February 21,
2010
Lent is here.
I always feel two ways about Lent --- sad ... because I do some sacrifice
and penitential practices these days I'm not crazy about --- and happy ...
because I know Lent is good for me and several years ago I "skipped" Lent
and it wasn't good at all. I hope you are taking Lent seriously, as God's
gift and summons to conversion..
February 14,
2010
This Wednesday our Church enters the great forty-day
house cleaning called Lent. All Catholics are called to make the season holy
by prayer, sacrifice and almsgiving --- because our inner houses (our
families and personal souls) need purification, and the whole house of the
Church needs conversion as well. Please take some moments between now and
Wednesday to think of concrete ways you can renew yourself ... and follow
through on them for these next weeks...
February 7,
2010
The following statistics tell a story:
SH Christmas collection: 2007 $35,439
SH Christmas collection: 2008 $30,046
SH Christmas collection: 2009 $29,462
Sunday and Holy Day collections are decreasing … at the very same time needs
for our services, ministries and outreach are increasing...
January 31,
2010
Our parish Mission Statement says:
As a richly diverse Catholic community,
we gather to pray and form a local body for Christ…
we share Him through sacraments, ministries and service …
and we go forth to evangelize and to promote justice …
… all in a joyful Christ-like Spirit.
We spent lots of time at weekend Masses late last year reflecting on each
phrase...
January 24,
2010
The last week of Christmas feasting was tinged with
some really sad news. Fr. Ron will be leaving his ministry here at Sacred
Heart, at least for a while. Accusations about something that (allegedly)
occurred 35 years ago were brought to the attention of the diocese, which
decided the Sexual Abuse Charter our bishops adopted several years ago must
be followed. The result --- Fr. Ron will withdraw from ministry in the
diocese until the matter is investigated and resolved...
January 17,
2010
Today marks the liturgical return of our Church to
“ordinary time.” No more incense, bells and extra lights. Weeks and weeks of
green vestments. We can’t live on a high all the time. And … it wouldn’t be
very healthy. We need the feasts, festivals and parties to make our spirits
soar … but we need the in-between, normal, ordinary times to ground us, slow
us down, bring us back to ourselves and the day-to-day business of living...
January 10,
2010
Today we Roman Catholics return to “ordinary time.”
I hope you left your Christmas decorations up until Epiphany … but not
many would want them left out much longer. We get tired of the bright
lights, and need a return to simplicity...
January 3,
2010
It is no accident that Christmas falls almost exactly
on the shortest day of the year.
Right when the Sun seems weakest, and Night most invincible … God comes and
kindles a Light to warm and cheer us. That Light is Jesus of Nazareth, and
in our parish celebrations He was truly present...
december 27,
2009
Christmas offers a chance to communicate with
Christmas-and-Easter Catholics, non-Catholics, and … probably … a good
number of former Catholics dragged to Mass against their will.
There are many reasons to leave the Church. Some drift away because of
busyness or a life without priorities. Others find church boring. Some find
Catholic teaching on pressing issues unacceptable. Others have been
scandalized by the church’s corruption, or its crimes or insensitivity, or
even lack of spirituality...
december 20,
2009
Here we are at the fourth Sunday of Advent!
The upcoming feasts will give everyone a chance to do some evangelizing:
sharing the person and message of Jesus, telling stories of the past year’s
blessings, inviting family and friends to church. I hope you will all be on
the lookout...
december 13,
2009
If you know anyone with Hypochondria --- “excessive
worry or talk about one’s health” --- you know how depressing the constant
focusing on aches and pains is. One spiritual form of hypochondria is
scrupulosity. People with this ailment are constantly obsessed with their
sins and imperfections. They feel so guilty there is never any joy. Few
Catholics have spiritual hypochondria, thank God … but many may have the
opposite --- thinking we have no sins and no need to repent...
december 6,
2009
She is the epitome of feminine energy and strength, an
incomparable intuitive genius, the most powerful woman in the world. She is,
of course, Mary of Nazareth the Mother of Jesus. It is difficult to explain
to someone outside our church how much she has meant to our ancestors, to
our parents and to us. They imagine we love her too much, we afford the
respect to her that only God should receive...
november 29,
2009
As you can see from the Church decorations, we've
entered Advent --- my favorite season. Advent is a time of waiting with
eager confidence for the coming of Jesus Christ. The first two Sundays of
Advent focus on the coming of Jesus as the climax and fulfillment of time.
(Believers want this time of universal healing and peace to come soon, even
if the prospect scares us a little!)...
november 22,
2009
"It is right, always and everywhere, to give You
thanks." That's what we say to God every time we gather for Mass. It's quite
a mouthful. People who've won a war should give thanks ... but so should the
people who lost. People with big homes should give thanks, but so should
those with no homes. People in the prime of life should give thanks, but so
should the sick and the dying...
november 15,
2009
Next Sunday I'm taking an afternoon drive to my old
hometown, Watsonville, for a wonderful happening --- the COPA Shared
Prosperity Convention...
november 8,
2009
Last week you saw the grades Sacred Heart received for
each element of our parish mission. The Pastoral Council and I know our
grading system --- based on your feedback --- is not fool-proof. But we sure
got some powerful insights and indicators!...
november 1,
2009
I hope everyone in Sacred Heart parish takes time to
read the long letter from our bishop enclosed in this week’s bulletin. It
obviously comes from deep in his heart, and is thoughtful and challenging...
October 25,
2009
Catholics believe everyone is called to holiness,
everyone is called to be a saint. So ... one of our treasured Catholic holy
days is the Feast of All Saints...
