June 17, 2005
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Multipurpose Building - Parish/Community Center
By Dick Decker
My name is Dick Decker. I have been a member of St. John Vianney Parish since 1962. I am one of the two permanent members of our Parish Finance Committee, and have been a member of that Committee for 25 years. I also have served as a Eucharistic Minister, Lector, and Commentator for over 25 years. I want to express my thoughts on our Parish Community Center that we have been working toward for 6 years now.
At our last Parish Finance Committee meeting, there was a lengthy discussion on our Parish Community Center and what was needed to finally start the construction of this needed project.
I will not go into all the construction details about the Center, like where on our Parish property it will be built, and what the finished project will look like. By now most of us already know this information. Instead, I would like to concentrate on what is needed to finally START construction.
A special Task Force was put together by Fr. Tim and they came up with the following figures:
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Total Cost $4.6
million
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This task force, with help from Fr. Tim, found ways to lower the uncommitted balance to a new balance of $500,000. This is the amount that is preventing us from starting our project. If our parish can receive a firm commitment of $500,000 then - BINGO - we can begin construction.
One important point
to note: If we do not start soon and our current building permit expires,
the cost of the project will go up and up and up. Our parish has been
"grand-fathered" by the County, on certain building criteria,
because we received our building permit approval before the new state
building codes went into effect. If our building permit expires and we need
to get a new one, then the cost of our Center, exactly as
we agreed upon, will go up approximately $1.0 Million or more. So you can
see the urgency in starting the construction as soon as possible.
When Fr. Tim first came to St. John Vianney, as our Pastor, he told us that he would devote one year of hard work on this worthwhile project. He has kept his promise to us, and has extended that promise to October of 2005. Starting in November 2005, Fr. Tim will be concentrating more on the pastoral aspect of our parish, plus we will have only two priests to serve the needs of our parish, so his time will be very limited in all areas.
Once again, the one thing that is needed to begin building is $500,000. I hope and pray that our parish will receive a firm commitment for this amount and with God's blessing, we can begin the construction of our much needed Parish Community Center.
Parish Building Fund Update
by Olga Rodriguez
Saint John Vianney has been struggling
to raise the $6.4 million needed to build the Parish Community Center as
originally planned. A Three year campaign fell short by $3.5 million. With a
downturn in the economy, this money has proven to be difficult to raise.
However, the community is still supportive of the plan, knowing that it is
badly needed in order for this parish to do the work we want to do. With the
arrival of Fr. Tim Kidney, a committee was compiled comprised of members
representing various groups in the community to look for ways that we can
cut the cost of this Parish Center. The first major cut was made when Fr.
Kidney eliminated the second floor of the building, which cut $2.0 million.
Then, at the one and only meeting held with this group, a plan of the Center
was posted and a list of all amenities was shown along with the cost for
each. The committee was further divided into groups and asked to come up
with approximately $150,000 in cuts. Items such as roof type, building
footprint, number of bathrooms were reconsidered. Each group then reported
back, and 
a
tally of items being cut was compiled. With much discussion and compromise,
a plan was confirmed that reduced the cost of the building from $6.4 million
to $4.6 million.
The capital campaign had secured $2.9 million in pledges, but $1.7 million remains to be raised. Fr. Kidney formed a special task force comprised of people in the community who have participated in previous campaign fundraising, and/or have special knowledge of finance, construction or community issues, who would contribute to proposing how we can raise the final amount. The conclusion was, we would take a loan from the School Finance Committee for $500,000 payable at 0% interest over a 5 year period. In addition, the San Jose Diocese will loan us $200,000 to be paid for over 10 years at less than 5%. The additional $1.0 million will be raised by Fr. Kidney and other fundraising efforts. At this time, we are still struggling to raise this money.
At the first SJV Parish Pastoral Council Meeting on April 24, the council members voted unanimously to move forward with this plan. The alternative would have been to return the money to the respective contributors. However, the approval to move forward was motivated by the needs of the community and the belief and faith that this will make our parish community a stronger one.
In summary, if our continuing fundraising is successful, we anticipate to begin work on specific electrical work for the whole parish campus and construction of the new Community Center in the spring of 2006. More details will be forthcoming. As soon as we have up-to-date drawings and specific Building details, we will share them.
Thanks to all of you who have contributed and assisted in many ways. Your donations and pledges will be appreciated for many years to come.
Father Andy's Farewell Message
Brothers and Sisters: As many of you are no doubt aware, June 30 will be my last day with the Saint John Vianney Parish Community. I have been called to assume the post of Pastor at St. Lawrence the Martyr Catholic Parish and Education Center. This is a bittersweet assignment for me.
| Over the past 3 years I have come to feel that St. John Vianney was my home. I have always been warmly welcomed by each group that makes up the diverse SJV family. I would like to especially thank the parish staff for all their dedicated support. In a special way, I would like to thank Fr. Tim. He has been a good teacher to me and I have learned a great deal from him. He has been and will continue to be a good mentor to me. |
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Father Andy Ligot
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I would also like to thank all the dedicated volunteers, who give their time in selfless stewardship of the parish and discipleship to Christ. I am always in awe of both the number of people and the amount of time they give here at St. John Vianney; it inspires me and invigorates me.
I would ask you all to pray for me, as I indeed will pray for you, as I embark on this new challenge and ministry. I also invite you to share in a small reception in the main hall following all the Masses on Sunday, June 26, which will be my last Sunday to celebrate the Eucharist here at SJV.
