1 

St. Agnes Catholic Community Many Visions † One People

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time February 16, 2020

OUR PARISH MISSION To know Christ, and to make Him better known by

all, teaching and sharing the Faith, 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

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

Twitter: @stagnesparish

OFFICE HOURS Monday-Thursday 9:00am - Noon & 1:00pm - 4:30pm

Rev Fr. Johnson Abraham, Pastor (925) 689-0838

chemans@gmail.com

Marlene McCann, Business Manager marlene.stagnesparish@gmail.com

Deacon Tony Reyes deacontonyr@gmail.com

Linda D'Souza

Religious Ed / Liturgy Coordinator lindastagnes@gmail.com

Donna Cassianos

Secretary–Religious Education donna.stagnesparish@gmail.com

Teresa DeFrates, Confirmation Coordinator

st.agnescon1@gmail.com

Pete Frevele, Director of Music Ministry petefrev@me.com

Donna Roberts, Bulletin Editor and RCIA Coordinator

donnaroberts1956@gmail.com

Linus Farias, Pastoral Council Chair linusfarias@sbcglobal.net

SCHOOL OFFICE

3886 Chestnut Ave., Concord Tel: (925) 689-3990

Website: www.stagnesconcord.com Office Hours: 7:30-4:00 M-F

Jill Lucia, Principal

jlucia@csdo.org

Ana Kelley, Secretary akelley@csdo.org

STAFF

MASS SCHEDULE

SUNDAY

7:00 AM | 9:00 AM | 11:00 AM | 5:00 PM

MONDAY—THURSDAY 8:00 AM in Chapel

(Communion Service on Wednesday) FRIDAY

8:15 AM in Church

SATURDAY Daily Mass: 8:00 AM in the Chapel

Reconciliation: 3:30 PM Sunday Vigil Mass: 5:00 PM

 

2 

Calendar for the Week

Mass Intentions Saturday, February 15, 2020 5:00 p.m.  Nancy Rivera—Repose     John Ryan—Repose     St. San Martin Porres—Special Intention  

Sunday, February 16, 2020 7:00 a.m.  For the People of St. Agnes,         Living and Deceased  

9:00 a.m.  Jim Armstrong—Repose     Steve D’Souza—Repose     Gerry Rugani—Repose    

11:00 a.m.  Jim Armstrong—Repose     Catalina Garcia—Repose     Gerry Rugani—Repose  

5:00 p.m.  Jim Armstrong—Repose   Steve D’Souza—Repose   Gerry Rugani—Repose  

Monday, February 17, 2020 8:00 a.m.  Joy Himsl—Repose     Telesfora Legaspi—Repose     Annelle Geddes—Special Intention      

Tuesday, February 18, 2020 8:00 a.m.  Tomas Legaspi, Jr.—Repose     Matthew Coenen—Special Intention    

Wednesday, February 19, 2020 8:00 a.m.  Communion Service 

 

Thursday, February 20, 2020 8:00 a.m.  Glen Begor—Repose     Carmen Santos—Repose     Smith Family—Special Intention  

Friday, February 21, 2020 8:15 a.m.  David Vizcay—Repose  

Saturday, February 22, 2020 8:00 a.m.  Claudia Rodriguez—Special Intention  

5:00 p.m.  Nancy Rivera—Repose     Marie Costa & Daniel Rosario—Repose     St. San Martin Porres—Special Intention 

Parish Events and Meetings Sunday, February 16, 2020 Hospitality Weekend 10:00 a.m.  RCIA—A.R.  

Monday, February 17, 2020 Ministry Center closed for President’s Day Holiday 8:00 a.m.  Daily Mass—Chapel 6:00 p.m.  Knights of Columbus Council—       Church Hall  

Tuesday, February 18, 2020 8:00 a.m.  Daily Mass—Chapel 7:00 p.m.  Bible Study—Cauchi Hall 7:00 p.m.  Buildings & Grounds—A.R. 7:00 p.m.  Communications—G.P.  

