St. John of God Church

 

A Catholic Parish Community Serving

The University of California Medical Center

 

Ž Access for all to the Church and Parish Hall

 

 

Program and Ministry Guide

 

Our Patron

 

St. John of God, Patron Saint of hospitals, hospital workers, the sick and the dying.  He is also Patron Saint of booksellers and fireman.

 

John Ciudad was born in a small town in Portugal in 1495. He grew to adulthood in Spain and spent much of his life as a shepherd, soldier, bookseller, and laborer. Around the age of 40, he settled in Grenada where he underwent a conversion experience so intense that he was for a time placed in a hospital for the insane. This gave him an experience of the kind of treatment then available for the afflicted, and he decided to devote the rest of his life to caring for those in need. He established a hospital in Grenada; his sincerity and hospitality to the poor and sick led the people of that city to begin calling him John of God.

 

 

 

 

 

Prayer to St. John of God

 

 

 

O

 Glorious Saint, full of tenderness and compassion for those who suffer, who as a reward for your charity merited to minister to Jesus Christ Himself under the appearance of a patient, obtain for us the grace to ever see Jesus Christ Himself in the person of our neighbor, so that we may be found worthy to receive the eternal bliss promised to those who serve the Divine Master in the person of the sick, the poor and the needy.  Amen

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 2008


Our Church

 

Prior to 1965, the building that now houses St. John of God Parish was a Lutheran church. The Archdiocese purchased it in that year to establish a parish which would provide spiritual care for patients hospitalized at UCSF Medical Center with itÕs affiliated hospitals and serve as a Newman Center for UCSF students. On January 24, 1967, St. John of God was officially established as a parish with Fr. John Ring as the first pastor.

 

Masses:                                     Parish Office Hours:

Sunday 9:30 & 11:30 a.m.   Monday–Friday: 9: a.m.-12:10 p.m.

Saturday Vigil:  4:15 p.m.                      Telephone: 415-566-5610

Weekdays (M-F) 12:10 p.m.                Fax: 415-566-5073

Holy Days 12:10 p.m.                            

                E-mail: stjohnofgod-sf@sbcglobal.net

                Web: www.sjog.net

 

Rev. Thomas L. Seagrave, Pastor                                         415-566-5610

 

Susan Collins,                                                                                 415-587-4098

Director, Marriage Preparation Program

                  Director, Out of HarmÕs Way Program

 

Paul Riofski, Music Director                                                    415-517-4647

                                                                                                sjogmusic@aol.com

 

Paula H. Zimmermann, Office Administrator                 415-566-5610

Dorle Gross, Bookkeeper                                                                         415-566-5610

Phil Thurman, Maintenance                                                   415-688-1891

 

 

 

 

Our Mission

 

We the Church of St. John of God are a prophetic and inclusive Catholic community;

 

Where Jesus Christ is recognized and embraced as The Way, The Truth and The Light:

 

Where Jesus Christ is made present by the power of the Spirit and the sacrament of our lives:

 

Where we assist each other in growing in the grace of God and our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

 

We are committed both in principle and in action to world peace and social justice.

 

We are committed to live by the principles of charity, transparency, justice and inclusiveness that spring from the heart of the Gospel and to call and challenge the Universal Church to do the same.

 

We have a unique relationship with the University of California Medical Center and University of California, San Francisco.

 

We are committed to ministering in the spirit of St. John of God, our Patron, to the hospital patients, their families, hospital staff and, students and faculty of the University.

