SFMYA Events Blog

'Issues in Human Sexuality'

2008-01-18T08:00:00.000-08:00

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles Human Sexuality Task Force presents "Issues in Human Sexuality" from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 14, 2008, at Bishop Alemany High School, at 11111 N. Alemany Drive in Mission Hills.

The Human Sexuality Task Force exists to promote open and honest conversation and develop skills around a pastoral response to current human sexuality issues.

This workshop will provide a brief introduction to Catholic theology on sexuality and the pastoral reponse to current issues in human sexuality. The most current medical research on sexuality transmitted diseases will be presented, as well as curriculum and classroom idea. Useful skills and exercises surrounding talking to children and youth about sexuality will also be shared.

Cost is $25 per person before Jan. 4, 2008, and $35 per person after Jan. 4, 2008.
This event is sponsored by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Human Sexuality Task Force, Department of Catholic Schools, Archdiocese of Los Angeles Office of Religious Education, Catholic HIV/AIDS Ministry Office and St. Camillus Center for Pastoral Care.

For more information and a registration form, call Frank Montejano at (213) 637-7317 or e-mail fmontejano@la-archdiocese.org.

'Sacred Space in a Busy Life'

2007-12-06T19:00:00.000-08:00

Come and join us for an evening of prayer, reflection and fellowship with Rev. Jack Stoeger at 7 p.m. Dec. 6 in the Archdiocesan Catholic Center, at 3424 Wilshire Blvd. in Los Angeles.

To RSVP, call Theresa Thibodeaux at (213) 637-7498 or Michael Aguilera at (213) 637-7382 by Dec. 3.

Suggested donation is $5, payable to the Office of Religious Education.

'I hope you know how much God loves you'

2007-11-16T19:30:00.000-08:00

You are invited to a very special evening of musical inspiration.

A concert fundraiser featuring young adult catechist, and singer and songwriter Jennifer Lynn Wienchowski and the St. John Eudes Children of God Choir will be presented at 7:30 p.m Nov. 16 in St. John Eudes Church.

The concert benefits the St. John Eudes children's ministry.

Be the first to hear Wienchowski's latest compositions that will be on her soon-to-be-released album.

St. John Eudes Church is at 9901 Mason Ave. in Chatsworth.

'The Many Faces of St. Francis Xavier' concert/fundraiser

2007-11-09T20:00:00.000-08:00

St. Francis Xavier's Cornerstone music group is holding a concert to benefit the parish's efforts to install handicap facilities at the church and school.

Cornerstone has spiritually enhanced liturgies, ministries and lives for over 25 years. Cornerstone provides music during the 5 p.m. Sunday Mass.

In the past few years, Cornerstone has taken their talents to the stage and has enriched the St. Francis Xavier community with their beautiful music. The music and professional stage performance is invigorating — from rock, blues, country and jazz. Cornerstone offers music for all ages.

Performances are at 8 p.m. Nov. 9 and 10 in the parish's Holy Cross Hall. Snacks, beer, wine and other refreshments will be available.

Every dollar raised will make a difference to the people in the community, young and old. Donations for this benefit are payable to St. Francis Xavier, with a notation on the memo of "Cornerstone, The Many Faces of SFX."

For more information, call Angie Resendez at (562) 856-3894 or e-mail arrgo@charter.net. For general directions for the event, call St. Francis Xavier at (818) 504-4400.

Blessing of Santa Clara Mortuary, cemetery offices

2007-11-02T10:00:00.000-07:00

On Nov. 2, Archbishop of Los Angeles Cardinal Roger Mahony, will celebrate the annual All Souls Day Mass at 10 a.m. at Santa Clara Cemetery and Mausoleum in Oxnard. As part of this special celebration, His Eminence will also bless the new Santa Clara Mortuary & Cemetery Offices.

After the Mass and blessing, representatives from Catholic Mortuaries will speak, and then the public will be invited to meet the staff and enjoy refreshments. In addition, gifts will be given to those attending.

The blessing of Santa Clara Mortuary by Cardinal Mahony gives local Catholic families the option of choosing the convenience and security of arranging all their funeral needs serviced at a single location.

“We are committed to providing Catholic families throughout the Archdiocese of Los Angeles with the very finest and most convenient services and facilities during their time of bereavement,” said Jim Tixier, Director of Catholic Cemeteries for the Archdiocese. “We want to expand and enhance the Church’s ministry to bereaved Catholic families, and will make available mortuary services that fully support Catholic rites and traditions at Santa Clara Cemetery.”

