A-G | H-N | O-Z

Annual Catholic Appeal
Annunciation of the Lord in Lent
Aquinas, Saint Thomas
Benedict the XVI
Blaise, Saint
Capital Campaign
Carroll, Charles
Catholics and Jewish Faith
Catholic Business Directory Network (CBDN)
Civic Duty
Covenant: Roman Catholic & Episcopal Dioceses in San Diego
Cursillo Movement
Divine Mercy Sunday
Easter Candle
Faith Based Organizing
Funeral Symbols
Goods of Marriage

When was the Feast of the Assumption Declared?

The Assumption is the oldest feast day of Mary, the Mother of God.

Under the Romans, the city of Jerusalem was crushed, and the city was dedicated to the Roman gods. For over two-hundred years, it remained this way. When the Emperor Constantine allowed Christians to celebrate publicly, many of the holy sites of Jerusalem were restored. After the building of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Jesus’ tomb) in 336, other sacred sites were restored and memories of the life of Our Lord began to be celebrated by the people of Jerusalem. One of the memories about his mother centered around the "Tomb of Mary," close to Mount Zion, where the early Christian community had lived.

On the hill itself was the "Place of Dormition," the spot of Mary's "falling asleep," where she had died. The "Tomb of Mary" was where she was buried.

At this time, the "Memory of Mary" was being celebrated. Later it was to become our feast of the Assumption.

For a time, the "Memory of Mary" was marked only in Palestine, but then it was extended by the emperor to all the churches of the East. In the seventh century, it began to be celebrated in Rome under the title of the "Falling Asleep" ("Dormitio") of the Mother of God.

Soon the name was changed to the "Assumption of Mary," since there was more to the feast than her dying. It also proclaimed that she had been taken up, body and soul, into heaven.

That belief was ancient, dating back to the apostles themselves. What was clear from the beginning was that there were no relics of Mary to be venerated, and that an empty tomb stood on the edge of Jerusalem near the site of her death. That location also soon became a place of pilgrimage. (Today, the Benedictine Abbey of the Dormition of Mary stands on the spot.)

At the Council of Chalcedon in 451, when bishops from throughout the Mediterranean world gathered in Constantinople, Emperor Marcian asked the Patriarch of Jerusalem to bring the relics of Mary to Constantinople to be enshrined in the capitol. The patriarch explained to the emperor that there were no relics of Mary in Jerusalem, that "Mary had died in the presence of the apostles; but her tomb, when opened later . . . was found empty and so the apostles concluded that the body was taken up into heaven."

In the eighth century, St. John Damascene was known for giving sermons at the holy places in Jerusalem. At the Tomb of Mary, he expressed the belief of the Church on the meaning of the feast: "Although the body was duly buried, it did not remain in the state of death, neither was it dissolved by decay. . . . You were transferred to your heavenly home, O Lady, Queen and Mother of God in truth."

All the feast days of Mary mark the great mysteries of her life and her part in the work of redemption. The central mystery of her life and person is her divine motherhood, celebrated both at Christmas and a week later (Jan. 1) on the feast of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. The Immaculate Conception (Dec. 8) marks the preparation for that motherhood, so that she had the fullness of grace from the first moment of her existence, completely untouched by sin. Her whole being throbbed with divine life from the very beginning, readying her for the exalted role of mother of the Savior.

The Assumption completes God's work in her since it was not fitting that the flesh that had given life to God himself should ever undergo corruption. The Assumption is God's crowning of His work as Mary ends her earthly life and enters eternity. The feast turns our eyes in that direction, where we will follow when our earthly life is over.

The feast days of the Church are not just the commemoration of historical events; they do not look only to the past. They look to the present and to the future and give us an insight into our own relationship with God. The Assumption looks to eternity and gives us hope that we, too, will follow Our Lady when our life is ended.

The prayer for the feast reads: "All-powerful and ever-living God: You raised the sinless Virgin Mary, mother of your Son, body and soul, to the glory of heaven. May we see heaven as our final goal and come to share her glory."

In 1950, in the Apostolic Constitution “Munificentissimus Deus”, Pope Pius XII proclaimed the Assumption of Mary a dogma of the Catholic Church in these words: "The Immaculate Mother of God, the ever-virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heaven."

With that, an ancient belief became Catholic doctrine and the Assumption was declared a truth revealed by God.

A note: The Feast of the Assumption is held on Monday, August 15, 2005. Because it lands on a Monday, it is not a Holy Day of Obligation this year. However, all parishioners are invited to attend the 6:15 am or 8 am mass.