 

 

 

 

Program & Ministry Directory

 

 

UCSF Hospital

 Eucharistic Ministry

 

Pastoral Council

 

Liturgical & Prayer

  Acolytes

  Cursillo

  Lectors 

  Liturgical Eucharistic Ministers

  Liturgy Committee

  Music Ministry

 

Sacramental

  Baptism Preparation

  Marriage Preparation

  Religious Youth Instruction (RYI)

  Rite of Christian Initiation of

    Adults (RCIA)

 

Parish Community

  Church Decoration for Holidays

  Meditation

  Social Committee

  Sunday Morning Hospitality

  Welcome Committee

 

 

Peace & Justice Ministry

  Pax Christi, SF

  Sanctuary Committee

  Voice from the West

  WomenÕs Advocacy

 

Outreach Ministry

   Diamond Youth Shelter

   Habitat for Humanity

   Project Open Hand for

     Senior Lunches

   Raphael House 

   San Francisco Food Bank

   Support Groups; Alcoholics

      Anonymous, C.A. & S.A.

 

Administration & Building

   Collection Counting

   Finance Committee

   Fund Raising

   Office

   Special Maintenance

   www.sjog.net

  

   

 

St. John of God is a dynamic parish. As we see needs arise, we will address them when possible, either on an ad hoc basis or through the creation of a new ongoing ministry. All parishioners are encouraged to bring the needs of the community to the attention of our parish so we may explore whether or not we are able to meet those needs.


Parish Ministry serving

 The University of California Medical Center

 

Communion is made available daily to the patients, served by volunteer Eucharist Ministers.

Rev. Tom Seagrave and Hospital Chaplains serve and support patients and family members.

 

Hospital Chaplains:

                  Fr. Alan Wilson, O.F. M., Cap

                  Fr. Martin Haggins, O.F. M., Cap

                  Harriett Kelley, Associate Chaplain

Sunday Mass celebrated at the Medical Center, Moffitt Hospital,

Room 1015 at 11:30 a.m. and telecast over Channel 24.

 

Hospital Eucharistic Ministry

            Harriett Kelly, 415-337-0354

                  chaphatt@yahoo.com  

 

The time required for Eucharist Ministers to bring Communion to the hospital is, approximately 1 ½ hours either weekly or monthly.  Training is on a one-to-one basis.

 

 

Pastoral Council                  Jerry Donnellan 415-479-5610

                                                                                          jdbdonnellan@sbcglobal.net

The council is composed of the pastor and 8 – 12 parishioners. The councilÕs purpose is to assure our parish is true to its mission and does this by keeping in touch with the views of the entire community. The council reviews matters of importance, and assesses and initiates programs and ministries consistent with our parish mission statement and values.

Meets 7.00 p.m. the second Monday of each month

 

 

 

Liturgical & Prayer               

 

Acolytes                                          

Parishioners serve as acolytes to assist the priest at weekend Masses and special liturgical events.

New participants may join at any time throughout the year.

 

Cursillo                                            Dave Takeuchi, 510-220-6779

                                                                                          dtakman@yahoo.com

Persons of different faiths gather for a 3-day weekend retreat to focus on the meaning of being a Christian. Meditations, talks, reflections and liturgies are scheduled to regenerate Christian ideals for lifetime practice.

Retreats are offered three times a year.

 

Lectors                                              Ray Signer, 415-664-9461

                                                                                          raysigner@yahoo.com           

Lectors are scheduled to read the first and second readings at each Sunday Mass. Volunteers are willing to read, understand and practice the reading during the week prior to Sunday Mass reading. Annual lector renewal workshops offered.

 

Liturgical Eucharistic Ministry   Susan Fox, 415-752-1308

                                                                                          susanfox@ix.netcom.com

Training is made available to incoming ministers. Volunteers are recruited and trained as Eucharistic Ministers. Coordinators arrive about one-half hour before Mass to set-up, recruit lay ministers and assume the responsibilities of sacristan, gift presentation and post communion purification.

Volunteers commit to one week per month.

 

Liturgy Committee                          Carrie LaBriola, 415-695-2756

                                                                                          mclabriola@aol.com

Committee plans liturgies for liturgical seasons, holidays, special feast days and other special events.

Meet at 7 p.m. the first Monday of the month in the rectory kitchen, October through May.

