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Fr. Anthony Huong Le, Parochial Administrator ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Deacon Albert Dizon Deacon David Holland dcnadizon@yahoo.com dcndholland@yahoo.com

Mary Pult, Interim Principal Pre-School Director Saint Catherine Elementary School Saint Catherine Pre-School mpult@csdo.org scpreschool@comcast.net 925-228-4140 925-229-2255

RCIA Andrea Watkins Parish Office Director Religious Education stcathmtz@yahoo.com Safe Environment Coordinator drestcath@yahoo.com Michael Chio

Director of Music Ministry Diana Palmer

Bookkeeper Sylvia Lloren Safe Environment Coordinator Secretary bkprstcath@yahoo.com ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ -

CHURCH LOCATION: 606 Mellus Street, Martinez, CA ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ -

PARISH OFFICE AND 1125 Ferry Street, MAILING ADDRESS: Martinez, CA 94553-1720 TELEPHONE / FAX: 925-228-2230 / 925-228-1318 PARISH WEBSITE: http://parish.stcatherinemartinez.com/ PARISH EMAIL: stcathmtz@yahoo.com SUBMISSIONS: bulletinsubmissions@gmail.com

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OFFICE HOURS: Mon-Fri 8:30 AM-1PM & 2 PM-5 PM ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

GRAMMAR SCHOOL: 604 Mellus Street, Martinez, CA TELEPHONE / FAX: 925-228-4140 / 925-228-0697 SCHOOL WEBSITE: http://school.stcatherinemartinez.com/~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ -

PRE SCHOOL: 1125 Ferry Street, Martinez, CA TELEPHONE / FAX: 925-229-2255 / 925-229-2474

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SAFE ENVIRONMENT: www.virtusonline.org ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

BAPTISMS: Registration is mandatory two months prior to Baptism. Parents & Godparents are required to attend a manda-tory Baptism preparation class before reception of the Sacrament.

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MARRIAGES: Arrangements and mandatory preparation need to be arranged at least eight months prior to the wedding.

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FUNERALS: We recommend using Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services at 925-932-0900. A representative will contact the parish office to coordinate your arrangements.

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BULLETIN SUBMISSIONS: To place an announcement in the bulletin, email request to: bulletinsubmissions@gmail.com. The deadline for requests is no later than noon on Fridays one week prior to the date of the bulletin in which the announcement is requested to appear. Please submit requests in advance of the event date and the deadline. Submissions should be brief and will be edited and approved by parish clergy before being published. Allow ample time for the approval process. Eve-ry attempt will be made to include the submission when re-quested; though, not all submissions are guaranteed placement. Marketing flyers/announcements must have approval in the form of a signature from the Pastor, Principal, or Deacon before post-ing on the premises; and fundraisers must have the name of the designated beneficiary of the proceeds; as well as followed by a gratitude submission which includes the amount of profits raised. The kiosk bulletin board outside the hall is for the parish use for Diocesan, Parish, School, and group announcements.

EARLY DEADLINES: Closely watch early deadlines imposed by the publisher and plan ahead accordingly. Deadline for April 1 has passed. The next deadline for submissions for the weekend April 8 all items must be submitted by FRI MAR 30 noon

Please direct your inquiries to the email above. Thank you.

PARISH & SCHOOL STAFF

March 18, 2018 CONTRIBUTIONS

Contributions for Sunday, March 18 are not listed since they were not yet collected when this bulletin went to print. F

Thank you for your continued generosity!

REMEMBER ST. CATHERINE PARISH IN YOUR WILL & LIVING TRUST

Contributions to Fulfilling the Promise are welcomed Prayerfully consider a pledge to the bishop’s 2018 Appeal

SAT 3/24 4:30 Jennie Balestrieri † SUN 3/25 7:00 Petrus & Hendrika DeGraef † 8:30 Thomas & Eva Hernandez & family † 10:30 Toby, Felipe Turjillo † 12:30 Int.St.Catherine of Siena Parish & School MON 3/26 7:30 Reynaldo Lejano † TUE 3/27 7:30 Joe Gomes † WED 3/28 8:00 Carol Mackenzie † THU 3/29 7:00 Int.St.Catherine of Siena Parish & School SAT 3/31 6:45 Int.St.Catherine of Siena Parish & School SUN 4/1 7:00 Anthony Cordova † 8:30 Roland A. Bartolomei † 10:30 Bratton & Swieszcz Families † 12:30 Int.St.Catherine of Siena Parish & School

