October 29, 2010

Catholic san Francisco

By Cindy Wooden

Northern California’s Weekly Catholic Newspaper

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – “We must never resign ourselves to the absence of peace,” Pope Benedict XVI said in closing the Synod of Bishops for the Middle East.

“Peace is possible. Peace is urgent,” the pope said Oct. 24 during his homily at the Mass closing the two-week synod. Peace is what will stop Christians from emigrating, he said.

Pope Benedict also urged Christians to promote respect for freedom of religion and conscience, “one of the fundamental human rights that each state should always respect.”

Synod members released a message Oct. 23 to their own faithful, their government leaders, Catholics around the world, the international community and to all people of goodwill. The Vatican also released the 44 propositions adopted by synod members as recommendations for Pope Benedict.

The bishops said the biggest challenges facing their people are caused by injustice and conflict.

“We have taken account of the impact of the IsraeliPalestinian conflict, especially on the Palestinians who are suffering the consequences of the Israeli occupation: the lack of freedom of movement, the wall of separation and the military checkpoints, the political prisoners, the demolition of homes, the disturbance of socio-economic life and the thousands of refugees,” they said in one of the strongest sentences in the message.

They called for continued Catholic-Jewish dialogue, condemned anti-Semitism and anti-Judaism and affirmed Israel’s right to live at peace within its “internationally recognized borders.”

The bishops said the Catholic Church affirms that the Old Testament – the Hebrew Scriptures – is the word of POPE MIDEAST, page 19

(CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING)

Pope’s Mideast prayer: peace is possible, urgent

Pope Benedict XVI blesses a child as he leaves the closing Mass of the Synod of Bishops for the Middle East in St. Peter’s Basilica Oct. 24.

Jewish artisan’s legacy of Christian beauty

Abuse crisis cannot discredit priestly mission, pope says

By Valerie Schmalz Parts of some of the most beautiful Catholic and Anglican church interiors in the Archdiocese of San Francisco were carved by a Romanian Jew who immigrated shortly before the 1906 earthquake, escaping the pogroms and economic strictures imposed on Jews in Eastern Europe.

Arriving at 18 in 1904, Samuel Berger spent decades employed by the Archdiocese of San Francisco as the city rebuilt after the earthquake, his family says. He met his wife in the earthquake camps of Golden Gate Park, eventually raising a son and three daughters first in the Excelsior, then in a home in the Sunset District of the city.

Berger’s story is comSam Berger ing to light today because his great-granddaughter Lynn Goldfinger is on a quest to find more of her grandfather’s work. She has created a blog, samuelberger.blogspot.com, to serve as a diary of her search.

Berger’s children grew up surrounded by crucifixes and statues of Mary and Joseph in their orthodox Jewish home, said granddaughter Diane Marcus. “He would say I am going

By John Thavis VATICAN CITY (CNS) – In the face of religious indifference and the moral failings of clergy, the world needs priests who can serve God and bring God to others, Pope Benedict XVI said in a letter to the world’s seminarians.

The pope encouraged seminarians to overcome any doubts about the value of the priesthood and priestly celibacy that may have been prompted by priests who “disfigured” their ministry by sexually abusing children.

“Even the most reprehensible abuse cannot discredit the priestly mission,” he said.

The Oct. 18 papal letter was an unexpected postscript to the Year for Priests, which ended in June. The text began on a personal note, with the pope recalling the development of his own vocation during World War II.” When in December 1944 I was drafted for military service, the company commander asked each of us what we planned to do in the future. I answered that I wanted to become a Catholic priest. The lieutenant replied: ‘Then you ought to look for something else. In the new Germany priests are no longer needed,’” the pope ABUSE CRISIS, page 4 recalled.

to work on Mary, or whomever,” she said. Berger learned his craft at the Bucharest royal court where he worked alongside his father, Marcus said. During the San Francisco church construction heyday, his studio was downtown, between Fourth and Sixth Streets, but later was in the basement of his home. “I remember as a child visiting him and he would have whole tree trunks delivered,” Marcus said.

Berger also worked with Julia Morgan, the architect hired by William Randolph Hearst to design the castle at San Simeon, Marcus said. “Hearst would buy rooms from castles around the world, have them shipped to his place and they did not fit the measurements of the rooms in his castle. My grandfather did all the moldings and doors in the rooms to integrate them into the castle,” said Marcus.

Berger regularly took the family on tours of his work, Marcus said. He took her to a reception at the Carmelites’ Cristo Rey Monastery before the cloistered nuns entered the enclosure, and they visited the Stations of the Cross at the Xavier Hall chapel at the University of San Francisco, St. Catherine of Siena Church, St. Cecilia Church, and the old St. Mary’s Cathedral before it burned down in 1962.

Documentary support for family memories is spotty, but includes a signed photo to Berger from an auxiliary bishop, Bishop Merlin Guilfoyle, a photo in the archdiocesan newspaper The Monitor of a Berger-carved statue of Our Lady of Fatima at St. Brigid Church and photos of Berger with other craftsmen and priests at Mission Dolores Basilica.

Berger ran ads in the Catholic directories in the 1950s and 1960s, listing his work on the Basilica of Mission Dolores, St. Mary’s Cathedral, and Star of the ARTISAN’S LEGACY, page 3

INSIDE THIS WEEK’S EDITION News in brief. . . . . . . . . . . 4-5 Grieving & healing . . . . . 8-13 The Gospel and the Internet .14 The gift of hospitality . . . . . 16 Catholics and the election . 17

San Francisco’s St. Philip Parish celebrates 100th ~ Page 6 ~ October 29, 2010

Lithuanians remember Soviet regime’s victims ~ Page 8 ~

Crushed between Islam and Israel ~ Page 15 ~

ONE DOLLAR

Datebook of events . . . . . . . 21 Service directory . . . . . . . . . 22

www.catholic-sf.org VOLUME 12

•

No. 33

2

Catholic San Francisco

October 29, 2010

On The Where You Live

By Tom Burke I have enjoyed reading restaurant reviews since I was a kid. A recent critique in a local daily brought back a flood of memories with the mention of “pigs’ trotters” or, as I grew up knowing them, pigs’ feet. I remember the pickled pedes being everywhere back East. Jars of them were displayed in saloons, butcher shops, hoagie shops and the like. As I recall, they were also part of the product line of Kissling’s Foods whose premier product was sauerkraut but who also peddled colloquial cuisine including pigs’ feet and salted mackerel – my father loved it. I had a few adventurous uncles who liked pigs’ feet – Bud and Charlie be their names - but sitting next to the two as they enjoyed the brined swine is as close as I’ve ever been. Great memories all nonetheless!.... Mike Murphy of SFFD leads an “all hats off” for his mom, Ann Marie Murphy, who died Sept. 10. Born in the City and a longtime parishioner of St. Gabriel Parish, Ann Marie is survived by Mike and his brother, John, assistant director of building and grounds at St. Ignatius College Preparatory. In a note to this column from Mike and his wife, Joanne, they called Mike’s mom, “a woman of faith and endurance who survived the loss of four of her six children, Christopher, Joseph, Ann Marie and Thomas.” Thomas was a former assistant principal at SI. Ann Marie was the sister of the late Presentation Sister Dolores McDonald and is survived by sister -in-

From left: Catholic Charities CYO’s Nella Goncalves, Nancy Keegan, Carlos Garcia, Executive Director Jeff Bialik, Board President Deborah Dasovich, and Jane Ferguson in Washington, D.C.

LIVING TRUSTS WILLS

PROBATE

MICHAEL T. SWEENEY ATTORNEY AT LAW 782A ULLOA STREET SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94127

Teeing off for the Jack McGovern Coats Disease Foundation 4th Annual Charity Golf Tournament are Santa Clara University graduates Ed McGovern, John Bruno, Bob Duyn, Carey Candau, Bill Kennedy, Dan Kelleher, Pat Alongi, Roy Celia and Peter Leonard.

law Mercy Sister Sheila Murphy. “She faced head on the heavy onslaughts that nature threw against her and she stood up with courage and hope and without complaint,” the family said in an obituary…. It was all fun for more than 400 adults and children at St. Stephen School’s annual spag and bingo night last month. Later in September, the Mercy Sisters’ legacy and good work at the Lakeside District parish were commemorated at a Mercy Day celebration. Father Paul Warren, pastor, presided at a special Mass and remembered the Sisters contributions to St. Stephen’s in his homily. Parents’ Group co-presidents are Giovanna Oropeza and Alicia Pashby… Carole and Martin Kilgariff, married at San Francisco’s St. Brendan Church Aug. 27, 1960, recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with more than 100 family and friends at the Janet Pomeroy Center in San Francisco.

Father Mike Quinn, parochial vicar at St. Brendan’s, attended the party and blessed the marriage. On hand to lift up Carole and Marty were the couple’s son Stephen and wife Yvonne, Ken Weese with daughter, Mary Kate, Eilleen Kilgariff with son, Martin, daughter, Aileen Catanzarita with husband Mike. . . .“The gathering in Washington, D.C., was a great presence of

AUFER’S

RELIGIOUS SUPPLIES

Your complete resource for Religious Goods

FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION

Donate Your Vehicle

West Coast Church Supplies

www.mtslaw.info

GOOD IND of San

&

Marin Count

TAX DEDUCTION FOR YOUR CAR, TRUCK or SUV

D O N AT E O N L I N E

vehiclesforcharity.com

1.800.574.0888 HELPLINES FOR CLERGY/CHURCH SEXUAL ABUSE VICTIMS 415-614-5506

This number is answered by Barbara Elordi, Archdiocesan Pastoral Outreach Coordinator.

This is a secured line and is answered only

by Barbara Elordi.

415-614-5503

If you wish to speak to a non-archdiocesan employee please call this nunmber. This is also a secured line and is answered only by a victim survivor.

The pasta creations of Diane Linehan, Teresa Anastasio, Tony Maffei and Kathleen McDonough were served amidst the well-known calls of bingo at a St. Stephen family night Sept. 18.

Serving The Catholic – Christian Community since 1904

1455 Custer Avenue, San Francisco 94124 415-333-4494 • FAX 415-333-0402 Hours: M-F 9 am – 5 pm Sat. 10am – 2 pm e-mail: sales@kaufers.com www.kaufers.com

(415) 664-8810

Catholic Charities agencies from around the country,” said CCCYO’s Gabrielle Slanina Gallagher about the recent convocation that brought more than 800 charities staffers from 48 states to the nation’s capital. The sessions began with Mass at the district’s Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Following Mass, the gang took their advocacy to the Hill for face-to-face promotion of the National Opportunity and Community Act which would help reduce poverty….This is an empty space without you. E-mail items and electronic pictures – jpegs at no less than 300 dpi – to burket@sfarchdiocese. org or mail them to Street, One Peter Yorke Way, SF 94109. Don’t forget to add a follow-up phone number.

Thank you. My phone number is (415) 614-5634.

369 Grand Avenue South San Francisco

1-800-767-0660 Easy access: 3 blocks west of 101 Bibles, Books, Rosaries,Statues, Jewelry, Medals, Crucifixes, Baptism and Christening Gifts

Contact for hotel rooms:

Contact for meetings:

Megas Martinez Sales Manager 415.447.6998 megas.martinez@kimptonhotels.com

Betsy Varellas Executive Meetings Manager 415.617.2002 Betsy.varelias@kimptongroup.com

Donate Your Car 800-YES-SVDP (800-937-7837)

• FREE FREE AND PICKUP sameFAST day pickup • MAXIMUM • MaximumTAX Tax DEDUCTION Deduction • WE •DO PAPERWORK WeTHE do DMV paperwork • RUNNING OR or NOT, • Running not,NO noRESTRICTIONS restrictions • DONATION COMMUNITY • 100%HELPS helps YOUR your community Serving the poor since 1845

Mon – Fri 9:30 to 5:30 Sat 9:30 – 5

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY

www.yes-svdp.org www.yes-svdp.com

Serving the poor since 1860

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY

Catholic San Francisco

October 29, 2010

3

Bishops amend social funding rules to insure compliance with doctrine

By Dennis Sadowski

Sam Berger at Mission Dolores Basilica

One of Berger’s Marian sculptures

Artisan’s legacy . . .

■ Continued from cover Sea, St. Monica and St. Cecilia churches in San Francisco; St. Catherine of Siena and Our Lady of Angels churches in Burlingame; St. Ambrose Church in Berkeley and St. Leander’s in San Leandro.

An article in the Marin Independent Journal mentions Berger work on St. John Episcopal Church in Ross. The booklet for the grand opening of Mission Dolores The young artisan in his workshop Basilica in 1953 includes a Berger ad that reads: “It was an honor and a pleasure to have carved the Seven Dolors, still adorn some of the better known landThe Stations of the Cross, The Sorrowful marks in the city, such as Mission Dolores, Mother, The Episcopal Escutcheons and the Grace Cathedral and the Bohemian Club.”

Papal Shield for your beautiful Basilica of At St. Cecilia Church, dedicated in 1917, Mission Dolores.” there are no records of who did work on the Marcus said she is looking for a historian construction, said Msgr. Michael Harriman. to take on the project of finding contracts St. Catherine of Siena pastor Father John Ryan and other proofs. The one daughter still had not heard of Berger. Neither the archialive at 99 has a failing memory, Marcus vist for the Archdiocese nor the California said. His son, Sanford Berger, was a well Historical Society could find mention of known collector and architect, and men- Berger. tioned his father’s work in passing in “A The lack of documentation is not unusual, Gentle Madness,” a book about book col- because contemporaries likely viewed Berger lecting authored by Nicholas A. Basbanes. as a craftsman not an artist, said Michael However when Marcus broached the idea Lampen, archivist at Grace Cathedral where to family members of a book shortly after the Anglican cathedral kept records of Berger died in 1970, when all four children Berger’s work on the massive organ covers, were still alive, Sanford Berger became irate. a cabinet for the hosts and a few other minor After Sanford Berger’s death, his children pieces. At Grace Cathedral, Berger executed gave her the go-ahead, Marcus said, but there architect Lewis Horbart’s designs, Lampen are now fewer people alive to consult. In “A said.

Gentle Madness,” Sanford Berger is quoted “He was this humble, quiet, sweet man. He saying his father “just loved” doing relief didn’t sign his work. He worked to put food work with “detailed borders and flowing on the table,” said Goldfinger, who was 10 decorations,” and Berger is described as when he died. “I drive by certain churches, and “the most successful wood carver in San I think, I bet he did that – but I don’t know.”

Francisco, producing decorative works that For more photos, go to catholic-sf.org.

Learn To Use“YOUR”Low Vision And Regain“YOUR”Independence Low vision is a decrease in vision that cannot be improved with use of regular glasses, medication, or surgery.

With help from our Center you can learn to maximize the use of your remaining vision and begin the road back to independence. s COMPREHENSIVE Vision Rehabilitation Services s INDIVIDUALIZED Programs to meet Your Specific Needs s DEMONSTRATIONS AND TRAINING Using the Latest Vision Enhancement Devices and Assistive Technology

Evaluations and Visual Skills Training are COVERED BY MEDICARE and most Secondary Insurers.

WASHINGTON (CNS) – The Catholic Campaign for Human Development is revamping how it awards anti-poverty aid to make sure it does not go to organizations that oppose Church doctrine on such issues as abortion and same sex marriage.

Responding to persistent criticism from activist groups such as American Life League and Reform CCHD Now, as well as to questions from some bishops, the CCHD on Oct. 26 released a plan that establishes “stronger policies and clearer mechanisms” to guide how grants are awarded to poverty-fighting groups and strengthen oversight of how funds are spent.

In recent years, at least eight bishops have decided not to participate in the annual collection, citing questions about the activities of funded groups.

In San Francisco the Chinese Progressive Association’s funding was revoked in 2008 after it published a voter’s guide opposing state Proposition 8 in favor of same-sex marriage and Proposition 4 supporting parental notification of abortion. The Chinese Progressive Association does “great work organizing workers in terms of their rights” in Chinatown, which is notorious for its sweatshops, said George Wesolek, director of the Archdiocesan Office of Public Policy and Social Concerns. “It was unfortunate that they had to do this voter guide and list their political priorities, but they had crossed over the line.”

In the Archdiocese, CCHD now funds Coalition on the Homeless and Nuestra Casa, an organization of mostly poor Latino parents who are working to make the public school system more responsive to their children’s needs, Wesolek said.

“One of the things I like about the new review is that it recommits the bishops to the principle that we are not giving the poor a hand-

out, but we are giving the poor an opportunity to give themselves a hand up,” Wesolek said.

The15-page CCHD document outlining the changes, “The Review and Renewal of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development,” places greater emphasis on the Catholic identity of the 41-year-old program and renews the U.S. bishops’ commitment to fight poverty in all its forms, said Bishop Roger P. Morin of Biloxi, Miss., chairman of the bishops’ CCHD subcommittee. It was approved by the U.S. bishops’ administrative committee and will be presented at the bishops’ semi-annual meeting Nov. 15-18 in Baltimore.

“There were those who were concerned that renewal in some way might mean moving away from a priority of helping the poor achieve greater self-sufficiency. There is a reaffirmation that the CCHD will continue to have a priority for the poor and in helping the poor to help themselves. That has not changed,” Bishop Morin said.

CCHD has been under fire since 2008 from critics who claim the program has lost its way by funding organizations that joined coalitions taking positions contrary to Catholic teaching on issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage. The criticisms were the most recent the program has faced. CCHD’s emphasis on funding programs that empower poor and lowincome people largely through community organizing activities has been the target of critics almost since the program started in 1969.

Bishop Morin said five of the 270 organizations funded in the 2008-2009 grant cycle lost their awards for violating grant guidelines. He apologized to donors – people in the pews – for the program’s lapses.

In addition to stronger emphasis on doctrine in all CCHD materials and better oversight, at least one moral theologian will advise the CCHD and a review board will hear complaints and decide if a grant should be withdrawn.

9"Ê,iÌÀi>ÌÊ i ÌiÀÊ ÃÊ«iÀviVÌÊv ÀÊ> ÞÊ VV>Ã °

t :PVUI BOE 5FFO 3FUSFBUT t $POmSNBUJPO 3FUSFBUT t 4DIPPM -FBEFSTIJQ 5SBJOJOHT t 1BSJTI 3FUSFBUT Our professional staff is prepared to help your group make the most of your visit.

The CYO Retreat Center is located amidst 216 acres of towering redwood forest and open meadow in historic western Sonoma County, just six miles from the Pacific Ocean and a walk away from the town of Occidental.

The Frank Stein and Paul S. May Center for Low Vision Rehabilitation California Pacific Medical Center 2340 Clay St., 5th Floor San Francisco, CA 94115

retreat center

415-600-3901 www.cpmc.org/eye

Ó£ÎÈÊ i > Ê } Ü>ÞÊ UÊ "VV `i Ì> ]Ê Ê x{Èx ÇäÇ°nÇ{°äÓääÊ UÊ ÜÜÜ°VÞ V> «° À}

Catholic San Francisco

October 29, 2010

Abuse crisis . . .

■ Continued from cover “I knew that this ‘new Germany’ was already coming to an end, and that, after the enormous devastation which that madness had brought upon the country, priests would be needed more than ever,” he wrote.

Today, he said, many people are no longer aware of God and instead seek escape in euphoria and violence.

The priesthood is again viewed as outmoded, yet priestly ministry is crucial in helping people see God’s presence in the world, he said.

The pope said the sex abuse scandal shed a light on the need for the seminary to help form “the right balance of heart and mind, reason and feeling, body and soul” among future priests.

NEWS

in brief

Vatican asks clemency as Iraqi court orders death for Tariq Aziz BAGHDAD – Iraq’s high court has sentenced former Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz, 74, to death for persecution of Shiite religious parties under the regime of the Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.

Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi responded that “the Catholic Church’s position on the death penalty is known.” He said that in the interests of reconciliation and reconstruction after Iraq’s wartime suffering, the church hopes the sentence is not carried out.

Aziz, a Catholic, is in prison and in poor health. He has been convicted for his role in the 1992 execution of more than three dozen merchants found guilty of profiteering and for his role in the forced displacement of Kurds in northern Iraq.

Aziz, who has 30 days to appeal the Oct. 26 ruling, was often the face of Saddam’s regime in the 1990s and before the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, when he surrendered to U.S. forces.