October 18,
2009
Next Saturday is national “Make a difference day.”
Many Salinas churches and groups will be giving small gifts to our town. If
you can spare a few hours, please come to church next Saturday at 9:30 AM.
We’ll have a blessing, cross Market St. and make our small contribution ---
pick up garbage and trash from several empty lots and parking spaces. Gloves
and garbage bags will be provided...
October 11,
2009
At Baptism, each of us becomes a missionary, called by
our Lord to share our faith with those around us - and to be part of the
Church's mission to the word...
October 4,
2009
For the next two weeks you can get a copy of Sacred
Heart’s annual financial report in the back of church or from the parish
office. (Our financial year goes from September through August.) Some people
are fascinated by “the numbers” and others couldn’t care less. If you’d like
a more detailed account of our income and expenses, please ask Silvia
(receptionist), Raquel (office manager) or Arlala (business manager). This
last year was expensive. We got sponsors for the new doors, but the new
front steps … and side steps with handicap entrance … came out of our hide.
Plus, we pay significant interest on our Cislini Youth Center loan...
September 27,
2009
At Masses this weekend we focus on something essential
if Sacred Heart is to fulfill its mission in our town --- financial support
for our parish...
September 20,
2009
It’s almost here --- our annual Sacred Heart parish
and school Festival! Selena Wilson and many volunteers and donors are
working to make this a joyful parish coming together. Yes, I hope the
weather is perfect…and yes, I hope we make money...
September 13, 2009
Next week we interrupt our reflection on Parish
Mission and Stewardship to observe Catechetical Sunday. Catechists are
special people who radiate the person, message and love of Jesus Christ.
Parents are supposed to be the most important catechists for their children.
We are all supposed to “catechize” each other. In addition, in every parish
there are persons called by God, given training, and charged with
catechizing particular groups --- adults seeking fuller conversion and
initiation, young adults, teenagers and children...
September 6, 2009
The Pastoral Council and I are amazed at the abundant
and thoughtful feedback received from parishioners --- notes, verbal
remarks, graffiti board entries (90 of them in the first week!) --- as we
continue our reflection on our Parish Mission. What you say will be an
essential part of our discernment, leading up to a Pastoral Plan for the
next two years. In homilies, and other contexts, we’ll try to give you a
taste of what’s coming in...
august 30, 2009
With such an abundance of sadness in our parish (the
recent deaths of young people and of children), there is one place Catholics
return to again and again for comfort and hope. I mean the sacraments,
especially the Eucharist...
august 23, 2009
And aren’t the new steps and doors just terrific.
Thanks to the special door donors … and all of you who participated in last
year’s Annual Bishop’s Appeal. And a very special thanks to Chip Campion,
who spent dozens of hours bringing this complicated project to a great
completion. We are so blessed....
august 16, 2009
I hope you enjoy the slide show that was lovingly put
together for this weekend’s Masses. Sacred Heart is a wonderful parish that
I am sure God wants to sanctify and use for special purposes...
august 9, 2009
Not long ago a well-meaning parishioner told me Sacred
Heart parish would be more effective if we had a clearly defined mission,
and better organization...
august 2, 2009
This Monday is a red-letter day for Sacred Heart, for
two reasons:
- Installation of new doors for the church begins. (I
know this is great news for many.) Also, the main steps and landing in
front of church will be redone, so we can get rid of the small lake that
gathers there when it rains. You can expect some inconvenience for two
weeks--- some daily Masses will be in our parish hall; and weekend
Masses will be in Cislini Center (except for weddings, when we’ll sneak
into church) --- but the final result should be quite beautiful.
- A joyful return to our much-missed daily 12:15 PM
Mass, thanks to
Fr. Ron’s arrival.
Even in these hard times, we count our many blessings, and
move forward with faith...
July 26, 2009
One weekend a year, the homily at Eucharist focuses on
“Good Manners at Mass.” We priests use this time to remind people of the
importance of full, active, conscious participation at Sunday celebrations.
We also bring up little details that can make us more respectful and
prayerful...
July 12, 2009
Sacred Heart parish has been selected to participate
in a very special
survey of worshippers. The survey will be distributed at all Masses next
week … when everyone over 15 will be asked to thoughtfully answer a series
of questions...
July 5, 2009
Some theologians say churches do a good job at
encouraging people to take of their souls … but keep strangely silent about
the importance of caring for our bodies. This is not good … since we need
our bodies to
do God’s work in this world … and since the Catholic Catechism explains that
“the human body shares in the image of God.” (par. 364)..
June 28, 2009
Ministries at Sacred Heart parish have taken a great
step forward with the appointment of Jennifer Dean as Principal of Sacred
Heart School. Mrs. Dean, currently the first grade teacher here, has a
profound dedication to the students and willingness to work with others. She
believes that parent support and a sense of community are vital components
of Catholic education. She will continue the curriculum process that has
already begun in math...
June 21, 2009
Father’s Day first got celebrated in l908 --- perhaps
as a response to a
West Virginia mining accident that took the lives of 361 men, many of
them fathers. A day to honor fathers and fathering is a grand idea.
Congratulations to all our dads!..
June 7, 2009
Our parish elementary school holds graduation this
Monday at 5 PM. Another great group of our children will embark on their
high school years. And someone else will be graduating too. For the
last three years Principal Victoria Torcolini has presided over our school
as we emerged from a major financial crisis (stronger than ever!) and passed
the grueling Western Association of Catholic Schools accreditation process
with flying colors...
