Lighthouse Bible Study

Lighthouse babies Shower

2009-03-01T16:38:00.000-08:00

2009-02-09T14:21:00.000-08:00

Lighthouse Bible Study 1/24

2009-01-21T10:44:00.000-08:00

Lighthouse bible study on 1/24/2009.

1st reading: Jonah 3:1-5, 10
2nd reading: First Corinthians 7:29-31
Gospel: Mark 1:14-20

Lead: Eugene
Host: Eugene & Martina
Snack: Elaine

Bible study 1/10/2009

2009-01-08T12:20:00.000-08:00

Dear All:

We will have first bible study for the new year on 1/10/2009 Sat 7:30pm. Let's get together to share your new year wishes with god.

1st Reading: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7
2nd Reading: Acts: 10:34-38
Gospel: Mark 1:7-11

Lead: Wenlan

Snack: Amy

Host: Simon & Wenlan

Simon

SJCCC Faith Formation Workshop: Dealing difficult times in faith

2009-01-07T12:22:00.000-08:00

寄件人: "SJCCC Member eNews"
日期: January 7, 2009 11:59:13 AM PST
標題: SJCCC Faith Formation Workshop (Dealing difficult times in faith)
回覆給: "SJCCC Member eNews"

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ:

As we all know that many families are experiencing difficulties in this economic down time. The Faith Formation Team is glad to sponsor a two-day workshop. The speaker, Professor Cheng Yu Yin, is a well-known teacher in the Fu-Zen University. She will teach us how to face these challenges with faith.

1) Place: St. Clare Parish, lower church
2) Time: Jan. 31, (Saturday) 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
Feb. 1, (Sunday) 9:30 am to 12:00 noon.
3) Since many problems have to be dealt by both husband and wife, couples are welcome to attend.
4) Baby sitting service will be provided.
4) Please see attached flyer for more detailed information, or contact Cris Chen & Ana Tsai

God Bless,
SJCCC Chair Board

Saint of the week: St. Anthony of Padua (June 13th)/Joanne Ho

2008-06-13T10:06:00.000-07:00

St. Anthony of Padua
Doctor of the Church

Feastday: June 13
b.1195 d.1231

Saint Anthony was canonized (declared a saint) less than one year after his death.

There is perhaps no more loved and admired saint in the Catholic Church than Saint Anthony of Padua, a Doctor of the Church. Though his work was in Italy, he was born in Portugal. He first joined the Augustinian Order and then left it and joined the Franciscan Order in 1221, when he was 26 years old. The reason he became a Franciscan was because of the death of the five Franciscan protomartyrs -- St. Bernard, St. Peter, St. Otho, St. Accursius, and St. Adjutus -- who shed their blood for the Catholic Faith in the year 1220, in Morocco, in North Africa, and whose headless and mutilated bodies had been brought to St. Anthony's monastery on their way back for burial. St. Anthony became a Franciscan in the hope of shedding his own blood and becoming a martyr. He lived only ten years after joining the Franciscan Order.

So simple and resounding was his teaching of the Catholic Faith, so that the most unlettered and innocent might understand it, that he was made a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius XII in 1946. Saint Anthony was only 36 years old when he died. He is called the "hammer of the Heretics" His great protection against their lies and deceits in the matter of Christian doctrine was to utter, simply and innocently, the Holy Name of Mary. When St. Anthony of Padua found he was preaching the true Gospel of the Catholic Church to heretics who would not listen to him, he then went out and preached it to the fishes. This was not, as liberals and naturalists are trying to say, for the instruction of the fishes, but rather for the glory of God, the delight of the angels, and the easing of his own heart. St. Anthony wanted to profess the Catholic Faith with his mind and his heart, at every moment.

He is typically depicted with a book and the Infant Child Jesus, to whom He miraculously appeared, and is commonly referred to today as the "finder of lost articles." Upon exhumation, some 336 years after his death, his body was found to be corrupted, yet his tongue was totally incorrupt, so perfect were the teachings that had been formed upon it.

聖安道 (St. Anthony of Padua 1195-1231)

慶日：6月13日

主保：文盲、貧苦者、被遺棄者和失物者

聖安道蒙天主召叫作為一位方濟會傳教士。然而，天主賦予他的卻是其他的使命。

主後1195年的8月15日，聖人誕生於葡萄牙的里斯本。他的雙親馬爾定（Martin）與瑪利亞（MariaBulhom），給其付洗的聖名是費納多（Fernando）。1210年時，他在里斯本先加入了奧斯定會（Canons of Saint Augustine），但這個修道院卻與他世俗的圈子過於接近，且教會與國王間的爭論也從未停息過。因此，二年後，聖人被允許轉往可茵波拉（Coimbra）的會院，該會院座落在里斯本北方約一百哩的城鎮中。聖人在該處學習聖經，並妥善預備自己的晉鐸（約1220年）。

1220 年，第一批在摩洛哥殉道的方濟會士（在1月16日紀念），他們的骨骸被攜回可茵波拉城之後，聖人便向來到會院門前行乞的方濟會士說：「親愛的弟兄們，若你們願意派我至阿拉伯人所在的地方，去收取與你們神聖的殉道者相同的莊稼，並分享他們的光榮的話，我將很樂意穿上你們的會衣。」

當時，因為小兄弟們在可茵波拉城的居所，奉獻給了埃及的隱士聖安當（St. Anthony the Egyptian hermit），故聖人便以他為其會名。一年後，聖人去了摩洛哥，但因健康狀況不佳而被迫返回。

1221年，他的船在回程中行偏了，行駛到了西西里，他便在該處加入了一群小弟兄的行列，他們正要前往亞西西的聖神降臨堂。在該處，聖人見到了聖方濟本人，並被指派到北方的省區去。於是，他便在靠近Bologna的Monte Paolo的一座隱院服務。

1222年夏天，安道參與了幾位小兄弟的晉鐸禮。晚餐後，院長要求一位會士講道，但場中除了安道之外，所有的道明會士與方濟會士都婉拒了。他那篇講論基督服從至死的道理，使在場的所有會士都大感驚奇。從此，聖人他那隱藏的天賦就被揭露了出來！

很快地，安道就被指派給住在Bologna的會士們教授神學，此時，他先前在可茵波拉城所學習的東西就派上了用場。在教授學問上，安道謹記聖方濟給予他的教誨：絕不能為了學習神學而破壞了祈禱與虔敬的精神！的確，安道的學生是從一位聖善之人那學習聖經，他的聖善與其所學完全相稱。

稍後，安道獲得了在整個義大利北部宣講的許可，在該處異端的跟隨者甚眾。當時，教會所擁有的巨大財富引來了尖銳的議論；而表現出貧窮與簡樸的異議宣講者，更與當時神父與主教的生活形成強烈的對比。於是，安道便以他的宣講和其儉樸的生活方式，為教會贏得了許多皈依者。

1224年，安道被遣往法國南部宣講福音，該處的清教徒（Albigensians）擁有許多的信眾，但安道卻在那裡獲得了「異端之鎚（Hammer of Heretics）」的美譽。事實上，安道的聖德和愛德與他的學問一樣豐盛，這才是他說服異議者皈依的最大原因。

1227年，安道回到了義大利北部，在該處他受命為該地區的省會長，並繼續他那深獲人心的宣講。1228年，聖人來到了Padua，群眾立即為他的道理與善表所懾服。1231年，數千人聆聽著他一連串四旬期的道理。在他宣講的影響下，Padua城通過了一項法律，該項條文反對負債者應完全償清債務後才准予釋放的規定。

1231年春天，安道與同伴路加和羅傑二位弟兄（brothers Luke and Roger）離開了Padua城，一同前往在Camposampiero的會院，在該地，他有一處類似草屋般的隱院，安道願意在這裡祈禱並預備自己的死亡。

1231年的6月13日，安道病得極其嚴重，於是便要求能被帶回Padua城。在Arcella的會院裡，安道便在路途中領受了最後的聖事。最後，在交付靈魂前，他只簡短地喊叫說：「我看見主了！」

安道過世後不到一年，即被教會列為聖品（他在教會列聖的歷史中，仍保有最快被列品的紀錄－死後僅352天即被公開列品），且在1946年被賦予「教會聖師」的頭銜。

聖人過世後一年，其舌被人發現仍保持鮮紅，聖文德（St Bonaventure）看到後，還因此流淚、親吻。如今，聖人的舌頭被置放在義大利Padua城的一個銀製盒子裡，至今仍是朝聖者的主要朝聖對象。

傳統上，民間還相信聖人是粗心者的主保，特別是那些遺失重要物品者。無論丟失的是寵物、值得紀念的物品，甚至是小孩，只要誦唸「Tony, Tony, look around. Something's lost that must be found.」的歌謠，即能獲得聖人的協助找回該物。

