Lent: A Journey of Conversion
Remembering and Renewing Our Baptism
by Bruno Martinez

Through this past week's Gospel, we are reminded that one of the central themes of Lent is remembering our Baptism and what it really means to be Baptized in Christ Jesus. "If you knew the gift of God and who is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked Him and He would have given you living water." (John 4:10)  Jesus is the living water of our Baptism.

There are no Baptisms performed during Lent. In the same way other abstinences remind us of the importance of things, so this reminds us of just how empty and arid our lives would be without our Baptism.

We are called to consciously remember what it means to be Baptized in Christ Jesus and to reaffirm our Baptismal promise. We are also called to support the catechumenate as they prepare for their Baptism at Easter Vigil. Through their Baptism they are our brothers and sisters in Christ and we are joined into one family.

When was the last time you thought about your Baptism? For most Catholics this happened to you as an infant and odds are that you don’t remember it. Since you may have no conscious memory of this, your first sacrament, track down some photos or other keepsakes from your Baptism. Share them with your family and explore what they mean to you. If you have children, do the same for them and discuss what it meant to you when you presented them at their Baptism.

Take time to reflect on what you can do in your life to reaffirm your Baptism. Search your soul and answer these questions:

Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of Heaven and Earth?

Do you believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary, was crucified, died, and was buried, rose from the dead and is now seated at the right hand of the Father?

Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life? Do you believe in the Holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sin, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting?

This IS our Faith, this is the Faith of the Church! We are proud to profess it through Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior!

Get Involved in Your City

Applications are being accepted for City of San Jose Boards and Commissions for upcoming and future vacancies.

• Airport Commission
• Arts Commission
• Building Codes and Disabled Access Advisory Board
• Community Development Block Grant Steering Committee
• Disability Advisory Commission
• Early Care and Education Commission
• Historic Landmarks Commission
• Library Commission
• Parks & Recreation Commission
• Senior Citizens Commission
• Traffic Appeals Commission

Qualifications: You must live in the City of San Jose and have a commitment to being active in the community.

Applications Process: To take advantage of this unique opportunity, please call the Office of the City Clerk at 408-277-4424. Applications will be accepted through 5:00 PM, Friday, March 11, 2005. Applications will remain active and on file for one year from the date received.

Go to www.sanjoseca.gov/clerk/vacancy.htm for more details.

Memories of Lent

Like Kay Pulskamp (who shared her memories of Lent last week), my siblings and I followed the Lent routine because of our parents. Now most of my siblings observe the abstinence from meat during Lent by choice. We remind each other on the day of "no meat".

There was one time one of my brothers was just about to bite into his meal when he was reminded of the "no meat". He wasn't too happy to substitute his meal for something else (his choice). But at 12:01 midnight, he enjoyed the meal he had put away earlier. Now as adult siblings, the Lenten season is a time that we get together more often as a family at my mom's house for a "no meat" meal, usually Chile Rellanos.

I now notice that my three sons, who are in their early 20's, share the Lent routine with each other like I do with my siblings. And it's their choice.

- Leticia Scaringe

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.

Producing Peace
An Interfaith Gathering of Prayers,
Music, and a Youth Drama Presentation

Sunday, March 20, 1:30-2:00 PM
First Unitarian Church, 160 N. 3rd St., San Jose
Part of Regional March & Rally on the Second Anniversary of the
U.S. Invasion of Iraq

Mourning two years of war and the tragic deaths of civilians and soldiers alike, we gather as people of faith to say "No" to war and "Yes" to another way, another world, another future built on peace, respect and love. Youth from the mid-peninsula will share their own dramatic presentation of non-violent ways to respond to injustice. Singing will be led by the Rev. Dr. Isaiah Jones, Jr. Clergy and religious leaders from diverse faith traditions and spiritual roots will offer prayers for peace. All of us will recommit our spirits, voices, hearts and actions to the cause of justice and peace on earth. Following the service we will proceed to Veterans Memorial Plaza to join others for a brief vigil there & then march with them to Plaza de Cesar Chavez for 3:00 PM rally, speakers & music. Participants in the interfaith service include Buddhists, Jews, Muslims, Protestants, Quakers, Roman Catholics, and Unitarian Universalists. The youth drama is created by participants in a two day workshop on non-violence led by Stanford students.

