Monday Evening, December 14th, 2020:
The Joy of Active Waiting
Waiting is an uncomfortable experience. No one likes to wait for anything or for anyone. We rarely choose to wait. Instead, the need to wait oftentimes happens to us and requires us to do something that we did not choose or desire to do. Advent also involves waiting. However, waiting during Advent is the complete opposite of an uncomfortable period of time. In fact, Advent waiting is a joyful experience. That’s because the one for whom we wait is already here with us. This makes Advent waiting an active time, as it is waiting for something you are already tasting that is cause for joy and rejoicing.
On the third Sunday of Advent, God’s word leads us to rejoice as we reflect and realize that God is already working with us and for us. This Sunday is also known as “Gaudete” (rejoicing) Sunday, when the liturgical color changes to rose or pink and - using a humorous illustration - the entire environment appears to be inspired by a big bottle of Pepto Bismol. This is all about joyful waiting because we can already actively experience the God for whom our soul is thirsting!
The prophet Isaiah expresses this same joy when he realizes “the spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me… I rejoice heartily in the LORD, in my God is the joy of my soul” (Isaiah 61:1,10). This Psalm calls each one of us to say, “My soul rejoices in my God.” Saint Paul tells the Christians in Thessalonica to “rejoice always.” Then comes the Gospel, the good news for which we must rejoice, the reason why our waiting must be a pleasant joyful experience.
Here, we are told that God’s promise of salvation is no longer in the future and that God has already begun to fulfill the promise… God sent John the Baptist to prepare the way. It is a joyful feeling to see your future and dreams beginning to actualize. The presence of John the Baptist is God’s way of saying “I’m actually saving you, now, in real-time.”
May God’s word lift up our souls. Let us change our perception and attitudes toward waiting from passivity to activity. Discuss with your small faith groups just how God is with you and in your life. How are you active in the way God is present during your everyday activities and work, and in your relationships?
Our own parishioner, Lisa Tolido, tells us what the third Sunday of Advent seeks to do for us, in one of her “JESUS BOOST” podcast episodes. Check out Lisa’s podcast here for reflections that will spring you into action even as you wait for the coming of Christ. You will indeed feel that the boost of Jesus the Emmanuel is already present with you.
There is joy in Advent waiting. Don’t be left out! Wait for it but find it also already with you. Jesus is already born in you… yes, during your baptism.
Let Jesus be the joy of your waiting, the reason for your preparation, and the content of your rejoicing!
Fr. Kwame
Sign Up for Your Reservations...
Saturday, December 19th from 2:30 to 3:30 pm.
SATURDAY In-Person 4:00 pm VIGIL Mass - Sign up Here
(Weather Permitting) Saturday, December 19th in the courtyard.
SUNDAY Morning 9:30 am Mass - On-site viewing discontinued during winter.
First, watch Sunday's Mass video at home. Afterward, come to the Church for Communion between 10:45 am and 11:30 am.
(Weather Permitting) Saturday, December 19th in the courtyard.
SUNDAY Morning 9:30 am Mass - On-site viewing discontinued during winter.
First, watch Sunday's Mass video at home. Afterward, come to the Church for Communion between 10:45 am and 11:30 am.
Dec
15
Fr. Kwame's Q&A on Catholic Faith
TUESDAY Evening at 7:00 pm on Zoom
Are you going?
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not going.
might be going.
Fr. Kwame's Q&A on Catholic Faith
Tuesday, Dec 15th, 2020, at 7:00 PM
Join Zoom Meeting:
Meeting ID: 836 3374 1223
Passcode: SC4ZFL
Telephones Dial:
+1 669-900-6833
Meeting ID: 836 3374 1223
Passcode: 450850
Dec
15
Tuesday Evening: "Come and See"
7:00 PM on Zoom
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going.
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might be going.
Adult Faith Formation Zoom Meeting
"COME AND SEE"
We welcome all who are interested in walking with Jesus
Tuesday Evenings at 7:00 PM
Each meeting lasts about 40 minutes and includes a brief discussion on a topic basic to the Catholic faith. You don't have to go to one meeting to be able to go to another. The meeting format will accommodate discussion, so please bring your questions.
"Come and See" sessions are provided for everyone who is interested, including the following:
"Come and See" sessions are provided for everyone who is interested, including the following:
- Catholics who feel their spiritual formation has stopped and are not sure how to get it growing again
- Non-Catholics who are curious about our faith
- The first step for those who wish to explore becoming Catholic
- Those Catholics who wish to complete the sacraments of Eucharist and/or Confirmation.
If you have a friend or family member who wants to learn more about the Catholic faith we invite you all to “come and see”.
For more information, contact Daniel Goodman at gotfordtires@gmail.com.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Dec
17
Adult Bible Study Program
Thursday Evening at 7:00 pm on Zoom
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going.
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might be going.
Fr. Kwame's Adult Bible Study Program
Thursday, Dec 17th, 2020, at 7:00 PM
Topic:
The Gospels, Pt. VI
Join Zoom Meeting:
Meeting ID: 840 6774 4083
Passcode: 3EDSHy
Telephones Dial:
+1 669-900-6833
Meeting ID: 840 6774 4083
Passcode: 178877
Dec
19
Grief Support Meeting on Zoom
Saturday at 10:00 AM on Zoom
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going.
