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IMPACT

SAINT JOHN FISHER PARISH A Catholic Community for All • Love God. Love all people. Make disciples • Summer 2017

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MONSIGNOR’S MUSINGS

Developing Your Faith

By Monsignor David A. Sork

T

he theme of this issue of Impact is faith formation in our parish. When I came to this parish 18 years ago, I was impressed by the various opportunities for faith formation that were available. Some of the Scrip-ture study programs arose because our parishioners took part in the Bible Institute sponsored by the Archdiocesan Office of Religious Education and offered at Loyola Mary-mount University. Many of our parishioners have become certified master catechists who then offer opportunities for those seeking formation as catechists or other pasto-ral ministers. Others have focused on the area of liturgy in order to foster full, conscious, active participation in wor-ship. Various prayer groups gather to develop their faith and deepen their spiritual life. Others still look at social and moral issues from the Catholic perspective and tradi-tion. Parish missions and retreats provide us opportunities to grow in our faith.

There are so many ways right here in which we can grow in our faith. Although I have a Ph.D. in religious ed-ucation, I continually strive to know more about my faith. If I limited my learning to what I studied in the seminary or even in my doctoral studies, I would be stagnant. I real-ly enjoy reading new books, whether on Scripture, dogma, or spirituality. I enjoy Catholic periodicals, like the Jesu-it publication, America. As you read through this issue of

Impact, ask yourself what you might do to grow in faith.

Let St. Paul, that great missionary to the Gentiles, be your inspiration.

During the Easter season just ended, all the readings were from the New Testament. The first reading, normally from the Old Testament, was from the Acts of the Apostles. Written by St. Luke, this book traces the growth of the early Church from the resurrection of Christ through the middle of the First Century. Although the Church came into be-ing when Christ left the world, its combe-ing out party is cele-brated on Pentecost, a Jewish harvest feast, when the Holy Spirit came into the upper room where a group of fearful disciples of Jesus were gathered. They were transformed. Although they had been with Jesus for almost three years, the collective experience only came together on this day. They looked back on those various events with Jesus and saw them in a new light. They were motivated, almost compelled, to share their story with whoever would listen. This story is sometimes called the kerygma, which became the basis for the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The

IMPACT is published three times a year for the St. John Fisher Parish community.

Editorial Team:

Joan Barry, Barry Cossette, Nelma FitzGerald, Carla Green, Gayle Plecha, C. J. “Kit” Ruona

Go Green and receive IMPACT electronically instead of by mail. Send an email to IMPACT@sjf.org to join our electronic

distribution list. When the next issue is published, you will receive an email with a link to download IMPACT from our website. You may also send your comments to this email address. apostles must have been pretty

effec-tive, because Luke tells us in chapter 2

of Acts that some 3,000 people were baptized on that day. The rest of Acts relates how this message was spread and how people’s faith in Jesus Christ grew. Their lives were changed. Even their understanding of Church was changed. Originally, Church was seen as a community of Jesus’ disciples who believed that Jesus was the Christ but were still committed to their Jewish religion. The move-ment, called the Way, was originally confined to the area of Palestine and Syria. However, the vision of Church was expanded due to the efforts of Saul of Tarsus. He originally persecuted Jesus’ followers because he saw them as un-faithful to the Law of God. On his way to Damascus with the intent of persecuting Jesus’ followers, Saul was struck down to the ground, blinded, and blown away by the words: “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” This expe-rience planted the seeds for his own conversion through the help of a man named Ananias. Ananias helped in-terpret for Saul what had happened and instructed him about Jesus. Saul received a new name, Paul, and ended up being the most fervent preacher of the kerygma of all. He traveled all over the known world as the first missionary and invited to follow Jesus all people, not just his fellow Jews. The Church grew exponentially.

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T

he United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has stated that the goals of adult faith for-mation are helping people to acquire a personal and loving relationship with the Lord, assisting them to live a life of faith through membership in the Christian community, and providing preparation for adults to work as Dis-ciples of Jesus Christ. Th is is similar to the parish mission statement of Saint

John Fisher (SJF): Love God…Love All People…Make Disciples.

SJF has many ministries and pro-grams which can enhance the faith of our parishioners. During a recent con-versation, Misty Jesse, SJF’s Director of Evangelization, elaborated on a few of the available opportunities that she feels are particularly interesting, infor-mative, and faith-building.

