MASSES:

Saturday: 8:00AM; 5:00 PM (Vigil) Sunday: 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 6:00 PM

Weekdays: Tuesday-Friday 8:00 AM (Mondays: 8:00 AM Communion Service) Holy Days & Special Services: see bulletin RECONCILIATION: Saturdays, 4:00 PM PERPETUAL HELP NOVENA: Tuesdays 8:30 AM MARRIAGES: Those wishing to be married must contact the priest at least 9 months before date of marriage.

4540 El Cerrito Dr. San Diego, CA 92115

Parish Office: 619-582-5722

Parish Website: www.blessedsacrament-sandiego.org Parish E-Mail: jyin@blessedsacrament-sandiego.org

Fr. Jon P. Kirby, SVD: Pastor Tony Albers: Deacon Herb Kelsey: Deacon

Parish ID # for United Way Contributions………..…..9753

BAPTISM INFORMATION…………………………619-582-5722

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) ……….619-582-5722

FAITH FORMATION, grade 1-8.….........619-582-5722, ext. 124 Kerwin Molina, Coordinator

CONFIRMATION, Teens…………………………...619-582-5722 Justine Coliflores

BLESSED SACRAMENT PARISH SCHOOL……619-582-3862 Anne Egan, Principal School Website: www.bsps-sd.org

BLESSED SACRAMENT CATHOLIC CHURCH

Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Blessed Sacrament December 31,2017

Happy Hanukkah/Christmas! (Adapted from the article “Hanukkah is not the Jewish Christmas—but they are cousins” by Rabbi Daniel F. Polish in America, Dec 12 2017) Isn’t Hanukkah basically the Jewish Christmas? The answer is “kind of”. Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus, whom Christians came to worship as the Christ, the messiah, the second person of the Trinity. But Je-sus plays no role in the religious life of Jews. Rabbi Daniel Polish believes that it is the calendar that caus-es the confusion. Most years, right around the time that Christians are celebrating the birth of Jesus, Jews are celebrating Hanukkah, which began as a national celebration of the victory of Jewish guerillas over the forces of the Syrian-Greeks 2,200 years ago. In the second century B.C., a remnant of the army of Alex-ander the Great had come to dominate the Jews then living in their own land. In an effort to consolidate his power and to impose a cultural uniformity on his sub-jects, the Syrian-Greek ruler Antiochus Epiphanes in-sisted that the Jews worship him as the rest of his sub-jects did and demanded that a statue of himself be erected in the Jews’ Temple in Jerusalem. A family of priests known as the Hasmoneans (the Maccabees) rebelled against Antiochus. Though they were far out-numbered, this guerilla band fought valiantly and de-feated the oppressor’s army. They found that the Temple in Jerusalem, the center of all Jewish worship, had been defiled and desecrat-ed. In the course of cleaning and purifying it, they dis-covered that the oil for “eternal light,” which in ac-cordance with biblical instruction was to never go out, had been reduced to only a single jar with enough oil to keep it burning for one day. But when the messen-ger returned from the eight-day journey to retrieve the special oil, miraculously, the light was still burning. The Hasmoneans became the rulers of the Jews and decreed that their victory be celebrated each year. They called it “Hanukkah,” which means rededica-tion. Later the rabbis, who did not like this focus on the Hasmonean victory, changed it to a celebration of the “great miracle that happened there”: the one-day supply of oil that burned for eight days.

Today, the customs and observances surrounding Ha-nukkah are familiar to most Americans: lighting the menorah, children spinning dreidels and, of course, latkes—potato pancakes fried in oil, in commemora-tion of the jar of oil that miraculously lasted for eight days. Both Hanukkah and Christmas act out the hope that light can triumph over darkness. How could any-one confuse this holiday with Christmas? In the Unit-ed States, both have come to include an element that was not part of the original religious purpose of either holiday: gifts. Just as Santa Claus is not part of the Gospel account of the birth of Jesus, presents do not figure in the Hasmonean or rabbinic prescription of Hanukkah. And yet as the giving of Christmas pre-sents began to loom larger, Jewish parents, not want-ing their children to feel deprived, took to giving their children gifts at Hanukkah. As both celebrations be-came more centered on opening presents, the percep-tion of the two very different holidays began to merge in popular thought. Even though the two holidays are very different in their religious, historical and cultural connotations, in one sense they are “cousins.” Both of them respond to the same, very significant human reality. It is possibly no accident that both Christmas and Hanukkah fall when they do, namely the winter solstice. In the north-ern hemisphere, at the very time of year when the days are shortest, nights are the longest and the world is darkest and coldest, Jews and Christians, each in their own way, find themselves getting together as families in celebrations that involve lighting lights. Both act out the hope that light can triumph over dark-ness. Human beings do not like the dark. We are eager to see it defeated. Jews and Christians alike celebrate miracles that reflect the hope that we can triumph over all the forces that afflict and oppress us. The light that is so central to both holidays represents this shared human affirmation. The stories we tell and the images we use are very different. But the human hope certainly seems the same.

