December 31, 2017 Page 1

SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH 10800 HENDERSON RD., VENTURA, CA 93004 (805) 647-3235; FAX (805) 647-8087

Visit us on the WEB at: www.sacredheartventura.org Email us at: rectory@sacredheartventura.org Parish Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30AM - 4:30PM Saturday Closed & Sunday 8:00AM - 2PM

Rev. Al Ezeonyeka, Administrator - Rev. Carlos Macias, LC, Associate Pastor - Rev. Daniel O’Sullivan, Pastor Emeritus Dcn. John Barry - Dcn. Phil Conforti - Dcn. Fernando Flores - Dcn. Humberto Guzman

SACRED HEART SCHOOL 10770 Henderson Rd., Ventura, CA 93004 (805) 647-6174

FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY

FIESTA DE LA SAGRADA FAMILIA "The Family that prays together stays together." "La Familia que reza junta permanece junta".

~Venerable Fr. Patrick Payton

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph | La Sagrada Familia de Jesús, María y José Page 2

31 de diciembre de 2017 Mis ojos han visto a tu Salvador, al que has preparado para bien

de todos los pueblos.—Lucas 2:30-31

From the Desk of Fr. Al Ezeonyeka

Desde el escritorio de Fr. Al Ezeonyeka

December 31, 2017 My eyes have seen your salvation, which

you prepared in the sight of all the peoples.—Luke 2:30-31

The Holy Family

I often wondered about the life of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. What was it like? Did they deal with the same family complications we all have? Of course, they did! There are definitely glimpses in the gospels of Matthew and Luke that they did (Mt 1:18-24; Lk 2:41-52). Yet it is amazing how they could have lived in such peace and harmony. As I reflected on their life, it suddenly occurred to me that their family is a model of mutual love. The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph exemplify a mutual family love in that they did something for each other. Jesus came to redeem Mary and Joseph. Mary nursed him for 9 months in her womb and throughout his childhood while loving her spouse Joseph. And Joseph, as foster father, provided Jesus and Mary with safety and protection while they were vulnerable. They leaned on each other.

So for those struggling to keep their families together, those whose families are dysfunctional, broken, restive and full of hurt, the Holy Family offers a practical solution. It shows that what helps create a healthy family is the readiness of each member to offer something of themselves to the family. Instead of cursing the darkness, light a candle. Rather than complain about the things that are wrong, do something about them. If you observe that your family members do not love one another enough, then show proper love. If they are not contributing enough, then be generous. If they are not making enough sacrifices, then be a model of selflessness. If some of them are holding onto grudges, be forgiven. If they fight a lot, be a peacemaker. To paraphrase Mahatma Gandhi, ‘be the change you want to see in your family.’

God providentially placed us in our families for a good reason. He has assigned us specific roles and missions in our families. And so let us remember that we all have something to offer to better our families. St. Augustine once said that, “There is always something love can do.” When we all offer something, then, we are living the spirit of the Holy Family. Also as members of the Sacred Heart Church, let us endeavor to help one another, as our mission states, to have a life-changing experience with Christ. A mutual love strengthens our bond and increases our joy. And may that joy abound in our families and parish during this season and always, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

