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Catholic Community

Our Mission Statement: To know Christ and make Him known by welcoming all, teaching and sharing the Faith, and providing worship

and spiritual growth opportunities and serving those in need.

PARISH OFFICE 3966 Chestnut Ave. Concord, CA 94519 Tel: (925) 689-0838 Fax: (925) 689-7899

Office Hours: 9:00am - Noon * 1:00pm - 4:30pm, Monday-Thursday

Website: www.stagnesparish.net * E-Mail: stagnesoffice@comcast.net Instagram: stagnesparishconcord * Twitter: @stagnesparish

July 29, 2018

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PASTORAL STAFF

Pastor Rev. Fr. Johnson Abraham chemans@gmail.com

Deacons Bill Drobick—deaconbill3@gmail.com Tony Reyes—deacontonyr@gmail.com

Business Manager Marlene McCann marlene.stagnesparish@gmail.com

Confirmation/Life Teen Coordinator Deacon Bill Drobick deaconbill3@gmail.com

Religious Ed/Liturgy Coordinator Linda D’Souza lindastagnes@gmail.com

Secretary-Religious Education Donna Cassianos donna.stagnesparish@gmail.com

Director of Music Ministry Pete Frevele petefrev@me.com

Liturgical Musician Lily Melendrez Lily.stagnesparish@gmail.com

Bulletins Please submit your articles to: donnaroberts1956@gmail.com

Pastoral Council Chair Linus Farias linusfarias@sbcglobal.net

Saturday Vigil: 5PM

Sunday: 7AM, 9AM, 11AM & 5PM

Daily Mass in the Chapel at 8AM Monday - Saturday (Communion Service on Wed.)

Adoration in the Chapel Daily 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Confessions: Saturday 3:30PM

3886 Chestnut Ave., Concord Tel.: (925) 689-3990 Office Hours: 7:30 - 4:00 M-F

Principal: J ill Lucia jlucia@csdo.org

Secretary: Ana Kelley akelley@csdo.org Website: www.stagnesconcord.com

SCHOOL OFFICE

THE IMPORTANCE OF VACATION

Ahhh, it’s summer time! Do you remember the joy and excitement you felt as a child at the beginning of summer? School was out, and there was no homework for 10-12 weeks. The days were long, so you could stay outside, playing well into the evening. I grew up in a small farming community where money was scarce and very few people went on elaborate vacations, but it was near the coast, so there were daytrips to the beach, or fishing and crabbing with my dad. I still had my daily chores and picked a lot of vegetables from the garden, but I didn’t need to rush. I remember sitting on the front porch shelling peas with my mom, listening to family stories of her childhood. It was a lazy time for reading, relaxing and rejuvenating. Unfortunately, today there seems to be less time to relax and unwind. The world has gotten faster and busier, and we became adults. In most families, both parents work, and children need to be shuttled to daycare, camps, swim lessons, or sporting events. With the news and internet at our fingertips, information flows at a faster rate. People are constantly attached to their telephones, looking at work emails on their “off” time, with no time for their minds to rest. Almost half of Americans do not plan on taking a vacation this summer. 50% said they can’t afford a summer getaway, 25% cite “family duty,” and 22% can’t take the time off work. Only 25 percent of Americans take all of their paid vacation days. However, it is important that we take time out to recharge our batteries. Vacations relieve stress, which is a physiological response meant to help us and to keep us safe. Stress causes hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine to be released to allow us to fight or escape. Unless you need to flee a charging wild animal, you probably don’t need to be stressed. The build-up of stress can lead to heart disease, illness, infections, loss of sleep, memory problems and accidents. Taking a break to relieve stress can make you healthier, help to maintain your focus, improve your family life, strengthen your relationships, and make you happier. Vacations will make you more productive at work and help you to make better decisions. So I am encouraging you to take some time to rejuvenate your body and your spirit. We are blessed to live in an area where we can take daytrips, whether it is to the mountains, to the ocean, or just to the top of Mt. Diablo with its expansive views of the bay area. Take some time to just sit and listen quietly to God. You don’t need to pray – just listen to Him and enjoy His peace and the beauty He has surrounded you with. And if transportation is a challenge, just take some time out of your busy schedule to sit in the Adoration Chapel to relax your mind and refresh your soul. And listen to what God is telling you. As you are reading this (and if all has gone well), I am on my way back from a well-deserved vacation, so the next time you see me I should be physically and spiritually relaxed and rejuvenated! Your bulletin editor – Donna Roberts

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FOR SPIRITUALITY: DAILY MASS IN THE CHAPEL Monday - Saturday at 8:00 AM. (Communion Service on Wed.) Friday morning at 8:15 AM

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION - Chapel daily from 6 am—9 pm. Contact Sumner or Veronica Peery at 827-0916 for scheduling.