The new mortuary is located on the grounds of Santa Clara Cemetery in Oxnard, the oldest operating Catholic cemetery in the Los Angeles Archdiocese. Because the cemetery office will be located within the mortuary, it provides the opportunity for families to make all of their arrangements in one location, thereby easing the burden of securing final plans. The mortuary will also offer the ability to prearrange funeral plans for additional convenience.

The architecture of Santa Clara Mortuary & Cemetery Office is in the California mission style, and it was built with the comfort of visiting families in mind. The spacious building covers more than 11,000 square feet and offers families many places to gather. There are three large rooms where visitations can be held, as well as five arrangement offices. The mortuary also provides a chapel that seats 260 people as an added optional convenience for those familieswhose parish priest chooses to hold the funeral service onsite. In keeping with the “all services in one location” concept, flowers will also be available in the mortuary. Visitors to Santa Clara Cemetery can purchase bouquets for placement on the burial sites of their loved ones. Or, those attending a funeral service can call ahead and order stunning floral displays.

For more information, call (805) 485-5757.

'Sharing the Call of Jesus in an Era of Emerging Leadership Models'

2007-10-21T18:30:00.000-07:00

St. John Eudes Young Adult Ministry invites you to a presentation on "Sharing the Call of Jesus in an Era of Emerging Leadership Models" presented by the Rev. Lawrence Estrada of St. Stephen Martyr Parish in Monterey Park at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 21.

The talk will take place at St. John Eudes Parish, at 9901 Mason Ave. in Chatsworth.

'Stretch Your Heart' Summer Volunteer Program

2007-08-05T21:17:00.000-07:00

Single women, ages 18 to 40, are invited to consider a unique summer service opportunity assisting in a summer vacation Bible camp at St. Helen Parish in South Gate Aug. 5 to 10.

The "Stretch Your Heart" Summer Volnteer Program is sponsored by the Sisters of Notre Dame. The women volunteers will be enriched not only by a good feeling of giving service to others in the Los Angeles area but will also benefit by working side by side with religious women by experiencing community living and by prayeruflly reflecting on their experiences each evening.

During the week of service, participants will live in the convent with the Sisters of Notre Dame. The sisters are also sponsoring additional summer service opportunities in northern Kentucky and Ohio, working with migrants and refugees or with women and children in a crisis care facility.

Those interested in any of the summer service projects are invited to apply by calling Sister Judeen Julier at (562) 301-7373 or e-mailing smjudeen@hotmail.com, or calling Sister Kathleen Burns at (562) 496-3224 or e-mailing srkburns11@msn.com.

RENEW Theology on Tap | Week 4

2007-08-05T18:30:00.000-07:00

Juliette Marsh Williams | 'Say, What? Communication in Relationships: Saying What You Mean and Meaning What You Say'

Is there someone you’ve tried to talk to but the words just didn’t come out right? Not sure how to respond? Ever want to talk to God but don’t know where to start?

Communication is key in all relationships. Our relationship with God, family, friends, spouses and coworkers. How we inTeract with and communicate is a direct reflection of who we are as Christians.

Juliette Marsh-Williams will use stories and share experiences from her life to illustrate how we can become comfortable in our communication, find the right words, say what it is we mean to say and be more effective.

About Juliette Marsh Williams

Juliette Marsh Williams serves as pastoral associate at St. Elizabeth's Parish in Altadena. She has worked at both parish and diocesan levels in Los Angeles and in Chicago.

Her gifts led to a study of canon law, and she is a member of the Paulist preaching teams, which travel around the country preaching parish missions.

In addition to her love for the church, she also brings a passionate love for her husband, Brian, and three daughters.

RENEW Theology on Tap | Week 3

2007-07-29T18:30:00.001-07:00

Rev. Greg Boyle | 'Creating a Community of Kinship Such That God Would Recognize It'

A nationally-recognized speaker, Rev. Greg Boyle has worked tirelessly to provide love and support for kids whose homes are so emotionally impoverished or destructive that they join gangs in search of a surrogate family.

He believes that community involvement is essential to bring about change, and he emphasizes the importance of not giving up hope.

Father Boyle will share his stories about his work and the young people he works with.

There will also be a question and answer period after his talk.

