A Message from Fr. Steve Sallot
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ;
The journey is a long and hazardous one. Advent reminds us of that. From the exiles of Israel longing to return to their homes, John the Baptist being threatened by those in power, to the ‘yes’ of young Mary to bear the Son of Man. We can in our day, easily lose sight of these realities. The Christmas story is so well packaged and certain in our minds so many centuries later, that we can lose sight of how easily things could have turned out otherwise. John could have lost his nerve, Mary could have said ‘no, this is too much’, Joseph could have followed the prescriptions of the Law and even Herod could have found the child he sent his soldiers in pursuit of. Yet, this was not the plan of God.
We still live in hazardous times. The future of our world seems uncertain, political structures continue to change, our world, national and personal economies are in tremendous flux, and we miss loved ones who are far from us. But it does not mean God is far from us. In fact, it appears that God draws close to his people even more so in these uncertain times.
Our faith begins with that trust. Abraham, our forefather in faith, left his homeland to follow God’s call to be faithful to him. We continue, in our day, to do the same. We do so, with the trust that the Lord will guide and strengthen us. We do so, in the context of our Church and the community formed by a common faith and hope. It is a journey we take together.
As pastor of the vibrant communities of St. Edward the Confessor and our mission church of San Felipe de Jesus, I have experienced countless moments of grace in this past year. I am most thankful to be part of these dynamic faith communities and to ministering with such good priests, deacons and staff. God will continue to guide and strengthen us.
Together in Christ,
Fr. Steve Sallot
Pastor
Thank you for considering what you contribute to
the parish and for completing a commitment card
last month with your 2008 offertory plans. Your
thoughtful gifts are important for us to continue
to provide the ministries and services that benefit
all parishioners, as well as the outside community.
We ask that whether you decided to increase,
decrease or keep your commitment the same,
please begin giving your new amount next Sunday,
January 4th. Thank you for your ongoing
generosity to this parish and the less fortunate.
PARISH MEN’S RETREAT - January 30th – Feb 1st 2009
Men, you can register now for our annual Parish Men’s Retreat at Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center in Sierra Madre. The theme this year is “The Communion of Saints – Our Everyday Heroes.” The retreat begins Friday evening and concludes early Sunday afternoon. This is your chance to let God speak to you, refresh and restore you. We have 45 openings for the January 30th weekend. There are an additional 15 openings for in March for men who cannot attend the first weekend. Men of all ages are welcome. A non-refundable deposit of $50 is all it takes to complete your registration. The total requested donation is $170 for the retreat including the deposit, but no one is ever turned away for lack of funds. Don’t be left behind.
Register now by phone! Just call Conrad Esser on 361-9813 to register or ask questions.
ADORATION SOCIETY INVITES YOU
We need prayerful people to come and pray for one hour before the Exposed Blessed Sacrament on the 1st & 3rd Monday of the month. Consider making a commitment to come & pray for Vocation to the Priesthood & Religious Life.
- To make a special commitment to come and spend one hour a month (or every other week) as a People of God
- To come and worship our Eucharistic Lord in the Exposed Blessed Sacrament during our 24-hour Adoration
- To pray at a consistent hour for Vocations to the Priesthood & Religious Life, and to pray for your Family and Peace in our world
- To a spiritual work full of faith, hope and love - contemplative prayer
FAITH IN ACTION
Are you looking for some way to give back? Then this ministry may be a good fit! There are many folks who are able to attend Mass but can’t get here without a ride. Faith in Action offers rides, assistance with shopping for groceries and other chores that we all take for granted. If you have a seat available in your car when you come to Mass or some spare time to assist someone with these tasks, call Ellen Loretta at (949) 493.5949 or email ellenloretta@hotmail.com.
HELPING THE FAMILIES OF OUR AMERICAN HEROES
Please join me in providing funds for the needy families of American Heroes. Many families fly in from out of the area to be with their wounded loved one at the Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton. The Pastoral Care Services need the funds & convenience of providing them with their needs during the duration of their stay, with food certificates, hotels, transportation, etc. This will ease the financial struggles and trying times that these families face. Your financial support will be much appreciated by them. Please make check payable to: “Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton – Food Fund”. Mail your check to: Attn. Mrs. Deana Progar, c/ o St. Edward Church, 33926 Calle La Primavera, Dana Point, 92629 .If you have any question, you may email me at dprogar@cox.net
ST. ANNE’S CIRCLE
(SAC) mothers group invites you to join
us. We'd love to offer you fun, faith, and friendship
with Catholic women called to the awesome
role of MOM! Are you a new mother or an
experienced mom looking to connect with other
Catholic moms? Please join us.
