The Epiphany

      Of the Lord

           January 3, 2010

First Reading:  Isaiah 60:1-6

Isaiah speaks poetically of the coming of the Lord. He describes how “darkness covers the earth” but light and glory will appear over God’s chosen people.

Second Reading: Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6

Paul tells the Ephesians that the Jews and Gentiles are now co-heirs of the promises God has made. He explains that both groups are now members of the one body through Jesus Christ.

Gospel:  Matthew 2:1-12

After Jesus’ birth, three astrologers from the east came to Jerusalem and inquired about the newborn King of the Jews. King Herod became greatly angered, and asked the astrologers to bring him more information about the child once they found him, so that he too could pay homage to the infant. However, Herord’s true plan was to kill Jesus. The wise men were warned in a dream not to return to him and they took a different route to return home.

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Prayer for Generosity

Dear Lord, teach me to be generous;

Teach me to serve you as you deserve;

To give and not to count the cost;

To fight and not to heed the wounds;

To toil and not to seek for rest;

To labor, and not to ask for any reward –

except that of knowing that I am doing your holy will.                                               

                                                  AMEN.

   MASS INTENTIONS

    January 2 – 9, 2010

Sat.         5:00 P.M.               For the Intentions of

                                                Mariano Mudanba

Mon.      8:00 A.M.               Esther Pucci

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS

5:00 P.M.               Sr. Catherine Ginther, Eileen Herrmann, Mary McGowan, Sr. Mary Liam Brock,

                                Cecelia Pracher

9:00 A.M                Dane Ritchey, Marites Sanders,

Sonya Simril, Almaz Yihdego,

Lucie Durand, Kimberly Gamboa,

Raul Gonzales, Mary Liu

11:00 A.M.              Elisa Davila, Dennis Emmett,

Sr. Barbara Hazzard, Allie Holley, Jeanette Louden-Corbett,

Karen Patterson, Lynda Suciu,

Nikiya Arcia

LECTORS           

5:00 P.M.               Tom Doctor, Lois Doctor

9:00 A.M.               Roberto Bethel, Anne Black

11:00 A.M.              Jeanette Louden-Corbett, Bruce Corbett

STEWARDSHIP CORNER

People often ask, “How much should I give to my Church?

This is a personal decision. Some people tithe – giving a specific amount; others chose a different amount as their offering. One rule of thumb followed by many is to give, for each wage earner in the family, one hour’s pay per week as a weekly offering, with additional gifts for second collections and other special needs. Many retired persons give the equivalent of “One Hour’s” wage by dividing their monthly income by 160 “hours”.

THE CATHOLIC VOICE

There is still time to make your donation for the Catholic Voice if you did not do so. Please make your check payable to Our Lady of Lourdes Church and place it in the collection basket today. Your contribution will help our parish defray the assessment for the Catholic Voice.

SPIRITUAL DIRECTION

Do you have a desire to deepen your relationship with God and become more aware of the Spirits guidance in your life? Spiritual Direction provides support and encouragement for the spiritual journey. Consider this for yourself!

For more information please call:

Sr. Margaret Lynch s.n.j.m. at 510-653-3486

SUNDAY ENVELOPES FOR THE YEAR 2010

We are in the process of preparing our 2010 Sunday Envelopes. Every parishioner should be using the envelope system. If you are a parishioner who is not using the offering envelopes yet, please contact the parish office and we will have your envelopes for the year 2010 ready.

                                                                                       SEMINARY COLLECTION

January 16 / 17, 2010

The Oakland Diocese currently has thirteen men in seminary preparing to serve our parishes as priests. Seminary education and formation is costly, nearly $27,000.00 per year per seminarian. Once a year the Diocese conducts a special collection to help pay for these expenses. Please look for the yellow envelopes in the pews, and please be generous in financially supporting those called to serve us as future priests.

Walk for life – West Coast 2010!

Mark your calendars for Saturday, January 23, 2010. Join upwards of 30,000 pro-lifer’s for the 6^th Annual Walk for Life in San Francisco as we peacefully proclaim our message that abortion hurts women and we all deserve better than abortion.

For more information visit our website at www.walkforlife.com. To volunteer or to arrange buses contact us at (415) 586-1576

PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS

Loving God,

You call us through our baptism in the Spirit

To continue the mission of your beloved Son, Jesus

Open us to listen attentively for your invitation.

Empower us to respond to your call.

Inspire women and men

To follow the path of service.

Together may we build up the Church to be a

Vibrant sign of your presence in our world.

We offer this prayer

In the name of your Son, Jesus Christ

Through the power of the holy Spirit.

                                               AMEN.

WE WELCOME

OUR VISITORS