Saint Stephen Catholic Parish Baptism of the Lord January 11th, 2009 - Bulletin
		All you who are thirsty, come to the water!
		— Isaiah 55:1

	Our Liturgical Week Monday, January 12 8:00 a.m. Fr. Calegari / John Faliano Tuesday, January 13 8:00 a.m. Fr. Walsh / Marygrace Dunn Wednesday, January 14 8:00 a.m. Fr. Calegari / Bill Marconi Thursday, January 15 9:30 a.m. Fr. Calegari / __ __ __ __ __ Friday, January 16 8:00a.m. Fr. Walsh / Stephen Haddad Saturday, January 17 8:00 a.m. Fr. Murray / __ __ __ __ __ 11:00 a.m./Baptism 3:30 p.m. Fr. Walsh / Reconciliation 4:30 p.m. Fr. Walsh / __ __ __ __ __ Sunday, January 18 - Second Sunday of Ordinary Time 8:00 a.m. Fr. Walsh / __ __ __ __ __ 9:30 a.m. Fr. Murray / For the Parish 11:30 a.m. Fr. Sauer / __ __ __ __ __ 6:45 p.m. Fr. Calegari / __ __ __ __ __ Red indicates Mass intentions
	TODAY’S READINGS First Reading — Behold my servant with whom I am pleased; he shall bring forth justice to the nations (Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7) or Isaiah 55:1-11. Psalm — The Lord will bless his people with peace (Psalm 29) or Isaiah 12:2-6. Second Reading — God anointed him with the Holy Spirit; he went about doing good (Acts 10:34-38) or 1 John 5:1-9. Gospel — You are my beloved Son, with you I am well pleased (Mark 1:7-11). 2009 Mass Intentions Mass Intentions for the weekday 8:00 a.m. mass in 2009 are still available. Please keep in mind that mass intentions for the Saturday vigil and Sunday masses and the 12:10 p.m. daily mass during Lent are also available. OUR WEEK AT A GLANCE Monday, January 12 50+ Club 12:30 p.m./Temp. Bldg Religious Education 3:45 p.m./Parish Office Men’s Club 6:45 p.m./Temp. Bldg. Liturgy Committee 7:30 p.m./Conf. Room Tuesday, January 13 Youth Group 6:00 p.m./Parish Office Grief Support Group 7:00 p.m./Conf. Rm. Women’s Guild 7:00 p.m./Ext. Center Wednesday, January 14 Hot Lunch 11:45 p.m./Temp. Bldg. St. Vincent de Paul Conf. 7:30 p.m./Conf. Rm. Thursday, January 15 Art Project 1:30 p.m./Temp. Bldg. RCIA 7:00 p.m./Parish Office Friday, January 16 Gamblers Anonymous 8:00 p.m./Parish Office & EC Saturday, January 17 Bible Study 8:30 a.m./Marian Room Sunday, January 18 Youth Group 4:00 p.m./Temp. Bldg. Divorce Recovery Gp. 6:30 p.m./Ext. Center SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES Sunday: The Baptism of the Lord National Vocation Awareness Week Monday: First Week in Ordinary Time begins Tuesday: St. Hilary Saturday: St. Anthony 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, Irene Buscovich, Elena Carr, Mario Cid, Kevin Cleary, James Collins, Bernard Curran, David Douglas, Msgr. Bruce Dreier, Betty Francesconi, Art Hazlett, Mary Elizabeth Henry, Nellie Jocson, Elizabeth Kauss, Tim Lew, Miguel Mendoza, Alene Meyers, Maggie McDonald, Irin Mullen, Mercy Newman, George O’Brien, Kylie O’Leary, 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, January 11, 2009 Today we commemorate the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan river by John the Baptist. Cousins, they would have been some thirty years old at the time. The scripture experts tell us that St. Mark's Gospel, which we will hear most Sundays between now and next December, was a catechism for Jews who were preparing to be baptized. It would show them what it means to be a Christian. A voice from heaven was heard at Jesus' baptism. I don't think anyone heard a voice from heaven at my baptism. I didn't - I was an infant. I haven't heard those who were baptized as adults say they heard a voice either. But I think we have heard that voice from heaven many times since our baptisms. Whenever we were faced with choices: the easy way out or the way of integrity; the truth or a lie; an opportunity to stop and help someone, or pass them by; to correct a wrong or turn a blind eye.... Did we not hear an inner voice reminding us who we are by our baptism? "You are my beloved child; with you I am well pleased." Thomas Merton, a Trappist monk, mystic and spiritual writer of the 20th century, once stood in amazement on a busy street corner in Louisville, Kentucky, observing the throng of shoppers. "I was suddenly overwhelmed with the realization that I loved all those people, that they were mine and I theirs, that we could not be alien to one another even though we were total strangers.... There is no way of telling people that they are all walking around shining like the sun... I suddenly saw the secret beauty in their hearts, the depths of their hearts where neither sin nor desire nor selfknowledge can reach, the core of their reality, the person that each one is in God's eyes. If only they could all see themselves as they really are. If only we could see each other that way all of the time." - (Thomas Merton in "Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander.") "Listen, that you may have life." These words from the prophet Isaiah in today's first reading not only remind me of Thomas Merton's Louisville experience, they also call to mind some words of another 20th century mystic, Mother Teresa of Calcutta: "It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish." The unborn are an especially defenseless segment of the population. It is a national scandal that an average of 4,000 abortions are performed daily in this country. "What can I do?" you may ask. Here's one thing: join the thousands on Saturday, January 24, in the San Francisco "Walk for Life." The baptism of Jesus reminds me of water, a powerful symbol of life and grace. Your Pastor, Fr. Joe FACTS ABOUT YOUR CHURCH In the sanctuary, oak is used for the crucifix and redodos. The redodos are the architectural wooden framework behind and above the alter. They are embellished with decorative symbols of the Twelve Apostles. Beginning at the lower left, clockwise, the symbols are; St. James bar Zebedee, St. Bartholomew, St. Matthias, St. Thomas, St. Peter, St. John, St. Philip, St. Simon, St. Matthew, St. Andrew, St. Jude, and St. James bar Alphaeus. Make it Your New Year Resolution: Sign up for e-Contributions! Did you forget your envelope again? Here’s an easy solution that can pay dividends to you! Sign up for e-Contributions and contribute safely, simply and automatically to St. Stephen Church. You decide how much and how often to give in advance and arrange to have the amount either automatically deducted from your checking account or charged to your credit card. If you use a rewards card to make your contribution, your donation will help you accrue points toward cash rebates and airline tickets! Registering for e-Contributions is easy. You can either visit the e-Paluch web site at: www.e-paluch.com and register your e-Contribution to St. Stephen Parish or pick up a flyer in the church vestibule and complete an authorization agreement. For more information, please contact Jim Cook at 415/681-2444 ext. 23. Thank you for your generosity and support. HOSPITALITY MINISTERS for the 9:30 a.m. Mass. Today, Sunday, Jan. 11 - Just Fools Sunday, Jan. 18 - Women’s Guild Sunday, Jan. 25 - Religious Ed. Mark Your Calendar January 24, 2009 – Final 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. January 25, 2009 – Catholic Schools Week! You are cordially invited to visit our St. Stephen School Open House. January 27, 2009 – 50+ Club trip to the River Rock Casino. Bus will leave at 1:00 p.m.; cost $25.00. Phone Betty Ganduglia at 650 589-0726 to reserve your space. February 1, 2009 - Confirmation will take place during our 11:30 a.m. mass with Bishop Justice as the celebrant. 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. St. Stephen 50+ Club Our next meeting is tomorrow, Monday, January 12 at 12:30 p.m. We will meet in our Temporary Building. (Contact: Helga D’Arcy at 731-8211). OFFERTORY COLLECTIONS Weekly collection goal $ 8,000 Past weekend collection (8/10) $ 6,720 Year to Date Goal $249,000 Year to Date $204,511 Thank you! Your continued generosity to our Parish is critical and never goes unnoticed. KNOWING GOD Knowing God is not so much a question of opening a book and reading about God, but of opening the heart and loving God. --Anonymous Fifth Annual Walk for life West Coast, A New Tradition, A New Voice. Join thousands of pro-life women, men, friends and families as we peacefully take our message to the streets proclaiming that women deserve better than abortion. Walk with us Saturday, January 24, 2009 as we continue to peacefully proclaim our message in ever-greater numbers. Starts at 11:00 a.m. at Justin Herman Plaza at the Embarcadero. For information please call 586-1576 or www.walkforlifewc.com Separated and Divorced Catholics of the Bay Area Divorce Recovery Course offered by the Separated and Divorced Catholics of the Bay Area provides a chance to understand the emotional journey begun with the loss of a relationship. It will be held for seven Sunday evenings beginning today, January 11 and will meet at our O’Reilly Parish Center from 7 to 9 p.m. The cost of $45 covers book and materials. Pre-registration is required. To register or for more information, call Vonnie at 650/873-4236 or Susan at 415/752-1308. 2009 Church Calendars Calendars for 2009, complements of Duggan’s Serra Family Mortuaries, available in the back of the church. Only a few calendars remain. Little Children’s Aid... to honor St. Stephen parishioner Karen Leach at “Share Your Heart”, a Valentines Cocktail Party. Please join us as we honor Karen Leach with the Alice Phelan Sullivan Award Saturday, February 7, 2009 Forest Hills Club House 381 Magellan Avenue, San Francisco 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Hosted Bar Hors d' Oeuvres by Knight's Catering Silent Auction & Award Presentation Tickets: $75.00 per person Music by The Hot Frittatas For additional information contact: Karen Sanchez-Corea at kscorea@aol.com or phone 415 564-4545. St. Stephen Men’s Club RESERVE YOUR LUCKY SQUARE St. Stephen’s 26th Annual SUPER BOWL POOL! Lucky squares are still available! If you have questions, contact Marco Cerri at 650 303-2133. Proceeds from this fund raiser support all our CYO Athletics. The Women’s Guild... is collecting books and donations for the Joan Crotty Children’s Library at Holy Family Day Home, Saturday and Sunday, January 17 & 18. For more than 100 years, Holy Family Day Home has been a pioneer in providing affordable, high quality early educational development for young children while nurturing positive interaction with their families. They provide a stable and nurturing environment, offering the children of working families a sound foundation for lifelong development, and continuing a tradition established by the Sisters of the Holy Family. You may drop off your new or slightly used books in the Holy Family Day Home collection barrels in the back of the church. (To view a copy of their book wish list please go to www.saintstephensf.org, click on the “St. Stephen School K-8” button on the right side and then under “School News and Announcements” click on “Women’s Guild Meeting.”) Cash or checks should be made out to: Holy Family Day Home. If you have any questions, please contact Kathleen Dowling McDonough at 415-564-6487 or Kathleen@LittleCableCars.com.
	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 December 29 thru January 4 were: Michaela Serafica, Mikayla Minnick, Thomas McGovern, Katie Regalia, Stefano Maffei, Fiona Smith, Stephanie McCarthy, Jay Francisco, Jessica Battad, Brianna Martin, Jenny Martin, Kimberly Yan, Georgia Davey, Marisa Pashby, and Mathew Pashby.
	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: ___________________________