Feast of Holy Family - December 27, 2020 |
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WHAT TRULY A FAMILY IS ABOUT! |
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Dear Friends,
Today is the feast of Holy Family. Family is not about “what” we have in our life, but “who” we have in our life. The transition from “what we have” to “who we have” makes great families.
There is a story about two Americans answered an invitation from the Russian Department of Education to teach morals and ethics (based on biblical principles). They were invited to teach at prisons and a large orphanage. About 100 boys and girls who had been abandoned, abused, and left in the care of a government-run program were in the orphanage. They relate the following story in their own words:
“We told them about Mary and Joseph arriving in Bethlehem. Finding no room in the inn, the couple went to a stable, where the baby Jesus was born and placed in a manger. Throughout the story, the children sat in amazement as they listened trying to grasp every word. Completing the story, we gave the children three small pieces of cardboard to make a crude manger. Following instructions, the children tore the paper and carefully laid strips in the manger for straw. Small squares of flannel were used for the baby's blanket.”
“The orphans were busy assembling their manger as I walked among them to see if they needed any help. All went well until I got to one table where little Misha sat. He looked to be about 6-years-old and had finished his project. As I looked at the little boy's manger, I was startled to see not one, but two babies in the manger.”
“Quickly, I called for the translator to ask the lad why there were two babies in the manger. Crossing his arms in front of him and looking at this completed manger scene, the child began to repeat the story very seriously. For such a young boy, who had only heard the Christmas story once, he related the happenings accurately -- until he came to the part where Mary put the baby Jesus in the manger. Then Misha started to ad-lib.”
“He made up his own ending to the story as he said, ‘And when Mary laid the baby in the manger, Jesus looked at me and asked me if I had a place to stay. I told him I have no mamma and I have no papa, so I don't have any place to stay. Then Jesus told me I could stay with Him. But I told him I couldn't, because I didn't have a gift to give Him like everybody else did. But I wanted to stay with Jesus so much, so I thought about what I had that maybe I could use for a gift. I thought maybe if I kept Him warm, that would be a good gift.’ So I asked Jesus, 'If I keep You warm, will that be a good enough gift?' And Jesus told me, 'If you keep Me warm, that will be the best gift anybody ever gave Me.' So I got into the manger, and then Jesus looked at me and He told me I could stay with Him -- for always.’”
As little Misha finished his story, his eyes brimmed full of tears that splashed down his little cheeks. Putting his hand over his face, his head dropped to the table and his shoulders shook as he sobbed and sobbed. The little orphan had found someone who would never abandon nor abuse him, someone who would stay with him -- for always.
Family is not “what” you have in your life, but “who” you have in your life. We all should give thanks for the people that "keep us"- in their lives. This week, be a family to someone.
Fr. Saju
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MASS SCHEDULE
Due to COVID-19 purple tier regulations, all in-person Masses are currently being held outside in front of the church.
WEEKDAYS
Monday - Friday 8:00 AM
(Live-stream only)
WEEKENDS
Sunday Vigil - Saturday 5:00 PM
(Live-stream only)
Sunday 8:30 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:30 AM
in front of the Church
(In-person & In-car / Sign ups required)
Additional Sunday Masses will be added if all scheduled Masses are full, so please sign up early (see below).
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MASS SIGN-UP
(Click Button Below)
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LIVE-STREAM
(Click Buttons Below)
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IN-CAR MASS
Many families have joined us at Sunday Mass from their cars. It is so joyful to see those who otherwise would not be able to attend Mass. We are able to accommodate 40 cars. We will do our best to direct cars in such a way that families can see and hear the celebration. If you would like to attended, please sign up at the link above. All cars should arrive 10-15 minutes early and enter through the first gate on O'Connor Drive. Holy Communion will be brought to each car. This will not change the in person Mass schedule, sign up and attendance.
Reserve only ONE spot for each car (Click below for sign up and guidelines)
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NEW YEARS
MASS SCHEDULE
All in-person Masses are currently being held in front of the Church.
Friday, January 1st
10:00 AM
In Person & Live-streamed
(In-Person & In-Car / Sign ups required)
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NEW YEARS MASS SIGN-UP
(Click Button Below)
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NEW YEARS MASS
LIVE-STREAM
(Click Button Below)
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December 26, 2020 - January 1, 2021
Saturday 5:00pm - St. Martin of Tours Parishioners
Sunday 8:30am - James & Vincee Viso †
Sunday 10:00am - William O'Connell †
Sunday 11:30am - John Rossi †
Monday 8:00am - Tim Crowley †
Tuesday 8:00am - Right to Life
Wednesday 8:00am - Lisa Montgomery
Thursday 8:00am - Justin Semana †
Friday 10:00am - Frank Zarka † and Joe Salberg †
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PRAYER REQUEST FOR THE DECEASED:
Isabel Costanza, Rita Russo, Fred Gerritz, Fr. Patrick Griffin, Lionel Ortega, Dee Lynn Fields, Bernadette Burke, Marina Dizon, Fred Gerritz, Arline Norsworthy
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PRAYER REQUESTS FOR THE SICK:
Ric Tomlinson, Betsy Doyle, Helena Knapen,
Rosalia Russo
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Please pray with us for our parishioners, family and friends. |
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PRAYER ANGELS MINISTRY
Prayer is one of the greatest gifts you can give another. If you or someone you know is in need of prayers (sick, deceased, birthday, anniversary...), please email Therese Lehane at [email protected] and let our Prayer Angels pray for you or someone you know. |
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FAITH FORMATION & SPIRITUALITY |
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FAMILY REFLECTION AND ACTION |
December 27, 2020 Feast of the Holy Family
Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 • Colossians 3:12-21 • Luke 2:22-40
The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. —Luke 2:40
It’s amazing that the Son of God was part of a family here on earth and grew up just like each of us. He is God but he still was a human being and had to learn things just like we do. The favor of God was upon him and the favor of God is upon us. Just as Jesus was a child of God, so are we! We are precious to God, and he wants us to become strong and grow to love him and others, more and more. We also learn how to not be tricked into turning away from God and his teachings. God gives us parents to guide us and teach us right from wrong.