FOR ADULT LEARNING: SCRIPTURE SHARING - Summer break until Sept. 6.

FOR MINISTRY:

PRAYER TREE - A ministry of people who pray specifically for those who are ill. Please notify the parish office if you or a member of your family are in, or going into, the hospital.

HELPING HANDS: Please call Pat Lesniak, 682-9296.

MARTINEZ SHELTER MEALS: Plan a meal for 35 residents. Purchase & prepare food; serve dinner at the shelter. Please contact to volunteer: Anne Kurylo, 925-876-7510 or Anne.kurylo@gmail.com.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL MINISTRY P lease contact the St. Vincent de Paul Hotline at (925) 689-0838, Ext. 250.

MINISTRY TO THE SICK: Please call Naomi Holt at (925) 768-3587.

CARING HANDS-JOHN MUIR HEALTH: Contact Stacy Appel by e-mail at Stacy.Appel@johnmuirhhealth.com.

Faith and Spirituality

PLEASE PRAY FOR HEALING FOR:

Alice Alimurung Dianna Andrews Norm Andrews Jim Armstrong Ron Artale Terry Brophy Kathryn Cases Trinity Cereghino Iman Chang Gil Chavez Rich Cotter

Anneke Cronander-Ford William Cummins Anthony Davi Franca Del Ponte Stephen Dixon Paul Duffy Marie Frisbie Karen Gee Merv Hammond Tony Hennessy Doug Hieb

Maria Hills Earl Koski Joseph Mallon Aisling Morgan Susan Noard Anne O’Neill Anna Mae Parcja Barbara Peters Ellie Rowe Jaden Ruybalid Maureen Ryan

Greg Scaletti Betty Sullivan Carolyn Thompson Bill van Hattem David Vizcay Judy Wiget Paul Wiget Betty Wilson

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD

St. Agnes will re-introduce Children's Liturgy of the Word (CLW) during the school year (September through May) at the 9:00 a.m. Mass. Children's Liturgy of the Word (CLW) will be provided to help children preschool through 3rd grade better understand and take heart the meaning of the Sunday scripture readings. After opening prayer, children will be excused to hear the scriptures proclaimed and illuminated through storytelling and activities. They will return to their families and Mass at the Offertory. * Volunteer Leaders and Aides are needed* All mater ials will be provided and the commitment will be one Sunday a month. If enough interest is generated, CLW will be offered at 11:00 a.m. as well.

For more information or to volunteer, please call Linda in the Ministry Center at (925) 689-0838 or email her at lindastagnes@gmail.com. A meeting for volunteers will take place in August.

CHILDREN'S FAITH FORMATION/EDGE  

Registration packets are available for the 2018/2019 school year for Children's Faith Formation (K - 5th grades) and EDGE (6th - 8th grades) in the vestibules, at the Welcome Table and on the parish website. New this year, we are offering an "Early Bird Discount." Register and pay by August 1st in order to take advantage of the discount. After August 1, standard fees will apply. For any questions, please contact the Faith Formation Office at (925) 689-0838.

CONFIRMATION YEAR 1 & YEAR 2

Registration packets and Calendars for this fall’s programs for first year of Confirmation are available from the vestibules, Welcome Table, and at the Ministry Center. You can also download the documents from the St. Agnes website: https://stagnesparish.net/confirmation.

Registration packets for second year Confirmation students have been mailed.

Confirmation sessions for both Year 1 and Year 2 begin on September 16th. Parent Information Session will be on Monday, September 10th. Please check out the Registration packet for more information.

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Calendar for the Week Mass Intentions

Saturday, July 28, 2018 5:00 p.m. Darren Blattler—Repose Jennifer Pais—Repose Deceased Members of the Ambacher Family

Sunday, July 29, 2018 7:00 a.m. For the People of St. Agnes, Living and Deceased

9:00 a.m. Michael Hallissey—Repose Greg Scaletti—Special Intention

11:00 a.m. Marie Lucia—Repose The Castelino Family—In Thanksgiving

5:00 p.m. Father Carl Arcosa—Special Intention David Viscay—Special Intention

Monday, July 30, 2018 8:00 a.m. Housekeeping Staff at Windsor Manor— Special Intention

Tuesday, July 31, 2018 8:00 a.m. Earl Koski—Special Intention

Wednesday, August 1, 2018 8:00 a.m. Communion Service Only

Thursday, August 2, 2018 8:00 a.m. Dustin Davis—Repose

Friday, August 3, 2018 8:15 a.m. Ramon Santos—Repose Earl Koski—Special Intention

Saturday, August 4, 2018 8:00 a.m. Ramil Antonio Legaspi—Repose David Viscay—Special Intention