About Rev. Greg Boyle

Rev. Gregory J. Boyle, S.J., is a Jesuit priest who is founder and executive director of Jobs for a Future/Homeboy Industries, an employment referral center and economic development program. Begun in 1988 for at-risk and gang-involved youth, Jobs for a Future is today a nationally-recognized center that assists 1,000 people a month in redirecting their lives. Through its unique and multi-service approach, Jobs for a Future offers hope to those for whom hope is often foreign.

Located in Boyle Heights, a community with arguably the highest concentration of gang activity in Los Angeles, Jobs for a Future provides employment opportunities, counseling and many other services (including free tattoo removal). By seeking to address the root causes of gang violence, Jobs for a Future creates opportunities so that at-risk youth can plan their futures and not their funerals.

"Nothing stops a bullet like a job" is the guiding principle.

In 1992, as a response to the civil unrest in Los Angeles, Father Boyle formed Homeboy Industries to create businesses that provide training, work experience and, above all, the opportunity for rival gang members to work side by side. The following economic development enterprises have been created since the first venture: Homeboy Bakery; Homeboy Silkscreen; Homeboy/Homegirl Merchandise; Homeboy Graffiti Removal; Homeboy Maintenance; and Homeboy Landscaping.

Father Boyle was born in Los Angeles. He received his bachelor of arts desgree in English from Gonzaga University, a master of arts degree in English from Loyola Marymount University, a master of divinity degree from the Weston School of Theology, and a master of sacred theology degree from the Jesuit School of Theology.

Before becoming Pastor of Dolores Mission (1986-1992), Father Boyle taught at Loyola High School and worked with Christian Base Communities in Cochabamba, Bolivia. He has also served as chaplain of the Islas Marias Penal colony in Mexico and Folsom Prison.

He is currently a member of the State Commission on Juvenile Justice, Crime and Delinquency Prevention, and serves on the National Youth Gang Center Advisory Board.

As executive director of Jobs for a Future/Homeboy Industries, Father Boyle is a nationally renowned speaker at conferences for teachers, social workers and criminal justice workers about the importance of adult attention, guidance and unconditional love in preventing youth from joining gangs.

RENEW Theology on Tap | Week 2

2007-07-22T18:30:00.000-07:00

Monsignor Jim Gehl & Rabbi Jennifer Flam | 'Catholicism and Judaism: An Evening of Sharing Faith'

The basic tenets of Catholicism and Judaism will be presented.

Christianity holds its roots in Judaism. We will see how we are really more similar than dissimilar.

There will be plenty of time for discussion and questions.

Come join in a relaxed dialogue with two very engaging presenters.

Rabbi Jennier Flam serves Temple Aliyah in Woodland Hills as its newest member.

Monsignor Jim Gehl is pastor of St. Bede the Venerable Parish in La CaÃ±ada Flintridge.

About Monsignor Jim Gehl

Born in Chicago, Monsignor Jim Gehl attended Our Lady Queen of the Angels Minor Seminary and St. John's Seminary College and Theologate. He was ordained a priest in 1974. Monsignor Gehl was associate pastor of St. Elizabeth's Parish in Altadena, St. Mary's Parish in Palmdale and St. Michael's Parish in Los Angeles. He was pastor of St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Canoga Park. He is associate director of the Archdiocesan Office of Religious Education. Monsignor Gehl holds a master of arts degree in family ministry from Fordham University in New York. Monsignor Gehl was director of the Archdiocesan Office of Family Life from 1993 to 2004. He was dean of Deanery 5, member of the Council of Priests, member of the College of Consultors for Cardinal Roger M. Mahony. He is currently pastor of St. Bede the Venerable Parish in La Canada Flintridge. Some of Monsignor Gehl's favorite life and ministry words are faith, family, friends, collaboration, inclusivity and justice.

About Rabbi Jennier Flam

Rabbi Jennifer Flam joins the Temple Aliyah community as the newest member of its clergy.

Rabbi Flam was ordained from the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies of the University of Judaism in 2006. She holds master of arts degrees in rabbinic studies and Jewish education, as well as a bachelor of arts degree in European history from U.C. Santa Cruz.

Rabbi Flam spent many years living in Israel and studying at Hebrew University, the Conservative Yeshiva and Hebrew Union College. While in Israel, she held the honor of the Senior Educators Fellowship through the Melton Center for Jewish Education in the Diaspora.

In addition to her pulpit work, Rabbi Flam has extensive educational and organizational clergy experience. She has been a summer camp director, a program director, a conference coordinator, an educational administrator, a teacher and an organizer.