We have a variety of events scheduled throughout
the year and would love for you to stop by and
check us out. Mark your calendar!
Monthly Meeting – Friday, January 9, 9:00 AM
– 11:00 AM in Knight Hall, speaker: Orielle Hopkins
on the topic of “Family Finances”.
Park Day , Every Wednesday from 11:00 am-
2:00 pm at Dana Crest Park, 24461 Josiah Drive,
Dana Point
Rosary in the Park, January 7 at noon. Please
send rosary intentions to Jen Kheriaty at jkeriaty@
mac.com.
Mom’s Night Out – “Wrap It Up” January 13,
hosted by Theresa La Verne. Evite to come.
Couple’s Night Out- Bowling Night, date TBD
Pick up our Saint Anne’s Circle pink brochure in the church office, for more information about St. Anne’s Circle and our various events, please contact Lisa Renaud at 488-3141 or coachljj@msn.com
Our current newsletter can be found here
THE RECON GROUP
It’s finally here, the inaugural group will begin meeting each Wednesday night from 6:30-8:30 in the Bethany B . Are you a man who has been separated from a loved one due to death, conflict, or divorce? For more information please call or e-mail Steve Schrier at (949) 735-5267 / steves@gotrecon.com ; www.gotrecon.com.
Faith Formation / Religious Education News
Eucharistic Ministers & Lectors NEEDED
Eucharistic Ministers & Lectors
ARE NEEDED For 5:30 Youth Mass
Contact: Marisa Stock-Youth Minister
Or Neil Sampson – Confirmation Coordinator
(949) 496-9719 mstock@stedward.com or nsampson@stedward.com
We are called by our baptismal vows
to teach others The Good News of
Everlasting Life in Christ!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Sunday January 4th
9:00am - Children’s Religious Education
2:00pm - Infant Baptisms-Church
4:00pm - Middle School Religious Education
7:00pm - Confirmation II Classes
Monday January 5th
4:30pm - Children’s Religious Education
Tuesday January 6th
9:00am - Bible Study resumes-Knight Hall
4:30pm - Children’s Religious Education
7:30pm - RCIA-Knight Hall
Wednesday January 7th
9:00am - Women of Wisdom resumes -
Knight Hall
4:30pm - Children’s Religious Education
7:00pm - Insight-Knight Hall
INSIGHT Wed. Nights
INSIGHT Wed. Nights 7-8:30 Knight Hall Fun, Food, Jesus...what it’s all about.
Remember: The next First Communion Parent meeting
is scheduled for January 15th 2009! If you have a First Communion TWO student, please attend. For more information call Gloria at 496-1307 ext. 2202.
To learn more about the Youth Ministry program check out our website at www.stedward.com. Click on “Faith Formation”, and then “Youth Ministry (Insight) Information.” You’ll see the links for the Calendar and the Newsletter! To reach us directly, with questions or input please call Marissa Stock at 496-9719. God Bless!
Weekly Parish Calendar - Week of December 29, 2008
Tuesday December 30
9:00am NO Servants of the Word
11:00 am NO Spanish Classes (Dana Yacht
Club)
6:00 pm Blue Army—Prayer & Rosary
Thursday January 1
8:15am Mass
There will not be a 5:30pm Mass
Weekly Scripture Readings - Week of December 29 , 2008
Monday: 1 John 2:3-11; Luke 2:22-35
Tuesday: 1 John 2:12-17; Luke 2:36-40
Wednesday: 1 John 2:18-21; John 1:1-18
Thursday: Micah 4:1-4; James 4:1-10; Matthew
5:20-24
Friday: 1 John 2:22-28; John 1:19-28
Saturday: 1 John 2:29-3:6; John 1:29-34
Sunday: Isaiah 60:1-6; Ephesians 3:2-3a,5-6;
Matthew 2:1-12
Indian Princesses and Guides
Indian Princesses (Pawnee) Dads & Daughters and Guides (Juaneno) Dads & Sons since 1931 through the Beach Cities YMCA. Activities include monthly meetings, campouts, skating, fishing & bowling. For more info send a smoke signal and contact: Casey McCaffrey 949-973-2860 (email) or Mark Brubaker (email).
Have
Questions?
Please feel free to email the Development
Office or call at (949) 481-4000.