Congratulations to our Canossian Sisters – In late August, three (3) women from our parish and one(1)from St. Stephen’s made their “First Promise” as Lay Canossians. As a Lay Canossian, they serve alongside our sisters in their ministry. The Canossian Sisters were founded by Magdalene of Canossa. She came from a noble family and began her ministry in 1808 when she tried to address the needs of the poor in Verona, Italy. Gathering other men and women to assist her, the Canossian Community spread throughout the world. Their charism is to make Jesus known and loved. They do so by caring for the poor, especially women, youth and children. In the 1800s, they began serving in Hong Kong, Macau, China, Timor, India and Singapore. In the 20th century, they continued their ministries into the rest of Europe, Africa and South America. They are truly an international religious community that is in 6 different continents and 39 countries. And they accept volunteers who desire to work alongside them throughout the world. Through the Canossian International Voluntary Service, men and women are able to join them for a one-year service in mission areas like Tanzania, Togo, Malawi, Egypt and East Timor. However, one can also join and serve alongside them right here in our city and in our parish. And that is what the four (4) Lay Canossians that will be recognized this Saturday at the 5:00 pm Mass have done. Lucille Kovash assists Sr. Rita in RCIA, teaching the Catholic faith to Adults. Marilu Illenberger serves in the liturgy committee at her parish in St. Stephen’s. Dr. Lourdes Scheerer and Genilin Wong join Sr. Catherine and Sr. Elizabeth in the visit and care of the sick in our parish and at Laguna Honda Hospital. Congratulations to them on becoming part of this wonderful Canossian Community and thank you for your loving service to this parish and our community.
Please visit http://www.canossiansisters.org/ for more information regarding our Canossian Sisters.
Parish Picnic – Don’t forget, next Sunday, September 25 will be our 6th Annual picnic at Blackberry Farm in Cupertino. Although the location is a little farther south, however Cupertino is a nice location where the weather is warm and kids can swim. They have 2 pools, one especially for the little ones. Mass will be celebrated at the picnic site at 11:00 am. Lunch will follow with a delicious BBQ prepared by the Men’s Club. I want to thank the Advisory Board for coordinating this yearly event, and for the Mother’s and Men’s Club for preparing the treats. Although we charge only $5 per person (under 3 are free), however, bring a little extra cash $3.00 for each person who would like to swim.
See you there………….. their address is 21979 San Fernando Avenue, Cupertino, CA.
Photo Directory – This weekend, volunteers will be assisting in signing up for your photo session for our photo directory. I’d truly like to encourage you to make time to make our parish directory complete. Because our community has about 1,400 households, about 4,180 members, having a photo directory truly helps us to know one another. How many times have you had a great conversation with someone and then forgot his or her name? Lifetouch, the company that will be taking our portraits, will be here for 12 days on weekdays and weekends, starting September 29 – October 16. Bring your calendar and schedule a date for yourself and your family. You can also sign up online by visiting our website at www.stbrendanparish.org, click on News/Events, and select Sign-up for Portrait Sessions.
For your troubles, Lifetouch will give you a free 8x10 portrait and a free photo directory. Because our hall is still under renovation, the photo sessions will take place in the rectory. Say cheese……………
