ADORATION: Thursdays from 12:00 - 8:00 PM

HOLY DAYS: VIGIL MASS 7:00 PM ; 8:00 AM , 7:00 PM RECONCILIATION: Saturdays from 3:00 to 4:00 PM

SATURDAY: 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM

SUNDAY: 7:00 AM, 8:30 AM, 11:00 AM 1:00 PM (Spanish)

LITURGY SCHEDULE

St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church Martinez, California

Fr. Anthony Huong Le, Parochial Administrator (925) 228—2230

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Deacon Albert Dizon Ext. 7 dcnadizon@yahoo.com

Deacon David Holland Ext. 7 dcndholland@yahoo.com

Sylvia Lloren Ext 2 stcathmtz@yahoo.com Office Administrator/ Sacramental Coordinator Troy Killorn Ext 3 stkillorn@aol.com Director of Music Ministry / Maintenance Manager Karen Glen Ext 4 stcatherinebk@gmail.com Bookkeeper / Safe Environment Coordinator Andrea Watkins Ext 5 drestcath@yahoo.com Director Religious Education (K-8)

Paul & Jennifer Holland Ext 8 stcathym@gmail.com Co-coordinators, Confirmation Program / Youth Group ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ CHURCH LOCATION: 606 Mellus Street, Martinez, CA

-

PARISH OFFICE AND 1125 Ferry Street, MAILING ADDRESS: Martinez, CA 94553-1720 TELEPHONE / FAX: 925-228-2230 / 925-228-1318 PARISH WEBSITE: www.stcmtz.org PARISH EMAIL: stcathmtz@yahoo.com ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ -

OFFICE HOURS: Mon-Thur. 8:30 AM - 1 PM 2:00 PM - 5 PM Friday: 8:30 AM - 1 PM ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Jessica Griswold, Principal jgriswold@csdo.org ST. CATHERINE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SCHOOL K-8: 604 Mellus Street, Martinez, CA TELEPHONE / FAX: 925-228-4140 / 925-228-0697 OFFICE HOURS: 9AM –2 PM SCHOOL WEBSITE: http://school.stcatherinemartinez.com/

Mea Auld, Pre-School Director St. Catherine Pre-School mauld@csdo.org (925) 229-2255 PRE SCHOOL LOCATION:1125 Ferry Street, Martinez, CA TELEPHONE / FAX: 925-229-2255 / 925-229-2474 scpreschool@comcast.net

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ -

SAFE ENVIRONMENT: www.virtusonline.org

PARISH & SCHOOL STAFF

BAPTISMS: Registration is mandatory two months prior to Baptism month. Please call the office to make an appointment once you have your documents ready. Parents & Godparents are required to attend a mandatory Baptism preparation class one month before reception of the Sacrament. All information regarding requirements and schedules, can be found on the website at www.stcmtz.org or Sylvia at Ext 2 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

FIRST EUCHARIST: The Religious Education Program classes start September 22, 2019. The First Holy Communion program is a two year program. All other classes are one year (K-8). drestcath@yahoo.com or Andrea at Ext 5 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ CONFIRMATION: Youth Confirmation Program Registration continues and classes begin in September 29th. It is a one year program for all incoming Freshmen or above. Please contact: Paul or Jenny Holland Ext 8 or at stcathym@gmail.com for more Information. For Adult Confirmation, please call Karen Glen at the parish office Ext 4 . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

MARRIAGES: Arrangements and mandatory preparation need to be arranged at least eight months prior to the wed-ding. No dates can be set prior to an initial meet-ing with a priest. No exceptions. www.stcmtz.org or Sylvia at Ext 2 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ -

RECONCILIATION: Confession times are weekly on Saturday’s from 3:00 - 4:00 PM and by appointment. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ANOINTING OF THE SICK: The sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is the continuation of the Lord’s compassion for the sick. The sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is one of two sacraments which heals and saves the bap-tized person from sin. The other sacrament of heal-ing is Penance. For an anointing during working hours, please call the Parish office.

or Sylvia at Ext 2

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

FUNERALS: We recommend using Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Ser-vices at 925-932-0900. A representative will contact the par-ish office to coordinate your arrangements. www.stcmtz.org or Sylvia at Ext 2

RCIA: “Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults” Are you interested in becoming Catholic? Do you need Adult Baptism? Holy Eucharist (Communion)? Confirmation? St. Catherine offers a friendly and supportive program. Please call the office (925) 228-2230 ext. 4 or Karen for more information.

