Thursday, May 22, 2003
Dear Parishioners,

Peace and all Good! Last weekend, we began the Archdiocesan Synod at Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral. It was quite an exciting two days. We started with a beautiful Mass in the Cathedral, then convened in the new Cathedral Center. Some of the themes discussed were evangelization, structures for participation and accountability, on-going education and formation, ministry and leadership, religious vocations, and renewed dedication to justice and peace issues. Please pray that the Holy Spirit will guide us in our deliberations and that the Synod will build up the Body of Christ in our Archdiocese.

While there are many events going on at this time of year, I would like to invite you to attend the Choral Concert on June 1st, at 3:00 PM in the church. Given the caliber of music we participate in on Sundays, there is no doubt that this concert will be truly inspiring!

Finally, I urge and invite you to plan on attending the informative and uplifting presentation concerning the teachings of the Church with regard to our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters. Our speaker is Fran Walsh, who, for six years, worked in the Archdiocese Gay and Lesbian Ministry Office. It will be held on Sunday, June 8th from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. See you there!
Christ’s peace! Love, Fr Vince

Wednesday, May 14, 2003

Dear Parishioners,

During the Easter season, the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist are highlighted. As you remember, two weeks ago, eleven of our children received the Body and Blood of Christ for the first time. This past Sunday, Ameleia Catherine Elizabeth Griffin, daughter of Matt and Jennifer Griffin, and Scarlett Grace Rollins, daughter of Larry and Kelly Robbins, were welcomed into our community through the sacrament of Baptism. This Sunday, at San Roque Church, four of our high school students and three adults from our parish will receive the sacrament of Confirmation: Matthew Duhamel, Cal Egan, Domenico Lala, Celia Munoz, Alessandro Ortiz, Lauren Sova, and Carla Todeschini. Congratulations and many blessings to each of you. May you always remain in Christ and be guided by the Holy Spirit!

Don’t forget that I Madonnari is next weekend. Parking can be a challenge, but Fr. Alberic assures us that the parking just south of the road will be reserved for those coming to Mass. There will be a drop-off place for the handicapped. The parking directly in front of the church will be closed from Friday through Sunday.
Continued Easter Blessings!
Pat


Thursday, May 08, 2003
Dear Parishioners,

Peace and all Good, and a special blessing for all of our mothers today! I remember with fondness how blessed I was to have such a great Sicilian mom! Everyone always knew it was Sunday afternoon when they walked into our house and caught the aroma of the basil and tomato sauce over my favorite pasta—Rigatoni! There was no such thing as too many people for dinner! “Ma” was always gracious and hospitable to all! I hope you will spend some time remembering and praying for your own mothers today.

Next weekend, I will be at the Archdiocesan Synod. The delegates are called upon to seriously consider evangelization, structures for participation and accountability, education and formation at all levels, ministry and leadership, Eucharist and sacramental life, and social justice. Please pray that this gathering will take up the challenge of shaping the pastoral future of the Archdiocese.

Finally, our Easter devotions are really inspiring! The Taize Prayer on Wednesdays is glorious and uplifting, and the Rosary on Thursdays is serene and meditative. I invite all of you to keep the blessings of the Easter season flowing by taking part in these special Easter liturgies!

Love, Fr. Vince
Thursday, May 01, 2003
Dear Parishioners,

Today, at the 10:30 AM Mass, eleven of our children will receive First Eucharist. Congratulations and God’s abundant blessings upon Brenna Fox, Bowen Fredericks, Brianna Friden, Danielle Gutierrez-Leyva, Christian Hirsch, Elizabeth Mason, Annelise Morando, Tyler Newman, Dominique Ruiz, Talia Tashma-Rapp, Karina Thornton. Welcome to the table!

Bishop Robert Lynch, Chair of Catholic Relief Services, has asked all bishops in the United States to launch a voluntary collection for Iraq emergency relief. Bishop Lynch wrote, “We have taken a strong and principled stand on peace and we have called for our government to exhaust every reasonable effort before resorting to war. Now that the people of Iraq are suffering from the effect of that very war, it is essential that we respond with an equally strong outpouring of emergency assistance to help alleviate their pain and anguish.” Cardinal Mahony has established an Iraq Emergency Relief Fund to which you can make donations that will be forwarded to Catholic Relief Services. Please see today’s Bulletin for more information.

Our silent vigil on Sunday evenings has been replaced by the Rosary for Peace on Thursday evenings at 7:00 PM. We will pray the rosary using Pope John Paul’s luminous mysteries through the Easter season.
Easter Blessings! Love, Father Vince