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October 8, 2019 | The Valley Catholic
COMMUNITY
ON A FIRM FOUNDATION: Steps on the Journey
By Mary Quilici Aumack
Chief Executive Officer
The Catholic Community
Foundation of Santa Clara
County
Last week I had dinner with Father
Mark Arnzen. I often have the op-
portunity to meet with pastors, hear
about life in their parishes, and discuss
challenges, ideas, and ultimately hope.
When I got home I texted Father Mark
and said “you are an important step in
my journey.” This got me to thinking
about my journey, and the people who
have made marks along the way.
If you’ve read this column for any
amount of time, you know that I con-
tinually ask one question: “Why am I the
lucky one to have a strong and comfort-
ing faith?” It occurs to me that my gift of
faith has been strengthened by steps in
the journey, my faith journey. (Diocese
of Spokane) Bishop (Thomas) Daly says
that my faith is strengthened because I
possess a willing openness to it, and a
real desire to strengthen my relationship
with God. Well, then that’s a gift too, for
which I am deeply grateful.
My parents were people of great
faith, LIVED faith. They worshipped
and got involved, at Saint Justin Parish
and later at Notre Dame High School.
We often mark the first steps of toddlers,
an important and celebrated occurrence.
With my parents I had the first steps in
my faith journey. This continued at Saint
Justin, Notre Dame and Gonzaga. These
institutions provided the framework,
but my life steps on the journey went
well beyond.
Throughout this journey, my faith
remains strong. And it has been tested:
• When so many leaders in the insti-
tution of the church sinned against
children and/or covered it up
• When our nephew was taken from
us so young
• When our niece developed brain
cancer
• When my friend and mentor Bob
Peters slipped away from us in a
fog of dementia, way too soon
• When all four of our parents
(Doug’s and mine) experienced
rough end of life
On the way home from one of our
cherished road trips, Doug & I listened
to a podcast about “believers and non-
believers.” It emphasized (and I agree),
that what you believe or don’t believe
Have you named
the Church in
your estate plan?
does not entirely define one’s life. Many
atheists live as Jesus would want us to
live, and many so-called Christians do
not. With great respect for nonbelievers
who set examples of behavior and con-
tribution, I am grateful to be a believer.
In recent years, in church life as well
as in political life, there is growing po-
larization. Labels such as “progressive
or traditional” try to define us. We shy
away from an organization or conver-
sation because we presuppose that the
content or message will be disagreeable
to us. This is nonsense. The “why” of us,
deep gratitude for the real presence of
Jesus in our lives, can and must tran-
scend these differences. I have good
friends in the clergy who, if classified,
would fall in both these categories. This
means nothing to me. Their works and
love for the broader community are
what matter.
What do I seek in my next steps?
A deeper prayer life. I’m interested in
exploring prayer. I am also interested in
tools to help young families with their
prayer life, strengthening the domestic
Church and fostering vocations. This is
why I am pleased that my friend Father
Gerardo Menchaca is leading the evan-
gelization team for the Diocese, with a
segment just for family life. I am also
grateful that Bishop Cantú is focused on
a culture of encounter and vocations. I
pray for ongoing renewal in the Church
that only comes from humility and trust
in God, with the intercession of Mary.
In my work, there are countless peo-
ple: bishops, religious, priests, donors,
beneficiaries, my “work family,” and all
colleagues, who add challenge, richness
and context to my faith. Each exhibits
gratitude that manifests in generosity,
and the desire to provide FOREVER
VALUE to the institutions and minis-
tries that have formed us.
On October 12 we hold our annual
Mass for members of the Society of Saint
Joseph, who have remembered institu-
tions and programs of the Church in
their estate plans. Together with Bishop
Cantú we celebrate these providers of
FOREVER VALUE.
So, I continue to walk this journey.
Last week I had coffee with my friend
Vicki Viso. We talked specifically about
the journey: the fact that it’s tough and
wonderful, and bolstered by faith. Yes-
terday I chatted with Don McGovern,
who is working to grow a tuition as-
sistance endowment for Saint Simon
parish. This morning I’m meeting Fr.
Joseph Benedict for Mass and coffee. We
will complain about things, laugh, share
stories, and ultimately talk about faith
and prayer. Another step in my journey,
for which I am so very grateful.
Visit our website: www.cfoscc.org.
Become a member of the
Society of Saint Joseph
We want to thank you for your
generosity and welcome you as a
member of this honorary Society.
SAVE THE DATE:
Second Annual
Legacy Mass & Reception
October 12, 10:30am
Mass with Bishop Cantú
Formal invitation to follow
for Society memebers
in partnership with
To learn more:
visit cfoscc.org/SocietyofSaintJoseph
call 408.995.5219
email [email protected]
Celebrating the 10th Anniversary with Bishop Oscar Cantú and the Prayer Shawl Ministry.
Saint Francis of Assisi Parish Prayer Shawl
Ministry - The Silent Evangelists
For the past decade, approximately
20 women meet every Thursday in the
Fireside Room at Saint Francis of Assisi
Parish to use their skilled hands to knit
or crochet shawls/blankets for those
suffering from illness or any challenge
to their body, mind or spirit.
Through word of mouth only, the
Ministry has provided over 1,500
shawls to those who have made re-
quests on behalf of loved ones or
friends. Over 1,500 handmade shawls
filled with prayers, hope, and the
knowledge to the recipients that they
are not alone.
The Silent Evangelists - the Prayer
Shawl Ministry, offer a loving extension
of our faith in God, our church and the
gifts of prayer, in a warm, soft shawl.
We extend an invitation to anyone
who would like to join us in prayer and
offer your skills with yarn and needles,
if you choose. We welcome you any
Thursday from 4 – 6 p.m. in the Fireside
Room. Donations gratefully accepted.
For more information contact the
office at Saint Francis of Assisi Parish
at (408) 223-1562.