Stained Glass

First Sunday of Advent - November 28-29, 2009

Please see Father Michael's Thanksgiving Letter - Click Here

Advent is the perfect time to clear and prepare the way. Advent is a winter training camp for those who desire peace. By reflection and prayer, by reading and dedication, we can make out hearts a place where a blessing of peace would desire to abide and where the birth of the Prince of Peace might take place.

First Friday Adoration and Mass

This Friday, December 4^th, offers the opportunity to come and pray before the exposed Blessed Sacrament in the Chapel – anytime between the 8:00 A.M. Mass on Friday and the 8:00 A.M. Mass on Saturday. The First Friday Mass will be celebrated at 7:30 P.M. in the Church.

CATECHUMENS – WELCOME – CANDIDATES

Next Sunday, December 6^th, at the 9:15 A.M. Mass, we celebrate the Rite of Acceptance into the Catechumenate and Rite of Welcome of Candidates (already baptized) preparing for Confirmation and Eucharist. These Rites celebrate the assembling publicly for the first time those who have completed the period of inquiry. They now declare their intentions to join the Church and we the Church accept their intentions and desire. We mark them with the Sign of the Cross, asking them to walk with us in a new way of life. We ask them to reflect more deeply upon the Word of God. We pray for them: “For all of these we give thanks and praise to the God who has led them by various paths to oneness of faith. You are welcomed in the name of Christ.”

Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration

Please join us on Saturday, December 12^th, at the 5:00 P.M. Mass in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Dinner will be available in the hall after Mass. More details next weekend.

Parish Adult Communal Reconciliation Service

All parishioners are invited to an Adult Parish Reconciliation Service on Wednesday, December 9^th, at 7:30 P.M. in the Church. The

service will include scripture readings, time for reflection and individual confession and absolution. Come and experience the sacrament of Reconciliation in a community setting during this season of Advent. REMINDER: Please remain in the Church until the end of the service for the communal penance.

SCRIPTURE READINGS

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

DECEMBER 5-6, 2009

BARUCH 5:1-9

PHILIPPIANS 1:4-6, 8-11

LUKE 3:1-6

A REQUEST FROM FATHER MICHAEL FOR THE CHILDREN AT THE CLINIC IN AFGHANISTAN

Small toys are needed for the civilian children who enter the medical clinic. Suggested items: PEZ dispensers and candies, baby dolls (except “Barbie dolls – too immodest dress for Afghani standards), Hot Wheels, coloring books with crayons and small toys that do not require batteries (toy soldiers, GI Joes, etc. would be inadvisable). These items may be dropped off at the Rectory Office by December 5th, we have a special mailing address for these items. Monetary donations to enable us to mail these items would also be appreciated. Please make checks payable to St. Victor’s Church and place it in a plain white envelope marked Father Michael Children’s Gift Postage and drop it in the collection basket or take it to the parish office. Thank you to the parishioners that have already brought in items for these children.

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING. Most gracious Father, during this weekend of remembrance and praise, we thank You for the blessings that have been showered upon us: for health and strength, for eyes to see the beauties of the autumn coloring, for ears to hear the voices of friends, the harmonies of song, for voices with which we can speak words of love and cheer to all. Grant us Lord, that we may use these gifts as You would choose, sharing them in the building of Your kingdom of love and friendship here on earth. Teach us that gratitude is active, manifesting itself in service to You and to others. Amen.

PLANNED GIVING NOTES

Is Your Will Valid?

If your will was written in another state or your financial and/or family circumstances have changed, or it has been three years since it was last reviewed by a professional, it may be obsolete!

If you want to know more about this, the Diocese can provide free assistance. Call Robert Serventi @ 983-0168, or write to him at: 900 Lafayette St., Suite 301 , Santa Clara , CA 95050 .

Simbang Gabi

MARK YOUR CALENDARS. St. Victor’s Parish Community will celebrate Simbang Gabi (pre-dawn worship), also called Misa de Gallo (rooster Mass) from December 16^th-24^th. (The schedule will be inserted into the bulletin on December 6th and 13th.)

