ADORATION: Thursdays from 12:00 - 8:00 PM

HOLY DAYS: VIGIL MASS 7:00 PM ; 8:00 AM , 7:00 PM RECONCILIATION: Saturdays from 3:00 to 4:00 PM

SATURDAY: 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM

SUNDAY: 7:00 AM, 8:30 AM, 11:00 AM 1:00 PM (Spanish)

LITURGY SCHEDULE

St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church Martinez, California

Fr. Anthony Huong Le, Parochial Administrator (925) 228 -2230

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Deacon Albert Dizon Ext. 7 dcnadizon@yahoo.com

Deacon David Holland Ext. 7 dcndholland@yahoo.com

Sylvia Lloren Ext 2 stcathmtz@yahoo.com Office Administrator/ Sacramental Coordinator Troy Killorn Ext 3 stkillorn@aol.com Director of Music Ministry / Maintenance Manager Karen Glen Ext 4 stcatherinebk@gmail.com Bookkeeper / Safe Environment Coordinator Andrea Watkins Ext 5 drestcath@yahoo.com Director Religious Education (K-8)

Paul & Jennifer Holland Ext 8 stcathym@gmail.com Co-coordinators, Confirmation Program / Youth Group ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ CHURCH LOCATION: 606 Mellus Street, Martinez, CA

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PARISH OFFICE AND 1125 Ferry Street MAILING ADDRESS: Martinez, CA 94553-1720 TELEPHONE / FAX: 925-228-2230 / 925-228-1318 PARISH WEBSITE: www.stcmtz.org PARISH EMAIL: stcathmtz@yahoo.com ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ -

OFFICE HOURS: Mon-Thur. 8:30 AM - 1 PM 2:00 PM - 5 PM Friday: 8:30 AM - 1 PM ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Jessica Griswold, Principal jgriswold@csdo.org ST. CATHERINE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SCHOOL K-8: 604 Mellus Street, Martinez, CA TELEPHONE / FAX: 925-228-4140 / 925-228-0697 OFFICE HOURS: 9AM –2 PM SCHOOL WEBSITE: http://school.stcatherinemartinez.com/

Mea Auld, Pre-School Director St. Catherine Pre-School mauld@csdo.org (925) 229-2255 PRE SCHOOL LOCATION:1125 Ferry Street, Martinez, CA TELEPHONE / FAX: 925-229-2255 / 925-229-2474 scpreschool@comcast.net

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SAFE ENVIRONMENT: www.virtusonline.org

PARISH & SCHOOL STAFF

BAPTISMS: Registration is mandatory two months prior to Baptism month. Please call the office to make an appointment once you have your documents ready. Parents & Godparents are required to attend a mandatory Baptism preparation class one month before reception of the Sacrament. All information regarding requirements and schedules, can be found on the website at www.stcmtz.org or Sylvia at Ext 2 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

FIRST EUCHARIST: The Religious Education Program classes begin September 22, 2019. A parent orientation will fol-low after the 8:30 Mass in the Parish Hall .The First Holy Communion program is a two year program. All other classes are one year (K-8). drestcath@yahoo.com or Andrea at Ext 5 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ CONFIRMATION: Youth Confirmation Program Registration continues and classes begin in September 29th. It is a one year program for all incoming Freshmen or above. Please contact: Paul or Jenny Holland at Ext 8 or email them at stcathym@gmail.com for more Information. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ MARRIAGES: Arrangements and mandatory preparation need to be arranged at least eight months prior to a wed-ding date. No dates can be set prior to an initial meeting with a priest. No exceptions. www.stcmtz.org or Sylvia at Ext 2 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ -

RECONCILIATION: Confession times are weekly on Saturdays from 3:00 - 4:00 PM and/or by appointment. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ANOINTING OF THE SICK: The sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is the continuation of the Lord’s compassion for the sick. The sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is one of two sacraments which heals and saves the baptized person from sin. The other sacrament of healing is Penance. For an anointing during working hours, please call the Parish office.

