PRINCE OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
FEBRUARY 19, 2017
SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Readings and Feast Days for Week of
Feb. 19th—25th
SUNDAY:
Lv 19: 1-2, 17-18; 1 Cor 3:16-23;
Mt 5:38-48
MONDAY:
Sir 1:1-10; Mk 9:14-29
TUESDAY:
Sir 2:1-11; Mk 9:30-37
(St. Peter Damian)
WEDNESDAY: 1 Pt 5:1-4; Mt 16:13-19
(The Chair of St. Peter the Apostle)
THURSDAY: Sir 5:1-8; Mk 9:41-50
(St. Polycarp)
FRIDAY:
Sir 6:5-17; Mk 10:1-12
SATURDAY: Sir 17:1-15; Mk 10:13-16
SUNDAY:
Is 49:14-15; 1 Cor 4:1-5; Mt 6:24-34
FEBRUARY 19, SUNDAY
RE Classes
K of C First Degree Meeting
Hall/Clsrms
Port 4
FEBRUARY 20, MONDAY
Bible Study
Spanish Bible Study
Arts & Crafts
Charismatic Prayer Grp
Divine Mercy Prayer Group
Hall
9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Rm 105
10 a.m.
House
1 p.m.
Port 1 & 2
6:45 p.m.
Rm 101-102
7 p.m.
FEBRUARY 21, TUESDAY
KDO
Way of the Cross
AMSIF
EPIC Series
Rosary Prayer Group
El Salvador Ministry
Rosary Guild
Hall/Clsrms 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Church
9:15 a.m.
Port 1 & 2 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Hall
6:30 p.m.
Wkrm
7 p.m.
Rm 105
7 p.m.
Rm 101-102
7 p.m.
7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
7 p.m.
FEBRUARY 22, WEDNESDAY
St. Vincent de Paul
House
Pro Life Rosary Prayer Group Church
MDO
Hall/Clsrms
RCIA
Hall/Clrms
Spanish Choir
Church
Young Adults Ministry
Port 3
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
7 p.m.
7 p.m.
7 p.m.
FEBRUARY 23, THURSDAY
KDO
Hall/Clsrms
9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
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FEBRUARY 24, FRIDAY
St. Vincent de Paul
Bible Study
FEBRUARY 25, SATURDAY
Men’s Bible Study
Women’s Day Retreat
Confirmation Sponsor Retreat
RE Classes
Reconciliation
FEBRUARY 26, SUNDAY
RE Classes
Ladies Auxiliary Bake Sale
K of C Taco Sale
House
Hall
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Rm 101-102
7:30 a.m.
Port 1-4 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Hall
8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Hall/Clsrms
4 p.m.
Day Chapel/Confessional
3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Hall/Clsrms
7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Hall
After all morning Masses
Hall
After all morning Masses
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is in the chapel
Monday thru Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
unless otherwise noted
Mission: Prince of Peace Catholic Church is a
community united in faith, bringing God´s love to the
World
Vision: Every parishioner experiences God´s love by means of the
liturgy and sacraments, ministry participation, prayer, and parish
family life, in such a way that he/she cannot but become joyful and a
missionary of Jesus Christ and his Gospel.
Prince of Peace has made travel arrangements with
Globus Tours and Petry Travel for a Pilgrimage to Rome,
escorted by Fr. Rodolfo Caballero. Our travel dates will be
October 22nd-30th, 2017. Cost is $4,000 per person. Due
to the limited number of spaces, the deadline to register
and put your deposit of $779.00 per person has been
moved to March 14th. Contact Alice Petry
(210) 349-2583 or [email protected] for more
information. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity!
Flower Donations
For thanksgiving….
We have fresh flowers on the altar, the
holy water font, and the day chapel.
These are a great way to beautify our
wonderful Church! We are asking for
donations to help cover the cost of these
flowers with a minimum donation amount
of $50.
PRINCE OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
FEBRUARY 19, 2017
FEBRUARY 18, SATURDAY
5:00 p.m.
†Roy Vargas - Paula Gutierrez
FEBRUARY 19, SUNDAY
8:30 a.m.
People of the Parish
10:30 a.m.
†Joe O. Pedroza - Kim Roark
12:30 p.m.
