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Catholic Community

Our Mission Statement: To know Christ and make Him known by welcoming all, teaching and sharing the Faith, and providing worship

and spiritual growth opportunities and serving those in need.

PARISH OFFICE 3966 Chestnut Ave. Concord, CA 94519 Tel: (925) 689-0838 Fax: (925) 689-7899

Office Hours: 9:00am - Noon * 1:00pm - 4:30pm, Monday-Thursday

Website: www.stagnesparish.net * E-Mail: stagnesoffice@comcast.net Instagram: stagnesparishconcord * Twitter: @stagnesparish

April 8, 2018

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PASTORAL STAFF

Pastor Rev. Fr. Johnson Abraham chemans@gmail.com

Deacons Bill Drobick—deaconbill3@gmail.com Tony Reyes—deacontonyr@gmail.com

Business Manager Marlene McCann marlene.stagnesparish@gmail.com

Confirmation/Life Teen Coordinator Deacon Bill Drobick deaconbill3@gmail.com

Religious Ed/Liturgy Coordinator Linda D’Souza lindastagnes@gmail.com

Secretary-Religious Education Donna Cassianos donna.stagnesparish@gmail.com

Director of Music Ministry Pete Frevele petefrev@me.com

Liturgical Musician Lily Melendrez Lily.stagnesparish@gmail.com

Bulletins Please submit your articles to: donnaroberts1956@gmail.com

Pastoral Council Chair Linus Farias linusfarias@sbcglobal.net

Saturday Vigil: 5PM

Sunday: 7AM, 9AM, 11AM & 5PM

Daily Mass in the Chapel at 8AM Monday - Saturday (Communion Service on Wed.)

Adoration in the Chapel Daily 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Confessions: Saturday 3:30PM

3886 Chestnut Ave., Concord Tel.: (925) 689-3990 Office Hours: 7:30 - 4:00 M-F

Principal: J ill Lucia jlucia@csdo.org

Secretary: Ana Kelley akelley@csdo.org Website: www.stagnesconcord.com

SCHOOL OFFICE

Today we celebrate the feast of the Divine Mercy. As the Year of Mercy ended, Pope Francis signed an apostolic letter called Misericordia et Misera imploring us to continue being merciful. These are the key lines of the letter.

“Mercy cannot become a mere parenthesis in the life of the Church; it constitutes her very existence, through which the profound truths of the Gospel are made manifest and tangible. Everything is revealed in mercy; everything is resolved in the merciful love of the Father.”

“Forgiveness is the most visible sign of the Father’s love, which Jesus sought to reveal by his entire life. Every page of the Gospel is marked by this imperative of a love that loves to the point of forgiveness.”

“We are called to celebrate mercy, and follows with four ways to do this.”

First, “From the beginning to the end of the Eucharistic celebration, mercy constantly appears in the dialogue between the assembly at prayer and the heart of the Father.”

Second, “Hearing the word of God” celebrates mercy because, “In the biblical readings, we retrace the history of our salvation through the proclamation of God’s tireless work of mercy.”

Third, “The Bible is the great story of the marvels of God’s mercy.”

Fourth, “The celebration of mercy takes place in a very particular way in the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation.” “God shows us the way to turn back to him and invites us to experience his closeness anew.”

“The social character of mercy demands that we not simply stand by and do nothing. It requires us to banish indifference and hypocrisy.” “We must have ‘a culture of mercy’ - which is based on the rediscovery of encounter with others, a culture in which no one looks at another with indifference or turns away from the suffering of our brothers and sisters.” “The Jubilee now ends and the Holy Door is closed. But the door of mercy of our heart continues to remain wide open.” Fr. Johnson

SUNDAY COLLECTION FOR PALM SUNDAY, MARCH 25: $14,844

Includes Faith Direct Giving We thank you for your Stewardship.

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DAILY MASS IN THE CHAPEL Monday - Saturday at 8:00 AM. (Communion Service on Wed.) Friday morning at 8:15 AM

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION - Chapel daily from 6 am—9 pm. Contact Sumner or Veronica Peery at 827-0916 for scheduling.

FOR ADULT LEARNING:

SCRIPTURE SHARING - Thursdays from 9:30-11:00 a.m. in the Assembly Room.

FOR MINISTRY:

PRAYER TREE - A ministry of people who pray specifically for those who are ill. Please notify the parish office if you or a member of your family are in, or going into, the hospital.

HELPING HANDS: Please call Ron Artale at 925-827-3713.

