ST. JOSEPH BASILICA E-NEWS 
Sept 27,  2018
"That I will never do, because I am a Christian, and I shall die for God, and for him I will give many thousands of lives if I had them. And so, do with me as you please."

-- Saint Lorenzo Ruiz of Manila after being asked to renounce his faith at his trial


Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz, September 30th
Please join us in celebrating the feast of the first Filipino saint, San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila , Sunday at the 11:30am Mass. The Simbang Gabi Ministry will host a reception afterwards at the Gathering Space and Lower Parking Lot where there will be lots of food and festivities! 
You are encouraged to dress in traditional Filipino attire.

This weekend.. 
  • Ministry Information -  members from the Society of St Vincent de Paul will speak about their ministry after pulpit  announcements and will be available after Mass for anyone who would like to learn more about the Ministry.
  • St. Vincent de Paul 5th Sunday Collections
Friday
Taize at the Basilica
Can you do with some peace? Join us for TaizĂ©,  an ecumenical, candlelit service of prayer offered in simple chant, Scripture readings, silent worship and veneration of the Cross, offered as a witness to peace and reconciliation, for which we gather each month.  Join us this Friday at 8:00pm.   Visit us on  www.facebook.com/ TaizeOnTheIsland

Saturday
10am: Funeral Mass - Lois Chase  RIP
Lois has been a pillar of our Parish Community and she will be sadly missed.  
As a community of faith we pray for the repose of her soul and offer our prayers and support to her family and friend.

Annual Thanksgiving Mass for Healthcare Providers
10am at the Cathedral of Christ the Light
We encourage all who provide healthcare services, direct and administrative, to attend  the multicultural Mass  to celebrate your dedication and generosity.  A reception and mental health resources fair will follow afterwards.

Sunday
7:30am  Sending Blessing of Our Lady of Fatima pilgrim statue at end of Mass
9:30am: Family Mass
11:30am San Lorenzo Ruiz honored at 11:30 Mass; Father Jimmy Macalinao presiding.  

Saturday, Oct 6, 11:00am - 7:00pm
El Rancho is an annual Family Carnival that has been a tradition in Alameda for OVER 50 years! Don't miss the event and be sure to join your neighbors for fun, food, attractions and games! Located at St. Joseph Elementary School at 1910 San Antonio Ave, the event raises money every year for the school. El Rancho includes an International food faire sponsored by local restaurants, Bingo, children's games, music - lots of food and festivities! There is also a $1 per ticket raffle drawing with a chance to win first prize of $3,000! 
Stop by the school office to buy tickets or t-shirts!  Call the school for details or tickets (510) 522-4456. Tickets will also be sold after weekend Masses. Please support the event!


Message from Fr. Tom

Dear Friends ,

It was my great privilege to be in USA particularly in St. Joseph Basilica, Alameda after my release from captivity in Yemen in 2017. Let me take this opportunity to thank you all for the warm welcome, hospitality and generosity extended to Fr. Jose Koyickal (Vice-Provincial - Bangalore), Fr. Shalbin Kalanchery Paul (Mission Procurator - Bangalore), Fr. Sunil Orathel (Missionary from Sudan) and me.  This visit was made possible by the sincere efforts of Rev. George Alengadan, the Pastor. I also greatly appreciate the love and concern shown by Rev. John Carillo, Parochial Vicar. I was really touched by the great faith of the parish community. Congratulations to the Pastor, Rev. George Alengadan and to all of you for the wonderful way you organise the liturgical and parish activities. 

A big word of thanks to the school staff and students who welcomed me and listened attentively to my sharing. It was indeed a great opportunity for me to thank you all who prayed for me while I was in captivity. I believe and consider my safe release as the result of the intense prayers of all of you. It was also a chance for me to testify to everyone how God has been extraordinarily knd to me: how He kept me safe and healthy for 18 months of rather lonely captivity: how He intervened in my life in His own sweet time and ensured my release.