†David Tijerina - His mother
2:00 p.m.
†Aurora Gonzalez - Mora Family
7:00 p.m.
†Ana Najera - Deacon Richard & Beatriz Juarez
FEBRUARY 20, MONDAY
8:15 a.m.
†Ambrosio C. Rosario - Rosario Family
FEBRUARY 22, WEDNESDAY
8:15 a.m.
†Eliza Morales - Ibarra Family
FEBRUARY 23, THURSDAY
8:15 a.m.
†Magdalena Quinones - Deacon Richard
& Beatriz Juarez
FEBRUARY 24, FRIDAY
8:15 a.m.
†Theresa G. Rangel - Maria S. Segovia
FEBRUARY 25, SATURDAY
5:00 p.m.
†Laura Ross - Arts & Crafts Ministry
FEBRUARY 26, SUNDAY
8:30 a.m.
†Eddie C. Vasquez - His wife & family
10:30 a.m.
People of the Parish
12:30 p.m.
†Andres Gonzalez - Susan Palos
2:00 p.m.
†Martha Correa - Family
7:00 p.m.
†Maria Valentin Sanabria - Deacon Pino
& Maria L. Sanabria
Mandatory Confirmation III Retreat
A mandatory retreat for 11th grade students who are
receiving Confirmation this year (and their sponsors)
is scheduled for Saturday, February 25th from 8:00
a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Prince of Peace parish
hall. Both students and sponsors must attend. This is
for those receiving only the Confirmation Sacrament.
Day
Time
# in Attendance
Saturday
Sunday
5:00 p.m.
8:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
12:30 p.m.
2:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
386
495
697
549
232
274
Total
In Loving Memory of Fred Garza
From his wife Monty & daughter Shaina
In Loving Memory of Joshua Barbosa
From Barbosa Family
The Sanctuary and two Adoration Candles may be
sponsored for the deceased or for
any special intention, which will be printed
in the church bulletin every week.
FEBRUARY 21, TUESDAY
8:15 a.m.
†Preciliano Gallegos - Elizondo Family
Mass Participation
Sanctuary and Adoration Candle Donors
Week of February 19th to February 25th
An offering of $10 is requested for one week.
Please come by the parish office during
working hours to make arrangements.
Parish Book of Intercessions
We have a Parish Book of Intercessions located on the
Oblation Table at the entrance of the Church. You may
write in the names of those who are sick. Due to privacy
reasons, to be published in the bulletin, you must come to
the office and request your own name be included. We
especially pray for:
Bonnie Romo
Manuel Garcia Jr.
Arnold Trevino
Oralia Lara Vargas
Nora Cardiel
Rene Gamboa
Dorothy Kirchner
Eliza Morales
Charles Porter
Juan Jose Rivera
Robert Macias
Larry Villarreal
“I shall get up and go to my father...”
Luke 15:18
Mass times
6:30 a.m.
8:15 a.m.
5 p.m. (Church)
5 p.m. (Hall)
7 p.m. (Church)
7 p.m. (Hall-Spanish)
Prayer service with
distribution of ashes
10 a.m.
11 a.m.
12:15 p.m.
2 p.m.
3 p.m.
2,633
Offerings Report: February 12, 2017
$23,571.00
Thank you for your generosity.
We still have Sunday Missals for sale
in the parish office for $5.00. It is
great to know so many parishioners
love this resource. All proceeds go to
the Guadalupanos.
SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
The St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry is open on
Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. to
provide (and accept donations) food and financial assistance
to needy families within the Prince of Peace boundaries.
For more information, call 210-462-9388 and leave a
voicemail or send an email to [email protected]. A
volunteer will return your call or respond to your email as
soon as possible. A picture I.D. and proof of current
address is required.
Please do not remove or replace any flowers,
plants, literature or any other objects in the
Church without checking with Lydia Soriano
at 317-2143 or Jennie Beach at 274-0947.
First Reading
Leviticus 19:1–2, 17–18
Be holy, for I, the Lord, your God, am holy.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 103: 1–4,8,10, 12–13
Merciful and gracious is the Lord, slow to anger and
abounding in kindness.
Second Reading
1 Corinthians 3:16–23
Are you not aware that you are the temple of God, and that
the Spirit of God dwells in you?