In 1998, he traveled to the Vatican and met with Pope John Paul II in a bid for help to lift the U.N.-imposed sanctions on Iraq. He met with the pope again in 2003, as Vatican diplomats tried to prevent the U.S.-led invasion.

Pope dedicates November prayer to victims of substance abuse VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI will dedicate his prayer intentions in November to the tens of thousands

“This also involves the integration of sexuality into the whole personality,” he said. “When it is not integrated within the person, sexuality becomes banal and destructive.”

“Recently we have seen with great dismay that some priests disfigured their ministry by sexually abusing children and young people. Instead of guiding people to greater human maturity and setting them an example, their abusive behavior caused great damage for which we feel profound shame and regret,” he said.

“As a result of all this, many people, perhaps even some of you, might ask whether it is good to become a priest; whether the choice of celibacy makes any sense as a truly human way of life. Yet even the most reprehensible abuse cannot discredit the priestly mission, which remains great and pure,” he said.

He expressed gratitude for the many exemplary priests who demonstrate that ordained ministers can live a life of worldwide who are prey to substance abuse, so that “victims of drugs or of other dependence may, thanks to the support of the Christian community, find in the power of our Saving God strength for a radical life-change.”

In his 2007 Apostolic voyage to Brazil, the pope addressed the scourge of drug and alcohol abuse directly during his pastoral visit to the “Fazenda da Esperança,” a community run by the Franciscan order and the Focolare movement in the hills outside Sao Paolo for young people trying to emerge from the devastation of addiction and rebuild their lives. “At some stage in people’s lives, Jesus comes and gently knocks at the hearts of those properly disposed,” he told them.

“The Lord has given you this opportunity for physical and spiritual recovery,” the pope said. “In turn, society expects you to spread this precious gift of health among your friends and all the members of the community.”

Synod asks pope to drop ban on married Eastern-rite priests VATICAN CITY – Members of the Synod of Bishops for the Middle East formally asked Pope Benedict XVI to lift the prohibition on the Eastern Catholic churches ordaining married men outside the traditional homeland of their churches.

More synod news on pages 1, 15 and 20 It would be desirable to study the possibility of having married priests outside the patriarchal territory,” synod members – the majority of them Eastern Catholics – said in one of 44 propositions given to the pope at the close of the synod Oct. 23.

After Latin-rite bishops in North America and other areas told the Vatican that the presence of married Easternrite priests was creating confusion among their faithful, the Vatican in 1929 prohibited the Eastern churches from ordaining married men in the West and from sending married priests to the West.

“It’s a practical problem; it is not a theological problem,”

celibacy and give witness to an “authentic, pure and mature humanity.” At the same time, he said that in the wake of sex abuse cases, the church must be “all the more watchful and attentive” in evaluating vocations.

Growth in human maturity was one of several elements the pope underlined in priestly formation. The others were developing a personal relationship with Christ; dedication to the Eucharist and understanding the liturgy; the importance of the sacrament of penance in their lives, which can help priests resist the “coarsening of our souls” and develop a tolerance toward the failings of others; appreciation for popular piety as “one of the church’s great treasures”; and the seminary as a place of study and community.

The pope said today’s priest must be familiar with Scripture, the writings of church fathers, the teachings of the councils, canon law and the various branches of theology.

(CNS PHOTO/ST-FELIX EVENS, REUTERS)

4

Relatives of Haitians suffering from cholera wait for news outside a local hospital in the town of Saint Marc Oct. 22. Haiti’s government and its aid partners are fighting to contain a cholera epidemic that has killed more than 250 people in the nation’s worst medical emergency since the Jan. 12 earthquake.

Cardinal-designate Antonios Naguib, patriarch of the Coptic Catholic Church, said Oct. 23. If it were a theological problem, he said, the Eastern churches could not have married priests in their home territories.

“The whole Catholic Church confesses and confirms the richness and the gift of priestly celibacy for the life and mission of the church,” he said, but the Eastern churches also value the ministry of their married priests.

U.K. Catholic group: reclaim Halloween’s Christian spirit LONDON, England – In an international effort to “reclaim” Halloween as a “joyful” Christian celebration, a founder of a U.K.-based Catholic community has asked Christians to place a light in their window on Oct. 31 as a sign of their faith, Catholic News Agency reported.

NEWS IN BRIEF, page 5

“NO COST” “NO FEES”

“

Refi’s are back!

“Lowest fixed rates in 30 years!”

Pettingell Book Bindery

4.25%

Klaus-Ullrich S. Rötzscher

30 year fixed apr. 4.63% 1528 S. El Camino Real Suite 307 San Mateo, CA 94402 650-212-5050

REFINANCE NOW! SFR, CONDOS & INVESTMENT PROPERTIES

Call me today . . .

Real estate broker, california dept. or real estate license #01370741 exp. 3/12/2007

KARA FIORE Loan Consultant DRE#00977921

Catholic san Francisco Newspaper of the Archdiocese of San Francisco

Most Reverend George H. Niederauer, publisher Maurice E. Healy, associate publisher & executive editor: healym@sfarchdiocese.org Editorial Staff: Rick DelVecchio, editor: delvecchior@sfarchdiocese.org; Valerie Schmalz, assistant editor: schmalzv@sfarchdiocese.org; George Raine, reporter: raineg@sfarchdiocese.org Tom Burke, “On the Street”/Datebook: burket@sfarchdiocese.org

Bibles, Theses, Gold Stamping.

Quality Binding with Cloth, Leather or Paper.

Single & Editions.

Custom Box Making

415.999.1234

2181 Bancroft Way Berkeley, CA 94704

kfiore@gmwest.com

(510) 845-3653

Advertising: Joseph Pena, director; Mary Podesta, account representative Sandy Finnegan, advertising and promotion services

Catholic San Francisco editorial offices are located at One Peter Yorke Way, San Francisco, CA 94109. Tel: (415) 614-5640;Circulation: 1-800-563-0008 or (415) 614-5638; News fax: (415) 614-5633; Advertising: (415) 614-5642; Advertising fax: (415) 614-5641; Advertising E-mail: penaj@sfarchdiocese.org

Business Office: Virginia Marshall, assistant business manager; Julio Escobar, circulation and subscriber services

Catholic San Francisco (ISSN 15255298) is published weekly (four times per month) September through May, except in the week following Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day, and twice a month in June, July and August by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Francisco, 1500 Mission Rd., P.O. Box 1577, Colma, CA 94014. Periodical postage paid at South San Francisco, CA. Annual subscription price: $27 within California, $36 outside the state.

Advisory Board: Fr. John Balleza, Deacon Jeffery Burns, Ph. D., James Clifford, Fr. Thomas Daly, Nellie Hizon, James Kelly, Sr. Sheral Marshall, OSF, Deacon Bill Mitchell, Teresa Moore.

Postmaster: Send address changes to Catholic San Francisco, 1500 Mission Rd., P.O. Box 1577, Colma, CA 94014 If there is an error in the mailing label affixed to this newspaper, call 1-800-563-0008. It is helpful to refer to the current mailing label.

Production: Karessa McCartney-Kavanaugh, manager Joel Carrico, assistant

for subscriptions or cancellations please call 1-800-563-0008 or 415-614-5638

Catholic San Francisco

News in brief . . .

■ Continued from page 4 Damian Stayne, founder of the community Cor et Lumen Christi (Heart and Light of Christ), said the “Night of Light” initiative is the vigil of the Feast of All Saints, when Catholics celebrate “the glory of God in His saints, the victory of light over darkness in the lives of God’s holy ones in heaven.”

Jesus is the “Light of the World” by whom the saints lived and became a beacon to their generation, he said.

Sayne said that in many countries prayer gatherings and children’s celebrations are being organized and participants are encouraged to place a light in their window in order to visibly witness to neighbors and friends.

“Everyone is called by Jesus to live out this vocation – to be the ‘light of the world’ for others today,” he said.

Lawyer: Supreme Court should hear SF Catholics’ religious freedom case The U.S. Supreme Court is being asked to clarify what a lawyer for two San

correspondent John Thavis. Europeans will now make up a majority of voters in a potential conclave, with 62 of the 121 cardinals under the age of 80. Roman Curia officials will make up 30 percent of the cardinal-voters. Thavis wrote that the pope does not want to make any move that suggests the College of Cardinals is a kind of church “parliament” where seats are allotted by population, or where cardinals are seen as representing the interests of their constituent Catholic communities.

U.S. PRELATES, page 19

Francisco Catholics says are conflicting opinions on government neutrality toward religion.

The case originated when Richard Sonnenshein and Valerie Meehan, and the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, objected to a 2006 San Francisco Board of Supervisors resolution condemning the Vatican for restricting Catholic Charities CYO from placing adoptive children with gay and lesbian couples.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, in an 8-to-3 ruling Oct. 22 in San Francisco, denied the plaintiffs’ appeal of a lower-court ruling siding with the city.

But Robert Muise, a lawyer with the Thomas More Law Center in Ann Arbor, Mich., representing the plaintiffs, said the ruling showed that the justices were divided on that part of the First Amendment, the Establishment Clause, that mandates religious neutrality.

He added that U.S. Supreme Court decisions in such matters are in “hopeless disarray” and said there can only be clarity if the high court agrees to hear the appeal of the San Francisco case.

In their resolution, the supervisors demanded that Cardinal William Levada, as head of the Vatican’s Congregation for

(CNS PHOTO/NANCY WIECHEC)

Two U.S. prelates designated cardinals The 24 new prospective cardinals selected by Pope Benedict XVI include Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl of Washington and Archbishop Raymond L. Burke, prefect of the Supreme Court of the Apostolic Signature. Fifteen of the 24 are European; 10 are from Italy; and 14 are current or former officials of the Roman Curia. “Instead of expanding the geographical reach of the college, the pope appeared to be pulling it back to its historical base in Rome and Europe,” wrote Catholic News Service Vatican

Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl of Washington

the Doctrine of the Faith, withdraw his “discriminatory and defamatory directive” concerning adoptions that he had issued when he was Archbishop of San Francisco.

The plaintiffs had argued that the resolution was an attack on Catholicism, but only six of 11 appellate judges addressed the matter, splitting 3-to-3. The other five said there was no need to decide the issue. The majority ruling did not decide whether the resolution expressed state hostility toward Catholicism.

Police investigate possible ritual link in Colma cemetery find The Colma Police Department is investigating the discovery of two embalmed human hearts contained in jars found in an remote part of Holy Cross Cemetery.

A maintenance worker noticed one of the jars on Oct. 12, the Colma Police Department was notified and the investigation turned up a second jar containing a heart nearby, said Colma Police Commander Jon Read.

Archbishop Raymond L. Burke, prefect of the Supreme Court of the Apostolic Signature

He said both hearts had pinned to them photographs of two separate Latin couples, in their 20s. The photos were sent to police departments statewide, but, as of early this week, the couples are unidentified.

Investigators found that the hearts had been surgically removed and autopsied.

They were placed in embalming fluid in the jars, said Read. Police found near the jars partially smoked cigars and candles. This led Colma Police to suspect the hearts had been used in a ritual, said Read.

Police believe the ritual is called Palo Mayombe, which originated in central Africa.

While the investigation is continuing, Read said that possessing, transporting or selling human organs in a felony.

Katherine Atkinson, director of cemeteries for the Archdiocese of San Francisco, said in a statement: “Our maintenance worker discovered the hearts in a remote section of the cemetery that is a non-burial area. We have investigated and found that no burial areas or crypts have been disturbed in Holy Cross. It is sad that there are people who do not respect sacred ground.”

Archbishop Riordan High School

SI OPEN HOUSE November 7, 2010 1:00-3:00 PM No Reservations Required

OPEN HOUSE

siprep.org

EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE AN SI EDUCATION CAN MAKE

Come get in tune with us!

Sunday, October 31, 2010 Program Begins at 10:00 a.m.

Learn About:

Vision and Mission

College Preparatory Academics

Athletic Programs

Extra-Curricular Activities

Talk to Faculty Tour Campus

New! state-of-the-art weight room Lindland Theatre 175 Phelan Avenue San Francisco, CA 94112 415-586-1256 www.riordanhs.org

Brotherhood Begins Here!

5 (CNS PHOTO/ALESSIA GIULIANI, CATHOLIC PRESS PHOTO)

October 29, 2010

St. Ignatius College Preparatory s 2001 37th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94116 s 415-731-7500

Catholic San Francisco

October 29, 2010

(PHOTOS BY ARNE FOLKEDAL/CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO)

6

More than 400 people filled St. Philip the Apostle Church for a 100th anniversary special Mass celebrated by Archbishop George Niederauer. St. Philip centers on its school and continues to attract Irish families, as it has since its founding.

But the Noe Valley neighborhood parish, pastor Father Tony LaTorre said, is “a little bit of everything.”

St. Philip the Apostle Parish celebrates 100th St. Philip the Apostle Parish in Noe Valley in San Francisco celebrated its 100th anniversary Oct. 17 with a Mass celebrated

by Archbishop George Niederauer and a reception that gave many old friends a chance to catch up. The 400-capacity church was standing room only, said pastor Father Tony LaTorre. And he said the archbishop brought many of the priests who had worked at the parish in the past with him to the event.

“It was pretty impressive,” said Father LaTorre. “Lots of people got to visit with each other who hadn’t seen each other for years.”

The church just underwent a facelift, with new paint, carpeting and lighting. “It all shined. It was a very nice day,” Father LaTorre said. “I’m not going to be here for the next 100th. I am looking for volunteers to chair that.”

St. Philip was constructed in the boom after the 1906 earthquake, when the archdiocese was building new schools and new churches to recover from the disaster and to meet the needs of its growing Catholic population. Noe Valley, then included as part of the Mission District, experienced a building boom because it was one of the few untouched areas in the city. Many of the area’s wood Victorians date from the era, when row houses and small farms were the norm.

St. Philip was carved out of the boundaries of Most Holy Redeemer, St. James and St. Paul parishes, and was largely attended by Irish with St. Paul attracting the Germans at the time, said the pastor. He said that the parish continues to attract a number of Irish, including recent Irish immigrants with young families. But the parish “is pretty much a bit of everything.”

The 700-family parish is focused on St. Philip the Apostle School, but also reaches out to the community, with a group of parishioners and a CYO basketball team going across town recently to attend a prayer service for an ill youngster at another parish. “They try to get out there and see what they can do” with prayer and other support, the priest said. “It’s not always about giving something materialistic; it’s just being present.”

Father LaTorre said this fall the church will begin serving as the site for Project Open Hand senior lunches Monday through Friday because the senior service had lost its former home.

“The centennial is a time to remember past blessings, to celebrate contemporary vitality and to anticipate joyfully the future role of the parish in the lives of parishioners,” Archbishop Niederauer said in a statement on the celebration. “Eight pastors and many priests have served at St. Philip Church in the past 100 years, proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ, ministering to five generations of people in the parish and being an anchor in the Noe Valley neighborhood.

“Founded just a few years after the City’s 1906 earthquake and fire, St. Philip Church was part of the vision of Archbishop Patrick Riordan, who urged San Franciscans to ‘look to the future and…work together in harmony for the uplifting of a greater San Francisco,’’ Archbishop Niederauer said. “Since 1910, St. Philip has been a place of welcome, prayer, community and grace. Congratulations to the faithful of St. Philip Church in this centennial year.”

Read Archbishop Niederauer’s centennial homily on catholic-sf.org.

Laura Vicuña Pre-K

of Saints Peter and Paul School

Please join us for our Annual Open House on January 30 – 2-4 p.m.

Applications will be available

PLEASE JOIN US FOR SAC R E D H EA RT CAT H E D R A L P R E PA R ATO RY

OPEN HOUSE O CTO B E R 30 s a t u r d ay 9:00–11:00 am

rsvp online at www.shcp.edu 1055 ellis street san francisco, ca 94109 415.775.6626

Barbara Simmons, Director 660 Filbert Street San Francisco CA 94133 t. 415 296 8549 f. 415 421 0217 e. bsimons@sspeterpaulsf.org www.sspeterpaulsf.org/prek

October 29, 2010

JUNIPERO SERRA HIGH SCHOOL

Catholic San Francisco

erra High School is located in the heart of the Peninsula between San Francisco and Silicon Valley. Students take advantage of all that the Bay Area has to offer. Teachers help students to explore their talents and achieve success in a variety of areas—academics, the arts, athletics, clubs and service learning experiences—all in the context of Serra’s core values of Faith, Wisdom, Service, Community and Leadership.

Students form bonds that are strengthened everyday— in the classrooms, on the athletic fields, at retreats and on the performing arts stage. These bonds ultimately transform into a brotherhood that lasts a lifetime. curriculum: Serra prepares students not only for the rigors of university, but also for the challenges of the 21st century. Classes are taught using specific strategies that motivate young men to learn.

Serra offers an outstanding college preparatory curriculum. Ninety-nine percent of Serra graduates go on to college and are accepted to the top colleges and universities nationwide. Serra students’ AP pass rate is 82.7 percent.

at serra, you will be known. you will belong.

Junípero Serra High School in San Mateo is much more than an outstanding Catholic college preparatory for young men. It is a place where teachers become mentors. Classmates become brothers. Ordinary moments become extraordinary experiences.

transportation: Serra provides morning transportation for students from outlying areas. Shuttle service locations include: St. Rose Hospital in Hayward, the Millbrae BART station and the Third Avenue CalTrain station in San Mateo.

Serra’s New Center for the Arts and Sciences and Aquatics Facilities OPENING FALL 2011 Serra’s new Center for the Arts and Sciences will be completed in the fall of 2011. It will include a full renovation and major expansion of the aquatics facilities. The Center will feature the latest instructional technology to maximize student learning. Classrooms will be equipped with Smart Board and digital camera technology, student laptops and wireless computer connectivity. In addition to the second floor science wing, the first floor will provide expanded facilities for the fine and performing arts, including a music rehearsal hall and two large art rooms. Serra’s Academic Resource Center will be expanded to include more classroom space, a meeting room to accommodate family conferences and a small-group tutoring/collaborative study area.

junipero serra high school

OPEN HOUSE Thursday, December 2 at 7 p.m.

451 West 20th Avenue San Mateo CA 94402 650.345.8207

www.serrahs.com Serra Blue is GOLD

7

8

G R I EV I N G & HE A L I N G Catholic San Francisco

October 29, 2010

All Souls Day

By Father David O’Rourke, OP Throughout the days of October, the sky in Lithuania’s capital, Vilnius, transforms from a brilliant blue to a cold gray. Then, almost overnight the linden and maple trees around the Dominican church, Sts. Philip and James, on Lukiskiu Square turn from green to gold to barren, occupied once again by hordes of quarreling crows, shrieking from high up in their dead-stick nests. I am reminded that All Souls’ Day will soon be upon us.

Everyone lost someone, many their entire family.

It is a major holiday, remembering the dead in this Catholic country where one out of every six citizens was exterminated by the Soviets during their 50-year occupation. Throughout the week for All Saints and All Souls Days, older folks, mostly women, come into the sacristy of our church before the noon Mass. They carry paper bags, wrinkled and faded and stained.

Inside the well-used bags are candles, but they are different from the ones we see in the U.S. They are rough and handmade from honey-colored beeswax, and the wicks seem to be made from any available pieces of string.

In Lithuania, you do not buy honey in jars at the store. You buy it on street corners when it is still in the honeycomb

from farm ladies who bring it in from the countryside, where so many people still live.

The honey, of course, is as fragrant as a Baltic summer field. And for non-natives like me, it is a treat to see the farm ladies in their practical coats and sturdy shoes, kerchiefs tied around their heads, come into the city during harvest time.

The city people wait anxiously for them every year, first, of course, for the sweet honey, but also for the beeswax from the combs. They need it for their candles.

In the sacristy they come up to me and, with hands obviously accustomed to hard work, hold the bags out for me to bless.

It is not an easy task for me. Seeing their humble piety, the hours of work evident in the candles, the calloused hands themselves – all of these cause my eyes to fill up and my voice to shake.

But I bless the candles, in Lithuanian if I can manage it, or in Latin if I can’t, which is usually the case. And without a word, they leave and go back into the church for the start of Mass.

For the last 50 years our church and priory have been situated in Lenin Square (not Lukiskiu Square) and facing us is the old KGB headquarters. This is where the Soviets brought many of the hundreds of thousands who were considered enemies of the state, especially those who were religious, and fit only for annihilation.

Over a thousand never made it out of the KGB building alive, having been shot to death in the dirt-floored basement.

