The St. Brendan Blog

THE PIZZA GUY
Thomas Monaghan is a businessman who has made a fortune through a hugely successful chain of pizza stores. Brought up in an orphanage, he once thought the accumulation of expensive possessions was justifiable, even necessary. Yet, in reading Mere Christianity by the noted author C. S. Lewis, Monaghan realized that the root motivation beneath his love for wealth and show was the need to impress others, which is a form of pride. Released from the hold that possessions once exercised over his heart, Monaghan simplified his life--no private jet, no fancy cars, no huge mansion--and now experiences joy in giving to causes that further Christ's kingdom. A few years ago he described his new understanding of stewardship and discipleship. He said that people think that he is making huge sacrifices, but he believes that they do not understand giving. He credits God for everything he has, so any money he has is also God's. Yes, he certainly had to work hard, but where did the enthusiasm, the energy, the willpower and persistence to work hard come from? From God. Monaghan is convinced that he has no right to credit himself for abilities and skills that came from God. So whatever he has produced with those talents is not ultimately his: it all belongs to God. So, Monaghan says that his motivation for the so-called sacrifices he makes is blindingly obvious. He was brought up with this belief that the true value of life is to get to heaven while dragging along as many people as he can with him! He is always taken aback when people refer to him as a devout Catholic for sharing so much wealth. He is very flattered by the compliment, but says he is too much of a struggling sinner to deserve such praise.
Copyright (c) 2009, World Library Publications. All rights reserved. Continue reading "Week of August 1, 2010 Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time"

Saturday, July 31, 2010
5pm Mass:  Fr. Ken Deasy
Sunday, August 1, 2010
8am Mass:  Fr. Ken Deasy
9:45am Mass:  Msgr. Terry Fleming
11:30am Mass:  Msgr. Terry Fleming
5pm Mass:  Fr. Ken Deasy

The Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI Bestows the Papal Honor “Benemerenti” on our Parishioners,Mary Frances Fenady & Joan Woolway CurtinThis Papal Honor translates into “Serving with Distinction” recognizing personal commitment both to the Church and to the Holy Father.  The bestowal of this Papal Honor and its associate Medal will take place at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels on Sunday, November 7, 2010 at 3:30pm. 
Cardinal Roger Mahony has extended his congratulations to Mary Frances & Joan: “You are a wonderful witness of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, as well as the living out of the Gospel which Christ has proclaimed to us.  We too are blessed by these two dedicated women! Continue reading "Week of July 25, 2010 Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time"

Saturday, July 24, 2010
5pm Mass:  Fr. Patrick Hill
Sunday, July 25, 2010
8am Mass:  Fr. Ken Deasy
9:45am Mass:  Fr. Ken Deasy
11:30am Mass:  Fr. Ken Deasy
5pm Mass:  Fr. Patrick Hill

HUGE Rummage Sale!
Blessed Sacrament Church Parking Lot TODAY In the Heart of Hollywood
Sunday, July 18, 2010 9am-3pm
Find great clothes for men, women and children—also toys, costume jewelry, useful household items and furniture — all at very reasonable prices!  Lots of NEW clothes too! Proceeds support the social services program at Blessed Sacrament Church, so while you’re getting wonderful bargains, you’re helping the poor and homeless of Hollywood.
Enter parking lot in back of church at 6636 Selma Avenue between Wilcox and Highland Avenues Continue reading "Week of July 18, 2010 Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time"

Saturday, July 17, 2010
5pm Mass:  Msgr. Terry Fleming
Sunday, July 18, 2010
8am Mass:  Msgr. Terry Fleming
9:45am Mass:  Fr. Ken Deasy
11:30am Mass:  Fr. Ken Deasy
5pm Mass:  Fr. Joe LaBrie, S.J.

“To be a neighbor, show love by treating others with mercy, as did the Good Samaritan.”
Luke 10:25-37
Living Stewardship Now
Declare one day a week “Random Acts of Kindness Day” and do things for people you don’t know or are reluctant to be involved with. Continue reading "Week of July 11, 2010 Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time"

Saturday, July 10,2010
5pm Mass:  Fr. Ken Deasy
Sunday, July 11, 2010
8am Mass:  Fr. Ken Deasy
9:45am Mass:  Msgr. Terry Fleming
11:30am Mass:  Msgr. Terry Fleming
5pm Mass:  Msgr. Terry Fleming

LABORERS FOR THE HARVEST

Today's Gospel tells the story of the sending out of the seventy-two, some of the first disciples in the burgeoning church. They must have been full of idealism and excitement as they went from town to town healing the sick and expelling demons. Today, the Fourth of July, we remember those who founded our country and can also imagine their excitement and idealism as they worked in this newly established country. Our Church, now over two thousand years old, is still in need of men filled with idealism and excitement who are willing to answer the call to the ordained priesthood. Today is a day to pray for vocations to the priesthood; as the Lord tells his disciples, "[A]sk the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest" (Luke 10:2). (c) Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.

