Saint Philip Neri Parish Handbook

Do you have a Job or a Ministry?

Some people have a job in the church. Others involve themselves in ministry. What’s the difference? If you are doing it just because no one else will, it’s a job; if you are doing It to serve God, it’s a ministry. If you quit because someone criticized you, it was a job; if you kept on serving it so ministry. If you’ll do it only so long as it doesn’t interfere with your other activities, its a job; if you’re committed to staying with it even when it means letting go of other things, its a ministry. If you quit because no one ever praised you or thanked you, it was a job: if you stay with it even though no one seems to notice your effort, its a ministry. If you do it because someone said it needs to be done, it’s a job; if you do it because you think it needs to be done, it’s a ministry. It’s hard to get excited about a job: it’s almost impossible not to get excited about a ministry. An average church is filled with people doing a job; a great and growing church is filled with people who are involved in ministry.

Table of Contents

Welcome
Profile of St. Philip Neri
Parish Information
Office Address
Parish Staff
Office Hours
Mass Schedule
Reconciliation

Evangelization/Outreach
Advent Giving Trees
Asuchillo
Eucharistic Ministers To The Sick
Helping Hands for the Homeless
Ministry of Compassion
Social Concerns
St. Vincent de Pout Society
SPRED

Faith Formation
Adults
RCIA

Youth & Young Adult Ministries
Confirmation
Youth Ministry

Children
Baptisms — Infant
Faith Formation - Public School
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
First reconciliation & Eucharist

Liturgy
Altar Servers
Choir/Music Ministry
Eucharistic Ministers
Lectors
Liturgy Committee
Ushers

Parish Committees
Facilities
Finance Committee
Fun Fair
Pastoral Council
Welcoming / Hospitality

Parish Organizations
Catholic Daughters of America
Catholic Ladies Aid Society
Italian Catholic Federation (ICF)
Knights of Columbus
Rosarian Sodality

School
Saint Philip Neri School
Athletic Board
Parent Teachers Group (PTG)
School Board
Bingo
Scouting
Soy Scouts
Girl Scouts

Miscellaneous
Anointing of the sick
Funerals
Marriage
Mass Intentions
Sick Calls

Welcome

Dear Friends,

"There are no strangers - just friends we haven’t met." I don’t know who first said that but it makes sense, doesn’t it? This is our hope for you as you register here at our parish community - that you may find many friends here and that this is a place where everybody knows your name.

Besides welcoming you if you are new and encouraging you if you have been around for awhile, this parish handbook will serve as a wonderful resource for you and your family. It you would like to add a new program or ministry to our parish community, just let us know and your name / program / ministry will be added to this listing the next time around

May God continue to bless you and your loved ones, our parish and everybody in it!

In Gods love and mine.

Father Vince Cotter

St Philip Neri
Our Patron Saint

Philip Neri was born into a morally lax sixteenth century society Philip Neri became known early in life for his lively sense of humor and warm friendliness combined with intelligence and on irresistible personal approach. Philip’s zeal for God and Church spread throughout the city of Paine, where he spent most of his long life. An endless stream of visitors came to his simple quarters for spiritual direction. After he became a priest, they came for his absolution. Philips practical advice led many to convert good intentions to Christian acts. Favored with several mystical experiences which increased his ardor and his renown, Philip eventually come to find the Congregation of the priests and of the Oratory, or Oratorian Fathers (since they had earned such repute for their effective spiritual talks). The Congregation soon outgrew the old quarters building of his New Church, the Chiesa Nuova, not far from St. Peter’s Basilica, where he lies enshrined today. Philip Men died in 1595; his feast day is observed on the universal calendar of the church of May 26th. St Philip Neri, the humorist saint, the humble man who used his warmth and sense of humor to convert good intentions into better lives still offers sound advice to the people of this age.

