and tears should perish.”

“They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd, they opened up the roof above him. After they had broken through, they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying.”

MASS INTENTIONS February 18 - 24

“Let us be concerned for each other, to stir a response in love and good works”

The Lenten season offer us once again an opportunity to reflect upon the very heart of Christian life: Charity.

This journey is one marked by prayer and sharing, silence and fasting, in anticipation of the joy of Easter.

All Fridays of Lent we have Soup and Prayers together at 6:30 p.m.

We offer year-round sessions to explore the Catholic faith. For more information, call Fr. Eugenio, 408.353.2210 or eugenioaramburo@yahoo.com

Today, Sunday the 19th, at 11:30 a.m. The entire Parish will participate in the Mountain Bible Church Operation: Care and Comfort military; care package program.

God’s Dream… for every married couple is that they love each other as much as He loves them. If this is your dream for your relationship too, a Marriage Encounter weekend can help you make it come true. To strengthen your relationship, attend the next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend in Central California on April 27-29, 2012. For more details about a weekend contact 831-704-6322, email registrar@wwme-centralca.org or visit www.wwme-centralca.org

Do you feel alone? Are you frustrated or angry with each other? Do you argue… or have you just stopped talking to each other? Does talking about it only make it worse? Retrouvaille helps couples through difficult times in their marriage. This program has helped 10’s of 1000’s of couples experiencing difficulties in their marriage. For confidential information about or to register for the program beginning with a weekend on May 4-6, 2012, call 831-479-1260 or email: Monterey@RetroCA.com or visit the web site at www.HelpOurMarriage.com

Third grader confessions. Three small boys went to confession. The first told the priest, “I threw Peanuts in the lake.” The second confessed the same crime. When the third came in, the priest said, “I suppose you threw peanuts in the lake too.” The boy answered, “No, no Father, I am Peanuts.”

Scroll down to see earlier bulletins of 2012. Click HERE to see bulletins from last year

Today’s Scripture lessons teach us that the sick and the maimed are, for us, not to be objects of scorn, but potential reservoirs of God’s mercy.
St. Francis of Assisi, for instance understood this. At one time in his life, he had a terrible fear of lepers. Then one day when he was out for a walk, he heard the warning bell that lepers were required to ring in the Middle Ages. When a leper emerged from a dump of trees, St. Francis saw that he was horribly disfigured. Half of his nose had been eaten away; his hands were stubs without fingers and his lips were oozing white pus.
Instead of giving in to his fears, Francis ran forward, embraced the leper and kissed him.
Francis’ life was never the same after that episode. He had found a new relationship with God, a new sensitivity to others, and a new energy for his ministry.

All three reading today contain the Christian teaching on the need for social acceptance even when people are different from us.
They also tell us that it is purity or holiness of soul coming from God that cleanses our lives.

In today’s Gospel Jesus’ identification with the leper: According to some Father of the Church, one reason Jesus promptly responded to the leper’s cry in today’s Gospel story, ignoring the Mosaic Law prohibiting touching a leper and thus becoming ritually unclean, is that he identified himself with the man’s condition. Jesus dramatically identified himself with the sufferer in the total rejection and isolation waiting for him.

The irony here is that Jesus risked becoming “unclean” Himself in order to make the leper clean.

Just as he stretched out his hand to the leper and touched him and made him whole, Jesus stretched out his hands on the cross to make us whole.

“I turn to you, Lord, in the time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation!”
(Psalm 32: 1)

“Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God!”
(1 Corinthians 10: 31)

CONFESSIONS:
By request or appointment
BAPTISMS & WEDDINGS:
Call the office for an appointment.
For Pregnancy Support:
Birthright 241-8444 or 800-550-4900

Love is patient, kind. It does not envy, boast, proud, rude, self-seeking, easily angered, record of wrongs… Love never fails; the greatest of life is love.
(Cf. 1 Corinthians 13: 1-13)
“You are my friends if you do what I command.”
(John 15:14)
“A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends.”
(Proverbs 16:28)

MASS INTENTIONS February 11 - 17

Saturday   5:00 p.m. Hammons Family
Sunday     10:00 a.m. + Cecily Olsen
Tuesday      9:00 a.m. Mullen Family
Thursday     8:00 a.m. Communion Services
Friday          8:00 a.m. For the Parishioners

LENT 2012
The annual Lenten season is the fitting time to climb the holy mountain of Easter.
ASH WEDNESDAY February 22
Masses 9:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m.

