November 15, 2021
Please share this information widely within your community through bulletins, websites, newsletters, and social media. Your contributions to The Bridge are always welcome. Deadline is 4:00 pm Thursday for the following Monday’s newsletter; please comply with the submission guidelines below. The e-mail address for submissions is TheBridge@sfarch.org.
CHANCERY NEWS
Stewardship Bulletin Reflection
November 28, 2021 — FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Welcome to Advent, the season to prepare with awe and wonder for the Feast of the Incarnation of Jesus — born to us as Savior and Brother. It is a season to prepare for His return at the end of time. It is also a moment to remind ourselves that our individual judgment day is coming, too, when we will be called to give an account for all that God has given to us during our lifetimes. In other words, Advent is a steward’s season!
Our readings for the first week of Advent waste no time in calling our urgent attention to these themes of reflection and preparation. They seem to shout, “Wake up! Get ready!” and offer us some practical advice as we enter into this season.
The Gospel, from Luke, warns, “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life.” How easy it is to lose focus on our Lord either by too much indulgence in our lives or by too much worry about our lives. During Advent, we Christian stewards must ask ourselves some hard questions. Am I staying faithful to my prayer life? Am I using my energy and skills to serve others? Am I overly concerned about material gain? Am I relying on my “stuff” or my investments as my source of comfort or security? Am I living for the moment or for the coming of the Lord?
Get ready Christian stewards! He’s coming! Let us prepare with awe and wonder.
Our readings for the first week of Advent waste no time in calling our urgent attention to these themes of reflection and preparation. They seem to shout, “Wake up! Get ready!” and offer us some practical advice as we enter into this season.
The Gospel, from Luke, warns, “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life.” How easy it is to lose focus on our Lord either by too much indulgence in our lives or by too much worry about our lives. During Advent, we Christian stewards must ask ourselves some hard questions. Am I staying faithful to my prayer life? Am I using my energy and skills to serve others? Am I overly concerned about material gain? Am I relying on my “stuff” or my investments as my source of comfort or security? Am I living for the moment or for the coming of the Lord?
Get ready Christian stewards! He’s coming! Let us prepare with awe and wonder.
New - Laudato Si Action Platform
Contact: Melissa Vlach | 415-614-5616 | vlachm@sfarch.org
Archbishop Cordileone's Statement: Here
Archbishop Cordileone is inviting everyone to participate in the Laudato Si Action Platform, which officially launched on November 14. You can read his statement about the launch above. This global, seven-year initiative is led by the Vatican and involves a grassroots effort to bring the message of Laudato Si more fully into our lives, wherever we are. Please sign up to stay informed about future events and resources at the link above.
New - Special Collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development
Contact: Melissa Vlach | 415-614-5616 | vlachm@sfarch.org
The special collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development will take place during the weekend of November 20-21. Your generosity supports programs that address poverty and its root causes. One of these is the Reentry Scholarship Stipend Program, run through the Restorative Justice Ministry. This program supports students on probation and parole as they work toward educational goals and positive change. Learn how this program is impacting students in the video below.
New - Official Catholic Directory (OCD) Update Reminder
Deadline: Monday, November 22
The Office of Worship and the Department of Catholic Schools will once again be coordinating the updates for The Official Catholic Directory this year. All parishes should have received an email directly from OCD requesting your action to update the data for the Directory. Monday, November 22 is the targeted deadline for your updates. Remember to log into ocdedits.com to make the necessary changes. If you cannot locate the email notification, please double check your junk/spam folders.
Your cooperation is greatly appreciated to get this request completed by the deadline.