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Thomas Aquinas was born c.1227, in the Neapolitan territory of Italy. When he was five years old, his father and mother, Count Landulf and Countess Theodora, sent Thomas for his early education to the monastery of Monte Cassino. Later he studied in Naples. Around 1243 he wanted to enter the Dominican order; but his parents wouldn't have it. Instead, he was held a captive at the castle of S. Giovanni for two years to make him forget the order. However, Thomas stood his ground and his family sent him to Cologne to study under Albertus Magnus. A long association of Thomas with the great philosopher was the most important influence in his development. In 1252 Thomas went to Paris for the master's degree and began teaching in 1257. He taught in Paris for several years and there wrote certain of his works and began others. At the request of Pope Urban IV he took up his residence in Rome. Early in 1274 the pope directed Mm to attend the Council of Lyons and he undertook the journey, although he was far from well. On the way he stopped at the castle of a niece and there became seriously ill. He wished to end his days in a monastery and not being able to reach a house of the, Dominicans he was carried to the Cistercian Fossanova. There, first, after his death, his remains were preserved. He died Mar. 7, 1274.

Saint Thomas Aquinas is known for his philosophical and theological genius. He offered many writings. Perhaps his most popular writing is the "Summa theologica", which presents his philosophical arguments for the existence of God, the Holy Eucharist, and that the pursuit of Faith and Science can lead us to the same goal, our Supreme Being.

Thomas was canonized as a Saint in 1323. Later, he was declared, "Doctor of the Church," and Patron of all universities, colleges, and schools.

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Who is Benedict the XVI?

Text of Pope Benedict on the Day of His Election

Pope Benedict XVI, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany, was elected by 115 Cardinals on April 19 in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican. He became the first German-born pope in nearly 1000 years. At age 78, he was elected the 265th pope in the line of Saint Peter.

Often considered the right hand man of Pope John Paul II, Ratzinger headed the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith since 1981.

Born on April 16, 1927, in Marktl Am Inn, Germany, he was the son of a police officer. He attended seminary but was forced to serve in his late teen years as a Germany auxiliary anti-aircraft soldier during the last months of World War II. He deserted the Germany army in 1945 and was taken prisoner by U.S. troops. He was released in June that year from a U.S. POW camp and returned home, hitching a ride on a milk truck.

From 1946 to 1951, he studied philosophy and theology at the University of Munich and at another school in Freising. He was ordained a priest in 1951. In March 1977, he was named archbishop of Munich and Freising by Pope Paul VI and Cardinal shortly thereafter. Under John Paul II, he became Dean of the College of Cardinals in 2002.

Pope Benedict's Speech on Election Day

Dear brothers and sisters,

After the Great Pope John Paul II, the cardinals have elected me, a simple, humble worker in the Lord’s vineyard.

I am comforted by the fact that the Lord knows how to work and act even with insufficient instruments. And above all, I entrust myself to your prayers.

With the joy of the risen Lord and confidence in his constant help, we will go forward. The Lord will help us and Mary his most holy mother will be alongside us.

Thank you.

Who is Saint Blaise?

Saint Blaise was the bishop of Sebastea in Armenia. He was martyred for his faith in Christ at around 316 AD. According to legend, St. Blaise was born of wealthy parents. He received a Christian education and became bishop while a young man. During the persecutions of Christians, he found a cave for shelter. The legend tells us that Blaise would take care of the wild beasts that would also seek shelter in the cave. When a hunter was trapping the beasts to be used for games in the amphitheater, Blaise was caught and brought to Agricolaus, the governor of Cappadocia. Agricolaus had him tortured and beheaded.

Legend also tells us that Blaise was a doctor, or medical student, before he became a bishop. On one occasion, a woman brought a young boy to him for healing. The boy had a fish bone caught in his throat and was nearing death when Blaise miraculously dislodged the bone and the boy was cured.

Saint Blaise Day comes after the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (a day on which candles are blessed). Normally, the candles blessed on the Feast of the Presentation are used to bless the throats of worshippers on St. Blaise' Day. It includes a prayer for people who are sick:

Through the intercession of Saint Blaise, bishop and martyr, may god deliver you from every disease of the throat and from every other illness: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Saint Blaise' Feast Day falls on February 3rd. He is the Patron Saint of those with sore throats. He is also the Patron Saint of wild animals.

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- workshops on evangelization in the workplace;
- support groups for professionals;
- retreats on the value of work and the ethical/justice issues associated with employment; and renewal days organized by and for lay people.

The Catholic Business Directory Network, hosted by St. Rose of Lima, encourages all Catholic owners and/or operators of businesses in the Chula Vista and South Bay area to participate in this apostolic dream to know Christ and make Christ known in the workplace.

Our Vision
The Catholic Business Directory Network (CBDN), a faith-based network, is dedicated to providing resources that will benefit the relationship between businesses and the parish community. The CBDN will be dedicated to spiritual growth, community involvement, and business development.