SACRAMENTAL INFORMATION

Before serving or continuing in your ministry, complete the Diocesan required Safe Environment for Children Project

Training @ www.virtusonline.org . Thank you. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ -

WEEK-AT-A-GLANCE

FACILITIES To assure that our Church and facilities testify to the

greater honor and glory of God.

Sunday, 9/15 Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Catechetical Sunday 8:00 AM PH Hospitality Pancake Breakfast Thank you! Knights of Columbus Monday, 9/16 7:30 AM CH Rosary 7:00 PM PH Guadalupe Society Mtg Tuesday, 9/17 7:30 AM CH Rosary 9:00 AM CH School Practice 6:00 PM CH Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM PH YLI Meeting 7:00 PM PC Scripture Reflection with Clergy 7:30 PM CH Spanish Choir Rehearsal Wednesday, 9/18 7:30 AM CH Rosary 2:30 PM CH Children’s Choir 6:15 PM CH Ignite Bible Study 6:30 PM PCL Legion of Mary 7:00 PM PC RCIA Class Rm #210

Thursday, 9/19 7:30 AM CH Rosary 9:00 AM CH School Practice 12:00 PM CH Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 6:00 PM CH San Lorenzo Ruiz Novena Begins Friday, 9/20 7:30 AM CH Rosary 6:00 PM CH San Lorenzo Ruiz Novena Saturday, 9/21 Olivewood Handcrafts 7:30 AM CH Rosary 12:00 PM PH Ignite Bible Study 3:00 PM CH Reconciliation 6:00 PM CH San Lorenzo Ruiz Novena Sunday, 9/22 Olivewood Handcrafts Faith Formation Classes Begin 8:00 AM PH Hospitality - Hospitality Team 2:00 PM CH Baptisms 6:00 PM CH San Lorenzo Ruiz Novena

CH = Church RC = Rectory SC = School PH = Parish Hall YD = School Yard PC = Parish Center PCL: Parish Center Library

There will be a blessing of all Families and Catechists at the 8:30 am Mass. This special Mass will be followed by the Pancake Break-

fast, courtesy of the Knights of Columbus. All are Welcome!

WORSHIP

To facilitate a transforming encounter with God as

we come together in worship.

