January 28, 2008

Dear Parishioners,

It is once again my honor and privilege to present to you the Annual Report for 2007. More than just a record of events and happenings in our parish during the past twelve months, it is the on-going story of how God is working in and through us to build His reign in our midst. In countless ways, you have heard the Gospel proclaimed and made it live in what you have said, what you have done, who you are. I want to thank you for this and for so many other ways in which you have made our faith live. The Financial Report reveals your generosity and your developing understanding of Stewardship: Time, Talent, and Treasure. More than 600 registered households have now taken responsibility for the financial support of our parish and it is our hope that eventually, the other 400 plus households will do the same. Not only have you contributed generously to your parish but also to the Bishop’s Appeal, to our adopted parochial school of St. Peter Martyr, numerous Second Collections, St. Vincent de Paul, and the Corazon Ministry.

Before too much time passes, let us savor and remember these wonderful moments that marked our life together in 2007. I am deeply grateful for having been appointed to serve you and I thank you for all the ways you have shown your support and love.

Gratefully,

The Reverend Robert K. Rien
Parochial Administrator

The first day of the new year was celebrated with a full church marking The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, New Year’s Day, and the World Day of Prayer for Peace.

Construction at the parish rectory continued through the month with the new sheer walls being built, new headers being installed for the second story making it possible to rebuild the second story flooring; the staircase was turned; entirely new electrical wiring was installed including cable and internet access for every room of the house; the wiring passed inspection and the sheetrock began to be installed.

On January 11th, a meeting is held in our parish hall to discuss questions pertaining to the new parking lot. Those in attendance include: Deacon Al, Joel Ferrer, Assistant Project Manager; Richard H. Allison, Prime Contractor for Antioch Paving Company, Chris Allison of Antioch Paving Company, and Michael Carbone, MVC Contracting/Sub Contractor. Their discussion included: location of the new sanitary sewer line, the location of the new grease trap tank, the domestic water service from the new meter to the new Parish Life Center, the new fire hydrant, the phasing of the construction of the new parking lot, the water service installation policy, curbs at the new sidewalks and planters, and the final design of the new parking lot.

On January 16th, the Parish Life Center Team met at the Diocese to review, discuss, and address questions from the Diocese pertaining to the new Parish Life Center. Those from the Team included: Deacon Al, Joel Ferrer, Assistant Project Manager; Jeffrey R. Moore, Greenwood & Moore; Mike Cagley, Hilbers Construction Inc.; Dave Jensen, from DCA/Building God’s Way; Randy DeValle, Landscape Architect; and members of the Oakland Diocese Design Review Board. The discussion and questions focused on the time it will take to obtain the funding for the building portion of the new building; the current progress of the Civil work pertaining to the new Parking Lot, landscaping, underground utilities and construction up to the proposed building pad. The Structural Drawings, Foundation Plan and Foundation Details were received by the Diocese on January 15th. A full size set of the structural drawings were provided to the Diocese Structural Engineer for his use to review.

New track lighting is installed by DEACON JERRY WATERS on both the East and West interior structural beams making it possible to light the outside walls of the church. The Icons of both St. Ignatius of Antioch and The Blessed Mother are lighted for the first time.

FUNERAL LITURGIES were celebrated for: DORIS SIMONI, EDYTA KUCHNA, RUBY PONSIGLIONE, AMY UPTON, CLELLIA DITTMEYER, MARGARET GROSSIE.

On Friday, February 2nd, RICH CONFETTI AND DEACON JERRY installed a new platform for the ambo on the West Side of the sanctuary, including a new lamp and wiring for the sound system. This new placement makes it possible for the Psalmist to walk a shorter distance to the ambo, rather than having to cross the entire length of the sanctuary as was done previously. The Presidential Chair and the Deacon Chair are on the previous platform on which the ambo stood on the East Side of the Sanctuary.

On the first weekend of February, representatives from the newly-established DIOCESAN MORTUARY AND CEMETERY MINISTRY were present following each Liturgy to introduce the parish to its service. A brief ten minute video was shown and then a time for questions and answers was provided.

THE CANDIDATES FOR CONFIRMATION were presented to the parish during the 10:00 A.M. Liturgy on Sunday, February 4th.

THE ANNUAL REPORT was presented by Fr. Robert at each of the liturgies on the first weekend of February. It was also given to each parish household to take home in written form.

BURT SMITH, our Director of Faith Formation, presented a series of Catechist Formation Sessions for the catechists on Saturday mornings.

THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY held its annual fund-raiser Valentine Dinner Dance on the first Saturday of February at the Marriott Hotel in Walnut Creek.

A reception for the PROVINCIAL TEAM OF THE PASSIONIST ORDER was held on the first Sunday afternoon of February. The Provincial was here to do a Visitation for Fr. Tom. The members of the Pastoral Staff and the Contra Costa Interfaith Council were present.

The Parish participated once again in the ANNUAL BISHOP’S APPEAL with its theme: “To Teach and To Serve.” Our goal is once again $19,401.

FR. TOM continued his Adult Education seminars: Fundamentalism – Meanings and Origins; World Religions – Multi-faith, Interfaith, and Intrafaith Spirituality; Seasons of the Year; and Six Studies in the Book of Revelation, and “Finding Jesus.”

FUNERAL LITURGIES were celebrated for: WOLFGANG LOERCHER, JOAN GAFFNEY, AND DEBBIE FINN.

Our Social Events Committee once again outdid themselves in presenting the parish’s first ever MARDI GRAS CELEBRATION on Saturday evening, Febrary 10th. The parish hall was transformed into a section of the French Quarter, reminiscent of Bourbon Street, complete with hanging white lights, lanterns, the tables beautifully decorated in the colors of the Three Kings (Gold, Purple, and Green), candlelight, and the baskets for the Silent Auction beautifully displayed in the center of the room. The cuisine for the evening was elegantly prepared by CHEF DAVID ISENBERG with the capable assistance of his wife, EVIE and one of his Culinary Academy students, ANDY. More than 100 parishioners dined on a Winter Green Salad with shaved pecorino and an Italian Vinegarette dressing, authentic Jumbalaya and succulent grilled vegetables (eggplant, red peppers, yellow and green winter squash).

Tall, thirst-quenching glasses of “Hurricanes” were served to wash down the meal. Dessert featured King Cakes which had been flown in from New Orleans just for this occasion. New Orleans style jazz music was expertly provided by DJ JIM LANTER. Congratulations to the Social Events Committee for such a successful and wonderful evening: MARLA AND BOB PLURKOWSKI, EMILY AND MARC DOUVILLE, MARYANNE DOUVILLE, FRANCES ROJEK, SUE BATTERTON, KAT & NICHOLAS PLURKOWSKI, MARIANNE FRANCHETTO, FIONA FOWLES, BECKY CARROLL, JANET CAMPBELL, MJ NAGTALON, RICHARD CHEN, MARY EWING, JUSTINE PAULIN, RHONDA MOORE, AND LESLIE EUBANKS.

On Monday evening, February 19th, the FIRE SCULPTURE is installed in the center of the Gathering Plaza. It is the work of parishioner MARC DOUVILLE who created it from stainless steel, hand-rubbed and polished, and took between sixty and eighty hours to complete. The hand hammered brass bowl in which the new fire of Easter is enkindled is from the original baptismal font and serves as a wonderful way to “recycle” this liturgical appointment and include it in the new liturgical sculpture. The liturgical documents call for a brazier-sculpture that is worthy of the new Easter fire and from which the Paschal Candle is lighted at the beginning of the Great Vigil of Easter each year. Placed as a permanent piece of liturgical art, the sculpture becomes a constant reminder that our life begins and ends in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

ASH WEDNESDAY was celebrated with four liturgies on February 21st. Two of the liturgies included the celebration of Holy Eucharist along with the Blessing and Distribution of Ashes and two were Liturgies of the Word. Each liturgy was enhanced by the presence of MATT GIBSON, our Organist and Music Director, STELLA RENNER, CANTOR, and the PARISH CHOIR in the evening along with ANN MAGDALEN, Cantor and Assistant Music Director. The Environment Committee once again created a prayerful environment in which large panels of purple and black cloth graced the worship space with the large black cross suspended centrally behind the Holy Table. The collection and our Lenten Alms are designated this year for the CORAZON PROJECT, members of our parish who purchase building supplies, transport them to Mexico, and then in one day, build homes for the poorest of the poor.