From The Pastor

Fr. Jon and the Staff of Blessed Sacrament

Parish

Wish you Peace in the New Year!

Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Blessed Sacrament December 31,2017

Weekly Mass Intentions Sat. Sun. Mon.

Dec. 30 Dec. 31 Jan. 1

Tues. Wed. Thur. Fri. Sat.

8:00am 8:00am 8:00am 8:00am 8:00am

Jan. 2 Jan. 3 Jan. 4 Jan. 5 Jan. 6

Fr. Jerry Hamperzonian † Chand Family, int. Jesus & Beatriz Bermudez †

5:00pm 8:00am 10:00am 6:00pm 8:00am

Our Military Men, Women & Families Rudolf F. Romero † Parishioners Armando Barron, int. Michael Chand, int.

Readings for the Week Monday: Nm 6:22-27; Gal 4:4-7; Lk 2:16-21 Tuesday: 1 Jn 2:22-28; Jn 1:19-28 Wednesday: 1 Jn 2:29 -- 3:6; Jn 1:29-34 Thursday: 1 Jn 3:7-10; Jn 1:35-42 Friday: 1 Jn 3:11-21; Jn 1:43-51 Saturday: 1 Jn 5:5-13; Mk 1:7-11 or Lk 3:23-28 [23, 31-34, 36, 38] Sunday: Is 60:1-6; Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6; Mt 2:1-12

FINANCIAL UPDATE 2017

December 24 weekend (unavailable at this time) Thank you for your continued support.

Welcome New Parishioners

Registration Forms are available in the church office or by email.

SAVE THE DATE

Parish Ministry Fair Saturday & Sunday January 6-7, 2018

After all masses in Parish Hall All are Invited to Attend!

As we celebrate the Epiphany we invite you to join us at our annual Parish Ministry Fair. The Fair gives you the opportunity to learn about what is happening in the parish and a chance to join the various groups. We will be welcoming our Spanish, Vietnamese and African communities this year. Want to know more about a ministry group? Come and find out. Each group will have a treat for coming. Join your faith community!

Dec. 31 - Holy Family

“Healthy vocations start in the home where families pray and worship God.”

DIVINE WORD MISSIONARIES and SISTER SERVANTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

800-553-3321

SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES Sunday: The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph Monday: Mary, the Holy Mother of God; The Octave Day of the Nativity of the Lord; World Day of Prayer for Peace; New Year's Day Tuesday: Ss. Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen Wednesday: The Most Holy Name of Jesus Thursday: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Friday: St. John Neumann; First Friday Saturday: St. André Bessette; First Saturday

On Christmas Break RCIA, Faith Formation & Confirmation

December 24 - January 14. All classes will resume January 21.

We hope you have a joyous & safe holiday break!

Solemnity of Mary Mother of God

Monday, January 1

New Year’s Day Mass

8:00am only

6th Annual San Diego Walk for Life

January 20, 2018 8:30am to 12 noon

in Balboa Park on Sixth Ave. & Laurel St.

Speaker Bishop Robert McElroy & more. Family friendly event.

More information contact Evangely Ward 858-490-8221 or

Visit SanDiegoWalkForLife.org

Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Blessed Sacrament December 31,2017

BSP Devotions

Morning Prayer (Liturgy of the Hours) Weekdays 7:30 AM (Before Mass)

Mother of Perpetual Help Devotions Tuesdays (After Mass)

Parish Events Jan. 1 - Solemnity of Mary Mother of God CH Jan. 3 - Knights of Columbus 7pmPH Jan. 8 - Cares for Kids 6pm PH Jan. 6-7 - Parish Ministry Fair, after all Masses PH Jan. 10 - Soup & Salad 5pm-7pm PH Jan. 11 - Women’s Club Mtg 9am PH Jan. 14 - Diocesan African Mass & Gathering 1pm Jan. 19 - BSPS 70th Anniversary Celebration 1pm PH Jan. 21– Faith Formation, RCIA, Confirmation Classes Resume Jan. 21 - Spanish Mass 4pm CH

Interested in joining a ministry group? Contact the person listed below or church office.

