Lent: A Journey of Conversion
Fasting
by Bruno Martinez

During lent we are called to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. We often think of a fast as something that will make us wilt, but Christ tells us that our fast should be one of dignity and strength. "When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance so that they may appear to other to be fasting. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to others to be fasting." (Matthew 6: 16-18)

Our fast is meant to transform us, prepare us and make space for the sacred meal of the Eucharist, the feast through which we celebrate the joy and love of Christ’s eternal sacrifice. Our fast helps to focus us on the basics and the simplicity of a faithful and Christ-like life. We can also fast from other complications in our lives. For example, one night a week, skip your favorite sitcom and spend that hour reading from the bible. The bible is the manual for our lives and for who we are.

It was after his 40 day fast in the desert that Christ began the fullness of his ministry to the world. His fast transformed him and made him stronger; remember it was at the end of his fast that his strength was such that he turned away from the temptations of the flesh that Satan flaunted before Him. We heard in the past week’s Gospel that Christ was indeed transfigured fully into divinity, recognized and presented as the Son of God. "And He was transfigured before them, His face shone like the sun and His clothes became white as light. While he (Peter) was speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, 'This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased, listen to Him.'" (Matthew 17: 1-2, 5)

Fasting also reminds us in a small way that there are those in the world who go without, not by choice, but by circumstance. It is through this that we are reminded that through our Baptismal promise, we are called to evangelize and share the glory of Christ’s love to the entire world. "Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me. Amen I say to you, what you did not do for one of the least ones, you did not do for me." (Matthew 25: 40, 45)

Through the full richness of Lent and true meaning of a fast, if we allow it, we can be converted to a full, active and conscious participation in our Catholic Faith, not just on Sundays, not just on Holy days, but everyday of our lives.

Young Adults Are NOT the Future of the Church
by Bruno Martinez

That’s right, Young Adults are not the future of the Catholic Church ; Young Adults are the NOW. If we put our faith off until tomorrow, tomorrow will never be today. The Roman Catholic Church has a bleak future without today’s young adults engaging in full, conscious and active participation.

Bishop McGrath has recognized this and has directed all parishes of the Diocese of San Jose to begin active ministry to young adults. Under the direction of Father Tim and the coordination of Mike Navarro, we are now the home of Silicon Valley Young Adult Ministry at Saint John Vianney. In addition to this parish wide ministry, the 10:30 Sunday Mass and its new choir have been dedicated to young adults.

Are you a Young Adult? The sociological, and the Church’s, definition of young adults are those in their 20’s and 30’s, specifically those young adults starting their careers, lives on their own, and families.

Having a Young Adult Mass is just the beginning of the ministry, and without people, a small step. Catholicism is not receiving ministry, receiving sacraments, or receiving communion, it is acting on and living your faith.

Did you know that fewer than 40% of young adult Catholics have a parish? They have not left their faith, they still call themselves Catholic and identify with their Catholicism through their sacraments, and increasingly, only through the baptism and first communion of their children. 2/3 of young adult Catholics don’t think they have to go to Mass to be good Catholics. Let us recognize that the Eucharistic Liturgy is the source and summit of our faith, as told to us by the Holy Father, John Paul II; it is from which our faith emanates and to which all our faithful activities return, the source of how we should live our lives everyday of the week.

This ministry will be more than a Mass; it will be a community building movement as well. Most young adult Catholics want to experience their faith, not debate it, and so the ministry will include social activities, or in valley speak, networking, faith sharing and service activities

As young adult Catholics we must assume the mantle of leadership. We must engage our faith with full, active and conscious participation. The Church, like politics, is not built by everyone, it is built by those who show up. If you have an interest in this ministry, please contact the coordinator Mike Navarro at SJVYA@sjvonline.net.

Young Adults are NOT the future of the Church;
Young Adults are the NOW!!

Memories of Lent

One Mother's Memories of Lent with her kids: In the early days of our family, Lent was harder to observe then it is today. We were to fast every day (except Sundays and St. Patrick’s Day), eat no meat on Fridays, no weddings, no movies, no candy nor desserts, no "fun things", and observe a solemn Good Friday. In those days there was fasting until noon on the Saturday before Easter. And also, in those days we had to fast from midnight to participate in communion the next morning.

Of all the days of Lent, Good Friday is my most fondly remembered day. All five of my children, who attended a fine Catholic school, were home on that day with me. At noon we gathered in the living room to worship Jesus and talk about His suffering on the cross. Together we recited a decade of the Rosary and then sat quietly. We talked a little and we could read books about the saints. We quietly waited for the three hours to go by.

I was always amazed by my kids, who are now middle aged. I bet when Good Friday comes along they, even to this day, in their own way, think of Jesus and His suffering.

- Kay Pulskamp (age 84)

If you would like to share a memory of Lent, send your story to newsletter@sjvonline.net and we will publish as many as we can. It is important to share our stories. That is how we pass on our traditions.

Juan Diego Society: A Follow-Up
by Judi Miel

In the beginning of this year, St. John Vianney Parish collected funds for the St Juan Diego Society, or Juan Diego Woman's Center as it's also known, through a creative fundraiser involving baby bottles. Parishioners were encouraged to take and fill the baby bottles with spare change or other donations. These bottles were then put into a bassinet which was located in the church entryway.