May 31, 2009
Over my years here as pastor, the groups I most look
to for support, encouragement and direction are the parish staff
(responsible for Sacred Heart’s day to day functioning), the finance
committee (oversees budget, facilities and expenses) … and the parish
pastoral council. This last group prayerfully listens to the voice of the
parish, considers the teaching of the church, and develops a pastoral vision
and plan for Sacred Heart church...
May 24, 2009
Next weekend we celebrate the great birthday of our
Church.
During our long history, we Catholics have done everything sinful, ugly and
sinful you could imagine. But God must truly be with us...
May 17, 2009
Fr. Luis Fernando and I had the best time at the
recent Priests’ Study Days! There was lots of priestly fraternity,
renewal of acquaintance and friendship, and prayer. And … it took place in a
beautiful location, near the water south of Morro Bay. And … we learned lots
of things...
May 10, 2009
Mother’s Day as we have it was the brain child of Anna
Jarvis. She
wanted to honor her mother's pioneering work after the Civil War to
reconcile neighbors and get about the work of healing. She also thought
public reflection on the love and suffering of mothers might promote
peace. Sounds like a good idea for our town...
May 3, 2009
Something we priests always look forward to is our
annual Priests Study Days. Fr. Luis and I … and maybe 50 other priests …
will spend four days in Los Osos (near Fr. Lucas’ new parish) studying
“Parish Development.” I’ve been asked to give a report on some of the good
things going on at Sacred Heart. There is so much good I can say about you!....
April 26, 2009
When priests of this diocese preach, there are three I
listen to with particular attention: Jim Nisbet (I never come away without
some new insight), Ron Shirley (for pure creativity and humanity) and
Patrick
Dooling (for spirituality)....
April 19, 2009
I think Lent, Holy Week and Easter were just wonderful
for our parish!
Numbers of confession were sharply up. Most people I asked at random (and I
asked lots) said they were doing something concrete to observe Lent. And the
Holy Week services (so far) have been outstandingly
prayerful......
April 12, 2009
We’re delighted you joined us for worship and
thanksgiving.
If you are a non-Catholic on a search, or a non-practicing Catholic
returning here at another’s
invitation (or insistence), you are especially welcome. For us Christians,
this is the Day of Days.
Everyone needs God......
March 29, 2009
We’re about to begin the last week of Lent --- the
week before Holy Week. Our parish has traditionally called this our “Week of
Reconciliation.”........
March 22, 2009
Last week we had weeknight Lenten Spiritual Exercises
for the Spanish-speaking. This week it’s the turn of the English-speaking.........
March 15, 2009
The idea came from Fr. Luis Fernando. "Let's make Lent
special here in our parish like they do in Mexico: by offering a week of
SPIRITUAL EXERCISES." SPIRITUAL EXERCISES are evenings that involve
presentation of central themes of our Catholic Faith, include significant
time for prayer, and often conclude with Benediction of the Blessed
Sacrament. They are simple and reflective ... and usually have no "social"
afterwards (since we're in Lent)........
March 8, 2009
Our hometown is under attack again.
The outbreaks of Salinas street violence continue to undermine our sense of
security and public civility. If we're not careful, we'll release our
anxieties by blaming each other instead of coming together with more
resolution and concentration. If we're not careful, we'll ignore all the
good efforts that are being made.......
March 1, 2009
Please take time to read a very important notice (in
today's bulletin) from Christa Balch and a committee looking into the
possibility of a parish-sponsored shelter site for those with no roof. We
are feeling the promptings of the Holy Spirit in this direction --- perhaps
some of you will feel a prompting too........
February 22,
2009
Next Wednesday begins a whole new season in our
Church. The six Sundays and forty weekdays of LENT prepare us for the most
important days of the year: Holy Thursday, Good, Friday, Holy Saturday and
Easter. While Lent began as a special retreat-time for adults getting ready
for baptism, it soon became a renewal period for the whole church. Every
Catholic is supposed to fast (skip a meal; not eat between meals) on Ash
Wednesday and Good Friday. In addition, we are asked to avoid meat on Ash
Wednesday and Lenten Fridays......
February 15,
2009
Each year all 46 parishes of our diocese come together
to support the many ministries funded by our bishop’s Annual Ministries
Appeal (AMA).
There are some things a diocese can do better than a parish: the formation
of future deacons and priests, accreditation of Catholic schools, outreach
to local prisons, professional counsel with legal problems, representation
in Sacramento, outreach to prisons and universities, catechist preparation,
etc. All are crucial to our mission!.....
February 8,
2009
This week a dear friend returned to our parish --- the
same wonderful priest who pastured here at Sacred Heart two years ago during
my sabbatical. I’m talking about Ron Wiecek, of course, presently doing
parish work in Mexico City. Fr. Ron comes up for his taxes, to reestablish
ties with friends, and hopefully rest a little. His visit gives me a chance
to visit my mom, and also spend my annual retreat days in the desert.....
February 1,
2009
For the last seven days our American church has
celebrated Catholic Schools Week. There is a lot to celebrate!
Our 2000 US Catholic schools generally perform very well academically. Just
as important, they pay special attention to the formation of Catholic
Christian character and values --- like prayer, forming community, global
consciousness, healthy relationships, respect for diversity and service to
others....
January 25,
2009
A Blessed New Year to you, to your family and to your
parish and community. Soon we will once again celebrate National Catholic
Schools’ week from January 25 to January 31, 2009. As a product of Catholic
Schools, I personally encourage and urge you to consider sending your
children to your local Catholic School.
