Saint Stephen Catholic Parish The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome November 9th, 2008 - Bulletin
		The LORD of hosts is with us; our stronghold is the God of Jacob.
		— Psalm 46:8

	Our Liturgical Week Monday, November 10 8:00 a.m. Fr. Walsh Tuesday, November 11 8:00 a.m. Fr. Calegari / Ray Aguirre Wednesday, November 12 8 :00 a.m. Fr. Murray / Cederholm Family Thursday, November 13 8:00 a.m. Fr. Calegari / Daniel Patrick Murphy Friday, November 14 8:00a.m. Fr. Walsh / Candida Rosette Saturday, November 15 8:00 a.m. Fr. Murray / Marygrace Dunn 3:30 p.m. Fr. Calegari / Reconciliation 4:30 p.m. Fr. Calegari Sunday, November 16 8:00 a.m. Fr. Murray / Candida Rosette 9:30 a.m. Fr. Walsh / For the Parish 11:30 a.m. Fr. Sauer 2:00 p.m. MTA Recital 6:45 p.m. Fr. Walsh Red indicates Mass intentions
	TODAY’S READINGS First Reading — I saw water flowing out of the temple; wherever the river flows, every living creature shall live (Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12). Psalm — The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High (Psalm 46). Second Reading — Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? (1 Corinthians 3:9c-11, 16-17). Gospel — Stop making my Father's house a marketplace (John 2:13-22). St. Stephen Bible Study Bible study continues every Saturday morning in the Marian Room after the 8:00am Mass. OUR WEEK AT A GLANCE Monday, November 10 50+ Club 12:30 p.m./Temp. Bldg. Religious Education 3:45 p.m./Parish Office Liturgy Committee 7:30 p.m./Conference Room Tuesday, November 11 Youth Group 6:00 p.m./Parish Office Women’s Guild 7:00 p.m./Extension Center Finance Council 7:30 p.m./Conference Room Wednesday, November 12 Hot Lunch 11:45 a.m./Temp. Bldg. ST. Vincent de Paul Conf. 7:30 p.m./Parish Center Thursday, November 13 RCIA 7:00 p.m./Conference Room Friday, November 14 Gamblers Anonymous 8:00 p.m./Parish Office & EC Saturday, November 15 Confirmation Retreat 8:00 a.m./Church; Temp. Bldg. Bible Study 8:30 a.m./Marian Room Sunday, November 16 Youth Group 4:00 p.m./Temp. Bldg.; Parish Office SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES Sunday: The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome Monday: Thirty-second week in Ordinary Time St. Leo the Great Tuesday: St. Martin of Tours Veterans Day Wednesday: St. Josaphat Thursday: St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Saturday: St. Albert the Great Please pray for the sick and homebound of our community, for all those in the book of the sick. May they know the healing touch of Jesus. .William Applegate, Natividad Austria, Elena Carr, Mario Cid, Kevin Cleary, David Douglas, Betty Francesconi, Art Hazlett, Mary Elizabeth Henry, Nellie Jocson, Elizabeth Kauss, Tim Lew, Maggie McDonald, Irin Mullen, Mercy Newman, Stephanie Patty, Joyce Peterson, Sister Pat Phelan, Marsha Potolo, James Roach, Delores Robinson, Ian Taylor, Robert Thoel, Loretta Tribulato, Maria Elena Varela, Richard Voyles, and Mary Windrow. Dear Parishioners, November 9, 2008 Many people in our parish are grieving; spouses, children, parents, siblings, lovers. Over 40 loved ones have died this past year in our community. Our culture tends to frown on outward expressions of grief. The idea is not to let your pain be seen by anyone. Men are taught to put on a stoic face when confronted with the death of a loved one, as if it were a minor loss in business. I believe this is unhealthy and wrong. Grieving is a healing process, not something to be suppressed. The process happens when people share their grief with others, especially with those who themselves are in grief. The initial shock and sense of devastation and loss, especially for a spouse, can be overwhelming. Sometimes people need to wait until the time is right before opening up. Where is God in the grieving process? Jesus cried out on the cross in frustration and despair, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" It's OK to pour out your anger and frustration to God. There are many places in the Bible where people let fly at Him. The Psalms, those special prayers that are inspired by the Holy Spirit, contain many shouts and cries of anger at God. It's OK to say to God, "Why did you allow this to happen?" "This isn't fair." Your cry is a prayer - a sincere and honest prayer - the kind of prayer to which God will listen. Our faith is not an easy faith; it's a questioning faith and one that constantly wrestles with painful realities. The holidays are difficult for those who have lost a loved one. Thanksgiving can be an opportunity to thank God for the gift of the departed one's life. At this Thanksgiving time, I would like to assure all our parishioners and friends who are grieving that you are very much in all our prayer Your Pastor, Fr. Joe St. Stephen 50+ Club Our next meeting is tomorrow, Monday, November 10, 2008, at 12:30 p.m. A special luncheon will be served. We will meet in our Temporary Building. (Contact: Helga D’Arcy at 415 731-8211). Grief Support Group November, December and January can be very difficult months for those who are grieving the