Their bodies were then secretly trucked out at night to a small cemetery just out-

(CNS PHOTO/VASILY FEDOSENKO/REUTERS)

Lithuanian Catholics remember victims of Soviet occupation

An elderly woman lights a candle on a grave at a cemetery in the village of Ivenets, Belarus, Nov. 1, 2007. Like Catholics in neighboring Lithuania, Catholics in Belarus mark All Saints’ Day and All Souls Day by visiting graves of their relatives.

side the city where they were dumped in a trench prepared for mass burial.

A few years ago that mass grave was discovered, the bodies exhumed and identified if possible, and then reburied honorably in the cemetery’s new National Memorial built for that purpose.

Each November 1, the night of All Saints, the people take their beeswax candles to these graves and the graves of their relatives in all the cemeteries around

the Old City and light them. They burn all through the cold night, giving a rich honeycolored glow to the Old City’s hills. Then they are re-lit on the feat of All Souls, to brighten another grim November night.

We too remember our dead, but for us it is different. For the most part we know where they are buried. We were able to be there for the funerals and the burials, to mourn them and say goodbye.

ALL SOULS DAY, page 11

Serving the Bay Area

The power of the voice - the magic of a story

affordable solutions Pamela L. Taylor, FDr 873 I. Joseph Stinson, FDr 731

The new & easy way to stay connected

Nationally Certified Bereavement Facilitators

C o l m a Cremation Funeral

&

Services

Imagine... your loved ones always being there for you.

Record – Hear – Share – Archive For Generations!

Create private, secure audio recordings to share with one or many.

Listen to your recordings 24/7 by phone or online; access any time – any place.

Try it FREE!

Visit www.RememberedVoices.com Go to How It Works Î Try It Or call 1-888-9-HEAR-ME (1-888-943-2763)

Colma

[ FD 1522 ]

7747 Mission Street Colma, California 94014

Belmont

[ FD 1923 ]

111 Industrial Way Suite 5 Belmont, California 94002

Green Funerals Specializing in Grief Support When Loss Occurs

Cremation | Funerals | Preplanning

www.colmacremation.com

Powered by

For a Free Information Pamphlet and Planning Guide or for more information, Please call:

RememberedVoices.com • 1-888-9-HEAR-ME

650.757.1300 fax 650.757.7901 toll free 888.757.7888

G R I EV I N G & HE A L I N G October 29, 2010

Catholic San Francisco

9

A Holocaust survivor’s wisdom for teens: “Tolerance – first of all, tolerance” Even after all these years it’s difficult for Helen Farkas to comprehend the indignity of the Holocaust.

Nothing belonged to her and so many others when they were held at Auschwitz and the other Nazi camps. Not a tooth brush. Not a hair brush.

Well, that would have been useless anyway: Her captors shaved Farkas’ head bald.

“It boggles the mind, Helen Farkas how inhuman they could be, to treat human beings the way they treated us,” said Farkas. Her parents, four of her eight brothers and sisters – all of them were killed.

She and her husband, Joe, survived for a reason, she said. So when Helen Farkas, who turned 90 Oct. 18, speaks before Jim McGarry’s ethics class at Mercy High School in San Francisco and elsewhere, she feels obligated to deliver this message: “Tolerance,” she said. “First of all, tolerance. We are human beings no matter the color of skin or the clothes we wear or our ideology or religion. We are all God’s children and we must respect each other.”

The Helen and Joe Farkas Center for the Study of the Holocaust and Conscience in Catholic Schools is housed on the fourth floor of Mercy High, up a set of stairs lined with photos and stories of other Holocaust survivors – all of them compelling and wrenching.

Since 1992, first at St. Ignatius College Preparatory, where he taught morality and social justice for 20 years, and for the last 10 years at Mercy High School, McGarry, 58, has brought before his students and full-school assemblies survivors who, in his words, are “exemplars for learning about conscience.”

The story of Helen and Joe Farkas, who came to settle in Burlingame, and many others that the St. Ignatius and Mercy students have heard, said McGarry, have helped form

the centerpiece of a lesson in morality: He is teaching his students to be “upstanders.”

It is McGarry’s word for Holocaust rescuers and resisters, in addition to those who endured the horrors and those who did not. They were people “who not only did not go along with the evil but who also were not satisfied to be just spectators, saving their own skin,” he said.

We are human beings no matter the color of skin or the clothes we wear or our ideology or religion.

– Helen Farkas This is what the Mercy High and the SI students before them have taken away from McGarry’s examination of the Holocaust: “The most serious moral problem is the assault on the dignity of another human being … and you need to be an upstander every day,” he said.

“You are going to stand up in the cafeteria when someone starts gossiping, or when someone is being judgmental, when someone is being inappropriate, when someone is belittling

www.hofbraucatering.com

By George Raine

Mario Raddavero 650.366.9898 Terri Pond Fax 650.366.9598

the dignity of somebody else,” said McGarry. “You have to speak up. You have to break through that shell of conformity and be a person of conscience.”

Helen and Joe Farkas had been engaged to be married in their home town Satu-Mare, Romania, and had begun to collect furniture when they and all the other Jews were rounded up. They didn’t see each other during the war, but reunited upon liberation. That wasn’t long after Helen survived a death march in January of 1945, when the Russians were gaining ground on the Germans and their prisoners. They traveled 15 to 18 kilometers per day. Some 300 Jews died on that trek, from hunger or freezing or illness. Many who were near death – some were pushed in wheelbarrows for a short distance – were shot dead and left by the wayside.

They arrived in the United States in 1949 and began a new life. It was many years later, however, in 1974, that Helen Farkas began to speak about the Holocaust, and her message has remained much the same. Her first venue was Mills High School, to a class of troubled teens. “I told them how precious life is,” she said. “You throw your life away, it will never come back.”

QUALITY HOME CARE SERVING THE BAY AREA SINCE 1996 * Attendants * Companions * Hospice * Respite Care

Competitive Rates All service providers carefully screened We are insured and bonded

Celebrations of Life Post Office Box 927 Redwood City CA 94064-0927

Full Payroll Service 2021 Taraval Street #2, SF www.irishhelpathome.com

Tel: 415 759 0520

HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC CEMETERY A Place to Grieve – A Place to Heal HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS FOR THE BEREAVED San Mateo County

St. Robert’s Convent Saturdays: 3:00 - 4:15 p.m.

November 6th & 20th: Thanksgiving December 4th & 18th: Christmas

Marin County

Our Lady of Loretto, Novato Wednesday, December 1st 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

San Francisco County

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Redwood City St. Mary’s Cathedral: Msgr. Bowe Room Thursday, December 16th Wednesday, November 3rd 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

St. Bartholomew Spiritual Center Thursday, November 11th 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

St. Gabriel’s Parish Center Tuesday, November 16th 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

St. Pius, Redwood City Mondays December 6th & 13th 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

No Registration is needed for any of the holiday workshops

CHRISTMAS REMEMBRANCE SERVICE HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC CEMETERY All Saints Mausoleum Chapel – 11:00 am Saturday, December 11th Msgr. John Talesfore, Officiating

For more information, please call Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery – (650) 756-2060

The Catholic Cemeteries Archdiocese of San Francisco Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery 1500 Mission Road Colma, CA 94014 650-756-2060

Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery Intersection of Santa Cruz Avenue Menlo Park, CA 94025 650-323-6375

Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery 270 Los Ranchitos Road San Rafael, CA 94903 415-479-9020

Pilarcitos Cemetery Hwy. 92 @ Main Half Moon Bay, CA 650-712-1676

St. Anthony Cemetery Stage Road Pescadero, CA 650-712-1679

Our Lady of the Pillar Cemetery Miramontes St. Half Moon Bay, CA 650-712-1679

G R I EV I N G & HE A L I N G

10

Catholic San Francisco

October 29, 2010

All Souls, All Saints’ Masses to be celebrated at Holy Cross Cemetery Two Masses will be celebrated at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Colma in honor of All Souls Day and All Saints Day. Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on All Souls Day, Nov. 2, in the All Saints Mausoleum. Father Marvin Felipe will be the celebrant.

On Oct. 30, Auxiliary Bishop William Justice will celebrate Mass for Todos los Santos, or the Day of All Saints at 11 a.m. in the Holy Cross Mausoleum Chapel. Refreshments will follow. The Mass will be celebrated in advance of All Saints’ Day, Nov. 1.

For those attending the Masses who would like to visit the graves of loved ones, Holy Cross provides the plot location and a map upon request, said Kathy Atkinson, director of cemeteries for the Archdiocese of San Francisco. The office at the entrance to the cemetery is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. On Sundays and holidays, the office in the All Saints Mausoleum is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Catholic News Agency offers the following account of the origins of All Souls Day, taken from the Catholic Encyclopedia: The theological basis for the feast is the doctrine that the souls which, on departing from the body, are not perfectly cleansed from venial sins, or have not fully atoned for past

Help With Healing Self & Relationships Melanie A. Greenberg, Ph.D.

Bereavement, Grief, & Trauma Cancer, Heart Disease, Pain Anxiety, Depression, Addictions Compassionate, Open, & Values-Driven

Academic, Published Author Cognitive-Behavioral & Mindfulness Approach

33 Millwood Street, Suite 1, Mill Valley, CA 94941 (415) 742-8062 • www.melanieagreenbergphd.com Sliding scale of fees, free consult

transgressions, are debarred from the Beatific Vision, and that the faithful on earth can help them by prayers, alms, deeds and especially by the sacrifice of the Mass.

The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them.

– The Book of Wisdom, Chapter 3 In the early days of Christianity the names of the departed brethren were entered in the diptychs. Later, in the 6th century, it was customary in Benedictine monasteries to hold a commemoration of the deceased members at Whitsuntide. In Spain there was such a day on Saturday before Sexagesima or before Pentecost, at the time of Saint Isidore (d. 636).

In Germany there existed (according to the testimony of Widukind, Abbot of Corvey, c.980) a time-honored ceremony of praying to the dead on October 1. This was accepted and sanctified by the Church.

St. Odilo of Cluny ordered the commemoration of all the faithful departed to he held annually in the monasteries of his congregation. It spread among the other congregations of the Benedictines and among the Carthusians.

Of the dioceses, Liège was the first to adopt it under Bishop Notger (d. 1008). It is then found in the martyrology of St. Protadius of Besançon (1053-66). Bishop Otricus (1120-25) introduced it into Milan for October 15. In Spain, Portugal, and Latin America, priests on this day say three Masses. A similar concession for the entire world was asked of Pope Leo XIII; he would not grant the favor, but ordered a special Requiem on Sunday, Sept. 30, 1888.

The first reading for The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls) this Nov. 2 is Wisdom 3:119. The passage reads, in part: The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them.

They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction and their going forth from us, utter destruction.

But they are in peace.

For if before men, indeed, they be punished, yet is their hope full of immortality; chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed, because God tried them and found them worthy of himself.

Ilene Diamond, J.D., Psy.D. Psychotherapy Mediation www.drdiamondpsyd.com www.diamondmediation.com Clinical Psychologist PSY 21575 San Francisco and Menlo Park

Beautiful Memorial Benches with Your Inscription For your home or cemetery Come visit us online at www.bergendesigns.com or call us at 303-665-5576

NOW IN OUR FOURTH GENERATION

BEREAVEMENT QUILTS

(415) 820-1508

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

SAME FAMILY, SAME LOCATIONS Please direct all inquiries to our office staff: Theresa Fontana, Cynthia Parker, and Alexandra Daugherty.

7600 El Camino Real, Colma, CA 94014 Office: (650)755-4510 Fax: (650)755-1491

www.vfontana.com V.FONTANA & CO. MONUMENTS

Hospice Care, Transition Services and Bereavement Support

650-554-1000 www.missionhospice.com

“With support and guidance, guilt or anger need not divert you from the path through experience to transcendance or forgiveness.

Find help for complex grief from a neauroscientist turned psychologist.

To reach out: 510.364.4825, agreenwo@sbcglobal.net or www.AndersGreenwood.com

Anders Greenwood, PsyD, PhD (PSY 22009) Offices in SF, Palo Alto and Berkeley

Nick Parsons, LMFT Psychotherapy for Individuals and Couples

Compassionate help with grief, relationship problems, depression, anxiety

Tel: (415) 778-5500 Lic#: MFC35484

www.sf-therapist.com

Memorial Buffet Menu $ 20.00 per person Inclusive

California Catering is a company built on integrity. This is reflected in the service we provide to you. We will make sure that you and your guests feel welcome. Let us be of service to you during this difficult time.

We take pride in our menu selections and prepare them fresh at California Catering. Only the finest ingredients are used to ensure your satisfaction.

Our memorial buffet offers a variety of menu items. Our price per person includes the facility for 3 hours; room set-up, clean-up and wait staff.

There is no room fee.

Our facility has two rooms. The Main room accommodates up to 300 people and the Fireside room accommodates 100 people. Your guests also have access to the patio & lawn area. There is ample parking around the facility.

Bar services are available through the South San Francisco Elks Lodge.

920 Stonegate Drive, South San Francisco, CA 94080 Claudia A. Delgadillo (650) 589-0729

www.california-catering-company.com

G R I EV I N G & HE A L I N G October 29, 2010

Archdiocesan holiday workshops for those who have lost a loved one People who are experiencing the grief of the loss of a loved one are invited to participate in any of seven holiday workshops that will be offered in the Archdiocese of San Francisco in November and December.

The following workshops are designed to let participants acknowledge the difficulty of the season for those who are grieving; gain new tools and insights for managing feelings of loss throughout the holidays; and join others for support and connection.

St. Robert’s Convent, San Bruno, Nov. 6 and 20, Dec. 4 and 18, 3 to 4:15 p.m. Contact Sister Patricia at (650) 589-0104.

St. Bartholomew Spiritual Center, San Mateo, Nov. 11, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Contact Carol Schick at (650) 3427156.

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Redwood City, Dec. 16, 6 to 8 p.m. Contact the parish center at 650-366-3802.

St. Pius, Redwood City. Dec 6 and 13, 7 to 9 p.m. Contact the parish center at (650) 361-0655.

St. Gabriel Parish Center, San Francisco, Nov. 16, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Contact the parish center at (415) 7316161.

St. Mary’s Cathedral, San Francisco, Msgr. Bowe Room. Nov. 3, 10:30 a.m. to noon. Contact Sister Esther at (415) 567-2020, ext. 218.

tributes

•

Our Lady of Loretto, Novato. Dec. 1, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Contact Sister Jeanette at (415) 897-2171.

In addition, Holy Cross Cemetery in Colma will hold its annual Christmas Remembrance Service (no Mass) Dec. 11 at 11 a.m. Contact the cemetery office at (650) 756-2060.

arrangements

•

information

A fitting place to remember your loved ones at no cost.

Obituary and tribute page, advice on funeral planning and more.

USObituariesonline.com San Francisco Counseling Center

All Souls Day . . .

■ Continued from page 8

Everyone in Lithuania, in all the Baltics, lost at least one loved one to the Soviet terror. But they don’t know where they are. Some were last seen at the horrific moment when the Soviet police banged open their door and dragged them out to the street to one of those big, black Russian cars that still strike terror. Others were herded into a group, stuffed into the back of a truck, and then driven away to the KGB building or the railroad yard and the waiting cattle cars. Many simply left for work or school in the morning and never came back.

We look to the Church’s early martyrs with great reverence. During the 20th century, however, there were more martyrs, more victims of religious persecution than in all the previous 1900 years of the Church’s existence.

Why were they taken away? What had they done? Where were they taken?

What happened to them? Where did they die? Were they even buried? Their families never knew. Hundreds of thousands.

Everyone lost someone, many their entire family.

And in that, I now realize, is the meaning of the candles. They light them, of course, for the dead buried in the cemetery. But they light them also as their

Catholic San Francisco

11

point of contact with those who disappeared. They are able to take the blessed candles, made with their own hands with beeswax from their own land and light them to burn throughout the two nights.

They light them to dispel the darkness under which they lived for 50 years. They light them to renew the light of human memories. They light tem with the hope that, wherever they may lie, the souls of their dead may be in the hands of God. Dominican Father David O’Rourke is pastor of Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Point Richmond and Defender of the Bond in the Canon Law/Marriage Tribunal of the Diocese of Oakland. He is co-producer, with Dominican Father Kenneth Gumbert, of the documentary film “Red Terror on the Amber Coast” about the 50-year Soviet occupation of the Baltic republics. On Aug. 23 of this year the film aired on national television to mark the anniversary of Stalin’s 1939 takeover. It received the highest ratings in its time slot, beating out all the regular prime-time shows.

This article first appeared in the October 2010 newsletter of the Dominican Mission Foundation.

Grief is like a knife, it can cut to the core but it can also shape our futures and serve us well.

You may wonder if you should seek help with your grief. If you find that the people around you are tired of hearing about your loss or if you are uncomfortable with the disruption your grief is causing you, then you may want to pursue grief therapy. Grief disrupts many aspects of your life, including your mental, emotional and physical sense of well-being. In a warm and collaborative manner, I help you understand this disruption. With this understanding, you can regain a sense of balance in your life and navigate your way through this new and unfamiliar world.

Penn Barbosa, Ph.D. 2489 Washington St. San Francisco, CA 94115 Lic. PSY 18949

(415) 440-6317

www.therapypenn.com • penn@therapypenn.com The Leading Catholic Funeral Directors of the San Francisco Archdiocese

Pre-planning “My Funeral, My Cremation, My Way” www.duggansserra.com

We can help you cope through this time of loss.

Whether sudden or not, expected or not, recent or not – our counselors can help you through this difficult time.

We offer a wide range of services, addressing the needs of individuals, couples, families, children and adolescents across the entire life-span.

Call us, we can help. www.sfcounselingcenter.com (415) 440-0500

www.driscollsmortuary.com

www.sullivanfuneralandcremation.com

Duggan’s Serra Catholic Family Mortuaries Duggan’s Serra Mortuary 500 Westlake Ave., Daly City FD 1098 Driscoll’s Valencia St. Serra Mortuary 1465 Valencia St., SF FD 1665 Sullivan’s Funeral Home & Cremation 2254 Market St., SF FD 228 www.duggansserra.com

650/756-4500 415/970-8801 415/621-4567

12

Catholic San Francisco

October 29, 2010

obituaries

Presentation Sister M. Grace Feldhaus, served in consecrated life for 77 years A funeral Mass was celebrated Sept. 30 for Presentation Sister M. Grace Feldhaus (baptismal name Louise) at the Presentation Motherhouse in San Francisco. Born in San Francisco, Sister Grace had been a Sister of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary for 77 years. Interment was private.

She died Sept. 26.

Sister Grace held an undergraduate degree in education from Immaculate Heart College, Los Angeles, as well as an undergraduate degree in Library Science from Rosary College in Illinois, and a graduate degree in Library Science from Immaculate Heart College. She began her ministry in Catholic education in 1935, when she began teaching elementary school at Cathedral Presentation, San Francisco. Sister Grace also taught at San Francisco’s now-closed St. Agnes School from 1943 to 1946.

During the 1950s and 1960s, she went on to teach in Catholic elementary and high

schools in Los Angeles, the East Bay, and the Santa Clara Valley.

After 1980, Sister Grace worked as a secretary and librarian for corporations and Catholic institutions. In 1999, Sister Grace moved to the Motherhouse and most recently has been engaged in the ministry of prayer for the Learning and Loving Educational Center, a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of the Presentation in Morgan Hill.

Sister leaves her loving Presentation Sisters. Her parents are the late Louise Huegle Feldhaus and Joseph Bernard Feldhaus. She was predeceased by her brothers and sisters, Joseph, Bernard, Rita and Sister Cecile Feldhaus, PBVM. Memorial contributions to the Sisters of the Presentation are preferred. Contributions can be sent to Sisters of the Presentation, Development Office, 281 Masonic Ave., San Francisco 94118.