MARTINEZ SHELTER MEALS: Plan a meal for 35 residents. Purchase & prepare food; serve dinner at the shelter. Please contact to volunteer: Anne Kurylo, 925-876-7510 or Anne.kurylo@gmail.com.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL MINISTRY P lease contact the St. Vincent de Paul Hotline at (925) 689-0838, Ext. 250.

MINISTRY TO THE SICK: Please call Naomi Holt at (925) 768-3587.

CARING HANDS-JOHN MUIR HEALTH: Contact Stacy Appel by e-mail at Stacy.Appel@johnmuirhhealth.com.

Faith and Spirituality

PLEASE PRAY FOR HEALING FOR:

Dianna Andrews Jim Armstrong Ron Artale Terry Brophy Kathryn Cases Trinity Cereghino Gil Chavez Sonia Coronel Anneke Cronander-Ford

William Cummins Anthony Davi Franca Del Ponte Stephen Dixon Jason Dossenbach Paul Duffy Merv Hammond Tony Hennessy Doug Hieb

Earl Koski Aisling Morgan Anne O’Neill Barbara Peters Oscar Quevedo, Jr. Ellie Rowe Sally Roy Jaden Ruybalid Maureen Ryan

Alfred Salgado Greg Scaletti Carolyn Thompson Bill van Hattem David Vizcay Judy Wiget Paul Wiget Betty Wilson

FAITH DIRECT

No need to worry about carrying your checkbook or envelopes to church anymore. Faith Direct is the innovative solution that allows you to support our parish using electronic funds transfer from either a bank account or credit/debit card just as you may do now with your mortgage payment, cable bill or other expenses. Enroll online today at www.faithdirect.net (our parish code is CA646) or stop by the Welcome Table for a brochure.

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION

Sometimes children acquire nicknames in childhood that stalk them through adulthood: “Pinky,” “Boo-boo,” and the like. This Sunday was once called “Low Sunday,” a step down from Easter glory, and an unfortunate nickname since Easter rejoicing goes on for fifty days. Traditionally this is the day when the newly baptized put away their white baptismal robes and returned to their everyday life after a week of intense celebration. Of course, the goal was to take up everyday duties with a very new point of view.

A long title for the day was Dominica in albis deposito, or “The Lord’s Day for Putting Away the Albs,” so no wonder the nickname “Low Sunday” arose. In the old calendar it was also called “Quasimodo Sunday,” after the first word of the opening chant, Quasimodo geniti infantes, or “As newborn infants,” a reference to the newly baptized taken from the Epistle of Peter. Victor Hugo’s bell-ringing hero in The Hunchback of Notre Dame was abandoned as an infant on the threshold of the cathedral of Paris on Low Sunday, 1467, and named “Quasimodo” for the feast. —Rev. James Field, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

THANK YOU’s

Thank you to all in our St. Agnes community who helped to make our Easter Liturgies so special. There were so many liturgies, novenas and opportunities to worship, and it required a tremendous team of Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Altar Servers, Ushers, Choir members, Media Operators, Environment members, leaders, coordinators, office staff and volunteers. We could not have done without any of you. THANK YOU!!

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Calendar for the Week Mass Intentions

Saturday, April 7, 2018 8:00 p.m. Goody Carino—Repose Gaudencio Medina—Repose Alfonso Samaniego—Repose

Sunday, April 8, 2018 7:00 a.m. For the People of St. Agnes, Living and Deceased

9:00 a.m. Conrada Asistio—Repose Dottie Hubrig—Repose Jeff Stamp—Repose

11:00 a.m. Maria Carmen Padilla—Repose Santo Toribio Romo—Repose Jack Ryan—Repose

5:00 p.m. Edgardo Co—Repose William Pilkerton—Repose Rosaline Messina—Special Intention

Monday, April 9, 2018 8:00 a.m. Deceased Members of the Ang Family Elpidio Santos—Repose Hal Baltazor—Special Intention

Tuesday, April 10, 2018 8:00 a.m. Vicente Ang—Repose Paula Douglas—Repose Maria Teresa Legaspi—Repose

Wednesday, April 11, 2018 8:00 a.m. Communion Service Only

Thursday, April 12, 2018 8:00 a.m. Helen Himsl—Repose Mary Delores Holt—Repose Manuela Santos—Repose

Friday, April 13, 2018 8:15 a.m. Orlando Diokno—Repose Beatriz Legaspi—Repose Sal & Irene Lo Grasso—Repose

Saturday, April 14, 2018 8:00 a.m. The Enriquez Family—Repose Rosalina Messina—Special Intention

5:00 p.m. Dr. Luis B. Medina—Repose Jack Ryan—Repose Hal Baltazor—Special Intention

Sunday, April 15, 2018 7:00 a.m. Michael Ciampa—Repose Deceased Members of the Bilan Family Deceased Members of the Gozos Family 9:00 a.m. For the People of St. Agnes, Living and Deceased 11:00 a.m. Margaret Archuleta—Repose Maria Carmen Padilla—Repose Deceased Members of the Frisbee Family 5:00 p.m. The Caoile Staff at Windsor Manor—S.I.

