sfcathedral.org 231 W. Commerce San Antonio, TX 78205 @SFCATHEDRAL

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LIVE STREAMING DAILY MASS MONDAY-FRIDAY 12:00 noon SUNDAY 8:00 am | 10:00 am | 12:00 noon

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SAN FERNANDO CATHEDRAL

THE HEART OF SAN ANTONIO The oldest Cathedral Sanctuary in the United States Founded in 1731

PASTORAL STAFF Most Reverend

Gustavo García-Siller, M.Sp.S Archbishop of San Antonio

Rector:

Very Rev. Victor Valdez

Parochial Vicar: Rev. Alejandro Ortega

Rev. Ruben Garcia

Deacons: Deacon Joe Marroquin

Deacon C. Roger Macias Deacon Rogelio Morales

Deacon Jesse Nuñez Deacon Ramon Figueroa

PARISH STAFF Business Manager

Ann Guajardo Director of Facilities

& Special Events Eloise Cortez-Lara

Director of Ceremonies & Media Cielo Perez

Director of Music Ministries Rick McLaughlin

Director of Religious Education Esperanza Arzate Data Specialist

Steven Garza Receptionist /Records

Ruben Alvarado Gift Shop:

Esther Macias - Manager Rosie Heredia

Esperanza Arzate Housekeeper

Elizabeth Nunez Sacristan

Marta Figueroa Maintenance:

Arturo Bustamante

A MESSAGE FROM FATHER VICTOR UN MENSAJE DEPARTE DEL PADRE VICTOR

WHAT’S INSIDE

MASS TIMES SUNDAY/DOMINGO 8:00 a.m. (Español Televised) 10:00 a.m. (English) 12:00 p.m. (Español) 2:00 p.m. (English) 5:00 p.m. (Bilingual) MONDAY/LUNES | FRIDAY/VIERNES 12:05 p.m. SATURDAY/SABADO 5:00 p.m.

CONFESSIONS WEEKDAYS 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. SATURDAY 1pm - 5pm

LIVE STREAMING OFFICE HOURS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE Parish Office (210) 227-1297

WELCOME

January 3, 2021 The Epiphany of the Lord “Where is that thing?” mumbled Bob as he searched frantically on his dimly lit desk for the current electric bill. “I know I put it right on top of these papers this morning!” Growing in frustration and bordering on anger, he flies stuff around, moves books and opines why simple tasks need to be so hard. Enter his wife, who calmly says, “Maybe it would help if you put the light on, dear.” The desk light goes on and lo and behold, there is the electric bill right where Bob left it earlier. All it took was a little light! We stubbornly refuse to turn on the lights! Either we are distracted, determined, disinterested, preoccupied, stubborn, apprehensive, or all of the above. Or perhaps, we fail to do the obvious. We would rather live our lives with the dimmest of lights or even in total darkness. Why are we afraid to do something so that we can actually see? It might help us to find quicker and better answers to problems, the meaning of life, relationships, happiness, and what is ultimate truth. Yet, we stumble along, moving things from one side to the other, getting angry, feeling cheated, being unsettled, resigning ourselves to the agony of defeat once again. “And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.” The light has come into the world in the person of Jesus Christ! We no longer have to fumble in the darkness. We have been gifted with the illumination we need to see our way through things and find what we really are looking for. All these years later, however, so many are still reluctant to accept him. Perhaps they are unconvinced, disinterested, preoccupied, stubborn, apprehensive, or all of the above. Everyone has their own reason for not wanting to turn on the switch. But there are so many answers to so many of our problems in this humble Child of Nazareth. A simple birth teaches us about God’s tender wedded relationship with humanity. It speaks to the expanse of God’s salvation across the globe, and the incarnate Divine wonders and blessings that are a part of our life moment to moment. It calls us to understand the design of world order God intended as found in the Beatitudes, the sacredness of every human life and all of creation and the meaning of things we struggle with most, like suffering and death. We have a lot of Good News to share, not just with a privileged few but with all the world. All races and creeds can receive God’s healing word. God continues to manifest himself even now! Use the light to find what you are really looking for! Fr. Victor Valdez

