PASTORS: THE BRIDGE
CONTAINS CONTENT FOR YOUR BULLETINS
January 13, 2025
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 3:30pm 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
The Bridge Holiday Schedule (January 20, 2025)
Contact: Diana Powell | 415-614-5589 (Th-Fri) | powelld@sfarch.org
Due to the Martin Luther King Holiday, The Bridge will NOT be published on January 20, 2025.
The Bridge DEADLINE Change
Contact: Diana Powell | 415-614-5589 (Th-Fri) | powelld@sfarch.org
Effective January 6, 2025, the deadline for The Bridge is Thursdays, 3:30p. If you have questions, contact Diana Powell.
New – Solemn Vespers with Archbishop Cordileone and Metropolitan Gerasimos for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, at 7:00pm
St. Pius Parish, 1100 Woodside Road, Redwood City
Contact: Rev. Tom Martin | 650-361-1412 | frtom@pius.com
For More Information: Click Here
Join Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone and Greek Orthodox Metropolitan Gerasimos for Solemn Vespers for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The theme is, “Do you believe this?” (John 11:26), which takes its cue from the dialogue between Jesus and Martha when Jesus visited the home of Martha and Mary in Bethany following the death of their brother Lazarus. This theme was chosen in recognition of the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea (325), at which the words “I believe” were chosen to anchor the Creed as an instrument of universal Christian unity.
Archbishop Cordileone will preside, and Metropolitan Gerasimos will give the homily. See flyer attached below.
Solemn Vespers will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person: pius.org/stream
New – Grief Support
Mondays, Feb. 10 through Apr. 7, 7:00p – 8:30p (except Monday Feb. 17 which is a holiday)
St. Pius Parish - 1100 Woodside Road, Redwood City (Parish Center)
Contact: Mary Dickinson | 650-365-8514 marymys@comcast.net
For more information and/or to Register: Contact Grief Ministry | 650-361-0655 or griefministry@pius.org
“Moving Through the Loss of a Loved One” is a focused support group being offered by the St. Pius Grief Ministry this fall. This session is intended for those who have previously attended a Grief Support group session and/or would like to participate in a support group focused on progressing through their personal grief journey. This session will be held on Monday evenings for 8 weeks. For more information or to register, please contact the Grief Ministry.
New – Catholic Healthcare Ethics Seminar
Thursday-Friday, Feb. 6 & 7, 2025 (Schedule attached below)
St. Patrick's Seminary & University - 320 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park
Contact: Julie Kelley | 215-877-2660 | jkelley@ncbcenter.org
For more information and/or to Register: Click Here
Catholic Healthcare Ethics - A Tradition of Compassion and Care for the Human Person -two full days of Catholic bioethics education sponsored by St. Patrick’s Seminary, Order of Malta, and the National Catholic Bioethics Center.
These seminars are intended to benefit health care workers, clergy, those involved in research in the life sciences, members of ethics committees, and others who provide spiritual support and counsel to patients and their families. Those interested in understanding and advancing the Church’s moral tradition in health care will also find this accessible, educational, and informative.
New – Online Rosary to Eradicate Human Trafficking
Thursday, Feb. 6 at 6:00p (PST)
Contact: Maria Martinez-Mont | 415-614-5533 | martinezmontm@sfarch.org
ZOOM link: Click Here
Join us virtually in praying the rosary to invoke Saint Bakhita's aide in bringing awareness to the evil of human trafficking and to intercede for the victims and survivors of human trafficking. Please sign up, above, to get a zoom link to attend.
New – Volunteer Opportunity at Pastoral Center: Personalize St. Valentine Cards and Prepare Treats for Prisoners
Friday, Feb. 7, 9:30a p 4:00p
1 Peter Yorke Way, San Francisco
Contact: Julio Escobar | 415-614-5572 | escobarj@sfarch.org
Cards of Mercy Information: Click Here.