The liturgies of THE FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT were once again begun with the PENITENTIAL PROCESSION AND SINGING OF THE GREAT LITANY. The catechumens were led in procession through the church as the assembly knelt in prayer, asking the saints in heaven and on earth to join us as we began the Lenten journey. Adult acolytes added an air of reverence and solemnity as they carried the processional cross and torches, the incense, and leading the various processions at the entrance, the gospel, and the concluding rites.

The number of registered households reaches 1,000.

THE CORAZON PROJECT CRAB FEED is held once again at the VFW Hall here in Antioch and is a “sold out” event! Guests are greeted at the doors by JOSE PEREZ, PETER GUTIERREZ, AND JIM WUDEL, attired in black tuxedoes and escorted to their table. A delicious meal of salad, pasta, bread, and crab, both hot and cold, is served. The kitchen staff includes DAVE COSTANZA AND ROGER POINDEXTER. Special thanks is given to JERRY STANLEY who has arranged for the crab. A silent auction and raffle conclude the evening. Many thanks to the JOSE PEREZ FAMILY that worked so hard to make this event a success. Proceeds benefit the Corazon Project whose members purchase building supplies, transport them to Mexico, and then in one day, build homes for the poorest of the poor.

By the first Sunday of March, Fr. Robert is able to announce that the parish not only made the Weekly Offering Goal in February, but EXCEEDED the amount needed. The parish is only $1,282 BEHIND where it needs to be which is remarkable and should be easily made up. Members of the Finance Council will give a Quarterly Financial Report to the congregation, the first being given in April, to keep them informed concerning the financial status of the parish.

FUNERAL LITURGIES were celebrated for: HELEN SIMONI, JUDITH OGBURN, ROSE TORRES, ERSHEL HICKS.

During the first week of March, the interior paint of the church is touched up and freshened by parishioner, RICH CONFETTI.

In less than three weeks, the parish once again not only made but also EXCEEDED its goal for the Annual Bishop’s Appeal, 107% for a total of $20,228.28 with 192 registered households participating.

On Saturday morning, March 10th, BURT SMITH, DIRECTOR OF FAITH FORMATION, along with the Catechists, conduct a workshop for parents and children who will be receiving First Eucharist. There is a time for prayer, watching a video, making pew banners, and sharing with the parents the “Mystery of the Eucharist” and giving them time to discuss with one another as well as ask questions.

THE FIRST SCRUTINY is celebrated for our ELECT: JEREMY, DIANA, AND CARLOS on the Third Sunday of Lent during the 10:00 A.M. Liturgy.

THE COMMUNAL CELEBRATION OF RECONCILIATION takes place in the parishes of our Delta Deanery the week of March 12th, with St. Ignatius of Antioch celebrating its liturgy on Thursday evening, March 15th.

A retreat for the candidates for Confirmation is held on Friday evening, March 16th, facilitated by FR. TOM, DEACON JERRY AND JANE WATERS, AND FR. ROBERT. Dinner for the candidates is prepared by the families of the children in our Confirmation I program.

The construction on the parish rectory continues with the installation of all the electrical wiring, updated plumbing, new sheetrock, taping and mudding, and spraying the texture on the walls and ceilings. Our contractor, KURT LEINTZ, predicts that the rectory will be ready for occupancy the latter part of April, the first part of May. Once the painting is done, the next phase of work includes installation of flooring, carpeting, cabinetry, and appliances.

The Rectory receives a state-of-the-art alarm and security system. It is the Gift of BILL AND JOAN JOHNSTON whose generosity not only provided the system but also are paying the monthly costs. The interior walls and ceilings are painted by RICH CONFETTI, MARC DOUVILLE, FRANK PALERMO, JOSE PEREZ, DEACON GARY, PETER DEGL’INNOCENTI, MORY PARADIS, BRIAN OLIVIER, ED STOKES, AND BILL JOHNSTON.

A “Twilight Retreat” is held for the 42 high school and 5 adult candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation. DEACON JERRY AND JANE WATERS, JUNE KIRK, FATHERS ROBERT AND TOM facilitate the evening, centered around candlelight and the vessel with Sacred Chrism. Dinner is a part of the evening and is prepared by DOMINGO AND MARYSE DELGADILLO AND STEVE AND FRANCES ROJEK, with the members of the CONFIRMATION I CLASS participating as servers. A wonderful meal of Caesar Salad, Pasta with a choice of either red or a white sauce, and “Confirmation Cake” and ice cream are served. The evening concludes with a rehearsal for the liturgy, the sponsors writing a personal letter to the candidates, and the candidates making Confirmation Banners which will hang on the ends of the pews.

THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION is celebrated on a beautiful, warm, spring-like morning – March 17th – St. Patrick’s Day! Forty-two high school students and five adults are confirmed by REV. GEORGE MOCKEL, Vicar General for the Diocese of Oakland. The Confirmandi are presented to the Vicar General by JUNE KIRK, PASTORAL ASSOCIATE. DEACON JERRY WATERS serves as Deacon of Word and Table with FATHERS ROBERT AND TOM concelebrating. Special music under the direction of MATT GIBSON, our Director of Music Ministry and Organist, and a MEN’S SCHOLA (Choir) assembled for the occasion, enhance our celebration of the Confirmation Liturgy.

THE FIRST-EVER ST. PATRICK’S DAY DINNER IN THE HISTORY OF THE PARISH is held on Saturday evening, March 17th, sponsored by the SOCIAL EVENTS COMMITTEE. More than 100 parishioners and friends gather in the Parish Hall which was decorated beautifully, giving the feeling of being in fields of clover with dancing leprauchans, rainbows, and four leaf clover accents; the tables decorated with sparkling green derbys, lighted candles, and gold and green clover garlands. A traditional meal is served including a Mixed Green Salad with shaved Dubliner cheese, Corned Beef, Cabbage, Potatoes, and Carrots. And what would St. Patrick’s Day Dinner be without green beer! A light dessert of lime sherbert and chocolate filled pirouettes is served. A silent auction and raffle are held with playful and competitive bidding. The music of Ireland compliments the evening, provided by DJ NICK PLURKOWSKI. A successful event such as this does not happen without the energy and work of a great committee. Our thanks to: BOB AND MARLA PLURKOWSKI, MARC AND EMILY DOUVILLE, SUE BATTERTON, MARYANN DOUVILLE, MICHELLE TURNER, SALLY SHIREY, FRANCES ROJEK, RICHARD CHEN, RICH CONFETTI, BECKY CARROLL, LORRAINE LOHMEIER, RHONDA MOORE, ALLAN ACHENBACH, LESLIE EUBANKS, FRANK PALERMO, THERESA STANEK, TOM BILSKEMPER, MJ NAGTALON, AND DOMINGO AND MARYSE DELGADILLO.

The Fourth Sunday of Lent, LAETARE SUNDAY, is celebrated with beautiful rose-colored vestments, floral arrangements of roses, purple and rose cymbidium orchid spikes, deep purple mums, lavender stock, and branches of fragrant pink quince blossoms. The Second Scrutiny is celebrated for JEREMY, DIANA, AND CARLOS.

THE FIRST-EVER ST. JOSEPH’S DAY FESTIVAL DINNER IN THE HISTORY IS HELD ON MONDAY EVENING, MARCH 19TH. More than 120 parishioners and friends came to our parish hall. While it was not supposed to begin until 6:00 p.m., guests began to arrive as early as 5:15 p.m.! the hall was once again transformed, as though we were dining on the roof of a Tuscan villa, looking out over the rooftops of other Italian homes to a quiet bay and beyond to the ocean. The tables were decorated in red, white, and green, the colors of the Italian flag and at the center of the room was the St. Joseph Table, a tiered master-piece, with St. Joseph at the top, flanked by candelabra, floral arrangements of roses, carnations, mums, and calla lily plants, and heaping platters of biscotti, pizelli, cucheedadees, tiramisu, and cannoli – ALL HOMEMADE! At 6:00 p.m., the antipasti, consisting of marinated artichoke hearts, tuna, green and black olives, pepperoncini, and pickles was served along with freshly-baked and piping hot pizzettas. Shortly before 7:00 p.m., we blessed our gathering, the dinner, and the St. Joseph’s Table…and then the feasting continued with a salad of fresh Winter Greens and an Italian vinegarette dressing, home-made foccacia bread, and a choice of either rigatoni or spaghetti with Alfredo, marinara, or pesto sauces. The meal was complimented by Moretti or Pironi beer or Chianti or Pinot Grigio wines. Another special moment was the blessing, breaking, and eating of a piece of the St. Joseph’s Day Bread, once again, all fresh and home-made. A silent auction and raffle followed the dinner. The evening came to a conclusion with everyone coming to the St. Joseph’s Day Table to sample the spectacular desserts as “MUSIC OF ITALY” was performed by JENNY MATTEUCCI, accompanied by her husband, DANIEL LOCKERT. Italian art songs, operatic arias, and a “sing-a-long” were the perfect ending to a perfect evening. It truly was an historical evening…and an historical weekend!

