The Valley Catholic
IN OUR DIOCESE
August 27, 2013
5
Victor Valdez, 51, lay ecclesial minister, dies
life, but he did a lot in a life. “Even as a boy Victor carried his cross. When he was born, an ear was partially developed and he endured a number of surgeries. When he was in grammar school, he was hit by a car, broke his hip and was in a cast for six months.” “Victor had a strong faith,” Father Rubio said. “From his Mexican heritage he had great faith in Our Lady of Guadalupe, and he got strength from the writings and spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola. After he was diagnosed with the tumors, he dedicated his life to God, working for the Church. He always paid attention to how God was working in his life.” Valdez worked at St. John Vianney, St. Athanasius, St. Denis (Menlo Park) as Director of Religious Education, at the University of Santa Clara as a resident minister in the dorms and with the alumni association. He planned retreats, gave talks and workshops at faith formation conferences in San Francisco, Santa Clara and Arizona. Father Rubio said, “Victor carried his cross behind Jesus, but he carried his cross like Jesus. The cross of Jesus changed the universe and lead to resurrection, his resurrection, Victor’s resurrection, our resurrection. “Victor saw life as a pilgrimage. He liked to travel and went to Lourdes twice, to Fatima, and to Madrid for World Youth Day in 2011. He had been looking forward to WYD Brazil this year. “When he returned from Madrid he wrote an article for The Valley Catholic recalling standing in rain all night and sleeping on cement. He quoted the very text that was tonight’s Gospel reading, and he concluded: If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” Victor wrote, “I know the call of Jesus calls for total commitment requiring great sacrifice. What we experienced at World Youth Day was an opportunity to trust in the Lord who never abandons us. In an exhibit along a Madrid parkway, we saw life-size reproductions of the Stations of the Cross. It is through the cross that we are led to freedom.” “Free at last, Victor, free at last!” Father Rubio concluded.
Victor Valdez, who died July 17, was photographed May 4, this year, as he spoke at Lourdes during a Knights of Malta pilgrimage. (Lacaze studio photo)
Vic tor Valdez, 51, lay ecclesial minister and long-time catechetical leader who achieved Master Catechist status last year, died July 17, 2013. He had suffered for many years from the effects of recurring brain tumors. Wendy Scherbart, Director of Catechetical Ministry for the Diocese of San Jose, said, “Over the 30 years I have known Victor, he has shown me how to put my trust in God. He lived with integrity and hope while carrying recurring health challenges. “Victor chose to discern the will of God each day. He strived to do the will of God and now is fully united with God. I thank him for inspiring us with his courage and deep faith.” Scherbart said that Victor had just made his second trip to Lourdes in May with the Knights of Malta and that he was seeking peace. “He told me that
the day he went to the baths he didn’t want to hurry, but to be fully present to the experience. “As he stepped through the waters, he felt sensations, the temperature, the placement of each foot, and he emerged feeling a deep peace,” Scherbart said. At Valdez’s funeral Mass, July 24, at Santa Teresa Church, San Jose, Father Jose Antonio Rubio gave the homily, noting the Gospel reading, John 6: 3740, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” Father Rubio said Victor “had recurring benign brain tumors and had 12 surgeries — some 13 hours — until they couldn’t operate anymore. He had the tumors for more than half his
Victor Valdez, former Catechetical Director at St. Athanasius Parish, died suddenly of a brain hemorrhage and massive heart attack. I was a close friend of Victor’s for 22 years; he was a friend and colleague. Even though Victor had brain tumors and suffered through many surgeries, he remained upbeat, positive and forward-looking. He did not wallow in self-pity. He was always telling me about his next trip, pilgrimage or retreat, a new book,
May he rest in peace…
or a new catechetical approach he was going to try. Victor, in addition to his deep spirituality, possessed real artistic and aesthetic gifts, and collected beautiful and tasteful Christmas decorations. He was a gracious host, an avid learner and teacher, and a guide and companion on the journey of life. There is no doubt, he now rests in the company of our Lord. — Mike Cavera, Pastoral Associate, St. Athanasius Parish
Catholic Community Foundation awards Spring Cycle grants
By Susan Zucca The highlight of our work at the Catholic Community Foundation is grantmaking through which we recognize “pockets of Catholic innovation” throughout parishes and Catholic programs in Santa Clara County. In May we wrapped up our fifth year of spring grants. This year we received a record 47 applications from parishes, chancery departments and other Catholic organizations. Grants were awarded from the following funds: • Parish Outreach $61,000 • Parish Stewardship $50,900 • Pastoral Ministry $61,000 In addition to Foundation funds, we received a $25,000 matching grant from John M. Sobrato which allowed us to distribute a total of $197,900 in grant awards. Award highlights include:
Parish Stewardship:
Sacred Heart Education Center – Homework and English program St. John the Baptist – Technology Upgrade Project Our Lady of Peace – A Clean WellLighted Place for families Catholic Library Project St. Francis of Assisi – Parish Assessment and Renewal Program Holy Korean Martyrs – New Church Classroom Readiness Project St. Martin, Sunnyvale – Formation for Volunteers/Ministers St. Athanasius – Spiritual Renewal Series –Growing in Faith through Parish Ministry and Service
Pastoral Ministry and Training:
Parish Outreach:
St. Elizabeth – Parish Health Fair St. Julie Billiart – Youth Breakfast Ministry Program
See a complete list of grants at: www.cfoscc.org • Susan Zucca is Grants Program Administrator for the The Catholic Community Foundation of Santa Clara County. www.dsj.org