Holy Name of Jesus Parish | San Francisco, CA 94122

Message from the Pastor

Jan-Feb 2010

by Fr. Arnold Zamora

Dec 1, 2009

Dear Parishioners,

A Blessed New Year! 2010 (Twenty-Ten) Wow! We are one year older, yes, but according to a text message I received, we should not be afraid to grow older since old folks are worth a fortune: They have silver in their hair, gold in their teeth, stones in their kidneys, and gas in their stomach! (Considering the high price of gas nowadays)!
A New Year gives us new hope. It gives us the opportunity for a better life. It gives us another chance and the chance to change. It opens new horizons, new challenges, new possibilities that never end, into the world of great excitement.
A new year obviously signals a beginning. It evokes a sense of being and doing for the "first time." This is my first time to celebrate a New Year at Holy Name. I am sure you will have your own "first time-experiences" this year. Maybe it is a first time to celebrate the New Year with a new sibling in the family or it's a first time after a loss of a loved one. It could your first time to love or to love for the first time, as Kenny Logins song goes. You can paint a description of your first time to be in a place and to see someone's face.
You don't need to go far to experience your "first time." This year at Holy Name we will offer you your first time experiences and the best of your times. Experience "Springtime in Paris" - Holy Name School's First Annual Silent and Live Auction which will benefit the Holy Name Science Program. Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 24, 2010 from 6:00 PM-11:00PM in Ryan Hall. Holy Name School is our parish school, a special part of our parish community. Even if you don't have kids in our school, it is still your school. Let us offer all our generous support to OUR school.
What can we offer the Lord in this New Year? Holy Name people, be H.O.L.Y! This is the decision we will make for 2010.
H stands for Happiness and Holiness. Let us decide to be happy in spite of trials and misfortunes. Let us decide to see the bright side of life. Let us decide to be holy, to do good and avoid evil. Sin makes us unhappy. H also means staying healthy and being helpful.
O stands for Openness. Let us decide to be open to new possibilities and changes that could take place this year. When you are open, you can receive a lot of things. Be open to God's grace!
L stands for Love. Let us decide to be more loving this year. If you have lost the love, find it this year, and love again like you love "for the first time."
Y stands for our Yes to God! Our yes to God is our submission to His will, our trust in Him for this New Year. No matter where the road may lead us, God is with us. And if we are too tired to walk the road, He will carry us!

November-December 2009

Sep 24, 2009

November/December 2009

Dear Parishioners,

Last night, a parishioner approached me and said, “Father, I would like to donate an amount for the Church, here is $100,000.” Oh, you could imagine how I felt. I wanted to kneel down before that generous donor as an expression of my profound and sincerest gratitude. I was filled with great excitement and exclaimed, “Now, we have the money to fix our Church skylight and ceiling. Or maybe we can use the money for Parish and Church maintenance, like the windows on the south side of the Church that need to be re-grouted, the furnace flue at the back of the Church that should be replaced, the sewer repair project on 40th Ave, the deck of the Rectory that has dry rot, the Rectory kitchen cabinets that need to be replaced, our Church organ that needs to be repaired, and so many other things.” I was so happy! But unfortunately, just when I was about to accept the check, my alarm clock went off! I woke up and found out it was only a dream…. But that dream could come true. We can make dreams come true.

In my September-October letter, I mentioned about “how wonderful, greeting the school kids by the stairs on their first day of school,” an event that had not happened yet, since the letter was published before September. I have learned from that mistake. Yet, I am so thankful and very appreciative to all of you who have been so patient and forgiving, even before I could express my apology. I was just anticipating a future event. It was also like dreaming about something that was going to happen. But it did happen! In fact, it was even more exciting than I had imagined.

Once again we are approaching the season of dreams. We will soon recall how the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife. Joseph got up and did what the angel told him. He fulfilled his dream. At another time, the angel appeared to him in a dream and asked him to take the child and flee from Egypt, because Herod wanted to do harm to the child. Again, Joseph got up and fulfilled his dream.

People who truly believe in Christmas are entitled to have wild expectations. Yes, wild. By wild, I mean, virgins conceiving without the help of a man and barren women giving birth even in their old age. God becoming human in all things (except sin) is the wildest dream ever. But they all came true: Mary conceived while remaining a virgin, Elizabeth bore a child though advance in age and barrenness, the Son of God became man.

It took more than a thousand years for God to give what man had prayed for, a Savior. But through all those years, there remained people who never allowed the fire of their hope to be extinguished or to settle for something less than the Son of God Himself. They carried on the “wild dream” of Christmas, and they were proven right for dreaming so wildly.

If Christmas is to remain in our hearts, we must never stop dreaming. We must dream even for the impossible, believe in miracles, pray and never give up, hope and expect. We can do miracles, as the song says, if we believe. God does miracles! I say believe!

Go ahead, it is all right, have your wildest dreams, as long as you dream with God!