Gospel Reading
Matthew 5:38–48
My command to you is: love your enemies, pray for your
persecutors.
Background on the Gospel
QUEST retreatants from the end of 2016. All who attended said
they had a great time.
Youth QUEST Retreat fast approaching!!!!
High School students are invited to attend the next Prince of
Peace Youth QUEST Retreat at Slumber Falls Camp & Retreat
Center in New Braunfels on the weekend of March 11th and
12th.
This retreat is a journey with Christ that focuses on the Three
Circles of Love: Love of Jesus, Love of Others and Love of
Yourself. It is an experience of sharing together with other
participating teens so that they may find out more about God,
themselves and their relationship with family and friends.
If you are interested in participating the cost is $100 plus $10
for tshirt. Space is limited. If you have any questions or need
additional information, please contact Frank or Amy Ramos at
210-639-2316 or email [email protected]
THE DIVINE MERCY PRAYER GROUP
We will meet on Monday at 7 pm in rooms 101 & 102.
Come learn more with us as we help each other on our
spiritual journey.
Questions/Comments:[email protected].
JESUS I TRUST IN YOU JESUS I TRUST IN YOU
JESUS I TRUST IN YOU
The last two antitheses offered in the Sermon on the Mount
deal with love of enemies. We should not look at “an eye
for an eye” as an inordinately strict punishment. It is
actually meant to limit acts of revenge by making sure the
punishment is not excessive but fits the crime. However,
Jesus asks his followers to take a different approach by
resisting retaliation altogether. The response to a stronger
person who slaps us on the cheek, takes us to court, or
demands a service of us is not to resist. Similarly, for a
weaker person, such as a beggar or borrower, we are to give
him or her what he or she asks for. Those who are called to
the Kingdom of Heaven are to go beyond the way the world
usually works and serve God’s kingdom here on earth.
The other difficult demand of those who are called to the
kingdom is to embrace the enemy. There is no command in
the Old Testament to hate individuals in a personal or
vindictive way. But there is a religious stance that calls one
to hate evil and to distance oneself from those who
participate in evil. In contrast, Matthew emphasizes that
love of God and love of neighbor are the fundamental
commands on which all else depend. Because God’s love is
unconditional, we are to strive to love as God does, though,
of course, it is challenging. Is it even possible?
The key is in the final verse. We are to be perfect as our
heavenly father is perfect. Matthew uses the Greek word
telos, which is probably better translated here as
“complete.” We are not to be perfect as in doing everything
correctly, that is, as in being absolutely morally correct. We
are to be perfect as in striving to reach the completeness we
are called to in the Kingdom of Heaven. Attempting to love
our enemies is part of striving for that completeness.
From www.loyolapress.com
PRINCE OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
Blessings (Sacramentals)
Blessings are called “sacramentals” because they prepare us to
receive the grace of the sacraments and help us to grow to be more
like Christ (CCC no. 1670). A blessing is a Rite that consists of
prayer, Scripture, and sometimes a special ritual sign (CCC no.
1668). It is performed in the name and with the authority of the
Church by a duly qualified minister, by which persons or things
are sanctified or dedicated to Divine service, or by which certain
marks of Divine favor are invoked upon them.
The custom of giving blessings goes back to the very earliest
times. In the morning of Creation, on the completion of each
day’s work, God blessed the living creatures that came from His
hands, bidding them increase and multiply and fill the earth. The
pages of the Old Testament testify abundantly to the great extent
to which the practice of blessing prevailed in the patriarchal ages.
People are accustomed to seeing bishops, priests, and deacons
blessing objects or persons in the name of the Church. Indeed,
“the more a blessing concerns ecclesial and sacramental life, the
more is its administration reserved to the ordained ministry” (CCC
no. 1669), often with the participation of the local parish community gathered in prayer, i.e., the celebration of the Eucharist.
Whenever an ordained minister is present, he should be called upon to give the blessing.
When we attend Holy Mass, the entire Assembly is blessed by the
priest at the dismissal. Remember, the priest is acting in Persona
Christi, that is, in the Person of Christ. Therefore, there is no need
to ask for a blessing after mass at the church’s door where the
priest is greeting you as you exit the church. Also, it is not recommended to ask for a blessing during Holy Communion to those
who are unable to receive, since there is a general solemn blessing
given to the whole congregation at the end of Mass before everyone is dismissed. Obviously in those occasions, the priests and
deacons will always give a blessing; but it should not be encouraged.