death(s) of loved ones. Deacon Dan and Dr. Ruby are forming an eight week "Weekly Grief Support Group" to provide information on the grieving process, strategies for "getting through" the holiday season and support. If you are interested in joining the Grief Support Group, please see Deacon Dan and Dr. Ruby after Mass or contact them at the Parish Center. TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION What is the name of the pope's cathedral? If you said the Vatican, or St. Peter's, you were off by a few miles, since the answer is the Basilica of St. John, the Lateran, the "Mother Church" of all the churches of the world and the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome. It takes its name from the Lateran family, the Trumps of their day, who somehow ran afoul of the Emperor Nero. He seized all their property, including their vast Roman palace and estate. We don't know how Plautius displeased Nero so badly, but eventually all the Lateran property came to Constantine, the first Christian emperor, through his wife, Fausta. Early in the fourth century, when Christianity was at last legalized, Constantine gave the property to the church. Soon the great meeting halls were expanded and adapted. Over the centuries, the church building has been sacked by armies, ruined by fire, torn down, and rebuilt. The oldest and most unchanged part of the Lateran is a vast, separate baptistery with steps leading down to a huge green basalt pool. Imagine what a triumphal moment the dedication of this public church building was for a community that had worshiped in secret for so long! Today's feast is really about the tradition of consecrating space for worship, and so by extension, a feast for your parish church building and, given the beautiful second reading, for its baptistery as well. --Rev. James Field, (c) Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co. Mark Your Calendar Next Sunday – November 16, 2008 – Grand Raffle drawing following the 9:30 a.m. Mass. This is your last chance to obtain one of the few remaining tickets. If you have one ticket, consider buying a second one to double your chances of winning. November 22, 2008 - “Sunset Style” 2008 Women’s Guild Fashion Show, 11:00 a.m., The Olympic Club Lakeside. November 23, 2008 - The Blood Mobile returns to St. Stephen. Your life saving pint is urgently needed. January 24, 2009– Last day to turn in register receipts for Lucky Store’s “Apples for Students” program and exchange them for education awards. January 24, 2009 – Walk for Life – West Coast 2009! Join upwards of 25,000 pro-lifers for the 5th Annual Walk for Life. To contact them or for more information go to info@walkforlifewc.com or www.walkforlifewc.com. February 21, 2009 - The St. Stephen Women's Guild Live and Silent Auction, "A Night to Bond", will be held at the Olympic Club, Lakeside. Save Your Lucky Receipts! Lucky Stores’ "Apples for Students" program is running now through January 24, 2009. Please place your receipts, regardless the amount, in the box in the church vestibule. HOSPITALITY MINISTERS for the 9:30 a.m. mass. Today, Sunday, Nov. 9 - Frank Glynn Sunday, Nov. 16 - Parish Council Sunday, Nov. 23 - Stewardship OFFERTORY COLLECTIONS Weekly collection goal $ 8,000 Past weekend collection (8/10) $ 7,455 Year to Date Goal $144,000 Year to Date $124,585 Thank you! Your continued generosity to our Parish is critical and never goes unnoticed. Jubilee Year of St. Paul Prayer with Archbishop Niederauer To commemorate the dedication of the Basilicas of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in Rome and as a special celebration of the jubilee year honoring the 2000th anniversary of the birth of Saint Paul, all are invited to join Archbishop Niederauer for Evening Prayer on Tuesday, November 18th at 7:00 p.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Church at 666 Filbert Street, San Francisco. For more information call 415 614-5586. A Fair Trade Christmas I admit it I like to receive gifts at Christmas. But with the economy the way it is, we need to choose wisely. Catholic Relief Service (CRS) can help by linking you to Fair Trade Gifts. Through the Work of Human Hands program, Catholic Relief Services and their nonprofit partner, SERRV, offer you the chance to buy high quality, fairly traded handcrafts and gourmet food items from disadvantaged producers all over the world.Link: http://www.serrv.org. When you choose to buy fair trade products you are making a strong connection with hardworking, but impoverished workers around the world. The CRS Fair Trade network guarantees fair wages to disadvantaged artisans, farmers and workers. Team up with CRS. Buy fair trade products and you return human dignity to people just like you. Thanks, Deacon Dan 2009 Anchor Parishioners Please help the St. Stephen Women's Guild select the 2009 Anchor Parishioners! Nomination forms can be found in the vestibule of the church. The 2009 Anchor Parishioners will be honored at the Women's Guild Annual Auction and Dinner Dance which will take place on February 21, 2009 at the Olympic Club, Lakeside. Last day for nominations is Sunday, November 30th. If you have any questions, please contact Molly Krauss at 650-992-4945 or Susan O'Driscoll at 415-334-0674. 