Dear Parishioners,
To understand today’s Gospel and what prompted the disciples to ask for an increase in faith, it is useful to go back to the previous couple of chapters where Saint Luke tells three parables: the prodigal son, the dishonest steward, and Lazarus and the rich man. Taken together, they remind us that God’s ways are different from our ways, and that if we are to be faithful disciples, we must be guided not by the ways of this world but by the teachings of Christ.
Although we use the word “faith” in a variety of ways, when Jesus speaks here of faith and indeed when Paul speaks about the gift given through the laying on of hands, they are speaking about that inner grace-filled quality that binds us and empowers us to follow and live the Gospel. This is what the disciples sought: an increase in that most precious of all gifts – a strong and enduring relationship with Christ.
It is never easy to be a Christian. The early Christians had to deal with all sorts of threats and persecutions, which makes it easy to understand why this call to faith is at the heart of the Gospels. By asking for an increase in faith, the disciples are recognizing that Jesus is the source of this supernatural faith and that it is not the outcome of human strength or willpower, but a gift from God. Because it is a gift, it is not something we can boast of as an achievement. The end of the Gospel passage reminds us that we are servants of the word, and when we respond to it we are simply doing our duty.
It can be difficult to be a faithful disciple today because our world is increasingly secular in outlook. Some attempt to silence the Gospel message and relegate faith to the realm of the private, where it can have no impact on the public square.
In such a world our faith is of more and more importance. To be a faith-filled Christian is not simply about having an inner conviction, but also having the courage and strength to live our beliefs on a daily basis. Christ’s word to us today is a word of encouragement that we need only a little trust – the size of the mustard seed – in his strength to carry us through in this life. It is the power of God living in and working through us that will ultimately allow us to be faith-filled as well as faithful.
Blessings,
Fr. Tad
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Join us this Sunday, October 2 at 1:00p.m. for the
Blessing of the Animals under the Oak Tree
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All community members are invited to reach out for this praying tool |
A message from Bishop Cantu
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As we continue our journey as a local Church here in our Diocese of San Jose, we are working to increase support for pregnant and parenting women, their children, and families and protect the sanctity of every human life at every stage.
The state legislature passed a bill, which Governor Newsom has signed, which will be placed before voters on November 8th (or sooner, for mail-in ballots and early voting). Proposition 1 is both egregious and dangerous for two simple reasons: the bill’s broad language enshrines a right to late-term abortions (which most Californians agree should be limited) in the state constitution; and it will use taxpayer funds to administer them.
The California Catholic Conference has joined a broad coalition of Californians to defeat Prop 1. Defeating Prop 1 will allow the present California abortion laws to stand, which are already among the most permissive in the country. Most Californians prefer the status quo in California rather than the extreme law that Prop 1 would enshrine.
I, therefore, call on all Catholics throughout the diocese to unite in prayer and action to defeat Prop 1. Please visit www.CAcatholic.org/Prop1 to find answers to common questions and resources to help defeat this misleading, expensive, and unnecessary ballot initiative.
I invite all Catholics in the Diocese of San José to support this effort with prayers, fasting, financial contributions, sharing resources with friends and family, reaching out to your designated Parish Leads, and any other means possible. My brother bishops and I will be journeying with you in this effort as we take the prayerful lead in a novena for the defeat of Prop 1, beginning on September 29 and ending on October 7th. For more information on the novena: https://cacatholic.org/prop1.
Yours in Christ,
Most Rev. Oscar Cantú
Bishop of San José
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First Friday Adoration on
October 7th
Join us this Friday, October 7 at 6:30 pm for Mass. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will begin immediately afterward and last until 7:00 am the following morning. All are invited to return to the church for the breakfast that will be served after the 7:00 am benediction.
The Adoration Ministry is always looking for people who can commit to sitting with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament for a particular hour. For more details, please use the QR code. If you are not able to commit to a certain hour, you are encouraged to drop in for adoration when you are able.
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OUTREACH TOILETRY DRIVE
The Outreach Committee will distribute personal care packages at Martha’s Kitchen and St. Josephs in Gilroy. The package contains the following full sized items: soap bar, toothpaste, deodorant and a toothbrush. We hope to distribute 500 bags, so your contributions of any of the above items will be greatly appreciated.
The items most needed are deodorant and toothpaste!