 

Music Ministry                                 Paul Riofski, 415-517-4647

                                                                                          sjogmusic@aol.com

Musicians and singers of all ages and voices are encouraged to participate in providing music for parish liturgies and other events. Choir rehearsals are held at 7:30 p.m. on the 2nd Friday and the 4th Monday of the month, with additional rehearsals scheduled as needed. Approximately 45 minutes prior to Mass the group warms up and reviews the music. While we currently have a keyboard, guitar, flute and a childrenÕs string quartet, other instruments would also be most welcome. Singers are not required to have prior vocal training or the ability to read musical notation.

New participants may join at any time throughout the year.

 

 

 

 

Sacramental                 

 

 

Baptism Preparation                                    Church Office, 415-566-5610

                                                                                          M-F: 9:00 a.m. – 12:10 p.m.

Those seeking Baptism for infants should contact the Rectory no later than three (3) months prior to your chosen Baptismal date.

 

Marriage Preparation                            Susan Collins, 415-587-4098

Parish community couples should contact the Rectory no later than six (6) months prior to the intended date of marriage for adequate preparation and planning.

 

Religious Youth Instruction (RYI), formerly CCD

                                                                                        Nancy McDonald, 415-921-7349

                                                                                   Jtm46@aol.com

Guidance in development of a Catholic faith-life and preparation for the sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation for grades K through early high school.

Classes meet each Sunday during the school year at a time announced.

 

 

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) 

                                                            Joy Walsh, 415-563-8271

RCIA is a process by which adults are received into Full Communion with the Catholic Church. It is a spiritual journey of discernment, instruction and prayer designed for; (1) un-baptized adults: (2) adults baptized in other Christian traditions and: (3) baptized Catholics, who either want to learn more about the Catholic Faith or want to complete the Sacraments of Initiation, Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.

There are four Periods:

1.      Pre-Catechumenate, begins in the fall. It is a period of inquiry and introduction to the faith. This Period ends with the Rite of Acceptance.

2.      The Catechumenate, a period of formal instruction and introduction to the faith community. This Period ends with the Rite of Election.

3.      Purification and Enlightenment. It is a Period during Lent of reflection on personal faith and religious experience. It is a time for special rituals and prayers. This Period ends with the Sacraments of Initiation. New members are baptized (if un-baptized), confirmed and share the Eucharist during the Easter Vigil.

4.      Mystagogia, a Period after reception for members to deepen their understanding and faith.

Weekly meetings

 

 

 

 

Parish Community       

 

Church Decorations for Holidays           

                                                                                          Dorle Gross

Coordinates and decorates the church for Holidays (Lent, Easter, Advent and Christmas) and change of church seasons.

 

Meditation                                           Anne Donjacour, 415-334-5655

                                                                                      donjacour@sbcglobal.net

Periodically during the year I lead meditation sessions. An announcement when a session is scheduled to begin will be placed in the weekend bulletin, or you may contact me for further information.

 

Social Committee                            Werner Schmidt, 415-334-2562

                                                                                          wschmidt@ebmud.com

Committee plans the celebration of special parish events, example; Community weekend, Christmas party.

 

Sunday Morning Hospitality                     

                           Judy Laxen, 415-203-6338    judithfL@aol.com

                           Janice Mortenson, 415-518-1500   JMortenson@sbcglobal.net

Each Sunday after the 9:30 a.m. Mass; coffee, tea, juice and pastries are served in the Parish Hall. Volunteers set-up, serve and clean-up. Recommended volunteers work in groups of two. A sign up form is posted on the bulletin board in the hall, or contact one of the above coordinators.

 

Welcome Committee           Kathy & Ken Hoegger, 415-586-9352

                                                                        khoegger@pacbell.net

Weekly, members greet parishioners and newcomers before the 9.30 a.m. Mass.  Present everyone with the Sunday bulletin. Make them available to answer questions of newcomers.

 

 

 

Peace & Justice Ministry 

 

Pax Christi, SF                     Jim McDonald, 415-921-7349

                                                                        JTM46@aol.com

Pax Christi is a global organization dedicated to spirituality, peacemaking and human rights. St. John of God is home to a small Pax Christi group.

