April 19th, 2021
Dear St. Charles Family:
As mentioned in last Thursday's flocknote, the online scammers are at it again. This time the scam artists are using the contact information of pastors and religious leaders to solicit money, gift cards, and to pay online for their expenses.
Saint Charles Borromeo is blessed in that one of our own parishioners has a background in cybersecurity. I encourage you to make time to attend Erwin Chiong's Cybersecurity Training Session on Zoom. The session has been postponed from April 27th to Tuesday, May 4th at 7 pm. You can find the details and Zoom link below.
Meanwhile, our Adult Bible Study Sessions resume this Thursday at 7:00 pm, and I look forward to seeing you there!
And, finally, let us give thanks to Deacon Gil Pesqueira, for providing us with his message for the Third Sunday of Easter! (see below)
Fr. Kwame
Turnaround
When we first meet John the Baptist in the Gospel of Matthew, he is preparing the way for Jesus by calling people to repentance: “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is near.” The gospel of Mark is the first gospel that was written and is the basis for the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Jesus' first words recorded in this first Gospel are, “This is the time of fulfillment. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”
In Sunday's Gospel just before Jesus ascends to heaven he tells the disciples “…that repentance, for the forgiveness of sin would be preached in his name to all nations beginning from Jerusalem.” One theme that occurs in all three of today’s readings is, forgiveness is available to those who repent and believe in Jesus as their Savior. The word “repent” is often misunderstood. It seems to imply that we have already done something wrong, we are sorry and regret it, and we now commit ourselves to live in a new way. Repentance understood in this way, means to live beyond a sinful past.
Biblically, this is not quite what is meant. In the gospels, the particular word used for repentance is metanoia. The biblical word, “metanoia”, has much wider connotations. “Metanoia” comes from two Greek words: Meta, meaning above; and Nous, meaning mind. “Metanoia” invites us to move above our normal instincts, into a higher mindset. Literally, this means to do an about-face, to turnaround, to face in an entirely new direction. But in what direction are we called to turn to?
“Metanoia” invites us to move above and beyond our normal instincts. We are invited to turn around our lives to a high- er mindset that will allow us to rise above our natural inclination of self-interest and self-protection. When our egos or fear enter our lives they frequently trigger feelings of bitterness, negativity, and lack of empathy inside us. “Metanoia” invites us to meet all situations, however unfair they may seem, with humility, understanding, and an empathic heart.
We hear in today’s second reading “He (Jesus) is the expiation for our sins, not only our sins but the sins of the whole world.” The word expiation means the act of making amends or reparation for guilt or wrongdoing, Jesus has paid our debt, and he has died for our sins. But this is not the end of the story it is only the beginning. We are called to take the next step or Jesus' death is for naught. The next step is repentance, stepping away from sin and turning around our lives toward what is good and right. It is more than seeking forgiveness; it is seeking the right relationship with God.
Our sins have been forgiven and now we are called to conversion. We are to live our faith daily. Our turnaround is accomplished by daily picking up our own crosses through gestures of justice, reconciliation, and conversion. If we struggle with hate, loving acceptance will lead us to conversion. If we struggle with selfishness, putting the needs of others first will lead us to conversion. If we struggle with materialism, simplifying our lives will lead us to conversion. Find the one thing that is having the biggest negative impact on your life and work to turn it over to God.
We have traveled the 40 days of Lent, which was about forgiveness and mercy and we are now on our 50-day Easter journey, which will hopefully lead us to repentance and conversion. We are being called to turn around. We are being called to conversion from unbelief to belief, from fear to courage, from doubt to certainty, and ultimately from a separation from God to a right relationship. Let us move beyond our current mindset and beyond our present way of living.
We are a sensual people, we believe in what our senses can perceive. Let our eyes be open in order to see more deeply and spiritually; let our ears be open to hear things more compassionately, and let our mouths loosen in order to more freely speak words of reconciliation and love to one another. Lord, please turn around our lives to see, hear and speak not bitterness, hurt, and pettiness but rather compassion, gratitude, and praise.
Deacon Gil
Apr
20
Tuesday Evening COME AND SEE on Zoom
Are you going?
Yes
No
Maybe
going.
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
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.
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.
Jesus Boost Podcast
This week's episodes are about MERCY
Episode 30
Episode 30
We can't take it with us.
All the stuff we acquire. It's temporary, replaceable, and not important,
as those in a fire have learned.
as those in a fire have learned.
It can all burn as long as
the people and pets are ok.
Relationships are what matter,
especially the one with Jesus.
His love is true treasure,
happy are those
who know and embrace it.
the people and pets are ok.
