St. Bonaventure Catholic Community
May 18, 2023
The Ascension of the Lord, May 21
1.
Thoughts from Deacon Bill
This weekend we celebrate the Ascension of Jesus. In today’s Gospel passage from St. Matthew, the story of the Ascension is both an ending and a beginning. An ending because it marks Jesus’ completion of his mission here on Earth and his return to the Father in Heaven. It is a beginning because it marks the start of a new age for all of us who believe in him and will follow his example and all that he taught us.
(Continued on the website)
2.
Response to Harm Caused by Clergy Sexual Abuse
Learn about the diocese’s efforts, including filing for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, by visiting oakdiocese.org/chapter-11.
3.
Altar Linens Volunteer Needed
We need one or two more volunteers to help clean our altar linens. We especially need someone to assist on months with five weeks as well as a substitute. Responsibilities include cleaning, ironing, and folding the linens (purificators, hand towels, corporals, and sometimes altar cloths). Instructions and training are provided. Please contact Anthony Arteaga at aarteaga@stbonaventure.net or by calling the parish office if you are willing to help.
4.
Food for Families Drive Next Weekend
The Knights of Columbus are again sponsoring the Food For Families Drive to support the St. Bonaventure Food Pantry. Your generosity provides a big impact. You help many families in need each week and we give you a big “Thank You”. We will be collecting food on the last weekend of every month. For your convenience, we’ve provided a “Preferred Items” list to choose from. Keep this list and just toss a couple of extra items into your shopping cart. These items are the staples that are needed by our Food Pantry each week.
Tuna | Peanut Butter | Canned Fruit | Canned Vegetables | Canned Kidney Beans |Canned White Beans | Mac & Cheese | Pasta Sauce | Tomato Sauce
Please drop your donation in the foyer of the church. Thank you for your generosity.
5.
Our Parish Food Pantry
Hello from the Food Pantry - We are looking for your part in the Food Pantry. We are so grateful for all the past monetary and food contributions that you have donated since COVID 2020. When we were on lock down, there was a grant which provided food for our pantry at no charge to St. Bonaventure. We were able to feed our families. In 2022 the grant monies stopped and we at St. Bonaventure have been purchasing food every week to serve our families. We have seen an increase in the families that we serve each week, as well as an increase in food prices. We serve roughly 120 to 140 families every week.
Our Crafters Fair in November is a major contributor to our ministry, the Food Pantry is set up to provide ALL of us the opportunity to contribute and support this Work of Mercy through the year. We ask you to make a contribution. You can add it to your Electronic Funds Giving or note the check or envelope as Food Pantry. We will also add special collections to help you give. The first collection is June 11th. Thank you for the support of this much needed ministry.
6.
Women’s Christian Fellowship May Brunch
Are you looking for a way to improve your relationship with Our Lady?
Then plan to attend the Women’s Christian Fellowship annual May event in honor of our Blessed Mother on Saturday, May 20th, beginning with Mass at 8:30am.
Immediately after Mass, a lovely Brunch will be served in the Large Hall, and guest speaker, Theresa Young Rodgers, will inspire and challenge us with her talk on the theme: “Behold, Your Mother”. An educator raised in Clayton and a former St. Bonaventure parishioner, Theresa will inspire us with her deep love for Our Lady, as she challenges us to invite Mary into our homes as a member of the family.
Small-group discussion time will follow the talk, and closing prayer will conclude the program around Noon.
Cost for this event is $15 per person. All are invited to attend. For further details, see registration flyers available in the church foyer, at the parish office, and at:
7.
Nolan Turner's Eagle Scout Project
Hello Troop 444,
Hi, my name is Nolan Turner. I am a Life Scout, and I am fundraising for my Eagle Project which is a requirement to obtain my Eagle rank. This project is building a deck for the priests at St Bonaventure Catholic Church. It will be a 12ft x 12ft deck in the backyard of the priest’s living area and will be 6 inches above the ground. The deck will be built out of Redwood and will have a Deck Sealant to protect the wood from various weather conditions.
I have set up a GoFundMe to help offset the cost of the project. My goal is to raise $2,500.00. All donations will go towards purchasing supplies and materials needed to complete the project.
Nolan Turner’s Eagle Project – GoFundMe Fundraiser link
This will benefit the Priests by providing an area that is off the ground and out of the dirt, which will also protect the furniture and give the Priests an area to relax, enjoy the beautiful outdoors and be social. I want to fulfill the priest’s wish in building this deck for them. Any support will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Nolan Turner
8.
