St. Mel Parish News

Coming Back to St. Mel Parish

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 12:43:00 GMT

Support Group for Separated and Divorced Women. This support group, facilitated by Rose Zeolla, will focus on the growth process that emerges in times of change and loss. Meetings will begin on Monday, August 2, at 7:00 pm in the St. Mel School teachers' lounge. For more information, please contact Sister Marie Paul, ext. 1018 at the Parish Center.

Bereavement Support Group continues to meet every Tuesday! If you are suffering from the loss of a loved one in the past or recently, we welcome you to join our support group on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 in the school faculty room. We offer emotional support, comfort and discussions on how to deal with loss, sorrow and transitions. For more information, contact Sister Marie Paul, ext 1018 at the Parish Center, or leave a message at 818-340-6020, ext. 3012.

Dear Parish Community of St. Mel!

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 13:03:00 GMT

Much has been written and preached about the prayer Jesus taught His disciples in today's Gospel (Luke 11:1-13). But perhaps a story will help unfold for us the true meaning of the "Our Father."

One day a country priest was visiting his parishioners in the mountains of France. While travelling on an isolated stretch of road, he happened to see a young shepherd boy tending the sheep on the hillside. Struck with the boy's devout and recollected appearance, the priest stopped to speak with him. "You must feel very lonely all day here by yourself."

"Oh, no, father," the little boy said, "I am not at all lonely, for I always have something to do." "And what do you do?" asked the priest. "I have a beautiful prayer that I say," replied the shepherd boy, it is a very short one, and yet I can never get to the end of it." "What do you mean?" the priest asked. "I try to pray the Our Father," answered the boy, "but when I say the first words, 'Our Father,' I come to a stop and can get no further."

"Why so?" asked the priest. "Because I cannot help crying," replied the boy. "When I say those words, I think to myself, is it possible that I have God for my Father? God, who made that beautiful sky, that bright sun, those lofty mountains, and all the universe!? And yet, I know that it is true. God allows me, a poor shepherd boy, to call Him by the name 'Father.' And God, on His part, loves and cherishes me as if I were God's only child. And so, when I think of all this, I begin to weep, and I cannot get on with my prayer."

"Look over there," the boy continued, pointing his finger across the valley, "see, there is the little village where I live. It is very small, and has only a few poor cottages. My family is the poorest of all. And yet, I can call God my Father as truly, and be as much loved by Him, as if I were the most important person in Paris. I am just as much a child of God. That is what makes me weep, and keeps me from finishing my prayer."

"No matter," replied the priest, much moved, "do as you have been doing, and God will continue to love and bless you." And the smiling priest went on his way, praising Almighty God, who has hidden the mysteries of His goodness from the proud and the worldly wise, and has revealed them to His chosen little ones (cf. Matthew 11:25).

I have long since lost the reference for this story. But I'm grateful to the person who wrote it so that I may share it with you. May it be a source of reflection and inspiration to you as it has been for me.

Msgr. Helmut Hefner

Grocery Shopping can Benefit our Schools

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 13:00:00 GMT

You can help Saint Mel School and Saint Mel Preschool while doing your regular shopping. Participation in these programs costs you nothing.

Escrip/Vons Card
Register your Vons Card, credit cards and ATM/Debit cards with e-Scrip and a percentage of your purchases will be donated to our schools. To register go to www.escrip.com or call 1-800-801- 4973. St. Mel's ID number is 137715653.

Ralphs Card
Register your Ralphs Rewards Card at www.ralphs.com and a percentage of your purchases will be donated to Saint Mel Schools. St. Mel's NPO number is 84626.

Confirmation

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 12:49:00 GMT

Confirmation Registration is going on now! All teens wishing to enroll in the sacramental classes may come to the Parish Center to pick up a registration packet.

Confirmation Parent Orientation will be held on Sunday, September 26, immediately following the 5 pm evening Mass, from 6:15 pm-7:30 pm in the Activity Center.

Confirmation classes are held on the 1st and 2nd Sunday of the month, October- May from 3 pm-4:45 pm concluding with the 5 pm Mass. The Confirmation program is a two-year process for all high school students. There is an annual fee of $225 that is due at time of registration. Confirmation student orientation will be held Sunday, October 3rd from 3 pm-4:45 pm concluding with the Teen Mass at 5 pm.

