St. Bonaventure Catholic Community
January 1, 2026
"We saw His star in the east and have come to worship him." - Matthew 2:2
Welcome to the New Year! And a BIG Thank You!
Dear Parishioners,
I hope you had a lovely New Year's celebration. With the New Year here we are invited to take stock of the status quo and consider resolutions to start anew in some aspects of our life and being. I often think of how stupendously busy we all are and ask myself if this is how it should remain. I see the effects of all the busyness on people and from what I see, it isn't altogether good. Perhaps we should all dial back our lives in some areas, especially those which don't really feed our souls and spirits. I think of what goes for entertainment these days, for example. Some are
good, but much of it is not very good at all. It's good to consider our routines and the effect they have on us and look for diversions that are healthier and more satisfying. Connecting, I think, is key. Connect with your loved ones in simple, satisfying ways. Connect with God in quiet moments of prayer. Turn these moments into opportunities to grow, love, understand, share.
Secondly, a BIG thank you to all who helped our parish meet our goal for the 2025 Bishop's Ministries Appeal. Toward the end of December, we surpassed our goal thanks to you! In doing so, we helped support people and ministries that helped us all. From retired priests, to future priests in formation, to resources for faith instruction, to outreach to our youth - our dollars to the Bishop's Ministries Appeal help keep all of us running on all cylinders. Thank you again for your support and be assured of my prayers for you.
- Fr. Lawrence D'Anjou
Pastor
Pastor
The Epiphany of the Lord
...look beyond what looks simple
Every year a couple of days after Christmas, I make a friendly post on Next Door reminding the neighborhood that the 12 days of Christmas have actually just begun, so please don't shut down your Christmas lights yet - let us enjoy them at least through the official end of the Christmas season! But even "the end of Christmas" isn't the same day for everyone. The Orthodox end Christmas at the Epiphany, as do Lutherans and Anglicans. But the Christmas festivities last even longer for us Catholics – we consider Christmastide as ending with the Baptism of the Lord, a week after Epiphany.
And then there are those who would say that you may as well keep celebrating through Candlemas, or the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord - the last day the Alma Redemptoris Mater is the Marian antiphon in the Divine Office. (That one's a bit of a stretch to me, but multiple countries around the world as well as the people who keep their trees up into February may agree.)
Anyway, as complicated as the end of the Christmas season is, the history of the Epiphany may fit right in. The January celebration is actually an older feast date than December. It's sort of referenced as early as 200 AD by St. Clement of Alexandria - but today, we'd
probably consider that feast as more of a mashup holiday. Instead of focusing on a single event, it celebrated the revelation of God (theophany) through the events of the Nativity, the Visitation of the Magi,
the Baptism of Christ, and the Wedding of Cana - all in one feast. It wasn't until the Council of Tours in 567 that Christmas Day and Epiphany were set as separate feast days on December 25 and January 6, respectively.
So the takeaway for us, when we're looking at the Epiphany, is to look beyond what looks simple. This feast isn't just about the magi following a star, but it's about the revelation that Jesus is the Son of God. It's not just about the gold, frankincense, and myrrh, but also the way they point to the crucifixion as a sort of foreshadowing. It's not only about the historical event of Jesus' birth (and baptism, depending on what tradition you're following), but also how these events are a revelation of Truth in our midst. Spend some time this weekend praying in front of our creche, now complete with all its figures with the arrival of the magi, and reflect on the revelation of the Lord this holy season. Then when you get home, reset the timer on those Christmas lights for another week. You can turn them off after the Baptism of the Lord. ●
- Megan Arteaga
Note: Megan Arteaga is the Youth Ministry Coordinator at a small parish in the San Francisco Bay Area. After earning her M.A. in Systematic Theology from the Graduate Theological Union (Berkeley), she got married and started a fledgling suburban homestead with her liturgist husband (Anthony Arteaga) where she enjoys studying hula, trail running, woodworking, and sewing.
1.