Our Mission
The Catholic Business Directory Network will provide resources for Catholic spirituality, civic and parish involvement, and business development.

Catholic Spiritual Growth includes:
- Days of Recollection for Catholic owners and/or mangers of businesses
- Prayers at CBDN meetings
- Yearly Mass on the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker
- Prayer request list for CBDN members
- Blessings of Business by priest or deacon

Community Involvement includes:
- Civic or Parish leaders at CBDN meetings
- Charitable and Community outreach opportunities
- Sponsorship at the Mama Dee Charity Dinner
- In-kind giving toward parish, school, or emergency assistance programs

Business Development includes:
- Monthly CBDN meetings
- Workshops for Businesses
- Internet Recognition on CBDN page of parish website
- Member's Only CBDN page on parish website
- Business to Business Newsletter

For more information on CBDN at St. Rose of Lima Parish

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Who is Charles Carroll?

Charles Carroll Of Carrollton (1737-1832), was the only Roman Catholic Signer of the Declaration of Independence. Son of a wealthy, land-owning Catholic family, he was educated at Jesuit schools in France and read law in London, then returned to Maryland in 1765 and took over the family estate, Carrollton.

He devoted himself to developing the property until he got drawn into politics in 1773 and ended up as spokesman for the patriot cause. In 1776 he accompanied Benjamin Franklin, Samuel Chase, and his cousin, John Carroll (who later became the first Catholic Bishop in the United States for the Archdiocese of Baltimore) on a failed mission to persuade Canada to join the revolting colonies.

He was an elected member of the Continental Congress (1776--78)., the Maryland Senate (1777-1880, 1992-1804) and U.S. Senate (1789-92).

Active in trade, land development, and with the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, at his death he was said to be the wealthiest man in America as well as the last surviving signer of the Declaration of Independence.

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What is our Civic Duty?

All Catholics in the United States are encouraged to share their concerns in society. Our ability to vote is perhaps the most profound way to let our voices be heard. As the Bishops of the United States remind us, "Every voice matters in the public forum. Every voice counts."

Unfortunately, many of us fail to exercise our freedom to vote. Most Catholic adults are not registered to vote and those who are fail to make it to the polls. Sadly, most Americans, Catholic-Americans included, do not know who their local politicians are or what their politicians stand for.

Our Civic Duty webpage, updated regularly, offers helpful articles and suggestions on how to be educated in local, statewide, and national politics. It is also a means to educate voters about Catholic social teachings so that they may go to the polls fully informed.

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What is the Covenant Between the Roman Catholic and Episcopal Dioceses of San Diego?

10 years ago, 1994, the bishops for the Episcopal and Roman Catholic dioceses in San Diego signed a covenant of agreement for greater dialogue and a desire to pray for full communion. Here is the text of the covenant:

The Covenant between The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego and The Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Recognizing our common baptism in the name of the Trinity, and the centrality of sacramental life in our churches;
Acknowledging the truth of God revealed in the Holy Scriptures;
Professing the faith rooted in the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds;
Inspired by the heritage of the saints and other witnesses to the faith and anticipating the glory we are called to share;
Recognizing the good relationship between our two churches over the years; and
Desiring to draw the people of our dioceses closer together in love, truth, and compassion;

We, Bishop Robert H. Brom and Bishop Gethin B. Hughes,
together with our people, responding to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ that we “all may be one,”solemnly and reverently enter into this Covenant and pledge:

1. To strive for the removal of any obstacle to union while supporting and preserving the traditions of each other — Anglican and Roman Catholic — according to the mandate of the Gospel;

2. To encourage our people to pray for each other in our personal prayers and to ask our local congregations to include in our liturgies petitions for greater unity between our local churches;

3. To ask that the parishioners of our respective churches participate in joint prayer services, particularly at Pentecost and in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity;

4. To share the spiritual resources of our two churches and to pursue common opportunities for education and growth in the faith;

5. To work together to promote social justice as essential to Gospel witness;

6. To cooperate, whenever possible, in making a truly Christian response to human needs;

7. To offer and to share our facilities and resources on diocesan and local levels;

8. To pursue a continuing dialogue between our dioceses in the spirit of international and national dialogues, promoting better mutual understanding.

We dedicate ourselves to these objectives and ask the blessing of our loving God on this Covenant that we may be faithful to it to his honor and glory.

Bishop Robert H. Brom Roman Catholic Bishop of San DiegoBishop Gethin B. Hughes Episcopal Diocese of San DiegoThe Day of Pentecost, 1994

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Who is Mama Dee?