For intentions call the Parish Office

INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK

Diocese of Oakland For more information:

www.oakdiocese.org/giving

2018 Bishop’s Appeal

SCS Goal Summary: Parish Goal: $23,000.00 Funds Raised: $ 9,700.00 Remaining: $13,300.00

% of Goal Raised: 42.17%

PARISH STEWARDSHIP

Facebook.com/oakdiocese www.facebook.com/oakdiocese Twitter.com/oakdiocese www.twitter.com/oakdiocese Linkedin: Diocese of Oakland www. linkedin.com/company/diocese-of-oakland

HOW TO SUBMIT AN ENTRY FOR SAINTS AMONG US: Did you catch someone or group doing something good? Helping our neighbors in need? Acts of faith in and around our parish and school? Please let us know about it by emailing bulletinsubmissions@gmail.com and insert “Saints Among Us” in the subject line.

OPERATION RICE BOWL

We encounter Jesus this week in Jerusalem, a community he knew well. We prayerfully enter our own communities too, encountering those who are hungry and thirsty, those who need our help. How does our Lenten journey motivate us to serve those we meet in our daily lives? Visit crsricebowl.org

From the Desk of the

Parochial Administrator

Sixth Sunday of Lent Palm Sunday of the Passion of our Lord

The Passion of Love

Dear Brothers and Sisters, May our Lord and his love be with you all. I would like to invite us all to gaze upon the Lord and fathom the depths of His love for us as we meditate on His passion or suffering. We might ask: When does His passion start? The passion of the Lord starts at the moment of birth and ends with His death on the cross. At His birth, He suffered rejection. His family was not welcomed anywhere. There was no room either in the inn or in the heart of humanity. He was born among manure, dirty animals, and bitterness of weather. His childhood was marked with a dramatic escape from the iron hands of Herod to the strange land of Egypt, the former oppressor of His people. He came to His own, but His own received Him not. His teenage and adolescent years remained largely in obscure and silence of the Judea countryside. He grew up among us so that He could learn to be truly human. He worked to earn His livelihood and supported his family. He knew the deadlines and due dates as a carpenter’s adopted son. He knew hunger and thirst. He embraced the community life with its challenges. His adulthood truly brings His passion to its completion. At the age of thirty, He made known who He was and the purpose of His being here among us: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (Jn 3:16). “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies; and who-ever lives and believes in Me will never die” (John 11:25). "For My Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day" (John 6:40). “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me will never go hungry, and he who believes in Me will never be thirsty (John 6:35). “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). “I am the gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture (John 10:9). “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and be-lieves in Me will never die” (John 11:25-26). “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Many did not see Him as He said He was despite witnessing miracles He performed which only God could do. Despite

hearing His powerful words that brought the dead man, Laza-rus to life, many saw Him as a rabbi or worst a possessed man. Thus, to protect their national pride, their opinions, their well-being, their safety, or whatever else they might have in mind, they rejected, accused, arrested, tortured, prosecuted, impris-oned, and sentenced Him to death on the cross. His own friends and so-called now apostles and disciples, one sold Him for 30 pieces of silver; other denied Him three times; another abandoned Him; and many other followed Him from afar because they were afraid. At the moment of death, He became the picture of human suffering, perhaps, the worst depiction of human condition:

I am poured out like water, and all my bones are disjointed. My heart is like wax— melting within my innards.

My strength is dried up like a clay pot, my tongue clings to my jaws. You lay me in the dust of death. For dogs have surrounded me.

A band of evildoers has closed in on me. They pierced my hands and my feet.

I can count all my bones. They stare, they gape at me.

They divide my clothes among them, and cast lots for my garment. But You, OH LORD, be not far off! O my strength! Come quickly to my aid! Deliver my soul from the sword— my only one from the power of the dog. Save me from the lion’s mouth. From the horns of the wild oxen rescue me” (Ps. 22:16-22). Even at death, He did not even have His own tomb. Truly, "foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head" (Lk 9:58).