The Archdiocese of San Francisco Restorative Justice Ministry's invites you to join in a meaningful volunteer opportunity to personalize 1,200 St. Valentine cards and prepare treats for prisoners at San Francisco jails. You may also volunteer to hand deliver cards and treats on Friday February 14, 2025.
About the Event: Cards of Mercy is a project aimed at reaching out to those in prison with messages of kindness and love. We ask students and adults to prepare cards for holidays throughout the year, which will be delivered to incarcerated individuals. For more information, visit cards of mercy above.
How to Volunteer: Please Click Here to register. For more information, contact Julio Escobar at escobarj@sfarch.org or call (415) 614-5572.
New – Excell Network Breakfast Grand Opening
Saturday, Feb. 8, 8:00a – 9:00a
Mission Dolores Basilica: 3321 16th Street, San Francisco
Contact: Julio Escobar | 415-614-5572 | escobarj@sfarch.org
Registration to Volunteer: Click Here
Join the Archdiocese of San Francisco Restorative Justice Ministry's Excell Network in Restoring Dignity. The Excell Network is dedicated to helping individuals returning from prison by providing scholarship stipends that support their academic and career aspirations. From February to November, we host fundraising breakfasts to support this mission.
Excell Network Monthly Breakfasts are open to anyone who wants to support scholarships for justice-involved students, get to know their stories, and build community. Fundraising breakfasts take place from February through November, 8:00a – 9:00a. See attached flyer for dates.
Additionally, to volunteer, please register above. For more information, contact Julio Escobar.
New – The Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion
Sunday, Mar. 9, 4:00p
Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption - 1111 Gough St., San Francisco
Contact: Rev. Vincent Woo, JCD | 415-614-5602 | worship@sfarch.org
Registration Form: Click Here Due on or before Feb. 26.
Attendance at The Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion is mandatory for all catechumens. Each parish should submit the online registration form, above. For inquiries, please email worship@sfarch.org.
Advocate Against Expansion of Assisted Suicide in California
Contact: Valerie Schmalz | 415-614-5571 |schmalzv@sfarch.org
When the new California Legislature convenes in January 2025, the California Catholic Conference expects a renewed push to expand California’s already existing physician assisted suicide law, endangering more of our fellow citizens who feel their lives do not have value. The Archdiocese of San Francisco's Office of Human Life & Dignity is seeking volunteers on this issue with our state legislature by sharing their stories of their loved ones. Contact lifeanddignity@sfarch.org to learn more.
Catholic San Francisco Magazine Parishioner Updates for the February 2025 issue are due by January 16
Contact: Diana Powell | 415-614-5589 | powelld@sfarch.org
Catholic San Francisco is sent free to all registered parishioners. Parishes are responsible for providing this information to the ADSF Communications Department. Please submit edits to the registered parishioners list by January 16: ADDITIONS (newly registered parishioners); DELETIONS (parishioners no longer registered); and CHANGES (usually names or address changes). As always, a list of your parishioners currently on the CSF mailing list can be provided by contacting Diana Powell. Only four parishes have updated their lists.
Two Events Supporting Our Immigrant Community
Sunday, Jan. 19, 1:30pm – 3:30pm and Jan. 26, 2025, 1:30pm – 6:00pm
St. Raphael Parish - 1104 5th Ave., San Rafael
Contact: Saul Perez | 415-614-5616 | immigration@sfarch.org
Join the Immigration ministry of the Archdiocese of San Francisco for two special immigrant information events:
Community Listening Session on January 19 to share your concerns, challenges, and needs in a welcoming environment.
Immigration Info Fair on Sunday, January 26, for local organizations to share services and resources, a Know Your Rights presentation by Catholic Charities, and free legal consultations by USF Law.
New - The HALLOW Prayer App: Novena with Archbishop Cordileone
Kick Off: Dec. 1, 2024
Contact: Paul Campa | 415-614-5537 | campap@sfarch.org
Hallow Subscription Website: Click Here
Archbishop Cordileone has recorded a Novena for Life on Hallow. It will be available for the 9-day leadup to the West Coast Walk for Life. You can find it on the app by going to your parish page, starting January 16. It is available in English and Spanish! Please join us in anticipation of the walk.
Thanks to an Archdiocesan partnership with Hallow, all parishioners are able to subscribe to Hallow Premium for 12 months for only $1! This partnership began December 1 and continues through May 31! For a user to access this deal, they just need to go to the Hallow Subscription Website above.
For Administrators and Pastors: Hallow has already set up your parish pages. You do not need to create or manage the yet. If you would like ownership of your page, you can reach out to Hallow directly (parishes@hallow.com) from an official parish email address. Training webinars on how to use Hallow are available Parish Connect, alongside FAQs and bulletin inserts. To watch the training webinar and access parish bulletin materials: Click Here.
Questions? Please contact: Paul Campa, Director of Evangelization & Stewardship
ADSF IT & PARISH SERVICES CORNER
If you’re seeking assistance with software, phone systems, Flocknote, Internet connectivity, network setup, cybersecurity, website management, or other technical matters, please reach out to the IT & Parish Services Department at the Archdiocesan Chancery. Please send Marvin Sanchez by email at sanchezm@sfarch.org for further guidance.
Reminder: END-OF-SUPPORT FOR WINDOWS 10, 8.1 and 7
Contact: Marvin Sanchez | 415-614-5634 | sanchezm@sfarch.org
Microsoft has officially declared that support for older versions of Windows will cease after October 14, 2025. This implies that technical assistance, feature enhancements, and crucial security updates and fixes will no longer be provided after that date. Despite the fact that this change is still nine months away, it would be wise to begin preparations now to ensure a smooth transition. For comprehensive information, please refer to the official Microsoft page on their website – Click Here – under the ‘end-of-support’ section.
Please consult with your local IT support or feel free to reach out to the IT & Parish Services Department of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, if you need assistance.
EVENTS
“For This Reason, I Fix My Eyes on You” – On the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Leadership
Saturday: January 26, 2025, 11:45a – 1:00p (English) and 2:45p – 4:00p (Spanish)
Ignatian Spiritual Life Center – 1611 Oak Street, San Francisco
Contacts: Dana Sherry | 415-450-8146 | islc@saintagnessf.org
Learn how Jesus invites us to leadership, following the gospels that show that where Jesus is there is love for life, there is interest in those who suffer, and there is passion for liberation from all evil. Presenters: Mark Blancke, SJ, and Dan Finucane, SJ (English) | Prof. Carlos Ayala (Spanish). Co-sponsored by the Instituto Hispano (Jesuit School of Theology)
Vocations Weekend Retreat
Friday-Saturday: January 17, 2025, 4:00p to January 18, 8:00p
Corpus Christi Monastery - 215 Oak Grove Avenue, Menlo Park, CA 94025
Contact Sister Joseph Marie, O.P. | 650-322-1801 | Vocations@opnunsmenlo.org
Website and Registration: Click Here
These retreat days are for single, Catholic women, ages 18-38 who are discerning their vocations and wish to experience a bit of the charism of Dominican contemplative life. The retreat begins on Friday evening at 4:00p and ends on Saturday after Compline at 8:00p.
The event includes praying the Divine Office with the nuns, reflections by speakers, time for prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, opportunities for Q&A with the nuns and hearing vocation stories. All sessions provide information and tools useful for discernment and one-on-one meetings after the retreat will also be available. There is no cost for the retreat but please register above.
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 4:00p. 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, January 19, 4:00p: Gail Archer (New York), Organ.
- Sunday, January 26: NO CONCERT
- Sunday, February 2, 4:00p: Amelia Romano, Harp.
- Sunday, February 9, 4:00p: Thomas Yee, Violin, with Jieun Clare Yee, Piano.
- Sunday, February 16, 4:00p: Octavio Mujica, Cello, with Jin Kyung Lim, Piano.
- Sunday, February 23, 4:00p: Quantum Trio: Jeanette Wilkin Tietze, Piano; Wendy Loder, Violin; Joel Cohen, Cello.