Wednesday, February 19, 2020 8:00 a.m.  Communion Service—Chapel 6:30 p.m.  St. Vincent de Paul—A.R. 7:00 p.m.  Youth Band—Church  

Thursday, February 20, 2020 8:00 a.m.  Daily Mass—Chapel 9:30 a.m.  Scripture Study—A.R. 6:00 p.m.  Children’s Choir Practice—Church 7:30 p.m.  Adult Choir Practice—Church  

Friday, February 21, 2020 8:15  a.m.  Daily Mass—Church  

Saturday, February 22, 2020 8:00  a.m.  Daily Mass—Chapel 8:30 a.m.  Lector Practice—Church Fair Trade after 5:00 p.m. Mass SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES Sunday:  Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Monday:  The Seven Holy Founders of the Servite    Order; Presidents’ Day Friday:  St. Peter Damian Saturday:  The Chair of St. Peter the Apostle;    Washington’s Birthday    

 

3 

Reflection from the Bulletin Editor

Father Johnson asked me to prepare the reflec on this weekend, and specifically asked me to write something about Valen ne’s Day.  I am assuming he asked me to write it because I am married and he is a priest, so presumably I know more about romance.    

Well, I have news for him.  He and I are passionately in love with the same guy—Jesus!  And daily I meet several people who feel the same.  And I know one thing to be true...Jesus is passionately in love with each one of us.  

Look at the evidence.  What do you do when you fall passionately in love with someone?  You think about them many  mes throughout the day.  You want to be with them and re‐arrange your calendar so that you can spend quality  me with them.  You are willing to make sacrifices for them, spend money on them, make your appearance more a rac ve when you are with them, talk about them to your friends, and even change your career or life for them.  I pray each morning and throughout the day, spend quality me with Jesus on Sundays and throughout the 

week, contribute to the upkeep of His Church, dress up for Mass where we meet, discuss Him with my friends in Bible Study or in conversa ons with other Chris an friends, and use my past career in secretarial and administra ve work in my volunteerism for His Church.    

How does Jesus show his passionate love for me?  He introduced me to his Father, the giver of all of my blessings.  He pulled together a group of people (the Apostles followed by bishops and priests) who would con nue his teachings and share the Sacraments which offer me special grace.  He sent a Spirit to help guide, encourage and embolden me.  And He sacrificed his very life for me, long before I was even born, for my benefit and for yours.     

St. Valen ne was a 3rd Century Roman martyr who is the patron saint of lovers and whose feast day was February 14.  He was passionately in love with Jesus too!  He gave his very life for Jesus.  What will you do for Jesus?  

        Donna Roberts 

Faith and Spirituality

FOR SPIRITUALITY:

DAILY MASS IN THE CHAPEL—Monday ‐ Saturday at 8:00 AM.   (Communion Service on Wednesday.)   Friday morning at 8:15 AM in the Church.  

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION ‐ Chapel daily from 6 am—9 pm.  Contact  Veronica Peery at 925‐286‐6794  for scheduling.  

FOR ADULT LEARNING: SCRIPTURE SHARING:  Thursdays from 9:30‐11:00 a.m. in the Assembly Room. Tuesdays from 7‐8:30 p.m. in Cauchi Hall. 

FOR MINISTRY:

PRAYER TREE: A ministry of people who pray specifically for those who are ill. Please no fy the parish office if you or a member of your family are in, or going into, the hospital.  

HELPING HANDS: Contact Cecilia Aronson, cnaronson@gmail.com. Helping Hands provides meals in  me of need, such as funeral recep ons, illness or births. 

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: Please contact the St. Vincent de Paul Hotline at (925) 689‐0838, Ext. 250. 

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time February 16, 2020 What eye has not seen, and ear has not heard,   and what has not entered the human heart,   what God has prepared for those who love him,   this God has revealed to us through the Spirit. — 1 Corinthians 2:9‐10 

SUNDAY COLLECTION FOR FEBRUARY 9: $11,498 Includes Faith Direct Giving

We thank you for your Stewardship.

 

4 

Jim Adams Dianna Andrews Ron Artale John Bedecarre Paul Boback Cara Carmody Fr. Ricardo Chavez Kandy Chhi

Marian Comber Eileen Con Sheila Doonan Maria Luisa Garcia Merv Hammond Tony Harpouche Todd Hurst Janine Judge

Chris Klyse Todd Long Lorna Macadaeg Joel Manalang Tom McEachran Sarah Meyer Robert Rivera Kayle Robinson

Nena Rofon Ellie Rowe Marsha Selhorn Heather Solari Bill van Ha em Lougene Simisim Jeorge Villanueva

PLEASE PRAY FOR HEALING FOR:

Diocesan News and Activities

Bishop Michael C. Barber con nues the theme of Rebuild My Church for the 2020 Bishop’s Appeal.    

