October: Month of the Rosary The Rosary will be prayed 20 minutes before weekend Masses in October (except 9 AM), focusing on the Year of Faith. Arrive early to join!

Pray for our pilgrims traveling to Italy on the Rome Pilgrimage from October 7-18.

Please pray for those affected!

Let us pray for strength and healing for all those impacted. Bless those who have survived and healed their memories of trauma and devastation. May they have the courage to face the long road of rebuilding ahead. We ask for your blessing on all those who have lost their homes, livelihoods, security, and hope. In Jesus' name, we pray. ~Amen

Call to Renew Campaign

Fr. Mike Ume, Pastor, provides an update on the Call to Renew Capital Campaign for the parish, including financial information and details about the Msgr—Crean Hall renovation project.

Fr. Mike expresses gratitude for the parish's generous support and highlights the campaign's success, with pledges exceeding the initial goal. However, he notes that the current parish portion is only 29% of the estimated cost to renovate Msgr. Crean Hall. To address the funding gap, the parish plans to secure a loan from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, which will be repaid through future pledge fulfillment.

Fr. Mike encourages parishioners to continue supporting the campaign, especially as the parish celebrates its 75th anniversary. The goal is to complete the renovation by August 2025.

Gospel Meditation

October 6, 2024

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Years ago, as a young pastor, I met with a middle-aged couple who had been divorced and civilly remarried. They were frustrated that an annulment had to precede a Church marriage. I empathized with their plight and promised to walk along their journey. Once, as we sat in my office, the man asked me, “Why is the Church so difficult on marriage?” I replied, “Actually, Jesus’ teaching is what’s difficult.” He furrowed his brow and asked what I meant.

We opened the Bible and read today’s Gospel passage from Mark 10:12 together. In it, Jesus says, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery with her…” My two friends sat in silent astonishment. Surely, Jesus understands the complexities of human life and sexual love. The words hung thick and heavy in the air. How could the merciful Lord be so seemingly unrealistic in his expectations, especially with so much divorce and remarriage in our world?

I didn’t know what to say. So, we kept reading. Next, Jesus says, “Let the children come to me.” The innocence of children allows them to receive and give love, to trust unconditionally, and to believe in love that endures. Statistics, broken hearts, or dysfunctional relationships don’t yet jade most children. Children remind us of the world to come. The couple and I began to talk about child-like trust in Jesus and his teaching, and we continued to move forward. Regarding the Church’s demanding teaching on marriage, it’s best to approach it as trusting children, whatever situations we find ourselves in.

— Father John Muir

©LPi

Prayer for Marriage

God, pour Your blessings upon those You have called to marriage. Strengthen the bonds of their unions. May Your love be revealed in how they cherish and support each other,in good times and bad, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health. ~Amen.

Annulments

Question:

I read in the catechism that marriage is indissoluble. Why, then, does the Church issue annulments?

Answer:

Sacramental marriage is indeed indissoluble. You can find this in several places in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Indissolubility is foundational to the union of marriage (CCC 1646) and required by spousal love (CCC 1644). This quality of marriage draws its meaning from the fidelity of Jesus to his Bride, the Church (CCC 1647). Spouses give themselves forever

to each other. Through the vows and their consummation, the spouses form a covenantal bond that binds them as one. Indissolubility presumes and depends on this sacramental bond between the spouses. Sometimes, however, there are impediments to marriage that are overlooked, poorly understood, or unknown. At the time of the vows, something was either present or absent, making the consent invalid. The ceremony itself does not bring about the sacrament. The priest is the official witness of the Church, but he is not the minister of the sacrament. The husband and wife are the ministers of the sacrament to each other. Without the full, free, and able consent of the man and the woman, no sacrament takes place. An annulment does not destroy the marriage bond. It is an acknowledgment that the sacramental bond did not form in the first place.

©LPi

Msgr. Crean Hall

Did you know that Msgr. Crean Hall holds a unique place in the parish's history. Designed by renowned architect George J. Adams, who also worked on prominent buildings like St. Elizabeth’s in Altadena and Cantwell Sacred Heart of Mary High School in Montebello, it began construction in April 1958.

The building, known as the “Cafetorium,” was designed with versatility, functioning both as a cafeteria and auditorium. Spanning 50 by 60 feet, it featured a 16-foot porch on the east side to serve as a lunch shelter for the school children. Initially, the parish planned to convert the "Cafetorium" into additional classrooms once a permanent church was built. Completed between 1959 and 1960, this project marked a pivotal moment in the parish’s growth and commitment to serving the community.

