St. Michael Catholic Parish Where we celebrate the sacraments, grow disciples, and bring Christ to people.

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458 Maple St, Livermore, CA 925‐447‐1585 StMichaelLivermore.com St Michael School 925‐447‐1888 smsliv.org

Thus says the LORD: "Stand firm in jus ce; do what is right" (Isaiah 56:1, 6‐7).

In this passage from the Prophet Isai‐ah, we see another clear indica on that God’s plan, advanced by way of Israel, is a plan “for all peoples.” In the period following the Maccabean revolt (see 1 and 2 Maccabees), a number of Gen les began to a ach themselves to Judaism. The Jews re‐sponded by establishing a process by which these foreigners could be in‐corporated into Israel, which includ‐ed a ritual bath, or bap sm. At that

me it might have appeared to them that this prophecy of Isaiah was be‐ginning to be fulfilled. But the full import of this prophecy is only seen when Jesus opens the full‐ness of the covenant to those be‐yond the tribal limits of Israel, as we see hinted at in the Gospel for this Sunday. This prophecy from Isaiah suggests that kind of full inclusion, indica ng that foreigners would min‐ister to God and serve him, even in the Temple on Mt. Zion. That is, these people would enter fully into the ritual life of the covenant with God and not merely stand in the out‐er courts of the Temple (“the court of the Gen les”). That happens in the Catholic Church. The term catho‐lic means “universal.” In this univer‐sal Church founded by Christ, we who are not Jews by blood become priests, prophets, and kings by Bap‐

sm, and are made full par cipants in the perfect offering and sacrifice that Jesus makes of himself to the Father in the Holy Mass.

The gi s and the calling of God are unable to be revoked (Romans 11:13‐15, 29‐32).

Paul was the agent chosen by God to announce the extension of full covenant life to the Gen les. While the ul mate reasons for this elec on by God are known by him alone, it is quite possible that Paul was chosen because of his unique qualifica ons to play this role in the divine plan. First, he was deeply commi ed to a radical embrace of Jewish life as one of the Pharisees, a group that en‐deavored to live the Jewish religious law piously. Next, he was adamantly and ac vely opposed to the nascent Chris an movement called “the Way,” to the point that he seems to have spearheaded its suppression by the Jewish authori es. He was also a scholar of the highest caliber, which made him capable of making the ar‐gument for covenant extension to the Gen les from a perspec ve with‐in Judaism itself, once he came to recognize the truth of Chris anity. All of this made Paul a par cularly effec ve instrument in the final part of the early phase of the Church’s founda on. But, the failure of the Jewish people as a whole to recog‐nize what Paul had come to see so clearly remained a mystery to him. In this text from Romans, he makes clear that although the reasons for this remain shrouded, the “call of God” for the Jewish people remains intact. They are not abandoned, they are not excluded from God’s plan, any more than the Gen les had been excluded from God’s plan for Israel. It remains a plan for all people.

Jesus told the Canaanite woman of great faith, "It shall be done as you wish" (Ma hew 15:21‐28).

As already noted, God’s plan for the human race has been from the be‐ginning a universal plan, intended to include all. And so, it might seem rather odd that Jesus, who is the per‐sonifica on of that plan, should seem at first so standoffish toward this Gen le woman who appeals to him for help. The key to understand‐ing this text lies in the fact that, as Jesus makes clear, at this stage in the fulfillment of that plan, his primary mission is for “the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

Jesus gives clear indica ons that his saving work will find greater exten‐sion in episodes like this one with the Canaanite woman and in chapter 4 of John’s Gospel, where he discloses his mission and iden ty to the Sa‐maritan woman at the well. These non‐Jews receive remarkable favors from Jesus that are credited not to na onal origin but to faith. But Israel must be courted first, because, as he tells the Samaritan woman, “Salva on is from the Jews” (John 4:22).