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FUNERALS: We recommend using Catholic Funeral and Ceme-tery Services at 925-932-0900. A representative will contact the parish office to coordinate your ar-rangements. stcathmtz@yahoo.com or Sylvia at Ext 2

RCIA: “Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults”

Are you interested in becoming Catholic? Do you need Adult Baptism? Holy Eucharist (Communion)? Confirmation? St. Catherine offers a friendly and supportive program. Please call the office or Karen at ext. 4 for more information.

SACRAMENTAL INFORMATION

Before serving or continuing in your ministry, please complete the Diocesan required Safe Environment for Children Project

Training @ www.virtusonline.org . Thank you.

WEEK-AT-A-GLANCE

FACILITIES To assure that our Church and facilities testify to the

greater honor and glory of God.

Sunday, 9/22 Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Faith Formation Classes Begin 8:00 AM PH Hospitality - Thank you Hospitality 2:00 PM CH Baptisms Team 2:00 PM PCL Guadalupe Society Mtg. 6:00 PM CH San Lorenzo Ruiz Novena Monday, 9/23 7:30 AM CH Rosary 6:00 PM CH San Lorenzo Ruiz Novena 6:30 PM PCL San Lorenzo Ruiz Meeting Tuesday, 9/24 7:30 AM CH Rosary 9:00 AM CH School Practice 5:15 PM CH San Lorenzo Ruiz Novena 6:00 PM CH Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM PC Scripture Reflection with Clergy 7:30 PM CH Spanish Choir Rehearsal Wednesday, 9/25 7:30 AM CH Rosary 2:30 PM CH Children’s Choir 6:00 PM CH San Lorenzo Ruiz Novena 6:15 PM CH Ignite Bible Study 6:30 PM PCL Legion of Mary 7:00 PM PC RCIA Class Rm #210 Thursday, 9/26 7:30 AM CH Rosary 9:00 AM CH School Practice 12:00 PM CH Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 6:00 PM CH San Lorenzo Ruiz Novena 6:30 PM PCL Italian Catholic Federation Meeting Friday, 9/27 7:30 AM CH Rosary 6:00 PM CH San Lorenzo Ruiz Novena Saturday, 9/28 7:30 AM CH Rosary 12:00 PM PH Ignite Bible Study 3:00 PM CH Reconciliation 5:30 PM CH/PH San Lorenzo Ruiz Procession to 6:00 PM PH Lite Reception Hall Sunday, 9/29 Confirmation Classes Begin 8:00 AM PH Hospitality - NEEDED

“Come and Join Us” San Lorenzo Ruiz Novena

September 19th through

September 27th in the Church at 6PM

(Tuesday, 9/24 at 5:15PM) Light Reception on 9/28

following the 4:30PM Vigil Mass.

All are Welcome!

The pews are back! The pews are back and they don’t look quite the same! They look better! They have been refurbished and it shows. They shine a dark brown color that speaks of poverty in a rich way. We are so lucky to have St.Catherine’s as our place of worship. It billows beauty with oxygen for the soul. Our basic color is a very sleek white. It is everywhere except on our objects of art. Those are usually done in bright blues, reds, yellows, purples, violets and a gold that has to be seen to be believed. It is all good. Our Church is something to see now that it has been renovated by Father Anthony Le. Our Church was built in 1940 when we were still under the jurisdiction of the San Francisco Archdio-cese. I remember when the Archbishop came to Martinez and anointed me and my school friends with the oil of Confirmation. We were confirmed in 1958. In 1962 our Church was made part of the newly formed Oakland Diocese. Our Church had been originally constructed under the Supervision of Arnold Constable an English designer of great re-nown. He was from England and an Anglican by practice. He studied the Neo Gothic revival style of the mid 19th Century. At St. Catherine’s though he kept the Roman Catholic features of building the Church in the form of a cross while facing east with seven Arch’s across the middle of the Church with pillars on both sides and a high wooden Altar piece which is very Roman Catholic. That is to say, our Crucifixion scene is very upfront and center. Con-stable who moved from England to Seattle, Wash-ington in the early 20th century, always left no doubt where he was from. The beautiful Church arches he .framed are done in the classic English Tudor style. They are in brown and white with royal em-blems. The whole thing is a masterpiece of art set in a par-ish Church with old world charm. There is nothing like it. Now let’s go back to our pews because I love them. They are soft looking but strong with excel-lent red kneelers. We need kneelers at St. Cathe-rine’s. because that’s what we do during Mass. We kneel during the Eucharistic prayers . That’s when the whole thing gets quiet except for the Priest who talks to God on our behalf and asks Him to forgive our sins and transform our offering of bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. I go with my wife on Sundays. Afterwards we go to hospi-tality and shoot the bull. It’s all good!