La Sagrada Familia A menudo me he preguntado sobre la vida de la Sagrada Familia de Jesús, María y José . ¿Cómo era? ¿Tendrían ellos las mismas complicaciones familiares que tenemos nosotros? Por supuesto, las tuvieron! Definitivamente hay vislumbres en los evangelios de Mateo y Lucas que sí las tenían (Mt 1 : 18-24; Lc 2: 41-52). Sin embargo, es increíble cómo vivieron en tal paz y armonía. Reflexionando sobre su vida, se me ocurrió que su familia es un modelo de amor mutuo. La Sagrada Familia de Jesús, María y José ejemplifican un mutuo amor familiar en el sentido de que todos hicieron algo el uno por el otro. Jesús vino a redimir a María y a José. María cuido de Jesus durante 9 meses en el vientre y durante toda su infancia, mientras amaba a su esposo José. Y José, como padre adoptivo, le proporcionó a Jesús y María seguridad y protección mientras eran vulnerables. Todos se apoyaron el uno en el otro. Entonces, para aquellos que luchan por mantener a sus familias unidas, aquellos cuyas familias son disfuncionales, quebrantadas y llenas de dolor, la Sagrada Familia ofrece una solución práctica. Ellos nos muestran que lo que ayuda a mantener una familia saludable es la disposición de cada miembro de ofrecer algo de sí mismo para su familia. En lugar de maldecir la oscuridad, enciende una vela. En lugar de quejarte de las cosas que están mal, haz algo al respecto. Si observas que los miembros de tu familia no se quieren lo suficiente, tu demuéstrales amor. Si ellos no contribuyen lo suficiente, tu sé generoso. Si no están haciendo suficientes sacrificios, sé tu un modelo de desinterés. Si ellos se aferran a los rencores, tu perdona. Si pelean mucho, sé tu el que fomenta la paz. Parafraseando a Mahatma Gandhi, 'sé el cambio que quieres ver en tu familia.' Providencialmente, Dios nos colocó en nuestras familias por una buena razón. Él nos ha asignado funciones y misiones específicas en nuestras familias. Y recordemos que todos tenemos algo que ofrecer para mejorar nuestras familias. San Agustín dijo una vez que, "Siempre hay algo que el amor puede hacer”. Cuando todos ofrecemos algo, entonces, estamos viviendo en el espíritu de la Sagrada Familia. También como miembros de la Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón, intentemos ayudarnos unos a otros, como lo establece nuestra misión, para tener una experiencia con Cristo que cambie nuestra vida. Un amor mutuo fortalece nuestro vínculo y aumenta nuestra alegría. Y que esta alegría abunde en nuestra familia y parroquia durante esta temporada y siempre, por Cristo nuestro Señor. Amén.

THE UNIVERSITY SERIES 2018 During the season of Lent, the University Series offers a multitude of seminars connecting faith with real life in areas such as current events, contemporary moral issues, evangelization, faith and science, marriage and family, church history, scripture, prayer and other priorities set by the Los Angeles Archdiocesan Synod. Sessions include multi-media presentations and always allow time for your questions.

This year, 94 presentations will be held at 13 participating parishes from St. Mel in Woodland Hills to Simi Valley, Moorpark, Conejo valley, Camarillo and Ventura. Our faculty has extensive knowledge in their fields and love teaching. They include international authorities, priests, religious, professors, authors, lay people, and local favorites who are all passionate about helping our attendees grow in knowledge and faith.

Here are some important dates:

JANUARY 6-7: Kick-Off Weekend, Catalogs are pre-registration materials will be distributed at all Masses. Pre-registration opens. Purchase your Season Pass or register for individual presentations.

JANUARY 29: Pre-registration closes.

FEBRUARY 15-MARCH 23: The University Series is in session.

View course descriptions and more information at www.theuniversityseries.org

The University Series strives for excellence because our Catholic faith deserves our very best efforts. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CONGRESS 2018 Congress registration booklets are located in the vestibule of the church, in the religious education office, parish office and online at RECongress.org.

This past Sunday, while on vacation in Maui I attend one of the most beautiful Christmas masses I have ever been to at St Teresa’s in Maui. It was a perfect blend of Christmas music and local Hawaiian music during the mass. While being blown away by this perfect blend of

multi-cultural music, the homily is what stuck with me the most because it is something that I am constantly saying to our teens. The message was simple, SLOW DOWN! We live in a busy world filled with constant distraction and noise and we need to slow down and enjoy the peace and quiet. As we enter this New Year, take some time to slow down, be quiet, and focus on what’s important in your life, which should be faith first and foremost. Upcoming Events: 1/7-Year 2 Confirmation 1/10-Mandatory Safeguard the Children night for all teens in Confirmation

youthministry@sacredheartventura.org

Sr. Margaret Mary re@sacredheartventura.org

December 31, 2017 Page 3

Sacred Heart Council Knights of Columbus

Invites you this evening to their New Year’s Eve dinner dance December 31, 2017 in Biedermann Hall. Doors open at 6pm. No host bar all night. Dinner served 7-9.

Champagne at midnight. Cost is $50 per person or a table of 8 for $335. Dance only(after 9 pm) is $25. Tickets will be sold after the masses. For more information: Call Grand Knight Mike Kipp: 795-1512

Los Caballeros de Colón del Sagrado Corazón

les invita esta noche a su cena baile, víspera del Año Nuevo 31 de Diciembre, 2017 en el Salon Biedermann. Las puertas abren a las 6 p.m. Barra abierta toda la noche. Cena a las 7-9. Champagne a la medianoche. El costo es de $ 50 por persona o una mesa para 8 personas por $ 335. Solo baile (después de las 9 pm) es de $ 25.00. Los boletos se venderán después de las misas. Para más información: Llame al Gran Caballero Mike Kipp: 795-1512

2018

OFFICE will be CLOSED

The office will be closed: • December 31, January 1 & 2

• reopen Wednesday January 3rd.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

La oficina estara cerrada: • el 31 de diciembre y el 1 y 2 de enero

• reabrirá el miércoles 3 de enero.

FELIZ AÑO NUEVO!

WORDS OF WISDOM….

LOVE Those who never loved before,may they love now: Those who have always loved, May they love even more.-Anonymous

AMOR Los que nunca amaron antes, que amen ahora: Los que siempre han amado, Que amen aún más. —Anónimo

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Every Friday 9 a.m. — Saturday 8:30 a.m.

“My eyes and my heart shall be there always.” -1 Kings 9:3. Behold Jesus has verified this beautiful promise in the Sacrament of the Altar, wherein He dwells with us night and day. –St. Alphonsus Liguori

Come and spend an hour in adoration of our Savior on Friday at 1, 2, 3, or 4pm. Call Sally at 647-2918

Friday Holy Hour is at 7 p.m. Español is recited on the 1st & last Friday of each month. All other Friday’s are in English.

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph | La Sagrada Familia de Jesús, María y José Page 4

The Sick — Enfermos: Santos Murillo, Sage Murillo

Died in Christ —Murio en Cristo:

INTERCESSION / Intercesiones PRAY FOR…./ Oremos por….

Intenciones de la Semana

(†)Deceased (-)Intentions

Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017 5:30 pm (Sat) † Joseph Ai Nguyen 7:30 am - Parishioner’s of Sacred Heart 9:00 am - Parishioner’s of Sacred Heart 10:30 am - Parishioner’s of Sacred Heart 12:00 pm - Parishioner’s of Sacred Heart 5:30 pm - Parishioner’s of Sacred Heart

Monday, Jan. 1, 2018 8:30 am - Parishioner’s of Sacred Heart

Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018 7:00 am - Sandie Torres † Stella Daniels 8:30 am † Ted Kretschmer † Gilbert Sosa

Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018 7:00 am - John Colla † Stella Daniels 8:30 am - Amada Santos † Ted Kretschmer 7:00 pm † Matt Staben

Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018 7:00 am † Nancy Stout - Sr. Francelia 8:30 am † Ted Kretschmer - Patty Jaeger

Friday, Jan. 5, 2018 7:00 am † Leslie Lucero † Bill Danis 8:30 am † Ted Kretschmer † Spencer Wirsing 7:00 pm Holy Hour / Confessions

Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018 8:30 am † Nancy Stout

Read the bulletin online at the Sacred Heart Church website: www.sacredheartventura.org.

ALL BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED 3 WEEKS BEFORE IT IS DISTRIBUTE TO : BULLETINEDITOR@SACREDHEARTVENTURA.ORG

FOOD PANTRY

Next Sunday, January 7th, is the first Sunday of the month. Please bring your non-perishable food items and place them in the red bins located outside the church doors. Through your generosity Sacred Heart parishioners have been a great help to the many hungry families in our area. Thank you for your continued support.

DESPENSA DE ALIMENTOS

El próximo domingo 7 de Enero, es el primer domingo del mes. Por favor traiga sus alimentos no-perecederos y colóquelos en los contenedores rojos ubicados en la entrada de la iglesia. Gracias a su generosidad, los feligreses del Sagrado Corazón han sido una gran ayuda para las muchas familias hambrientas de nuestra región. Gracias por su continuo apoyo.

December 31, 2017 Page 5

Consoling the Heart of Jesus

A 10 Week Small Group Retreat

Hosted by: Sacred Heart Catholic

Church ALPHA Ministry Fr.

Michael Gaitley, MIC - DVD

Presentation

Live the complete Catholic life of

faith, charity and the sacraments.

Begins January 8, 2018 Mondays from 6:30pm –

8:00pm Sacred Heart Church 10800 Henderson Rd.

Ventura, CA 93004 - Biedermann Hall with dinner

sharing provided. All parishioners are invited! The

program includes weekly readings form the book

Consoling The Heart of Jesus by Fr. Michael Gaitley,

MIC, a weekly lesson with questions in the participant

workbook, prayer and small group sharing. Fee $30. for

materials to be ordered in advance. Please register!