Meets monthly, members of all faiths are welcome.

 

Sanctuary Committee                     

                                     Judy Liteky, 415-334-4770    jliteky@aol.com

                                          Sherri Maurin, 415-285-3426   SMAURIN@aol.com

                                     Linda Vossler Swan, 415-282-2370 vosslersw@aol.com

In 1986 the community of St. John of God declared itself a Public Sanctuary for refugees fleeing war-torn El Salvador and Guatemala. For the first few years of our commitment we assisted individuals and families with the resettlement process, legal immigration to Canada, and asylum applications. Since then, the Sanctuary Committee organized projects to respond to short and long term needs of Salvadorans and Guatemalans.  Cooperative efforts formed ties with people in these countries as well as with those in the Bay Area.  The committee raises awareness of their needs through liturgies and educational events.

                  Recent projects include an evening forum on immigration issues in San Francisco.  The Community participates in letter writing that advocates the passage of national legislation to provide paths to citizenship including compassionate and practical rules for family unification.  Letters to Congress have been sent urging members to vote to close the School of the Americas in Ft. Benning, GA.  Funds have provided local support to the Central American Refugee Center (CARECEN) and part of the annual salary of a health promoter in Guarjila, El Salvador. 

                  Members of St. John of God participate in local, national and international celebrations of the lives of Central American martyrs, including Archbishop Oscar Romero, four US churchwomen, and the Jesuits and women killed at the University of Central America.

Meets monthly, usually at 11:15 a.m.

 

Voice from the West                                   Martha Ayoub, 415-664-2015

Voice from the West raises financial support on a person-to-person basis for the Holy Land village poor. Donations may be made by making a check payable to St. John of God, taking it to the rectory office or placing it in an envelope marked ÒVoice from the WestÓ and placing in the Sunday collection.

 

WomenÕs Advocacy Group           Marlene Olivencia, 415-759-1974

                                                                                 moliven@hotmail.com

We study the lives of women Saints, Mystics and Holy women, and their role in the church. Effort is made to integrate this knowledge through retreats and days of reflection, into prayers, songs and celebrations. We also seek to expand the opportunities for women in the Church. Open to everyone.

Meetings as announced in the bulletin.

 

 

Outreach Ministry

 

 

Diamond Youth Shelter                                            415-567-1020

Emergency, overnight shelter for young people ages 12 to 17. Open every day of the year from 9:30 p.m. until 9:00 a.m. and offers hot meals, showers, counseling services, referrals and information, as well as a safe refuge from the streets.

Available Services: Emergency Shelter, Meals for Residents, Counseling Services – Direct Referrals.

 

Habitat for Humanity¨                   Ken Hoegger, 415-586-9325

                                                                                        khoegger@pacbell.net

Help build affordable housing for families in need. Volunteers are always welcome, there is on-site training. Announcements made for special projects, or contact me at the listings above for further information.

 

Project Open Hand Senior Luncheon¨

                                                            Joe Cline, 415-563-8271

                                                                                          Jwdc56@msn.com

Volunteers from Project Open Hand prepare and serve lunch for seniors Monday-Friday at 11:30 A.M. This is preceded by other activities beginning at approximately 10:15 A.M.

 

Support Groups; Alcoholics Anonymous¨, C.A. & S.A.

A fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other, that they may solve their common problem.

Alcoholics anonymous meet on Wednesday 6:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. in the parish hall. WomenÕs group meets Sunday 6:00 p.m. in the red room.

C.A. group meets on Monday at 7:30 p.m. in the parish hall.

The S.A. group meets on Monday & Tuesday at noon in the red room, and Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. in the rectory living room.

 

 

Raphael House Dinners                   Mark Reedy, 408-733-3734

                                                                                          MarkR2121@aol.com

One Sunday evening a month, volunteers prepare and serve dinner to the homeless families living at the Raphael House, San Francisco.

