This year's celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. Joseph of Cupertino Church is on Friday, December 15. As in all the years, the story of the apparition of Our Lady at the Tepeyac Hill in Mexico is reenacted. After the play, students from the St. Joseph of Cupertino School are doing the Aztec dance. Aztec Dance is an indigenous dance tradition of Central Mexico based on the cultural legacy of the Chichimec/Otomi tradition warrior tribes that lived north of the “Aztec” empire at the time of the Spanish invasion. Originally, the dance is done to worship the gods and to stay in contact with nature. It is said that the dance was also considered a ritual cleansing of body and soul. The dance has been adopted by Catholics as an expression of worship for the one true God. The celebration of the Feast begins with a multilingual praying of the Holy Rosary at 6pm in the church. This is followed by a Eucharistic celebration at 7pm. A simple reception follows after Mass at the either Meditation Garden or at the Fr. Greg Ng Community Center, depending on the weather.
The "Simbang Gabi" is a nine-day novena mass leading to Christmas Day. It is a tradition among Filipinos as their way to prepare for the celebration of the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ on December 25. Traditionally, the "Simbang Gabi", or Evening Mass, is celebrated either at dawn, which is known in Spanish as "Misa de Aguinaldo" (Gift Mass), or "Misa de Gallo" (Rooster's Mass); or in the evening, which is known as "Simbang Gabi" (Night Mass). It goes from December 16 through December 24 (Christmas Eve). People who participate in the novena-masses usually offer a petition to the Lord with the hope that it would be granted when they complete the nine days. Testimonies abound about people experiencing their petitions being answered at the end of the nine days. For quite some time now, however, the "Simbang Gabi has been celebrated in the morning coinciding with the weekday masses at 8:30, or at 9:30 am on a Sunday. Consequently, the name was modified from "Simbang Gabi" to "Simbang Umaga" (Day Mass). The participants are so excited to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ that they would sing "Ang Pasko ay Sumapit" (Christmas has come) even though Christmas Eve is not until later in the afternoon. On the last day of the "Simbang Gabi", a reception is organized with traditional Filipino breakfast to allow the faithful to gather and enjoy each other's company in anticipation for the Christmas Eve. Everyone is invited to come and join in the celebration of the "Simbang Gabi" beginning on Saturday, December 16 at 8:30 am in the church. Succeeding novena-masses are as follows: Sunday, December 17, 9:30 am; and Monday through Saturday, December 18 through December 24, at 8:30 am. Reception follows at the Fr. Greg Ng Kimm Community Center after the December 24 8:30 mass.
Fr. Sebastian Carnazzo, Ph.D., will lead a bible study on Saturday, December 9th from 10:00 am through 11:00 am at the Fr. Greg Ng Kimm Community Center. The theme of this month's bible study is on the mystery of the birth of the Messiah using the Gospel according to Luke. The bible study is open to all and is free. Donations, of course, are welcomed.
The traditional Christmas Giving Tree begins on Friday, November 24th and ends on Monday, December 18th. The Christmas Giving Tree is a great opportunity for children to shop with their parents or godparents and buy suggested gifts for less fortunate families. All parishioners are invited to participate. Participation is easy. Simply remove an ornament (s) from the Tree and shop for the suggested gifts. Items are by age groups and gender. New items are requested. The gifts should not be wrapped and should be dropped into the Christmas Giving Tree drop box at the church's vestibule. This year's beneficiary is Nueva Vida, a community that serves people who work in the fields and their families.
Come to the next ballroom dancing class on Thursday, December 7 , from 7:30 pm through 8:30 pm in the Parish Hall. Participants will learn the swing and salsa dances. It's a good way to manage stress and learn dancing as well with your partner. This class is free. Donations are, of course, always welcomed!
