here - Church of the Good Shepherd

Church of the Good Shepherd
Pastor’s PerspecƟve
2
Retirement
Most everybody knows that I'm retiring from parish ministry here at Good Shepherd at the end of this month - just a few
weeks away. I've made no secret of this during the past year. But there seems to be a lot of misunderstanding about how
priests retire, or even whether priests can or should retire. Back in the days when I was growing up (1940s-1950s) it was
almost unheard-of for priests to actually retire. But in those days, there were a lot of priests to go around - often three or
four in each parish. Usually what that meant was that a pastor would remain "on the job" until he became sick or died, but
doing very little, while the other priests did the actual work of ministry. Those days are long gone.
Today, not only are there fewer priests, but more is expected of pastors, not just to preach, celebrated Mass and the
sacraments, and be available for "sick calls." Back then all parishes were pretty much run the same way, and little was
needed to keep it going beyond counting and depositing the collection and paying the bills. The school was run by nuns,
and the pastor had little involvement other than to send his assistant priests over to teach religion occasionally.
CCD (religious education for children not in the Catholic school) was done by the nuns on the weekend. Staff consisted of
a part-time secretary, a house keeper-cook, and a janitor. It was actually a nice, well-functioning system, but totally closed
in upon itself.
That's the world I, and some of the "elders" among us, grew up in. For better (witness the revelations of significant abuse
that was much too widespread in those days) and for worse (complexities of civil and ecclesiastical policy, insurance,
liabilities, regulations, etc.), things are no longer what they used to be.
There is no such thing as retiring from the priesthood. I am and will remain a priest for the rest of my earthly days - after
that, it's all in God's merciful hands. After 47 years in the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, 21 of them as a
pastor, plus another 11 as campus minister (CSULB Newman Center and administering the Archdiocesan office) in
addition to serving in four parishes as full time associate pastor, I'm finding that trying to balance the many leadership
and management responsibilities of pastor with the kinds of ministry to individuals and communities as they seek to allow
God more deeply into their lives, and explore what our faith and heritage teach us about being a disciple of Christ today.
In today's Church, the time and energy of fewer numbers of priests have to managed in a way the if most effective for
the greater good, not merely stretched by piling on tasks. It is time for a much younger spirit to take the lead, and Fr. Ed
Benioff, almost thirty years younger, is the perfect candidate. I trust that you will love and support him as you have me.
So, where am I going and what will I be doing?
I will live at Nazareth House, a lovely retirement community on the south end of Cheviot Hills. I will not be far. I plan to
do as little as possible during the summer. I need to rest and to become accustomed to a new pace of life.
After a few months, I will begin to plan what my own ministry priorities will be: in what ways do I feel the Lord is
calling me to be of service to his people. If the past can serve as a model for the future, this will probably involve some
of the following:
developing habits of prayer that can better nourish me and others to discern how God is working in our lives through
spiritual direction;
pursuing my own study programs of our history and heritage as Christians, as well as Scripture, liturgy and theology;
vigorously engaging in teaching, writing, and other forms of communication through the wonders of the internet,
simple video technology, and wide-ranging social media;
leading pilgrimages to various places, including my beloved Early Christian World Pilgrimage to Turkey, which will
mark its tenth anniversary next year;
designing "virtual pilgrimages" in which I can lead others to drink from the spiritual wellsprings of significant places
without actually having to go there;
and more . . . or less . . . that's up to God more than you or me.
If you want to stay in touch with me, please do so through my website, tomwelbers.net. By the end of June, all the
information you'll need will be there
If you want me to stay in touch with you, I plan to write a regular (at least weekly) newsletter to keep you in touch with
my comings and goings. You can also sign up for these regular emails at tomwelbers.net.
In my 47 years as a priest, I have had to say goodbye to about a dozen different communities. It is never easy, for me or for
you. But, as a bit of each community still resides in my heart, so will you. I love you.
Fr. Tom Welbers
Around the Parish
3
Farewell Reception for Father Tom
The Farewell Reception for Father Tom is on June 28th after the 12:30 p.m. Mass. If you are interested in
helping with the preparation of this event, please contact Elizabeth Nguyen at [email protected].
Organ Recital June 14
Priest ReƟrement Fund
This weekend a special collection will be taken up
for the Priest Retirement Fund.
The Priest Retirement Fund offers us a way to give
back to our Catholic priests who have served us so
faithfully. Your contributions will help archdiocesan
priests live modestly and peacefully in retirement.
Help us offer thanks for their years of devotion to
God and faithful service to our parish communities.
The envelopes are available in the pews.
