Let us join in community and prepare our hearts

to receive Jesus this Christmas.

Saint Lawrence Parish Advent Reconciliation Tuesday, December 13, 2016

at 7:30 PM

December 11, 2016|Third Sunday of Advent SAINT LAWRENCE THE MARTYR CATHOLIC PARISH AND EDUCATION CENTER

1971 ST. LAWRENCE DRIVE SANTA CLARA, CA 95051 TEL. NO. 408-296-3000 FAX NO. 408-296-3100

E-Mail Address: parish@saintlawrence.org Website: www.saintlawrence.org Celebrating Our Catholic Faith through Worship, Education, and Service

MASS TIMES Sunday 8:00 AM 10:00 AM (Children’s Liturgy of the Word) 12 Noon 1:30 PM (Mass in Spanish) 6:00 PM (Youth Mass) American Sign Language (ASL) Mass 6:30 PM (In the Parish Hall) 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month Saturday 8:30 AM 5:00 PM (Sunday Vigil) Monday – Friday ● 8:30 AM

Reconciliation - Saturday

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM or by appointment

Eucharistic Adoration - Thursday 9:00 AM - 8:30 PM - Solemn Benediction 8:30 PM

Devotions Rosary (English) Monday to Saturday ● After the 8:30 AM Mass Rosario en Español ● Martes 6:30 PM en Capilla Novena to Our Mother of Perpetual Help ● Tuesday 8:15 AM

Chapel Open Daily from 7:00 AM

to 7:00 PM

Christmas Eve Masses Saturday, December 24, 2016

♦ 4:00 PM English/Ingles (Children’s Mass) ♦ 6:00 PM English/Ingles ♦ 8:00 PM Spanish/Español ♦ 12:00 AM Midnight Mass in English/Ingles 11:30 PM – Christmas Carol / Cantos de Navidad

Note: No 3:30 PM Confession and 5:00 PM Mass NO HABRA CONFESIONES EL SABADO, 24 DE DICIEMBRE

Christmas Day Sunday, December 25, 2016

♦ 8:00 AM English/Ingles ♦ 10:00 AM English/Ingles ♦ 12:00 PM Noon - English/Ingles

Note: No 1.30 PM and 6:00 PM Masses

Christmas 2016 Mass Schedule/Horario de Misas

Where: St Lawrence, the Martyr Parish

Date: Monday, December 12, 2016,

5:00 AM

For more information, call: 408 296-3000

Dónde: En la Parroquia

San Lorenzo, el Mártir (St. Lawrence the Martyr)

Cuándo: Lunes, 12 de diciembre, 2016,

5:00 de la mañana Para más información,

llame al teléfono 408 296-3000

Las Mañanitas to Our Lady of Guadalupe Come and celebrate with us “The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe”,

Patroness of the Americas, with Mariachi music Venga a celebrar con nosotros “La Fiesta de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe”,

Patrona de las Américas, acompañados con música de Mariachi

Pancake Breakfast Sponsored by The Knights of Columbus

Sunday, December 11, 2016 After the 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM Masses in

the Parish Hall MENU: 3 Pancakes - 2 Sausages - Scrambled eggs -

Coffee - Tea - Milk Just $ 5.00/Children under 4 FREE

Thank you very much!

December 11, 2016 - Third Sunday of Advent - Page 2

Fr. Ernesto Orci Pastor eorci@saintlawrence.org

Fr. Paul-Cuong Phan Parochial Vicar pphan@saintlawrence.org

PARISH OFFICE 1-408-296-3000 Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Saturday 9:00 AM - Noon parish@saintlawrence.org

Giuliana Barragan Office Manager gbarragan@saintlawrence.org

Vickie Wallace Office Assistant vwallace@saintlawrence.org

Sr. Graciela Ramos, MESST Pastoral Minister gramos@saintlawrence.org

Noel Fisico Music Coordinator 1-408-869-8254 nfisico@saintlawrence.org

CATECHETICAL OFFICE SUNDAY SCHOOL OF RELIGION 1-408-296-0208 M. Eleanor de Paz Catechetical Director edepaz@saintlawrence.org

MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH MINISTRY 1-408-296-0208 M. Eleanor de Paz middleschoolym@saintlawrence.org

HIGH SCHOOL CONFIRMATION Elgin Presa - Coordinator Katrina Antonio - Coordinator highschoolconfirmation@saintlawrence.org

HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH MINISTRY 1-408-296-0208 highschoolym@saintlawrence.org

YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY Patrick Sylvester - Coordinator youngadult@saintlawrence.org

ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL (Pre-K - 8th Grade) 1-408-296-2260 Margaret Reynolds - Principal mreynolds@saintlawrence.org

CHILDREN’S CENTER 1-408-296-8077 Teen Center & Extended Day Care Sue Herbelin - Director

St. Lawrence the Martyr Parish accepts donations electronically using your computer, tablet or smart phone. Parishioner Benefits Set up your own contributions Your donation is automatic and safe Electronic giving is efficient, practical and easy

Please prayerfully consider Online Giving. Visit our Parish website at www.saintlawrence.org for more information or to sign up.

Holiday Cards for Our Veterans

Please help Operation Care & Comfort (OCC) bring some Holiday cheer to our veterans by filling out holiday cards. You can use/buy your own or stop by the Rectory Office and pick up some. Please return all cards by December 19th 5pm. I will then take them to the Palo Alto Veterans Medical Center so they can be given to veterans who are in the hospital, attending appointments or those veterans who are homeless who come to the Medical Center for aid. Thank you, OCC Instructions: 1. Please do not seal envelopes. 2. Please keep your message light and cheerful. 3. Please don’t write about politics, religion or controversial issues. 4. If you wish you can place a mailing label, so if the veteran wants to they can reply. If you do get a reply, we ask that you share that with us. 5. Thank you for helping provide some cheer to our veterans during this holidays. Question: Contact Tim Logan @ 408-896-9764 or email tlogan73@sbcglobal.net

December 11, 2016 Retirement Fund

for religious

December 18, 2016 Education Center

SIMBANG GABI 2016

On December 15, the church bells will be ringing at 7:00 P.M. at our parish, Saint Lawrence the Martyr Parish, to mark the beginning of the novena Masses for Simbang Gabi or “night worship.” An annual tradition that reflects the deep roots of the religious culture of the Philippines, the “Simbang Gabi” is a time to hope, a time to pray, and a time to eagerly wait for the coming of our Messiah.

The Filipino Catholic Community, formerly known as the Filipino Association, warmly invites everyone in our parish and school community to participate in their annual tradition of novena Masses, a celebration of family and community.

Simbang Gabi Schedule: December 15, 16, 19-23 at 7:00 P.M. Saturday, December 17 at 5:00 P.M. Sunday, December 18 at 6:00 P.M.

Bishop Patrick McGrath will be the presider on Saturday, December 17. A simple reception will follow after the 5:00 P.M. Mass at the Community Center.

A potluck-reception will be held on December 23 after the 7:00 P.M. Mass, the last evening of the Simbang Gabi. Fun activities will surely be part of the culmination of this wonderful tradition at the Community Center.

Come, join, and experience this meaningful tradition of prayer, culture, fellowship, and family! Sponsor a novena Mass on any of the Simbang Gabi dates. Any amount that is offered is a gift that will surely help in defraying the cost of holding the Novena Masses and also support in the upkeep and maintenance of our parish facilities.

Sign-up sheets will be available at the church entrance doors on December 10-11 for those who would like to sponsor a Mass. For more details, please contact Mr. Romel Antonio (505)-847-4345, Ms. Therie Velasco-Gonzales (408)-340-0846, or any member of the Fil-Am community.

Tickets are now on sale at http://slems.schoolauction.net/auction2017

For more questions, email crabfeed@slems.org

The Eucharist program is held

Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Location: Rectory Conference Room

For more information

or to sign up, please contact: Elia Morgan at

emorg333@yahoo.com or stop by

the Parish Office .

December 11, 2016 - Third Sunday of Advent - Page 3

The Saint Lawrence Middle School’s 7th and 8th Grade Flag Football Team recently won the school’s first Diocese of San Jose League Title with an unprecedented record of 8-0. Led by longtime coaches, Danny Avictia, Pedro Martinez, and Ralph Salaber, the team ended Saint Justin's ten year run of consecutive DSJCAL league titles by defeating St. Justin’s in two head-to-head contests. Thank you to the Saint Lawrence Elementary and Middle School parents, faculty, and community for supporting the Flag Football Team this year!

