UPDATE AS OF FEBRUARY 15, 2021
ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICES

Ash Wednesday will be observed on Wednesday, February 17. Ash Wednesday is the beginning of the Church's observance of the Lenten season. It begins a period where people enter more intentionally into the disciplines of prayer, self-examination and repentance. The season begins with Catholics receiving ashes on their forehead and acknowledging their finiteness and mortality. The traditions of Ash Wednesday remind us that "you are dust and to dust you will return." (Genesis 3:19) This is not meant to be morbid, it is just meant to confront our grandiosity and help us to stay in touch with the real human condition that we all share.

Ash Wednesday also initiates a season of acknowledging our sinfulness. In very intentional ways, we invite God to search and know us and eventually lead us into resurrection life. The ashes marking our foreheads carry the same meaning contained in the Old Testament practice of covering oneself with ashes: they are an outward sign of an inward repentance and mourning as we become aware of our sin. This, too, is good for us because we live in so much denial. Facing our sin in the shadow of Christ's cross and impending resurrection is the healthiest way to deal with sin.

The distribution of ashes will take place at three different times during the day (weather permitting). In the event of extreme wind, all ash distribution services will be moved into the church.

1) Following the Wednesday 8:30 AM Mass, under the parking lot tent

2) From 11:00 AM - 12:45 PM (Drive through only, enter parking lot on Valley Circle Blvd.) 11AM - 12:15PM is the best time for parishioners. After 12:15, parishioners in line may be subject to some waiting since parents will be picking up their children for school. We will be utilizing 3 lines, 2 for parishioners and 1 for school pick-up. Please follow the parking attendant directions.
3) From 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM (Drive through only, enter parking lot on Valley Circle Blvd.)

For any questions about Ash Wednesday services, please contact the Parish Office at (818) 888-8200.
GUIDELINES FOR FASTING & ABSTINENCE

Abstinence is a penitential practice consisting of refraining from the consumption of meat and is to be observed by all Catholics who are 14 years of age and older. Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and the Fridays during Lent are days of abstinence. Pastors and parents are encouraged to see that those who are not bound by the obligation to abstain are held to appreciate an authentic sense of penance.

Fasting - In addition to abstinence, fasting is to be observed by all Catholics between the ages of 18-59 years (inclusive). On days of fasting (Ash Wednesday and Good Friday), one full meal is allowed. Two smaller meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to one's needs, but together they should not equal another full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted but liquids are allowed. If a person is unable to observe the above regulations due to health or other serious reasons, they are urged to practice other forms of self-denial that are suitable to their condition.
SUPREME COURT DECISION ON INDOOR WORSHIP

On February 5, 2021, the United States Supreme Court issued a decision allowing houses of worship to return to indoor services in the State of California.  In accordance with the ruling, parishes in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles may offer indoor worship services, limited to 25% of church capacity. This includes the Counties of Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara.

We anticipate receiving additional guidance from the Archdiocese soon as the Archdiocesan leadership reviews the Court's decision and assesses the safety concerns of our faithful. In the meantime, with an eye to the safety and welfare of all God's people, our parish will continue to follow the City, County and State safety and health protocols. We continue to encourage the elderly and all those with underlying health problems to stay home and watch Mass through our social media. Livestream information can be found below.

If and when changes are made regarding our Masses and other services, we will post them in this newsletter, on our website, and our Facebook page. Thank you for your patient endurance with the ever-changing COVID situation.

May God keep you and your families safe and healthy.

The St Bernardine Parish Leadership Team

Livestreamed Masses are available at:
UPDATES

1) The Parish Office is open, Monday-Friday, from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM.
To access the Parish Gift Shop, please contact Jean Sampson at (818) 888-7073 during business hours.

2) Through the month of February, our weekend Masses will remain on Sundays at 7:00 AM and 4:00 PM, outdoors under the tent. Parking is accessed through the Valley Circle driveway only.

Livestreamed Masses are available on Saturdays at 5PM and Sundays at 10AM.

3) Private Prayer Sessions - the church building is open for private prayer sessions one time a week, on Tuesdays, from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM. Parishioners must adhere to COVID protocols for the church with specified seating areas, mandatory face coverings, and 6' physical distancing.

4) Daily Masses are Monday - Friday at 8:30 AM inside the Church with the option of outdoor seating for those who want to remain outside. Parishioners must adhere to COVID protocols for the church with specified seating areas, mandatory face coverings, and 6' physical distancing.

For Mon.-Fri. parking, please enter the parking lot using the Calvert Street driveway.

5) Drive through Confessions are on Saturdays from 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM only.

6) Drive through Communion services are on Sundays from 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM.

We are working on details and logistics of bringing other services back into the church. We will notify parishioners of any changes.

All services and times are subject to change and weather permitting.
Please check with our church website, Facebook page, and
Constant Contact emails for any updates.

Thank you for your continued support, understanding, and patient endurance. For any questions, please contact our Parish Office at (818) 888-8200 or at [email protected].
ADULT CONFIRMATION PROGRAM

WHAT IS THIS CATHOLIC FAITH?
AM I LIVING MY FAITH? WHO IS JESUS?

We will be discussing these and other questions as we watch and discuss the video documentary series, Catholicism, by Bishop Robert Barron.

Join us for our Adult Confirmation sessions starting Thursday, January 28th. All sessions are "online" through Zoom. We will meet each Thursday from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM from January 28th - April 1st.

Anyone interested in renewing or reviewing our Catholic faith is welcome to join us. Contact Bob Nicholas at (818) 710-1662 or at [email protected] for the meeting ID and password. All are welcome!
VOLUNTEERS WANTED!