Tom Greerty

WORSHIP

To facilitate a transforming encounter with God as

we come together in worship.

St. Bernard of Clairvaux gives a detailed litany of benefits of approaching Jesus through Mary.

While it is true that “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth” (Philippians 2:10), God also endowed upon the name of Mary a deep spiritual power. Being the “queen mother,” Mary has a special role in salvation history and continues to come to the aid of God’s people whenever they call upon her. It is a great mystery, but countless saints have reinforced over the centuries that the closer one gets to Mary, the closer one is brought to her Son.

Pope Benedict XVI similarly promoted this reality and pointed to a quote from St. Bernard of Clairvaux when visiting Heiligenkreuz Abbey in Austria. The quote is a summary of Catholic belief when it comes to Marian intercession, and reassures us that whenever we invoke the name of Mary, we will be brought closer to Jesus.

In the words of Saint Bernard, I invite everyone to become a trusting child before Mary, even as the Son of God did. Saint Bernard says, and we say with him:

“Look to the star of the sea, call upon Mary … in danger, in distress, in doubt, think of Mary, call upon Mary.

May her name never be far from your lips, or far from your heart If you follow her, you will not stray; if you pray to her, you will not despair; if you turn your thoughts to her, you will not err. If she holds you, you will not fall; if she protects you, you need not fear; if she is your guide, you will not tire; if she is gracious to you, you will surely reach your destination”.

The Blessed Mother was named "Mary," a significant name in the ancient world.

After her birth (celebrated liturgically on September 8) the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary decided to name their newborn child, “Mary” (her naming is celebrated on September 12). They did so cooperating in God’s divine plan, giving her a name that would be invoked for all eternity. Similar to other biblical names, the name “Mary” is not without meaning and has a host of spiritual connections.

First of all the Hebrew form of Mary is miryam and some biblical scholars have seen in it the Hebrew words mar (bitter) and yam (sea). This first meaning can refer to Mary’s bitter suffering at the cross and her many tears of sorrow.

Another interpretation of the word mar renders Mary’s name to mean “drop of the sea” and St. Jerome rendered it in Latin as stilla maris, which was later changed to stella (star) maris. This accounts for a popular title for Mary as “Star of the Sea.” Mariners at the time were accustomed to looking at the stars to find guidance and to discern which direction they were going and so calling Mary stella maris referred to Mary’s ability to guide sinners along the path to Eternal Shores.

Yet another rendering of miryam focuses on the Hebrew word mari and sees in it the word “mistress” or “lady,” thus making Mary “Lady of the Sea.”

St. Bonaventure took all of these meanings and combined their symbolism, giving each one its own spiritual meaning.

This most holy, sweet and worthy name was eminently fitted to so holy, sweet and worthy a virgin. For Mary means a bitter sea, star of the sea, the illuminated or illuminatrix. Mary is interpreted [as] Lady. Mary is a bitter sea to the de-mons; to men she is the Star of the sea; to the Angels she is illuminatrix, and to all creatures she is Lady.

INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK

DISCIPLESHIP

To empower a community of Christian people walking together as

disciples of Jesus in order

SAT 9/21 4:30 Crispina & Rodolfo Salgado† SUN 9/22 7:00 Pearl Balestrieri & Fr. Pio† 8:30 Int. Adela Gabriel - Birthday Blessing 11:00 Int. Joy & Logan Myrick - Birthday Blessing 1:00 Int. People of the Parish MON 9/23 8:00 Kirk & Brydie Kuykendall† TUE 9/24 8:00 Int. Karla Trujillo WED 9/25 8:00 Int. St. Catherine School Children and their Families THU 9/26 8:00 Special Intention FRI 9/27 8:00 Todd Sintie† SAT 9/28 8:00 Olga Maria Araujo† 4:30 Eleida del Portal† SUN 9/29 7:00 Vincent Lucido† 8:30 Deceased members of the ICF† 11:00 Erlinda & Agapito Bonifacio† 1:00 Int. People of the Parish

Ignite Sunday Faith Formation for Adults

Welcome all parents to join in conversation as we create a community that celebrates, learns, and experiences our growing faith in Christ together.

Ignite will host and facilitate small groups in the Parish Hall while Faith Formation and Confirmation classes are being taught. Join us in a relaxed and inspiring setting after hospitality.

We all experience God and our faith in individual ways AND there are many ways in which we are connected by shared life experiences. Renew your connection with our Catholic identity.

JOIN US on Sunday Sept. 29th AND RECEIVE YOUR COMPLIMENTARY GIFT Parents of Faith Formation – JOIN US after 8:30am Mass, meets at 9:30am in Parish Hall

Parents of Confirmation – JOIN US after 11:00am Mass, meets at 12pm in Parish Hall Blessed be God who filled my soul with fire! adapted from Psalm 66

Support & celebrate

your child’s faith journey as family

St. Thomas Aquinas also related similar symbolism, “Mary means Star of the Sea, for as mariners are guided to port by the ocean star, so Christians attain to glory through Mary’s maternal intercession.”

While the exact etymology is still debated among schol-ars, the Church has traditionally accepted these saintly interpretations and regards Mary as the “Star of the Sea,” to whom we all look up, and strive to follow during the tempest here below.

Below is an ancient hymn to Mary called Ave Maris Stel-la dating back to the 8th century — a perfect summation of Mary’s role according to the meaning of her name.

Hail bright star of ocean God’s own Mother blest, Ever sinless Virgin, Gate of Heavenly rest.

Taking that sweet Ave, Which from Gabriel came, Peace confirm within us, Changing Eva’s name.

Break the captive’s fetters, Light on blindness pour; All our ills expelling, Every bliss implore.

Show thyself a Mother; May the Word Divine, Born for us thine Infant, Hear our prayers through thine.

Virgin all excelling, Mildest of the mild; Freed from guilt, preserve us Pure and undefiled.

Keep our life all spotless, Make our way secure, Till we find in Jesus, Joy for evermore.

Through the highest Heaven To the almighty Three, Father, Son and Spirit One same glory be. Amen.

GOD IS ON THE SIDE OF THE POOR

Two of today’s readings make it quite clear that God is on the side of the poor. Amos describes in detail the ex-ploitation of the poor and needy. The psalm repeats that God acts to benefit the poor and lowly. But Luke turns things upside down, telling a tale of a conflicted steward, about to be fired, who demonstrates his cleverness and is rewarded. Like the community to whom Paul writes in Timothy, these readings are personal, directed to be-lievers, members of the Jewish and Christian communities, who struggle to deal with personal choices about how to conduct their lives. They offer an outline for how God wishes us to live in a world as complicated and as confusing as our own. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

“God Bless our St. Catherine Catechists as they begin a New Year”

