PASTORS: THE BRIDGE
CONTAINS CONTENT FOR YOUR BULLETINS
December 11, 2023
Please share this information widely within your community through bulletins, websites, newsletters, and social media. Your contributions to The Bridge are always welcome. Deadline is 4:00 pm Thursday for the following Monday’s newsletter; please comply with the submission guidelines below. The e-mail address for submissions is TheBridge@sfarch.org.
CHANCERY NEWS
New - The Bridge Holiday Schedule (December 25, 2023 and January 1, 2024)
Contact: Diana Powell | 415-614-5589 (Th-Fri) | powelld@sfarch.org
Due to Christmas and New Year holidays, The Bridge will NOT be published: December 25, 2023 and January 1, 2024.
New – St. Patrick’s Seminary Discernment Retreat
January 26-28, 2023
320 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park
Contact: Fr. Cameron Faller | 415-614-5683 | faller.cameron@sfarch.org
Is God calling you or someone you know to the priesthood?
To discern your vocation is to discover God’s purpose for your life. Come to the St. Patrick’s discernment retreat led by Bishop Thomas Daly to investigate where God may be calling you. This is our main and most beneficial discernment event of the year. In the past, this retreat has proved to be a very beneficial experience for discerners as they seek to understand and follow God’s will in their life. Please contact Fr. Cameron Faller, the vocation director, if you are interested or want more details.
New – Online Course – Catholic Faith, Fiction, and Film - offered by the Archdiocese's Department of Pastoral Ministry
Weekly, January 2 through January 30
Register to get online link
Contact: Dcn. Fred Totah | 415-614-5504 | totah.fred@sfarch.org
Bio of Dr. Margaret Turek: Click Here.
All “serious” fiction writers imbue their works with a vision of life: a vision often indebted to a philosophy or a religious creed. This is the case, whether the writer is a rationalist, an atheist, a Buddhist or a Catholic. Against the horizon of his vision of life or belief structure, the fiction writer will grapple with such questions as: What makes a life fully human, truly humane? Is there an absolute meaning and ultimate goal of human existence?
In this course, Dr. Margaret Turek leads us through a selection of modern works of fiction and film, all of which deal with themes vital to the Catholic vision of God, human existence, sin and guilt, redemption, and beatitude beyond death. Along the way, the unique challenges facing the Catholic fiction writer (and his audience) today will be discussed, including how the writer attempts to get his vision across when writing for a world that is unprepared to see "the really real" with the eyes of faith? How does one portray the nearness of God for an audience who is scarcely conscious of God?
Topics of Class Sessions:
Class 1 (January 2) The Prophetic Vision of Catholic Fiction
Class 2 (January 9) Flannery O'Connor: the Most Important Things
Class 3 (January 16) "Gravity" (the movie): What Makes Life Worth Living
Class 4 (January 23) George Bernanos: the Drama of Mystical Substitution
Class 5 (January 30) "Groundhog Day" (the movie): the Way to True Happiness
Catholic Charities “Be A Blessing” Campaign — Christmas Gift Cards Still Needed for Vulnerable Families
Anytime between December 7 and December 18, 2023
Various sites in San Francisco, Marin, and San Mateo Counties
To give a gift card simply CLICK HERE
Contact: Darlene Wilson | 415-972-1371 | Dawilson@Catholic@CharitiesSF.org or Volunteer@CatholicCharitiesSF.org
As we prepare with joyful expectation for the celebration of Christmas, Catholic Charities still has a need for gift cards to Safeway or Target if you are looking for a way to give back to vulnerable families and individuals this Christmas. CC is very grateful to parishes that have already committed to giving toys, books, coats, and sweaters. Thank you for your kindness and for helping to brighten Christmas for those we serve
December 2023: Word of Life
Contacts: Maria Martinez-Mont | 415-614-5533 | prolife@sfarch.org
Word of Life is a pro-life monthly resource for dioceses and parishes containing Feature of the Month, Intercessions for Life, Bulletin Quotes, and Bulletin Art.
For the December 2023 edition of Word of Life in English and Spanish. Click Here. For previous issues: Click Here.
Restorative Justice: Adopt a Christmas Angel Family this Holiday Season!
Friday, December 22
St. Mary’s Cathedral | 1111 Gough St., San Francisco
Contact: Julio Escobar | 415-614-5572 | escobarj@sfarch.org
To adopt a family: Click here.
Help support local families and make Christmas bright for children in need! Grant a wish for families and children with incarcerated parents, surviving children of parents killed by gun violence, and families and children who experienced and survived domestic violence. Two hundred children are expected to receive toys with your support. For more information contact Julio Escobar above.
