Religious Education Congress Sept. 23, 2023
On Saturday, September 23, 2023, the Diocese of Santa Rosa will present a day of prayer and fellowship for all adults in the Diocese. The event will be held at Cardinal Newman High School, 4320 Old Redwood Hwy., Santa Rosa. The theme is “Liturgy, Devotion, and the Most Holy Eucharist”.
The day will begin at 8:30a.m in the gym with Holy Mass by Bishop Robert F. Vasa. A variety of speakers will be presented throughout the day.This day is designed to bring spiritual nourishment to all Adults in the Diocese. We look forward to seeing you.
We are happy to announce that this year’s event is FREE. For more information or to register, please contact Carmen Aanenson at the Diocesan Dept. of Rel. Ed. or ask your local parish. dre@srdiocese.org 707-566-3366www.santarosacatholic.org
A Special Thank You
A Special ‘Thank You’ to all the parishioners who help to prepare the church for Holy Mass with flowers, cleaning, organizing and liturgical assistance. The pews are shiny, the candles are attended, liturgical items laid out, tables are organized.
You are so appreciated!
May Jesus and Mary smile upon you.
Join Us For Sunday Soccer
Come to our new soccer afternoons!
Starting Sunday June 4th we will be meeting in the field behind the Sacred Shed to play soccer, hang out, and have fun!!! All ages are welcomed! Sundays from 1:30 until 4:00 pm.
Come to play, Come to cheer!!
Visit Our Facebook Page For Your Daily Jolt
We encourage you to check in on our every day to see the latest news and to check back each day for a little piece of inspiration as well as a small spiritual challenge. Many parishioners have been attracted to the idea of carving out a moment of spiritual contemplation, and coupling it with a meaningful — and very doable — action. Each day the Daily Jolt will offer a brief daily insight/inspiration and will also contain a “microChallenge” asking readers to take that moment of mindfulness and turn it into some small, immediate form of action in their lives. Our spiritual journeys are all unique and incredibly personal, but that doesn’t mean we don’t need a little Jolt from time to time to keep the journey moving forward. Don’t worry, this isn’t a test! There are no wrong answers here, our spiritual journeys are all unique and incredibly personal, but that doesn’t mean we don’t need a little Jolt from time to time to keep the journey moving forward. We hope that Busted Halo’s® Daily Jolt can be that sort of reminder for you on your own journey. So visit us everyday to get your Daily Jolt. Check it out on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/sacredhearteureka
Liturgy Schedule
Sacred Heart – St. Bernard – St. Joseph Parishes
September 22
Friday
12:15 pm – Mass @ St. Bernard Church
September 23
Saturday
3:15 pm – Confessions @ St. Joseph Church
4:00 pm – Mass @ St. Joseph Church
September 24
Sunday
7:30 am – Mass @ St. Joseph
9:00 am – Mass in English @ Sacred Heart
10:30 am – Mass @ St. Bernard
12:15 pm – Mass in Spanish @ Sacred Heart
September 25
Monday
12:15 pm – Mass @ St. Bernard
September 26
Tuesday –
7:30 am – Mass @ St. Joseph
September 27
Wednesday
12:15 pm – Mass @ St. Bernard
1:00 pm – Adoration & Confession @ St. Bernard Church
6:00 pm – Adoration & Confession @ Sacred Heart in Spanish
7:00 pm – Spanish language Mass @ Sacred Heart
September 28
Thursday
7:30 am – Mass @ St. Joseph
11:30 am – Mass @ St. Joseph Hospital Chapel
September 29
Friday
12:15 pm – Mass @ St. Bernard Church
Catholic News
We have created links to the best Catholic news sites so that you can keep current in the latest national and international Catholic news.
America: The Jesuit Review
Our flagship magazine is the leading Catholic journal of opinion in the United States. First published in 1909, America magazine is known across the Catholic world for its unique brand of opinion and analysis. From theology and spirituality to politics, international relations, arts and letters, and the economy and social justice, America’s coverage spans the globe. We tell the stories that matter most to the church and the world. Our award-winning website is americamagazine.org.
Catholic News Service
Catholic News Service has a rich history of journalistic professionalism and is a leader in the world of Catholic and religious media. With headquarters in Washington, offices in New York and Rome, and correspondents around the world, CNS provides the most comprehensive coverage of the church today.
