St. Bonaventure Catholic Community
January 15, 2026
What is Ordinary Time?
Ordinary Time in the Roman Rite begins with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, celebrated on the Sunday after the Solemnity of the Epiphany. This feast marks the conclusion of the Christmas season and the transition into Ordinary Time. While the Church celebrates the extraordinary events of Christ’s life during Christmas and Easter, Ordinary Time focuses on His ongoing presence in our everyday lives. This period extends until the First Sunday of Advent, which marks the beginning of a new liturgical year.
The term “ordinary” can be misleading. In common English usage, “ordinary” often implies something mundane or unremarkable. However, in the context of the Church, the term derives from the Latin word ordinalis, which refers to numbers in a series. Ordinary Time is, therefore, a time of order, during which the Church follows a structured rhythm of life that balances feasting, penance, and expectation.
Ordinary Time is divided into two periods. The first begins after the Baptism of the Lord and continues until the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent. The second period starts after Pentecost and continues until the Saturday before the First Sunday of Advent.
While Ordinary Time may not include the dramatic celebrations of Christmas or Easter, it is far from ordinary in the spiritual sense. This period invites Catholics to reflect on the “ordinary” moments of their lives, recognizing that Christ is present not only in the extraordinary but also in the everyday. The green vestments worn by priests during this time symbolize growth and life, reminding the faithful that this is a season of spiritual nourishment and deepening of faith.
Holiness is not confined to the major liturgical seasons. The call to be holy is constant, and Ordinary Time offers an opportunity to focus on personal growth in virtue, deepening one’s prayer life, and engaging in acts of charity and service. It is a time to live out the Gospel message in the routine aspects of life, embodying Christ’s teachings in work, family, and community.
As the Church moves through this “ordinary” season, may we be reminded that in Christ, every moment is extraordinary, and every day is a chance to live out our faith more fully.
-Edited by Anthony Arteaga
Source: thecatholicheroes.com
1.
Next Adult Confirmation Sessions begin
February 3rd
Sessions for adults seeking the Sacrament of Confirmation begin on Tuesday, February 3rd. Please contact Carla Cravanas if you’re interested at ccravanas@stbonaventure.net.
2.
St. Bonaventure Charismatic Prayer Group
3.
Knights of Columbus Annual Crab Feed -
January 31
After all the masses for the remaining weekends in January, the Knights of Columbus Council 6038 will have the following available at the Church foyer.
Crab Feed Dinner tickets: Dinner takeout tickets--$75 each. (A waiting list for Dine-in tickets is also available).
Special Raffle tickets: For a beautiful 48”x30” oil painting of Our Lady of Guadalupe (with handmade gold-leaf frame) -- $25 for 2 tickets, $50 for 5 tickets.
Drink/Event raffle tickets: Drink and raffle tickets for dine-in guests will be available for pre-purchase, so you can skip the lines at the event.
All proceeds support our charitable programs benefiting children, families, and those in need within our community.
4.
February Monthly Luncheon - Feb. 19
Our lunch team will be going for Gold. Our Monthly Luncheon will be held on February 19 in the large hall at 11:30. Zandonella catering will provide a delicious Italian meal. Also included for only $20 per person is your choice of dessert and your favorite beverage. Come join us for lunch, fun and fellowship.
5.
Parish Golf Cart
Stolen
Early Monday morning, around 1:00am, our parish golf cart was stolen. We ask that you please be vigilant around the local area if you happen to see an abandoned golf cart. Many look similar, but an image is included below. Our golf cart had the number 61 on it. Thank you.
6.
2026 CYO Track and Field
Registrations are now open for the 2026 CYO Track and Field season for grades 2-8. Practices will begin at the beginning of February. Additional information and registration can be found on the St. Bonaventure CYO website at stbonaventurecyo.com and by clicking the Track and Field tab. A mandatory parent meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 26, at 7:00 pm in classroom B-1.
7.
Who are Food Pantry volunteers?
What did all these people accomplish?
While January is a time for new beginnings and resolutions, it is also a time to pause for reflection on the year past and for giving thanks.
Who are Food Pantry volunteers?
Members of the Knights of Columbus who gather in the dark to organize the parking lot to handle families arriving to pick up food for themselves and often for others as well.
Members of the Parish Community who pick up food from our commercial partners, i.e. Safeway, Foodmaxx and the Contra Costa Food Bank where we put donated dollars to work purchasing additional food items.
Parish members who gather in the Small Hall and kitchen to sort, prep, pack, set up/clean up and distribute, no matter the weather.
Every person who drops off food donations, plastic grocery bags or donates money to the Food Pantry.
What did all these people accomplish?
In 2025, through the generosity of the members noted above, the St. Bonaventure Food Pantry was able to serve 6,988 families averaging about 130 a week. The Tuesday before Thanksgiving assistance was provided 179 families, an all- time high. Families range from a single person to 10 members, college students to retirees. With 6 stations operating, we provided a bag of canned goods, a box of fresh produce, dairy items, meat and baked goods, as well as miscellaneous items such as desserts, cereal, lunchmeat/sandwiches, juice, personal care products, etc.