GRIEVING & HEALING GRIEF THERAPY

CHILD PSYCHOLOGIST

Penn Barbosa, Ph.D. Licensed Psychologist, PSY 18949

QUILTS

Specializing in grief therapy for over 15 years 2489 Washington St. San Francisco, CA 94115

Call Rosie at

360-213-7019 Rhinoquilt@comcast.net www.Rhinoquilting.com

www.therapypenn.com penn@therapypenn.com

HOSPICE

CEMETERY

FUNERAL SERVICE

The Catholic Cemeteries Archdiocese of San Francisco

Hospice Care, Transition Services and Bereavement Support

650-554-1000 www.missionhospice.com

Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery Intersection of Santa Cruz Avenue, Menlo Park, CA 94025 650-323-6375 Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery 1500 Mission Road, Colma, CA 94014 650-756-2060 Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery 270 Los Ranchitos Road, San Rafael, CA 94903 415-479-9020

Grief & Loss Counseling • Adults • Youth

HOSPICE BY THE BAY 415.526.5699 ext. 8500 www.hbtb.org

Pilarcitos Cemetery Hwy. 92 at Main Street, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 650-712-1676 St. Anthony Cemetery Stage Road, Pescadero, CA94060 650-712-1676 Our Lady of the Pillar Cemetery Miramontes Street, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 415-712-1679 A Tradition of Faith Throughout Our Lives.

Former San Francisco Archbishop John R. Quinn was principal celebrant of a funeral Mass for Father Kirby Hanson at St. Mary’s Cathedral Oct. 22. Dominican Father Carl Schlichte, Father Hanson’s nephew, was homilist. San Francisco Auxiliary Bishop William J. Justice, San Jose Bishop Patrick J. McGrath, and priests from throughout the Bay Area concelebrated. Father Hanson, retired pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in San Francisco, was remembered in prayer at a vigil service at the Richmond District church Oct. 21. Father Carl presided and retired Father Kevin Gaffey was homilist.

Father Hanson was 76 years old and died Oct. 15 at the San Francisco residence where he had lived independently since his retirement in 2001. Father Hanson was ordained to the priesthood May 15, 1970 by now-late San Francisco Auxiliary Bishop William J. McDonald at St. Matthew Church in San Mateo. In an announcement of his death, Bishop Justice who serves as vicar for clergy for the Archdiocese of San Francisco, called Father Hanson a “splendid priest.”

“Growing up I saw my uncle every week

at family dinners,” Father Carl Schlichte told Catholic San Francisco. “I appreciated very much his good humor and good sense in my life.”

The Dominican friar who entered religious life in 1990 and was ordained in 1998, said he saw how his uncle was “happy, successful and competent” in his priestly ministry and while his vocation was not to diocesan priesthood, Father Hanson did influence him toward the priesthood.

“People appreciated his professionalism and calm and how, even in difficult circumstances, he stayed on an even keel and remained available,” Father Carl said. “He was very proud of me and whenever I saw him he showed that.”

Father Hanson will be interred in a family plot at Holy Cross Cemetery in Colma where his twin sister, Faye, was interred in December 2001 and where their parents are also buried. “My mom always liked calling Kirby her ‘older brother,’” Father Carl said with a laugh remembering that the difference in their birth times was about five minutes.

“Father Hanson was a gentleman,” said Mary Cervantes, organist at St. Thomas the FATHER KIRBY HANSON, page 13

RHINO QUILTING Sister Francilla Kirby, BVM, Specializing in Memory and Bereavement Quilts “Wrap Yourself in their Memory”

(415) 440-6317

Father Kirby Hanson, “splendid priest” who served as chancellor from 1976-84

C O L M A CREMATION

&

FUNERAL S E RV I C E S Affordable Solutions • Funerals • Church • Cemetery • Cremation Services Joseph Stinson, Funeral Director Pamela Taylor, Funeral Director

Nationally Certified Bereavement Facilitators Serving the Bay Area Family Owned

Funeral and Cremation Services Call or write for our Free Price Brochure

7747 Mission Street Colma, California 94014 Our new website www.colmacremation.com 650.757.1300 FD #1522

taught at archdiocesan schools A funeral Mass was celebrated for Sister Francilla Kirby, BVM, Oct. 22 at Holy Family Church in Chicago, Illinois where she had most recently served.

Sister Francilla was 82 years old and had been a Sister of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary for 63 years. Interment will be in Mount Carmel cemetery in Dubuque, Iowa, site of the congregation’s motherhouse.

Born in San Francisco, Sister Francilla entered religious life from the City’s St. Finn Barr Parish Sept. 8, 1947. She professed first vows March 19, 1950, and final vows Aug. 15, 1955.

In the Archdiocese of San Francisco

Sister Francilla taught at schools including St. Brigid, Most Holy Redeemer, St. Paul, and St. Thomas More.

She also taught in San Jose, Petaluma and Sacramento, and ministered in many areas of pastoral and parish ministry in Chicago, Ill., and Dubuque.

Sister Francilla is survived by sister-in-law, Llewellyn Kirby, nieces and nephews, and the Sisters of Charity, BVM. Memorials may be given to the Sisters of Charity, BVM Support Fund, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa 52003, or online at www.bvmcong.org/whatsnew_ obits.cfm.

FUNERAL SERVICES Chapel of the Highlands

McAVOY O’HARA Co.

Funeral & Cremation Care Professionals • Licensed by the State, FD-915 ~ Paul Larson, President • Feel free to call us at (650) 588-5116 and we will send info, or go to www.chapelofthehighlands.com • El Camino Real at Millwood Drive in Millbrae

SERVING WITH TRUST

MONUMENTS V.FONTANA & CO. Fine granite & marble products since 1921

650.755.4510

www.vfontana.com

AFFORDABLE COUNSELING

AND CONFIDENCE SINCE 1850

Eve r gr e e n Mor tuar y 4545 GEARY BOULEVARD at TENTH AVENUE For information prearrangements, and assistance, call day or night (415) 668-0077 FE 523

Duggans’s Serra Mortuary Most convenient San Francisco/Peninsula location

Unlimited Parking

THE BUD DUGGAN FAMILY The leading Catholic Funeral Directors serving the Archdiocese of San Francisco CALL FOR A FREE BROCHURE ON PRE-PLANNING Traditional and Cremation Services

500 Westlake Avenue, Daly City (650) 756-4500 • (415) 587-4500 FD 1098

San Francisco Counseling Center We have compassionate, dedicated staff and we offer a full-range of services, including: - Grief and Loss Counseling - Family Counseling - Family Reconciliation Counseling - Individual Therapy - Child and Adolescent Therapy - Couples Counseling - Pre-marital Counseling - Parenting Coaching - Sliding Scale (415) 440-0500 www.sfcounselingcenter.com

October 29, 2010

Catholic San Francisco

13

obituaries

Father Kirby Hanson . . .

■ Continued from page 12 Apostle since 1959 and music director for many of those years. “He liked music and his favorite piece was the Finlandia theme with the ‘Be Still My Soul’ text.”

Mary recalled Father Hanson as a “humble and good priest” who came through as a “good boss” and who continued to care for the people of St. Thomas even after moving from the parish some 10 years ago. “He was a very likeable person and his gifts including his banking background came through very well in my experience with him,” Mary said.

“Kirby had a great sense of humor and was a great chef,” said Father Kevin Gaffey, retired pastor of St. Anthony Parish in Novato, recalling that Father Hanson was also a “very private person and very close to his family.” Father Gaffey has known Father Hanson since the early

1960s when Father Hanson was a lector at St. Mary’s Cathedral. The two priests later served together as parochial vicars at the parish. “He was also a typical banker,” Father Gaffey said with a laugh. “When we counted the collection, if the bundles did not have the correct amount he’d throw them right back at you.”

Born in Hawaii, Father Hanson knew active service in the U.S. Army and a growing career in banking before entering St. Patrick’s Seminary and University in Menlo Park in 1964.

In addition to his service at St. Thomas the Apostle and as pastor of St. Isabella Parish, San Rafael, and St. Brigid Parish in San Francisco, Father Hanson is also a former chancellor for the Archdiocese of San Francisco and parochial vicar at St. Mary’s Cathedral.

Mass cards and remembrances may be sent to Father Carl F. Schlichte, OP, pastor, Newman Center, 170 University St., Salt Lake City, Utah 84102-1814.

GRIEVING & HEALING Affordable solutions Cost and Services Choices Church | Cemetery | Cremation Service Mass ❘ Vigil ❘ Burial ❘ Cremation

Please visit our New website Visit

www.colmacremation.com www.colmacremation.com 7747 El Camino Real Colma, CA 94014 FD 1522

Linda McCausland, long-time teacher Linda McCausland, a first grade teacher in the Archdiocese of San Francisco for 40 years, died Oct. 6, after a four-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Ms. McCausland was a well loved and respected teacher who began her teaching career at St. Monica School in 1970. She taught there for seven years before moving to Holy Name School, where she taught first grade for 33 years.

For the past two years, in addition to teaching full-time, she served as viceprincipal at Holy Name School.

A native San Franciscan, Ms. McCausland attended St. Cecilia School and Mercy High School and graduated from the University of San Francisco. She was on the board at USF for six years and continued to be active in various events until her death.

Ms. McCausland traveled extensively

Funeral Services Directory

throughout the world and made friends everywhere she went. Her sense of joy, humor and adventure were infectious.

She was a voracious reader, and Holy Name was fortunate to recognize and honor her years of teaching and love of books by dedicating its brand new library to her. The Linda McCausland Library was unveiled and blessed by Holy Name pastor Father Arnold Zamora at the beginning of the school year.

A proud Irish American, she shared her heritage with her students through great stories and imaginative activities over the years.

A Memorial Mass and reception were held Oct. 15. The church was overflowing with those whose lives she has touched; old and new friends, parents, students and colleagues.

Memorial Buffet Menu $ 20.00 per person inclusive Our private rooms accommodate from 50 to 300 people.

For Advertising Information Please Call 415.614.5642 or Fax 415.614.5641

No room fee.

Ample free parking

920 Stonegate Drive, South San Francisco, CA 94080 Call Claudia…(650) 589-0729 Fax (650) 875-2790 www.california-catering-company.com

111 Industrial Road Suite 5 Belmont, CA 94002 FD 1923

650..757.1300 | fax 650.757.7901 | toll free 888.757.7888 | www.colmacremation.com

McAVOY O’HARA Co. SE RV IN G WIT H T R U S T A N D C O NFIDENC E S IN CE 1 8 5 0

E vergreen Mortu a r y 4545 GEARY B O ULE VARD a t T E N T H AV E N UE For information prearrangements, and assistance, call day or night (415) 668-0077 FD 523

“Here’s wishing happiness and wellbeing to all the families of the Archdiocese. If you ever need our guidance please call at any time. Sincerely, Paul Larson ~ President.”

The Peninsula’s Local Catholic Directors…

Chapel of the Highlands Funeral & Cremation Care Professionals

x Highly Recommended / Family Owned x Please call us at (650)

588-5116

El Camino Real at 194 Millwood Dr., Millbrae

www.chapelofthehighlands.com

CA License FD 915

The Catholic Cemeteries

◆

Archdiocese of San Francisco

www.holycrosscemeteries.com

HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC CEMETERY Intersection of Santa Cruz Avenue, Menlo Park, CA 94025 650-323-6375 PILARCITOS CEMETERY Hwy. 92 at Main St. Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 650-712-1676 A TRADITION

OF

HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC CEMETERY MT. OLIVET CATHOLIC CEMETERY 1500 Mission Road, 270 Los Ranchitos Road, Colma, CA 94014 San Rafael, CA 94903 650-756-2060 415-479-9020 ST. ANTHONY CEMETERY OUR LADY OF THE PILLAR CEMETERY Stage Road Miramontes St. Pescadero, CA 94060 Hald Moon Bay, CA 94019 650-712-1679 415-712-1679 F A I T H T H RO U G H O U T O U R L I V E S .

14

Catholic San Francisco

October 29, 2010

Catholic san Francisco Northern California’s Weekly Catholic Newspaper

The Gospel and the Internet If you’re a Catholic worker and your role requires you to communicate, how do you feel about new media? Do you blog, Tweet or use Facebook? Do you publish videos on YouTube? If so, to what end? If not, why not?

We invite you to share your experiences in using – or not using – new media in Catholic ministry. Write us a letter. Or, if you’re a Facebook user, make a comment on Catholic San Francisco’s Facebook page, where we have opened a “Gospel and the Internet” discussion board at http://on.fb.me/ccsYkT. For those who use Twitter, send us a direct message on twitter.com/catholic_sf, or pass along to your followers our tweet containing a link to this editorial.

The new media have grown to the point where it’s no longer possible for Catholics to ignore them. Our policy here at the archdiocesan paper is simple: no technology should be feared if it contributes to the mission, and none should be embraced if it does not.

For Catholic diocesan media, print or digital, the mission is universally and always the same: to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ, to document the power of the Holy Spirit in the here and now and to complement the other resources of the bishops to extend to all the invitation to the Eucharistic feast.

The test, in a word, is presence. Presence is uncomplicated with the printed word, which allows the sender and receiver of a message to share a physical, embodied reality in the form of newsprint. But with new media, Catholics are confronted with rootless, disembodied, fleeting and superficial means and are challenged to find ways to use them to bring about the presence of Christ in spite of the limitations and risks.

The Son of God, the Word incarnate, was handed down through the Bible – and the word remains the essential instrument of communication even in today’s image-driven society, Pope Benedict XVI told an international Church media congregation in Rome Oct. 7.

But the Word must flourish in the virtual world as well, Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, told the Mideast bishops’ synod at the Vatican Oct. 14.

He called for broad-based discipleship among clergy and laity so that technology may hold no barriers to spreading the Good News.

“It is not sufficient to build websites,” he said. “What is needed is a presence that is able to create authentic means of communication, that opens ‘places’ where people can gather to bear witness to their faith and to their respect for others. Obviously this does not mean ignoring personal encounter and physical community life. These are not alternative actions: they are both indispensable for extending God’s kingdom.”

– RDV

Bishop’s eulogy critique New York’s Muslim sends wrong message center would help Bishop Tobin’s article of Oct. 8, “Let’s interfaith relations bury the eulogies,” was both troubling and patronizing. He is implying that Catholics do not have the intelligence to plan eulogies that are in good taste. He does not seem to acknowledge that most of us have many family members who for good reasons have stopped actively participating in their faith.

Our main mission is supposed to be evangelizing through example. When a funeral is warm, accepting and in acknowledgement of the loss of an important family member, there is always the chance that they will reconsider investigating a return to their religious beliefs.

When a funeral is cold and impersonal, it causes further antagonism and a good chance that reconciliation will never happen.

It is time for the Church to acknowledge its failures in this area.

Patricia McEntee Fairfax

Let friends and family eulogize as they see fit

L E T T E R S

In a negative response to Bishop Tobin’s article about “burying the eulogies,” I would like to point out that Catholic funerals have been well admired for a long time by nonCatholics whose only experience of our liturgy is at funerals and weddings.

There is also the well-worn observation, “Live as a Protestant but get buried as a Catholic.” Bishop Tobin proposes doing away with the family and friends having a little space and time to say a few words about their deceased at the funeral Mass. He seemed embarrassed that he has experienced a few inappropriate and long expressions. I would say the inexperienced just embarrassed themselves. I have been embarrassed at times when I and everyone else have watched the bored presider thumb though the sacramentary while the family is being eulogized. Further, anyone who has been around the block knows that the “elite” – you know, the business and union leaders, the pols and academics and the bishops, cardinals and priests – will be praised to high heaven at their funeral Masses. My guess after reading Bishop Tobin’s op-ed is that he must just be targeting us commoners.

Ed Gleason San Francisco

Correcting the record on the city’s oldest church Let me respectfully correct some history stated in this excellent article (CSF, Oct. 1). St. Patrick’s was not the city’s first church after Mission Dolores. That honor belongs to St. Francis of Assisi in North Beach which was constructed in 1849 thanks to the commandant of the Presidio, who provided building materials and workers. It was consecrated in July of that year. At St. Francis the first ordination of a priest took place while Old Saint Mary’s, the original cathedral, was under construction.

Now the National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi, the landmark church still occupies its original site at the corner of Vallejo Street and Columbus Avenue. Visitors are welcome to visit the church and to view its historic photos.

Patricia Cady San Francisco

Letters welcome Catholic San Francisco welcomes letters from its readers.

Please send your letters to: Catholic San Francisco One Peter Yorke Way San Francisco, CA 94109 Fax: (415) 614-5641 E-mail: delvecchior@sfarchdiocese.org, include “Letters” in the subject line.

The controversy around the building of a Muslim community center in New York City has upset all of us. Many writers have erred by complaining that Muslims have not condemned terrorism. What these persons take from reports is invariably selective.

Imam Faisal Abdul Rauf, who is a driving force in building the center, has routinely denounced all terrorism. Thousands of Pakistanis are being killed fighting terrorism.

The soldiers we are training in Afghanistan and Iraq are Muslims wanting to protect their people from terrorists and extremists. We have incorrectly labeled those who attacked the United States on 9/11 as Muslims – they are extremists not representing any race, religion or nationality.

The efforts to stop the construction are based on fear, prejudice and ignorance. The Muslim structure at 51 Park in New York City will have a basketball court and a culinary school. Two floors will have a prayer room. Many of the floors will house movies and various performances etc.

It is like a Muslim YMCA. At an interfaith gathering, the Nobel Prize winner the Dalai Lama said he believes that Islam has been wrongly demonized in America. He said: “To some people the Muslim tradition appears different, more militant. I feel that is wrong. Muslims like any other of the major traditions have the same message, the same practices. That is a practice of compassion.”

A Jewish leader said: “The Muslim community is not saying enough of what makes their religion beautiful and compassionate.”

The Muslim structure at 51 Park in New York City is meant to confront terrorism, and it is intended to promote interfaith relations. The U.S. State Department should make much of it.

Lenny Barretto Daly City

Appreciation goes deeper than thanks

In Father Charles Puthota’s Scripture reflection (CSF, Oct. 8), the deeper meaning of the necessity of gratitude seems flummoxed in his message of “doing thanks.” With the utmost respect for Father Puthota’s insightful reflection, a degree of vagueness surfaces in terms of “doing thanks” as expressed in the article.

The notion of “doing thanks” may at best be perceived as mere cerebral thought – a state of mind alone – whereas a raised consciousness of expressing appreciation coupled with personal actions would appear more congruent with the Word of God. While gratitude is indeed often expressed in words, behaviors tend to reveal deeper intentions of personal values, mind and heart – the best representation of the Word of God. While the necessity of gratitude is a prominent point, I would offer the expression of appreciation for consideration as the salient message.

Tom Maloney Redwood City

Inspired by persistent widow’s cry for justice I always enjoy reading the Scripture reflections in CSF. With regard to the latest reflection by Father Bill Nicholas in the Oct. 15 issue, we may also consider the parable of the persistent widow and the unjust and corrupt judge from another angle. God just might be much more like the widow herself, the one whose pleadings seem to be falling on deaf ears. After all, we do believe in a God who is constantly communicating with us, his beloved children, striving to illuminate our minds and stir our hearts to live as he created us to live – to be loving, compassionate, merciful, generous people. And he doesn’t do this once in a while, or for some and not others. Rather, our God keeps askLETTERS, page 15

October 29, 2010

Catholic San Francisco

15 (CNS PHOTO/MOHAMAD TOROKMAN, REUTERS)

Guest Commentary

Crushed between Islam and Israel

By Sandro Magister ROME (www.chiesa.espressonline.it) – The special synod for the Middle East, which ended Oct. 24, shed light on a segment of the Christian world in dramatic movement.

The exodus of Christians from those lands is an important part of this movement. But it is not a new phenomenon. During the first half of the 20th century, the extermination and expulsion from Turkey of the Armenians, and then the Greeks, were of colossal proportions. Today the exodus continues from several places, and in different degrees: compared with the 12 million faithful of the ancient Eastern Churches who today live between Egypt and Iran, about 7 million live elsewhere.

For decades there have been more Armenians in the diaspora than in their native land. The Maronite Lebanese have dioceses for their emigrants in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Australia. The Syriac Orthodox have an eparchy in Sweden. The Iraqis have created a “Chaldean Town” in Detroit. Most of the Christian emigrants from Bethlehem are going to Chile.

At the same time, an inverse movement is under way.

On the Arabian Peninsula alone, according to statements at the synod from the two apostolic vicars of the region, Paul Hinder and Camillo Ballin, 3 million Catholics have already come from abroad seeking jobs. Most are from the Philippines and India.

The Arab countries of the Gulf “have a great need for manual labor,” said the Syro-Malabar Indian bishop Bosco Puthur, from whose region 430,000 people have departed. But what awaits these emigrants is very bitter, if measured according to religious and civil liberties.