A WORK PARTY is held on Saturday, March 31st, to begin to remove the ivy, dead trees, bushes, and shrubs from around the church property and to begin the beautification of our parish grounds. As parishioners worked outside, others worked inside the church, preparing the environment for Palm Sunday cutting, washing, and bundling palm fronds and adding red panels of cloth and arrangements of date palm fronds around the worship space, creating a dramatic and spectacular environment for our Palm Sunday liturgies. Our thanks and gratitude to: JOAN JOHNSTON, SUE BATTERTON, FRANK AND MONIKA KAUER; REGINA, HUGO, CARLOS AND ANTONIO QUINTANILLA; MARC, EMILY, SAM AND KEN DOUVILLE; NIDA AND NINA LEGASPI; KAREN OLIVER; PATRICIA BRITTON; ALLAN ACHENBACH; FIONA FOWLES; DEACON JERRY WATERS; PATRICIA PREJZA; DAVE COSTANZA; JOSE PEREZ; TOM BILSKEMPER; VICKIE AND BRIAN MCCOY; OSCAR TELLEZ; BOBBY MARIN; KEITH HRABCHAK; MICHAEL BACCHUS; BOB CARVALHO; NORMA VILLEGAS; LILIA SUAREZ; CELY ABLAZAS; HARLAN YOUNG; RICH CONFETTI; AND SHERRY MORRIS.

A meeting is held with Deacon Al, Joel Ferrer, Fr. Robert and the representative of Hilbers Inc. the General Contractor for our parking lot and new parish center. The process for the obtaining of bids to do the construction of the parking lot is designed and a time table is established. Bids will be sent out on April 9th and will be due back by April 23rd. They will be opened on April 27th and Hilbers will make the recommendation as to which contractor should be awarded the contract. The three companies being invited to bid are: G & S PAVING, ANTIOCH PAVING COMPANY, AND RANSOM COMPANY. Once the contractor has been selected, the bid will be taken to the Diocese for their final approval and signature. It is predicted that the construction can begin around May 15th and will take 60 working days to complete the project. The Diocesan Liability Officer, RON ZUCCA, paid his annual visit to our parish to assess any possible liability risks. He was very pleased at what he saw and singled out LORRAINE LOHMEIER AND DEACON JERRY WATERS for what they have done to insure the safety and security of our building and grounds. As a result of his visit, three areas were identified for action: (1) Reinforcing with the CYO Program their responsibility to make sure a plan is in place for the dropping off and picking up of the children involved in both the basketball and track and field programs, that everything possible is done to insure the safety and protection of the children; (2) A hand railing is to be installed at the Marian Grotto steps for the safety and protection of those making use of the shrine; and (3) The carpeting in the sacristy, parish office, and church is unraveling, seams are separating, and this poses a danger of tripping and falling. We will have to replace the carpet in the sacristy and parish office with new commercial grade carpet and the carpeting in the church will be replaced with stone tiles. This will lower maintenance costs and dramatically improve the acoustics for worship. While we had planned to replace the carpet eventually, this finding will move the project forward sooner than expected.

PALM SUNDAY is celebrated with overflow crowds as palms are blessed and distributed to the many parishioners and guests who worshiped with us this weekend. The church was resplendent with large arrangements of date palm fronds, fan palms, royal purple and red panels of cloth. A solemn procession with incense enhanced each of our liturgies.

FUNERAL LITURGIES are celebrated for: APRIL SAIZ AND ANDREA MILLER.

In preparation for Easter, G & S PAVING COMPANY donates the striping of the temporary parking lots as a Gift to the parish.

On Wednesday of Holy Week, DEACONS AL AND JERRY outline and paint the dimensions of our new Parish Center to give parishioners a sense of its size and where it will be placed in relation to the church.

Progress on the Rectory continues to take place with the painting being completed, the interior doors hung, and the tiling of the first floor and the upstairs bathrooms taking place.

The new holder for our Book of Gospels is created and installed by parishioner and Master Woodcraftsman, OSCAR JOVEL. It is made from solid mahogany wood in the form of an ancient unrolled scroll with the spindles gold leafed and flecked with red. It is the Gift of the CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAS, COURT ST. MARY MARGARET.

On each day of the Triduum, the parish gathers to pray Morning Prayer with Fr. Tom presiding and preaching and Fr. Robert playing the organ.

In preparation for the celebration of the Triduum and its beginning with the liturgy of Holy Thursday, the environment is prepared by PETER DEGL’INNOCENTI, RICH CONFETTI, SUE BATTERTON, MJ NAGTALON, LILIA SUAREZ, PRIMO DEE, LILIA SUAREZ, CELY ABLAZAS, PATRICIA PREJZA, SHERRY MORRIS, THERESA NELMS, AND DEACON JERRY WATERS.

THE PASCHAL TRIDUUM was celebrated between Holy Thursday and Holy Saturday, April 5th through April 7th. FR. TOM BONACCI, CP, presided and preached for the EVENING MASS OF THE LORD’S SUPPER. The church was filled to capacity and the majority of those present participated in the Washing of Feet. It was a powerful experience to witness the washing of the feet of JEREMY AND DIANA BEASLEY, AND CARLOS GARCIA and then the majority of the congregation coming forward to participate in this simple, humble ritual action…husbands and wives washing one another’s feet, parents washing the feet of the children, brothers and sisters washing one another’s feet…and then, spontaneously embracing one another as the foot washing concluded. The collection this evening was designated for the CORAZON PROJECT and was the culmination of our Almsgiving for Lent. The Altar of Repose was prepared in the Parish Hall with the Blessed Sacrament placed on a pillar beneath the Icon of the Eucharistic Christ and surrounded by candelabra and arrangements of green plants. The Choir led us in singing several pieces of music, concluding with the Taize “Stay with me.” Solemn Adoration concluded at 12:00 Midnight. Each morning of the Triduum, we gathered for Morning Prayer with Fr. Tom presiding, preaching, and Fr. Robert providing musical accompaniment on the organ.

GOOD FRIDAY was once again a powerful experience as we listened to the proclamation of the Passion, prayed the great prayers of Intercession, following which our Lenten Cross, which had hung before us all during Lent, was brought in and raised over our heads, being passed from person to person, hands reaching up to venerate the Holy Cross. Parishioners were moved to tears; the young helping the elderly and frail reach up to embrace the cross, and of course, one of the most powerful moments was bringing the cross to JEREMY, DIANA, AND CARLOS. Those who were present for the evening liturgy will not soon forget the cantoring of ANN MAGDALEN as she led us in Psalm 22 with its soaring verses and haunting refrain, “I place my life into your hands.”