Jesus doesn’t disclose the full extent of the divine plan at this early stage because it would have introduced an obstacle to his disclosure of that plan with regards to the Jews. They are the children who need to be a end‐ed to first so that they can lead oth‐ers to him. Jesus calls the Canaanite woman a “dog” because the Jews used this term to indicate the bar‐baric prac ces of the Canaanite peo‐ple. It is less an insult than an indica‐tor of the outcast posi on of the woman. Note that she acknowledges the sins of her people in asking for his aid.

I n this week’s Gospel, Jesus goes into Gen le (non‐ Jew) territory and encounters there a Canaan‐

ite whose daughter is ill. She learns he is there and goes to him, begging for help. At first Jesus doesn’t answer her, but she con nues to beg for his help. Even when he tells her that it isn’t right to give the food of the children to the dogs, she retorts by saying that even the dogs get crumbs. Jesus is so impressed by her boldness that he heals her daughter, saying, “Oh woman, great is your faith!” From this story, we learn two im‐portant points. The first is that persis‐tent prayer backed by unwavering faith will receive an answer from the Lord. We don’t always receive the answers in the way we want or ex‐pect to, but if we pray persistently, we will see our hearts open up to the good thing God wants for us. The second is that we who live 2,000 years a er Christ can s ll receive his healing and blessing. He healed the woman’s daughter from a distance

and he can s ll heal us today. Time and space are no barriers to the Lord of all me and all space. Since many of us have had the expe‐rience of praying when it seems as if our prayers are ba ering against a brick wall, this Gospel story of the persistent woman serves to increase our faith in the love and mercy of the Lord for each one of us.

Persistence in prayer can bear much fruit. Please watch the short 6‐minute video on today’s Gospel read‐ing on FORMED.org, which offers one great example of someone whose persistence with the Lord was re‐warded. According to the presenter, why did Jesus ini ally refuse the woman’s request to heal her daughter? What does Jesus say is the reason he was willing to grant her request?

The Greek word used for dogs in this parable likely isn’t the standard word for an outside dog running in the streets, but rather is a diminu ve meaning something more like a pet or a puppy. When the woman says to Jesus that even the dogs get the crumbs, she is using the image of a household pet, begging at the table. The whole exchange, rather than be‐ing as harsh as it sounds in English, has a more playful tone about it.

Get free access to watch this movie and hundreds of other movies, audio talks, video-based study programs and eBooks at FORMED.org Register with parish code P4XNPZ

To request a Mass inten on, please visit the church office.

Mass

Saturday 8/19

8:30am 5:00pm 7:00pm

John Flemming Peter & Elizabeth Hnatow Alan & Paula

Sunday 8/20

6:45am 8:00am 9:30am 11:00am 12:30pm 6:00pm

Jim & Sandy Gagliardi Thomas Heise John & Harriet Stellpflug Antony Pham Van Hoi Leona Perez Connie Chavez Mass for Our Parish Melanie Maher Miguel Digo

Monday 8/21

8:30am

Robert Contolini Jacob Benson The Souls in Purgatory

Tuesday 8/22

8:30am

David Weiss Jacob Benson Eleanor Sahlin

Wednesday 8/23

8:30am 7:00pm

The Jewell Family Louis Geren ne Mr & Mrs Urru a Merdes & Edra

Thursday 8/24

8:30am Thomas McVey Jeff Fields Herman Mallari

Friday 8/25

8:30am Dell, Fredd & Ane e Ana Maggenheimer Georgia Fry

Gracious God as the summer begins to fade, new possibili es lie on the horizon. Bless our teachers and principal as they prepare for the start of the year, as well as those who support them in their efforts. Bless our children along with their parents. May this school year be a me of grace and poten al for all. Help us to prac ce pa‐

ence and love with one another. Give us ears to listen, a mind to understand, and your spirit to discern. share, and challenge our chil‐dren to grow in faith, knowledge and wisdom. We commit our year to you and ask you to guide us as we embark on this year together. Please send your prayer requests to Prayers@StMichaelLivermore.com

What is the deepest prayer on your heart? Imagine that you are with the woman in today’s Gospel. You hear her banter with Jesus and you see her joy at being granted her request. Now you come before Jesus with your desire, your prayer. Picture yourself presen ng that pe on to him. Do you truly believe that he will answer your prayer? Are you willing to persevere in making this request if it is not answered right away? Are you open to having your heart conform to his will if he should respond to your prayer in a way other than what you request?