If you need assistance, please feel free to contact the following for your respective areas:
- Agencies & Religious Organizations: Laura Bertone | bertonel@sfarch.org
- Parishes: Sandra Kearney | 415-614-5505 | kearneys@sfarch.org
- Schools: Maria Mata at Mata
New - St. Monica Young Adults Chant Choir for First Saturday TLM
December 4, 2021, 11:00am Mass, Fr. Cameron Pollette celebrant
12:15 pm - “Chant, Eat, and Meet” lunch w/ Fr. Kevin Kennedy (Administrator)
St. Monica Catholic Church, 5920 Geary Blvd, San Francisco
Contact: Rebekah Wu, puretonesoprano@yahoo.com
St. Monica Catholic Church, 5920 Geary Blvd, San Francisco
Contact: Rebekah Wu, puretonesoprano@yahoo.com
"Chant, Eat, and Meet" upwardly inspired young adults (ages 20-32) from around the Bay Area! We are forming a Young Adults Chant choir to sing at First Saturday TLMs (Traditional Latin Mass) in honor of the BVM starting December 4, 2021 at 11:00am with Father Cameron Pollette, celebrant; assisted by Fr. Kevin Kennedy. Please note that there are two rehearsals: Nov 20, 1:00-3:00pm and Nov 22, 6:00-8:00pm. There will be a lunch served after the mass for young adults. If you are not yet comfortable with the idea of chanting but want to join the lunch, email Rebekah so that we will have enough food for everyone. However, if you have dietary restrictions, you may want to bring your own food. Of course, if you are not a young adult, you are very welcome to attend these new First Saturday TLMs at St. Monica's!
New – Parish Advent and Christmas Activities
Contact: Mary Powers : powersm@sfarch.org
As we begin our preparations for Advent and Christmas, we invite you to send in your upcoming activities for the season. If you have any of the events listed below (or others!) that you would like us to highlight on our website or on social media, please send them to Mary Powers above.
- Advent talks/educational opportunities on Advent and Christmas
- Advent devotions
- Advent Masses such as Simbang Gabi, Rorate Masses, etc.
- Novenas
- Lessons and Carols
- Other Advent prayer devotions
- Events preparing for Christmas such as Christmas Bazaars, etc.
- Christmas Mass Schedule
2021 Restorative Justice Month
Contact: Julio Escobar: 415-614-5572 | escobarj@sfarch.org
Each November we observe Restorative Justice Month in the Archdiocese of San Francisco. We invite you to pray with us throughout the month for the various aspects of the ministry and for all people involved in issues of justice and peace. You can use the attachment, below, for prayer intentions and prayers of the faithful throughout the month. For more information contact Julio, above.
Liturgy Resource: Word of Life for November
Maria Martinez-Mont, Respect Life & Gabriel Project Coordinator |
Office of Human Life & Dignity | 415-614-5533 | prolife@sfarch.org
For Liturgy Resources for November click here. The Spanish translation will be posted as soon as it is available. Previous issues are available at respectlife.org/word-of-life-archive.
EVENTS
New – Simbang Gabi Commissioning Mass
Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption
December 10, 2021 | 7:30pm
Contact: Edgar Estonia | 415-370-9879 | eestonia@comcast.net
Each year, the Archdiocese of San Francisco holdS a Mass with Commissioning Rites to herald the beginning of the "Simbang Gabi Masses" widely celebrated in various parishes throughout the Archdiocese, in the days leading up to Christmas. "Simbang Gabi" is a centuries-old Filipino Catholic faith practice dating back to the 1600's. With the country’s agricultural roots, the practice traditionally began as a novena of pre-dawn masses, but more recently, has been adapted to evening celebrations.
We encourage you to attend our Simbang Gabi Commissioning Mass. Bring your own Filipino Christmas “Parol”, and your family “Creche” (or Nativity scene) to receive a special blessing during the mass. Please verify the dates and times of Simbang Gabi Masses that may be celebrated at your parish of choice. See flyer attached below.
New - Christmas at Kohl 2021
Wednesday, 12-1-21, 5:00pm to 9:00pm
Kohl Mansion / Mercy High School
2750 Adeline Drive, Burlingame, CA 94010
For more information please contact:
Carol Fraher, 650-762-1192 or via email at cfraher@mercyhsb.com
or visit the website at: https://www.mercyhsb.com/about/christmas-at-kohl
Carol Fraher, 650-762-1192 or via email at cfraher@mercyhsb.com
or visit the website at: https://www.mercyhsb.com/about/christmas-at-kohl
The public is cordially invited to the Mercy High School Alumnae Association’s annual Holiday Boutique Christmas at Kohl 2021 on Wednesday, December 1st, 2021; from 5:00pm–9:00pm. The event will be held at the Kohl Mansion. The mansion formerly known as The Oaks will be decorated with thousands of twinkling lights, garlands, and Christmas trees.