We are also looking for energetic adults who can help facilitate small groups with our growing number of teen enrollment in our program. We are in need of 5 adults who have the desire to work with teens. If you feel called to sharing your gifts, please fee free to contact us for more information at (818) 340-6020, ext. 1015.

Also, for more information on registration, please see our website at www.stmelparish. org or www.stmelyouth.org.

Download:

Time to Register for 2010 Religious Education

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 12:47:00 GMT

Registration forms for children, ages 2-14 for the 2010-2011 Religious Education classes are available in the Parish Center.

Coffee and Donut Volunteers Needed

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 12:42:00 GMT

It is that time of year again, where we are asking for you to host Coffee and Donuts after Sunday morning masses. This is an opportunity for you to help bring St. Mel families and friends together. It has helped build so many St. Mel friendships over the years. If you would like to host or are interested in helping out please contact Monica Matthews at (818) 992-5208

Baptism in Faith

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 08:00:00 GMT

Are you thinking of having a child baptized at St. Mel? The sacrament of Baptism is typically celebrated here on the third and fourth Sundays of each month at 1:00pm. Parents and godparents must attend one class in order to fulfill one of the parish requirements for baptism preparation. Please note: Upcoming baptism preparation classes will be held upstairs in the Parish Center at 7 pm on Monday evenings, July 12th (instead of July 5th), August 2nd, and September 13th (instead of September 6th). Please call Pat Andre at 818 340-6020, ext 1022 to make an appointment to have your child baptized.

Divine Mercy

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 20:34:00 GMT

Mass & Healing Service
Fr. Bill Adams,
Wednesday, July 28 at 6:30 pm;

Mass and Healing Service,
Fr. Ramon Valera,
Wednesday, August 18 at 6:30 pm;

Mass & Healing Service,
Fr. Michael Sears,
Wednesday, September 15 at 6:30 pm.

Claudia (818) 342-6626, divinemercyclaudia@ earthlink.net, apostlesofdivinemercy.org

Pastor's Corner

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 21:55:00 GMT

Dear Parish Community of St. Mel!

The story told in today's Gospel (Luke 10:38-42) describes a common situation repeated millions of times daily in households all over the world. Whether it's siblings complaining about each other, parents complaining about children, or a spouse complaining about the other's inactivity, the theme is always the same: "Why don't you help me!" or more indirectly: "Tell him/her to help me!" Quite often there are solid reasons behind the complaint. But there may also be something else at work. So what makes this Gospel story special? Jesus was there and it became a teaching moment, and as such, it made its way into the Gospel of St. Luke. So we find Martha complaining to Jesus that Mary was not doing her share. Yet Jesus rebukes Martha about being "anxious and worried about many things" and challenges her to imitate Mary who "has chosen the better part."

Because this story is found in the Scriptures, it has been a great source of inspiration and reflection, and perhaps aggravation, for over 1900 years. Quite often Mary and Martha are used as examples of the greater importance of prayer versus activity. But this approach is an oversimplification. Perhaps we can look at this story in a way that teaches us to spend more quality time living in the present moment. Mary can teach us the importance of attentiveness, of paying attention to what is most important. Spending time with Jesus is certainly more important than the details of hospitality. In fact, spending time with the guest is the best way to show hospitality. Another application of this story is to remind us that so many of us have the tendency to define ourselves by what we do, and not by who we are. As a result, we often overburden ourselves with tasks that fulfill our own expectations of ourselves. And we resent others for not helping us in fulfilling the tasks we have imposed on ourselves. Finally, for some, activity becomes an escape from relationship. It is easier for some to do things for others rather than spending time with them when words of encouragement or affection are really what is needed.

It may be that one or more of the aforementioned human tendencies were at work in Martha. We can only guess. But for us the lesson is clear: we need to be more attentive to the present moment because that is where God is to be found. And that is what Jesus is telling Martha. In this point, religion and psychology intersect. Our saints, especially those who taught and wrote about the spiritual life, and psychologists who try to rescue people from the frenzied pace of contemporary living; agree on this course of action. For us who believe in Jesus, God is in the here and now. And living in God's presence is the only way to peace and happiness. May we learn this lesson well!

