| In This Issue: |
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This is my beloved Son. Listen to Him!
Don't forget: Bud Welch presentation on Monday night.
Report: A Taste of Mardi Gras
by Ellen Turner
St. John Vianney - Taste of Mardi Gras Jambalaya Dinner-Dance and
Auction
on Saturday, March 4 was a great success. This event was a fund-raiser for
our sister parish, St. Alphonsus, in Mississippi, but it was also an
opportunity for us to gather and enjoy 
each
other. Folks arrived at the door of the Drying Shed, some already decorated
with Mardi Gras masks, makeup, and hats. Raffle tickets were available and
sold well, adding to the pot for our sister parish. Then folks could browse
the Silent Auction tables, enjoy a treat from the bar, and greet new and old
friends. Click
here to see all the photos.
Dinner was outstanding! The Jambalaya was wonderful! Those needing more zip could add some pepper, but most of us thought it was perfect as it was served. Bread, a crispy salad, and perfectly cooked vegetables complemented the jambalaya. A special treat was Three Kings Cake. Many cultures celebrate Epiphany with a Three Kings Cake. There is a plastic baby Jesus or a coin in the cake. Whoever gets the surprise is blessed for the year, or in some cultures, is required to provide the next party. In the New Orleans tradition, the lucky person must bring the next cake. The cakes start at Epiphany and keep coming until Mardi Gras. How about our winners put on next year's Mardi Gras event?
Jackie and Jerry Walker were the chairs for this great event. They and some other members of the SJV Katrina Response team put in hours of work, testing their Jambalaya recipe, printing and distributing flyers, printing and managing the sale of tickets, working with the restaurant and organizing volunteers. Jerry, a professional at charity auctions, brought us a variety of sports memorablia and organized the raffle and silent auction. The owner of the Drying Shed donated the restaurant, the food, and his staff.
We had a DJ and after dinner parishioners, lead by Bob and Valerie Long, kicked up their heels and took to the dance floor. Everyone had a great time! Thanks to the businesses and individuals who donated items for the raffle and auction. Thanks to the entire Katrina Relief Team, with a special thanks to Jerry and Jackie Walker, without whom, our Taste of Mardi Gras would never have happened.
Looking at Marriage During Lent
by Richard and Veronica Wildanger
In this Lenten season, in which we take stock of our lives and reconnect with God, it is fitting that we look at marriage. During Lent we are called to retreat, dissect our ways, and renew our promise of love and truth - all selflessly towards God. And isn't this what we are called to do in our marriages with our spouses?
In our seven years of marriage, we've learned that a good marriage is the
result of active dedication and intention, and that love does not survive on
romance
alone. To be better spouses, we try communication techniques, discuss gender
roles in the marriage, take personality tests, and try to understand each
other's childhoods. Though these are important, we have found that we must
still go beyond that.
Above all, we have accepted that God did not intend marriage as a way to make us happy. God created marriage - with its joys and triumphs, struggles and challenges - as a way to draw us closer to Him. Marriage, more than any other relationship, calls us to go outside ourselves to love our spouse even when he or she is being unlovely. It also forces us to confront our own character issues and understand their good and bad impact on our relationship. Rather than focus on where our spouse is falling short and feel aggrieved that they are not serving us our way, we choose to ask how we can respond to each in a way that pleases God - in good times and in bad.
When we realized this, we inevitably wanted to know more about God, to grow in our understanding of Him, and ultimately to love Him more. We are now deepening our relationship with God through our marriage. This is different than having a relationship with God as something we each pursue, apart from and separate from our marriage. Instead, marriage is the context and enabler of spiritual growth together. This new approach can help us to have patience with, concern for, and gratitude for our spouse where formerly our concern for our own best interests came first.
Let's use this sacred season of Lent - a time to reflect upon and enact the character of Jesus - to begin a renewed relationship with our spouse to please God. It may take time beyond Lent to adjust to this new perspective. But pray about it and trust in God since He is the ultimate direction of our reconciliation. In the end, the reality of Lent is not what we have done for ourselves, but what Lent has done for others through us.
