St. Bonaventure Catholic Community
April 24, 2025
In Memoriam - Pope Francis (1936-2025)
“The passage from this life of the Bishop of Rome calls us to pray for his eternal rest and to continue on our path to a deeper union with the Lord Jesus. We remember his leadership in inspiring nations, organizations, and individuals to a renewed commitment to care for each other and our common home.” - USCCB
Remembering Pope Francis
I distinctly remember the surprise in February 2013 when the parochial vicar at my previous parish told me that Pope Benedict had resigned. I didn't even know this was possible! After the usual 15-day preparation to arrange the papal conclave, it took just two days for the college of cardinals to elect Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the cardinal archbishop of Buenos Aires Argentina as the 266th pope to succeed St. Peter. As Bishop Barber noted, Pope Francis's papacy will be forever noted for his outreach of mercy to Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
During his pontificate Pope Francis wore a silver cross with an image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. I think this cross is emblematic of the late Holy Father. He was always one to try to rescue the lost sheep. He told bishops to reach out to the peripheries, and indeed he did so himself. He would frequent prisons and eat with the poor of Rome and the elderly. He encouraged dialog between disparate groups as a way of understanding the other's point of view. Synodality became a major effort to help the Church understand and communicate better.
It was a blessing that Pope Francis was able to spend his last full day with us on Easter Sunday, 2025. That day he was present at Easter Sunday Holy Mass, met with the crowds in the popemobile, and gave his 'Urbi et Orbi' blessing to the world. Was an occasion, the day of the Resurrection of the Lord, to conclude a life of priestly ministry to Christ and His Church. May the Holy Father rest in God's peace and may he know the mercy of Christ he so sought to share.
- Fr. Lawrence D'Anjou
Pastor
1.
May First Friday 24 Hour Eucharistic
Adoration—May 2
The First Friday 24 Hours of Eucharistic Adoration for May will begin on May 2. We ask that you please sign up to spend some time with our Lord as the Blessed Sacrament cannot be left alone. We especially need coverage during the overnight hours. Please sign up for an hour or more here:
https://signup.com/go/rueOWwy
https://signup.com/go/rueOWwy
2.
Bishop's Appeal - Ministries of Hope
3.
Divine Mercy Holy Hour: Sunday, April 27, 3pm
When Pope Saint John Paul II canonized St. Faustina, he also established Divine Mercy Sunday as a feast day for the entire Church. The feast day falls on the Second Sunday Easter each year. Joyce & Santiago Martinez had the opportunity to visit the Divine Mercy Chapel in Krakow, Poland, and it was a life-changing experience for them. Upon leaving the Chapel, they were told “Now Go and Spread the Word about Divine Mercy.” These words stayed with them, and they would like to share the message of Divine Mercy with our St. Bonaventure Community. They will share their story and the message of Divine Mercy during the Divine Mercy Holy Hour, with Adoration, the praying of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, and Benediction also taking place.
4.
Join St. Bonaventure Charismatic Prayer Group - Monday (Weekly)
5.
Forming our New Safety Committee
Our Parish Clergy, Staff, and more than 200 volunteers across many parish ministries recently received diocesan training regarding the Safe Workplace and Violence Prevention Program. We are now looking to put together a new Safety Committee to enhance our preparation and response to emergency and non-emergency situations. We’re especially looking for active and retired volunteers from the police, armed forces, medical, construction, and general contracting fields and/or those with related experience. If you’re interested in participating, please contact Rocio Polanco at rpolanco@stbonaventure.net or by calling the parish office.
6.
WCF Annual Dinner - May 22
Mark your calendar and plan to attend the annual May Dinner in Honor of Our Blessed Mother, hosted by Women’s Christian Fellowship. This special event will take place on Thursday May 22nd, from 6:30 to 9:00pm in the Large Hall.
$25 per person. All are welcome.
As we come together in fellowship, enjoy the beautiful music of Santiago and Joyce Martinez, and a delicious Italian pasta dinner catered by Rocco’s Ristorante.
Highlight of the evening will be an inspiring talk by guest speaker, Father Erick Villa. His topic, “Journeying with Mary in the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope”, will take us on a spiritual pilgrimage to Jesus through the eyes of Mother Mary.