Brothers and sisters, this is the passion of Love because God so loves us that He willingly risks His very Son to suffer consequences of sin to the end. Love risks it all for the sake of the beloved, us, sinners. I guess true love won’t come cheap. If we dare to live out the commandment of love, we should dare also to take risks in loving God, others, and ourselves accordingly. Will we face loneliness? Will we get rejected? Will we suffer denial? Will we get manipulated? Will we hurt others in the process? Will we fear? Will we fall? Sure! Definitely. Many times, for sure. But should we back down? Let us not do so. If we did, let us love again, of course, after the example of the Lord. Let us not for-get that He has endured the passion on our behalf. He made it possible for us to love with Him through all the twists and turns of the human life. He will help us get through it. That is a lifetime guarantee. Certainly, all of us here have begun our passion, wonderful, if we do so with God. Each is a unique kind. However, please remember this: that our passion does not end at death, it ra-ther ends with the Lord; and the Lord is not dead, but alive and dwells among us, in us, and really in the Blessed Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. May our passion bring us closer to the Lord and others each day. Yours in Christ, Fr Anthony Huong Le.

As people of faith, let us learn about Depression & Suicide Different Presentations/Forms of Depression &

Treatment/Risk Assessment/Signs & Symptoms of Depression—Identifying Risk Factors

Tuesday, April 17, 10 AM to 2 PM @ Cathedral of Christ the Light Parish Hall—lunch included

Presented/Organized by KAIROS Psychology Group RSVP to skkappler@kairospsychologygroup.com

St. Catherine of S iena School creates leaders. Seventh grade students began a five-session class called Building Bridges. In these sessions led by Paula Pardini, they will learn ways to build a Christ-centered commu-nity in prepara-tion for becoming next year’s school leaders.   Speaking of our school leaders, eighth grade stu-dents plan and prepare lessons for Faith Families. Faith Families combine and gather students across all grade levels—K through 7th—to come

together on a regular basis. During these weekly meetings, our eighth grade leaders teach religion to the younger students in their own, unique way. It is a wonderful opportunity for these upperclassman to share God’s Word and model our School-wide Learning Expectations for others. —Diana Corsetti

St. Catherine School News

Family Style Pasta Dinner SAT, APR. 21 @ 6—9 PM

St. Catherine of Siena Parish Hall Adult = $15 . Children under 12 = $7

B SCS Y G Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus

Tickets will NOT be sold at the door For tickets: Sally @ 822-2733 or Annette @ 228-8428

You are allowed to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress, simultaneously. —Sophia Bush

Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose Center for Education & Spirituality presents:

SPIRITUALITY OF CREATIVITY

with FR. ARTHUR POULIN SAT. APR. 14 @ 9 TO 11:30 AM . $20 ea

Dominican Center, 43326 Mission Circle, Fremont Open gallery from 1 to 3 pm with the Artist.

Refreshments available for purchase after the presentation, for those attending the open gallery at 1 pm

Please RSVP by April 9 to http://bit.ly/2018_FrPoulin or call 510.933.6360

Holy Thursday MARCH 29: 7:30 AM Prayer Service

7:00 PM—Bilingual Mass of the Lord’s Supper/Washing of the Feet/Transfer of the Eucharist to Chapel of Repose

Easter Sunday APRIL 1

7 AM, 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM & 12:30 PM

Holy Saturday MARCH 31: 7:30 AM—Prayer Service

Easter Vigil 6:45 PM—Begins in Yard

H O LY W E E K

2018

HOW TO SUBMIT A QUESTION: Whether young or young-er, do you have a question about the mechanics of the Mass, the traditions, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, or its teachings? Submit your questions to bulletinsubmis-sions@gmail.com and insert “Q&A” in the subject line. Questions will be answered by members of the clergy and/or those with knowledge of the subject inquiry.

WHO: St. Catherine of Siena 8th Graders WHAT: Italian Catholic Federation Marina Ellis Eighth Grade Scholarship WHEN: Applications must be postmarked on or before March 31, 2018

WHERE: Get an application from your eighth grade teacher or from the school principal or you can request one from icfbranch13martinez@gmail.com WHY: An opportunity to receive a $200 scholarship HOW: Send completed application to: ICF Scholarship Committee, C/O 4461 Alhambra Way, Mtz, CA 94553

I can, You can, We can. Forty cans for Lent The Knights of Columbus are collecting

condiments, cereal, various canned foods (not expired) for the Women’s Shelter, Loaves & Fishes, & St. Vincent de Paul Questions?—Call Jim @ 925-372-6357