Relationships are what matter,
especially the one with Jesus.
His love is true treasure,
happy are those
who know and embrace it.
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
22
Thursday Morning WINGS on Zoom
Are you going?
Yes
No
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going.
not going.
might be going.
THURSDAY, April 22, 2021 @ 9:45AM
Presenter:
Lisa Tolido
Topic:
Breath of Life
Join Our Zoom Meeting at 9:45 am:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82348935956?pwd=UVNYV2dReUZuL3J4SjRNYmc4THNydz09
Meeting ID: 823 4893 5956
Passcode: 127754
Dial by phone:
+1 408 638 0968
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82348935956?pwd=UVNYV2dReUZuL3J4SjRNYmc4THNydz09
Meeting ID: 823 4893 5956
Passcode: 127754
Dial by phone:
+1 408 638 0968
Lisa hosts the Jesus Boost Podcasts with new episodes out every Sunday. Originally from the North East. She was raised in Connecticut and graduated from Syracuse University. She was educated in Catholic schools and has been involved in Christian ministry for over two decades, with leadership roles in MOMS (Ministry of Mothers Sharing), Christ Renews His Parish, and more. She founded her own women’s ministry: Be Strong Ministries, Exercises for Physical and Spiritual Strength in Charlotte, NC. She is a Proverbs 31 She Speaks Graduate, author of Evangelization 101 for St. Matthew Church, author of a Christian children’s picture book titled Saved by Love, an experienced retreat leader, and an outspoken lover of the Lord.
Lisa works full time as Operations Manager for the Livermore Wine Trolley. She has been a parishioner at St. Charles since she and her husband of 26 plus years moved to Livermore in 2015. Together they have three adult children.
Apr
22
Thursday Evening ADULT BIBLE STUDY on ZOOM
Are you going?
Yes
No
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going.
not going.
might be going.
Fr. Kwame's Adult Bible Study Program
Topic:
THE GOSPELS pt. 7
A handout will be included in Thursday's flocknote.
Join Our Zoom Session at 7:00 pm:
Join Our Zoom Session at 7:00 pm:
Meeting ID: 858 4870 7989
Passcode: 119389
Dial by Phone
+1 669 900 6833 US
Meeting ID: 858 4870 7989
Passcode: 119389
You May View VIDEOS of Previous
Adult Bible Study Sessions
Adult Bible Study Sessions
Apr
23
Friday Evening YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY BIBLE SHARING
Are you going?
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going.
not going.
might be going.
4th Friday Bible Sharing (April 23rd) - Join us on Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85387633181?pwd=T1NyUDlweXRWNnBaTkRQNGhwY0d4QT09
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85387633181?pwd=T1NyUDlweXRWNnBaTkRQNGhwY0d4QT09
Meeting ID: 853 8763 3181
Passcode: 763341
Apr
26
Monday Evening WALKING WITH PURPOSE on ZOOM
Are you going?
Yes
No
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going.
not going.
might be going.
Walking with Purpose
Bible Study Program
Opening Your Heart
by Lisa Brenninkmeyer
1.) Order Your Book HERE
Questions? Contact:
Angela Layton
602-799-6648
wwpstcharleslivermore@gmail.com
May
4
Tuesday Evening CYBERSECURITY Training Session on ZOOM
Are you going?
Yes
No
Maybe
going.
not going.
might be going.
Cybersecurity Training Session
Presented by:
Erwin Chiong
Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer
Avolve Software Corporation
Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer
Avolve Software Corporation
Join Our Zoom Session at 7:00 pm:
https://zoom.us/j/94746821111?pwd=SHFONGZjZE44WGtoWExYYWo1WXNsdz09&from=addon
Meeting ID: 947 4682 1111
Passcode: 859143
One tap mobile: +16699006833,,94746821111#
May
10
Monday Evening MEN of FAITH in the COURTYARD!
Are you going?
Yes
No
Maybe
going.
not going.
might be going.
Attention all men of St Charles:
Mark your calendar for Monday, May 10, 2021, at 6:30 pm
to attend the Men of Faiths return to in-person meetings.
We will meet in the courtyard of Keeley Center, and a dinner of Pizza and Sodas will be served. Are you not yet comfortable with public gatherings? If so, do not worry we will also broadcast the material on Zoom starting at 7:00 pm.
Our featured speaker will be Sgt. Steve Goard of the Livermore Police Department.
Participate in a great presentation on Policing in Livermore with some time for Q & A after the presentation.
Please RSVP Here: t.ly/mZ87 so we know how much pizza to order.
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Community
1315 Lomitas Ave.
Livermore, CA 94550