New Year’s Eve & Day/The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
We celebrate the motherhood of Mary as well as the start of a new calendar year. The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God is a Holy Day of Obligation.
Wednesday, December 31st: New Year’s Eve/Mary, Mother of God Vigil
7:00pm Vigil Mass (Bilingual)
Eucharistic Adoration following Mass until Midnight
Thursday, January 1st, 2026: New Year’s Day/Mary, Mother of God
10:00am (English) | 12:45pm (Spanish)
2.
January First Friday 24—Hour Eucharistic Adoration—January 2
The First Friday 24 Hours of Eucharistic Adoration for January will begin on January 2nd. 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.
3.
Knights of Columbus Annual Crab Feed -
January 31
St. Bonaventure’s KofC Council 6038 is grateful for our supportive parish and your generosity, which helps us support various Faith In Action programs, e.g., protecting the unborn, offering winter coats to small children, providing wheelchairs to those in need, and supporting the disabled and youth in our community.
On January 31st, the council invites you to our annual Crab Feed.
Dinner tickets: Starting the weekend of January 3rd, dine-in or takeout tickets will be available--$75 each.
Special Raffle tickets: Beginning weekend of January 10th, purchase tickets for a chance to win a beautiful 48”x30” oil painting of Our Lady of Guadalupe (handmade gold-leaf frame). You do not need to be present to win.
Drink/event raffle tickets: Starting weekend of January 17th, drink and raffle tickets for dine-in guests will be available for pre-purchase, so you can skip the lines at the event.
Thank you for your continued support. Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!!
4.
January Monthly Luncheon Happy New Year!
We will celebrate the new year with a tasty lunch on Thursday, January 15. This event will be catered by Mann’s Chinese Restaurant at 11:30 in the large hall. Along with the meal we will provide beverages and your choice of some fantastic desserts.
All is included for only $20 per person. Reservations with payment will be taken after Masses on January 10th and 11th and in the church office on Monday, January 12 until 4 PM. Come share fellowship with our St. Bonaventure Community!
5.
Thank You from the Giving Tree!
We want to thank all of you who so generously gave to our Giving Tree Ministry this year! We can imagine the wonder and joy on the faces of the children on Christmas morning as they experience the love of Christ through your love and generosity! We also want to thank the many volunteers who made this year’s Giving Tree possible. Your sharing of your time and talent is a true example of sharing the joy of the Gospel through our actions, Pope Leo’s call to each of us in our daily lives. May God bless you and your families abundantly throughout the Christmas Season and in the new year!
- Joe and Sue Talarico, 2025 Giving Tree Coordinators
6.
Healing the Heart Sessions
For the months of December January and February on the 1st Tuesday of each month, there will be two sessions of “Ad-Lib” Healing the Heart, no registration needed, just come and be with us. The times are 11:00am to 12:30pm and in the evening 7:00pm to 8:30pm. Come to either, come to both, you are welcome, bring a friend if you would like.
Starting February 10th there will be a 6-week series of Healing the Heart, ending on March 17. This will be in the evening from 7:00pm to 8:30pm. Registration is required. For more information send an email to Helene: fuzyfrank@aol.com
7.
Christmas Flower Offerings
Because of Jesus Christ, we believe in the Communion of Saints. As we celebrate Christmas and bless each other with grace, love and gifts, we honor living family members; and we remember those who have preceded us to the New Life by our Christmas Church decorations and flowers.
