Saint Elizabeth Catholic Church
Parish established 1912 - Present Church dedicated 1962

Parish Office & Mailing Address: 449 Holyoke Street, San Francisco, CA 94134-1734
Phone: (415) 468-0820. FAX: (415) 468-1457

Church Address (not for mail) - 459 Somerset Street, San Francisco, CA
Find Saint Elizabeth's Church on Google Maps

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2024 Archdiocesan Annual Appeal - goal is $32,089

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We have received $43,193 from our St. Elizabeth parishioners towards our goal.
We have met our goal !
Any donations beyond the goal of $32,089 will be returned to our parish so we could continue to do God's work. THANK YOU for your generosity!

 


January 24, 2024


. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Fr. Charles Puthota

From the Pastor's Desktop

A Message from Father Charles Puthota

October 13, 2024

Dear Parishioners of St. Elizabeth,


Word of God, 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B:
The gospel portrays a haunting story of a man who wants to follow Jesus more closely but is unable to because of his possessions. Then Jesus goes on to give his reflections on how our wealth can prevent us from being the persons God calls us to be. "It's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle rather than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God." When we choose to rely on our possessions, we might come to have a false sense of security about life; that we could somehow be happy because of things we accumulate; that we do not have to bother with putting our trust in and dependence on God. Jesus gives many teachings about how to approach wealth. Wealth is a servant, a slave, not our master. We need to use everything, as St. Ignatius of Loyola would say, in so far as they help us to fulfill the purpose God has for each one of us. If things prevent us from being truly happy and internally free, then they are hindrances. Life is full of choices; the ones that may be helpful for one may not be meant for someone else. We have to honestly before God choose those that will bring peace and happiness to our minds and hearts.

October, a Month Dedicated to the BVM: Some images of Mary for me are very striking and have been spiritually nourishing and comforting. One is the way Mary intervenes and helps the wedding family at Cana. She could have stayed on the sidelines when the party ran out of wine, but she gets engaged. She can't bear to see the family come to embarrassment. She approaches Jesus that he should do something, but he hesitates saying his hour has not yet come. But Mary persists and tell the workers "to do whatever he tells you to do." Jesus turns water into wine as the first "sign" of his manifestation to the world. Mary's role here to me is amazing and absolutely refreshing. She helps those in need. She is always looking out for us and reaches out to us. She constantly approaches her son entreating him on our behalf. Praying the Rosary is one of the ways we could emotionally keep in touch with the Blessed Mother.

Tuesday, October 15: Feast of St. Teresa of Avila. St. Teresa of Ávila (1515-1582) was a Spanish mystic, Carmelite nun, and reformer of her religious Order. Known for her profound spiritual writings, she authored "The Interior Castle" and "The Way of Perfection," which explored deep prayer, union with God, and the soul's journey toward spiritual perfection. Teresa co-founded the Discalced Carmelites, emphasizing poverty, simplicity, and contemplative prayer. She experienced mystical visions and is recognized for her deep devotion to Christ. In 1970, she became the first woman to be named a Doctor of the Church, honoring her theological contributions.

The Prayer of St. Teresa of Avila: Nada te turbe, nada te espante, todo se pasa; Dios no se muda. La paciencia todo lo alcanza; Quien a Dios tiene, nada le falta; Solo Dios basta. Translation: Let nothing disturb you, nothing surprise you, all things pass; God does not change. Patience wins everything; whoever holds onto God lacks nothing; God alone is enough.