For more information about the interfaith service
see www.multifaithpeace.org or call 650-569-3416.
Go to www.peaceandjustice.org/march20 for details about
the full day's events with march and rally.

Sponsored by Multifaith Voices for Peace and Justice.

The First Unitarian Church is located between
St. James and St. Johns, at 160 N.3rd St., San Jose
Free parking in garage at corner of N. 3rd and St. Johns.

"A time comes when silence is betrayal and that time has come for us."
from Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence,
by Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., 4 April 1967

Event at Santa Clara University

Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County and
The Bannan Center for Jesuit Education at
Santa Clara University present:

"Surprised by God: Finding Grace Where You Least Expect It"
A Lenten Reflection by Mark Ravizza, S.J.
Director of Ignatian Centers Santa Clara University

Tuesday, March 15, 2005, 7:30 – 8:30 PM

Reception Following

Recital Hall
Center for Performing Arts
Santa Clara University

Please RSVP by March 8, 2005 to
Maureen Muscat: 408-325-5201
mmuscat@ccsj.org

Religious Education Congress
by Pat Garcia

I attended the Religious Education Congress 2005 in Anaheim on February 18-20. This was the fourth Congress I've attended. I intend to go every year to Awake My Spirit and Fill My Soul!! The Congress was a multi-sensory feast for the soul, the mind and the body. There were multi-cultural liturgies, musical performances, and 250 workshops. My favorite was the Eucharist liturgies that I attended in the arena with 8,000 Catholics all together singing and praising God. The Jazz Mass, with music and one outstanding presider, Jesuit Father J. Glenn Murray, was amazing. I left that Mass filled with the Holy Spirit. Next was the Celtic Mass; which was much more subtle but had the most beautiful Celtic songs and dancers. The closing Mass was incredible with the choir, main singers, the multitude of clergy in procession and the liturgical dancers. It was the most powerful and joyful celebration of the Eucharist. It transformed you and left you wanting to run out and evangelize the Word of God.

The workshops were so amazing! There I was, sitting in workshops given by authors that I studied in my Just Faith Group. Ronald Rolheiser and Richard Rohr spoke on social justice. Sr. Anne Smollen, author of " Live, Laugh and Be Holy", gave a workshop that tickled my soul and helped me to appreciate all of my blessings. Msgr. Ray East workshop on "The Purpose Driven Life" was so motivating. He really stressed the importance of small prayer groups helping strengthen our community. I am now interested in starting a Purpose Driven Life study in our own parish.

The music was performed by noted musicians. "That You May Believe", a musical authored by Marty Haugen based on the Gospel of John, was performed by an outstanding cast. I bought the CD and have already enjoyed listening to it several times. Contemplative Rosary, the Luminous Mysteries with Scripture, was presented by Bob Hurd and sung in a chant melody that was just beautiful! Lunchtime entertainment included Grayson Warren Brown singing "Let Us Sing and Praise the God of our Joy" and songs about the wonders of our God. There was much singing, clapping and shouting, all in praise of God. Most transforming, I think, was being surrounded by 38,000 Catholics all in community, all being filled with the spirit and transformed. After this experience, we were more willingly to go out and serve others, more persuaded to witness Christ and more willingly to love God and all of God's people.

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.

Weekly Readings

This Week:

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

Next Week:

5th Sunday of Lent, March 13
  Ezekial 37:12-14
  Romans 8:8-11
  John 11:1-45

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

Take a Moment to Pray:
  Visit this web site for ideas on
  the Ignatious way to pray:
  www.sacredspace.ie

Join Our Mailing List!

Find out what's happening at St. John Vianney Parish by joining our email newsletter list.

To add (or remove) your email address, send an email request to newsletter@sjvonline.net or phone Ellen Turner at 408-272-9234. We will use these email addresses for St. John Vianney business only. No addresses will be visible to others.

Visit our web site at: www.sjvsj.net