August 19, 2005
I come to gather nations of every language!
Multipurpose Building
by Fr. Tim Kidney
School has started, but summer weather is still here.
School is always a time of new beginnings and re-establishing friendships.
Well, since I have 
been
pastor, we had a re-establishment of the building program and a new
beginning of actually committing to do it. I am very happy to announce that
the parish received a $500,000 grant from the Thomas R. Bettencourt
Foundation. Fr. Bettencourt was a priest of this diocese. He died in 1990.
In his memory this foundation was established. This grant, combined with the
generosity of the parish and school families, plus a $500,000 no-interest
loan from the school, provides us $4,000,000 toward the building program. It
is not enough to finish everything off in the building, but it is enough to
build the structure and probably get the gym usable. We presently need
another $650,000 for total finishing. The exact dates of construction have
not yet been determined. The diocese is now very central to the planning and
implementation phase. We believe we can start the construction after the
festival in May 2006 and complete it before the festival in May 2007.
The fully completed
building will be multi-purpose for the school, parish and community. It will
have a regulation gym for basketball and volleyball and this will be used
for our major parish events and dinners. It will have a commercial kitchen
and a performance stage. There will be a large conference room and two small
meeting rooms. There will be restrooms outside and inside. This will be a
great addition to the parish and the school. It could
not have happened without the patient and generous families of the school
and parish. It has been a long and difficult journey to get here, but it
will be worth every step taken when new parish center is used for so many
activities and programs. So many dedicated people are really the foundation
of this building. Hundreds of families have donated generously. The design
team, the capital campaign committees (1 & 2), the finance councils of
the parish and school, the Mexican and Filipino fundraising events, and
finally the newly formed parish council all aided in the process. You have
been patient and you shall see the fruit of your toil. Stewardship is giving
from what God has given us -- the parish has done this to make a dream into
a not too distant reality. Thanks to all. I will continue to help with
raising the last amount of money needed and to let the experts work on the
building. This has been, and will continue to be, a collaborative effort of
the entire parish and the entire school.
There is an exhilaration that comes with a community successfully working on a building project -- a true sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. There is also a danger in it as well: we spend all our energy as a community erecting the building and lose the focus that our central task is to build a community of faith with Jesus as the keystone. Let us always, as St. Paul says, "keep our eyes on the prize:" Building the Kingdom of God. Our church, our school, our office center, our rectory, and our soon to be parish multi-purpose center exist only to help us do that. They are a means to an end. The real hard work is not construction, but conversion.
This year, we will have a Silent Auction to raise funds for our new Multipurpose Building. The way it works is: parishioners offer a service or an item for the auction. On Sunday, August 28, at the Parish Picnic Shindig, people will make an offer for the item or service that they wish to purchase. Another person, willing to pay more, may make a higher offer. The original person can go back and make a higher offer than that one. The auction will close at 3:45 PM and winners names will be posted. You don't have to be there to win, but you do have to make a bid. Click here to see the start of the list of auction items available. It's not too late to make your donation! If everyone participates we will have more fun and more funds!
New items offered this week include:
Math Tutoring: Math-credentialed high school teacher (with BA and MA in math) to provide 5 one hour tutoring sessions. Will travel to your home, if within SJV parish or meet at public library. Will work with any level of math. Tutoring can be specific to a school book, once school starts or about a specific topic. If you are an adult and have a math-phobia around a certain topic (like fractions?), I can develop lessons and activities specifically to help you understand the concept through non-stressful one-on-one tutoring. $150 value. Minimum bid $50.
Earthquake Tickets:
Take the family out for some sports fun. Six tickets to the San Jose
Earthquakes vs. FC Dallas game at Spartan Stadium on
Saturday, September 24, 2005, 7:00 PM, thanks to Phil Martinez.
Take It Easy: In your own hammock. Set it up in the shade and curl up with an ice cold lemonade and your favorite book, thanks to Phil Martinez.
Over 21 Only: A bottle of Tanqueray, imported English Gin or a bottle of Flor de Cana Etiqueta Negra, thanks to Phil Martinez.
What service can you offer?
To offer a service for our Silent Auction, email newsletter@sjvnews.net or phone Ellen Turner at 272-9234. If we all pitch in, we can make that building a reality while learning and sharing with fellow parishioners.
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The Silent Auction will be held at the Parish Picnic Shindig:
Please bring your favorite dish or food item that corresponds with the first letter of your last name:
Note: Beverages, plates, utensils & napkins will be provided. If you would like to help out, please contact Pat Garcia at 926-3826, Ann McEntee at 923-5788, or Ray & Ellen Turner at 272-9234. |
Mark
your calendar now!
Jack Jezreel, founder of the JustFaith program, is giving a workshop in our
diocese on Sunday, September 11 at St. Francis High School in Mountain View.
The program is open to all interested Christians. He will provide a full
workshop starting at 12:30 PM and completing at 5:00 PM. After the workshop,
people are invited to an informal discussion with Jack from 5:30 PM to 7:30
PM. Pizza will be provided.
Workshop reservations can be sent to Sylvia Blanch at the Diocesan office, 900 Lafayette Street, Suite 301 Santa Clara, California 95050-4966.
Full Workshop - donation of $10 - $30. Pizza discussion - $5. For more information on JustFaith, visit the web site: www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/justfaith
Mission of Parish Social Ministry
Part 2 of a series
on Parish Social Ministry: adapted from
Parish Social Ministry: Strategies for Success,
by Tom Ulrich
In support of our baptismal call to do deeds of justice and service there are two important questions about parish social ministry: What is parish social ministry attempting to accomplish and how is it trying to accomplish it?