5 Tips on how to receive the Eucharist The eternal debate: receive the Eucharist on the tongue or in the hands? The great debates Catholics get into can be rather heated (and honestly quite entertaining at times), but let’s start with this – Receiv-ing the Eucharist on your tongue vs. in your hands isn’t the determining factor of reverence. That’s right. When discussing how to receive the Eucharist, I’m not just talking about the physical reception (which I will get to), but the spiritual preparation too. Here are 5 key points to keep in mind when preparing to receive the Eucharist: 1.Receive the Eucharist in a state of grace This first key point isn’t only a good recommendation, but actually a requirement. The Code of Canon Law gives us some insight into this. Canon 916 “A person who is conscious of grave sin is not to celebrate Mass or to receive the Body of the Lord without prior sacramental confession unless a grave reason is present and there is no opportunity of confessing…” In summary: If you have committed a mortal sin, walk right on over to the confessional, be reconciled with the Lord, and then go receive Him in the Eucharist. 2. Observe the 1 hour eucharistic fast Again, this one is also a requirement…Canon 919: One who is to receive the Most Holy Eucharist is to abstain from any food or drink, with the exception only of water and medicine, for at least the period of one hour before Holy Communion. This doesn’t apply to those who are sick or elderly. It’s great to know the requirements, but why does the Church require us to do this? There are two main reasons. First, mortification is good and helps us grow in spiritual discipline. Second, the physical hunger we feel should remind us of the hunger and thirst we should have for the Eucharist. And really, one hour isn’t that long, the fast used to begin the midnight preceding receiving the Eucharist. 3. Arrive at Mass a few minutes early Attending Mass and receiving Jesus Christ in the Eucharist is the most significant thing we could ever do. If you were going to an important dinner, say with diplomats or bishops, would you just walk right in, seat yourself at the dinner table, and start eating? Probably not. You would get dressed and ready, arrive early to speak with people, seat yourself when called to dinner, and follow the “protocol” for such an event. There is a certain sense of preparation. If we put this much attention into a formal dinner, how much more should we prepare for the eternal wedding banquet? Take a few minutes before Mass to prepare your heart to receive Christ, pray, and be intentional. 4. Make an act of reverence before receiving the Eucharist You are going to receive the body, blood, soul, and divinity of the King of the universe, how could you possibly show the respect and reverence due in this moment? Honestly, we can probably never show the amount of respect that our Savior deserves, but we can do what we can! How? This can be done by genuflecting or making a deep bow before receiving the Eucharist. In this reverential act, we acknowledge who we are before God and humble ourselves to receive Him. 5. Make a prayer of thanksgiving after Mass Let’s return to the fancy dinner scenario (remember the bishops and diplomats). Once you have finished eating, would you get up and walk out of the room? No! Especially if other people were still eating dinner and there was more to come. After we receive Communion, we are the most united with Jesus we can be on this side of heaven. This is our chance to open our hearts to Him without reserve. To pour out our love, and ask for whatever grace we need. By staying a few minutes after Mass we are telling Jesus that He is important to us, that our relationship with Him matters and war-rants our love and attention. So, back to the opening click-bait question: Receive Jesus on your tongue or in your hands? Both are allowed by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. When receiving in your hand, St. Cyril of Jerusalem offers some further instruction: “When you approach, take care not to do so with your hand stretched out and your fingers open or apart, but rather place your left hand as a throne beneath your right, as befits one who is about to receive the King. Then receive him, taking care that nothing is lost.”

“There are two other types of stained glass at St. Catherine’s with the oldest ones in the Sanctuary area near the Altar and the Tabernacle. They are very old school and come to us from the original Church which once stood on the corner of Mellus and Castro Sts.’ That Church was torn down in 1940 by Contractor Al Rangel to make room for the present Church which is now being renovated and returned to its original glory some eighty years later.” Tom Greerty

Why is there stained Glass in churches? The Christian Religion’s Relationship With Light In the Christian religion, there has always been a special relationship with light. Stained glass in churches clearly represents this. In fact, it allows for the use of light in a particularly ethereal way. It is understandable then, that churches from Method-ists to Catholic appreciate the play of light combined with the iconography so important to them. In Genesis, God’s first words were “‘Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3-4) With this type of reference to light so early in such a sacred book, it is easy to see why Christian churches would embrace light through stained glass. And accordingly, spend much time and energy developing a church feature that perfectly embodies God first gift to man. Stained glass windows in churches shine light into an otherwise dark interior, it casts out shadows and brings relief. Not unlike the God of Genesis. There is no doubt that early architects wanted light through the lovely ornate windows of old to play out much like it did in the Bible. They saw stained glass as a perfect way to highlight the spiritual truth of light while at the same time being functional. Ostensibly this happened over 1000 years ago, as, the oldest surviving stained glass window is found in the Augsburg Cathedral in Germany and was built in the 11th century. Since those days stained glass windows in churches have changed significantly. However, embracing the prover-bial light of God has not. In fact, stained glass windows evolved in their relationship with the church over time to become more than just spiritually significant but practical as well. Eventually, these windows began to not only served as a representa-tion of the light of God but as a critical teaching tool as well. Csgradmin(2019, Aug 29,Why is there Stained Glass in Churches.retrievved from //churchstainedglassrestoration.com

INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK

DISCIPLESHIP

To empower a community of Christian people walking together as

disciples of Jesus in order to share His good news.