READY, SET, LAUNCH!
Be Prepared for a STELLAR Adventure
Bible Camp is June 26-30, 2023
Now is the time to plan activities for those sunny days of summer. Our Bible Camp offers a pre-school program for 3- and 4-year-olds which meets from 9:30-11:30am each day of camp. Our Kinder – 6th grade program meets from 9:30-12:30pm. 6th Graders are counselors-to-be and will be involved in some really awesome camp activities.
Registration is going on now! The registration fees are $80 for preschoolers and $100 for Elementary aged students. Registration fees will go up by $10 after May 15. Register early!
Adults, we need you to be our Team Leaders. All you need is a desire to have loads of fun with kids! Contact Eileen Limberg at 672-5800, Ext. 2204 or elimberg@stbonaventure.net for more information.
Teens: 7th grade through high school - we need you to be our camp counselors. This is a great way to have fun, share your faith and serve in a variety of ways at camp.
Contact Eileen Limberg at 672-5800, Ext. 2204 or elimberg@stbonaventure.net for more information.
Contact Eileen Limberg at 672-5800, Ext. 2204 or elimberg@stbonaventure.net for more information.
9.
Women's Retreat for Healing After Abortion
May 26 - May 28, 2023
If you have been carrying a burden from a past abortion, you are invited to the next healing retreat for women. Father Vito Perrone, COSJ, and Father James Liebner, SVD, will lead this three-day retreat, which will include Mass, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, counseling and sharing as much as each woman is comfortable doing in this warm and healing environment. It will be held at a confidential location.
If you are interested, please call 415-614-5567 or email projectrachel@sfarch.org
10.
Annual Flores de Mayo (Flowers of May)
Celebration, May 27
The members of the St Bonaventure Filipino-American Ministry invite everyone to the annual celebration of Flores de Mayo (Flowers of May) honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday, May 27, 2023.
4:50pm - Procession of the Blessed Mother to the front of the Altar, followed by Offering of flowers to the Blessed Mother by Devotees
5:00pm Mass – Saturday, May 27, 2023
We hope to see you all there. Maraming Salamat Po! Thank you very much!
11.
Hope Walk - May 20th
We are less than a month away from the 5K Hope Walk on Saturday, May 20th!! (8:30am to Noon)
Our team is growing, and we would love to have you support this call for action. The money raised from this event funds the many programs the Cancer Support Community of the San Francisco Bay Area offers. Their programs support not only cancer patients, but their family, at no charge. To join our team, go to hopewalkbayarea.net. Click on "Top Teams" (mid screen), locate St. Bonaventure team and then click on "Join."
To support our team by donating, follow the above steps. Once you have clicked on St. Bonaventure, click on any team member and then click on "Donate."
Thank you, and if you any questions, please call or text, Vicky Farnham 925-408-0693.
12.
Join Respect Life for a Baby Shower -
May 20/21
Please join our Respect Life Ministry for a Baby Shower on the above weekend for the benefit of Birthright and The Gabriel Project. Your donations touch the hearts and change the lives of moms in need in our area, and they are so appreciative of anything you can donate. At the present, we especially need the following items:
Diapers - sizes 3 and 4 | Diaper wipes | Baby clothes - sizes 9 mos, l2 mos and 18 mos | Maternity clothes | New Diaper Bags | Baby sox - sizes newborn to 12 months | Childrens' Books - Baby to Early Elementary | Pacifiers
Gift cards from Target are always welcome! Thank you so much for Walking with Moms in Need.
13.
Food Pantry Needs Your Help
Here’s an invitation to serve. It feels good to volunteer with the St. Bonaventure Food Pantry? Giving back and sharing. We’re happy to talk with you and answer your questions. There are many different opportunities to share your time and talents. We have been helping our neighbors for over 35 years and are currently serving approximately 120 families every week. Please email Stephanie Pence, swpence@comcast.net or Jeanne Emry, jeanne@emryfamily.com.
14.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter
May 2023
♦ It is time to get your marriage in shape!
♦ Worldwide Marriage Encounter is better than any college course.
♦ In just one short weekend you can learn a technique for communication that will keep your marriage on the right track to be healthly.
♦ Sign up for an upcoming Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experience on July 7-9 or Nov. 17-19 in Danville or go to https://wwme.org/apply/ to find the date that works for you!