Ash Wednesday is a day of universal fast and abstinence in the Church
“Remember, you are dust, and to dust you will return.

All Friday’s of LENT we have Soup and Prayers together at 6:30 p.m.

TODAY SUNDAY February 19th at
11:30 a.m.
The entire PARISH with MOUNTAIN BIBLE CHURCH
Operation: Care and Comfort Military Care Package Program
After we have Lunch!
“MARDI GRAS PARISH PARTY!”
“Martes de Carnaval”
IT’S HAPPENING….
FEBRUARY 21

Stewardship of Treasure
Report Sunday February 4 & 5, 2012
Total Plate                 $1,848.00
               EFT                           $    395.00
               TOTAL                     $ 2,243.00
We Need Your Support, God bless you!

SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION Grades 9 -11
The CLASS is next Saturday February 18, at 3:30 p.m. followed by the Mass at 5:00 p.m.

Holy Cross School Families interested in Kindergarten for the 2012-2013 school years may now submit application to Holy Cross School. Please visit www.holycsc.org and click on the yellow “How to Apply” button found throughout our Web site. We also invite you to call us at 423-4447 and schedule a visit – we welcome you to our school community!

Scroll down to see earlier bulletins of 2012. Click HERE to see bulletins from last year

There is an old and funny little anecdote that goes something like this. An elderly man who was quite ill said to his wife, “You know, Sarah, you’ve always been with me – through the good and the bad. Like the time I lost my job – you were right there by my side. And when the war came and I enlisted – you became a nurse so that you could be with me. Then I was wounded and you were there, Sarah, right by my side. Then the Depression hit and we had nothing – but you were there with me. And now here I am, sick as a dog, and, as always, you’re right beside me. You know something, Sarah – you’re bad luck!”

There is a part of us that is tempted to look for somebody to blame for all the things that go wrong in our lives.
More often than not, we blame the very people we once looked up to for an answer.
Today’s first reading from the book of Job is a futile attempt to answer the perennial question, “Why do bad things happen to good people?”
The gospel show us how Jesus kept himself busy alleviating the pain and suffering around Galilee by his preaching and healing ministry rather than by pondering on universal solutions for the problem of worldwide evil.

The readings today challenge us to go courageously beyond people’s expectations by doing good as Jesus did, instead of brooding over pain and suffering in the world that we cannot end.
They invite us to explore the importance of work in our lives and to learn a lesson in work ethics from Job, Paul and Jesus.
While the gospel presents Jesus enthusiastically preparing for his second day’s missionary work, the first reading details Job’s attitude in striking contrast to Jesus’.
Pointing out the spontaneous response of Peter’s mother-in-law after she had been healed by Jesus –namely, “waiting on them at table”- today’s gospel teaches us that true discipleship means getting involved in giving selfless service to others.

CONFESSIONS:
By request or appointment
BAPTISMS & WEDDINGS:
Call the office for an appointment.
For Pregnancy Support:
Birthright 241-8444 or 800-550-4900

Access to Water.
That all people may have access to water and other resources needed for daily life.
Health Workers.
That the Lord may sustain the efforts of health workers assisting the sick and elderly in the world’s poorest regions.

