The Valley Catholic
community
November 5, 2013
21
Father Greg Boyle’s work with former
gang members inspires Saint Francis
High School community
Father Greg Boyle, founder of a gang
intervention program, encouraged
Saint Francis High School (Mtn. View)
students to forge meaningful relationships with others, especially those living on the margins.
Father Boyle is Executive Director of
Homeboy Industries, gang intervention
rehab and re-entry program. He was a
recent guest speaker who told stories
about his work with former gang members, illustrating what it means to fully
embrace and have kinship with one
another. “There’s no ‘us’ and ‘them,’”
he said. “No kinship, no peace. No kinship, no justice.”
Saint Francis has special ties to Father Boyle. His book Tattoos of the Heart
was the school-wide book this past
summer and chronicles his 20 years of
working with gang members. For the
past two years, students have gone to
Dolores Mission, where Father Boyle
runs Homeboy Industries, as part of the
school’s immersion program.
Senior Paulina Bajet took part in the
SoCal Plunge last winter, spending a
weekend in service work, and as part
of that immersion experience, she and
other participants met employees of
Homeboy Industries. “You could see
how everyone loves Father Boyle and
how they care for him,” Paulina said.
Father Boyle has been recognized
‘Wellsprings of
Discipleship’
retreat held at
St. Julie Parish
As part of St. Julie Billiart Parish’s
40th anniversary celebration, a retreat
for staff members, leaders and volunteers was organized by the newly
formed Spirituality Council of the
parish, Oct. 12.
“Wellsprings of Discipleship” was
the theme for the day of prayer, Scripture readings, singing and reflection
under guidance of Sister Miriam
Malone, SNJM, with some 60 people
in attendance.
Sister Miriam led them through a
process of reflection about ministry
by sharing stories about her baptismal
call and call to ministry. Each participant also shared a story with another
person.
Sister Miriam tied it all together
with input on intentional discipleship.
Three wellsprings of discipleship – the
Word of God, liturgy and parish community – were presented. The importance of all ministries was stressed.
She suggested that those who have
been in the same ministry for 10 or 20
years might want to consider changing
ministries. The retreat concluded with
a ritual of Renewal and Commitment
led by pastor, Father Saju Joseph.
– Kathy Herrington
by many groups for his efforts to help
youth achieve a life of hope. He began
by establishing a school for young
teens who had been expelled from
other schools. Over the years, Homeboy Industries has grown. Those who
want to escape gang life can work in a
bakery or cafe and have access to clinical services.
Saint Francis Principal Patricia Tennant said Father Boyle was a fitting
speaker because his message of bringing hope to others echoes the mission
of the school.
“To our Saint Francis students he
gave a very clear challenge: he called
them to walk beyond the circle of their
lives, to reach out to the poor and
disadvantaged, and to create a world
where there is no ‘us’ and ‘them,’ only
us,” she said. “How clearly this fits
with the call of Father Moreau, who
founded the Holy Cross Congregation, to become people with hope to
bring, most especially, to those who
have need.”
Bishop Patrick J. McGrath greets Carmelites at Carmelite Monastery in San Jose.
Annual diocesan Third Order Mass celebrated
By Father Donald Kinney, OCD
On Oct. 12, more than 200 people
attended a Mass for Third Orders of the
Diocese of San Jose. This is the eighth
annual Third Order Mass to celebrate
vocations and contributions of the laity
Villa Siena hosts fall Hawaiian luau fundraiser
Villa Siena, Senior Living Community in Mountain View, hosted a
Hawaiian luau fundraising event, Oct.
12. Over 280 friends and supporters
attended, with proceeds benefiting the
Villa Siena Foundation which helps
support residents regardless of their
financial resources.
Villa Siena, sponsored by the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent d