St. Bonaventure Catholic Community
April 23, 2026
One Year Later: The Legacy of Pope Francis Revealed
Easter Season Blessings and a BIG Thank You!
Dear St. Bonaventure Community,
We continue to bask in the Easter Season and the joy and assurances of our faith. This Season lasts until we celebrate Pentecost Sunday on May 24th. We rejoice in the fact that death has been overcome through the sacrifice of the Lamb of God - our Lord Jesus Christ! We carry on the work of the early Church in proclaiming His victory and the message of Christ to all "with ears able to hear."
This Easter we saw larger crowds attending Holy Mass than ever. We added a Mass in the hall at 11:15 am, which was completely full. In fact, all our Masses were full to the brim except the Easter Vigil on Saturday night. That one,
We continue to bask in the Easter Season and the joy and assurances of our faith. This Season lasts until we celebrate Pentecost Sunday on May 24th. We rejoice in the fact that death has been overcome through the sacrifice of the Lamb of God - our Lord Jesus Christ! We carry on the work of the early Church in proclaiming His victory and the message of Christ to all "with ears able to hear."
This Easter we saw larger crowds attending Holy Mass than ever. We added a Mass in the hall at 11:15 am, which was completely full. In fact, all our Masses were full to the brim except the Easter Vigil on Saturday night. That one,
a 2 ½ hour Mass in which 7 new Catholics were fully initiated into our faith, was 3/4 full and better attended than ever in my time here. Praise God, who seems to be drawing more and more people deeper into the faith though His grace!
On behalf of all the clergy and staff, I want to express our deep appreciation to all parishioners who responded to our request to support our important Easter offering goal. We surpassed our goal for Easter with your support! Thank you for your generosity in supporting the works of God with a portion of the blessings He has given to you.
On the near horizon this Easter Season, the Sacrament of Confirmation being bestowed upon 68 of our young people, and First Holy Communion Masses are coming up for nearly 150 of our young children. We are grateful as staff and clergy to serve you and extend the Good News of the gospel of Jesus Christ to you all! Be assured of our prayers for you.
- Fr. Lawrence D'Anjou
Pastor
On behalf of all the clergy and staff, I want to express our deep appreciation to all parishioners who responded to our request to support our important Easter offering goal. We surpassed our goal for Easter with your support! Thank you for your generosity in supporting the works of God with a portion of the blessings He has given to you.
On the near horizon this Easter Season, the Sacrament of Confirmation being bestowed upon 68 of our young people, and First Holy Communion Masses are coming up for nearly 150 of our young children. We are grateful as staff and clergy to serve you and extend the Good News of the gospel of Jesus Christ to you all! Be assured of our prayers for you.
- Fr. Lawrence D'Anjou
Pastor
What is a Just War?
Many Catholics are asking whether the United States’ military action against Iran meets the Church’s criteria for a “just war.” These criteria were first developed by Saint Augustine in the 5th century and have been continually refined by theologians, bishops and popes ever since. Sections 2302-2317 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church provide an overview of the doctrine.
All nations are obliged to avoid war. Nations do, however, have the right to self-defense if all efforts to preserve peace have failed. The Catechism notes that “the gravity of such a decision makes it subject to rigorous conditions of moral legitimacy.”
These conditions include: 1) the damage done by the aggressor must be lasting, grave and certain; 2) all other means of resolving the conflict must have been exhausted; 3) there must be serious prospects for success; and 4) the use of arms must not produce evils graver than the evil to be eliminated.
All nations are obliged to avoid war. Nations do, however, have the right to self-defense if all efforts to preserve peace have failed. The Catechism notes that “the gravity of such a decision makes it subject to rigorous conditions of moral legitimacy.”
These conditions include: 1) the damage done by the aggressor must be lasting, grave and certain; 2) all other means of resolving the conflict must have been exhausted; 3) there must be serious prospects for success; and 4) the use of arms must not produce evils graver than the evil to be eliminated.
Even if these conditions can be satisfied, however, nations are still bound by moral
laws that govern the conduct of war. Armies cannot target civilians directly and must consider whether the military benefits of a particular action are large enough to justify any unintended destruction of life and property. Enemy combatants who are no longer a military threat must be allowed to surrender and be treated humanely.
The destructive power of modern weaponry–inconceivable at the time when St. Augustine was first formulating his principles–has led a series of popes to express skepticism about whether these criteria can still be met. Those surprised by Pope Leo’s recent homily may not be old enough to remember the strong words of Pope John Paul II in 2003: “No to War! War is not always inevitable. It is always a defeat for humanity.”
