The Valley Catholic December 12, 2017 | Page 2

2 IN THE DIOCESE December 12, 2017 | The Valley Catholic Appointments of Bishop Patrick J. McGrath A Christmas Message from Bishop Patrick J. McGrath Dear Brothers and Sisters, During Advent, we celebrate the in-breaking of the Lord into human history – anticipating His Coming at the end of time as we reflect upon His Birth long ago. As we approach Christmas, we remain watchful that, while looking to the events of Beth- lehem long ago, we may not overlook the many ways God is present today in our world and in our lives. When the Word became flesh, when God became human in the Person of Jesus, a great reconciliation began. In Jesus, humanity was once again able to draw near to God, just as God has always been with His people. Indeed, Jesus was called Emmanuel, for in Him “God is with us.” At Christmas, we celebrate not only a holy Birth, but all that this Birth made possible. Indeed, God becoming one of us has opened the path for all humanity to be one with God. This is why we continue to celebrate, to recount the details, to hearken back to Mary and Joseph at the manger, the shepherds and the song of the angels: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to people of good will!” In Jesus, God has a human face; in Jesus, God knew suffering and death; in Jesus, God is forever bound to all who suffer in any way. As 2017 draws to a close, we entrust ourselves and all peoples to the Lord, knowing that He is particularly close to those who continue to seek refuge from 21 st Century Herods. The mass migrations caused by persecution, civil war and terrorism challenge us to be the Lord’s “light and salvation” to those who have lost hope. May our annual celebration of the Lord’s Birth renew you in God’s love and may you, your families and your loved ones walk always in the light of the Lord. God bless you all. With every best wish and kind regard, I remain, Sincerely yours, Patrick J. McGrath Bishop of San Jose OFFICIAL APPOINTMENTS Bishop Patrick J. McGrath has made the following appointments: Father Enzie J. Lagattuta Father Joseph M. Benedict Father Joseph A. Page Father José A. Rubio Interim Dean of Deanery 3, Jan. 1 – June 30, 2018 Sabbatical, January 1 – June 30, 2018 Sabbatical, January 1 – March 31, 2018 Sabbatical, January 1 – June 30, 2018 The Valley Catholic Publisher Bishop Patrick J. McGrath Executive Editor and Communications Director Liz Sullivan [email protected] Production Manager Yesenia Cabrera Hall [email protected] Business Manager Karen Levesque [email protected] 1150 N. First Street, Suite 100, San Jose, CA 95112-4966 (408) 983-0260 PHONE | (408) 983-0295 FAX [email protected] | tvc.dsj.org The Valley Catholic (ISSN 8750-6238) is published for the Diocese of San José, 19 times a year: twice monthly except in August, December, and January (when one issue is published). The Valley Catholic is not published in July. Periodical postage paid at San Jose, CA and additional mailing offices. The Valley Catholic is dated and mailed to all registered households in the Diocese of San Jose. Subscriptions: $25 per year within Santa Clara County; $35 per year outside Santa Clara County Postmaster: Send address changes to: Diocese of San José, 1150 North First Street, Suite 100, San Jose, CA 95112-4966 Opinions, quotes, and views appearing in The Valley Catholic do not necessarily reflect those of The Valley Catholic and do not represent an endorsement by The Valley Catholic. Acceptance of advertising for publication in The Valley Catholic does not constitute approval or endorsement by The Valley Catholic. Address all letters, news releases, advertising inquiries, circulation, and/or subscription requests to The Valley Catholic at the address listed above, or e-mail at [email protected]. December 12 13 14 15 16 17 19 20 22 23 24 Tues, 7 p.m., Mass, Simbang Gabi Sendoff, Saint John the Baptist Church, Milpitas Wed, 5:30 p.m., The Bishop’s Circle of Excellence Christmas Open House, San Jose Thurs, 11 a.m., DACA Support Rally, Most Holy Trinity Parish, San Jose Thurs, 2 p.m., Meeting of the Bishop’s Cabinet, Diocesan Offices, San Jose Thurs, 5:30 p.m., The Bishop’s Circle of Excellence Christmas Open House, San Jose Fri, 6 p.m., Christmas Open House for ALFSV, San Jose Sat, 5:30 a.m., Mass, Simbang Gabi, Holy Family Church, San Jose Sat, 5 p.m., Mass, Simbang Gabi, Saint Lawrence Church, Santa Clara Sun, 2 p.m., Clergy Christmas Open House, San Jose Tues, 7 p.m., Mass, Simbang Gabi, Saint Francis of Assisi Church, San Jose Wed, 7 p.m., Young Adult Ministry Dinner, Loyola Hall, Saint Joseph Cathedral Parish Fri, 12:30 p.m., Chancery Christmas Open House, San Jose Sat, 7 p.m., Mass, 50 th Anniversary of Priestly Ordination, Saint John the Baptist Church, Milpitas Sun, Christmas Midnight Mass, Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph, San Jose January 9 10