Dear friends on the journey,

When I was a little girl, my grandmother gifted me with several Madame Alexander collectible dolls, the ones that represented different countries, with porcelain heads, perfectly coiffed hair, and beautifully stitched dresses. They looked so lovely on a shelf in my bedroom but were just too fragile and special that I could not bring myself to play with them or share with my friends. The dolls I did play with and share with playdates were on the floor with messy hair, mismatched clothes, smudged with peanut butter and jelly, well­ traveled and loved with gusto.

Our faith can be like porcelain dolls when we wrap it nicely, put it on a shelf untouched, and occasionally admired in passing. However, today’s readings remind us we are called to live our faith otherwise. We are to embrace our faith, embody it, share it and be witnesses to it.

To this point, Jesus has lived, ministered, preached, healed, suffered, died, and risen from the dead. One might think that is enough but Jesus’ earthly work is not quite finished. Post Easter Sunday he knows the disciples are scared and worried about what to do next and need him a little bit longer. So, until his ascension, Jesus will spend time with the disciples, breaking bread, helping them understand scripture, bolstering their confidence, and preparing them for their new mission ... to go out and spread the Good News, to tell others about a life with Jesus.

Anything Jesus commands of the disciples in the gospels is our command also. So today we are reminded of our call to the mission of sharing the Good News. But what are we in fact sharing and how do we do it? Are we sharing that to have faith one must be pristine in all ways, have our act together, always doing and saying the right things? Not at all.

We are sharing our lived experience that in the messiness of our lives, in our often ­well­ intentioned stumbles and failures, in our choosing to put worldliness ahead of our relationship with God, we are still loved by God. We are sharing that every day we rise in the morning intending to do our best and, in moments of failing, we are forgiven by God who gets us so the next day we can arise again. We are sharing that the Good Friday moments of our lives are always endured because of Easter Sunday hope. We are sharing that despite the anxiety of the unknown, we trust God. We are sharing that God’s peace, mercy and love is for everyone. 

We can share the Good News with our words but to do so with our very lives is far more effective ... actions speak louder than words, right? Others will know us as disciples when they watch how we talk to the grocery checker, drive on the road, speak about others, forgive wrongdoings, and prioritize our relationship with God over all else. ​

​Also visit: Ministries A to Z

Also visit: Faith Formation for Adults

Funeral Liturgy
Saturday, February 6, 2021
11:00 am
Padre Serra Parish

​Funeral
Following Mass
Santa Clara Mortuary
2370 North H Street,
​Oxnard, CA 93036

About
Knights of Columbus is a Catholic fraternal organization founded by Fr. Michael J. McGivney in 1882 has served the Church and its parishes and communities for 130 years! Today it is the world's largest Catholic men's organization dedicated to upholding the teachings of the Catholic Church, helping people in need and fostering a bond between members.

As a Knight, men 18+ have the opportunity to strengthen our parish, give back to the community, and grow in faith. Joining our local council doesn’t mean sacrificing quality time with your family; volunteering an hour here or there with your family can make a real difference.

Our local Knights of Columbus Council #5272 is made up of men from Padre Serra  and St. Mary Magdalen parishes.  They coordinate and carry out fundraising and social events to support a variety of charitable causes and Catholic education.

Also visit:

• Knights of Columbus News
• Groups
• Clergy Religious Appreciation Dinner
• Fifth Sunday Rosary
• Men's Ministry

We gather to share faith, fun and Spanish.
Come learn and practice Spanish vocabulary, grammar, and conversation to help you gain confidence and feel more comfortable in everyday situations.
​Beginning levels are welcome.

Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 845 2489 5877
Passcode: 167442
One tap mobile
+16699006833,,84524895877#,,,,,,0#,,167442# US (San Jose)  

To register/questions:
Patricia Guzmán
(805) 827·5903
patty.g.q14@gmail.com

Vigil
Saturday, February 20, 2021
12:00 pm
Padre Serra Parish

Funeral Liturgy
Saturday, February 20, 2021
1:00 pm
Padre Serra Parish