Note: Richard and Veronica Wildanger will be launching a marriage enrichment group at SJV in April. For more information contact them at (408) 937-1483 or rpwildanger@earthlink.net.
Thursday Night Lenten Series
by Ellen Turner
Thursday night is time for our parish Lenten Series with Rev. David Bird.
Last week we had about sixty people come to spend an hour and a half
learning more about ourselves, 
our
church, and our relationship with God by looking at the writings of St.
Paul. Half the people who attended were from St. John Vianney Parish and the
other half came from Trinity 
Episcopal
Cathedral in downtown San Jose where Dr. Bird serves as Rector/Dean.
Doctor Bird is an excellent teacher and succeeded at getting us all started on our Lenten study of Paul. We opened with a mediation/litany based on the Ten Commandments. Then he gave us some introductory ideas on Paul.
The series will continue on the next four Thursday evenings and we urge you to attend. Bring your Bible and a pencil for notes. Meet some new faces and develop a deeper understanding of our faith. The program meets in the church from 7:00 to 8:30 PM.
New Neighborhood Voice has three stories about St. John Vianney folks in the March issue. New Neighborhood Voice interviewed Rudy and Lily Tenes for a story on his
bullfighting
past.They also interviewed PACT's new young organizer, Tim Lilienthal, who is
working with the SJV LOC. And they interviewed Captain Jose Guerrero (SJFD)
because he has a new position as the Wildland Officer. He and his family are
SJV parishioners.
Check it out at www.nnvesj.org and sign yourself up to get this wonderful neighborhood newsletter on a regular basis.
Revelation Choir to Attend Religious Education Congress
by Judi Miel
"Music is well said to be the speech of angels." -Thomas Carlyle
Since 1989, the Revelation Choir has been inspiring parishioners at the 7 PM Sunday Mass with their joyful music. Every week, without fail, they lift their voices to worship and praise God through song. The choir, led by Liz Morales Chang, is a diverse group of youth and the young at heart. Some members have been singing for many years while others are new additions. They come from a variety of cultural backgrounds, which represent the richness of the Saint John Vianney community.
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Revelation Choir (photo taken Summer, 2005)
Outside of the 7 PM Mass, the choir has been heard at concerts, weddings, community events, and liturgical celebrations. They perform not only in English, but also in Spanish and Tagalog. They have recorded CDs and just recently finished producing a new one. However, they do not do it for profit or recognition, but as a gift to the community and to God. Their group motto says it all, "We have fun singing God's Word."
On March 4, the congregation of the 7 PM Mass took a second collection to raise funds so members of the choir could attend the Los Angeles Religious Education Conference at the end of March. This will be the first time in the Revelation Choir's long history that they are attending the conference and choir members are very excited. Their goal is to learn more about liturgical music and get materials to bring back and enrich the Eucharistic experience. It's not too late to still make donations. If you would like to make a donation, please do so through the parish and indicate "Revelation Choir". Your generosity will be greatly appreciated. They are a valuable part of, not just the SJV family, but the community as a whole.
Human Relations Breakfast
by Ellen Turner
The Annual Human Relations Breakfast is fast approaching. This event honors local people who are working to improve our community by developing positive human relations
The Human Relations Commission of Santa Clara County will celebrate its 34th anniversary with a Human Relations Awards Breakfast from 7:30-9:00 AM on March 30, 2006. Rigo Chacon will emcee this extraordinary recognition of deserving county residents, entitled "Human and Civil Rights: Sowing Seeds of Peace and Non-Violence".
With the theme of peace building, this year for the first time ever the Human Relations Awards Breakfast will feature speakers who will stress the vital importance of the principle of non-violence in human relations. Keynote speaker Paul Chavez is the son of Cesar Chavez and President of the National Farm Worker Service Center since 1990. He will reflect on the legacy of non-violence in the life of Cesar Chavez and in the farm worker struggle for dignity and improved working conditions. Assemblywoman Sally Lieber will share her recent experience as a death penalty eyewitness and explain her recent legislative initiatives to reduce violence in the State of California. Rev. Ellen Grace O'Brian will stimulate reflection in her invocation on non-violence.