Benedict XVI Presents “The Flower World Prophecies: Our Lady of Guadalupe Converts a Continent”
Tuesday, December 12, 2023, 6:00pm (Via Zoom)
Contact: Maggie Gallagher mgallagher@bxvi.org
For More Information and to Get Zoom Link (Free): Click Here
On the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, join Archbishop Cordileone, composer Joseph Gonzalez, and Monique Gonzalez to discuss their forthcoming book The Flower Prophecies. This book offers an entirely new take on how Our Lady of Guadalupe managed to do for this nation what has been done for no other. Our Eurocentric focus obscured the reality that Our Lady built on the ancient prophecies of the indigenous religion.
EVENTS
New – SF Turkey Drive at St. Emydius Parish– A Gift of Food is a Gift of Life
Saturday, December 16, 9:00am – 12:00pm
350 De Montfort Ave. at Jules (one block from Ocean Ave.) in Parking Lot
Contact: Pierre Smit | 415-939-2410 | SFpierre@aol.com
For More Information-Event Website: Click Here
The last SF Turkey Drive of the year is happening on December 16 at St Emydius Church in the Ingleside district of San Francisco. From 9 am until noon, volunteers will be collecting turkeys (preferably frozen), hams, and boxes/bags of fresh vegetables. Add this to your calendar today so on December 16, your gift of food will be a gift of life for some San Franciscans who live day by day with the threat of going hungry. All proceeds will go directly to the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank who will handle the proper distribution to organizations and families.
Advent Concert Series at St. Boniface
Concert Dates: Tuesday, December 12, and 19, 12:30pm to 1:00pm
St. Boniface Parish, 133 Golden Gate Ave., San Francisco
Contact: Carlo Fiatarone | 415-241-2600 | CFiatarone@stanthonysf.org
Join the St. Anthony Foundation for an Advent Concert Series with St. Boniface's historic organ. For more information, contact Carlo Fiatarone.
Mission Dolores Basilica Choir 32nd Annual Candlelight Christmas Concert
Sunday, December 17, 5:00pm
16th & Dolores Sts., San Francisco
Contact: Jerome Lenk | 415-621-8203 | music@missiondolores.org
To Purchase tickets ($20-$30): Click Here
Mission Dolores Basilica Choir continues its tradition with the 32nd Annual Candlelight Christmas Concert in the beautiful and historic Basilica Church. The concert will feature the Gloria from the “Mass for All Saints” by Baroque Czech composer, Jan Zelenka. There will also be selected motets and carol arrangements and the ever-popular audience sing-along. Led by Music Director, Jerome Lenk, the Choir will be accompanied by chamber orchestra and organist, David Hatt. See flyer attached below.
CONCERTS
St. Mary’s Cathedral Sunday Afternoon “Musical Meditations” Live and Livestreamed
For more information, contact Mr. Chris Tietze at 415-567-2020, Ext. 213
Enjoy the longest continuously running organ concert series in San Francisco, and other instrumental and vocal recitals as well, Sundays at 4:00 pm. These Sunday Musical Meditations are open to the public at the Cathedral (1100 Gough Street,
San Francisco) and are being livestreamed on the St. Mary’s Cathedral YouTube channel, above.
Upcoming LIVE and Livestreamed
- Sunday, December 17, 7p (NOTE TIME): Cookies and Carols: St. Mary’s Cathedral Choir and St. Brigid School Honor Choir present a concert of seasonal delights in the cathedral, followed by cookies in St. Francis Hall. $25/$15
- Sunday, December 24: NO RECITAL
- Sunday, December 31: NO RECITAL
- Sunday, January 7, 4:00 pm: Angeline Kiang, Cello.
- Sunday, January 14, 4:00 pm: Gail Archer, Organ
- Sunday, January 21, 4:00 pm: Christoph Tietze, Organ. Widor Symphony No. 5
- Sunday, January 28: NO RECITAL
- Sunday, February 4, 4:00 pm: Christoph Tietze, Organ. Works by Langlais and Franck
- Sunday, February 11, 4:00 pm: Christoph Tietze, Organ. Works by Bach and Buxtehude
- Sunday, February 18: NO RECITAL
- Sunday, February 25, 4:00 pm: August Lee, Cello, with Hyunji Park, Piano.
- Sunday, March 3, 4:00 pm: TBD
- Sunday, March 10, 4:00 pm: TBD
- Sunday, March 17, 4:00 pm: TBD
- Sunday, March 24, 4:00 pm: TBD
- Sunday, March 31, 4:00 pm: Michal Szostak (Poland), Organ.
Individual retreats for the Retreat Houses are not being detailed in The Bridge.
Please go to the retreat center website to see the retreats they are offering.