Parish Events and Meetings

Sunday, April 8, 2018 Pancake Breakfast after 9 and 11 a.m. Masses 1:00 p.m. Divine Mercy Celebration—Church Monday, April 9, 2018 8:00 a.m. Daily Mass—Chapel 10:00 a.m. Just Faith—A.R. 5:00 p.m. Children’s Faith Formation—School 7:00 p.m. EDGE—Cauchi Hall 7:00 p.m. Parish Council—A.R. Tuesday, April 10, 2018 8:00 a.m. Daily Mass—Chapel 11:00 p.m. Liturgy Committee—A.R. 6:00 p.m. PACE—School 7:00 p.m. Baptism Prep Class—G.P. 7:00 p.m. Reaching Out Committee—A.R. Wednesday, April 11, 2018 8:00 a.m. Communion Service—Chapel 6:00 p.m. Development Meeting—School 7:30 p.m. Jim Gill Band Practice—Church Thursday, April 12, 2018 8:00 a.m. Daily Mass—Chapel 9:30 a.m. Bible Study—A.R. 6:00 p.m. School Board Meeting—School Friday, April 13, 2018 8:15 a.m. Daily Mass—Church Saturday, April 14, 2018 8:00 a.m. Daily Mass—Chapel 9:00 a.m. Work Party—Grounds 6:00 p.m. Retrouvaille—A.R. SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES Sunday: Julian Calendar Easter Monday: The Annunciation of the Lord Wednesday: St. Stanislaus Thursday: Yom Ha-Shoa (Holocaust Remembrance Day) Friday: St. Martin I

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Parish News and Activities

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS

APRIL

8 Pancake Breakfast after 9 and 11 a.m. Masses 21 Centering Prayer Workshop—Cauchi Hall 22 Stewardship Enrollment—Worship Ministries after all weekend Masses Fair Trade after all weekend Masses Hospitality after all weekend Masses 28 Anointing Mass, 10:30 a.m.

CRS RICE BOWLS

We hope the Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowls have been an inspiration to you and your family this Lent. There is a basket in the back of the church for your Rice Bowl Donation. If you can, please keep the cash and write a check for the amount to “CRS Rice Bowl.” The basket will be there through this Sunday, April 8.

ANOINTING MASS Saturday, April 28 at 10:30 a.m.

“The special grace of the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick has as its effects: the uniting of the sick person to the passion of Christ, for his own good and that of the whole Church; the strengthening, peace, and courage to endure in a Christian manner the sufferings of illness or old age; the forgiveness of sins, if the sick person was not able to obtain it through the sacrament of penance; the restoration of health, if it is conducive to the salvation of his soul; the preparation for passing over to eternal life.” (CCC 1532).

If you are ill, stressed, or emotionally hurting, please plan on joining us for the Anointing Mass on Saturday, April 28. This special Sacrament is no longer reserved for those who are at death’s door. A reception immediately follows Mass.

TEAMS OF OUR LADY April 22, 3-5 p.m.

Teams of our Lady is an international lay movement in the Catholic Church, designed to enrich marriage spirituality and to make good marriages better. A Teams Information Session will be held on Sunday, April 22, 3-5 pm at St. Agnes Church Ministry Center in Concord. At the Information Session you will learn about: the mission and history of Teams, the monthly meetings, and the six endeavors. Refreshments provided. Respond to SairafL@yahoo.com to reserve your seat. For more information go to: www.teamsofourlady.org/.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST ON SUNDAY MORNING, APRIL 8

AFTER THE 9 AND 11 A.M. MASSES

Join your fellow parishioners after the 9 or 11 a.m. Masses this Sunday to enjoy a pancake breakfast hosted by the Knights of Columbus. A yummy breakfast of pancakes, scrambled eggs, ham, sausage, coffee and juices for only $3.50 (or $12 per family), and no dishes or cleanup!!! You can’t beat that.