Reservation flyers are available in the Church foyer, at the parish office, and online through the Faith Direct link at www.stbonaventure.net/wcf. A QR Code is also available on a large outdoor event poster near the church entrance. Deadline for reservations with payment is May 16th.
7.
"Flores de Mayo" or Flowers of May - Saturday, May 31
The members of the St. Bonaventure Filipino-American Ministry invite all to the annual celebration of Flores de Mayo (Flowers of May) honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday, May 31.
4:50pm - Procession of the Blessed Mother to the front of the Altar, followed by Offering of flowers to the Blessed Mother by Devotees
5:00pm Mass
We hope to see you all there.
Maraming Salamat Po! Thank you very much!
8.
Bible Camp is June 23-27
It’s time to hit the trail… for adventure! TRUE NORTH: Trusting Jesus in a Wild World
Now is the time to plan activities for those sunny days of summer. Our Bible Camp offers a pre-school program for 3 and 4-year olds which meets from 9:30-11:30am each day of camp. Our Kinder – 6th grade program meets from 9:30-12:30pm. 6th Graders are counselors-to-be and will be involved in some really awesome camp activities.
Registration will begin in the office on March 31. Information can also be found on the parish website https://stbonaventure.net/vacation-bible-camp (or use the QR code).
The registration fees are $90 for pre-schoolers and $110 for Elementary aged students.
Registration fees will go up by $10 after May 18. Register early!
Adults, we need you to be our Team Leaders. All you need is a desire to have loads of fun with kids! Contact Eileen Limberg at 672-5800, Ext. 2204 or elimberg@stbonaventure.net for more information.
Teens: 7th grade through high school - we need you to be our camp counselors.
This is a great way to have fun, share your faith and serve in a variety of ways at camp. Contact Jerome Baybayan at 672-5800, Ext. 2229 or jbaybayan@stbonaventure.net for more information.
9.
Connect with the Diocese of Oakland
The diocese has a new communications connection called Oak Catholic. Get the OAKCatholic in your email inbox every other week, to stay current on all that's happening in the Oakland Diocese!
- Fr. Lawrence D'Anjou
Pastor
Pastor
10.
KofC and GANAP Fund Raising Event
The Northern California Knights of Columbus is partnering with the GANAP Performing Arts Association, an internationally acclaimed Filipino singing group, in raising funds for Bahay Aruga, a pediatric cancer patient support center in the Philippines. Tickets are now available for concerts across the Bay Area (including Union City, Hayward, Pinole, San Leandro, Los Gatos, South San Francisco, and San Francisco) from May 1 thru May 25. The closest venues are as follows:
May 1, 2025 (Sunday), 6pm, St. James the Apostle Catholic Church, Fremont, CA
May 21, 2025 (Wednesday), 7pm, St. Raymond Catholic Church, Dublin, CA
May 22, 2025 (Thursday), 7pm, Holy Spirit Church, Fairfield, CA
May 24, 2025 (Saturday), 7pm, St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, Vallejo, CA
Enjoy a world-class concert with family and friends and support a great cause. The concert tickets are $25 each. Please contact Tom Santos via email (tomnets@pacbell.net) or phone (925-212-9252) to purchase tickets or obtain more information.
11.
This Week on FORMED
12.
"Walk to Mary" on Saturday, May 3
Remembering Pope Francis: A Life Poured
Out in Love
A Humble Servant
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was a son of immigrants, a man shaped by humility, labor, and faith. Before entering the priesthood, he worked as a janitor and a chemical technician—quiet roles that foreshadowed the deeply human, grounded papacy he would one day embody.
Ordained in 1969 and appointed Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998, he became known not for grandeur, but for his presence among the poor and lower class. He often took public transport and lived in a modest apartment rather than the archbishop’s palace.
The First Pope from the Americas
When he was elected pope in 2013, the first from the Americas and the first Jesuit, the world saw in him something beautifully unexpected—a shepherd who "smelled of his sheep," who chose the name Francis to honor the saint of poverty and peace, and who immediately set a tone of mercy.
His papacy was a living witness to the Gospel: reaching out to prisoners, refugees, and the forgotten; washing the feet of the marginalized; and championing the idea that true authority is found in service.
Calling The Faithful to Peace and Joy
Pope Francis gave the world an example of joy and simplicity. His “Top 10 Secrets to Happiness” reflect his gentle conviction that contentment flows not from possession, but from slowing down and being present.