SAT 9/14 4:30 Louie & Rose Delchini.† SUN 9/15 7:00 Int. People of the Parish 8:30 Swieszcz & Bratten Family† 11:00 Int. Kenny Mack 1:00 Cardenas & Polina Families .† MON 9/16 8:00 Dolores Ulrich† TUE 9/17 8:00 Samuel Caces† WED 9/18 8:00 Int. St. Catherine School Children & their Families THU 9/19 8:00 Special Intention FRI 9/20 8:00 Int. Sal Trujillo SAT 9/21 8:00 Trinidad & Gustavo Cardenas† 4:30 Crispina & Rodolfo Cardenas† SUN 9/22 7:00 Pearl Balestrieri & Fr. Pio† 8:30 Int. Israel Gabrial-Birthday Blessing 11:00 Int. Joy & Logan Myrick—Birthday 1:00 Int. People of the Parish

Faith Formation Classes (PreK-8th) begin September 22nd 8:30 Mass /Class and

Required Parents Orientation ***

Confirmation Classes (9th-12th)

Begin September 29th 11:00 Mass /Class and

Required Parent Orientation

Ignite Sunday Faith Formation for Adults

Welcome all parents to join in conversation as we create a community that celebrates, learns, and experiences our growing faith in Christ together. Ignite will host and facilitate small groups in the Parish Hall while Faith Formation and Confirma-tion classes are being taught. Join us in a relaxed and inspiring setting after hospitality. We all experience God and our faith in individual ways AND there are many ways in which we are connected by shared life experiences. Renew your connection with our Catholic identity.

JOIN US on Sunday Sept. 29th

AND RECEIVE YOUR COMPLIMENTARY GIFT Parents of Faith Formation – JOIN US after

8:30am Mass, meets at 9:30am in Parish Hall

Support & celebrate

your child’s faith journey as family and community

ALL CURRENT EXTRA-ORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION DURING MASS, AND THOSE INTERESTED IN JOINING THE MINISTRY. THERE WILL BE A MANDATORY MEETING ON SEPT. 18 (WEDNESDAY) FROM 6:30PM TO 8PM AT THE CHURCH. FOR THOSE WHO CANNOT ATTEND THIS MEETING, THERE IS ANOTHER ONE ON SEPT. 21 (SATURDAY) FROM 9AM TO 10:30AM AT THE CHURCH. YOU ONLY NEED TO ATTEND ONE OF THE MEETINGS. FOR QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT JOY BELLEZA (jrbelleza@hotmail.com) OR DEACON ALBERT (dcnadizon@yahoo.com).

HOSPITALITY

To form a joyful family community that

reaches out and receives one another as Christ

reaches out and receives us.

Gluten-Free Hosts now available Please inform Fr. Anthony or one of the Deacons of your

request before the mass so they can prepare for the communion.

SEPTEMBER 8, 2019

WEEKLY CONTRIBUTIONS

Sunday Collection $4,867.00 Diocesan Retirement $1,744.00 Organ $ 100.00

STEWARDSHIP To create a culture in the parish rooted

in gratitude and generosity.

Shepherds Field Olive Wood Handcrafts “A group from the Holy Land (Bethlehem & Jerusalem) will be selling religious articles after masses on September 21st and 22nd to support the Catholic Christian minorities in Bethlehem. As a tradition, many of the Catholic families in the Holy Land work in small workshops to produce religious articles from olive wood. These articles represent the Christian art of the Holy Land. In the past, they used to sell their artwork to pilgrims who visit the Holy Land. However, these days they are facing an economic hardship as very few tourists visit the Holy Land due to security issues. Many of the Catholic families immigrated and left the Holy Land. The percentage of Christians in the Holy Land has dropped from 20% to less than 1%. Therefore, if this hardship continues as it is now, we believe that in a few years, there will be no Catholics in Bethlehem or Jerusalem. The struggle to preserve the Catholic identity of the birthplace of our savior; Jesus Christ is a serious concern for Cath-olics around the world. Sales will be used to help and support the Catholics in the Holy Land and to encourage them not to immigrate.” May God be with you and may God richly bless his people for now and forever. Amen.