And in the digital age, CNS is showing a new audience the accuracy that has always been its hallmark with its video journalism and documentary production.
Vatican News
Vatican News is the news portal of the Holy See. Surpassing the concept of being a simple digital platform, Vatican News seeks to respond and, in a certain sense, to anticipate the continual changes taking place in communication, with the objective of “communicating the Gospel of mercy to all people” in various cultures. It communicates and interacts through audio, video, text and images on a multi-lingual, multi-culture, multi-channel, multi-media and multi-device plain.
Catholic News Videos
Why Pope Francis’ big Vatican meeting next month is so important. Synods aren’t new for the church. But this one is structured to have lots of firsts — and — if successful, could cement Pope Francis’; legacy of creating a church where everyone – bishops, priests and laypeople—helps set the agenda for the future.
Pope Francis reveals date of publication for second part of Laudato Si’: October 4th.
Pope Francis to religious leaders: “There can be no mixing of religious beliefs and violence”.
The Pope Video
Let us pray for those people on the margins of society in subhuman living conditions, that they may not be neglected by institutions and never be cast out.
Pope Francis – September 2023
A homeless person who dies on the street will never appear among the top stories of search engines or newscasts.
How could we have reached this level of indifference?
How is it that we allow the “throwaway culture” – in which millions of men and women are worth nothing compared to economic goods – how is it that we allow this culture to dominate our lives, our cities, our way of life?
Our necks are going to get stiff from looking the other way so we don’t have to see this situation.
Please, let’s stop making invisible those who are on the margins of society, whether it’s due to poverty, addictions, mental illness or disability.
Let’s focus on accepting them, on welcoming all the people who need it.
The “culture of welcoming,” of hospitality, of providing shelter, of giving a home, of offering love, of giving human warmth.
Let us pray for those people on the margins of society in subhuman living conditions, that they may not be neglected by institutions and never be cast out.
Stress in Your Marriage?
Retrouvaille is a program for married couples that feel bored, angry, disillusioned, or frustrated, in their marriage. Some experience coldness or conflict in their relationship. Retrouvaille has helped so many couples who are experiencing difficulties in their marriage. For confidential information about or to register for the September 15-17 Retrouvaille weekend in San Jose, call 408-605-4998 or email: SanJose@RetroCA.com. And please or visit our website at
Avoid These Online Scams Directed At Catholics
With the prevalence of easy-to-access technology and the vast variety of ways people communicate these days, the pervasiveness of people who make it their mission to scam people out of money using digital trickery is only increasing. We collected some of the most common scams that are directed specifically toward Catholics as well as how to identify and avoid them in order to protect yourself from online criminals.
THIS WEEK ON FORMED
“This Week on FORMED” is a weekly video designed to help Catholics learn more about FORMED’s content related to each week of the year. Join Taylor and Ben each week as they walk you through amazing content on FORMED! You’ll discover all kinds of videos and audio to accompany you during the weekly liturgical calendar, Saint feast days and world events taking place.
The Best Devotional Apps You NEED on Your Phone
It’s no secret that spiritual reflections and prayer meditation guides have been around for eons and aren’t going anywhere. But, for those searching for a more structured prayer guide and the accountability that comes with it, devotional apps are the way to go.
We’ve done a test drive of some of the latest (and greatest!) devotional apps on the market today. Check out why these made the cut and consider downloading one or two to jumpstart your spiritual life this advent season.
Rosary Group on Tuesdays
The Sacred Heart Rosary group invites you to join them on Tuesdays at 11:30 at Sacred Heart Church in the chapel. We look forward seeing you there.
RCIA News
The human heart ultimately seems to manifest itself in the desire to be loved and to love in return. Until then, as St. Augustine said, our hearts are restless until they rest in the God who is Love. As Catholic Christians, we are privileged to share God’s love through the Mass, the Sacraments and how we live our lives. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a place to ask questions and seek understanding.
Weekly “no strings” inquiry gatherings begin on Tuesday, September 12 at 7 p.m. in the back classroom of Sacred Heart Church. We would love for you to invite/accompany anyone you know whose heart is restless for the God who loves them. For more information, please contact Ann Lynch (443-6741) or call the rectory office.
We Have A Prayer Team
If you have a special need of any sort, we have a prayer team who will pray on your behalf. Let us pray with you, and for you. Surround yourself with prayer.