♦ Early registration is highly recommended. For more information visit our website at: https://wwme.org/apply/ to find the date that works for you!
May 20-21, 2023
“And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age." Trust in the Lord that He is in your marriage. The Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experience gives you the tools to have the best marriage you can. Upcoming dates are July 7-9 or Nov. 17-19 in Danville or go to https://wwme.org/apply/ to find the date that works for you!
15.
Classy Crafters Invite You!
We make all kinds of craft projects throughout the year for our annual craft sale in the Fall. All proceeds are donated to a worthy cause. If you like to craft, have fun with friends in a casual and relaxed setting, and make a difference in others' lives, please join us! Not sure what kind of project you can bring to work on? Stop by and we'll show you what each of us is making! We meet every Wednesday from 10:00am to 1:00pm in Classroom A-1. Come and go as you please. All are welcome!
Comunidad Hispana
1.
Únete a nosotros en un rosario por
San Judas Tadeo
2.
La despensa de alimentos necesita su ayuda
Aquí hay una invitación para servir. ¿Se siente bien ser voluntario con la despensa de alimentos de St. Bonaventure? Retribuir y compartir. Estamos encantados de hablar con usted y responder a sus preguntas. Hay muchas oportunidades diferentes para compartir su tiempo y talentos. Hemos estado ayudando a nuestros vecinos por más de 35 años y actualmente estamos sirviendo a aproximadamente 120 familias cada semana. Envíe un correo electrónico a Stephanie Pence,
swpence@comcast.net o Jeanne Emry, jeanne@emryfamily.com
swpence@comcast.net o Jeanne Emry, jeanne@emryfamily.com
3.
Brunch de mayo de Women's Christian Fellowship
¿Estás buscando una manera de mejorar tu relación con Nuestra Señora?
Luego planee asistir al evento anual de mayo de Women's Christian Fellowship en honor a nuestra Santísima Madre el sábado 20 de mayo, comenzando con la Misa a las 8:30 am.
Inmediatamente después de la Misa, se servirá un hermoso brunch en el Gran Salón, y la oradora invitada, Theresa Young Rodgers, nos inspirará y desafiará con su charla sobre el tema: "He aquí, tu madre". Una educadora criada en Clayton y ex feligresa de San Buenaventura, Theresa nos inspirará con su profundo amor por Nuestra Señora, mientras nos desafía a invitar a María a nuestros hogares como miembro de la familia.
El tiempo de discusión en grupos pequeños seguirá a la charla, y la oración de clausura concluirá el programa alrededor del mediodía.
El costo de este evento es de $15 por persona. Todos están invitados a asistir. Para más detalles, consulte los folletos de registro disponibles en el vestíbulo de la iglesia, en la oficina parroquial y en https://wcfmaybrunch2023.eventbrite.com/
4.
Formación Mentes Positivas
Ministry Notes
More news and events:
● Laundry Help for Those in Need: Our Clean Start Ministry volunteers come together once a month to do the laundry for those in need: those needing shelter, families who have fled their countries, day laborers and others living on the edge. Like many other expenses, the cost to do laundry increases every week. You may be shocked to learn that a wash load is now $8-10 per larger load and nearly $5 for a small washer. There is also the cost of the laundry soap, dryer sheets and bleach. You can help keep this ministry going and help it to grow beyond just one Saturday a month. We would love to add additional Saturdays. Please drop your donation in an envelope marked “Clean Start” in our Sunday collection basket.
● Staying connected - St Vincent de Paul: SVdP is here to help with temporary financial assistance to our parishioners in need. Please call the church at 925-672-5800 and ask or put in ext. 2234. Please leave your name, phone number and a brief message and one of our dedicated Vincentians will call you within 24 hours.
● Is God Calling You to Full Membership in the Catholic Church? It begins with an awareness…or stirring in one's heart for something more. It could be a curiosity or sense of longing for fulfillment. The process for adults becoming Catholic is formally called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).
- This process is for unbaptized adults.
- Those baptized in another Christian tradition.
- OR baptized Catholic adults who want to prepare to receive Confirmation and First Holy Communion.
Have you been thinking about becoming a Catholic for some time but never got around to doing anything about it?
Come and see where God is calling you!
There is still time to join this session of inquirers to the Catholic Faith.
If you have questions or you'd like to learn more about the RCIA process, please contact Carla Cravanas at ccravanas@stbonaventure.net or by calling 925-672-5800 extension 2217. Or visit our website at www.stbonaventure.net/rcia for more information.