Parish social ministry attempts to assist parishioners, understand and act
on Catholic social teaching. This is done by identifying, supporting, and
training leaders who will organize people and activities around four
specific, complementary ministries:
- Direct service such as emergency financial assistance, food baskets, home nursing, and job banks. Direct service provides a compassionate, yet empowering, response to the immediate pain of individuals and families in trouble.
- Legislative advocacy networks where parishioners engage in efforts to create or change state and federal legislation to reflect just and compassionate social policy impacting people in poverty.
- Global solidarity, including social justice and peace efforts, such as twinning with a sister parish in a different country, environmental stewardship projects, and world hunger or development programs.
- Community organizing and community-based economic development projects that put into practice our passionately-held Christian belief in the rights and responsibilities of persons -- especially powerless individuals, families, and communities -- to fully participate in decisions that affect the quality of everyday life.
The common thread that weaves these four ministries together is regular formation and reflection on Catholic social teaching. Such formation allows those involved to be confident that action arises from Catholic faith and values. Desire to build the City of God stays at the center of motivation for the enterprise, whatever the enterprise may be.
Tom Ulrich
has nearly twenty-five years of professional experience in working with
parishes. He has a master's degree in social work (specializing in community
organizing), a bachelor's degree in psychology, and has been trained as a
trainer. He has worked as a caseworker for Catholic Charities, directed
parish social ministry for Catholic Charities at the diocesan level, worked
in the educational division of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development,
and is currently the Vice President for Training, Convening, and Mission at
Catholic Charities USA.
St. Louis, King of France: Feast August 25
St. Louis was a model for today's political leaders.
Born in 1226, Louis was only twelve years old when he became King of France.
Like other royalty,
Louis promised to behave as God's annointed, the leader of his people and to
work for the King of Peace. Many leaders make such a promise, but the
surprising thing was that Louis actually tried to live by his promise.
Until he was an adult, his mother served as regent. At the age of 19, he married the 12 year old Marguerite of Provence. They actually had a loving marriage, producing ten children. Louis led a crusade for four years, but was not very successful at it. What was most important to remember about King Louis was his action of extending justice in civil administration. He created regulations for his officials to follow, the first of a series of reform laws. Instead of trial by battle (the strongest wins) he introduced trial by examination of witnesses and encouraged the keeping of written records in court.
King Louis was devoted to his people, providing hospitals, visiting the sick, and even caring for lepers. His strong personality and obvious goodness united France and provided a time of peace. He developed cathedrals, libraries, hospitals and orphanages. He was known for his honesty with princes and paupers alike.
King Louis died on another Crusade. He might have done better to stay home and take care of his people, but everyone has flaws.
"Every day Louis had 13 special guests from among the poor to eat with him, and a large number of poor were served meals near his palace. During Advent and Lent, all who presented themselves were given a meal, and Louis often served them in person. He kept lists of needy people, whom he regularly relieved, in every province of his dominion." from Saint of the Day , Edited by Leonard Foley, OFM
Women's Equality Day Breakfast
Dolores
Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Workers Union
will be the keynote speaker for the Women's Equality Day Breakfast presented
by the Santa Clara County Commission on the Status of Women. The event takes
place on Friday, August 26, 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM at the Wyndham Hotel in San
Jose.
Come celebrate the 85th Anniversary of the Women's Right to Vote! The Honorable Sharon Chatman, Superior Court Judge and founder of Building Healthy Families will be a featured guest. For event information, contact 408-792-2323 or maryjane.solis@ohr.sccgov.org. To become a sponsor for the breakfast, call 408-792-2310.
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Women in the Bible, a special presentation by Dr. Robert Delaney, Th.D. will be offered at St. Francis of Assisi Church on Sunday, August 28th, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. For more information, call 408-223-1562.
RAINBOWS
- A grief support program for children who are hurting because of a divorce
or death in the family. We have helped many children to cope with their
painful situation. Our 12 week sessions on Monday evenings will begin in
September 19. Rainbows is held at St. John Vianney School from 7 to 8 PM.
There are four age levels for children, kindergarten to 8th grade. For more
information, or to register, call Lily at 272-1861.
SJV Faith Formation - To participate in the many educational and sacramental programs offered through the community of St. John Vianney Parish, please call 258-7832 x18 (English), or 258-7832 x30 (espaņol), or click here for 2005 Class Schedule and Registration information.
Receive Spiritual Enrichment by contributing your gift of time and talents to the SJV Faith Formation program. Please contact 258-7832 x24 (English) or 258-7832 x30 (espaņol) if you are able to:
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* serve as a
catechist or classroom aide
* provide general office help * call for the phone tree * drive for retreats/activities |
* translate
Spanish or Vietnamese (orally or written)
* help direct traffic at class arrival & dismissal times * provide hospitality * help set-up/clean-up for special events * chaperone youth retreats/activities |
Summer Fun at the Boardwalk! All Middle School students and those entering Middle School this fall are invited to join us for a trip to the Santa Cruz Beach Board Walk on Friday, August 19. We will be leaving St. John Vianney at 9 AM and returning around 7 PM. If you would like more information, or if you would like to RSVP, please contact David Cortese at 258-7832 x34 or at dcortese@sjvsj.net.
Jr. High Youth Ministry: Want more information about upcoming events like our trip to the Boardwalk? Visit the Junior High Blog at www.JuniorHighYouthMinistry.blogspot.com. We have information about our upcoming events and you can add your comments as well as RSVP for events you would like to attend.
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:
21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, Aug 21
Assumption, Aug 15
Next Week:
22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Aug 28
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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 |
Join Our Mailing List!
Find out what's happening at St. John Vianney Parish by joining our email newsletter subscriber list.
To add (or remove) your email address, send an email request to newsletter@sjvnews.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.sjvnews.net