2008 Archbishops Annual Appeal - Our goal is $69,900 Your support for Archbishop Niederauer's work and ministry amounts to $45,229 at this time. We still have a balance of $24,671 to meet. Book of Remembrance November is the month when we remember, in a special way, all of our loved ones who have gone before us. Please write the names of your deceased loved ones on designated sheets in the vestibule. The names will be placed our Book of Remembrance, which will remain on a special altar throughout the Month of November. Confirmation Retreat On Saturday, November 15, St. Stephen Parish will host a Confirmation Retreat for our Religious Education students as well as students from St. Finn Barr, Holy Name, and St. Anne Parishes. Sixty students from these parishes are scheduled to participate. The theme of the retreat will be “Get in the Game” and The Holy Spirit will be introduced to the students as their Coach in Life. You are invited to celebrate with the students and their families at the 4:30 p.m. Vigil Mass for the many gifts we have received from the Holy Spirit. Our former music director, Manolito Jaldon (JR), will travel from his seminary in Oregon to facilitate this retreat. Fashion Show Tickets The St. Stephen Women's Guild Fashion Show will be held this year on November 22nd at the Olympic Club. Tickets are $75.00 for the lunch and show. Please call Annette Rocca for tickets at 415 239-8926 or Susana Wassmer at 415 337-9277. This month we remember, in a special way, persons in our parish family who have died this past year. Ann Alberigi Dorothy Helen Applegate Mary Harriett Blake Richard Buckley Jack Carpentier Joseph Chiarani Adriana Choy William Coen John Crowley Joan Keane Crotty Carole Irene Deeb John Charles Faliano Gary Del Fante Ben Hennig Byran M. Holl Iva Hsu Sofia Fontanilla Jacalne Nancy Geddes Janowski Margaret Leith Margaret Mary Little Lola Lommori Sister Nancy McLaughlin Albert Ralph Lopez William F. McCarthy Dorothy Olga Maggio Marion Maroney Renato Menses Jr. Catherine Muller Dr. Edward J. Mullins Dan Murphy Raymond Nelson Robert “Bob” O'Malley Eileen O’Neill Fr. Joseph P. O'Reilly Agnes Piccetti Maureen Ann Pool Pia Petri John Petrin Col. Frank Quesada Tish Ellen Railton June Marie Ramson Frank Ryan Sr. Thelma Samuelson Jay Sotunen Florence Marie Wassler Eternal Rest Grant Unto Them O Lord And May the Perpetual Light Shine Upon Them. May They Rest in Peace.
	St. Stephen Altar Servers Our special “thanks” to our student Altar Servers who faithfully continue to volunteer their time and talent to our parish. Our Altar Servers for October 27 thru November 2 were: Michael Desmond, Matthew Kozuch, Fiona Smith, Sean Kim, Erin Smith, Stephanie McCarthy, Nicholas Lobue, Carter Evans, Jenny Martin, Thomas Egan Danielle Tioyao, Billy O’Driscoll, Erin Lithgow, Gino Gandolfo, Jason Serafica, Sarah Schmitt, Michaela Serafica, and Priscille Alden.
	e-Contributions makes giving easy! e-Contributions allows St. Stephen to accept regular and special contributions via the Internet. Log onto www.e-paluch.com for details.
	ST STEPHEN PARISH 2008-2009 ORGANIZATION/MINISTRY CONTACT PERSON Altar Servers Mrs. Katya Minnick Altar Society Helen Perlite Bridge Group Helen Perlite Choir Director Angela Zullinger Church Hospitality Veronica Wong Fifty Plus Club Helga D'Arcy Finance Council Dan Linehan Grief Support Ruby Buffin Lectors T.J. Perlite Liturgy Committee Ruby Buffin Marriage Preparation Clergy Men's Club Tony Maffei Music Director Griselda MacDonald Parish Council Patrick Smith Religious Education Veronica Wong RCIA Ruby Buffin Stewardship Kathleen Bruno St Vincent de Paul Julie O'Callaghan Ushers Bob Anthony Women's Guild Fionnuala McElligott Youth Group Christian Fernandez
	Parish Council Information If you would like to contact the Parish Council regarding our upcoming meetings please deliver your message to the Parish Center, or you may telephone or send an email to the following Parish Council members: Patty Murphy at (415) 681-3543 or mac4murph@gmail.com Patrick Smith at (415) 759-6731 or wearepatkat@sbcglobal.net
	Eucharistic Ministers/Lectors Check our web site to review your assignments. www.saintstephenSF.org.
	Bulletin Announcements Send your bulletin announcements via e-mail to: Bulletin@SaintStephenSF.org
	Our warmest welcome to all who celebrate with us. Our warmest welcome to all who celebrate with us. If you are new to our parish, we invite you to register and learn more about our many parish ministries and organizations. You may phone the Parish Center at 681-2444, complete this form and return it to the Parish Center; drop it in the collection basket during mass or register online at: www.ststephenSF.org! Our parishioners receive the weekly newspaper “Catholic San Francisco.”   Name: ___________________________________ Address: _________________________________ Telephone: ______________________________ E-mail address: ___________________________