More than 65 vendors will display unique holiday treasures, jewelry, clothing and holiday decorations. This is a great place to start your Christmas shopping! There will be a docent presentation and history of the historic Kohl Mansion at 6:30 p.m.
There will be beverages and light holiday snacks for sale. This event is sponsored by the Mercy High School Alumnae Association and a $10.00 donation is appreciated. Strict COVID protocols will be followed, and all adult guests and vendors will need to wear a mask and show proof of full vaccination*. Children ages 24 months through 12 years must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the event..
All of the parking lots on the Mercy campus will be available this year as well as the parking lot at Our Lady of Angels Church, which will be used for overflow parking after 5:30pm and will have a shuttle every 20 minutes.
*Unvaccinated Mercy students will be allowed to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours.
New - St. Dominic Parish Presents The Gesualdo Six
Wednesday, 11-1721, 7:30pm – Church Nave
St Dominic’s Catholic Church, 2390 Bush Street, San Francisco
Contact: Teresa Au | 415-567-7824 : info@stdominics.org
The Gesualdo Six are a British vocal consort. Members are Owain Park, Director; Guy James, Countertenor; Joseph Wicks, Tenor; Josh Cooter, Tenor; Michael Craddock, Baritone; and Sam Mitchell, Bass. The group was founded in Cambridge in 2014 for a performance of the Tenebrae Responsories for Maundy Thursday by Carlo Gesualdo, in the chapel of Trinity College. The Gesualdo Six present an exhibition of some of the finest vocal consort works from renaissance and modern-day composers featuring works from the Golden Age of polyphony by Tallis and Josquin, juxtaposed with Hildegard and contemporary reflections. The ensemble has become renowned for their stagecraft and the church of St. Dominic in San Francisco provides a unique canvas for this program.
We invite you to join us for this special event. Tickets priced at $25.00 or $35.00 are available above from Eventbrite or from the parish office.
Miscarriage and Infant Loss Healing Mass
Maria Martinez-Mont, Respect Life & Gabriel Project Coordinator |
Office of Human Life & Dignity | 415-614-5533 | prolife@sfarch.org
Download English Flyer to promote here
Download Spanish Flyer to promote here
Saturday, December 4, 2021
St. Dominic's Catholic Church
2390 Bush St. San Francisco, CA
To register, go to sfarch.org/infant-loss-mass
Misa de Sanación para Pérdida de Embarazo y Muerte Infantil Prematura
Maria Martinez-Mont, Coordinadora del Proyecto Respect Life & Gabriel |
Oficina de Vida Humana y Dignidad | 415-614-5533 | prolife@sfarch.org
Sabado, 4 de dieciembre del 2021
Iglesia de Santo Domingo
2390 Bush St. San Francisco, CA
Para registrarse, poner su información en esta forma: sfarch.org/infant-loss-mass
CONCERTS
St. Mary’s Cathedral Sunday “Musical Meditations” Livestream
For more information, contact Mr. Chris Tietze at 415-567-2020, Ext. 213
Enjoy the longest continuously running organ concert series in San Francisco, and other instrumental and vocal recitals as well, Sundays at 4:00 pm. These Sunday Musical Meditations are open to the public at the Cathedral (1100 Gough Street,
San Francisco) and are being livestreamed on the St. Mary’s Cathedral YouTube channel, above.
Upcoming LIVE and Livestreamed
- Sunday, November 21, 4:00 pm: Michal Gaw (Poland), Organ. Works by Reubke, Vierne, and de Grigny.
- Sunday, November 28, 4:00 pm: Michal Gaw (Poland), Organ. Works by Bach and Mendelssohn.