We pray the Rosary because it is a powerful prayer to God, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Holy Rosary is an enor-mous source of grace and spiritual protection, and one of the most pow-erful sacramentals (not Sacrament) of the Catholic Church. In order to spread this devotion to parish community, we will be praying the Holy Rosary at half hour before the beginning of each of the Mass every

weekend, starting the first weekend of October and the following months. Hence, starting Oct. 5th before the 4:30pm Mass, we will be praying the Rosary at 4pm, which will end around 4:20pm, to give everyone enough time to get ready for the Mass. Similarly, on all the Sunday Masses, Rosary will start at 6:30am, then at 8am; then at 10:30am; and then at 12:30pm. This devotional practice starts in October and continues indefinitely. Also, during the month of October, there will be a “weeknight block rosary”, a devotion in which the image of the Virgin Mary visits the home of a host family and the community gathers and prays the rosary every weeknight. This devotion is open to all parishioners, their family and friends, and therefore all are welcome to join. On Oct. 7, there will be a special Mass at 7pm to commemorate the Memorial of our Lady of the Rosary. Please contact Fr. Anthony or the deacons for more information.

October is the month

dedicated to Our Lady of the

Holy Rosary.

Why do we celebrate Catechetical Sunday? In 1935, the Vatican published On the Better Care and Promotion of Catechetical Education, a document that asks every country to acknowledge the importance of the Church’s teaching ministry and to honor those who serve the Christian community as catechists. For the first few years after Catechetical Sunday was established, national catechetical congresses were held in conjunction with the celebration. Beginning in 1971, the USCCB’s Department of Education began producing materials to help parishes celebrate the event at the local level. When the Committee on Catechesis, now named the Committee of Evangelization and Catechesis, was named by the Conference as a standing Committee, it continued to publish Catechetical Sunday materials each year. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has designated the third Sunday in September as Catechetical Sunday.

HOSPITALITY

To form a joyful family community that

reaches out and receives one another as Christ

reaches out and receives us.

Gluten-Free Hosts now available Please inform Fr. Anthony or one of the Deacons of your

request before the mass so they can prepare for the communion.

Shepherds Field from the Holy Land Olivewood Handcrafts

will be selling religious articles after all masses

SEPTEMBER 15, 2019

WEEKLY CONTRIBUTIONS

Sunday Collection $5,505.00 Fulfilling the Promise $ 405.00 Priests Retirement $ 90.00

STEWARDSHIP To create a culture in the parish rooted

in gratitude and generosity.

2019 Bishop’s Appeal

SCS Goal Summary:

Parish Goal: $23,000.00

Funds Raised: $20,748.00 % of Goal Raised: 90.21%

Remaining: $ 2,552.00

The Hospitality Team will be having a meeting Monday, September 30th at 6PM in the Parish Center. Mem-bers will be directed to the appropriate room upon arrival. The purpose of the meeting is to get feedback on how our Team is doing and if we need to make any ad-justments/changes as we go forward into October. Any-one interested in knowing what our Team is all about is welcome to attend. There is always room for more mem-bers! Once again, we thank all the clubs/ministries/families that are making sacrificial offerings when they participate in our joyful Sunday hospitality. God bless you all!

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION Although June is the month most associated with weddings in the United States, September has become more popular in recent years. Wedding celebrations al-ways require some savvy planning, and people who have a talent for hospitality in the mix. At the wedding feast at Cana, the mother of Jesus was recruited to deal with some of the details of the banquet, and when a very understand-able crisis arose, she did what she could to rescue the par-ty. Anyone who has ever run out of ice, dessert, or table settings knows the stress! Slowly, the memory of Jesus Christ’s blessing of this marriage feast led the Church to form a way to bless mar-riages. A thousand years ago weddings migrated from the family home to the doors of the church, where the cele-bration was held in public view. From this practice came a prayer called the “Nuptial Blessing,” one of the most solemn prayers in our tradition. It is very much like the prayers by which baptismal water and chrism are conse-crated, the ordination prayer over a priest, and the Eucha-ristic Prayers over bread and wine. Four hundred fifty years ago, weddings moved inside the church building. All of this gives married couples good reason to celebrate their anniversaries well, especially with the clinking of glasses filled with good wine.

St Catherine of Siena Cemetery

Volunteer Cleanup Day

Saturday Oct 12, 2019 8:30am -12pm

10 Carquinez Scenic Drive Martinez

Join in making our cemetery a better place.

