CHAPTER 11 UPDATE
A letter from the Most Reverend Michael C. Barber, S.J.:
Dear faithful Catholics and friends of the Diocese of Oakland,
May the peace and love of our Lord Jesus Christ continue to be with each one of you!
I want to update you on the progress we have made since May 8, 2023, when the Roman Catholic Bishop of Oakland (the Diocese) made the difficult but necessary decision to seek bankruptcy protection.
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Please click the button below to read Bishop Barber’s letter in its entirety.
Second Collection:
Maintenance & Improvement Fund
On the first weekend of each month,
we are dedicating the Second Collection for our Parish Maintenance & Improvement Fund. Restricted funds collected will be used for the maintenance and improvements of our facilities and deferred maintenance.
The M&I Fund can be used for repairs such as plumbing issues, roof leaks, campus lighting and improved security, just to name a few. Please keep in mind that supporting this fund should be above and beyond what you already tithe to our regular plate collection. It shouldn’t take the place of your overall support to the parish through our regular plate collection.
If you have further questions, contact Eric Hom at eric@holyspiritfremont.org.
33 Days | November 9 – December 12, 2024
St. Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary
You are invited to consecrate yourself to Jesus through Our Blessed Mother Mary.
Consecration is the act of giving yourself entirely to God (to Jesus through Mary), surrendering yourself so that They can work in and through you. They will guide you in your daily life and give you the graces to carry out what They plan for you.
For those who have not experienced a consecration before, we invite you to join our 33-day consecration program which will end on December 12, on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. If you have already gone through this consecration, you are invited to reconsecrate yourself.
Thursday | November 28, 2024
Thanksgiving Day Masses
“In all circumstances, give thanks…” (1 Thes 5:18)
Thanksgiving Day Mass times are as follows:
• 7:00 am
• 8:15 am
• 9:30 am
St. Vincent de Paul will be accepting food and monetary donations at all our Thanksgiving Day Masses. Your donation benefits our neighbors in need, especially during the holidays.
Please note: There will be no Adoration or Confessions after the 8:15 am Mass.
NATIVITY SCENE CONTEST
Unto Us a Child is Born
Build a nativity scene that‘s inspired by the Gospels. Be creative and original!
All entries must be submitted by December 15, 2024. Judging and awarding will be on December 23rd.
For contest rules and details, click on the button below.
ENGRAVED BRICK FUNDRAISER
Holy Spirit School: Laying the Foundation for Faith and Play
Purchase a custom engraved brick and help bring this dream to life while leaving a lasting legacy.
These bricks will be placed at the entrance of the playground area. Each brick can honor a loved one, celebrate a student, or commemorate a family, business or ministry that supports our community.
Your contribution not only funds the playground but also supports the
physical, social, and spiritual growth of our children.
To place your order, go to https://www.engravedbricks.com/campaign/HSSF or click on the “ORDER FORM” button below.
Deadline to order bricks: December 13, 2024
ADVENT INDIVIDUAL REFLECTION
Rejoice! An Advent Pilgrimage into the Heart of Scripture
This Advent season, our parish presents “Rejoice!” by Fr. Mark Toups. We invite you to journey into Advent through individual prayer, meditation, and reflection.
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Drawing inspiration from Mary and Joseph’s unwavering faith, you’ll learn to recognize God’s presence even in challenging times.
Join Fr. Mark Toups on a transformative journey to Bethlehem based on the Sunday Mass readings. Each day, Fr. Toups provides you with aids to help guide your prayer.
This Advent pilgrimage will nurture your ability to trust in God’s plan. Bring your fears, doubts, challenges, and hopes on your journey to the Nativity. When you meet Baby Jesus in the manger, you will be blessed with greater joy and peace—and a restful heart!
Goodwill donation appreciated for each book (parish cost $3/copy). Books are available in the Parish Office and de Sousa House.
DECEMBER 3, 2024
Advent Penance
Service
To prepare our hearts for the coming of our Savior Jesus Christ, we invite the faithful to received the Sacrament of Reconciliation & Penance.
Priests will be available for Confessions at 1:30 to 3:00 pm for those who need assistance and the elderly, and then again at 6:30 pm for all.
DECEMBER 7, 2024 | 7:30 PM
Love, Joy and Peace
Enjoy the glorous sounds of the Philippine Saringhimig Singers.
Tickets are $25. Available for purchase at the Parish Office and de Sousa House.
Proceeds benefit our sister parish, St. Joseph the Worker.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2024 | 6:30 PM
5th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
Join us for our annual tree lighting event!
Just as in previous years, we will have Christmas trees for you to help decorate with prayer ornaments. Prayer cards, ornaments, and decorative materials will be provided.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2024
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
On this holy day of obligation, Mass times are as follows:
7:00 am | 8:15 am | 11:00 am | 6:30 pm
Thursday | December 12, 2024
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Join us as we celebrate and honor our Queen and Patroness of the Americas.
• 5:00 am: Las Mananitas
• 5:30 am: Mass**
• 6:30 pm: Mass & Consecration to Jesus Through Mary
**Hot meal and refreshments provided in de Sousa House immediately after Mass, sponsored by the Society of Guadalupanos.
December 15-23, 2024 | 6:30 pm
Simbang Gabi 2024
Join us in preparation for the birth of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.
To support our Simbang Gabi Novena, please contact the following:
Mass Sponsor: Patrick Bajet, pbajet@yahoo.com
Souvenir Booklet: Albert Leano, 310.867.3266
General Fund: Pat Saturnio, 510.468.7321
Lector/Eucharistic Minister: Femy Fonacier, 408.307.0359.
To make a donation, click on the “Online Donation” button below.
Diaconate Formation Information Meetings
ARE YOU BEING CALLED TO THE DIACONATE?
A new Deacon Formation class is starting in the Diocese of Oakland.
For more information, interested men and their wives are invited to attend one of the information meetings.
Date: Sunday, January 5, 2025 OR Sunday, January 26, 2025
Time: 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Location: Transfiguration Church Parish Hall, 4000 E. Castro Valley Blvd., Castro Valley
For more information, Cielo Barroso-Branco in the Diocesan Office of Clergy Services: 510.267.8356 or CBranco@oakdiocese.org
Eucharistic Ministers Needed
We are in need of new Eucharistic Ministers for the 8:15 am Daily and 5:00 pm Mass on Sundays.
Please contact Dee Francisco at dee@holyspiritfremont.org if interested in joining this ministry.
Be part of the rich history of Holy Spirit Fremont
We have stained-glass windows and panels available for sponsorship:
• Gifts of the Holy Spirit (2): $12,000 each
• Fruits of the Holy Spirit (4): $10,000 each
• Exterior panels with parish Mission Statement – St. John side (2): $12,000 each
• Panel with Music Staff – Choir area: $12,000
Lower panel – choir area: $5,000
For more information on how to support our parish through this ongoing beautification project, contact Jeff@holyspiritfremont.org