Rabbi Flam brings her strong sense of passion, creativity, and love of Judaism to the community.

"We most often think of prayer as something spoken, but it can also be expressed in other ways. What we say, what we do and how we do it all express God's presence,â€ said Flam. â€œSynagogue is not one thing, it is many things, like a collage. It is community, it is worship, it is celebration, it is connection, it is commemoration, it is alive, it is relevant, it is dynamic and it is a place in which each of us has the opportunity to forge connections with our history and our future."

Texas Hold'em Poker Tournament Fundraiser

2007-07-21T17:30:00.000-07:00

On July 21 at 5:30 p.m., the young adults of Southern California Renewal Communities -- in partnership with the AACTS Young Adult Minsitry at St. Philip the Apostle -- are hosting a Texas Hold'em Poker Tournament Fundraiser. Go to www.myspace.com/pokerfundraiser for tournament registration, rules, time and location information. (The MySpace site will be up June 23).

For those who have caught the Texas Hold'em Poker bug, here's your chance to take the skills you've learned playing against your friends and test them in a real poker tournament. No cash prizes. Get a chance to win a Nintendo Wii bundle, a day spa certificate, a Disneyland/California Adventure dual pass for four or other really cool prizes!

All levels of experience are welcome.

Several rules apply:

(1) You must be 21 years old or older to play; see www.myspace.com/pokerfundraiser for photo ID requirement.

(2) Two-time buy-in maximum; $30 initial buy-in; $25 optional second buy-in.

(3) Tournament proceeds will fund SCRC young adult ministry events at future SCRC conventions; food concessions will support the AACTS Young Adult Ministry (go to www.scrc.org and www.stphiliptheapostle.org for more info about these organizations).

RENEW Theology on Tap | Week 1

2007-07-15T18:30:00.000-07:00

Bishop Gerald Wilkerson | 'The Parish: What Kind of Animal Is It?'

The parish of the 21st century — where have we come from, where are we now and where are we going?

What is the essential mission of the parish and what role do young adults play?

What do we, as young adults, need to do to deal with the kind of animal the parish is, and how do young adults fit in with the parish of the future?

Join Bishop Gerald Wilkerson for an engaging session that will help us understand exactly where we fit in with our parish, what impact we have now and can continue to have.

Bishop also opens the mike to questions.

About Bishop Gerald Wilkerson

A native of Des Moines, Iowa, Bishop Gerald Wilkerson attended St. John’s Seminary and was ordained in 1965 by Cardinal James Francis McIntyre. He served in the archdiocese as associate pastor at Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Habra, St. Michael in Los Angeles and American Martyrs in Manhattan Beach and for 15 years at Our Lady of Grace Church in Encino as administrator and then pastor. In 1996, Bishop Wilkerson was named episcopal vicar for the San Fernando Region and then ordained auxiliary bishop the following year.

'Rosary Bowl' set for May 19, 2007

2007-05-19T18:00:00.000-07:00

The largest outdoor celebration of the Rosary in Southern California in nearly 50 years will take place at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on May 19, 2007, it was announced on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Dec. 12, by Holy Cross Family Ministries, Easton, Mass., and its local member Family Theater Productions, Hollywood, which are planning the event in collaboration with the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

“A World at Prayer Is a World at Peace: A Rosary Celebration, The Rosary Bowl” will take place between 6 and 9 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

“The Rosary Bowl carries forward the tradition and mission of the 'rosary priest,' servant of God Father Patrick Peyton, to foster world peace and support the spiritual well-being of the family by encouraging daily family prayer, specifically the rosary,” stated Holy Cross Father John Phalen, president of Holy Cross Family Ministries, furthering Father Peyton’s mission.

“As ‘Mystical Rose’ is one of Mary’s many special titles,” he added, “the Rosary Bowl in the Rose Bowl is the perfect family environment to unite Catholics and other people of faith and goodwill in prayer to ask Mary’s intercession for world peace.”

Bishop Oscar Solis, vicar for Ethnic (Multi-cultural) Ministries for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, and the archdiocesan director of “The Rosary Bowl,” said, “The Blessed Mother is the special patroness of the City of Los Angeles and the object of special veneration by the Southland’s many ethnic communities. This rosary celebration in Mary’s honor will enhance the prayer lives of our families, strengthen family unity and rely on Mary as an intercessor for world peace.”