Vallombrosa Retreat Center, Menlo Park
Vallombrosa Retreat Center, 250 Oak Grove Ave., Menlo Park
Main Line: 650-325-5614
Main Line: 650-325-5614
Group Reservations/Booking Contact: Jaynie Fedele | jaynie@vallombrosa.org
Private Retreats/Open to the Public Events: Jaynie Fedele | jaynie@vallombrosa.org
For more information and to book private retreats: Click here.
For calendar of events: Click here.
Vallombrosa is open and is accepting bookings.
Private Retreats: Vallombrosa Center currently offers private retreats for those who want private rooms for alone time, with spiritual direction available. Guests can enjoy the walking trails, shrines and gardens. There are both day retreats and overnight (no food or coffee service available in either case) – learn more and book above.
Reminder: The Shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes is complete but still accepting donations for bricks and benches. Make donation here.
El Retiro, the Jesuit Retreat Center of Los Altos
300 Manresa Way, Los Altos
More information and to register for virtual retreats: Here
More information and to register for other retreats and programs: Here
More information and to register for other retreats and programs: Here
The Jesuit Retreat Center is happy to announce it is open for in-person and virtual retreats. Safety protocols are enforced. Every Friday we offer Coffee with St. Joseph (virtual retreats); see link above for more information and to register for one of the Men's Virtual Retreats or Women's Virtual Retreats.
Mercy Center Retreats and Events, Burlingame
Mercy Center, 2300 Adeline Dr., Burlingame
Contact: Retreat Center | 650-340-7494 | mc@sistersofmercy.org
More information and to register for retreats go to Website: Here
Refresh and Renew at Mercy Center!
Mercy Center is open and offers spiritual direction formation, retreats, and personal development programs. Please visit the website, above, to view in-person and online programs and retreats. The retreat center offerings will help you to make meaning of life and deepen your spiritual experiences with meditation, art, music, and prayer. Call, above, to learn more about finding a spiritual director, attending a retreat, and integrating spiritual wellness into your life.
Mercy Center Burlingame is an internationally known conference and retreat center in the San Francisco Bay Area, set on 39 acres of natural sanctuary, flower gardens, contemplative walking paths, expansive lawns, 500 year old oaks, and a meditation labyrinth. In this peaceful, holistic, serene, and beautiful setting, people nurture their personal, professional, and spiritual lives. We welcome nonprofit groups and individuals of all faiths and cultural backgrounds.
Host your next event at Mercy Center! Our staff provides expert support to groups and individuals planning conferences, retreats, and programs. Program directors, teachers, and spiritual directors collaborate to create a unique environment for growth, healing, and personal transformation.
JOBS
All employees of the Archdiocese of San Francisco shall be employed without regard to race, color, sex, ethnic or national origin and pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment, qualified applicants with criminal histories.
PAY TRANSPARENCY LAW
Contact: Christine Escobar | 415-614-5579 | escobarc@sfarch.org
California Law: Click here.
Reminder to parishes. When submitting jobs to be posted in The Bridge, the description and/or attached job description must include the wage range. The link to the California Pay Transparency Law is provided above.
New – Receptionist at Archdiocese Chancery (Non-Exempt, Full-Time)
1 Peter Yorke Way, San Francisco
Contact: Christine Escobar | 415-14-5579 | escobar@sfarch.org
This position ensures safe entry and exit of Pastoral Center employees – to screen anyone entering the building, to announce guests, to process telephone calls throughout the building, manage meeting space bookings and required technology services. The pay range is $19.76-22.72 per hour.
To Apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, and a completed application to Christine Escobar, Human Resources Manager at the Archdiocese of San Francisco via mail or e-mail.
New – HR Payroll Coordinator II at Archdiocese Chancery
1 Peter Yorke Way, San Francisco
Contact: Christine Escobar | 415-14-5579 | escobar@sfarch.org
The Archdiocese of San Francisco is looking for an HR Payroll Coordinator to join our team in Human Resources! The person in this role is responsible for processing employment transactions and document management through the ADP/HRIS system for multiple locations. It is a high-volume position that requires strong data entry skills, excellent oral and written communication, customer service, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities. Organization and being detail-oriented are a must! This position will also assist with general office duties, internal events, and projects as assigned. Salary: $30.00-32.00 per hour.
To Apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, and a completed application to Christine Escobar, Human Resources Manager at the Archdiocese of San Francisco via mail or e-mail.
New – Instructional and Administrative Assistant at Our Lady of the Pillar Academy
400 Church St., Half Moon Bay
Contact: Derek Kulda | 408-548-7922 | info@olp.academy
Our Lady of the Pillar Academy is a new joyfully Catholic, classical grade school in its inaugural year offering a rigorous, integrated curriculum centered on the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. The Teacher/Administrative Assistant serves as the assistant to the Teachers and Headmaster.