Parish Information

Church Office Address

3108 Van Buren Street
Alameda, CA 94501
Phone: 510-522-2299
Fax: 510-522-8213

Fr. Vince Cotter, Pastor

Parish Staff

Lily Abando, Bookkeeper
Nell Davis, Rectory Staff
Steve Azzopardi, Music Director & Cantor
Marilyn Marchi, Elementary School Principal
Mary Ann Bachmann, Parish Secretary
Sarelle McCoard, Youth Ministry Coordinator
Janice Nelson, Children’s Faith Formation Coordinator
Greta Rosenberger, Adult Faith Formation Coordinator
Esperanza Vigil, Rectory Staff

Church Office Hours

Monday - Thursday, 9am to 4pm
Friday - Closed (except for deliveries)
Saturday & Sunday - Closed

Mass Schedule

Saturday 5:00pm
Sunday 8:00am and 10.30am
Children’s Liturgy of the Word 10:30 Mass (Grades k-4)
Daily Mass 7:30am
Holy Day Eve 5:00pm
Holy Days 7:30am and 7:00p

Reconciliation (Confession)

Saturday 3:30pm - 4:30pm
or by appointment

Advent Giving Trees

The Advent Giving Tree makes the holidays brighter for many people. At the beginning of Advent, ornaments are placed upon the giving trees and parishioners may take one or two ornaments and bring back gifts with the ornament attached. Gifts are for local seniors at convalescent and nursing homes as well as local shelters for the homeless and HIV-AIDS patients. This is the time of the year when we can really reach out to others in need although all of these recipients are worthy of our attention all year round.

Asuchillo

Saint Philip Neri and two other Bay Area parishes have a sister relationship with the community of Asuchillo in El Salvador, Central America. The mission is to raise funds to support development projects in Asuchillo, to advocate for human rights and a just U.S. policy toward El Salvador and to host tours and delegations between our two communities. The steering committee meets every two months to discuss matters, update communications and share plans for tours and delegations. By sharing our faith and cultures we create lasting bonds of friendship from our two nations.

Eucharistic Ministers to the Sick & Homebound

This ministry provides an extension of the parish community to those unable to gather for the celebration of Eucharist when homebound or in the hospital.

Helping Hands for the Homeless

With the cost of living so high coupled with a stressed economy, many families’ are becoming homeless. The shelters are filled with children and babies, who along with their parents, are homeless and usually have lost all their former possessions.

Helping Hands for the Homeless fills the wish lists from Midway Shelter, furnishes Midway graduates first apartment, coordinates adopting a family for their first Christmas in their new home, and help sort and prepare the weekly donations.

Ministry of Compassion

Individuals caring for or responsible to anyone of any age who is ill, infirmed, or disabled (including mental illness) are invited to join this group. The purpose of this group is to provide a safe and confidential environment for sharing concerns involved with caring for loved ones.

Social Concerns

The Social Concerns Committee is established by the Pastoral Council to fund outreach programs and encourage both financial support and volunteer work to the needy within our community, in neighboring areas and beyond. The ongoing areas of involvement are: Advent giving trees, Amnesty international, Asuchillo (Saint Philip Neri’s sister parish in El Salvador), Friendly Manor, HIV/AIDS Outreach, Midway Shelter, Pro Life, St. Mary’s Center, St. Vincent DePaul Society, and SPRED. Details for some of the groups are listed individually in the handbook. The Committee invites the parish community to participate actively in this outreach ministry.

St. Vincent de Paul Society

The Saint Philip Neri branch of this organization helps in caring for the physical needs of those in financial crisis within the parish and in the larger community. It also provides transportation to Mass for those who need it and distributes Communion to the iII and shut-ins. If you know of anyone needing the services of this organization, please contact the Church Office or our coordinator.

SPRED

The Special Religious Education Department (SPRED) staff works with parish communities to welcome and to integrate persons with developmental disabilities into the faith community. SPRED also provides preparation for Baptism, Eucharist, Reconciliation and Confirmation. Any interested adult who has an open heart and a desire to deepen their faith life is welcome. No previous experience with children, teens or adults with developmental disabilities is necessary.

Faith Formation

Adults

R.C.I.A., (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)

The Catholic Church warmly welcomes new members and tries to provide an appropriate spiritual formation according to each persons needs. The rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the church’s way to initiate new members. Any adults wishing information about this process are encouraged to contact the Church Office. There is an ongoing period of instruction beginning in the fall and coming to a joyful celebration at Easter when new members are formally received into the church. An RCIA team implements the RCIA program.

Youth & Young Adult Ministries

Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation is an opportunity for young adults to say yes to being a member of the Catholic Church. When a person is confirmed they receive the Holy Spirit and are fully initiated members of the Catholic faith. Island-Wide Confirmation is a two year process. The first year consists of religious education and community building events. The second year consists of weekly classes on Sunday’s, special rites and a weekend retreat. You may register for the first year as early as your freshman year of high school.
Sessions are for high school Catholics from the four Alameda parishes. Confirmation is celebrated each year with Bishop John Cummins presiding.
Adults wishing to be confirmed may participate in our RCIA program.

Youth Ministry

The youth and adults of Alameda’s Catholic Island-Wide Youth Ministry reach out to high school youth inviting them into a community of acceptance and friendship. We grow together as we learn about our faith, shame our stories and support each other through the guidance of the Spirit of Jesus. We have monthly special events, day and weekend retreats, religious education workshops, community service opportunities and leadership development for teens and adults who want to get more involved.

Children

Baptisms - Infant

Arrangements should be made well in advance so that parents and godparents will have adequate time to prepare for the celebration of Baptism. This preparation includes an interview with the Baptismal Coordinators followed by a Baptismal preparation class during the month. The class is conducted by a parishioner Baptismal coordinator along with the Pastor. Parents are required to attend the class prior to the date of Baptism. Call the Baptism Coordinator for appointment.
Baptisms are celebrated once a month. Baptisms are not celebrated during the season of Lent.
Included in the Baptismal process is the Rite of Welcoming held once a month during mass

Faith Formation (Public School Grades 1 - 8).

The religious education of our children is essential, and the Faith Formation Program in our parish is a priority. In this after-school program, catechists meet weekly for one hour and fifteen minutes with public school children, from September through mid-May. Support is available to all catechists through training and individual coaching. Student materials relative to each grade level are provided. For individuals interested in this ministry, but who cannot commit to a nine-month assignment, there is an ongoing need for classroom aides, substitutes, and support staff.

Children’s Liturgy Of The Word

Children’s Liturgy of the Word is available at Sunday
10:30 am. Mass for children from 5 years and in
Kindergarten – 4th grades.

Our primary goal is to help children participate fully and joyfully as members of the worshipping community. Children are led to the Church Office basement to experience and hear Gods word through storytelling, art, and prayer. They rejoin their families during the Preparation of the Gifts (Offertory).
We invite you to have your children join us. No registration or fee is required.

First Reconciliation & First Eucharist

In this two-year program, it is customary that
Children begin preparation for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist in the first grade and receive the Sacraments in the second grade. However, the classes are multi-age, and children may begin preparation at anytime during their elementary school years. Sacramental preparation for older children is also offered.

Liturgy

Altar Servers

Altar servers are comprised of boys and girls who are in Grades 5-8 and are dedicated to serving Mass on Sundays, Holy Days and daily Masses throughout the year.
Training is required and parents should be flexible to insure that their child serves Mass at his or her assigned times.

Choir / Music Ministry

Music is an important and integral part of our weekly worship at Saint Philip Neri. Our choir, cantors, and instrumentalists minister in a special way using their talents to serve the Lord and the parish community.

The Adult Choir is open to anyone who can carry a tune and always welcomes new members. The choir would like to encourage instrumentalists as well as vocalists to join us for the whole year or just for the Christmas and Easter seasons. We sing at the 10:30am Mass every Sunday and rehearse Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. in the church.

Eucharistic Ministers

Eucharistic Ministers call the assembly to its full, conscious active participation in the Eucharist through their willingness to assist in the distribution of the Eucharist. These ministers are living signs of the Body of Christ as they minister the Body and Blood of Christ to their brothers and sisters at Eucharist.

