Monday Evening, September 21, 2020:
Dear St. Charles Family:
Beginning tomorrow evening, we will be holding Town Hall meeting sessions where I will provide parishioners with updates on the status and direction of St. Charles vis-a-vis COVID-19 and beyond.
If you are a registered parishioner, you may choose to attend one of the four dates for Town Hall Zoom sessions by clicking on the blue "Sign Up" button below, with the deadline of Noon on the day of the meeting. After each deadline, we will send the corresponding Zoom link to each group.
Beforehand, I would very much appreciate receiving your questions for our discussions. Please send them directly to frkwame@stcharlesborromeo.org.
Town Hall Meeting -Thursday, Oct. 1st at 7:00 pm
For Parishioners Only
Tuesday Evening 9/22 Town Hall Meeting at 7:00 PM
Thursday Evening 10/1 Town Hall Meeting at 7:00 PM
Thursday Evening 9/24 Town Hall Meeting at 7:00 PM
Tuesday Evening 9/29 Town Hall Meeting at 7:00 PM
Voting God’s Way - Not Our Way
In Sunday’s readings, God reminded us that divine thinking is not human thinking. The gospel drives home the point that God’s way is to treat all of us with generosity - no matter how or when we came to know God.
Each and every one of us is inadequate in one way or another. However, God makes us Good and equal. The way God deals with us is the way we must deal with one another even when we debate the issues we face in our lives.
Reactions to my homily last Sunday were the most I have ever received – about fifteen, and some are included below. There was one disagreement which I very much appreciated, and I pray that we will have the opportunity to discuss that point of disagreement.
To be clear, my goal has always been to keep our parishioners well informed, educated about our faith, and true to St. Charles Borromeo’s founding theological and spiritual principles – based on Vatican II’s Constitution of the “Church in the Modern world”.
Please take note of the bishops' pledge of civility, which is included below these messages...
Please take note of the bishops' pledge of civility, which is included below these messages...
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Fr. Kwame,
Your Sunday's homily was "right on". You were "on fire" with your message and your reflection and thoughts really came through. It is so important and helpful to have the homily point to the issues of the day in light of the gospel. I have shared your homily with other friends and they have all expressed deep appreciation. Keep it coming.
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Fr. Kwame:
You were on *fire*! And you’re doing a great job differentiating between a specific political view and talking about how we are all God’s children and members of the same family. Keep it up! Now if you can do the same thing with Racism (harder to do because there are different beliefs in comparing behaviors that can lead to inequities vs. believing any instance of those inequities is per se evidence of racism), that would be great!
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Dear Fr Kwame
You presented a very important message. Why is permitting one's conscience to decide upon abortion a mortal sin but not insisting at Trump rallies to wear masks and be 2 meters = 6.5 feet apart? I guess I am not too smart.
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Dear Fr. Kwame,
Molly and I applaud your homily today. It was direct and unambiguous and took great courage to do it. Thank you for taking such a clear and positive position.
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Hi Fr. Kwame-
I just wanted to tell you how much my family and I enjoyed your sermon today. Your passion is very moving (I find myself tearing up) and I want to let you know how much we appreciate all that you do. We are so very blessed to have you as our pastor! Thank you God for Fr. Kwame!! We hope that you are doing well and look forward to the day when we can see you, in person, at Mass. Have a great week.
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Good Morning Fr Kwame,
I really appreciated your wonderful sermon this morning. Hopefully, it will help many people. We are blessed to have you in the St Charles community. You have brought so much to us.
Thank you and may God continue to bless you and provide you with wisdom and determination.
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Hi Fr. Kwame,
Just a note to thank you for your homily this morning, especially about the foundation of Christianity. Not only the Youtube priest and bishops have said no Catholic be a Democrat, but so has a former St. Charles pastor and so have several present parishioners. Our own experience is that not all Catholics are obviously headed to Heaven nor are all headed toward Heaven Catholics. Thanks for keeping our St. Charles family on the Catholic path with regard to political sensibility.
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Kwame,
I would have been standing and shouting Amen! during your homily today had I been present in the church. Thank you for such a passionate, authentic, compassionate and topical homily today. I was moved to tears and lots of Amens. I am grateful for your leadership during these trying times on so many levels. Your homily today and for St Peter Claver are the perfect introductions for the Pledge for Civility.
