News Around the Parish
Praying for Christian Unity – Every year from Jan 18 – 25, there is a worldwide prayer for Christian Unity. In each of the past years I’ve wanted to do something with our neighboring Christian churches, but usually after returning from Christmas and New Year’s break, the time left for planning has usually been too short. This year, prior to Thanksgiving, I dropped a letter of invitation to each of the pastors in our neighborhood, including the chaplains at Laguna Honda Hospital and Juvenile Hall, to gather at St. Brendan’s to pray on the feast day of the conversion of St. Paul. Two pastors and the director of the spiritual program at Juvenile Hall responded saying that they will join us. They were the Rev. Dr. Sandra Hulse from St. John United Church of Christ, the Rev. Susan Parsley from Forest Hill Christian Church, and Mr. Julio Escobar, the Director of San Dimas Ministry. Regrettably, Rev. Parsley came down with the flu the day before our gathering and apologized for not being able to join us. Nonetheless, she said she would be with us in spirit and along with about 20 other St. Brendan parishioners, we gathered to pray for the healing of our divisions on Friday, January 25 at 7pm. Rev. Dr. Hulse was the guest preacher and after our prayer service, both Mr. Escobar and Rev. Dr. Hulse answered a few questions about their ministry and church. A wonderful reception was prepared
downstairs by our wonderful Elizabeth Gamarra. Some of the fruits of our getting together to pray was that the Rev. Dr. Hulse was able to connect with Mr. Escobar. She said her community is interested to help with the detention ministry there. When asked if next year St. John would be willing to host this prayer, Rev. Dr. Hulse readily agreed but would check first with the elders of her congregation.
Walk for Life – Organizers estimated that more than 50,000 people attended this year’s Walk for Life on Sat., Jan 26. Although the Cathedral had a mass for all participants at 9:30am, however, we had our own mass here at 10am. Fr. Mike and I celebrated the mass together with more than 50 participants. Afterwards, we had a wonderful breakfast down in the hall. Then, Fr. Mike led our St. Brendan’s contingent to gather with the rest of our brothers and sisters at Civic Center. Prior to the Walk, the Papal Nuncio (Ambassador) to the US, Archbishop Carlo Vigano extended greetings and blessings from Pope Benedict XVI and commended those gathered for their work in pro-life. Actress Jennifer O’Neill shared her regret of aborting her own child, and Elaine Riddick, who was a victim not only of rape but of her state’s sterilization program in N. Carolina, were just a few of the speakers. The peaceful walk followed down Market Street and concluded at the Embarcadero’s Justin Herman Plaza where a Mariachi band greeted the walkers. The purpose of this peaceful Walk was simply to let people know, especially our young people, that every life no matter the color, the gender or even what genetic imperfections there are, is precious. And what was beautiful that day was the presence of so much youth participating and standing up for life.
Congratulations First Holy Communicants – It’s especially appropriate to celebrate First Holy Communion on Sat. Feb 2 at the end of Catholic Schools Week. Because the purpose of our schools is not just to teach academics, although that is important, but more importantly to help our children know and love God. First Holy Communion is then a special moment in our children’s journey, as they gain knowledge and the use of reason, to celebrate this special Sacrament. I want to thank their teachers Mrs. Sonia Ino and Mrs. Nina Warda for preparing our students and for our Music Coordinator, Ms. Dianne Marquez for rehearsing with our children. And to their parents, thank you for teaching and modeling the faith for them. As Pope John Paul II said, parents are the first teachers of the faith. The home is both the first church and also the first seminary. Thank you for all you do to instill faith in your children. We’re sincerely glad to be a part of it.
Fr. Dan