The archbishop of Addis Ababa, Berhaneyesus

Demerew Souraphiel, said that the thousands of women who leave Ethiopia for the Middle East each year to work as maids, in order to obtain entry visas, change their Christian names to Muslim names and dress as Muslims. He said they are indirectly forced to renounce their roots and in any case go to meet a life of exploitation and abuse.

In describing the living conditions of Christians in Muslim countries in the Middle East, the bishops used understandably prudent words. With a few exceptions.

One of the most unvarnished was the representative in Jordan for the patriarchate of the Iraqi Chaldeans. He said that there is “a deliberate campaign to drive out the Christians” by extremist groups in Iraq and throughout the Middle East.

The Iranian Thomas Meram, archbishop of Urmya of the Chaldeans, did not hesitate to quote the psalm of David: “For you we are massacred every day.” He continued: “Every day Christians hear it said, from the loudspeakers, from the television, from the newspapers, that they are infidels, and for this reason they are treated as second-class citizens.”

This was entirely the opposite of what was asserted at the assembly that same day, Oct. 14, by Iranian ayatollah Seyed Mostafa Mohaghegh Ahmadabadi, a guest of the synod. He said that in many Islamic countries, above all in Iran, the Christians live in peace with their Muslim brothers and enjoy legal and religious freedom.

But the synod was more than a simple recognition of the living conditions of Christians in the Middle East.

From the debate there emerged critical judgments on the Catholic Church in those countries, and proposals for change. A first critical judgment concerns the lack of unity in the Mideast Church.

The tower of a church and the minaret of a nearby mosque are seen in the West Bank city of Ramallah Oct. 6.

The five great traditions on which it draws – Alexandrian, Antiochian, Armenian, Chaldean, Byzantine – and the even more numerous rites in which it is structured, often produce division, misunderstandings and isolation, instead of mutual enrichment. “An ethnic and nationalist Church is against the work of the Holy Spirit,” warned the Chaldean Iranian archbishop of Tehran, Ramzi Garmou.

And he had reasons to say so. The Coptic Egyptian bishop of Assiut, Kyrillos William, lashed out in the assembly against his Latin rite confreres, because, by also celebrating their liturgies in Arabic, “they attract our faithful and separate them from our Church.”

The Greek-Melkite bishop of Australia, Issam John Darwich, complained about the “growing intolerance among the Eastern Catholic Churches.” And he gave the example of “the sad situation of Lebanon, where every Church seems interested in obtaining political benefits for itself, and more than the other Churches.”

Lebanon is indeed a country in which Christians enjoy more freedoms than in other countries of the Middle East, but it was also described this way at the synod by one of its Greek-Melkite bishops, Georges Nicholas Haddad: “Freedom of religion and of conscience remains the GUEST COMMENTARY, page 20

The death penalty: replace retribution with the mercy of Christ

Letters . . .

■ Continued from page 14 ing, keeps inviting, in a sense keeps pleading with us to open ourselves to his will for us and for the world, to embrace the new life he won for us. We may often talk to God, but we should never forget that it is God who speaks first (and perfectly through his Son). And, as you’ve probably figured out, that means that sometimes, whether we’d like to admit it or not, we’re like the judge in the story, the one who does his best to turn a deaf ear to the just pleadings of the widow. We’re often the ones not very interested, somewhat uncaring, oblivious to the voice of God in our lives.

And does God give up on us? Does he lose heart, or get too tired from trying, or become so frustrated that he chooses to be silent? Not a chance. No, God will persist for as long as it takes. He knows that the very best thing is for us to strive to live out all he is asking of us. If only we could believe that, embrace that and accept that.

Father Paul M. Zirimenya St. Benedict Parish for the Deaf

on the death certificate IS homicide. State-sanctioned or not– homicide is antithetical to Church teaching that all life is sacred, from conception to natural death. Tell me what is natural about execution.

According to statistics of the Death Penalty Information Center, since 1976, when the Supreme Court allowed the resumption of executions, over 130 individuals on death rows across the country have been released, not on technicalities, but because of actual, proven innocence. How many innocent people should be acceptable sacrifices for killing the guilty?

The death penalty is administered arbitrarily. Charged in one county, you’ll get death. Charged the next county over, you’ll get life. It has nothing to do with the worst of the worst. It has to do with the poorest, with people of color, with people who kill whites, with people who were with the wrong people at the wrong place at the wrong time. You don’t have to shoot the gun or plunge the knife to get the death penalty. Teresa Lewis, with an IQ of 72, was put to death Sept. 23 in Virginia for arranging the murder of her husband. The two actual murderers, one her lover and the actual instigator of the crime, and his accomplice, received life sentences.

On lethal injection: God’s justice is not human justice I look forward to the letters in Catholic San Francisco every Saturday for Sunday morning meditation time. Each week it is a banquet – and always served cafeteria style. Sometimes I end up with indigestion. As a Christian, killing any one of God’s created children by lethal injection is wrong. Sending drones to kill suspected terrorists, thereby also killing more of God’s children– indeed some of them children and their mothers – has also been proscribed by Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI. But lethal injection as an instrument of justice is on the menu in a letter to the editor and touted as serving human justice. Yes it is human to kill but God’s justice is not human justice and His ways are not our ways. May our eyes be opened, dear Lord, as you abide with us and our cafeterias “until You come in glory.”

Mary Margaret Flynn San Carlos

The American Law Institute, an organization of 4,000 judges and lawyers, developed the Model Penal Code, on which our federal and many state penal codes are based. Last year, after reviewing the application of the death penalty across the country since 1976, members of the ALI voted overwhelmingly to remove the section on how to apply the death penalty from their model code. Their conclusion, which led to the vote, states, “The foregoing review of the unsuccessful efforts to constitutionally regulate the death penalty, the difficulties that continue to undermine its administration, and the structural and institutional obstacles to curing those ills forms the basis of our recommendation to the Institute...these conditions strongly suggest that the Institute recognize that the preconditions for an adequately administered regime of capital punishment do not currently exist and cannot reasonably be expected to be achieved.” In other words, the death penalty is broken and there is no way to fix it. Time to replace retribution with the love and mercy of Christ and choose life, not death.

Susan Swope Redwood City

This newspaper is “a living Bible”

Bethlehem sister’s “wonderful” work

I agree with Father Piers Lahey, (CSF, Oct. 8, “The Tears streamed down, and I let them flow”) and disagree with the recent writer that the CSF picture of crying St. Cecilia students is a “plain photo op.” CSF is like a living Bible to me. Unlike the local newspapers, CSF always features the “Good News.”

Rose M. Jardin San Bruno

I’d like to thank you for the article “Eastern Catholics ask synod for respect” (CSF, Oct. 15.) We love the photo of (Daughter of Charity) Sister Sophie Boueri of Bethlehem, We s t B a n k .

She is director of the Creche children’s home and orphanage. Sister Sophie is like the Sisters of Sister Sophie Boueri Mother Teresa of Calcutta in Palestine! She has been helping and rescuing children for many years. She is wonderful. For the past 10 years we have been visiting her with a little help like toys, baby clothes and money.

Isadore and Helene Rosenthal San Francisco

Remember the miracle of the sun It seems everywhere we turn we are surrounded by disaster or calamity of one sort or another. These are obviously interesting times if not warning signs from heaven. We just don’t seem to act until we are literally shaken.

We must remember and follow the message of Fatima before it is too late. The miracle of the sun is a miracle but it is also a warning.

God could easily chastise us by fire of the sun.

Virginia Enrico South San Francisco

(CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING)

How do you show that killing people is wrong by killing people? You don’t.

When I was young, I was all for the death penalty.

In fact, I thought hanging, the electric chair, the gas chamber, were all too easy on the monsters who had killed another human being. Today, I am unequivocally against the death penalty. True, it is the law of the state of California – our state, unfortunately. Most of the first-tier countries in the world, as well as many U.S. states, have done away with the death penalty or are moving in that direction.

Our Catholic Catechism tells us we may kill if it is the only way to protect ourselves from an unjust aggressor. Before we had high-security prisons, often that was the only way a society could protect itself.

Executions were not retributive, but for self-protection.

Today, in the civilized world, those circumstances are rare, if not nonexistent.

When California executes someone, it executes in our name. It involves us all in homicide. Note that homicide (the killing of a human being) is NOT synonymous with murder (unlawfully killing someone). When the state executes a human being, the cause of death entered

16

Catholic San Francisco

A READING FROM THE BOOK OF WISDOM WIS 11:22-12:2 Before the Lord the whole universe is as a grain from a balance or a drop of morning dew come down upon the earth. But you have mercy on all, because you can do all things; and you overlook people’s sins that they may repent. For you love all things that are and loathe nothing that you have made; for what you hated, you would not have fashioned. And how could a thing remain, unless you willed it; or be preserved, had it not been called forth by you? But you spare all things, because they are yours, O Lord and lover of souls, for your imperishable spirit is in all things! Therefore you rebuke offenders little by little, warn them and remind them of the sins they are committing, that they may abandon their wickedness and believe in you, O Lord!

RESPONSORIAL PSALM PS 145:1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13, 14 R. I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God. I will extol you, O my God and King, and I will bless your name forever and ever.

Every day will I bless you, and I will praise your name forever and ever.

R. I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.

October 29, 2010

Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time Wisdom 11:22-12:2; Psalm 145:1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13, 14; 2 Thessalonians 1:11-2:2; Luke 19:1-10 The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness.

The Lord is good to all and compassionate toward all his works.

R. I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God. Let all your works give you thanks, O Lord, and let your faithful ones bless you.

Let them discourse of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might.

R. I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God. The Lord is faithful in all his words and holy in all his works.

The Lord lifts up all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.

R. I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God. A READING FROM THE SECOND LETTER OF PAUL TO THE THESSALONIANS 2 THES 1:11-2:2 Brothers and sisters: We always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and powerfully bring to fulfillment every good purpose and every effort of faith, that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, in accord with the grace of our God and Lord Jesus Christ. We ask you, brothers and sisters, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our assembling with him, not to be shaken out of

E

ucharist is the sacrament of reciprocity, of invitation and glad acceptance.

The tone of Luke’s story about Zacchaeus is happy, humorous and brimming with good feeling. The first reading contributes to this mood by reminding us of God’s magnanimous presence, and how God is present in all creation: “But you spare all things, because they are yours, O Lord and lover of souls, for your imperishable spirit is in all things.” The psalm corrects a fearful, cringing attitude toward God, and reminds us that the greatest truth about God is this: “The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness. The Lord is good to all and compassionate toward all his works.”

Paul counsels the Thessalonians not to fear the end of the world, but to be confident in the fact that God is working through our human plans and struggling faith – that what we hope for is inseparable from God’s action and grace in us.

These hopeful, rather than corrective, themes set the tone for the Gospel about Zacchaeus.

What’s so different about Zacchaeus when compared with other people in the Gospels? For one thing, Zacchaeus has a name. He’s not “the man who climbed a tree.” Curiously, he is not instructed by a parable, corrected in his attitude, forgiven of sin, or healed of blindness or paralysis. He is not summoned to be a disciple. He doesn’t argue with Jesus, pose a question, criticize him or plot against him. Jesus tells him to “Come down,” when he typically invites people to “get up,” or “pick up your mat and walk.” Zacchaeus, noted for his shortness of stature, strikes me as a Danny DeVito figure, but perhaps thinner and more agile. Despite being a rich man, able to enjoy as much food as he wishes, he has kept himself athletic and fit. He runs ahead of the crowd,

Scripture reflection SISTER ELOISE ROSENBLATT

The gift of hospitality climbs a sycamore tree, and when Jesus says, “Come down quickly,” he doesn’t lose his breath from the exertion. Immediately he launches into a conversation with Jesus.

What is the impulse that makes him want to see who Jesus is? Has he heard about Jesus’ reputation? Does Jesus know who this man is, that Zacchaeus is anxious for an introduction, and eager to offer him hospitality? I don’t understand how Jesus would address Zacchaeus by name and invite himself – and likely his disciples – to be the tree-climber’s houseguests if Jesus didn’t already know him and his offer of hospitality. When Jesus says, “Come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house,” it’s as though he is responding to an offer Zacchaeus has already extended. And this must also mean that Zacchaeus maintains a household large enough to receive last-minute guests.

Is his wife at the ready, willing to accommodate

and honor last-minute invitees of her husband?

The point is that Zacchaeus maintains the conditions needed to offer hospitality. His household was in order and provisions are on hand. This is the embodiment of the church itself – ready to offer hospitality to pilgrims who know they can find welcome and rest along their life’s journey. It is a standing invitation.

For Luke, Zacchaeus embodies the generosity of the early Christian community toward those who passed along the way, welcoming them as though they were Christ himself.

Zacchaeus was a toll collector at Jericho, a bustling city at a commercial crossroads in the time of Jesus, in contrast to the city’s sleepy character today. His collection of tolls made possible the upkeep of nearby roads, stopping places for travelers and maintenance of public works. He had what would have been a government job under Roman administration, far more

your minds suddenly, or to be alarmed either by a spirit, or by an oral statement, or by a letter allegedly from us to the effect that the day of the Lord is at hand.

A READING FROM THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO LUKE LK 19:1-10 At that time, Jesus came to Jericho and intended to pass through the town. Now a man there named Zacchaeus, who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man, was seeking to see who Jesus was; but he could not see him because of the crowd, for he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, who was about to pass that way. When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said, Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house. And he came down quickly and received him with joy. When they all saw this, they began to grumble, saying, He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner. But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over.

And Jesus said to him, Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost. secure than the job of a day laborer, a fisherman, a tradesman who transported goods from one city to another, or the owner of a small business.

Maybe he was resented for his skill and good management, and called a sinner because his situation was economically better off than that of his neighbors.

It is noteworthy that Zacchaeus doesn’t say, “I am not worthy that you should enter my house.” Just the opposite. He justifies himself and announces why Jesus should be honored to be his guest. He announces to everyone that he is an upright man, not a sinner. He stands tall in his boots. Despite the bad-mouthing he suffers, and the mischaracterization of his business conduct by his critics, he defends himself.

He defends his reputation. He is generous and honest in his business dealings. He lets everyone know he is worthy of the company of Jesus.

I wonder what bond it was that Zacchaeus felt with Jesus or why Jesus was ready to stay at the house of this man his neighbors dismissed as a sinner? Jesus himself knew what it felt like to be dismissed and ridiculed as a Nazarene, his healings mischaracterized as the exercise of demonic power rather than evidence of divine mercy, and his pastoral teaching criticized as heresy. Was it empathy, the realization that each had experienced what the other suffered?

When Jesus says, “Today I must stay at your house,” it is also the invitation to the hearer to welcome him as one who understands the myriad forms of human suffering, and chose to share our lot. This is part of the mystery and consolation of the Eucharist.

Eloise Rosenblatt, RSM, Ph.D., is a Sister of Mercy and an attorney at law.

Spirituality for Today

An encouraging reply to a letter of distress

By Father John Catoir I received the following letter from the sister of an atheist. She wrote: “Dear Father: “I used to be a daily communicant, but now I feel uncomfortable going to Mass and receiving Holy Communion. I wonder about the truths of our faith. My brother, who used to be a priest, lost his faith. He believes that we are here now and gone forever when we die. He considers himself an atheist and insists that the truth of evolution teaches us that the Adam-Eve story is a myth. Therefore there was no original sin, and without that, we don’t need to be saved, consequently Jesus isn’t a divine savior.

“I used to pray all the time to the angels and saints and for the deceased. Now, I no longer do.

“I miss believing. Needless to say, I am very sad now.

“I didn’t know who else to share these thoughts with. My brother says that the church is very rich in rituals, but what I learned as a child from the church isn’t really true.

“Please help me!”

My dear sister in Christ:

Think about these words of Jesus: “By their fruits you will know them” (Mt 7:16).

Your brother has been producing bad fruit ever since he lost his faith. The joy of believing in a loving God is no longer on his radar screen and it all started with his learning that the Adam and Eve story never happened.

The Adam and Eve story may not square logically with the theory of evolution, but it teaches a religious truth nevertheless; namely, that there is a creator; and we are his creatures. We owe him our respect and obedience.

The story is not a lie. It is more properly called a myth.

It is important to know that a myth is like a parable. It has one function; namely, to teach a religious truth.

You might as well call the parable of the Good Samaritan a myth because there is no historical evidence that it ever happened.

However, it is certainly not a lie. Jesus used this parable to explain the truth that we are to care about our neighbor.

Jesus also said, “Stay awake.” He wants you to resist that spirit of hopelessness your brother has introduced into your life.

Hopelessness is nothing more than a tragic form of self-sabotage.

Your brother’s exultation of logic over intuition has deprived

him of the power to accept mystery. His absolute rejection of the truths of faith because they can’t be tested under a microscope is pure folly.

There is a God, whether he believes in him or not.

This blind fidelity to logic, which requires empirical evidence for everything we believe in, is causing thousands of people to leave the church. Too many skeptics have already died as hopeless victims of their unchallenged doubts.

You say you are sad now, whereas before you were happy.

Please don’t carry this doubt too far. It is crippling your mental health!

Your brother needs a greater degree of tolerance for mystery.

He also needs a big dose of humility.

We can’t know all that we want to know through logic. That kind of nonsense leads to a profound skepticism.

There are many mysteries that we do understand through faith, namely, that God is love, that Jesus is his divine son, that there is a heaven and that we are all called to live joyfully because of the knowledge of God’s love.

Blessings always, Father John Catoir

October 29, 2010

Electoral panel sees growing divide in worldviews of Catholic constituencies

By Nancy Frazier O’Brien WASHINGTON (CNS) – As in other recent election years, Catholic voting behavior is likely to resemble the voting of the population at large, but there is a growing divide in the political worldviews of various Catholic constituencies.

That was the conclusion reached by a panel of pollsters and academics convened by the Institute for Policy Research and Catholic Studies at The Catholic University of America, which found increasing divergence in the views of older and younger voters and Hispanic and white Catholics.

ELECTION 2010: Vote Nov. 2 Introducing the Oct. 13 session at the National Press Club, John H. Garvey, the new president of Catholic University, said political pundits have predicted time and again that “the role of religion in public policy is changing or diminishing.” But, he said, “religion and religious issues are still critical.”

Up for grabs this year are all 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, 37 seats in the U.S. Senate, 37 governorships and the seats in 88 chambers of state legislatures – 42 states have two chambers, and four are onechamber states.

Voters in the 2010 midterm election – across all religious groups and even among those not affiliated with any religion – are showing significantly less support for Democratic candidates than they did in 2008 for President Barack Obama, said Robert P. Jones, CEO and founder of Public Religion Research Institute.

Using data from the American Values Survey conducted in early September, about two months before the Nov. 2 election, Jones found an 8 percent decline in Democratic support among both white Catholic voters and white mainline Protestant voters. Among unaffiliated voters, the decrease was 11 percent.

Gregory A. Smith, a senior researcher with the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, found an even greater differential between the vote in 2008 and the stated intentions of Catholic registered voters in 2010, using data gathered by his organization in late August and early September.

A majority of Catholics voted for Obama in 2008, except for the subgroup of white Catholics who attend Mass more than once a week, according to Pew statistics. But in the latest Pew polling, Smith said, 50 percent of white Catholics said they would support Republican candidates this year, with 39 percent stating support for the Democratic candidate and 11 percent undecided.

Among white Catholics who attend Mass weekly, 53 percent said they supported the GOP candidate, while 37 percent backed the Democrat, he said.

The margin of error for both the Pew and Public Religion surveys was plus or minus 2 percentage points, although it was larger for some subgroups.

A shift away from the party in power is not unusual, said Matthew Green, assistant professor of politics at Catholic University and a fellow at the institute.

“The presidential party almost always does badly in the midterm elections,” he said, citing an average loss of 30 House seats and three Senate seats for the party that holds the presidency.

The issues that brought voters out earlier in the 2000s are no longer motivating them.

Asked in the American Values Survey what issues they considered important, registered voters put the economy, jobs and terrorism at the top, as did Catholic registered voters.

But two issues that had dominated political discussions in 2004 – abortion and same-sex marriage – were at the bottom of the list, with only 43 percent of both Catholics and all voters naming abortion as an important issue.

Less than a third (31 percent) of registered voters and less than a quarter (23 percent) of Catholic voters said same-sex marriage was an important issue in the 2010 electoral cycle.

But looking at Catholic voters as a body can give the false impression of unanimity, Smith said, adding that “it’s a misnomer to say that there is a single Catholic vote.”