There are other blessings, like the ones contained in Catholic
Household Blessings and Prayers that can be prayed by anyone
who has been baptized, “in virtue of the universal priesthood, a
dignity they possess because of their baptism and confirmation” (Book of Blessings, no 18). The blessings given by laypersons are exercised because of their special office, such as parents
on behalf of their children. That is why the Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that “every baptized person is called to be a
‘blessing,’ and to bless” (no 1669).
Like the Lord into whom they have been baptized, parents should
bless and pray for their children. Each one of us should remember
the sick and those who suffer. Each time we gather around the
family table, we should bless God and the food he has given us.
On special occasions, we will observe the traditions of the season,
sanctifying by prayer and blessing all the seasons of grace that
God has given to us.
MEN’S FAITH SHARING
All men are invited for fellowship and Bible Study
on Saturday mornings at 7:30 a.m. in rooms
101/102 at Prince of Peace. For more
information, please contact Gilbert Montemayor
at 415-8157 or Tim McCarthy at 861-2638.
FEBRUARY 19, 2017
A Rosary in Honor of Archbishop
Emeritus Patrick Flores
By Elvira Arrieta
The Federation of Guadalupanos for the
Archdiocese of San Antonio had the honor
of reciting the first of many rosaries in
memory of Archbishop Emeritus Patrick
Flores on Monday, January 16. 2017, at
San Fernando Cathedral. It was in l981
that Archbishop Flores established the Federation, charging its members with the responsibility of promoting devotions to Our
Lady of Guadalupe, providing spiritual guidance to all Societies of
Guadalupanos, and helping to establish new societies in parishes
throughout the Archdiocese where there were none. Each Guadalupano present at the rosary can attest to the love that each one of
us had for this man of God. His presence at Federation activities
was always an uplifting experience for members and his smile
contagious. The Archbishop remained a friend, spiritual advisor,
and model to all Guadalupanos until his death. He will be missed,
but certainly never forgotten. May his soul and the souls of all the
faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.
We have copies of Matthew Kelly’s Resisting
Happiness for sale in the parish office for $1. If
you received the book, loved it and learned from it,
consider buying a copy for a friend or loved one!
Let’s help raise each other up through happiness!
We have a few copies available in Spanish.
Help support the Prince of Peace Mission when you
make an eligible purchase through AmazonSmile.
When you buy from AmazonSmile, and have Prince
of Peace Catholic Church as your charitable
organization, our parish will receive 0.5% of the purchase price
as a donation. Before making your purchase, please make sure
that you are using smile.amazon.com and not Amazon.com
because they are two separate websites. For a direct link to have
Prince of Peace as your charitable organization, please type
https://smile.amazon.com/ch/74-2124039 in your URL
Navigation Toolbar. If you have any other questions, please feel
free to contact the Parish Office at (210) 681-8330.
THANK YOU PARISHIONERS FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!
Prince of Peace donated monies to the Catholic Home Missions
Appeal in 2015-2016, which supports home mission dioceses, that
is, those dioceses in the United States that are unable to offer their
people the basic pastoral ministries of word, worship, and service
without outside help. It may also give grants to other dioceses in
the U.S. for particular projects, and to organizations and religious
communities engaged in missionary work.
We were able to help our neighbor, the Diocese of Laredo, where
it is a challenge for them to keep up with the needs of their people.
With this help, they were able to reconcile many people with
Christ and his love, through outreach and the sacraments.
SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
At the end of every Mass, we are called to “go in peace to love and
serve the Lord”. WE are challenged to help build our faith community. One person cannot do it all; but by each of us doing something, we can make a difference in the lives of people throughout
the Archdiocese of San Antonio. Through the Archbishop’s Appeal,
countless lives have been touched, uplifted and transformed.
The weekend of March 4th & 5th, we ask you to bring the envelope you may have received from the Archdiocese in the mail. If you
forget, don’t worry, we will have envelopes here for you. You can
also go online to https://www.archsa.org/archbishopsappeal/ and click on the “donate” tab. Please be sure to choose
Prince of Peace (San Antonio) from the drop down box.
You Make a Difference
God has given each one of us gifts, graces, talents and
abilities that are to be shared responsibly and wisely with
others. Stewardship is more than the occasional act of
charity and service. It is the way we live our lives, the
commitment we give of our time, talent and treasure in
thanksgiving for all the blessings we have received. We
share those gifts with our Archdiocesan community.
YOUR GIFT TRANSFORMS LIVES
In the Archdiocese of San Antonio, with over 700,000
Our Vocations Committee presents another testimony
about a call to priesthood by a seminarian. This series
is to open up conversations
about religious vocations
with our youth.
Trevor
Denn is from the St. John
the Evangelist and Our Lady of Grace parishes in San
Antonio. He says, “I have
always felt called to serve
the Church, however, I did
not know the specifics.
Throughout my childhood, I was taught to put my trust
in Christ and develop that relationship and love for the
Truth. It was not until my vocation retreat where God,
through his servants,
answers my questions and put
my heart at ease. I very much look forward to showing
my love of Christ through the sacraments and particularly the Mass.”
Catholics, the Mass is celebrated in a number of different
languages, representing many rich cultural traditions. Like
the many gifts of the Holy Spirit, this landscape of
diversities unites to form one Body of Christ. United as one
church, you can bring Christ into the lives of many in a
powerful way. At this time in the history of the church, we
are called to a transformative faith that manifests itself
through the New Evangelization. The Appeal is one way
you can respond to this call to transform the future in our
parishes and in the greater church.
YOUR GIFT IS A MISSION OF LOVE
Social service ministries funded by the Appeal touch the
everyday lives of people with the love of Christ. Through
your contribution to the 2015 Appeal, many lives will be
transformed. Catholic Charities will be able to establish a
new Pregnancy Center near an abortion clinic. At St. Peter
-St. Joseph Children’s Home, abused and abandoned
children will find refuge and hope for a better life, and
through the Criminal Justice Ministry, the incarcerated and
their families will have a second chance to build a new life
in Christ.
YOUR GIFT BRINGS A LEGACY OF FAITH TO
GODS PEOPLE
The needs of young people are central to the work of the
church, because they are the future of the church and we
know there are too many that are disengaged or indifferent.
It is our privilege and responsibility to preserve our
Catholic faith for our children, and for their children. The
Appeal supports Hope for the Future in its efforts to help
keep their children in Catholic schools. Within our college
campuses, the Office of Campus Ministry and Young
Adults provides faith formation opportunities that are preparing leaders and building a legacy of faith for future generations. struggling families keep their children in Catholic
schools. Within our college campuses, the Office of Campus
Ministry and Young Adults provides faith formation
opportunities that are preparing leaders and building a
legacy of faith for future generations.
Rosario en Favor de la Vida (Pro Life)
Se extiende a los miembros de la Parroquia una
cordial invitación para acompañarnos para el rezo del
rosario en español, en favor de la vida. Se lleva
acabo cada miércoles a las 9:00 de la mañana en la
Iglesia después de la Santa Misa. Los esperamos.
Atentamente, Ismael M. Díaz, tel: 210-391-0855.
PRINCE OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
FEBRUARY 19, 2017
Next school year 2017-2018, our
Mothers’ Day Out (MDO) Program is
expanding to include Mondays. MDO
will be held on Mondays &
Wednesdays. Kids’ Day Out (KDO)
will continue to operate on Tuesdays &
Thursdays. Hours of operation for both programs are 9am
until 2:30pm. We follow NISD with regards to holidays and
school closings. We will also be closed for any Holy Days
of Obligation. We are currently registering for the upcoming
school year. These programs are open to all, so let your
friends know as well!
KDO focuses on introducing children to the alphabet,
numbers, colors and shapes. At MDO, we have meaningful
play and exploration through crafts, art, experiments and
other fun creative projects. Both programs include teaching
the children prayers, taking them to chapel visits (Eucharistic
Adoration) and reading bible stories.
Spaces fill up quickly! Contact Beckie Raymond for more
information or to schedule a tour. KDO/MDO Office: (210)
681-5063 ext. 19, Mobile #: (210) 322-0400
email: KDO&[email protected]
Great job Knights of Columbus, Ladies Auxiliary,
& Guadalupanos!