FAZtoringly yours,

Fr. Arnold E. Zamora

September - October 2009

Sep 1, 2009

Dear Parishioners,

For his vacation on the Florida coast, a tourist capsized his boat. He could swim, but his fear of alligators kept him clinging to the overturned craft. Spotting an old beachcomber standing on the shore, the tourist shouted, "Are there any ‘gators around here?!" "Noo," the man hollered back, "they ain't been around for years!"

Feeling safe, the tourist started swimming leisurely toward the shore. About halfway there he asked the guy, "How'd you get rid of the gators?"

"We didn't do nothin'," the beachcomber said. "The sharks got 'em."

Most of us have been swimming back to shore after those months of summer vacation. Welcome back! No gators! No sharks! We took care of them while you were gone. Let’s celebrate! September calls for a celebration!

It’s back to school! We had our first day of school on August 26. It was a short day but it was truly an exciting day for students who had missed each other. Some of them are in their first year of grade school, some will receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Holy Communion for the first time, and some will leave school next year to go to High School. It was such a lovely experience meeting and greeting everybody by the stairway. Our first school Mass is scheduled on the 17th of September on the feast of St. Robert Bellarmine, bishop and doctor of the Church.

At Holy Name School we learn “the meaning of family, harmony of love, simplicity and inviolable character.” Harmony comes from unselfishness and the willingness to give in to each other. Simplicity comes when we have good sense of values. What is more important? -- a new house or happy and laughing children? Inviolability comes when we realize that family is forever.

It’s back to work! Some are back to their old jobs and some will moving to new jobs. September 7th is Labor Day. On this day, think about the work you do. Think of those who are unemployed or on the margins of the workforce in low-paying jobs. On Labor Day, be grateful for the gift of work in your own life and for the contributions of workers to your well-being. See yourself in solidarity with other working people around the world. When you return to your workplace, recall the Benedictine dictum “Laborare est Orare” (to work is to pray) and think of that workplace as your oratory where your labor gives praise and thanks to God.

It’s back to our normal life. What’s the normal life? A normal life is a happy, sacrificing, meaningful or holy life. You’ll find all of these at Holy Name Church. On September 8, we will celebrate the birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary who we all know gave life to Jesus. Mary is not just Jesus’ mother but our mother too. We are blessed to have the shrine at Holy Name of Jesus Church because September 12th is the day we honor the Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary. And again for our Blessed Mother Mary, September 15 is the memorial of Our Lady of Sorrow. Talk about sacrificing and meaningful life! The memorial follows after the feast of the Exaltation or Triumph of the Cross (September 14), to remind us that the Blessed Mother shared the passion of Jesus for our redemption. September 11 would also remind us of the many mothers’ sorrows at the death of their children, or even at their waywardness. Is the loss of life a part of sacrificing life or perhaps they were the sacrificial lambs? This day has become Patriot Day! Thanks to our parents for their sacrifices and love. Thanks to our Godparents as we celebrate their day on Sunday, September 13.

Holy Life at Holy Name! There are a lot of feasts to feast spiritually this month: St. Gregory the Great, pope and doctor, on September 3; Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, on September 5; Padre Pio of Pietrelcina on September 24; the great St. Jerome, priest and doctor of the church. And don’t forget the feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael on September 29; and September 28 is a special day for the Filipinos on the feast of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint. Feast at the table, of course. Surely, because of Sunday, September 20, will be our International Food fest. It’s the day we celebrate our Catechetical Sunday too.

Well as the song goes “I'll see you in September when summer is gone... Have a good time, but remember, I'll be waiting back home.” The summer will soon be gone. Autumn starts on September 22. But we’re just glad you’re here! And quoting singer George Benson, I say, “we're drifting safely back to shore and I think I've finally learned to love you more!”

Just “FAZtoring”,
(Pastoring)
Fr. Arnold Zamora

P.S. More things to be excited about this October. A special month for San Franciscans. We celebrate the feast of St. Francis, our city’s patron Saint. May we be an instrument of God’s peace. Join us for the blessing of the animals. It’s a month for children too. In fact, the first day is dedicated to honor St. Therese of the Child Jesus, known as the “Little Flower.” Do you pray to your Guardian Angel? I still do! The feast of the Guardian Angels is celebrated on the second day of October. Here’s more we can look forward with great excitement and thrill. The Philippine’s best choir, the “Philippine Madrigal Singers” will perform at Holy Name on October 23rd. Watch out for more details about this concert in future bulletins and on our website. And lastly don’t forget, our “Fright Fest” is on October 24. I hope to see all of you at the Festival!

July/August 2009

by Fr. Arnold Zamora

Jun 18, 2009

July/August 2009

Dear Parishioners,

“You have not chosen me, I have chosen you.” These are the words displayed on the Church wall and imprinted in my heart on my ordination day twenty-three years ago. They have become a source of my strength and inspiration in my priestly life and ministry.

