THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP

“… come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” (Mark 6:31b) Stewards listen to the Lord. Most of the time, He speaks in soft whis-pers. Open your heart and hear the Lord. Take time in silence every day and ask God what it is He wants you to do. Consider making a retreat this year.

Last Week’s Mass Collection: $ 7,660.90 Online Giving: $ 1,311.00

God bless you super abundantly for your generosity!

THE PRAYER CORNER For the sick: Jimmy Wong, Socorro Garcia, Aldo Comparini, & Tony Renzo. For the dead: Fr. Terry Fulton, Ayda Young, Manny Gomez, Joyce Terry, Mary Delmendo, Carmelita Andrews, Andrea Dizon, Saturnino Bulanan, Jr., Antonino Bueno, Saturnino Alfaro, Michael Yu, Pilar Co, Merlin Roxas, Julio Roxas, Virgilio Ventura, Casimiro

Alamo, Lilia Gaudia, & Ernest Martinez, Jr. For the military: Jonas Abad, Jr., Robert Harter, & Lester Paclibar.

CFCS FELLOWSHIP MEET & GREET AT SMG Catholic Funeral & Cemetery Services (CFCS) will be hosting a Fel-lowship Meet & Greet on Monday, July 20, and Tuesday, July 28, after the 7am Mass at the narthex. Please join us for cookies, coffee or tea and allow us to answer your questions about funeral and ceme-tery services. We are here as your resource through one of life’s most difficult times. For more information please contact Melissa Kenerly, Outreach Manager, at 916/452-4831.

RCIA CLASS STARTS SEPTEMBER 3RD If you are curious about the Catholic Faith or you’ve even thought about becoming a Catholic or simply would like to complete your sacraments, the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is just for you. Adults from all faith traditions or no religious background at all are welcome to participate in our 24-week program of instruction designed especially for the needs and lifestyles of busy people. The program begins on September 3, 2015 and runs every Thursday at 7:30-9:00 p.m. Please contact Al Llenos at 916-647-4538 to register.

SUMMER BBQ FOR A CAUSE: AUGUST 2 Divine Mercy Human Development Foundation invites you to its 6th Summer BBQ Fundraising on August 2 at 3:00-6:00 p.m. at 8300 Florin Road (Corner Prtichard), Sacramento, CA 95828. Donation is $15.00 for adults, $5.00 for children 7-12 years old. Children 6 and under, accompanied by their parents, are free. Donate now and get a chance to win a Char-Griller 3001 Grillin' Pro 40,800-BTU Gas Grill. Call 916-525-5593 to get your tickets.

Registration Drive

HANDYMAN SERVICES

Gabino Salazar Lic. # 122087

Home & Business Services Specializing in Painting, Tile, Crownmolding, etc., Free Estimates. Satisfaction Guaranteed

Telephone # 916-683-5982 Cell Phone # 916-224-8259

The WORD Among Us

Complete Catholic Mass and Daily Meditations

Order online at wau.org, or Call 1-800-775-WORD (9673)

You’d be lovingly surprised at how

this magazine can enkindle your love for GOD and His WORD!

VALLEY ARBOR CARE INC.

Tree trimming, removal, stump

grinding, planting, etc...