We received a letter from St. Timothy Catholic Church
(on Saltillo St.) thanking them for donating shoes to
those in need, as well as toys to their “Ninos del
Barrio” Christmas program. They sent their sincere
gratitude for the generosity of our ministries!
Dear women of Prince of Peace,
You are invited to attend the next Prince of Peace
Women's ACTS Retreat, the weekend of March 2-5,
2017 at the historic Moye Center in Castroville. This
weekend for women is spent with a team of women
who face the same difficulties you do while living in
today's world. The Lord provides us with all we need,
we only need to learn how to listen. For more
information, you may call Diana Mireles at
210.279.9972 or Cathy Rios at 210.876.9740.
Within the next couple of weeks, a Summary Report detailing the
results of our Increased Offertory Program will be prepared. Several weeks ago we began this program. We are beginning to see
signs that our Sunday offertory collections are growing through
the generosity of many, many parishioners. Thank you so very
much to all who have chosen to participate in this very important
program. Your generosity shows your willingness as faithful
stewards to be a part of the ongoing mission of Prince of Peace
Catholic Church.
KDO Mission statement: To provide children with a
loving, fun and safe Catholic Christian based
environment where they can learn and grow.
MDO Mission statement: To provide children with a day
of fun and fellowship while learning about the love of
God.
Go to El Salvador with Father Rodolfo!
Do you want to visit our sister community
of Agua Blanca, El Salvador with Father
Rodolfo and members of our ministry? We
will have information on the mission trip at
our monthly El Salvador Mission Ministry meeting on
Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at 7:00 P.M. in Room 105. All
are welcome to attend and the more the merrier!
SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
The one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church
An introduction to the four marks of
Catholicism
By David Werning
(this article was originally published by Our Sunday Visitor in the
OSV Newsweekly, www.osv.com, and is used with permission.)
A Catholic chaplain, a priest, was carrying Communion to
patients who were bedridden in a hospital. The priest had a
list of Catholic patients who had requested communion. In
one of the rooms, as he blessed a patient and began to leave,
the priest was passing by another patient, not on the list,
who said, “Hey, what about me?”
The priest stopped and replied, “I’m so sorry; I didn’t
realize you’re a Catholic.” The man in the bed said, “I’m not,
but what does that matter? Religions are all the same.” So
the priest said, “In that case, I’m happy to help you become
a Catholic. We can start right now.” To which the man
replied, “No, thank you.”
“All religions are the same.” The claim is widespread, but
when pressed proponents have a difficult time
substantiating the claim. Indeed, all one has to do is visit a
temple, a mosque and a church to see how different
religions celebrate their beliefs. One can also compare and
contrast the various precepts of the religions to learn their
differences.
So why do people still make the claim — even those who
are practicing a particular religion? Ignorance may be part
of the answer. Another part may be a desire to water down
all faiths into a one-size-fits-all system that everyone can
accept. It may even spring from a well-intentioned effort to
alleviate conflict and fighting. The trouble is it doesn’t
work; there’s fighting even among co-religionists.
The fact is: All religions are not the same. The challenge is
to accept the fact without descending into triumphalism or
hostility. A starting point that avoids such confrontations is
acknowledging the dignity of the human person and his or
her right to religious freedom. This is something the
Catholic Church proposes (see Dignitatis Humanae, No. 2).
If people can respect each
other as fellow human beings
who deserve the same
fundamental rights, then the
next step is to move toward
mutual understanding
through dialogue. A spirit of
openness and inquisitiveness
about other faiths would be
an important part of any
meaningful conversation.
However, the most important
item to bring is a clear
understanding of one’s own
tradition, a prerequisite the
Vatican commends strongly to
all Catholics: “Above all they
should know their own Church
and be able to give an account of
its teaching” (Directory for the
Application of Principles and
Norms on Ecumenism, No. 24).
Our Sunday Visitor Newsweekly is committed to being part
of the conversation, and for more than 100 years has striven
to provide readers with articles and commentary helpful to
understanding the Catholic Church. A new In Focus series
called “Foundations of the Faith” begins with this article,
which will lay out what the Church claims about itself and
how it is unique among religions. Then each month, from
February to December, another article elucidating an
essential aspect of Catholicism will be published. The idea is
to offer a kind of refresher course on the Catholic faith.
