5550 Thornburn Street, Los Angeles, CA 90045

310-348-8212 www.stjeromewestchester.org

“Who do you say that I am?”

Happy Fathers’ Day Photos from Fil-Am Friendship Day

June 12, 2016

From Fr. Bill

I get asked occasionally why Catholics generally call their services “mass” rather than “The Lord's Supper” or “Eucharist.” I don't recall this being a Baltimore Catechism question but I do know the answer to this particular ques-tion.

Mass comes from the dismissal at the final blessing, “Ite, missa est.” It carries within it the meaning that this gather-ing is concluded and we are being sent forth on a mission. In a sense after receiving Eucharist, we are to bring this Eucharistic Presence with us into the world... to be Jesus' Flesh in the world.

“Go announce the Gospel of the Lord.” “Go in peace, glo-rifying the Lord by your life.” “Go forth, the Mass is ended.” Regardless of the words of the dismissal we respond, “Thanks be to God.”

Pope Francis has reminded us in his Apostolic Exhortation “The Joy of the Gospel” that ALL of the baptized are to be disciples and evangelists. We are charged at the end of Mass to bring the good news to others. He wants all mem-bers regardless of age or state of life to be conscious of our own joy at being loved and forgiven by Jesus who ca-res so much for us that He lays down His life for us that we might truly live as the sons and daughters of God. As this is the source of our joy and hope, how can that which gives our lives meaning not come out in our casual con-versation? When we are excited about being engaged don't we proudly share the good news? When we are ex-pecting a child don't we invite others to share our joy? Pope Francis isn't challenging us to lecture or preach but to share what makes me joyful.... and to share with others what I am truly happy and excited about. Our joy and cheerfulness is the foundation of our mission.

If one is an “Eeyore” Christian this will be a difficulty. “Oh, bother!” Eeyore Christians are dementors of joy and hope. They focus on what isn't rather than what is. They belittle triumphs and successes by comparing (fueling envy and jealousy) and with a string of “If only you had done this or that” it could have really been adequate. They quickly throw wet blankets on others as they have surrendered to a spirit of pessimism. They shake their heads as their own disillusion and defeatism blind them to the presence of the Holy Spirit which has been manifest. Instead of rejoicing that the lost lamb has been found, they will focus on “Only ONE?” Let us say that “giving thanks” and being con-scious of God's abundant blessings is a skill they have not developed. Their despair (the cloud over their head) is their constant companion as they have lost their confi-dence and trust in God's providence, mercy and love.

“Sourpuss” Christians don't seem to have received the good news yet. Yes, they are doing their duty and fulfilling their obligations. Like the older brother in the Prodigal Son story they act as though they are forced to be with the Lord rather than being privileged to serve with Him. They move through life with the sense of resignation of one go-ing into the dentist's office for fillings. They act as though the love, forgiveness and mercy of God must be earned. (God is the IRS of your soul and you are getting ready for your audit.) This overwhelming effort to earn their salva-tion leaves them feeling unworthy rather than loved, judged rather than precious, and conerned/upset at those who rejoice in God's mercy (as they didn't merit the fat-tened calf) rather than undeservedly and generously joy-ous as the recipient of God's mercy and forgiveness.

We don't need a degree in Theology to be His witnesses, but we do need to know Him. We need to have experi-enced God's love and mercy. It helps to know Him well through Word, Sacrament and service... but I have seen a seven year old girl lead her grandfather to be baptized by her simple loving question, “Grandpa, can you receive communion with me when I make my First Communion?” Her excitement and joy which she wanted to share was his turning point.

Remember, it is Jesus' project. We are His hands, feet and voice. Be patient. God plans long term and His goal for us is eternal. God is in charge and if we forget this we will burn-out and become an Eeyore. If God is for us, who can be against us? Live in my love and let your joy be-come complete.

Thanks be to God. Jesus loves us. Thanks be to God we are chosen to be His body through baptism. Thanks be to God we are members of His family. Thanks be to God we have people to pray with and receive encouragement from. Thanks be to God we are able to partake of His flesh and His blood. Thanks be to God we are washed clean from the fonts of water flowing from His wounded side. Thanks be to God I have been found worth to bear my cross and peacefully, joyfully recognize this as a means to witness my love with God.