Continue reading "Week of July 4, 2010 Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time"

Saturday, July 3, 2010
5pm Mass:  Msgr. Terry Fleming
Sunday, July 4, 2010
8am Mass:  Msgr. Terry Fleming
9:45am Mass:  Fr. Ken Deasy
11:30am Mass:  Fr. Ken Deasy
5pm Mass:  Fr. Ken Deasy

Haitian Missionary Visits St. Brendan
June 26th & 27th
Fr. Tom Hagan, Founder of Hands Together will be our Missionary Cooperative Appeal visitor this weekend.  He has been an ordained priest for over 25 years and lives in Port-au-Prince, Haiti where he runs the lay missionary program and oversees the projects that help the most disadvantaged people in Haiti.  Fr. Tom has also worked in Mexico and Guatemala and has spent a great deal of his priesthood working in campus ministry, especially with social justice programs.  Hands Together sponsors schools, orphanages, elderly care facilities, hospices and clinics.  In addition to providing food at each of its schools and orphanages, Hands Together also runs an emergency relief food distribution program, to help those communities in the mountains that have suffered from extended periods of drought.  Hands Together also provides college students with an opportunity to participate as missionaries on a short-term basis, offering them a powerful and positive faith experience.  In Haiti, there are 7 million people in an area smaller than Maryland.  70% cannot read and 85% live below poverty level.  In slum areas 4 out of 5 children do not reach the age of five, and nationally 1 in 3 children is chronically malnourished.  Every cent collected by Hands Together in the Missionary Cooperative Appeal goes directly to help the Catholic Mission Projects in Haiti.  Please show your support! Continue reading "Week of June 27, 2010 Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time"

Saturday, June 26, 2010
5pm Mass:  Fr. Ken Deasy
Sunday, June 27, 2010
8am mass:  Msgr. Terry Fleming
9:45am Mass:  Msgr. Terry Fleming
11:30am Mass:  Fr. Tom Hagan
5pm Mass:  Fr. Ken Deasy

Next Weekend  June 26th & 27th
Second Collection:Peter’s Pence
Next week our diocese will take up the Peter’s Pence Collection, which provides the Holy Father with the assistance he needs to carry out his most important charitable works.  The proceeds benefit the most disadvantaged:  victims of war, oppression and disasters.  Through your generosity, with Pope Benedict we can cast the love of Christ upon the world.  Examples of Peter’s Pence Collection Funded Programs:  Nazareth Boys Town in Mbare, Rwanda, received assistance from Pope Benedict XVI to take in adandoned orphans who are victims of genocide and civil war.  Casa di accoglienza Giovanni Paolo II Opera Don Orione is a residence that gives free shelter and specializes in helping special-needs pilgrims to travel to Rome.  It was recently refurbished through assistance provided by the Peter’s Pence Collection.  In Bosnia, the Hospital of St. Vincent de Paul, a health institution in Sarajevo staffed by religious, was established with support of the Collection.

Continue reading "Week of June 20, 2010 Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time"

Saturday, June 19, 2010:  5pm Mass:  Fr. Patrick Hill

Sunday, June 20, 2010:  8am Mass & 9:45am Mass:  Fr. Liam Lawton

11:30am Mass:  Msgr. Terry Fleming

5pm Mass:  Fr. Patrick Hill

Summer Choir
Wonder what it’s like to be a music minister at St. Brendan?  You have five opportunities this summer. Come alone, with a friend or with your family, as long as you are at least 7 years old.  There’s no catch.  Come to one or all of these scheduled choir dates.  If you play an instrument, you too, may be a part of this group.  All are welcome.  Here are your five chances to serve as music minister.  On these following dates, practice for mass begins at 3:00 p.m. 
We continue to sing for Mass at 5pm.
July 4, 2010
July 18, 2010
August 1, 2010
August 15, 2010
August 29, 2010
Interested? 
Email Chris de Silva at stbrendanmusic@gmail.com or call the office at 323-936-4656 to save your seat. Continue reading "Week of June 13, 2010 Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time"