Make a “Prayer List.” Write down what you are praying for and then record the response: Yes, No, or Wait. Keep the journal for at least a month and pay a en on to how God is responding to your requests. Also trust that God wants what is best for you and some mes answers our prayers in unexpected ways that are truly for our best. Use a journal to write down your thoughts and reflec ons and your resolu ons.

Thank you for your generous finan‐cial gi s. Because of you, we can con nue to celebrate the sacra‐ments, grow disciples and bring Christ to people.

8/13 Collec on $15,905.00

Month to Date $44,607.11

Monthly Goal $86,274.51

Percentage 52%

Maintenance $9,087.43

Aug Faith Direct $8,792.00

For the 10th year, St Michael parish‐ioners will prepare and serve dinner for very low income and homeless seniors at St Mary’s Center in Oak‐land on 8/27. We lovingly prepare a delicious home‐cooked meal, serve it with joy and care and provide extra for St Mary’s Center’s daily mission. Can you help contribute toward the grocery cost? Our goal is $500. A gi of any amount is appreciated. Con‐tact Lisa Malone at 925‐455‐0508.

To all our wonderful friends and pa‐rishioners of St. Michael Parish: We truly wish to thank you for all the special cards, prayers, and mass in‐ten ons that were offered for the recent death of our beloved grand‐son, Jacob Benson. It was so special to see all who a ended Jacob’s funer‐al. Thank you for coming as it meant a lot to our family. Jacob was an enjoyable and loving grandson who we really enjoyed rais‐ing through the years, and he will be sincerely missed as part of our family.

Jacob gave us many happy memories that he leaves behind as he joins our Lord Jesus in heaven for the rest of eternity, because Jesus tells us that in His Father’s house He has many dwelling places, and He also tells us that He is going to prepare a place for Jacob. Our prayers will always be with him as we know he will always have a place to rest in peace. God bless each of you and again thank you so very much for all that you have done with your kind words and prayers. We will never forget your kindness. Sincerely, Deacon Bill and Jayne Archer

The Annual Bishop’s Appeal in the Diocese of Oakland is one way to serve our fellow parishioners and the broader community as we demonstrate our unity as Catholics of the Diocese of Oakland. Our parish goal is to raise $61,694. To date, we have raied $38,962.34, or 63.15% toward our $61,694.09 goal. Donate online at bit.ly/BishopAppeal

Classes in English will be on Wednes‐days at 4:00‐5:30 pm or 6:00‐7:30 pm, beginning October 4th. Classes in Spanish will be on Fridays at 5:00‐6:30 pm, beginning October 6th. Register by September 6

Mee ng on Thursday evenings 6:00 pm‐8:00 pm, star ng October 5. No need to register, just drop in!

Join us at the 6:00 pm Mass on Sun‐days and gather in the Convent a er! We meet throughout the year, and all teens are welcome to join us at any

me. No need to register, just drop in!

St. Pius X Readings: gs 2:11‐19; Ps 106:34‐37, 39‐40, 43ab, 44; Mt 19:16‐22

Events: Teen Confirma on Registra on Deadline: Classes for Teens will be on Mondays at 6:00—8:00 pm star ng September 18, or Sundays at 2:00‐4:00 pm star ng September 24th. Download forms at StMichaelLivermore.com/Confirma on

St. Bartholomew Readings: Rv 21:9b‐14; Ps 145:10‐13, 17‐18; Jn 1:45‐51

Sugges on: Study Lec o Divina Evangeliza on & the Acts of the Apostles with Dr. Mary Healy on FORMED.org

St. Rose of Lima Readings: Jgs 9:6‐15; Ps 21:2‐7; Mt 20:1‐16

Events: Mother of Perpetual Help Novena at 6:00 pm in the Chapel. Discover the Faith Inquiry Mee ng at 7:00 pm in the Convent

MONDAY, AUG 21 TUESDAY, AUG 22 WEDNESDAY, AUG 23 The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary Readings: Jgs 6:11‐24a; Ps 85:9, 11‐14; Mt 19:23‐30 Sugges on: Watch Symbolon, Knowing the Faith Session 9: Mary & the Saints on FORMED.org. Discover how our rela onship with Mary impacts our rela onship with her Son.