Catholics can and should speak openly and knowledgeably
about their faith, and by doing so they may help to create a
climate in which not only an informed conversation can take
place, but also intolerance and ignorance can be avoided.
The Catholic Church: Its Basic Foundation
Jesus, during his earthly ministry and before ascending into
heaven, instituted his Church upon the “rock” of Peter and
the other apostles (see Mt 16:18; 18:18). This Church that
Jesus founded subsists in the Catholic Church, according to
Catholic teaching, and it still bears the four distinguishing
marks that Jesus intended: namely that it is one, holy,
catholic and apostolic. “This Church constituted and
organized in the world as a society … is governed by the
successor of Peter and by the bishops in communion with
him …” (Lumen Gentium No. 8). The Catechism of the
Catholic Church states further: “Only faith can recognize
that the Church possesses these properties from her divine
source. But their historical manifestations are signs that also
speak clearly to human reason” (No. 812).
The differences between the Catholic Church and religions
outside Christianity are obvious, for the latter do not believe
Jesus is God. Within Christianity, the contrasts fall along a
spectrum. Quite a few differences stem from both a rejection
of the papal office and a disagreement over holy orders. The
differences here are very stark. On the other hand, some
branches of Christianity, like the Orthodox (which also
claims a direct link to apostolic times) are so close that full
unity is in reach. Nevertheless, in order to give an account
of their own tradition, Catholics need to understand each of
the four marks. Taken together they form a foundation for
the entire Catholic faith.
PRINCE OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
The Church is one
Claiming that the Catholic Church is one may seem naïve at
best and triumphalist at worst. Given the differences within
Christianity already mentioned and considering the Great
Schism of 1054 and the Protestant Reformation in the 16th
century, how can unity be claimed? It depends on the source
of unity. If one keeps in mind the divine origin of the
Catholic Church, then its unity can be appreciated even
when individual Catholics obscure it by error and sin or
when people choose to leave the Church.
The German bishops make a good point in “The Church’s
Confession of Faith: A Catholic Catechism for Adults”:
Unity, they say, is “not a goal of Church organization” (No.
231). It is not something that can be manufactured by
human beings. The unity of the Church “is already a reality
in Christ as a first fruit of the Holy Spirit” (No. 231; see
also Lumen Gentium, No. 7). Therefore, unity is a gift that
must be received and lived by the members of the Church,
who, as St. Paul tells us, are called to
be one with their head (Col 1:18).
Caution About the 'One' Church
Two notes of caution about the unity
of the Church should be kept in mind.
First, unity does not preclude
diversity. As the Catechism states:
“Among the Church’s members, there
are different gifts, offices, conditions
and ways of life” (No. 814). This
includes even the way Mass is
celebrated. Most people are familiar
with the Latin, or Western, rite of the
Catholic Church, which includes most
U.S. Catholic parishes. But there is an
Eastern part, which includes 21
churches that celebrate Mass according to their own
traditions. Together the Western and Eastern churches
make up the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church .
A second note of caution concerns Christians outside the
Catholic Church. Ruptures to the “unity of Christ’s
body” (CCC, No. 817) were caused by human sin on both
sides of every divide. Yet, “one cannot charge with the sin of
the separation those who at present are born into these
communities [that resulted from such separation]” (CCC,
No. 818). The Catholic Church accepts other Christians as
brothers and sisters, and it recognizes in their communities
“elements of sanctification and truth” (CCC, No. 819).
Moreover, the Catholic Church is committed to continual
conversion on its part and to responding to Jesus’ prayer
that all be one in him (Jn 17:20-23) .
If one chooses to participate, then he or she will join in the
“visible bonds of communion” that Jesus provided (CCC,
No. 815):
FEBRUARY 19, 2017
— “Profession of one faith
received from the apostles.”
— “Common celebration of
divine worship, especially the
sacraments.”
— “Apostolic succession
through the Sacrament of Holy
Orders.”