The St. Juan Diego Society is a non-profit organization located just down the street from SJV. The center has been in operation since April of 1986 and assists pregnant women in crisis. The Center offers a full array of support both before and after the baby's birth. The St. Juan Diego Society is a ministry located in our parish which offers cribs, baby clothing, blankets and other necessities. Besides the material necessities, they also provide a nurturing environment, emotional and spiritual support and serve as a valuable resource for a young mother in crisis. "Our main mission is to give women the opportunity to keep their baby," said Center Director, Robert Rodriguez. "We are here to help any woman who needs assistance." All services are free.

According to Robert, SJV parishioners have contributed $1,485 thus far. He continues to receive baby bottles to this day and would also welcome any that the parishioners have not turned in yet. Funding for the Juan Diego Society is solely through donations. They rely on fundraisers such as the baby bottle drive, second collections at Masses, private and corporate foundations to fund the Center. They receive very little assistance from government agencies due to the regulations that separate church and state.

Besides monetary donations, the Center also receives assistance from volunteers. The Center has only one full time employee and between seven to fourteen volunteers. The Center is open Monday through Fridays from 9 AM to 5 PM, and by appointment on Saturdays. However, the work hardly stops when the Center is closed. "The job of caring never stops. It goes on 24 hours a day," said Robert. "We always need volunteers to help at the Center and during fundraising drives to man the collection table, assemble and collect bottles as well as to count and record donations," added Robert.

Robert emphasizes that the Center does not try to push a pro-life stance to any of their clients. "We are here to offer assistance and, most importantly, hope. The center is a resource for these women who are facing a very difficult time in their lives. The Center receives a majority of it's clients through referrals from agencies, churches, the yellow pages, and through, what I believe, is divine intervention," said Robert.

The Center also relies on a network of other agencies and organizations to help women. Financially, it would be very taxing for the Center to deal with all the needs of their clients. So, they work with other community sources such as the St. Vincent De Paul Society, Sisters of Charity and area hospitals to accomplish their work.

If you or someone you know is in need to assistance, contact the Juan Diego Woman's Center at 408-258-2008. Or if you would like to make a donation or offer volunteer services, please contact Robert Rodriguez or drop by the Center at 12 North White Road, Suite #5 in San Jose. Robert adds, "Any assistance is welcomed, but more importantly we need your prayers."

SJV Made an Impact

The group invested their own money, and accepted donations from friends, to produce 1000 buttons, 5000 stickers, and 3200 bookmarks supporting Catholic Social Teaching. The buttons, stickers, and bookmarks were eagerly received by many of the 38000 attendees at the three day event.

The stickers and buttons looked like this:

The bookmarks included the following text:

HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT OUR SECRET?
Take the test and see.
Catholic Social Teaching supports which of the following?
1. Universal health care
2. Access to affordable housing
3. Livable wages
4. Elimination of the death penalty & all forms of torture
5. Prioritizing the needs of the poor
6. Protecting children, refugees, immigrants, & the most vulnerable
7. The rights of workers to organize and form unions
8. Protection of the environment
9. Nuclear disarmament, the promotion of peace, and the responsible use of resources
10. Equal access to quality education

Catholic Social Teaching
* Dignity of the Human Person
* Common Good & Community
* Option for the Poor
* Rights & Responsibilities
* Role of Government & Subsidiarity
* Economic Justice
* Stewardship of God's Creation
* Promotion of Peace & Disarmament
* Participation
* Global Solidarity & Development

Matthew 25: 35-46  "Whatsoever you do to the least, so you do to me."

For more information visit their website: www.mt25.org

Announcements

Please remember to join us for the Parish Lenten Mission on Thursday evening in English and on Monday evening in Spanish, 7:00-8:30 PM in the church. Childcare available.

Remember that we are taking up a special collection on Easter Sunday for tsunami relief. Instead of just "giving something up for Lent" why not see what changes you can make to your lifestyle that might be used to help tsunami victims.

The annual St. John Vianney Fiesta "Celebrating Our Diversity" is quickly approaching - this year it is set for May 20 through May 22. We need CHAIRS and CO-CHAIRS....Manage a booth (Chair position) or assist in managing (Co-Chair). If you are interested in the above Fiesta Positions, please contact: David Couch at 408-314-2393 or at dcouch36@sbcglobal.net, or Patricia Tovar at patricia.tovar@arusd.org.

The church is in need of some welding. Are you a qualified welder who might be able to help? Please contact Bruno Martinez at 408-274-7552 or bruno@sjvonline.net.

Take a moment from your busy day to pray. Visit this Irish Jesuit Prayer site that is so wonderful for people sitting at a computer who want take a few minutes to pray every day. It's so well done! It's based on the Ignatian way of prayer. www.sacredspace.ie

Weekly Readings

This Week:

3rd Sunday of Lent, February 27
  Exodus 17:3-7
  Romans 5:1-2, 5-8
  John 4:5-42

Next Week:

4th Sunday of Lent, March 6
  1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a
  Ephesians 5:8-14
  John 9:1-41

Praying the Scriptures:
  Visit this web site for ideas on
  praying the Scriptures:
  www.liturgy.slu.edu

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