Whether a particular military action meets the criteria for a just war is something about which Christians and people of good will can and will disagree. The Church is not a government and does not have the responsibility of protecting citizens from military attack. At the same time, the Church must always proclaim the Gospel and the moral law. As Martin Luther King famously observed, the Church “is not the master or the servant of the state, but rather the conscience of the state.”
- Deacon Peter
laws that govern the conduct of war. Armies cannot target civilians directly and must consider whether the military benefits of a particular action are large enough to justify any unintended destruction of life and property. Enemy combatants who are no longer a military threat must be allowed to surrender and be treated humanely.
The destructive power of modern weaponry–inconceivable at the time when St. Augustine was first formulating his principles–has led a series of popes to express skepticism about whether these criteria can still be met. Those surprised by Pope Leo’s recent homily may not be old enough to remember the strong words of Pope John Paul II in 2003: “No to War! War is not always inevitable. It is always a defeat for humanity.”
Whether a particular military action meets the criteria for a just war is something about which Christians and people of good will can and will disagree. The Church is not a government and does not have the responsibility of protecting citizens from military attack. At the same time, the Church must always proclaim the Gospel and the moral law. As Martin Luther King famously observed, the Church “is not the master or the servant of the state, but rather the conscience of the state.”
- Deacon Peter
1.
May First Friday 24—Hour Eucharistic Adoration—May 1st
The First Friday 24 Hours of Eucharistic Adoration for May will begin on May 1st. 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.
2.
Bingo Night—Saturday, May 2
Bingo Night is back! Please join us for a fun evening of food, games and prizes on Saturday, May 2, 2026, in the Large Hall. Doors open at 6:00pm for dinner followed by Bingo games, called by Fr. Ramon. Pre-sale tickets will be sold after all the masses on April 18-19 and April 25–26.The ticket price of $30 includes dinner and ten games of Bingo. Kids meal tickets are also available for $5. Babysitting will be available for free in the Small Hall. Proceeds of this event benefit our St. Bonaventure Youth Ministry and St. Bonaventure Columbiette initiatives.
3.
Let ‘s celebrate and do Lunch!
May 21
We will celebrate with a Hawaiian meal on Thursday, May 21, featuring Huli Huli Chicken, Pulled Pork, sides and a delicious fruit salad. Beverages and Dessert are included for $20 per person. Reservations with payment will be taken after the Masses on May 16 & 17 and in the church office on May 18 until 4pm.
Come for a good meal and share special time with our St. Bonaventure Community and guests.
Come for a good meal and share special time with our St. Bonaventure Community and guests.
4.
WCF Annual May Dinner - May 21
The Women's Christian Fellowship Annual May Dinner in honor of Our Blessed Mother will be held Thursday, May 21st, 6:30-9:00pm in the Large Hall.
Guest Speaker is Fr. Neal Clemens, pastor of Queen of All Saints Parish in Concord, who will share with us an inspiring talk on Our Lady and his personal relationship with her. Prior to his talk, a delicious pasta dinner, catered by Rocco's Ristorante, will be served. Cost is $30 per person, and all are invited. Please reserve in advance by May 18th.
Reservations may be made through the parish website, or by scanning the QR Code below. Paper flyers with mail-in reservation form are also available in the church foyer and parish office.
Guest Speaker is Fr. Neal Clemens, pastor of Queen of All Saints Parish in Concord, who will share with us an inspiring talk on Our Lady and his personal relationship with her. Prior to his talk, a delicious pasta dinner, catered by Rocco's Ristorante, will be served. Cost is $30 per person, and all are invited. Please reserve in advance by May 18th.
Reservations may be made through the parish website, or by scanning the QR Code below. Paper flyers with mail-in reservation form are also available in the church foyer and parish office.
5.
Vacation Bible Camp
June 22-26, 2026
9:30am-12:30pm (Kinder and above)
9:30-11:30am (Pre-school)
Registration is now open in the parish office from 1:30-4:00pm Monday-Thursday.
Registration fees
(based on grade child will be in September 2026)
Pre-school campers: $95
Kinder-6th grade campers: $115
7th-12th grade counselors: $75
An additional $10 will be attached to each registration AFTER May 18.
Please register early
No refunds after May18, 2026
If there is an adult who will be helping with the entire week of Bible Camp, there is a significant discount per child in the family. Please reach out to Jerome for that information.
9:30-11:30am (Pre-school)
Registration is now open in the parish office from 1:30-4:00pm Monday-Thursday.