Leslie Goodykoontz

St. Lawrence Friendship Club Christmas Luncheon

Friday, December 16, 2016 At 12 Noon Parish Hall

Menu Pasta with meat balls, salad, rolls,

Yummy desserts. Coffee, tea, sparkling cider

Cost $10.00 Pay at the door.

RSVP Pat Naki (408) 243-4137 by December 14, 2016

50-50 Raffle.

Please Pray For . . . Our Parishioners ,

Fr iends , and Fami ly

December 11, 2016 - Third Sunday of Advent - Page 4

La Escuela De Agradecimiento Todos los Viernes 6:00-8:00 PM

Salón Parroquial Informes e Inscripciones: Maritony Reyes (408) 2961246

agradecerstaclara@gmail.com

It is Christmas Giving Tree time again. This is our annual gift-giving opportunity to share presents for children in low income families who will have a brighter Christmas with our gifts. In the past, we have collected nearly 1,000 presents per year which are distributed through our partner, St. Justin’s.

The tree is now in the vestibule by the Church entrance. Please take an “ornament” and bring a gift appropriate for the age and gender noted on the ornament. Presents should not be wrapped as the families are given the opportunity to pick the presents that they want – then they are wrapped.

Please bring your generous gifts and place them under the tree up until Sunday, December 11th, or to the Parish Office until Friday, December 16th when the presents will be taken to St. Justin’s for distribution.

Your generosity will definitely make a difference. In the past, parishioners have been extremely generous and we look forward to your continued support to this meaningful endeavor.

Ven y fortalece tu fe y tu familia

Diciembre 13 En la espera, la familia y el adviento - Lupita Vital

Enero 17 La familia y los medios de comunicación - P. Steven Kim

Febrero 14 La familia, mejor escuela - Hna. Graciela Ramos, MESST

Marzo 14 La familia, esperanza del futuro - P. Joe Kim

Mayo 2 La familia, si no se alimenta muere - Hna. Gisela Enríquez, MESST

Aquí en nuestra Parroquia de 7:00pm-8:45pm

SANTA MARIA DE GUADALUPE Dios en su infinito amor, ha buscado de diversas maneras al ser humano. Y una de ellas, ha sido a través de su Madre Santísima, la Virgen María; la Inmaculada Concepción; la llena de gracia. Quien a través de un acontecimiento extraordinario que tuvo lugar del 9 al 12 de diciembre de 1531, quiso honrar con su presencia bendita a la tierra mexicana, y tuvo la gentileza de plasmar su portentosa Imagen en la humilde tilma de San Juan Diego, para quedarse a vivir con sus hijos, en su casita sagrada del Tepeyac.

Santa María de Guadalupe, es el nombre con el cual la madre de Dios quería que la veneráramos, y en el cual está plasmada su identidad y su misión. María significa “La escogida por Dios, y Guadalupe, el cauce del rio, lo que se traduce como: “El santo cauce del rio que porta el agua viva y la Luz verdadera”. Ella no es la Luz, sino quien ilumina por la Luz. Ella no es el agua, sino quien conduce el Agua. La luz y el agua viva es Jesús. La Flor de cuatro pétalos que se encuentra a la altura del inmaculado vientre de la virgen, significa: El verdaderísimo Dios por quien se vive, el creador del Universo, y ese es Jesús, el centro tanto del mensaje como de esta hermosa imagen en la tilma del humilde macehual san Juan Diego. Santa María de Guadalupe, es el tabernáculo sagrado de Jesús Eucaristía. Él es el único y eterno sacrificio, quien ofrece su cuerpo, su sangre, su corazón y todo su Ser. Él es quien nos sustenta para la vida eterna.

Santa María de Guadalupe es una mujer en cinta, es una mujer de Adviento, de espera. Ella es la madre de Dios, “Arca viviente de la Alianza” y el día de hoy también viene a anunciarnos la llegada de su hijo y quiere que nosotros nos preparemos para recibirlo en esta Navidad. Enviándonos al igual que San Juan Diego, a llevar este mensaje de salvación a otros. Al tiempo que nos dice: -“No es nada lo que te espante ni aflija, que no se altere tu corazón. ¿Acaso no estoy yo aquí, que soy tu madre? ¿Acaso no estás bajo mi regazo?