12-15-07 Sacred Heart Food Bank service

2008-04-01T08:30:00.001-07:00

02-02-08 Fr. Deutsch's talk

2008-04-01T08:25:00.000-07:00

Saint of the week: St. Raymond of Pennafort

2008-01-06T16:47:00.000-08:00

聖雷孟 （St. Raymond of Pennafort ，1175-1275 ）

慶日： 1月 7日

主保：教會法編撰者

1175 年，聖雷孟誕生於西班牙的巴塞隆納附近；由於他是西班牙的貴族成員之一，因此從小便接受了極完備的教育，且很早就對聖母懷有一份溫柔的愛與崇敬。聖人20歲時，已是一位名聞遐邇的哲學教師，他在 30歲時同時取得了教會法與民法的博士學位。然而，他卻拋開一切世俗的光榮，毅然地在 41歲時加入了「道明會」。

當時的教宗額我略九世非常賞識他，將聖人召喚至羅馬為他工作，並成為教宗的個人告解神師。他在羅馬的主要工作是：彙整過去教會歷史中，所有教宗與大公會議的典章律例，這巨大的工程在聖人接手前已進行了 80個年頭。最後，聖人編出了一套五本名為《教會律例大全－ Corpus decretalium》的教會法典彙編。 1917年新的教會法典彙編出版前，這部「教會律例大全」是最好的教會法典參考。稍早，他也曾寫過一部助人善行告解的著作，名為《個案大全－ Summa de casibus poenitentiae，那不僅是一部條列罪與補贖的著作，還更是討論教會道理與法律的書籍，是聽告神師必備的工具書之一。

60 歲時，聖人被教宗指定為Aragon首都Tarragona 的總主教，但他並不喜歡如此的尊榮，後來藉病重之名，二年後辭去了主教的職務。然而，聖人卻無福享受平靜的生活，因為隔年即被自己的同會弟兄選為道明會的總會長。於是，聖人只好努力地工作，徒步拜訪所有的道明會士，且修訂會憲，允許總會長於任內辭去職務。新會憲通過的那一年，聖人時年 65歲，他也順利地辭去了總會長的職務。

生命的最後 35年，聖人致力於對抗異端邪說與勸說摩爾人（Moors）皈依的工作。他為人極其謙和，且非常親近天主；他常做克苦，其良善與仁慈也常為天主贏得罪人們的靈魂。聖人與 Aragon的國王James 、St. Peter Nolasco一起創建了「Our Lady of Ransom 」修會，該修會致力於從摩爾人的手中救回被俘的可憐基督徒。

James 國王本是位秉性良善的人，可惜，他卻常隨自己的偏情私欲而行。一次，聖人與他一同前往瑪約卡島（the Island of Majorca）宣講耶穌基督，但King James卻立了壞榜樣，因為王在該島上與一位婦女有著苟且的關係，聖人命令王遣走那婦女，王雖口頭答應，卻未信守承諾，於是聖人便離開了那座島。王盛怒，便下令：凡載送聖人回巴塞隆納的船長，都應受嚴厲的懲罰。聖人只好全心信賴上主，於是他將自己的上衣平鋪在海面上，將其中的一端綁上木柴做帆，劃了十字聖號之後，便腳踏自己的上衣，一路航行了六小時，最後安抵巴塞隆納。國王被此神蹟所感動，於是對自己的行為深感愧疚，並且認真地追隨聖人的教導。最後，聖人一百足歲之時，天主才讓聖雷孟完全地從人世間退休。

「你們的純潔和虔誠要求應得的報酬；因為你們為天主所悅納，願你們的純潔由於不斷的打擊，而愈加純潔，直到完美的境界。如果你們一而再，再而三地受天主的利劍打擊，應視其為圓滿的喜樂、是天主愛你們的標記。

天主的利劍內外鋒利：外有戰爭，內有恐懼；天主再再地磨練你們，是因為狡猾的惡神常以詭計和陰謀擾亂你們的內心。這一切的攻守，你們已有相當的體驗，否則便不會獲致內心如此美好的平靜與安寧。…

切望慈愛與和平的天主親自使你們心靈安寧，並加速你們現世的旅程。也願祂將你們暫放在祂的身旁，遠離他人的騷擾，直到把你們安置在圓滿的光榮中為止。在那裡，你們將永遠安居在平安的光榮中，和安全的帳幕中，安祥地享用無盡的富裕。」

（節選自一月七日《誦讀日課》──聖雷孟司鐸書信集選讀）

January 7- St. Raymond of Penyafort (1175-1275)

Since Raymond lived into his hundredth year, he had a chance to do many things. As a member of the Spanish nobility, he had the resources and the education to get a good start in life.

By the time he was 20, he was teaching philosophy. In his early 30s he earned a doctorate in both canon and civil law. At 41 he became a Dominican. Pope Gregory IX called him to Rome to work for him and to be his confessor. One of the things the pope asked him to do was to gather together all the decrees of popes and councils that had been made in 80 years since a similar collection by Gratian. Raymond compiled five books called the Decretals. They were looked upon as one of the best organized collections of Church law until the 1917 codification of canon law.

Earlier, Raymond had written for confessors a book of cases. It was called Summa de casibus poenitentiae. More than just a list of sins and penances, it discussed pertinent doctrines and laws of the Church that pertained to the problem or case brought to the confessor.

At the age of 60, Raymond was appointed archbishop of Tarragona, the capital of Aragon. He didn't like the honor at all and ended up getting sick and resigning in two years.

He didn't get to enjoy his peace long, however, because when he was 63 he was elected by his fellow Dominicans to be the head of the whole Order, the successor of St. Dominic. Raymond worked hard, visited on foot all the Dominicans, reorganized their constitutions and managed to put through a provision that a master general be allowed to resign. When the new constitutions were accepted, Raymond, then 65, resigned.

He still had 35 years to oppose heresy and work for the conversion of the Moors in Spain. He convinced St. Thomas Aquinas to write his work Against the Gentiles.

In his100th year the Lord let Raymond retire.

Comment:

Raymond was a lawyer, a canonist. Legalism is one of the things that the Church tried to rid herself of at Vatican II. It is too great a preoccupation with the letter of the law to the neglect of the spirit and purpose of the law. The law can become an end in itself, so that the value the law was intended to promote is overlooked. But we must guard against going to the opposite extreme and seeing law as useless or something to be lightly regarded. Laws ideally state those things that are for the best interests of everyone and make sure the rights of all are safeguarded. From Raymond, we can learn a respect for law as a means of serving the common good.

Quote:

"He who hates the law is without wisdom,/and is tossed about like a boat in a storm" (Sirach 33:2).

Saint of the week: St. Basil the Great

2008-01-02T14:11:00.000-08:00

聖巴西略（St. Basil the Great－330-379）

教父、聖師

慶日：1月2日

主保：醫院管理者

聖人330年時誕生於小亞細亞的凱撒肋雅（Caesarea今日土耳其的東南方）。他的父母皆出生貴族，且信仰甚篤，後來亦被教會冊封為聖人。這個聖善的家庭育有十個子女，其中就有四位是教會公開列品的聖人（除了聖巴西略外，還包括與聖巴西略、聖額我略納齊盎齊名的聖額我略尼沙St. Gregory of Nyssa 335-394）。

聖人年輕時在君士坦丁堡求學，後來在雅典學習時，認識了聖額我略納齊盎（St. Gregory Nazianzen 330-390，素有「神學家」的稱號），二人結為莫逆之交，後來都成了偉大的學者。當越來越多的人慕名前來聆聽聖人的宣講時，聖人意識到一種驕傲的思想在他心內升起。於是，他變賣所有財物，施與窮人後，便決定到曠野隱修去了。他先在曠野中拜訪隱士們，然後將他們組織起來，並發展出一套完整的隱修規則與制度。當時，他創建了極可能是小亞細亞的第一座隱修院。為東方的隱修制度而言，聖巴西略的地位就如同聖本篤之於西方教會一樣。他所訂下的原則，至今對東方教會的隱修制度仍有著莫大的影響。當聖人決定按福音的貧窮勸諭開始修道生活時，他已走在一條成為知名教師的路上了。

聖人被祝聖為司鐸後，先擔任凱撒肋雅總主教的助理，隨後，自己也成了該地的總主教（370）。不過，在他任內，曾有幾位副主教反對他，或許是因為這些人已預先看到那以後要來的革新吧！

亞略異端是教會歷史中最危險的邪說之一，它否認基督的天主性，為正統信仰有極大的危害。在聖人的時代，此番論述正達頂峰。當時的帝國皇帝華倫斯（Valens）迫害著具有正統信仰的信眾，並對巴西略施以壓力，要求聖人對迫害保持沉默，並強迫他接受亞略與教會的共融。巴西略堅持不從，華倫斯只好放棄，但問題卻依然存在。當偉大的教師聖亞大納修（St. Athansius 295-373）辭世後，教會對抗亞略異端的重責大任就落在聖人的肩上了。他付出極大的努力，將那些因暴政或內部分歧而四散的團體凝聚在一起，然而，卻因此被誤解、造謠中傷，且被控以邪說與野心。在這樣的處境下，他雖求助於教宗的協助，卻未獲得任何的回應。他說：「因著我的罪過，每一件事都看似失敗。」

聖人在牧靈關懷上總是孜孜不倦，他一日向群眾講道二次，且創建了一座被稱為「一個世界的驚奇」的醫院（聖人年輕時曾為安頓饑荒者組織過一小團體，並親自在廚房中從事煮湯食的工作）；並且，為救助人靈，聖人也努力對抗賣淫業者。