His life was a quiet invitation to slow down, to listen, and to love well. And his teachings and example continue to echo—calling us to be people of mercy, of encounter, and of peace.
Now, as we mourn, we also remember with gratitude: a pope who never lost sight of the poor, who chose to walk with others rather than above them, and who reminded us all that holiness begins with an open heart and a love for Jesus.
- The Catholic Co.
Comunidad Hispana
Recordando al Papa Francisco
Recuerdo claramente la sorpresa en febrero de 2013 cuando el vicario parroquial de mi anterior parroquia me dijo que el Papa Benedicto había renunciado. ¡Ni siquiera sabía que esto era posible! Después de la preparación habitual de 15 días para organizar el cónclave papal, el colegio cardenalicio tardó solo dos días en elegir a Jorge Mario Bergoglio, el cardenal arzobispo de Buenos Aires, Argentina, como el papa número 266 en suceder a San Pedro. Como señaló el obispo Barber, el papado del papa Francisco se destacará para siempre por su alcance de la misericordia a católicos y no católicos por igual.
Durante su pontificado, el Papa Francisco llevó una cruz de plata con una imagen de Jesús como el Buen Pastor. Creo que esta cruz es emblemática del difunto Santo Padre. Siempre era uno de los que intentaba rescatar a las ovejas perdidas. Les dijo a los obispos que se acercaran a las periferias, y de hecho él mismo lo hizo. Frecuentaba las cárceles y comía con los pobres de Roma y los ancianos. Alentó el diálogo entre grupos dispares como una forma de comprender el punto de vista del otro. La sinodalidad se convirtió en un gran esfuerzo para ayudar a la Iglesia a comprender y comunicarse mejor.
Fue una bendición que el Papa Francisco pudiera pasar su último día completo con nosotros el Domingo de Pascua de 2025. Ese día estuvo presente en la Santa Misa del Domingo de Pascua, se reunió con la multitud en el papamóvil y dio al mundo su bendición "Urbi et Orbi". Era una ocasión, el día de la resurrección del Señor, para concluir una vida de ministerio sacerdotal a Cristo y a su Iglesia. Que el Santo Padre descanse en la paz de Dios y que conozca la misericordia de Cristo que tanto quiso compartir.
- Padre Lawrence D'Anjou
Pastor
1.
Hora Santa de la Divina Misericordia:
domingo 27 de abril
Cuando el Papa San Juan Pablo II canonizó a Santa Faustina, también estableció el Domingo de la Divina Misericordia como día festivo para toda la Iglesia. La fiesta cae en el segundo domingo de Pascua de cada año. Joyce y Santiago Martínez tuvieron la oportunidad de visitar la Capilla de la Divina Misericordia en Cracovia, Polonia, y fue una experiencia que les cambió la vida. Al salir de la Capilla, se les dijo: "Ahora vayan y corran la voz sobre la Divina Misericordia". Estas palabras se quedaron con ellos, y les gustaría compartir el mensaje de la Divina Misericordia con nuestra Comunidad de San Buenaventura. Compartirán su historia y el mensaje de la Divina Misericordia durante la Hora Santa de la Divina Misericordia, con la Adoración, el rezo de la Coronilla de la Divina Misericordia y la Bendición también.
2.
Rosario de San Judas Tadeo
- 28 de Abril
3.
El Campamento Bíblico es del 23 al 27 de junio
Es hora de ponerse en marcha... ¡Para la aventura! TRUE NORTH: Confiando en Jesús en un mundo salvaje
Ahora es el momento de planificar actividades para esos días soleados de verano. Nuestro Campamento Bíblico ofrece un programa preescolar para niños de 3 y 4 años que se reúne de 9:30 a 11:30 a.m. todos los días del campamento. Nuestro programa de Kinder a 6º grado se reúne de 9:30 a 12:30 p.m. Los estudiantes de 6º grado son futuros consejeros y participarán en algunas actividades de campamento realmente increíbles.
Las inscripciones comenzarán en la oficina el 31 de marzo. La información también se puede encontrar en el sitio web de la parroquia https://stbonaventure.net/vacation-bible-camp (o use el código QR).