Sister Dolores was born on April 17, 1928 in San Francisco, California and entered the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Family on July 2, 1951. She ministered as a religious educator in parishes throughout California. Under the auspices of the Latin American Mission Program, she also served in Baja California as a catechist.

In 1975, “Mama Dee” as she was affectionately known, became a pastoral associate and the director of social concerns at St. Rose of Lima Parish. Her ministry to the poor became well known in Chula Vista, Tecate, Mexicali, and Tijuana where she coordinated a variety of programs. She also founded a community food pantry at St. Rose of Lima that continues to provide food to hundreds of families each year.

Her love for children was remarkable. “Mama Dee” believed the way to a child’s head was through the stomach. Consequently, many of her efforts were aimed at providing food to struggling families with children. Several orphanages in Baja California also benefited from her work. Visiting families in the poorest colonias, and offering food, clothing, medicines, blankets, and other household items was one of her greatest passions.

Sister Dolores developed a tremendous relationship with the St. Rose of Lima community and beyond. She had a remarkably dedicated and enthusiastic cadre of volunteers and benefactors that supported her mission to serve the poor. From collecting day old bread, driving trucks to the Food Bank, and painting dormitories at the orphanage, Mama Dee’s team touched so many lives.

Following her death in 2001, St. Rose of Lima parish established the Sister Dolores Social Outreach Program, in honor of her love and dedication to the poor. Her life continues to be an inspiration to the volunteers and patrons who strive to keep her efforts alive. Nearly 300 people a month receive food, clothing, shelter, and other services from the outreach program. The generous donation of time, talent, and treasure by so many of our parishioners and friends make this possible.

Presently, the pantry and office is run by Trudy Balestreri, Director for Social Ministry. Trudy has been with the parish staff for nearly two years and has been witness to the outpouring of love and support from members of our parish who want to help the poor. She is always looking for people with additional time and talent, as well as treasure to keep the Emergency Assistance center open. You can call on her Monday, Wednesday, or Friday of each week. Her number is 427-7637. Visit this page for more information

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS CONCERNING THE PROPOSED
RECONSTRUCTION OF PARISH FACILITIES AND THE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

1. Why is the parish embarking on a capital campaign to raise funds for building new/replacement facilities?

We have determined that our present facilities are inadequate for a our growing parish needs. These facilities do not promote a sense of community or belonging. For our parish to flourish in coming generations, we want to enhance all aspects of our parish life. Therefore, we are planning to replace our facilities on a phased basis.

2. Why are the present facilities considered inadequate?

-Church: Inadequate in both in size and design. Our studies have indicated that in order to meet the needs of our growing faith community we need a church that will seat 1500 people. We must face the demands of growing urbanization on the western side of Chula Vista where the population is expected to increase over the next twenty five years. The existing church is a 1965 facility which requires excessive, costly maintenance to operate. It does not meet the requirements of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) for facility access, it has extensive asbestos and lead based paint, and it does not meet the new building code for earthquake protection. It also does not meet liturgical guidelines for the design and configuration of worship spaces. The church opens onto a busy and crowded urban street with no room for parishioners to congregate after Mass.

-School: The facility is old and worn out. It would require costly upgrades to meet current standards (plumbing, electrical, ADA, earthquake, and habitability including traffic noise and ventilation.) The school is also noisy, overcrowded, and does not foster modern learning methods. We want to enhance the academic environment for both the school and religious education programs.

-Parish Hall: While it has been upgraded over the years, it is too small, requires expensive maintenance, and would require renovations to bring up it to current earthquake building codes. It does not meet our increasing demands for meeting space to support our many ministries.

3. What alternatives were explored to overcome these shortcomings?

The possibility of obtaining larger alternative property as a replacement site within the parish boundaries was explored but there simply was no alternative site available. Purchase of adjacent property to expand the existing campus was cost prohibitive and simply not available. The Diocese of San Diego did make a reasonable offer to buy the property to the north by the KFC about four years ago and it was rejected by the owner, Sweetwater Union High School District. Sweetwater intends to leverage this land to support building their new headquarters on L Street. We expect condominiums to be built on this property within the next five years. For more information on the planned use of the Sweetwater owned property, please see our parish web site (www.strosecv.com) which has a new web page for the Capital Campaign. We also did a cost analysis and a construction feasibility test for renovating and expanding the existing church versus building a new church. The costs involved in renovation almost equaled the cost of building a new church that would seat just 1000 people or only about 250 more than the current capacity. Increasing the size of the existing church to have the desired 1500 seat capacity was not feasible based on cost and other limitations inherent in the existing church structure including ADA, asbestos, and earthquake guidelines.