Participation in these bonds,
needless to say, cannot be pro
forma. They amount to
nothing unless love “binds
them together in perfect
harmony” (CCC, No. 815). (CONTINUED NEXT WEEK)
The Spanish choir is in need of singers. If you are interested
please contact Pedro Ramirez at (210) 544-4269 or Ana
Ramirez at (210) 440-3873. Choir practice will be on
Wednesdays at 7:00 pm in the Church.
El coro de español está en necesidad de cantantes. Si está
interesado por favor comuníquese con Pedro Ramírez al
(210) 544-4269 o Ana Ramírez al (210) 440-3873. La
práctica del coro será los miércoles a las 7:00 pm en la
Iglesia.
If you have not been to our Spanish Mass at 2 p.m. on
Sundays, come see what it is that we all love about it. Its
not the language that makes the Mass, it’s the Mass that
makes the language.
Si usted no ha estado en nuestra misa en español a las 2:00
los domingos, venga a ver que es lo que nos gusta sobre la
misa. No es el idioma que
hace la misa, es la misa que hace el idioma.
SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Prince of Peace
C AT H O L I C C H U R C H
TO UNITE . TO COMMIT . TO SERVE
PASTORAL STAFF
Pastor..............................................………Rev. Rodolfo Caballero
[email protected]
Deacons……………...………………Robert Correa, Pino Sanabria,
Tim McCarthy, Richard Juarez,
Eddie Limas (Retired)
Parish Administrator...................................................Gloria Cortinaz
[email protected]
Liturgical Ministry Coordinator……...…...Deacon Leonard Cortinaz
[email protected]
Parish Secretary.......................................................Claudia Escamilla
[email protected]
Director of Communications.....................................Kandice Rosario
[email protected]
Parish Data Specialist…………………...…….……...Sarah Cortinaz
[email protected]
Bookkeeper.......................................................................Jesse Garcia
[email protected]
MASS SCHEDULE
Saturday Vigil: 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 a.m.,
2:00 p.m. en español, & 7:00 p.m.
Weekdays: 8:15 a.m.
RECONCILIATION
Saturday: 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Elementary Faith Formation (K-5).……….......Rosemary Hernandez
[email protected]
Middle/High School Faith Formation…………………Ernie Castillo
[email protected]
Adult Faith Formation………...…......................……. Barbara Forde
[email protected]
Youth Group Leaders...………...………..….Dean and Sylvia Oulela
[email protected]
Ministry Coordinator &
Mother’s Day Out Program &
Kid's Day Out Program Director….……..……..……..Beckie Raymond
kdo&[email protected]
Maintenance..................………......…….….Jose Ruiz, Carlos Music
[email protected]
SACRAMENT PREPARATION
Contact Deacon Leonard Cortinaz at the parish office for the following
MARRIAGE: At least 6 months before the desired date to begin making
arrangements. Attendance to an Archdiocese of San Antonio approved
preparatory program is required.
BAPTISMS (ages 6 & under): For an appointment to go over the necessary
paperwork for the required classes. Parents and Godparents must attend two
baptism preparation classes which are held the 1st & 2nd Monday of each
month. Baptisms can be scheduled only after completion of the two classes,
and submission of all needed documents to the parish office. Godparents
must be living in accordance with the Catholic Faith.
PASTORAL COUNCIL
Johnny Bernal, Chairperson: 210-488-6303, [email protected]
Gilbert Montemayor, Co-Chairperson: 210-415-8157,
[email protected]
Gracie Fuentes, Secretary: 210-723-4959, [email protected]
Members
Jose Villarreal: [email protected]
Jesse Tovar: [email protected]
Elvira Arrieta: [email protected]
Becky Cortez: [email protected]
EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
Monday to Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
**********************************************
PARISH OFFICE HOURS
Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Closed for lunch)
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
& 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Parish Phone: 210-681-8330
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Mark Villarreal 210-364-5030, [email protected]
David Castilleja 210-323-7504, [email protected]
Luis Guardiola 210-787-0647, [email protected]
Cruz Munoz 210-288-3495, [email protected]
Jaime Fernandez 210-535-9716, [email protected]
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION OFFICE HOURS
(August-May)
Monday to Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 7:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Religious Education Phone: 210-681-5063
**Bulletin submittal deadline is Monday at 3:00 p.m. Please
email bulletin submission requests to
[email protected].
In order to let all ministries share information with the parish,
announcements submitted may not always run
concurrent.**