Friday, October 18: Feast of St. Luke, Evangelist St. Luke the Evangelist is traditionally recognized as the author of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament. He is one of the four Evangelists and is often symbolized by an ox or calf, reflecting the themes of sacrifice in his Gospel. Here are key aspects of St. Luke's life and legacy: 1. Background and Profession: St. Luke is believed to have been a Greek physician from Antioch, a major city in ancient Syria (now Turkey). This background explains the attention to detail and healing themes found in his writings. As a physician, his writing style in the Gospel of Luke is known for its clarity and precision, especially when describing medical conditions and miracles of healing. 2. Role as a Historian and Writer: Luke's Gospel is notable for its emphasis on the universality of Jesus' message, highlighting Christ's compassion for Gentiles, women, the poor, and marginalized people. The Acts of the Apostles, also attributed to him, provides a detailed history of the early Christian church, including the spread of Christianity through the Roman Empire and the missionary journeys of St. Paul. 3. Association with St. Paul: St. Luke was a close companion of St. Paul, accompanying him on many of his missionary journeys. Paul refers to Luke as "the beloved physician" in Colossians 4:14 and mentions him as being present during his final imprisonment in 2 Timothy 4:11. Luke's writings in Acts are considered valuable for understanding the early Christian community and Paul's work. 4. Unique Themes in Luke's Gospel: Infancy Narratives: The Gospel of Luke contains detailed accounts of the birth and early life of Jesus, including the Annunciation, Visitation, and the nativity story. Parables: Some of the most famous parables, such as the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son, are found only in Luke's Gospel. Focus on Prayer and the Holy Spirit: Luke emphasizes prayer and the workings of the Holy Spirit throughout both his Gospel and Acts. 5. Patronage: St. Luke is the patron saint of physicians, surgeons, artists, and butchers, given his background as a healer and his detailed, compassionate portrayal of human suffering and healing in his writings.

Humor of St. Teresa of Avila: St. Teresa of Ávila, alongside her deep spirituality, had a great sense of humor, which shines through in some amusing stories: 1.Teresa and the Donkey: Once, while traveling in poor weather, her cart overturned, leaving her in the mud. Frustrated, she prayed, "Lord, if this is how you treat your friends, no wonder you have so few!" It shows her candid relationship with God. 2. Playful Teasing: Teresa loved to laugh. When she was once served a lavish meal at a convent, she joked, "There is a time for penance and a time for partridge," reminding her fellow nuns that balance is important. 3. A Little Mischief: Teresa would at times pretend to be drowsy during long sermons. She had a playful streak, blending deep spirituality with lightheartedness. 4. At the beginning of her autobiography, she says, "Having virtuous and God-fearing parents would have been enough for me to be good if I were not so wicked." 5. She didn't have time for false piety. She once said, "From silly devotions and sour-faced saints, good Lord, deliver us." 6. She wrote: "A sad nun is a bad nun…I am more afraid of one unhappy sister that a crowd of evil spirits…What would happen if we hid what little sense of humor we had? Let each of us humbly use this to cheer others."

Your Friend and Pastor,

Father Charles Puthota.


Further Listening Sessions

Toward the Synodal Meetings in October 2024

In preparation for the second session of the Synod in October 2024, the Vatican has asked all dioceses all over the world, including in the United States, to hold listening sessions on the following two questions:

  1. "Where have I seen or experienced successes -- and distresses -- within the Church's structure(s)/organization/leadership/life that encourage or hinder the mission?"

  2. "How can the structures and organization of the Church help all the baptized to respond to the call to proclaim the Gospel and to live as a community of love and mercy in Christ?

    Deadline to submit the answers to the U.S. Bishops' Conference is April 8. These reports will be synthesized regionally and nationally--- and the final report will be sent to the Vatican Synodal Office by May 15, 2024.


The Vatican's guidance that shaped the above questions incorporates four questions:

  • "How can we enhance the differentiated co-responsibility in the mission of all the members of the People of God?";
  • "What ways of relating, structures, processes of discernment and decision-making with regard to mission make it possible to recognize, shape, and promote co-responsibility?";
  • "What ministries and participatory bodies can be renewed or introduced to better express this co-responsibility?" and,
  • "How can these relations be creatively articulated in order to find 'a dynamic balance between the dimension of the Church as a whole and its local roots?' "
.............................................(Source: America Magazine and NCR)