By sharing your  me, talent and treasure with our sisters and brothers and our Church of the East Bay, you are making a sacrifice and returning to God a small por on of  the many gi s he has given  to you.  By embracing Rebuild My Church through the 2020 Bishop’s Appeal, you are contribu ng greatly to building up the Kingdom of God here in the Church of the East Bay.  

For most of us, our experience of Church is at our parish.  The Church is, however, much more than that.  We are all called in mission to serve the Church and its people through our parish, our diocese and universally.   

Every  member  of  the  faith  community  of  our  local  Church  is  also  asked  to  par cipate  in  whatever  way possible  by  making  a  gi .   All  gi s  to  the  2020 Bishop’s  Appeal  are  equally  important.   As  responsible stewards of our faith and the many gi s that God has generously bestowed on each of us, we are asked to make a  sacrificial, propor onate and  though ul gi .   Those who are blessed with more are challenged  to give more, but everyone  is asked to respond.   It  is a privilege to be part of the body of Christ and this gi  should be seen as a "get to" versus a "have to."  We have been blessed to be part of this diocese.  Imagine what can be done in the name of our local faith community if every parishioner were inspired by Rebuild My Church and par cipated in our annual Bishop’s Appeal.  

While parishes rely on the financial support of parishioners through weekly offertory collec ons, the diocese also relies on these same parishioners to make possible the many services the diocese provides to thousands of  individuals  each  year.   The  Bishop’s  Appeal  supplies  annual  funding  to  many  ministries  that  provide tangible services throughout the Diocese of Oakland to all communi es of the Diocese.   

The Bishop’s Appeal provides funds to help offset some of the following programma c expenses: Parishes & Schools in Need, Clergy Forma on & Support, Religious Educa on & Faith Forma on, Pastoral Ministries & Services and Priest Re rement & Care.  

This year St. Agnes Goal for the 2020 Bishop’s Appeal is $43,200.00 and we hope we can reach this goal to support the mission of the Diocese.  

Jesus Christ promised us at His Ascension: "I will be with you all days un l the end of the ages." If Christ has helped you and your family, if He has been generous to you, will you consider sharing some of the blessings you have received with Christ and His Church? 

 

5 

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS   

FEBRUARY  15/16  Hospitality after all Masses 23/24  Fair Trade 26  Ash Wednesday, Masses at 7 am, 9 am & 7:30 p  28  Fish Fry, Knights of Columbus, 5:30 p.m.        Stations of the Cross, 7:00 p.m. 

Parish News and Activities FAIR TRADE SALES FEBRUARY 22‐23!

What's on the Fair Trade Table, you say?  

DECAF & Regular Choice Coffees;  DECAF & Regular & Flavored Teas;  Chocolate Bars, milk to extreme dark;  Coconut Milk Chocolate Bar that is "Dairy Alterna ve"; Mini Dark Chocolates, Bite Size: "just one square at a  me"; Hot Cocoa, Regular & Dark with ground dark chocolate in the mix; Almonds, nutrient rich product of California, USA;  Baking Cocoa Powder, a rich chocolate taste and aroma in cakes and cookies!   

What's on the Table?  Visit our table and see, and help us help others.  

Thank you, St. Agnes!  

Stop by a er any of the Masses this weekend to visit with your fellow parishioners and enjoy some hospitality, courtesy of our Hospitality Ministry.  Coffee, tea, juices and an assortment of tasty treats will be there for you to enjoy. 

ASH WEDNESDAY  

Ash Wednesday is on February 26th.  A basket to return last year’s blessed palms is on the sanctuary in front of the pulpit.    Palms 

may also be dropped off at the Ministry Center during the week.  Please return palms by Monday, February 24th latest. The youth in the Edge program will burn and prepare them to use on Ash Wednesday.    

CHILDREN'S LITURGY OF THE WORD  

Children's Liturgy of the Word (CLW) will be offered at 9:00 a.m. Mass star ng the first weekend in March. This valuable ministry helps children in Kindergarten through 3rd grade be er understand the meaning of the Sunday scripture readings. A er opening prayer, children are excused to hear the scriptures proclaimed and illuminated through storytelling and ac vi es. They return to their families and Mass at the Offertory. * Volunteer Leaders and Aides are needed.* All materials will be provided.  For more informa on or to volunteer, please contact Barbra Sana at (925) 848‐9633 or email her at bvsana@a .net.   