Parish Manager (Full-Time, Non-Exempt) at Holy Name of Jesus Parish
1555 39th Ave., San Francisco
Contact: Fr. Roy Remo | 415-664-8590 | parish@holynamesf.org
The Parish Manager supports the Pastor/Administrator in managing the parish office, the
parish facilities and staff to serve the parishioners of Holy Name, the Archdiocese and our Lord. Supervises one or more office support staff employees in addition to volunteer workers and personally performs the more sensitive, difficult, and complex office functions. Responsible for Human Resources administration; creating a supportive and constructive work environment where communication is open, and team members can collaborate effectively; weekly collections counting & bank deposit; users agreements for parish facilities; overseeing office supplies inventory and equipment; supporting the Pastor/Administrator with volunteers; producing the weekly bulletin; ensuring compliance among staff of payroll, safety among and other Archdiocese requirements; maintaining the offering envelope system.
Reports to Pastor/Administrator. Requires previous secretarial and supervisory experience.
Hours of Work: 32 to 40 hours / week
Pay Range: $24.21 to $32.75
Accountable to: Pastor / Administrator
Interested candidates please submit your resume to: Holy Name Pastoral Center | Attention: Fr. Roy Remo (address and email are above).
St. Matthew Catholic School, 2023-24 5th Grade Teacher for Homeroom, Math, Social Studies, and Religion (Full-Time, Exempt)
910 S. El Camino Real, San Mateo
Contact: Marc Nava, Principal | 650-343-1373 | mnava@stmatthewcath.org or
Jenn Tanguay, HR | 650-34-1373 | HR@stmatthewcath.org
St. Matthew Catholic School is seeking qualified candidates for a full-time 5th grade teaching position for the 2023-2024 school year. This position is responsible for homeroom duties and delivering subject-specific instruction (Religion, Math, Social Studies) to our 5th grade students in collaboration with the other 5th grade homeroom teacher and the 5th grade instructional aide. Salary based on $54,500-$104,931 annual base range. The job description is attached below. For more information, please contact Jenn Tanguay (HR) or Marc Nava (Principal).
Youth Minister (Part-Time, Non-Exempt) at All Souls Parish, South San Francisco
315 Walnut Ave., South San Francisco
Contact: Lourdes Yniguez Gallo | 650-873-5356 | ReligiousEducation@AllSoulsParishSSF.org
All Souls Parish in South San Francisco is seeking a highly motivated part-time (10-15 hours per week) Youth Minister (YM) who is on fire for God! The YM will help our youth be on fire for God and assist in facilitating for our youth an encounter with Jesus Christ—motivating, guiding, and encouraging them on towards a life-long relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. The Youth Minister will work closely with the Pastor and DRE, School Principal, and a few others, forming a team of advisors, to implement a dynamic and supportive Youth Ministry presence at our parish, and to define its vision and goals. The Youth Minister, together with the advisory team, will be responsible for developing ways to create youths’ habits that encourage and foster in each young soul love for prayer (especially the Holy Rosary, Lectio Divina, and Adoration), and love for the Church in its’ Sacramental life. The YM will assist in training young leaders and reach a balance between prayer/spirituality/ scripture, social/moral, and fun and games. The YM will assist in drawing out the great potential of our youth in becoming a unique “image of God” and equipping them and leading them on a path of holiness and joy. The salary is $20.83/hour. If you are interested, please contact the Religious Education Director, Lourdes Yniguez Gallo, at All Souls Parish above.
TICKLER FILE
Pastoral Ministry Online Course – “Justice, Mercy, Conversion? Alesssandro Manzoni’s The Betrothed”
Six-week course begins Tuesday, 11/7/2023 through 12/12/2023 — 7-8:30p
More Information and to register: Click Here
How to purchase book: Click Here
Register and join Pastoral Ministry for this course that Pope Francis has encouraged all engaged couples to read. Pastoral Ministry offers it for everyone. Lessons are:
12/12/2023 - Lesson Six: The Betrothed (Chapters 34-38)
Previous lessons:
11/07/2023 - Lesson One: Introduction to Alessandro Manzoni,
The Betrothed (Introduction, (Chapters 1-3)
11/14/2023 - Lesson Two: The Betrothed (Chapters 4-10)
11/21/2023 - Lesson Three: The Betrothed (Chapters 11-18)
11/28/2023 - Lesson Four: The Betrothed (Chapters 19-25)
12/05/2023 - Lesson Five: The Betrothed (Chapters 26-33)
If you would like to unsubscribe from this newsletter, click the link below. (Parishes and Pastors who unsubscribe will be contacted so that we are able to identify another reliable contact point.) Please do not hesitate to call or e-mail if you have any questions. Send e-mail to The Bridge at TheBridge@sfarch.org
Office of Communication & Media Relations
415-614-5638 | Main 415-614-5500 | comms@sfarch.org