3 de enero 2021 La Epifanía del Señor Hoy celebramos la universalidad del Señor, fiesta conocida como la Epifanía. Celebramos, también la luz de Cristo manifestada en una estrella que guiaba a los Magos de Oriente hasta llegar a su encuentro. “Al entrar en la casa vieron al niño con María su madre; se arrodillaron y le adoraron. Abrieron después sus cofres y le ofrecieron sus regalos de oro, incienso y mirra” (Mateo 2:11). Y, nosotros, ¿Qué podemos ofrecerte en este tiempo difícil que estamos pasando? Solo, nos resta decirte: ¡Señor, que tu estrella nos guie y nos ilumine a ser mejores personas, a integrarnos y ayudarnos en este tiempo tan duro que estamos pasando! Las lecturas nos hablan cómo la luz, de diferentes maneras, nos orienta y marca el camino, que es Cristo. Jesús brilla en todas las personas de diferentes razas y estatus migratorio. El deseo de Jesús es esparcir su luz a toda persona, esa luz en otras palabras es su gracia, dada también en los Sacramentos. A pesar de todo lo que estamos viviendo actualmente, la invitación estriba en que el corazón palpite y desborde de alegría en el Señor. Muchas han sido nuestras experiencias en este tiempo de pandemia. Los momentos han sido difíciles, pero la luz de Cristo ha brillado de mil formas en medio de la oscuridad. Ni la oscuridad de la enfermedad, de perder a un ser querido, de la falta de trabajo, por mencionar algunos, ha matado la esperanza. Esa esperanza que nos hace ir más allá de nosotros mismos para dar ayuda a quien lo necesita. ¿Qué harás hoy para que la luz de Cristo ilumine la oscuridad de otros?

Fr. Victor Valdez

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02 San Fernando Cathedral | San Antonio, Texas

UPCOMING PROJECTS & EVENTS Message from Father 02 Mass Intentions 03 Upcoming Events 04 San Fernando Venues 05 Tours and Events Liturgical Life 07

Week of December 21, 2020 to December 27, 2020

Collections $11,653.70 Online Giving $3,770.71

PRAYER & WORSHIP

Sunday: Is 60:1-6/Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13 [cf. 11]/Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6/ Mt 2:1-12 Monday: 1 Jn 3:22—4:6/Ps 2:7bc-8, 10-12a [8ab]/Mt 4:12-17, 23-25 Tuesday: 1 Jn 4:7-10/Ps 72:1-2, 3-4, 7-8 [cf. 11]/Mk 6:34-44 Wednesday: 1 Jn 4:11-18/Ps 72:1-2, 10, 12-13 [cf. 11]/Mk 6:45-52 Thursday: Jn 4:19—5:4/Ps 72:1-2, 14 and 15bc, 17 [cf. 11]/Lk 4:14-22a Friday: 1 Jn 5:5-13/Ps 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20 [12a]/Lk 5:12-16 Saturday: 1 Jn 5:14-21/Ps 149:1-2, 3-4, 5 and 6a and 9b [cf. 4a]/ Jn 3:22-30 Next Sunday: Is 42:1-4, 6-7/Ps 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10 [11b]/Acts 10:34-38/Mk

1:7-11 or Is 55:1-11/Is 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6 [3)]/1 Jn 5:1-9/Mk 1:7-11

OBSERVANCES OF THE WEEK

Sunday: The Epiphany of the Lord; National Migration Week Monday: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious Tuesday: St. John Neumann, Bishop Wednesday: St. André Bessette, Religious Thursday: St. Raymond of Penyafort, Priest Next Sunday: The Baptism of the Lord

WEEKLY READINGS LECTURAS DE LA SEMANA

Almighty and Everlasting God, the eternal salvation of those who believe in You, hear us on behalf of Your servants who are sick, for whom we humbly beg the help of your mercy, so that, being restored to health, they may render thanks to you in your Church. Through Christ our Lord. Amen

PRAYER FOR THE SICK

MASS INTENTIONS

January 3, 2021 | The Epiphany of the Lord 03

Bertha Lopez Maria De Carmen Garza Carolyn Wright Rosie Heredia Mireya Perez Guadalupe Valdez Ruben Corpus Amy Webber Ty Cline Margo Lago

Maria Regina Vidal Jacob Garza Maria Cardenas Rosa T. Sanchez Marta L.. Celerie Maria Y. Torres Ruben Alfaro Stephanie Luna Robert Scheffel Margarita Velasquez Jesse Vera Grace Herrera JoAnn Pena Judy Bloom

Nicholas Garcia Jr. Charles Garcia Ella Treat Debbie Ruiz German Ortiz Sara Verrones Theresa Tovar Magaly Hernandez Rosie Rendon Carmen M. Calderon Carlos Francisco Vicky Tesillo Victor T. Castillo Gloria Pastrano

Maria Elena Martinez Beatrice Ramirez Sylvia Trujillo Gloria Munoz Dolores Villarreal Javier Villarreal Maria Carmen Villarreal Tim Settles Martinez Rosa Settles Martinez Maria del Refugio Hinojosa