Cantribution Weekend
This weekend is Cantribution Weekend.
Please bring your bags of non-perishable food to
help the poor.
"The Single Parents Ministry will be hosting an event,
"3 Ways to (re-)Connect", on Tuesday, June 30, 2015 at
7 p.m. in the Good Shepherd room.
Santa Monica psychotherapist, Thomas Simon, will be
speaking about improving family relations with a
particular emphasis on avoiding negative impacts
to children when having domestic disputes. All parents
are welcome. Snacks and refreshments will be served.
Please see the bulletin for details and to RSVP."
Financial Report : May 25—31
Total
Cheryl resides in Richmond, VA, and is active as a
church musician.
Besides having a Masters in Organ Performance &
Church Music from Northwestern University in
Evanston, IL, she has had further instruction from
outstanding teachers around the USA & Canada.
There will be a suggested minimum donation of $10
collected at the door.
Professional Entertainment Fellowship
Single Parents Ministry
Mass Collections
Parish Center Donations
Sunday, June 14, at 3 p.m.,
Cheryl Van Ornam will
present a recital that includes
music by 17th & 18th Century
composers of Germany,
France, & Italy, also 20th
Century composers of
England, France, and the USA.
$8,911.00
$1,872.00
$10,783.00
Thank you for your generosity.
"A big thank you to everyone who helped out
and attended the Professional Entertainment
Fellowship event last weekend with Robert
King from "The Good Wife". We packed the
hall and many were inspired to hear Mr. King
speak.
A special thank you goes out to Father Tom
for bringing Mr. King to the Fellowship table
and Michael Caraway for making the event a
logistical reality. God bless all our volunteers,
service providers and attendees who,
together, made the evening with Mr. King one
of most (if not the most) well attended event
in our 2 year history. We are ever grateful. Jonathan Roumie, Chairman; Richard WinterStanbridge, Co-Chair.
For more info on our ministry please go to:
www.facebook.com/goodshepherdpef or
e-mail us at [email protected]
Spirituality, Prayer and Worship
4
Save the Date!
Sunday, July 19
ImmigraƟon Mass 2015
“Our Lady of the Way,”
painted by
Last year, thousands came
from the Archdioceses of
Los Angeles, Orange, and
San Bernardino to fill the
Cathedral of Our Lady of the
Angels for Mass in
Recognition of
All Immigrants.
Please join us this year on Sunday, July 19,
at 4 p.m. for Mass with Archbishop Gomez.
Prayer for Our Family
Loving God,
Help me to always work for the dignity of all my
brothers and sisters, including immigrants, for all of
us are citizens of Your family.
May I live out my commitment to attend a Mass in
celebration of our common membership of Your
family at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels
on Sunday, July 19, at 4 p.m. with Archbishop
José Gomez. In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen.
Rosary
The Rosary is being recited Tuesdays immediately
after the Noon Mass in the Sacred Heart Chapel
located in the Parish Center from 12:45 - 1:15 p.m.
All are welcome.
MeditaƟon
The Meditation Group meets three times a week.
Please come, join us and experience great moments
of serenity through Meditation. We meet in the
Sacred Heart Chapel located in the Parish Center.
Tuesday: 7 - 8 p.m.
Thursday: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Saturday: 9 - 10 a.m.
Divorced and/or Separated
Just a gentle gift to you if you have been through a
divorce or are feeling separated from your partner.
There is a place to meet with a qualified therapist.
The place is here, at Good Shepherd Parish Center
on the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m.
For more information please call Rebecca at (310)
402-6385 or e-mail [email protected] and
reserve your place.
Drink from the cup of salvation
Immaculate Heart Catholic Radio
An English speaking Catholic radio is on the air each day
at KHJ 930 AM and reaches over 15 million people.
We also have 2 online music streams:
immaculateheartmusic.com/
contemporary Christian music with Catholic values
immaculateheartsacredmusic.com
sacred music
Parish Ambassador needed. A Parish Ambassador is one that will help raise awareness and get the word out in our
Parish Community that, the Immaculate Heart Catholic Radio does exist. If you wish to get involve and become the
Parish Ambassador, please call the Parish Center Office at (310) 285-5425 for more details.
5
Have You Heard The News?
Calling All Parents!
On June 30, 2015 at 7 p.m. in the Good Shepherd
Room, the Single Parents Ministry will be hosting
our very first event, and it is open to all parents!
Thomas Y. Simon, MFT, is a Santa Monica
psychotherapist seeing couples and individuals.
He specializes in helping couples improve
communication, and works with individuals to help
resolve anxiety, depression, and problems with
career, family, and low self-worth. Learn more at
www.ThomasYSimon.com.