Msgr. Helmut Hefner

RCIA Inquiry Meetings

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 21:51:00 GMT

RCIA Inquiry Meetings
July 27 and August 24, 2010
7:00-8:30 pm in the Adult Room of the Activity Center

Are you interested in learning more about the Catholic faith?
Are you an adult baptized Catholic who would like to continue your sacramental preparation (Eucharist and/or Confirmation)?
Are you a baptized Christian who is feeling drawn to the Catholic tradition?
Are you a seeker? A person who has not grown up in a specific faith tradition but would like to develop a relationship with a faith community?
Do you know someone who is interested in knowing more about the Catholic faith?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, RCIA may be for you!Please call or email Sister Marie Paul to register for one or both of these inquiry classes:818-340-6020 ext.1018 OR smpgrech@ stmel.org

Best Wishes to Cheyenne Vasquez

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 21:50:00 GMT

It is with many best wishes that we say good-by to Cheyenne Vasquez, our Coordinator of Confirmation and Teen Ministry. She leaves us after two years to take a fulltime position closer to her home. Cheyenne, thank you for your service to the teens of St. Mel Parish. We wish you many of God's blessings in your future endeavors.

Confirmation Registration

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 21:48:00 GMT

Confirmation Registration is going on now. Stop by the Parish Center to pick up your registration packet.

Religious Education News

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 21:47:00 GMT

Time to Register for 2010 Religious Education Registration forms for children, ages 2-14 for the 2010-2011 Religious Education classes are available in the Parish Center.

Congratulations to Maria Uribe

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 21:43:00 GMT

We are very pleased to announce that His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI has bestowed the highest papal honor of Dame of Saint Gregory the Great upon our parishioner, Maria Uribe. Maria was invested in a ceremony at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels on June 26. Congratulations, Maria!

Upcoming Schedule For Virtus Classes At St. Mel

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 21:39:00 GMT

Monday, August 9, Thursday, August 12, and Tuesday, August 17th from 6:30 until 9:30 pm. Call the Parish Center at (818) 340-6020, ext. 1025 to sign up.

St. Mel Elementary School Year 2010-2011 Registration

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 21:36:00 GMT

St. Mel Elementary School (gr. K-8) has limited openings for the 2010-2011 school year. If you are interested, please download an application from our website at www.stmel.org or stop by the School Office for paperwork. Questions? Please call us (818) 340- 1924.

Preschool Registration

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 21:35:00 GMT

If you are considering enrolling your child in our Preschool, now is the time to make an appointment for a Parent Orientation Tour. The tour is a necessary introduction for all parents and is the first step in the enrollment process. After the tour, parents may add their name to the mailing list to receive registration and enrollment information. Registered St. Mel parishioners have priority in this process. Please call the Preschool Office (340-3180) to make a tour appointment soon.

Vacation Bible School

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 16:48:00 GMT

Dates: July 26-30
Time: 8:45 am-12:15 pm
Ages: 3-11

REGISTER TODAY!
Groups are filling fast!
Forms available at the Parish Center or call (818) 340-6020, ext. 1022

Bible Stories * Arts and Crafts * Recreation and Games * Music. . . .and Fun!

Dear Parish Community of St. Mel!

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 20:38:00 GMT

At first glance, the story of the Good Samaritan in today's Gospel (Luke 10:25-37) is as current as this morning's paper or the evening news. It's the story of a mugging, of violence in the streets. No matter where we live, we know about such violence, we know about crime. But the story is not about the victim of the crime, the man left half-dead on the side of the road to Jericho. It is about the people who come in contact with this unfortunate individual. We are presented with two different attitudes. And we are challenged to look at our own lives to discern where we fit.

The first attitude is one of indifference. The priest and Levite displayed that attitude when they passed on the opposite side of the road from the victim. Of course, they had excuses. What if the man were already dead? Then touching a corpse would make them unfit for Temple worship, according to Jewish law, requiring them to undergo a purification ritual. That would have been way too much trouble! Or the robbers could still be lying in wait, using the victim as bait to bring them more victims. One has to be prudent about this, not taking any unnecessary risks! So the priest and Levite went on, undoubtedly feeling justified in their excuses.