Lectors

Lectors are called to proclaim the Word of God. You are a storyteller called to speak the words of salvation. The willingness to prepare yourself with study and practice is essential.

Liturgy Committee

The Liturgy Committee serves the parish by planning and preparing the church for the various Liturgical seasons by presenting a beautiful and harmonious flow to the Liturgy through prayer, music, and environment. Membership is composed of any interested parishioners who would like to contribute their talents and services and meet approximately six times annually.

Ushers

Everyone who takes part in the Eucharistic Celebration, beginning with the priest and including each individual parish member shares the responsibility for creating the climate of hospitality and community which is necessary for worship to flourish. The ushers have the responsibility of preparing the Church before Mass, greeting the parishioners at the door, seating them, taking the collection, and arranging the offertory procession.

Parish Committees

Facilities

The buildings and grounds at Saint Philip Neri represent the home of a diversified community united in Christ and a substantial investment on the part of our community. The Facilities Committee reviews and monitors the continuing maintenance requirements of Saint Philip Neri. It recommends to the Pastor and the Pastoral Council how maintenance management should be handled on an ongoing basis

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee helps the Pastor oversee the financial concerns of the parish. Among their responsibilities, they prepare and present the annual budget, meet monthly to review parish income and expenditures, and provide parishioners with annual reports of the financial position of the parish. Members are appointed by the Pastor in accordance with Cannon Law. Prospective volunteers should be skilled in business and have expertise in management, accounting, banking or other related fields,

Fun Fair

The Annual Parish Fun Fair is held in September. It is the one major parish fundraiser held annually to support the parish and school. It is organized by Saint Philip Neri families and volunteers are from all areas of the parish. There are game booths, food booths, raffle drawings, pasta dinner, bingo and entertainment. Other events held in conjunction with Fun Fair have traditionally been car washes, dinner / dances, golf tournaments, and tennis tournaments.

Pastoral Council

Saint Philip Neri Pastoral Council was established to be a "visionary" body for the parish. It seeks to promote the spiritual, social, and economic welfare of the parish. Together with the pastor, the Council takes responsibility for the ongoing direction and activity of parish life. Guided by a mission statement, delegates act as liaisons between parishioners and the Council. Pastoral Council members serve a three-year term. New members are commissioned each year through a discernment process. Parishioners are welcome to attend the monthly meetings.

Welcoming

The function of this committee is to welcome new families who register in the parish. The committee calls to introduce themselves and invite the new families to meet other parishioners through host families. At that time, the new parishioners visit the Welcoming Committee to get acquainted with the activities and organizations of the parish.

Also, a Hospitality Committee coordinates refreshments after mass on a monthly basis. Each month is hosted by a different organization of the parish.

Parish Organizations

Catholic Daughters of America

Catholic Daughters of America has developed into the largest organization of Catholic women in the Americas. Their motto is unity and charity. The purpose of the organization is to participate in the religious, charitable and educational apostolates of the church. Catholic Daughters of America engages in creative and spiritual programs which provide its members with the opportunity to develop their special God-given talents in a meaningful way to positively influence the welfare of the church and all peoples throughout the world. Catholic Daughters of America meets monthly.

Catholic Ladies Aid Society

The Catholic Ladies Aid Society was founded in Oakland, California in June, 1887. The Society does many works of charity each year. Members shall be Roman Catholic women over 16 years old. Meetings are held monthly.

Italian Catholic Federation

The Italian Catholic Federation (ICE) is a family-oriented, non-profit fraternal organization dedicated to promoting activities that build family spirit and bring men and women of all ages together. By joining ICE, members share their culture, heritage and religious beliefs. We are proud of our assistance to parishes, pastors and local communities. The ICE is an example of the laity’s participation in the apostolic mission of the Catholic Church.

Knights of Columbus

The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic men’s fraternal organization. Its purpose is to provide spiritual support and development to its members and to aid the parish and the community through various works of charity and fundraising activities. Enrollment is open to men 18 years of age and older, Meetings are held monthly.

