Are you new to Immaculate Heart of Mary? We Welcome you! We are a very vibrant and active parish in Brentwood whose mission is, “With Mary, we seek to know Christ better and to make him better known through our words and actions.” We do this in a variety of ways through our several sacramental prep programs, social outreach, as well as our active ministries, Bible studies, and an energetic youth program. We also LOVE new parishioners. Even though we are unable at this time to gather for ministry meetings many of the ministries are finding ways to stay connected through Zoom. If you are not yet registered, please call the parish office at 925-634-4154 and ask for Ana. She will be happy to mail you a registration form or you can go on line and register at: ihmchurch@ihmbrentwood.com. Bishop’s Appeal Thank you for your generosity and support in the past to the “Bishop’s Appeal”. If you are financially able, please thoughtfully and prayerfully consider joining our efforts this year by making a gift or pledge of financial support. Jesus Christ promised us at His Ascension: “I will be with you all days until the end of the ages.” If Christ has helped you and your family, if He has been generous to you, will you consider sharing some of the blessings you have received with Christ and His Church? Although we call it “The Bishop’s Appeal,” it is really Christ’s appeal. Thank you in advance for your love and generosity. No gift is too small. Gracias por su generosidad y apoyo en el pasado al "Apelacion del Obispo". Si tiene la posibilidad de hacerlo, por fav or, considere en oración unirse a nuestros esfuerzos este año haciendo un regalo o promesa de apoyo financiero. Jesucristo nos prometió en su Ascensión: "Estaré con vosotros todos los días hasta el fin de los tiempos". Si Cristo le ha ayudado a usted y a su familia, si ha sido generoso con usted, ¿consideraría compartir algunas de las bendiciones que ha recibido con Cristo y su Iglesia? Aunque lo llamamos "Apelacion del Obispo", en realidad es la llamada de Cristo. Gracias de antemano por su amor y generosidad. No importa el tamano de la donacion. Thank You / Gracias We extend our gratitude for your devoted support of the Bishop’s Ministries Appeal. Let us work together to strengthen our church and community through our shared mission. Immaculate Heart of Mary’s Bishop Ministry’s Appeal goal is $70,800. Extendemos nuestra gratitud por su devoto apoyo a la Campaña para los Ministerios del Obispo. Trabajemos juntos para fortalecer nuestra iglesia y nuestro país a través de nuestra misión fundamental. El monto de apelación del Ministerio Obispo del Inmaculado Corazón de Maria asciende a $70,800.. Let’s slow down and remember what Advent is all about This time of year our lives get busy. So much to do, so little time. Let’s slow down and remember what Advent is all about. With this, Masses get fuller, parking lot gets busier. Please do not park in RED ZONES and in front of NO PARKING SIGNS. There is always room in the back parking lot. If you come late, walking from the back to the Church only takes a few extra minutes, so do not illegally park in the front parking lot. It also helps to park straight and make room for more cars. +++++++ En esta época del año nuestras vidas se vuelven ocupadas. Hay tanto que hacer y tan poco tiempo. Bajemos el ritmo y recordemos de qué se trata el Adviento. Con esto, las misas se llenan más, el estacionamiento se llena más. Por favor no estacionen en las ZONAS ROJAS y en frente de las SEÑALES DE NO ESTACIONAR. Siempre hay lugar en el estacionamiento trasero. Si llega tarde, caminar desde la parte de atrás hasta la Iglesia sólo le tomará unos minutos extra, así que no estacione ilegalmente en el estacionamiento delantero. También ayuda estacionar derecho y hacer espacio para más carros. Deanery 10 Advent 2024 Reconciliation Service St. Anthony December 19 @ 7pm Most Holy Rosary December 20 @7pm Important Notice / Anuncios Importantes The office of the parish as well as the Chapel will be closed December 24, 25, 26, 27, as well as December 31 and January 1. We will not have confessions on Tuesday, December 24 or Tuesday, December 31. We will not have adoration on December 26 and 27. +++ La oficina de la parroquia y la capilla estaran cerradas el 24, 25, 26 y 27 de Diciembre y Tambien el 31 de diciembre y el primero de enero. No tendremos confesiones el martes 24 de diciembre ni el martes, 31 de diciembre. No tendremos Adoracion el 26 y 27 de diciembre. Greetings to all from Share-a-Mass Ministry This is to remind everyone that we are still available to drive those in need of a ride to Mass. Unfortunately, since Covid, it is just Rita and I to drive. We usually attend the 12:30 pm Mass on Sunday; although, at times, we attend Saturday, 5:00 pm Mass. Share-a-Mass only picks up those who live within the City of Brentwood. If you need a ride, and are ambulatory, please contact the Parish Office at 925-634-4154. If you would like to join us in our ministry, we would welcome your assistance. It is a warming way to not only bring someone to Our Lord’s Supper, but make new friends and parishioners. You need a certain level of car insurance, complete the Safe Environment Course and be fingerprinted. Knights of Columbus/Italian Catholic Federation PANCAKE BREAKFAST Come visit with your fellow parishioners and welcome our new parishioners at the pancake breakfast on the first Sunday of each month. Hours are 8:15am to 12:00pm.