But then we meet the Samaritan who "was moved with compassion at the sight." There are no excuses, just an immediate response to a desperate need. The Samaritan did what was necessary to save this individual. Although we are never given his name, he will forever be remembered as the "Good Samaritan." Of course, the fact that he was a Samaritan is not lost in the story. The priest and Levite, who knew God's law and worshiped according to its precepts, did not put it into practice. Yet the Samaritan, despised by the Jewish people, a heretic, did put God's law into practice and showed himself to be the true neighbor.

Our lives are filled with opportunities to be "Good Samaritans." How do we respond? What are the excuses that get in the way? God's compassion moves in and through us when we cross boundaries of indifference and prejudice to reach out to others in need. And God's compassion is the road to eternal life if we live this truth: to love our neighbor is to love God.

Msgr. Helmut Hefner

Confirmation

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 20:36:00 GMT

Confirmation Registration is going on now. Stop by the Parish Center to pick up your registration packet.

Steward In Action - Ruth Sullivan

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 20:24:00 GMT

This month in our "Stewardship in Action" column, we highlight long time parishioner, Ruth Sullivan. Ruth is truly one of the pillars of our parish, having watched the parish grow from its foundation with its early days at the Canoga Park Theatre, to today with its thriving ministries.

Over the years, Ruth has participated in many St. Mel Parish activities and organizations. She was active in the guilds, the women's club, adult club, and school parent organizations, and as Fr. O'Connor's secretary. Today, at almost 90, Ruth continues to serve as Eucharistic Minister to the Sick at Motion Picture Hospital and Kaiser, as volunteer receptionist at the Parish Center, and, most recently, as volunteer "secretary" for Sister Marie Paul. Ruth is most proud of her service as a founding member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Mission Circle, an organization chartered 35 years ago, which has served a broad community of those in need! The Mission Circle has provided financial support to seminarians in various African countries and in Alaska, as well as in our own diocese; has helped build a school for orphaned boys in India; has supported the work of the Sisters of St. Louis among the poor in Brazil; has contributed to the missionary work of the Sisters of Notre Dame in Uganda; supported L.A.M.P., an organization that helps immigrant families learn English and develop parenting skills; and consistently over 25 years has, at Christmastime, provided food and toys to poverty-stricken families. It is no wonder that Ruth is so proud of the work of this fine group of people, who, as Ruth says, "did what we could, in the years that we could." We at St. Mel Parish also applaud the work of this group, one of our best kept secrets-and thank Ruth and all those who have shared this ministry with her!

Ruth tells those who may be new to or not yet involved in the parish that they need to get involved and take advantage of the many choices St. Mel has to offer. She says simply, "Find a place and you won't regret it."

St. Mel Class of 1969 Reunion

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 20:16:00 GMT

Saturday, August 14th beginning at 6:30 pm in the Activity Center. For further information call Brian McGinnis at (760) 666-7417.

Upcoming Schedule For Virtus Classes At St. Mel

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 20:14:00 GMT

St. Mel will be offering virtus training throughout the summer months. The next classes are Sunday, July 11th, 12:30-3:30 pm, Monday, July 12, 6-9 pm and Wednesday, July 14, 9 am - 12 noon. Call the Parish Center at (818) 340-6020, ext. 1025 for additional dates and times.

Welcome Fr. Vivian Ben Lima!

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 20:02:00 GMT

We are happy to welcome Fr. Vivian Ben Lima as our newly appointed Associate Pastor. Fr. Lima was born in India and immigrated to the United States in 1972. He studied at Cal Poly, Pomona where he received degrees in Architecture and Business Administration. He then worked as an architect in San Bernardino. He entered St. John's Seminary in 1980 and was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in 1985. Fr. Lima has ministered in a number of parishes as an Associate Pastor. In addition, he has held archdiocesan positions involving Liturgy and Music, as well as Ecumenical and Interreligious matters. Fr. Lima comes to St. Mel with a wide range of pastoral, professional, and educational experiences. We are happy to have him join our parish community!

Life Teen

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 20:00:00 GMT

Confirmation Registration is going on now. Stop by the Parish Center to pick up your registration packet.