2017 was the fi ft h year that the

Dive-In University Series South

pro-gram was off ered in various parishes throughout the South Bay during a two-week period in Lent. A total of 23 experts in their fi elds presented lectures about our faith, ranging from Cardinal Roger Mahony’s talk, “For I was a Stranger and You Welcomed Me,” to Loyola Marymount University professor Dr. Christopher Kaczor’s lec-ture, “Th e Seven Big Myths about the Catholic Church.” Annually more than 2,000 attendees enjoy these enlighten-ing presentations.

Th e SJF Scholastic Luncheon

Se-ries is a popular event in January, April

and October each year. Local scholars are invited to speak on subjects that are interesting and key to our faith. In April Marymount California Univer-sity professor John Weitzel spoke on

the image of God with emphasis on the Book of Genesis through Saint Au-gustine. On October 9, 2017, Dominik S. Gnirs, the coordinator of adult faith formation for the Los Angeles Arch-diocese will speak on “Natives in the New World.”

On May 9, 2017, SJF hosted the

Catholic-Jewish Women’s Dialogue of the South Bay. Th is luncheon grew

out of the Los Angeles Catholic-Jewish Women’s Conference which has been held in Los Angeles for the past 40 years. Th e inaugural event in Barrett Hall featured two popular speakers: Rabbi Ronit Tsadok, an associate rabbi with the IKAR Justice Initiative, and Cambria Smith Tortorelli, the parish life director at Holy Family Catholic Church in South Pasadena. Th eir topic

was “Social Justice: a shared heritage and common calling.” Th e 160 wom-en who attwom-ended, from three diff erwom-ent South Bay Catholic parishes and three local synagogues, enjoyed the speakers and enthusiastically shared dialogue at their tables aft er the presentations. Th e second annual luncheon will be held next year at Temple Beth El in San Pedro.

Th e popular Faith Enrichment

Scripture Study Series, which

teach-es one book of the Bible each spring and autumn, was also discussed. Th ese well-attended classes most recently featured Th e Acts of the Apostles. Th e presenter of this series is Misty her-self, who amongst other credentials, holds a Ph.D in religion and society studies and recently delivered the commencement address at the Master’s International School of Divinity in Mel-bourne, Florida. Misty has a distinguished teaching background in Bible stud-ies, including a class on the historical geography of the Holy Land, which she taught at the Bridges for Peace Institute for Israeli Studies, in Jerusalem. Th is September through No-vember she will discuss the third book of the Hebrew Bible, Leviticus.

Literature regarding these popular events is available in the narthex of the church at the appropri-ate times and in the church bulletin.

Misty Jesse, SJF’s Director of Evangelization, recently received the 2017 Laywoman of the Year Spotlight Award from the South Coast Interfaith Council.

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SJF Scholastic Luncheon Series

Barrett Hall, 11:30am–1:30pm, reserva-tions are required. Buy your tickets in the parish offi ce, and bring a friend. $10 for lunch and speaker. For more information, see article on page 3.

October 9, 2017:

Spain 1550 — Natives in the New World — Human Rights

January 8, 2018:

Why are Human Beings Religious? April 9, 2018:

Amoris Laetitia: Th e Joy of Love

Adult Faith Formation at SJF:

An Abundance of Choice

Faith formation is a lifelong learning process. We must continue to educate ourselves and form our faith from the time of our birth to the end of our lives. St. John Fisher off ers us many ways to do this. Th is issue of Impact focuses on the many ways you can increase your faith and improve your connection to St. John Fisher Parish.

Opportunities to Learn

and Grow in Your Faith

SANCTUS RETREAT BUILDS FAITH JOURNEYS

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Catholic-Jewish Women’s

Dialogue of the South Bay

Save the Date—the next one is on May 8, 2018, at Temple Beth El in San Pedro. For more information, see page 3.

Dawn Unity

Th e Dawn Unity Interfaith Discovery Series programs are designed to explore the diversity and similarity of religions in the South Bay community. Each year the programs consist of panel discussions by participating faith leaders, followed by a social hour with refresh-ments. Free of charge. For more information email founder and chair Bob Rothman at bobroth@alum.mit.edu. Msgr. Sork is one of the founding members of this group.

