Wednesday, March 31st, 2021
(Be Sure to Wear Red on Good Friday!)
Dear Saint Charles Family:
Good News! Alameda County has moved into the Orange Tier. Accordingly, we have increased the seating capacity in the church.
If you were not able to sign up to reserve seats for Holy Thursday, Saturday's Easter Vigil, or Easter Sunday, you can sign up now. Be sure to CLICK HERE to view the entire list of Holy Week services and sign up to attend the services of your choice. Note: You will want to arrive at the services earlier than normal, as the check-in procedure for the additional capacity will take a little longer.
Meanwhile, parishioners who had earlier signed up to attend overflow in Borromeo Hall have been contacted and will now be seated in the church.
On the other hand, we will continue to hold overflow for Sunday's 9:30 AM Mass in the Keeley Center Courtyard, for those who feel safer outdoors.
I also wanted to let you know that next week only (Monday through Friday) we will be holding in-person Communion Services at 9:00 am. These services will be in place of our regular 9:00 am Livestream Masses, so we will be off-line next week. As before, however, you are still invited to receive Holy Communion from 9:30 am to 10:00 am on these days. Our regular Mass schedule will return on the following week.
I also wanted to let you know that next week only (Monday through Friday) we will be holding in-person Communion Services at 9:00 am. These services will be in place of our regular 9:00 am Livestream Masses, so we will be off-line next week. As before, however, you are still invited to receive Holy Communion from 9:30 am to 10:00 am on these days. Our regular Mass schedule will return on the following week.
If you will be viewing our Truduum 9:00 am Morning Prayer services from home, you may download the prayer booklet for each day from this page on our website, thanks to Holly O'Hagan!
This weekend's Bulletins are in short supply, so feel free to read or download the new online Bulletin HERE so those who don't read their flocknotes may pick up a printed copy.
Blessings,
Fr. Kwame
The Sacraments at Home
As in years past, we enter Holy Week with anticipation, caution, and courage. Some of us will come to church and use this day of New Life to inaugurate the next step into normalcy. However, many of us are not quite across the threshold. We may be on waiting lists for vaccines or not even that far along.
Therefore, if you will be celebrating Holy Week at Home we encourage you to truly CELEBRATE. Pour yourself and your loved ones a pitcher of water and put out a few towels for Holy Thursday.
Perhaps you can take down your well-loved Cross from the wall and prepare your own Veneration for Good Friday.
On Holy Saturday, you can get dressed up. Find your Baptismal Candle (if you have it) or a taper and light a candle during the service.
Perhaps you are one of the few who have a fireplace in which you can light an actual fire.
Whatever you choose to do, be sure to make this week feel Holy. If you start preparing now it may make getting there that much more satisfying.
- HOLY THURSDAY: On this day we kick the three-day-long celebration. First, you are invited to MORNING PRAYER at 9 AM in the Church or pray with us by watching the live video (pick up a copy of the Triduum Morning Prayers). Then at 7 PM, we will gather to celebrate the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, also both in-person or by video.
- GOOD FRIDAY: There will not be a Mass on this day. We regather for MORNING PRAYERS at 9 AM in-person or via live video. At noon, we will Livestream the BIBLICAL STATIONS OF THE CROSS. Then at 3:00 PM, we regather – in-person or via video – to celebrate the PASSION OF OUR LORD. After the service, the Cross will be displayed outside for drive-by veneration.
- HOLY SATURDAY: Our focus on Saturday shifts from the burial of Jesus in the tomb to his resurrection to complete the saving work of God for humankind. We regather in-person or on Livestream for MORNING PRAYERS at 8 AM. And, at 8 PM we gather again in-person or via video to celebrate the GREAT EASTER VIGIL.
- EASTER SUNDAY: The celebration of the Lord’s resurrection continues from the Easter Vigil and ends on the evening of Easter Sunday. Yet, Easter Sunday will also be the FIRST SUNDAY OF EASTER. From 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM you are invited for WALK-THROUGH COMMUNION. The Easter Day Masses are as follows: 9:30 AM in-person or on video; 11:30 AM in-person only.
We encourage all Catholics to make the Triduum and one of the Sunday Masses. We also invite all Christians and non-Christians alike to join us if even to celebrate what we believe is the greatest gift that God has given to liberate the world and humanity – the pure act of love and justice for peace!