So this is why we call the memorial of the Lord's Supper, Mass. “Go announce the Gospel of the Lord.” Speaking of joy, thank you for all those who made the Filipino-American Friendship Day a success! The food and fellowship were wonderful. Thankfully there was enough food and coffee for the larger than anticipated crowds. We need to do this again. (Hint. Hint.)

St. Jerome Monthly Soup Kitchen St. Jerome Church Soup Kitchen serves hot meals to the needy in our parish community once a month. Our next meal will be served on June 25th from 10:30am to 12 noon. If you are unable to give of your time, but would like to contribute to help serve the poor in our community, kindly leave your donation at the Rectory, or send your check to St. Jerome, 5550 Thornburn Street, Los Angeles, CA 90045. Please note Soup Kitchen Funds in the memo section of your check. Thanks for your support!

“Get On The Bus” This year we are challenged to share the mercy we have received from God by focusing on the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. To help us not only to listen, but to act, opportunities will be presented for us to be instru-ments of God’s mercy. One of the works of mercy is visiting the imprisoned. “Get on the Bus” is a program to help children visit their imprisoned parents. Organizers are hoping to bring over 1000 children to visit their parents. If you would like more direct involvement in this program call the Regional Coor-dinator Michelle Garcia at (805) 469-8272 or email her at michelle@getonthebus.us

Senior Center

Mon, June 20th: 12-4pm, Cards and Social Wed, June 22nd: 12-4pm, Cards and Social For more information call the Senior Center at 310 216-7354.

Mass and Healing Service Friday June 24, 2016

7pm– 9pm St. Jerome Church Celebrant: Fr. Patrick Crowley, SSC

(Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus & Mary) Sponsored by St. Jerome Charismatic Prayer Group. For more information, please call Donatus or Murglen Muoneke at 323-294-1940

BBQ: SAVE THE DATE Saturday, June 18th, 11am-3pm Saint Vincent de Paul Conference of St. Jerome will host their annual fund raiser in the parish Hall on June 18th. Tickets are available after each Mass. The menu in-cludes chicken, ribs, tri-tip, & combos. The funds raised are used for food, shoes, clothing, and temporary shelter for those in need.

Peter’s Pence Collection On the weekend of June 25th & 26th, we support the Holy Father in his charitable works. The Peter’s Pence Collection is taken up worldwide to support the most disadvantaged: victims of war, oppression, and natural disasters and others in need of emergency assistance. Pope Francis Pope Francis needs these funds to carry out his charitable works around the world. Special enve-lopes are on the tables near the church entrances.

Congratulations! We offer our congratulations to Patrick Jonathan Chambers who will be baptized into the Christian Community this weekend. May God bless you!

Engaging Spirituality Graduation Mass Last Sunday, sixteen parishioners who completed a twenty-one week program called Engaging Spirituality, and six co-facilitators received a special blessing from Father Bill. The new sixteen graduates are: Gozelda Benoit, Hava Bourne, Isabel Carli, Mary Collins-Smith, Althea Delahoussaye, Vida Floyd, Brad Germeroth, Curtis Helms, Norma Jimenez, Noreta Jose, Frank Lenoci, Emily Montes, Alexandra Quiroz, Odera Udeoji, Johanne Vaval, Maria Weekes. The six co-facilitators are: Jackie Carr, Bonnie Hall, Judie Ramlochan, Juanita Rivera-Wiemken, Deacon Guy and Helene Wauthy. Over the years, more than 100 JustFaith and Engag-ing Spirituality graduates from St. Jerome have partici-pated in the program. Congratulations to all the past and present graduates for their dedication and perseverance!

Happy Father’s Day We express our profound gratitude for the love and devotion of our Fathers, and wish all Fathers of St. Jerome Parish a very Happy

Father’s Day! Please remember your Father in our Father’s Day Novena of Masses which begins today and ends on Sun-day, June 26th. Father’s Day cards and Novena envelopes are available on the tables near the church doors. The names of each Father will be placed on the altar throughout the Novena.