Registration Forms are available in the Parish Office.

Financial assistance available. LIMITED supplies for

purchase at meetings. Don’t miss out on this wonderful

faith sharing experience! Start 2018 with 10 weeks of

prayer and spiritual blessings that leads into the Lenten

Holy Week.

More information: alpha@sacredheartventura.org, or

Monica Garcia (805) 246-7993, Gloria Garcia (805) 358-6299.

Poinsettias for Life Centers of Ventura County

Thank you to all the parishioners of Sacred Heart who helped make the Poinsettia Sale a wonderful success. This year we again sold many beautiful plants, thus helping the Life Centers of Ventura County as well

as a generous contribution to beautify our Church at Christmas.

Thank you for your continued support!!!

Wilhelmina Stoll, Respect Life

CENTERING PRAYER AND LECTIO DIVINA continues on Tuesday January 9, 2018 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Place: Notre Dame Center 1776 Hendrix Ave., Thousand Oaks,

91360. Please RSVP to Sister Marie Paul Grech, SND at mgrech@sndca.org if you plan to attend.

Spirit Club Friends of Jesus & Mary

Pre-teens and teenagers are invited

This month Spirit Club will be held on the first Friday, January 5th and the second Friday, January 12th from 3:30 - 6 p.m. in the Cabrini Room. Come for fellowship and to learn some Scripture. Hope that you can join us. Contact numbers: Wilhelmina Stoll at 805-647-7306 or Carmen O’Neill at 805-672-2420.

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph | La Sagrada Familia de Jesús, María y José Page 6

A Pastoral Letter to the Good People of the Santa Barbara Region These last several days have been terrible for thousands of people in the Santa Barbara Pastoral Region, especially in Santa Paula, Ojai, and Ventura. Many have lost homes and possessions; many others have been displaced. Two days ago, I visited an evacuation center in Ventura and spoke with people who told me, with tears in their eyes, of their loss and anguish. During times such as these, people of faith often wonder how God could permit such suffering. Though the Lord’s ultimate purposes remain shrouded in mystery, we can be sure that it is always God’s will that we care for one another, that we feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, provide shelter to the homeless, and calm anxious hearts.

Can I invite everyone in the Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties to reach out to those who have been affected so terribly by the fires in our region? And can I encourage you, above all, to pray for them? Finally, let us all ask our heavenly patroness, Saint Barbara, to intercede with the Lord to send rain.

Blessings, Bishop Robert Barron

For those parishioners of Sacred Heart in need of financial help due to the Thomas Fire, please contact the parish office at (805) 647-3235 Ext. 300 or 301

For those who wish to donate material goods: You can drop off donations of goods such as clothing, blankets, food and personal supplies, at your nearest Catholic Charities drop off location by telling them that it is for the “Thomas Fire”. Also, donations can be made to any shelter or Red Cross Center designated for such purposes.

1. Catholic Charities Ventura 303 N. Ventura Ave. #A Ventura, CA 93001 805-643-4694 2. Red Cross Office 836 Calle Plano Camarillo, CA 93012 805-987-1514 For those who wish to provide immediate financial support: Immediate financial support will be provided through the Cardinal McIntyre Fund for Charity. The goal of the Cardinal McIntyre Fund for Charity is service to the "neediest of the needy” and those for whom no other resources exist and donations are tax deductible.

These gifts can be made in three ways: 1. A simple envelope with your donation can be placed in the normal Sunday collection. Please make the notation “Thomas Fire” along with your full name & envelope number. 2. Checks can be made directly to: Cardinal McIntyre Fund for Charity 3424 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90010 (for more information call: 213-637-7438) 3. Checks can be made out to: Santa Barbara Pastoral Region c/o Thomas Fire 3240 Calle Pinon Santa Barbara, CA 93015 The Archdiocese of Los Angeles is providing support to the communities affected by the fires. A special fund has been established to help those impacted by the fires. Donations can be made at www.archla.org/fires.