Date Night Series is part of the Parish's Adult Enrichment Program. It is in partnership with the Witness to Love, a virtues-based, Catechumenate model of marriage renewal and preparation that integrates modern principles of psychology and the virtues to help couples facilitate an authentic dialogue about their relationship. The Date Night Series is a Be Light 5 Year Marriage Enrichment Movement that draws married Catholic couples closer together in Christ while being transformed into family missionary disciples within their own communities. This path not only supports newly married couples during the fundamental first five years of their marriage but also helps all married couples in a community to open their hearts to the powerful way God remains present to them and in the Holy bond of Matrimony. The five-year sequence builds upon the opportunities for growth and fulfillment that takes place over and over again in the intimate and personal way Christ encounters Catholic married couples in their interactions together. Be Light Marriage Enrichment Small Groups provide an intentional pathway to continue the journey as a newly married couple with your chosen mentors and invite other couples to be part of the experience. Join today and let your marriage Be Light! Register for the 2nd session at https://stjosephofcupertino2.flocknote.com/signup/141655.
The Parish, in conjunction with the 7th and 8th graders of St. Joseph of Cupertino School, is going to have a Halloween Fun Night on Friday, October 27th, from 6:00 pm through 9:00 pm. This will be at the School grounds. A lot of things are in store for this fun night: haunted house; trunk or treat (while supply last); pumpkin patch; arts and crafts; games; sweet and treats; food trucks; movie on lawn. Tickets may be ordered in advance. Call 408.252.6441. Tickets may also be purchased at the event.
The first session of the free ballroom dancing lesson last Thursday, September 28, sees a good turn-out of couples. Tim Dilellio, a certified dance instructor, teaches the class. The ballroom dancing lesson is held every other Thursday in the Parish Hall from 7:30 pm through 8:30 pm. The second session is on October 12. For more information, please contact the Parish Office at 408-252-7653.
The second class of the Bible Study is on Saturday, October 14 from 10:00 through 11:00 am in the Fr. Greg Ng Kimm Community Center. Fr. Sebastian A. Carnazzo, PH.D will lead the bible study. Fr. Carnazzo is a scripture scholar who teaches at St. Patrick's Seminary and University in Menlo Park. The Bible Study is held every 2nd Saturday of the month.
Throughout the month of October families will have the chance to have the pilgrim Virgin statue of Our Lady of Fatima visit them in their homes. The Pilgrim Virgin Home Visitation is a way for a family to respond to the requests made by Our Lady of Fatima which is threefold: 1) to return to God, turn away from sin and obey the Ten Commandments of God; 2) Pray the Rosary every day for peace; and 3) make reparation for one's sins and those of others by some form of penance or sacrifice. Upon the request of a family, the Pilgrim Virgin statue is brought to the home of the family by members of the Legion of Mary on a scheduled visit. The statue remains in the family's home for the duration of their request. Two days prior to the home visit, a Legion of Mary member contacts the family to confirm the visitation. The family is asked to set up a little home shrine where the Pilgrim Virgin Statue will be placed. A table covering, candles, flowers should be placed. With the Pilgrim Virgin Statue in placed, those present gather at the shrine and recite the Welcoming Prayers of the Pilgrim Virgin Home Visitation Program. The family is free to invite friends and neighbors to welcome Mary upon her arrival and have them join them in prayer each day the statue is in their home. During this time, the family recites the Rosary each day and offers prayer intentions, petitions, and gratitude to Mary. Two days prior to the statue’s departure, a Legion member calls to discuss the time that the statue will be picked up. Upon the statue’s departure, Legion members join the family in reciting the Farewell Prayers of the Pilgrim Virgin Home Visitation Program. A Home Enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary may be requested but not required. The Enthronement is a ceremony during which blessed images of the Sacred Heart and the Immaculate Heart are enthroned, that is, put in a place of honor. By the enthronement the family recognizes the Lord’s authority as their Sovereign King and the Lady’s Queenship over them. Families who wish to have the Pilgrim Virgin Statue visit their homes may sign up at https://stjosephofcupertino2.flocknote.com/signup/137725. Questions may be directed to Rosel Jarvis at roselsjarvis@gmail.com.
