June 28th - Monday
On Our Tabernacle:
A Learning Opportunity
In the wake of our appeal for donations to secure a new tabernacle, I admit we have not pleased everyone with the process. As we know it is not always possible, or realistic, to please everyone. I apologize for that; however, the reality is our existing glass tabernacle has been broken for several months. We have spent money and time to repair it; unfortunately, it is no longer able to be locked. Since then, we have been using a movable tabernacle which is not safe.
However, I do see a bright side to this situation which is two-fold:
- First, we have an opportunity to acquire a tabernacle that complies with the theology, spirituality, and instruction of Vatican II.
- Secondly and more importantly, I believe it presents an opportunity for learning about what a tabernacle is, its history, purpose, and how we use it.
A tabernacle is “a container or cupboard in the church in which eucharistic bread is reserved. The box is secured and stationary; its door is locked with a key. The tabernacle holds bread primarily for the purpose of Viaticum (Holy Communion) for the dying and secondarily for Communion outside Mass and for adoration and devotion” (see R. McBrien, ed. Encyclopedia of Catholicism, s.v. “Tabernacle”).
The use of tabernacles became a popular practice in the Church after the Lateran IV Council in the thirteenth century. The Church at this time had adopted the doctrine of Transubstantiation and the Real Presence. Hundreds of years after, in the sixteenth century, the Council of Trent reaffirmed the teaching that Christ is substantially present (body and blood) in the Eucharistic accidentals of bread and wine. Thus emerged, the practice of building tabernacles into high altars of the Church, the priest facing it at Mass with his back to the people.
In 1965, the Vatican II Council changed the practice of building tabernacles into high altars. Churches before this time retained the tabernacle in the high altars but also created another altar for Mass to enable the priest to face the people. Below is Vatican II’s instruction specifically about “Tabernacles”. This topic is also discussed under “Reservation of the Blessed Sacrament.”
Reservation of the Blessed Sacrament
276. It is strongly recommended that the Blessed Sacrament be reserved in a special chapel well situated for private adoration and prayer, apart from the nave. But if the plan of the church or legitimate local custom impedes this, then the Sacrament should be kept on an altar or elsewhere in the church in a place of honor suitably adorned.
277. The Blessed Sacrament is to be reserved in only one tabernacle which is immovable and made of solid and non-transparent material and which can be closed in a way that gives the greatest possible security against the danger of profanation. For this reason, there should normally be only one tabernacle in each church [GIRM X, nos. 276-277; Vatican Council II, Vol. 1, The Conciliar and Post Conciliar Documents, ed. Austin Flannery (Newport, NY: Costello Publishing Co., 1975), 193-194.]
Vatican II’s theology is that Christ is substantially and really present in varied ways at the celebration of the Eucharist, the bread and wine, the altar, the cross, the presider (even other ministers), the word of God, and the gathered community, “people of God.” Hence, the tabernacle is not part of the communal worship; instead, it is used to keep the reserved Eucharist which is brought to the sick and dying. Privately, individuals honor and reverence Christ’s presence in the tabernacle in a chapel, but this is not public worship. Vatican II’s vision is that, outside the Mass, people should look for Christ in one another since they have received Christ at Mass.
Remember, we become the bread we eat – Christ – and nourishment for the life of the world. Outside Mass, we are to find Christ in the community of human persons with whom we live rather than in the tabernacle. The tabernacle is not a “show-room” for people to observe Christ; a different vessel called a “monstrance” was introduced for showing Christ in Eucharist for communal and private adoration.
As a Vatican II Church, Saint Charles Borromeo follows the new pastoral practice of keeping the tabernacle in a chapel: “Each church is to have one tabernacle, preferably located in a chapel separate and distinct from the body of the church…Placed on a pedestal, pillar, or column, or in a recessed wall niche. The form of the tabernacle should be solid and unbreakable, dignified and appropriately ornamented, always mindful of the function of eucharistic reservation”. (GIRM X).
We have begun to witness vandalism on our parish premises, which heightens our need to secure all items on our property. Thus, the time has come for us to heed Vatican II’s recommendation and have a tabernacle for which we no longer need dispensation, that is fully secure and solid enough to withstand any vandalism or profanation.
The new “Chalice and Host” tabernacle from Tonini’s fulfils all the security and theological requirements. We are grateful to all parishioners who have responded by donating to the new home for the Blessed Sacrament for the sick. Thanks to your generosity we have raised, to date, $11,200 towards the goal of $17,500. May our relationship with God in Christ and neighbors be strengthened in our faith practices.
Fr. Kwame
Reconciliation Appointments
SIGN UP for ten-minute appointments
on Saturday, July 3rd
between 4:00 pm and 4:30 pm
This video is the replacement for the live version that was disrupted by an internet outage that occurred at the 9:30 am mass.
Follow Along by downloading our Worship Aid HERE
FIRST EUCHARIST
We would like to congratulate Ava Augustino,
who received her first communion
on Wednesday, June 23rd.
Watch the video HERE
Jun
28
Walk On Water ~ Youth Ministries
Come join W.O.W Ministries' Kick-Off from 6:00 pm-9:00 pm
in the Hall at St. Charles Borromeo.
Contact Justin Swinkles for more information.
Are you going?
Yes
No
Maybe
going.
not going.
might be going.
For more information, please contact Justin at Justins@stcharlesborromeo.org
Happy 4th of July to our St. Charles family!
Thank you to all of the brave men and women who have served or continue to serve our country to ensure we stay the Land of the Free.
Our Parish office will be closed on July 5th in celebration of the holiday. Reminder, ALL fireworks (including safe and sane) within the Livermore city limits are illegal (view details). Violators of this misdemeanor crime are subject to a hefty fine and even potential jail time.