聖人的雄辯之才極負盛名；他的著作，在聖人尚在人世時，並未在教會內獲得應有的地位。然而，在他過世72年後，加采東大公會議（the Council of Chalcedon, 451）描述他為：「偉大的巴西略，將真理傳佈至整個世界的恩寵管理者。」

聖人於主後三七九年的一月一日辭世，著作等身為他在教會內贏得「聖師」的頭銜；他所制定的隱修規則，則成為東方教會隱修院的圭臬。

聖巴西略說道：「你未曾食用的麵包，就是饑渴者的麵包；你懸掛在衣櫃裡的長袍，就是赤身露體者衣服；你不穿的鞋子，就是赤足者的鞋履；你保持深鎖的錢財，就是窮人的錢財；你不願踐行的愛德，就是諸多你所干犯的罪過。」

St. Basil the Great (329-379) bishop, Doctor of the church

January 2nd

Doctor of the Church, Bishop of Caesarea, one of the most distinguished Doctors of the Church, was born probably 329 and died on January 1, 379. He ranks after Athanasius as a defender of the Oriental Church against the heresies of the fourth century, especially Aryanism, which denied the divine nature of Jesus Christ. With his friend Gregory of Nazianzus and his brother Gregory of Nyssa, he is part of the trio known as "The Three Cappadocians", of which he was the most important in practical genius and theological writings. Basil resisted the pressure from Emperor Valens, an Arian himself, who wanted to keep him in silence and admit the heretics to communion. No wonder, when the great St. Athanasius died, the responsibility of being the defender of the faith against Aryanism fell upon Basil. Seventy-two years after his death, the Council of Chalcedon described him as “the great Basil, minister of grace who has expounded the truth to the whole earth.”

Soup kitchen service and holiday food packing

2007-12-18T21:11:00.000-08:00

Lighthouse and Cornerstone members participated in two more community service events on December 15th.

Some helped sort and serve food at the St Anthony's Padua Dining Room. Others helped pack food at Sacred Heart Community Service.

Lighthouse 1 community Services in December 07

2007-12-10T15:12:00.000-08:00

Date: Sunday 12/9/2007
Time: 9AM-1PM
Location: 1st floor social room of the Senior Apartment85 South 5th Street, San Jose
Itinerary:9-10AM Group Mass presided by Fr. Koo
10-10:20AM Anointment, followed by Confession at the side room
10:20AM-12PM Lighthouse Activities: music & games12-1PM

18 Lighthouse members participated in this event. We sang during the mass. We also had a little Christmas carol 'concert' for the elderly after mass. We played Bingo and served lunch to about 50 seniors.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Date: Sunday 12/15/2007 Holiday Food Packing
Time: 8:30AM-11:30AM
Location: Sacred Heart Community ServiceCenter - 1381 South First Stree, San Jose, CA 95110

Packing food for Sacred Heart annual holiday event.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Date: Sunday 12/15/2007 Soup Kitchen Service
Time: 8:30AM-1:00PM
Location: Padua's Dining Room, behind St. Anthony Church3500 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025

Between 8:30-11am, Lighthouse will help out in the kitchen and cleaning/setting up the tables.Between 11:30am-1pm, Lighthouse will serve lunch. We won't be doing any actual cooking. The facility has 2-3 chef who will do the work. We are there to assist, like washing and chopping vegetables.

SJCCC Activity Update/James Hua + Monchi

2007-12-08T23:16:00.000-08:00

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Here are something we would like you to know...

12/8 (Sat)
   7:30 Mass - The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
                     (Solemnity & mandatory) at St. Clare's upper Church.
   晚上7:30 - St. Clare's 樓上教堂, 聖母無染原罪瞻禮中文彌撒。
   Charismatic Prayer Meeting canceled due to the time conflict.
   聖神同禱會暫停一次。

12/9 (Sun)
   Evergreen Group Activity 松柏組活動
   at 85 South 5th Street, San Jose, CA
   09:00 - 10:00 am Mass 彌撒
   10:00 - 12:00 pm Reconciliation and Anointing of Elderly 告解，傅油
   12:00 - 01:00 pm Lunch 午餐

12/16 (Sun)  SJCCC 2007 聖誕晚會
   5:00 pm - Christmas dinner party starts right after 3 pm Mass
   時間: 12/16 (週日) ，5:00pm
   地點: Parish Hall
   門票: 大人和10 歲以上青年 預先購票: $7 當日購票: $8
           4-10 歲小孩預先購票: $4 當日購票: $5
           4歲以下小孩免费
   請於彌撒後在川廊購賣晚餐券, 12/9 最後預購機會。
*** 目前聖誕老人從缺,急徵義工,僅需出場30分鐘,拜託,拜託! ***

   SJCCC 2007 Christmas Celebration
   Time: 12/16 at 5:00pm
   Place: Parish Hall
   Tickets: Adults and youth 10 yrs & up - $7, at the door: $8
               4-10 years old child - $4, at the door $5
               kids below 4 are free.
   Tickets are now on sale at the hall across the church.
   The last chance pre-sale day is 12/9.
*** So far no Santa Claus candidate, urgent request for volunteer,
    only 30-minute show up time.  Please help. ***

I hope you enjoy the season of joy and may God bless you!  Thanks!

James

Host, lead and snack persons are needed for Lighthouse bible study 2008 schedule. Please sign up./Joanne Ho

2007-12-04T21:13:00.000-08:00

Hi Lighthouse friends,

Happy Holidays!!

Year 2008 is just around the corner. I would like to start planning for our 08 bible study schedule and asking for volunteer hosts, bible study leads and snack persons, especially for January to March 2008.

Please see the attached spreadsheet for draft schedule.

- Yellow dates are bible study in the Fremont area. However, all are welcome to join and support!!

- 3/22 is the day before Easter. Just like last year, we can have potluck together and attend vigil mass afterward.

I also provide Jan 08 to Jun 08 Sunday mass readings for your reference. Dean and I will update our Lighthouse calendar website later this month.

Please sign up with me as soon as possible.

Thanks in advance for your generosity, talent and time. I am looking forward to grow spiritually and be enriched by God's words with you in 2008.

Toietries Drive for the homeless/Jenny & Jade

2007-11-25T22:35:00.000-08:00

Dear Lighthouse,

For the next two weeks, Leland's school is doing a 'Toiletries Drive" for the homeless.

I need travel-size toiletries likes shampoo, lotion, toothpaste, soap, disposable razor, deodorant. Things you would bring home from vacations and business trips.

By the end of the drive, students will pack them into individual bags and pass out to the homeless in the community. This is a great way to clean up your bathroom cabinets and help others at the same time.

If you have any, please bring them to Jade at Saturday's potluck. Thank you.

-Jenny

Lighthouse's new group leaders are..../Jenny

2007-11-15T00:11:00.000-08:00

Dear Lighthouse,

The results are in. Our new group leaders in 2008 will be Joanne & Dean.

-Jenny

Thank you so much!/Chris Lee

2007-11-08T22:45:00.000-08:00

Dear Jenny and friends of the Bible Study Groups,

Thank you all very much for your support and encouragement in the last few weeks! Without your support, I would not have gotten elected. But most importantly, thank you for all of your prayers - it's really God's blessing more than anything else.

I never thought I could win the election against the many highly qualified and renowned members of the community, and would have been equally content with the learning I received from participating in the election. But I’m so honored to receive the support from many, including all of you and at the same time, I’m humbled by the trust and responsibility placed in me by the residents of the Cupertino Sanitary District (CSD).

I will go and do the best I can to help improve the services and operations of the CSD and address the concerns by the residents. Hopefully I can do a good job and be a good example as a Christian servant. Please continue to keep me in your prayers.

I’d very much like to hear from all of you because I can learn from all of you; and any suggestions or feedbacks you provide will only help me to better serve the community.

Please keep in touch! Once again, thank you so much for your support!

Best regards and God bless,

Chris Lee

Cornerstone's gathering/Jenny

2007-11-01T22:56:00.000-07:00

Dear Lighthouse,

Cornerstone, a Bible study group in Cupertino, is having Fr. Deustch as a guest speaker tomorrow night. He will talk about Catholic Catechism, specificially on Jesus' prayer. All lighthouse members are invited.

The talk starts at 8:00pm. There is a dinner gathering at 7pm, a potluck style.

Location: St. Joseph in Cupertion (corner of Stevens Creek and De Anza Boulevard.)

If you have any questions, email Maria Maria Wong.

-Jenny

It's time to vote !!/Jenny

2007-10-30T22:58:00.000-07:00

Dear Lighthouse,

It's the time of the year, 'election time' at Lighthouse.

Please nominate TWO persons and email me your choices by 11/10. You can nominate anyone. The two persons with the highest nominations (and agree to take up the responsiblities) will be next year's group leaders. Marcus and Wenlan will announce the result around 11/17.

-Jenny

Two Advent workshops/Jenny

2007-10-25T23:01:00.000-07:00

Dear Lighhtouse,

Our sibling church, CCCSJ in Fremont, has arranged two workshops to prepare us for the upcoming Advent period. Please make yourself available on Nov. 18 and Dec.2.

