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GOSPEL REFLECTION
“‘Praise God’ is the title of this letter. For when human beings claim to take God’s place, they become their own worst enemies.” These are the final words of Pope Francis’ new apostolic exhortation, Laudate Deum. I gasped when I read this warning for the first time. It felt harsh compared to the ending of Laudato Si’, his encyclical on the environment from just eight years prior.
And yet, he’s right. As I consider the news from the last few weeks, the senseless deaths of innocent lives in Israel and Palestine, the escalating conflict in Nicaragua, and, as Pope Francis mentions, “the irresponsible lifestyle connected with the Western model” that got us to this point in the climate crisis, I see, again and again, humans trying to take God’s place.
These lines remind humanity that, although some of us believe ourselves all-powerful, we are dependent on God. So dependent that even our mere existence on this planet was beyond our control.
For many of us in the Western world, we have lost this sense of balance and freedom. Our lives are filled with physical belongings that provide a false sense of security and comfort—an abundance that is making us and all of creation sick.
Pope Francis’ final line of Laudate Deum is a call to a humbler way of living. Humus is the Latin word for earth (a rich and nutrient-filled soil) and is also the root word for human and humility, which means one who is grounded or near to the earth. Humans are called to remember that we are part of nature and that “human life is incomprehensible and unsustainable without other creatures. For as part of the universe… all of us are linked by unseen bonds and together form a kind of universal family, a sublime communion which fills us with a sacred, affectionate and humble respect” (Laudate Deum, 67). In the words of Pope Francis one last time, “Everything is connected” and “No one is saved alone."
Brennan Davis
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October 22, 2023
Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
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October 21/22, 2023
To schedule a Mass intention, please stop by the parish office.
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Saturday 5:00
Clara & AJ Protteau (Anniversary)
Lucille Palmaras Alemania (Birthday)
Sunday 8:30
Susana Baxley (Birthday)
Maria Stankova †
Sunday 10:00
J. W. Knapen
Ed Sullivan †
Sunday 11:30
Mary & John Rossi †
Edward Enos †
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Monday 8:00
James & Vincee Viso †
Tuesday 8:00
Russell Vento †
Wednesday 8:15
Paige Watson
Thursday 8:00
Sean Marshall
Friday 8:00
Mari Parks
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PRAYER REQUESTS FOR THE DECEASED:
Nancy Farrant, Angela Alvarez, Cathy Sheridan,
Carmelita Kakar, Mary Abdulai,
PRAYER REQUESTS FOR THE SICK:
Roberta Williams, Connor Vierra, Ron Zeppa, Audrey Pontier,
Noelle Do, Noi Dinh, Raphael Nathan Luu, Anthony Dung Do,
Joanna Nu Tran, Gary Farfan, Frances Pizzo, Elizabeth Weeks,
James M’Guinness, Sr., Tom Rodenfils, Marie Flemate,
Rodger “OB” O’Brien, Sr., Helena Knapen
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Please pray with us for our parishioners, family and friends. | |
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Stewardship of Treasure Pledge Form
Many of you may have already received the stewardship of treasure pledge form and flier by mail. If you have received it, i request you to fill it out and return to the collection basket or mail it to the parish office. This will help the parish staff to correct the data if need be and help you with online giving if you opt for it. We encourage you to commit a portion of your income per week as sacrificial giving to the parish and its ministries. Remember, your generosity builds this community. Please find also the commitment form in the link below.
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TONY & ALBA'S SOCKTOBER
for the Farmworkers
For every pizza purchased in the month of October, Tony & Alba's will donate a pair of socks to the farmworkers in Watsonville. They will also accept new working socks or a cash donation to buy socks.
Your support is truly appreciated.
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NOVEMBER 1
Holy Day of Opportunity (Obligation)
Mass Schedule:
8:10 AM—School Mass
12:10 PM—Noon Mass
7:00 PM—Evening Mass
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All Souls Day
Memorial Masses
November 2
8:00AM & 7:00PM
You, your family, and friends are invited to attend our Annual All Souls Day Memorial Mass. This is a time for remembering all those who have gone to the Lord.