4. How was the plan to build a new school, parish hall and church developed?

As you may remember, our Pastor, Father John Dolan, brought together a committee of parishioners in early 2003 to look at the long term facility needs of the parish. This committee, which we named the “Dream Team,” included a broad range of parish representation with expertise in construction, real estate, and architecture, as well as school parents/administrators, and several long time parishioners. They met over a period of a year and a half and during sixteen planning meetings they explored many different alternatives and options. They concluded that the existing site can accommodate long term parish needs with careful planning and multi-story construction of replacement facilities. With the help of architects hired by the diocese and a traffic engineering study by a civil engineer firm, the Dream Team developed and recommended a long range Master Plan for our complex.

5. Who approved the Master Plan?

The overall plan was submitted by our parish to the Diocese of San Diego and approved with some modifications by Bishop Brom in September of 2004. However, no buildings have been designed as of yet. Only conceptual drawings have been developed based on identified requirements and the new proposed layout of the facilities including building square footage. Parishioner input into the process was received during the planning study for our capital campaign. As we go forward with the design process, parishioners will provide additional input in developing the specific designs of the buildings including the church.

6. What will the new facilities include?

-Education Center. This will be a two story building and will be used for both our parish school (Pre-school through 8th grade) and our religious education program. It will also support our high school, young adult, and adult faith formation ministries. It will retain a ball field that will be comparable in size to the existing Ryan Field.

-Parish Hall. This will be a two story building with facilities for an indoor lunch facility for the school and a main hall with larger capacity for seating and dinner occupancy. It will have a complete kitchen on the first floor and both floors will have the capability to be divided up into four separate meeting rooms.

-Church. This will be a large 1500 seat (double our current capacity) worship space and will be located on the corner of Third Avenue and H Street. It will incorporate elements of the present church (e.g. stain glass windows, organ, etc.). The main entry doors will face the parking lot and be sound proofed to overcome the distraction of street noise. The beautiful stain glass window which depicts Saint Rose of Lima (presently installed in the existing parish hall) will be relocated to the new church and will face the corner of Third and H in a prominent way.

7. What will be the cost of building new facilities and can we afford it?

We anticipate that the entire cost of the building project will be spread over several years. Phase I includes construction of a new Education Center and a new Parish Hall. It will cost $8.9 million. During the current Capital Campaign, we will need to raise $4.5 million in the next three years to support Phase I construction and then the Bishop will lend us the remainder as a loan to be paid back in the future as parish debt. Phase II will be for the replacement church. The new church will cost approximately $6 million and would not be built until Phase I is completed. A follow-up on the Capital Campaign will be conducted later to support Phase II. For a parish this size, the entire project is affordable. We have over 6000 registered households. A broad commitment to support the capital campaign will be needed but it should not have a significant impact on our regular weekly collections which support ongoing ministries.

8. When would the proposed new parish facilities be built?

The toughest part of developing the Master Plan was to devise a plan that we could implement, i.e. do all the construction, and still continue with uninterrupted parish, school, and religious education operations. The sequence of construction that we envision will accomplish this objective We would hope to begin Phase I construction of the new education facility in 2007 and follow immediately with the new parish hall. This would complete Phase I sometime in 2009. Construction of Phase II, the new church, would begin about 2010 or later.

9. What about our parking situation?

Our Master Plan recognizes that we have a parking shortfall on Sundays between 8 AM and 2 PM. However, building a parking garage on our site is cost prohibitive. To meet our parking need for just six hours a week would cost approximately $4.5 million for a parking structure with the spaces going vacant during the other six days of the week. So, while we will increase our on site parking to over 200 spaces and improve the overall traffic flow, the bulk of our Sunday parking requirement must be met by off site parking arrangements. To this end, we are entering into agreements with the owners of nearby parking facilities which will allow us to use their parking on the weekends. This will require a short walk for those attending church on Sunday mornings. While it would be nice for everyone to be able to park right at the church door, this is not feasible. The use of shared parking arrangements has been endorsed by the City of Chula Vista and is consistent with current guidelines for addressing parking issues in urban areas.

10. What is the plan for providing a rectory for our priests?

In order to save space in implementing the Master Plan for the parish complex, a rectory is not included. However, we expect to use the property adjacent to our complex, which we already own, as a site for a new rectory. Planning is underway to do this in the near term. While details are still being worked out, this construction would not be a part of fund raising for our capital campaign.

Conceptual drawings of the proposed new parish complex are posted on the bulletin board outside the church and on our parish web site (www.strosecv.com)

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What is the meaning of the water, pall, and Paschal candle at a Christian Funeral?

At Christian funerals, we greet the body of our deceased loved one's at the door of the church. There, the priest sprinkles water on the casket and says the words, "In the waters of batism (N.) died with Christ. May he also rise share in his resurrection." Then, the pall is placed on the casket and the priest says, "In baptism, (N.) was clothed in the garment of Christ." After the procession the casket is placed at the foot of the altar and in front of the Easter (or Paschal) candle.

