I want to begin this eBulletin with a huge thank you to Tamami Honma for all her hard work in recruiting and preparing all the bands, musicians, and singers for last week’s Concert for Peace. It was simply a fantastic concert on every level. I cannot say enough about the San Francisco Brass Band and the Cal Arte Ensemble for their amazing music. In a special way I want to recognize Kate Hsia who played Chopin beautifully. A special note of thanks to our adult choir who made it all sound so inspiring. All musicians, singers and performers: THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. It was a brilliant night and shows the good, the beautiful, and true is a gift from God.

 

Thank you to John Angotti for his continued inspiration to all of us in the ways of music. His hard work of rehearsals, coaching and dedication to quality brought out the best in everyone. He gave the night a fitting conclusion by offering praise and worship to God. 

 

I want to take this opportunity to thank Jurgen Krehnke publicly for all the hard work in the background with AV Tech Ministry along with Attracta Lee, Sebastin and Maya Ortega. Without their incredible hard work making all the AV work, it would not have gone so well. I also want to thank Mike Abbott for capturing the night with his photography. Finally, I want to thank Rachel Haydon and all the parish staff and welcome volunteers for their effective promotion and hospitality of the event, and all of you who donated over $4,000 for the Ukraine refugees.

 

Speaking of gratitude, I want to also say thank you to all those involved in this week’s Vacation Bible School. It was wildly successful, and it was heart-warming to see so many kids having so much fun and learning about their faith. We had over 130 campers and over 45 teen-counselors and core team leaders. It was wonderful to be back in person and screaming with fun. Thank you especially to Karen Morreira who led the VBS along with her daughter, Kalena as the head counselor. There was a huge number of young people leading this VBS and I was so excited to see them all have so much fun. If only we could bottle that energy and be able to drink it when we are tired!! THANK YOU Karen, Kalena and your entire team of young people. The children and their families will be attending the 5pm on Sunday night where we will sing the theme song for the week together with hand motions. Come and join us as we scream, dance and sing for Jesus!

 

This week has been a historic week with the announcement of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade. It will have little impact here in California as there is a trigger law that guaranties the right for women to seek an abortion. In fact, the Governor and state legislators have issued calls to make California a “sanctuary” destination for women seeking abortions from in and out of state.

 

Our California Bishops have noted that “asking to increase the number of abortions in California completely misses a vital, life-affirming point. California is already uniquely situated to respond actively to the needs of women, children, and families. Over the years, the California Catholic Conference has supported the state’s dynamic efforts to build programs for our most vulnerable populations, lifting families out of poverty and affirming the inherent dignity of each person.

 

Furthermore, the Catholic Church is the largest provider of private social services in California. We serve millions of the most at-risk families through our Catholic Charities and diocesan ministries, our Catholic hospitals and healthcare systems, and our Catholic schools and parishes.”

 

Before John Angotti left last week, we had a deep conversation about this matter. John, as many of you know, is an adopted child and has been a strong advocate for life saving choices. He has more recently reunited with his birth parents and it is a beautiful thing. His adopted parents gave him the gift of music as nobody in his birth family has any music in their tradition. He speaks so profoundly about the gift of music which he now returns to God as he shares it with all of us as gratitude for his gift of life. He recently wrote a song for this very moment called Let Me Live, Give Me a Chance and I think it says it all—Let Me Live. Listen to it please as it is truly beautiful and moving.

 

This issue of abortion is such a profoundly divisive issue, but at the end of the day we want to help women choose life for their child growing within their womb. I understand that there are unwanted pregnancies, and they can cause pain and difficulties and so we as a Church want to walk with those who are struggling and help them to choose life. The bishops of California have committed the Catholic Church to a new path of support for them. I encourage you to sign up for their campaign to help others choose life called “Born Ready” and join the email list and find out how to be part of the solution to be a resource to those struggling with an unwanted pregnancy.

 

I agree with Pope Francis and our bishops who say, “we believe that abortion attacks the “sacredness of human life,[1]”. At this pivotal moment, we, the Bishops of the Dioceses of California, commit to a vision for our state that honors women with life-affirming support and practical resources so that all families can thrive, and so that no woman feels trapped into the devastating decision to end a life by abortion.”

 

Following is the commitment of the bishops and I ask us all to commit to the same.

God Bless,

Fr. Brendan

We Envision

  • A California that proclaims the inherent dignity of every woman, man, and child, born and unborn, and promotes the common good and human flourishing of all people.
     
  • A California that prioritizes the wellbeing of women, children, and families not only with material resources but accompanied in solidarity.
     
  • A California that celebrates with all mothers and fathers the tremendous gift of each child and affirms and empowers families welcoming children by birth, adoption, or fostering.
     

We Resolve

  • To commit to our sisters that we, the Catholic community of California, will be by your side as you walk the journey of motherhood.
     
  • To raise awareness of the abundant life-affirming safety net resources available to women, children, and families in California through faith-based, community, and public agencies, including food, housing, healthcare, mental healthcare, intimate partner violence intervention, paid leave, childcare, education, employment, economic and material assistance.
     
  • To unite our state’s life-affirming pregnancy shelters, centers, and clinics, creating an accessible statewide network to accompany women facing challenging pregnancies and in the early years of parenthood.
     
  • To advocate for transformative family policies, including increased access to affordable housing, prioritization of homeless pregnant and parenting women, expanded paid leave for families, dignified care for incarcerated pregnant and parenting women, and streamlined processes for families fostering and adopting infants and children.
     
  • To empower our Catholic community to accompany the most vulnerable women, children, and families in our state, proclaiming the dignity of every human life through word and action.