THURSDAY, AUG 24 FRIDAY, AUG 25 SATURDAY, AUG 26

St. Louis; St. Joseph Calasanz Readings: Ru 1:1, 3‐6, 14b‐16, 22; Ps 146:5‐10; Mt 22:34‐40

Sugges on: Download The Book of Saints and Heroes by Andrew & Lenora Lang from FORMED.org (readers age 8+)

Twenty‐First Sunday in Ordinary Time Readings: Is 22:19‐23; Ps 138:1‐3, 6, 8; Rom 11:33‐36; Mt 16:13‐20 Events: Family Mass at 9:30 am: St Michael School students, please a end in uniform. All Faith Forma on families and public school families are invit‐ed! Fall Fes val Volunteer Sign Up: A er Mass, stop by the table in the courtyard to see how you can be a part of making the Parish Fall Fes ‐val a success!

SUNDAY, AUG 27

Readings: Ru 2:1‐3, 8‐11; 4:13‐17; Ps 128:1b‐5; Mt 23:1‐12

Events: Confession at 9:15 am and 3:45 pm in English and 6:15 pm in Spanish

Come with Brother Francis as he celebrates the life‐changing power of the Mass in this inspira onal and instruc ve presenta on! Rich in instruc on and inspira on, Brother Francis: The Mass is a unique way of helping children ex‐perience the presence of Christ as they a end Mass. Watch on FORMED.org under “Watch” then “Youth”

If you are an adult who is bap zed Catholic and who has received first Holy Communion but have never been confirmed, NOW IS YOUR CHANCE to prepare for the Sacra‐ment of Confirma on! Classes will begin on Wednesday, September 6 at 7:30 pm in the Convent. Contact Marjorie Melendez 925‐447‐2925 RCIA@stmichaellivermore.com

St. Michael’s Parish provides volun‐teers every 5th Wednesday at Open Heart Kitchen. Volunteers prepare the food on site as directed by the Open Heart Kitchen staff, set tables, serve the food, organize donated items and clean up a erwards. There are two shi s: 9:30 am‐11:45 am and 11:45 am‐2:00 pm. To volunteer, contact Diane Schord at 925‐447‐4344 or dhschord@sbcglobal.net

Have you thought about what it would be like to bring Our Lord pre‐sent in the Eucharist to the assembly at Mass? Prayerfully consider train‐ing to be an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. You need a end only one day/ me. Either Tuesday, October 3 a er 8:30 am mass un l about 10:30 am OR Tuesday , Octo‐ber 17 from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Please RSVP to Debbie Pizzato at Liturgy@StMichaelLivermore.com or call 925 667‐4095.

Donate new or gently used Catholic religious books to our Parish Fall Fes val's Book Sale. Bring your do‐na ons to the courtyard on Sept. 10th from 7:30 am to Noon. Contact Arne e Leone at 925‐212‐0826 or a_rafael@msn.com for more details.

Classes in English will be on Wednesdays at 4:00‐5:30 pm or 6:00‐7:30 pm, beginning October 4th. Classes in Spanish will be on Fridays at 5:00‐6:30 pm, beginning October 6th. Download the registra on packet at StMichaelLivermore.com/Faith

Parish Fall Festival September 30 & October 1 Live Entertainment

Live & Silent Auc ons

Raffle Drawing

Ethnic Foods from our Diverse Parish Cultures

Burgers, Hot Dogs, Co on Candy & Snow Cones

Beer Wine, Soda, Water & Juices

Games for Kids & Adults

Can you help volunteer or donate prizes? Email Fes val@StMichaelLivermore.com Raffle ckets may be turned in to the Church Office.