Bishop Barron’s Catholicism Series,

“Word on Fire”

Members of the Order of Malta will be off ering an oppor-tunity for spiritual refreshment and growth by sponsor-ing Bishop Barron’s 10-part “Catholicism Series.” A DVD will be shown, followed by discussion. It will meet at SJF once a month, 7:00–9:00pm, from September 20, 2017, to June 20, 2018. Learn about the history and beauty of the Catholic faith through these beautifully fi lmed DVDs. For information contact Order of Malta Knight Pat Hart, padraighart@aol.com.

Dive-In University Series

South (USS)

Dive-In University Series South is a multi-parish evangelization and faith formation outreach during Lent. Several parishes in the South Bay host presentations on a variety of topics relating to our faith. Watch for this wonderful opportunity in Lent 2018! For more information, see article on page 3.

Parish Mission 2017

Our 2017 mission featured speaker Mike Patin. Part theologian, part humorist, and 100 percent Louisiana Cajun, he blended all three through his themes for each evening: “Amazing Race (Make Room for Prayer)”, “Extreme Makeover (Make Room for Friends and Family)” and “Th e Apprentice (Make Room for Service).” Th e Mission team did an extraordinary

job in putting on the event. And, the dinner was excellent as well! Th e 2018 Parish Mission is March 19-21, 2018. Fr. Ron Hoye of Parish Vincentian Missions will present “As Streams in the Desert.” For more information call the SJF Offi ce of Faith Formation, 310-377-4573.

Men’s Cornerstone

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A-Men and Women Faith Sharing grew from the A-Men

Scripture Sharing several years ago, in response to a need for couples to share their faith together. Th ey do this in discus-sion and scripture, concentrating on the readings for the up-coming Sunday. Th e group has since grown to welcome all adults. Th ey meet the second and fourth Wednesday of the month from 7:00pm to 8:30pm in the church Multi-Purpose Room. Email Hanan at mtanios@yahoo.com for information. Th e Families of Nazareth Movement is a worldwide move-ment of lay people and religious seeking God’s merciful love and responding to Pope John Paul II’s call to the New Evan-gelization. It off ers weekly faith sharing group meetings, monthly conferences and meetings for spiritual refl ection and faith sharing, Advent, Lent, and summer retreats, and confession and spiritual direction with priests involved in the Movement. Th e SJF group is open to all Catholic adults. Th ey meet on Monday mornings from 9:30am–10:30am, Monday evenings (men only) from 7:30pm-8:30pm, and Tuesday evenings from 7:30pm-8:30pm. New members are always welcome. Contact Kelly Babraj at kellybabraj@ hotmail.com; or visit the FNM website at www.familiesof nazareth.us.

Th e Seekers, a cheerful group of retired men meets in the

Cityside Room each Th ursday from 10:00am to 11:30am to renew and deepen their faith in a spirit of camaraderie and collegiality.  Th ey share individual prayer as well as insights into the scripture readings for the next Sunday, and then discuss a religious subject or view an educational DVD.  All are welcome. Please contact Guido at gafrass@cox.net.  

Monday Evening Faith Sharing meets weekly in a private

home. Contact Offi ce of Faith Formation at 310-377-4573 for more information.

Catholic Update has been active in SJF Parish for more than

40 years. Discussions are conducted weekly around the Sun-day scripture readings in a free and open format leading to subjects from news or other topics from around the world, eventually prompting discussion of doctrine and/or reli-gious practices. Meetings are held Wednesdays at 9:30am in the Cityside Room. Enjoy free coff ee. Contact Offi ce of Faith Formation at 310-377-4573 for more information.

Christian Family Movement (CFM) celebrates 14 years at

St. John Fisher Parish. Under the direction of Frank and Joan Lee (fl ee1945@gmail.com), CFM is a part of a national organization whose purpose is to promote Christ-centered marriage and family life by helping individuals live the Christian faith every day. One of the goals is to improve society through actions of love, service, education and by example. Th e group meets monthly in members’ homes and the meetings are based on discussions to observe, judge, and act.

Lenten Soup Suppers provide a meager meal every Friday

during Lent. Each supper is hosted by a diff erent SJF min-istry. Th is event is a good activity for families, couples or singles, providing a chance to socialize with fellow parish-ioners. Do you feel your schedule is too busy to attend Th e Stations of the Cross during Lent? Th is is your answer—a meal already prepared, leaving you time to attend the Sta-tions aft erward. Freewill off ering.