The special Eucharistic celebration, which will combine prayer, music and cultural exhibitions, is expected to draw the many ethnic populations which comprise the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, the country’s largest, and serve as a dynamic display of unity of the Catholic faithful. The religious service will culminate in a public recitation of the Rosary with people of different cultures and languages leading some of the prayers.

“The faithful of the archdiocese have long maintained a special intimacy with our Blessed Mother Mary, particularly under the title of Our Lady of the Angels,” said Cardinal Roger Mahony in a September letter to clergy and other leaders of the archdiocese. “I strongly urge all our pastors, the leaders of our parishes and schools, and individuals to unite in prayer, labor and sacrifice in helping organize our communities’ participation in this Rosary celebration."

Cardinal Mahony, who was the papal envoy to the 50th Anniversary Mass for the Family Rosary in 1992 in Manila, Philippines, that attracted 2 million people, will lead the procession and address participants of “The Rosary Bowl.”

The Family Rosary, a member of Holy Cross Family Ministries, was founded in 1942 in Albany, N.Y., by Holy Cross Father Peyton, now a sainthood candidate with the title “Servant of God.”

Holy Cross Father Wilfred Raymond, co-facilitator of the event and national director of Family Theater Productions, which Father Peyton founded in Hollywood in 1947, noted that “‘The Rosary Bowl’ is our first celebration of this magnitude since Father Peyton’s death in June 1992. I believe most bishops and Catholic Church leaders in North America will be watching to see how this large event unfolds. I think all the faithful will be eager to participate in this kind of a large public gathering celebrating the Catholic faith and the power of prayer.”

Beth Mahoney, co-facilitator of “The Rosary Bowl” and mission director of Holy Cross Family Ministries, said, “We will use Father Peyton’s Rosary Handbook and his famed ‘Six Mountains’ methodology in creating this event.” The “Six Mountains” include: 40 Holy Hours; the celebration of 40 Masses; Sunday sermons; a Catholic school campaign; harnessing the spiritual power of the sick; and the event itself.

Mahoney and Father Raymond, in collaboration with Bishop Solis, lead a planning committee comprised of the chairs of 13 subcommittees.

The late Pope John Paul II called Father Peyton “The Apostle of the Rosary.” He was proclaimed “Servant of God” in 2001 when the Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints gave approval for the opening of his cause for sainthood.

For 64 years, Father Peyton’s international ministry to families popularized the Rosary and helped make it the most widespread and popular form of prayer, with the exception of the Eucharist, among Catholics worldwide. He coordinated Rosary events in more than 40 countries, culminating in massive outdoor rallies in 1961 in San Francisco (500,000 attendees) and in 1985 in the Philippines (2 million attendees). The essence of Father Peyton’s ministry is captured in his slogans, “The Family That Prays Together, Stays Together” and “A World at Prayer Is a World at Peace.”

In the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, large outdoor Rosary celebrations – Mary’s Hour, sponsored by the Holy Name Union – date back to 1948 and 1949 at the Hollywood Bowl. They continued in the 1950s with some 90,000 people annually in the Los Angeles Coliseum, and continued at the coliseum until 1968. In 1969 it was moved to Dodger Stadium. In 1988, the archdiocese sponsored a Rosary event at the Hollywood Bowl. The last Mary’s Hour was held in 1989 at the Hollywood Bowl.

The May 19, 2007, event follows the Eucharistic Family Rosary Crusade held at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas on May 13, 2005, the feast day of Our Lady of Fatima. Holy Cross Family Ministries was one of the sponsors of that event.

The Rosary, from the Latin rosarium or “a garland of roses,” is an important and traditional devotion in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, consisting of the recitation of a set number of prayers (Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be) using a string of beads. It combines prayer, meditation and reflection on important events in the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through his mother, Mary. It gives those who pray it the opportunity to conform their lives to Christ.

Originally devised as a daily devotion in Middle Eastern monasteries in the 2nd century, the Rosary was popularized by St. Dominic in the 1200’s and was championed by popes throughout the ages, most recently by Pope John Paul II in his papal encyclical “Rosarium Virginis Mariae” in 2002.

A series of Marian apparitions in the 19th and 20th centuries, most notably at Lourdes, France and Fatima, Portugal brought the Rosary and devotion to the Blessed Mother to the attention of believers around the globe.

For more information and/or to make a prayer commitment or a financial contribution for the “The Rosary Bowl,” go online to www.rosarybowl.org, e-mail info@rosarybowl.org or call (800) 874-0999.