Good Friday MARCH 30: 7:30 AM—Prayer Service

12:10 PM —Lord’s Passion and Veneration of the Cross

8 PM—Stations of the Cross with Reflection on the 7th last word of Jesus

9 PM—Tenebrae with Communion

HAVE YOU ACCESSED YOUR GIFT SUBSCRIPTION YET? FORMED is a bilingual revolutionary digital platform that of-fers a wealth of info and entertaining Catholic audio talks, eBooks, films, documentaries, and video-based study programs. There are two ways you can use FORMED: 1) Go to Internet Explorer and click https://formed.org Enter Access Code: XPTJK8 (case sensitive) Enter your email and create a password (you’ll need this to login later) 2) Download the FORMED App from https://app.formed.org to your smartphone and login with above Access Code: XPTJK8.

St. Catherine Parish offers deepest sympathy and prayers for the family; and, the repose of the soul of

Mary Brennan

who entered eternal life.

HOW TO SUBMIT AN ARTICLE FOR FAITH SHARING: Consider sharing with us your faith journey, your walk with Our Lord. How has He worked in you for the good of others? Articles should be between 300-500 words, your own testimo-nial to your Catholic faith, and submitted with a portrait to FaithSharingSCS@gmail.com. By making a personal submission to the bulletin, you agree to having your words edited, printed, and shared by the Parish and Communications Committee and agree to a photo release of your image. Consider this, please.

GOOD FRI MAR 30 @ 5:15 PM CHURCH HOLY SAT MAR 31 @ 5:15 PM CHURCH EASTER SUN APR 1 @ 5:15 PM CHURCH MON APR 2 @ 5:15 PM CHURCH TUE APR 3 @ 5:15 PM CHURCH WED APR 4 @ 5:15 PM CHURCH THU APR 5 @ 5:15 PM CHURCH FRI APR 6 @ 5:15 PM CHURCH SAT APR 7 @ 6:00 PM CHURCH SUN APR 8 * @12:30 PM CHURCH

*DIVINE MERCY MASS FOLLOWED BY POT-LUCK After Mass, a procession of the Divine Mercy

image will take place to the parish hall where there will be a light pot-luck dinner. All are invited.

Questions? Contact Esther Concepcion at 925-381-1835

Divine Mercy Novena

Faith Sharing My faith story: After 12 years of Catholic education in Fresno, CA I tossed aside my faith. I quit going to church and thereby missed the wonders of Vatican II. I quit praying. During that sad time I knew that God existed, but I didn't believe that He exist-ed for me. I became jealous of my broth-ers and sisters who could take their faith for granted; who trusted in God and who

knew their prayers would be answered. My mom, a convert to Catholicism, never stopped praying. She knew I was bereft and she knew that no matter how many different religions I studied, I had lost my base and was wandering in the desert. I thanked God for His many gifts, but never asked for anything. I didn’t believe my prayers would be answered. As the Scriptures read, it was a child who led me back. My first grandson, Robby Rusca, entered into kindergarten here at St Catherine of Siena. I was the most available to participate in his Catholic education, so after being away for 30 years, I came to church. My mother had once suggested that I pray to have my faith restored, and I remember asking her, "Don’t you have to have faith to pray for faith?" Once, at one of those early Masses in the petitions, the prayer from the ambo was: "For those who've lost their faith, that their faith may be restored." To which you all responded, "Lord, hear our prayer." I remem-ber looking around and thinking, "these people are all praying for me, and they don't even know me." Soon, thereafter, I offered my first prayer. I had been a life-long smoker who had tried many ways to quit, and always failed. My first prayer was, "Dear God, please take this affliction from me. I cannot do it by myself. Lord, you know I've tried and failed and can’t do it alone; I need your help." It wasn't long after that that I was able to quit effortlessly. I realized that the gift of my faith had been restored; not only that it had been restored, but that I was filled with joy in the knowledge. I knew that God heard my prayers and sent me answers. I signed up for Sister Moira's RCIA, the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, even though I had received all my sacra-ments. There, I learned of the incredible gift of Vatican II, and I rejoiced in that knowledge. I became active in our church: Choir, Lector, Liturgy Committee, Religious Ed, Environment, RCIA Team, and PACE where I was commissioned as the Financial Co-Chair. I attended the Diocesan three-year course of study at St. Mary's College and earned my certificate of Pastoral Ministry. I went through the annulment process and had my marriage blessed here at Saint Catherine. I created a program for returning Catholics called Reconnecting and, through that, I learned some of your stories. And, as for Robby, the child who brought me here, he con-tinues to help renew my faith. He graduated from St. Catherine School where he received the Siena Award, then from Alhambra High School where he was one of five Valedictorians, then, graduated from the University of Notre Dame. He now lives near Tacoma with his wife Kaitlyn, who is getting her Masters Degree in Family Counseling at Seattle University. Your simplest prayer, "For those who have lost their faith, that their faith may be restored," helped to change my life.