MASS INTENTIONS February 4 – 10

Saturday 5:00 p.m. Roberts Family
Sunday   10:00 a.m. + Leslie R. Olsen
Tuesday     9:00 a.m.   Stephano Bekaet
Thursday   8:00 a.m.    Communion Services
Friday        8:00 a.m.    Communion Services

Stewardship of Treasure
Report Sunday January 28 & 29, 2012
Total Plate                 $1,497.00
               EFT                           $   395.00
               TOTAL                     $ 1,892.00

Second Collection for the Parish Maintenances $592.00

Christ Child Men’s Club
February 12
SUNDAY BRUNCH AFTER MASS…
Mmmm Delicious!!!
Build Care Packages for the Troops

Mountain Bible Church members and Christ Child invite the community to join in sending “Care Packages” to our troops overseas. On Sunday, February 19, we will gather at noon at Christ Child’s facility, for a brief potluck lunch and then assemble the packages.
Last year we gathered nearly 900 pounds of items that went to some 440 soldiers. Children attending will make homemade cards to go in the packages. Last year several soldiers sent back notes of gratitude.
The churches use lists provided by the American Red Cross that specify contents. To RSVP or for more information, call Mountain Bible Church at 353-2302, email MountainBible.com,
call Christ Child Church at 353-2210, or email FrEugenio@christchild.org.

“Mardi Gras Parish Party!”
“Martes de Carnaval”
IT’S HAPPENING……..
FEBRUARY 21
More Information Soon……

LENT

The annual Lenten season is the fitting time to climb the holy mountain of Easter.
ASH WEDNESDAY February 22
Masses 9:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m.

Ash Wednesday is a day of universal fast and abstinence in the Church
Remember, you are dust, and to dust you will return.

Scroll down to see earlier bulletins of 2012. Click HERE to see bulletins from last year

Kenneth L. Woodward writing in Newsweek magazine gives us a glimpse of what Christ’s coming meant to the world.

He writes, “Whether we like it or not, Christ’s life radically changed human culture throughout the world… Before Jesus came, the world was ruled by the ‘might make right’ theory. But Jesus’ teaching about humility and turning the other cheek redefined our views of human character, of war, of masculinity. Jesus’ commitment to the poor, to women and children opened the way for civil rights and equality for women.

Marriages became more equitable. Also, it was a common practice in Roman families to kill female babies. Sociologist Rodney Stark notes that evidence exists that among at least 600 ancient Roman families, less than a dozen had more than one daughter.

But Christians valued the life of all people whether male or female, and prohibited the killing of any children.”

But the revolution is not complete. We still live in a pre-Christian world. There is still too much hatred, too much violence, too much debasement of human dignity. If you are comfortable in Jesus’ presence, you simply do not see him as he really is.

The common theme of today’s readings is divine authority –reflected by the prophets of the Old Testament in their messages, by the apostles, including St. Paul, in the New Testament in their writing and teaching and by Jesus in his teaching and healing ministry.

In today’s gospel, Mark describes one sample Sabbath day of Jesus’ public life. He joined in public worship in the synagogue as a practicing Jew, he healed the sick, he drove out evil spirits and he prayed privately.

Since anyone could be invited to explain the Holy Scripture in synagogue worship, Jesus was invited.

People immediately noticed that Jesus spoke with authority and healed with divine power. Jesus used his real, or authentic, authority to teach, empower, liberate, and heal other.

The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light; on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death, light has arisen.

Let us be shinning ourselves as we go together to meet and to receive with the aged Simon the light whose brilliance is eternal.

Rejoicing with Simeon, let us sing hymn of thanksgiving to God, the Father of the light, who sent the true light to dispel the darkness and to give us all a share in his splendor.

MASS INTENTIONS Jan 28 – Feb 3

Choir Call If you’d like to sing or play an instrument in the choir, please give us your ideas. We need you! Questions? Call Norma Hammons at 408 353.3326

We offer year-round sessions to explore the Catholic faith. For more information, call Fr. Eugenio, 408.353.2210 or eugenioaramburo@yahoo.com

The Retrouvaille weekend just completed Sunday night was attended by 31 couples. That’s 31 families who now have a fighting chance.

Beginning this Sunday, January 29, please join us for our celebration of Catholic School Week. This year’s theme is “Gratitude” which honors everyone in our school community (dedicated to infusing students with faith, knowledge, morals, and discipline that will help them lead fulfilling lives.) We’ve planned a variety of events that focus on different aspects of Catholic education. Please join us!