Caballeros de Colón y la Federación Católica

Italiana

DESAYUNO DE PANQUECAS Vengán a visitar con sus amigos parroquianos y darles la bienvenida a los nuevos parroquianos al desayuno de pancakes el primer Domingo de cada mes. Horario del desayuno es de 8:15am a 12:00pm Please park correctly / Por favor, estacione correctamente Thank you for not parking in red zones. However, we would appreciate if you could be sure to park straight in the parking stalls. We have noticed several open parking spaces because cars are parked at an angle or over the lines. If everyone would be better at parking straight there would be more available parking spaces. Again thank you for your cooperation. Gracias por no estacionar en las zonas rojas. Sin embargo, le agradeceríamos que se asegure de estacionar derecho en los puestos de estacionamiento. Hemos notado varios espacios de estacionamiento vacios porque los autos están mal estacionados, en angulo o sobre la linea blanca. Si todos pudieran estacionar derechos habrian mas puestos libres para estacionar. De nuevo gracias por su cooperacion. Altar Server Invitation The Altar Server Ministry is accepting new applicants. To be eligible, your family must be registered in the parish, you must have made First Communion, and have a willingness to serve our Lord at the altar. If you are interested, please contact Tim Guernsey at tguernsey@sbcglobal.net, or call 925-457-4519. Bible Study / Estudio de la Biblia Are you interested in deepening your understanding of, and engagement in the Mass and drawing closer to Jesus? Come join us for a scripture study to delve into the coming weekly readings. Group meets weekly on Fridays at 3:30pm in the Library. Está Ud interesado en profundizar su comprensión, y compromiso en la Misa y acercarse más a Jesús? Venga y unase a nuestro grupo para un estudio de las escrituras para las próximas semanas. El grupo se reúne los lunes as las 7:00pm en el salón A. English: D. Allan Steinhardt, cell 925-200-0115 Spanish: Sister Januaria Beleño, januariab@gmail.com Thank You! Gracias! Salamat! We wish to acknowledge the parishioners for not parking in red zones. The Brentwood Police Department will still be checking on illegal parked cars, so please don’t risk getting a ticket. Deseamos agradecer a los feligreses por no estacionar en las zonas rojas. El Departamento de Policía de Brentwood, seguirá revisando los autos estacionados ilegalmente, así que por favor no corran el riesgo de recibir una multa. Youth Corner S.A.L.T. Leadership Applications for S.A.L.T. teens (Students and Adults Leading Together) are now open. This team of teens help with various events throughout the year, like leading small groups, assisting at Mass in different capacities, retreat leaders, EDGE program and other awesome events. Please email Julie (ihmyouthbrentwood@ gmail.com) to get an application. A great way to get involved, meet more people, celebrate your faith while having fun. SAINT(s) - Real Life Role Models: Lets hear it for a few of God's amazing Holy heroes: St. Maria Goretti (Patroness of Youth and Young Women) , St. Benedict (Patron of Students), St. Kateri( Covert to the faith at age 19) and St. Ann and St. Joachim (Grandparents to Jesus). Check out these amazing role models. Some are young - some are older. As you check into their stories you may a find a new heavenly friend to accompany you on your journey. One website to look up Saints is atholiconline.org/saints/ Youth Ministry Invites You!! We welcome all teens grades 6-12 to join our Edge Middle School Ministry, Tuesdays 4:15-5:15pm, or our High School Youth Ministry program, Thursdays 6:30-8pm. Enrollment is taken year around for these groups! We participate in Bible studies, faith talks, prayer experiences, games, retreats, snacks and social events. Please email Julie Figueroa at ihmyouthbrentwood@gmail.com for more information. All are welcome! *Please note enrollment for our Confirmation program for teens in grades 9 and up is now closed and will re-open for online registration in June of 2025.*