Registration fees
(based on grade child will be in September 2026)
Pre-school campers: $95
Kinder-6th grade campers: $115
7th-12th grade counselors: $75
An additional $10 will be attached to each registration AFTER May 18.
Please register early
No refunds after May18, 2026
If there is an adult who will be helping with the entire week of Bible Camp, there is a significant discount per child in the family. Please reach out to Jerome for that information.
Each morning includes learning about our faith, crafts, skits, games, song, and snack.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have. We hope you will join us!
Yours in Christ,
Jerome Baybayan
Director, Evangelization and Faith Formation
925 672 5800 x2229
jbaybayan@stbonaventure.net
Debbie Schnick
Administrative Assistant
Evangelization and Faith
Formation
925 672 5800 x2207
dschnick@stbonaventure.net
Please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have. We hope you will join us!
Yours in Christ,
Jerome Baybayan
Director, Evangelization and Faith Formation
925 672 5800 x2229
jbaybayan@stbonaventure.net
Debbie Schnick
Administrative Assistant
Evangelization and Faith
Formation
925 672 5800 x2207
dschnick@stbonaventure.net
6.
Confirmation 2026
7.
2026 Bishop's Ministries Appeal
8.
Families in Faith - Marriage Enrichment Series
Parents - Looking for a way to enrich your marriage and family life? Well, come join us as we continue our enrichment series just for you! Our short programs are designed to provide you an opportunity to focus on just the two of you so that you can rekindle your relationship and be that special 'beacon of love' for your children to witness. We meet the first Tuesday of each month at 6:00pm in classroom A3. Our Marriage Enrichment gatherings will last approximately 90 minutes and children’s activities will be provided in classroom A4. Our next "iMarriage" Enrichment is on Tuesday, May 5. Prior attendance although beneficial is not required. Registration is required so that we can arrange for children’s activities @ Families in Faith Registration Form-iMarriage Monthly Enrichment – Fill out form. Please contact Joe & Sue Talarico for more information. joe.sue.talarico@wwme.org
9.
Note from the Garden Angels
We want to thank the Confirmation Candidates who worked in the church garden recently. The care of the garden is fully in the hands of our volunteers who rake up leaves, prune, pull weeds, head the roses, and maintain the irrigation system. We are currently shorthanded and looking for more help. Your volunteer time can be arranged around your schedule. If you’re interested, please contact the parish office.
10.
This Week on FORMED
Prayer for the Holy Father
Almighty and everlasting God, have mercy upon Thy servant, Pope Leo XIV, our Supreme Pontiff, and direct him, according to Thy loving kindness, in the way of eternal salvation; that, of Thy gift, he may ever desire that which is pleasing unto Thee and may accomplish it with all his might. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen. Our Father. Hail Mary.
Comunidad Hispana
¡Bendiciones en este tiempo pascual y MUCHÍSIMAS gracias!
Querida comunidad de San Buenaventura:
Seguimos disfrutando del tiempo pascual y de la alegría y el consuelo que nos brinda nuestra fe. Este tiempo se extiende hasta que celebremos el Domingo de Pentecostés, el 24 de mayo. Nos regocijamos al saber que la muerte ha sido vencida gracias al sacrificio del Cordero de Dios: ¡nuestro Señor Jesucristo! Continuamos la labor de la Iglesia primitiva al proclamar Su victoria y el mensaje de Cristo a todos «los que tienen oídos para oír».
Esta Pascua vimos multitudes más numerosas que nunca asistiendo a la Santa Misa. Agregamos una misa en el salón a las 11:15 a.m., que se llenó por completo. De hecho, todas nuestras misas estuvieron repletas, excepto la Vigilia Pascual del sábado por la noche. Esa, una misa de dos horas y media en
Seguimos disfrutando del tiempo pascual y de la alegría y el consuelo que nos brinda nuestra fe. Este tiempo se extiende hasta que celebremos el Domingo de Pentecostés, el 24 de mayo. Nos regocijamos al saber que la muerte ha sido vencida gracias al sacrificio del Cordero de Dios: ¡nuestro Señor Jesucristo! Continuamos la labor de la Iglesia primitiva al proclamar Su victoria y el mensaje de Cristo a todos «los que tienen oídos para oír».
Esta Pascua vimos multitudes más numerosas que nunca asistiendo a la Santa Misa. Agregamos una misa en el salón a las 11:15 a.m., que se llenó por completo. De hecho, todas nuestras misas estuvieron repletas, excepto la Vigilia Pascual del sábado por la noche. Esa, una misa de dos horas y media en
la que siete nuevos católicos fueron iniciados plenamente en nuestra fe, estuvo llena en tres cuartas partes y contó con una asistencia mayor que nunca desde que estoy aquí. ¡Alabado sea Dios, quien parece estar atrayendo a más y más personas a una fe más profunda a través de Su gracia!