1) Nov.18, Workshop: Lead By Fr. Bona Lin (林思川神父)
St. Joseph School in Fremont, Class Room #7, 1:50PM~3:50PM

2) Dec. 2, Workshop Lead by Sr. Ng (吳瑞環蚺k)
St. Joseph School in Fremont, Class Room #7, 1:50PM~3:50PM

Please see the attached file for more details.

In Christ,
SJCCC Chair Board

Eucharistic Miracles Exhibition/Darien+Henry

2007-10-23T22:59:00.001-07:00

Dear Lighthouse,

Darien wants me to pass the following information (from Watermark Bible Study Group):

**************************************************************************************************

Hey Everyone!

I think this will be a neat and fun "field trip!"

There's an exhibition of all the official Vatican
approved Eucharistic miracles, like with pictures and information and
stuff about them, and we can just go and look. I was told that in
total, there's only like about 130 of them more or less, and there's
supposedly one poster for each of them. But they will be split up to
be shown at two different churches this weekend, half at one and about
half at the other. This is happening THIS coming weekend (10/27-28).

1. Sacred Heart Parish in Saratoga.
They will be on display in the church vestibule and the church is open
for people to look at them AFTER their Masses for about an hour. Their
Mass times are Saturday 5pm, Sunday 9am, 11am, 5pm.

2. St. John Vianney Parish and School in San Jose
(4600 Hyland Avenue). They will be on display in the "garage," it's
supposed to be like a hall. And we're free to go and look at them
anytime they're open. The hall will be open on Saturday 11am-5pm, and
Sunday 8am-2pm. There's also a talk about the Eucharist as the
Church's treasure at 2pm there.

If anyone is interested in going, just email henry
(don't just hit reply please!!) and we can go together and carpool!
Henry's planning to go see the exhibition at St. John Vianney and also hear
the talk at 2pm on Saturday.

Hope to hear from some of you!
henry

Volunteer Services on 12/15 - Jenny

2007-10-23T22:59:00.000-07:00

Dear Lighthouse,

We have organized TWO volunteer opportunties in December. One is a soup kitchen in Menlo Park. The other is food-packing at Sacred Heart Community Service in downtown San Jose. Both events are on 12/15, and both starts at 8:30am (and last between 4-6 hours). Soon you will receive two evites from me, one for each location.

We encourage all of you to take up this opportunity and do something wonderful. Remember, sign up for ONE event only.

Need your decision by 12/1.

-Jenny

Bible Study this Saturday/Jenny

2007-10-22T22:58:00.000-07:00

Dear Lighthouse,

There is a Bible study this Saturday. Although this gathering was set up primarily for the East Bay residents, all are welcome. See Lighthouse calendar for the details, at http://tinyurl.com/3yqv2b

-Jenny

Sister Yueh on 10/6 - Jenny

2007-09-30T21:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Lighthouse,

For all of you who showed up last Saturday, I hope you had a wonderful, wonderful evening with Sister Yeuh. Well, I certainly did. Because of her 40 years of experience in counseling, especially with young adults, she knows how to 'talk' to people. She shared many funny and heatwarming stories with us. I believe all of us went home with a new meaning of what is like to be a Catholic and ready to share again.

During the talk, she encourage each one of to spend 5 minutes a day reading the Bible, using this particular website(s). This website offers daily gospel reading and reflection.:

http://www.amdgchinese.org/big5/spirit/b/spirit_b03c.htm (in Chinese) or

http://www.sacredspace.ie/en (in English)

If you missed Saturday's talk or want to hear her again, this Saturday's retreat is her last appearance in the US. She most likely won't be back until another 3 years. Ken has already signed up to go.

Date: October 6, 2007

Time: 9AM to 5PM

Place: St. Claire's Lower Church

Subject:Saying YES to God with Hope and Love!!!

Please RSVP with Yueh An Pung (her brother) .

If you haven't met Sister Yueh or hear her talk, I strongly encourage you going. You won't regret it -Jenny

Need your support/Jade

2007-09-28T22:45:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

Here are two funds raising related activities that I sincerely hope you can consider some amounts of participation:

(1) 2008 Holy Land Calendar, see http://epaper.ccreadbible.org/epaper/Activity/070719/2008calenderDM2.htm

It costs $20 per set including one large wall calendar and one desk calendar. Both can be great Xmas gifts to family and friends. All the sales of calendars will support the daily operations of John Duns Scotus Bible Reading Promotion Center ( http://www.ccreadbible.org/).

The Center's primary mission is to promote reading bible among Greater Chinese community. It has also invested quite amount of effort in introducing/promoting other ways of experience to deepen our Christian faith, such as retreats, pilgrimages, small group sharing, bible camps and many other more. I personally benefit A LOT from reading its weekly newsletter and I encourage each you to sign up via its website. Here I am also enclosing a touchy article, posted in this week's newsletter, about the signs of Faith, the signs of Heaven, and the signs of true Life http://epaper.ccreadbible.org/epaper/page_200/175/horarum19.htm

(2) Funds raising for Inter Friendship House Association (IFHA) at Berkeley: the campaign goal is $75K to respond the need for the next three fiscal years.

IFHA is a non-profit organization aims to serve scholars and students from China who study/research at UC Berkeley, UCLA and USC. Its the IFHA's hope that through the received care, support and friendship while study abroad, the individual will eventually become the source of support to his/her own community back in China. The IFHA allocates resources to assist its members' living in US campus, such as affordable housing and occasional transportation. Please see http://www.fuyoucenter.org/Berkeley.htm and the attached pledge card for more information. I will also bring you copies of DVD made for the funds raising and the IFHA brochures to our regular gathering on Saturday. All donations are tax deductible. If you are willing to make any amount of donation, please fill in the form and give it back to me for records.

Thank you for considering any kind of support. I'd be very happy to answer questions or to address concerns you may have.

Peace & Joy.
Jade

Half of a Cookie/Agnes & John Yip

2007-09-27T22:53:00.000-07:00

I think this is worth reading....

分享好文章~~半塊餅乾

記得大四那一年，我滿腦子想的都是怎麼樣進入大公司、領高月薪；

如何在短期內還清家中債務、出人頭地等。
很幸運的，我後來進入了國內某知名集團工作，擔任外籍主管的翻譯兼特助。
由於職務的關係，我得以參加很多高階主管聚集的決策性會議，
讓我這個念應用外語出身的社會新鮮人，
得以比其他同輩更快學到很多關於零售採購、談判技巧、利潤分配、業績追蹤、行銷企劃等專業知識。

那時候，我以為這就是我要的人生。

隨著工作時間增長、工作量增多，我變得早出晚歸，
常常大清早還就進入地下道內搭捷運，步出公司時已是晚上，一整天都沒看到陽光。
因為加班，我常挨餓到晚上九點多，
滿腦子想的都是毛利與業績，邊吃泡麵邊打隔天要用的報告。

我忘了要打電話回家關心家人，錯過了和朋友們的聚餐，
割捨了我最愛的籃球和閱讀，忽略了四季的更迭，
更嚴重的是，我漸漸忘了曾有的夢想，也越來越不認識鏡子裡面的那一個人是誰。

於是我毅然決然遞出辭呈，並在一週內訂好機票和簽證，一個人獨自飛往印度，
展開了我人生目前以來最有意義的旅程。

在這趟旅程中，我沒有事先訂任何飯店或做任何行程規劃，
甚至，我連旅遊導覽都沒帶就出門了。

我體驗了「流浪」的滋味，
更重要的是，我透過與當地人民的接觸，了解了生命真正的意義。

在窮苦的印度，連喝一杯乾淨的水都是祝福，我不再汲汲營營，
每天清晨，我划著一艘小船，在恆河上慢慢的渡著，
當時間空間都被抽離後，人就會很自然地回想自己的過去，遙想自己的未來。

當我開始領悟到生命的價值並不是取決於薪水、位階、財產等等這些物化的東西後，
我整人豁然開朗，開始想要多接觸當地人民的生活。

於是我在恆河畔召集那些向觀光客兜售香菸、蠟燭與紀念品的小孩，
他們年紀都很小，有的才三四歲就出來做生意。

每天黃昏我們相約在一個階梯式廣場，由我免費教他們英文，在夕照下，
我們圍成一個圈圈，然後我們在夕陽餘暉中各自漫步回家。

有時唱歌，有時這些印度小孩會拉著我的手寫印度文給我看，
離開印度的前夕，我買了包餅乾，目的是要分給我的「學生」們。

只見他們自然形成一列，一個個乖巧的排隊等著領餅乾，我心中感到非常欣慰。
就在這時候，我發現我的餅乾發光了，卻還剩下最後一個小女孩沒有領到。

我想起身再去買一包，卻看到她失望地流下了眼淚，
心急的我想辦法用簡單的英文告訴她我沒有忘記她，
但因為語言上的障礙使得她難過的放聲大哭。

就在我不知所措的時候，一個大約七八歲的小男孩走了過來，
將他手中的餅乾剝一半遞給了小女孩，接著其他小朋友跟著重複同樣的動作，
一眨眼，原本淚汪汪的小女孩手中已有三四片餅乾，一群小朋友碰碰跳跳的笑著跑開了。