—Sandra Hall

Fr. Anthony, SCS Staff & Advisory Boards Invite you to join in the Celebration of the Feast of St. Catherine of Siena

~ ~ SATURDAY, APRIL 28 ~ ~ 9:30 am: Gather in Suzanna St. Park 10:00 am: Procession around town 11:00 am: Celebratory Holy Mass 12:00 noon: Catered Lunch in Church lot

All are invited to bring a finger dessert (nothing that needs a knife, spoon, or fork)

For more info contact: stcfeastday@gmail.com

Altar Servers Jack Watkins.…...……………………………….925-957-0437 Art and Environment Beth Churchill………..…………………………925-200-6300 Bingo Don Brocca …………………………………….925-858-7330 Catholic Youth Organization - CYO Gina Marks………………………….………… 925-817-9429 Children’s Liturgy of the Word Debbie Frieberg………………………….……. 925-212-7465 Communications Eugene Dizon……………………….………… 925-370-8143 Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Viviana & Marty Magee……………… ………... 925-228-6460 Faith Formation - Religious Education (PreK-8th Grades) Andrea Watkins………………………..Ext 30 925-228-2230 Finance Fr. Anthony Huong Le……………………….… 925-228-2230 Grief Ministry Mary Cook……………………….…………….. 925-229-2665 Guadalupe Society Guadalupe Cruz………………………………... 925-997-2432 Hospital/Sick/Homebound Tom Greerty/Legion of Mary..…….…………… 925-228-4387 Italian Catholic Federation - ICF Tom Cook……………………………………... 925-229-2665 Knights of Columbus - K of C Sean Carroll……………………………………..925-595-6263 La Communidad Latina Lucia Cruz……………………………………… 925-348-2620 Lectors Deacon Albert Dizon……………………….….. 925-370-8143 Legion of Mary Bobby Kiefer…………………….……………. 925-658-1442 Loaves & Fishes Denice Silva…………………………………….. 925-372-0740 Maintenance Parish Office.……………………….…………... 925-228-2230 Mary Help of Christians - MHC Margarita Flores……………………………….. 925-812-1279 Pastoral Advisory Council Karen Glen….925-788-7716 & Karen Sandri….925-370-7997 Respect Life Linda Easterday ……………………….……….. 925-372-3845 Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults - RCIA Fr. Anthony Huong Le……………………….… 925-228-2230 Safe Environment for Children Project - SECP Andrea Watkins………………………..Ext 30 925-228-2230 SECP: No More Secrets - Survivor Outreach Sherrie Hammon………………………………..925-372-6091 San Lorenzo Ruiz Community - SLRC Esther Concepcion….………………………… 925-381-1835 Social Awareness Anne Crisp …………………………………... 925-356-8822 St. Catherine Spark (ages 18 years to 35 years) Rosemary Cook………………………………... 925-229-2665 Stewardship Karen Glen…925-788-7716 & Mark Poyadue…925-324-1261 Sociedade Portuguesa Rainha Santa Isabel - SPRSI Annette Liberty……………………… ……… 925-228-8428 St. Vincent de Paul Society - SVdP Karen Glen …………………………………….. 925-788-7716 Ushers James McLaughlin………………………………. 925-228-1051 Young Ladies Institute - YLI Gerri Alexandra ……………………………… 925--698-7644 Youth Group/Confirmation (High School 9 to 12 Grades) Deacon Dave Holland………………………….. 925-372-7015

Before serving or continuing in your ministry, com

plete the Diocesan required Safe Environm

ent for Children Project T

raining @ w

ww

.virtusonline.org . Thank you.

