Monday, March 15th, 2021
If you were blind, you would have no sin;
but now you are saying, “We see”,
but now you are saying, “We see”,
so your sin remains.
(John 9:41)
You may have heard the popular saying: “seeing is believing.” The saying can be understood in two ways: First, it can mean that your seeing something leads you to believe it – seeing causes belief as we read about Thomas seeing Christ after the resurrection. Second, “seeing is believing” can mean literally that seeing something is interchangeable with believing the thing. Here, instead of saying "I see Jesus", you can say "I believe Jesus". This second meaning of “seeing is believing” is the key to unlock the meaning of the Gospel story we heard on Sunday.
You likely realize that our Gospel reading is from John instead of Mark. This is because we need this story of the man born blind to help us encourage those who prepare for baptism at the Easter Vigil and season. Baptism is the sacrament of faith, so these soon-to-be baptized need our support to strengthen their belief in Jesus. Like the man born blind – without sight – they also are yet to spiritually “see” or believe Jesus. Like this man, those whom we call the “Elect” must admit their hunger and thirst for Christ, our Justice. This means they must intensify their passion and eagerness to know who Christ is and his lifestyle of unconditional and sacrificial love.
However, the story of the man born blind does not apply to only our soon to be baptized friends; it applies to the entire body of Christ – the Church community – as well. Yes, we already have been baptized and we can claim to know and believe in Christ. But, it is also a fact that we don’t have a perfect sight of Christ.
In this pandemic, we experience many things that make us fall into blindness and doubt God: the death of a spouse, relative or close friend, the loss of a job, loneliness and anxiety, change of location, loss of the “normal” and familiar lifestyles like work or school or worship and sacramental practices, loss of marriage or property, loss in ONE political election - the list has no end. As someone remarked to me “the Livestream or zoom thing doesn’t cut it for me.” These are losses often shake our belief and blur our vision of Christ – we doubt if God really exists or is aware of our situation.
Thus, as a community of already baptized individuals, we also are invited to admit our blindness or weakened sight, so that we can accept the healing work that Christ offers us. To say that we are okay and need no learning, searching, and thirsting for Christ makes us hypocrite Pharisees in the gospel. Jesus warns against such hypocrisy (see the title verse above). If the fact is that all are human, so sinful, blind, and thirsty, then claiming the opposite makes all these conditions remain.
Therefore, both the soon to be baptized and the baptized alike enter into this period of intense preparation before the new Christians join us. The “Scrutinies” are series of prayers and rituals by which the Church prepares both itself and the soon-to-be baptized for that big moment of new birth in baptism at the Easter Vigil.
There are three “Scrutinies” performed at the Masses of the third, fourth and fifth Sundays of Lent. Each scrutiny makes use of a Gospel story such as: “The Woman at the Well” (read a week ago Sunday); “The Man Born Blind” (yesterday's Gospel); and “The Raising of Lazarus from the Dead” (the Gospel of next Sunday).
Here then, the whole Church must be involved with and pay close attention to what is happening with those preparing for baptism at this time. It is not just the work of the RCIA or RCIC; it is our Church community itself that needs to prepare and make room for the newborns at Easter.
Remember - if you claim to see, you remain in your sin. Therefore, admit your emptiness, blindness, and other vices, and be disposed for Christ to fill you, and open or sharpen your spiritual sight.
Happy Laetare “Rejoice” Sunday!
-- Fr. Kwame
Jesus Boost Podcast
This week's episodes are about MERCY
Episode 25
Episode 25
Amazing, Glorious, Unlimited Grace
Get a better understanding of what grace actually is, notice it more easily, and receive it more readily!
Get a better understanding of what grace actually is, notice it more easily, and receive it more readily!
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.
Mar
16
COME and See on ZOOM
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not going.
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
This Week's Topic:
This Week's Topic:
STRUCTURE OF THE CHURCH
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.
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”.
To Join Zoom Meeting, Click HERE
Meeting ID: 321 832 6812
Password: Jesus2020
Meeting ID: 321 832 6812
Password: Jesus2020
We look forward to seeing you there!
For more information, contact
Daniel Goodman at gotfordtires@gmail.com.
For more information, contact
Daniel Goodman at gotfordtires@gmail.com.
All are welcome
to tune in!
to tune in!
Questions:
Janet Schott
925-373-9346
or
Cindy Kline
925-724-7636
View Our
PRESENTATION SCHEDULE
PRESENTATION SCHEDULE
Mar
18
WINGS on ZOOM
Our Session Begins at 9:45 am
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This Week With WINGS
Guest Speaker:
Jeff Davidson
"The Journey is the Destination -
Walking the Camino de Santiago"
Jeff Davidson
"The Journey is the Destination -
Walking the Camino de Santiago"
The Camino Frances, also known as the Camino de Santiago or the Way of St. James, is part of a network of pilgrimages leading to the shrine of the apostle James in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain.
