ST. JOSEPH BASILICA E-NEWS 
Dec 20,  2018
nativity_scene.jpg
Christmas Mass Schedule

Monday December 24, Christmas Eve: 
4pm Family Mass w Children's Choir & Pageant (no incense)
6pm Youth Mass with Teen Band (incense)
8pm Mass with Spirit Ensemble (no incense)
11pm Christmas Carols with the Basilica Choir
12am Midnight Mass with Basilica Choir (incense)

Tuesday December 25, Christmas Day:
7:30am  (no incense)
9:30am (incense)
11:30am (incense)
No evening Mass

Readings for Christmas available here.
Holy Smoke!

Use of incense is an ancient practice, referred to throughout Scripture. " Let my prayer be set forth as incense before thee." Like the fragrant smoke drifting upwards, we lift our hearts and our prayers to God in a "pleasing sacrifice." Unfortunately, some people are very sensitive to the smoke, so at St. Joseph we generally limit its use to the Solemnities, funerals and other special events and will attempt to provide advance notice whenever its use is planned.   Incense will be used during the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord at the 6pm Vigil on Christmas Eve, Midnight Mass, and 9:30 and 11:30 Masses on Christmas morning.  

Simbang Gabi continues through Sunday
All are welcome to join the final days of the nine-day devotional series of Masses practiced by Catholics in the Philippines in anticipation of Christmas. Mass at 5:30am daily with singing in Tagalog and traditional lanterns or "parol" lighting up the Church, followed by breakfast in Notre Dame Hall with a raffle.  Filipino attire is encouraged on the final morning (December 23).  Interested in helping with food, music or set-up? Please contact Alex Ramos at (510) 708-9640 or aramos94501@gmail.com.   

Visit our FaceBook page for daily postings of photos.  https://www.facebook.com/sjbalameda
This Weekend 
Thursday:
St Joseph Elementary School Christmas Program 7pm in Basilica

Friday: 
Simbang Gabi 5:30am 
Taize at 8pm - quiet prayer and song for peace and reconciliation in our world.

Saturday:
Simbang Gabi 5:30am.
5pm Mass: Investiture of Altar Servers.  Blessing of altar servers' new cassocks, and commitment to ministry by first group of altar servers.  (Investiture of next group will be done in January.) 

Sunday: 
Simbang Gabi 5:30am - final morning
Regular weekend Mass schedule

Parish Office Holiday Schedule

For Christmas, the Parish Office will close at noon Monday December 24, and reopen Wednesday December 26 8:30 to noon (volunteer coverage only).  Regular office hours resume Thursday December 27.
For New Years, the office will close at noon Monday December 31, and reopen on Wednesday January 2. 
Fr. George, Fr. John, Fr. Sunil and all the parish staff wish you a blessed Christmas!

Stewardship

Parish Collection: Dec 15/16
Weekly Goal: $13,500
Cash/ check : $16,558 (includes year-end catch-up donations)
Faith Direct:  $2,822
Total Giving: $19,380

Last week's contributions included some year-end-catch-ups and special gifts. Thank you for your generosity!


Stewardship for Children
Have you noticed the special envelopes in the pews for the Children's Collection? At all weekend Masses children are invited to bring forward their own offerings. On the envelopes they can write what gift they are offering to God - what action or service of love they have done or plan to do. They can also include whatever financial gift they want to make, from their allowance or gifts or savings. Stewardship is for all ages; please encourage your child to experience the true meaning of stewardship. 
Young Families Group
The Young Families Ministry enjoyed a potluck Christmas brunch at a member's home last week.  If you have young children and are interested in a faith-filled, supportive community, join them in their next event! 
(Pictured: December's potluck brunch) 

Looking for Gifts For Christmas? 
Our very own St. Joseph Basilica wine was rated "91" by the Wine Spectator. Why not consider St. Joseph Wine as a gift for Christmas?Wine available at the Rectory. For more details, call (510) 522 0181.
"Kingdom of Happiness" Scripture Study Starts January 8

You are invited to the Scripture Reflection series "Kingdom of Happiness," an 8-part parish program that unveils Jesus' plan for happiness through the Beatitudes.   January 8 through March 8 in the St Joseph Room (Parish Center, 1119 Lafayette Street), 6:30 to 9:00pm.  $25 for book and access to streaming at your convenience.  To register or for more details, contact Monica Young at  dobbinschiropractic@gmail.com ; (510) 747-1600.

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
January 1st is a holy day of obligation.  

Vigil Mass 5pm Monday December 31, 2018
Mass 10am Tuesday January 1, 2019
(Incense will be used at both Masses, in moderation)


January's Adoration in Vietnamese cancelled
The "First Tuesday" Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in Vietnamese is cancelled, due to the New Year's holiday.  Join us February 5, 2019.

Readings for next Sunday  here

View last week's bulletin  here

School News

St. Joseph Notre Dame High School weekly newsletter available here .  
St. Joseph Elementary School weekly newsletter available   here.

Our Elementary School can benefit from the upcoming Photo Show at the Blue Dot Cafe.  Parishioner Kathleen's work will be available for purchase at the end of the exhibition.  If you would like to own one, you can write a check for the listed price to "St. Joseph Elementary School."  (Join Kathleen and Peter for holiday cheer at Blue Dot on Sunday December 30 between 3 and 5pm)

Upcoming Events

Jan 2: Young Adults  Ministry, 7:30 pm, Parish Center (Damien Room)
Jan 4: First Friday - Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Jan 6: Children's Faith Formation resumes
Jan 8: Scripture Series "Kingdom of Happiness" begins, 6:30pm
Jan 7: All God's Children Charismatic Prayer Group Resumes
Jan 10: Grief Support Ministry Gathering, 6:30 pm, Parish Center (Damien Room)
Jan 12: Young Families Monthly Potluck
Jan 12: Covenant of Love Date Night: Movie Night
Jan 13: Family Mass
Jan 16: RCIA Inquiry resumes
Jan 19: Blood Drive hosted by Knights of Columbus
Jan 26: Walk for Life
Jan 27: Catholic Schools Week begins
Jan 27: Young Adults Brunch at Blue Dot after 9:30 Mass

Details and more events  here

Catholic Young Adults Group weekly newsletter available  here .
Young Families monthly newsletter available here.

Tickler File

Enrich your spiritual life through FORMED; register at www.sjbalameda.formed.org.   
Downloading the app?  Use Access Code 79QKNH.  

Interested in becoming Catholic and/or preparing for sacraments? The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adult (RCIA) is available year-round.  Click here for information.

If this Basilica E-News was forwarded to you and you'd like to be added to the distribution list, sign up here.

The St. Joseph Basilica E-News is published weekly and as needed. Have information that should be included?  Submit material for consideration to   secretary@sjbalameda.org
STAY CONNECTED: