Text Box: preparation period for the outpouring of the Spirit. It is pop­ularly called the Pentecost Novena (see Acts 1:14). Pentecost itself closes out the Easter season. It celebrates the overwhelming experience of God pouring out the Spirit upon the first community of those who believed Jesus was the Lord and Christ (see Acts 2:1-4). Pentecost is called, there­fore, the birth of the church or the birth of the church’s mission. The color of vestments and decorations for Pentecost is red. It symbolizes the intense love and fire of the Holy Spirit. Other symbols of the Pentecost event are the dove (see Luke 3:21-22), the tongues of flame (see Acts 2:1-4), and wind (see Acts 2:2). NOVENA OF HOLY MASSES FOR OUR MOTHERS The Second Sunday of May (11) is celebrated as MOTHERS’ DAY. In our Parish, a NOVENA of (nine) Holy Masses will be celebrated for the Intentions of our Mothers (living or dead). Our Mothers deserve our Love, Honor and Respect. We pray for them during Holy Masses on May 11: at 8.30AM & 12.30PM; May 12 at 6.00PM, May 13 at 7.30PM, May 14 at 6.00PM, May 16 at 8.00AM, May 17 at 10.00AM & 5.00PM & May 18 at 10.30AM. Special Memorial Books for our Mothers, living or deceased, will be placed in our Church. A letter with information about the Novena of Holy Masses will be sent to all our Parishioners by mail. Additional forms will be also available in our Church. THE BEST WISHES TO ALL OUR BELOVED MOTHERS. May God bless you all, and may the Blessed Virgin Mary; Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ protect you always. BLESSING OF EXPECTANT MOTHERS Will be May 3/4 weekend during Sat. 5.00PM, Sunday 8.30 & 10.30AM Masses. Text Box: 91st ANNIVERSARY OF APPARITIONS AT FATIMA Every year from May to October in many Catholic Parishes around the world Catholics celebrate the anniversary of the apparition of Our Lady to three Portuguese children: Francisco, Jacinta and Lucia. We plan to celebrate Fatima Services in our Church every month with Holy Mass, the Rosary in different languages, and a candlelight procession. The first service will be on Tuesday, May 13th 2007 at 7.30PM. Please come and invite others. If you speak other languages, please contact Fr Stan (510-482-0596) FIRST HOLY COMMUNION On Sunday, May 18, at 10.30, the children of our Parish receive, for the first time in their lives, Holy Communion. Please pray for our children waiting for their VERY IMPORTANT DAY, when they receive, for the first time, Jesus in the Holy Eucharist; and pray also for their parents teachers & catechists. OUR CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE CHILDREN AND TO THEIR PARENTS. CORPUS CHRISTI PROCESSION The most obvious religious tradition associated with this feast is the CORPUS CHRISTI PROCESSION. It had become common already in the late 13th century, and in 100 years, was adopted in most countries. This popular procession included the the streets; one block around our property. We will stop at 4 outdoor altars, where carrying of the Blessed Sacrament, visible in a monstrance. This year we will walk on there will be prayers, the Gospel and supplications sung and blessings with the Blessed Sacrament (Benediction). At the fourth altar, blessings will be extended to the four corners of the world. The motive for the procession was to publicly display a personal faith in the Real Presence. The Corpus Christi procession is an exercise of devotion and not a ritual. Its celebration falls, therefore, under the jurisdiction of local bishops. Our Bishop Most Reverend Allen VIGNERON encourages