On such issues as the role of government, equal opportunity and whether the United States is or was a Christian nation, there were significant differences in opinion between white and Hispanic Catholics: – Asked whether “government has become bigger because it has gotten involved in things that people should do for themselves” or

California propositions California Catholic Conference guidance on the nine propositions on the Nov. 2 state ballot can be viewed at www. cacatholic.org/index.php/take-action/ election.html. Here are excerpts, in light of Church teaching, concerning three of the most-watched measures: Proposition 19 – Legalizes marijuana under state law The California bishops have serious moral and practical concerns about the measure and urge voters to read the full text of Father Gerald Coleman’s essay “Morality and Marijuana,” which was published in Catholic San Francisco last May. Read the essay at http://catholic-sf. org/printer_friendly.php?id=57183.

Father Coleman writes: “Voters should be wary of economics as the primary factor... morality cannot be divorced from this debate...life and physical health are precious gifts entrusted to us by God, and we must take reasonable care of them.”

Oakland Bishop Salvatore Cordileone, in a separate reflection on the proposition, writes: “As tempting as it is during this recessionary time to decide every issue on the basis of its projected economic impact, we have to realize that there are higher principles which must guide our conscience.” Read Bishop Cordileone’s reflection at www.cacatholic.org/index. php/take-action/election/931-cordileoneprop-19.html.

Proposition 23 – Suspends implementation of air pollution control law AB 32 until unemployment drops to 5.5 percent or less for a full year Relevant Church teaching concerns “care for God’s creation,” keeping in mind that mankind is also God’s creation, and stewardship, realizing that we deal with limited financial resources. The bishops’ conference has a complete analysis of the measure at www.cacatholic.org/index.php/take-action/ election/915-prop-23-detail.html.

In addition, Stockton Bishop Stephen Blaire asks voters to consider stewardship of creation. Read his essay at www. cacatholic.org/index.php/take-action/ election/924-blaire-stmt.html.

Proposition 25 – Changes legislative vote requirement to pass budget and budget-related legislation from twothirds to a simple majority. Retains two-thirds vote requirement for taxes “Economic Justice for All,” a 1986 U.S. bishops’ pastoral letter on social justice and the economy, states: “It is the responsibility of all citizens, acting through their government, to assist and empower the poor, the disadvantaged, the handicapped, and the unemployed...Government may levy the taxes necessary to meet these responsibilities, and citizens have a moral obligation to pay those taxes.” Read the full letter at www. osjspm.org/economic_justice_for_all.aspx.

What’s Important Catholic registered voters and all registered voters have similar opinions when ranking political issues of importance.

Those who say issue is very important in 2010 election ALL VOTERS

CATHOLIC VOTERS

Economy

90%

92%

Health care

78%

76%

Terrorism

71%

72%

Immigration

58%

60%

Abortion

43%

43%

Same-sex marriage

31%

23%

Source: Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life

©2010 CNS

because “the problems we face have become bigger,” 62 percent of white Catholics said it was because government was involved in things people should do for themselves. Hispanic Catholics were evenly split on the question, with 48 percent agreeing with each statement.

– Asked if it was “not really that big a problem if some people have more of a chance in life than others” or if “one of the big problems in this country is that we don’t give everyone an equal chance in life,” only 48 percent of white Catholics said it was a big problem, compared to 67 percent of Hispanic Catholics.

– On whether America is a Christian nation, respondents were asked to choose one of three possible responses: America “has always been and is currently a Christian nation,” it “has been a Christian nation in the past but it is not now” or it “has never been a Christian nation.”

While 57 percent of white Catholics said America was and is now a Christian nation, only 43 percent of Hispanic Catholics gave that response. Twelve percent of white Catholics and nearly one in five (19 percent) Hispanic Catholics said America has never been a Christian nation.

A similar divergence exists between old and young respondents, although Jones did not break the results down by religion. Younger Americans were about half as likely as older Americans (26 percent to 53 percent) to say that America was and always has been a Christian nation.

Catholic San Francisco

17

Catholics’ political life: the view from the Vatican The following excerpt is from the Vatican’s 2002 doctrinal note on Catholics’ participation in political life. It was directed to the bishops and, in particular, to Catholic politicians and all lay members of the faithful called to participate in the political life of democratic societies.

The Church’s magisterium does not wish to exercise political power or eliminate the freedom of opinion of Catholics regarding contingent questions. Instead, it intends to instruct and illuminate the consciences of the faithful, particularly those involved in political life, so that their actions may always serve the integral promotion of the human person and the common good.

The social doctrine of the Church is not an intrusion into the government of individual countries. It is a question of the lay Catholic’s duty to be morally coherent, found within one’s conscience, which is one and indivisible.

There cannot be two parallel lives in their existence: on the one hand, the so-called “spiritual life,” with its values and demands; and on the other, the so-called “secular” life. The branch, engrafted to the vine which is Christ, bears its fruit in every sphere of existence and activity. Every area of the lay faithful’s lives, as different as they are, enters into the plan of God, who desires that these very areas be the “places in time” where the love of Christ is revealed.

Every activity, every situation, every precise responsibility – as, for example, skill and solidarity in work, love and dedication in the family and the education of children, service to society and public life and the promotion of truth in the area of culture – are the occasions ordained by providence for a “continuous exercise of faith, hope and charity.”

From Bank of America to Old St. Mary's: A short walk in a long journey

Before becoming a priest, Father Terry Ryan worked in a stock brokerage firm in the Bank of America building in San Francisco, and attended daily Mass at Old Saint Mary's just up the street. In 1972 he joined the Paulists, and never looked back. He'll tell us his story and talk about how it applies to our lives as Catholic professionals.

Fr. Terry has worked in parishes and campus ministry, and currently travels nationwide offering workshops, missions, retreats and reflections on the Contemplative Experience.

WHEN: Wednesday, November 10, 7am to 8:30am (Mass at 7am) WHERE: Palio D'Asti Restaurant, 640 Sacramento at Montgomery, SF COST: $20 per members, $30 for non-members (become a member for $45) Includes a delicious breakfast, coffee, and juice RESERVATIONS: Mail your contact information & a check payable to “CPBC-ADSF” to: CPBC, Attn: John Norris, 1 Peter Yorke Way, SF, CA 94109 or pay at the door.

UPCOMING: December 9, 2010: Annual Christmas party at the Elks Club!

www.cpbc-sf.org

18

Catholic San Francisco

October 29, 2010

Fall drama roundup: light comedies dominate the high school stage

By Valerie Schmalz The gloomy economy definitely influenced high school drama directors’ choices of light-hearted comedies from the depths of the Great Depression as well as perennial theatre pieces that are never a mistake.

Junipero Serra, Mercy Burlingame and Notre Dame Belmont high schools team as Tri-School Productions to stage “The Philadelphia Story,” the story of a stylish socialite whose wedding plans are complicated by the simultaneous arrival of her exhusband and an attractive journalist.

Elsewhere in the Archdiocese of San Francisco, the students of Stuart Hall High School and Convent of the Sacred Heart are staging “Arden City,” playwright Timberlake Wertenbaker’s kick-boxing urban version of Shakespeare’s comedy, “As You Like It.” Student actors will bookend the contemporary scenes with classic Shakespeare, said director Pamela Rickard.

Following the romantic comedy thread, “The Wedding Singer” is Sacred Heart Preparatory in Atherton’s show this fall. This comedy is set in 1985 and centers on nuptials with a wedding singer who was dumped at his own wedding – and now is smitten with a waitress who is about to get married herself.

From the late Victorian era, St. Ignatius College Preparatory presents Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest,” while Woodside Priory is presenting Mathew Francis’ adaptation of “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”

Seventh grader Graham Hughes plays Huck Finn in the mixed high school and middle school production. The Woodside Priory middle school student said the set is “amazing.” Huck’s ingenuity and aversion to authority make it a fun part to play, Hughes said. “Huckleberry Finn, in my opinion, is a model American teenager,” said Hughes.

“He is resourceful, kind, and yet still rebellious and keen to ask questions.” “‘Earnest,’” St. Ignatius director Ted Curry said, “is a wonderful comedy that also gives the students a chance to work on a period piece.”

Staying with 19th century Irish playwrights, St. Ignatius will present “My Fair Lady” as its spring musical, a musical based on George Bernard Shaw’s “Pygmalion,” Curry said.

Archbishop Riordan High School is staging the 1937 Pulitzer Prize-winning “You Can’t Take It With You,” a tale of crazy families and haves and have-nots in the

Great Depression. “Although the play is 74 years old the themes are timeless, and so it is a good show to present especially in these economically turbulent times,” said Valerie O’Riordan, drama director at the Catholic boys’ high school.

Another comedy about a family with some issues is “The Clean House” staged

by San Domenico School and nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in 2004. The play revolves around a highly controlled woman who hires a cleaning woman who hates to clean – and it goes on as several members of the family are not what they seem, said director Beth Kellermann at the girls’ school. “This is a funny, sometimes poignant story of love, life, stand-up comedy, and the true meaning of ‘clean house,’” said Kellermann.

At Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory in San Francisco, “Scapino!” is inspired

by Moliere’s “Les Fourberies de Scapin,” said director Francine Torres-Kelly. Set in 1950’s Naples, the show weaves music and slapstick comedy. “Star-crossed lovers, long lost siblings, grumpy fathers, a gypsy, singing waitresses, and a rakish con man make for a fast-paced and fun evening of theatre,” the director said.

Rounding out the high school drama offerings are a comedic drama that Marin Catholic High School students and director are very excited about and Mercy High School San Francisco’s “Dead Man Walking,” a somber look at the death penalty. As a young nun, Sister Helen faces the needs of a crime-ridden society with the Christian imperative of love, and Mercy senior Marquis Lao who plays a lawyer says, “Dead Man Walking addresses issues about the death penalty shown through Sister Helen Prejean’s experiences.” Sister Prejean will attend opening night Nov. 5 and will have a “talk-back” with the audience.

Marin Catholic’s “John Lennon and Me,” directed by Robyn Menzel, addresses a serious topic with humor – life at a long-term care hospital for sick children and teens. The story centers on Star, a 14-year-old Heart House resident not expected to live past 25.

Junior Kristina Ho who plays Star, says, “She has the biggest spirit that anyone could ever have. Star inspires me to live more, think more, and most of all – love more.”

“This play not only shows how difficult it can be to live with an illness of some kind, but it also shows the struggles they go through socially,” said Dylan Froom, who plays another patient. “You really feel like you become friends with the characters after a while and are cheering them on.”

Bruno Geoly and Graham Hughes star in Woodside Priory’s staging of “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”

The cast of Marin Catholic’s “John Lennon and Me.” The play addresses a serious topic with humor – life at a long-term care hospital for sick children and teens.

Catholic high schools’ fall drama schedule Production: “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” adapted by Mathew Francis High School: Woodside Priory School Location: Rothrock Performance Hall, Woodside Priory School, 302 Portola Rd., Portola Valley When: Nov. 18, 19 at 7 p.m.; Nov. 20 at 1 and 7 p.m.

Tickets: $5 students; $12 adults Production: “Arden City” High School: Convent & Stuart Hall High Schools Location: Syufy Theatre, 2222 Broadway, San Francisco When: Nov. 18, 19 at 7 p.m.; Nov. 20 at 2 p.m.

Tickets: $7 adults; $5 students, children Production: “The Clean House” High School: San Domenico School Location: Dominican Hall at San Domenico School, 1500 Butterfield Rd., San Anselmo When: Nov. 18, 19, 20 at at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $10 adults; $5 students, seniors. Available at the door.

Production: “Dead Man Walking” High School: Mercy San Francisco Location: Mercy High School, 3250 19th Ave. When: Nov. 5 at 7:30 p.m. Red Carpet Reception; Nov. 6, 12, 13 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $10 adult; $8 students; $12 Red Carpet Reception Info: (415) 334-7941; events@mercyhs.org Production: “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde High School: St. Ignatius College Preparatory Location: The Wiegand Theatre, St. Ignatius, 2001 37th Ave., San Francisco When: Nov. 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 18, 20 at 7 p.m.; Nov. 12 at 2 p.m.

Tickets: $10 at SI or $11.50 online at siprep.org.

Production: “John Lennon and Me” High School: Marin Catholic High School Location: Poetz Theatre, Marin Catholic High School, 675 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Kentfield When: Nov. 18, 19, 20 at 7 p.m.; Nov. 21 at 2 p.m.

Tickets: $10 adults; $8 students, seniors, children, military Info: (415) 464-3855. Tickets at Marin Catholic bookstore and at the door.

Production: “The Philadelphia Story” High School: Tri-School Productions (Mercy-Burlingame, Notre Dame-Belmont, Junipero Serra High Schools) Location: Gellert Auditorium, Serra High, 451 W. 20th Ave., San Mateo When: Oct. 29, 30, Nov. 5, 6 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $12 adults; $8 students, seniors Info: (650) 345-8207 ext. 560, or visit www.serrahs.com Production: “Scapino!”

High School: Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory Location: Sr. Caroline Collins Theatre, SHCP, 1100 Ellis St., San Francisco When: Nov. 11, 12, 13 and 18, 19, 20 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $7 students; $12 adults

Appearing in Tri-School Productions’ staging of “The Philadelphia Story” are Barbara Del Castello ’11, Mercy Burlingame and James Giusti ’11, Junipero Serra High School.

“Scapino,” Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep’s fall stage offering, weaves music and slapstick in a tale, set in 1950s Naples, of “star-crossed lovers, long lost siblings, grumpy fathers, a gypsy, singing waitresses, and a rakish con man.”

Production: “The Wedding Singer” High School: Sacred Heart Preparatory, Atherton Location: Campbell Center for Performing Arts, 150 Valparaiso Ave., Atherton When: Oct. 29, 30, Nov. 5, 6 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $10 adults; $5 students Production: “You Can’t Take It With You” High School: Archbishop Riordan High School Location: Lindland Theater, 175 Phelan Ave., San Francisco When: Nov. 12, 13, 19, 20 at 8 p.m.; Nov. 21 at 2 p.m.

Tickets: $8 adults; $5 students, seniors Info: voriordan@riordanhs.org or (415) 587-5866

October 29, 2010

Pope Mideast . . .

God and that God’s promises to the Jewish people, beginning with Abraham, are still valid.

However, they said, “recourse to theological and biblical positions which use the word of God to wrongly justify injustices is not acceptable. On the contrary, recourse to religion must lead every person to see the face of God in others.�

Addressing the media Oct. 23, Melkite Bishop Cyrille S. Bustros of Newton, Mass., said, “For Melkite Bishop us Christians, you can no Cyrille S. Bustros longer speak of a land promised to the Jewish people,� because Christ’s coming into the world demonstrated that God’s chosen people are all men and women and that their promised land would be the kingdom of God established throughout the world. “One cannot use the theme of the Promised Land to justify the return of Jews to Israel and the expatriation of Palestinians,� Bishop Bustros said.

(CNS PHOTO/PIOTR SPALEK, CATHOLIC PRESS PHOTO)

â– Continued from cover

Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon responded swiftly, saying the Vatican should distance itself from what the bishop said and that the remarks should not be allowed to jeopardize their relations.

The remarks “are a libel against the Jewish people and the state of Israel and should not be construed as the Vatican’s official position,� Ayalon said. He charged that the synod had been “hijacked by an anti-Israeli majority.�

Speaking to Catholic News Service Oct. 25, Mordechay Lewy, Israel’s ambassador to the Vatican, called Bishop Bustros’ comments “outrageous� and said “the Vatican should take a clear distance from them because it will give every Jew a reason to be suspicious of rapprochement with the Catholic Church.�

Synod members affirmed their commitment to efforts to promote full Christian unity and promised to strengthen cooperation with other Christian churches in the region because “we share the same journey� and unity is necessary for effectively sharing the Gospel.

The propositions called for creation of a “commission of cooperation� between church leaders of different rites, the sharing of material resources and establishment of a program to share priests.

Maronite Archbishop Joseph Soueif of Cyprus told reporters, “The synod is not a medical prescription or a cure� for the problems Christians face in the Middle East, “it’s a journey that is just beginning� and will have to be implemented by the region’s Catholics.

Read the pope’s homily at the synod’s closing liturgy and synod members’ 44 recommendations to the paper, on catholic-sf.org.

2011 HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGES May 28-June 8 & September 17-28

Join Franciscan

■Continued from page 5 Cardinal-designate Burke, 62, is prefect of the Vatican’s highest tribunal, the Supreme Court of the Apostolic Signature. While the court’s work is generally secret, he has been one of the most outspoken U.S. bishops on moral issues – especially abortion and same-sex marriage.

The Democratic Party “risks transforming itself definitively into a ‘party of death,’� Cardinal-designate Burke, a former archbishop of St. Louis. said before the 2008 presidential election. In 2004, he was the first U.S. bishop to say publicly that he would withhold Communion from Catholic politicians with voting records that contradict church teaching on fundamental moral issues.

Cardinal-designate Wuerl, 69, is known for his commitment to promoting Catholic religious education and Catholic schools. As head of the archdiocese that includes the U.S. capital, he also has been a leader in defending Catholic values in public life.

In 2009, Cardinal-designate Wuerl was one of more than 140 Christian leaders who signed the “Manhattan Declaration,� pledging renewed zeal in defending the unborn, defining marriage as a union between a man and a woman and protecting religious freedom.

TRAVEL DIRECTORY In the Footsteps of Jesus & the Apostles Join Father David Wathen,O.F.M., an Experienced Holy Land Guide, on a Journey of Faith in the Lands of God’s Revelation

President and Rector Franciscan School of Theology, Berkeley Fr. Mario has a PhD in New Testament, has lived in the Holy Land and has 34 years experience in leading pilgrimages to the Holy Land

Write, call or e-mail for free brochure Fr. Mario DiCicco, O.F.M. 1712 Euclid Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94709 (510) 280-4327 e-mail: mdicicco@fst.edu

'HSDUWV 0D\ $XJ 6HSW

'D\V Celebrate Mass 9 Days! IURP

520( ² 9$7,&$1 ² 32578*$/ ² )$7,0$ 63$,1 ² )5$1&( ² /285'(6 ² 3$5,6

Fully Escorted + Your YMT Catholic Chaplain–Priest!

7RXU WKH 9DWLFDQ LQFOXGLQJ $XGLHQFH ZLWK 3RSH %HQHGLFW ;9, VXEMHFW WR KLV VFKHGXOH 7RXU 5RPHœV UHOLJLRXV KLJKOLJKWV LQFOXGLQJ 6W 3HWHUœV %DVLOLFD 6LVWLQH &KDSHO DQG 5RPHœV ILUVW FKXUFK WKH ³&DWKHGUDO RI 5RPH DQG RI WKH :RUOG ´ &HOHEUDWH WZR 0DVVHV LQ 5RPH LQFOXGLQJ 0DVV DW 6W 3HWHUœ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œW IHHV $XJXVW 6HSWHPEHU GHSDUWXUHV DGG $LUIDUH LV H[WUD &DOO QRZ IRU FRPSOHWH GHWDLOV 6SDFH LV OLPLWHG

)RU LQIRUPDWLRQ LWLQHUDU\ UHVHUYDWLRQV DQG OHWWHU IURP \RXU FKDSODLQ ZLWK KLV SKRQH QXPEHU FDOO GD\V D ZHHN

<07 9DFDWLRQV

Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best choice for affordable travel since 1967!

LAKE TAHOE RENTAL Vacation Rental Condo in South Lake Tahoe.

Sleeps 8, near Heavenly Valley and Casinos.

Call

925.933.1095 See it at RentMyCondo.com#657

19

U.S. prelates . . .

Fr. Mario DiCicco

(XURSHDQ 3LOJULPDJH

Catholic San Francisco

Visit our website: www.holylandpilgrimages.org Call: 1-800-566-7499 CST#2035995-40

Pilgrimage to Egypt and the Holy Land %FDFNCFS t Pilgrimage to Lourdes 'FCSVBSZ t Pilgrimage to the Holy Land 'FCSVBSZ .BSDI t Pilgrimage to the Holy Land .BSDI t Pilgrimage to Egypt and the Holy Land "QSJM t CST # 2035995-40

Franciscan Monastery Pilgrimages Bringing pilgrims to the Holy Land for over 100 years

20

Catholic San Francisco

October 29, 2010

Bishop says half of Christians in Middle East are vulnerable migrants VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Up to half of the Catholics in the Middle East are migrant workers, mostly from the Philippines, who pack the few churches in the Arabian Peninsula each weekend and often turn to the church when their employers exploit or abuse them.