The three symbols - water, pall, and Easter light - remind us that the Christian who has died was once baptized by water and the holy spirit, clothed in the garment of Christ, and entrusted with the Light of Christ. From re-birth in baptism to physical death, the symbols of new life remain constant.

Catholics continue to use these symbols of their baptism throughout their lives. For example, every time Catholics enter a church, they place their hands in the baptismal or holy water font and renew their baptismal vows by making the sign of the cross. At First communions, children whre their white gowns and shirts as a sign that they are clothed in the grament of Christ. This is also true at weddings (bridal gown and white shirt) and every Sunday (altar servers, priests, and deacons wear albs). Candles are often brought to church for other sacraments (Communion and even weddings).

We carry these outwards signs of new life and grace with us throughout our lives and at the moment of our death. At funerals, these symbols are particularly meaningful as they remind us that those who are born again in faith and baptism enjoy a Christian burial and the prayers of the Church for their eternal reward in heaven.

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What are the "Goods" of Marriage?

The concept of the Goods of Marriage come to us from St. Augustine, the fifth century North African bishop and doctor of the Church, who identified as the three essential elements of the marital relationship procreation, fidelity, and lifelong unity.

The Catholic Church continues to proclaim these "goods" of marriage as virtues to be lived out by those willing to embrace the ministry of Christian Marriage.

Married couples who desire to be procreators with God are open to the possibility of God's gift of children. They hear the words of Scripture:"Be fruitfull and multiply." Even those who are unable to have children can be "pro-creators" by choosing to adopt children or agreeing to assist disadvantaged children through education, financial assitance, and prayer.

The Good of Fidelity is the promise that couples make to remain faithful to God as husband and wife and, if God should give them children, as parents. Husbands and wives must witness to their faith by what they say and do. They should communicate to God through daily prayer. Fidelity to God and the desire to pass on their faith to their children and/or others around them is a couples' Christian response to God's fidelity to them.

The Good of Life Long Unity is a response to God's promise to be united to us forever. Married couples recognize that their union with each other, in good times and in bad, is a mirror immage of God's communion with us. By living a life unity, a Christian couple acts as an icon - a living image - of God's endless love for us in Jesus.

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What does the Easter Candle represent?

The Easter Candle, enthroned in the sanctuary of the church until Pentecost, is a powerful sign of Christ's Resurrection. Jesus, the Light of the World, dispels the darkness of sin, conquers death, and offers us eternal light. Also known as the Paschal candle, this image is used for Baptisms and funerals throughout the year.

The priest lights the Paschal candle directly from the "new fire," which is blessed at the beginning of the Easter Vigil (Saturday evening before Easter Sunday). The priest decorates the candle with symbols and words. As the priest says "Christ yesterday and today/ the beginning and the end," he traces the cross and the Greek letters, alpha and omega. As he traces the numerals of the current year, the priest says, "A'' times blong to him / and all ages / to him be glory and power / through every age for ever. Amen." Then inserting five grains of incense in the cross, the priest says "By his holy / and glorious wounds / may Christ our Lord / guard us / and keep us. Amen."

Those who have been baptized light baptism candles from the Easter candle with the exhortation to keep the flaim of faith burning brightly.

In this Easter season, this rich symbol reminds us that Christ is the Light. However, he says that we are the light of the world. As bearers of the light, we are reminded to let his light shine for all the world to see.

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What is Faith-Based Organizing?

Have you wanted to make a change in the world around you? Have you ever set out to make a difference only to find that your ideas for change may be quickly shot down? It is as though you are never heard.

Faith-based organizing is a process of listening to concerns and sharing ideas to help make positive changes in neighborhoods, cities, and state.

Presently, our parish is working with a group called the San Diego Organizing Project (SDOP), a faith-based organizing ministry. The initial step of SDOP is to know who we are at St. Rose of Lima. Annie-Lorrie, a representative for SDOP, is making one-on-one visits to many of our parishioners. Her purpose is to simply ask parishioners what concerns them about their neighborhood, city, or environment around them. Some of these concerns may include gang violence, drug abuse in the neighborhood, traffic issues, immigration problems, etc.

Very often, our elected officials, clergy, or other leaders will tell us what they think the problem may be in our society without listening to what others think. SDOP and St. Rose of Lima Parish staff want to change that. We want to hear from you. If you would like to meet with Annie-Lorrie, our organizing representative, please call the parish to set up a one-on-one appointment.

If you would like to know more about the organizing project, please visit the SDOP link below and see how other parishes have been involved in faith-based organizing.

More on Faith-based organization

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Why Give to the Annual Catholic Appeal?