A local on-line re-use group has been formed as part of the world wide Free Recycling Group – check it out at Keeping It Local - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/95033free/

Scroll down to see earlier bulletins of 2012. Click HERE to see bulletins from last year

According to legend, the ruler Hieros II asked the Greek philosopher Archimedes to find a method for determining whether a crown was made of pure gold or of gold mixed with silver.

One day when Archimedes stepped into his bath and noticed that the water rose as he sat down, he ran out of the house naked shouting, “Eureka! Eureka!

The method to determine whether or not a crown was pure gold, discovered by Archimedes in his bathtub, was to compare its weight to its volume.

If one had one pound of gold and one pound of silver and submerged them in water, the silver would make the water rise higher than the gold, because it is less dense than gold, and therefore large in volume, displacing more water.

Archimedes compared the volume of water displaced by the suspected crown with that displaced by a pure gold crown of equal weight.

Archimedes did not “find” this truth by searching after it – although he might have spent days thinking about a solution to the problem. His “find” came as an unexpected surprise.

He had probably noticed the water in the bathtub rising hundreds of times before, but its significance didn’t “click” in his brain until that “Eureka” moment.

Today’s Gospel describes how John discovered JESUS as the Lamb of God and how Andrew, Simon, and Nathaniel discovered him as the “Promised Messiah” quite unexpectedly.

John the Baptist gave testimony to JESUS by pointing Him out as the Lamb of God.

MASS INTENTIONS January 14 - 20

Thank you and may God bless you and reward you for all your gifts and support for our Parish.

Are you an Adult? And would you like to be Catholic, confirmed, or receive the Eucharist? Please call at 408. 353.2210. We will be very happy to help you! Fr. Eugenio

The post-weekend phase of Retrouvaille is as crucial to the healing of a troubled marriage as the initial weekend experience.

During the post-weekend sessions, the weekend technique is further developed and combined with additional tools to explore other areas of the marriage relationship. For confidential information about or to register for the program beginning with a weekend on January 20 – 22, 2012 call 831-479-1260 or email: Monterey@RetroCA.com or visit the web site at www.HelpOurMarriage.com

A heartfelt thank you to all who helped make my mother’s service on Saturday so beautiful. Thanks especially for all the delicious and plentiful food for the reception but more importantly for your prayers and condolences for Mariela and our family. We love you all. Norma Hammons

There will be an event in recognition of long time mountain resident Charlie Norman on Saturday January 21st from 3-6 in the Forum of the Loma Prieta School.

Our Annual Strudel fundraiser was another successful event. Your donated time, money, supplies, and effort is greatly appreciated. Due to your generous participation the ladies of Christ received $1,790.00 in donations.

Grades 9 – 11 The Classes are next Saturday January 21 at 3:30 p.m. followed by the Mass at 5:00 p.m.

Scroll down to see earlier bulletins of 2012. Click HERE to see bulletins from last year

All nations are invited to sing the Lord’s praises for they have been called to hear the good news and worship the long-awaited Messiah and King with the gift of their lives.

In 1895, Henry van Dyke wrote the “Story of the Other Wise Man,” fourth wise men see the baby Jesus.

But Artaban did make it in time to save one of the Holy Innocents by bribing a soldier.

For 33 years Artaban searched for Jesus. He did not find him. But all the while the Fourth wise man fed the hungry, helped the poor.

Then one day in Jerusalem Artaban saw the “King of the Jews” being crucified.

He started to offer as ransom. But then he saw a girl being sold into slavery to pay family debs. Artaban gave his pearl to buy freedom for the girl.

Suddenly the earth quake as Jesus died on the cross and a stone struck Artaban. Dying, he heard a voice saying: “When you helped the least of my children, you helped me. Meet me in heaven!”

Artaban, the fourth of the magi, had been making God present in his community for years by helping others. God asks each of us on the feast of Epiphany to be the fourth of the Magi by becoming God’s epiphanies, making His love present in the world around us by our acts of love and kindness.