(Livermore Municipal Code 9.40.020)
Kick-off the summer with Lisa Tolido! Learn the steps to simplify, relax, enjoy the wealth of blessings that already belong to you, and stay connected to Jesus.
Now is the season to prioritize what's important, let go of what's not, and savor the simple pleasures. Listen now and have a blessed day!
Join a Green Faith Circle!
Next Meeting
Tuesday, July 13 at 5:00 p.m.
Our Catholic faith calls us to practice protection and care of the Earth. Are you moved to join others from a variety of faiths in faith-based advocacy for preserving the climate and promoting environmental justice? History teaches us that change rooted in faith-based action is lasting and effective.
You are invited to join a Zoom discussion and introduction to some helpful resources. We would love to have some youth leaders too!
Zoom Link: https://citizensclimate.zoom.us/j/2520462079.
Passcode: 123
Meeting ID: 2520462079
Contact meeting organizer and leader:
Ann Brown at aewbrown@gmail.com or,
Marcia Elchesen at interfaith.interconnect@gmail.com
Summer Sun and Skin Cancer
Joanne Berven, RN
Did you know that sunshine exposure is cumulative over your lifetime? Did you know that 1 in 5 Americans will have skin cancer in their lifetime? Did you know those very dark-skinned people can get sunburned? And if they can get sunburned, they can also get skin cancer and eyelid diseases. Now that the weather is warming up and being outdoors is encouraged to combat “house fatigue”, there are a few things to consider when heading outdoors.
Protect your skin. It is your body’s largest organ! (Didn’t know that either??) The skin protects us from infection, regulates our body temperature, detects contact and pain among other things.
What can we do to protect our skin, so it will continue to take care of us?
Sunscreen. I doubt any of us uses enough sunscreen often enough. Sunscreen should be applied every day regardless of the weather. The best sunscreen is one that has the ‘Active Seal of Recommendation’. Short of that, the best sunscreen is the one you will use every day. It should be applied 30 minutes before going out so it has a chance to bind to your skin.
Clothing also protects your skin. Bathing suits – not so much! There are actual *garments that offer UV protection. Your everyday wear can do a good job of shielding your skin. Long sleeves, tightly woven, darker or brighter colors, loose-fitting offer better protection than light colors, thinner fabrics. The less clothing you wear, the more of your body you have to cover with sunscreen. And re-apply every 2 hours or after getting wet. Perspiration wicks away the sunscreen too.
Protect your eyes with sunglasses. Those that block 99-100% of both UVA & UVB light are recommended for everyday wear outside all the time. The sun harms your eyes. Not that you look at the sun, but the fact that the sun reflects off objects around you and hits your eyes. There are ‘sun-related diseases of the eye that you should know about: Cataracts, Macular Degeneration, corneal sunburn, conjunctival cancers, and eyelid cancers.
Hat with a 3-inch brim. Baseball hats generally have a 3” brim. The one thing that baseball hats do NOT protect is your ears. (I got my ears sunburned as a kid, and it was quite painful). So a hat with a wide brim all the way around is a good way to go.
There is so much GOOD and easily understood information on the website listed in this article, that I would encourage all to go and read what is there. Just remember Sunscreen in the morning, dark glasses for any outside activity regardless of the weather, and cover up your arms and legs. Wearing shorts? Sunscreen on your legs.
On a personal note, if you need to take antibiotics and the directions say not to be in the sun – believe it. Years ago when I was a lifeguard and teaching swimming lessons, I needed to take an antibiotic, and I continued to work. I paid for it big time. I could not even be outdoors without my skin feeling like it was burning up and I had to sleep sitting up with my feet in cold water. This lasted for several weeks (too long ago to remember exactly how long) Just believe the instructions and stay in the shade or indoors for as long as you take the antibiotics and maybe a few days afterward! Antibiotics aren’t the only drugs that cause skin problems in the sun.
*This was the first clothing company to receive The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation. I have no financial interest in this company.
(just a note, the word “cure” does NOT exist in the cancer vocabulary!)
St. Charles has unfortunately been vandalized multiple times over the past months. For the safety of our staff, parishioners and guests we will be installing a security video system.
In addition, you will notice new signs being placed around the parish similar to the one above.
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact Holly O'Hagan.
Calling all Parishioners!
As we always say: The Mass is missing something when you are not here. We are missing something when YOU do not serve with the gifts you have been given to share.
Please contact the heads of your former ministries to discuss coming home. You can also contact Tree Gorman, Director of Liturgy, to inquire about whether your ministry is back yet. We welcome you to look into joining one of a number of ministries for the first time.
We are here to answer any questions you may have. Feel free to contact Holly O'Hagan for further information. We are here for you!
~ Job Opportunities Available ~
We are searching for talented & creative individuals who have a passion
We are searching for talented & creative individuals who have a passion
for knowledge and teaching.
Dinner will be provided at no cost. Join us in the Keeley Center Hall or on Zoom.
A free-will offering may be made at the event.
Zoom starts at 7:00 p.m. Click HERE to join.
Meeting ID: 88431249124
Passcode: 659894
Roy Cavellini
(925) 200-4127
Jul
12
Monday, July 12th, 6:30 pm
Topic: Sacrament of Reconciliation
Are you going?
Yes
No
Maybe
going.
not going.
might be going.
Men of Faith will hold their next monthly meeting on Monday, July 12th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. confirm your seat HERE.
Fr. Mark Wiesner, who we all remember as our former Pastor, will be speaking on the subject of Reconciliation. The title of his presentation is “You did WHAT?”
Please join us for his talk and share dinner with your fellow Men of Faith.
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Community
1315 Lomitas Ave.
Livermore, CA 94550
"Not a Place Where...But a People Who"