The success of our Sunday Masses and drive up Communion service is due to wonderful volunteers who give 1-1.5 hours of their time to the parish. If you have been looking for a way to get involved, consider volunteering to be a greeter or usher. Greeters welcome and check in parishioners before Masses. Ushers help parishioners with seating and Communion lines. No experience is necessary - we will train you. If interested, please contact Cathy Barkes at 747-888-9758 or at [email protected].
ST. BERNARDINE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL & PRESCHOOL ENROLLMENT

St. Bernardine of Siena Elementary School and Preschool are accepting applications for SUMMER & FALL 2021-2022 terms.

Applications for the Elementary School, grades K-8, for the FALL 2021-2022 school year, are available on their website at www.stbernardineschool.org. You can also get more information or schedule a tour by calling the elementary school office at (818) 340-2130.

Applications for the preschool are now being accepted for both SUMMER and FALL 2021-2022. Applications are accepted for children ages 18 months - 5 yrs. old. They also have a TK (Transitional Kindergarten) program available. For more information, please contact the preschool office at (818) 716-4730 or visit their website at www.stbpreschool.com
CONFIRMATION - YOUTH MINISTRY PROGRAM

Our Youth Confirmation Preparation Process Sessions for both Year One and Year Two students are still taking place. Meetings are on Sundays at the times listed below. Please log into Zoom using the meeting#s and passcodes.

Year One at 7:00 pm on Sundays
Zoom Meeting # 822 06062790
Passcode: Jeshua

Year Two at 3:00 pm on Sunday
Zoom Meeting# 823 7772 2011
Passcode: Jeshua

Zoom meeting information is available on our church website. Meetings are for parents and high schoolers. If you have not yet registered, you may do so by completing the appropriate forms at “Sacraments”; “Confirmation”; on the St. Bernardine website. If you have any questions, please contact Bob Nicholas, CYM Director, at (818) 710-1662, or at [email protected]
PRESCHOOL FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITY

Did you know that you can help raise money for St. Bernardine of Siena Children's Center by eating pizza? Look on Ameci pizza boxes for the "Ameci Cares About Our School" stamp. Cut the stamp off your pizza box and bring it into the preschool or our parish office. Each stamp is worth $.50 for the preschool. Thanks in advance for your support.
THANK YOU!

We want to extend a tremendous thank you to those who have and continue to donate to our Parish's Emergency Appeal campaign. We are truly overwhelmed by the generosity and support that we have received. Through your donations, we are able to provide the ministries and services that are so needed by our St. Bernardine parishioners and local community. Donations will be accepted throughout the year. Thank you again for your amazing response!

The St. Bernardine Parish Leadership Team
FAITH FORMATION CLASSES

Faith Formation sessions, for children in grades 1-6, are in session. The children are learning about what we believe; how we worship, live and pray. Sacred Scripture with activities serve as the background each week and include preparation for the First Sacraments. Sessions are conducted online until it is safe to return to in-person classes. The sessions take place on Tuesdays at 4:00 PM. Family resources and childrens' books are provided. For more information, please contact, Eileen Fewless, Faith Formation Director, at [email protected] or call, 818-340-1440. To register, go to: Faith Formation 2020 Registration Form

Forms should be dropped off or mailed to: Eileen Fewless - St. Bernardine of Siena Parish, 24410 Calvert Street, Woodland Hills, CA 91367.
AMAZON SMILE CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION

Here is a simple way that you can support our Parish by shopping on Amazon. Follow the link below to set us up as your charitable organization.
 
Our customized link:

Thank you for supporting St. Bernardine of Siena Parish.
MASS INFORMATION

Weekdays - Monday-Friday at 8:30 AM. No registration required. Mass is held inside the church with the option of sitting outside on the plaza.

Weekends – Sundays at 7:00 AM & 4:00 PM. Mass conducted in the parking lot under the tent. Registration is required. Live-streamed only Mass are on Saturdays at 5:00 PM and Sundays at 10:00 AM.

Parishioners may register in one of two ways:
1) Online by using the Registration button on our church website. Registration will be open the Monday preceding each weekend at 10:00 AM or
2) By calling the Parish Office at (818) 888-8200 after 10:00 AM the Monday preceding the weekend.

There are limited chairs available for parishioners. Please have your own chair just in case.

PARKING INFORMATION

For weekday parking (Monday-Friday), please enter the parking lot using the Calvert Street driveway only.

For weekend parking for Sunday Masses, parishioners need to enter and exit from the Valley Circle Boulevard gate. Parking is available on the school parking lot.


We continue to offer:
  • Drive through Confessions on Saturdays from 9:00 - 10:00 AM.
  • Drive through Communion on Sundays from 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
  • Live-streamed Masses on Saturdays @ 5:00 PM; Sundays @ 10:00 AM 

Livestreamed Masses are available at:
PARISH OFFICE & SERVICES

  • Our Parish Office is now open, Monday-Fridays, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM.

  • Our Church is open for 8:30 AM Daily Mass and for private prayer sessions on Tuesdays from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM.

  • Funerals and Weddings are being scheduled. Services are outdoors under the tent and participants must follow guidelines set by the church. To schedule a funeral or wedding, please contact Jean Sampson at (818) 888-7073.

  • Baptisms are being scheduled. Baptisms take place on Sundays. We have a large number of families that have been waiting for us to restart baptisms since COVID began. We are scheduling those baptisms to take place during the next month. If you are calling now to schedule a baptism, we will call you back with a future date. Please contact Margaret Mahoney at (818) 888-8200.

  • Anointing of the Sick is still being offered in danger of death situations. Please call the Parish Office at (818) 888-8200.

For any other questions, please leave a message at (818) 888-8200 or email [email protected]. Calls and emails will be returned in a timely manner.  More information is also located on our church website at www.stbernardine.org.