The following individuals were selected as this year's award recipients:
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James P. McEntee Lifetime Achievement Award Richard Konda: As Executive Director of the Asian Law Alliance, Mr. Konda worked closely with Jim McEntee for decades on issues of peace and justice. Mr. Konda chairs the Committee on Justice and Accountability concerned with issues such as the Bich Cau Tran case and serves as Board President of Services, Immigrant Rights and Education Network (SIREN). Mr. Konda was nominated by the James P. McEntee Legacy Committee. OHR Director Award Assemblywoman Sally Lieber: Concerned about daily violence perpetrated against victims of trafficking, Assemblywoman Lieber authored landmark legislation to prevent human trafficking in the State of California. She has also sought a moratorium on the death penalty, state regulation of unscrupulous trafficking in international brides, and other policies to create a stable, safe, and peaceful community. Board of Supervisors Awards District One, Don Gage awards Sister Margaret Gregg: A Sister of St. Joseph since 1959, Margaret Gregg serves as the Homeless Concerns Coordinator for Santa Clara County. She represents the County on the regional, state, and federal levels and coordinates over 100 agencies serving the homeless in the County. She devotes her timeless energy to gaining basic human rights such as food, shelter, and clothing for all. District Two, Blanca Alvarado awards Danielle Castro: Ms. Castro serves as a Transpowerment Health Educator at Community Health Partnership for a community historically marginalized, ostracized, and misunderstood: transgendered residents of the County. She brings strength, voice, harmony, and vital services to a community often hard to reach due to fear of violence, stigma, and discrimination in understanding gender identity. District Three, Pete McHugh awards Armina Husic: Ms. Husic serves as the director of the Center for the Survivors of Torture based at Asian Americans for Community Involvement (AACI). A former refugee herself, Ms. Husic has assisted hundreds of survivors of political torture in Santa Clara County. She is a passionate advocate for victims of severe trauma in need of psychological and social service support. District Four, James T. Beall awards Sheila Stevens: Ms. Stevens played a vital role on the Human Relations Commission for seven years. As Chair of the Justice Review Committee she has advocated for criminal justice reform and built bridges between the community and law enforcement agencies. In her 23 years as a manager at the Social Services Agency she has championed diversity and improved working conditions, from her role as co-founder of the Black Women’s Association to her role as past president of the County Employee Management Association (CEMA). District Five, Liz Kniss awards Dr. Donald Barr: Dr. Barr, an Associate Professor of Sociology and Human Biology at Stanford University, co-founded the Community Working Group (CWG) in 1998. Responding to the homeless crisis in the greater Palo Alto region, the CWG has galvanized community support to build The Opportunity Center. The two multi-service centers and 89 units of housing are currently under construction to provide stability, dignity, and a positive, caring environment. Human Relations Commission Awards Alice and Bill Cox: Founders of the San Jose Peace Center in 1968. Sia Dunbar: Co-founder and first President of African Refugee Women Rebuilders. Robert Hale: Supervises the Social Services Agency Emergency Response Unit. Habibe Husain: Founded the Rahima Foundation 12 years ago to help integrate displaced refugees living in Santa Clara County. Youth Leadership Award Anisa Sirur: The first ever HRC award recognizing the contributions of youth. Ms. Sirur has served as a Youth Advisor to the SJPD, as President of the San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP Youth Council, as a journalist for the African Television Show on Channel 30, and as a member of the County's Youth Task Force and the HRC Justice Review Committee. Recognized for "Best Thinker" at the Independence H.S. Teaching Academy, she was inducted into the National Honor Roll and will be the first person in her family to attend college. Award of Special Recognition Marion and Robert Tibbits: The OHR recognizes this dedicated husband and wife team that have volunteered and managed the books of the Friends of Human Relations for nearly 30 years. Through their efforts the Commission on the Status of Women, the Jim McEntee Legacy Committee, Unity in Diversity, the Social Services Agency, and the Office of Human Relations have benefited from initiatives to promote tolerance, diversity, and human rights. |
Tickets and program ads may be purchased by calling (408) 792-2316. A portion of the $45 donation per person supports the work of human relations in Santa Clara County.