January 18,
2009
Today we begin the annual week of prayer for Christian
Unity. It’s evidently a very important thing to pray for … because Jesus
took time to pray for it on the night before he died. We can be grateful
that in our life-times important steps have been taken towards the unity of
all Christians. Our Catholic church has acknowledged its sinful contribution
to the breakdown of unity, and officially acknowledged there are things we
can learn from other churches. Some Protestant churches have done the same.
January 11,
2009
Today’s feast, the Baptism of Jesus, marks the final
day of the Christmas-Epiphany season. When you think about it, each separate
Sunday of the season celebrates Jesus being revealed to a different group of
people:
--- On Christmas Day, Jesus Christ was revealed to the Jews (represented by
shepherds).
--- On Epiphany, Jesus was revealed to the Gentiles (represented by the
Magi).
--- And today He is revealed to the church through baptism.
January 4,
2009
It is no accident that in our hemisphere the birthday
of Jesus is celebrated … in the darkest coldest part of the year. It’s
during the dark cold parts of life we most need to light candles, have
feasts, and tell ourselves and each other that Light will return and things
will get better.
December 28,
2008
“Christmas has come and gone.”
That’s the attitude of the world, that can’t be patient with Advent, and
rushes ahead well before December 25 to have its parties, decorate its homes
and wish its “MerryChristmas.”
December 21,
2008
Every year we wish there would be no darkness at
Christmas --- no heartache, no family squabbles, no loneliness, no terrorist
threat, no wars, no money problems, no stress and strain. But there is.
Fortunately, there’s a Light nearby. Focusing on this Light will warm and
cheer you. Our parish will be welcoming, celebrating, eating and drinking
this Light over the Christmas holidays. We hope you can join us, and wish
you holy holidays!
December 14,
2008
When people stand to speak at AA (Alcoholics
Anonymous) meetings, they always begin with: “Hi. I’m _____________. I’m an
alcoholic.” AA knows there’s something healthy and liberating about living
in the truth … and saying the truth out loud. Catholics know there’s
something doubly healthy and liberating about saying the truth about
ourselves out loud to Jesus and an ordained member of the Christian
community.
December 7,
2008
We think about all that God has given to us especially
at this time of the year. As we near Thanksgiving we count our blessings.
One very important gift that God has given to us is our family. We come
together as a family to share a very special meal on this day and spend time
together. Jesus invites all of us each Sunday for banquet which he has truly
blessed. During this time of the year share the blessings that God has given
to us with others around you.
November 23 ,
2008
We think about all that God has given to us especially
at this time of the year. As we near Thanksgiving we count our blessings.
One very important gift that God has given to us is our family. We come
together as a family to share a very special meal on this day and spend time
together. Jesus invites all of us each Sunday for banquet which he has truly
blessed. During this time of the year share the blessings that God has given
to us with others around you.
November 16 ,
2008
This Friday, 40 of our wonderful young people, plus 15
older folk, make a weekend visit to Yosemite National Park. This has become
a cherished yearly parish tradition, thanks to the free lodging offered by
hotelier Jerry Fisher (a friend of mine from St. Patrick’s in Watsonville
who operates a series of resorts in and around El Portal). The kids work to
meet the other expenses, mostly transportation and food.
November 9 ,
2008
I thought by now I’d be over in the Holy Land with a
group of pilgrims. But only 12 or 13 signed up for the Israel trip, so it
had to be cancelled. These things happen for a reason. God had other plans.
November 2 ,
2008
November 2 is a very special day for Catholics --- the
Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (“All Souls Day”). Since the
feast falls on Sunday, more Catholics than usual will be showing up for the
Church celebration … and may have questions.
October 26 ,
2008
This week we begin our new bulletin format. The
bulletin will be a little larger, and have the capacity for calendars,
charts, photography and occasional splashes of color. It will be our
parish’s primary communication, and take the place of at least some of the
scads of individual mailings that go out from the office to religious ed.
kids, catechists, liturgical ministers, etc.
October 19 ,
2008
The US bishops remind us, especially at election time,
that Catholics are to be involved in public life, promote our values in the
public forum, and work with others for the common good. We are to be leaven
and light for our earthly city.
October 12 ,
2008
Bulletin enclosures today are courtesy of our diocese,
the diocesan Respect for Life office, the California Catholic Conference and
our teaching Catholic Church. They express our Catholic tradition on a
touchy, painful and heavily politicized topic --- gay unions and the legal
definition of marriage.
October 5 ,
2008
Every time the first full week of October comes, you
see a smile on my face. It’s time for the annual priests retreat! Fifty or
so of us gather at San Juan Bautista (St. Francis Retreat Center) for four
days of Mass, talks, fellowship, and peace and quiet. A sign of the “graying
of the clergy” is that we now include a communal anointing of the sick as
well.
September 28 ,
2008
The weather was perfect. So were the music, games,
food, prizes, the whole atmosphere. Best of all were the smiles,
friendships, jokes and conversations shared by parishioners of Sacred Heart
and their friends at last Sunday’s parish and parish school festival.
September 21 ,
2008
In response to
many
requests … and to ensure priest coverage at parish
worship events … Sacred Heart will be making the following schedule changes,
beginning next month.
September 14 ,
2008
Next Sunday Sacred Heart parish and school have our
annual festival --- always a wonderful time to come together in the fresh
air, hear good music, eat good food and enjoy each other.