Upcoming Schedule For Virtus Classes

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 19:55:00 GMT

At St. Mel St. Mel will be offering virtus training throughout the summer months. The next classes are Sunday, July 11th, 12:30-3:30 pm, Monday, July 12, 6-9 pm and Wednesday, July 14, 9 am - 12 noon. Call the Parish Center at (818) 340-6020, ext. 1025 for additional dates and times.

Worldwide Marriage Encounter

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 19:48:00 GMT

The Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend helps couples discover each other again. The next WWME Weekends are July 30 - August 1 in Woodland Hills September 17-19 in Ventura. Please contact Russ and Jeanine Walker, 805.648.4244 or walkerrjbp@sbcglobal.net or www.wwme.org.

Baptism in Faith

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 16:59:00 GMT

Pastor's Corner

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 17:13:00 GMT

Dear Parish Community of St. Mel!

We are all influenced by our culture, whether as individuals or groups. Christianity in the United States is immersed in a culture of consumerism and materialism. There is a great deal of pressure to "package and sell" Christianity. Of course, there are some valid aspects to this approach. We need to present Christianity as meaningful and attractive. Its teachings need to address the present-day challenges. But this also involves a danger. Christianity can be reduced to a "feel-good" religion with preaching becoming an exercise of telling people what they want to hear. So the preacher can sound like someone trying to sell us a car. In a society that concentrates on immediate gratification and instant results, we look for religion to do the same.

But life isn't that way, is it? Life is often filled with hard choices that require courage and perseverance. And today's Gospel (Luke 9:51-62) presents us with some hard choices. There is first of all the decision Jesus is making when "he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem." That decision would ultimately lead to His crucifixion, and Jesus knew that. The disciples of Jesus were challenged to show that same resoluteness. So the one who promised Jesus: "I will follow you wherever you go," was asked to be aware of the sacrifices that will be required. And another disciple who had, what appeared to be a legitimate excuse of burying his father, is presented with the urgency of the mission: "Let the dead bury their dead. But you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God." Finally, there is not even time to say farewell to one's family, lest that exercise turn the individual away from the task. "No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what is left behind is fit for the kingdom of God."

It is clear from today's Gospel that Jesus is not inviting us to experience a "feelgood" religion. Just as in life, hard choices need to be made and we have to persevere in our decisions. We do not have the luxury of keeping our options open indefinitely. With the help of God's grace we need to move forward and persevere. For most of us, the people we admire are precisely the ones who have done exactly that. They have overcome adversity and they have been true to their faith and commitments. We count them among our relatives and friends; we call them our heroes and our saints. These are the people who were willing to commit to living, not simply the good life, but the meaningful life with courage. What would it take for each one of us to live that way? Real Christianity does not promise to tell us what we want to hear, but what we desperately need to hear. May we be open to that Word and put it into practice.

We congratulate Fr. Larry Neumeier on his appointment as administrator of Incarnation Church in Glendale. Our prayers and best wishes go with him as he begins his new assignment.

Msgr. Helmut Hefner

Peter's Pence Collection

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 17:11:00 GMT

This week our diocese will take up the Peter's Pence Collection, which provides the Holy Father with the assistance he needs to carry out his most important charitable works. The proceeds benefit the most disadvantaged: victims of war, oppression, and disasters. Through your generosity, with Pope Benedict we can cast the love of Christ upon the world.

Fr. Larry Neumeier

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 17:09:00 GMT

Please join us as we celebrate Fr. Larry Neumeier and his three years of priestly ministry at St. Mel Parish Sunday, June 27 at the 11 am Mass followed by a reception in the Activity Center

Teen Life

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 17:08:00 GMT

June 30th-Confirmation and Peer Leader meeting

Steubenville San Diego: July 23-25th, register in the Parish Center!

Confirmation Registration is going on now. Stop by the Parish Center to pick up your registration packet.

Cheyenne Vasquez
Coordinator of Teen Ministry and Confirmation
cvasquez@stmel.org

First Friday Adoration: July 2, 2010

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 16:23:00 GMT

First Friday Adoration will be at 9am with Benediction at 9pm

Parish Center Schedule

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 16:22:00 GMT

The Parish Center will be closed on Sunday, July 4 and Monday July 5 in observance of Independence Day.