The word Epiphany, which means appearance, manifestation or showing forth, marks Jesus’ first appearance to the Gentiles.

“Epiphany” refers to God’s Self-revelation as well as to the revelation of Jesus as His Son.

Epiphany is an older celebration than the feast of Christmas, having originated in the East in the late second century.

We have seen his star in the East, and have come with gifts to adore the Lord.

MASS INTENTIONS January 7 - 13

Be wise, my soul, and trust in GOD alone, cling to him alone, and cast all your cares on him alone.

STEWARDSHIP

Traditionally, Epiphany celebrates three manifestations of God in Christ: to the Magi, at the baptism in the Jordan, and at Cana. The liturgies of this season often present the incarnation under the imagery of a marriage between divinity and humanity in Jesus Christ, the wise and just King, greater than Solomon.

SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION Grades 9 – 11

The Classes are Saturday January 14 and 21 at 3:30 p.m. with the Mass at 5:00 p.m.

Did you remember to bring an offering for the Holy Cross Food Pantry?… Please bring food every Sunday. Thank You!

Check out our Website We would like to invite and encourage everyone to take a look at our Parish website at www.christchild.org

Information about parish ministries, helpful links and calendars are available on this site.

Thank to you Corky & Paul!!!

Men’s Club Meeting This Wednesday, January 11, at 6:30 p.m. In the Community Center. We support one another.

Retrouvaille helps couples through difficult times in the marriage. For confidential information about, or to register for the January program beginning with a weekend on Jan 20 – 22, 2012 call 831-479-1260 or email: Monterey@RetroCA.com or visit the web site at www.HelpOurMarriage.com

I you would like to have a box, please fill out a form, take the next box number and put that number in the box line of the form. Please try to take one in numericalorder. I thank you for your support and generosity.

And would you like to be Catholic, Confirmed or receive the Eucharist? Please call at 408 353-2210. We will be very happy to help you!

Facilitator: Spiritual Director Sr. Diane Clyne, SM. A time for prayer, inspiration, and quiet.

Bonus #1: Enjoy a Delicious Dinner by crackling fire. (Relax! You won’t be asked to wash dishes!)

Bonus #2: Gentle massage for neck, hands or feet, offered by massage therapist Anne Howland…

Make a reservation at the next Guild meeting with retreat committee member GeriMcGillicuddy, or Call 831-662-0462 or e-mail <gerimcgill@gmail.com>

Scroll down to see earlier bulletins of 2012. Click HERE to see bulletins from last year

We seek GOD’s blessings as did MARY, Because of her SON; we can confidently call GOD, “ABBA”!

The beginning of a new year, God’s gift to humanity, prompts me to extend to all, with great confidence and affection, my heartfelt good wishes that this time now before us may be marked concretely by justice and peace.

With what attitude should we look to the New Year? We find a very beautiful image in Psalm 130. The Psalmist says that people of faith wait for the Lord “more than those who watch for the morning” (v.6); they wait for him with firm hope because they know that he will bring light, mercy, salvation.

This waiting was born of the experience of the Chosen People, who realized that God taught them to look at the world in its truth and not to be overwhelmed by tribulation. I invite you to look to 2012 with this attitude of confident trust.

It is true that the year now ending has been marked by a rising sense of frustration at the crisis looming over society, the world of labor and the economy, a crisis whose roots are primarily cultural and anthropological. It seems as if a shadow has fallen over our time, preventing us from clearly seeing the light of day.

In this shadow, however, human hearts continue to wait for the dawn of which the Psalmist speaks. Because this expectation is particularly powerful and evident in young people, my thoughts turn to them and to the contribution which they can and must make to society…..

All you men and women throughout the world, who take to heart the cause of peace: peace is not a blessing already attained, but rather a goal to which each and all of us must aspire. Let us look with greater hope to the future; let us encourage one another on our journey; let us work together to give our work a more humane and fraternal face; and let us feel a common responsibility towards present and future generations, especially in the task of training them to be people of peace and builders of peace. With these thoughts I offer my reflections and I appeal to everyone: let us pool our spiritual, moral and material resources for the great goal of “educating young people in justice and peace”.