Mauricio: 916-685-0840

valleytreesvc@aol.com

CERTIFIED ARBORIST

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GINELLE’S BAKERY

A Filipino-American Bakery Mon.-Sat. : 6 am—8 pm

Sunday: 6 am—6 pm 9015 Bruceville Rd. Suite 120

Elk Grove, CA 95758 (916) 627-2993 (916) 583-7376 Fax

www.ginellesbakery.com

SPACE

AVAILABLE

$100.00 per month

ST. MARIA GORETTI 2015 FALL FAMILY FESTIVAL During the weekend of October 10th and 11th we will celebrate God's gift of our SMG parish community with dinner on Saturday and a festi-val Sunday. You will not want to miss the food, games, raffles, craft booths, and entertainment! Mark your calendars now! Can you help make this another successful and fun festival? Here are some ways you can participate ~ Sponsor a game booth ~ Donate items for raffle or silent auction ~ Be a committee chairperson ~ Loan us tables, chairs, tents, etc ~ Work a shift during the festival ~ Share your musical, dancing or other talent on the Main Stage. The Festival co-chairs will have a meet & greet table after most Masses every weekend starting July 19th. Come say Hi and see what needs you can fill. Do you have a craft or other home-based business you would like to promote at the Festival? Pick up a vendor interest form and return it by August 31st. Pre-orders for Festival T-Shirts will be taken starting this week as well. If you miss us on the weekends, infor-mation flyers are available in the office. Your festival co-chairs are Bob & Juanita Peterson and Damon & Beth Thayer. We look forward to seeing you.

AFC360 Asset Financial Center

www.afc360.com

Al Garcia Realtor / Parishioner

“SE HABLA ESPANOL”

916-591-5524 Cell al.garcia@afc360.com

SPACE

AVAILABLE

$50.00 per month

Bring this bulletin with you to the KUMON center

8700 Bradshaw Road Elk Grove, CA 95624 (916) 647-4538 Tel (916) 647-4539 Fax

www.saintmariagoretti.net

Pastor: Fr. Mervin P. Concepcion Email: pastor@smgcc.net Pastor’s emergency ext. 208

Administration: Al Llenos - Business Manager admin@smgcc.net

Religious Education: Luz Manrique - Dir. Religious Ed cff@smgcc.net

Parish Pastoral Council: Patty Suter council-chair@smgcc.net

Finance Council: Bill Klaproth finance-chair@smgcc.net

Liturgy: Pat & Ann Hanna liturgy@smgcc.net

Stewardship: Jude Salgado stewardship@smgcc.net

Music Coordinator: Mike Kitchens music@smgcc.net

Parish Center & Office

"We, the People of St. Maria Goretti Catholic parish, are called by Christ and guided by the Holy Spirit to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom of God through prayer, praise, sacraments and education in order to build the church and share the message of love, justice, and forgiveness in service to all."

MISSION STATEMENT

Weekend Masses: Saturday 5:00 p.m. Sunday 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. & 12:00 p.m.

Weekday Masses: Monday & Tuesday 7:00 a.m. Wednesday & Friday 7:00 p.m.

(First Friday of the month, Holy Hour & Benediction after 7:00pm Mass)

SACRAMENTS:

Reconciliation - Saturday at 3:30-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and Sunday by appointment only.

Baptism - Please call the office at (916) 647-4538 to obtain information, preparation of necessary documents before the date of baptism can be scheduled.

Marriage - Engaged couple must contact the office to setup an appointment with the pastor to begin preparation of necessary documents at least 6 months prior to the wedding date.

Anointing of the Sick/Communion

to the Sick & Homebound - Please call the office at (916) 647-4538 to receive the above sacraments.

LITURGICAL SCHEDULE

STEWARDSHIP PRAYER

Praised are you, O God, our loving creator

and giver of all good gifts. Bless our par-

ish, strengthen our faith, and grant us

the spirit of Christian stewardship so

that we may give generously of our time,

talent, and treasure in worship and

prayer, and in spreading Your kingdom

here in our Church and throughout the

world. This we ask through Jesus Christ,

Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns

with You and the Holy Spirit, one God

now and forever. Amen.

PARISH REGISTRATION AND CHANGE IN CONTACT INFO

We welcome new families to our Parish. Upon receipt of this form, we will mail you the parish registra-tion form to complete. You may place it in the offertory basket or mail it to: St. Maria Goretti Parish Center

8700 Bradshaw Road Elk Grove, CA 95624

Or you may fax it: (916) 647-4539

07/19/2015

SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME— July 19, 2015

New to St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church Community? Recently moved or changed phone number / email ?

Name: ____________________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________

City: _________________________________ Zip: ______________

Phone: ___________________ Email: ___________________________

Fill out and deposit in Offertory Basket. Thank You!

SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME July 19, 2015

“As he went ashore he saw a great throng, and he had compassion on them,

because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.” - Mark 6:34

FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK Dear Saint Maria Goretti Family: Our parish community is preparing for a campaign to reduce the remaining debt on our church property of nearly $4.5 million. Under the leadership of Gil Albi-ani, the Capital Campaign Chairperson, we begin next month and end before the Christmas Season. * Four years ago our campaign to build the church raised approximately $1,100,000.00. * At that time we had about 600 families registered in

our parish. * Our parish community has grown to around 1,200 families. * The goal for this campaign to help pay off the debt is $1,250,000.00. * With nearly twice as many worshippers we believe our goal is attain-able but it will take the support of all of us in our community to achieve it.

With your prayers, love, and sacrifice, IT WILL BE DONE. In

the coming weeks while we prepare for our effort to begin, please pray

for our success. Consider how you may help with the campaign. Be-

gin to think about the level of sacrifice you can make over the next

three years to help pay off the debt on our spiritual home.

It is a joy to be your pastor and I thank God for the opportunity to serve this wonderful parish family. I appeal to you for your love and support. Thank you in advance for your continued generosity.

Sincerely Yours in Christ, - Fr. Mervin Concepcion

SMG PARISH FINANCIAL SITUATION: WHAT WE CAN DO! As we all enjoy our beautiful parish center, we should remember that

to build this worship space, the Parish received a loan from the Diocese. The total cost to build? Over $7.5 million. Our loan amount bal-ance? Currently, approximately $4.5 million. Our annual payment for the loan? $572,571 – 28% ($160K a year) of this payment repre-sents interest expenses.

In compliance with our loan obligation we are soon embarking on our second Capital Campaign this Summer/Fall with a minimum campaign goal of $1.25 million. We hired Guidance In Giving, Inc. to provide us with a comprehensive on and off site counsel and professional know-how for our fundraising efforts.

We have a big job ahead of us, but we know that our community will once again step up to the plate. This Parish is growing and we are hoping that many will get involved in giving.

Let us continue to work together, embrace new members in our parish, recognize and give our time, talents and treasure so that together we can repay our debt while continuing to administer to the Parish needs. With your prayerful reflections on your financial gifts to the par-ish and sacrificial giving each week, we are confident we can reach all of our financial and spiritual goals. God bless us as together we take a huge leap forward in the fulfillment of our God-given obliga-tion to be stewards of the Faith handed down to us by our Lord Je-sus and His Apostles.

THEY WERE LIKE SHEEP WITHOUT A SHEPHERD What does the image of a shepherd tell us about God's care for us? Shepherding was one of the oldest of callings in Israel, even before farming, since the Chosen Peo-ple had traveled from place to place, living in tents, and driving their flocks from one pasture to another. Looking after sheep was no easy calling. It required great skill and courage. Herds were often quite large, thou-sands or even ten thousands of sheep. The flocks spent a good part of the year in the open country. Watching over them required

a great deal of attention and care. Sheep who strayed from the flock had to be sought out and brought back by the shepherd. Since hyenas, jackals, wolves, and even bears were common and fed on sheep, the shepherds often had to do battle with these wild and dangerous beasts. A shepherd liter-ally had to put his life on the line in defending his sheep. Shepherds took turns watching the sheep at night to ward off any attackers. The sheep and their shepherds continually lived together. Their life was so intimately bound together that individual sheep, even when mixed with other flocks, could recognize the voice of their own shepherd and would come immediately when called by name. The Old Testament often spoke of God as shepherd of his peo-ple, Israel. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want (Psalm 23:1). Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock! (Psalm 80:1) We are his people, and the sheep of his pas-ture (Psalm 100:3). The Messiah is also pictured as the shepherd of God's people: He will feed his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the lambs in his arms (Isaiah 40:11). Jesus told his disciples that he was the Good Shepherd who was willing to lay down his life for his sheep (Matthew 18:12, Luke 15:4, John 10). When he saw the multitude of people in need of protection and care, he was moved to respond with compassionate concern. His love was a personal love for each and every person who came to him in need. Lord Jesus, you guard and protect us from all evil. Help us to stand firm in your word and to trust in your help in all circum-stances. May we always find rest and refuge in the shelter of your presence. NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING AWARENESS WEEK: JULY 19-25