September 7 ,
2008
Last Saturday over 80 Sacred Heart catechists gathered
for adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, ice-breakers (thank-you, Fr. Luis),
a dance proclamation of Mark’s “Sower and the Seed” Gospel by Leticia
Flores-McPherson and helpers (fabulous!), presentations by the priests, and
lunch. It was one of the best parish gatherings ever!
August 31 ,
2008
Summer and holiday visitors to Salinas often remark on
the vitality they feel at Sacred Heart.
They’re right. There is something special about this parish.
August 24 ,
2008
Catechists in our parish have something very special
to look forward to next Saturday. On August 30, Mary Scattini and her
English-speaking catechists, and José Luis Medina and his Spanish-speaking
catechists, will join Fr. Luis and myself for a special time of retreat and
formation.
August 17 ,
2008
A few weeks ago came a serious set-back for me.
After months of counting on the assistance of a Parish Administrator to
remove some of my non-priestly duties so I can concentrate on being a priest
and implementing our parish Mission Statement … the Finance Committee
concluded we just can’t afford it now. Reluctantly, I admitted they were
right.
August 10 ,
2008
This Friday is a holy day for us Catholics --- the
feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
Current Canon Law lists 10 holy days of obligation: Christmas, Epiphany, the
Ascension, Corpus Christi, Mary Mother of God and her Immaculate Conception
and her Assumption, St. Joseph, the Apostles Peter and Paul, and finally,
All Saints. (Canon 1246).
August 3 ,
2008
At the finance committee last week, someone asked me
if I wanted to continue the fish dinners we and Madonna del Sasso put on
every Lent over in their hall.
july 27 , 2008
A son of this parish is returning to celebrate his
Mass of Thanksgiving for 25 years of priesthood. Fr. Richard Bullene, son of
Dick and Lillian Bullene (may they rest in peace), will preside at 9 AM Mass
next Sunday, with a reception in the hall to follow.
july 20 , 2008
It was back in l983 that I went on my first pilgrimage
to the Holy Land. Fr. Jim Nisbet (St. Joseph’s, Spreckels) was the one who
got me started --- something I’ll always thank him for!
july 13 , 2008
Last week I told you a little about our Tahoe staff
gathering, and what progress we saw in the parish over the last year.
Now I’ll give you a list of the staff’s hopes and dreams for the twelve
months ahead...
july 6 , 2008
Our administrative retreat at Lake Tahoe was just
great (again).
Among other things we prayed, reviewed and revised job descriptions, and had
private conversations with each other staff person and listened to “how we
were to work with.” We also listed ways our parish has grown over the last
year, as well as ways we need to grow.
june 29 , 2008
Next week, I’ll give you a full report of our Tahoe
retreat. For right now, here are two bits of news I hope give you joy.
june 22 , 2008
This week the parish staff is off for our yearly
retreat. We use these days away from the pressure of daily operations to
evaluate ourselves in the light of our job descriptions, review the past
year and set new goals. We have individual conversations to hear how easy …
or hard … it is for each of us to work with. (Last year I had to listen to
some tough things!)
june 15 , 2008
Happy Fathers Day to all the fathers in the parish …
and to God, the Father of all!
So many children are not well-fathered today --- because dad is non-existent
or he’s around but emotionally unavailable. Women are usually prepared for
motherly bonding by all those months of pregnancy and early feeding. For
men, fatherly bonding must often be a conscious committed choice.
june 8 , 2008
This weekend, we’ll have the pleasure of meeting our
new priest, Fr. Luis Fernando O. Flores. I know you will open your hearts to
him, the way you’ve opened your hearts to all us other priests!
june 1 , 2008
Dear Fr. Lucas,
This is your last weekend at Sacred Heart.
We have been so blessed to have you! Your artistic talent, creative approach
to liturgy, willingness to collaborate, enthusiastic participation in so
many parish gatherings and meetings, friendly affectionate nature, and
obvious zeal for Jesus and the Church are obvious and deeply appreciated.
may 25 , 2008
Next Friday is the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
With a patron like that, we all have a lot to be grateful for … and a lot to
live up to.
We’ll have a special multi-cultural Mass in Church at 6 PM, followed by a
wonderful free dinner in the hall for all parish ministers. It will be the
parish’s opportunity to show appreciation for the hundreds and hundreds of
you who teach catechism, visit the sick, go to the jails, evangelize,
promote small communities, promote parish development, help prepare and
celebrate liturgies, care for our facilities, oversee finances, promote
social justice through COPA … or any of the other dozens of things that make
Sacred Heart so alive and special.
may 18 , 2008
It’s almost here --- our annual Parish Mission!
Deacon William Brennan from Stockton will preach at all English Masses this
weekend, to get us ready for “Fanning the Vision Into Flame.” This renewal
experience is based on scripture, the teaching of the church and the
spiritual tradition of Catholicism. The focuses will be: What is God Up To?
Conversion. The Vision Alive. Fellowshipping with Jesus.
may 11 , 2008
On this great feast of Pentecost, happy birthday to
us, the Church of Jesus Christ!
The press has pointedly --- and accurately --- pointed out our sins and
failings. What it often misses is the astonishing fact that … in spite of
gross administration, spiritual vices and poor decisions of every kind …
this strange sinful communion that St. Paul calls the Body of Christ
continues to grow, thrive and shine with spiritual gifts. This mystical body
of Christ is the mother of saints from the first Roman martyrs to Mother
Teresa and, I hope, you and me.
may 4 , 2008
Something wonderful happened for our parish Saturday.