Eucharistic Apostles of Divine Mercy meets each week on

Th ursdays aft er the 5:15 Mass. Monthly meetings are held in private homes from September through May, in which a small group studies the Diary of Saint Faustina. Anyone is welcome to join at any time. Pat or Ted can be contacted by email: coreleadership@divinemercyinmysoul.org. Website: divinemercyinmysoul.org.

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Th e Rosary is prayed every Monday through Saturday in

the Chapel of the Blessed Mother at 7:25am and aft er the 8:00am Mass.

Charismatic Prayer Group meets in the Rectory Meeting

Room on Fridays 6:30pm–8:30pm. Call the parish offi ce at 310-377-5571 for more information.

Book Club meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 7:00pm in room

108. Th e monthly book is usually a recent novel, but has included a classic novel, a biography, an inspirational story for Lent and a fable for Christ-mas. Th e group suggests and picks the books together, then participants take turns leading the discussions. Part of the enjoyment is trying some-thing you might not have picked by yourself. For more information, see goodreads.com/group/show/140472-sjf-book-club

Senior Fitness Class is conducted each Tuesday and Th ursday from 9:30am

to 10:30am. $5/class, or $25/6 classes. You may sign up in the offi ce or at class.

SJF Social Singles (60+): NEW THIS YEAR! 60 and older, single, divorced,

or widowed, join this new social group and feel more a part of the parish family. Th ey will meet on the second Saturday of the month aft er the 5:00pm Mass in the Plaza Room (the old church). Join them for friendship, fi eld trips and fun. Th ey are planning a trip to the Hollywood Bowl on July 3, and hosted a wine and cheese event on May 13. Call the parish offi ce at 310-377-5571 for more information.

Having Fun

Prayer and Devotions Groups

Queen of Peace Prayer Group, led by Odette Smith, meets

Tuesdays aft er the 5:15pm Mass in the Chapel of the Bless-ed Mother. Call the parish offi ce at 310-377-5571 for more information.

Chaplet of Divine Mercy meets Th ursdays in the church,

5:50pm–6:30pm.

THE MEDIA

Mass for the Homebound: Have you

been missing Sunday Mass because of life’s challenges? Livestream SJF’s Sunday 9:00am Mass every week. See the website at sjf.org or call the parish offi ce for help.

Wordonfi re.org: Los Angeles Auxiliary

Bishop Robert Barron’s website “pro-claiming Christ in the culture.”

Franciscanmedia.org: Informing,

in-spiring, and connecting you on your faith journey.

usccb.org: Th e United States Conference

of Catholic Bishops off ers spiritual re-sources, movie reviews, and more.

Americamagazine.org: Th is Jesuit

Re-view covers Pope Francis and current events.

RCIA: Rite of Christian

Initiation of Adults

Are you or someone you know interested in becoming Catholic? Are you missing some of your sacraments, such as First Communion or Confi rmation? Our RCIA program runs September through April with classes taking place on Sunday mornings. Adult Confi rmation classes are off ered in the fall. Inquiry sessions are held year-round on the fi rst Sunday of the month, in the Parish Conference room from 10:30am–11:30am.

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Faith Enrichment Scripture Study Series presented by

Misty Jesse, PhD, DMin. Come and explore God’s word together. Monday evenings 7:00pm-8:30pm in the SJF Auditorium. Optional materials may be purchased in the parish offi ce: text $10, and/or Catechism $10. For more information, see article on page 3.

• September 11-October 2, 2017: Growing in the Word:

Leviticus. In this third book of the Hebrew Bible we will

explore the Levites, the tribe from whom the priests were drawn, and their instruction and will address the role of laity. We will also trace elements of Christian Liturgy back to Jewish roots.

• October 9-November 20, 2017: Growing in the Word:

Numbers. Th e journey through Numbers will provide

opportunities for spiritual growth and contemplation, as we learn how God lives and moves with a people, meeting their needs as they wander and struggle in the wilderness. We will learn about the importance of ho-liness, faithfulness, and trust.

• March 26-April 23, 2018: Growing in the Word: Mark. Together we will experience the quickly moving narra-tive of Mark, which stresses Jesus’ message about the Good News of the Kingdom of God, and Jesus Himself as the Gospel of God.

Scripture Studies

A-Men Scripture Study men’s group meets

week-ly in a small group at the Starbucks in the Prom-enade on the Peninsula, on Fridays at 6:30am, to read and discuss the day’s Bible readings. Th is is an opportunity for men to learn more about scripture while sharing camaraderie with like-minded Catholic Christian men.