En nombre de todo el clero y el personal, quiero expresar nuestro profundo agradecimiento a todos los feligreses que respondieron a nuestra petición de apoyar nuestro importante objetivo de ofrendas de Pascua. ¡Superamos nuestro objetivo para Pascua con su apoyo! Gracias por su generosidad al apoyar las obras de Dios con una parte de las bendiciones que Él les ha dado.
En este tiempo de Pascua que se avecina, se administrará el sacramento de la Confirmación a 68 de nuestros jóvenes, y se celebrarán misas de Primera Comunión para casi 150 de nuestros niños. ¡Como personal y clero, estamos agradecidos de poder servirles y compartir con todos ustedes la Buena Nueva del Evangelio de Jesucristo! Tengan la seguridad de que rezamos por ustedes.
- Padre Lawrence D'Anjou
Párroco
En nombre de todo el clero y el personal, quiero expresar nuestro profundo agradecimiento a todos los feligreses que respondieron a nuestra petición de apoyar nuestro importante objetivo de ofrendas de Pascua. ¡Superamos nuestro objetivo para Pascua con su apoyo! Gracias por su generosidad al apoyar las obras de Dios con una parte de las bendiciones que Él les ha dado.
En este tiempo de Pascua que se avecina, se administrará el sacramento de la Confirmación a 68 de nuestros jóvenes, y se celebrarán misas de Primera Comunión para casi 150 de nuestros niños. ¡Como personal y clero, estamos agradecidos de poder servirles y compartir con todos ustedes la Buena Nueva del Evangelio de Jesucristo! Tengan la seguridad de que rezamos por ustedes.
- Padre Lawrence D'Anjou
Párroco
1.
Rosario de San Judas Tadeo - 28 de abril
2.
Noche de Bingo, sábado 2 de mayo
¡Vuelve la Noche de Bingo! Les invitamos a acompañarnos en una divertida velada con comida, juegos y premios el sábado 2 de mayo de 2026 en el Gran Salón. Las puertas se abrirán a las 6:00 p. m. para la cena, seguida de las partidas de bingo, que dirigirá el Padre Ramón. Las entradas anticipadas se venderán después de todas las misas del 18 al 19 de abril y del 25 al 26 de abril. El precio de la entrada es de 30 dólares e incluye la cena y diez partidas de bingo. También hay disponibles boletos de comida para niños por 5 dólares. Habrá servicio de guardería gratuito en el salón pequeño. Las ganancias de este evento se destinarán a nuestro Ministerio Juvenil de San Buenaventura y a las iniciativas de las Columbietas de San Buenaventura.
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!
May 2026
May 2-3, 2026
“Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, …” Let the Lord into your marriage to do His works. Learn how your Sacrament can be a light to the world by attending the next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experience on July 10-12, 2026 in Danville CA, August 21-23, 2026 in Modesto.CA or September 18-20, 2026 in San Juan Bautista, CA. Go to wwme.org to find the Experience that is just right for you!
May 9-10, 2026
Happy Mother’s Day! Husbands, give the mother of your children a weekend away with you. Grow more in love than ever on the next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experience on July 10-12, 2026 in Danville CA, August 21-23, 2026 in Modesto.CA or September 18-20, 2026 in San Juan Bautista, CA. Go to wwme.org to find the Experience that is just right for you!
May 16-17, 2026
“And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age." Trust in the Lord that He is in your marriage. Attend the next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experience on July 10-12, 2026 in Danville CA, August 21-23, 2026 in Modesto.CA or September 18-20, 2026 in San Juan Bautista, CA. Go to wwme.org to find the Experience that is just right for you!
May 23-24, 2026
And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.’” Let the Holy Spirit infuse your marriage with increased trust and intimacy by participating in a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experience on July 10-12, 2026 in Danville CA, August 21-23, 2026 in Modesto.CA or September 18-20, 2026 in San Juan Bautista, CA. Go to wwme.org to find the Experience that is just right for you!
May 30-31, 2026
“And behold, I am with you always, even to the consummation of the age.” Learn how to strengthen and celebrate your wedding vows by participating in a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experience on July 10-12, 2026 in Danville CA, August 21-23, 2026 in Modesto.CA or September 18-20, 2026 in San Juan Bautista, CA. Go to 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.