My life now is a classical testimonial to the truth that our God is a living God who hears and answers our prayers in His own good time. When we face trials for the Lord's sake on one side, He will be there to strengthen us with graces on the other. Trust in Him with your whole heart and He will lead you in the right path. "Prayer is the best weapon and forgiveness is the most effective medicine." Use them regularly and God will bless you all.

Sunday Readings here

 Adult Confirmation Classes
The Alameda Deanery (St. Joseph Basilica, St. Barnabas & St. Philip Neri-St. Albert the Great) offers formation series on Thursday evenings starting October 18, 2018 in preparation for the celebration of Confirmation at the Cathedral of Christ the Light in February 2019.  We invite practicing Catholics who have received the Eucharist but never received Confirmation and now feel called to complete the Christian initiation with its celebration.
To register or for more more information, visit our website here or  contact Anne Marie at 510-995-9409 or afourre@sjbalameda.org

Safe Environment Training - Live or Online
By popular demand, we will offer a live training in Notre Dame Hall on Saturday October 27, from 9 to 11:30am.  Advance registration required - go to www.virtus.org, register  and select that option for your training.
For those who prefer the convenience of online training, go to www.virtus.org and select the online training option (in English or Spanish).  Training takes about 90 minutes, and you can start and stop at your convenience.  
A reminder that ALL volunteers must complete training through VIRTUS by October 31.  If you have already trained on VIRTUS (ie after July 2016) do NOT train again.  You will be notified when it is time for you to retrain.

Bible Studies for Moms and Dads
For Mothers - Lectio: Prayer: Finding Intimacy with God Tuesdays at 10am in the Parish Center - 1119 Lafayette St.  Children welcome. Contact Claire at (408) 621-2900 or claireteresetoner@gmail.com

For Fathers - True Reformers: Saints of the Catholic Reformation
Wednesdays at 8:15pm at each other's homes - contact James at (
470) 217-1167 or james.toner@gmail.com

Details 
here.
Stewardship Corner....

Capital Campaign Committee
Fr. George invites you to be part of this important Committee that is starting soon. Please contact him  at (510) 995-9421 or email    to sign-up.

Social Committee
Th ank you All who have signed up. There will be a meeting on Tuesday, October 16, 6:30pm at the Rectory Office.  The Committee is still open to anyone who would still like to sign up. Please email EricBertelsen:  ebertelsen@sjbalameda.org for details.

Buildings & Grounds Committee 
The Parish would like to revive this Committee and invites those interested to join. Experience in project management and working with contractors especially helpful.  Please contact Stan Schonberg at (510) 995-9411 or 
for more details or to sign-up.

Note: Sign-up sheets for the above Committees are also available at the back of the Church. Thank you for volunteering your Time & Talent. 

Office Volunteers Needed!
The Parish Office needs  volunteers in the front office with reception and light admin duties on a regular basis Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays 1:00 to 5:00 pm.  If you can contribute your time and talent on a regular basis,  please contact  Sherley Lim (510) 995-9420 or email:  secretary@sjbalameda.org  

Parish Collection: Sept 22/24
Weekly Goal: $13,500
Cash/ check :8,205
Faith Direct: $2,792
Total Giving: $10,997
Shortfall:   ($2,503)

Donations to Salesians of Don Bosco: $5,607
Thank you for your generosity.

October Upcoming Collection s:
  • Oct 6-7: Maintenance Collection
  • Oct 13 -14: Annual Catholic Voice Collection. Our Parish pays a monthly installment of $1240 for the Catholic Voice and El Heraldo newspaper which are available for free to all parishioners. Your donations will help offset payments for this important communication ministry.
View last week's bulletin  here

Upcoming Events

September 28: Taize at 8:00pm
September 30: Family Mass at 9:30am
September 30: Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz Reception - after the 11:30 am Mass
October 3: Young Adults meeting
October 7: Blessing of Animals
Details and more events  here  .

School News

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

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

Children's Faith Formation classes started September 9, but it's not too late to register.  Register here or visit  http://sjbalameda.org/page/childrens-programs/ for more information.

We are still looking for two used cars for Fr. Sunil and Seminarian Patrick.  Call the Parish Office if you can help (510) 522 -0181.

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
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