- Sunday, March 2, 4:00p: Loreto Aramendi, Organ.
- Sunday, March 9: NO CONCERT
- Sunday, March 16, 4:00p: August Lee, Cello.
- Sunday, March 23, 4:00p: Friedrich Edelmann, Basson, and Rebecca Rust, Cello
- Sunday, March 30, 4:00p: Leo Abbott, Organ. World premiere of “Laetare, Jerusalem” by Naji Hakim.
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
For more information and to register for virtual retreats: Click Here
For more information and to register for other retreats and programs: Click Here
For more information and to register for other retreats and programs: Click 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
For 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.
TICKLER FILE
New –Directed Reading Group: Musicam Sacram (196) on Implementing Vatican II’s Directives on Music
Via Zoom: Mondays, Feb. 10, 17, & Mar. 3, 5:30p – 6:30p
Contact: Dr. Jennifer Donelson-Nowicka | 650-325-5621 | Jennifer.donelson@stpsu.edu
Registration: Click Here
Join the Catholic Institute of Sacred Music and Dr. Jennifer Donelson-Nowicka as we read the 1967 Instruction on the implementation of Sacrosanctum Concilium in the realm of sacred music. In addition to the content of the document, the background for the document will be discussed and its current legislative status, and its implications for the practice and understanding of sacred music today. Live via Zoom and sponsored by St. Patrick’s Seminary & Unitersity. $20 to register, optional $10 add-on for archived access. Register above for Zoom link.
New – Vocal Technique for Aging Voices
Via Zoom: Mondays, Mar. 10, 24, & 31, 5:30p – 6:30p
Contact: Dr. Jennifer Donelson-Nowicka | 650-325-5621 | Jennifer.donelson@stpsu.edu
Registration: Click Here
Do you have older choir members in your parish music program who need assistance in tackling vocal technique challenges that arise later in life? Are you an older singer looking for technical advice to develop or maintain your sound? In this three-part workshop presented by the Catholic Institute of Sacred Music, singer, voice teacher, and Feldenkrais instructor, Karen R. Clark presents lessons to both older singers and teachers of older singers on how aging voices can improve consistency and stamina in their singing of chant and the choral repertory. In each session, Karen will present brief awareness lessons and offer vocal exercises to bring greater ease to enhance the joy experienced in singing. Live via Zoom and sponsored by St. Patrick’s Seminary & University. $20 to register, optional $10 add-on for archived access. Registration available above.
New – Clergy Chants of Holy Week
Spanish via Zoom: Monday, Mar. 31, 3:00p-5:00p - Registration: Click Here
English via Zoom: Monday Mar. 31 -, 3:00p-5:00p
Mondays, Mar. 31, 3:00p – 5:00p - Registration: Click Here
Contact: Dr. Jennifer Donelson-Nowicka | 650-325-5621 | Jennifer.donelson@stpsu.edu
Are you ready for Holy Week? Are you a priest, deacon, or musician who trains clergy and who would benefit from understanding the chants of the clergy? Join the Catholic Institute of Sacred Music for this timely session to head into Holy Week well prepared to sing the sacred liturgies of this most holy time of the year. Chants in Spanish will be according to the settings in the 2018 Misal Romano (USCCB) and musical settings of the Passion narratives. Workshop instruction will be given in English, while the chants will be in Spanish.
Chants in English will be according to the settings in the 2011 Roman Missal (ICEL) and musical settings of the Passion narratives. Workshop instruction will be given in English, while the chants will be in Spanish.
Live via Zoom and sponsored by St. Patrick’s Seminary & University. $20 to register; optional $10 add-on for archived access. Register above for Zoom link.
Reminder - Knights of Columbus Clergy Night
Friday, Jan. 24, 2024, 5:30p - 6:30p
Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption - 1111 Gough Street, San Francisco
Contact & RSVP: John Paes | 650-270-3536 | johnpaes2@gmail.com
Come join the Knights of Columbus to honor clergy and religious of the Archdiocese of San Francisco for an appreciation dinner. RSVP required. See attachment for information.