For over 1,000 years, devotees have walked across Europe to Santiago de Compostela. The Camino Frances is a 500-mile pilgrimage beginning in southern France, crossing the Pyrenees mountains into Spain and continuing west across the width of Northern Spain.
After watching the movie "The Way", Jeff Davidson was motivated to walk the Camino de Santiago. In June of 2015, Jeff completed the walk in 25 days averaging 20 miles a day. He returned in 2017 and walked a section of the Portuguese Camino. Jeff will be sharing his experiences through a multi-media presentation covering a brief history of the Camino de Santiago, his preparation, experiences, and reflections.
Jeff is a 5th generation resident of Marin and retired from active duty as a firefighter for 35 years with the City of Mill Valley Fire Department.
Join Our Zoom Meeting at 9:45 am:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81003453264?pwd=RllhS3VhZmVUSzY5ZitSNTMyWDhZZz09
Meeting ID: 810 0345 3264
Passcode: 098728
Dial by Phone:
+1 408 638 0968
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81003453264?pwd=RllhS3VhZmVUSzY5ZitSNTMyWDhZZz09
Meeting ID: 810 0345 3264
Passcode: 098728
Dial by Phone:
+1 408 638 0968
Mar
18
Thursday Evening Adult Bible Study on Zoom
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going.
not going.
might be going.
Fr. Kwame's Adult Bible Study Program
Thursday Evening at 7:00 pm on Zoom
Topic:
The Gospels 6.8
(A link to the handout will be included in Thursday's flocknote.)
Join Our Zoom Meeting at 7:00 PM:
Meeting ID: 870 1819 8215
Passcode: t0G2sE
Dial by Phone:
+1 669 900 6833
Meeting ID: 870 1819 8215
Passcode: 852663
Watch Videos of Fr. Kwame's Previous
Adult Bible Study Sessions
Adult Bible Study Sessions
Mar
20
Lenten Virtual Retreat on Zoom - Saturday Morning from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.
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might be going.
Lent is a season of personal and communal practices that influence us and our participation in the celebrations of Easter. Lent is a time to make space within the soul, to simplify one’s life. During Lent, it is about being open to the graces that can heal a broken heart, restore a season of despair and rejuvenate one’s sight that has been blurred by the tribulations of a pandemic.
Let us come away a while and listen for this journey together and see where God is inviting each of us into his healing loving presence.
Each three-hour virtual retreat/Session will include
Prayer~ music ~ presenters reflection ~
time for quiet reflection ~ small group sharing and
end with Mass and music with Jesse Manibusan
Presenters:
Fr. Rusty Shaughnessy and Margaret Riley
During these uncertain times, we are offering a sliding scale. Choose the cost that best suits your needs. Click HERE to register. If you have questions or would like to make your reservations by phone and pay with your credit card, please call Kateri at 925-785-9850.
Mar
20
TWO Men of Faith Events!
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going.
not going.
might be going.
The Men of Faith ministry at St. Charles and the Heaven's Angels are excited to announce our Motorcycle ride on Saturday morning, March 20th, 2021!
We will meet at the church at 9:45 AM. for a route overview, safety talk, and blessing of our bikes by Father Kwame. “Kickstands Up” promptly at 10:00 A.M. on our route. We will take a coffee break halfway at The Junction in San Antonio Valley before heading back home.
Questions? Contact:
Sunil Assao
sunil.assao@gmail.com
408.472.4938
sunil.assao@gmail.com
408.472.4938
Attention Men!
The Men of Faith group is hosting Boy’s Night Out on Saturday, March 20th from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Enjoy a large Papa Murphy’s pizza free on us as we gather as a group to watch a movie and then discuss it from a faith perspective. The movie is “The Dawn Wall,” and is set in Yosemite. Come as early as 5:00 p.m. We will begin airing the film at about 5:30 p.m. so cook your take-n-bake pizza by that time.
To register and arrange for your free pizza click HERE and complete the form. If you encounter difficulties, contact Jim Lucas via email: gojimlucas@gmail.com
Our Zoom Meeting begins at 5:00 p.m.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85475837425?pwd=L0pPOWltTGtCVSs3U2F6V284TW1qQT09
To make a free-will donation to support Men of Faith Programs any time of year, please click HERE. Please take care to use the drop-down menu to locate: Men of Faith (Free will Donation).
Meanwhile, if you don’t care for pizza, please join us anyway with the meal of your choice!
Regards,
Jim Lucas
(925) 980-7871
gojimlucas@gmail.com
Mar
22
Monday Evening - WALKING WITH PURPOSE on Zoom
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going.
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might be going.
Walking with Purpose
Bible Study Program
Opening Your Heart
by Lisa Brenninkmeyer
Questions? Contact:
Angela Layton
602-799-6648
wwpstcharleslivermore@gmail.com
Mar
26
Young Adult Ministry - Friday Evening
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going.
not going.
might be going.
Friday, March 26th - 7-8 pm:
Bible Sharing
Break out those bibles and bring some passages to the group for us all to discuss. Personally meaningful verses are appreciated, as are confusing or challenging ones. Let's see what God is telling us!