親眼目擊這一幕的我不禁紅了眼框。

原來，幸福就是這麼簡單；
原來，分享是那麼樣的快樂。

而且最令我動容的，是這位小男孩發自內心的舉動，
並沒有來自任何人的指令或後天的教導，全是他發自內心的行為舉止。

那一晚在恆河畔，我想了很多，
為何物質生活享受遠超過印度人的我們，

在精神層面上卻不一定能像他們一樣快樂？
人民所得提高後，是否生活就能夠變得更幸福？

沸沸騰騰的教改，究竟改了些什麼？又教會了我們的孩子些什麼？
現代的小孩子不需要排隊領餅乾，究竟是禍是福？
他們如果不知道挨餓為何物，將來樣怎麼懂得惜福感恩？

如果我們的教育、社會的價值觀乃至評斷人的標準，
都不斷的強調名次、位階與年收入，扣掉有幸能夠符合這些標準的人，

剩下的芸芸眾生如何平衡人生本來就會有的不完美？
如何接受餅乾發到你時剛好沒了？
有幸拿到餅乾的人如何回過頭來幫助沒拿到餅乾的人？

回國後，我一直記得這一幕，並與週遭親朋好友分享這個難得的經驗。
希望這半餅乾能夠激發更多人的愛心與善心，
讓這樣的善行一直傳下去，

讓我們的社會更加溫馨；

也藉由這半塊餅乾，激發更多人去思考更多與我們切身相關的問題，
包括教育、社會價值觀、團體與個人的平衡、貧富差距等。

身處人們越來越趨向於私己的時代洪流，
我想我們所需要的，應是跨越種族紛爭、黨派色彩與階級差別的一種互助精神。

或許，目前台灣社會最欠缺的，是這半塊餅乾吧！

A Silent Retreat/Jenny

2007-09-26T23:08:00.001-07:00

Dear Lighthouse,

Here is a retreat information:

Speaker: Sister Yueh

Date: October 6, 2007

Time: 9AM to 5PM

Place: St. Claire's Lower Church

Subject:Saying YES to God with Hope and Love!!!

Please RSVP with Yueh An Pung

-Jenny

*Sister Yueh is the one coming to Lighthouse this Saturday. If you cannt make this Saturday, consider this retreat as another opportunity.

Special Speaker this Saturday/Jenny

2007-09-26T22:43:00.000-07:00

Dear Lighthouse,

Don't forget Saturday's special event:

Speaker: Sister Yueh (from Taiwan)

Location: Palo Alto, CA 94306

Time: 7:30pm

Topics: our individual calling as a Catholic, social injustice, single/marriage life.

*Sister Yueh will start the night with a short film. Please, please be on time.

*Snack Person-Phili

-Jenny

Evening workshops on 9/24 and 9/25/Jenny

2007-09-21T15:03:00.000-07:00

Dear Lighthouse,

Are you looking for the living water?

Fr. Sun, an expert in Bible, is going to give a two evening workshops related to this theme. See the attached flyer for details.

-Jenny

---------------------

在基督信仰團體中服務的迷思和出路

在服務中體驗福音、堅定跟隨基督的腳步

時間：Sept. 24 & 25 (Monday & Tuesday)

地點：St Claire, Parish Hall (Main Hall)

教練：孫柔遠神父

7:00-7:30 PM Arrival

7:30-8:30 PM Subject (Talk)

8:30-9:00 PM Q&A

9:00-9:30 PM Prayer

Suggest Readings:

耶1：4—10，耶1：17—19；依6：1—13；路5：1—11；

瑪16：13—28；路22：24—34，路22：54—62；若21：1—19；

Lighthouse: Can you help ? St. Matthew's Church Carnival/Jenny

2007-09-18T10:25:00.000-07:00

Dear Lighthouse,

St. Matthew's Church in San Mateo is having its annual Carnival this
weekend to raise funds for its school. The Chinese community at St.
Matthews (MPCCC - Mid Peninsula Chinese Catholic Community) will have a
booth selling hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, nachos, watermelon juice, and
coffee, and they are looking for volunteers to help staff the booth for
2 hour shifts. The booth will be open from noon to 6pm on Saturday and
from 10am to 6pm on Sunday.

Last year, Amy, Wenlan, Simon, Eugene & Martina worked in the booth and
had a great time there, so please help if you can by contacting
Martina:

Thanks.

Advent Weekend Retreat Information/Jenny

2007-09-15T10:35:00.000-07:00

Dear Lighthouse,

Advent is still a few months away. But it is not too early to think about attending a retreat during this special season in Catholic Church. This retreat is specially designed to prepare us the coming of Advent season.

You will find everything you need to know about this retreat in the attached files. -Jenny

Subject:

Advent Weekend Retreat Information

From:

Cris Chen

Date:

Sat, 15 Sep 2007 11:12:18 -0700 (PDT)

Dear All:

Peace...

Attached, please find the Advent Weekend Retreat information files for your group's reference. The information includes:

1. Retreat Flyer;

2. Retreat Registration Form;

3. Retreat Fee & Donation

Please let me know if you do have any concern or question regarding Retreat issue, you can send me e-mail.

In Crist,

Cris

Wen Lan's Press Flower Artwork booth at San Jose Tapestry Art Festival

2007-09-03T17:34:00.000-07:00

07-09-WenLan

Check out the pictures from Wen Lan's Press Flower Artwork booth at San Jose's Tapestry Art Festival during the 2007 Labor Day weekend. It was a beautiful booth with great products and designs, wonderful display of the elegant work. Many friends from Lighthouse helped out.

More about her work and schedule of her displays are available at www.wenland.com

Good job!

Article on Mother Teresa (Martina Niou)

2007-08-23T23:36:00.002-07:00

Dear Friends,

I came across this article and found it really, really good and thought-provoking. You may already know this, but I never knew of the spiritual challengens that Mother Teresa encountered in her journey of faith. I must say that I now respect her even more. This article is a bit long but it's a worthwhile read.

http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1655415-1,00.html

God Bless,

Martina

Wenlan's Art Shows (Jenna Pama)

2007-08-23T09:37:00.000-07:00

Hello Lighthouse,

Our dear friend Wenlan Lu is doing 3 art shows in the upcoming months. If you are available on any of those weekends, do stop by and say "Hi" (and show your support).

In case you haven't heard, Wenlan is an excellent, excellent artist. She does pressed flower artwork and jewelry making. To see samples of her work, go to www.wenland.com -Jenny

Show Schedule 2007

Sep

Tapestry Arts Festival 2007 Booth A108

9/1-9/3 San Jose CA

Park Avenue and Almaden Boulevard

Mountain View Art ¡® Wine Festival

9/8-9/9 Mountain View CA

Downtown Mountain View

Oct

15^th annual Los Altos Fall Festival

10/6-10/7 Los Altos CA

Downtown Los Altos parking plazas

Do you want to help spreading the "good news?" (Jenny Pama)

2007-08-16T23:48:00.000-07:00

Dear Lighthouse,

SJCCC has an evangelization committee. The purpose of this committee is promote our faith and SJCCC in our local areas.

On this Sunday, this committee will meet and share ideas on "how to". I know many of us have expressed interested in this area. Elisa and Dean have already joined this committee and helped out in various activities.

If you too are interested 'spreading the good news with others," please attend this short meeting. Go and find out what you can offer.

Time: 8/19, from 1pm - 2:45pm (before the 3pm Chinese mass).

Location: St. Claire at 941 Lexington St, Santa Clara, CA 95050.

-Jenny

Workshop-Find God In Your Life (Jenny Pama)

2007-08-16T23:41:00.000-07:00

Dear Lighthouse,

A wonderful workshop is coming next week.

When : 8/25/07 ( 9 AM to 9 PM)

What : How to experience God's touch in your Daily Life- St. Ignatius Spirituality.

Where : North Hall of St. Clare Church --> 941 Lexington Street, Santa Clara, 95050.

Who : Sr. Helen Fu

Please do not miss this opportunity. Sister Helen Fu has over 25 years experience in this area. She will show you that God is with you all the time. You might not konw it, but He is here.

Come and Taste by yourself. Get first hand experience on the "Good News" within your own life, then tell the others about it.

*Lunch will be provided for $6/person (vegetarian, fish & BBQ beef or pork & fish).

*Please RSVP by next Monday.

Guest Speaker on 9/1 (Jenny Pama)

2007-08-14T23:40:00.000-07:00

Dear Lighthouse,

There will not be a Bible study on 9/1. Instead, we will have a guest speaker, Sister Yueh.

Sister Yueh is a very experienced "counselor' in many areas. She can talk about anything and/or answer any of your questions. Below is a little bio of Sister Yueh.

Sister Yueh wants us to decide the topic(s) of 9/1's talk. She is open to anything.

So email me you ideas by the end of this week.

*This event is organized by Agnes. Thank you Agnes.-Jenny

岳偉利是岳安邦叔叔的姐姐

(岳安邦叔叔=Legion of Mary's Leader in SJCCC)

民國53年加入仁慈聖母會

目前在耕莘擔任牧職

也是青少年輔導及家庭婚姻諮商專家

也擔任東吳,輔仁, 等大學天主教大專同學會的輔導

Help with the Chinese Moon Festival (Dean Chen)

2007-08-06T23:45:00.000-07:00

Hello lighthouse,
The San Jose Chinese Catholic Community (SJCCC) is given a booth at this year's Moon Festival at Cupertino's memorial park 9/29 and 9/30 for the purpose of evangelization, in exchange, they are looking for folks who can help out with one of the programs at the event.