Roberta Garza Janie Rodriguez Martinez Hector Amigo Silveria Padilla Juan Hernandez Christine Gallegos Gilbert A. Garza Rosary Gray Kendrick Rodriguez Keely Rodriguez Minera F. Sanchez Carolina Sanchez Diana V. Ibarra Cipiriano Gonzales

Saturday, January 2, 2021

5:00 pm Marivic A. Bonto-Kane Marivic & John Kane

+Yolanda Mendez Ruben & Hope Alvarado

Sunday, January 3, 2021

10:00 am +Susie Gomez de Hernandez Family

+Maria Luisa Resendez The Longoria Family

12:00 pm Accion de Gracias a La Virgen Rosalinda Bautista

2:00 pm Thanksgiving St. Lucy Margarita S. Loya

5:00 pm Thanksgiving Our Lady of Guadalupe Margarita S. Loya

Monday, January 4, 2021

12:05 pm +Susie Gomez de Hernandez Margarita S. Loya

Tuesday, January 5, 2021

12:05 pm For the San Fernando Community

Wednesday, January 6, 2021

12:05 pm +Lourdes “Lulu” Mardis Olga Enriquez

Personal Intentions of Evelyn Kane Marivic & John Kane

Thursday, January 7, 2021

5:00 pm Personal Intentions of Evelyn Kane-Kroft Marivic & John Kane

Friday, January 8, 2021

12:05 pm +Juan Carlos Escamilla Barrera Family

+Angelita Gonzalez Treviño Ellie & Javier Lara

UPCOMING EVENTS & MEETINGS

04 San Fernando Cathedral | San Antonio, Texas

PARISH MINISTRIES MEETING TIMES

Hijas de Maria (Junta en Español/Spanish) 1st Sunday of the Month 11 am - La Sala (Above Poblanos) Contact: Gloria Gonzalez 210-533-7475 Knights of Columbus -(English) 2nd Sunday of the Month 3:30pm - San Juan Room 231 W Commerce Contact: Deacon Joseph Marroquin 972-800-8095 Guadalupano Society-(English) 3rd Saturday of the Month 9:30am - Cathedral Choir Rm (Above Gift Shop) Contact: Maggie Marroquin 214-605-9124 Grupo de Oracion Every Tuesday (Junta en Español) 7:00pm - Concepcion Room Contact: Rosa Escobedo 210-717-2612 Chorale Every Wednesday 7:00pm - 8:15pm Cathedral Choir Rm Mariachi Choir Every Thursday 6:30pm - 9pm San Jose Rm Coro Sagrado Every Thursday 7:00pm - 8:00pm Cathedral Choir Rm Knots of Hope (Prayer Quilt Group) 3rd Thursday of the Month 2:00pm - 4:30pm Concepcion Rm Cati Reyna Contact: 210-748-9948 Youth Ministry For more information Please contact: Adriana Holguin 210-544-7173

Christmas Eve Mass Thursday, December 24th Join us for mass at the following times: 1pm | 3pm | 5pm | 7pm Midnight Mass-Christmas Day Friday, December 25th at 12:00am Join us virtually live on our social media platforms

Christmas Day Friday, December 25th Join us for mass at the following times: 8am | 10am | 12pm | 2pm

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God Friday, January 1st, 2021 Join us for mass at the following times: 8am | 10am | 12pm

GIFT SHOP HOURS Mon - Fri 9:00am - 3:00pm

Saturday Noon– 5:00pm Sunday 8:30am - 3:30pm

Gift Shop: 210-357-5608

LOS PADRECITOS SAN FERNANDO GIFT SHOP

WWW.LOSPADRECITOS.COM

January 3, 2021 | The Epiphany of the Lord

THE VENUES AT SAN FERNANDO CATHEDRAL

EXPERIENCE THE CATHEDRAL Founded in 1731, the historic cathedral continues to host thousands of visitors each year. The oldest cathedral sanctuary in the United States, the mother church of San Antonio’s Archdiocese, also the cultural and geographic center of San Antonio. Surrounded by its distinctive carvings, the nave is a beautiful and glorious space adorned by stained glass windows and Gothic style architecture

SAN ANTONIO’S DESTINATION FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT! Weddings | Corporate | Rehearsal Dinners | Quinceaneras SAN FERNANDO BALLROOM AND CATHEDRAL CENTRE A venue with a picturesque setting located in the heart of Downtown San Antonio. Discover the venue by experiencing its colonial atmosphere surrounded by history to create unique, fun, and unforgettable event.

HISTORIC CHARM IN THE HEART OF SAN ANTONIO WEDDINGS | BAPTISMS | QUINCEAÑERAS

BOOKING NOW 2021-2022 Check with our Wedding Coordinator and Facilities Director for additional details for date availability if your event has been affected due to Covid19. Our team is here to assist you through this process ! ! The Venues at San Fernando is open for tours and events. Tours by appointment only. Contact Eloise Cortez at 210.416.0371 ext. 126 or via e-mail: ecortez-lara@sfcathedral.org

THE VENUES AT SAN FERNANDO

CONNECT WITH US!