MINISTRIES/ORGANIZATIONS CONTACTS

Week-at-a-glance dates, times, & locations are taken from the web site calendar: http:/parish.stcatherinemartinez.com/parish-calendar

Sunday, 3/25 Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord 8:00 AM PH Hospitality—Legion of Mary hosts 11:00 AM PC 210 RCIA Retreat 3:45 PM PCL Confirmation Prep Class 6:00 PM PCL Youth Group Monday, 3/26 St. Theodore, pray for us. 6:45 PM PCL San Lorenzo Ruiz Community Mtg Tuesday, 3/27 St. Rupert, pray for us. 9:00 AM CH Art & Environment Decorating 6:00 PM CH Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM PCL Stewardship Committee Meeting Wednesday, 3/28 St. Alexander, pray for us. 2:30 PM CH School Choir Rehearsal 6:00 PM CH/SC/PH NO Religious Ed-PreK to 8th Grade 6:00 PM CH RCIA Rehearsal 6:30 PM PCL Legion of Mary Meeting 7:30 PM CH Choir Rehearsal Thursday, 3/29 Holy Thursday St. Gladys, pray for us. 7:30 AM CH Prayer Service—NO Morning Mass 8:30 AM CH Art & Environment Decorating 9:00 AM PH SCS School Seder Meal 7:00 PM CH The Mass of the Lord’s Supper Washing of the Feet Friday, 3/30 Good Friday St. Fergus, pray for us. 7:30 AM CH Prayer Service—NO Morning Mass 8:30 AM PC Office Closed—Holiday 12:10 PM CH Lord’s Passion & Veneration of the Cross 5:15 PM CH Divine Mercy Novena Day #1 8:00 PM CH Reflection, Stations of the Cross Adoration & Benediction, Lord’s Passion & Veneration of the Cross 9:00 PM CH Tenebrae Saturday, 3/31 Holy Saturday St. Benjamin, pray for us. 7:30 AM CH Prayer Service—NO Morning Mass 9:00 AM CH Art & Environment Decorating 9:30 AM PCL SVdP Food Distribution 5:15 PM CH Divine Mercy Novena Day #2 3:00 PM CH NO Reconciliation 6:45 PM YD/CH Easter Vigil Mass begins in yard 9:00 PM PH RCIA Reception Sunday, 4/1 Easter Sunday 8:00 AM PH NO Hospitality 5:15 PM CH Divine Mercy Novena #3 CH = Church RC = Rectory SC = School PH = Parish Hall YD = School Yard YS: Youth Shack PC = Parish Center PCL: Parish Center Library

WEEK-AT-A-GLANCE

SATURDAY: 7:30 AM and 4:30 PM

SUNDAY: 7:00 AM 8:30 AM Children’s Liturgy of the Word 10:30 AM 12:30 PM Spanish ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ -

WEEKDAYS:* 7:30 AM Except Wednesday

WEDNESDAY: 8:00 AM *Note: Thursday is a Communion Service ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ -

HOLY DAYS: 7:30 AM, 12:10 PM and 7:00 PM If Wednesday:: 8:00 AM, 12:10 PM and 7:00 PM ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ -

ADORATION: Fridays from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ -

RECONCILIATION: Saturdays from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM

LITURGY SCHEDULE

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READINGS & REFLECTIONS FOR THE WEEK

Time for a confession. We did it. We’re the ones who denied Jesus somewhere between three times and 77 times, just since Lent began. We sold Him for a wad of cash, or a comfortable lifestyle, or a moment’s peace. We took a snooze when Jesus asked us to pray. We kissed Him in public, but looked the oth-er way when He was abused. We twisted His words to suit our purposes, mocked Him with thin praise, ran when He needed a friend, hid to save our skins. Lord, have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy. Today's readings: Procession: Mark 11:1-10 or John 12:12-16 (37); Mass: Isaiah 50:4-7; Philippians 2:6-11; Mark 14:1—15:47 (38). “They began to be distressed and to say to [Jesus], one by one, ‘Surely it is not I?’ ”

Talk about “life-threatening”: Sometimes vitality itself is the threat! Lazarus was looking mighty good for a dead man after Jesus called him out of the tomb. So the religious authorities put Lazarus on their hit list along with Jesus. Next time, Lazarus might stay dead; however, nobody reckoned on Jesus. Although you’ll never see the bumper sticker announcing it, “Resurrection happens,” too. Our new life in Christ should be highly visible—not to mention equally troubling—to those who prefer God-inspired troublemakers to be quiet and lifeless. Today's readings: Isaiah 42:1-7; John 12:1-11 (257). “The chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well, since it was on account of him that many were believing in Jesus.”