Sunday Faith Formation Meet & Greet ~

Sunday, September 22nd Beginning with 11 am Mass followed by

Hospitality in the Parish Hall Join us for a special hospitality in the Parish hall. Do not miss this opportunity meet members of the Ignite

Team, Youth & Confirmation Leaders, Faith For-mation Catechists, School Teachers and Hospitality

Team Members.

St. Catherine of Siena School Mission Statement

Saint Catherine of Siena School answers the call to nurture each child – spirit, mind and body

– in a safe, caring environment by providing Christ-centered, challenging curriculum preparing each child for a future as people of faith, service, respect, and responsibility.

The sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet opened the doors of St. Catherine of Siena School in the Fall of 1949

Under the direction of Monsignor Robert I Flavry. Seventy years later, the school community has seen many changes, but one thing that has held strong over time and the heart of St. Catherine of Siena School is the community and our Catholic Identity. As our 70th Anniversary is approaching, we would like to extend a warm invitation to celebrate and connect with friends, classmates, and be a part of what St. Catherine of Siena is today.

On October 5th, we are going back in me to 1949 to celebrate our 70th Birthday with a SockHop.

“Grandparents make the world a little softer, a little kinder, and little warmer.” Our Annual Grandparents Day was celebrated with a prayer service, lunch and

activities following. It was a special event for all Grandparents or a VIP in lieu of a grandparent..

Students at St. Catherine of Siena School are having a

great time learning!

READINGS & REFLECTIONS Join in the Weekly Scripture Reflection with the Clergy Tuesdays 7:00 –8:15 PM

Sunday, Sep 15, 2019 TWENTY-FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

We’re all in the story A foolish, reckless kid. His heartbroken parent. An indignant older sibling. We find ourselves at various points of this family triangle over the years. First we’re the brazen, half-hatched adult, trying everything at once just because we can. Later we may exchange roles more than once between the grieving el-der— hoping against hope for a loved one causing all the trou-ble—and the aggrieved one, who thinks any show of compas-sion is outrageous and unearned. No ma er who we are right now, the table is set, and the party is star ng. Can we afford not to be there? TODAY'S READINGS: Exodus 32:7-11, 13-14; 1 Timothy 1:12-17; Luke 15:1-32 (132). “This son of mine was dead, and has come to life again.” Monday, Sep 16, 2019 MEMORIAL OF CORNELIUS, POPE, AND CYPRIAN, BISHOP, MARTYRS

Measure for measure Saint Cornelius was elected pope in 251 during the persecu-

ons of the Emperor Decius. Saint Cyprian of Carthage was a close friend. They and other church leaders faced a difficult ques on— should those who denied their faith to avoid mar-tyrdom during the persecu on be forgiven and received back into the church community? Under no circumstances, some argued. But Cornelius and Cyprian, both of whom would even-tually face the martyrdom others fled, believed that if repent-ant, apostates, as they were called, should be welcomed back to the faith community. Show mercy to others so that mercy may be shown to you. TODAY'S READINGS: 1 Timothy 2:1-8; Luke 7:1-10 (443). “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof.” Tuesday, Sep 17, 2019 MEMORIAL OF ROBERT BELLARMINE, BISHOP, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH

As the world turns The widely respected and deeply learned Robert Bellarmine, who holds the rarified tle of a doctor of the church, ended up on the erroneous side of a major controversy, that which sur-rounded Copernicus’ “heliocentric theory” that the earth re-volved around the sun instead of the sun around the earth. He delivered a sanc on to his friend Galileo in 1616 that eventual-ly resulted in the great scien st being silenced and held under house arrest. Don’t confuse religious faith with scien fic fact. God works through nature, and has nothing to hide, so don’t be afraid of new scien fic informa on that challenges long-held misconcep ons. God can handle the truth—God created it! TODAY'S READINGS: 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Luke 7:11-17 (444). “Beloved, this saying is trustworthy: whoever aspires to the office of bishop de-sires a noble task. Therefore, a bishop must be irreproachable.” Wednesday, Sep 18, 2019 Drop the cri cism One of the worst faults of folks in general is the tendency to regularly find fault in others. There are plenty of reasons we do

that is. And that project starts inside ourselves— not by bea ng ourselves up for what we did wrong, but by presen ng our wrongs honestly to God and turning that same spirit of understanding outward to others. TODAY'S READINGS: 1 Timothy 3:14-16; Luke 7:31-35 (445). “Wisdom is vindicated by all her children.” Thursday, Sep 19, 2019 Reach out to the untouchables Are we aware of the ways in which our society creates and perpetuates divisions and privileges based on gender, color, orienta on, ability, income, religion? Jesus broke through such barriers, especially when interac ng with women, but religious leaders preferred to see his ac ons as audacious and rebel-lious, while Jesus was instead modeling reciprocity and inclu-sivity. Wherever social constructs divide people, we are called to bridge the gap. TODAY'S READINGS: 1 Timothy 4:12-16; Luke 7:36-50 (446). “ ‘If this man were a prophet, he would know who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him.’ ” Friday, Sep 20, 2019 MEMORIAL OF ANDREW KIM TAE-GŎN, PRIEST, AND PAUL CHŎNG HA-SANG AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS

Take nothing for granted Never underes mate the power of books. Books smuggled out of China brought Chris anity to Korea. The new community of faith was not welcomed by authori es, but that did not stop faithful Korean laymen and women from living their Catholic faith. Courageous and persistent, these 18th- and 19th-century lay leaders were persecuted, tortured, and beheaded. The church today honors the first Korean Catholic priest, Saint An-drew Kim Tae-gŏn, one of the many lay leaders, Saint Paul Chŏng Ha-sang, and their martyred companions. Take me today to pick up the Holy Book and consider what folks have sacrificed to spread the Good News within. TODAY'S READINGS: 1 Timothy 6:2c-12; Luke 8:1-3 (447). “Jesus journeyed . . . proclaiming the Good News of the kingdom of God.” Saturday, Sep 21, 2019 FEAST OF MATTHEW, APOSTLE, EVANGELIST

Who do you see? We are always sizing up other people, making judgements about them. This is normal. But some mes, we end up pu ng people in boxes—and leaving them there. Not so with Jesus. Jesus saw through boxes, categories, and stereotypes. He saw the person. Look at Ma hew. Lumped into the distasteful category of “tax collectors and sinners,” Ma hew wasn’t exactly considered a shining example of discipleship by the community. Yet, Jesus saw more than that. He saw Ma hew and was open to him—and not just to “minister to” or “convert” Ma hew. Jesus drew close, invi ng Ma hew into his home to become a close com-panion and vital part of proclaiming the Good News. What happens when you truly see people? TODAY'S READINGS: Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13; Ma hew 9:9-13 (643). “Jesus said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And Ma hew got up and followed

LIVE CHRIST, SHARE CHRIST

Looking Forward to Our Five Hundredth

Rose Cable, a longtime Vincentian will be walking at the St. Agnes location. Join us that morning to support her, or learn how you can contribute to her cause by logging on the official website.