SAVE THE DATE!

The St. Patrick’s Day Dinner is scheduled for Saturday, March 14, in the Church Hall.  Be sure to put this on your calendar so you don’t miss out on sharing a tradi onal meal with the great folks of our parish! 

 

6 

Community Events

School News

We ask for your prayers for our St. Agnes Teachers and Staff as they go through the WASC re‐accredita on process this week.

LET’S GET READY FOR AUCTION!  

Come join the St. Agnes School Community Under the Big Top on March 7, 2020, at the Garaventa Center at Carondelet H.S.  Curtain opens at 5 p.m.  Individual Auc on Ticket price is $65. Gather your friends and fellow parents to reserve a whole table.  An Auc on Table for 10 is $600 per table.  You may also purchase unlimited drink wristbands for $50.  You can purchase your  ckets through the auc on link located on the school website or complete the form located on the Welcome Table.  

THE CHAIR OF ST. PETER THE APOSTLE—February 22 

  In brushing up for “Catholic Jeopardy,” it might help to know that there is only one feast on the calendar for a thing, rather than a person or mystery. It’s for a chair: Saint Peter’s chair in fact. 

  A er the Resurrec on, there can be no doubt that the disciples reserved a special place for Simon Peter in the upper room. Later, Peter became the bishop of An och in today’s Syria, the place where we were first called Chris ans. From there, he went to Rome, the center of the Empire, where it is said that Peter sat in a chair in the house of Priscilla and Aquila to instruct his flock. Jesus, in entrus ng the keys of the Kingdom to Peter and his successors, entrusted his compassion and mercy to them, and charged them with poin ng to the Kingdom of God. Compassion and mercy are to resonate through their teaching. 

  Since the ancient sign of a teacher is the chair (“disciple” literally means one who sits at the feet of a teacher), Peter’s chair has long been treasured. Today there is a symbolic shrine of Peter’s chair above the main altar of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. This monument is the last work of Bernini, a huge bronze throne supported by four doctors of the Church: Augus ne and Ambrose from the Western Church, and Chrysostom and Athanasius from the East. High above it is the alabaster window of the descent of the Holy Spirit.  

—Rev. James Field, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

LA MORITA MEXICO YOUTH MISSION  

The La Morita Mexico Youth Mission would like to say a big “gracias” to all of the St. Agnes parishioners who made the trek to St. Bonaventure to a end the very successful Mexican Dinner!  Next weekend the youth and their adult sponsors who will be traveling to Tijuana, Mexico, during Easter week will be passing out Help Us Build a Home flyers a er all masses.  Stop by and see the model home!  For more info contact Donna Walton 925 212 7679 or jdwalton@astound.net.  

RESPECT LIFE LENTEN ACTIVITY  

NEW this year!  The 40 Days for Life Campaign has added  the Planned Parenthood Concord as a loca on to pray to end abor on during Lent. (2185 Pacheco St, Concord, CA 94520) 7 am‐7 pm, Mon‐Sat., from Ash Wednesday, February 26 to Palm Sunday, April 5. Please register at: h p://www.40daysforlife.com/concordca and add Concord to your dashboard.  Two or more par cipants pray on the sidewalk a er signing up online.  Kickoff event, with speaker  Fr. James Moore, O.P., is Sunday February 23 at 7 pm at St. Mary's Church Gym in Walnut Creek.

Rex Lock & Safe925-777-0707

Commercial • Residential • AutomotiveServing Northern California

CA LIC#691700 * www.RexLock.com

DINE IN ✦ TAKE OUT ✦ CATERING FOR ALL OCCASIONS

Mary & Sam - Parishioners3521 CLAYTON RD. 925-685-5705

FD1006 Serving Concord and the surrounding area since 1958

Cremation and Burial ServicesSe habla español

4125 Clayton Road, Concord, CA 94521925-682-4242 • www.ouimetbrothers.com

John and Sharon Ouimet, Parishioners

SeeYour Ad

in CCOOLLOORRCall J.S. Paluch Today!1.800.231.0805

O’SULLIVAN & ASSOCIATESTOM O’SULLIVAN, Certified Public Accountant

Accounting and Tax for Individuals and Small Businesses2487 Salvio Street, Concord, CA 94520 925.691.6520

tom@osucpa.com / www.osucpa.com Parishioner

Get this weekly bulletin delivered by email - for FREE!Sign up here:https://www.jspaluch.com/BulletinSubscribe.aspxCourtesy of J.S. Paluch Company, Inc.