Also, please bring in the toiletries that you have accumulated during your summer travels…….the unopened soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and lotions, etc., and place them in the Outreach basket in the foyer. We will donate all of these items to St Joseph so that families can take what they need.
We will be collecting the toiletries until the end of October.
This is an excellent opportunity to help the many people in need within our community. Again, we thank you for your generosity, now and in the past.
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Coat Drive for Dignity On Wheels
Dignity On Wheels is a new initiative created by Project WeHOPE. Project WeHOPE, which stands for “We Help Other People Excel,” has served hundreds of homeless during the coldest six months of the year. Through Dignity On Wheels, Project WeHOPE is able to extend their reach and help those who cannot otherwise make it to a shelter or facility each night.
The Outreach committee will be collecting gently used or new coats, jackets and warm sweaters to help support Dignity on Wheels and those seeking warmth during the cold months. All sizes are needed. You may drop off your items beginning Sunday October 16th through Sunday October 23rd. A collection box will be located at the entrance of the big church.
Thank you for your generosity.
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On Friday, October 14th at 4pm we start our Religious Education program. The classes will take place in the classrooms at St. Anthony Parish. Visit parish website for more details.
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Youth Choir Begins Rehearsals!
All are welcome. Practices are typically an hour. You will also be emailed music links, so you can learn the songs & practice on your own. We practice every Wednesday at 4:30p.m. in preparation for singing at the 10:30 Mass on the first Sunday of each month.
Please join us, even if you're not able to
attend the first rehearsal. Email :denise_delong@yahoo.com
I can forward you the song list & links. Thank you for helping to make St. Anthony's music ministry so uplifting and glorious!!
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PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND
VULNERABLE ADULTS
The Diocese of San José remains committed to the well-being of the children and vulnerable adults entrusted to our care, both past and present. We strongly encourage anyone who has experienced abuse or misconduct perpetrated by diocesan personnel, including volunteers, at any diocesan institution, either historically or currently, to report their allegations to the local civil authorities. Victim/survivors or other individuals with knowledge of abuse or misconduct are also encouraged to contact the Diocese’s Office for the Protection of Children & Vulnerable Adults at 408-983-0113 to file a report. Reports can be made directly to the office or via the Dioceses’ secure third-party reporting service at opcva.ethicspoint.com or call 1-844-372-1691.
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2022 Mass Intention Book
Please stop by or call the Parish office to request your intention
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A Friendly Reminder...
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
As Catholic Christians, our funeral and memorial celebrations enable the Christian community to mourn, as well as to hope by focusing on the mystery of the death and resurrection of Christ.
Please, first contact the Parish Office or Fr. Tad if you are planning a Funeral Mass or a Memorial Mass for a loved one at St. Anthony Church.
You will be provided with our necessary guidelines which are established to assist in effectively preparing the funeral rites with individuals and families.
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Dear Parishioners,
I would like to offer pastoral visit for those parishioners who are elderly or sick and haven’t had or have the opportunity to come to church.
I would like to designate the 1st Friday of each month for a pastoral visit.
Anyone who would like to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession), Anointing of the Sick and the Holy Communion, please, call the Office and set up an appointment.
Fr. Tad
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Visiting with Joan and Louis Pirnik | | |
The Footsteps of St Paul
Sept 20 - Oct 2, 2023
“To go on a pilgrimage really means to step out of ourselves in order to encounter God where he has revealed himself, where his grace has shone with particular splendour and produce rich fruits of conversion and holiness among those who believe…” ~ Pope Benedict XVI
Join Fr Tad on this wonderful pilgrimage. Among the sites to be visited will be Ephesus (the house of Mary and St John, tomb of St John the Apostle), Patmos(cave where John received the Book of Revelation), Corinth, Thessolonika, Philippi, Berea, Athens. Renew your baptismal vows at the site where Paul performed his first baptism in Europe. Included is a 3 day cruise to Crete, Santorini, Myokonos.
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Vigil Mass, Oct 1
"Little Church" Bertram Rd
4:00p.m. Mass
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Sunday Mass, Oct 2
Outdoor Mass McKean Rd
8:30a.m. Mass Indoor
10:30a.m. Mass Indoor
Weekday Mass:
Tuesday - Friday
8:00a.m.
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Visit the parish website for updates and other news |
St. Anthony Parish
20101 McKean Rd
San Jose, CA 95120
(408) 997-9410
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