@Venuesatsanfernandocathedral | www.sfcathedral.org/venues

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Even the slightest flicker of a light helps to properly orient us when we find ourselves in total darkness. Being in darkness can be unsettling and even a bit unnerving. We lose our focus and struggle to find our bearings and achieve balance. On life’s journey we may think we are walking in the light but are really lingering in darkness. We do not see the full picture, either because we are distracted, disinterested, or even apprehensive. Sometimes, we even choose to close our eyes when the light is readily available to illuminate our path. Do we really desire to know the truth of who we are? In Jesus Christ, a light has been given to those who dwell in darkness. God’s revelation gives us the light to see where we come from, who we are and where we are going. It also tells us that this Good News is not meant for just a privileged few but is intended to go out to all the world. Is this something we want to see?

LIVE THE LITURGY INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK

What is the difference between a chastisement and a punishment?

06 San Fernando Cathedral | San Antonio, Texas

LITURGICAL LIFE

The distinction between chastisement and punishment is, in many ways, a subtle one, but which is still relevant in our Catholic tradition.

First, chastisement is a concept that is grounded in Sacred Scripture. Here, we see chastisement as a response by God to people’s actions that is intended to teach a lesson. As St. John Paul II observed, “chastisement appears to be … a kind of divine pedagogy, in which the last word is reserved to mercy: He scourges and then shows mercy, casts down to the depths of the nether world, and he brings up from the great abyss” (Tobit 13:2). The idea here is that in order to capture our attention or to highlight how we have not lived out our covenant-relationship with God as we should, there are times when God uses events in life to draw us back to the quality of relationship or faith that we should have.

The concept of punishment, however, has a different sense. The Catechism of the Church observes that punishment is the consequence of a damaging action that “has the primary aim of redressing the disorder” and to protect the community and the common good from further damage or harm (see no. 2266). Although we always hope that someone who is being punished for a crime or some other harmful action will learn from their actions, punishment isn’t necessarily intended to teach a lesson in the same way that a chastisement is.

Ultimately, how we make the distinction between chastisement and punishment is a matter of discernment. As with almost everything in life, our experiences can be an opportunity for grace — or for something less — depending on how open we are to recognizing the movement of God’s Spirit within them.

If you’re on social media, you have probably seen a meme going around that features this quote: “God has a plan for your life. The enemy has a plan for your life. Be ready for both. Just be wise enough to know which one to battle and which one to embrace.”

There were certainly two competing plans for the Magi: God’s and Herod’s. And, wise as they supposedly were, it wasn’t entirely easy for the Magi to discern which was which.

After all, Herod posed as a friend. He offered the Magi hospitality and kindness. Though the Gospel doesn’t say so, he probably flattered them and appealed to every moral weakness he could observe in them. In his palace, they must have felt great physical comfort — rest and tables of plenty on what was an otherwise long and treacherous journey.

But if the Magi were honest with themselves, I’ll bet they would have admitted that, regardless of Herod’s charm, they felt a gnawing sense of doubt while in his presence. When they looked upon the Christ Child, born in a stable without any of the comforts of the world or protections of wealth, they probably felt the opposite. They probably felt safe.

The Magi were lucky enough to have the right plan spelled out for them in a dream, but for the rest of us, it’s enough to remember this: God’s plan is often the one that leads us to places of great simplicity, great humility and great love. Let’s have the wisdom to view power with suspicion, and innocence with admiration.

— Tracy Earl Welliver, MTS SAN FERNANDO CATHEDRAL PARKING DURING MASS There are 2 parking options for mass: *First Option— Surface lot on Dolorosa before Flores St. (approx. 70 spaces). There is no fee. **Second Option— Bexar County Parking Garage on Flores St. For this garage, you must present your ticket per instructions below to receive complimentary pass: Available for pick up at the Gift Shop on Sundays after Mass Times: 8am, 10am, 12noon, and 2pm. 5PM Mass Times for Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets available from Mass Coordinators only. Garage ticket must be presented prior to receiving a complimentary ticket.

LITURGICAL LIFE

WISE MEN SEE GOD IN THE SIMPLE THINGS

PLEASE CONSIDER ONLINE GIVING The Cathedral is grateful for your continue support. Thank you! Visit SFCATHEDRAL.ORG/DONATE or TEXT ‘SANFERNANDO’ to 45777

January 3, 2021 | The Epiphany of the Lord 07

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