Thank you and God bless you all,
Fr. Andy Ligot, JCD
Please join together in the Main Hall on Sunday June 26 after all the Masses to bid a fond farewell to Fr. Andy. Bring a favorite finger food to share. There will be live music from 1:00-3:00 PM. - Editor
Father's Day:
Re-Discovering Christianity Through my Papa
by Judi Miel
During these past few months, I have been re-discovering my faith. I have been a lifelong Catholic, but haven’t been practicing during the last few years. Last year, I started going to Church and being more involved with my parish.
As I became more active, I also started learning more about the Bible and Christian teachings. I began to read the Bible on a regular basis and attend classes to learn more about the teachings of Jesus Christ. When I was a child, my grandmother used to tell my siblings and me stories from the Bible. Because of this, it wasn’t too difficult to get back into studying Scriptures. However, I believe that one of the things that facilitated my understanding of Christianity was having my father as a role model.
First
of all, the Christian understanding of God is based on a Father figure. The
Bible speaks of a loving and caring God, the Father. I always took for
granted that all fathers were like mine: loving, caring, unselfish,
forgiving, generous, gentle and nurturing. Therefore, it was very easy for
me to relate to this type of father figure. However, I discovered that not
all fathers were like mine. This realization made me grateful that I have
the father that I do. I don’t think that I would be able to fully realize
that significance of God, the Father, if my own father didn’t embody these
characteristics. Just like the parable of the prodigal son, my father would
welcome me back with open arms whenever I strayed from home. I didn’t fear
any reprieve or harsh words, because I knew that my father’s capacity to
forgive was endless. He always had faith in me when no one else did. When
others thought I was a hopeless cause, my father would guide me with love
and patience until I got back on track.
Secondly, the Bible speaks of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. We are taught that even though he was human, he was perfect and embodied all the characteristics we should all strive for as Christians: to be kind, humble, hard working, charitable, patient, and simple. Once again, I had my father to look to if I wanted examples of these characteristics. Growing up, our home was always filled with love and people. Whenever we had a friend or relative who was coming from the Philippines and didn’t have any place to stay, my parents would always welcome them into our home. It didn’t matter that we had a small house with six people living in it already, there was always room for one more person. It was like the miracle of the loaves and fishes. My parents always managed to get just a little bit more out of that little "basket" to nourish everyone.
My father gave love, time and money with no thought of anything in return. He would loan money and a helping hand to those in need. He lives a simple and humble life. He’s not ostentatious or showy. He doesn’t need to call attention to himself because those who know him already appreciate his many gifts.
Just like our heavenly Father, my father wanted only what was best for his children. He would never do anything to hurt us. As a rebellious youth, I didn't always understand this. I thought he was being so old fashioned and out of touch. Now as an adult, I have come to understand the reasoning behind my father’s actions. Just like that, when we are faced with painful situations, we may not always understand God’s intentions. However, we should always have faith that He has only the best intentions for us.
Jesus Christ so loved us, that he gave his life for our salvation. My father lived a very comfortable life back in the Philippines. But he knew that if he came to America, my siblings and I could have a better future. Just like Jesus, he didn’t have to do it, but he knew that the sacrifice would bring about a better life for his children. Even though he agonized over this decision, he did it without hesitation or regret. He sacrificed the life he knew in his homeland for the sake of his children. He never complained or reminded us of this debt we owed him. He did what he had to do. That was all there was to it.
Just as God is the foundation of our lives, my father has been the foundation of our family. He is the solid rock that keeps us all together. He is a teacher who uses very few words. His actions are enough. We have all learned from his gentle guidance and solid advice. His patience and good nature saw us through the dark times and his warmth and love make us enjoy the good times even more.
So, the next time you have a hard time seeing God in this often dark world of ours, simply look to your fathers and KNOW that we have a God who loves us and gave us these men to be a special part of our lives.
The new Alum Rock Library
will be named the "Dr. Roberto Cruz Alum Rock Branch Library,"
after the late founder of National 
Hispanic
University.
B. Roberto Cruz was a Stanford University professor who started NHU in 1981.
NHU has grown into an accredited
private college. Dr. Cruz died of cancer in 2002 at the age of 61. Dr. Cruz
was a beloved educator who serves as an inspiration to people of all
backgrounds.
For more information about our local public library, visit their web site at www.newsanjoselibraries.com/alum_rock.htm.
Mark your calendars
now for the
Grand Opening Celebration
of
the Dr. Roberto Cruz Alum Rock Branch Library:
Saturday, July 9, 2005,
11:00 AM,
3090 Alum Rock Ave.
For more information, call (408) 794-1400.
Family Faith Formation is offered by St. John Vianney Parish. Registration will be taking place in June, with priority given to our own parishioners. Click here to see the NEW ! Class Schedule & Registration Information for the upcoming catechetical year.
* HELP NEEDED! * Family Faith Formation is seeking individuals who are interested in becoming a Catechist or Catechist aide for grades 1-6. Classes are held on Tuesday evenings, 6:30 PM 8:00 PM (grades 3, 4 & 5) or Sunday mornings, 9:00 AM - 10:15 AM (grades 1-6). TRAINING WILL BE PROVIDED. Please contact 258-7832 x18 for more information. We look forward to hearing from you!
Notre Dame High School Homecoming Reunion is Saturday, June 25. RSVP by June 12. Cost is $50 per person. Call (408) 294-1113. Go to www.ndsj.org/alumnae/homecoming.html .
St. John Vianney School is still accepting applications for the 2005-06 school year for Kindergarten and First Grade. Applications can be picked up in the school office Monday-Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM or on-line at our school website www.sjvsj.org. For more information you can email mwood@sjvsj.org or contact Co-Principal, Martha Wood at (408) 258-7677.
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This Week:
12th Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 19
Next Week:
13th Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 26
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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:
Visit this web site for ideas on the Ignatius way to pray: www.sacredspace.ie |
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