EASTER GREETINGS!
Happy Easter! Thanks be to God we have made it this far. Even though many have been vaccinated and rates of infection are decreasing, we remain cautiously optimistic that this pandemic will end soon. We pray that all of us—especially those directly affected by this virus—will find hope, healing, and a renewed sense of unity. No one could have anticipated the outcome of our celebration this year, and many have expressed disappointment about not being able to join with family, neighbors, and friends to celebrate this pivotal feast of our liturgical year. The pandemic has been one of the most disruptive times for us all, yet it is amazing how we remain in communion by the grace of God’s Spirit calling us to be one in the risen Lord Jesus Christ.
BISHOP OSCAR CANTU'S EASTER MESSAGE
Arising from the Darkness
“On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark…” (Jn 20:1). This is the beginning of the Gospel reading for Easter Sunday. I have always been fascinated by the detail that it was “still dark.” I believe this speaks to the presence of hope when things do not seem promising. Over the past year, we have experienced darkness in so many ways: over half a million persons in the United States who have lost their lives to COVID-19; millions who have lost jobs; millions of acres destroyed in wildfires; children who have lost opportunities to learn, grow, and socialize; countless persons – young and old – who have seen a decline in mental health; growing division in our country and racial violence; a devastated economy; and the list goes on.
St. Mary community congratulates and welcomes the following who
were received into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil:
were received into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil:
The Elect who were initiated through the
Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist:
Samantha Korsunsky & Ariel Lehaitre
The Candidate who was initiated through the
Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Eucharist:
Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Eucharist:
Leyna Cotran
Sacrament of Baptism
Simone Vasco
We thank you for your prayerful support of these newly
Initiated Catholics as they prayed and studied within our community.
NEW MASS SCHEDULE
FROM APRIL 5
Weekday Mass: Monday – Saturday 9:30am (Livestream & in church)
Rosary on Mondays - Saturday at 9:00 am (Livestream & in church)
Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:00pm (in church)
Sunday Masses: 9:00am (Livestream & in Church) & 5:00pm (in Church)
Confession: Saturday 1:30 - 2:30 pm in the Pastoral Center Conference Room.
IMPORTANT: The Sign-up for Mass closes on the morning of your scheduled Mass. If you are unable to attend the Mass you scheduled, please cancel your reservation ASAP. If you are unable to cancel yourself, please leave a message on the Parish Office voicemail so we can make the seats available.
NO SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
(CONFESSION) THIS SATURDAY AFTERNOON - EASTER VIGIL
Check out the following articles in our bulletin this week - Prayer Resources including the Way of the Cross led by Pope Francis (meditations were written by children); Farewell letter from Al Chavez and more.
We are grateful to the 239 families that have made a difference with a generous gift. Our parish has raised $182,913 toward our goal of $190,233.
Many thanks for your participation in this Appeal. If you have not yet made a gift, please reflect on what you can do to also make a difference. Every gift is valued and respectfully used. It is not too late and we want your participation and need your support. Please consider a pledge payable through December 2021 or a one time gift.
Please remember that 100% of all gifts received above our goal comes back to our parish.
YEAR OF ST. JOSEPH
ST. MARY: A PILGRIMAGE SITE
Message from Bishop Cantú on the Year of St. Joseph
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
God’s people have always been called to journey. Abraham was called to leave his home country, journey to a new land, and trust God. Moses led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, journeying through the desert for 40 years to the cusp of the Promised Land. Jesus journeyed from Galilee to Jerusalem to fulfill his mission of salvation for the world. St. Augustine notes that “the Church progresses on her pilgrimage amidst this world’s persecutions and God’s consolations” (Civ. Dei, 18, 51; LG 8). Read more ...
God’s people have always been called to journey. Abraham was called to leave his home country, journey to a new land, and trust God. Moses led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, journeying through the desert for 40 years to the cusp of the Promised Land. Jesus journeyed from Galilee to Jerusalem to fulfill his mission of salvation for the world. St. Augustine notes that “the Church progresses on her pilgrimage amidst this world’s persecutions and God’s consolations” (Civ. Dei, 18, 51; LG 8). Read more ...
St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception selected as
one of 10 pilgrimage sites in our Diocese
A pilgrimage is no ordinary journey. It’s a kind of “holy traveling” undertaken with resolve for a particular spiritual purpose. To have a fruitful pilgrimage, simply carry a special prayer intention in your mind and heart. You can have a single intention, or a different one for each destination asking St. Joseph or the Virgin Mary to intercede with Jesus Christ for your request. Conclude by offering prayers of gratitude and thanksgiving. This act of faith, made during the Year of St. Joseph, will gain a plenary indulgence under the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion and prayer according to the intentions of the Holy Father) to the faithful who, with a spirit detached from any sin, visit any of the following 10 pilgrimage sites within our Diocese for the Year of Saint Joseph through December 8, 2021.
Diocese of San Jose
BISHOP'S STATEMENTS
- Statement in Support of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders - March 29
- Bishop Cantú’s Statement on Cesar Chavez Day - March 3140 Hours for the Lord Eucharistic Adoration for VocationsJoin the Diocese of San Jose Vocations Office and Bishop Oscar Cantu for a prayer vigil April 23-25, 2021 for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life from our diocese. All are welcome to attend for any length of time to pray at St. John Vianney Parish. It will begin Friday, April 23 at 7pm with an Opening Mass and the Closing Mass with Bishop Oscar Cantu will be on Sunday, April 25 at 10am.
Sign up for an hour of Adoration
Covid-19 Vaccines Explained EthicsAs a faith community concerned about the sanctity of human life, the Diocese of San Jose encourages everyone to strongly consider getting vaccinated, after consulting their physicians or health care providers, for the sake of their own health and the common good of our community. The vaccines are safe and free. Health insurance and immigration status will not affect your eligibility. You can learn more about the moral and ethical issues regarding COVID-19 vaccines and why they have been deemed morally acceptable by the Church by visiting:
May 1, 2021: Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker Mass
Aug. 11, 2021: Feast of Saint Clare Mass
Nov. 21, 2021: Closing Mass
Please continue to check our website for updates - stmaryslg.org
Previous eNewsletters can be found at stmaryslg.org/enewsletter
We are still available by email. If you call and leave a voicemail it will reach us to. Just go to our Contact Us page or our website.