Opportunities to sweep, prune, weed and paint.

Please bring gloves, drinking water, hat, garden tools, rake, broom

For more information, please contact:

Steve Gallo 510 725-2193

St. Catherine of Siena School Mission Statement

Saint Catherine of Siena School answers the call to nurture each child – spirit, mind and

body – in a safe, caring environment by providing Christ-centered, challenging curriculum preparing each child for a future as people of faith, service, respect, and responsibility.

Dear St. Catherine of Siena Community, Thank you for sharing your grandparents/VIP with us on Friday. There is no greater love than seeing children surrounded with those who love them unconditionally. Having a special day for Grandparents is something that makes St. Catherine of Siena a great place to be. Our Student Leadership Team planned the day from the activi-ties to the tours of the classrooms. A special thank you to our volunteers for their help cooking, serving, selling SCS spirit wear, and helping organize our event.

READINGS & REFLECTIONS Join in the Weekly Scripture Reflection with the Clergy Tuesdays 7:00 –8:15 PM

Sunday, Sep 22, 2019 TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Who’s the boss? A parish secretary worked at an urban church with five resi-dent priests. One priest was re red, two had ministries else-where, and two were ac vely engaged in the parish itself. The secretary worked for all five men, handling incoming calls and wri en correspondence, cra ing bulle ns, running errands, even sewing the occasional loose bu on or laundering a stained sweater. No ma er whose task she performed first, she never escaped the charge of favori sm, because anything more than one boss doesn’t work. If Jesus is our Lord, every-thing and everybody else takes a backseat. TODAY'S READINGS: Amos 8:4-7; 1 Timothy 2:1-8; Luke 16:1-13 (135). “No servant can serve two masters.” Monday, Sep 23, 2019 MEMORIAL OF PIUS OF PIETRELCINA, PRIEST

Mark his words Padre Pio was a popular but controversial figure during his life me and has remained so since his death in 1968. He is said to have exhibited signs of the s gmata (visible wounds on his hands echoing Jesus’ wounds on the cross). Some believed they were real, others were skep cal, including several popes who isolated him and had medical examiners weigh in. What-ever the case, his advice for living a faithful life rings true: “living humbly, being disinterested, prudent, just, pa ent, kind, chaste, meek, diligent, carrying out one’s du es for no other reason than that of pleasing God, and receiving from Him alone the reward one deserves.” Let that advice be the mark of your life. TODAY'S READINGS: Ezra 1:1-6; Luke 8:16-18 (449). “No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed.” Tuesday, Sep 24, 2019 May we have a word? Church leaders have chosen scripture passages to be read in private and proclaimed publicly at Mass every day of the year. A daughter in Illinois, a cousin in England, friends in El Salva-dor, the pope in Rome, and the guest at a Catholic Worker House— every Catholic involved in a liturgy is reading or hear-ing these same scripture passages. The church strongly encour-ages us to read from the Bible and promises that the Holy Spir-it will give a “spiritual understanding of the word to those who read it.” Read today’s scripture passages and ask for the grace of one small insight. TODAY'S READINGS: Ezra 6:7-8, 12b, 14-20; Luke 8:19-21 (450). “My mother and brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.” Wednesday, Sep 25, 2019 Gather us in It’s no accident that Jesus chose 12 apostles. Calling together his first 12 followers symbolized the reuni ng of the 12 tribes of Israel that God chose to be a light to the world, the 12 tribes that had camped in the wilderness with the Tabernacle at the center, the 12 tribes that had then disastrously dispersed. In

fact, all of Jesus’ ministry would be an invita on for all kinds of people to come together and rejoin the fold—the healed leper could now live with his family again, the woman at the well could be the town hero instead of a pariah. How will you honor the Good Shepherd, who gathers people together instead of driving them apart? TODAY'S READINGS: Ezra 9:5-9; Luke 9:1-6 (451). “He summoned the Twelve.” Thursday, Sep 26, 2019 MEMORIAL OF COSMAS AND DAMIAN, MARTYRS

