Since we are unable to offer free flu shots at the parish this year, we wish to inform you that Santa Clara County is offering free flu shots at the County Fairgrounds, 344 Tully Rd. in San Jose, every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through mid-December. Park at Gate D on Monterey Road and walk to the Expo Center, or bike or walk-in at Gate B. Just look for the big blue arch. Everyone ages 3 years and up should get a flu shot. Children 3-17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Social distancing and masks are required at all times.

For nine consecutive days, Monday, October 26 through Tuesday, November 3, participants will be encouraged to pray one Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be for the day’s intention. A closing prayer for elected leaders will be offered on day 10, Wednesday, November 4.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, With regard to the election, I wish to point out the bishops’ teaching regarding “intrinsic evils” when voting. I point us to the following two paragraphs from the US bishops’ document, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship:

The Dominican Nuns of Corpus Christi Monastery ‘Come and See’ Retreat for single, Catholic women ages 18-38 years. COME AND SEE: A VIRTUAL RETREAT COVID-19 restrictions may have us social distancing and staying home as much as possible, but God is still calling, perhaps now more than ever!

As Catholics, "we bring the richness of our faith to the public square." Visit www.cacatholic.org for more information on how to think through these issues as a faithful Catholic. Also, view the U.S. Bishops' publication Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship for timeless insights on these timely social issues at usccb.org/issues-and-action/faithful-citizenship/index.cfm.

California voters will be asked to vote on 12 statewide ballot measures in the 2020 General Election on November 3, 2020. As faithful citizens we are called to make informed voting decisions based on a clear understanding of our faith and a deep appreciation of life, the common good, solidarity, care for the poor and the other principles of faith and morals that are to guide our life.

Our Red Zinfandel is a red wine grape, grown extensively in California since the mid-1800s, is grown in few other places in the world. The grapes can produce wines with plenty of character. High in natural alcohol and tannin, grown carefully, it can be rich and complex, with dark fruit berry fruit and peppery spice.

In his third Encyclical, Fratelli tutti , Pope Francis addresses his renewed call to universal fraternity “to all people of good will, regardless of their religious convictions.” Amid the “noisy potpourri of facts and opinions” present in today’s world, the Holy Father suggests respectful dialogue and proposes that we answer with “a new vision of fraternity and social friendship" to build a better, more just, and peaceful world, with the contribution of all: people and institutions. 

Thank you to everyone who continues during this pandemic to support the mission and ministries of our parish during the month of September. Our average weekly collection was $13,774 (7% decrease vs. August 2020). You also generously donated to various important causes in our September (second collections) at $7,912 ($1,978 a week.) This brings our September weekly total to $15,752. We budgeted our Sunday Offertory income for the current fiscal year (13 weeks) at $203,411 and received $181,506 (-$21,905). Any additional income helps us to pay-down our $2 million debt. As you know, we are dependent upon you, our parishioners, for our living-out our parish mission.

The Diocese of San José is looking forward to celebrating its 40th Anniversary in March 2021. As a part of our preparations, we invite all parishioners and friends to participate in designing a logo that will be identified with the upcoming anniversary celebrations. See and share the official contest rules.

Retrouvaille: Do you seek the tools to heal and renew your relationship? Retrouvaille can help your marriage heal and be make it stronger.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, On this Labor Day weekend, on which we Americans have traditionally rested from work and spent time with family and friends, often in backyard cookouts, I wish to share a few thoughts with you. I wish to reflect with you about the Lord’s Day and its focus on worship, rest, and solidarity as well as our baptismal call to live as God’s co-workers, building up the Kingdom of God through the work of our hands, minds, and spirits.

St. Francis reminds us that we should always “start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” Last fiscal year, our parishioners donated $50,000 to our St. Francis Fund Collection. In response to the needs of the many less fortunate in our neighborhood— turning to us, when there is nowhere else to turn.

The goal of the Francis Fund is to offer tangible assistance to those in need on a person to person basis and to offer spiritual services. People, who have nowhere else to turn, come to our doors seeking assistance with utility bills, overnight shelter, food and other needs.  Your generosity in this 2nd collection will assist us in helping our neighbors. “For it is in giving that we receive.”  

Bishop Patrick J. McGrath, who retired in May 2019, celebrates his 50th Anniversary of Ordination as a Priest on Sunday, June 7. During the week leading up to his Jubilee, the bishop responded to some questions put to him by The Valley Catholic.

ADA 2020 Parish Goal: $220,000 - Pledged: $220,220 – Average Gift: $474   You are amazing! Despite the tremendously difficult times we are living in, your outpouring of generosity and support for our local Church of San Jose is a true sign of God’s goodness. We have gone over our goal of $220,000. My thanks to the 465 parishioners who turned in their gifts and pledges towards this year’s ADA. Every dollar from here-on-in (pledged and paid above our goal) will be rebated back to St. Francis of Assisi.  

On May 1st, the Diocese will mark one year since Pope Francis accepted Bishop P.J. McGrath’s retirement, and I succeeded him as Bishop of San Jose. I had served as Coadjutor Bishop of San Jose since the previous summer, allowing for my introduction to the Diocese, while working closely with Bishop McGrath over many months.

​​​​​​​ The current times are challenging for all of us, including our own parish. We rely on your generous stewardship, in good times and in bad, to meet all of our financial responsibilities. The Sunday collection March 15 ($3,340); March 22 ($4,582) is the principal source of our income that pays for maintaining our facilities, staff salaries, insurance, leases, and loan payments. I assure you that we have already implemented and are prudently planning to drastically reduce our expenses until life gets back to normal.

Many people are understandably experiencing uncertainty and anxiety due to the spread of COVID-19. The severity of the situation has forced our leaders to make significant changes in our daily lives including suspending publicly celebrated Masses.

As you know, the current times are challenging for all us, including our own parish. We rely on your generous stewardship, in good times and in bad, to meet all of our financial responsibilities. The Sunday collection is the principal source of our income that pays for maintenance, salaries, utilities, insurance and the salaries and benefits for our parish staff. I assure you that we are prudently planning to reduce expenses until life gets back to normal. Please consider using our electronic giving program linked on the left side of our parish home page. We also encourage you to mail your Sunday offertory envelopes to the parish office. Thank you for support of the mission and ministry of St. Francis of Assisi Parish.