Saturday, September 30 11:00 am—9:00 pm Food & Game Booths

Sunday, October 1 10:00 am—4:00 pm food & Game Booths 1:00 pm—2:30 pm Silent Auc on 2:30 pm—3:30 pm Live Auc on 4:00 pm Raffle Drawing & Fes val Close

P4XNPZ

¿Qué pensamos de María, la Madre de Jesús, y cómo es que nuestra relación con ella ene un efecto en nuestra relación con su Hijo? ¿Cuál es la conexión entre nuestro entendimiento acerca de María y del res‐to de los santos? ¿Por qué le pedimos a María y a otras "personas muertas" que oren por nosotros? Las respuestas a estas preguntas sirven para darnos un esquema para las enseñanzas de la Iglesia Católica sobre la vida después de la muerte y a lo que le llamamos "La Comunión de los Santos". Mira este video gra s en FORMED.org. Haga clic en "Estudio" y luego "Español" y "Formación en La Fe"

"¡Que todos los pueblos te alaben!" (Salmo 67:4) exclama la respuesta del salmo de hoy. En el salterio y en otras escrituras hebreas, este po de invocación es en realidad una invitación a Dios para que actúe e in‐tervenga en las vidas humanas de tal manera que haga que todos ‐no sólo el Pueblo Elegido ‐exprese alabanzas. Dicho algo más fuerte, es como desafiar a Dios para que "aguante o se calle", el po de palabras duras que los salmistas de Israel, confiando en su ín ma relación de amor con Dios, no temían expresar. El Evangelio ene su propia exclamación que anuncia la aparición de la mujer cananea con un "Entonces" (Mateo 15:22). "Entonces" o "he aquí" es una señal en la Biblia que nos indica que observemos con mucha atención, que Dios está por actuar o anunciar algo por medio de un individuo o una situación. En el caso de Jesús, Dios iba a obrar a través de esta mujer, a quien ninguno de los seguidores de Jesús hubiera creído pudiera ser una agente de la voluntad divina. Como los salmistas, puede que informemos en forma pasiva a Dios o quizás hasta ac vamente le desafiemos para que haga algo para que todos lleguen a creer, mas Dios siempre nos volteará las posiciones. Se convierte en nuestro llamado, nuestro deber (como lo fue para Jesús) observar atentamente las situaciones y a las personas en nuestra vida diaria para que Dios pueda actuar a través de nosotros, para que el Reino sea anunciado en nuestro diario vivir.

La Matrícula o la Inscripción Formación de fe grados 1‐5 Ministerio de la juventud de secundaria confirmación de adolescentes

No pierda la oportunidad de ayudar en el Fes val de Otoño para que sea un gran éxito. Hay trabajos de todas las formas y tamaños! · ¿A su ministerio o grupo le gustaría patrocinar una cabina? · ¿Recibio sus boletos de rifa por correo? · ¿Registro el 30 de sep embre y el 1 de octubre en su calendario? ¿Tiene más preguntas? Fes val@StMichaelLivermore.com

Unase a nosotros para la más deliciosa variedad de comida étnica, repre‐sentante de nuestra diversa comuni‐dad, con diversión y juegos para toda la familia. Celebraremos a nuestro patrono, St Michael y lanzaremos el año del centenario de nuestra iglesia. Horario de atención: el sábado, 30 de

sep embre de 11‐21:30 y el domingo 1 de octubre de 10‐16:00. ¿Desea ayudar en el Fes val de otoño de este año para que sea un éxito ro‐tundo? Puede patrocinar un stand, ofrecerse como voluntario, donar a la

subasta, comprar boletos de la rifa! Correo electrónico Fes ‐val@StMichaelLivermore.com para ver cómo puede ser parte de este evento histórico.

Grados 1‐5: Clases en inglés

serán miércoles 4:00‐5:30 o 6:00‐7:30, comenzando el 4 de Octubre. Clases en Español serán los viernes de 5:00‐6:30, empezar el 6 de Octubre. Fecha límite para inscribirse es el 6 de Sep embre.

