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FROM THE PASTOR (MARCH 14, 2010):
As if the earthquakes in Haiti and Chile weren’t enough; as if the racist pranks played out at UCSD weren’t disturbing enough, last week our community was rocked by the senseless and tragic death of a Poway High School Senior who simply went for a run along the shores of Lake Hodges. When she didn’t come home Chelsea King’s parents called the police and filed a missing person’s report. A search was begun immediately. Her locked car was found in the parking lot near the lake but there was no sign of Chelsea. Thousands of people came forth to search for her and everyone was praying and hoping that she would be found safe and sound. Sadly, that was not to be as her body was discovered a few days later in a shallow grave near the trail on which she had been running. Then, suddenly, the remains of 14 year old Amber Dubois, who disappeared while walking home from school and had been missing for more than year, were found miles from her home. We can’t imagine such an awful thing happening anywhere, much less here in our own neighborhood. We want to scream to heaven and yell at God and ask “WHERE WERE YOU?” like people have done throughout the ages. Emotionally spent, we fall into an exhausted heap and let our feelings pour out through our tears. How could such a thing happen? How could someone be so cruel and callous as to do this to another human being? Why do such bad things happen to good people? What is wrong with this world?
There are no satisfactory answers to any of those questions. Pious platitudes don’t help comfort anyone. Blaming God might be a natural instinct but, really, it wasn’t God who caused it; and, no, God did not “will” Chelsea’s life to end as it did, anymore than He willed the earthquakes in Haiti and Chile, or the idiotic and racist pranks at UCSD. Rather, God’s role in all of this is to do what mom and dad do when their children are hurting, confused, in pain. God picks us up and wraps His arms around us shielding us from any more hurt than we could possibly bear. It takes a child time to calm down, cease sobbing and then simply fall asleep in the loving arms of his mom or dad when being comforted. It will take us, God’s children, time to do the same.
Natural disasters and senseless tragedies happen. An imperfect natural world causes tectonic plates to shift and earthquakes happen. Bad people hurt other people; and good people respond with goodness. Good people respond with prayer, with their silent presence, with their solidarity, with their offering to help in any way they can. Good people remember God and, while not “preaching” to those in pain simply let the witness of their lives speak for themselves.
Today is Laetare Sunday – “To Rejoice!” Sunday. We might not feel like rejoicing right now, but we rejoice because we are halfway on our journey to Easter. We rejoice because what we see good people do in tragic times reminds us that Jesus came to be one with us, suffered His passion and death for us and opened the gates of paradise for us. “REJOICE” even though you might not feel like it. After the pain and agony of Good Friday came the hope of Easter Sunday.
SOMETHING IMPORTANT TO THINK ABOUT: This note was found on the body of a small child who had died at Ravensbruk concentration camp at the end of World War II: “O Lord, remember not only the men and women of goodwill, but also those of ill will. Do not remember all the suffering they inflicted on us; remember the fruits we have bought, thanks to this suffering – our comradeship, our loyalty, our humility, our courage, our generosity, the greatness of heart which has grown out of all this. And when they come to judgment, let all the fruits that we have borne be their forgiveness.” How do I account for this incredible act of forgiveness for these camp victims? How may God be calling me to emulate it?
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Looking for that something special to help you achieve your Lenten Goals? Why not be a greeter? We especially need greeters for the 12:00 noon Mass, but welcome your effort at ANY of the Masses. FAMILY GREETERS and/or YOUNG ADULTS would be such a nice addition to our ministry. Please call Noel Antoff at (858)524-6313. | Sat/Sun. ~ During Mass | Chuch Sanctuary |
St. Vincent de Paul Village Dinner (call 619-645-6412 to arrange); Life Choices Pregnancy Center (call 858-486-1738 to arrange); St. Vincent de Paul Monthly Collection, after all Masses, March 27-28; Migrant Mass, March 27, 7:00 p.m. If you would like to participate in any of these projects please contact the Youth Office. Many of the projects limit the number of participants, please do not show up for a project unless you have received a phone call confirming available space. | As listed | As listed |
It’s your life and no one else can tell your story. Ann Aubrey Hanson, writer and editor and formerly of The Southern Cross, offers a series of five-week writing workshops entitled “Chapter by Chapter: Writing Your Life.” No writing experience is necessary. Workshops consist of discussion and critique, group and individual. Workshops are held at San Rafael Parish, room 7, on Wednesday mornings from 9:30-1:00 a.m. Cost is $125. Space is limited. To enroll, call Ann at (858)484-3980. | Ongoing, Weds. ~ 9:30-11:00 a.m. | Room 7 |
Beginning Thursday, February 25, we will offer a six-week series for inactive Catholics. You may have family or friends who may be open to returning to a more active practice of their faith but just need an invitation from someone. Invitation fliers are available in the church vestibule. If you know someone you think might be interested, please take a flier to give to them.