At noon our bishop and a large group of parishioners gathered in Cislini
Youth Center to pray that the Holy Spirit would come upon 64 young people
through the Sacrament of Confirmation. This is a prayer God always answers!
april 20 , 2008
Have you noticed how Sacred Heart’s collections have
risen since our last stewardship appeal? Week to week, we’re actually
operating in the black again (after three years of red!), thanks to
automated giving and your increased support. God bless you!
april 13 , 2008
At all weekend Masses, the parishes of our diocese are
praying for priestly and religious vocations.
april 6 , 2008
One of the most important things a parish does is
communicate.
When communication is simple, honest, kind and interesting … people feel
engaged, respected, invited. When communication is sloppy, garbled,
unimaginative or non-existent … people feel untended and unattracted.
march 30 , 2008
All through the recent Holy Week, we at Sacred Heart
and our visitors got to feast on God’s Divine Mercy, given in Jesus.
march 23 , 2008
We’re delighted you joined us for worship and
thanksgiving.
If you are a non-Catholic on a search, or a non-practicing Catholic
returning here at another’s invitation (or insistence), you are especially
welcome. For us Christians, this is the Day of Days.
march 16 , 2008
The best way to complete a Lent well observed --- or
rescue a Lent poorly kept --- is to participate in the ceremonies of Holy
Week. They are the most beautiful and important gatherings of our Church.
Many people are working to make these ceremonies worshipful.
march 9 , 2008
It’s
time to report the progress we’ve made as Sacred Heart parish and school
work to ensure the safety of our children in school as well as Jesus’ love
and respect for our homeless and transient parishioners and visitors.
march 2 , 2008
It’s hard for me to believe that March 9-15 is the
last week before HOLY WEEK!
February 24 ,
2008
A week ago Wednesday 65 parishioners (including 2
homeless) and SH School parents came to our soup/prayer/discernment
gathering about increasing the homeless and parish/school security.
February 17 ,
2008
One of my Lenten rituals, for the last 33 years, is to
go off alone to the desert to camp, read, walk and pray. I go mostly to the
same places … Redrock Canyon, Panamint Valley, Tecopa … yet somehow it’s
different each time --- hot, cold, windy, still, consoling, unsettling,
peaceful, scary. We’ll see what God has in mind for this time.
February 10 ,
2008
I hope you’re settling into your special Lenten
routine. This season of conversion is a great gift from our Church. If you
haven’t begun Lent yet, it’s certainly not too late!
February 3 ,
2008
For many decades Sacred Heart has been the parish of
choice for the homeless. It’s our location, the open doors of the church
building, and a certain tradition of hospitality and acceptance that’s built
up over the years. Some of the homeless are active parishioners, who put
money in the collection and help with ministries!
January 27 ,
2008
When I get to heaven I’m going to thank Sacred Heart
pastor Fr. Edward Griffith and the Sisters of Notre Dame for starting our
school here 101 years ago. 143 showed up that first year, beginning one of
the most illustrious histories in the diocese.
January 20 ,
2008
This Saturday quite a few Sacred Heart parishioners
participated in the annual Walk for Life in San Francisco.
Good for you!.
January 13 ,
2008
The Christmas decorations are put away (Saturday was
the official last day of the Catholic observance), and this weekend we see
Jesus all grown up and making a vocation decision.
January 6 ,
2008
Hundreds of you stretched out your hearts and resources to help our
parish have a joyful celebration of the Incarnation.
December 16 ,
2007
A wonderful sign of encouragement for me personally has been the
increasing spirit of cooperation among the four Catholic parishes of
Salinas. Cristo Rey, Madonna del Sasso, St. Mary’s and Sacred Heart have
collaborated together on rosary marches, ministry formation (Spanish), youth
events, Lent schedules, a town-wide anointing of the sick, and now --- this
Advent --- a week of reconciliation in preparation for Christmas.
December 9 , 2007
Two very special things are happening at Sacred Heart during this
second week of Advent.
December 2 , 2007
So many of you have made a special effort to welcome me back from the
Holy Land, and I appreciate it. The trip was simply unforgettable … and I’m
already thinking of leading another pilgrimage next year or the year after.
November 25 , 2007
I hope all of you are enjoying a festive Thanksgiving weekend, full
of gratitude!
It will take a while for me to get over jet lag … but I want to share two
important things. First, if your schedule allows, by all means come join us
for Antidote, the special evangelization event our parish is offering on
December 1 (Saturday) at 7 PM in Cislini Hall. There will be food, great
music … and living statues of the Annunciation, the Visitation, and the
World: as it is … and as God wants it. It will be spiritual, moving,
powerful and fun.
November 18 , 2007
On Saturday our group of pilgrims prays at Bethany (where Mary and
Martha had their little row, Jesus’ feet were anointed, and Lazarus was
raised), and visits the Dead Sea and Qumran (site of the Dead Sea scrolls).
Sunday we’ll have Mass at the Holy Sepulcher and enjoy rest in the holy
city. God-willing, we return home Tuesday night … in plenty of time to join
the parish for 9 AM Thanksgiving Mass. Hope to see you there!
November 11 , 2007
This is our first weekend away on pilgrimage. Our first Holy Land
Mass (at the traditional site of the Annunciation, in Nazareth) will be
offered for Sacred Heart parish and Sacred Heart parishioners, that we
welcome God’s word into our lives with the same joyful obedience as Mary. On
Sunday we pray at Capernaum, Tabgha (multiplication of loaves and fishes)
and the Mount of Beatitudes.