HOLY SATURDAY began with our praying of Morning Prayer and then the church was a “beehive” of activity as the members of the Environment Committee transformed the worship space from its barrenness to a virtual Easter Garden: Easter Lilies, hydrangeas, azaleas, peace lilies, cymbidium orchid plants, candles, panels of gold cloth, Queen Palm trees, and all crowned with the magnificent Easter Lily Cross. THE GREAT VIGIL began at the new Fire Sculpture, created by parishioner MARC DOUVILLE, and even though the wind was blowing strongly and we had difficulty lighting and keeping lit the Paschal Candle, it worked beautifully. Within minutes, the light of the new fire and the Paschal Candle spread through the congregation and the church was illumined with candlelight and the glow of exuberant faces. The scripture readings of the Vigil were powerfully proclaimed, some read and others sung and once again, those who were present will not soon forget the emotional experience of ALICIA PEREZ cantoring Psalm 42, with its antiphon, “As the deer longs for running streams, so my soul longs for you.” And as we did on the First Sunday of Lent and Palm Sunday, we once again led our Elect on a procession to the font, invoking the saints, blessing the baptismal water, hearing JEREMY, DIANA, AND CARLOS renounce evil, make their profession of faith, and then be baptized. As they dressed in their baptismal garments, the congregation came as a body to bless themselves in the font. The significance of their baptismal garments was recognized and then they were presented with the Light of Christ, passed to them from the Paschal Candle. As the congregation invoked the Holy Spirit through the beautiful singing of Christopher Walker’s “Veni, Sancte Spiritus,” they were led to the altar where, through the laying on of hands and anointing with Sacred Chrism, they were confirmed. The fourth and final part of the Liturgy then took place, the Liturgy of the Eucharist, when they and we came to know the Risen Lord in the Breaking of the Bread and the Sharing of the One Cup. A festive reception followed in the parish hall with parishioners greeting and congratulating Jeremy, Diana, and Carlos.

THE LITURGIES OF EASTER DAY were wonderful, festive celebrations with joyous music provided under the direction of MATT GIBSON. A trumpet augmented the organ and none of us will soon forget the vocal solo of NIKKI ANDREATTA in an anthem of Gospel/Blues composition which told the story of the Women at the Tomb on Easter Morning. The church was filled to overflowing at each of the three liturgies and our “coming and going” was facilitated by OFF-DUTY POLICE AND CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROLMEN who directed traffic and provided security during each of our services. During the 10:00 a.m. Eucharist, the crowd was so large that cars had to be double-stacked in the parking lot and then double-stacked along Contra Loma Blvd. OFFICER RICK MARTIN OF ANTIOCH POLICE DEPT., WHO IS OUR BEAT OFFICER, saw the huge crowd and assisted with parking along Contra Loma Blvd. Once again, our celebration of Holy Week, Triduum, and Easter was spiritually enriching and uplifting as we entered into the mystery of Christ’s living, dying, and rising in our lives individually and as a faith community.

The DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE, headed up by DEACON AL AND ASSISTANT PROJECT DIRECTOR, JOEL FERRER, meets on Easter Wednesday evening to review the plans for both our new parking lot and Parish Center.

THE DIVINE MERCY DEVOTION is celebrated on The Second Sunday of Easter at 3:00 p.m. in the afternoon. Exposition, Adoration, and Benediction framed the service which included the singing of the Mercy Psalms, Scripture, praying of the Divine Mercy Chaplet, blessing and incensation of Divine Mercy images.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION is celebrated at two liturgies on Saturday morning, April 21st, for 76 children of the parish. The church is filled to overflowing with parents, family members and friends who join in the liturgies to welcome the children to the Table of the Lord for the first time. Special thanks is expressed to the Staff of our Faith Formation Program: BURT SMITH, DIRECTOR, MARYANN PEDDICORD, SECRETARY, AND CATECHISTS: LISA NAVARRO, NIDA LEGASPI, AMY GONZALES, DEBBIE BARTALINI, JANE SMITH, DIVINA SEVILLA, AND BOB BIGONESS.

A CHARISMATIC MASS, “SATURDAY NIGHT WITH JESUS,” is hosted by the parish on Saturday evening, April 21st. MANUEL AND CONNIE SOLIZ coordinate the event and welcome guests from throughout the Diocese of Oakland. A reception followed in the parish hall.

The second GROUNDS MAINTENANCE WORK PARTY took place on April 28th. The remainder of the ivy on the West Wall of the sanctuary was removed and five large shrubs were removed from the East Wall. A 20 cubic yard dumpster was filled to overflowing. Those who came were: HARLAN YOUNG, CAROLE MILLER, DAVE COSTANZA, FRANK KAUER, BRIAN MCCOY, STEVE ROJEK, RICHARD HIPSKIND, KENNY DOUVILLE, ROBERT CARVALHO, MANNY SOLIZ SR., RICHARD SOLIZ, TOM BILSKEMPER, MICHAEL BACCHUS, AND AL RADOVAN.

FATHER ROBERT’S 60TH BIRTHDAY was celebrated on Saturday evening, April 28th, with approximately 275 parishioners and guests. The parking lot was transformed by beautifully decorated tents that turned the area into an outdoor pavilion for dining and dancing. Our SOCIAL EVENTS COMMITTEE, under the direction of MARLA PLURKOWSKI, EMILY DOUVILLE, SUE BATTERTON, AND FIONA FOWLES planned, prepared, decorated, coordinated, served, and cleaned up. A festive meal of grilled Italian sausages, fresh California peppers, mixed green salad, sesame rolls, and baked beans was served followed by the traditional birthday cake. CHEF DAVID ISENBERG was once again in the kitchen and was ably assisted by students from the California Culinary Academy. The outdoor grills were overseen by BOB PLURKOWSKI, MARC DOUVILLE, AND AL COSCE. DJ JIM LANTER provided easy listening music for the dinner time followed by dance music with which everyone could identify. The tables were decorated with linen tablecloths, candles in hurricane lamps, and decorated gift boxes. Fr. Robert did not ask for any gifts but guests were invited to make a contribution to the Rectory Fund to provide household items for the bedrooms and kitchen. The weather could not have been more perfect: warm temperatures, a full moon, and the stars!

THE PASTORAL STAFF, THE PASTORAL COUNCIL, AND THE FINANCE COUNCIL gather for their second “working dinner” on May 5th. The Pastoral Council hosts the dinner in the parish hall with a “Cinco de Mayo” theme and a wonderful dinner catered by the “New Mecca” restaurant in Pittsburg and arranged by Council Member, ANNA TELLEZ. Council member GARY CLAUSEN is able to obtain the Mariachis from “Celia’s” to entertain us during dinner. A subcommittee of the Pastoral Council presents a plan to highlight the various ministries of the parish at each of the monthly Hospitality Sundays as a way to invite parishioner participation and ownership of the parish. The Pastoral Staff and both Councils receive the working document “BECOMING GOOD STEWARDS” which is being prepared to guide our work together, setting priorities, and furthering the vision for the development of the parish.

FR. ROBERT, KATHY VIGIL, AND DEACON AL attend a Regional Planning Meeting held at Holy Rosary Parish to update the Diocesan Pastoral Plan. Representatives from 11 other parishes are present to discuss the first pastoral plan, “Faith In Service To the World.” New, realistic, practical, and achievable priorities are being established and will be presented to The Bishop and his Administrative Council for implementation throughout the Diocese beginning in the Fall of 2007.

“NOW…AND AT THE HOUR,” an Adult Faith Education Forum is facilitated by Fr. Robert on the ORDER OF CHRISTIAN FUNERALS, on Wednesday, May 9th. Two sessions, one in the morning and one in the evening, are offered with approximately 35 parishioners and friends attending in the morning and 30 in the evening.

THE SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER AND MOTHER’S DAY are celebrated with a beautiful springtime environment consisting of colorful azaleas, hydrangeas, and peace lilies. All those privileged to share in the vocation of motherhood are invited forward to stand together around the altar where they are blessed by the presider and congregation. At the conclusion of each liturgy, they are presented with a prayer card containing a cross and a dried flower. Our Knights of Columbus prepared a Mother’s Day Breakfast at which all mothers were guests of honor following both the 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Eucharists.

On the weekend of May 19th and 20th, both Fathers Robert and Tom are away facilitating retreats for men. Father Tom was invited to be the Director for the Men’s Spiritual Network Annual Retreat from St. Bonaventure Church, held at San Damiano Retreat Center, Danville. Fr. Robert was invited to serve as Roman Catholic Spiritual Director for an ecumenical men’s Cursillo at St. Anne’s Convent, San Francisco. In their absence, FR. ALEX SNYDER, a retired priest of the Diocese of Oakland presided and preached for each of our liturgies.

THE PASTORAL STAFF participated in their annual review of the previous pastoral year on May 23rd, at the Awakenings Center in Brentwood. The agenda for the day included prayer, sharing of successes, areas for growth and development, challenges, and team building.

Our FOURTH GROUNDS MAINTENANCE WORK PARTY takes place on the Memorial Day Weekend, May 26th, as we continue the project of renewing and restoring the landscaping surrounding the church. Because of the holiday weekend, the crew is small but the work continues. More of the ivy along the West Wall and staircase is removed. Many thanks to: DAVE COSTANZA, CAROLE MILLER, STEVE ROJEK, JACKIE KING, AND MICHAEL BACCHUS.