Father Jon Pedigo submitted information about a concert
that may interest you. This concert began as a conversation between the
composer and Fr. Jon. The composer is a 
JustFaith
graduate, Henry Mollicone. He was looking for service projects after his
JustFaith experience. Sr. Elizabeth Avalos sent him to Fr. Jon for
discernment on what he wanted to do in terms of justice work, and over a few
conversations they came up with the idea of him working in direct service
with the Catholic Worker at Casa de Clara and other places. Fr. Jon said it
would be important for him to KNOW those who he is serving and to conceive
of their stories as the on-going story of God's revelation. Perhaps he might
consider incorporating those stories into an opera, oratory or some kind of
musical form that would touch people that would otherwise be out of contact
with others. He spoke to a librettist friend of his who agreed to arrange
the narratives that Henry took into a libretto for this piece of music that
Henry wrote.
This piece has been a labor of love for Henry. He has invested his money into the production of the orchestral parts, copy-editing and other jobs that all "behind the scenes." Fr. Jon says "I have seen the score and heard a part of the piece played on reduced score for piano. I think it will be a great concert."
Please tell your friends and email lists and let people know that it's coming up. The concert will take place on Friday, March 31, and Saturday, April 1, 8 PM, at St. Joseph Cathedral, 80 South Market Street, San Jose. All donations from the concert will go directly to the homeless of San Jose through the administration of the San Jose Cathedral Foundation's Office of Social Ministry. To see a flyer about the concert, click here.
PARISH AND DEANERY:
Lent is a Time of Reflection and Introspection.
How about submitting your favorite scripture reading to the newsletter? Talk
about what the significance of the reading is to you. This way, you will
help others gain some insight on the written Word through your experience.
To submit a story, send your email to newsletter@sjvnews.net.
Bud Welch: Time to Learn about Forgiveness?
Bud's only daughter was killed in the Oklahoma City Bombing. After many
prayers and endless tears, Bud learned to forgive. Come hear his story and
find healing for your own anger. He will speak to our parish youth from 7 PM
to 8 PM on Monday,
March 13,
in the Main Hall, then speak to adults from 8 PM to 9 PM in the Parish
Office Center. This event is free to parishioners. Donations toward expenses
are welcome. Please take advantage of this opportunity to learn about
forgiveness.
The Annual Diocesan Appeal (ADA) Campaign, "Proclaim God's Message," is the 2006 major fund raising drive for the Diocese of San Jose. Each parish is assigned a specific goal to meet. We have met our goal and all additional funds received will go toward the new projector system for St. John Vianney Church. Please be generous, as this will make our liturgies much nicer. For more information about the ADA, click here.
Special Prayer and Reflection During Lent on Thursday nights. The Very Reverend David Bird, the Dean and Rector of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, will be leading us on a spiritual journey through the writings of St. Paul. This series will be held in Saint John Vianney church from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM on Thursdays, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, and finishing with our parish reconciliation service with confessions on Thursday, April 6, at 7 PM. Father Tim asks parish groups to either cancel, or limit to a minimum, all parish meetings so that all can be free to attend this Lenten series.
Organize SJV Fiesta 2006: Next Meeting is Wednesday, March 22, at 7:00 PM at the Drying Shed. The SJV Fiesta Committee is looking for volunteers to fill the following chair positions. If you are interested, or you know of someone who is interested, please contact David Couch at (408) 314-2393 or email dave@TheRedCarpetTeam.com.
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Strawberry Shortcake Co-Chair
Sweet Booth Co-Chair Bingo Co-Chair Raffle Ticket Coordinator Set Up/Tear Down Coordinator Monday Clean-up Chair |
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SJV Parishioner Pamela Bjorklund, Ph.D., presents a Holy Week Retreat Weekend: "Meeting Violence with Love, Jesus' Response to the Passion," April 7-9, Friday at 4:00 PM to Sunday at 1:00 PM, at Presentation Center. For more information, visit the web site: www.presentationcenter.org.