Have a sterling reputa on The details of their lives are lost in an quity, but the early mar-tyrs and reputed twin brothers Cosmas and Damian apparently were skilled medics and are revered for having offered medical care without charge. They were called the Anargyrio, Greek for “the silverless ones.” Ac ng in this way, they are said to have a racted many to the Chris an life. You, too, can evangelize simply by doing what you are good at with a Chris an spirit. Whatever your calling in life, carry out your du es in such a way as to be an inspira on to others. That is the best evangeli-za on! TODAY'S READINGS: Haggai 1:1-8; Luke 9:7-9 (452). “Thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways!” Friday, Sep 27, 2019 MEMORIAL OF VINCENT DE PAUL, PRIEST

From poverty to true wealth “Three hots and a cot.” That mo ve, which draws some from poverty into priesthood, applied ini ally to Saint Vincent. A social climber, his father’s muddy shoes embarrassed him when Dad visited the seminary. Consider his transforma on by grace: Once he le hobnobbing with the wealthy behind, Vin-cent founded a congrega on to educate priests, as well as hos-pitals, orphanages, and homes for the mentally ill. He founded the Daughters of Charity with Louise de Marillac and revolu-

onized convents, making their cloister the “streets of the city.” Pray Vincent’s dying prayer un l it’s yours: “We have done what you commanded, do now what you have prom-ised.” TODAY'S READINGS: Haggai 2:1-9; Luke 9:18-22 (453). “Jesus was praying in solitude.”

Saturday, Sep 28, 2019 MEMORIAL OF WENCESLAUS, MARTYR

Stand up for what is right The upbeat tune to the Christmas carol “Good King Wences-laus” belies the violent tragedy of the life of Wenceslaus I, duke of Bohemia. His mother murdered his grandmother to seize control, and Wenceslaus was then murdered by his brother. Both vic ms died defending the Chris an faith. Poli -cal unrest has always been a reality, and Wenceslaus is a role model for taking a public stand for what’s right even when under enormous threat. Find in him the courage to take the high road in our tumultuous mes. TODAY'S READINGS: Zechariah 2:5-9, 14-15a; Luke 9:43b-45 (454). “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.”

LIVE CHRIST, SHARE CHRIST Looking Forward to Our Five Hundredth

Rose Cable, a longtime Vincentian will be walking at the St. Agnes location. Join us that morning to support her, or learn how you can contribute to her cause by logging on the official website.

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Altar Servers Jack Watkins.…...……………………………….925-957-0437 Alt & Environment Troy Killorn.…...……………………… Ext 3 925-228-2230 Beneath His Cross Apostolate Jessica Preciado ………………………………...925-354-1656 Bingo Don Brocca …………………………………….925-858-7330 Catholic Youth Organization - CYO Gina Marks………………………….………… 925-817-9429 Communications Sylvia Lloren……………………….…..Ext 2 925-228-2230 Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Mary Elizabeth Cook …………………...…….925-229-2665 Faith Formation - Religious Education (PreK-8th Grades) Andrea Watkins………………………. Ext 5 925-228-2230 Finance Council Don Brocca.………………………………… 925-229-4158 Grief /Card Ministry Mary Cook………………………………...…….925-229-2665 Guadalupe Society Guadalupe Cruz………………………………... 925-997-2432 Hispanic Choir Carolina Bruno………………………………... 925-437-4074 Hispanic Liturgy Fernando Nunez………………………………... 925- Hospital/Sick/Homebound Dave Holland ………………………………... 925-413-9240 Hospitality Debbie Pelizzari………………………………...925-370-3874 Ignite Cindy Buscaglia……………….………………... 925-787-8396 Italian Catholic Federation - ICF Tom Cook……………………………………... 925-229-2665 Knights of Columbus - K of C Rik Silva………………………………………….925-334-2429 La Communidad Latina Lucia Cruz……………………………………… 925-348-2620 Lectors Carlos Melendez……………………….………... 510-385-0506 Legion of Mary Bobby Kiefer…………………….……………. 925-658-1442 Maintenance Troy Killorn.……………………….…………... 925-228-2230 Music Ministry—Choir Troy Killorn …………………………Ext 3 925-228-2230 Pastoral Advisory Council Karen Glen….925-788-7716 & Karen Sandri….925-370-7997 Respect Life Linda Easterday ……………………….……….. 925-372-3845 Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults - RCIA Karen Glen……………………………Ext 4 925-228-2230 Safe Environment for Children Project - SECP Karen Glen…………………………...Ext 4 925-228-2230 San Lorenzo Ruiz Community - SLRC Esther Concepcion….………………………… 925-381-1835 Social Awareness Anne Crisp …………………………………... 925-356-8822 Stewardship Karen Glen…………………………………. 925-788-7716 St. Vincent de Paul Society - SVdP Karen Glen ………………………… ...Ext 4 925-788-7716 Ushers James McLaughlin………………………………. 925-228-1051 Young Ladies Institute - YLI Rori Polvorosa …………………………………510-734-4907 Confirmation /Youth Group (High School 9 to 12 Grades) Paul & Jenny Holland………………….Ext 8 925-228-2230

