25th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Online Mass)

September 14, 2020
Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross

Dear Parishioners,

I pray that you and members of your family are healthy and safe!  

I am writing you because yesterday afternoon our Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone issued a memorandum to all of us priests in the Archdiocese which, I believe, is also intended to be shared with you, our parishioners. The first part of the document talks about the issues that the Archbishop has raised on the public announcement regarding the new restrictions imposed on the public celebration of the Mass by the mayor of the City of San Francisco, London Breed. And the second part of the document is an invitation from the Archbishop to us, members of the Archdiocese who are able, willing and comfortable, to seriously consider to participate on the following initiatives of the Archdiocese: 

• The first is to encourage your parishioners to go to the website FreeTheMass.com and sign the petition calling on the Mayor Breed to lift unfair restrictions in San Francisco. More than 3500 have done so in the first week!
• Second, on next Sunday, September 20, three parishes in San Francisco are organizing three Eucharistic processions to UN Plaza by City Hall. From there, the entire group will process together up to the Cathedral and celebrate multiple Masses outdoors (with masks, and proper social distancing). More Info.
• Thirdly, I would ask all of you, as a minimum, to hang these banners (with the motto: “We Are Essential: Free the Mass!”) on your church as a sign that the Church is speaking out with a united voice on this, just as we did when legislation was proposed that would have required priests to break the seal of confession. Our people need to know that the Mass can be offered safely and that we want to be their advocates. 
• In addition to all this, another date to keep in mind is Sunday, October 3, when we will hold our annual Rosary Rally. The program is still being developed, but the general, tentative plan is to celebrate Masses on the Cathedral Plaza at 11:00 a.m., and then hold a procession and recitation of the rosary as people walk through the blocks of the neighborhood.

Now that we become aware that such actions and activities are in place, hopefully, we will choose to participate especially on the first item of the Archbishop’s request – to go to the website and sign the petition to lift the unfair restrictions on the public celebration of the Mass in San Francisco. And for those who will choose to physically participate in the Eucharistic rally on September 20th and Rosary rally on October 3rd, let us together be one in our prayer for their safety and good health.  

Finally, for those of you who are interested in reading the full text of the Archbishop’s memorandum, please open the attached document. Have a wonderful week and God bless!

Fr. Angel

Becoming More Like Christ

When Peter asked Jesus how many times he must forgive, he was probably stunned at Jesus’ response. Peter had asked, “As many as seven times?” Seven being the perfect number, surely this is enough forgiveness, Peter likely thought. Jesus’ response seems lavish beyond proportion. “I say to you, not seven times but seventy seven times.” Jesus understands the fullness of God’s mercy and teaches that disciples are called to this same lavish outpouring of mercy. God showers compassion on humanity, beyond what might seem sensible or wise, yet we are called to “remember the Most High’s covenant, and overlook faults,” to give others the benefit of the doubt, knowing that God does this and more with us, each and every day. As recipients of God’s compassion, we  ust extend forgiveness and care beyond what might seem reasonable, because God’s love is beyond human reason.