November 22, 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
December 5, 2021 — Second Sunday of Advent
The readings for the Second Week of Advent offer both encouragement and challenge as we reflect and prepare for the two “comings” of Christ — His coming as a baby on the great feast of Christmas, and the anticipation of His second coming at the end of time.
Our First Reading, from Baruch, is a wonderful reminder that God has triumphed over sin and death and that we — His faithful disciples — will live in the light of His glory one day. Until He comes again, we must remain faithful to Him as true disciples and good stewards of all the gifts He has given us.
While it can be tempting to give in to the materialism and calls for self-indulgence that surround us, this reading calls us back to the spiritual reality that this life is passing and that we are made for eternal life with God. We are called to prepare for eternal life by the way that we use our time, our talents, and our treasure now.
The Gospel reading from Luke shows us how personal and detailed is God’s love for humanity as He prepared the way for Christ’s coming among us. We are told the precise time, place, and person, John the Baptist, He appointed to announce the arrival of our Savior. John tells us how to celebrate to the fullest this first “coming” on the feast of Christmas and how to prepare for the second coming — through repentance.
This Advent let’s turn away from any bad habits or sin that may have crept into our lives and turn our hearts and minds back to Christ. This is what the stewardship way of life is all about — moving closer ever closer in relationship with Christ and imitation of Him, ready to celebrate His birth, with eyes fixed on eternal life with Him.
— Stewardship Reflections by Catholic Stewardship Consultants
New - Litany of Reparation In Honor of the Blessed Sacrament with +Cordileone (Zoom)
Friday, December 17, 2021, 3:00 pm
Contact. Anthony Bargas abargas@bxvi.org
Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/164252847689
Join Archbishop Cordileone in praying the Litany of Reparation for fifteen minutes of prayer via Zoom. Even as the world tries to divide us and suppress our Catholic faith, even as so many Catholics fail to understand the Real Presence, let us pray to make reparations for the abuses and/or neglect of this great gift: Jesus Christ's own Body and Blood, sacrificed for us. Register today to receive a Zoom link the day of the event. The Benedict XVI Schola will assist the Archbishop in beautifully and prayerfully chanting this litany.
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.
Special Collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development
Contact: Melissa Vlach | 415-614-5616 | vlachm@sfarch.org
To donate: https://usccb.igivecatholictogether.org/organizations/usccb-catholic-campaign-for-human-development
The special collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development was held on November 20-21. If you missed the collection at your parish, you can still donate at the link above. 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.
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 Matam@sfarch.org or Diamond Ford at fordd@sfarch.org
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!
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
EVENTS
New - Pontifical High Mass (TLM) on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
Wednesday, December 8, 2021, 8:00 am
Carmelite Chapel and Monastery of Cristo Rey, 721 Parker Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94118
Contact. Anthony Bargas abargas@bxvi.org
Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/209963124357
Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is the patroness of the United States. On her great Solemnity the cloistered sisters of Cristo Rey have asked Archbishop Cordileone to celebrate a Pontifical High Mass. This is a beautiful traditional Latin Mass. Rebekah Wu will lead the Archbishop's own Schola in Gregorian chant and sacred polyphony, including Frank La Rocca's "Ave Maria." Please give if you can reasonably afford it, but come to pray with the Archbishop regardless.
New – St. Pius Catholic Church – Men’s Club Christmas Trees
1100 Woodside Road, Redwood City
Contact: Kristin Bright : 650-61-1411 x111 | kristin@pius.org
Tree lot opens Friday, November 26, 2021 at 9:00 am!
Hours are:
Thursdays & Fridays: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Weekends 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
Weekends 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
Get into the Christmas spirit by making a trip to the St. Pius Christmas Tree Lot and picking out the perfect tree. Thank you for your support!
New - Mental Health Conference at Our Lady of Angels
Register at:https://sfarchdiocese.org/event/mhc_2022/
Questions: Contact Dick Collyer at 415-614-5593 or collyerr@sfarch.org.
The Archdiocese will be sponsoring a one-day Mental Health Conference on January 8 at Our Lady of Angels parish in Burlingame.
1721 Hillside Drive, Burlingame
Theme: Hope & Healing
Date: January 8, 2022
Location: Our Lady of Angels Parish
Check in: 8:15am to 8:45am
Time: 9:00am to 4:00pm
Cost: $35 (includes lunch) – Scholarships available
If you would like to learn more about Mental Health challenges and how to support those struggling with Mental Health issues, this conference is for you.