Before serving or continuing in your ministry, com

plete the Diocesan required Safe Environm

ent for Children Project T

raining @ w

ww

.virtusonline.org . Thank you.

MINISTRIES/ORGANIZATIONS CONTACTS

BULLETIN SUBMISSIONS DEADLINES: All requests must be submitted no later than September 20th by noon for the September 28th bulletin. Please direct your inquiries to: stcathmtz@yahoo.com All submissions must be submitted via email and copy/camera/paste ready. Please reference Bulletin Submission in the subject note. Thank you.

Confirmation Classes (9th-12th)

Begin September 29th 11:00 Mass /Class

(Required Parent Orientation following the mass)

Looking for a way to improve your life? Tired of trendy fads that are difficult to keep up with? Try something new, and come to St. Dominic in San Francisco or Beni-cia for a life-changing event titled Find Your Greatness. Rooted in historical best practices, Dynamic Catholic events are not just about feeling. They are about doing. They don’t just give you something to think about. They give you a plan. They help you make your life work better. The goal is not to just inspire you for a few hours. At Find Your Greatness, walk away with more than just knowledge about four life changing habits. You’ll leave with a personalized plan on how to engage these habits in your normal, ordinary, everyday life. The event is on Friday, September 27. (San Francisco)Tickets can be purchased by visiting DynamicCatho-lic.com/San Francisco. Or Saturday, September 28th at St. Dominics Catholic Church in Benicia. Tickets can be purchased by visiting DynamicCatholic.com or call (859)980-7900

We can’t wait to see you there!

FIND YOUR GREATNESS

Four habits that will transform your life

Featuring JONATHAN FANNING

Our September Cleanup was a big success

We recycled 4000 lbs of leaves and tree trimmings. Prime painted the entrance gate columns. We swept monuments, raked leaves and walkways and trimmed weeds. We Cleaned off gravesites. Trimmed the en-trance bushes. All in one morning.

WOW!

$500 Donated toSt. Catherine ofSiena for every

completedtransaction

Chuck Barberini“JUST ASK CHUCK”

REALTOR - CalBRE #01324660

925-963-6606www.ChuckBarberini.com

chuck@chuckbarberini.com

Muir Oaks Veterinary Hospital

1180 MuirRoad, Martinez

372-9200

Melody Herder-Jimison, D.V.M.

24/7 Care Available • Positive Happy Aging ApproachOur Talent is Caring! • Elizabeth & Robert Lobron

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• Companionship• Personal Care• End of Life Care• Meal Preparation• Homemaking• Transportation• Respite Care

DILLON MAGH ADHAIRIrish DanceS C H O O L

415.205.8090www.bayareairishdance.com

1136 Saranap Ave., Ste D Walnut Creek

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www.connolly-taylorchapel.com4000 Alhambra Avenue | Martinez, CA FD 154