MARC

Vince Adan Janet Agonoy Albert Apostol Rob Artery Mohamed Aslam Razon - Barragan Joseph Bonette Diane Byrd Robert Carag Avelina Carrillo Maria Cendejas Socorro Cendejas Al Chiara Kathy Taylor Cimeno Hugh Conroy Phil Donahue Chet O’Donnell James Donnelly Domingo Duarte Jesse Espinosa Isaias Espinoza Carol Frazier Rick Freear Alessandro Gallo Erika Gallo Juanita Garcia Nellie Gonzales Adrienne Gorman Lincoln Groner Gabriela Guillen John Hallett Mikey Hallett Mercedes Hardison Devin Harley (Dad) Hubert Jansen Marilyn Kirchoff Paul Kolb Stephanie Leung Jubilee Liebich

Julio Linares Ann Lizotte

Patrick McMahn Luli Maldonado

Josie Mattson Marge Mertzlufft

Ricky Muller Mackena Naki

Pat Naki Emily Grace Navarra

Thanh Nguyen Ernie Ortiz

Elizabeth Ostachuk Selva Packiam Rogelio Padilla

Hilda Peralta Lina Peralta

Rosalie Perez Luchie P. Qugana

Arturo Presa Adolfo Ramirez M.

Armando & Yolanda Rivera Frank Roddin

Yolanda Romero Rose Salamanca

Dina Carag Santella Erma Schriver

Jonathan Seepersad Mark Sheedy

Christian Silveira Nilda Timbs

Nancy Torres (Mom) Liza & Emanuel Ugalde

Matthew Carag Vakili Lina Velasco

Chuck Worley Alma Zamora

Liturgy Corner

December 11, 2016 - Third Sunday of Advent - Page 5

Dear Parishioners,

Happy Advent! Many thanks to all who joined us for the Sweet Tomatoes Dinner Fundraiser benefitting the St. Lawrence High School Confirmation Program. We are grateful for your generosity and support!

In a continued effort to meet our retreat scholarship fundraising goals, we are also very excited to announce that the Saint Lawrence High School Confirmation Candidates and Leaders will be selling beautiful imported hand-made Italian, Mexican, and Bethlehem olive wood rosaries, as well as a large variety of Catholic medals, crucifix necklaces, bracelets and other faith inspired necklaces. Please come visit our display after all Masses on the weekends of December 10th/11th and 17th/18th and see what we are offering!

Your purchase of these quality items supports our High School Confirmation Program and we appreciate all your help!

Thank you for your support!

Katrina Antonio & Elgin Presa Saint Lawrence the Martyr High School Confirmation Coordinators st.lawrence.confirmation@gmail.com

The origins of the Advent wreath originated in the folk practices of the pre-Christian Germanic peoples who, during the cold December darkness of Eastern Europe, gathered wreaths of evergreen and lighted fires as signs of hope in a coming spring and renewed light.

By the 16th century Catholics and Protestants throughout Germany used these symbols to celebrate their Advent hope in Christ, the everlasting Light. From Germany the use of the Advent wreath spread to other parts of the Christian world.

Traditionally, the wreath is made of four candles in a circle of evergreens. Three candles are violet and one is rose.

As our nights grow longer and our days grow short, we look on these earthly signs-- green branches and light -- and remember God's promise to our world: Christ, our Light and our Hope, will come. Listen to the words of Isaiah the prophet:

The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light;

on those who lived in a land as dark as death a light has dawned.

You have increased their joy and given them gladness;

They rejoice in your presence as those who rejoice at harvest, as warriors exult when dividing spoil. Is. 9:1-2

Here at St. Lawrence we have a very beautiful Advent wreath which is suspended from the center of our worship space. We cover this beautiful wrought iron wreath with beautiful greenery and beautiful candles covered in hurricane lamps.

On the first Sunday of Advent we always start our Liturgies with a special prayer and blessing of the wreath and the lighting of the first candle. This wreath is here to remind us of the coming of Christ. During this time we prepare ourselves for the coming of the Lord.

