ST. JUDE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY   PAGE EIGHT    SEPTEMBER 24,  2000

If you would like to know about us Catholic Christians, then our RCIA Program is for you.    These sessions began Monday, September 11^th, at 7:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall.    You may still Participate.      Come with a friend!     Come alone if no one wants to come with you!     But do come!     All are welcome!

And, if you know anyone who might wish to know about us Catholic Christians, then why not invite them.    What do you have to loose?      And what you might gain!!!    Wow! Not only invite someone, but come with them!     Help them feel comfortable!

For more information, please contact Jenifer Carmichael at 805 497-2551, or Nancy McAvoy at 805 480-4031.

This program begins tomorrow, Monday, evening, September 25^th, at 7:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall.     Deacon Joe Manion heads up this healing ministry.

For more information, please contract Deacon Joe at 818 - 889 - 1279, ext. 219.

This coming Saturday, September 30^th, we will celebrate the feast of San Lorenzo de Ruiz de Manila, who is the first Filipino Saint.    The 5:00 p.m. Vigil Mass will be in his honor.    After Mass there will be a Pot-Luck Supper with entertainment in our Parish Hall.    All are invited.      Father Joel Hensen, a member of the faculty of St. John's College Seminary, will be the Presider at the Liturgy.

St. Lorenzo was born in Birondo in Manila around 1600.   He married and was the parish sacristan.    After an adverse fate, he volunteered to go with some Dominican missionaries in 1636.    He and his fie companions were arrested within minutes of disembarking in Japan.    They were kept in prison for one year.    During their imprisonment, they suffered horrible, inhuman tortures.     Finally, on September 27^th, 1637, Lorenzo was hanged upside down over a latrine for two days.    He finally died after two days of bleeding and being suffocated in the latrine on September 29^th, 1637.    His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, canonized this great martyr for the faith on October 18^th, 1987.

St. Lorenzo was a simple, unassuming man.   He was also very shy, patient, God-fearing man.   

Let us pray that we too may have the simple faith and patience of this holy man.

There will be a Novena in preparation for this celebration.

Anyone wishing to help defray the cost of this celebration is asked to make checks payable to: "St. Jude's/San Lorenzo Ruiz" and drop off your check at the Pastoral Parish Office.

For more information, please call Aurora Elyada at 805 495-3721.

Volunteers are needed to study with and walk with those wishing to know about our Catholic Christian Faith.    All that is needed, is to have a willing heart to listen and to share.

Many Catholics shy away from answering questions about our Catholic Faith, whether the question comes from a child or an adult.    Serving as an RCIA Sponsor is a fantastic way to learn our Faith as you help others on their journey with the Lord.     RCIA Sponsors learn ever as they helping others learn, as we share our stories and reflect on God's Word.    For all the while, the Lord is touching the Sponsor's heart and mind, while touching also the heart and soul of the person searching to know the Lord.

To find-out more about this wonderful ministry in the Lord's Vineyard, or to volunteer, please call Nancy McAvoy at 805 480-4031, or Jenifer Carmichael at 805 497-2551.