- Sunday, December 5, 4:00 pm: Jin Kyung Lim, Organ. Don Knuth’s “Fantasia Apocalyptica”, Part I.
- Sunday, December 12, 4:00 pm: Jin Kyung Lim, Organ. Don Knuth’s “Fantasia Apocalyptica”, Part II.
- Sunday, December 12, 7:00 pm (NOTE TIME!): Pacific Edge Voices, Ash Walker, Director. Seasonal program of choral music.
- Sunday, December 19, 7:00 pm (NOTE TIME!): “Cookies and Carols” performance by the St. Brigid School Honor Choir and St. Mary’s Cathedral Choir, followed by cookies downstairs. $25 adults or $15 for students and seniors. Under 5 free.
- Sunday, December 26, 4:00 pm: “A Tietze Family Christmas.” Christoph Tietze, Organ and Baritone; Jeanette Wilkin Tietze, Piano and Soprano; Helena Tietze, Cello and Alto; Karl Tietze, Percussion and Bass; Teddy Tietze, Trumpet and Alto; Andrea Butler, Soprano. Christmas Music for voice and instruments.
Mission Dolores Basilica - Announces its Ninth Season of the Second Sunday Recital Series
All recitals are at 4:00 pm and will be simultaneously live-streamed via www.facebook.com/missiondoloressf
Free admission. Suggested donation $10
COVID mask protocols will be observed.
Contact: Jerome Lenk, Director of Music | 415-621-8203 x20 | music@missiondolores.org
More info about Mission Dolores on their website: www.missiondolores.org
December 12 – Angela Kraft Cross, organ
See flyer below.
Vallombrosa Retreat Center, Menlo Park
Vallombrosa Retreat Center, 250 Oak Grove Ave., Menlo Park
Main Line: 650-325-5614
Main Line: 650-325-5614
Group Reservations/Booking Contact: Jaynie Fedele | jaynie@vallombrosa.org
Private Retreats/Open to the Public Events: David Leech | davidl@vallombrosa.org
For more information and to book Private Retreats: Click here.
For calendar of events: Click here.
Vallombrosa is pleased to announce the retreat center is open and accepting bookings immediately. Reduced capacity and Covid protocols based on the current tier for San Mateo County are in place. Retreatants coming on campus must check-in upon arrival and follow strict COVID protocols to ensure the health and safety of all who come to the Center. Wearing masks is enforced along with proper social distancing. Hand sanitizers and disinfectants for cleaning are provided. See above for links to Private Retreats and Calendar of Events.
Private Retreats: Vallombrosa Center currently offers Private Retreats for those who want private rooms for alone time, with Spiritual Direction available. Guests can enjoy the walking trails, shrines and gardens. There are both Day retreats and Overnight (no food or coffee service available in either case) – learn more and book above.
Reminder: The Shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes is complete but still accepting donations for bricks and benches. Make donation here.
El Retiro, the Jesuit Retreat Center of Los Altos
300 Manresa Way, Los Altos
More information and to register for Virtual Retreats: Here
More information and to register for Other Retreats and Programs: Here
More information and to register for Other Retreats and Programs: Here
The Jesuit Retreat Center is happy to announce they have opened and are operating at 50 percent capacity, now that the county is in the orange tier. Beginning April 2021, retreats began to be offered on site in person, while virtual retreats continue. Safety protocols are enforced. Every Friday we offer Coffee with St. Joseph (Virtual Retreats); see link above for more information and to register for one of the Men's Virtual Retreats or Women's Virtual Retreats.
Mercy Center Retreats and Events, Burlingame
Mercy Center, 2300 Adeline Dr., Burlingame
Contact: Retreat Center | 650-340-7494 | mc@sistersofmercy.org
More information and to register for retreats go to Website: Here
Refresh and Renew at Mercy Center!
Mercy Center is open and offers spiritual direction formation, retreats, and personal development programs. Please visit the website, above, to view in-person and online programs and retreats. The retreat center offerings will help you to make meaning of life and deepen your spiritual experiences with meditation, art, music, and prayer. Call, above, to learn more about finding a spiritual director, attending a retreat, and integrating spiritual wellness into your life.