The last Fatima Pilgrimage is on Friday, October 13th. Mass begins at 6:30 pm followed by a rosary procession which ends in the church. A Eucharistic blessing for the sick follows after a Eucharistic procession inside the church. Dinner is provided after the celebration. Everyone is invited.
Every year the Parish holds a Public Square Rosary Crusade in celebration of the month of the Rosary which is October. As usual, the public square rosary crusade will be held in the Church's Meditation Garden in front of the Garden. Snacks will be provided after the crusade. For information, please contact Bella Kawashima at 408-981-9478.
The first class of the free ballroom dancing lessons is on Thursday, September 28 from 7:30 pm through 8:30 pm in the Parish Hall. This is a good way of managing one's stress while enjoying the company of other people. There is no dress code, but it is wise to wear shoes meant for dancing. One should have a partner to participate. The ballroom dancing is twice a month and falls always on a Thursday.
The Parish has an opportunity to set up a free ballroom dancing lessons in the Parish. To better plan for this, those who are interested to join are asked to take a quick survey by clicking the title of this new article.
The Parish will celebrate its Feast Day in honor of its patron saint, St. Joseph of Cupertino, in all Masses on the weekend of September 16 and 17. There will be a lunch reception after the 11:00 Sunday Mass. Various ethnic dishes will be showcased. For entertainment, young adults will lead the guest in line dancing. Volunteers are needed to donate set up, serve, clean, and bring an ethnic or favorite dish. To register, please visit https://stjosephofcupertino2.flocknote.com/signup/131902. Monetary donations are also welcomed. To make a donation, please click the title of this article.
The Parish brings back the Spaghetti Dinner after a two-year hiatus. The event hope to bring the whole Parish community together over meal and provide opportunities to catch up with old friends and meet new ones. The Dinner is set on Friday, September 22, from 6pm through 8 pm in the Parish Hall. Ticket is at $15 per person and a box of pasta donation. Raffle ticket is at $5.00. To register, please click the title of this news article.
In today's constantly developing digital world parents need to be aware of ways to help children be safe, healthy and connected. Valerie Plummer is going to give a seminar on Parenting Well in a Digital World on Monday, September 25 from 6:30 pm through 8:30 pm. The workshop will discuss the latest research on the benefits and challenges that parents and students face in this 24/7 technology driven culture. Parents will leave this worship, among many, with strategies for avoiding power struggles and teaching students how to navigate the dangers and benefits of social media and build a healthy digital reputation; and guidelines on when to block and when to monitor-balancing protection and privacy. Valerie uses her experience as a parent, individual, and family life coach, and Love and Logic facilitator to empower individuals and families to build healthy relationships. For more details, click the title of this news article.
The Bible Study of the Parish resumes beginning Saturday, September 9, from 10 am through 11 am in the Fr. Greg Ng Kimm Community Center. It will go on every 2nd Saturday of the month. Rev. Sebastian Carnazzo, Ph.D will lead the bible studies. Rev. Carnazzo is a presbyter in the Melkite Catholic Church of America and pastor of St. Elias Melkite Parish in San Jose, CA (steliasmelkite.org). He received his MA in Theology with a concentration in Sacred Scripture from the Christendom Graduate School of Theology, Alexandria, VA, and his PhD in Biblical Studies from the Catholic University of America, Washington, DC. His dissertation was published under the title Seeing Blood and Water: A Narrative-critical Study of John 19:34 (2012). He is also the author of many articles and the contributor to a number of multi-author works, most recently the Great Adventure Bible of Ascension Press. He is also an adjunct lecturer in Biblical Studies and Catechetics for a number of institutions, including St. Patrick Seminary of the Archdiocese of San Francisco and the Institute of Catholic Culture. For more information about Rev. Carnazzo, visit https://stpaulcenter.com/rev-sebastian-a-carnazzo-phd/
Fr. Gabriel, who took over the role of Faith Formation Director upon the retirement of Janice LaMonte, will be starting OCIA (formerly RCIA) Class soon. The initial meeting will be at Fr. Greg Kimm Parish Center on August 27th at 10:30 am. If you or your family members are interested, please come and see him on that day!