The program is to showcase Chinese wedding traditions. The exact content of which is to be determined. There will be an introductory write-up of the participating group in the festival program book. I was told that this would be an avenue for spreading the visibility of the Chinese Catholic community and lighthouse. If you are interested in helping out with the planning of or the event itself, please contact Dean Chen. before Friday this week.

The Time and place of the event: September 29th and/or 30th (depending on staffing).
Time slot: 3pm-5pm. Content: A demonstration of Chinese wedding tradition.
Exact content to be determined.
Location: Cupertino Memorial Park, Quinlan center (indoors)
Contact: Dean Chen

Two Events this Saturday (Jenny Pama)

2007-08-01T23:39:00.000-07:00

Dear Lighthouse,

There are two events this Saturday: Fr. Aldrich's talk in the morning and Bible Study in the evening. For more details, go to http://tinyurl.com/3yqv2b

-Jenny

New Vatican Website (Jenny Pama)

2007-07-31T23:39:00.000-07:00

Dear Lighthouse,

On July 19 the Vatican launched www.vaticanstate.va, a new website in
Italian, English, French, German and Spanish. The Vatican's main
website is still www.vatican.va, but the new website, with live pictures from
five webcams, provides more info about the offices that help run the
State of Vatican, as opposed to the Church.

Internet users can join pilgrims praying at Pope John Paul II's tomb in the grotto

of St. Peter's Basilica. A camera high on the Vatican hill points toward the
dome of St. Peter's Basilica. Three webcams have been set up on the
dome itself: one looking at St. Peter's Square, another at the Vatican
Gardens and the third at the home of the new Web site, the Vatican
governor's office.

For more details, see news on CNS:
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0704134.htm.

Lighthouse-Fremont Bible Study Group (Jenny Pama)

2007-07-24T00:34:00.000-07:00

Dear Lighthouse,

Due to the growing numbers of Lighthouse, we have decided to start a new Bible study group in the Fremont area.

This Saturday is the first gathering for the Fremont group. Everyone is welcome. In fact, we need everyone's support, especially in the beginning stage. If you can also help out with lead, host or bring snacks, please contact me.

The Bible study schedule are posted on our calendar at http://tinyurl.com/3yqv2b

-Jenny

************************************************************************************************

Time: 7/28, at 7:30pm (ends no later than 11pm).

Place: Joyce and Stephen's house at 44317 Arapaho Ave, Fremont

Lead: Jade

Snack Person: Joanne & Leo

6/10/2006 Ricci Institute Field Trip

2006-06-15T22:29:00.000-07:00

The trip to the Ricci Institute was just wonderful. There were a total of 12 people: Simon, Wenlan, David L., Thomas, Jade, Marcus, Tina, Anthony, and my family of four (my husband Christian, my children Leland and Alyssa).

Everyone was on time and Fr. Michel greeted us in front of the Ricci building at 10:30AM. Fr. Michel first gave us a short history about the Lone Moutain campus. Originally it was a women's college, owned by the Sisters of Sacred Heart. Later in mid-1850s, the land was sold to the Jesuit and later became a part of University of San Francisco.

For the next hour, Fr. Michel and Dr. Wu (the director of the Ricci Institute) gave us a brief but interesting history of how the Ricci got started and the purposes it served. We saw many precious books and artifacts detailing the missionary works that were done in China.

After the tour, Fr. Michel celebrated a mass at the "silver room." Everyone participated; Jade and I planned the liturgy; Tina and Simon did the readings; Wenlan prepared the prayers of the faithfull; and Thomas led the singing. During communion, Fr. Michel passed the bread to everyone, even to Anthony, Leland, Alyssa who have not received the Sacrament of Communion. For the three of them, Fr. Michel gave them each a non-consecrated bread. For doing so, all of us participated in the communion process. It 'family-style" mass was truly a very special experience. My children felt especially lucky because it was their first time 'holding and tasting their own bread."

Thank you, Fr. Michel!

4/15/06 Congratulations Tina and Darien!

2006-04-16T03:34:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Tina and Darien for their Baptism/Confirmation! (Click the thumbnail to see all pictures)

4/8/06 Passover Dinner Event

2006-04-09T03:27:00.000-07:00

AMAZING event by Martina and all the Lighthouse members! WOW! Write your own comments about this memorable event!

It's an informative and delicious fund raising event!

A tone of hard work behind the scene:

Thank you everyone!

3/31 to 4/2 Retreat: To Live and Die with Jesus

2006-04-07T19:39:00.000-07:00

Wow. What a weekend! The retreat was at the beautiful San Juan Bautista, about an hour south of San Jose. Some 60 people came to listen to Father Pan, an inspirational speaker and priest from Taiwan.

Father Pan covered many topics, including the hope we have as Christians, the great love God has for us, the Eucharist as the highest peak of the liturgy, and the paths we can take in our lives.

Briefly, Father Pan explained to us that the hope (盼望) for us Christians is one that will never be dashed, unlike the many hopes of this world. This is because the Christian's hope already been fulfilled by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Thus we can live peacefully and look forward to life after death.

Father Pan also related the story of a French woman named Marthe Robin, to remind us how suffering and death can be beginnings of greater things (just as a seed must die in order for it to bear fruits). Marthe, born in 1902, became bedbound by a mysterious illness when she was in her late teens. But her love for God never abated. Though by 25, she lost ability to swallow and eat and lived only on the weekly Eucharist, and though she suffered weekly the stigmata of Christ (the intense pains of Christ's death on the cross), she was willing to dedicate her life to God. She lived to be 78. During her life, she met tens of thousands of people who visited her at her small room, and inspired many, including Father Finet who with help of Marthe, started a lay movement called Homes of Charity (Foyer de Charité). Similarly, Jesus died but his death was not the end. Rather it brought about the salvation for all.

In his final lecture, Father Pan compared the journey of the two disciples in Luke 24:13-35 to the journey of our lives. We are like the disciples. Jesus takes the initiative to come into our lives (not vice versa). However, it is often difficult to recognize Christ in our lives. But our task does not end when we believe in Jesus. Rather, it is the beginning of our mission to spread the Good News. This bible passage also highlights the importance of the Breaking of the Bread.

Eight Lighthouse members attended this retreat. During one afternoon, we took a short trip to the 200-year-old Mission of San Juan Baptista (see picture at right).

It is truly wonderful to see such a young and enthusiastic priest, very knowledgable in theology to lead this retreat. Let's pray for Father Pan and for all priests who work so hard, that they stay healthy and continue to inspire believers and non-believers.

4/1/06 Testimony of the Samaritan Woman (John 4)

2006-04-02T03:07:00.000-07:00

With most of the members going to the two excellent retreats, a small group met at Shih-Chi and Liu Lei's warm and beautiful home. Jenny prepared maps of key geographic locations referenced in the scripture, and lead us in the study of John 4.

After the sharings, the wonderful hosts provided a delicious and abundant "Love Feast", Liue Lei even played her Accordion for us. Check out the pictures and emails to see what you've missed!

Here are some emails after the meeting:

#1 of 2

Thank YOU, Shih-Chi and Lei, For your wonderful hospitality! It was one of the most enjoyable bible study meetings ever! Thank you, too, Jenny, for the nice visual aides :) And Tony and Wendar for enhacing my leaning experience, as always. See you at the Passover Meal, Tina

#2 of 2

Dear Shih-Chi and Lei, You two are wonderful hosts, we enjoyed your warm and loving home very much. Thank you very much for hosting and providing the healthy and delicious love feast with strawberries, porridge, and my favorite egg tart. It was delightful to hear Lei playing the Accordion. Like Tina's thumb indicated in the picture, you guys are the best. :) Sometimes, it is only in a small group like what we had last time, we are able to have close interactions with each other. Thank you Jenny for the wonderful preparation and lead, it was also very touching to hear Tina's story and Lei's story about the conversion of her roommates. In deed, it is not at this mountain or at that mountain, it is the worship in Spirit and in Truth that is the most precious. Praise and thank the Lord for giving us this opportunity to share our 'life' together. May God bless and lead us always, +Tony & Wendar