Natural Family Planning Awareness Week is July 19-25. This week coincides with the anniversary of Humanae Vitae (issued on July 25, 1968). In celebration of NFP Awareness Week, Bishop Jaime Soto is asking us to shine a light on Church teachings regard-ing marriage, conjugal love, responsible parenthood, and the moral means to plan

a family—the methods of Natural Family Planning. “Trust” and “faithfulness” are at the heart of these teachings. In addition, married couples need to know that following God’s plan for their married lives is best for them. As the subtheme of the 2015 slogan says, NFP is “good for the body” and “great for the soul!”

THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE Sun. July 19 8 a.m., 10a .m., 12p.m. Mass Registration Drive Mon. July 20 6:30 a.m. Rosary / Mass 6:30 p.m. Choir Practice, 8 a.m. Choir Tue. July 21 6:30 a.m. Rosary / Mass 5:00 p.m. Choir Practice, 12 Noon Choir 7:00 p.m. Knights of Columbus Meeting Wed. July 22 5:00 p.m. Choir Practice, 5 p.m. Choir 6:30 p.m. Rosary / Mass / Perpetual Help Novena Thurs. July 23 6:00 p.m. Choir Practice, 10 a.m. Choir Fri. July 24 6:30 p.m. Rosary / Mass Sat. July 25 3:30 p.m. Confession 5:00 p.m. Vigil Mass

SUPER RAFFLE Super Raffle is back again! Purchase your ticket(s) after all masses starting today or at the parish office during the week. Like last year, we will be only selling 300 tickets and will have five (5) $1,000 winners and one (1) Grand Prize Winner of $5,000. Winning tickets will be drawn at the parish festival on October 11th. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased in whole or together with friends, neighbors, co-workers or other family members. Last year we sold out so buy your tickets early. Let’s welcome Father Mervin back from vacation with the good news that we have sold out!

LORD OF PARDON’S 23RD ANNIVERSARY: AUG. 2 The celebration of Our Lord of Pardon Family Devotion’s 23rd Anni-versary is on August 2, at 1:00 p.m., after the 12 p.m. Mass. There will be a potluck lunch. A 7-day community prayer, starting July 26, through August 1, will precede this event. Come and enjoy the day with us. Call Chuchi Vega at 916-895-9804 or Lita Magalona at 916-897-1763 for more information.

BIBLE STUDY: PSALMS, THE SCHOOL OF PRAYER You are invited to the Bible Study to be held on September 12 through November 21, 2015 at 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Join Jeff Cavins, Sarah Christmyer, and Dr. Tim Gray as they show us how to establish a deeply personal dialogue with God through the Psalms. If you are inter-ested to join this class, please contact Rhett Tejada at 916-308-8764.

MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT PROGRAM Invest your time for a better relationship! Come, join a Marriage En-richment Program, sponsored by St. Maria Goretti Church, on Saturday, August 8th, at 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Your goal may be one of the follow-ing: Improve your relationship as husband and wife, Restore a troubled relationship, You are entering into the sacrament of matrimony, or Your relationship is good and you want to enrich it more. The program is free. Lunch and baby-sitting will be provided. Registration is limited to 25 couples only. For more information, or to join the program, please contact Erwin & Rebecca Jordan at 916-479-0855 or 916-479-2557 or at jordanfamilyemail@comcast.net.