Victorino Alejandro
Patrocinio and Esperanza Angeles
The Arteaga Family
The Baybayan Family
Helene Billeci
Doris Bocangel
Fr. Alfonso Borgen
Rosario Carroll
Jane Colaco
Patrocinio and Esperanza Angeles
The Arteaga Family
The Baybayan Family
Helene Billeci
Doris Bocangel
Fr. Alfonso Borgen
Rosario Carroll
Jane Colaco
The Connor Family*
The Cravanas Family
Fr. Lawrence D’Anjou
Bobbi Da Roza
The De Guzman Family
Maria Gisela de Guzman
Tirso de Guzman
The DiLelio Family
Fred Directo
The Cravanas Family
Fr. Lawrence D’Anjou
Bobbi Da Roza
The De Guzman Family
Maria Gisela de Guzman
Tirso de Guzman
The DiLelio Family
Fred Directo
Shirley Elsberry
Maribel Espinoza
Maribel Espinoza
The Evaristo Family*
Normita Fenn & Shirley
Robert Fenn
Evelyn Freeman
The Gugliemo Family
Normita Fenn & Shirley
Robert Fenn
Evelyn Freeman
The Gugliemo Family
Fred & Jane Harlan*
The Haubrich Family*
Jennifer Johnson
Fr. David Lawrence
William H. Leigh
The Haubrich Family*
Jennifer Johnson
Fr. David Lawrence
William H. Leigh
The Limberg Family
Karen Mangini
Fr. Richard Mangini
Leticia Feliciano Mateo
Susanna Mendoza
Fr. Richard Mangini
Leticia Feliciano Mateo
Susanna Mendoza
The Mercader Family*
Delma Muñoz
Zeira Muñoz
Dn. Peter Nixon & Family
Fr. Stephen Ola
Delma Muñoz
Zeira Muñoz
Dn. Peter Nixon & Family
Fr. Stephen Ola
Charo Panesi
Tommy & Vilma Patawaran
The Preza Family
Joan Purcell
The Ramirez Family
Chieko Reyes
Chris Ries
The Polanco-Rocio Family
Pedro Rojas
John & Segundina Sangalang
Merly & Cherney Sangalang
Antonio Talavera Santos
The Schnick Family
Tommy & Vilma Patawaran
The Preza Family
Joan Purcell
The Ramirez Family
Chieko Reyes
Chris Ries
The Polanco-Rocio Family
Pedro Rojas
John & Segundina Sangalang
Merly & Cherney Sangalang
Antonio Talavera Santos
The Schnick Family
Helen Starosciak*
The Tarantino Family
Diana Tegge
Fr. Mathew Vellankal
Pat Walsh
Ann York
St. Bonaventure Community
Diana Tegge
Fr. Mathew Vellankal
Pat Walsh
Ann York
St. Bonaventure Community
*New Offerings
8.
Need Hands in the Garden
Our parish garden is over one acre beautiful and is cared for fully by volunteers. To ensure it continues to thrive we need help. Many hands make light work. Together, we can help maintain what God has blessed us with. You can come on Monday or Tuesday mornings and speak to a volunteer to learn how to help. You can set your own schedule once you have been trained. You can call the Parish Office at 925-672-5800 or email info@stbonaventure.net.
9.
This Week on FORMED
Comunidad Hispana
¡Bienvenidos al Año Nuevo! ¡Y muchas gracias!
Queridos feligreses:
Espero que hayan tenido una feliz celebración de Año Nuevo. Con la llegada del nuevo año, se nos invita a hacer balance de la situación actual y a plantearnos propósitos para empezar de nuevo en algunos aspectos de nuestra vida y nuestro ser. A menudo pienso en lo tremendamente ocupados que estamos todos y me pregunto si esto es lo que debería seguir siendo. Veo los efectos de todo este ajetreo en las personas y, por lo que observo, no es del todo bueno. Quizás todos deberíamos reducir el ritmo de nuestras vidas en algunos aspectos, especialmente en aquellos que realmente no alimentan nuestra alma y nuestro espíritu. Pienso, por ejemplo, en lo que se considera entretenimiento hoy en día. Algunas cosas son buenas, pero la mayoría no lo son en absoluto.
Es bueno reflexionar sobre nuestras rutinas y el efecto que tienen en nosotros, y buscar diversiones más saludables y satisfactorias. Creo que la clave está en conectar. Conecta con tus seres queridos de forma sencilla y satisfactoria. Conecta con Dios en momentos tranquilos de oración. Convierte estos momentos en oportunidades para crecer, amar, comprender y compartir.