Monday Morning Scripture Study meets at the

Mary and Joseph Retreat Center adjacent to SJF on Mondays from 10:00am to 11:30am. Th is is an intimate group comprised of both men and wom-en. Th ey use individual Old and New Testament booklets of each scripture segment. Th e approach is very informal, each segment of reading and discussion lasting ten or 15 minutes, involving al-most everyone present. “Th ere is no tedium here, but there is some humor.” Contact John Traxler at j.trax5@verizon.net for more information.

Th e Great Adventure Catholic Bible Studies: Th e

Bible is at the heart of our faith and our relationship with God. Th e key to understanding the Bible is fi nding the story that ties it all together. Jeff Cavins’

Great Adventure Catholic Bible study program and Th e Great Adventure Bible Timeline learning system

is designed in such a way that anyone can make sense of the Bible and experience the life-changing power of God’s Word. Th is facilitator-run work-shop uses DVD presentations.

• September 12, 2017 for 20 weeks: Acts: Th e

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WHERE AM I ON MY

JOURNEY OF FAITH?

The journey of faith is different for everyone, and often lasts a lifetime. This

journey has a beginning and a middle, but it has no end. Everyone’s journey

takes different paths. Below are some questions that don’t have any right or

wrong answers. They are an aid to help you start thinking about your personal

faith journey.

1. How old was I when I first became aware of my spiritual self?

2. What are some of my earliest spiritual recollections?

3. How would I describe my present spiritual journey—moving along, well

on my way, at a standstill, or lost?

4. Was there ever a time in my faith journey where something (or

someone) changed me?

5. Do I feel I need help to deepen my faith?

6. What would I tell someone who wants to deepen their faith?

7. Have I participated in any SJF Faith Formation programs?

8. Which ones?

9. What effect did they have on me?

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SJF Youth on their Faith Journeys

City of Saints: High School teens are invited to a dynamic weekend

conference presented by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Teens check into the dorms at UCLA for two nights. Catholic rock bands and talks on subjects pertinent to teens are off ered throughout the weekend. This weekend encourages and inspires the youth, reminding us that we are all called and challenged to live as saints, right now, in 2017.

The gym in our beautiful new Parish Activity Center is home to pick-up basketball (left) every Wednesday evening. Currently, about 30 men and teen boys participate. In the Youth Lounge, teens participated in a Coff ee House (right),where entertainment was provided by the teens themselves. Talent Nights feature teens who sing, play, dance, and tell jokes for the rest of the group.

At the Year One Confi rmation Retreat students get to know each other in the PAC Gym and Youth Lounge. Between the games and sandwiches, subjects such as “What does it mean to be Catholic?” and “How do you see God in your daily life” are discussed. The one-day retreat ends with reconciliation and the 5:00PM Mass.

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Exalt, or “XLT,” is a Eucharistic Adoration experience for teens, sponsors, and parents. Last year, more than 300 attended in the Parish Activity Center Gym, where the theme, “Who is Christ to You?” was presented. Eucharistic Adoration and Reconciliation were off ered, followed by pizza and cookies.

Fr. Francis Aguilar and Fr. Pat Torres concelebrate Mass

on the Beach

at Portuguese Bend Beach Club, where teens are invited to attend with their families and friends. Mass is off ered at sunset with music. A delicious dinner follows with fellowship and games in the beautiful beachfront setting.

The annual living presentation by parish youth of the Living

Stations of the Cross is

an emotional experience for all whom have witnessed it. The teens work hard to prepare, practice and perform this poignant Lenten program.

The Los Angeles

Religious Education Congress is the

largest catechetical convention of its kind in the world. It started as a one-day institute in 1952, acquired its three-day format in 1967, and has been meeting at the

Anaheim Convention Center since 1970. This popular event supports the diverse needs of parish leaders by off ering workshops in evangelization, liturgy, theology, Scripture, spirituality, morality, parish leadership, detention ministry, peace and justice, as well as adult elementary and early childhood catechesis and youth ministry.

Fr. Dave Dwyer was one of the speakers aimed at youth and young adults. He hosts a radio show on Sirius XM’s Catholic Channel and hosts the website bustedhalo.com.

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St. John Fisher Catholic Church 5448 Crest Road

Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 www.sjf.org NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #211 MAILED FROM TORRANCE 90503

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