Donated money is put to use purchasing food items at the Contra Costa Food Bank. Most recently, the Pantry was able to purchase a sixth commercial freezer through the generosity of the Knights of Columbus and obtain a grant from the Food Bank.
Whether you contribute monetarily or physically, you are an import member of the
St. Bonaventure Food Pantry and we offer a heartfelt “THANK YOU” for your participation.
St. Bonaventure Food Pantry and we offer a heartfelt “THANK YOU” for your participation.
8.
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
9.
Walk for Life West Coast 2026
Join fellow Catholics and Pro‐Lifers from all over California and beyond as we stand up for the littlest among us at the 22nd Annual Walk for Life West Coast in San Francisco on January 24, 2026. There will be Mass at 9:30 am celebrated by Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone at St. Mary’s Cathedral. The rally begins at 12:30 pm in San Francisco’s Civic Center Plaza, and the Walk, down the city’s Market Street, begins at 1:30 pm. Our parish group will meet at the Concord BART Station at 11:00am and go together as a group from St Bonaventure. For more information visit www.walkforlifewc.com.
10.
Blood Drive - Feb. 14
11.
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.
12.
This Week on FORMED
Comunidad Hispana
¿Qué es el Tiempo Ordinario?
El Tiempo Ordinario en el Rito Romano comienza con la Fiesta del Bautismo del Señor, que se celebra el domingo después de la Solemnidad de la Epifanía. Esta fiesta marca la conclusión del tiempo de Navidad y la transición al Tiempo Ordinario. Mientras que la Iglesia celebra los acontecimientos extraordinarios de la vida de Cristo durante la Navidad y la Pascua, el Tiempo Ordinario se centra en su presencia continua en nuestra vida cotidiana. Este período se extiende hasta el primer domingo de Adviento, que marca el comienzo de un nuevo año litúrgico.
El término “ordinario” puede ser engañoso. En el uso común del español, “ordinario” a menudo implica algo mundano o sin importancia. Sin embargo, en el contexto de la Iglesia, el término deriva de la palabra latina ordinalis, que se refiere a los números de una serie. El Tiempo Ordinario es, por lo tanto, un tiempo de orden, durante el cual la Iglesia sigue un ritmo de vida estructurado que equilibra la fiesta, la penitencia y la espera.
El Tiempo Ordinario se divide en dos períodos. El primero comienza después del Bautismo del Señor y continúa hasta el día antes del Miércoles de Ceniza, que marca el comienzo de la Cuaresma. El segundo período comienza después de Pentecostés y continúa hasta el sábado anterior al primer domingo de Adviento.
Aunque el Tiempo Ordinario no incluye las celebraciones espectaculares de Navidad o Pascua, está lejos de ser ordinario en el sentido espiritual. Este período invita a los católicos a reflexionar sobre los momentos “ordinarios “de sus vidas, reconociendo que Cristo está presente no solo en lo extraordinario, sino también en lo cotidiano. Las vestiduras verdes que llevan los sacerdotes durante este tiempo simbolizan el crecimiento y la vida, recordando a los fieles que esta es una temporada de alimento espiritual y profundización de la fe.
La santidad no se limita a las principales temporadas litúrgicas. La llamada a la santidad es constante, y el Tiempo Ordinario ofrece la oportunidad de centrarse en el crecimiento personal en la virtud, profundizar en la vida de oración y participar en actos de caridad y servicio. Es un tiempo para vivir el mensaje del Evangelio en los aspectos cotidianos de la vida, encarnando las enseñanzas de Cristo en el trabajo, la familia y la comunidad.
Mientras la Iglesia avanza en este tiempo “ordinario,” recordemos que, en Cristo, cada momento es extraordinario y cada día es una oportunidad para vivir nuestra fe más plenamente.
-Editado por Anthony Arteaga
Fuente: thecatholicheroes.com
1.
Rifa de la pintura al óleo de Nuestra Señora
de Guadalupe
El Consejo 6038 de los Caballeros de Colón de San Buenaventura le invita a participar en nuestra rifa especial de una impresionante pintura al óleo de 48”x30” de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, bellamente enmarcada a mano con pan de oro.
• Fecha del sorteo: 31 de enero durante la cena de cangrejo (no es necesario estar presente para ganar)
• Precios de los boletos de la rifa: • 2 boletos por $25 | • 5 boletos por $50
Los boletos estarán disponibles después de cada misa durante el mes de enero. Todos los fondos recaudados se destinarán a los programas benéficos del Consejo 6038, que benefician a niños, familias y personas necesitadas de nuestra comunidad.
2.
Almuerzo mensual de febrero
Nuestro equipo de almuerzos irá a por el oro. Nuestro almuerzo mensual se celebrará el 19 de febrero en el salón grande a las 11:30. El catering Zandonella proporcionará una deliciosa comida italiana. Por solo 20 dólares por persona, también se incluye un postre a elegir y su bebida favorita. Venga a disfrutar con nosotros del almuerzo, la diversión y la compañía.
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 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.