The conclusion of The Great Fifty Days, The Easter Season, is brought to a “spirited” end with our celebration of the FEAST OF PENTECOST. The church is resplendent in red with seven flames, reminiscent of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, “burning” above us on the chancel wall with the large, white dove suspended centrally before the worshiping congregation. A special Rite of Renewal and Reaffirmation takes place following the homily at each Mass with every member of the congregation coming to the font to bless themselves with baptismal water.

SANTA CRUZAN FESTIVAL – 2007 is celebrated in the afternoon of Pentecost. Several hundred parishioners and friends gathered for this wonderful celebration in honor of The Blessed Mother and the Holy Cross. A festive procession formed at the church consisting of our parish banner, processional cross, candles, incense, a beautifully decorated bier on which was placed the statue of Mary and The Child, formally dressed young women representing the women of the Bible along with their escorts, and finally MYREEN MANALAC, processing beneath a flower bedecked canopy representing Queen Helena, founder of the Holy Cross. The procession left the church under the escort of the Antioch Police Department and stopped at five different “stations” in the neighborhood surrounding our parish property at which the five decades of the Rosary were prayed. Upon returning to the church, all entered and celebrated the last liturgy of the day and bringing Pentecost and The Great Fifty Days to a conclusion. A delicious meal, prepared by the members of the Filipino Community, was served free for all and included roast suckling pig, pansit, fried chicken, vegetable and meat lumpia, fruit cocktail, beef satay, and rice/bread pudding. Entertainment that included singing, dancing, and instrumental performances followed the dinner. Just before the entertainment began, DR. GLORIA ASUNCION, PRESIDENT OF THE FIL-AM SOCIETY, AND THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FROM 2005 TO 2007 presented Fr. Robert with a check in the amount of TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS ($10,000.00) for the Building Fund to contribute to the construction of our new Parish Center. This gift was graciously received and the Filipino Community was thanked whole-heartedly for their generosity and support of the parish. MIKE AND DOREEN MANALAC chaired the Committee that worked so hard to make the festival so successful. Shortly before the festival began, FRED AND YEYET VIRTUSIO presented both Fr. Robert and Matt Gibson with their own BARONGS and said that today they both would be Filipino. When Fr. Robert appeared at the Dinner following the Mass, the crowd broke into spontaneous applause at the sight of him wearing a barong for the very first time. It was a heartfelt and wonderful moment. The festival was a perfect conclusion to the parish’s celebration of Pentecost and gave witness to the vibrancy and presence of the Holy Spirit among us.

A Pasta Dinner is held on June 2nd to benefit the “RELAY FOR LIFE.” Approximately 100 parishioners attend the dinner which is masterfully prepared by DAVE COSTANZA AND HIS “CREW.” Pizzettas are served as appetizers, followed by a Mixed Green Salad with an Italian vinegarette dressing, penne pasta with red sauce and spicy meat balls, garlic bread, and ice cream and “Madeleines” for dessert. Both a “silent” as well as a “live” auction are held and the bidding is spirited and funfilled. The event raises more than $2,000 to benefit the American Cancer Society. The event is made possible by the planning and preparation of: DEACON GARY AND DIANE HACK, ALICIA AND JOSE PEREZ, CAROLE MILLER, DAVE COSTANZA, EVIE VIERA, FRANCES AND STEVE ROJEK, JUNE KIRK, LORRAINE LOHMEIER, MARYANN PEDDICORD, MARY AND JESSE EWING, MARY ZIRKEL, PATRICIA DUNLEAVY, SANDY AND ED STOKES, TOMAS LUCIA, AND BRIAN AND VICKI MCCOY.

FR. CARL ARCOSA returns to the parish to preside and preach on Trinity Sunday, June 3rd, following his ordination to the Priesthood. Fr. Carl did his Pastoral Year at St. Ignatius of Antioch. A festive reception is hosted by the members of the Filipino Community following the Mass.

FUNERAL LITURGIES are celebrated for: LILLIAN O’BRIEN, AND JOSEFINA RAMOS-SARAVIA.

PARISHIONERS BOB AND MARLA PLURKOWSKI celebrate their 30th Anniversary of Marriage during the Saturday Evening Vigil Liturgy on June 16th with the Renewal of their Vows. A beautiful floral arrangement graces the sanctuary for this special occasion.

The Sacrament of Matrimony is celebrated on Saturday, June 30th for JOEL KANE AND MADELENE CRUZ. The liturgy is unique in that RABBI JAY HAYMAN from San Francisco shares in the wedding liturgy with Fr. Robert.

A GROUNDS MAINTENANCE Work Party takes place once again on the last Saturday of the month, continuing the process of renewing the landscaping surrounding the church. The remaining ivy is removed, trees are trimmed, and dead shrubs are removed. Our thanks to: BOB MARIN, BOB CARVALHO, MICHAEL BACCHUS, OSCAR TELLEZ, MARC DOUVILLE, SAM DOUVILLE, KEN DOUVILLE, DAVE COSTANZA, CAROLE MILLER, BRIAN MCCOY, SAL AND MARY SANFILIPPO, STEVE ROJEK, TOM BILSKEMPER, FRANK KAUER, VINCENT SIN, AND BRYANT SIN. We are also grateful to GARY CLAUSEN for providing hot, fresh brewed coffee and breakfast pastries.

Our Adult Education Series continues with FR. TOM presenting a four week series, on each of the Tuesday evenings of July, on the New Catechism of the Catholic Church. Between 85 and 100 people from throughout the Diocese and Delta Deanery attend the sessions.

Our Grand Knight, FRANK PALERMO, and his wife, CANDEL, celebrated their 20th Wedding Anniversary following the 5:00 P.M. Evening Vigil Eucharist with a Renewal of Vows and Blessing, followed by a reception in the parish hall.

On Sunday, July 15, parishioners arrive in the afternoon after the last Mass to remove the pews, take up the carpet, and remove the adhesive. It is a monumental job but is accomplished by much hard work and dedication on the part of the following: BRIAN GILBERT, GARY CLAUSEN, FRANK PALERMO, MARC DOUVILLE, SAM DOUVILLE, CAROLE MILLER, BILL JOHNSTON, AL RADOVAN, STEVE ROJEK, OSCAR TELLEZ, SUE BATTERTON, DEACON JERRY, JOHN PADUA, DAVE COSTANZA, BOB CARVALHO, BRIAN MCCOY, KEITH HRABCHAK, JENNIFER HRABCHAK, RICH CONFETTI, SAL SANFILIPPO, BYRON MOORE, PABLO VILLEGAS, DICK HIPSKIND, BOB MARIN, NORBERT TOON, LOUIS RENNER, AND AL COSCE. These men and women worked throughout the week to remove the adhesive, clean, mop, wax, and then polish the concrete flooring before restoring and installing the pews for the following weekend of July 21st and 22nd.

The Members of the Finance Council give the Second Quarter Financial Report to the parish at each liturgy on the weekend of July 21st and 22nd. Collections have increased, however, only approximately 265 out of over 1,000 registered households support the parish, or 30%. The need is clearly expressed that all households need to support the parish and that the minimum contribution should be no less than $5.00.

New officers for the coming year for our Knights of Columbus are installed on Monday evening, July 23rd, followed by a potluck dinner in the parish hall. The new officers for the coming year are: GRAND KNIGHT, FRANK PALERMO; DEPUTY GRANDKNIGHT, GARRY RIDOLFI; FAITHFUL FRIAR, FR. ROBERT; CHANCELLOR, MARC DOUVILLE; TREASURER, JOE LENNON; FINANCIAL SECRETARY, STEVE ROJEK; ADVOCATE, RICHARD CHEN; WARDEN, ALFRED RADOVAN; RECORDER, LOU EULA; INSIDE GUARD, TOM BILSKEMPER; OUTSIDE GUARD, KEVIN FOWLES; FIRST YEAR TRUSTEE, RICHARD SOLIZ; SECOND YEAR TRUSTEE, BOB BIGONESS; THIRD YEAR TRUSTEE, BILL JOHNSTON.