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fr. Kwame,
Oh my goodness, Thanks so much for tackling the issues without being partisan. It helps to think it through. I haven’t seen the U Tube episode you referenced, but have read some comments on the internet from priests/bishops saying we must vote for one party or be condemned.
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Fr. Kwame:
After the homily Sunday, I went home and watched the youtube you referred to. It is apparent you did not watch the video and merely listened to someone who was uninformed and took their word. Fr. Altman never said if you are a Democrat you will go to hell. He did say any Catholics who support many of the foundations of the current Democrat platform should repent of their support of those portions of the platform that are contrary to Catholic teachings, or consider the fires of hell as a possibility… I agree we all need to study the issues and platforms, but I disagree that we can ignore something as serious as Abortion. Has the Catholic Church changed its position and now supports Abortion? Did I miss that meeting? You have stressed you cannot tell anyone how to vote, and I am sure you are unaware that your words do seem to be an effort to guide ones thinking, and as a result their vote. I trust this is not intended but I did feel I would be remiss if I did not mention it.
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Father,
Thanks for your wise and necessary homily today. I hope my fellow parishioners, and others, are able to hear it both physically and spiritually. I was reminded of another of your homilies in which you reminded us that prayer is not enough; actions are required. I will redouble my efforts and actions. I note that Fr. Altman’s bishop has begun attempting to address his unChristian video and beliefs according to canonical law, which starts with conversation, patience, and an attempt to understand. I hope the bishop is successful and brings Fr. Altman back to the light.
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Kwame -
Your letter in the 9/13 bulletin was very well said and spot on! Thank you for taking on these challenging times in our life with such love, intelligence, and prayerful direction for our Parrish. We have so much appreciated all your efforts during our time of shelter in place. Thank you.
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Please note: Except for our partisan political views, we all share that deeper love to which we all struggle to live perfectly. Therefore, let us all commit ourselves to this pledge from the bishops of the United States as our prayer for unity even in our diversity of politics, thoughts, and spirituality.
I PLEDGE...
1. Civility
To recognize the human dignity of those with whom I disagree, treat others with respect, and rise above attacks when directed at me.
To recognize the human dignity of those with whom I disagree, treat others with respect, and rise above attacks when directed at me.
2. Clarity
To root my political viewpoints in the Gospel and a well-formed conscience, which involves prayer, conversation, study, and listening. I will stand up for my convictions and speak out when I witness language that disparages others' dignity, while also listening and seeking to understand others’ experiences.
To root my political viewpoints in the Gospel and a well-formed conscience, which involves prayer, conversation, study, and listening. I will stand up for my convictions and speak out when I witness language that disparages others' dignity, while also listening and seeking to understand others’ experiences.
3. Compassion
To encounter others with a tone and posture which affirms that I honor the dignity of others and invites others to do the same. I will presume others’ best intentions and listen to their stories with empathy. I will strive to understand before seeking to be understood.
To encounter others with a tone and posture which affirms that I honor the dignity of others and invites others to do the same. I will presume others’ best intentions and listen to their stories with empathy. I will strive to understand before seeking to be understood.
• Take the Pledge by providing your contact information
Sep
23
Wednesday Evening: "Come and See"
Adult Faith Formation Zoom Session
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
Wednesday 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!
Fr. Richard McCafferty's Memorial Scholarship application for 2020 is available here and in the parish rectory.
Fr. Richard Memorial Scholarship
Applications are due on September 25th
The Fr. Richard Honorary Scholarship was established in 2010 in celebration of Fr. Richard McCafferty’s 85th Birthday and his devoted and long-time service to the St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Community.
Following his death in March 2013, the scholarship became the Fr. Richard Memorial Scholarship. To honor Fr. Richard’s ordination in the Jesuit order, the scholarship is awarded annually to a student attending one of the West Coast Jesuit universities. Applicants must be a staff member or registered parishioner of St. Charles Borromeo.
Applications are due Friday, September 25, 2020.
Let us reflect together using the elements of prayer, scripture, storytelling, music, poetry, silence, and faith sharing. In so doing and with the promise of hope, we will encounter the God of abundant grace and tender mercies.
Make Your Reservations by
Clicking on the Appropriate "Sign-Up" Button
At Least 24 Hours in Advance
Friday, September 25th: RECONCILIATION (Ten Minute Appointments)
Friday Individual Reconciliation - Lawn Area. The reservation deadline is 9:00 PM on Thursday evening.