Thank You for Your Generosity on Bundle Sunday!

A big thank you to all who contributed to Bundle Sunday's success. We’re excited to announce that we filled the truck thanks to Ricky, our driver, 's incredible packing skills. You might have noticed a new truck in the photo—this is part of some much-needed new equipment the Society was able to purchase this year. Your generous donations are making a difference!

We received many bags of clothes, which will significantly help those in need. These donations are crucial as the rainy season approaches, providing our unhoused neighbors with clean, dry clothes through our Thrift Store. This is just one of the many services we offer to support those struggling in our community.

Additionally, the Thrift Store sells furniture and other items to help fund the Society’s efforts throughout the LA area. If you have bulky items like furniture or appliances to donate, consider calling (800) 974-3571 or visiting us online at svdpla.org to arrange a pickup.

Thank you once again for your ongoing support and generosity. We appreciate your willingness to stand with us in serving those in need.

God Bless,

The Assumption Conference

Debbie Pelch - President

Knights of Columbus

Famous Strawberry Pancake Breakfast

October 6 After the 7:30AM & 9:30AM Masses

All net proceeds of Knights of Columbus Council 3571 Pancake Breakfasts go to

various charities, including Assumption School and

Religious Education program, Pregnancy Help Center of San Gabriel Valley, Special Olympics - Los Angeles, St. Anne’s Family Services, support for Seminarians, and others.

Mother Mary Visitation Ministry

The Mother Mary Visitation Ministry is always ready to visit and serve the elderly, the sick, and home bound of our parish community. Our Ministry is here to help them ease their feeling of isolation, and reassure them that they are not forgotten and still belong to our parish community. If you have a family member, or know of

anyone from our parish who will benefit from our visits,

please call the rectory to let them know.If anyone is interested in joining and being involved in our ministry, please call Lorna Willard at 626-533-7655.

Respect Life Month Collection

October is Respect Life

Month and next Sunday

is the first Sunday of October. We will have our

crib set up again to collect items for the Pregnancy Help Center of San Gabriel Valley. Baby items such as diapers, clothing, toiletry items, crib sheets and blankets are always needed.

Archdiocese of Los Angeles

Annual Healthcare Professionals Mass

Sunday, October 13, 2024 – 3:30 PM: Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. All healthcare professionals are invited to this special Mass, which includes a Blessing of the Hands for those who serve in the healing ministry. During the Mass, the Mission Doctors Association will also present Dr. James Anastasi, MD, with the Catholic Doctor of the Year Award. A complimentary reception at the Cathedral event center will follow this celebration.

Please RSVP: https://bit.ly/3zC5ifH

Religious Education Sundays



October 6-9:00AM, October 13-9:00 AM

Teen Confirmation Mondays, October 7-Year I-7:00 PM, October 14-Year II-7:00 PM

For further information and to register contact: Cheli Valdez, at (626)792-6844 or cvaldez@abvmpasadena.org

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

Are you 17 years or older, and would you like to be baptized in the Catholic Church? Sign up for our RCIA program.Are you 17 years or older, and you have yet to make your First Communion, or you have yet to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation but would like to? Sign up for our RCIA program. Are you baptized in another faith but want to join our Catholic faith? Sign up for our RCIA program. Classes began on Monday, September 23. Please call the office to register.

*What is A Postulant?

This weekend, we are asked to pray for the new Carmelite Postulants, Emma, Regina, Catherine, and Theresa. A postulant in the Catholic Church prepares to join a religious order or monastery and is in the first stage of their formation. The

term "postulant" comes from the Latin word postulare, which means "to ask." Please pray for them!

Updated Celebration Calendar

ABVM Church 75th Anniversary

SEPTEMBER 2024

📅 14th and 15th: Inauguration of the 75th Anniversary celebration.

OCTOBER 2024

🙏 Recitation of the Rosary before Mass emphasizing the Year of Faith at all Masses except 9 a.m.

📖 2nd at 6:30 pm: Discussion on Faith

✈️ 7th - 18th: Pilgrimage to Italy

NOVEMBER 2024

🍽️ 23rd: Volunteer Appreciation Dinner.

DECEMBER 2024

🎅 1st: St. Nicolas Celebration for Parish Children.

FEBRUARY 2025

🏠 1st: Discussion on Faith, Family, and Parish Life

💃 8th: Valentine's Dinner and Dance.