| Thurs., Feb. 25 ~ Time: TBA | Parish Center |
Fish & Chips Menu includes:
Tavern Cod Battered Fillets (English Style or Baked)
Fresh Cut French Fries
Gourmet Pasta
Weekly Special Surprise Item
Cole Slaw, Roll & Dessert
Home Made Cakes
$6.00 Donation per adult ticket
$20.00 Family Ticket
Children under 6 Free
Take out dining available
Proceeds will be used for the needs of San Rafael Parish: Religious Education Program, Vacation Bible School, Kitchen upgrades, Seminarians & Religious Vocations, Wheelchairs, Pro-Life, Special Olympics & Other Charitable Organizations | Mar.12 & 19 ~ 4:30-7:00 p.m. | Parish Center |
This luncheon, sponsored by the Women’s Fellowship, will take place on March 13 in the parish center. There is no charge for those 80 and older. Transportation will be available for those who need a ride in order to attend. For reservations or for more information you may call Elizabeth Berube at (858)674-1734. The reservation deadline is March 11. | March 13 | Parish Center |
1st Year Preparation
Mustain Group 6:00-7:30 p.m. Room 2
Ordonez Group 6:00-7:30 p.m. Leader’s Home
Johnstone Group 6:30-8:00 p.m. Leader’s Home
| First Year Spirit Groups will meet on Sunday, March 14 | As listed |
2nd Year Candidates: Your next sessions are Sunday, March 14 & 21. We will meet from 4:00-6:00 p.m. in rooms 6 & 7.
3rd Year Candidates: Your next sessions are Sunday, March 14 & 21. We will meet from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in rooms 6 & 7.
| Mar. 14 & 21 ~ As listed | Rooms 6 & 7 |
Please join with us in helping to meet the needs of the poor in our parish and region. Our next meeting is March 15 at 7:00 p.m. in room 1. Our next monthly collection is the weekend of March 27-28. Our meetings last for only one hour and we never ask you to do more than you feel you are able to do. So please join us in the work for God’s needy children. | March 15 ~ 7:00 p.m. | Room 1 |
The Women’s Fellowship monthly meeting will take place Monday, March 15, at 7:00 p.m. in the parish center. The speaker will be Gail Brown from “Exceeding Expectations” in Encinitas. She will talk on “Coping With Personal Stress.” Come learn how to manage and alleviate stress in our daily lives. This should be most interesting. All women of the parish are welcome to attend. | Monday, March 15 ~ 7:00 p.m. | Parish Center |
On Tuesday, March 16, at 9:00 a.m. during the monthly Ladies’ Guild meeting in the parish center, Mary Ferro, Faith Liasion at the North County Interfaith Center in Escondido, will discuss the Center's role in our area. She will present a video collage of the work that they do with homeless, abused women and children, as well as those men and women struggling with addictions. Come and hear Ms. Ferro's encouraging words as the Center houses, feeds, and stabilizes the unfortunate among us. As always, members are encouraged to invite friends to this event. Coffee and pastries are free and available to all. A REMINDER: The Ladies’ Guild meeting on April 20 will be a trip to Little Italy. A bus will be available at $20.00 per person. A sign-up list will be available at the March 16 meeting. For reservations or more information please call Jean Obenchain at (619)232-6698. | March 16 ~ 9:00 a.m. | Parish Center |
LA YOUTH DAY – March 18. Join thousands of youth in a day of praise, worship, learning, and fun!
| March 18 | Los Angeles |
OUR LENTEN PARISH PENANCE SERVICE will be held this Tuesday, March 23, at 7:00 p.m. There will be at least ten priests available to hear confessions. Please plan on making your Lenten confession at the Penance Service. | March 23 ~ 7:00 p.m. | Church Sanctuary |
Confirmation Rehearsal – March 28 at 4:30PM
| March 28 ~ 4:30 p.m. | Church Sanctuary |
The Choirs of San Rafael, Incarnation Lutheran
and Mira Mesa Presbyterian Churches
will present the Choral Work,“Shadows” -
Reflecting the seven episodes in the
Passion and Death of Our Lord with
Scripture Narratives focusing on the
spiritual void, confusion and grief that
filled the minds and spirits of Christ’s
followers during His sufferings,
and of the darkness that covered the
entire world at the moment of His death.”