Bishop Paul Hinder, the apostolic vicar for Arabia, is responsible for the pastoral care of Bishop Paul Hinder Catholics in the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Yemen, Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. There are more than 2 million Filipinos in the region, and about 80 percent of them are Catholic. There

Guest Commentary . . . privilege of the 18 historically recognized communities (12 Christian, four Muslim, one Druze, and one Jewish.) Anyone who is not part of these is excluded from any right to the exercise of his liberties. Any attempt characterized by proselytism on the part of one or another community can prompt extreme and sometimes violent reactions. Every conversion is perceived as a heavy blow inflicted on the community of origin of the convert, and constitutes a social rupture.”

Against this background, numerous voices were raised at the synod to call for more unity among the Catholic Churches in the region, and between these and the Orthodox Churches and Protestant confessions. In particular, a proposal was made to arrange a common date for Easter.

Some have urged dialogue with “enlightened” Muslims, those open to a “critical interpretation of the Quran” and to an “interpretation of Islamic laws in their historical context.”

Another block of proposals concerned “the need to recover the missionary aspect of the Church.” This is a new and courageous proposal in predominantly Muslim countries, on the part of Churches that for historical reasons and motives of survival have largely closed in on themselves.

Coptic Egyptian bishop Youhannes Zakaria of Luxor said that in spite of the difficulties and the dangers, “our Church

SCRIPTURE SEARCH Gospel for October 31, 2010 Luke 19:1-10 Following is a word search based on the Gospel st reading for 31 Sunday on Ordinary Time, Cycle C: the story of a man who climbed a tree. The words can be found in all directions in the puzzle.

CHIEF CROWD SYCAMORE MUST STAY BEHOLD TODAY TO SEEK

TAX STATURE PASS THAT WAY HOUSE HALF SALVATION TO SAVE

CLIMBING UP H

J

C

N

S

A

O

C

U

A

L

Z

M

S

T

also are tens of thousands of Catholics from India, Sri Lanka and Africa, he told reporters at the Vatican Oct. 19.

Given that situation, he said he thought the Synod of Bishops for the Middle East was “too focused on the classical Oriental churches in the Middle East” and on problems facing the region’s native Christians because of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the war in Iraq and the continuing tensions in Lebanon.

“The church cannot distinguish between first- and second-class Catholics” by downplaying the needs of the millions of Catholic migrant workers in the region, he said.

The situation is urgent, the bishop said, because in too many places the migrant workers, especially the women, “are treated as slaves,” not just in the Arabian Peninsula, but in Lebanon and Israel as well.

“It’s not a particular problem of the Muslim world,” but also happens when the employers are “wealthy Christians who treat these women in a horrible way,” forcing them to work up to 22 hours a day, preventing them from leav-

must not be afraid or ashamed, it must not hesitate to obey the mandate of Lord, who asks it to continue preaching the Gospel.”

The Chaldean Iranian archbishop of Tehran, Ramzi Garmou, delved even deeper into this need. “A new missionary impulse” is vital “to knock over the ethnic and nationalist barriers that threaten to asphyxiate and make sterile the Churches of the East,” he said.

He recalled “the fundamental importance of monastic life” for Church renewal and reawakening.

“This form of life that was born in the East,” he said, “was at the origin of an extraordinary missionary expansion and an admirable witness of our churches during the first centuries. History teaches us that the bishops were chosen among the monks, that is to say men of prayer and with a deep spiritual life, having vast experience in the ‘things of God.’ “Today, unfortunately, the choice of bishops does not obey the same criteria and we can see the results which are unfortunately not always happy ones…With regret and bitterness we see that monasteries of contemplative life, source of abundant grace for the people of God, have almost disappeared in our Eastern Churches. What a great loss!

How sad!”

Sandro Magister is a Rome-based journalist and author. He studied theology, philosophy and history at the Theological Faculty of Milan and at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart.

■ Continued from page 15

ZACCHAEUS COLLECTOR HE RAN LOOKED UP SINNER POOR ABRAHAM

(CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING)

By Cindy Wooden

U

S

T

A

Y

E

S

U

O

H

N

A

A

R

E

L

L

A

W

A

D

E

B

L

F

U

O

J

N

T

D

Y

O

A

R

E

V

T

X

W

A

C

L

O

T

H

A

C

R

A

C

H

D

F

O

N

O

C

H

T

T

T

T

O

E

D

H

A

S

C

A

O

O

S

S

I

N

N

E

R

A

A

M

R

S

X

H

J

O

Z

B

E

V

Z

A

A

E

C

K

W

L

N

M

H

E

P

P

H

E

R

O

M

A

C

Y

S

X

L

O

O

K

E

D

U

P

O

O

R

Z

© 2010 Tri-C-A Publications www.tri-c-a-publications.com

Sponsored by Duggan’s Serra Mortuary 500 Westlake Avenue, Daly City 650-756-4500 ● www.duggansserra.com

ing the house and, sometimes, subjecting them to sexual abuse, the bishop said.

The church knows what happens to them only because some of them manage to flee and the first place they turn is the church, he said. Church workers take the exploited to their embassies, which provide a safe house until they can be repatriated, but no psychological help or support is offered to them, the bishop said.

In some countries of the region, women who get pregnant as a result of rape “risk the death penalty” for adultery unless they can get married before the pregnancy is noticed or get to their home country to give birth, he said.

The possible exploitation of migrant workers is not the only point Bishop Hinder wanted the synod to recognize, he said. The immigrant communities of the Middle East are actively Catholic, energize church life and often have more contact with Muslims or Jews than the long-term Catholic residents of the region do, he said.

“But, of course, I’m partial because I’m defending my people,” he said. “It’s my passion to make their reality known.”

Catholic-Muslim dialogue “often ineffective,” says Syrian archbishop VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Two Syrian Catholic bishops living in Lebanon told the Synod of Bishops for the Middle East that the blossoming number of Catholic-Muslim dialogue projects has not and may never lead to real understanding.

But a retired Vatican nuncio who now lives in Lebanon urged synod members to increase dialogue and to find more practical ways to promote Catholic-Muslim cooperation, including by encouraging schools to have student bodies made up of both Catholic and Muslim youngsters.

The three focused on relations with Muslims in Lebanon in their written submissions to the synod; their statements were released by the Vatican Oct. 21.

Their statements differed significantly from most of the other synod members’ speeches on dialogue with Muslims in the Middle East; the majority of synod members – and the two Muslims Pope Benedict XVI invited to address the assembly – focused instead on progress in understanding and cooperation.

In his written submission, Archbishop Raboula Beylouni, who works in the Syrian Catholic curia in Lebanon, wrote that formal Catholic-Muslim dialogues are “difficult and often ineffective,” partially because the Quran tells Muslims they belong to “the only true and complete religion.”

Muslims, he said, come “to dialogue

with a sense of superiority and with the certitude of being victorious.”

In addition, the archbishop said, “The Quran allows the Muslim to hide the truth from the Christian and to speak and act contrary to how he thinks and believes.”

Islam does not recognize the equality of men and women and does not recognize the right of religious freedom, he also wrote.

Archbishop Beylouni said he was not advocating a withdrawal from dialogue but said topics must be chosen with care. A good place to start, he said, is by entrusting dialogue to Mary, whom Muslims also hold in high esteem.

Bishop Flavien Melki, also a member of the Syrian curia in Lebanon, said that at a time when “fundamentalism is becoming more entrenched in the region,” the idea that dialogue could lead to Muslims accepting secular democracy “seems to be in the domain of utopia.”

In other news from the synod, three church leaders from Jerusalem said division among the different Catholic churches in Jerusalem is a serious problem that must be overcome to ensure the survival of Christianity there.

“We need to start with a sense of communion between the Catholic churches themselves,” said one of the three leaders, Latin-rite Auxiliary Bishop William H. Shomali.

BOXES Lifting the Lid on an American Life

by Donnan Beeson Runkel

Everyone has a collection – stamps, receipts, seashells, pictures, figurines. These objects, when gathered together, imbue more meaning than each has on its own. For the author, the varied containers crowded on top of her dresser became not just a collection on boxes to hold her jewelry, but a link to people in her life who made major contributions to who she is today – a successful businesswoman with a wide array of friends and connections around the world.

Each one of these boxes contains a rich story of transformation that, when woven together, becomes a unique memoir. This collection of influences and experiences, changes and challenges is responsible.

In Boxes: Lifting the Lid on an American Life, readers will witness vivid, often hilarious, recollections of a life that began in awkward self-doubt and blossomed into the discovery of true love and the challenges and triumphs of motherhood and career. Through this journey, readers will learn as she has that the pain of life folds into the many-faceted depths of becoming.

order now . . . www.boxesbook.com

October 29, 2010

St. Mary’s Cathedral Celebrating its 40th anniversary Gough and Geary Boulevard in San Francisco (415) 567-2020 Nov. 3, 10:30 a.m. – noon: Free Grief Support Workshop in the Msgr. Bowe Room, on the west side of the parking lot level of the cathedral.

The holiday season can be a very difficult time for the bereaved. This workshop will provide information on the grief process, and tips on “Coping with the Loss of a Loved One” during the holidays. Barbara Elordi, MFT, Director of the Archdiocesan Grief Care Ministry, facilitates.

For further details, call Sister Esther at (415) 567-2020, ex. 218.

Strength for the Journey, a ministry of support for people diagnosed with life-threatening illness and the families, friends and caregivers, is in its inaugural stage at the cathedral. Deacon Christoph Sandoval is director. Cal (415) 5672020, ext. 203, or e-mail Rcs7777@comcast.net.

The traditional Latin Mass celebrated according to texts and rubrics of the Missal of Blessed John XXIII of 1962 is celebrated at these locations: Sunday, 12:15 p.m.: Holy Rosary Chapel at St. Vincent School for Boys in San Rafael.

For more information, call St. Isabella Parish at (415) 479-1560; First Fridays, 7 p.m.: St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1425 Bay Rd. at Glen Way in East Palo Alto. For more information, call (650) 322-2152. Father Lawrence Goode, pastor, is celebrant; First Sundays, 5:30 p.m.: Mater Dolorosa, 307 Willow Ave. South San Francisco. For more information call (650) 5834131; Second Sundays, 5:30 p.m.: St. Finn Barr Church, Edna St at Hearts in San Francisco. Call (415) 333-3627.

Nov. 13: Annual St. Luke’s Mass and Banquet for men and women of the medical profession begins with Mass at 5 p.m. at St. Thomas More Church, Junipero Serra Boulevard at Brotherhood Way in San Francisco. Dinner follows at neighboring Alma Via Residence. Ronald G. Connolly, MD, will be honored with the St. Luke’s Award for Catholic medical ethics and practice and speak on “A Physician’s Fight for His Conscience.”

Dinner tickets are $25 per person/$10 for clergy, religious and students. Call George Maloof, MD at (415) 305-2408 or e-mail gemaloof2003@yahoo.com

National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi Columbus at Vallejo in San Francisco’s North Beach La Porziuncola Nuova and “Francesco Rocks” Gift Shop are open every day but Monday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Visit www.knightsofsaintfrancis.com. The Shrine church is open every day 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. with Mass Monday through Saturday at 12:15 p.m. and Sundays at 10 a.m. Call (415) 986-4557 or visit www. shrinesf.org The art of painter Marco Sassone is now on exhibit at the Porziuncola. Sassone’s work will be at the Porziuncola through Oct. 31. “Unmoored in the contested region between longing and belonging, Marco Sassone creates from his core with passion, conscience and dignity,” said information promoting the showing.

Volunteer at La Porziuncola Nuova in San Francisco. La Porziuncola Nuova in San Francisco is a 78% scale replica of Saint Francis’ chapel in Assisi. The goal is to have two volunteers present for each hour that the chapel is open to the public. The Porziuncola in Assisi is also the place where he founded the Franciscan Order of the Friars Minor in 1209. To volunteer and become a Knight of Saint Francis contact Jim Brunsmann at jimbrunsmann@comcast.net or go to www.knightsofsaintfrancis.com and follow the Volunteer Application link at the bottom of the home page.

Oct. 30, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.: “Parish Global Poverty Day” at St. Mary’s Cathedral, St. Francis Hall, Gough St. and Geary Blvd. in San Francisco. Magalie Rigaud of Catholic Relief Services will speak on “Haiti: A Future Full of Hope.” Magalie is a survivor with her two sons of the recent Haiti earthquake.

Admission is free. Bring your own lunch or pre-order box lunch for $8. Call (415) 6145570 or e-mail leehelena@sfarchdiocese. org to register or for more information.

Sponsored by the Office of Public Policy and Social Concerns of the Archdiocese of San Francisco.

P UT

Social Justice/ Lectures/Respect Life Nov. 4, 7 – 9 p.m.: “An Evening Talk” with Sister Helen Prejean at Mercy Center, 2300 Adeline Drive, Burlingame. Reservations are necessary. Space is limited. Admission is $25.00 Call (650) 340-7454 or visit www.Mercy-center.org.

Proceeds benefit Mercy Center and St. Vincent de Paul’s Catherine’s Center. Sister Helen is best known for her Pulitzer Prize nominated and NY Times best seller, “Dead Man Walking.” For further information about St. Vincent de Paul’s Catherine’s Center visit www.svdp-sanmateoco. org/catherine.html Nov. 6, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.: Medjugorje Healing Conference at St. James the Apostle Church, 34700 Fremont Blvd, Fremont. Come hear remarkable testimonies, excellent speakers, renowned musicians, and experience adoration, Mass, reconciliation, and a beautiful procession with the Blessed Sacrament. Sign-ups are happening now. Tickets are only $20 per person.

Free lunch provided. Call (510) 635-1920 or visit www.holychoices.org/conference.

Nov. 8, 9, 10: Jesuit Father Tom Allender brings “Answering God’s God: Our Call to Transform the World through God’s Love” to St. Bartholomew Parish, Alameda de las Pulgas and Crystal Springs Road in San Mateo. The well-known San Francisco-born priest will preach at all Masses Nov. 6 and 7 and offer talks Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 – 10 a.m. and 7 – 8 p.m.

Call (650) 347-0701, ext.18.

January 16, 1:45 p.m.: “An Old and New Invitation: How do we as believers deal with challenges facing us about belonging to this family of faith called the Catholic Church?” Answer this question with Mercy Sister Eloise Rosenblatt, a Professor of Biblical Studies at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and at Santa Clara University, who also practices law. Sister Eloise has authored books and written articles on Scripture, conducted retreats and written for Catholic San Francisco newspaper. Takes place at Notre Dames des Victoires Chuch, 566 Bush St. at Grant in San Francisco. Reasonably priced parking is available across Bush at Stockton Sutter Garage. Admission is free. For more information, call (415) 397-0113.

Saturdays through Dec. 18, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.: Scripture Study at Mater Dolorosa Church, 307 Willow Ave. off Grand in South San Francisco. $15 covers materials. Contact Gloria Flores at matergf@aol.com.

Saturdays: San Mateo Pro-Life prays the rosary at Planned Parenthood, 2211 Palm Ave. in San Mateo at 8 a.m. and invites others to join them at the site. The prayer continues as a peaceful vigil until 1 p.m. The group is also open to new membership. Meetings are held the second Thursday of the month except August and December at St. Gregory Parish’s Worner Center, 138 28th Ave. in San Mateo at 7:30 p.m.

21

Nov. 13, 5:30 p.m.: Annual Thanksgiving Mass for the divorced, separated and widowed of the Archdiocese of San Francisco at St. John of God, 5th Avenue & Irving Street in San Francisco. A reception will follow. For information, contact Jesuit Father Al Grosskopf at (415) 422-6698, Gail Castro, (650) 591-8452 or Susan Fox, (415) 752-1308.

Datebook

Mass in Latin

Catholic San Francisco

For more information, call Jessica at (650) 5721468 or visit www.sanmateoprolife.com Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.: Rosary for Life 815 Eddy St. – Planned Parenthood – in San Francisco.

Vocations/Serra Clubs Sat., Nov. 6, Sun. Nov. 7, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.: Religious Life Info Day for single women (18-40).

Learn about the life of a Sister. Find out who we are. Join us at the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose Motherhouse, 43326 Mission Blvd.

Fremont. (entrance on Mission Tierra Pl). (No charge) Please respond by Nov. 1 to vocations@ msjdominicans.org or (510) 933-6335.

Food & Fun Nov. 6, 6:45 p.m.: An action packed evening of fun and excitement with horse races at St. Finn Barr School with exciting commentary and close finishes. Donation of $5 covers all food (21 and over only). Cash Bar will feature beer and wine. Support St. Finn Barr school and maybe win a few prizes in the process. “There off” takes place at 415 Edna St, at Hearst in San Francisco. Advance tickets and sponsorship opportunities available, contact Lisa_walsh@ yahoo.com or Kathy Mylett Morgan, Kmylett@ sbcglobal.net for details.

Nov. 12; 6 p.m.: 14th Annual Vincenzo Wine Tasting and Auction benefiting Catholic Charities CYO Children and Youth Programming. Guests will enjoy an enchanting evening complete with exclusive tastings from premier wineries, a gourmet gala dinner by Dan McCall and a festive live auction featuring rare wines and unique travel packages. Tickets are $225 per person.

Visit www.vincenzo.org, phone (415) 972-1213 or e-mail aayala@cccyo.org. Chairpersons of the day include U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, Jeff Fenton and Heather Rodriguez.

Nov. 13, 6 p.m.: “An Evening at Casbah St. Paul’s”, annual dinner dance and auction benefiting St. Paul Church in San Francisco. Always a fun evening, it takes place at Patio Espanol on Alemany Boulevard and includes cocktails and silent auction then dinner and dancing. All proceeds benefit St. Paul’s Preservation Fund.

Tickets are $65 per person and available at St. Paul’s Rectory. Contact Katy O’Shea (415) 6487538) for more information.

Nov. 20, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Mercy High School Booster Club’s 15th Annual Holiday Boutique Admission is Free. Artisan Vendors ~ Raffle Prizes ~ Silent Auction. Contact Teresa Lucchese at (415) 334-7941 or events@mercyhs.org

Single, Divorced, Separated Information about Bay Area single, divorced and separated programs is available from Jesuit Father Al Grosskopf at grosskopf@usfca.edu (415) 422-6698.

Prayer/Special Liturgies October 30, 2 p.m.: “Living Rosary – The Joyful Mysteries” at St. Bartholomew Church, Alameda de las Pulgas corner Crystal Springs in San Mateo. Light refreshments will be served.

All are welcome!

November 14, 11:45 a.m.: Mass at Sts. Peter and Paul Church honors St. Francesca Saveria Cabrini. The Mass will include an honor guard of the Knights of Columbus, the Knights of Malta, and the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher. Music will be by the St. Cecilia Choral Society of Sts. Peter and Paul. Sts. Peter and Paul Church is located at 666 Filbert St. in San Francisco, between Powell and Stockton. Call (415) 421-0809.

Sundays, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament with Benediction at Notre Dame des Victoires Church, 566 Bush St. between Stockton and Grant in San Francisco.

Convenient parking is available across Bush St. in Stockton-Sutter garage. Call 397-0113.

Taize Sung Prayer: 1st Friday at 8 p.m.: Mercy Center, 2300 Adeline Dr., Burlingame with Mercy Sister Suzanne Toolan. Call (650) 3407452; young adults are invited each first Friday of the month to attend a social at 6 p.m. prior to Taize prayer at 8 p.m. The social provides light refreshments and networking with other young adults. Convenient parking is available.

For more information, e-mail mercyyoungadults@ sbcglobal.net. Tuesdays at 6 p.m.: Notre Dame Des Victoires Church, 566 Bush at Stockton, San Francisco with Rob Grant. Call (415) 397-0113.

3rd Friday, 8 p.m.: Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose, Motherhouse Chapel, 43326 Mission Blvd. (off Mission Tierra), Fremont. For further information, please contact Dominican Sister Beth Quire at (510) 449-7554 or visit our website at www.msjdominicans.org for more information.

Reunion Nov. 7, 2 p.m.: Annual Memorial Mass for graduates and friends of St. Peter School, 24th and Florida Street. in San Francisco. San Francisco Auxiliary Bishop Robert W. McElroy will preside. Reception follows the Mass in the parish hall. Parking available in school lot. Call (415) 647-8662.

Nov. 20, 4 – 8 p.m.: Class of ’60, Holy Name of Jesus Elementary School in San Francisco on school campus at 40th Avenue and Lawton.