I invite you to read this passage from the Acts of the Apostles (4:32-35):

The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, and put them at the feet of the apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need.

The early believers were of “one mind and one heart” and would lay the gifts “at the feet of the apostles” so that the gifts would be properly distributed to those in need. In the tradition of the early church, the people of the Diocese of San Diego make a gift and present it through the Annual Catholic Appeal for the needs of God’s people.

This year, as in the past, we ask you to support the Annual Catholic Appeal and to help carry on the Mission of Christ. Our gifts to this appeal go to support the teaching mission of Christ as we train catechists and teachers for our children, youth and adults. Our offering supports the sanctifying mission of the Church as we train deacons, priests and lay ministers for liturgy and prayer. Our gifts also support the servant mission of the Church as we assist Catholic Charities and the many homeless in our area.

The Annual Catholic Appeal has always had an added benefit for our own local parish. Any offering received over and above our parish’s Annual Catholic Appeal assessment comes back to St. Rose of Lima. This means that anything over this year’s $70,000 goal (the same as last year) will be returned so that we may carry on the same mission of Christ here in Chula Vista. Last year, our parish pledged nearly $200,000.

I pray that we will reach the same $200,000 pledge this year. Here is how we will use the amount returned to us after we reach the $70,000 ACA goal: One third will go toward the teaching mission of this parish as we assist our school, religious and sacramental programs; one third will go toward the sanctifying mission of our parish as we train liturgical ministers, support our deacons in training, and promote even more spiritual retreats for our parishioners in the coming year; the other third would go to the servant mission of our parish to help the homebound, the widowed, the homeless, the imprisoned, and other people in need.

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Why is the Feast of the Annunciation in Lent?

The Feast of of the Annunciation (March 25) falls within the Lenten Season. Shouldn't it be celebrated in Advent?

The Church places this feast on March 25, nine months prior to the birth of Jesus at Christmas. It is the Church's way of celebrating the nine months' pregnancy of Mary. In doing so, the Church encourages us to ponder the beautiful gift of pregnancy and the remarkable gift of motherhood.

In many ways, the Incarnation is intimitaley tied to the Crucifixion and Resurrection of the Lord. Jesus was born to take away our sins. Now, in this Season of Lent, we are reminded that our sins were taken away by the death and resurrection of the Lord. In this way, the feast of the Annunciation in Lent makes sense.

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What is the Cursillo Movement?

The Cursillo Movement is a movement of the Catholic Church. The name Cursillo is Spanish, meaning short course, and is often associated with a 3-Day weekend - which is only one aspect of the Cursillo Movement. The proper name is Cursillo de Cristiandad (short course of Christianity). There is much more to the Cursillo Movement than just a 3-Day weekend.

The Cursillo Movement has the support of the vast majority of the American hierarchy. It is joined to the National Conference of Catholic Bishops through an official liaison in the person of Most Rev. James S. Sullivan, Bishop of Fargo, and through the Bishops' Secretariat for the Laity in Washington, D.C.

The purpose of the Cursillo Movement is to bring about a change in the environments. The Cursillo Movement is a deliberate act to bring Jesus Christ into the world. Cursillistas (those that have gone through the 3-Days and are living the Cursillo method) become agents for change in their families, work situations, neighborhoods, social gatherings, etc. Cursillistas are the part of the Christian community (communal) that links together with others (teamwork) to bring Jesus Christ to the world.

In the San Diego region, there are English Cursillos, Filipino Cursillos, Spanish Cursillos, and others.

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Why is the Feast of the Annunciation in Lent?

The Feast of of the Annunciation (March 25) falls within the Lenten Season. Shouldn't it be celebrated in Advent?

The Church places this feast on March 25, nine months prior to the birth of Jesus at Christmas. It is the Church's way of celebrating the nine months' pregnancy of Mary. In doing so, the Church encourages us to ponder the beautiful gift of pregnancy and the remarkable gift of motherhood.

In many ways, the Incarnation is intimitaley tied to the Crucifixion and Resurrection of the Lord. Jesus was born to take away our sins. Now, in this Season of Lent, we are reminded that our sins were taken away by the death and resurrection of the Lord. In this way, the feast of the Annunciation in Lent makes sense.

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What does the Catholic Church say about the Jewish Faith?

As we approach the Holiest Week of the year, Christians can't avoid reading what appears to be anti-Semitic writings found in the New Testament. Particularly when we read the Gospel according to John (A Gospel written c. 80 AD to 100 AD) on Good Friday, it is evident that at the time of this writing there was already tension between the Jewish authorities and the early Christians (some of whom were Greek and others of whom were Jews).