| March 31, 7:00 p.m. | Church Sanctuary |
Please join the Mother’s Spirituality Group members on Holy Thursday, April 1, at 10:00 a.m. in the church sanctuary. There will be a special Stations of the Cross which are written from Mary’s point of view as her Son suffered His passion and death. Elena Andrews will be acting Mary’s part and Susan Van Winkle will be singing. Please come for this beautiful prayer service. Invite all your friends. All who attend have found it extremely moving and spiritual. Childcare will be provided in room 3. | April 1 ~ 10:00 a.m. | Church Sanctuary |
Everyone is invited to the Annual Parish Easter Egg Hunt and Picnic sponsored by the Men's Club on Saturday, April 3, at 10:30 a.m. at Silverset Park in Poway. There will be candy, prizes, a bounce house, free lunch, and egg hunts for all ages. Plan to join us rain or shine for food, fellowship, and fun! Donations of chocolate Easter bunnies for the Easter Egg Hunt would be greatly appreciated. Please drop them off at the parish office. Thank you! Contact Susan Sullivan at (858)675-0581 or susans327@sbcglobal.net for more information. | April 3 ~ 10:30 a.m. | Silverset Park in Poway |
Confirmation Mass & Reception to follow in the parish center. | April 11 ~ 4:00 p.m. | Church Sanctuary |
Looking for information on the Catholic faith or interested in becoming Catholic? Please contact Bill Phillips at (858)674-4824 or the Adult Education Office, (858)674-1145, for further information. Inquiry sessions meet the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month.
This Sunday we continue the celebration of the Scrutinies for those preparing for baptism. For the next two weeks they will be celebrated at the 9:00 a.m. Mass and the readings will be the “Optional Year A Readings.” Today we pray that the Elect open their hearts to God, be faithful to the spirit of the gospel and be truly converted to Christ.
Please keep our Candidates and Elect in your prayers as they prepare for the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation. A basket containing prayer cards is located in the church vestibule. We ask that you take a card and pray for that person during this Lenten Season. | Tuesdays, 7:00-9:00 p.m. | Room 7 |
The Book of Psalms is the Church’s most perfect book of prayer; they lead us through the peaks and valleys of our life experiences, guiding us to the praise of our Creator. This class will include lecture and discussion of individual Psalms as well as Psalm types, categories and groupings. Class is held on Tuesday evenings from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in room 2.
(Please note: There will be no class on March 2) | Tuesdays 7:00 p.m. | Room 2 |
OLD TESTAMENT BIBLE STUDY will resume with the study of the Book of Jobs on Tuesdays, at 9:00 a.m., in room 6. Everyone is welcome. The facilitator is Pino Bartolotta. | Tuesdays, 9:00 p.m. | Room 6 |
Thank you to everyone who has already sent pictures in for the online parish photo album and pictorial directory. Attention all Ministry leaders, if you haven’t already done so and you would still like photos of your ministry and its events included in the new directory, please submit photos to the parish office or e-mail your digital photos to bulletin@sanrafaelparish.org. | Ongoing | Parish Office |
Speaker Fr. Rusty Shaughnessy
Contact Beverly Rossio for more information: (858)487-3070
| Oct. 8-10 | Whispering Winds Retreat Center |
THE PARISH PILGRIMAGE TO POLAND, AUSTRIA AND PRAGUE will take place October 12-23, 2010. We have a certain number of places available and 16 of them are already taken! Cost of the trip is $3,199 (special cash discount price) or $3,398 (standard base price) which includes airfare to and from L.A. (we take a bus from here to LAX) ground transportation, very good hotels and most meals. For those interested in joining us (our pilgrimages are always wonderful) please contact the parish office (858)487-4314 – or come by and pick up the information brochure and reservation application. | October 12-23, 2010 | POLAND, AUSTRIA AND THE CZECH REPUBLIC, |
The Ladies’ Guild will be awarding scholarships to Catholic students graduating from high school. Their parents should be registered San Rafael members. Applications may be picked up at the church office and submitted by May 3. Transcripts must be included. No applications accepted after 12:00 noon on May 3. | May 3 Deadline ~ 12:00 noon | Turn in to Parish Office |
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