Who looks for Jesus? People who are suffering, mostly. The sick, outcasts, and sinners are always running after Jesus, hoping for relief from their pain. So when the Greeks start looking for Jesus, we know something’s changed. These folks are doing well—they’re just in town for the Passover festival. The only reason such folks could want Jesus is as Jesus predicts: God’s saving plan gathers momentum when the outside world is onto the gospel. We, too, normally seek Jesus when things are going wrong. But salvation is often closer when need is not all that compels us. Today's readings: Isaiah 49:1-6; John 13:21-33, 36-38 (258). “The Greeks came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said, ‘Sir, we wish to see Jesus.’”

If you want an example of how the gospels tell the same story differently, then you need go no further than Judas’ betrayal of Jesus. Only in Matthew does Judas get 30 pieces of silver in ad-vance for handing Christ over to the authorities. That Judas is greedy we know. “What will you give me?” he asks up front. Here’s the lesson: Once you’ve been paid off, it’s a lot harder to back out. Who is currently running interference for some-thing you’d rather not do? Who is fronting for your choices so

you don’t have to account for them? How do you work up the nerve to say no to these abdications of responsibility for which you may have to pay a much bigger price later? Today's readings: Isaiah 50:4-9a; Matthew 26:14-25 (259). “They paid him 30 pieces of silver. And from that moment Judas began to look for an opportunity to betray Jesus.”

On this day it is traditional in parts of the Catholic world to visit seven churches, a practice that may have originated in Rome. In the Philippines and parts of Latin America the tradi-tion is called Visita Iglesia (“church visit”) and involves reciting the Stations of the Cross at the various stops along the way. In Singapore the Lord’s Prayer and other prayers are recited sev-en times at each church visited accompanied by festivities and a “last supper” before the Good Friday fast. In India 14 churches are visited, one for each Station of the Cross. Why not partake in this tradition and make it your own? Today's readings: Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 13:1-15 (39). “When he had washed their feet he . . . said to them, ‘Do you realize what I have done for you?’”

It’s pretty easy to look around and conclude that one of the things humans do best is inflict suffering on one another. Christ’s Passion draws attention to suffering, both what he en-dured because a group of leaders put their own power and security ahead of everything else, and what people have en-dured ever since for similar reasons. Yet Christ gathers up all suffering and death in His own. The Passion and Resurrection of Jesus forever ended meaningless suffering and death. All sacri-fice, all loss, now has ultimate value because Christ offered Himself for sacrifice and rose again. You can participate in this redeeming sacrifice by exercising kindness wherever you find suffer-ing. Today's readings: Isaiah 52:13—53:12; Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9; John 18:1—19:42 (40). “When you make his life an offering for sin . . . through him the will of the Lord shall prosper.”

In his 2004 Easter Vigil homily, Pope Saint John Paul II said we must renew our dedication to the service of the gospel: “If this mission may sometimes seem difficult, call to mind the words of the Risen Lord: ‘I am with you always’ (Matt. 28:20). Certain of His presence, you shall fear no difficulty and no obstacle. . . . His Body and His Blood will nourish you and sustain you on your daily journey to eternity.” Still feeling uncertain of Jesus’ presence? Attend the Easter Vigil. Sitting in total darkness that becomes total light as the brazier fire is set and the Paschal candle lit is bound to rekindle your faith in the Light of the World. Today's readings: Vigil: Genesis 1:1—2:2; Genesis 22:1-18; Exodus 14:15—15:1; Exodus 15:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 17-18; Isaiah 54:5-14; Isaiah 55:1-11; Baruch 3:9-15, 32—4:4; Ezekiel 36:16-17a, 18-28; Romans 6:3-11; Mark 16:1-7 (41). “You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth. He has been raised; he is not here.” preparetheword.com/

WED of HOLY WEEK, MAR 28, 2018:

PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD SUN, MAR 25, 2018: Guilty as sin

MON of HOLY WEEK. MAR 26, 2018: Rise up in faith

TUE of HOLY WEEK, MAR 27, 2018: Salvation is always at hand

THU, MAR 29, 2018: HOLY THURSDAY MASS OF THE LORD'S SUPPER Time for some church hopping!

SAT, MAR 31, 2018: HOLY SATURDAY Sit in the dark and see the light

FRI, MAR 30, 2018: GOOD FRIDAY OF THE LORD'S PAS-SION; DAY OF ABSTINENCE Be kind—it’s always possible