“Today a light will shine upon us, for the Lord is born for us; and he will be called Wondrous God, Prince of peace, and Father of future ages: and his reign will be without end.” (cf. Isaiah 9:1, 5)

MASS INTENTIONS Dec 31 – Jan 6, 2012

STEWARDSHIP

Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. (Luke 1:41)

When the time of promise was fulfilled, Mary, the Mother of God, daughter of the earth, gave birth to the fruit of the Tree of Life: Jesus Christ, true God and true man, the salvation of all peoples.

The 2012 Collection Envelopes are in the entrance to the Church. Please pick up your box if you had one for last year.

If you would like to have a box, please fill out a form, take the next box number and put that number in the box line of the form. Please try to take in number order. I thank you for your support and generosity.

Grades 9 -11

Preparation of the Sacrament of Confirmation

The Classes are Saturdays January 14 and 21 at 3:30 p.m. with the Mass at 5:00 p.m.

Men’s Club Coat Drive

The Christ Child’s Men’s Club received well over 175 coats and jackets. All of the generous offerings were presented to the wonderful people at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Greenfield, CA. Thank you for the wonderful gifts. The coats and jackets were well received and put warm smiles on many faces.

Thank you, God Bless! Joe & Andrea Bruna

Choir Call If you’d like to sing or play an instrument in the choir, please give us your ideas. We need you! Questions? Call Norma Hammons @ 353.3326

Are you an Adult? And would you like to be Catholic, confirmed or receive the Eucharist? Please call at 408. 353.2210. We will be very happy to help you! Fr. Eugenio

Men’s Club Meeting This Wednesday, January 11 at 6:30 p.m. In theCommunity Center. We support one another.

Retrouvaille helps couples through difficult times in the marriage. For confidential information about, or to register for the September program beginning with a weekend on January 20-22, 2012 call 831-479-1260 or email: Monterey@RetroCA.com or visit the web site at www.HelpOurMarriage.com

Scroll down to see earlier bulletins of 2012. Click HERE to see bulletins from last year

Bulletin Archive for 2012

MASS INTENTIONS March 24 - 30

MASS INTENTIONS March 17 - 23

MASS INTENTIONS – March 10 -16

MASS INTENTIONS March 3 - 9

MASS INTENTIONS Feb 25 – March 2

MASS INTENTIONS February 18 - 24

All Fridays of Lent we have Soup and Prayers together at 6:30 p.m.

MASS INTENTIONS February 11 - 17

Christ Child Men’s Club

Today February 12

SUNDAY BRUNCH! AFTER MASS at 10:00 a.m.

Mmmm Delicious!!!

MASS INTENTIONS February 4 – 10

Choir Call If you’d like to sing or play an instrument in the choir, please give us your ideas. We need you! Questions? Call Norma Hammons at 353.3326

MASS INTENTIONS Jan 28 – Feb 3

Choir Call If you’d like to sing or play an instrument in the choir, please give us your ideas. We need you! Questions? Call Norma Hammons at 408 353.3326

MASS INTENTIONS January 14 - 20

MASS INTENTIONS January 7 - 13

STEWARDSHIP

SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION Grades 9 – 11

The Classes are Saturday January 14 and 21 at 3:30 p.m. with the Mass at 5:00 p.m.

Check out our Website We would like to invite and encourage everyone to take a look at our Parish website at www.christchild.org

Information about parish ministries, helpful links and calendars are available on this site.

Thank to you Corky & Paul!!!

MASS INTENTIONS Dec 31 – Jan 6, 2012

STEWARDSHIP

Grades 9 -11

Preparation of the Sacrament of Confirmation

The Classes are Saturdays January 14 and 21 at 3:30 p.m. with the Mass at 5:00 p.m.

Men’s Club Coat Drive

Thank you, God Bless! Joe & Andrea Bruna

Choir Call If you’d like to sing or play an instrument in the choir, please give us your ideas. We need you! Questions? Call Norma Hammons @ 353.3326