MARCH 2025

📅 TBA: Three-Day Parish Mission

☘️ 16th: Joint celebration of St. Joseph and St. Patrick's Day.

APRIL 2025

⛪ 3rd: One-Day Retreat at Franciscan Retreat House in Malibu

🍽️ 16th: Passover/Seder Meal

🐣 20th: Easter Egg Hunt

⛳ 26th: Golf Tournament and Dinner.

MAY 2025

👑 7th: Discussion on "Who is Mary?"

👩‍👧 17th: Mother-Child Breakfast (10 a.m. to Noon).

JUNE 2025

🕊️ Spiritual Preparing for Our Celebration.

⏳ June 13th: Begins 10 Days of Holy Hour.

✝️ June 23rd: Corpus Christi Procession.

SEPTEMBER 2025

🎉 14th: 75th Anniversary Celebration!

🌟75th Anniversary Committees🌟

Lecture and Retreat Committee

📧 Coordinator: Guido Galli (guyroosters@yahoo.com)

Headed by: Fr. Mike Ume ⛪

What does this committee do?

This committee helps organize discussions on Faith and Hope 🕊️, including a special talk on October 2 about "Who is Mary?" 💙. We’re also planning a three-day and one-day parish retreat at Malibu's beautiful Franciscan Retreat Center. Volunteers are needed to make these events spiritually enriching and successful.

Volunteer Dinner Committee

👩‍🍳 Headed by: Kathy Tracy and Mary Parra

📞 Contact: 626-792-1343

What does this committee do?

Volunteers are the heart ❤️ of our community! To show our appreciation during our 75th Anniversary 🎉, this committee will organize a special Volunteer Dinner 🍽️. Help us say “thank you” to the people who keep our parish thriving.

Couple Retreat/Valentine’s Dinner Committee

💑 Headed by: John and Griselda Chavez

📧 Contact: john.chavez2007@gmail.com

What does this committee do?

Families are the domestic church 🏡, and couples are its foundation 💕. In partnership with the Office of Family Life, we plan a one-day couple’s retreat on February 1, 2025 🕊️. We’re also organizing a Valentine’s Dance 💃🕺 on February 8, 2025. We need volunteers to help make these events meaningful and fun!

Golf Tournament & Dinner Committee

⛳ Headed by: Benard Pastorik

📧 Contact: bernpastorik@gmail.com

What does this committee do?

We’re hosting our first-ever parish Golf Tournament! 🏌️‍♂️ No golf experience is necessary—bring your enthusiasm 🎉. Volunteers are needed to help organize the tournament and the dinner afterward 🍽️. Let’s make this a day to remember!

Mother & Child Brunch Committee

👩‍👧 Headed by: Sally Pastorik

📧 Contact: salpastorik@gmail.com

What does this committee do?

There’s no bond like that between a mother and child. In celebration of our 75th Anniversary 🌟, we’re organizing a special Mother’s Day Brunch 🥂. Join us in creating a beautiful event that honors all the mothers in our community.

Holy Hour and Corpus Christi Procession Committe✝️

What does this committee do?

As part of our 75th Anniversary spiritual journey, we will expose the Blessed Sacrament after the 8:15 AM Mass for 10 days straight. This is a time for deep reflection and renewal of faith ✨. Volunteers are needed to help organize the Holy Hour and Corpus Christi Procession.

St. Patrick and St. Joseph Tables Committee

🍀 Headed by: Mary Parra and Olivia Davidson

📞 Contact: 626-792-1343

What does this committee do?

After last year’s success with the St. Joseph’s Table, we’re adding a St. Patrick’s Table ☘️. Proceeds will support the Religious Education Program 📚 and the San Gabriel Pregnancy Center 👶. We need your help to make this a fun and meaningful celebration!

Souvenir Committee🎁

What does this committee do?

We want our 75th Anniversary to be unforgettable! 💫 This committee will create souvenirs 🛍️ to commemorate this special year. We’re seeking creative minds and a leader to bring these ideas to life. Join us in making lasting memories!

September 14th Committee

🎉 This is our grand finale! 🎉 The culmination of our 75th Anniversary Celebration will occur on September 14, 2025 🗓️. We’ll need plenty of volunteers for various subcommittees, so please consider joining us to make this event extraordinary 🌟. More details to come in January!

Our Mission Statement

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a Catholic Community. Our mission is to welcome all in Jesus' name and live out our faith as His Disciples.

We worship, proclaim the Gospel to all, and help those in need.