I Am Thankful For...

...the mess to clean up after a party because it means I have been surrounded by friends.

...the taxes I pay because it means that I’m employed.

...the clothes that fit a little too snug because it means I have enough to eat.

...a lawn that need mowing, windows that need cleaning and gutters that need fixing because it means I have a home.

...my shadow who watches me work because it means I am out in the sunshine.

...the spot I find at the far end of the parking lot because it means I am capable of walking.

...all the complaining I hear about our government because it means we have freedom of speech.

...my huge heating bill because it means I am warm.

...the lady behind me in Church who sings off key because it means that I can hear.

...the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours because it means that I’m alive.

...the piles of laundry and ironing because it means my loved ones are nearby.

...weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day because it means I have been productive. [By Nancy J. Carmody]

U.n.I. TEENS WINTER SERVICE PROJECT

THANKS to all who continue to bring in hygiene supplies and new socks. They are still needed. We will be collecting clean used coats and jackets ONLY in November and December. Please check your closets. Again, we will be collecting coats and jackets only – no other clothing will be accepted. Please give those other items to another charity. [The jackets, hygiene supplies and new socks may be dropped off at the Catechetical Ministry Office.]

PLEASE NOTE: Only flyers, pamphlets, etc. that have been brought to the Rectory Office for approval may be inserted into the bulletin, placed on the bulletin boards in the vestibule or distributed on the tables around the Church. Items that have not been approved will be taken down or removed by the office staff. Some parishioners are being offended/upset by some of these materials. Thank you for being considerate of others.

Donations to the Church may be made monthly by credit card or checking account transfers. Parish Pay is now available at St. Victor’s. You may access the web site @ www.stvictor.org and click on DONATE or call toll-free @ 1-866-727-4741 and give them the information over the phone. If you have any questions, you may also call the Parish Office @ 251-7055.

Mass Intentions for the Week

Monday November 23 8:00 A.M. Richard & Anita Messina

Tuesday November 24 8:00 A.M. In Honor of Nino de Praga

Wednesday November 25 8:00 A.M. Thanksgiving

Thursday November 26 8:00 A.M. Josephine Barreras

9:30 A.M. Primitivo Bajet

Friday November 27 8:00 A.M. Andy Sanford

Saturday November 28 8:00 A.M. Spires Family Members

5:00 P.M. Cesar Sousa (Father Seimas)

Sunday November 29 7:00 A.M. For the Parishioners of St. Victor Parish (Father Phan)

8:00 A.M. Mario Vilala (Father Dwyer)

9:15 A.M. Deceased Members of the John Correira Family (Father Perata)

10:45 A.M. All Souls (Father Phan)

12:15 P.M. Alma Fabie Arnold (Carmelite)

5:00 P.M. Abel Ponte (Father Lim)

WELCOME to all visitors. We hope you enjoy your time and celebration with us!

In Loving Memory

The Advent greens for the Sanctuary were donated in loving memory of Margarita Flores

by her parents, brother and sister.

HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE next Sunday, December 6^th, from 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. Come to the parish hall and shop the wonderful selection of handmade items made by local artisans, stop by to eat some great food, participate in the raffle for a flat screen TV and other activities. We look forward to seeing you there. Please call the Parish Office @ 251-7055 for more information. (Vendor table rentals are totally booked!)

The next Friday Night BINGO will be held in the parish hall on January 8, 2010. More details to follow.

THANK YOU AND REMINDER

The Catechetical Ministry Office THANKS all those who ordered items for the Great American Fund Raiser that supports the religious education programs for all of St. Victor’s school age children. Your generosity is appreciated. MARK YOUR CALENDARS – Orders must be picked-up this Wednesday, December 2^nd, from 3:00-9:00 P.M. in the parish hall.

SOCIAL JUSTICE NOTES...