Clearly, history shows us that anti-Semitism was a part of life not only in the early church but even in our modern era. The Church today accepts the fact that if it were not for the anti-Semitic rhetoric of Catholic leaders and laity, and of pastors and congregations of other Christian denominations, the Holocaust probably would never have happened. In other words, Hitler is not the only one to be accused.

Pope John Paul II, stated: "The Catholic Church is deeply saddened by the hatred and persecution, and display of anti-Semitism directed against the Jews by Christians" in one of his papal visits to a concentration camp in Poland.

How do we read the Scriptures then? We can't delete the texts that are clearly antagonistic toward the Jewish leaders, can we? No more than we can eliminate the texts about Peter's denial or Judas' betrayal.

When we come to the Sacred Scripture, we must read it with a clear mind and a loving heart. Certainly, to blame the Jews for the killing of Christ would be wrong. First of all, who among the jews would we blame? Mary, or Joseph? They were Jewish. If we are to read the Scriptures correctly, there was a battle between Christ and Satan and that Judas, the chief priests, the scribes, Peter and the disciples, Pilot, and many others were only secondary figures to the crucifixion event. In fact, a closer examination of the texts will show us that we (today) participate in the death of the Lord and that his once for all, never to be repeated sacrifice on the cross, forgave and forgives and will forgive our sins.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches:

Article 831: When she delves into her own mystery, the Church, the People of God in the New Covenant, discovers her link with the Jewish People,[326] "the first to hear the Word of God."[327] The Jewish faith, unlike other non-Christian religions, is already a response to God's revelation in the Old Covenant. To the Jews "belong the sonship, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; to them belong the patriarchs, and of their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ",[328] "for the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable."[329]

Article 840: And when one considers the future, God's People of the Old Covenant and the new People of God tend towards similar goals: expectation of the coming (or the return) of the Messiah. But one awaits the return of the Messiah who died and rose from the dead and is recognized as Lord and Son of God; the other awaits the coming of a Messiah, whose features remain hidden till the end of time; and the latter waiting is accompanied by the drama of not knowing or of misunderstanding Christ Jesus.

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What does the Easter Candle represent?

The Easter Candle, enthroned in the sanctuary of the church until Pentecost, is a powerful sign of Christ's Resurrection. Jesus, the Light of the World, dispels the darkness of sin, conquers death, and offers us eternal light. Also known as the Paschal candle, this image is used for Baptisms and funerals throughout the year.

The priest lights the Paschal candle directly from the "new fire," which is blessed at the beginning of the Easter Vigil (Saturday evening before Easter Sunday). The priest decorates the candle with symbols and words. As the priest says "Christ yesterday and today/ the beginning and the end," he traces the cross and the Greek letters, alpha and omega. As he traces the numerals of the current year, the priest says, "A'' times blong to him / and all ages / to him be glory and power / through every age for ever. Amen." Then inserting five grains of incense in the cross, the priest says "By his holy / and glorious wounds / may Christ our Lord / guard us / and keep us. Amen."

Those who have been baptized light baptism candles from the Easter candle with the exhortation to keep the flaim of faith burning brightly.

In this Easter season, this rich symbol reminds us that Christ is the Light. However, he says that we are the light of the world. As bearers of the light, we are reminded to let his light shine for all the world to see.

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Who is Benedict the XVI?

Text of Pope Benedict on the Day of His Election

Pope Benedict XVI, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany, was elected by 115 Cardinals on April 19 in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican. He became the first German-born pope in nearly 1000 years. At age 78, he was elected the 265th pope in the line of Saint Peter.

Often considered the right hand man of Pope John Paul II, Ratzinger headed the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith since 1981.

Born on April 16, 1927, in Marktl Am Inn, Germany, he was the son of a police officer. He attended seminary but was forced to serve in his late teen years as a Germany auxiliary anti-aircraft soldier during the last months of World War II. He deserted the Germany army in 1945 and was taken prisoner by U.S. troops. He was released in June that year from a U.S. POW camp and returned home, hitching a ride on a milk truck.

From 1946 to 1951, he studied philosophy and theology at the University of Munich and at another school in Freising. He was ordained a priest in 1951. In March 1977, he was named archbishop of Munich and Freising by Pope Paul VI and Cardinal shortly thereafter. Under John Paul II, he became Dean of the College of Cardinals in 2002.

Pope Benedict's Speech on Election Day

Dear brothers and sisters,

After the Great Pope John Paul II, the cardinals have elected me, a simple, humble worker in the Lord’s vineyard.

I am comforted by the fact that the Lord knows how to work and act even with insufficient instruments. And above all, I entrust myself to your prayers.

With the joy of the risen Lord and confidence in his constant help, we will go forward. The Lord will help us and Mary his most holy mother will be alongside us.

Thank you.