Fr. Kwame's Adult Bible Study Program
We are currently on break and will return on
Thursday, April 22nd at 7:00 pm
Thursday, April 22nd at 7:00 pm
Meanwhile, You May Watch
Videos of Fr. Kwame's Previous
Adult Bible Study Sessions
Videos of Fr. Kwame's Previous
Adult Bible Study Sessions
Jesus Boost Podcast
This week's episodes are about MERCY
Episode 27:
Episode 27:
Sunsets, oceans, birds, stars… all
creation sings His praise.
Become aware of more ways to
connect with God through
nature, rejoicing in the
comforting embrace
of Jesus’ love.
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.
Apr
12
Monday Evening: Men of Faith - Monthly Zoom Mtg.
Are you going?
Yes
No
Maybe
going.
not going.
might be going.
Please join us!
Men of Faith will hold their next monthly Zoom meeting on Monday, April 12th from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Our guest speaker will be Richard Murray of The Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Antioch, CA. Richard is a teacher, writer, and a former Carmaldolese monk currently working on his first book on the Bible and the spiritual evolution of humanity.
Men of Faith will hold their next monthly Zoom meeting on Monday, April 12th from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Our guest speaker will be Richard Murray of The Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Antioch, CA. Richard is a teacher, writer, and a former Carmaldolese monk currently working on his first book on the Bible and the spiritual evolution of humanity.
Please join us for his talk on the Lord’s Prayer and some surprising and inspiring secrets it holds for us. Read his bio and a short treatment of his talk HERE.
Join our Zoom session at 7:00 pm:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83474917333?pwd=SUZPRVBRbUwraHUrTTdaTGRtUEt1dz09
Meeting ID: 834 7491 7333
Passcode: 097186
Jim Lucas
(925) 980-7871
gojimlucas@gmail.com
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83474917333?pwd=SUZPRVBRbUwraHUrTTdaTGRtUEt1dz09
Meeting ID: 834 7491 7333
Passcode: 097186
Jim Lucas
(925) 980-7871
gojimlucas@gmail.com
Health Ministry News
STROKE
By Joanne Berven, RN
Stroke, even by name, can be scary. It can be deadly, or it can leave one with a myriad of problems and the inability to function normally.
There are basically three kinds of stroke.
1.) Hemorrhagic stroke is bleeding into the brain. A classic sign is experiencing suddenly “the worst headache of your life”.
There are basically three kinds of stroke.
1.) Hemorrhagic stroke is bleeding into the brain. A classic sign is experiencing suddenly “the worst headache of your life”.
The best thing to do when this occurs is to call 911 to be transported to a nearby stroke center for specialized and immediate treatment.
2.) Ischemic stroke is a clot that shuts down blood flow to the brain. This type of stroke is more common. Like a heart attack, the clot blocks the blood flow to the tissues beyond it. Symptoms depend on what tissues are involved.
3.) A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), or a mini-stroke, is one where there are symptoms, but they go away in a short period of time. However, it is a warning sign of a possible bigger stroke.
Symptoms of stroke include balance issues, trouble seeing out of one for both eyes, facial droop, weakness or paralysis of arms, trouble speaking, and not making sense. Be aware of when symptoms start or when was the person last seen in a normal state. This will be one of the first things you will be asked when calling for help.
Treatment depends on what kind of stroke (this is determined at the hospital) and what the symptoms are and how long the person has had symptoms.
Use this acronym BEFAST to remember the symptoms:
- Balance: sudden loss of coordination
- Eyes (visual disturbances): trouble seeing out of one or both eyes
- Facial droop: Ask the person to smile; is the smile normal or does it droop to one side?
- Arm or leg weakness: Ask the person to raise both arms; does one arm drift downward and is the person not able to lift his or her arm?
- Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase; is the speech slurred or strange?
- Time to call 911.
The longer one goes without treatment, the worse the outcome.
All stroke symptoms are a medical emergency therefore call 911 immediately. For our area, the Stanford-ValleyCare (Pleasanton) is our nearby stroke center. Do not drive to the hospital. Paramedics may be able to start treatment when they get to you. Or, while in transport to the hospital, they can alert medical staff of your symptoms and be better prepared for treatment upon arrival. (Trust me – I have 20 years of experience in the ER!)
Stroke risks: High blood pressure, smoking, overweight, diabetes, too much alcohol, sedentary lifestyle.
Lifestyle changes to help prevent stroke: control your blood pressure, manage your cholesterol, stop smoking, eat healthy, regular physical exercise; diabetes and blood pressure management
Here are some helpful resources to learn more about stroke:
- Stroke: Signs and Symptoms
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Community
1315 Lomitas Ave.
Livermore, CA 94550