Confirmación de adolescentes: clases serán los

Lunes a 6:00 – 8:00 comenzando 18 de Sep embre o los Domingos comenzando el 24 de Sep embre. 2:00‐4:00, Fecha límite es para in‐scribirse es el 21 de Agosto (segundo año los estudiantes están inscritos automá camente en el programa y no necesita registrarse de nuevo.)

Ministerio de la escuela media: 6‐8 º grado secundaria borde

Ministerio de la juventud reunirá el Jueves a las 6:30‐8:00, a par r del 5 de Octubre. No hay plazos, sólo caer reg‐istrarse! Formularios de inscripción en la ofici‐na de formación de fe, oficina de la iglesia o descargar en StMichaelLivermore.com/FaithForma on

enes preguntas? Comunicarse con Lourdes en el 925‐667‐4096 Faith@StMichaelLivermore.com

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Mon‐Sat | Lu‐Sa 8:30 am Wed | Mi 7:00 pm (español)

Sat Vigil | Vigilia del Sábado 5:00 pm (English), 7:00 pm (español)

Sunday | Domingo 6:45 am, 8:00 am, 9:30 am, 11:00 am, 12:30 pm (español), 6:00 pm

Sign Language | Lenguaje por Señas 1st Sun, 11:00 am Primer domingo a las 11:00 am Vietnamese | Vietnamita 4th Sun, 3:30 pm Cuarto domingo a las 3:30 pm

Saturday, in the church | Sábado en la iglesia 9:00 am & 3:45 pm in English 6:15 pm en español 1st & 3rd Wed in the Convent Chapel, at 2:30 pm in English

1st Saturday a er 8:30 am Mass or by appointment: 925‐447‐1585 | 1er sábado después de las 8:30 am Misa o con cita previa: 925‐447‐1585

24/7 in the Chapel. For a er hours access code, call 925‐980‐4826 | 24/7 en la Capilla. Para el código de acceso después de las horas, llame al 925‐980‐4826

Rev. Van Dinh, Pastor Rev. Alfonso Borgen, Parochial Vicar Rev. David Staal, Associate Rev. Alfred Amos, In Residence Rev. Stanislaus Poon, Re red Rev. Deacon Bill Archer Rev. Deacon Rob Federle Rev. Deacon Dave Rezendes Rev. Deacon Bob Vince

Pastoral Council Chair: Mike Pereira michaelpereira@comcast.net Fr. Van, Eric Hom, Ricardo Echon, Fidelis Atuegbu, Jo Anne Lindquist, Dave Parks, Frank Draschner, Ken Varallo, Irving Garcia, Cynthia Garay and Glenda Dubsky.

Finance Council Chair: Dave Ruth daveruth@alrinc.com Fr. Van Dinh, Eric Hom, Cynthia Garay, Edna McCombe, Analy Palo‐mino, Vanessa Suarez

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925‐447‐1888 smsliv.org

925‐667‐4096

925‐453‐6494 Niños 925‐344‐7150 Adultos

510‐691‐2864

St. Michael Parish | La Parroquia de San Miquel 458 Maple St, Livermore, CA 94550 Tel: 925-447-1585

StMichaelLivermore.com | StMichaelLivermore.com/español

Fr Van Dinh, Pastor 925‐667‐4057

Fr Alfonso Borgen, Parochial Vicar

925‐667‐4053

Eric Hom, Business 925‐667‐4052

Deacon Bill Archer 925‐667‐4056

Kathy Hawkins, Bookkeeper 925‐667‐4058

Church Front Office 925‐447‐1585

School Front Office 925‐447‐1888

Lourdes Kay, Faith Forma on 925‐667‐4096

Priscilla Stutzman, DRE 925‐667‐4097

Joseph Garcia, Youth Minister

925‐667‐4093

Tina Gregory, Communica on 925‐667‐4051

JaNet Hancock, Music 925‐292‐5071

Debbie Pizzato, Liturgy 925‐667‐4095

Marjorie Melendez, RCIA 925‐447‐2925

Ana Fregoso, RICA 925‐344‐7150