An Invitation to Serve from St. Vincent de

Paul @ IHM

Giving Shouldn’t Stop on Christmas! The 2nd collection on Sunday, December 28th and 29th will go to St. Vincent de Paul Conference here at IHM. The need in our community doesn’t stop on Christmas, so we ask that you be generous so we can continue the work we do into next year. We not only fund a food pantry every Friday, but also do our best to help Neighbors in our community when they have hardships and need financial support. The task of helping the poor never ends. From the members of St. Vincent de Paul at Immaculate Heart of Mary we wish you all a Blessed Christmas and a Healthy and Happy New Year. You all are aware St. Vincent de Paul at IHM has a food pantry, but many of you may not know the core work of our Society is assisting neighbors in need. For many the food helps, but some have other needs, which may require financial assistance. For these other needs, we go to the neighbor, meet them in their home and talk about their needs, making sure we fully understand. Not too different from a Eucharistic Minister going to a person’s home for spiritual needs. When we make a Home Visit, we always go in pairs, just as Jesus taught. There are many reasons for going in pairs, and we prefer the pair be a man and a woman, but they don’t have to be a “couple”. We all know men and women hear things differently. We really need more couples at our Conference to do this very important work. You may or may not have time every Friday, but Home Visits can be different days and times. Maybe one can come on Fridays but not the other, and that is fine. We have our General Meetings on Wednesday at 10:30, once a month, and really like all those doing our “work” to attend these meetings. If you are interested in finding out more about what we do, please let us know through our email svdpihmbrentwood@gmail.com. God Bless you all for your support of St. Vincent de Paul here at IHM. For the weekend of December 22, please bring mac and cheese. THANK YOU! For the weekend of December 29, please bring canned fruits. THANK YOU! +++ Para el fin de semana del 22 de diciembre, por favor traigan macarron y queso. GRACIAS! Para el fin de semana del 29 de diciembre, por favor traigan frutas enlatadas. GRACIAS!

Notice from our Parish Librarian

Starting this month, our Lending Library, with books and CDs on various topics to help deepen our faith, are available. The Library will be open from 10:30am till 2:00 pm on Sundays. For more information, please contact Mikey DeFalco at 925- 445-4593. For more information call the Parish Office at 925-634-4154 Widow/Widower Support Group Has your spouse passed way? Are you finding it hard to cope? Have you found a new “normal” yet? Come to widow/widower grief support group every Thursday in the IHM Library from 5-6:15 pm. Open to all faiths. Optional dinner at local restaurants after the weekly meetings. In addition to weekly meetings, monthly pot luck and happy hour (emphasis on fellowship) are held each month. Call Mary Ann Smith at 925 240-1706 for dates/times. Ministry of Caring/Counseling Grief comes in many ways, death of a spouse, child, parent, divorce. It also comes in new surroundings and loss of a job. IHM has a ministry that helps those in need to get support through one-on-one counseling and group meetings. We welcome all those in need. For further information, please call Sandy Heinisch at 925-628-1503. Brentwood Police Department will be invited / Invitaremos a nuestra parroquia al Departamento de Policía de Brentwood Brentwood Police Department will be invited on site to issue citations to those parked in the DRIVEWAYS, WALKWAYS, RED ZONES and BLUE HANDICAPPED SPACES (without posted permit). Please cooperate. Fr. Quang Invitaremos a nuestra parroquia al Departamento de Policía de Brentwood para que de tiquetes de multa a los vehículos que estén estacionados en el cruza para peatones, caminos de entrada, ZONAS ROJAS y ESPACIOS AZULES PARA INCAPACITADOS (Que no tienen permiso de estación en esos puestos). Por favor necesitamos su cooperación. Padre Quang Ads for the bulletin:/Avisos para el boletín: Ads for the bulletin: We are requesting if you are a business owner or know a business owner to consider placing an ad in our bulletin. It is the ads that allow us to have a bulletin weekly with no cost to us. For Ads call: 1-800-950-9952 LPI or email 4lpi.com. Thank you!! Avisos para el boletín: Estamos solicitando que si usted es dueño de un negocio o conoce a un dueño de un negocio, considere poner un anuncio en nuestro boletín. Son los anuncios los que nos permiten tener un boletín semanal sin costo alguno para nosotros. Por favor llame para colocar el anuncio al 1-800-950-9952 LPI o correo electronico 4lpi.com. Gracias!!

Attention: / Atención:

If you or your children are sick, please stay home. Remember we do

provide live streaming of Mass for those who are home bound and

cannot come to Mass at 9am English on Sundays and 10:45 am

Spanish. It is ok to stay home if someone in your family is sick.