Contact Dennis Norton at (415) 454-3184 or danort@comcast.net.

Holiday Boutique Nov. 19, 20, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Annual Holiday Boutique by the Sisters of Mercy at Marian Oaks.

Numerous holiday items for sale including the Sisters’ legendary home-made jams, handcrafted blankets and crafts, all-occasion handmade cards, baked goods, and fudge. All at Marian Oaks, 2300 Adeline Drive, Bldg. D, Burlingame. Follow Lower Road on Mercy Campus to Marian Oaks. Call Debbie Halleran (650) 340-7426 or e-mail dhalleran@mercywmw.org.

Datebook is a free listing for parishes, schools and non-profit groups. Please include event name, time, date, place, address and an information phone number.

Listing must reach Catholic San Francisco at least two weeks before the Friday publication date desired. Mail your notice to: Datebook, Catholic San Francisco, One Peter Yorke Way, S.F. 94109, or fax it to (415) 614-5633, e-mail burket@sfarchdiocese.org, or visit www.catholic-sf.org, Contact Us.

YOUR BUSINESS CARD IN THE HANDS

Attach Card Here Deadline for December 3rd Issue is November 19th

210,000 R EADERS

OF

Deadline for January 14th Issue is January 3rd Please do not write on your card.

C ATHOLIC S AN F RANCISCO

FOR

ONLY $112.00 PER MONTH IN OUR BUSINESS CARD SECTION NOW APPEARING THE FIRST FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH. THIS NEW SECTION IS CERTAINLY LESS EXPENSIVE THAN THE $65,000 IT WOULD COST TO PRINT AND MAIL YOUR BUSINESS CARDS TO ALL OUR READERS. ONLY $96.00 PER MONTH ON A *12-MONTH CONTRACT.

* FREE LISTING IN OUR BUSINESS DIRECTORY ON OUR WEBSITE*

AD HEADING NAME ADDRESS CITY ZIP

STATE PHONE

MAIL TO: CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO, BUSINESS CARD ONE PETER YORKE WAY, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109

22

Catholic San Francisco

October 29, 2010

painting and SERVICE DIRECTORY Counseling remodeling

For Advertising Information visit www.catholic-sf.org, Advertising; Casarotti + Design Call: 415-614-5642 • Fax: 415-614-5641 • E-mail: penaj@sfarchdiocese.org

650.255.5821 Lic. #933007 John Holtz

Ca. Lic 391053 General Contractor Since 1980

(650) 355-4926

Painting & Remodeling •Interiors •Exteriors •Kitchens •Baths

Plumbing Limousine BEST PLUMBING, INC. Your Payless Plumbing

Lic. # 872560

➤ Drain-Sewer Cleaning Service ➤ Water Heaters ➤ Gas Pipes ➤ Toilets ➤ Faucets ➤ Garbage Disposals ➤ Copper Repiping ➤ Sewer Replacement ➤ Video Camera & Line locate PROMPT AND UNPARALLELED SERVICE

(650) 557-1263

S

EMAIL: bestplumbinginc@comcast.net

415-661-3707

Michael T. Santi

HOLLAND Plumbing Works San Francisco CA LIC #817607

Painting, roof repair, fence (repair/ build) demolition, construction, gutter (clean/ repair), kitchen/ bathroom remodel, decks, welding, landscaping, gardening, hauling, moving, janitorial.

All Purpose Cell (415) 517-5977

BONDED & INSURED

NOT A LICENSED CONTRACTOR

Electrical

Roofing

lic. 343633

(415) 786-0121 • (415) 586-6748

lic# 582766

Lic. # 907564

Drivers Ed

Lic. 631209) 9)

Carpet Cleaning

415-269-0446 650-738-9295

Construction

FREE ESTIMATES

Electrical ALL ELECTRIC SERVICE 650.322.9288

Lic. 407271

Affordable Decks • Additions • General Remodel • Carports

415.383.6122 John Spillane

650. 291.4303 Service Changes Solar Installation Lighting/Power Fire Alarm/Data Green Energy Fully Licensed • State Certified • Locally Trained • Experienced • On Call 24/7

* Member National Notary Association *

The Irish Rose

Serving San Francisco, Marin & the Peninsula.

Contact: 415.447.8463 Visit us at catholic-sf.org

Retaining Walls Stairs • Gates Dry Rot Senior & Parishioner Discounts

➤ Hauling ➤ Job Site Clean-Up ➤ Demolition ➤ Yard Service ➤ Garbage Runs ➤ Saturday & Sunday

FREE ESTIMATES! • Fast & Affordable

PAUL

(415)

282-2023

YOELSHAULING@YAHOO.COM

LAST-MINUTE SERVICE AVAILABLE

Contact 650.619.5870 • 650.921.8161

QUALITY HOME CARE SERVING THE BAY AREA SINCE 1996 * Attendants * Companions * Hospice * Respite Care Competitive Rates • Screened • Insured • Bonded

Tel: 415 759 0520

Lic.# 593788

• • • •

Provides home help, companionship, personal care to seniors.

Serving San Francisco Bay Area.

Free assessment service 24/7.

PHONE: 415-846-1922 www.breensnotary.com

Specializing in home health aides, attendants and companions.

CONSTRUCTION

Mariah’s Garden Home Care Agency

Full Payroll Service www.irishhelpathome.com

Home Healthcare Agency

DA LY

Confidential • Compassionate • Practical (415) 921-1619 • Insurance Accepted

Certified Signing Agent

Exterior / Interior Additions ➮ Baths Foundations, Stairs, Dry Rot Replacement Windows ➮ Kitchen Remodeling Architect Available ➮ Senior Discount

Call: 415.533.2265

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Over 30 years experience • Reasonable Fees

(650) 593-5959

KEANE CONSTRUCTION Healthcare Agency

www.sospainting.net

• Family • Work • Relationships • Depression • Anxiety • Addictions

Commercial & Residential Serving SF & San Mateo Co. St. Charles Parishioner

Timothy P. Breen Notary Public

Lic. #742961

Lic # 526818 Senior Discount

When Life Hurts It Helps To Talk

Home Care

Breens’ Mobile Notary Services

➮ ➮ ➮ ➮

San Francisco: 415.337.9474 Complimentary phone consultation www.InnerChildHealing.com

YOUR # 1 CHOICE FOR Recessed Lights – Outdoor Lighting Outlets – Dimmers – Service Upgrades • Trouble Shooting!

Notary

Interior-Exterior wallpaper hanging & removal

Lila Caffery, MA, CCHT

1537 Franklin Street • San Francisco, CA 94109

Safe Non-Toxic, No Shampoo, Dry in Hours not Days

415.279.1266

S.O.S. PAINTING CO.

❖ 30 years experience with individuals, couples and groups ❖ Directed, effective and results-oriented ❖ Compassionate and Intuitive ❖ Supports 12-step ❖ Enneagram Personality Transformation ❖ Free Counseling for Iraqi/Afghanistani Vets

DEWITT ELECTRIC Ph. 415.515.2043 Ph. 650.508.1348

CAHALAN CONST.

Painting

Inner Child Healing Offers a deep spiritual and psychological approach to counseling:

Dr. Daniel J. Kugler

(650) 994-6892

Investment

email: Augustshi@sbcglobal.net

415-205-1235

Specializing In Wood Fences

Additions. Remodels

A-A Limousine Service • 415.308.2028

ALL PLUMBING WORK PAT HOLLAND

MORROW CONTRUCTION

Foundations, Earthquake Dryrot, Termite, Siding, Stucco

N. San Mateo County - SFO…$30 San Francisco - SFO………….$40* *plus airport fee Any other charter with reasonable price. Good Service.

Handy Man

Since 1972 Ca License # 663641 24 Hour Emergency Service

Construction

Unhealed wounds can hold you back - even if they are not the “logical” cause of your problems today. You can be the person God intended.

*

Member: Better Business Bureau

anti Plumbing and Heating

Contractor inspection reports and pre-purchase consulting

Airport Special

Do you want to be more fulfilled in love and work – but find things keep getting in the way?

(TCP 10581P)

• Remodels • Additions • Free Estimates • Permit Drawings

FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED HELP Marriage, Family, and Individual Counseling David Nellis M.A. M.F.T. (415) 242-3355 www.christiancounseling2.com

Clinical Gerontologist Care Management for the Older Adult Family Consultation –Bereavement Support Kathy Faenzi, MA, Clinical Gerontologist Office: 650.401.6350 Web: www.faenziassociates.com Striving to Achieve Optimum Health & Wellbeing

Senior Care Housekeeping & Senior Care

by Accredited Caregivers

650.307.3890

Painting

Insured and Bonded - Affordable Rates Driving • Housekeeping • Meal prep • Personal Care

BILL HEFFERON

SUPPLE SENIOR CARE

PAINTING INTERIOR, EXTERIOR All Jobs Large and Small

10% Discount: Seniors, Parishioners

Call BILL 415.731.8065 • Cell: 415.710.0584 bheffpainting@sbcglobal.net Member of Better Business Bureau Bonded, Insured – LIC. #819191

NOTICE TO READERS

“The most compassionate care in town”

1655 Old Mission Road #3 Colma, SSF, CA 94080 415-573-5141 or 650-993-8036 *Irish owned & operated *Serving from San Francisco to North San Mateo

Licensed contractors are required by law to list their license numbers in advertisments. The law also state that contractors performing work totaling $500 or more must be state-licensed. Advertisments appearing in this newspaper without a license number indicate that the contractor is not licensed.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: CONTRACTORS STATE LICENSE BOARD 800-321-2752

Catholic San Francisco

October 29, 2010

NOVENAS PUBLISH A NOVENA Pre-payment required Mastercard or Visa accepted

Cost $26

If you wish to publish a Novena in the Catholic San Francisco You may use the form below or call 415-614-5640

Prayer to the Blessed Virgin never known to fail.

Most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel Blessed Mother of the Son of God, assistme in my need. Help me and show me you are my mother.

Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and earth. I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to help me in this need.

Oh Mary, conceived without sin. Pray for us (3X).

Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (3X).

Say prayers 3 days.

J.M.

23

Catholic San Francisco

classifieds Visit www.catholic-sf.org

For website listings, advertising information & Place Classified Ad Form OR Call 415.614.5642, Fax 415.614.5641, Email penaj@sfarchdiocese.org

Your prayer will be published in our newspaper

Prayer to St. Jude

Name Adress Phone MC/VISA # Exp. â?&#x2018; Prayer to the Blessed Virgin â?&#x2018; Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Select One Prayer: â?&#x2018; St. Jude Novena to SH â?&#x2018; Prayer to St. Jude

Please return form with check or money order for $26 Payable to: Catholic San Francisco Advertising Dept., Catholic San Francisco 1 Peter Yorke Way, San Francisco, CA 94109

Oh, Holy St. Jude, Apostle and Martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, near Kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke your special patronage in time of need, to you I have recourse from the depth of my heart and humbly beg to whom God has given such great power to come to my assistance.

Help me in my present and urgent petition. In return I promise to make you be invoked. Say three our Fathers, three Hail Marys and Glorias. St. Jude pray for us all who invoke your aid. Amen.

This Novena has never been known to fail. This Novena must be said 9 consecutive days. Thanks.

G.V.ch.

Prayer to the Blessed Virgin never known to fail.

Prayer to the Blessed Virgin never known to fail.

Prayer to the Blessed Virgin never known to fail.

Most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel Blessed Mother of the Son of God, assistme in my need. Help me and show me you are my mother.

Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and earth. I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to help me in this need.

Oh Mary, conceived without sin. Pray for us (3X).

Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (3X).

Say prayers 3 days.

P.P.

Most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel Blessed Mother of the Son of God, assistme in my need. Help me and show me you are my mother.

Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and earth. I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to help me in this need.

Oh Mary, conceived without sin. Pray for us (3X).

Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (3X).

Say prayers 3 days. M.P.L.

Most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel Blessed Mother of the Son of God, assist me in my need. Help me and show me you are my mother.

Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and earth. I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to help me in this need.

Oh Mary, conceived without sin. Pray for us (3X).

Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (3X).

Say prayers 3 days. T. & L.B.

Room For Rent Glen Park area, easy access to freeway and good transportation, parking priviledges, shared bath, kitchen and laundry room.

Furnished $700/mo.

Please leave message on answering machine

(415) 587-0134

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS PAPER! CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO

Chimney Cleaning Summ e Speciar/Fall ls

$89

$119

$139

Automotive

Hilltop Buick Pontiac GMC Truck I P L B A ! â&#x20AC;˘ Extensive inventory means selection â&#x20AC;˘ Competitive pricing â&#x20AC;˘ Give us your bid â&#x20AC;˘ We can offer YOU SAVINGS! â&#x20AC;˘ Exceptional customer service â&#x20AC;˘ Easy access off I-80 at Hilltop Richmond

J

N â&#x20AC;˘ 510.222.4141 3230 Auto Plaza, Richmond 94806

.

.

Help Wanted DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

heaven canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait Serra for Priestly Vocations Please call Archdiocese of San Francisco Fr. Tom Daly (415) 614-5683

The Congregational office of the Sisters of the Presentation seeks a Director of Communications to coordinate community and media communication and public relations, and assist the organization in maintaining a positive identity with its publics through media coverage, publications, and internet presence.

Successful candidates will have a bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in journalism or related field, graduate degree preferred; 3-5 years of successful communication and public relations experience; ability to work independently and as part of a team; willingness to learn and commit to the culture and mission of the Sisters of the Presentation and work within its values; and demonstrate the ability to manage priorities and tasks simultaneously.

Interested candidates should forward a resume, including a cover letter and salary history, to:

Human Resources Sisters of the Presentation 281 Masonic Avenue San Francisco, CA 94118 or fax to 415 422 5026.

Loss Control Manager Position Available: To serve in the Dioceses of Oakland, Sacramento and Stockton.

Mail or Email RĂŠsumĂŠs to: Carolyn Reynolds P.O. Box 7443 San Francisco, CA 94120-7443 Email: carolyn_reynolds@ajg.com Fax: 415-536-8499 MISSION HOSPITAL in Mission Viejo, CA, and a member of the St. Joseph Health System, is conducting a Leadership Search for the position of Director, Spiritual Care & Ethics. The Director must be Catholic and will work in collaboration with the Vice President, Mission Integration and Director of Mission Services and is responsible for the strategic development of all spiritual care programs that support and integrate the spiritual needs of patients, families and employees and the mission of Mission Hospital and the St. Joseph Health System.

Additional programs are based on the needs of patients, families and co-ministers surrounding ethical issues. The Director will also provide leadership to Chaplains and other staff and will foster personal growth, teamwork, and professional development. Minimum position qualifications include board certification from either NACC; or APC, a Masters in Divinity, theology or related field, 5 years experience as a hospital chaplain, 3 years experience as a leader/ manager and experience in leading ethics consultations and systemic ethics performance improvement within Catholic healthcare. The deadline for applications is Monday November 22, 2010.

For more information, please contact John Reid, Search Consultant â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Reid Group at JReid@TheReidGroup.biz or 1-800-916-3472.

24

Catholic San Francisco

October 29, 2010

In Remembrance of the Faithful Departed Interred In Our Catholic Cemeteries During the Month of September HOLY CROSS COLMA

Pedro Miguel Gomez Tony V. Gonzales Ario M. Gregori Jacqueline Greig Janessa Greig Florence L. Guastucci Aileen Barry Hart Jeroline Helton Eugene Herrera Charles Edward Hoenisch, Sr.* John W. Howard Ba Theresa Huynh Erica Madeline Iantorno Elda R. Jekot Salud F. Joaquin Lamingo Johnson Barbara Joyce Johnson Eddie A. Jones Logan V. Kaufman Maria Ah Lai Kiu Ernestine Koch Carmen Leiva Nydia Dolores Lezcano Johnny F. Madrid, Jr. Dolores Aguila Maga Francisca Martinez Linda Mattioli Faustin Mazeris William R. McConnell Richard M. McGrath Nora T. McHale Dennis Duggan McMahon Marie L. Mercurio Patricia Miller Sr. Mary John Minetta, SHF Hugh Mitchell Dolores E. Mitchell Ysidro Montenegro Dolores W. Mullane Barbara June Murphy Ann Marie Murphy

Kathryn H. Alejandro Concha Amador Angelo L. Andruccioli Angela Arbeloa Leon A. Attabit Benjamin M. Bartolome Maria Aida Bates Gerald A. Berg Eve M. Bevington William P. Borggraeffe Robert Edward Borrmann Sr. M. Patrice Bradshaw, SHF Dora Lillian Bruno Marie Schweifler Buffalow Barbara A. Burkhardt James Pierce Caie Eleanor E. Cain Helen B. Calma Celeste C. Calvo Maria De Jesus Campos Rito R. Capili Rose Cavallero Sean D. Coffey Nancy A. Cowhig Mary Jane Cunningham Jeffrey R. Davis Louise De Barbrie Concepcion F De La Cruz Kathryn Guila De Los Reyes Ernest G. DeMattei Genevieve M. Donohue Elizabeth Dunnigan Alfred Elite Sione T. Feifononga Mario C. Feliciano Florence B. Ferko Janet C. Garcia Albert Garrigues

Eugene J. Muscat Jesse Lee Myrick III Ernest S. Nava Florentino F. Navarro Mary Eileen Nelson Philip A. Oertli Meliza Terese Orantes Mercedes R. Padilla William M. Paganini Robert W. Parry Sr. M. Guadalupe Partida, SHF Raquel A. Perez Phyllis Murphy Picchi Evelyn Polzoni Juan Prado Arturo Pro, Jr. Clarence L. Rhodes, Jr. Henry L. Risso Elsa Belen Rodriguez Vic S. Rodriguez Samuel C. Rodriguez Joseph Rodriques Tullio Rosati Molly Rossi Rodrigo M. Santiago, Jr. Cecilia Louise Schroder Francesca Scocci Marianito Boy P. Serraon Theresa L. Sevilla Douglas Silker Demetria Singian Thomas Skelly Virginia A. Smyk Jose A. Soares Ida Stagnaro June C. Sullivan Raymond A. Sullivan Evelyn J. Thomas Henriette Tomasello Elana Vella Rose Torres Maura T. Tunney

George Vedamondi Juan Ramon Castillo Vides Goldie E. Willey Ellen J. Wollak Yuan Xiao Theodore Endrinal Zamora Hiliana M. Zepeda Tonsi Zidich Walt Zielinski Pearl “Sis” Zuardo

HOLY CROSS MENLO PARK Francis C. Rouse, Sr.

MT. OLIVET SAN RAFAEL Edna Galli Bettega Bernice M. Bolla Mick Cummins Emmagene E. Harrington Lucas John Hayes Margaret Jane Toops Verna Mercedes Wefald

OUR LADY OF THE PILLAR Elaine A. Hansen

ST. ANTHONY’S PESCADERO Noel Dias * Correction from August

Remember All Saints Day – Visit your Catholic Cemeteries Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, Colma Todos Los Santos – All Saints Day Celebration Saturday – October 30, 2010 – 11:00 a.m.

Holy Cross Mausoleum Chapel Bishop William Justice, Celebrant Refreshments following Mass

All Souls’ Day Mass

Veterans Day Service

Tuesday – November 2, 2010 – 11:00 a.m.

All Saints Mausoleum Chapel Rev. Marvin P. Felipe, Celebrant

Thursday – November 11, 2010 – 11:00 a.m.

Outdoor Service – Not Mass Star of the Sea Military Section

First Saturday Mass Saturday – November 6, 2010 – 11:00 a.m.

All Saints Mausoleum Chapel Rev. Brian Costello, Celebrant

The Catholic Cemeteries Archdiocese of San Francisco www.holycrosscemeteries.com HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC CEMETERY 1500 Mission Road, Colma, CA 650-756-2060

HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC CEMETERY Intersection of Santa Cruz Avenue, Menlo Park, CA 650-323-6375

MT. OLIVET CATHOLIC CEMETERY 270 Los Ranchitos Road, San Rafael, CA 415-479-9020

PILARCITOS CEMETERY Hwy. 92 @ Main, Half Moon Bay, CA 650-712-1676

ST. ANTHONY CEMETERY Stage Road, Pescadero, CA 650-712-1679

OUR LADY OF THE PILLAR CEMETERY Miramontes St., Half Moon Bay, CA 650-712-1679

A Tradition of Faith Throughout Our Lives.