So before we make the final roster for our Teaching Staffs, we would like to give you one more opportunity to jump aboard!

A few things you need to know about Confirmation this year:

• Classes now begin at 7:00pm and end at 9:00pm every other Thursday. (Be prepared to come early to set up and leave a bit later to clean up/meet)

• LAKE (first time leaders) will have a hands on learning experience by helping teach Confirmation alongside WAVES Veterans. These Veterans will also take turns teaching LAKE sessions on “opposite Thursdays”.

• LAKE sessions are classes dedicated to teaching the “first time leaders”  the fundamentals of being a WAVES LEADER.

Please respond back to us before “Welcome Night“ on Sept 10th.

This is where the confirmation students will meet this year’s teaching staff and confirmation details will be shared.

If you are unable to be a Confirmation Leader,  NO WORRIES!

You will have plenty of opportunities to stayed involved in such things as youth mass, outings, activities, and events.

-Joshua 1:9

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.

Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

]]> http://hswaves.com/?feed=rss2&p=1013 0 http://hswaves.com/?p=1007 http://hswaves.com/?p=1007#comments Sun, 29 Aug 2010 10:27:34 +0000 Andrew P http://hswaves.com/?p=1007 Today was a huge step in preparing this years Confirmation program.  Now that we are prepared, are you?  Will you be ready for Confirmation and WAVES (Welcoming a valued experience in spirituality)?

If you plan on signing up as a student for Holy Spirit’s Confirmation Program, we are still accepting registrations.

We will see you (both students & staff) on Sept. 10th at 7 pm for our WELCOME NIGHT.

-2 Corinthians 5:17

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

The sacred Heart of St. John Vianney recently came to Holy Spirit Parish yesterday, the second to last stop  of a United States tour for the cherished relic. The Sacred Heart was touring in Honor of the the year of the Priest, and  St. Vianney is the Patron Saint for Parish Priests. His incorrupt body is on display in the basilica in Ars, France.

St. John Vianney  a pastor of a small town of 230 people. He  believed in upholding Catholic faith and giving of his time. He spent so much time listening to confessions, that  he became internationally known and had. In 1855 20,000 pilgrims visited  him and his parish. Towards the last 10 years of his life, he spent 12-18 hours a day in the listening to confessions.

Although it was not 20,000, several hundred visitors came from all over to pray and be in the presence of the miraculously incorrupt heart. Today the heart was on display at our very own Oakland Cathedral: Christ The Light. Tomorrow the heart will return to france where it resides in the Shrine of the Cure’s Heart (A building next to the basilica in Ars, France.)

It was a rare opportunity, and I hope you had a chance (or get a chance) to experience what I would describe as a visual moment of clarity in how God’s blessings can spread through one man’s generous acts.

Ephesians 5: 1-2 TLB-

Follow God’s example in everything you do just as much loved child imitates his father. Be full of love for others, following the example of Christ who loved you and gave himself to God as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, for Christ’s love for you was like sweet perfume to him.

here and find out what station K-love is on in your neck of the woods.

You can take the challenge even if you already listen to K-love. The challenge applies to other positive Contemporary Christian music stations too.

Don’t  forget to let us know about your experience listening to this music by emailing us back at our email address B...@HSWAVES.com

I had my hip-hop stations, my rock stations, oldies, country,  and even some classical (my mom told me that it helps when you do your homework). These stations were all great…But sometimes I would get to “Thugged out” with hip hop, or the rock was to “Heavy“, classical was great but i couldn’t sing along with it if I wanted. Even now when I have my ipod or Zune, it only plays songs that I already have heard dozens of times.

So when I stumbled onto a radio station called K-love, i found something that the other stations could not provide. K-love plays a variety of music genres: rock, slow songs, and much more, but the thing about K-love is that is a Christian based Radio station. This radio station had something the others didn’t… all the music they play are positive  and encouraging songs that I could relate to directly, songs that actually meant something to me.  The songs have faith filled words that really speak to you on different levels, and songs that can be interpreted through faith.

A wide variety of artist had their start with contemporary christian music such as Switchfoot, and The Jonas Brothers. Artist and groups have made a large impact in this genre of music such as:  Jars Of Clay, Matt Maher, MercyMe, News Boys (SHINE), Jeremy Camp, Leeland, Chris Tomlin, Kutless, Phil Wickham, Matt West, and so many more.