If you would like to have a picture of your loved one(s) placed on the memorial table, please drop off a framed picture (with your name & phone number on the back) to the memorial table in the Church before or after Mass on the weekend of October 28th/29th. You are also welcomed to bring a picture of your loved one(s) to the Memorial Mass to keep with you.
We are keeping you in our prayers and hope you are gentle on yourselves as you journey from grief to healing. If you have any questions, please contact Therese Lehane at tlehane@stmartin.org.
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Pancake Breakfast
Sunday, October 22
9:30 am - 12:00 pm
St. Martin of Tours Gym
A blessing of the members of the Women's Alliance
will take place at the 10:00 am Mass.
All are welcome!
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Parent Orientation for Confirmation Program
October 22
4:00 to 5:00 PM
Church
We are excited to start the Confirmation program for our candidates soon!
We invite all parents/guardians of the candidates (both from St. Martin School and CCM program) to attend Parent Orientation.
During this Orientation, parents will have the opportunity to meet with one another, listening to reflection on “Sacrament of Confirmation” and hearing important information of the program, as well as receiving the textbook for the students.
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Are you thinking a baptism
for your child?
Baptism is a special celebration as it marks an important milestone in a person's faith journey. In Matthew 28:19, Jesus asked his disciples to baptize all nations.
If you have a child younger than 7 years old, this is a good time to give this best gift of a new life to them, a Sacrament of Baptism.
To get more information on the baptism process for infant baptism, please contact Merry Kaelani at merry.kaelani@dsj.org.
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We are very grateful for the large number of children joining our CLOW. Thank you, parents, for taking your children to worship with the community every Sunday! For us to provide a better environment for children to celebrate the Word of God in CLOW,
We need help to supervise the children in the CLOW session. We will create a signup form for parents to participate in this joyful ministry." We need 2 parents for each session.
Your generosity in sharing your time and love for our children will be greatly appreciated. Please click HERE to sign up.
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KIDS CORNER
Dear parents and children, kindly click on the link below to download and print out catechetical activity for children for this weekend. This link is updated every week with activities that corresponds to the readings and Sunday celebrations.
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AROUND THE DIOCESE & COMMUNITY | |
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Updates from the Bishop
Pastoral Planning Updates: The second Draft Executive Summary of the Diocesan Pastoral plan and process infographics have recently been added to the diocesan website. Kindly click the link below and to read and familiarize yourself with the priorities and the second draft of the Diocesan Pastoral plan . HERE.
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Stay up to date with Diocesan wide news, events, and stories as well as news from the USCCB and the Vatican. Read the Bishop’s messages, see what our children are doing in school, and learn about upcoming community events. Follow the Diocese of San Jose on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Vimeo. Social Media Posts: Facebook | Instagram
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WORLD MISSION SUNDAY
OCTOBER 21/22
World Mission Sunday will be celebrated on October 22 this year. During the weekend Masses we pray for the Missions and missionaries of the world.
The second collection taken next weekend will support the global effort for the entire Church to provide for the building up of over one thousand local churches in Asia and Africa, the Pacific Islands, and parts of Latin America and Europe. The theme selected by Pope Francis for this year is “Hearts on fire, feet on the move.”
We encourage all to be missionaries by your prayers and support to the missions.
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Card Design Theme:
Jesus in the manger, Our Bread of Life
Christmas Card Contest Deadline Nov. 6.
It’s that time of year where we invite students from our Catholic schools and parish faith formation groups to express their artistic talents in creating a Christmas Card for Bishop Cantú. This year’s contest will be open to participants from kindergarten to 5th grade. The theme for this year is "Jesus in the manger, Our Bread of Life."
We ask that you spread the word by extending an invitation to your students. Share and post THIS FLYER with your students and their parents. We look forward to seeing the wonderful creations the children have in store. For any questions, contact communications@dsj.org.
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