523253 St Agnes Church

The Most CompleteOnline National

Directory ofCatholic ParishesCheck It Out Today!

www.jspaluch.com For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. 1-800-675-5051

Catholic Cruises and Toursand The Apostleship of the Seaof the United States of AmericaCatholic Cruises/Tours to Worldwide Destinations

Call us today at 860-399-1785 or emaileileen@CatholicCruisesandTours.com

www.CatholicCruisesandTours.com

Take yourFAITHON A

JOURNEY.

FITZPATRICK LANDSCAPEFENCING & MAINTENANCE

Complete Landscaping Service Etc.Installs • Lawns • Sprinklers • DrainageBricks • Pavers • All types of Concrete

Fencing • Retaining Walls • Clean Up & HaulingCommercial / ResidentialMonthly / Weekly ServiceContractor Lic. #688120

(925) 685-5981 (925) 765-4313John Fitzpatrick Owner, Parishioner (St. Agnes)

$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

WINDOWSAndersen, Milgard, Marvin

DOORSLUMBER

www.dolanlumber.comPinole (510) 724-8753 990 San Pablo Ave.Walnut Creek (925) 927-4662 2450 Camino DiabloConcord (925) 686-1734 2231 Monument Blvd.

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

Free professional ad design & my help!email: kwiatkowskim@jspaluch.com

Call Marcy Kwiatkowski925.239.1401

www.jspaluch.com

Grow in your faith,find a Mass, and

connect with yourCatholic Community

with OneParish!

Download Our Free App or Visit

MY.ONEPARISH.COM

 

8 

A LOOK BACK - ST. AGNES REACHING OUT MINISTRIES IN 2019 Being Disciples of Christ in our community serving the needy, while leading a Stewardship way of life

BLOOD DRIVE

FAITH IN ACTION: CATHOLICS UNITED FOR JUSTICE

GIVING TREE

HELPING HANDS

JUSTFAITH

LOAVES AND FISHES

PRAYER TREE

RESPECT LIFE

SAINT MARY’S CHRISTMAS DINNER

ST. VINCENT De PAUL & VINNIE’S LITTLE HELPERS

SHARE FOOD PANTRY

MARTINEZ FAMILY SHELTER MEALS

TUTORING

Organizes Blood Drive Facilitated 47 donors, on Good Friday, saving the lives of 174 people

Attends deanery-wide Social Justice Meetings

Attended four meetings; gathered info about community issues & re-sources, such as housing, and passed on to parish leadership

Co-ordinates Christmas Gifts for the Needy Delivered 536 Christmas gifts to 11 agencies

Delivers Homemade Meals Provided hospitality for the Mass of Remembrance, desserts for a funeral, and one week of meals for two families in a time of need

Sells JustFaith Products after masses – Coffee, Tea, Chocolates

Delivered $800 to Oblate Fathers of Tijuana; provided monthly breakfast Monument Day Laborers; organized Lenten Soup Suppers; wrote letters to legislators to support childhood & maternal nutrition

Prepares & serves lunches at the Pittsburg Soup Kitchen

2400 meals served by 17 volunteers; prepared 750 lbs. of produce at the Central Kitchen, Pittsburg

Prayers 50 people prayed regularly for specific intentions from parishioners

Hosts May Baby Shower, prayer events, and Life Issues Speakers

Collected baby items and delivered to Birthright; held a Pro-Life Family Rosary

Hosts Christmas Dinner for at-risk seniors

Served complete turkey dinner, provided caroling and Target Cards to 100 at-risk seniors at St. Mary’s Center, Oakland

Serves the needy Distributed $37,000 in assistance to the poor; Made 60+ Home Visits

Collects and shares food donations Gave 650 individuals food, monthly, including homeless families

Prepares & serves meals at family homeless shelter Teams served 20 dinners to 35 people

Tutors school students Nine parishioners tutored 12 St. Agnes students in grades 1-3, weekly, in Reading and Mathematics