Prayers For Priests

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 16:22:00 GMT

Please keep the following priests in your prayers:
6/27 Rev. Isaac Kalina
6/28 Rev. Lawrence Mann
6/29 Rev. Rodolfo D'Agostino
6/30 Rev. Msgr. Patrick McNulty

Worldwide Marriage Encounter

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 16:19:00 GMT

In the world today couples become so involved in the day-to-day concerns of their lives -- job, children, home, social activities -- that they can lose touch with each other and their married relationship. The Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend helps couples discover each other again. The next WWME Weekends are July 30 - August 1 in Woodland Hills and September 17-19 in Ventura. Please contact Russ and Jeanine Walker, 805.648.4244 or walkerrjbp@sbcglobal.net or www.wwme.org.

Divine Mercy

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 16:16:00 GMT

Mass & Healing Service, Fr. Bill Adams, Wednesday, July 28 at 6:30 pm;

Mass and Healing Service, Fr. Ramon Valera, Wednesday, August 18 at 6:30 pm;

Mass & Healing Service, Fr. Michael Sears, Sept 15 at 6:30 pm.

Claudia (818) 342-6626

Upcoming Schedule For Virtus Classes At St. Mel

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 15:51:00 GMT

St. Mel will be offering virtus training throughout the summer months.

The next classes are:
Sunday, June 27, 12:30-3:30 pm
Sunday, July 11, 12:30-3:30 pm
Monday, July 12, 6:00-9:00 pm
Wednesday, July 14, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Call the Parish Center at (818) 340-6020, ext. 1025 for additional dates and times

St. Mel Elementary School Year 2010-2011 Registration

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 15:46:00 GMT

St. Mel Elementary School (gr. K-8) has limited openings for the 2010-2011 school year. If you are interested, please download an application from our website at www.stmel.org or stop by the school office for paperwork. Questions? Please call us (818) 340- 1924.

Preschool Registration

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 15:45:00 GMT

Electronic Giving Program

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 14:58:00 GMT

For your convenience, St. Mel is offering you the opportunity to support your parish through our electronic giving program.

With electronic giving, your offering to St. Mel is automatically deducted from your checking account or charged to your credit card. There are many advantages for both you and the parish:

No more checks to write;
You have the opportunity to decide in advance how much you want to give to the parish based on your financial situation;
You can still participate in the Offertory Collection by dropping your envelope in the basket and marking the box indicating that you are giving electronically;
The parish benefits because your giving is consistent, whether you are at Mass or away for the weekend.

It is easy to participate. Simply complete an authorization form, available at the church exits or in the office, and return it to the Parish Center. That's all there is to it! For more information or questions, call Rosemary McLarty at 340-6020 x1019.

St. Vincent de Paul Bundle Sunday

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 14:42:00 GMT

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul will be sponsoring a Bundle Sunday on June 27 in the church parking lot to collect donated items. Your donations will either be given to the needy or sold in their Thrift Stores to support their charitable activities.

Pastor's Corner

Sat, 19 Jun 2010 17:14:00 GMT

Dear Parish Community of St. Mel!

Congratulations to all fathers on their special day! At the time of this writing it is too early to tell whether congratulations or condolences are in order for Lakers fans. But by the time you read this, we'll know. These days we are aware of the phenomenon of "fans," whether in sports or entertainment. There also used to be fans in politics, but that has definitely dwindled. Being a fan; cheering for one's favorite team or player or star does provide much needed relief from stressful situations. It is an escape from the daily grind. But there is a danger that it can be too much of an escape. Some people live their lives around the activities of their favorite movie or music star. Others are consumed by the athletic exploits of their favorite player or team. Being a fan can become an addiction. And like all addictions, it gets in the way of the reality of life and how we must live.

Jesus had fans. The apostles and disciples often acted more like fans. They would be caught up in the excitement of being with a famous individual. They were less often true disciples, real followers who would take His teachings to heart and live by them. And then there were the crowds. Jesus performed miracles or "signs" to support His teachings. But the crowds concentrated on the show and not the substance (e.g. the multiplication of the loaves, etc.). And of course, we know that fans are fickle. The cheers as Jesus entered Jerusalem soon turned into jeers, calling for His crucifixion.