SJV
Spring Fling 2006:
The St. John Vianney Alumni Committee & The Drying Shed present "Springtime
in Paris" on Friday,
April 28,
at the Drying Shed Restaurant, San Jose. Tickets are $40 per person.
| 6 PM | - | 7 PM | No Host Cocktails | ||
| 7 PM | - | 8 PM | Buffet Dinner & Raffle | ||
| 8 PM | - | 12 AM | Dancing (featuring live band "The Hitmen") | ||
Coming Events:
o SJV Fiesta,
May 19-21,
at the SJV Courtyard.
For more information, contact the SJV School Development Office at (408)
258-7677 or lelston@sjvsj.org.
COMMUNITY AT LARGE:
Silicon
Valley Young Adults:
It is Lent again, another season of repentance and reflection. In our next
'Theology on Tap,' Dr. Robert Delaney, Th.D. will guide us as we reflect on "Women
in the Bible: Agents of Change". If you missed the last Theology on
Tap or have never been to one, this is a great opportunity to see what its
all about. Join us on Sunday,
March 12,
at Scruffy Murphy's Irish Pub, 187 S. Murphy Ave., Sunnyvale. Admission is
FREE with food and drinks available for purchase. The talk and discussion
goes from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM, but don't forget to come early (7 PM or
earlier) to order your food and drinks. If you know of a speaker you would
like to hear, or a topic you would like addressed, or just more information,
email us at svya@saintcyprian.org.
To see the flyer click
here. To visit our website click
here. See you there!
A Series of Six Evenings of Discussions Based on the Justice Writings of Pope John Paul II: Ascension Parish, Saratoga, 7:30 to 9:00 PM. Registration begins at 7:15 PM.
| Monday, Feb. 27: | Rev. Paul Fitzgerald, SJ. "In The Words of John Paul II: Our Ecological Vocation: A Catholic Response to the Environmental Crisis." | ||
| Monday, Mar. 20: | Mr. Joseph Hastings, West Coast Director, Catholic Relief Services. "In The Words of John Paul II: Creating Networks of Peace." | ||
| Monday, Apr. 24: | Rev. Joseph Sands, SJ. "In The Words of John Paul II: Justice in the Americas: The Continuing Disparity of Wealth." | ||
| Monday, May 22: | Diane Clyne: Justice Coordinator for the Mercy Sisters, Burlingame California: "In The Words of John Paul II: Free Trade Agreements and the loss of lands and livelihood of Indigenous Peoples." | ||
| Monday, Jun. 12: | Sister Jean Schafer, Co-Director, Anti-Human Trafficking Project. "The Tragedy of Human Trafficking." | ||
The largest gathering of Catholics in the United States takes place each Spring at the Anaheim Convention Center, across the street from Disneyland. Called the Religious Education Congress, the workshops offered at the Congress are amazing. This year the dates are March 31 through April 2. Check it out at www.recongress.org.
Save the Date! Annual Community Nonviolence Conference Returns:
Saturday,
April 22,
9 AM to 5 PM, Evergreen Valley College, 3095 Yerba Buena Road, San Jose. You
will not want to miss this powerful event, based on the teachings of
nonviolence as exemplified by the lives of Gandhi, Dr. Martin Luther King,
and Cesar Chavez. We are honored to have Arun Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma
Gandhi, as our keynote speaker. The day will be filled with music,
information, and inspiration. Lunch will once again be provided by the San
Jose Sikh Gurdwara. For more information or to get involved go to www.CarryTheVision.net
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This Week:
2nd Sunday of Lent: March 12
Next Week:
3rd Sunday of Lent: March 17
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Praying the Scriptures:
Visit this web site for ideas on praying the Scriptures: www.liturgy.slu.edu
Take a Moment to Pray:
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Join Our eMail List!
Find out what's happening at St. John Vianney Parish by joining our SJV Parish Weekly Newsletter subscriber list:
Visit our parish web site at: www.sjvnews.net.