Our Parish has a Facebook Page! Like Us!

https://www.facebook.com OfficialStCatherineofSienaChurch

Altar Servers Jack Watkins.…...……………………………….925-957-0437 Beneath His Cross Apostolate Jessica Preciado ………………………………...925-354-1656 Bingo Don Brocca …………………………………….925-858-7330 Catholic Youth Organization - CYO Gina Marks………………………….………… 925-817-9429 Communications Sylvia Lloren……………………….…..Ext 2 925-228-2230 Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Mary Elizabeth Cook …………………...…….925-229-2665 Faith Formation - Religious Education (PreK-8th Grades) Andrea Watkins………………………. Ext 5 925-228-2230 Finance Council Don Brocca...925-229-4158 and Dennis Koller...925-335-9395 Grief /Card Ministry Mary Cook………………………………...…….925-229-2665 Guadalupe Society Guadalupe Cruz………………………………... 925-997-2432 Hospital/Sick/Homebound Dave Holland ………………………………... 925-413-9240 Hospitality Debbie Pelizzari………………………………...925-370-3874 Ignite Cindy Buscaglia……………….………………... 925-787-8396 Italian Catholic Federation - ICF Tom Cook……………………………………... 925-229-2665 Knights of Columbus - K of C Rik Silva………………………………………….925-334-2429 La Communidad Latina Lucia Cruz……………………………………… 925-348-2620 Lectors Carlos Melendez……………………….………... 510-385-0506 Legion of Mary Bobby Kiefer…………………….……………. 925-658-1442 Loaves & Fishes Denice Silva…………………………………….. 925-372-0740 Maintenance Troy Killorn.……………………….…………... 925-228-2230 Mary Help of Christians - MHC Margarita Flores……………………………….. 925-812-1279 Music Ministry—Choir Troy Killorn …………………………Ext 3 925-228-2230 Pastoral Advisory Council Karen Glen….925-788-7716 & Karen Sandri….925-370-7997 Respect Life Linda Easterday ……………………….……….. 925-372-3845 Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults - RCIA Karen Glen……………………………Ext 4 925-228-2230 Safe Environment for Children Project - SECP Karen Glen…………………………...Ext 4 925-228-2230 San Lorenzo Ruiz Community - SLRC Esther Concepcion….………………………… 925-381-1835 Social Awareness Anne Crisp …………………………………... 925-356-8822 Stewardship Karen Glen……………………………………..925-788-7716 Sociedade Portuguesa Rainha Santa Isabel - SPRSI Annette Liberty……………………… ……… 925-228-8428 St. Vincent de Paul Society - SVdP Karen Glen ………………………… ..Ext 4 925-788-7716 Ushers James McLaughlin………………………………. 925-228-1051 Young Ladies Institute - YLI Rori Polvorosa …………………………………510-734-4907 Confirmation /Yoth Group (High School 9 to12 Grades) Paul & Jenny Holland………………….Ext 8 925-228-2230

Before serving or continuing in your ministry, com

plete the Diocesan required Safe Environm

ent for Children Project T

raining @ w

ww

.virtusonline.org . Thank you.

MINISTRIES/ORGANIZATIONS CONTACTS

BULLETIN SUBMISSIONS DEADLINES: All requests must be submitted no later than September 20th by noon for the September 28th bulletin. Please direct your inquiries to: stcathmtz@yahoo.com All submissions must be submitted via email and copy/camera/paste ready. Please reference Bulletin Submission in the subject note. Thank you.

Looking for a way to improve your life? Tired of trendy fads that are difficult to keep up with? Try something new, and come to St. Dominic in San Francisco or Benicia for a life-changing event titled Find Your Great-ness. Rooted in historical best practices, Dynamic Catholic events are not just about feeling. They are about doing. They don’t just give you something to think about. They give you a plan. They help you make your life work better. The goal is not to just inspire you for a few hours. At Find Your Greatness, walk away with more than just knowledge about four life changing habits. You’ll leave with a personalized plan on how to engage these habits in your normal, ordinary, everyday life. The event is on Friday, September 27. (San Francisco)Tickets can be purchased by visiting DynamicCatho-lic.com/San Francisco. Or Saturday, September 28th at St. Dominics Catholic Church in Benicia. Tickets can be purchased by visiting DynamicCatholic.com or call (859)980-7900

FIND YOUR GREATNESS

Four habits that will transform your life

Featuring JONATHAN FANNING

“Come and Join Us”

San Lorenzo Ruiz Novena

Beginning Thursday, September 19th - through September 24th in the Church at 6PM

(Tuesday, 9/25 at 5:15PM) Light Reception on 9/28 following the

4:30PM Vigil Mass.

