PASTORS: THE BRIDGE
CONTAINS CONTENT FOR YOUR BULLETINS
January 27, 2025
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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
New - Immigration Resource Events Calendar
Contact: Saul Perez | 415-614-5616 | immigration@sfarch.org
The attached events calendar is designed to help parishes share/promote upcoming events with the immigrant community across the Archdiocese of San Francisco. It serves as a reference for free and invaluable opportunities to connect with essential immigration resources. If your parish is interested in hosting a "Know Your Rights" workshop or needs assistance with immigration matters, please contact Saul. These events are made possible through partnerships with Catholic Charities, the University of San Francisco's Immigration and Deportation Defense Clinic, and the Mexican Consulate, among other local organizations. You are encouraged to share this events calendar and help ensure our immigrant brothers and sisters have access to the support they need.
New - First Saturday Mass
Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, 11:00a
Holy Cross Cemetery - 1500 Mission Road, Colma - All Saints Chapel
Contact: Monica Williams | 650-746-5463 | mjwilliams@holycrosscemeteries.com
Rev. Matt Link, pastor of Most Holy Redeemer Parish, will celebrate Mass for all those interred in our Catholic cemetaries. All are welcome to join us in prayer.
New – Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) In-Service
Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, 9:30a – 12:00p
Holy Cross Cemetery - 1500 Mission Road, Colma – Receiving Chapel
Contact: Sr. Celeste Arbuckle | 415-614-5652 | arbucklec@sfarch.org
What is new in the Rite? How have things changed? Come and learn about the OCIA with pastoral issues and the parish's role in the process. Join Msgr. John Talesfore, Laura Bertone, and Sr. Celeste Arbuckle for this training.
New – Marriage Resources - February
Saturday, Feb. 7 – 14, 2025
Contact: Ed Hopfner | 415-614-5547 | hopfnere@sfarch.org
Daily Webinars for Married Couples: Click Here
Bishop Website Resources for National Marriage Week: Click Here
Digital Date-Night Kits: Click Here
Bishop Website Resources World Marriage Day: Click Here
Married Couples! The U.S. Bishops’ National Marriage Week is February 7 – 14 (links above). There are marvelous resources for couples: 1) outstanding webinars, new each day and 2) U.S. Bishops’ website with resources for families, couples, pastors.
World Marriage Day is Feb. 9 – here are more resources for couples (links above): 1) digital date-night kits; 2) resources from California Bishops for Marriage Day.
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 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.
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.
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.
Volunteer Opportunity at Pastoral Center: Personalize St. Valentine Cards and Prepare Treats for Prisoners
Friday, Feb. 7, 9:30a to 4:00p
One 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 invites you to join in a meaningful volunteer opportunity to personalize 1,200 St. Valentine's 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.
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.
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.
The HALLOW Prayer App: Novena with Archbishop Cordileone
Contact: Paul Campa | 415-614-5537 | campap@sfarch.org
Hallow Subscription Website: Click Here
Thanks to an Archdiocesan partnership with Hallow, all parishioners are able to subscribe to Hallow Premium for 12 months for only $1! 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.
New - Flocknote Special Webinar
Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, 1:00p – 2:00p
Contact: Marvin Sanchez | 415-614-5634 | sanchezm@sfarch.org
Save the Date for an exclusive Flocknote webinar!
During this special webinar for parishes in the Archdiocese of San Francisco, participants will get a sneak peek at some of the newest features that will be released in the coming weeks designed to enhance parish databases and equip parishes with a more robust online giving tool. Please watch for further updates regarding this webinar.
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, 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.
- Sunday, April 6, 4:00p: Friedrich Edelmann, Bassoon; Rebecca Rust, Cello; and Dmitriy Cogan, Piano.
- Sunday, April 13, 4:00p: Pergolesi “Stabat Mater”, performed by Jumi Kim, Soprano; Sara Couden, Alto; and Jin Kyung Lim, Organ.
- Sunday, April 20, 4:00p: Young Artist Showcase: Kai and Xei Sackett, Piano.
- Sunday, April 27, 4:00p: Christoph Tietze, Organ. Symphony No. 5 by Widor.
- Sunday, May 4, 4:00p: St. Mary’s Cathedral Choir School (Stella Maris Academy Choir) performing their annual Spring Concert.
- Sunday, May 11, 4:00p: Christoph Tietze, Organ, with members of the Cathedral Choir, performing alternatim settings of the Magnificat.
- Sunday, May 18, 4:00p: Heeguen Song, Violin, with Jin Kyung Lim, Piano.
- Sunday, May 25, 4:00p: Vajra Voices with instrumentalist Shira Kammen, Karen Clark, Director.
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.
New – Substitute Teaching Opportunities
Marin Catholic High School, Kentfield
Contact Michelle Mayfield-Baske | 415-464-3818 | mmbaske@marincatholic.org
For Detailed Description: Click Here
Marin Catholic, Kentfield is taking resumes for Substitute Teachers available for an on-call list. The pay is $25/hr. A teaching credential is not necessary for substitute teaching. Please submit resume and cover letter to: teachingemployment@marincatholic.org.
New – Long-Term Substitute Science Teacher
Start Date: April 1, 2025
Marin Catholic High School, Kentfield
Contact Michelle Mayfield-Baske | 415-464-3818 | mmbaske@marincatholic.org
For Detailed Description: Click Here
Marin Catholic, Kentfield is taking resumes for full-time Long-term Substitute Science Teacher with a background in the physical sciences. The annualized salary range for this position is $69,626 to $103,024. Please submit resume and cover letter to: teachingemployment@marincatholic.org.
New –Teaching/Counseling Positions for 2025-2026 School Year
Start Date: August 1, 2025
Marin Catholic High School, Kentfield
Contact Michelle Mayfield-Baske | 415-464-3818 | mmbaske@marincatholic.org
For Detailed Description: Click Here
Marin Catholic, Kentfield is taking resumes for full-time Faculty in Academic Counseling, English, Math, Theology, History, Spanish, Art, Photography, and Science for the 2025-26 school year. The approximate salary range for these positions is $71,715-$112,657. Please submit resume and cover letter to: teachingemployment@marincatholic.org.
TICKLER FILE
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 & University. $20 to register, optional $10 add-on for archived access. Register above for Zoom link.
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
Monday, 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.
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.
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.
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.
Reminder - Radiate Love Marriage Initiative
July 2024 – June 2025
Contact: Ed Hopfner | HopfnerE@SFArch.org | 415 - 614-5547
Archdiocesan Resources: Click Here
California Catholic Conference Resources: Click Here
All of the California bishops have agreed to focus on Marriage as a priority for 2024/25, through their initiative Radiate Love (www.radiatelove.info ). Each month new resources are provided – in both English and Spanish - for parishes as well as individual couples, to help families better live out their vocation. The January set of resources includes a recorded message from Archbishop Cordileone, which can be accessed here.
Todos los obispos de California han acordado enfocarse en el matrimonio como prioridad para 2024/25, a través de su iniciativa Radiate Love (www.radiatelove.info). Cada mes se ofrecen nuevos recursos, tanto en inglés como en español, para parroquias y parejas individuales, con el fin de ayudar a las familias a vivir mejor su vocación. El conjunto de recursos de enero incluye un mensaje grabado del arzobispo Cordileone, al que se puede acceder aquí.
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Office of Communication & Media Relations
415-614-5638 | Main 415-614-5500 | comms@sfarch.org