Antelope Valley Ministry With Young Adults

2007-05-18T19:00:00.000-07:00

Antelope Valley Ministry With Young Adults invites all parishioners to a presentation by Rev. Mike Ohanate titled "'If We Need Jesus, We Must Need the Blessed Virgin Mary' — A Lesson For Every Christian" at 7 p.m. May 18 in St. Mary's Church Conference Center, at 1600 E. Ave. R-4 in Palmdale.

For more information, call Tina Calderon at (661) 916-2460.

>>> Event Flier

In-Depth Catholic Bible study on the Gospel of Matthew with Michael Barber

2007-05-08T19:00:00.000-07:00

In-Depth Catholic Bible study on the Gospel of Matthew with Michael Barber, professor of theology, scripture and Catholic thought at John Paul the Great Catholic University.

Come and learn the answers to such questions as, Is the Gospel of Matthew historical? What is its relationship to the other Gospels? What about the discovery of other so-called “secret Gospels,” such as the Gospel of Judas? Is the Christmas story true? What exactly is the Kingdom of God? Where do we find it today? What did Jesus really teach about God? What did he really teach about morality? Did Mary have other children besides Jesus? What did Jesus say about his second coming? Is he coming soon? What does the Gospel have to teach us about baptism and the Eucharist?How do Catholics interpret the Bible?

Locally in Covina at Sacred Heart Chapel, at 381 W. Center St. in Covina, at 7 p.m. Tuesdays beginning May 8 for six weeks.

For more information, call (877) 526-2151 or visit www.catholicrc.org.

(Also in San Diego at John Paul the Great Catholic University, at 10174 Old Grove Road, Suite 200 in San Diego, at 7 p.m. Wednesdays beginning May 9 for six weeks.)

Michael Barber is the Professor of Theology, Scripture & Catholic Thought at John Paul the Great Catholic University and teaches for the San Diego Diocesan Institute. Prof. Barber is the author of a number of books on Scripture, including, Coming Soon: Unlocking the Book of Revelation & Applying Its Lessons Today (2005) and is the host of the nationally syndicated radio show, Reasons for Faith Live. He is currently finishing a Ph.D. in Theology at Fuller.

For more information, visit the Bible & Theology blog he shares with Catholic New Testament scholar Brant Pitre at www.singinginthereign.blogspot.com.

Saint Joseph Communications Presents Bruce Sullivan

2007-05-01T19:38:00.000-07:00

As a former "Church of Christ" minister, Bruce Sullivan was a zealous apostle for what he believed to be the true gospel. As such, he was also an ardent anti-Catholic. In fact, his dream was to be a missionary to the largest Catholic nation in the world --- Brazil.

However, all of that changed when he was confronted with the truth and beauty of the Catholic faith while trying to evangelize a Catholic family that had moved into his community. He found that this devout Catholic family wasn't that easy to convert. Because of that Catholic family he started to question his own denominations beliefs and doctrine.

After agonizing daily over the issues with the "Church of Christ" for 18 months, Sullivan was finally received into the Catholic Church during the Easter Vigil of 1995.

Since being received into the Catholic Church, Bruce has served as a catechist in his local parish, a lecturer, a speaker on topics related to Catholic apologetics and a dedicated foot soldier in the New Evangelization called for by Pope John Paul II.

Sullivan has been a guest on EWTN's "Mother Angelica Live," "The Journey Home," "Deep in Scripture."

He presently resides with his wife, Gloria, and their five children on a family farm in Kentucky.
On May 5, Sullivan will be giving two separate talks. His first talk will consist of sharing some of the details of his conversion to the Catholic faith. Particular emphasis will be placed on the primary issue that brought him to the Catholic Church (i.e. that of authority). He will also spend some time providing an answer to the question once asked him by a non-Catholic co-worker: "What did you find in Catholicism that you did not find in Protestantism?"

In the second talk, Sullivan will focus on one of the gifts that he has received from the Catholic Church, namely, Christ in the fullness of his word. Particular emphasis will be placed on the church's teachings regarding the inerrancy of sacred scripture.

This is a particularly timely topic, in view of the widespread confusion that exists in the minds of many regarding the nature of inspiration and its necessary implications.

Come and join us at Sacred Heart Chapel in Covina, at 126 S. 5th Ave. in Covina.