3/18/06 Bible Study

2006-03-20T19:27:00.000-08:00

尼科德摩在chapter3, 9, 17 都出現過基本上可以看到他信仰的成長從一開始的半信半疑到會為耶穌辯護到最後為耶穌帶香料都是逐步相信的過程他對生活很真誠其實那時候的猶太人都以為他們已經有了真理拒絕聽耶穌的道理以為他沒有權柄畢竟他們以為他們聖經都讀的很熟聽不進別人的話尼科德摩不一樣他讀了聖經也很真誠的反省他發現耶穌的行為是從天主來的也願意來求教耶穌雖然他還是不了解這可以從他和耶穌的對話看出來不過他很認真我們教友要跟尼科德摩學習不要以為自己擁有全部真理應該謙虛的看天主會不會給我們其他的啟示生活好像在沒有地圖的山上hiking 我們都不知道前面有什麼如果我們以為有了聖經就有了全部那就跟那些猶太人一樣會比較麻煩其實我們會走錯路的走錯了在走回來就好了不要固執天主教也曾經走錯過我們能做的就是儘量避免錯要謙虛的分辨對還是錯聖經不會給全部的答案要常常反省什麼是對免得像那時猶太人一樣一直攻擊耶穌不守安息日天主教一直作的是希望跟現代社會對話不管是哲學或是社會科學在攻擊我們的人或是贊同我們的人對話天主教都不喜歡迷糊的信仰在尼科德摩跟耶穌的對話上其實有若望福音很一貫的地方就是重視信德的表達他描寫的耶穌跟若翰跟前三部福音有很大的不同若翰在前三部很多教導行為像是人跟如何結與悔改相稱的果實若望福音就沒有全都很有信仰又是天上的賞賜又是新郎的瑪竇講的耶穌又是山中聖訓又是要為最小兄弟作若望就比較少說這些又是聖神又是光明的其實有些人覺得天主教越來越liberal 好像有了愛什麼都不用作其實這是假的擔心如果我們為我們最小的兄弟做或是幫忙我們周遭的朋友其實不會不需要信仰反而更需要信仰更需要信仰祈禱就像德勒撒修女說的她們之所以能一直幫忙窮人照顧窮人是因為祈禱給了他們很大的力量其實我們生活也是這樣我們需要祈禱給我們力量去幫忙我們周圍的人我們是需要去彌撒重新點燃聖神的愛火的這就是若望福音要說的耶穌是拉比是天主子是光明從他那兒我們才會有力量若望的領悟好像是天主把所有的聖神無限量的給了耶穌天主教很少說耶穌是God,我們比較常說的是耶穌是 Son of God就是耶穌是完全的人也是完全的神更像是說耶穌是一個人有完整的天主性在他身上我們相信我們人也分享了天主性我們也分享了聖神如果你們祈禱求聖神的恩寵沒有不要難過如果你們求聖神一定會有的聖神會與我們同在的

3/11/06 Preparing and serving at the Homeless Shelter: Who does it benefit?

2006-03-12T16:21:00.000-08:00

March 11, 2006: A group of nine Watermark and Lighthouse members prepared a meal for the residents of the Emergency Housing Consortium's shelter at 2011 Little Orchard Road in West San Jose. The group arrived in the morning at 9am, and with kudos to Eugene's gift for organizational lead had a total of ninety (all kidding aside) sumptuous meals prepared by 11:30am with the pre-planned menu as follows:
Baked to well done but tender and juicy to the core 1.5 inch thick boneless center-cut pork loin chop seasoned with sage and rosemary marinated overnight (in Lee's secret recipe of herbs & spices) topped with freshly minced garlic and diced tomatoes
Flank steak (marinated with the same secret recipe) again topped with freshly minced garlic and diced tomatoes with optional burgundy dijon gravy
Choice of Garlic bread or pugliese bread
Tortellini filled with ricotta cheese in a light tomato pasta sauce
Spring mix Salad with organic greens and sliced tomatoes seasoned with vinaigrette dressing
Choice of frosted Chocolate cake or Carrot cake
24 oz Arrowhead Spring water in sport bottle

Our menu was designed primarily to be a meal that we would serve our best friends and family. The residents at the shelter typically receive items that are unwanted such as food close to expiration and surplus/used clothing and seldom anything that the rest of the community values highly. Working alongside the members of the shelter who helped us in the kitchen made me realize that if they only received just a small fraction of the love and care that we all receive and often take for granted, they would be just like us. Thus our goal, apart from filling their stomachs, was to raise their self-confidence and to let them know that we care enough for them to provide them with things that we would enjoy ourselves.

The residents, many of which were families with small children, enjoyed the meal and expressed their thanks through words of encouragement to us and obvious looks of gratitude, and that alone made all of the work worthwhile. The manager of the center, himself a homeless person at the facility 8 years ago, gave us a tour of the shelter and a description of various other needs that they have, including a need for people with computer knowledge to assist with reviewing resumes and teaching computer classes. We will evaluate their needs at future Lighthouse meetings and discuss other ways we can participate.

This was not only an opportunity for us to help our neighbors in need but also to see just how blessed we all really are. Although we were there to help them, I believe that the process of helping them will ultimately help us even more. Plus it was a whole lot of fun ... minus the food fight. Come join future activities and events scheduled on our Yahoo! Calendar at: http://calendar.yahoo.com/lighthousebiblestudy . Also see additional photos at our Yahoo! Groups Photo Section (Yahoo! Group Name: lighthousebiblestudy) found at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lighthousebiblestudy/ .

>
Click to join lighthousebiblestudy

3/5/06 Pictures from Rite of Election

2006-03-05T23:07:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Tina for her Rite of Election! (Click the thumbnail to see all pictures)

1/21/2006 Bible Study Corinthians Closing

2006-01-22T22:24:00.000-08:00

Darien and Eugene led the group in a discussion of 1 Corinthians 15, verses 35-58 as well as 1 Corinthians 16, thereby completing 1 Corinthians. We were joined by newcomer Nicole Shen and welcome her into our group.

An outline of the bible study is as follows:

Summary:
The righteous road is hard, but all who persevere will be rewarded. Focus not on the material but rather on the spiritual. To God, all things are possible.

Overview of 1 Corinthians in General:
In Acts, Paul first founded the church in Corinth
· Began his evangelism in a synagogue
· Was asked to leave by the Jews but opened up next door and even converted the leader of the synagogue
Cosmopolitan nature of Corinth
· Located on an isthmus; important trade route between Aegean and Adriatic Seas; all east/west traffic had to pass through
· City was conquered and destroyed by Rome in the 2nd century BC and rebuilt a century later by Julius Caesar
· The new city was settled by “freedmen” from Rome with almost no ties to aristocracy
Growth and diversity led to divisions among members
· Church in early times was not a strong institution
· People often were loyal to certain individuals
· Often, when Paul leaves, issues arise
· In the end, the church reconciled with Paul; holiness is not achieved by withdrawing from sinners or conflicting cultures but rather embracing them

Outline of 1st Corinthians 15
The apostle proves the resurrection of Christ from the dead. Verse 1-11 –
· The word resurrection, usually points out our existence beyond the grave.
· The doctrine of Christ's death and resurrection, is the foundation of Christianity. Remove this, and all our hopes for eternity sink at once.
· This truth is confirmed by Old Testament prophecies; and many saw Christ after he was risen.

12/18/05 SJCCC Christmas Party

2005-12-29T16:36:00.000-08:00

The Lighthouse group put up a memorable show at the SJCCC Christmas Party. Check out the pictures and short clips!

11/19/05 Jesus loves me

2005-12-12T23:25:00.000-08:00

We hosted a touching seminar from Mr. Joseph Shu with the "Jesus loves me" topic at SJCCC. His "Jesus loves me, I love Jesus" stories about his father's healing was particularly memorable.

11/5/05 Love

2005-12-12T23:08:00.000-08:00

Praise God for a large and active sharing on the theme of Love with 1 Corithian 13. we divided into 4 groups based on the favorite animal we would like to be:

The Lion group:

The Horse group:

The Sheep group:

Guess which group this is? (hint, eating their favorite food)

October Gatherings

2005-10-31T21:00:00.000-08:00

October 8th: Corinthian 11. Thomas led the worship, and Teresa led the Bible study, continuing the theme of obedience and acting with love.

October 22nd: Corrinthian 12. A very memorable and important gathering where Dennis went over the Spiritual Gifts inventory using material from
the Catherine of Sienna Institute.
Now, who did not do his homework ahead of time?

Spiritual Events and Resource

2005-09-11T22:40:00.000-07:00

Recent Events:

Many people went to the BACCLC this year (http://www.bacclc.org/2005/index.html) and found it was useful. Thanks Dennis, Ken, and the team to pull this retreat together!
Several people went to the "Called & Gifted workshop" (http://www.siena.org/) in SF and began the process to discover their gifts and calls. Recommendation is to purchase the courseware so more people can listen at home.

additional resources & upcoming events:

For Q4, we are very honored to have Joseph Shu (http://www.m4christ.net/) with us in November to give us a seminar, more details later! (Chinese)
The San Jose Diocese Spirit Site offers a number of useful resource and seminars (http://spiritsite.org). (English) A couple of notable upcoming events:
- Christian Spirituality for a Healthy Life (4 week program at Sacred Heart Church, Saratoga), Sept 29 - Oct 10, '05 (http://www.spiritsite.org/offerings.htm)
- Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola (30-week program), intro on 10/3 & 10/4 (http://www.spiritsite.org/offerings.htm)
"Communion of Saints Workshop" by Bishop Wong from SF, Sat 10/1 9:30-11:45, St. Clare Parish Hall, 725 Washington Street, Santa Clara, CA (Chinese)
Advent retreat by the Fremont group Sat: 10/15 9-5 Dominican Sisters Family Center, 43326 Mission Blvd. Fremont, CA, topic is "From the challenge faced by today's Catholics to see His treasure" by Fr. Lu from LA. $10 including lunch, please bring Bible and notebook. Contact 510-438-0619 (Chinese)

8/20/05 Bible study - sacrifice and Love

2005-09-07T22:46:00.000-07:00

Marcus and Jenny lead a wonderful study of 1 Cor. Chapter 7, talking about sacrifice and love. We split into 4 groups for group discussions, and each group presented their results.

