St. Catherine 

of Alexandria 

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Statement from Bishop Oscar Cantú and the Diocese of San José
 
The Diocese of San Jose has learned that State Senator Jerry Hill has withdrawn his bill, SB 360, regarding the Seal of Confession, from the California Assembly Public Safety Committee, just a day before its scheduled hearings. 
 
I want to thank the many parishioners who made their voices heard to their Assembly representatives in opposition to SB 360, as it violates the free practice of our faith.  Our priests and I are grateful that we do not have to be subject to prosecution by law for being faithful to the privacy of Confession. The Seal of Confession is sacred and should not be broken.
 
There is strong evidence that training priests, teachers, staff, parents, and children to recognize suspicious behavior, report any and all instances of abuse and neglect, and prioritize the safety of children is resulting in the dramatic increase of safe spaces for children and families.
 
The Church in San José continues to be vigilant in creating an environment which is safe and nurturing for all. The reporting requirements and protections for clergy members are already identical to the requirements and protections for other mandated reporters, except for the provision exempting information acquired during a Confession. 
 
The Diocese of San Jose conducts background checks and requires recertification training every three years for diocesan bishops, priests, deacons, employees, and volunteers. Since 2002, approximately 52,500 adults in the Diocese have been trained to recognize and report child abuse. Working together to be vigilant and keep children safe, our Catholic community is committed to creating a safe environment for all children and families.

From the Desk of Fr. Francis Kalaw, Parochial Vicar.....

One of the things our modern culture values is “speed.” Fast food. Fast cars. Fast internet. The more quickly and efficiently anything can be done the better. A Silicon Valley psychologist, Dr. Stephanie Brown wrote an article in the New York Post entitled Society’s Self-destructive Addiction to Faster Living. She observes that this desire for speed is changing the way people think. The need to be efficient and instant compromises information intake rather than aiming towards a deeper understanding of relationships.
 
Jesus in the Gospel today is visiting his friends Martha and Mary. Martha is busy getting things ready for Jesus, while Mary is at the feet of Jesus, listening to him. In the context of a patriarchal culture of their time, when teachers speak, the disciples sat at their feet and listened. So, Mary here was playing the role of a disciple.
 
In Martha’s case, she plays the role of a normal housemaker busy getting things ready for Jesus. She must have been running in and out of kitchen to wash, clean, cook, and so on. She seems to be angry at her sister who is doing nothing. No wonder she complained to Jesus how lazy her sister was. But Jesus seems to take the side of Mary. Jesus tells Martha to slow down. “You worry about so many things.” Yes, Martha was worried about how to treat Jesus. She was worried about being a good host. But Jesus asks her to slow down, “and yet there is need of only one thing and Mary chose the better part.
 
Jesus, too, is inviting you and me to slow down. How many ‘to do’ lists do we have in our lives and find no time to finish them? How often do we say to people around us “I am busy”? Let us take a moment today and look into our lives in light of these questions. Let us listen to Jesus reminding us to “Slow down” and not worry about so many things. Indeed, only one thing is needed. May we choose the better part. Let us choose Jesus, only Jesus, always Jesus!

FOCUS Safe Parking Program  

With the number of homeless people on the rise in Morgan Hill and many depending on their vehicle or RV as shelter, faith communities and the City of Morgan Hill have established a Safe Parking site to provide a safe place for up to 8 families who are living in their vehicles. The site is located at the Morgan Hill Bible Church,15055 Monterey Rd, Morgan Hill, CA 95037.

In addition to a place to park, relax and sleep overnight without the fear of harassment or arrest for trespassing, we offer:

• Dignity, respect and accountability
• Access to showers, laundry, toilets and meals
• A dedicated case manager to help them transition to housing

WELCOME to Saint Catherine of Alexandria Parish!

We, at St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish are a growing, diverse, and welcoming Catholic Community called to live and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ through Worship, Discipleship, and Service.

¡BIENVENIDOS a la Parroquia de Santa Catalina!
 
La Parroquia de Santa Catalina de Alejandría, es una comunidad en crecimiento, acogedora y diversa, llamada a vivir y proclamar la Buena Nueva de Jesucristo por medio de la Oración, el Discipulado y el Servicio.