ON GOLDEN RULE
Commentators on the Torah (the first five books of the Bible) amplified it into many hundreds of prescriptions; but there was an equal quest to simplify it into one, to express the essence underlying its multiplicity. This was the import of the Pharisee's question. It was a regular question to put to a rabbi.
Jesus replied by quoting the 'Shema Israel', which is practically the Creed of Judaism. It was recited at Saturday evening prayers, and written on small pieces of parchment carried in phylacteries. The words mean 'Hear, O Israel', from the opening words: "Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might" (Deuteronomy 6:4-5). But he added another to it, from Leviticus 19:18, "You shall love your neighbors as yourself." This was not quite an innovation in itself, but when you recall who he meant by 'neighbor', it certainly was. Jesus made it clear that one's neighbor is anyone in need, no matter what their race or religion. 'Neighbor', then, is an unlimited category in the teaching of Jesus, and as if to underline this from the beginning, the perfect model of this new liberating morality was a Samaritan. Samaritans were regarded by Jews as heretics and foreigners, in no way "children of the light."
The combination of the two commandments to love God and neighbor was not lost on Jesus' disciples. "Love your neighbour as yourself," Jesus quoted. But when he spoke from himself he said "Love one another as I have loved you" (John 15:12). There is all the difference in the world between these two. I would run a mile from some people if they threatened to love me as they loved themselves! The so-called Golden Rule guarantees very little. Jesus not only tells us to love God and neighbor; by his life and death he shows us how to do it.
by Donah O'Shea
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October 29, 2023
Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
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October 28/29, 2023
To schedule a Mass intention, please stop by the parish office.
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Saturday 5:00 PM
Rosalia Bommarito †
Robert Lawrence †
Helen Hilda Hoe †
Sunday 8:30 AM
St. Martin of Tours Parishioners
Sunday 10:00 AM
Carol Barcelos †
Terry Sullivan †
Sunday 11:30 AM
Dorothy Deavan †
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Monday 8:00 AM
James & Vincee Viso †
Tuesday 8:00 AM
Della Brazda †
Wednesday 8:15 AM
All Souls Novena
Thursday 8:00 AM
All Souls Novena
Friday 8:00 AM
All Souls Novena
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PRAYER REQUESTS FOR THE DECEASED:
Lucille Mazzeo
PRAYER REQUESTS FOR THE SICK:
Kathleen Lupo, 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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AOFFERINGS AND ONLINE GIVING
Sunday Offering 10/22/23 Fiscal Year to Date
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Budget | $8,930 | $198,790 | Actual | $9,572 | $189,100 | Difference | $642 | ($9,690) | | |
St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP)
If you would like to donate online, please use the QR Code provided.
Thank you for your
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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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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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Mass of Remembrance
for Victims & Survivors of Violence
Bishop Oscar Cantú will celebrate Mass for victims and survivors of violence.
November 5
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Holy Family Parish
4848 Peal Ave, San Jose, CA 95136
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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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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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