He will be presenting “3 Ways to (re-)Connect…”
A conversation about how to better manage couple
conflict in our families. Is this an issue for you?
Would you like to have some tools to help
resolve bad feelings between partners and increase
harmony, warmth and cooperation in the whole
family? The conversation will also address ways to
prevent parent conflicts from negatively impacting
the children of the family.
Please RSVP by June 21, 2015 so we know how
much food to bring and how many chairs to set up.
This conversation is designed for parents only,
no children will be permitted. If babysitting is a
problem, please let us know so we can plan for that
service.
RSVP to [email protected] or
[email protected]
Looking for
service
opportunities
for your
parishioners and students this summer?
The Special Olympics World Games are coming to
LA July 25th through August 2nd. Be a "Fan in the
Stands" and show your appreciation for these worldclass athletes!
Volunteer AppreciaƟon RecepƟon
Tuesday, June 9 at 6:30 pm in the
Parish Hall
RSVP to [email protected]
Have You Remembered Good Shepherd
Church/School In Your Will Or Trust?
For further information, please contact the Parish
Center at (310) 285-5425 or H. Richard Closson,
Director, Trust and Estate Programs,
(213) 637-7472. [email protected]
or www.estateplanning.com/trustsacc
Our correct legal title is: The Roman Catholic
Archbishop of Los Angeles, A Corporation Sole,
for the benefit of Good Shepherd Church/School.
Did You Know?
Safety is an important part of summer fun
Summer is almost here. School is almost out,
and many new opportunities for recreation and
relaxation await. Maybe you are sending your
children to a music or sports camp? Or maybe they
have been invited by their friends to go camping in
the mountains or at the beach? Whatever the
situation, it is important to remember that parents
have the responsibility of controlling access that
new people will have to their children. If your child
will attend a summer camp, insist that counselors
or anyone else who might have access to your children have undergone an application process that
includes a criminal background check and reference checks. Learn more here:
http://www.acacamps.org/child-health-safety/
child-abuse/standards
Anyone over the age of 14 can be a Team Leader and earn service hours while cheering on Special
Olympians. See the below information and sign up your students, youth ministry, or parish group today!
For more information on how to be a "Fan in the Stands" please visit:
http://www.la2015.org/volunteer/fans or email [email protected]
6
Outreach, Service and Social JusƟce
Get On The Bus
Wow! What a wonderful day the children had with their fathers last Saturday, May 30th.
Thanks to you, our amazing parish family who donated funds and other items for the trip,
our Get on the Bus Team was able to send 16 children and their caregivers to San Luis
Obispo’s California Men’s Colony for a special Father’s Day visit with their dads.
The children enjoyed quality time with their fathers, including playing games, face painting
and sharing a meal. Above all, they got to receive hugs and kisses! The day couldn’t have
been better – it was warm and sunny with gentle breezes, which made enjoying each
other’s
company in the outdoor courtyard a pleasant experience. At the end of the day, each child received a framed family
portrait with their dad, as well as a book of stamps and stationery, so that they can keep in touch once they return
home.
On behalf of the Get on the Bus Coordinators, Betty Nguyen and Melanie Overby, we wish you an extremely heart-felt
Thank You for making this year’s event another success!
We especially want to extend our deepest gratitude to our amazing volunteers who helped with the travel day event,
including helping transport participating families to Good Shepherd at 3:30 am and back home after the trip at
7:30 p.m.
Our Parish Staff
Family Check-in
Photographers
Breakfast Servers
Fr. Tom Welbers
Karen Boyle
Anne Czarkowski
Shirley Ephraim
Sister Virginia
Anna Grimm
Ana Greenwood
Margaret Kame
Wendy Rappé
Christine Elisabeth
Claudio Ludovisi
Andres Orejuela
Brenda Valdez
Lisa Manesh
Susan Kelsey
Kate Martin
Morning Event
Managers
Transportation
Adriana Frausto
Parking Greeters/ Caterers
Escorts
Pierre Schillinger
Sharon Monroe
Aurora Manabat
Marcus Anderson
Lee Reed
Jamie Murphy
Eric Cansler
Severin Nesselhauf
Ron Greenwood
David Treviño
Tom Haberkorn
Alan Traynor (Crack of
Dawn Catering)
Gerry Hoyme
And, to our wonderful special angels who contributed the funds to meet our $10K goal, we are grateful for your
generosity!
Are you interested in helping Get On The Bus 2016? Please join us for a planning meeting on Saturday, June 13th,
at 10 a.m., in the Parish Office-Good Shepherd Room. Refreshments will be provided.