Preregistration is required – Space is limited
Registration deadline: January 4, 2022
Speaker details coming soon
New - Don Bosco Study Group of Sts. Peter and Paul Church
Tuesday, December 7, 4:00pm
Contact: Frank Lavin | 415-310-8551 | franklavin@comcast.net
Sts. Peter and Paul Church’s “ Don Bosco Study Group” will meet on Tuesday, December 7 by Zoom and discuss “To Kill a Mockingbird,” the Harper Lee American classic. In addition, members are reading select chapters from Fr. Albert Haase’s book on spiritual transformation, “Catching Fire,” which is available to those interested. Meetings are approximately 75 minutes long. No reading is necessary/all are welcome. For questions, contact Frank Lavin.
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 - The Jesuit Retreat Center of Los Altos Advent Day of Recollection – Fr. Kevin Leidich, SJ
Tuesday, November 30 | 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
300 Manresa Way, Los Altos, CA 94022
This is a day retreat for men and women. Enter into this sacred season by spending time with some of the great figures of faith found in our Advent readings from the Gospels of Luke and Matthew. Amid the busyness of the season, let us put a day aside for praying with some of the great figures of Advent in the Gospels. Register above. Cost: $80
New - St. Nicholas Day Celebration St. Patrick's Seminary Chapel
Friday, December 3, 2021, 7:00 pm
St. Patrick's Seminary & University, 320 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, CA, 94025
Contact. Anthony Bargas abargas@bxvi.org
Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/208753987797
Benedict XVI Institute's Second Annual St. Nicholas Day Celebration will be held on the first Friday in Advent, to prepare for Christ's coming. There will be awe-inspiring sacred music by Palestrina, La Rocca, Grassi, Stopford, Gregorian Chant, and more. The event will include prayers with Archbishop Cordileone, and wine, cheese and cheerful hospitality afterward. We will also hear the world premier of the Litany of the Prince of Peace. We appreciate a $25 donation, if you can reasonably afford it, to cover the cost of this concert-quality prayer service and some delicious food and wine. But come!
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.
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 28, 4:00pm: Angela Kraft Cross, Organ. Works by Sweelinck, Bach, Vaughan Williams, and Kraft Cross.
- Sunday, December 5, 4:00pm: Jin Kyung Lim, Organ. Don Knuth’s “Fantasia Apocalyptica”, Part I.
- Sunday, December 12, 4:00pm: Jin Kyung Lim, Organ. Don Knuth’s “Fantasia Apocalyptica”, Part II.
- Sunday, December 12, 7:00pm (NOTE TIME!): Pacific Edge Voices, Ash Walker, Director. Seasonal program of choral music.
- Sunday, December 19, 7:00pm (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, 4:00pm: “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.
- Sunday, January 2, 4:00pm: Epiphany Lessons and Carols, presented by St. Brigid School Honor Choir and Golden Gate Boyschoir and Bellringers.
- Sunday, January 9, 4:00pm: Ruth Kamas, Organ. Works by Bach, Diemer, Chaminade, Dixon, and Langlais.
- Sunday, January 16, 4:00pm: Justan Foster, Organ.
- Sunday, January 23, 4:00pm: David Troiano, Organ.
- Sunday, January 30: NO RECITAL
- Sunday, February 6, 4:00pm: Domenico Severin (France), Organ.
- Sunday, February 13, 4:00pm: Grant Smith, Organ.
- Sunday, February 20, 4:00pm: Jennifer Pascual (New York, NY), Organ.
- Sunday, February 27, 4:00pm: Hans-Uwe Hielscher (Germany), Organ.
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 - Parish Manager- St Gregory Church & School
2715 Hacienda St. San Mateo, CA 94403
Rev. Mark Reburiano | 650)345-8506 | revmark@stgregs-sanmateo.org
Under the direction of and with the approval of the Pastor, the parish manager is responsible for managing the business operations of a large-sized parish including a parish school. This person will also manage other parish lay employees as necessary. See our complete job description for further details. Position Description is attached below.
New - Job Opening – Music Director – St. Anne Parish
850 Judah Street, San Francisco, CA 94122
Contact: Fr. Daniel Nascimento | 415-665-1600 x 24 | frdan@stanne-sf.org
St. Anne has an opening for a Music Director that can play Piano, Organ or Guitar. The ideal candidate should be able to play contemporary and traditional styles of music, has experience leading cantors, choirs and other musicians, familiar with Catholic Liturgy and works well together so we can make beautiful music to worship God. Position Description is attached below.
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
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.
The 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. A Job Description is attached below.
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.
TICKLER FILE
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