(area codes are (619) except were listed)

Adoration Chapel…………………………………………………..582-5722

Altar Servers: Judy Cromwell……………………………………………………..582-5722

Cares For Kids-Blessed Sacrament Teresa Markey……………………………………………………..582-2141

Contemporary Choir: (10:00 am & 6 pm Masses)……………………………………….582-5722

Culture of Life: Margie Morrison……………………………………………………582-8651

Eucharistic Ministers: Church Office………………………………………………………582-5722

Knights of Columbus: John Agoh…………..…………………...…………..…………….278-8405

Lectors: Cynthia Gonzales………………………………………………….218-8155

BSPS Parent-Teacher Group (PTG): Kristen Crisostomo (President)…….……………….klhbones@aol.com

Traditional Choir: Patti Burch (8 am Mass)………………………………………….735-6330

Tuesday Fun Club: Peggy Raynoha……………………………………………………582-3657

Ushers: Church Office…………………………………………….………...582-5722

Vocations Committee: Dick Reid…………………………………………………………...583-1081

Women’s Club: Pat Luebbers…………………………………………………….…262-8522

Youth Ministry (High School Students): Parish Office…………………………………………………..…...582-5722

PARISH MINISTRIES & GROUPS

Your Contribution to the Landscaping Project

Our landscaping looks great but we still need your help to pay for it. Thus far we have received donations of $15,431.30 Still $7,700 to go.

God Bless You! - Fr Jon

Calling All Singers! The Traditional Choir welcomes new members!

Please contact Patti Burch at 619-735-6330.

Proposed Bible Garden

The Committee is considering a selection of plants, which could include the following: crown of thorns, broom, passion vine, rose, pygmy palm, aloe, Madonna lily, poppy anemone, cyclamen, wormwood, Star of Bethlehem, sage, hyssop and papyrus. The Committee has also posted on the Church Bulletin Board some photos of an example of a six-sided Peace Sign Pole with a scriptural message in six different languages. Among the messages under consideration is one which reads: “Grace and Peace To You.”

Soup & Salad Wednesday

Jan. 10 - 5:00 - 7:00pm - Parish Hall

Soup, Salad, Bread, Dessert & Beverage

$6.00 per person $3.00 Children 5yrs. - 10 yrs.

Free for Children under 5 yrs. old

We Support Ride Sharing, Bring a Friend!

Share a meal with your parish community & raise funds for the parish.

Second Collection to the SVD January 13 and 14

There will be a second collection for Fr. Jon’s Order—the Society of the Divine Word (SVD). This money will go to the SVD missions around

the world, Please give generously.

Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Blessed Sacrament December 31,2017

Monday ~ January 1 Pope Francis Tuesday ~ January 2 Bishop Robert McElroy Wednesday ~ January 3 Bishop John Dolan Thursday ~ January 4 Bishop Robert Brom Friday ~ January 5 Bishop Gilbert Chavez Saturday ~ January 6 Very Rev. Msgr. Dennis Mikulanis Sunday ~ January 7 Rev. Joseph Miller, SVD

Jan 12-14, Retrouvaille Marriage Retreat Program. For more information about an upcom-ing Retrouvaille Weekend program for couples, call 951-259-9474. or visit our website: HelpOurMar-riage.com

Jan. 12, St. Therese Parish Fish Fry, 5:30-6:30pm Social Center; Cod, Calamari & Shrimp $9; Pre-order Baked Salmon $10 - Call Mo (619) 994-9818

Jan. 15 Academy of Our Lady of Peace, Applica-tions for Admissions are due call Erica Huebner at (619)725-9175 for more information Jan. 20, 2018 – “Day of Dialogue” The Lutheran/Anglican/Roman Catholic Dialogue Committee is planning a “Day of Dialogue.” It will be held at The Roman Catholic Diocesan Pastoral Center, 3888 Paducah Drive, San Diego, 92117.

Jan. 20, 2018 – “Walk for Life” 8:30am-12:00 pm Nationwide celebrations of life. Call Evangely at (858) 490-8221 for more information.

AROUND TOWN

Daily Prayer for Our Priests O Jesus, I pray for your faithful and fervent priests; for your unfaithful & tepid priests; for your priests laboring at home or abroad in distant mission fields; for your tempted priests; for your lonely & desolate priests; for your young priests; for your dying priests; for the souls of your priests in Purgatory. But above all, I recommend to you the priests dearest to me: the priest who baptized me, the priests who absolved me from my sins, the priests at whose Masses I assisted & who gave me Your body & blood in Communion, the priests to whom I am indebted any other way especially (name….) O Jesus, keep them all close to your heart, and bless them abundantly in time & in eternity. Amen. --St. Therese of Lisieux

Blessed Sacrament Parish School (Transitional Kindergarten - Grade 8)

Contact: admissions@bsps-sd.org (619) 582-3862 | www.bsps-sd.org

School Integration Plan for BSPS & OLSH

♦ New School Site: Blessed Sacrament ♦ New Management: Diocesan Governance Model

♦ Date for merger: 2018-2019

♦ See Flyer at Church Doors for Transition Details

Got Jesus! Be an Altar Server!