The monthly GROUNDS MAINTENANCE Work Party is held on the last Saturday of the month, July 28th and progress continues on the renewal of the landscaping surrounding the church. The focus for this work party center on the southeast burm with dead shrubs removed, tree limbs thinned, more ivy removed, and the hillside swept thoroughly of all debris and dead leaves on the ground. Many thanks to parishioners: BRYANT SIN, VINCENT SIN, SAL AND MARY SANFILIPPO, BOB CARVALHO, BRIAN MCCOY, FRANK KAUER, CAROLE MILLER, DAVE COSTANZA, STEVE ROJEK, HARLAN YOUNG, MICHAEL BACCHUS, JOHN GARCIA, AND TOM BILSKEMPER.

The Parish and all of Contra Costa County are deeply touched by the deaths of CAPTAIN MATT BURTON AND ENGINEER SCOTT DESMOND, both of whom were stationed at Engine 88 on Gentrytown Way. In an attempt to save the lives of an elderly couple, a “flashover” takes place and as a result both firefighters and the elderly couple were killed instantly. A memorial service was held at the Concord Pavilion at which thousands attended to honor their courage, bravery and sacrifice. They are the first firefighters to lose their lives in the history of the department. As Chaplain to the Fire Department, Fr. Robert participates in the service and offers the Opening Prayer.

The rebuilding and refurbishment of the rectory is completed and Fr. Robert moves during the last week of the month, sleeping in the house for the first time on July 30th.

On Wednesday, August 1st, Hilbers Inc., our General Contractor for the Building Program that includes both the construction of the parking lot and Parish Center presents the bids from various firms for the building of the parking lot. The process is placed under review and meetings are held with the prospective contractors to clarify the scope of the work to be done and narrow the actual cost estimates.

The Pastoral Council launches a new approach to Hospitality Sundays and invites parishioners to participate in our ministries by featuring three ministries each month. Hospitality is extended to both the Saturday evening Vigil Eucharist and the 12:00 Noon Sunday Eucharist. The ministries featured in August included: Faith Formation, Children’s Liturgy of the Word, and SPRED (Special Religious Education).

Fr. Tom begins a two part series entitled “Theology in the News” and address two current issues that have been given significant coverage in the media, the permission granted to celebrate the Tridentine Mass in Latin and a Letter from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith clarifying questions concerning the nature of the Church. Once again, approximately 100 people from around the Diocese and our Deanery attend the sessions.

The second part of Summer’s Ordinary Time is marked with subtle but significant changes to our worship environment. The Art and Environment Committee and the Sewing Guild introduce another shade of summer’s green to the panels already hanging, the candles are placed beside the crucifix, and a beautiful new icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help is installed on the East Wall of the sanctuary. It is the Gift of: AMANTE AND GLORIA ASUNCION, RUDY AND VANGIE FERNANDEZ, OSCAR AND JOSEPHINE HERRERA, CELSO AND CLARITA PEREZ, MEL AND SOL SANTOS, NICK SR. AND LILIA SUAREZ, PABLO AND NORMA VILLEGAS, THE FIL-AM COMMUNITY OF ST. IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH PARISH, THE FILIPINO CURSILLO COMMUNITY/ANTIOCH TEAM, AND THE FILIPINO MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER MINISTRY OF ST. IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH PARISH. Additionally, the Principal Icon of the Blessed Mother and Child is installed above the ambo.

JUNE KIRK, who has served as both Faith Formation Director and Pastoral Associate, announces her resignation as a member of the Pastoral Staff. She has been away for almost six months, helping to care for her sister who was diagnosed with cancer and also attending to her brother who is dying from Huntington’s Disease. She will continue to be a member of the parish and hopes to eventually begin a new ministry in the area of Spiritual Direction for individuals as well as groups and Hospital Pastoral Care.

A major meeting of all the contractors involved and interested in the parking lot construction is held on Tuesday morning, August 14th. Deacon Al, Joel Ferrer, Assistant Project Manager, and Fr. Robert meet to clarify the exact scope of the project, provide up-to-date drawings, and answer questions. New bid packages are mailed out on Friday, August 25th, with specific categories for the contractors to respond to. Their bids are due back by Friday, September 8th. Once the bids have been received, they will be taken to the Diocese for a final decision as to which contractor will be selected for the project and the signing of the contract.

The monthly GROUNDS-MAINTENANCE WORK PARTY takes place on August 25th. The left corner of the North Driveway is the focus of the work with removing some of the ivy, dead shrubs, and the removal of three trees. A large dumpster is once again filled to overflowing. Our thanks to: AL RADOVAN, BRIAN MCCOY, FRANK KAUER, BOB CARVALHO, BOB MARIN, JOHN PADUA, OSCAR TELLEZ, RHONDA MOORE, JONATHAN MOORE, AND CYL DEVERA.

The Fil-Am Society sponsors their annual Summer Fundraising Event, “HAWAIIAN NIGHT 2007” at the Nick Rodriguez Community Center. Parishioners and friends dine on Hawaiian cuisine and dance the night away. The event is “sold out” and benefits the charitable good works and causes of the Fil-Am Society and Community.

Within less than one month, 199 Households contribute more than $20,000 for a new stone tile floor for the sanctuary. The work of installing the tile begins after Labor Day.

DEACON MATT DULKA preaches at each liturgy on the last Sunday of August as the parish participates in the annual Diocesan Missionary Cooperative Appeal. The recipient of the parish’s contributions this year benefits the Maryknoll Order.

CLEANING TEAM – Throughout the month, the church is maintained and kept clean by volunteer parishioners who sweep, clean, dust, vacuum, wash, and polish. Our thanks to: CYL DEVERA, JOYCE GOULD, MARYSE DELGADILLO, VANESSA ROLIZ, AND AL RADOVAN.

FUNERAL LITURGIES are celebrated for: MAY DIEDEN, GREG DUTRA, AND ROBERT SCOTT BROWN.

The installation of the new stone tile floor begins on Wednesday, September 5th and is completed by Saturday, September 22nd. 205 parishioner households donate $21,172.00 to make the new floor possible.

THE BLUE MASS, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus of both Holy Rosary and St. Ignatius of Antioch, is celebrated on Saturday, September 8th. The liturgy is filled with pageantry and ceremonial, beginning with the Procession led by a lone bagpiper and followed by the Color Corps of the Knights of Columbus, the flags of the United States of America, the Vatican, the State of California, and the Knights of Columbus. The liturgy is especially significant as it is celebrated in memory of the first two firefighters to lose their lives in the line of duty in Contra Costa County: CAPTAIN MATT BURTON AND ENGINEER SCOTT DESMOND. A dinner reception followed the liturgy at “Carpaccio’s” Italian Restaurant in Antioch at which the Firefighter of the Year, the Police Officer of the Year, the Grand Knight of the Year, and the Past Grand Knight are honored.

THE PARISH HALL is refurbished by parishioners SAL SANFILIPPO AND BOB CARVALHO, UNDER THE DIRECTION OF DEACON JERRY WATERS. The floor is refinished and painted along with the walls and ceiling. Also, three new ceiling fans are installed.

THE SECOND ANNUAL “BEER ‘N BRATS” FESTIVAL DINNER, under the direction of the Social Events Committee, takes place in the Gathering Plaza on Sunday, September 16th, following the 12:00 Noon Eucharist. A menu of delicious grilled brats, sauerkraut, German Potatoes, and Truman Pilsner from a micro-brewery in Berkeley were served to a very appreciative crowd. Games and activities for children were held on the lawn in front of the church.

EAST COUNTY UNITED brings hundreds of people from Antioch and the surrounding area together in a public demonstration against hate and hate crimes. The march is in support of the East Bay Islamic Center which was the victim of arson and the Golden Family of Brentwood whose home was vandalized. Fr. Tom leads the delegation from our parish.

A THREE WEEK SEMINAR FOR ADULT FAITH FORMATION begins on Monday evening, September 24th, entitled “Why Can’t We Just Accept One Another? Forging Vision in the Midst of Conflict.” FATHER TOM is once again the facilitator. The series takes place in the parish hall from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.

The revised DIOCESAN PASTORAL PLAN is presented to representatives of the parishes from throughout the Diocese at St. Raymond Parish in Dublin on Saturday, September 29th. St. Ignatius of Antioch is represented by DEACON AL FLEISCHER AND KATHY VIGIL.