Zoom URL:
As always, people are welcome to follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/LivermoreYoungAdult.
Young Adult Ministry
The St. Charles Young Adult Ministry
welcomes all young adult parishioners
from 18-35+ to come and discuss topics
in the faith, get to know each other and
Jesus better, and make the St. Charles
community a bit more personal.
We’re currently holding events via Zoom
on the second and fourth Fridays of each month.
Questions? Feel Free to Contact Me at Any Time:
Health Ministry News
Covid-19 Update:
There is so much every changing data regarding Covid-19, the Health Ministry felt it was time to share some up-to-date information.
Mass information:
Due to the Alameda County restrictions on in-person mass, be sure to check our updated service scheduling to see how we are continuing our worship.
Gatherings:
Small and time-limited private gatherings among no more than three households are now permitted indoors under State guidance but outdoors is still strongly encouraged. Masks and physical distancing are still required for these gatherings, and anyone who is experiencing symptoms must not attend.
Per state guidance, singing, shouting, chanting, cheering, or exercising are strongly discouraged and not permitted indoors. Those at high risk of severe illness are strongly encouraged not to attend.
Large gatherings are still prohibited. On April 1, 2021, the county will lesson more restrictions depending on Covid numbers.
New cases: 3,560
7-day average 3,916
Total cases: 81,768
Deaths: 1,324
Although we are all hopeful the vaccine will help control the pandemic it will not stop it. It is highly recommended by the CDC we continue to wear masks, social distance, and limit indoor and outdoor gatherings.
US Bishops further clarify Church’s position on Covid-19 vaccine
CA Catholic Conference, Catholic Health Care Ministries, and Catholic Charities Support COVID-19 Vaccinations https://cacatholic.org/article/ca-bishops-catholic-healthcare-and-charities-support-covid-19-vaccinations
The California Catholic Conference[i]affirms that the imminent Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are morally acceptable and commit to working closely with Catholic health care Promote and encourage COVID-19 vaccinations in collaboration with state and local governments and other entities;
- Advocate on behalf of vulnerable populations to ensure that they have access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines; and,
- Provide regular and accurate information to parishioners and the community in support of morally acceptable, safe, and effective COVID-19 vaccines.
- Life has changed this year in ways few of us could have imagined. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a loss of life and livelihood to every community, rich and poor. We mourn for those who have died and for their families, and we offer our prayers and assistance to those struggling with the loss of businesses, unemployment, loneliness, anxiety, and other traumas brought on by this calamity.
Updates on the COVID-19 pandemic
from the Johns Hopkins Center for Health
Security Guidelines Updated March 10, 2021: www.centerforhealthsecurity.org/news/newsletters/hsh
from the Johns Hopkins Center for Health
Security Guidelines Updated March 10, 2021: www.centerforhealthsecurity.org/news/newsletters/hsh
Myths and Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines
Updated Mar 11, 2021
Now that there are authorized and recommended COVID-19 vaccines in the United States, accurate vaccine information is critical. www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/facts.html
How do I know which sources of COVID-19 vaccine information are accurate? It can be difficult to know which sources of information you can trust. Learn more about finding credible vaccine information. CDC.gov
The covid-19 vaccine has brought to the forefront the need to be vaccinated to control the pandemic. A friendly reminder that vaccinations have been recommended since the smallpox vaccination in 1796.
The following is a list of vaccinations
recommended by the CDC:
recommended by the CDC:
Age 19-26 - Seasonal flu, Tdap
Age 50 + - Seasonal flu, shingles,
pneumococcal (PPSV23)
pneumococcal (PPSV23)
St. Charles Social Concerns Committee
Lenten Collections - February 17 through April 1, 2021
One of the many important activities of the St. Charles Social Concerns Committee (SCC) is to sponsor the Lenten Collection starting on Ash Wednesday and continuing through Holy Thursday. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, the collections in 2021will be monetary only. Parishioners have the opportunity to donate much-needed funding to the organizations supported by the SCC. 100% of your donation will support these agencies and directly benefit people most in need.
Receiving your support in 2021 through the Lenten Collection are:
- St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry
- Livermore Homeless Refuge
- Interfaith Sharing Food Pantry
- Oakland Catholic Worker
- Tri-Valley Haven Food Pantry
- Open Heart Kitchen
- Elizabeth House
Monetary donations in the form of check or on-line donation can be made by mailing your donation to:
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church
1315 Lomitas Ave, Livermore, CA 94550,
or on-line at www.stcharleslivermore.org/give.
Please note: Checks payable to St. Charles designated “Lenten Collection” will be divided equally among the seven charities. If you wish to have your check go to a specific organization, please write the name of the organization in the memo line of your check. We cannot accept checks payable directly to the agencies.
If you have any questions, please call:
Linda Nidever-Galles
Lenten Collection Coordinator
(925) 443-4943
In case you missed my State of the Parish Address...
You May Also Read the Parish Address
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Community
1315 Lomitas Ave.
Livermore, CA 94550
