The Valley Catholic February 21, 2017 | Page 11

tvc . dsj . org | February 21 , 2017 spirituality 11 parishes from the Diocese of San Jose and the Diocese of Oakland team up for a Middle School Retreat
Ministry to the Sick & Homebound Training
Most Rev . Patrick J . McGrath & Rev . Christopher Bennett
13-Days : September 11 to 23 , 2017
Only $ 3,599 from San Francisco ( SFO ) Plus $ 740 in airport taxes , security fees , current fuel surcharges , and $ 165 in tips .
tvc . dsj . org | February 21 , 2017 spirituality 11 parishes from the Diocese of San Jose and the Diocese of Oakland team up for a Middle School Retreat
Middle school youth and leaders from all over the diocese gather for a fi nal group photo .
On January 28-29 , 73 middle school students from 6 different parishes experienced an overnight retreat at Camp Maymac in Felton , CA . The parishes included Saint Catherine ’ s , Saint Lucy ’ s , Saint Martin of Tours , Sacred Heart , Queen of Apostles from the Diocese of San Jose and Saint Joseph Basilica Parish in Alameda , from the Diocese of Oakland . The retreat theme was “ The Amazing Race ,” with sessions entitled , “ Mental Prep ,” “ Endurance ,” “ Hydrate ,” and “ Nutrition .”
The coordinators of the retreat , Youth Ministers from 8 different parishes including Saint Thomas Aquinas and Saint Simon , were inspired by Saint Paul ’ s writings - “ Do you not know that the runners in the stadium all run in the race , but only one wins the prize ? Run so as to win . Every athlete exercises discipline in every way . They do it to win a perishable crown , but we an imperishable one ” ( 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 ).
The session speakers used the example of a runner in a race to emphasize what is most important for the middle
schoolers to know for their “ race ” to heaven . This included knowing God had a plan for them to be on the retreat , and that although being a disciple isn ’ t easy , God gives His amazing grace to persevere towards the prize that lasts forever : His abundant love !
Megan Lott , Youth Minister at Saint Martin of Tours and speaker for the “ Hydrate ” talk , preceded an evening of confession . She explained how like a runner needs water during a race , so too disciples need to be reconciled with Jesus frequently . At one point in the evening , the room filled with voices singing “ Lord I Need You ” by Matt Maher as Deacon Matthew Murray processed around with the Blessed Sacrament to each person .
In addition to the sessions , the retreat was packed with small group discussions , praise and worship , and whole lot of messy games ( shaving cream , paint , corn starch , etc )! The retreat concluded with a Mass presided by Father Robert from Sacred Heart for the participants and their parents .
Ministry to the Sick & Homebound Training
Many people in our diocese wish to receive Holy Communion but because of illness or infirmity are unable to do so on their own . Providing opportunities for the hospitalized , the homebound and those in nursing homes and other health-care institutions to receive Holy Communion is an important responsibility of the Church as a whole as well as for individuals within each parish .
The Ministry to the Sick & Homebound depends on faith , compassion and prayerful presence . It becomes more effective when there is understanding , effective communication , and familiarity with good pastoral care practices . Participants in this training series will engage in opportunities to learn , share and practice elements of this ministry to enhance their skills and resources .
This training series is designed for parish ministers who currently work with or are interested in working with the sick and or homebound in their parish .
Dates : March 2 , 9 , 16 , 23 and 30 ( a make-up session for only one missed class is April 20 ) from 7-8:30 p . m ., at O ’ Connor Hospital - 2105 Forest Avenue , San Jose . Cost : FREE ( a $ 100 fee is charged for registration that will be returned after completion of the training series if all 5 sessions are attended ). Register by contacting Candee Lucas at CandeeLucas @ Verity . org or ( 408 ) 947- 2500 x4400 by March 1 . Bring a check made payable to Diocese of San Jose for the fee at the first session .
Prices starting at $ 2,499 ~ with Airfare Included in this price from anywhere in the USA
Several trips to different destinations : the Holy Land ; Italy ; France , Portugal , & Spain ; Poland ; Medjugorje , Lourdes , & Fatima ; Ireland & Scotland ; England ; Austria , Germany , & Switzerland ; Greece & Turkey ; Budapest ; Prague ; Our Lady of Guadalupe ; Colombia ; Brazil ; Argentina ; Domestic Destinations ; etc …
We also specialize in custom trips for Bishops , Priests , and Deacons .
Call us 24 / 7 508-340-9370 Hablamos Español 855-842-8001 www . proximotravel . com anthony @ proximotravel . com
From Ashes to Glory : A Lenten Refl ection with Dan Schutte
As we prepare for the holiest of seasons , Schutte will engage you in music , Gospel stories and reflections that invite you to enter the journey of Lent on March 18 from 10 a . m . -3 p . m . at Holy Family Parish , 4848 Pearl Ave ., San Jose . This mission is designed to help you renew your faith and deepen your commitment to Christ by immersing yourself in faith , bringing light to a world steeped in darkness . For more information , please contact , Christina Fenn at cfenn @ dsj . org or ( 408 ) 265-4040 .

A Pilgrimage to the Marian Shrines of Lourdes , Fatima & Santiago de Compostela

Plus Lisbon , Bom Jesus , San Sebastian , Santander & More ! During the 100th Anniversary Year of the Fatima Apparitions
Under the Spiritual Direction of :
Most Rev . Patrick J . McGrath & Rev . Christopher Bennett
13-Days : September 11 to 23 , 2017
Only $ 3,599 from San Francisco ( SFO ) Plus $ 740 in airport taxes , security fees , current fuel surcharges , and $ 165 in tips .
Download Brochure & Registration : www . GoCatholicTravel . com / Bennett
Or Call Catholic Travel Centre : ( 800 ) 553-5233