6
November 19, 2019 | The Valley Catholic
COMMUNITY
ON A FIRM FOUNDATION: Anticipating Anticipation
tion of the greatest GIFT of all time, we
are using the time to prepare, to move
closer to our best selves. We do this
through action, advocacy and prayer.
We take ornaments off the giving tree
at church. We adopt a family who we
By Mary Quilici Aumack
Chief Executive Officer
The Catholic Community
Foundation of Santa Clara
County
I’m a broken record sometimes. In
my writing, themes repeat themselves.
Far overriding all others is that of
gratitude for the “why” of us: The real
presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
As we head toward Advent, we do
so in joyful “anticipation of anticipa-
tion.” One of the reasons I shy away
from surprise parties, especially if
people are coming from out of town
to help celebrate, is that they deny the
honoree the joy of anticipation. Know-
ing also allows the honoree to “spiff
up” a little and present his/her best self.
And yet, even though the birthday girl
or retiree knows it’s coming, there can
be surprise and joy in the photo array
or video or corny skit that is done in
his/her honor.
Isn’t it the same with Advent? We
are not only anticipating our celebra-
urgy, reading discussion, we receive
unexpected joy in just remembering
that this story unfolded for US. That
this savior came down, fully human,
KNOWING of impending suffering
and death, for us.
Or sometimes, through prayer, liturgy, reading discussion,
we receive unexpected joy in just remembering that this
story unfolded for US. That this savior came down, fully
human, KNOWING of impending suffering and death, for us.
will probably never meet. When our
daughter was growing up, we would
take a tiny book and place it on our
Advent tree every day starting with
December 1. These books tell the story
of the Nativity.
And as we prepare, we are ready
to be bowled over by unanticipated
joy. This could be from an unexpected
guest, a particularly moving card, or a
funny and perfect gift.
Or sometimes, through prayer, lit-
Mary prepared, and waited in great
expectation. And yet, I suspect she ex-
perienced quite unexpected joy when
she first held the ineffable fruits of the
most important “YES” in the history
of the world.
So, we look forward, in gratitude
for the past. In gratitude for a gift that
we may never truly comprehend. We
choose to “make a difference,” to BE the
Body of Christ in the world, to improve
our communities, strengthen our par-
ishes and pray with our families. To
evangelize: spreading the good news is
pretty easy this time of year. Through
these actions, we continue the story.
This is what legacy is. It is our
formalized looking forward, showing
gratitude by providing FOREV ER
VALUE for parishes, schools, or any
ministry that has been important to
our story.
We dare to anticipate eternal life, to
IMAGINE being forever in the direct
presence of God. The joy is almost too
much to grasp.
As we anticipate with great joy the
wonderous gift, I invite you to be in
discussion with us about preserving
your legacy, through gifts both tangible
and intangible. Through support of
ministry, and in prayer.
Happy anticipation!
Visit our website: www.cfoscc.org.
“Bunching” with a Donor Advised Fund
A new strategy for
supporting ministries you love
and
maximizing your charitable tax deductions
How it Works
Donate lump sum for your next few years
of charitable donations to your Donor
Advised Fund at the Catholic Community
Foundation of Santa Clara County
Celebrating Halloween the Gospel Way
Get a tax deducation for the full amount
of your donation in 2019
Advise grants to charities across the
US from your DAF with no time limit
while your money grows tax free
[email protected]
408.995.5219
www.cfoscc.org
By Joanna Thurmann,
Saint Julie Billiart Parish
For over 7 years, youth at Saint Julie
Billiart Parish have celebrated Hallow-
een the Gospel way. They were guided
by the words of Matthew 25:35.
“For I was hungry and you gave me
something to eat, I was thirsty and you
gave me something to drink.”
In the weeks prior to Halloween,
the faith formation youth group at
the parish passed out flyers in the
neighborhood announcing that they
would return on October 27 to collect
non-perishable goods and monetary
donations for families in need. The
activity was dubbed “Trick-or-Treat for
Jesus” in its inaugural year and quickly
caught on with the neighbors, who look
forward to the annual tradition.
This Halloween season, 57 youth
participated in the charitable drive
and collected over 250 bags of food to
be distributed by the Saint Julie’s Food
Pantry to needy families – just in time
for Thanksgiving. The activity is not
only an excellent way to help the most
vulnerable, but also an excellent bridge-
builder between the youth and the
broader community, and a meaning-
ful opportunity to live out the Gospel
message.