El costo de inscripción es de $90 para niños en edad preescolar y $110 para estudiantes de primaria.
Las tarifas de inscripción aumentarán en $10 después del 18 de mayo. ¡Regístrese temprano!
Adultos, necesitamos que sean nuestros Líderes de Equipo. ¡Todo lo que necesitas es el deseo de divertirte mucho con los niños! Comuníquese con Eileen Limberg al 672-5800, Ext. 2204 o elimberg@stbonaventure.net para obtener más información.
Adolescentes: desde el 7º grado hasta la escuela secundaria: necesitamos que sean nuestros consejeros del campamento. Esta es una excelente manera de divertirse, compartir su fe y servir de diversas maneras en el campamento. Comuníquese con Jerome Baybayan al 672-5800, Ext. 2229 o jbaybayan@stbonaventure.net para obtener más información.
Ministry Notes
More news and events:
● Laundry Help for Those in Need: We have a ministry that volunteers at a laundromat once a month. They do the laundry for those in need: those needing shelter, families who have fled their countries, day laborers and others living on the edge. We need more volunteers so we can help more people. We provide the quarters and the laundry soap, dryer sheets and bleach. But hands are needed.
We volunteer on the fourth Saturday of the month. The laundromat is in Concord. We arrive at 8am and our last load goes in at 10am. To volunteer or ask any questions, please contact Norene Mason teammason@comcast.net.
● Staying connected - St Vincent de Paul: SVdP is here to help with temporary financial assistance to our parishioners in need. Please call the church at 925-672-5800 and ask or put in ext. 2234. Please leave your name, phone number and a brief message and one of our dedicated Vincentians will call you within 24 hours.
● FORMED: Check out what’s being offered on FORMED this week by clicking here. Enjoy St. Bonaventure's subscription to FORMED, a premier online platform filled with over 4,000 Catholic studies, movies, audio dramas, talks, e-books, and even cartoons for our children. Click HERE for more information.
● Marriage Encounter: Learn to love your spouse more fully on the next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experience. Both virtual and in-person Experiences are available. Go to www.wwme.org to find the Experience that is just right for you!
Ongoing
Schedule & Activities
Please visit our website at www.stbonaventure.net for the most up-to-date liturgy information.
For our full Mass schedule and additional information, please click HERE
Prayer, Spirituality and Formation
Prayers for Those Who Have Died Please join us in praying for members of our community who have died. You may find their names on our website. May they rest in peace.
Daily Mass Readings Click here
Mass Intentions, Online Prayer Vine & Drive-thru Prayer Information
Details here
Details here
Adoration & Friday Holy Hour
We offer Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament after 9:00am Mass in the Chapel. Monday through Thursday, Adoration continues for one hour after Mass. Friday Adoration continues until 8:00pm. The Friday Holy Hour beginning at 2:00pm includes the Rosary and the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy. Benediction takes place at 8:00pm.
Adoración al Santisimo
Todos los martes de 6:00 a 7:00 pm en la Iglesia
6:00 – Santa Misa
6:30 – Adoración y Reconciliación
Unción de los enfermos el primer martes de cada mes
Online Spiritual Communion Service Details here
Christian Centering Prayer Group Details here
STAYING CONNECTED
Sacraments, Pastoral Counseling, and Staff Support
We're here for you! Our clergy and pastoral staff are available to help. We can offer pastoral counseling by appointment, over the phone or by videocall, and the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is available in person when needed. Please call the parish office at (925) 672-5800 to make an appointment. We offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the church on Fridays at 8:00am and on Saturdays at 3:30pm.
The office is open for walk-up visits, Monday-Thursday 8:30am-4:30pm (closed for lunch 1-1:30pm), and Friday 8:30am-12:30pm. Staff are also available by appointment. Please call the main office number or call or email the staff person directly.
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Food Pantry
The St. Bonaventure Food Pantry is open Tuesdays from 8:30-10:00am in the parish parking lot. See our website for more information. (Note: The Food Pantry thanks you for your continuing donations of food and other items, but is no longer requesting bags -- they have a sufficient supply.)
Thank you for the many ways you continue to support our community!
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Your Gifts Allow Us to Serve
THANK YOU. We are so grateful to all who share their financial gifts with our parish.
May God bless all of you and reward you abundantly for your support of your parish.
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May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.