December 31, 2017 Page 7

SACRED HEART PARISH OFFICES

OFFICE STAFF: 647-3235 Karen Oishi, Office Manager Ext. 301 Vivian Nichols, Business Manager Ext. 305 Aurora Gonzales, Secretary Ext. 300 Gema Servin de la Mora, Bulletin Editor Ext. 304

SACRED HEART SCHOOL: 647-6174 Christine Benner, Principal

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION OFFICE: 647-3235 Sister Margaret Mary Scott, S.N.D., Director Ext. 306

HISPANIC MINISTRY (Ministerio Hispano): 647-3235 Deacon Fernando Flores, Director Ext. 311

YOUTH MINISTRY: 647-3235 Justin Wilburn Ext. 313

PLANT MANAGER\SPECIAL EVENTS COORDINATOR 797-4474 Don Mulville

SCRIP OFFICE: 647-0713 Shaune Ramirez

CORDINADORES DE LITURGIA

LECTORES: Jose Cancino 525-4327 MINISTROS DE EUCARISTIA: Maria Lopez 433-1944 Roberto Sanchez 448-9965 UJIERES: José Arambula 647-1351 SERVIDORES DEL ALTAR: Alicia Mendez 701-9406 MINISTERIO DE MUSICA: 647-3235 Dcn. Fernando Flores Ext. 311 CORO: Hector Reyes 701-2253 BAUTIZOS: 647-3235 Dcn. Fernando Flores Ext. 311 RICA (Iniciación Cristiana): Rosa Flores 701-7753

LITURGICAL MINISTRIES

ALTAR SERVERS MINISTRY: 525-0010 Sandie Dominguez BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY: 382-6816 Terri Conforti INFANT BAPTISMS: 382-6816 Dcn. Phil Conforti LECTOR COORDINATOR: 644-4586 Joann Abing LITURGY COORDINATOR: 647-3235 EUCHARISTIC COORDINATOR: 647-3235 Carol Roth MARRIAGE COORDINATOR: Carmen Gomez Lee 647-4843 MINISTRY TO THE SICK: 525-0010 Sandie Dominguez, Facilitator USHERS MINISTRY: 647-4843 Joe Lee MUSIC DIRECTOR & CHILDREN’S CHOIR: 647-3235 Steve Hinojosa Ext. 314 R.C.I.A. ADULT ED: 647-3235

ORGANIZATIONS

BIBLE STUDY 647-3235 BLUE ARMY OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA Barbara Rodriguez 647-1842 Mary Guerrero (Español) 755-3281 CUB SCOUTS 647-5641 Therese Palmisano DETENTION MINISTRY 340-3983 Rick Goulette EUCHARISTIC APOSTLES OF DIVINE MERCY 647-3086 Bob & Zaida Worthley Vicky Spicer (Divina Misericordia) 202-9555 FAMILY TO FAMILY 650-8557 Nita Perkins FINANCE COUNCIL 659-3839 Cindy Fanning FOOD PANTRY 323-5946 Dennis Braney GUADALUPANAS 647-1609 Amelia Mijares HOMELESSNESS COMMITTEE 647-3206 Patrick Manning ITALIAN CATHOLIC FEDERATION 659-2255 Carol Eller JOVENES ADULTOS PARA CRISTO 641-2194 (Young Adults for Christ) Esteban Arambula, Coordinator KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS 795-1512 Mike Kipp, Grand Knight PARENT TEACHER COUNCIL 647-6174 Anna Jordon, President RESPECT LIFE 647-7306 Wilhelmina Stoll SAFEGUARD THE CHILDREN 647-3235 Liz Hoffman SENIOR ASSISTANCE 647-1842 Barbara Rodriguez ST. VINCENT DE PAUL 216-2787 Person on call WELCOMING MINISTRY 647-6818 George Cady

RELIGIOUS SERVICES (SERVICIOS RELIGIOSOS)

WEEKEND EUCHARIST:

Saturday: 5:30 p.m. Sundays: 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m. 12:00 noon (Español), and 5:30 p.m.

DAILY MASS SCHEDULE:

Monday-Friday: 7:00, 8:30 a.m. Wednesday 7:00pm Saturday: 8:30 a.m.

CONFESSION SCHEDULE:

Friday: 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Saturday: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

DEVOTIONS

Morning Prayer: Monday - Friday 6:40 am, 8:15 am Rosary: Monday—Friday 6:25 am 9:00 am Saturday 6:00 am * Sunday 7:00am Holy Hour: Friday 7-8 p.m. in English except for the first & last Friday of the Month. Hora Santa: Primero y Ultimo Viernes del mes en Español Divine Mercy Chaplet & Rosary: Friday 3 p.m.