Upcoming Parish Events

Student Exchange Program

April 1 – May 2, 2008

There will be many new faces at both the school and the church in the month of April as the Saint Mary community hosts a group of exchange students from India. Fifteen students and four chaperones from CMI Public School, led by Father Santhosh Mundanmani, are set to arrive the first week in April and will spend the month in the homes of parishioners and school families. We hope to teach the students about our culture, lifestyles and our educational system while reciprocally learning from them concerning their lives in India.

First Communion

Saturday, May 3 at 10:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.

The duty of preparing candidates for First Communion is one of the most important responsibilities of a pastor. I am happy to report that nearly 100 children are ready to receive first Eucharist. A BIG BIG thank you to Sr. Carmel and the dedicated team of catechists. Please keep our children in your prayers. Thank you, parents!!!!

Cinco de Mayo Celebration

Sunday, May 4, 2008

You are all invited to our annual CINCO DE MAYO celebration! SUNDAY, MAY 4, after the 11:00 Mass—St. Mary Gym. Delicious food from Mexico, Central and South America, beverages, piñatas, raffles and games. Proceeds will help fund the celebration of the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe in December. Bring your whole family and your friends and join us. It will be a fun afternoon for all!

Pentecost & Mother’s Day

Sunday, May 11, 2008

The feast of Pentecost, which commemorates the Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles fifty days after the Resurrection of Christ, is based on the ancient Jewish festival called the "feast of weeks" or Pentecost. All are exhorted to wear red to mass in celebration of Pentecost. There will be a Mother’s Day Novena at the parish starting the first week of May. Mother’s Day envelopes will be available in the church vestibule.

Confirmation

May 10 at 4:30 p.m.

I would like to congratulate our young people who will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit in Confirmation. Thank you, Linda Williams and catechists, for a ministry well done.

Ordination

May 16 at 7:00 p.m. All Saints Church, Hayward

First Mass May 17 at 4:30 p.m. St. Mary Church

The diocese has announced the ordination of three deacons to priesthood on May 16, 7.00 p.m., at All Saints Church, Hayward. We congratulate Deacon Rolando Bartolay and say “Thank You” for being a priest. His First Mass will be at St. Mary on May 17 at 4.30 p.m. followed by a potluck dinner for all.

8th grade Graduation

Friday, May 30, 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Congratulations to our graduates. The eighth-grade graduation will be on Friday, May 30, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Baccalaureate Mass at 8:15 on May 29, 2008.

Ministry Faire

Sunday, June 8, 2008, following all morning masses

Would you like to be involved in ministries? Want to know more about prayer, social outreach, liturgical celebrations, parish leadership, catechesis, Youth & Children’s programs, RCIA, and other ministries?

St. Mary’s Pastoral Council, in collaboration with our vibrant ministries, will hold a Ministry Faire after all the morning masses on June 8, 2008. Continental Breakfast will be provided free of charge.

Catechists’ Continuing Education

June 21, 2008

Mark your calendars!!! St. Mary Church is sponsoring a oneday seminar for all cathechists of our parish, which will take place at St. Anne’s Chruch in Walnut Creek. The program begins at 9.00 a.m. with the study of the document, “To Teach as Jesus did,” followed by a number of sessions on catechesis and the instruction of Christian Doctrine.

Youth Dinner with Bishop Vigneron!

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Bishop Vigneron will be here at St. Mary’s for the “Teen Mass” on June 29, 2008. After mass, he will have a formal dinner with our young people. The dinner is complimentary for kids 7th grade to 12th grade. Dinner will be available for purchase for anyone else interested in joining the bishop. If you are in 7th to 12th grade, please RSVP Phil Battaglia (Youth Director) at 925-932 -5504.

Rainforest Faith Adventure Camp for Children K thru 5

July 14-18 daily 1:30pm-4:30pm

Rainforest Faith Adventure is a faith program for children with teens serving as helpers. Children will have fun while learning Bible stories through games, crafts, acting & songs. We will have a science unit again this year. Children will receive a music CD and camp shirt. You can download registration forms from our parish website: www.stmary-wc.org. For details, please call Anne Fuller (925) 299-0089.

Summer Fun Camp Yosemite

July 24-27

Stay in heated cabins in Yosemite’s Camp Curry Village. Join Fr. Paulson on a 14-mile hike to Half Dome. The less intrepid can do “halfway Dome”. Campfire songs, walking and biking trails and ranger programs will be part of the fun. Each tent holds five people. You can download a registration form from our website, www.stmary-wc.org. For details, please call Phil or Marylea Battaglia (925) 932-5504. The program includes a Saturday night vigil mass and a formal dinner.

Christian Rock

July 31- August 2, 2008

This summer, The Quest will sponsor a multi-day trip to the coast to enjoy up to 40 Christian Rock bands in beautiful Monterey California. From Thursday to Saturday, over 30,000 teens (and parents too!) will enjoy the sounds of Third Day, Stellar Kart, Jars of Clay, Kutless, BarlowGirl, Natalie Grant and more….For more information on the concert, check out their website at www.spiritwestcoast.org or call Phil Battaglia at 925-932-5504. This trip will be limited to teens 7th grade to 12th grade.

Parish Picnic

August 16, 2008

Welcoming new parish and school families August 16, 2008. There will be a parish picnic for everyone during which we will welcome all new families to St. Mary Church & School. We will meet at a local park (to be announced) at 1.30 p.m. Lots of food, fun and games!!! Dress casual!! Be cool!!!

International Nite

October 4, 2008 - 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Come and celebrate our diversity as well as our unity in Christ. Games for kids, ethnic cuisine, cultural entertainment. Appetizer-sized portions of food from different countries sold at $1.00 each, including hotdogs from our American booth. Beer Garden by our Knights of Columbus.