Jesus does not want fans, He wants followers. Jesus wants true disciples who are willing to apply His teachings to their lives. In today's Gospel (Luke 9:18- 24), Jesus asked His disciples an important question. He began by wanting to know what others had been saying about Him, but then made the question much more personal: "But who do you say that I am?" The answer came: "The Christ of God." "Christ" meaning the "Anointed" of God, the Messiah. But there must have been a hint of the false excitement surrounding "the Messiah" in the disciples' answer because "Jesus rebuked them." They had the right words but didn't really understand what they meant. So Jesus "directed them not to tell this to anyone." The last thing Jesus needed was to have His disciples going around proclaiming Him as the Messiah when they didn't really understand what that meant. They would only be feeding into the prevalent misconceptions. So Jesus explained to them what the real Messiah would be all about. He told them about His suffering, death and resurrection. Jesus also told them what it would mean for them to be real followers and not simply fans: "If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it." If we accept the invitation of Jesus to be true followers and not simply fans, then we need to take His words to heart.

Msgr. Helmut Hefner

Life Teen

Sat, 19 Jun 2010 16:55:00 GMT

June 20th-Father's Day, No life Night

Wednesday, June 23rd at 6:30 pm: BBQ and pool party for all teens that volunteer. (Please come to the Parish Center to pick up a flyer for more information.)

June 30th-Confirmation and Peer Leader meeting

Steubenville San Diego: July 23-25th, register in the Parish Center!

Confirmation Registration is going on now. Stop by the Parish Center to pick up your registration packet.

Cheyenne Vasquez
Coordinator of Teen Ministry and Confirmation cvasquez@stmel.org

Prayers For Priests

Sat, 19 Jun 2010 16:45:00 GMT

Please keep the following priests in your prayers:
6/20 Rev. Maurice Harrigan
6/21 Rev. Paul Manzano
6/22 Rev. Msgr. Eugene Frilot
6/23 Rev. Msgr. John Foley
6/24 Rev. Joseph Brennan
6/25 Rev. John Daly
6/26 Rev. Charles LaVerde

Divine Mercy

Sat, 19 Jun 2010 16:42:00 GMT

Mass & Healing Service
Fr. Bill Adams
Wednesday, July 28 at 6:30 pm;

Mass and Healing Service
Fr. Ramon Valera
Wednesday, August 18 at 6:30 pm;

Mass & Healing Service
Fr. Michael Sears
Sept 15 at 6:30 pm.

Claudia (818) 342-6626
divinemercyclaudia@earthlink.net
apostlesofdivinemercy.org.

Archbishop Jose Gomez

Sat, 19 Jun 2010 16:40:00 GMT

Coadjutor Archbishop Jose Gomez is getting acquainted with the people of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles by celebrating a Sunday Mass at a parish in each of the twenty Deaneries. The Mass for this Deanery will be celebrated at St. Catherine of Siena Parish, 18115 Sherman Way, Reseda at 5 pm on Sunday, June 27. There will be a simple reception and an opportunity to greet the Archbishop following the Mass. This will be a bilingual Mass (English-Spanish) and all are welcome to attend and meet Archbishop Gomez.

When You're On Vacation

Sat, 19 Jun 2010 16:29:00 GMT

Visit www.masstimes.com for location and times for Mass schedule in the area you are visiting.

We Are Now Taking 2010-2011 Facility Requests

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 14:40:00 GMT

We ask that all ministries complete a facility request form on an annual basis. To schedule a facility for a parish or ministry event for the period from July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011 please use the form which is available in the Parish Center or on our website. Once you have completed the form, you may return it to the Parish Center by email to aconnors@stmel.org or fax to 818-340-0261. You will be notified when the meeting/ event is scheduled and the facility is reserved.

If you have questions or need further information please contact Rosemary McLarty at rmclarty@stmel.org or 818-340-6020 x1019.

Help! We Need Families!

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 14:38:00 GMT

Please help fill 25 more beds for this summer's program with EF Homestay. The students are coming July 1-27 with daily activities. You have your choice of students from Sweden, Finland, Russia, and Spain. All they need is a welcoming home, a bed, sack lunch, and a summer filled with memories and new friends. Thank you and hope your family may consider this amazing program.We also give community service hours to your student for participating and make a donation to church for each family that hosts. Please call Sheena Delance at (818) 274-7515 or weesheena1@hotmail.com.