Jenny also gave us home work... something we would do for love.

Spend some time to talk to co-worker in need
Getting up early to make the husband happy
Call my parents this week
....

Welcome Gabriel and his girl friend and her sister to join us. Gabriel is a good friend visiting from the East coast. Please join us again whenever you are in town!

8/6/05 Bible study - Marriage

2005-08-07T22:22:00.000-07:00

Eugene and Darien lead us to complete the study of 1 Cor. Chapter 7.

Thoughts about Marriage from the group:

Devotion
Happiness
Responsibility
Love
Compromises
Faith
Girl headach (the word marriage in Chinese is composed of two sides, left side is 'girl', right side is 'headach') -- does marriage give girls headache? Or, joining with a girl gives a guy headaches?

So, why are people looking to get married?

two people walking the journey
love, excperience God together

Han Ching was our new friend this time. Welcome!

7/23/05 Bible study - Conflicts and Free Choice

2005-07-31T22:32:00.000-07:00

Joyce and Stephen lead us to complete the study of 1 Cor. Chapter 6, talking about resolving conflicts and exercising our free choice. Key discussion points:

difficult to resolve conflicts, especially among close families
Ken's 500 mile rule
Everything is lawful for me, but not everything is beneficial. Everything is lawful for me, but I will not let myself be dominated by anything.

Joyce is pregnant! Congratulations to Joyce and Stephen! Denise's preganancy also seems to be coming along pretty well. Let's us keep Joyce and Denise and their babies in our prayers.

7/9/05 Bible study - Disputes in Church

2005-07-19T22:29:00.000-07:00

Jade and Bod lead a wonderful study of 1 Cor. Chapter 6, talking about disputes within the Church. Key discussion points:

Judgement vs discernment, family feud
Respect the needs of others, looking at things from others' perspectives
Humble ourselves first
Negotitate for a win-win

Tina was our new friend this time. Welcome!

6/4/05 Bible study - Rejoyce always, Pray unceasing, Thank God always

2005-06-04T23:42:00.000-07:00

"Rejoyce always, Pray unceasing, Thank God always" was the theme throughout the evening.

Mike and Corinna lead the Bible study of 1 Corinthian 4:1-13 at Martina's mom's, reminding us to be faithful Christians and to humble ourselves to God's will. Mike and Corinna gave many fun testimonies and sharings relating to leading Bible study sessions, "Holy Spirit Perfume", and recent experience in home buying.

Theresa and Wendar lead the praising & worshiping, and Ken and Bob brought snacks. We had 22 adults and 5 kids at the gathering this time.

Dennis brought Shamson Wong from the Cantonese group. Shameson gave a sharing about his experience at the Holy Spirit convention last weekend. Corinna and others also shared their experience at different Charismatic gatherings. It was Grace's birthday, and we gave her the birthday blessings and may God be with her as she go to college in NY.

Lighthouse Bible Study group Bookmarks designed by Eugene, and made by Martina, Eugene, Theresa, and Thomas are distributed. Everyone is encouraged to take them and use them as tokens to invite people to join the Bible study.

5/14/05 Bible study - Apollo or Paul, whom do we belong?

2005-06-01T00:50:00.000-07:00

Theresa and Martina lead a wonderful study of 1 Cor. Chapter 3, talking about the divisions within the Church.

By God's mysterious design, we have Fr. Larry visiting us. Fr. Larry "happens" to be working with the churches in China. The issue of underground church was a focus of the discussion, illustrating the teaching from the scripture of the day.

5/7/05 Lighthouse Group outing

2005-06-01T00:32:00.000-07:00

Thanks to David's lead, we had a very special group outing in May with ice skating, dinner, and kareoke. We are happy that everyone came back in one piece and nobody lost their voice.

We also had some old friends and new friends at the gathering! Welcome Emmanuel Lange joining us from Paris, and welcome back Cindy!

4/16/05 - what's the worth of a plasma TV comparing to my husband's health?

2005-04-24T23:29:00.000-07:00

Joyce and Stephen lead the study of 1 Corinthians 10 at Jade's mom's in Palo Alto. Jenny brought the snacks. Teresa presented the new praising and worshipping books. Yeh!

Most memorable quotes... "Without my husband (if my husband passed away), what's the use of a plasma TV?" --- Amen... this really puts things into perspective for us.

4/2/05 Easter Party

2005-04-04T23:46:00.000-07:00

We had an amazing gathering at Martina's mom's home, celebrating Easter and the baptism of William and confirmation and farewell for Ming. We had afternoon tea that had more selections of tea and food than London's Savoy Hotel. We also had lots of fun games with spiritual themes. All the planning, preparation, and execution efforts were GREAT and everyone enjoyed the exceptional party.

Thanks very much to all the contributors and everyone's participation!

Invitation design: Amy, Martina
Tea making: Martina, Elaine, Amy
Order taking: Amy
Decoration: Martina, Eugene, Thomas, Amy
Activity design and MC: Jade, Dennis
Food prep: Martina, Eugene, Thomas, Teresa, Amy
Money collection: David Chen
Beginning & Ending prayers: Steven, Ken
Picture taking: Tony, Eugene

Big thanks to Martina and her mom for making this event possible!!

Welcome new friends!

Zhao Yanyu and Aichun Liu (Dennis' friends from the lab)
Bob Li, Kenneth Tan (Dennis' friends, 2nd visits)
Arthur Tan and Irene (Dennis' new friends)
Eric (Ming's friend)
David Peng (invited by Angela's mom)

2005 Holy Week

2005-03-28T17:34:00.000-08:00

We spent the Holy Week at the St. Clares church with the 4 communities: Chinese, English, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Thursday 3/24: Last Supper
Friday 3/25: Good Friday - Station of the Cross
Saturday 3/26: Easter Vigil - William's baptism, and Ming's confirmation
Sunday 3/27: Easter Sunday

It was a very wonderful experience.

3/19/05 Bible study - Fellowship with Jesus

2005-03-21T22:45:00.000-08:00

Ken led the study of 1 Corinthians 1-9 at Wendar & Tony's home in Cupertino. Theresa led the worship with Wendar playing keyboard.

Ken pointed out that St. Paul referenced Jesus' name at least once in each of these 9 verses, some times twice! Ken asked many good questions related to the scripture. I only wrote down a couple that were particularly important to me:

How does 'knowing' God help you in your life? ("God gives me an anchor." "God gives me hope." "God reminds me where I am now, guide my way, away from material desires." "God helps me be humble and seek his help.")
Are we called like St. Paul? How? And, what are we called to do? ("how can I become a better person in my job/position.")
How do we fellowship with Jesus? ("heart-to-heart, spirit-to-spirit")

Amy, Martina, Teresa made special invitation eggs for our Easter gathering. Thank YOU!!

We had a new friend, Katherine, from San Mateo, and Denis brought another two new friends, Ken and Bob, thank you Dennis, and welcome!!!

3/5/05 Bible study - church in the home of Prisca and Aquila

2005-03-07T15:47:00.000-08:00

Eugene led the study of Romans 16 at Martina's mom's home in Palo Alto. Theresa led the worship and ending prayers with Hans playing guitar. Ken brought snacks.

Eugene told us many stories of people referenced in this chapter, and he prepared many good questions related to the scripture:

In an extremely dangerous environment (like Paul's situation or during period of religious persecution in China), who in this world do you trust?
What are the advantages of having priests (that are single instead of couple)?
What are the advantages of having lay people, married couples to preach?
Who bought you into the faith, were you introduced into the church by a priest (or other religious) or by lay people?
Whom have we bought into the faith?
What experiences give you special bonding with other people? (my key take away: MISSION)
What family or religious rituals (re: holy kiss) brings kinship & closeness?

Eugene repeatedly point out how woman contributed significant roles in the early church.

One of my own major take away was the church in the home of Prisca and Aquila (Rm. 16:3-5). We have go to keep building the church in our homes.

Moving to lighthouse-bible-study

2005-03-06T15:43:00.000-08:00

Moving from light-house-bible-study to: http://lighthouse-bible-study.blogspot.com/

Welcome & 2/19/05 Bible study - Sharing Life with each other

2005-02-20T00:17:00.000-08:00

Joyce and Steven led the study of Romans 15:14-33 at Jade's mom's home in Palo Alto. Theresa led the worship and ending prayers. Jenny brought snacks. Key take aways:

St. Paul reminded us that we are full of God's grace and love, and that we are called to spread God's love to others around us.
Cassandra story. Let keep praying that God's grace will soon change their lives.
Hot Soup sharing. We are all longing the "Hot Soup", a little caring and love in our lives.
Pillow Fight story. Just like kids, we are all looking for a little care-free quality time with each other.
Comments about sharing "life" with each other Really BE THERE as we spend time with each other.
Testimony about praying for those against us (Luke 6:27-28).

It was great that Dennis brought two new friends, Aichun and Jiali, from his research lab to our gathering today. Welcome!!

The group decided that we will study the 1 Corinthians after Romans.