DID YOU KNOW? Increase self-esteem through praise Praise is just as important as providing food and shel-ter for a child. Praise is an important aspect of raising a confident child. When you praise a child, not only do you raise their self-esteem and self-concept but you increase their overall self-worth. One thing you can do is focus on the child and describes what you see. For example, you can say: “You are so patient. That means a lot to your little brother.” For more tips on praising children please email jvienna@laarchdiocese.org or call 213 6377227

Post-Abortion Healing In order to better help women and men suffering from a past abortion, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles is devel-oping the Merciful Companion ministry. This ministry will train lay women and men to make the initial walk with those seeking to heal from the effects of past abortions. Training and support is provided by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. The time commitment is not great, but the healing that can be provided to those in need is immense. If you feel called to share Christ's mercy and help those suffering from a past abortion find hope and healing, please con-tact Sharon at sharonstpierrelcsw@gmail.com

Mass Intentions

Rosary Invitation You are invited to pray the Holy Rosary after each

8am morning Mass, and Sunday evening 5:30pm Mass.

How can I have a name added on the Intercessions read during mass?

Please call the rectory office at 310-348-8212 by Wednesday to have name be included in that weekends services. Please let us know the proper spelling and the condition of those we are praying for. Names read from the Intercessions will be removed after 4 weeks and will be placed on our bulletin Prayer For The Sick, for an additional 4 weeks. Thank you for your under-standing and consideration of others!

Listen to a 24 hour Catholic Radio Station on AM Station 930—Immaculate Heart Radio Phone: 888-887-7120 www.ihradio.com

Prayers for the Sick

Sat. 06/18—5:30pm (SI) St. Jerome Parishioners

Sun. 06/19—7:30am (T) Father’s Day Novena 9:00am (M) Josephine William 11:00am (SI) Chief Mrs. Eunice U. Chime 5:30pm (M) Danny O’Conner

Week Day Masses Mon. 06/20—8am (T) Father’s Day Novena Tues. 06/21—8am (T) Father’s Day Novena Wed. 06/22—8am (T) Father’s Day Novena Thurs. 06/23—8am (T) Father’s Day Novena Fri. 06/24—8am (T) Father’s Day Novena Sat. 06/25—8am (T) Father’s Day Novena

Memorial (M) Special Intention (SI) Thanksgiving (T)

Helen Allain Anthony Annecharico Julie Bash Rosemary Becker Glen Bordenave Cheryl Bordenave Hubert Bordenave Jeffrey Carol Celeste Cross Henry Charles Bridget Cloonan Eugene Ciambella Boris Garber Sr. Mary Gibson Gail Grant Mary Jane Ludwig Mark Ludwig Gerry Magley Robin Robert Joan Tracy Bernard McCrumby Sr. Deacon Gary Mucho Gwen Wayne Cesar Ventura Donna Williams Lance White

Deceased Our condolences are extended to the

family and friends of Mary Joan Pleiser and John William Pleiser

May they rest in peace.

Confirmation information as well as interest forms can be found online

on our website. www.stjeromewestchester.org/confirmation

Any further questions please email sjlaconfirmation@gmail.com

Liturgical Ministries Altar Servers: Randy Billups: randybillups@gmail.com Eucharistic Min.: Tina Gustavson 310-649-1474 Hospitality: Joyce Holt 310-649-5586 Lectors: Cathy Fitzpatrick 310-337-6929 Music: Jim Drollinger 310-617-2465 Ushers: Tina Gustavson 310-649-1474

St. Jerome School News St. Jerome School is accepting applications for Pre-K,

Transitional K and Grades K thru Grade 8. Applications may be downloaded from our website or you may

visit the school office to pick one up.

Please call 310-670-1678 or visit us at www.st-jeromeschool.org

St. Jerome 2016 Holiday Craft Faire The St Jerome Holiday Craft Boutique for 2016, will take place on the weekend of November 12th &

13th! If you would like to reserve a table as a vendor or know of someone who would be interested to reserve a table, please call Joyce at 310 649-5586 or Joan Hoff-man at 310 670-7801!

Garage Sale for Charity Catholic Daughters, Court St. Michael, will hold

their annual garage sale on Saturday, August 13, 2016. We appreciate all donations you might make. So please, look around your house and garage, and also ask neighbors and friends, for gently used items that we can resell. (85% of the funds raised will be donated to our charities, and 15% will be used for administrative pur-poses). If you have questions or need pickup, call Kathy Fitzpatrick at (310) 703-2519.