Dear people of St. Hilary Parish,
Would you like to be added to my group email list?
If so, please send a brief message to BillBrown@StanfordAlumni.Org and let me know.
From time to time, I send out mass email messages as a "blind carbon copy," so that others cannot access your email address.
These messages come from your pastor when one of our dear parishioners passes away, when a special event is taking place here at St. Hilary, or when some disaster takes place and we need to take up a second collection for the survivors.
I already have a number of parishioners on my group list, but I am happy to add your name to the list if you wish. Some have expressed gratitude when I let them know the news as soon as I hear about it.
One example is the passing of our beloved parishioner, Mr. Carter B. Smith -- I was able to inform the parish on Monday afternoon, right after hearing of his death.
God bless you and yours,
~ Father Brown
...FROM THE PASTOR...
Fifth Sunday
in Ordinary Time
February 5, 2012
Dear friends,
In today's Mass we see Jesus healing Peter's mother-in-law, and then bringing relief to others in suffering, but also needing some time by himself for rest, prayer, solitude, and recuperation:
When it was evening, after sunset,
they brought to Jesus all
who were ill or possessed by demons.
The whole town was gathered at the door.
He cured many who were sick with various diseases,
and he drove out many demons,
not permitting them to speak because they knew him.
Rising very early before dawn, Jesus left
and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.
Simon and those who were with him pursued Jesus
and on finding him said, "Everyone is looking for you."
Mark 1:32-37
Not being a parent myself—but being a former kid—I imagine that many of the mothers and fathers present this weekend can relate to this basic, healthy need to get away and recharge their batteries. Even for me, being the only priest at the parish for several months last year was pretty draining, which is why I was so thrilled when Father Matt arrived to minister here. My entire priesthood had been lived in a rectory community, so the experience of being alone for so long made me feel like those parents who constantly hear the words: "Dad, Dad, Dad!" or "Mom, Mom, Mom!" I don't know how you parents manage.
Probably through lots of love, prayer, exercise, a good sense of humor, and learning how to set boundaries. Perhaps through having experimented over the years with ways to tend to the needs of your loved ones (whether it be your spouse, elderly parents, small children, or friends in trouble), and thus having discovered what works for you, and what does not. This is why we as the Roman Catholic Church offer opportunities for people to stay sane and happy in their lives, especially through programs like REFOCCUS, Retrouvaille, Marriage Encounter — and of course the many retreats and such that are not only for married couples but also for single folks, widowed people, priests, religious, teens, children, etc.
You often read about REFOCCUS and other wonderful programs in our bulletin, so I do hope you will take advantage of what they offer you as a couple, or as an individual. Just like the Lord Jesus, we too need to get away at times and recharge our own batteries, spiritually, physically, emotionally, and prayerfully. This is why the Church requires that each priest take at least one retreat a year, so he doesn't lose his focus on God in the midst of the many demands that come his way.
Although there is no Canon Law requiring you to do the same, your heart and soul may urge you to be creative in finding ways to stay spiritually focused, lovingly healthy, and able to follow the example of Jesus in getting away from the many needs of others to refocus on what your soul might be needing here and now. I wish you God's blessings, and God's guidance, in your holy search.
Father Brown
Pastor
Question of the Week
Adults: How can I prepare myself to be more purposeful about sharing the Good News?
Children: How do I share my faith and trust in Jesus with my friends or classmates?
Dear parishioners,
Next weekend we celebrate the birth of Jesus, and the birth of his beloved Church. I hope you and your loved ones will be able to approach Christmas will very little stress, and lots of peace and joy!
One gift we are receiving from the Archdiocese of San Francisco is the chance for our parish to take part in a sort of "pilot program" that will make the fine materials from the Forward in Faith classes available to members of our groups who might not be able to attend the evening classes on Wednesdays. For example,
Vicki Bornstein came up with this great idea, and I asked Bishop McElroy if we could try it here at St. Hilary. If you want to sign up for Forward in Faith but prefer to take part in this alternative way, please tell your group leader and we'll see what's possible. Vicki's in charge!