Mercy Center Burlingame is an internationally known conference and retreat center in the San Francisco Bay Area, set on 39 acres of natural sanctuary, flower gardens, contemplative walking paths, expansive lawns, 500 year old oaks, and a meditation labyrinth. In this peaceful, holistic, serene, and beautiful setting, people nurture their personal, professional, and spiritual lives. We welcome nonprofit groups and individuals of all faiths and cultural backgrounds.
Host your next event at Mercy Center! Our staff provides expert support to groups and individuals planning conferences, retreats, and programs. Program directors, teachers, and spiritual directors collaborate to create a unique environment for growth, healing, and personal transformation.
JOBS
All employees of the Archdiocese of San Francisco shall be employed without regard to race, color, sex, ethnic or national origin and pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment, qualified applicants with criminal histories.
New - Organist, St. Elizabeth Church
459 Somerset Street, San Francisco, CA 94134
St. Elizabeth Church is currently looking for an Organist to play our Schoenstein Organ twice monthly. This is a paid position. Please email your resume to: stelizabethchurchsf@gmail.com
Lead Sacristan – St. Mary’s Cathedral
1111 Gough Street, San Francisco, CA 94114
Contact: Mark Silva | msilva@smcsf.org
The vision presented here is in keeping with the philosophy of our Cathedral to foster, enhance and maintain the dignity of this mother church of the Archdiocese of San Francisco. The task of the staff of this Cathedral therefore, is to strive to project this exemplary image in terms of gracefulness, beauty and scholarship.
Lead Sacristan is a part time non-exempt position that involves working some weekdays, all weekends, Christmas and Easter. The Sacristan will be responsible for the following: Set-up, take down for mass and special events, care and maintenance of the Sacristy, light cleaning and maintenance duties, ordering of liturgical supplies. May be required to help with ministerial duties.
TO APPLY: Please submit cover letter, resume and a completed application to Mark Silva, Business Operations Manager above.
Jesuit Retreat Center is currently hiring
For more information on the following positions, send resume, or schedule for an interview, contact Kris Holland at kholland@jrclosaltos.org
If anyone you know fits the profile for any of these positions, please help us in spread the word.
For Position Description, click on position title:
Mission Dolores Museum Gift Shop Assistant
Contact: Gina Dubon | 415-621-8203 | parish@missiondolores.org
Mission Dolores is currently looking for a person who can work in the Museum Gift Shop, especially weekends from 9:45 am - 4:45 pm. This is a paid position. If you know someone who enjoys talking with tourists and sharing historical facts about our Mission, please have them contact our office. Bilingual in Spanish a plus.
Office Manager, St. Agnes Parish
1025 Masonic Ave., San Francisco (near Page St.)
Contact: Maureen Beckman | 415-487-8560 | maureen@saintagnessf.org.
Responsible for the smooth running of our Parish Office. Professionalism, initiative and office and computer skills are essential. Candidates should have a working knowledge of the Catholic Church’s diocesan structure, sacramental and parish life. This full time, salaried staff position includes a full range of office management and technology duties including but not limited to: day to day running of the office - mail, phones, greeting visitors, filing, ordering of office and church supplies, etc.; preparation of weekly staff meetings; maintenance of Sacramental records (baptisms, confirmations, marriages); provide first-line of support for computer hardware and software issues as well as other office machines and phones; provide administrative support to a 6-person staff; coordinate hospitality after Masses; manage support staff, and other duties assigned by the Pastor and Director of Operations & Finance.
Applicants must have: office technology skills; experience with websites, Excel, Word, database management systems, etc.; flexibility and a team-player attitude; willingness to work Sundays; strong organizational, technology and problem-solving skills; a pastoral and positive approach towards our parishioners and to the public; an ability to manage and oversee support staff.
Please submit your resume and cover letter outlining qualifications and demonstrating how your experience and skills match the job requirements. Please submit your resume and cover letter by email to: Maureen Beckman, above.
TICKLER FILE
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415-614-5638 | Main 415-614-5500 | comms@sfarch.org