OCIA Cathedral Pilgrimage
Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 at 4:00p
Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption - 1111 Gough Street, San Francisco
Contact & RSVP: Sr. Celeste Arbuckle | 415-614-5652 | arbucklec@sfarch.org
Come join the OCIA pilgrimage with your parish group to journey to Mary's different shrines and learn how she is a model of discipleship for all of us. Following prayer there will be a reception with finger foods for all. Please RSVP for your parish group by January 22.
Annual Wedding Anniversary Mass
Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, 10:00a
Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption - 1111 Gough Street, San Francisco
Contact: Ed Hopfner | 415-614-5547 | hopfnere@sfarch.org
Registration: Click Here
All sacramentally married couples in the Archdiocese are invited to celebrate Mass with Archbishop Cordileone, followed by a reception. Couples celebrating “5-year anniversaries” (5, 10, 15, 20…) will receive special recognition. Register above. Donation is $20/couple.
Misa de Aniversario de Bodas
Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, 10:00a
Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption - 1111 Gough Street, San Francisco
Contact: Ed Hopfner | 415-614-5547 | hopfnere@sfarch.org
Registration: Click Here
Todas las parejas casadas sacramentalmente están invitadas a la misa con el arzobispo Cordileone, con una recepción después. Las parejas que celebren “aniversarios de 5 años” (5, 10, 15, 20…) recibirán un aviso especial. Regístrese en www.misadeaniversario.info ; la donación sugerida es de $20 por pareja.
21st Annual Walk for Life Mass West Coast and Rally
Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025 at 9:30a
Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption - 1111 Gough Street, San Francisco
Contact: Saul Perez | 415-614-5616 | perezsa@sfarch.org
More Information and Registration: Click Here
Join Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone and thousands of others:
Friday, Jan. 24, 2025
- Walk for Life Prayer Vigil & Mass at St. Dominic Parish (2390 Bush Street, San Francisco): 5:30p Mass followed by a Eucharistic Holy Hour and Sacrament of Reconciliation.
- Adoration for Life, at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish (666 Filbert Street, San Francisco) from 8:00p to 10:00p
Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025
- 9:30am - Mass: Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption
- 11:00am - Information Fair
- 12:30pm - Rally: Civic Center Plaza
- 1:30pm - Walk: Along Market Street
Attached are flyers for parishes to share and a word document that can be copied and pasted into your newsletter/bulletins. There is also a Flocknote template available. To access the template, email perezsa@sfarch.org for a copy.
Contact Saul Perez above for social media images to post or share from https://www.facebook.com/SFLifeandDignity/ or https://www.instagram.com/sflifeanddignity/
Six-Week Course on the Writings of Benedict XVI by Mark Brumley
Weekly on Tuesday evenings, 7:00p-8:30p began 1/7/2024 through 2/11/2024
Contact: Deacon Fred Totah | 415-614-5504 | Totah.Fred@sfarch.org
Information and Registration: Click Here
Classroom and Videos: Click Here (Passcode: Sixteenth)
Joseph Ratzinger, Benedict XVI, was one of the most important theological and spiritual writers of the past 100 years. A theological expert at the Second Vatican Council, and longtime coworker of Pope St. John Paul II, Joseph Ratzinger became pope in 2005 and resigned—the first pope to do so in more than half a millennium—in 2013. His writings range from deep theology to pastoral guidance on prayer, from a trilogy of books on the life and teaching of Jesus to a masterful work on Christian worship called “The Spirit of the Liturgy”. He engaged in conversation with great thinkers of our age, sifting the bad from the good in their ideas, and courageously, lovingly, and intelligently presenting Christ and Catholicism. This six-week course will explore key insights and themes from a selection of his writings. The aim is to deepen one’s Catholic faith and spiritual life through an understanding of some of the ideas and works of the man whom many regard as a modern Church Father.
It is important that the assigned readings are completed before each session. See the course description attached below. Participants should feel free to bring questions about the readings to the corresponding sessions for discussion.
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