November 4 , 2007
This Wednesday night a fortunate group of people leave San Jose
airport to begin our pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
We’ll share morning Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York; then push
forward for five days of prayer in Galilee (Nazareth, Cana, Capernaum, Mt.
Tabor, Caesarea-Philippi, Sea of Galilee, etc) and five days in the
Jerusalem area (Bethlehem, Bethany, Garden of Gethsemane, Way of the Cross,
Holy Sepulchre, etc.).
October 28 , 2007
The stewardship season at Sacred Heart has concluded, and it was a
SUCCESS! We all heard at the Masses how becoming a minister or volunteer and
sharing our time, talent and treasure can help to keep Sacred Heart Parish
the wonderful place that it is. You heard from fellow parishioners about how
they have given back to the Lord part of what He has given them. And you
responded. Altogether, 228 people made commitments to help with church
activities from Altar Society to Youth Ministry. Many signed up for more
than one ministry. Those who signed up will be contacted by the various
ministries. If you do not receive a call, please contact the church office.
October 21 , 2007
In our effort to work together, parishioners and priests of the four parishes in Salinas are organizing what we call a “Rosary Crusade.”
As we know, the Rosary is one of those universal devotions that can be used as the perfect excuse to come together, pray and process. It is a prayer for peace, for non-violence and for justice.
October 14 , 2007
Do you like hearing the consecration bells at Mass?
Some don't. They view bells as a return to pre-Vatican II days, and an unwelcome highlighting of the Consecration as the “magic moment” of Mass … when the whole Mass is supposed to be a perfect prayer of praise. For them, bells focus too much on the action of the priest … when Mass is the prayer of the whole people. They also see no practical need for bells: perhaps they were needed when Mass was in Latin and offered with the priest's back turned, but now it's easy to know what's going on and we don't need reminders.
October 7 ,
2007
We can all be
grateful for the splendid Parish Family Festival we enjoyed last Sunday!
Mike Hackett, Sam Camcam and an army of generous volunteers created a
remarkable coming together of the body of Christ here at Sacred Heart … and
many many visitors and friends as well.
September 30 , 2007
I hope you'll
able to join us this Sunday for the annual Parish Festival . The food, music
and (of course) the company will be spectacular.
September 23 , 2007
Among many honored groups that form Sacred Heart parish are … the homeless. Without doubt they are one of the main reasons God has been so good to us. Didn't Jesus Himself instruct us two weeks ago to make sure we invite to our banquets people who have no way to repay us … because God Himself will see we're rewarded!
September 16 , 2007
It's time for our next Parish Mission Statement gathering ( 7 PM Monday)!
We've been going through the different phrases of our Mission Statement (displayed in the back of Church and on the cover of the bulletin) to see what areas we're doing well in, and what areas could use some improvement.
September 9 , 2007
Today we begin our annual stewardship season.
I'm always so grateful during these weeks as I hear the witness talks and watch more and more people become active members of our parish. The conscious dedication of time, talent and treasure to the work of the Church is a tried and true path of religious conversion, and it's sure made all the difference in the world at Sacred Heart.
September 2 , 2007
If you've ever been out of work, you know how true are these words from the Catechism of the Catholic Church: Unemployment almost always wounds its victim's dignity and threatens the equilibrium of his life. Besides the harm done to him personally, it entails many risks for his family.
August 26 , 2007
Our P astoral C ouncil is looking for new members who sense a call to serve Sacred Heart in a visionary leadership role for a term of three years. We are holding an information and discernment meeting at the Parish Center , 22 Stone Street , on August 29 at 7 PM
August 19 , 2007
A very bright part of my 35 years as a priest has been the Pastoral Council at Sacred Heart. (Members past and present: Connie Cerda, Bonnie Hernandez, Julia Orozco, Adrian Rodriguez, Maxine Rodriguez, Silvia Rodriguez, Esperanza Torres, Barbara Winston, Doug Winston, Carolyn Zabala, Fr. Antonio, Fr. Pedro, Fr. Lucas and I.).
August 12 , 2007
Something largely absent from Catholic life in the US … is respect for holy days of obligation.
August 5, 2007
As summer draws to an end many people are talking about priest changes. You know that both priests from Madonna del Sasso are moving on, as well as both from St. Mary's. (I'm pretty sure Fr. Jim is staying on at Spreckels; the same with Fr. Jose Chavez at Cristo Rey.)
July 29, 2007
For the last several weeks the rectory has been bursting with visitors. Fr. Will Vit (studying Spanish at the Monterey Language Institute), Fr. Ron Wiecek (here for his successful cataract surgery), Ricardo Mendoza (helping out in our parish office while Silvia is away), and Jose Cruz (our seminarian from Hollister). Now … one by one … they're saying goodbye to Sacred Heart to move forward to the next chapter of their lives.
July 22, 2007
Summer is a traditional time for rest and vacation … and I hope all of you get some. Our religion teaches that occasional rest and leisure are basic human rights.
July 15, 2007
Our recent staff retreat gave us a chance to list how our parish has moved forward over the past year.
July 8, 2007
Just as June was dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, July is traditionally dedicated to the Precious Blood of Jesus. It gives us an opportunity to thank God for the gift of salvation that we have received through Jesus' passion, death, and resurrection. As a disciple we are asked to enter more deeply into a personal relationship with the Lord and to enter more fully and completely into the Paschal Mystery in our own lives.
July 1 , 2007
This coming week is a great time to thank God for the freedoms we enjoy. Our various American freedoms … of speech, of assembly, of due process, of personal rights … have helped create a culture of enormous initiative, creativity, power and wealth.