If you are having a bad day, they have a song that will lift your spirits up. If you are having a glorious week, they have a song that will help you feel the God’s love & goodness. If you feel like singing or just listening, there is a band that has a song that fits you. So I encourage you to listen to K-love this week.

Give it a try for at least 1 week.

Tune in on your spare time, maybe when your in traffic, maybe when you just had an argument with someone, maybe when you felt God’s presence, or maybe when you can’t find anything “good” on the other stations. (You may even want to give Contemporary Christian/ Christina Rock a try if you by listening online or on Pandora)

After listening for 1 week, emails us at B...@hswaves.com with your thoughts.

What were some of your experiences while listening?

Did you feel any better after a song?

What songs did you relate to?

Did you find a particular band you liked?

If you know of any other Contemporary Christian stations or any Christian Rock stations online or on the radio, feel free to send us an email and perhaps we can share it with fellow listeners.

Psalm 105:1

“Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.”

The youth was asked to perform for the reception so we spent the last few weeks brushing up on our Filipino dancing skills. That dress looks pretty good with those shoes Nikki!

Getting ready for the mass and our performance  for the reception was an afternoon of fun. Nice hair ladies!

Some of us were confident , while other were very VERY confident.

With a little time for practice before the Ordination Mass, we signed our hand made banner for Fr. Ian.

Don’t they look amazing? Hi Roger!

Large artwork such as this crucifix helps create a very humbling experience

Is that Dn. Chuck and Dn. Steve?! YES it is!

Very moving words by our very own Bishop Salvatore J. Cordileone

Blessings to Dn. Fr. Ian

The Bishop of the Oakland Diocese keeps traditions alive

Fr. Matt is a magician, and a priest… that might explain why Fr. MAtt’s friend is bewildered.

Dn. Bill pleasantly surprised with seeing us youth! He has always been a huge supporter of what we do and what we represent.

After a lengthy mass, the Bishop came tp the reception to greet everyone. It is hard to miss him with those bright colors!

Holy Spirit’s very own Youth Choir Director Neil posed a picture! You may not recognize him without his piano, trust me it is him. Join the youth choir, it is FUN!

Fr. Tom and Auntie Zenerosa celebrated by eating a few snacks and by taking this picture!

Holy Spirit’s very own Delores wouldn’t let the opportunity slip by to congratulate Fr. Ian

Roger & Dennica Show Chesco & Jocelyn how Bangko is performed

Wow, Chesco & Jocelyn are pretty good! Are they floating?

Angela & Mickey are concentrating not to get pinched by the bamboo

See how Bryana, Jocelyn, Nikki, and Dennica clapped perfectly for our tinikling dancers!

Smile big and say CHEESE!

Pretend your lifting something heavy guys!

Congratulations Fr. Ian. We thank you for having us perform for your special day. May god bless you and your faith.

Hebrews 7:24

“But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. “

check out www.google.com and you will find that you can play PAC-MAN through  Google’s logo. Once you are there, just give it a few moment. You can even play 2 players!

Mark Hart (Executive Vice President of Life Teen) had this to say about Pac-Man:

“I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” – John 6:51

SITUATION EXPLAINED
Do you remember Pac-Man? I think Pac-Man was a Catholic.

SOLUTION OFFERED
I loved video games growing up so much so that my older brothers used to call me “the vidiot”. Nice, huh? At any rate, my favorite game growing up was not “Pong” or “Galaga” or “Asteroids” or “Space Invaders” or even “Donkey Kong” (remember all of those?) it was “Pac-Man”.

Pac-Man was as close to “stress” as an eight-year old could get. One maze, one (pac) man, three ghosts and all of those little pellets to eat. As the rounds progressed, the evil ghosts would get faster and faster, and it became increasingly difficult to make it through the maze without dying.

That’s where the special, super “energy vitamin” thing became so important.
When Pac-man ate the energy vitamin, he became invincible. The evil ghosts could no longer harm him. Armed with that “vitamin” Pac-man would go right through any evil that got in his path.

I realized recently while reading scripture one morning that not only do I love Pac-man, but that I AM Pac-Man, every time I go to Mass every time I receive the Eucharist.

This world is a maze, filled with work to do, and dangers to avoid. If I have any hope of not only “surviving” the world, but “excelling through it” and “staying alive”, I need Christ’s energy vitamin the true flesh that brings me everlasting LIFE, just as He promises in this verse from St. John’s Gospel, today.