Rosarian Sodality

Rosarian Sodality, a women’s group, was established in 1953. The Rosarians are a spiritual and social group. They manage the altar and sacristy areas, sponsor a sewing group, Christmas boutique, St. Patrick’s dinner, and other socials. Meetings are held monthly. Mass is offered the first Saturday of the month at 5p.m. for the Rosarians.

Saint Philip Neri School

Saint Philip Neri Catholic School, composed of faculty, students and parents bound together in faith, is an integral part of the parish community. This community works to bring about intellectual and spiritual growth in an atmosphere of unity and trust. Classes are offered for children in grades K – 8. The faculty is a professional resource available to students and parents to create a positive atmosphere for learning. The student is responsible for using educational opportunities to enrich his/her intellectual, moral, psychological, social and physical development. Parents are responsible for developing and modeling a value system consistent with their faith, supporting the school and faculty in their endeavors.

Athletic Board

The Saint Philip Men Athletic Board is composed of 15 volunteer parents, the school Principal and the Pastor. The Board conducts all athletic related business at Saint Philip Neri. The Board is funded by a modest athletic fee paid by the families of the athletes, as well as proceeds from the annual Crab Feed. The board meets monthly and is open to parishioners.

Parent Teachers Group (PTG)

The Parent Teachers Group coordinates functions that enhance the learning environment at Saint Philip Neri School. These include social events, community outreach programs, fundraising activities and opportunities for parents to participate in various school events. PTG serves as a liaison between the faculty, School Board, Pastoral Council and the Athletic Board. Officers, elected in the spring, govern PTG during the following school year. An advisory board of volunteers serves with the elected officers.

PTG meets monthly during the school year.

School Board

The School Board is an advisory board to the Principal and Pastor and is composed of 9 elected members from the school community. They aid and advise the administration of the school in areas such as finance public relations, long range planning, and technology. Meetings are held monthly during the school year. Anyone is invited to attend.

Bingo

Bingo is conducted at Saint Philip Neri’s Monsignor O’Brien Hall every Tuesday at 7p.m. Doors open at 5pm. This activity benefits Catholic education n the parish - Saint Philip Neri School, as well as, the school of religious formation.

SCOUTING

Scouting involvement and participation in parish life and instills ethical and faith-centered values in its members. There is also an active support of Saint Philip Neri ministries and activities. We practice to foster self respect and self esteem among members.

Boy Scouts

Boy Scout Troop 78 has been chartered by Saint Philip Neri and affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America for over 24 years. It has five groups including Tiger Cubs, Wolf Cubs, Bear Cubs, Webelos and Boy Scouts at age levels spanning 8 school grades.

Girl Scouts

Girl Scout Troop 85 has been affiliated with Saint Philip Neri for over 30 years and currently has seven groups including Daisy. Brownie, Junior and Cadette. It’s affiliation with Saint Philip Neri promotes Gathering, an essential of parish life.

Miscellaneous

Anointing of the Sick

This Sacrament is intended for the healing of those who are ill or elderly. It may be received at home, during Mass, or in the hospital. If you are seriously ill or are preparing for surgery, please call the Church Office to arrange for the reception of this Sacrament. Communal celebrations of this Sacrament are held during the year.

Funerals

The family of the deceased will be assisted by the Pastor and Bereavement Coordinator in planning the funeral services and burial or cremation. Families are welcome to select the readings and music.

Marriage

Arrangements for weddings should be made at least six months in advance of the marriage. This allows time for attendance at marriage preparation sessions, planning of the ceremony, and the reservation of the church. The bride or groom should be a participating member of Saint Philip Neri Parish.

Diocesan policy states that for those who have not reached their 20th birthday by the date of the marriage, require interviews with the Parish priest, and a professional counselor, and approval by the Bishops office before a wedding date can be reserved.

Contact the Church Office for details.

Mass Intentions

Masses for the deceased and for other special
Intentions can be arranged by contacting the Church
office. The usual offering for this is $10.

Sick Calls
Call the Church Office any time. 522-2299

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