STEWARDSHIP RENEWAL April 21-22

“We all possess God-given talents. No one can claim to be so poor that they have nothing to offer others.” - Pope Francis by tweet

Our next Ministry Enrollment will be the weekend of April 21-22 and will be for the Worship Ministries. These include Altar Servers and Adult Acolytes, the Divine Mercy Group, Environment, Eucharistic Ministers, Greeters, Lay Presiders, Lectors, Liturgy of the Word for Children, Media, Ministry to the Sick, Music, Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration, Ushers and Vocation Prayer Group. A flyer describing each of these ministries will be inserted in next weekend’s bulletin.

Many of the volunteers for these ministries work behind the scenes (i.e., Environment), while others you see at every Mass (Greeters, Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers). They all play a vital role in providing spiritual opportunities for worship.

On this Divine Mercy Sunday, as you reflect on the many blessings that God has given you and what you owe him for the mercy he has shown to you, think about how you can help our community with your talent and skills in worshiping him.

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Invitation to Centering Prayer Workshop II

For those of you who missed our first Centering Prayer workshop, we have scheduled a second workshop. It will be held on Saturday, April 21st from 9:00 – 12 noon at Cauchi Hall.

“Centering Prayer does not replace other kinds of prayer; rather this discipline of listening to God enhances our other prayers and we form a closer relationship with God.”

Our presenter, Eileen Halliburton, is a Spiritual Director who is a graduate of Holy Names University of Oakland. Practicing Centering Prayer since 1997, she is the past Coordinator of Contemplative Outreach of Oakland/

East Bay. Eileen has facilitated Centering Prayer Introductory Workshops and retreats throughout Northern Calif.

Mystics, such as Teresa of Avila, Therese of Lisieux “the Little Flower” and Francis of Assisi practiced this method of prayer seeking union with God. Centering Prayer moves beyond verbal prayer; we communicate with God

by listening in silence. Come join us and experience God’s presence and love in a very special way.

Please RSVP no later than: April 14th to Marie Rojo @ (925) 639-9901 Marierojo@ymail.com or Gloria Schafer @ (925) 209-6912 Gaschafer@sbcglobal.net.

Snacks will be provided. Free will donation.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES Support for Immigrant Families

Catholic Charities of the East Bay is the lead agency for Stand Together Contra Costa; a rapid response, legal services, and community education project to support safety and justice for immigrant families in Contra Costa County.

The mission of this new network is to ensure that all people in Contra Costa County, regardless of immigration status or ability to pay, are afforded the due process rights established by the United States Constitution, and are protected from actions or policies that result in disparate, discriminatory, or unlawful treatment. For more information visit the Stand Together Contra Costa website at https://standtogethercontracosta.org/, or call 925-900-5151 (region covered: Contra Costa County).

ANNULMENT/MARRIAGE

What is an annulment? Were you or your spouse previously married, divorced, now married in a civil ceremony? What process does it take to request or obtain an annulment?

Are you married in a civil ceremony because your spouse is a non-Catholic and wish to have your marriage blessed in a Catholic Church?

If you have any of those and/or related questions, please call Deacon Tony Reyes for a confidential appointment. Deacon Tony’s cell phone number is 925-212-0575.

Community Activities

SO THAT YOU MAY BELIEVE It is not often that the author of one of the books of the Bible comes right out and tells us directly why he is writing what he is writing. In this Sunday’s Gospel reading, taken from the conclusion of John’s Gospel, the author tells us that he has chosen to rec-ord these events so “that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name” (20:31). The letter of John echoes this idea by saying that “[e]veryone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is begotten by God” (5:1)—what we might refer to as being “born again.” Our reading from the Acts of the Apostles for this Second Sunday of Easter shows us exactly what it looks like when believers are born again through faith. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co., Inc.

EVERYTHING God, of your goodness give me yourself, for you are enough for me. And only in you do I have every-thing. —St. Julian of Norwich

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Youth from our Vinnie’s Little Helpers assembled 30 Easter Baskets for children which were distributed by Catholic Charities of the East Bay.

THANK YOU FROM THE

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

Thank you to all who participated in the 40 Cans for Lent Program. This year the we collected a ton (literally!) of canned food to donate to the Food for Families Program. Cheng-Feng and his son (right) helped to collect and deliver 1,078 pounds of food from St. Agnes Parish, and another 1,027 pounds from St. Agnes School. This will make a positive impact in our community, especially for those in need.