When we don’t acknowledge the evil spirits in the maze of this world around us, the devil has already won. When we don’t actively pursue THE source of life, Christ, that “energy vitamin” that keeps us going, we are cheating ourselves. The grace-filled, Eucharistic “vitamin” of everlasting life is available everyday, if we want it.

Life IS a game, a game where we have only ONE life we need to make it count.

SALVATION GIVEN
“I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” – John 6:51

To be a leader of His PAC, I need to be a MAN willing to get in the maze, eat the “vitamin” and duke it out with some evil. Game on.

-Mark Hart

]]> http://hswaves.com/?feed=rss2&p=900 0 http://hswaves.com/?p=890 http://hswaves.com/?p=890#comments Wed, 19 May 2010 22:55:46 +0000 Andrew P http://hswaves.com/?p=890 This Saturday join our very own Father Matt for some physical & spiritual exercise. May 22nd Father Matt will be leading a hike up one of the tallest points in Fremont, Mission Peak.

Everyone can meet at Holy Spirit Church at 7:30 am, in the Governo House Parking Lot for carpool. Wear comfortable hiking shoes. Don’t forget to bring a bottle or two of water to stay hydrated, and some snack to keep you energized. A backpack is worthwhile, so you can place your items and a jacket in if it gets hot.

Then the hike begins at 8:00am on Standford Ave

Arrive at the peak at about 9:30 am where we will have Mass.

At 10:00am everyone will break out snacks to share, then head back down at 10:15 am

The scenery as you hike is breath taking (or maybe that is just me being out of shape). Sometimes I feel like I am Frodo in the movie,” The Lord Of The Rings” , hiking my way up Mt. Doom in Mordor, to destroy the ring! here is photo of when Jax, Roger, Kolohe, and myself went in April.

Once you reach the top… it will really blow your mind how high up you actually hiked! I love hiking Mission peak, especially with friends who will help me encourage me to not give up (or freinds who will help carry my water bottle, or even me..when I get tired  j/k). But bringing along a trusty side kick doesn’t hurt! (Tired kolohe?)

So we hope you can join Father Matt as he leads this amazing nature filled hike this Saturday, May 22.

Genesis 1:9-13

And God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.” And it was so. God called the dry ground “land,” and the gathered waters he called “seas.” And God saw that it was good. Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so. The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the third day.

That is right, we have had this festival for a mind blowing 124 years!

The festival had its beginning in 1886…A lot has happens since then: The Catholic church has gone through 9 popes. Our parish changed its name from Holy Ghost Church to Holy Spirit Church. Our original wooden parish burnt down, so we built a new one, and then we even made an addition to that!

What else… the famous Charlie  Chaplin filmed 5 movies in Niles area of fremont. Washington High School was established, Next Mission San Jose High School,  then came Irvington High School, John F. Kennedy High School opened their doors,  then came American high school and many more.  

At this years festival, there was history in the making too. Not only was it WAVES first time having their own festival booth… but it was the first time for a single parish family to have 3 generations (1949,1984, &2010) crowned Festival Queen!

This year’s Festival Queen was none other than Queen Amy Moore. Congratulations Amy!

The festival itself was fantastic! Two days with tons of people walking around, games galore for kids, and plumes of smoke coming from the the food being cooked! Once you smell the food, your mouth waters, and your stomach grumbles in hunger!

I think Luis was even trying out for a part in the marching band.

Once you entered the festival, one of the first booths you came across was the tri-tip and sausages booth: A Touch Of Emeril. This was Faith Formation’s booth ran by Deacon Drobick with the help of his wonderful serving staff and outstanding chefs! Faith formation runs many programs such as our Confirmation program.

Once you get to the front of this popular line, you are greeted by some of our Youth/Young adult leaders of WAVES who were there to help you with all your hungry needs!

Dn. Bill is always hard at work, whether it is with the Faith Formation, the youth, or with his customers at the booth!

Cooking, is not the only thing these guys do! Continual support for the youth has been invaluable. 

You may recognize Mr. Danko from Church. He is often helping as a sacristan or as an Eucharistic Minister or helping teach Confirmation. Mr. Danko is always giving a helping hand.

I can’t help but smile just looking at Mark’s  smile!