June 24 , 2007
During the first part of the coming week, most parish staff will be away on the yearly ritual we all love --- the staff retreat.
June 17 , 2007
I have to say it. The recent parish mission was the absolute finest experience of parish-based evangelization (sharing the person and message of Christ) I’ve experienced in my life.
June 10 , 2007
For 18 years Mark Kite has been involved in the English RCIA process at Sacred Heart. In his first year, 1989, he was a sponsor and team member; then he took over as the coordinator in 1995. (The R ite of C hristian I nitiation for A dults is the formation process that prepares adults for baptism / confirmation / first Holy Communion.) Mark's longevity … in one of the most demanding ministries in the parish … is nothing short of amazing .
June 3 , 2007
Please join me in welcoming two new faces to Sacred Heart.
Seminarian Jose Cruz will be with us for June and July, while he studies English at Hartnell College . (Our own Fr. Lucas did this very same thing several years ago, on his way to priesthood.) We are very happy to have Jose with us.
Also, Ricardo Mendoza will be with us the next several months, helping out as office receptionist while Silvia Isassy (our present lovely young helper) is down in San Bernardino with family. Ricardo just graduated from Ohio State University and has plans to be a Spanish teacher.
Both young men will be staying in the rectory. We're very grateful to have them with us, continuing Sacred Heart's long tradition of hospitality.
May 27 , 2007
Today is our great birthday!
If the Church were a collection of people and nothing more , we would have perished centuries ago from our corruption, mismanagement and sin. (We've had these three things in spades!)
May 20 , 2007
Something wonderful is happening this Saturday at 10:30 AM over at Madonna del Sasso --- our first diocesan deacons will be ordained.
May 13 , 2007
Early next month Sacred Heart parish will experience something unprecedented --- a parish-based, parish-oriented, three day Mission ! Our goal: to make our parish more holy by connecting parishioners with each other and offering an experience of the Holy Spirit.
May 6 , 2007
Our recent Mission Statement gathering surfaced very important concerns. Some highlights:
- Many wonderful things are going on at Sacred Heart, but we don't do a good job at communicating them and coordinating them. We need a list of parish ministries and contact persons that is updated and easily available.
- The same people are being called on to help out in more and more ministries. We need to expand our group of ministers so no one is spread too thin … or we need to streamline, combine or eliminate ministries if we don't have enough money and people to do everything. We need to focus on important things and do them well.
- Is there reason to segregate into English/Spanish language groups when the different ministries (like lectors and eucharistic ministers) gather? There is a value in everyone getting together.
- Let's figure a way to keep people's attention (and attendance) after their children receive first communion.
We will be giving the above careful attention!
April 29, 2007
Join us for hospitality after our Sunday morning Masses during the Easter season. This is another way of “living” out part of our Mission Statement … “we gather to pray and form a local body for Christ…. all in a joyful Christ-like Spirit.”
April 22, 2007
Last month we on the liturgy committee made a difficult decision --- to dedicate the entire week preceding Holy Week to calling our parish to the sacrament of Reconciliation . We curtailed many of our normal weekly activities (including non-essential appointments and even some daily Masses) so we could maximize the opportunity of parishioners to go to confession.
April 15, 2007
I had the best Holy Week and Easter in years --- it was like swimming in grace!
Was it that I took Lent a little more seriously than usual? Or the hundreds of extra confessions during that special parish week of reconciliation we had in late March? Sincere thanks to all the people who helped make Sacred Heart's liturgies prayerful and life-giving --- musicians, lectors, servers, sacristans, ushers, environment decorators, participants in the passion plays, dancers, bell-ringers … and of course you , the active worshipping assembly.
April 1, 2007
Welcome to Holy Week! As we enter the ceremonies and tell the story of the humiliation and glorification of Jesus, the HOLY SPIRIT is released in the community . and we rise with our Savior. There is very rich fare in our Catholic church, so . Come and Eat !
March 25, 2007
Only seven days remain before . HOLY WEEK!
Holy Week is what Lent is all about. To observe it well is important. As the Lenten Preface says: "A s we recall the great events that gave us new life in Christ, you (God) bring the image of your Son to perfection with us."
March 18, 2007
In our effort to minister to all, I met with a group of fine volunteers to prepare what we are calling "Clinic for health, a service for the community." This event takes place this Saturday, March 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. and it will be in Spanish.
March 11, 2007
Third Sunday of Lent
March 4, 2007
Being a priest has to be one of the best occupations in the world. How many people find a job where they get to do what they most want . and get paid for it!
February 4, 2007
Have you noticed our collections lately --- they have moved decidedly higher! Was it because our finance report showed red ink last year? Or the Christmas letter with the unwelcome news about the church roof-paint-steps-doors overhauls (cost: $160,000 plus!!!)…
January 28, 2007
This Tuesday at 2 PM our new bishop, Richard Garcia, will be officially installed…
January 21, 2007
Last week I promised to report some of the ideas that emerged at our wonderful January 8 meeting to implement the parish Mission. Here is a sampling…
January 14, 2007
Last Monday over 80 parishioners came together to move our Parish Mission a few steps forward. It was a fine meeting, with good energy and ideas. You’ll be getting a fuller picture in future bulletins and our parish newsletter…
January 7, 2007
Thank you for your Christmas contributions – and for those who were out-of-town, you still have one more week to make your year end tax deductible $100 contribution to Sacred Heart – God bless…
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