5:00 p.m. Goody Carino—Repose

Sunday, August 5, 2018 7:00 a.m. Megan Stephens—Special Intention

9:00 a.m. For the People of St. Agnes, Living and Deceased

11:00 a.m. Greg Scaletti—Special Intention

5:00 p.m. Earl Koski—Special Intention

Parish Events and Meetings

Sunday, July 29, 2018 7:00 p.m. Fatima Rosary Novena—Chapel Monday, July 30, 2018 8:00 a.m. Daily Mass—Chapel 6:30 p.m. Centering Prayer Group—EX 7:00 p.m. Divine Mercy Novena—Chapel Tuesday, July 31, 2018 8:00 a.m. Daily Mass—Chapel 7:00 p.m. Divine Mercy Novena—Chapel Wednesday, August 1, 2018 8:00 a.m. Communion Service—Chapel 10:30 a.m. Rosary Makers—A.R. 7:00 p.m. Divine Mercy Novena—Chapel Thursday, August 2, 2018 8:00 a.m. Daily Mass—Chapel 7:00 p.m. Divine Mercy Novena—Chapel Friday, August 3, 2018 8:15 a.m. First Friday Mass—Church Farewell to the Pilgrim Cross 5:30 p.m. First Friday Dinner—Church Hall (BBQ by Knights of Columbus) Saturday, August 4, 2018 8:00 a.m. Daily Mass—Chapel 8:30 a.m. Lector Practice—Church SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES Sunday: Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Monday: St. Peter Chysologus Tuesday: St. Ignatius of Loyola Wednesday: St. Alphonsus Liguori Thursday: St. Eusebius of Vercelli; St. Peter Julian Eymard Friday: First Friday Saturday: St. John Vianney; First Saturday READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Jer 13:1-11; Dt 32:18-21; Mt 13:31-35 Tuesday: Jer 14:17-22; Ps 79:8, 9, 11, 13; Mt 13:36-43 Wednesday: Jer 15:10, 16-21; Ps 59:2-4, 10-11, 17-18; Mt 13:44-46 Thursday: Jer 18:1-6; Ps 146:1b-6ab; Mt 13:47-53 Friday: Jer 26:1-9; Ps 69:5, 8-10, 14; Mt 13:54-58 Saturday: Jer 26:11-16, 24; Ps 69:15-16, 30-31, 33-34; Mt 14:1-12 Sunday: Ex 16:2-4, 12-15; Ps 78:3-4, 23-25, 54; Eph 4:17, 20-24; Jn 6:24-35

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Parish News and Activities

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS

JULY

29 Fatima Rosary Novena, Chapel, 7:00 p.m. 30-31 Divine Mercy Novena, Chapel, 7:00 p.m.

AUGUST

1-2 Divine Mercy Novena, Chapel, 7:00 p.m. 3 Farewell to Pilgrim Cross, 8:15 a.m. First Friday Dinner, 5:30 p.m., Church Hall 11 Anointing Mass, 10:30 a.m., Church 12 Pancake Breakfast after 9 & 11 am Masses 18-19 Fair Trade/Hospitality Weekend

COME OUT AND JOIN US FOR A HOT AUGUST NIGHT AND BBQ

The Knights of Columbus will be hosting their First Friday Dinner at St. Agnes Church Hall on Friday, August 3rd at 5:30 p.m. in the Church Hall.

Enjoy your choice of one entrée: Hamburger, Cheeseburger, Hotdog or Salmon Pattie, along with French fries, salad, a cold beverage (water or soda) and dessert. Other beverage options are available at an additional cost.

Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for children 4-12, and free for kids 3 and under.

Why heat up your kitchen on a Friday night? The Knights of Columbus love to cook and serve, and you can enjoy the fellowship of your fellow parishioners.

For any questions, contact: Frank Mazzuca: me@francismazzuca.com or David Wood: david@koc15344stagnes.org

Visit the Knights of Columbus website at: http://www.koc15344stagnes.org/

Portions of the profit from this dinner will help benefit: St. Agnes Parish, supporting Seminarian John Pietruszka, Share and other charitable organizations.

STAND FIRM In time of desolation one should never make a change, but stand firm in the resolutions and deci-sions that guided one the day before the desolation. —St. Ignatius of Loyola

ST. AGNES SCHOOL IS WAITING FOR YOU

We are currently accepting applications for Kinder and 1st Grade students. Please don’t miss out on the opportunity to spend a wonderful school year in our very own Catholic community! For further information, please visit our website (www.stagnesconcord.com) or call the school office (925) 689-3990. We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you to our school. St. Agnes School is accredited by the Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA) and is co-accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION

Last Wednesday, the greatest pilgrimage in our tradition ended with the feast of Saint James at his shrine in Compostela, Spain. Every year, as many as a hundred thousand persons walk a portion of the medieval way of the pilgrim, earning the right to wear the scallop shell symbol of this journey of faith. In legend, this city on the northern coast of Spain is the final resting place of the apostle, and the full name of the cathedral is “Saint James of the Field of Stars.” There is a tradition that Saint James the Great preached there. In the Roman Catholic tradition, the pilgrimage, like any procession, is a symbol, life’s journey dis-tilled, a powerful sign of our journey toward a certain goal. The perils of the road, the support of compan-ions, the contemplative slower pace of life, have the potential to transform and renew the pilgrims in ways that last a lifetime. Along the way, the distinctions between rich and poor fall away, and everyone shares humble rustic food and stops for the night in hostels or under the stars. After a long walk, the experience of entering through the great doors into the vast cathe-dral filled with incense, light, and song is a foretaste of heaven. The pilgrims often say that their whole lives are redirected toward that moment of entry into the heavenly Jerusalem. The most memorable feature of the cathedral is called the botofumeiro, an incense burner on pulleys and chains that sweeps through the cathedral in immense circles, swirling clouds of sweet-smelling incense around the vast nave. —Rev. James Field, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

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Community Activities

IMMIGRATION MYTHS—Part 4 In this week’s bulletin is the fourth of the series of myths. The Faith in Action/Social Justice Ministry has been presenting myths obtained from the Catholics United for Justice (CUJ) about undocumented immigrants. The myths are being published to inform and educate you on the issue of undocumented immigrants as seen by the JustFaith Ministries. It is our hope that you continue to find the time to reflect upon the myth presented. For questions or comments about these myths you may contact JustFaith at www.justfaith.org or 502-429-0865.

Myth # 4: They don't pay into Social Security The truth is that undocumented immigrants contribute more in payroll taxes than they will ever consume in public benefits. Take Social Security. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), unauthorized immigrants -- who are not eligible to receive Social Security benefits -- have paid an eye-popping $100 billion into the fund over the past decade. "They are paying an estimated $15 billion a year into Social Security with no intention of ever collecting benefits," Stephen Goss, chief actuary of the SSA, told CNNMoney. "Without the estimated 3.1 million undocumented immigrants paying into the system, Social Security would have entered persistent shortfall of tax revenue to cover payouts starting in 2009," he said. As the baby boom generation ages and retires, immigrant workers are key to shoring up Social Security and counteracting the effects of the decline in U.S.-born workers paying into the system, Goss said. Without immigrants, the Social Security Board of Trustees projects that the system will no longer be able to pay the full promised benefits by 2037.

CATECHETICAL CONGRESS— DIOCESE OF OAKLAND

Saturday, August 11, 2018, 8:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m. Bishop O’Dowd High School

9500 Stearns Ave., Oakland, CA

Come and be enriched and inspired by many nationally known speakers as well as some of our own ministry leaders. There will be no onsite registration—last day to register is August 6, 2018.

Cost: $40. Register online at: www.oakdiocese.org/congress

For more information, contact: PCollyer@oakdiocese.org

INVITATION FROM BISHOP BARBER

Bishop Barber cordially invites all the Faithful of the Diocese to join him to celebrate the Feast of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits. A solemn Mass will be celebrated at the Cathedral of Christ the Light on Tuesday, July 31, at 5:00 p.m.

WEEKLY MIRACLE

This week marks the beginning of a kind of “liturgical detour.” We have been listening to Saint Mark’s Gospel during this liturgical year (Year B). Today we begin to hear a long section from John’s Gospel, starting with the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes. This miracle story is a prelude to the Lord’s statements that we will begin hearing in a few weeks, in which Jesus refers to himself as the “bread of life.” Each week we witness a miracle at Mass. We do not see a multiplication of loaves before us. What our eyes of faith allow us to see is the miracle of the transformation of common elements—bread and wine—into the Lord’s Body and Blood. Once we have received the Lord, the multiplication begins, for in the Eucharist we are strengthened to multiply our efforts to feed the poor, shelter the homeless, and bring comfort to the despairing. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co., Inc.

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Our St. Agnes Vincentians with Sister Paule Freeburg at their first

Vincentian Spiritual Retreat on Saturday, July 14th (above).

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL FIFTH SUNDAY COLLECTION: Our Vincentians just experienced a wonderful spiritual retreat with Sister Paule Freeburg from the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul. She shared that Vincentians are “the Gospel arm of the church.” Then she added that all of us can participate in this important work. She stated that “the hands on writing of a check is hands on service to the poor, for if a check is not written, then Vincentians are not able to help the poor. We encourage you to participate in the Fifth Sunday collection this weekend to allow us to help out with all the needs of our community members—helping with rent so a family can stay in a home; getting a phone so that a person can apply for jobs; bringing gas and food cards to families and individuals living in their cars; helping people to keep water and/or electricity on. Many families are facing hardships in our community and they need a “hand up” to help them get back on their feet. If you know of anyone who needs help or if you would like to participate in our ministry, please call the St. Vincent de Paul number at 925 689 0838 x 250.