Bring family members or friends that you believe will benefit from this dynamic speaker and topic.

Admission is free.

For more information, call (800) 526-2151, Ext. 413.

Schedule:

First Talk: 10 a.m.

Break: 11 a.m.

Second Talk: 11:15 a.m.

Lunch: 12:15 p.m.

Question & Answer Period: 2 p.m.

Closing: 3 p.m.

'Gimmie Shelter'

2007-04-28T19:00:00.000-07:00

The National Coalition for the Homeless is sponsoring a traveling exhibition titled "Gimme Shelter," featuring works by 300 artists working on cardboard, a primary source of warmth and shelter for homeless individuals.

This is a special one-week only benefit event for the National Coalition for the Homeless, featuring over 300 artists from across the world creating original works of art on pieces of cardboard.

The concept is simple: Transform a piece of cardboard no larger than 12 inches on any side into a piece of art. The cardboard is a fitting medium for the cause since it is currently the primary source of warmth and shelter for our world's homeless. We're looking to change that, and this show is the start. Once this traveling show comes to an end, all works will be auctioned off online, with all proceeds going to the National Coalition for the Homeless (based in Washington, D.C.).

The exhibition will run in Los Angeles April 28 to May 4 and is hosted by thinkspace art gallery.

The gallery is at 4210 Santa Monica Blvd. in Silverlake. Gallery hours are 1 to 6 p.m. Thursday to Sunday.

For more information, call (323) 913-3375 or visit the exhibition's Web site at www.gimmeshelter.co.uk or thinkspace art gallery at www.thinkspacegallery.com. For directions to the show, visit www.losanjealous.com/events/724/.

'Looking at the Tapestry of Life ...'

2007-04-28T10:00:00.000-07:00

The Sisters of Notre Dame, California Province, present a retreat and day of reflection for single women, "Looking at the Tapestry of Life: What Makes Up Your Cloth," from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on April 28.

The retreat will be held at Our Lady's Lodge near Frazier Park, Calif.

Friday night accomodations are available.

For more information, call Sister M. Judeen Julier, SND, at (562) 301-7373 or e-mail smjudeen@hotmail.com. Visit www.sndca.org/vocations.

>>> Event Flier

Ninth Annual Catholic Lobby Day

2007-04-24T17:16:00.000-07:00

People of faith who have a desire to raise their voices in “sincere dialogue, seeking the common good” will be interested in Catholic Lobby Day.

For the ninth year, the California Catholic Conference (CCC) is hosting Catholics from all over California who are interested in exercising their “faithful citizenship” in their state’s Capitol. All who are interested in meeting with elected officials to speak on behalf of those who are poor, vulnerable or voiceless are welcome.

Join with representatives from various diocesan ministries and lay organizations for the one-day event on April 24 that will include information sessions, a rally at the Capitol, visits with legislators and a Mass at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament.

Cost is $5. Registration is required.

Call Joan Harper in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Office of Justice and Peace at (213) 637-7560 for more information or to register.

Youth Ministry Specialization

2007-04-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

If you are involved in youth ministry at any level, than this specialization is for you! Come and learn the big vision for youth ministry in the parish while getting some practical hands on training on how to implement youth ministry in your parish and touch the lives of teenagers.

This two-day workshop will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at St. Louise de Marillac Parish, at 1720 E. Covina Blvd. in Covina, and the cost is $25 before April 11. Mark it on your calendar and join us.

For more information, e-mail John Rinaldo at jmrinaldo@la-archdiocese.org or call (213) 637-7616.

St. Clare's Catholic Church: Parish Hosts Lenten Retreat

2007-03-24T08:15:00.000-07:00

St. Clare Parish's Ministry With Young Adults presents a young adult Lenten retreat, "Images of Jesus & the Sacrament of Reconciliation," on March 24 with the Rev. Larry Estrada and the Rev. Maurice Vallence, LDB.

Registration is open to all young adults 18 to 39 — married, divorced, single, etc.Registration is $15 and includes a light breakfast, and lunch and dinner.

The retreat begins at 8:15 a.m. Mass is at 5:30 p.m., and dinner is at 7 p.m.

Register in the parish office, with Nancy Fishwick in the Youth Hall, or mail your checks payable to St. Clare's Parish, 27341 Camp Plenty Road, Canyon Country, CA 91351-2645, before March 21.

For more information, call (661) 755-4656 or visit www.stclareya.org.

Please bring your Bibles.