When We Ask Why
written by Colleen Jurkiewicz Dorman
Today is the feast that reminds us that God could use any mechanism in the whole world to communicate His message — but He chooses to do so, mainly, through the stories of family relationships. Families that fall apart and are put back together.
Music – Fourth Sunday of Advent

Dear Fellow Parishioners,

This Sunday is the Fourth (and last) Sunday of Advent. Can you believe it? Christmas is almost here! Here are some links to steep yourself in Advent’s atmosphere of waiting while you prepare for the joyful celebration of our Lord’s birth:

‘This Is the Time’ by Wanda Viola
https://youtu.be/XPaHha-u6QY

‘Blessed, Blessed, Blessed’ by Charlotte Ryerson
https://youtu.be/720SrvSgZE0

‘Mary and Joseph’s Song’ by Marcia Boland
https://youtu.be/bZOMtVBPTzE

‘For You, O Lord, My Soul in Stillness Waits’ sung a cappella by Brother Alphonsus Mary
https://youtu.be/jtAOqi28GQ4

‘Oh, Righteous Branch’ by Caroline Cobb
https://youtu.be/AqNdxX7kRzM

‘Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus’ (Whitaker) sung by the St. Francis de Sales 10:15 Choir
https://youtu.be/BhrsSTXXNFg

‘Awaken and Prepare Us’ by Hayes and Frombach
https://youtu.be/2X5nzx3xfJg

‘God with Us’ by Terrian
https://youtu.be/PJbtWOSYjBM

‘Freedom Is Coming’ (Anders Nyberg) a South African hymn sung by the St. Francis de Sales 7pm Choir
https://youtu.be/eBnv2RxvDiE?t=7

Enjoy the music! God bless you and keep you well as you make your final preparations for Christmas.

Janis Cantú

A Message from Father Tom
and
The Diocese
( 12 / 14 / 21 )
Presently, the Scientific Community has found the Omicron variant to be as infectious as a common cold. Nevertheless, in compliance with our diocese as stated: 
Click here for PDF of this letter
Click here for article in letter

 


 

Mass Guidelines
( 6 / 18 / 21 )

 

Dear Sacred Heart Family,

On June 15th, the California Department of Public Health provided updated guidance pertaining to state and county regulations. In response to the latest news, the bishops met and consulted with the Executive Board of the Presbyteral Council and the Board of Deans to further discuss the lifting of restrictions in the Diocese of San Diego. In a letter to all priests, Bishop McElroy provided the following update:

  1. All the restrictions on capacity and spacing for worship and all limitations on meetings and social activities are lifted as of June 17, 2021.
  2. Masks will be optional. No one is to ask whether someone has been vaccinated or not. “Please don’t judge others. If I stop judging others, I free myself from being judged and I can dance!” Patti Digh
  3. Distribution of the Eucharist may again be received on the tongue or will continue to be available in the hand.
  4. The reintroduction of the shared cup will be determined sometime in the future.
  5. Alterations in liturgical spaces and practices necessitated by the pandemic can now cease at the discretion of the pastor. This includes filling the fonts.
  6. It is recommended that non-family members bringing Eucharist to the sick should be vaccinated.
  7. We no longer will video / live stream outside Masses as of July 1st.

The dispensation from the normal obligation to attend Sunday Mass will end on July 1st. We are grateful for this update as we plan for the full reopening of our catechetical ministries and activities this summer and fall. Particularly, we are grateful to our dedicated staff and volunteers for navigating this past year with all its uncertainties and changes with astounding faith and grace.

The Chosen Private Screening at
St. Charles Borromeo Parish

St. Charles Borromeo is screening an exclusive The Chosen Nativity Story this Thursday, December 16th at 6:00 PM.

The Chosen has a new episode! The Chosen has created a special episode about the birth of Christ through the eyes of Mary and Joseph. You’ll also see an extraordinary lineup of musicians perform both new and classic Christmas songs from the set of The Chosen, including: Phil Wickham, For King & Country, Brandon Lake, Maverick City Music, Cain, Matt Maher, Bryan & Katie Torwalt, Jordan Feliz, We The Kingdom, The Bonner Family, Leanna Crawford, Dawson Hollow, and One Voice Choir. This is the perfect opportunity to bring friends and family, including those who haven’t seen The Chosen, for a unique Christmas experience.

You can purchase tickets here.

Mary, Jesus Expert
written by Allison Gingras
If we long to uncover the path, learn the wisdom, and acquire the disposition of heart required to follow Jesus, we have but to look to one expert — Mary, his mother. By contemplating her principle virtues, actions, and devotion, we can reach unparalleled heights of faith.
Music – Third Sunday of Advent

Dear Fellow Parishioners,

This is the Third Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete means rejoice. Here are a few songs to help you do that!

‘Cry Out with Joy’ by Josh Blakesley
https://youtu.be/KD6fBc4PFIk

‘Shout for Joy (Psalm 100)’ by North Central University Worship
https://youtu.be/gHO0Ztkecsc

‘Alleluia! Hurry, the Lord Is Near’
https://youtu.be/W7KdyaTgwes

‘Come, Jesus, Prince of Peace’ sung by the St. Francis de Sales Church choir
https://youtu.be/UaWX-k11GWo

‘The Lord Is Near’ by Michael Joncas
https://youtu.be/N3ymRsx6wSc

‘Advent Hymn’ written and sung by Christy Nockels
https://youtu.be/jD6Ir8QNAZc
or a choral version of the same put out by Hal Leonard Press
https://youtu.be/nrmfPEFVRIs

And lastly, a medieval carol, ‘Gaudete’ performed by the Clare College of Cambridge Choir
https://youtu.be/l1NgHonWNE0

So rejoice! Knowing that the Lord is near!

Janis Cantú

Fr. Emmanuel’s Weekly Homily
Third Sunday of Advent
YOU HAVE NO EXCUSE!
As we wait for the coming of Christ, in the words of St. Paul, I say, “Brothers and Sisters: rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice!”
Fr. Emmanuel’s Weekly Homily
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
BUT WHO AM I?
Remember, with God all things are possible.
Remembrance

We join with Fr. Tom in remembering his niece, Caitlin Grussenmeyer, who died December 9, 2021.

Please keep her husband Kyle and the Catanella Family in your prayers during these difficult time at the loss of their second child.

May the Angels lead her into paradise.

Collection for Retirement Fund for Religious

From Catholic schools and hospitals—to parishes, retreat centers, and works of mercy—elderly sisters, brothers, and religious order priests have prayerfully served our Church and world. Most ministered for little pay. Now, without enough retirement savings, many religious communities are struggling to care for aging members. Your gift to the Retirement Fund for Religious helps provide nursing care, medicine, and other necessities. Please be generous.

TO MAKE YOUR DONATION, please go here or use the envelope provided at Mass this weekend.