As we enter the third week of Advent, the Church reminds us of the profound significance of joy and peace during this sacred season. Despite the hustle and bustle of these final days of Christmas preparation, it is essential that we not only seek but also live the message of joy and peace. I encourage you to start each day and finish each day with a few moments of silent prayer asking the Lord to fill your heart with peace and joy.
I want to acknowledge that many people in our parish are dealing with ill health and the recent death of a loved one, and so this season is heavy with sadness and pain. If you know someone who is struggling, please hold them in your personal daily prayers and reach out to them with a simple note of sympathy and support. Please understand the power of prayers and support in these difficult moments.
For all of us, may we not take this season for granted—we never know if it is our last one. Enjoy the goodness of the season and embrace the joy as best you can. Give your loved one a hug, listen to them, acknowledge their presence by seeing them; pause and reflect on the love you share with family and friends.
In the spirit of embracing these virtues, we extend a warm invitation to all to join us tonight at 7:00pm for the “Peace on Earth” concert featuring the talented John Angotti and his band along with Meredith Augustin. May we come together to celebrate the miracle of Christmas and pray for peace, especially in the troubled regions of Israel, Palestine, and Ukraine. We earnestly beseech that the bombardment in the Gaza Strip cease, allowing the message of Christmas to shine through with the promise of peace. I know that the war in Palestine and Israel is complicated, but death only begets more death. We need to light a candle of peace for this season. Please come and pray for peace. Invite your friends to come and be inspired by beautiful music that lifts our hearts.
Last Wednesday, Bishop Oscar Cantu led a celebration announcing the launching of the new pastoral plan for the Diocese of San Jose. Bishop Cantu, along with his dedicated staff, and the priests and staff of the parishes of the diocese have tirelessly worked on this plan for over a year. This plan holds the promise of building a future for the Catholic Church in Santa Clara Silicon Valley, the home of Silicon Silicon—a message the valley urgently needs to hear.
It is important for us to not just be a set of church buildings where Masses happen but rather that all Catholics of Santa Clara County be a Church who witnesses through our actions the joy of the gospel and serve all in need welcoming all into our Church. In the weeks and months ahead, we will delve deeper into the message of joy and hope of the new pastoral plan. You can find additional information on the Diocese of San Jose website here.
I am also excited to announce a new pilgrimage in 2024, “In the Footsteps of Saint Paul: A Pilgrimage to Greece and Turkey” from September 20 to October 1, 2024. Pilgrimages have played a pivotal role in the history of the Church, often serving as powerful catalysts for spiritual transformation. As we approach the Christmas season, consider giving yourself and your loved ones the gift of this pilgrimage, a chance to visit sacred places where St. Paul ministered and first spread the gospel. I encourage you to consider it as a gift to yourself, I will have more information in January and if you would like to receive the details of the trip, please fill in this short expression of interest form here.
Lastly, a few words of gratitude. We have had many funerals the past month and our Funeral Ministry team of volunteers work tirelessly to support the grieving families. Thank you to Jim Todd as Mass Coordinator, Elle La Russa as Reception Coordinator and the many volunteers who help by providing food, and/or their time by seting-up, serving and cleaning-up. It means so much to the families and we couldn’t do it without you.
I’d also like to thank Sue Marion and the volunteers who put on the annual Ladies Christmas Dinner last Sunday with over 150 women attending. What a wonderful night! While I did not stay and spoil the fun, I was delighted to greet them all and thank them for the gift of their faith that often holds our community together. What a joyous occasion! Thank you Sue and all your team for making it a reality.
Thank you, St. Simon parishioners, for your generosity for providing over 120 gifts to the Opportunity Center in Palo Alto which will serve many of their clients in need and bring a good dose of Christmas cheer. Thank you also for your kindness to those who gave donations for gift cards to St. Vincent de Paul Giving Tree collection as they continue to serve families in need in our surrounding community. This Christmas they are supporting 118 families in Mountain View.
In this last week of Advent, let us remember the importance of living out the message of joy and peace, both in our local community and in our global prayers. May the spirit of Christmas fill our hearts as we seek to be messengers of hope, love, and unity. May we be the light that guides others towards the miracle of Christmas.
God bless,
Fr. Brendan