RSVP to David at [email protected]. You could be our next Bus Coordinator!
Community Life
7
PARISH STAFF
Monday, June 8
6:30 a.m.
Fr. Colm O’Ryan - Birthday
12:05 p.m.
William M. Keck II - (D)
Tuesday, June 9
6:30 a.m.
Rita De Cassia Nunes de Silva
12:05 p.m.
Dr. Edwin Williams - (D)
Wednesday, June 10
6:30 a.m.
Catherine Lizzio - (D)
12:05 p.m.
Marina Pereyra - (D)
Thursday, June 11
6:30 a.m.
Valeri G. Dean - Birthday
12:05 p.m.
Tina Falcone Deufemio - (D)
Salvatore Lizzio - (D)
Friday, June 12
6:30 a.m.
Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
12:05 p.m.
Robert Francavilla - (D)
Saturday, June 13
5:30 p.m.
Paulo Perry Tolentino - (D)
George Stoltz - (D)
We're So Close To Reaching Our Goal of
$6,000 for Our Summer Program!
We are half way there! Thanks to so many generous
donations, we are so close to reaching our goal of
$6,000. Your contribution to this year's summer
program will bring performing arts to Good Shepherd Shelter.
There's so much healing in expression and art. The students will
experience script writing, set and costume design, acting and more!
Adding the Performing Arts Camp provides more opportunities for
growth!
Donate Now.
Your support is greatly appreciated.
www.goodshepherdshelter.org
Thank you,
Good Shepherd Shelter
Rev. Msgr. Thomas Welbers, Pastor
[email protected]
Rev. Colm O’Ryan, Pastor Emeritus
Rev. George O’Brien, In Residence
Deacon Eric Stoltz
Michael Caraway, Director of Administration
Sr. Virginia Stehly, C.S.J., Director RCIA
Joan Vos, Director of Liturgy & Music
[email protected]
Wendy Rappé, Director of Faith Formation
Terry Hicks, Organist / Choir Director
[email protected]
GOOD SHEPHERD SCHOOL
Grades: Pre-K to 8
148 S. Linden Dr.
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
310.275.8601
gsbh.net
Danielle Colvert, Principal
Lisa Widmann, Vice Principal
PARISH CENTER
504 N Roxbury Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Office: 310.285.5425
Fax: 310.285.5433
gsbh.org
Visit us on Facebook:
facebook.com/goodshepherdchurch
PARISH CENTER HOURS
Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Closed on Sundays
MASSES
Sunday:
8:30 & 10:30 a.m.,12:30 & 5:30 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Vigil
Monday - Friday: 6:30 a.m., 12:05 p.m.
CONFESSIONS
Friday 11:40 a.m.
Saturday 4 - 5 p.m.
Other times by appointment.
Call the parish office.
BAPTISMS
ONLY on the 4th Sunday of the month.
Please call the Parish Office
regarding preparations.
No Baptisms during lent.
MARRIAGES
Please make an appointment
with the Pastor six months prior
to your wedding date.
8
Good Shepherd School
Banquet of the Word
9
Prepare to celebrate next Sunday's Mass by reading, studying and
praying the Scripture Readings
Please note that what's printed below are not the Scripture Readings for this day, but a commentary on the
Scripture to help you read and understand them. Please refer to the Scripture passages in your own Bible.
Because of my impending retirement, the Banquet of the Word will no longer be carried in the Good Shepherd
Parish Bulletin as of the end of June. The entire Banquet of the Word series of commentaries on the
Sunday Scripture readings, which originally appeared in as a book in the mid-1980s, is fully
available online at my website, tomwelbers.net.
Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Next Sunday, June 14, 2015
THE SEED OF GOD’S REIGN
Gospel: Mark 4:26-34
The parables of Mk 4 concern the establishment and
growth of God’s kingdom. The first lengthy parable of
the sower and seed, and its explana on, is read in Year
A, Fi eenth Sunday, in the somewhat more developed
version found in Mt 13:1-23. Vv 21-25 explain how these
parables are to be heard — they must be received and
pondered with an open heart in a way that allows them
to illumine the course of our lives. Only when we have
made them our own can we begin to share their insights
with others.
cedar is the old Israel, nearly destroyed by its enemies.
But God himself will save a remnant — a ny twig — and
transplant it so that it might become a tree that will
spread its branches over the whole earth. The li le twig,
however, is fragile and will grow only under the power
and protec on of God. The new Israel — the Church —
is born in weakness and insignificance, yet spreads
throughout the earth under God’s care.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 92:2-3, 13-14, 15-16
This song of praise recounts the response of both the
wicked (vv 6-12) and the just (vv 13-16) to God’s goodness. Response: "Lord, it is good to give thanks to you."
Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:6-10
The two parables of the liturgical reading run counter to
our desires for instant results. The seed when planted is
gone from sight, but that does not mean nothing is
happening. Similarly, the work of Jesus, as well as our
ministry as his followers in God’s kingdom, cannot be
measured by immediate and observable results.
Chris ans have to resist the tempta on to apply
cost-efficient standards to ministry; we cannot let our
share in the work of Christ be measured by outward
evidence of success. Seeds that we plant will bear fruit
in the Lord’s me by his work. Our task is to plant the
seeds, and to plant them well. We cannot use God’s
power to accomplish his work as an excuse for lazy
ministry or shoddy work either.
The strength of Chris an hope puts the rest of the world
in perspec ve. On the one hand, the Chris an cul vates
a certain indifference toward his or her own posi on in
the world. On the other hand, the world becomes
extremely precious as the scene in which salva on is
accomplished and God’s order restored.
The use of parables in itself is a lot like plan ng seeds.
A parable is not a lesson like "Today I learned that the
kingdom of God grows slowly." Instead, a parable is a
story that draws the learner into it, and invites exploraon of its meaning. Parables bear repeated telling and
hearing, and each me new insight can be discovered.
Young Adults Group
First Reading: Ezekiel 17:22-24
This poem is also a parable. The figure of a tree is strong
and o en used in the Hebrew Scriptures. Here, the old
QuesƟons for thought, discussion, and prayer:
1. In what way could we say that pa ence is one of the
most important requirements for Chris an ministry?
2. Does storytelling have a place in your life as a follower
of Jesus? Why or why not?
Calling you — yes you—the 20 - 30 year olds. Help
this group become vitally Alive—Energetic— and a
Dynamic Spirit of life in our Parish. Will you have
the courage to step forward —you – your friends
and make this happen. Please call the Parish Office
(310) 285-5425 for more information.
12
Parish Calendar
For complete calendar: http://goo.gl/Z3i8ep
A Week At A Glance / Sunday, June 7 – Sunday, June 14, 2015
JUNE
Sunday, 7
Corpus ChrisƟ
Monday, 8
Tuesday, 9
Wednesday, 10
Thursday, 11
Friday, 12
Saturday, 13
Sunday, 14
Flag Day
Time
8:30, 10:30 a.m., 12:30, 5:30 p.m.
8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
At the 10:30 a.m. Mass
3 - 4 p.m.
6:30 - 8 p.m.
6:30 a.m., 12:05 p.m.
6:30 a.m., 12:05 p.m.
12:45 - 1:15 p.m.
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
7 - 8 p.m.
6:30 a.m., 12:05 p.m.
7 - 8:30 p.m.
6:30 a.m., 12:05 p.m.
11a.m. - 12 p.m.
7 - 9 p.m.
5 - 10:30 a.m.
6:30 a.m., 12:05 p.m.
11:40 a.m.
8 a.m., 5:30 p.m.
9 - 10 a.m.
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
4 - 5 p.m.
8:30, 10:30 a.m., 12:30, 5:30 p.m.
8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
At The 10:30 a.m. Mass
3 - 4 p.m.
Event
Facility
Sunday Masses
Church
Coffee & Donuts
Parish Hall
Children's Liturgy of the Word
Parish Hall Small Room
G.S. School 8th Grade Gradua on Church
An Evening of Peaceful Prayer
Church
Mass
Church
Mass
Rosary
Volunteer Recep on
Medita on
Mass
Lector Training
Mass
Medita on
Choir Rehearsal
Martha's Kitchen (Volunteers)
Mass
Confessions
Mass
Medita on
G.S. Bereavement Group
Confessions
Sunday Masses
Coffee & Donuts
Children's Liturgy of the Word
Organ Recital
Church
Sacred Heart Chapel
Parish Hall
Sacred Heart Chapel
Church
Conference Room 3
Church
Sacred Heart Chapel
Parish Hall
Parish Hall Kitchen
Church
Church
Church
Sacred Heart Chapel
Conference Room 1
Church
Church
Parish Hall
Parish Hall Small Room
Church
Handicapped Accessible
Our parish facilities are
handicapped accessible,
via ramps and parking spaces.
We welcome everyone.
Beverly Hills Public Library Program
This program helps adults learners improve their reading, writing, and comprehension skills.
You would need to complete the two hour Tutor Training Workshop and, after
being matched with an Adult learner, tutor once a week for a minimum of six
months. For more details please call (310) 288-2207.