En segundo lugar, muchas gracias a todos los que ayudaron a nuestra parroquia a alcanzar nuestra meta para la Campaña de Ministerios del Obispo 2025. A finales de diciembre, ¡superamos nuestra meta gracias a ustedes! Con ello, hemos contribuido a apoyar a personas y ministerios que nos han ayudado a todos. Desde sacerdotes jubilados hasta futuros sacerdotes en formación, pasando por recursos para la enseñanza de la fe y la divulgación entre nuestros jóvenes, nuestras aportaciones a la Campaña de los Ministerios del Obispo nos ayudan a todos a funcionar a pleno rendimiento. Gracias de nuevo por su apoyo, y tengan la seguridad de que rezo por ustedes.
- Padre Lawrence D’Anjou
Párroco
Párroco
La Epifanía del Señor
...es mirar más allá de lo que parece simple
Cada año, un par de días después de Navidad, hago una publicación amistosa en Nextdoor, recordándole a los vecinos que los 12 días de navidad, acaba de empezar, así que, por favor, no apaguen sus luces de Navidad todavía. ¡Sigamos disfrutandolas al menos hasta el final oficial de la temporada navideña!
A pesar de que “el final de la temporada Navideña” no es el mismo día para todos. Los ortodoxos terminan la Navidad en la Epifanía, al igual que los luteranos y los anglicanos
Pero las festividades navideñas duran aún más para nosotros los católicos – nosotros consideramos que la Navidad termina con el Bautismo del Señor, una semana después de la Epifanía.
Luego están aquellos que dirían que pueden seguir celebrando hasta la Candelaria, o la fiesta de la Presentación del Señor - El último día, Alma Redemptoris Mater, que es la antífona mariana en el Oficio Divino. (Esto es un poco exagerado para mí, pero varios países en todo el mundo, así como las personas que mantienen sus árboles hasta febrero estarían de acuerdo).
De todos modos, por muy complicado que sea el final de la temporada navideña. La historia de la Epifanía puede encajar bien. La celebración de enero es en realidad una fecha de fiesta más antigua que la de diciembre. Esta referencia fue hecha alrededor del año 200 AD por St. Clemente de Alejandría, pero hoy probablemente consideramos esa Fiesta como más de una Festividad
amontonada. En lugar de centrarse en
un solo evento, se celebraba la revelación de Dios (teofanía) a través
del acontecimiento de la Natividad, la Visitacion de los Magos, el Bautismo de Cristo y la Boda de Cana – todo en un solo festín. No fue hasta el Consejo de Tours en el año 567 que el día de la Navidad y la Epifanía se establecieron como días festivos separados el 25 de diciembre y el 6 de enero respectivamente.
Así que la conclusión para nosotros, cuando estamos mirando la Epifanía, es mirar más allá de lo que parece simple. Esta fiesta no se trata solo de los magos siguiendo a una estrella, sino se trata de la revelación de que Jesús es el Hijo de Dios. No es solo sobre el oro, el incienso y a mirra, pero también la forma en que señalan la Crucifixión como una especie de presagio. No se trata solo de lo histórico. Evento del nacimiento de Jesús (y bautismo, dependiendo de la tradición que estes siguiendo), pero también como estos eventos son una revelación de la verdad en medio de nosotros. Pasa un tiempo este fin de semana rezando frente a nuestro Pesebre o Belén, ahora completa con todas sus figuras con la llegada de los magos, y reflexiona sobre la revelación del Señor en esta época Santa. Luego, cuando llegues a casa, reinicia el reloj automático de esas luces de Navidad una semana más. Puedes apagarlas después del Bautismo del Señor.●
-Megan Artega
Nota: Megan Arteaga es coordinadora de pastoral juvenil en una pequeña parroquia del área de la bahía de San Francisco. Después de obtener su máster en Teología Sistemática por la Graduate Theological Union (Berkeley), se casó y fundó un nuevo hogar en las afueras con su esposo liturgista (Anthony Arteaga) , donde disfruta estudiando hula, haciendo trail running, carpintería y costura.