CONSECRATION As announced last week, Luz Manrique, our Director of Religious Education, requests the honor of your pres-ence as Bishop Jaime Soto consecrates her as a bride of Christ espoused to Him and His Church on August 15, 2:00 p.m., at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament. This is only the second consecration ceremony in the Diocese of Sacramento after the Rite of Consecration of Virgins Living in the World was restored by Pope Paul

VI on May 31, 1970. The first one was in 1973. Please be there to wit-ness this beautiful, solemn ceremony. Hopefully, some women from our parish would respond to this particular vocation that dates back to apos-tolic times. Light fare/Hors d'oeuvres will be served. RSVP by August 1 if you are attending the reception. Contributions towards the reception, ei-ther in cash or in kind, will be much appreciated. Sign-up sheets are available in the vestibule this weekend. For details, please contact Ar-lene Simmons at 916-471-8561, or email Paula Bonifacio, Bernadette Delmendo or Adelle Madariaga at sgc@smgcc.net.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: A HUGE SUCCESS!

Our Vacation Bible School was held this year from July 6th through the 10th. The theme was "Conquering Challenges with God's Almighty Power". It involved a climb to Mt. Everest, the highest mountain in the world. The children discussed their own personal challenges as they learned the bible points: God has the power to provide, God has the power to comfort, God has the power to heal, God has the power to forgive, and God has the power to love us forever. All the activities including games, arts and crafts, music, and bible stories emphasized these points. On the last day the children were sad to see VBS end. They wanted it to go on forever just like God's love for us. We want to thank our volunteers for making VBS a huge success. Crew Leaders: Kathryn Walker, Bryce Turrentine, Shannon Mullins, Christine Mullins, Carter Schmidt, Annebella Escobedo, Martin Flores, Katherine Flores, Peter Flores, Megan Alexander, Sarah Williams, Megan Simmons, Gabriel McKenna and Brianna Fitzpatrick. Our Sta-tion Leaders: Arts and Crafts - Mimmie Fisher and Leia Canuto, Music - Sandra Woods, Games - Sara Fisher, Helen McKenna and Maya Rothwell, Bible Expeditions - Yumi Ablang, Vickie Masterson, May Nguyen and Kim Nguyen, Snack Shack - Elijah Jordan, Opening and Closing Assemblies - Diane Goodman, Shelley Walker and Beth Thayer. We appreciate time, talents, and generosity of hearts. We thank Father Mervin for participating as the children love his involvement in all the activities. He has a special rapport with the chil-dren which makes our program unique. We also appreciate all the sup-port that Luz Manrique gave to the program. Her devotion to the edu-cation of our children is awesome. We owe a special thank you to the Knights of Columbus for their donation. Finally, we wish Diane Good-man our super, special thanks for planning, organizing, and pulling together another successful VBS. May our Lord Jesus be praised for all the blessings received this summer through our 2nd VBS Program.

LATE CFF REGISTRATION!!! This is the last week of CFF registration. Late registration is scheduled on July 25/26 weekend, with a late charge of $25.00.

July 19 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time Jer 23:1-16; Ps 23:1-3,4-6; Eph 2:13-18; Mk 6:30-34

8 a.m. Lilia Gaudia (+) July 20 Monday, Memorial – St. Apollinaris Ex 14:5-18; (Ps) Ex 15:1-2,3-4, 5-6; Mt 12:38-42 July 21 Tuesday, Memorial– St. Lawrence of Brindisi

Ex 14:21--15:1; (Ps) Ex 15:8-9,10,12,17; Mt 12:46-50 July 22 Wednesday, Memorial– St. Mary Magadalene 2 Cor 5:14-17; Ps 63:2,3-4,5-6,8-9; Jn 20:1-2,11-18 July 23 Thursday, Memorial– St. Bridget

2 Cor 5:14-17; Ps 63:2,3-4,5-6,8-9; Jn 20:1-2,11-18 July 24 Friday, Memorial– St. Sharbel Makhiluf Ex 20:1-17; Ps 19:8,9-11; Mt 13:18-23 7 p.m. Ernest Martinez, Jr. (+) July 25 Saturday, Feast– St. James the Apostle 2 Cor 4:7-15; Ps 126:1-3, 4-5,6; Mt 20:20-28

MASSES FOR THE WEEK