December 11, 2016 - Third Sunday of Advent - Page 6

2017 Walk For Life West Coast Walk for Life West Coast 2017: Join fellow Catholics and Pro‐Lifers from all over California and beyond as we stand up for the littlest among us at the 13th Annual Walk for Life West Coast in San Francisco on January 21, 2017. Last year’s Walk drew 50,000+ people. This year we are honored to welcome Pam Tebow, pro‐life activist and mother of Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow, as one of our speakers. Fees: A $15.00 fee is required upon registration to cover costs (cash or check only payable to “St. Lawrence”). No refunds for cancellation available. This fee includes transportation to/from the event via bus and bottled water. Buses have restrooms and comfortable seating. Schedule: We will leave St. Lawrence at 7:45am to arrive early in San Francisco for group seating at St. Mary’s Cathedral for 9:30am Mass with Archbishop Cordileone. After Mass, we will walk a few blocks to Civic Center Plaza for the Info Faire and 12:30pm Rally (bring a bagged lunch to enjoy on the lawn). The Walk down San Francisco’s Market Street, begins at 1:30pm from Civic Center Plaza and ends at Justin Herman Plaza at the Embarcadero. Due to WFL restrictions, you are required to return home on the bus. We plan to return to St. Lawrence by 5:30pm. Minors: All minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Info: For complete information about the Walk, visit www.walkforlifewc.com or call (415) 658-1793

Caminata por la Vida 2017

Caminata por la Vida de la Costa Oeste 2017: Únete a hermanos católicos y gente pro‐vida proveniente de toda California y más allá, poniéndonos de pie a favor de los más pequeños entre nosotros en la decimotercera Caminata anual por la Vida de la Costa Oeste en San Francisco, el 21 de enero de 2017. El año pasado la Caminata atrajo a 50,000 personas. Este año tenemos el honor de dar la bienvenida a Pam Tebow, activista pro‐vida y madre de Tim Tebow, ganador del trofeo Heisman, quien será una de nuestras oradoras. Costo: Se requerirá una cuota de $15.00 al registrarse para cubrir los costos de transporte (pago en efectivo o cheque a nombre de “St. Lawrence). No hay devoluciones por cancelación. Esta cuota incluye el transporte desde/hacia el evento vía autobús y agua embotellada. Los autobuses tienen baños y cómodos asientos. Agenda: El evento comienza a las 12:30pm en la Plaza del Centro Cívico y la caminata por Market Street hasta Justin Herman Plaza, comienza a la 1:30pm. Un autobús saldrá a las 7:45am para llegar a la Catedral de Santa María para la misa a las 9:30am. Después de la misa, vamos a caminar unas cuadras hasta la Plaza del Centro Cívico. Planeamos volver a St. Lawrence a las 5:30pm. Menores de edad: Todos los menores deben ser acompañados por un adulto responsable de ellos. Informes: Para obtener información completa sobre la Caminata, visite la página www.walkforlifewc.com/enespanol o llame al (415) 658‐1793.

December 11 to 18, 2016 Cycle A

December 11, 2016 - Third Sunday of Advent - Page 7

for the

Luck of St . Lawrence is back! T ickets Are Avai lable at the Par ish Of f ice

You can be The next

Lucky winner

YEAR!

Now On Its

6th

The next drawing will be on December 23, 2016 for a $1,000 prize

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Remember that each ticket you buy now gives you 7 chances to win.

Please return your sold ticket stubs with payment to the Parish Office since the sooner you turn in your sold tickets, the more chances you have to win the prizes money.

Deadline: Tickets must be returned to the Parish Office on December 21, 2016 before 4:00 PM for the drawing on December 23, 2016.

Office for the Protection

of Children and Vulnerable Adults

Diocese of San Jose Anthony Gonzalez

Phone: 1-408-983-0113 Fax: 1-408-983-0147

Emergency line: 1-408-983-0141

E-mail: protection@dsj.org

Office of Financial Services If you suspect financial

mismanagement or misconduct in your parish, school, or in the

Diocese of San Jose, please contact: EthicsPoint

dsj.ethicspoint.com or hotline 888-325-7863

Please Note, the Adoration

of the Blessed Sacrament

will end earlier than usual with a

Solemn Benediction at 6:00 PM

on the following dates:

December 15 and 22, 2016

Thank you!

CATHOLIC CEMETERIES OF THE DIOCESE OF SAN JOSE

Please call ahead for Pre-Needs or At-Need

Arrangements

Gate of Heaven Cemetery 22555 Cristo Rey Drive

Los Altos, CA 94024 (650) 428-3730

Calvary Cemetery 2655 Madden Avenue San Jose, CA 95116

(408) 258-2940