1.
24 horas de Adoración Eucarística será este primer viernes de 2ro enero
Este viernes 2ro de enero será el primer viernes del mes para empezar las 24 horas de Adoración Eucarística. Le pedimos a todos que se inscriban para contemplar a nuestro Señor, ya que no debemos dejar solo al Santísimo Sacramento. Sobre todo, se necesita que se le acompañe durante las horas de la noche y madrugada. Por favor regístrese por una hora o más aquí.
2.
Almuerzo mensual de enero ¡Feliz Año Nuevo!
Celebraremos el nuevo año con un delicioso almuerzo el jueves 15 de enero. Este evento será organizado por el restaurante Mann's Chinese a las 11:30 a. m. en el salón grande. Junto con la comida, ofreceremos bebidas y una selección de fantásticos postres. Todo incluido por solo 20 dólares por persona. Las reservas con pago se aceptarán después de las misas del 10 y 11 de enero y en la oficina de la iglesia el lunes 12 de enero hasta las 4 de la tarde. ¡Venga a compartir la comunión con nuestra comunidad de San Buenaventura!
3.
Necesitamos manos en los jardines
La parroquia tiene más de un acre de hermosos jardines que están cuidado estrictamente por voluntarios. Para garantizar que los jardines de la iglesia sigan prosperando, necesitamos ayuda. Muchas manos hacen un trabajo ligero y juntos podemos ayudar a mantener la bendición que Dios nos ha dado. Puedes venir los lunes o martes por la mañana y hablar con uno de los voluntarios para ver donde puedes ayudar. Puedes establecer tu propio horario una vez que hayas sido entrenado por un voluntario. Puedes llamar a la oficina parroquial al 925-672-6800 o enviar un correo electrónico a info@stbonaventure.net.
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.
If you want to support this ministry, you can make a monetary donation to St. Bonaventure Church with memo: Clean Start.
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!
January 2026
January 3-4, 2026
“Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Husbands and wives, offer each other the treasures of your love by participating in an upcoming Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experiences on Feb. 13-15, 2026 in Sacramento CA, March 6-8, 2026 in Danville CA, April 10-12, 2026 in Zephyr Point NV or May 1-3, 2026 in San Juan Bautista CA. Go to www.wwme.org to find the Experience that is just right for you!
January 10-11, 2026
MARRIED COUPLES - Worn out from the Holidays? Are you looking for a way to avoid the January blahs? How about a special weekend, just for the 2 of you? Apply for a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experience on Feb. 13-15, 2026 in Sacramento CA, March 6-8, 2026 in Danville CA, April 10-12, 2026 in Zephyr Point NV or May 1-3, 2026 in San Juan Bautista CA. Go to www.wwme.org to find the Experience that is just right for you!
January 17-18, 2026
"I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from heaven and remain upon him. Allow the Holy Spirit to deepen your communication, rekindle your romance and renew your sacrament by attending the next upcoming Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experience on Feb. 13-15, 2026 in Sacramento CA, March 6-8, 2026 in Danville CA, April 10-12, 2026 in Zephyr Point NV or May 1-3, 2026 in San Juan Bautista CA. Go to www.wwme.org to find the Experience that is just right for you!
January 24-25, 2026
“He said to them, ‘Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ At once they left their nets and followed him.” Let us answer God’s call to make our marriages the best they can be by attending a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experience on Feb. 13-15, 2026 in Sacramento CA, March 6-8, 2026 in Danville CA, April 10-12, 2026 in Zephyr Point NV or May 1-3, 2026 in San Juan Bautista CA. Go to www.wwme.org to find the Experience that is just right for you!
January 31-Feb 1, 2026
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Let us begin with having peace in our marriage. Learn to have the best marriage by attending the next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experiences on Feb. 13-15, 2026 in Sacramento CA, March 6-8, 2026 in Danville CA, April 10-12, 2026 in Zephyr Point NV or May 1-3, 2026 in San Juan Bautista CA. 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.
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.