$500 Donated toSt. Catherine ofSiena for every

completedtransaction

Chuck Barberini“JUST ASK CHUCK”

REALTOR - CalBRE #01324660

925-963-6606www.ChuckBarberini.com

chuck@chuckbarberini.com

Muir Oaks Veterinary Hospital

1180 MuirRoad, Martinez

372-9200

Melody Herder-Jimison, D.V.M.

24/7 Care Available • Positive Happy Aging ApproachOur Talent is Caring! • Elizabeth & Robert Lobron

925.494.1111 • www.nursenextdoor.com Lic. #074700015

• Companionship• Personal Care• End of Life Care• Meal Preparation• Homemaking• Transportation• Respite Care

Grow Your Business, Advertise Here.Support Your Church & Bulletin.

Free professional ad design & my help!email: kwiatkowskim@jspaluch.com

Call Marcy Kwiatkowski925.239.1401

www.jspaluch.com

If You Live Alone You Need MDMedAlert!24 Hour Protection at HOME and AWAY!

FREE Shipping

FREE Activation

NO Long Term Contracts

Solutions as Low as

$19.95a month

✔Ambulance✔Police ✔Fire✔Friends/Family

CALL NOW! 800.809.3352 GPS Tracking w/Fall DetectionNationwide, No Land Line Needed

EASY Set-up, NO Contract24/7 365 Monitoring in the USA

MDMedAlertSafe-Guarding America’s Seniors Nationwide!

This Button SAVES Lives!As Shown GPS, Lowest Price Guaranteed!

Get this

weekly bulletin

delivered by

email - for FREE!Sign up here:

https://www.jspaluch.com/BulletinSubscribe.aspx

Courtesy of J.S. Paluch Company, Inc.

913130 St Catherine of Siena Church www.jspaluch.com For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. 1-800-675-5051

Grow in your faith,find a Mass, and

connect with yourCatholic Community

with OneParish!

Download Our Free App or Visit

MY.ONEPARISH.COM

Thank you for advertising inour church bulletin.

I am patronizing your businessbecause of it!

Please Cut Out This “Thank You Ad”and Present It The Next Time YouPatronize One of Our Advertisers

✂

Come Sail Awayon a 7-night CatholicExotic Cruise startingas low as $1045 per couple

Brian or Sally, coordinators860.399.1785

an OfficialTravel Agencyof Apostleshipof the Sea-USA

CST 2117990-70

2099 Reliez Valley Rd., Lafayette, CA 94549

925-935-3311www.oakmontmortuary.com

FD 875 COA 619

The Most Complete

Online National

Directory of

Catholic ParishesCheck It Out Today!

925-228-5242www.erniesplumbingandsewer.com

Lic# 802333Since 1965

Plumbing Trenchless Sewer ReplacementDrain Maintenance & Septic Service Water Heaters

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEKRedwood - Cyclone Fencing - Patio - Decking

Sells Everything to Build Everything!Sells Everything to Build Everything!

PPiinnoollee ((551100)) 772244--88775533 999900 SSaann PPaabblloo AAvvee..WWaallnnuutt CCrreeeekk ((992255)) 992277--44666622 22445500 CCaammiinnoo DDiiaabbllooBBuurrlliinnggaammee ((665500)) 440011--33550000 11441100 BBrrooaaddwwaayyCCoonnccoorrdd ((992255)) 668866--11773344 22223311 MMoonnuummeenntt BBllvvdd..

Connolly & Taylor Chapel

Serving the Martinez Catholic Community Since 1921Full Service Cremation & Burial

“Let’s Keep the Tradition”925.228.4700

www.connolly-taylorchapel.com4000 Alhambra Avenue | Martinez, CA FD 154