A lot of the workers helping both the Faith Formation Booth and the WAVES booth are WAVES leaders who are trying to fundraise so they can go to WORLD YOUTH DAY in Madrid Spain next year in 2011

Here is WAVES first attempt at a festival booth. we sold Custom Crepes and shirts while also helping run Holy Spirit School’s Wii booth.

A lot of parents, youth, and young adults came by to check us out. Many enjoyed our photos and information about faith formation and the youth ministry.

Nikki and Roger are pro crepe makers! Creating the perfect crepe for each and every customer was our goal!

Crepes are so delicate, Nikki handles them with the care of a surgeon!

Brothers From Another Mother  (BFAM) helped with donations of shirts and manpower! They even helped sponsor the Cake Walk Booth!

As the days went on, we got a lot of visitors and many of them wanted to hang out with the WAVES!

Nikki is not only a pro-crepe maker, she is also a pro Tinikling dancers. Here you can see Nikki taking a breather with our friend Bryana. (Bryana is also a pro Tinikling bamboo clapper, Roger is a pro- Tinikling Dancer!)

We thought we were young the young ones, but check out Father Tom as he danced over to our booth! Jax couldn’t help but take picture with this energetic priest!

A procession down the streets of the Centerville District of Fremont was lead directly to Holy Spirit Church’s 12:30pm mass. This was where the coronation of Amy Moore occurred.

This Jazz Band was really good! Go Kennedy!

These cars drove many important people to the mass

Here the queen awaits the starting of mass

After Mass was over, it was back to the hustle and bustle of the festival. A lot of booths with a lot of food, and even live bands playing music!

How could you NOT buy ice cream from these fun folks!?!?

Dreams Do Come True!

This may hurt a little bit…..

Don’t worry folks, the ducks are just sleeping.

At the buzzer!…. he made it by the way, and it was a Swish!

After two long days of working the festival, we learned a lot, had fun getting to know the community, and had fun having the community get to know us. Meeting adults, youth, and young adults really makes our efforts all worth while!

This is a first step  of having the entire parish know that WAVES are here. The young adults are thriving, and we are continually practicing our faith. Our roots have been planted firmly, and now it is time for all to see us blossom.

For the entire Photo Gallery of the Holy Spirit Festival 2010, click here.

Mathew5:16

“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

We asked all the confirmandi and their sponsors to check in at our DeSousa House Building. This would help us get everyone in their order prior to the beginning of the mass.

Getting over 186 anxious people to line up in alphabetical order can help create interesting conversations.

The Bishop of Hawaii, Most Reverend Clarence “Larry” Silva was almost running to the be at the front of the line. He was so thrilled to be at Holy Spirit Church, and wanted to greet each confirmandi as they entered the church.

These women had only a little time to rest and pose for this photo before getting back to work, helping facilitate the mass.

Guess who is excited for the person he is sponsoring?

This GUY!!!

What has two thumbs, is funny, and loves attention?… This GUY!!!

It was amazing that Bishop Larry was willing to really try and be accommodating to each confirmandi  with a tiny conversation as they walked in the church.

I think this confirmandi is surprised because he had a crosier (Pastoral staff) that looks similar to Bishop Larry’s.

Fr. Mathew is giving Bishop Larry a few last minute details.

WAVES Leaders always try and keep a positive outlook!

Bishop Larry Silva wanted gave a moving homily.

The Youth Choir Director plays the piano beautifully. 

The Choir sounds great. I someone heard me singing off key.

Blessings all around….

Youth leaders help as ushers during our Youth Ministered masses.

We can use about 8 ushers per- mass. We could always use any additional help.

The Body of Christ…

The blood of Christ…

The young adults normally are the (EM) Eucharistic Ministers and (CM) Cup Ministers for the Youth Ministered mass.

Closing speech and a special thanks to Bishop Larry Silva by Fr. Matt.

Our young adult Cantors sing wonderfully. They help us all sing the songs of praise.

Say cheese!

Even our very own Auntie Silvia came out to support WAVES.

Only with the help of both Dn. Bill Drobick and his dedicated wife Joni, could the mass have gone as smoothly as it did. These two are so caring when it comes to the  youth as well as our program here at Holy Spirit Church

For our full collection of photos you can click on the WAVES Gallery Page.

PSALM 100:1 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!

2 Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!

3 Know that the Lord, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his; [1]
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!

5 For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.

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