● FORMED: Check out what’s being offered on FORMED this week by clicking here. Enjoy St. Bonaventure's subscription to FORMED, a premier online platform filled with over 4,000 Catholic studies, movies, audio dramas, talks, e-books, and even cartoons for our children. Click HERE for more information.
● Marriage Encounter: Learn to love your spouse more fully on the next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experience. Both virtual and in-person Experiences are available. Go to www.wwme.org to find the Experience that is just right for you!
● Help Give a Clean Start: Offers our homeless brothers and sisters the opportunity to wash their clothes at a local laundromat. We need volunteers to help on Saturday once a month. For more information or to volunteer, email Norene Mason at: teammason@comcast.net.
● Nourish for Caregivers: Provides caregivers a faith perspective, as well as practical and emotional supports, useful tools, and shared experience. For more information, email Helene Billeci at fuzyfrank@aol.com.
Nourish offers meetings in Spanish too! For more information, please contact Biviane Ochoa at itsbiviane@gmail.com or (650) 278-6462.
● Nourish ENRIQUECIMIENTO PARA CUIDADORES:
Te invitamos a conectarte y tener una conversación para alimentarte emocional y espiritualmente a todos aquellos que ofrecen cuidado para otros durante este tiempo de incertidumbre y ansiedad.
Nuestras reuniones son cada 2do y 4to viernes del mes a las 7:00pm a través de ZOOM
Nuestras reuniones son cada 2do y 4to viernes del mes a las 7:00pm a través de ZOOM
TE ESPERAMOS
Para más información, contacta a Biviane Ochoa al (650) 278-6462 o email itsbiviane@gmail.com
Ongoing
Schedule & Activities
We continue to livestream the Sunday 9am (English) Mass. For our full Mass schedule and additional information, please click HERE
If you need help with watching a liturgy or other event live streamed on Facebook, please click here.
Health Reminders
Please join us for our liturgies through Facebook if you have tested positive for COVID in the past 14 days, if you have a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, if you were exposed to COVID in the past 14 days, or if you feel actively sick. We encourage all parishioners to receive the COVID vaccine as soon as they are eligible. Thank you for helping us keep St. Bonaventure a safe, welcoming place for all.
Prayer, Spirituality and Formation
Prayers for Those Who Have Died Please join us in praying for members of our community who have died. You may find their names on our website. May they rest in peace.
Adoration & Friday Holy Hour
We offer Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament after 9:00am Mass in the Chapel. Monday through Thursday, Adoration continues for one hour after Mass. Friday Adoration continues until 3:00pm. The Friday Holy Hour beginning at 2:00pm includes the Rosary, the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy and concludes with Benediction at 3:00pm.
Adoración al Santisimo
Todos los martes de 6:00 a 7:00 pm en la Iglesia
6:00 – Santa Misa
6:30 – Adoración y Reconciliación
Unción de los enfermos el primer martes de cada mes
Online Spiritual Communion Service Details here
Christian Centering Prayer Group Details here
(Take advantage of Bishop Barron's great videos! Remember, you must have a Flocknote account with a password to access these videos.)
STAYING CONNECTED
Sacraments, Pastoral Counseling, and Staff Support
We're here for you! Our clergy and pastoral staff are available to help. We can offer pastoral counseling by appointment, over the phone or by videocall, and the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is available in person when needed. Please call the parish office at (925) 672-5800 to make an appointment. We offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the church on Saturdays at 3:30pm.
The office is open for walk-up visits, Monday-Thursday 8:30am-4:30pm (closed for lunch 1-1:30pm), and Friday 8:30am-12:30pm. Staff are also available by appointment. Please call the main office number or call or email the staff person directly.
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Food Pantry
The St. Bonaventure Food Pantry is open Tuesdays from 8:30-10:00am in the parish parking lot. See our website for more information. (Note: The Food Pantry thanks you for your continuing donations of food and other items, but is no longer requesting bags -- they have a sufficient supply.)
Thank you for the many ways you continue to support our community!
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Your Gifts Are Keeping Us Open
We want to say THANK YOU to our parishioners and those who are not members yet but have sent us their donations to help in this unprecedented time.
We are so grateful to many who are now sending their donations online or through the mail, as well as those who continue to give at the weekend Masses.
May God bless all of you and reward you abundantly for your support of your parish.
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May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.