****** Si ud o sus hijos están enfermos favor de quedarse en casa. Recuerde que ofrecemos transmisión en vivo de la misa para aquellos que están confinados en sus casas y no pueden asistir a misa los domingos a las 9am en Ingles y a las 10:45am en Español. Está bien quedarse en casa si alguien de su familia esta enfermo. Hours of Adoration/Horas de Adoración Hours of Adoration are on Thursdays from 8:30AM to 6:00PM. On Fridays, Adoration begins at 8:30am and Continues until 7:30am on Saturday. Please pray for increased vocations. Horas de Adoración son los jueves de 8:30AM a 6:00PM. Adoración los viernes empieza a las 8:30AM y continúa hasta el sábado a las 7:30AM. Por favor recen para que aumenten las vocaciones. Promise: I promise to the soul that visits Me frequently in this Sacrament of Love, that I will receive it affectionately together with all the Blessed and the Angels in Heaven, and that each of its visits will be written down in the Book of its life and I will grant to it. Please read: The result of the INVESTIGATION OF POSSIBLE MIRACLE DURING 2023 MARIAN CONFERENCE. [CLICK HERE] Safe Environment for all IHM volunteers and staff VIRTUS Mandatory/ Ambiente Seguro para todos los voluntarios y el personal de IHM VIRTUS Reentrenamiento Obligatorio IF YOU NEED TRAINING we are having a mandatory training session required by Oakland Diocese on October 18, 2024 at 5:30-8:00pm, English in the Church and Spanish in the Hall. All persons are required to update every three years. This is mandatory if you are a volunteer or a ministry member. If you have not previously registered in Virtus you will need to register at: www.virtusonline.org before attending the training. If you need assistance with registering please contact Lucy at: 925-634-4157 x 105. SI USTED NECESITA ENTRENAMIENTO estamos teniendo una sesión de entrenamiento obligatoria requerida por la Diócesis de Oakland el 18 de octubre de 2024 a las 5:30-8:00pm, Inglés en la Iglesia y Español en el Salón. Se requiere que todas las personas se actualicen cada tres años. Esto es obligatorio si usted es un voluntario o un miembro del ministerio. Si usted no se ha registrado previamente en Virtus necesitará registrarse en WWW.VIRTUSONLINE.ORG antes de asistir al entrenamiento. Si necesita ayuda para registrarte por favor contacte a Lucy al 925-634-4157 x105. Safe Environment For All IHM Volunteers and Staff Virtus Retraining Instructions 30 days before your retraining is due, Virtus will have sent you an email with retraining instructions for your recertification course. Please follow the prompts to retrain. There is no need to register or create a new account. To check if you need to retrain: log in to your Virtus account: www.virtusonline.org using your login credentials. If you have forgotten your password or your user ID simply click the need Log in help under the existing user. When you are logged in, the help screen will give you all the necessary information you need for training. Ambiente Seguro Para Todos Los Voluntarios Y Personal Del IHM Instrucciones De Reentrenamiento Virtus 30 días antes de que se deba volver a entrenar, Virtus le habrá enviado un correo electrónico con instrucciones de reentrenamiento para su curso de recertificación. Por favor, siga las indicaciones para volver a entrenar. No es necesario registrarse ni crear una nueva cuenta. Para comprobar si necesita volver a entrenarse inicie sesión a virtus al: http://www.virtusonline.org con sus credenciales de inicio de sesión. Si se ha olvidado de su credencial de inicio o su contrasena, simplemente haga un clic en la ayuda de inicio de sesión en el cuadro de usuario existente. Cuando haya iniciado la sesión, la pantalla de Esperanza le proporcionara toda la informacion necesaria que necesita para obtener informacion de capacitacion. Warning! ¡Advertencia! Chapel candles must be purchased in the Office. Please do not bring your own as they are not meant to burn in our glass holders and could cause a fire. Las velas de la capilla se deben comprar en la oficina. No traigan las suyas, ya que no están destinadas a quemarse en nuestros envases de vidrio y pueden provocar un incendio. Gracias. Contra Costa Food Bank The Contra Costa Food Bank Mobile Produce Distribution Program distributes FREE produce on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month in the IHM parking lot from 12:00 noon to 1:00pm to families in need. This program is only for low-income families. From the Oakland Diocese: The Diocese of Oakland warns the public of an ongoing phishing scam involving emails and texts purportedly from Bishop Barber, diocesan priests or parish/Chancery staff. This scam has hit many parishes across the United States, as well as other faith communities… +++++ La Diócesis de Oakland advierte al público de una continua estafa de phishing que involucra correos electrónicos y textos supuestamente del Obispo Barber, sacerdotes diocesanos o personal de la parroquia/cancillería. Esta estafa ha afectado a muchas parroquias de los Estados Unidos, así como a otras comunidades religiosas… FORMED Have you tried FORMED.ORG? Simply open a web browser and type in: www.formed.org. Go to the lower right hand side and click on “Register” and follow the prompts. Our IHM code is: CM7TFZ. This is a dynamic website that has all things Catholic, on demand, all the time! Check it out!!!