When I was called to the “principal’s office”- in the presbyterial parlance, the Archbishop’s Office - I was flabbergasted to be informed by the Archbishop that the Personnel Board had unanimously decided that I should take the place of Fr. Don D’Angelo as Pastor of Holy Name Parish. I am humbled with this great trust and confidence for which I will forever be grateful to His Excellency and the members of the Personnel Board. I have accepted this great privilege not so much for my honor as for the greater glory of God. Undeserving and unworthy as I am, I will try my best to serve this parish community trusting in the grace of the Merciful Lord- the One who called and chose me.

I am Rev. Arnold E. Zamora. I was born in Taloto, Tagbilaran City, Philippines. My parents are Andres (deceased) and Ricarda Zamora. I have two sisters -Teopista (the older) was married to Ricardo Dolotina (deceased) while the younger (Myrna) is married to Augustus Escobia. Being the only boy in the family makes me by default the favorite uncle of six nieces and a nephew.

I entered the seminary at the age of twelve and finished my high school and Bachelors’ Degree in Arts and Philosophy in the same institution- the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary- in Tagbilaran City. Later I finished my Bachelor’s Degree in Sacred Theology at the Royal and Pontifical University of Santo Tomas, Manila. A year before my ordination, I came to the United States for pastoral exposure in some of the parishes of the Diocese of Steubenville, Ohio. I was ordained on June 7, 1986 on the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, and received my first assignment as Formator, Professor and Music Director of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary. Many years of my priestly life were spent teaching at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary. Many of my students are now priests and some of them are serving in the United States.

Music has always been a part of my life, which I consider a special and great gift from God. I obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from the University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City. While pursuing my music degree, I joined the Philippine Madrigal Singers, the multi-awarded and premiere choir in the Philippines. I joined the group in their European, US, Asian and national concert tours. I also served as the group’s resident arranger and occasionally the priest-chaplain if needed especially when we couldn’t find a church on a given Sunday when out of the country. I also worked with the Philippine music icon, Maestro Ryan Cayabyab, assisting in his concerts, TV shows and music publications. I organized and directed my own Church-based choral group- Chorus Paulinus- who represented the Cultural Center of the Philippines in their outreach program of choral concerts in the provinces. The group also went on a concert tour to the United States for three consecutive years. I organized a group of priests from the Diocese of Tagbilaran- “the Singing Priests Of Tagbilaran”(SPOT)- who produced some concerts both in the Philippines and in the US. In the Archdiocese of San Francisco, I have been directing the Singing Filipino Clergy. Much of my musical life is found at the wikipedia site.

Nevertheless, in all of my musical achievements, I feel that I have been chosen and ordained as a priest first and foremost. While working on my master’s degree in Liturgical music in Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA, I also served the parishes of Our Lady of Mercy in Daly City, St. Augustine in South San Francisco, and St. Mark’s in Belmont in an unofficial capacity as a resident and assisting priest. My official assignment in the Archdiocese of San Francisco was at Star of the Sea, San Francisco where I served as both the Parochial Vicar and the Church’s Music Director. I was moved as a parochial vicar to St. Brendan Church, San Francisco, two years ago. I love the parish, its parishioners, the school and the students.

This is the reason why leaving St. Brendan is not easy for me. I believe, however that such love will enable me to share myself with another community that I can also share God’s love with another community for “love begets love.” It is with this love that I am starting my ministry here at Holy Name. Love will be my guide and my guiding force. Love will be the first thing that I would like to offer to you. Always remember, ‘you are loved!”

With the love in my heart, I am now filled with excitement and enthusiasm to serve and to journey with you. I would love to know all of you personally. Please invite me to your homes and to your family and group gatherings.

For now, let me invite you to come to our Church regularly. Let us break bread together and be filled with God’s love and always rejoice in His Most Holy Name.

Sincerely yours,

Arnold Zamora

May/June 2009

by Fr. Donald D'Angelo

Mar 25, 2009

Here’s a tribute to all the moms, just in time for Mother’s Day. Enjoy!

WHY GOD MADE MOMS

Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions:

Why did God make mothers?

1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.

2. Mostly to clean the house.

3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.

How did God make mothers?

1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.

2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.

3. God made my Mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.

What ingredients are mothers made of ?

1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.

2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.

Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?

1. We're related.

2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people' s moms like me.

What kind of little girl was your mom?

1. My mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.

2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.

3. They say she used to be nice.

What did Mom need to know about dad before she married him?

1. His last name.

2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?

3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?

Why did your mom marry your dad?

1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my mom eats a lot.

2. She got too old to do anything else with him.

3. My grandma says that mom didn't have her thinking cap on.

Who's the boss at your house?

1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.

2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.

3. I guess mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.

What's the difference between moms & dads?

1. Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work.

2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.

3. Dads are taller & stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friend's.

4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.

What does your mom do in her spare time?

1. Mothers don't do spare time.

2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.

What would it take to make your mom perfect?

1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.

2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.

If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?

1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.

2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me.

3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.

WHEN YOU STOP LAUGHING --

PASS THIS ON TO OTHER MOTHERS, GRANDMOTHERS, AUNTS and anyone else who just needs a good laugh!!