10:00 - 10:10 AM Reconciliation Appointment
10:10 - 10:20 AM Reconciliation Appointment
10:20 - 10:30 AM Reconciliation Appointment
10:30 - 10:40 AM Reconciliation Appointment
10:40 - 10:50 AM Reconciliation Appointment
10:50 - 11:00 AM Reconciliation Appointment
Sunday 9:30 am Mass, September 27th - Outdoor Seating on West Lawn
Please arrive no later than 9:15 am.
Sunday 9:30 am Mass
Sep
28
Monday Evening - WALKING WITH PURPOSE on Zoom
Are you going?
Yes
No
Maybe
going.
not going.
might be going.
Walking with Purpose
Bible Study Program
Opening Your Heart
by Lisa Brenninkmeyer
Monday Evenings, 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Starting September 21st
Questions? Contact:
Angela Layton
602-799-6648
wwpstcharleslivermore@gmail.com
Sep
28
Monday Evening - MEN OF FAITH on Zoom
7:00 PM - 7:45 PM
Are you going?
Yes
No
Maybe
going.
not going.
might be going.
The St. Chares Men of Faith Ministry is launching a 40-day spiritual journey using Matthew Kelly’s book, Rediscover Jesus. If you need a free copy, contact Steve Campbel at steveplants@gmail.com.
Please join us at 7:00 pm on Monday, September 28th, for a casual check-in. Wed like to find out how the daily readings and devotionals have been working for you. For instance: Has something already impacted your life in a significant way? Have any of the readings or concepts really spoken to you? We look forward to this discussion.
All are Welcome to Attend and Enjoy the Journey
Please join us at 7:00 pm on Monday, September 28th, for a casual check-in. Wed like to find out how the daily readings and devotionals have been working for you. For instance: Has something already impacted your life in a significant way? Have any of the readings or concepts really spoken to you? We look forward to this discussion.
All are Welcome to Attend and Enjoy the Journey
To Join the Zoom Meeting, Click HERE
Meeting ID: 831 3990 1842
Regular Telephones can Dial:
+1 408 638 0968
Meeting ID: 831 3990 1842
Regular Telephones can Dial:
+1 408 638 0968
Meeting ID: 831 3990 1842
Steve Campbell
(925) 858-3833
steveplants@gmail.com
WINGS at St. Charles
The 2020-2021 Season of WINGS
- Women in God’s Spirit -
RETURNS VIRTUALLY!
First Session of the Season:
RETURNS VIRTUALLY!
First Session of the Season:
Thursday, October 1 @ 10:00AM
Our Theme:
FAITH, HOPE, AND HARMONY
Our Theme:
FAITH, HOPE, AND HARMONY
Faith that our dire situations will improve. Hope that the Lord will lead the way and Harmony for a world that desperately needs it.
Our Fall season is complete with several new presenters, a few returning favorites, a Thanksgiving entertainment special, and our yearly renewing Advent reflection. As we move into winter 2021, we will continue to reflect on our theme, and bring you many more wonderful presentations.
Our Fall season is complete with several new presenters, a few returning favorites, a Thanksgiving entertainment special, and our yearly renewing Advent reflection. As we move into winter 2021, we will continue to reflect on our theme, and bring you many more wonderful presentations.
WINGS IS THE PLACE TO BE ON THURSDAY MORNINGS!
REGISTER HERE
Can’t Commit Weekly? Join Us When You Can!
Yearly Registration Fee - $30.00
(To Cover Speaker Stipends)
Can’t Commit Weekly? Join Us When You Can!
Yearly Registration Fee - $30.00
(To Cover Speaker Stipends)
Tiny Treasures - New Program
Tiny Treasures preschool class is moving online for the year, beginning September 20th!
Please contact scbtinytreasures@gmail.com with any questions, and to receive class materials via Google Drive.
Designed with flexibility in mind, there is no set class time. Instead, we will provide resources that can be utilized whenever it suits you. The resources, including age-appropriate activities, printables, crafts, and storytimes, will engage your preschooler - along with your entire family - with your faith.
If You Missed Sunday's Mass...
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Community
1315 Lomitas Ave.
Livermore, CA 94550