Call our prayer line leader Toni 24/7 at (707) 445-361six
Natural Family Planning Class Information
Natural Family Planning classes teach a highly effective scientific method involving charting the individual body’s own system for the purpose of determing fertile and infertile times. Not only is it highly effective and natural but couples report that the method brings them closer together as it requires the loving cooperation of the couple. Many couples trying to conceive have found it most helpful as well as those wishing to hold off on conception. Natural family planning (NFP) can now be learned: self-paced, live online, or onsite. Cost is $150 and taught either in Spanish or English. You may take a class the traditional way in person with the teaching couples and other student couples, online, in a virtual classroom (some gadgets required.) or self-paced classes offered online. Spaced a week apart you and your spouse or fiance attend three classes at your own pace,one week apart. Please go to the Couple to Couple League website to compare classes, find classes near you or to register https://ccli.org/
Catholic Apps
Catholicism might be a thousand years old, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make use of modern technology to practice our faith.
Catholic apps allow us to seek a deeper connection with God and understand what Catholicism is really about. It provides an easier and more comfortable way to read the bible quotes or brush up on your knowledge of Catholic prayers and teachings. For young Catholics, these apps are also valuable resources to help incorporate our faith into a digital lifestyle.
Scam alert!
Recently, some parishioners have reported receiving requests for gift cards from Fr. Bernard or Fr. Rowell or Bishop Vasa. This type of thing is always a scam. Priests would not request gift cards from parishioners, let alone indirectly through email.They would ask directly for volunteer work. Always disregard this type of indirect request, especially for money or gift cards from priests as being a scam.
No Cost Limited Obsterical Ultrasounds
J. Rophe Medical provides no-cost limited obstetrical ultrasounds to patients between 7-16 weeks pregnant in a confidential and professional setting, where each client is treated holistically with the utmost care and respect. Other services they provide include pregnancy testing, access to ultrasounds for women in outlying areas via the Mobile Medical Unit, Jenny Grace, prenatal vitamins, referrals to medical and social services, and past abortion recovery help. All services are free. Open from 10 to 4 Mon–Thurs, Call 707-444-0423 for an appointment.
Loving Help For Post Abortion Survivors
Loving Help For Post Abortion Survivors
Do not continue to live in shame, fear or numbness: Rachel’s Vineyard heals hearts broken by abortion.
rachelsvineyard@gmail.com or (707) 967-1101 Rachelsvineyard.org
Iholsohappy
Statement from Bishop Robert F. Vasa
December 2, 2022
After months of careful and prayerful consideration, and after having consulted the priests of the Diocese as well as the Diocesan Finance Council, and professionals retained by the Diocese, it has become clear to me that it is necessary for the Diocese of Santa Rosa to file for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection. This decision was made necessary due to the overwhelming number of sexual abuse lawsuits filed against the Diocese after the statute of limitations was lifted for a three-year ‘window’. We now are facing more than 130 claims dating from 1962 when the Diocese was established to the present. A vast majority of the cases date from the 70’s and 80’s.
Our present plan is for our attorneys to file for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection after December 31 and before March 1, 2023. Our Diocese joins a growing list of Dioceses in the United States to make such a filing.
In many ways, this is not a freely chosen decision. It is the inevitable result of an insurmountable number of claims. I am convinced, however, that choosing this path will allow us to achieve two very important goals. First, it will provide a process to carefully evaluate and compensate, as fairly as possible those who have come forward with allegations of sexual abuse. Chapter 11 is a process designed to bring all parties together in one place to resolve difficult claims fairly and finally, with the supervision of the bankruptcy court. A bankruptcy allows the Diocese to deal with all these issues collectively rather than one at a time. At the same time, the process will provide a way for the Diocese to continue the various charitable ministries in which it is engaged.
It is important to remember that the only entity filing for bankruptcy protection is the corporation sole known legally as the Roman Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Santa Rosa. The parishes and Catholic schools within our Diocese are separate civil corporations or separate ecclesial entities and should not be parties to this filing. There are many matters to be discerned by the bankruptcy court and so absolute certainty about the degree of participation by any other entities such as parishes and schools will be determined in the course of the proceedings.
Since we began discussing this possibility more than a year ago, I have been moved by the understanding, patience and support expressed by the clergy and by the various people in the Church with whom I have previously shared this information. I am deeply grateful.