THE PASTORAL STAFF, THE PASTORAL COUNCIL, AND THE FINANCE COUNCIL gather for dinner with a Hawaiian theme on the last Saturday of September to continue their working together, getting to know one another, and planning for the future of St. Ignatius of Antioch. The dinner also honors in a special way JUNE KIRK for her ministry as Pastoral Associate, and STELLA RENNER AND GARY CLAUSEN for their work on the Pastoral Council.

CLEANING TEAM – Throughout the month, the church is lovingly cared for by volunteer parishioners who dust, vacuum, clean, sweep, wash, and polish. Many thanks to: JUN BXJET, BOB CARVALHO, RHONDA MOORE, AND JOY NOEL.

October is COMMITMENT MONTH and each weekend, members of the Finance Council address the congregation at the beginning of the Preparation Rite. The talks are in preparation for COMMITMENT WEEKEND, OCTOBER 27TH AND 28TH, when all parishioners will be invited to come to the altar with both their offering as well as their COMMITMENT CARD, indicating their level of financial commitment for 2008.

Funeral Liturgies are celebrated for: SHIRLEY KING RONEY, WALTER BARROS, LOUISE MURGUIA, CRESENCIA NACNAC, AND ARTHUR GREEN.

The Environment Committee creates a beautiful “harvest” environment for the final third of Ordinary Time, from the first of October through the Solemnity of Christ the King. New panels of cloth, cornstalks, pumpkins, and an overflowing cornucopia complement the sanctuary.

The annual DELTA 2000 HUNGER WALK takes place on the first Saturday of the month, under the guidance and direction of BRIAN AND VICKI MCCOY. Walkers from St. Ignatius of Antioch include FR. ROBERT, FR. TOM, STEVE ROJEK, PATRICIA DUNLEAVY, SEAN DUNLEAVY, LORRAINE LOHMEIER, JUNE KIRK. All monies raised by the St. Ignatius of Antioch Walkers benefits the Winter Nights Shelter.

The monthly MINISTRY FAIRE is celebrated on the first weekend of the month featuring the ministries of the Knights of Columbus, the Social Events Committee, and the Filipino-American Society.

The Parish Festival Kick Off Dinner is held on the first Saturday evening of October. CHAIR STEVE ROJEK AND THE FESTIVAL COMMITTEE decorate the parish hall in a beautiful fall/harvest theme. Wonderful door prizes are given away and an exciting and successful Silent Auction rounds out the evening.

FESTIVAL WEEKEND 2007 is held on Saturday and Sunday, October 13th and 14th with beautiful fall weather. Many parishioners come out early Saturday morning to prepare the parking lot and parish hall for CASINO NIGHT and an excellent dinner catered by “Little Manuel’s.” On Sunday, the annual INTERNATIONAL FOOD FAIRE begins at 9:00 a.m. under the tents of the parking lot and continues until 3:00 p.m. with the flags of many nations, representing the various ethnic communities of the parish flying proudly in the fall breeze. The weekend is very well attended with food and boutique items being sold out.

An Interfaith Evening, sponsored by the Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County, is held on Sunday, October 21st, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. An intercultural potluck dinner is served at 5:00 p.m. followed by the program, beginning at 6:30 p.m., entitled “Terrorist or Neighbor: Misconceptions about Islam.” This is the first in a series of educational opportunities to inform concerned people about the proper teachings of Islam and the Muslim way of life. Insightful responses are given from Jewish and Christian participants. The program is designed to deepen our resolve to stand together as an interfaith community working together to end violence in our streets, misunderstanding in our hearts, and bring peace to our neighborhoods.

THE ICON OF OUR MOTHER OF PERPETUAL HELP IS INSTALLED AND DEDICATED. It is the Gift of: AMANTE & GLORIA ASUNCION, RUDY & VANGIE FERNANDEZ, OSCAR & JOSEPHINE HERRERA, CELSO & CLARITA PEREZ, MEL & SOL SANTOS, NICK SR. & LILIA SUAREZ, PABLO & NORMA VILLEGAS, THE FIL-AM COMMUNITY OF ST. IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH, THE FILIPINO CURSILLO COMMUNITY/ANTIOCH TEAM, AND MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER MINISTRY OF ST. IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH. Following the installation and dedication, the Novena devotion is begun each Wednesday evening, with Eucharist celebrated on the First Wednesday of each month and Exposition, Adoration, and Benediction celebrated on the successive Wednesdays.

THE RITE OF CANDIDACY is celebrated during the 12:00 Noon Mass on Sunday, October 28th, for 38 young men and women who are candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation, to be administered by The Bishop on Monday, April 21, 2008, 7:30 p.m.

WORLDWIDE PRIESTHOOD SUNDAY is observed at each liturgy on the last weekend of October with members of the Pastoral Council leading the congregation in a prayer of blessing and gratitude for the ministries of Fr. Robert and Fr. Tom.

OCTOBER’S MONTHLY GROUNDS-MAINTENANCE WORK PARTY could not have enjoyed better weather! Thanks to JOE NELMS, we had the use of a Caterpillar “BobCat” which was driven by RICH CONFETTI throughout the morning, scraping the berms, the area adjacent to the Gathering Plaza, and the area near the first driveway entrance. Also, work along the parking lot berm continued with the pruning of shrubbery and trees as well as sweeping and raking. Many thanks to parishioners: BRIAN MCCOY, DAVE COSTANZA, FRANK KAUER, JOHN PADUA, SAL SANFILIPPO, CAROLE MILLER, AND STEVE ROJEK.

Members of the parish travel to Mexico to build a home for the poorest of the poor through the CORAZON OUTREACH. Members purchased the supplies and transported them to Mexico where they were assembled into a home over the last weekend of October. Corazon is funded mainly through a Crab Feed in February, held at the VFW Hall here in Antioch. Parishioners participating this year are: JESSICA ALEXANDER, CARLOS CARASSCO, RICHARD CHEN, DOMINGO & MARYSE DELGADILLO, MIKE GAMEZ, JUAN GARCIA, MARIA GARCIA, ELBA GOMEZ, CRYSTAL GOMEZ, MARCO GOMEZ, ROSA GOMEZ, RICK GOMEZ, BARBARA GUTIERREZ, JESSICA GUTIERREZ, PETER GUTIERREZ, ADRIAN MENDOZA, ISMAEL MENDOZA, MARIA MENDOZA, MARTIN MENDOZA, SOCORRO MUELA, FRANCISO PEREZ, JOSE PEREZ, LUZ PEREZ, MATEO PEREZ, MERCEDES PEREZ, GABRIEL RODRIGUEZ, CECILIA SALAZAR, SARAH SINISI, ASUNCION SORNIA, ALEX SOLANO, ROBERT SOLANO, JERRY & YOLANDA STANLEY, ALEXANDER VEGA, MANUEL VEGA JR., MANUEL VEGA SR., GEMA MENDOZA-VEGA, AND YVETTE VEGA.

October’s Cleaning Team did an excellent job of caring for the sanctuary throughout the month. Many thanks to STAN AND THERESA STANEK, RIZA MENDOZA, MAURITZA, AND JERRY AND JULIE KREBS.

COMMITMENT WEEKEND, OCTOBER 27TH AND 28TH, is held at each liturgy this weekend with all parishioners being invited to come out of the pews and bring both their Sunday Offering and their Commitment Card to the altar. The Commitment Cards indicate each registered parishioner’s level of financial support for the parish for 2008.

FUNERAL LITURGIES are celebrated for: TEODORA BOLECHE.

The parish begins the month with the back-to-back celebrations of ALL SAINTS AND ALL SOULS. The Combined Choirs provide the music under the direction of Matt Gibson. The evening liturgy on All Souls Day is the parish’s annual MASS OF REMEMBRANCE during which the names of the thirty-eight parishioners who died since last All Souls Day are read aloud as Deacon Gary Hack lights a memorial candle in their memory. A simple, but wonderful reception, hosted by the Social Events Committee, takes place in the Parish Hall following the liturgy. The Book of the Names of the Dead is enshrined near the Tabernacle along with our All Souls Pious Lists.

MEMBERS OF THE PASTORAL COUNCIL once again host the First Sunday of the Month Hospitality and feature the ministries of CORAZON, THE PRAYER CHAIN, AND MUSIC MINISTRY. Refreshments after the Saturday Vigil and the liturgies of Sunday morning are provided by our Filipino Cursillistas and Mesia.