The Synod on Synodality
October 2021 to October 2024

Theme: Communion, Participation, Mission: The Synod on Synodality is a three-year process of listening and dialogue that began with a solemn opening in Rome on October 9 and 10, 2021. The synodal process will conclude in 2024. Each individual diocese in the whole world has gone through a process of preparation for the Synod. The Synod is both an event and a process in which the whole People of God are called to walk to gather together toward what the Holy Spirit helps it to discern as being the Lord's will for his Church. Pope Francis has invited the entire Church to reflect on a theme that is decisive for its life and mission: "It is precisely this path of synodality which God expects of the Church of the third millennium. This journey, which follows in the wake of the Church's "renewal" proposed by the Second Vatican Council, is both a gift and a task: by journeying together and reflecting together on the path that has been made, the Church will be able to learn through Her experience which processes can help Her to live communion, to achieve participation, and to open Herself to mission." The 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops will be held in two sessions. The first one from October 4 to 29, 2023. The second session will be in October 2024.

What is a synod? A synod in the Catholic Church is both an event and a process where clergy, religious, and laity gather to discern important matters of the faith. It is a journey of search rooted in the Holy Spirit. Synods are transformative events that lead to renewal in the life of the Church. The current synod is called “Synod on Synodality.” It’s a synod that would explore the very processes of synod and examine how as the People of God we are journeying together. Pope Francis says: “Synodality is the way of being the Church today according to the will of God, in a dynamic of discerning and listening together to the voice of the Holy Spirit.” You might want to be informed more about this Synod by going online and doing your own research.
Do check out the Synod website
https://www.synod.va/en.html


MASS SCHEDULE
as of November 23, 2023

Saturday:

.. 4:30 p.m.

... Sunday:

.. 8:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

Monday thru Saturday:

.. 8:30 a.m.

Holy Days:

.. 8:30 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.

Confessions:

..4:00 p.m. on Saturdays before the 4:30 Vigil Mass

10:00 a.m. on Sundays before the 10:30 a.m. Mass


PARISH SACRAMENTAL CELEBRATIONS

SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

Please call the Parish Office for more information. (415-468-0820) - Details

Baptismal Registration Form

SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION

High School Students should call the Religious Education Office for more information.
Adult confirmation is available on an individual basis. -
.Details

SACRAMENT OF THE ANOINTING OF THE SICK

Call the Parish Office in case of serious illness and before surgery and hospital care. - Details

SACRAMENT OF EUCHARIST

Our Eucharistic Ministers are available to bring the Eucharist to the sick or homebound. Contact the Parish Office. - Details

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION

Saturday 3:30pm to 4:15pm or by appointment. - Details

SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE

There is a six month period of preparation for the celebration of this Sacrament. Contact the Parish Office to make arrangements. - Details

Faith Formation - Cantwell Hall

Saturday 9:00am to 11:00am. - Details

Parish Office: (415) 468-0820


Benediction and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Novena: Wednesdays after the 8:30am Mass.

Legion of Mary Meeting 5:00pm Monday in the Church.

1000 Hail Mary's Third Saturday after the 8:30am Mass until 3:30pm.

Over 50 Group Thursdays at 12:00pm in Cantwell Hall.


Rev. Charles Puthota, Ph. D., Pastor

Sandy Mehrwein, Parish Secretary

Patricia Spiteri, Pastoral Coordinator

Laurrie Digneo, Coordinator of Faith Formation



LINKS to:

OUR FAVORITES

NATIONAL & GLOBAL

Archdiocese of San Francisco

Catholic Press

U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

EWTN Global Catholic Network

The Culture Project (San Francisco)

US Catholic

VATICAN WEB SITE

NATIONAL MEDIA

Vatican Web Site (ENGLISH)

Vatican YouTube Channel

Vatican Web Site (ESPAÑOL)

Salt + Light TV

The New American Bible

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Catechism of the Catholic Church

Social Justice - Resource Center

Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church

Alternatives for Simple Living

Code of Canon Law: Table of Contents

Documents of the Second Vatican Council

Fr. CHARLES' HELPFUL LINKS

Proclaiming Christ in the culture - WordOnFire.com

The Catholic Bible Online - MyCatholicLife.com

The Spiritual Exercises - IgnatianSpirituality.com

Home - osvnews.com