Prayer: Dear Lord, fill me with wisdom so I will know the right things to do so I will grow closer to you and to give you honor and glory. Help me to trust and obey my parents.
What are some things that you can thank you parents for? Take a moment to thank your parents for caring for you and guiding you each day.
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CHILDREN'S SUNDAY BULLETIN & ACTIVITIES
Web Link for this week - Children's Sunday Bulletin & Activities:
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STEWARDSHIP & DEVELOPMENT |
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THANK YOU ST. MARTIN OF TOURS COMMUNITY
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FOOD BOX
Thank you to the countless volunteers who helped sort and distribute food during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season. We served a large number of people in November and December. We could not have done it without all of the generous donations and gracious volunteers. We especially thank the youth that volunteered! May god bless you all!
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CHRISTMAS GIVING
Thank you to everyone that generously donated gift cards to our Christmas giving this year. We were able to provide gift cards to many families. In addition, your donations allowed us to give nursing homes and kids in need gifts this Christmas season. Thank you to all the wonderful people that pulled together to help provide for others this Christmas season. Blessings!
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VESPERS PRAYER
Thank you to the Women of St. Martin of Tours Peace and Justice committee for bringing us together to pray vespers via Zoom every Monday during this Advent season. Your service to the community is a great comfort as we have had to adapt some of our traditions. May the spirit of Christmas shine bright for you!
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PARISH DIRECTORIES
Our parish photo directories are here. All parishioners that took part in the directory, it is time to pickup your copy of the printed church directory at the parish office!!! You can schedule a time to pick up your copy of the directory by calling the parish office at 408-294-8953. Thank you!
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PLEASE SUPPORT OUR PARISH AND MINISTRIES
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Thank you for your support to the parish! We need your financial support now more than ever to continue our ministries. The online donation system that we use is safe, secure and convenient. You can use credit cards, debit cards or direct transfer from your bank account. Please use the button below for online donations and offerings to the parish. If you are unable to give online or at Mass, please mail in your weekly offertory gift to: 200 O'Connor Dr., San Jose, CA 95128.
If possible, please consider a year end donation.
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Kindly Sponsor Car Seats for GHS
Guadalupe Hope Society: Guadalupe Hope Society's (GHS) Women's Center provide for the pregnant women in need. At this time, they are in need of 3 car seats for newborns, so these Moms can bring their babies home from the hospital after their delivery. This is a request to support the purchase of new car seats. They cost between $200 - 250 each. If you are willing to sponsor one or all of them, please contact the parish office. Thank you for your generosity!
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PEASE UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION
We are in the process of cleaning up our internal parishioner database. Please take a minute to submit your information (see below). This contact information is confidential and is used only to stay in touch with our parishioners. Thank you!!
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PARISH OFFICE IS OPEN FOR ESSENTIAL OPERATIONS
Our parish office is open for essential operations from Monday - Thursday from 9am to 5pm. Please call ahead to make an appointment at (408) 294-8953. For staff directory and email addresses: Click Here.
We are Here for You
If you or a loved one are in need of Sacramental care, such as anointing of the sick, last rites, confession, Fr. Gener and I will be available to assist you. Please be sure to call the Parish office to leave a message or email us.
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ST. MARTIN OF TOURS SCHOOL |
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Men's Virtual Discernment Weekend:
January 29-31, 2021. Is God calling you to the priesthood? In this retreat you will have the chance to explore the priesthood, listen to priest's vocation stories and learn about steps for discernment, values of priestly life and the structure of seminary formation during a weekend of prayer, discussions & fraternity.
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Women's Virtual Discernment Weekend:
February 5-7, 2021. What does it mean to have a vocation and discern it? How do you know when you are called to marriage or consecrated life? We know you have these questions and we want to help you find some answers! The Diocese of San Jose Vocations Office invites young adult women aged 18-40 to a free bilingual retreat weekend!
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POPE DEDICATES 2021 AS YEAR OF ST JOSEPH |
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Pope Francis has announced a special year dedicated to St. Joseph starting from 8 December 2020 until 8 December 2021, on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the proclamation of St. Joseph as the Patron of the Universal Church, as well as the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Our Lady. It is also so fitting that this coincided with the 40th anniversary of the Diocese of San Jose.
The Apostolic Penitentiary also issued a decree granting special indulgences for the duration of the special year to celebrate the anniversary and “to perpetuate the entrustment of the whole Church to the powerful patronage of the Custodian of Jesus.”
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GRIEF BOOT CAMP 2021
Monday evenings 7 PM - 8 PM
beginning January 11 - February 15
Come one week or every week
Sponsored by San Jose Catholic Cemeteries
Facilitator: Candee Lucas, After Care Coordinator
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HEALTH & SAFETY INFORMATION |
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