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might be going.
Monthly Grief Support Meeting
This is an opportunity for anyone who has lost a loved one, to share their experience with others in a safe place. Expressing your feelings help to process what you are going through. Please join us.
For more information and to receive your Zoom invitation, be sure to contact Claire La Scola at clairelascola@gmail.com or (925) 447-9800. Claire is a retired nurse and psychotherapist.
Dec
20
Sunday at 5:00 pm - Carols at Christmas!
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Mark Your Calendar!
A link to the specific video will be provided in a future flocknote.
Dec
22
Family Christmas Zoom Celebration
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going.
not going.
might be going.
St. Charles' Men Of Faith
invites all parishioners to the first (and hopefully last)
Family Christmas Zoom Celebration for children and adults
December 22, 2020 4:50 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Family Christmas Zoom Celebration for children and adults
December 22, 2020 4:50 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
This will be an opportunity to enjoy our St. Charles
community, where we can...
• Share our family Christmas decorations.
• Greet the neighbor who used to sit in the adjacent pew.
• Listen to traditional Christmas music.
Santa Claus will greet our parish children with a Christmas message.
Father Kwame will give us a special Christmas blessing.
Join us for part or all of our celebration.
We want to wish your family a Merry Christmas!
Jesus Boost Podcast
Be inspired and empowered each week! Jesus Boost invites you to connect with and tap into the infinite strength and unconditional love of God, available to everyone. There is so much beauty, joy, and power in knowing you are never alone and that Jesus is by your side on this journey. Jesus Boost is your reminder with honest, insightful commentary about modern-day situations, supported by scripture and words of wisdom from renowned leaders. Come away with a fresh perspective, a smile, and a wonderful, unique spiritual lift to help you greet life with renewed hope and strength.
Venture Scouts Help Rescue Great Horned Owl
Venturing Crew 942, chartered in 2019 and sponsored by St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Livermore, has picked conservation as one of its areas of focus.
Regina Molitoris, who is crew president, has earned the BSA World Conservation Award, sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund, and is mentoring other Venturers working toward the award.
Recently, Regina helped rescue a great horned owl that had become caught in barbed wire in South Livermore Valley.
Read the entire story in The Independent
Regina Molitoris, who is crew president, has earned the BSA World Conservation Award, sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund, and is mentoring other Venturers working toward the award.
Recently, Regina helped rescue a great horned owl that had become caught in barbed wire in South Livermore Valley.
Read the entire story in The Independent
In Case You Missed Sunday's Mass...
St. Charles' Health Ministry News
Practicing Gratitude
In our mental series these last few weeks, a common concept that has come up is gratitude. It is a wonderful opportunity to delve further into the practice of gratitude now that Thanksgiving has passed. After all, Thanksgiving should not be something we celebrate once a year, but all days of the year!
In our everyday lives, we know gratitude as a way to say “thank you” to someone who has helped us in some way or has given us a gift. But gratitude is more than just expressing thanks. It is a deeper appreciation for someone, something, an experience, or a situation that produces longer lasting positivity. There are many definitions of gratitude, but one simple definition that comes from psychology research is “a social emotion that signals our recognition of the things others have done for us” (Fox et al., 2015). The practice of gratitude then is a tool for increasing our well-being, and if we do that, we begin to spread that well-being to others thus creating a healthy community!
“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” – William Arthur Ward. Below is a list of a few ways to give your gift of gratitude to others for the holiday season.
- Write and mail a gratitude letter or note to a good friend, co-worker, or teacher
- Acknowledge thanks or appreciation to someone on your favorite social media post
- Actively listen to someone who wishes to express their concerns to you. Remain attentive, and allow them to direct the conversation
- Create a gratitude scrapbook or photo album with pictures with your friends and family sharing happy times
- Make a jar full of gratitude notes or quotes and give it as a gift! Encourage the person to read one a day so that they feel appreciated each day.
- Generate a playlist of songs that make you feel joyful, and share with a friend on Spotify or on your favorite music streaming app.
- Compliment someone’s talent, skill, or strength that you admire
- When paying the bill at a restaurant, write a small note of thanks on the receipt for the server to read
- If a loved one or friend has passed away this year, celebrate one quality you admire in them and spread that quality to others.
- Lastly, give the free gift of your smile! Mother Teresa said, “Let us always meet each other with a smile, for a smile is the beginning of love”.
Jan
4
Monday Evening - WALKING WITH PURPOSE on Zoom
Are you going?
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going.
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might be going.
Walking with Purpose
Bible Study Program
Opening Your Heart
by Lisa Brenninkmeyer
CURRENTLY ON BREAK
Meetings resume on Monday, January 4th, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Meetings resume on Monday, January 4th, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Questions? Contact:
Angela Layton
602-799-6648
wwpstcharleslivermore@gmail.com
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Community
1315 Lomitas Ave.
Livermore, CA 94550