Training is on-site; you may contact me for further information.

 

San Francisco Food Bank                 Susan Fox, 415-752-1308

                                                                                          Susanfox@ix.netcom.com

The program feeds the hungry. Parishioners are asked to bring specific food items each Sunday, called ÒMeal-a-MonthÓ. The food is picked up and distributed by the Food Bank. Additionally, parish days are scheduled 2-3 times a year at the Food Bank. Volunteer duties include opportunities in promoting the food collection and parish work days at Masses.

Place donated food in the barrels for pick-up and participate in the work days.

 

 

Administration & Building 

 

 

Collection

Each week volunteers count, record and deposit the weekÕs Mass collections and other income.

 

Finance Committee                                       Dave Freitas, 415-661-2536

The pastor and volunteer parishioners meet once every quarter, more when necessary, to review the finances, including income and expenses and prepare an annual budget.

Quarterly meetings.

 

Fund Raising                                      Susan Fox, 415-752-1308

                                                                                          susanfox@ix.netcom.com

Members of this volunteer committee meet to plan and coordinate specific fund raising events for St. John of God.

Meets as needed.

 

Office Personnel

The office personnel are responsible for the day-to-day activities of the parish.

Paula Zimmermann                Executive Assistance

Dorle Gross                                 Bookkeeper

Phil Thurman                              General Maintenance

 

Landscaping                           Nancy McDonald

                                                                        Jackie Ventura

                                                                        Lorraine Gotelli    

The flowers and shrubs surrounding the church, hall and in the courtyard are planted and maintained by volunteer landscapers.

 

Special Maintenance Projects

                                                Benjamin Sanchez, 415-812-8050

                                                                        benjamincsanchez@yahoo.com

When needed, special projects are announced at the weekend Masses for volunteers. You are welcome to contact Ben anytime during the year for on going projects.

 

Website: www.sjog.net

                                                Liz McLoughlin, 415-731-7944

                                                                        emclhall@comcast.net

Information on ministries, activities, office contact and weekly bulletin is available to the public through the website. A Web committee manages the site. The committee welcomes suggestions on how to keep the site useful and fun (i.e. pictures of parish events).

 

A Note:

 

ÒHow can I show I care?Ó

 

Do you say to yourself Òmy schedule is limited but I still would like to help, I donÕt feel called to serve full time on a Ministry. What can I do? Have you ever wondered how you can help? May we offer a few suggestions?

 

ˆ       Volunteer for one of the food bank work days. They are four times a year; the date is announced at the week end Mass and published in the bulletin.

ˆ       Bring food for the Meal-a-Month program to one of the weekend Masses. Food for the month is published in the weekend bulletin.

ˆ       Volunteer to prepare a meal for a shelter, such as the Raphael House, see under Out Reach Ministry.

ˆ       Prepare a meal for a sick friend or family member not living with you, a neighbor, and/or a member of the parish.

ˆ       Visit individuals in nursing homes, other than during the holidays, bring treats, gifts, etc. Suggested you may wish to call ahead and inquire items most needed or asked for.

ˆ        Send a card or call someone you know who is sick or injured,  or who had a death in the family. If it is a fellow Parishioner you may mail the card to the rectory office and it will be forwarded, if there address is not listed in the People Finder.

ˆ       Dedicate a few minutes daily to pray for those in need, for those we serve at UCSF, and for those who provide service and support to the patients, etc.

ˆ       Make a phone call, send an e-mail to just say ÒhelloÓ.

ˆ       Dedicate a Mass to someone ill or who has suffered a loss.

ˆ       Volunteer to help with the Sunday morning coffee service.

ˆ       Check out non-profit web-sites, i.e.,

o       San Francisco Food Bank, www.sffoodbank.org

o       Catholic Charity Foundation,    www.catholiccharitiesusa.org

o       Habitat for Humanity, www.habitat.org

o       La Casa de las Madres, a refuge for victims of domestic violence, www.casa.org

 

 

Marlene Olivencia, author