You gotta be in 5th grade or higher! If you are interested in serving at the altar contact Judy Cromwell at the parish office (619) 582-5722

or jcromwell@blessedsacrament-sandiego.org

Home Masses contact the office if you wish to host a

Mass.

Sunday Hospitality Schedule After 8am & 10am Masses

1st: Women’s Club group 2nd: Vietnamese group 3rd: Knights of Columbus

4th: Spanish group 5th: Spanish group

David Camara591 C Street • Chula Vista, CA 91910619-409-9069 • fax: 619-409-9569Monday-Friday 9am-5pmSaturday 9am-4pm • Sunday 10am-4 pm

$29.95/Mo. billed quarterly

• One Free Month• No Long-Term Contract• Price Guarantee• Easy Self Installation

Call Today! Toll Free 1.877.801.8608

Medical Alert System

EL CAJON TRANSMISSION SERVICESpecialized in All Transmission Repairs

FREE DIAGNOSTIC WITH ADFernando (619) 282-9219

4501 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92115

Call Yanira HernandezSe Habla Español 800.231.0805

www.jspaluch.com

Grow Your Business, Advertise Here.Support Your Church & Bulletin.

Free professional ad design & my help!

email: hernandezy@jspaluch.com

Come Sail Away on a 7-night Catholic Exotic Cruise. Prices begin at $1045per couple which includes all port fees and taxes. Daily Mass and Rosary

offered. Deposit of only $350 per person will reserve your cabin.Space is limited. Thanks and God Bless,

Brian or Sally, coordinators 860.399.1785

an Official TravelAgency of

Apostleship ofthe Sea-USA

CST 2117990-70

The Most CompleteOnline National

Directory ofCatholic ParishesCheck It Out Today!

513976 Blessed Sacrament Church

Standing on the Rock CD by James Wahl

FUN AND FAITH-FILLED MUSICfor little ones, with 10 songs based onBible stories and the teachings of Jesus.

This is a new music collection for preschoolchildren and those who are in early grade school.

$17.00 + S&H

800-566-6150 • www.wlp.jspaluch.com/14028.htm

From the WLP Vault comes the Bible Story of Christmas featuring

8 Classic Christmas Carols and a reading of the Gospel of Luke 2: 4-20

by Bing Crosby! Also available on vinyl.

Visit WLPmusic.com to purchase your copy - CD $10.00

800-566-6150 Photo Courtesy of Bing Crosby Enterprises

Thank you for advertising in our church bulletin.I am patronizing your business because of it!

Please Cut Out This “Thank You Ad” and Present It The Next Time You Patronize One of Our Advertisers✂

www.jspaluch.com For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. 1-800-231-0805

Yourad

couldbe in this

space!

800-566-6150 • www.wlpmusic.com

Saint Margaret Sunday Missal

Readings • Reflections • PrayersIn Stock & Ready to Order Today.

CALL OR ORDER ONLINE. $39.95

Designed to be

through 2030Your Personal

Prayer Companion

HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC

CEMETERY & MAUSOLEUM

45th & Hilltop Drive, San Diego, CA 92102

Pre-Need Arrangement is an act of love

No Interest Budget Plan allows up to five years to pay.

Call 264-3127 Se Habla Español

YOU CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUTSEX AND VIOLENCE ON TELEVISION ANDABOUT THE TRAFFIC IN PORNOGRAPHY

for information on what you can do write:

Morality in Media, Inc.1100 G Street NW, Suite 1030, Washington, DC 20005

(202) 393-7245ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEY

VINCENT E. SULLIVAN(619) 298-9892Certified Specialist

Estate Planning, Trust & Probate LawThe State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization

Parishioner sullivantrustlaw.com

If You Live Alone You Need LIFEWatch!24 Hour Protection at HOME and AWAY!

✔Ambulance✔Police ✔Fire✔Friends/Family

CALLNOW! 800.809.3352

FREE Shipping FREE ActivationNO Long Term Contracts

Solutions as Low as

$19.95 a month

No Landline? No Problem!* Real Time GPS Tracking * Fall Detection

FEATHERINGILL

MORTUARYFamily Owned . . .

Personal Service 6322 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego9631 Campo Rd., Spring Valley

Both Chapels, Phone

(619) 583-9511

Grow in your faith,find a Mass, and

connect with yourCatholic Community

with OneParish!

Download Our Free App or Visit

MY.ONEPARISH.COM