EASTSIDE F.I.S.H. HOLIDAY NEEDS. With the holiday season approaching, EASTSIDE F.I.S.H. could use donations of turkeys, chickens, or hams. Please keep us in mind when the grocery stores are having their promotions. If you can help, please call the Parish Office @ 251-7055. To those who have supported us during the year - MANY THANKS AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU!

The ANNUAL LAYETTE SHOWER, co-sponsored by the Office of Women of the Diocese of San Jose and St. Victor’s Altar Society, Catechetical Ministry and School, will be held on Sunday, December 6^th, at Queen of Apostles Church ( 4911 Moorpork Ave. ) beginning at 2:00 P.M. Please take the time to pick up a new infant item [newborn to 6 months only]. Santa Clara County social workers then distribute these layettes to those mothers and infants most in need, as they leave the hospital throughout the year. {Please bring your layette items and place them in the designated box in the vestibule.} If you would like to make a monetary donation, please make checks payable to St. Victor’s Altar Society and on the memo write Layette. Your donation may be dropped into the collection basket C/O St. Victor’s Altar Society. Thank you for your generosity.

NEEDY FAMILIES. There are several families in need of various items including: clothing for a baby boy (newborn to one year), blankets, comforters and towels. If you are able to help in any way, please call the Rectory Office @ 251-7055. THANK YOU to the parishioners who have brought baby boy items and towels into the office for the families in need.

THE GIVING TREE. Parishioners are invited to take a tag from the GIVING TREE in the vestibule representing a needy child in our parish community. Please purchase a gift and return the gift unwrapped with the tag attached, to the designated box in the vestibule. [The tag is the only way that our volunteers have of identifying the family/individual. The tags also indicate sizes for clothing; however, if you wish to purchase another type of item, please feel free to do so.] Please return the gift by the designated date of December 18^th, so that our St. Vincent de Paul Society volunteers have time to sort, box and distribute them to all of the families before Christmas. (Please return the gifts during the weekend Masses only!) Also this year, because we are assisting so many families, our St. Vincent de Paul Society could use a few “extra hands” to deliver the gifts. If you are able to help, please call the Rectory Office @ 251-7055 ASAP. THANK YOU to our parishioners for your generous support during the Thanksgiving holiday food drive as well as your monetary donations. You did much more than provide food for those in need. You shared the love of Christ in a very practical way through the donations of your time, talent and treasure. A SPECIAL THANK YOU to our St. Vincent de Paul Society volunteers for the care of our needy not only during the holiday season, but also throughout the entire year.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES now offers expanded counseling services, including counseling for children, adolescents, couples and individuals. For more information, please call 468-0100.

THANK YOU

THANKS to those who supported the U.n.I. Lord Teen Bake Sale last weekend. And, a SPECIAL THANK YOU to the teens and their families and friends, who donated items for the Bake Sale.

COMING YOUR WAY NEXT WEEKEND...

$CRIP gift certificates will be available after Masses next weekend (except Sunday 7:00 and 8:00 A.M.) for all of your holiday shopping, dining and gift-giving needs. Please make sure that you get your special orders in early. If you have any questions regarding the $CRIP program, please call the School Office @ 251-1740.

There will be a second collection next weekend for St. Victor’s Development Fund.

NEWS BRIEFS...

The Carmelite Christmas Boutique and Choral Concert – on Sunday, December 6^th, in the seminary library at Mt. St. Joseph Monastery ( 12455 Clayton Rd. ) from 10:30 A.M.-5:30 P.M. Special entertainment at the boutique, The Sounds of Christmas, by “Singers Around the Bay,” will be held in the seminary chapel at 2:30 P.M. with a reception to follow. Please support the Carmelites who assist us with our weekend services.

Cemetery Outreach - Consolation of Grief before the holidays on Wednesday, December 9^th, in the small chapel of Santa Teresa Church ( 794 Calero Ave. ) from 7:00-9:00 P.M. The presenter will be Rev. Christopher Bennett. For more details, please contact Frances Carrasco Leyerle @ 258-2940 x208.

“There will be signs in the sun, moon and the stars.“ (Luke 21:25)

BULLETIN ARCHIVE