On Sunday, November 4, during the 10:00 a.m. Liturgy, the Rite for the Enrollment of Children who are candidates for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist is celebrated. The children of 49 families are enrolled.

The thirty-eight candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation meet during the afternoon of the first Sunday of the month, November 4th, and receive their own personal copy of the Scriptures.

NOVEMBER’S CLEANING TEAM takes its turn for the cleaning and maintenance of the church. Many thanks to: RICK & SUE HOWELL, VALERIE RODRIGUEZ, ASHLEY MARRERO, VINNIE RODRIGUEZ, AND CYNTHIA ENRIQUE.

135 BEAUTIFULLY DECORATED THANKSGIVING FOOD BOXES AND BASKETS are brought to each liturgy on the Third Sunday of November as a part of our Thanksgiving Outreach and the beginning of a new parish tradition. Each box or basket contains all the ingredients for a complete Thanksgiving Dinner. Volunteer parishioners transport the boxes to St. Bonaventure Church and SR. ROBERTA CARSON for their food pantry and distribution on the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday preceding Thanksgiving Day.

THANKSGIVING DAY – is celebrated with a beautiful liturgy, a full church, and music, under the direction of Matt Gibson, with the Combined Choirs of the parish. A tradition is “re-established” of having a parishioner give the Thanksgiving Reflection and FRANCES ROJEK speaks personally and powerfully, moving the gathered assembly to both laughter and tears. The collection is designated for our “adopted” parochial school of St. Peter Martyr in Pittsburg and totals $2,915.80!

The conclusion of the Year of Grace, 2007, is celebrated with the SOLEMNITY OF CHRIST THE KING on the last weekend of November.

ADVENT WREATH MAKING – Our Knights of Columbus sponsor an evening for all our parish families making Advent Wreathes for home use. Fresh evergreens and candles are provided along with snacks.

THE GIVING/ANGEL TREE – Once again this year, the Giving/Angel Tree is placed in the sanctuary with angel ornaments on it, providing parishioners an opportunity to purchase gifts for the children of St. Peter Martyr School and other public grammar schools in our area. More than 700 gifts are purchased and placed beneath the tree by the Third Sunday of Advent.

CLEANING TEAM – throughout the month, the church is kept clean and neat by volunteer parishioners who came to sweep, dust, wash, clean, vacuum, and polish. Many thanks to: RICK & SUE HOWELL, CYNTHIA ENRIQUE, ANNA TRAN, VALERIE RODRIGUEZ, VINNIE RODRIGUEZ, AND ASHLEY MARRERO.

The Environment Committee creates yet another beautiful environment to help us pray during this season of preparation, expectation, longing, and anticipation. Panels of Sarum Blue are installed in the worship space, along with the suspended Advent Wreath over the center of the sanctuary. Fragrant arrangements of seasonal and evergreens are placed at the Holy Table, Ambo, Tabernacle, and Icons.

The Rite of Acceptance Into the Catechumenate is celebrated during the 8:00 a.m. Eucharist on The First Sunday of Advent for JAMES HOOK, KEVIN AND CONNIE ROACH. Their sponsors are ROBERT AND TONE CARVALHO AND MENTON AND CAROLINE FRABLE respectively.

Funeral Liturgies are celebrated for: ALBERT MUTI AND ANGELINA ARDENT.

ADVENT VESPERS are celebrated for the first time on the First Sunday of Advent at 4:00 p.m. Under the direction of MATT GIBSON, our Director of Music and Organist, the COMBINED CHOIRS sing for this service of light, psalmody, scripture, and intercessory prayer. The liturgy is followed by a lovely reception in the parish hall, facilitated by members of the Social Events Committee: SUE BATTERTON, MARLA PLURKOWSKI, AND LESLIE EUBANKS.

ST. NICHOLAS FESTIVAL DINNER – The parish hall is transformed to a “winter wonderland” on Saturday evening, December 8th, by the members of the Social Events Committee for this First Annual Event. Parishioners sponsor and decorate round tables in the spirit of the Advent/Christmas Season. The hall has never looked more beautiful and magical than it does this evening. The semi-formal dress of the attendees adds to the festiveness of the evening. A wonderful dinner of a Mixed Green Salad, BBQ Tri-tip, Rice Pilaf, and Green Beans Almondine, under the direction of CHEF DAVE COSTANZA more than satisfies everyone’s appetite. Appetizers and champagne prepared guests for the meal. Director of Music and Organist, MATT GIBSON, provides appropriate seasonal music on the piano along with several vocal solos by members of the Choir to add to the evening. The anticipated appearance of the Spirit of St. Nicholas took place after dessert was served, with St. Nicholas telling the story of his life and then presiding over the Silent Auction and Raffle prizes. The evening is a fund raiser for Music Ministry and will provide instrumentalists for Christmas and Easter. $3,497.00 is raised.

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CELEBRATION – On Wednesday evening, December 12th, the parish once again celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. A beautiful shrine was created with fresh, red roses and the statue of Our Lady placed prominently in the sanctuary. The liturgy began with a procession of the children and the members of the Guadalupana Society bringing additional fresh roses to be placed at the shrine. The liturgy was enhanced by music under the direction of MATT GIBSON, our Director of Music and Organist, and featured a special vocal solo by choir member and parishioner, ALICIA PEREZ. The offering this evening was designated to provide mariachis next year! Following the liturgy, everyone was invited to the parish hall for a Free meal of salad, rice, refried beans, enchiladas, and cake – all of which was a gift of the Guadalupana Society to the parish and all who attended.

SIMBANG GABI – Beginning at 5:00 a.m. on Sunday morning, December 16th, the parish community, under the leadership of our Filipino Ministry, observes this nine day novena of Masses, concluding on Monday morning, December 24th. Beautiful music, energetic singing, and great joy mark these days of immediate preparation for the Christmas Feast. A traditional breakfast, hosted by various individuals and organizations, takes place in the parish hall following each morning’s Mass.

CHRISTMAS – is celebrated with four liturgies on Christmas Eve and one liturgy on Christmas morning. Each of our services is filled to overflowing! A beautiful environment is created by our Environment Committee, with the center piece of the environment being the original painting in iconic style of the Holy Family and Christmas Angels by SHERRY MORRIS. Burgundy, gold, and white are woven throughout the worship space along with the wreathes, garlands, and white poinsettias to give the feeling of a Victorian Christmas. The crèche is placed into a gothic arch cut into the 15’ Grand Fir Christmas Tree on the left side of the sanctuary. Additional lighting is provided for all the liturgies of Christmas Eve along with the services of off-duty police and California Highway Patrol officers for the safety, protection, and traffic control of all who worshiped with us. The exterior of the church is decorated with lights and wreathes and the light poles in the parking lot are decorated for the first time with festive burgundy and gold banners.

FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY – was celebrated on the last Sunday of December and the 12:00 Noon Liturgy was marked by two very special blessings: the first was for JOEY MARCEL, a Medic in the United States Army who has been called up for duty in Baghdad. His parents, brothers and sisters, friends, and the entire congregation joined in extending their hands in blessing, sending him with our support, our prayers and our love. The second blessing was for AMANTE AND GLORIA ASUNCION who are celebrating their Fortieth Anniversary of Marriage. With their children standing by their sides, they renewed their vows and received the congratulations of the congregation.

CLEANING TEAM – The church is once again maintained by volunteer parishioners who come each week to clean, dust, sweep, vacuum, and polish. Many thanks to: LESLIE AND ERYN EUBANKS, CAROLE MILLER, MARILYN BLANCHARD, AND DEBORAH BIZZELL. Additionally, we need to recognize Mary Ewing who oversees the volunteers who clean the church bathrooms and who cleans them herself between the Masses on Sundays, holy days, feast days and throughout the week.

Registered Households:

1,034

SACRAMENTAL SERVICES

Baptisms:

73

Weddings:

13

Funerals:

31

Sick Calls:

280
(These are a part of the ministry of both Father Robert and Father Tom who minister at Sutter-Delta Hospital and the new Kaiser Hospital on Deer Valley. They include the Sacrament of the Sick, Holy Communion, Viaticum, and administration of the Last Blessing)

Children Receiving First Eucharist:

76

Confirmations:

47

Those received through the Sacraments of Initiation at the Great Vigil of Easter:

3