PARISH DIRECTORY

Parish Office Main Office 424-1959 Parish Office Fax 424-0788 Office Hours: M, T, TH, F / 9 am-5 pm W / 1-5 pm E-Mail: scrhrtchurch@sbcglobal.net Website: www.shsalinas.org

Clergy Fr. Ignacio Martinez, 424-1959 Pastoral Administrator Fr. Roy Margallo, 424-1959 Parochial Vicar Fr. Manuel Recera, In Residence 424-1959

Parish Deacons 424-1959 Deacon Rick Gutierrez Deacon David Lansford

Deacon Morton Zabala

Faith Formation…

Family Mary Scattini 424-1959 English Faith Formation Coordinator José Luis Medina 772-8230 Spanish Faith Formation Coordinator

Youth Ministry David Balch 809-5262 Youth Ministry & Confirmation Coordinator E-Mail: davidbalch@gmail.com Yulma Velasco 512-4561 Spanish Youth Ministry Coordinator

RCIA Bob Stewart 758-6433

Sacred Heart School 123 W. Market St., Salinas 771-1310 Website: www.shschool.com

Jennifer Dean, Principal Sr. Lynne Knapp, S.N.D., Religious Chairperson

St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry 26 Stone St., Salinas 775-0545 M & F/9:00 - 11:00 am

Office Staff Arlala K. Sheppard 424-1959 Finance Manager Patty Atwood 424-1959 Office Manager Silvia Isassy, Secretary 424-1959 Tammy Sanders 772-8218 Communications Coordinator Bulletin Editor E-Mail: sacredheartparishbulletin@hotmail.com

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE ASCENSION The theological unity, or perhaps even the temporal experience of the early commu-nity, made it seem that Jesus’ resurrection and his ascension were inseparable aspects of a single mystery. Only in the later writings of Luke and John has further theological reflection helped the Christian community to distinguish different dimensions of the mystery. Liturgical tradition has followed the forty-day chronology formulated by Luke. We would miss the point, however, if we were to demand a precise historical chronology of events such as the Resurrection-Ascension that are primarily spiritual in nature and that clearly surpass the bounds of time and space as we know them. What is important for us to grasp is the significance of the Ascension. For Luke, it is the decisive turning point that marks the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry and the beginning of the disciples’ Spirit-led ministry and thus the ministry of the whole church down to our own day. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION Today’s celebration varies from place to place. In some parts of the United States, peo-ple gather for the Seventh Sunday of Easter, while other places celebrate the Ascension of the Lord. Several years ago, regions of bishops were permitted to decide whether to retain Ascension Day on Thursday, the fortieth day after Easter, or to move the cele-bration to the nearest Sunday. This new flexibility in the Christian calendar has to do with the desire to gather the Church to celebrate its central feasts fully, and with the Eucharist. Increasingly, as priests serve remote and scattered parishes, this is not al-ways possible mid-week. The Ascension is a key moment for grasping what life in Christ is all about. It is not about a departure, but rather a plan for presence. We who are nourished by the Lord’s body and blood in the Eucharist are transformed to be his abiding presence in the world. That is a truth so worth celebrating that we can adjust our calendar in order that the fullest possible gathering of the Church can be achieved. —James Field, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

NUESTRO MINISTERIO EN LA IGLESIA Es un punto aparentemente insignificante, pero importante a tener en cuenta al re-flexionar sobre el ministerio durante estos días previos a la venida del Espíritu Santo: percatarse de que el lugar de Judas entre los apóstoles fue llenado a causa de su trai-ción, no de su muerte. Él había sido, según las palabras de Pedro: “llamado a desempe-ñar con nosotros este ministerio”. Entonces es la traición de la misión y no simplemen-te la muerte lo que deja un vacío en la estructura de la misión de la Iglesia. Nos olvida-mos de que en la mente de los otros apóstoles, Judas habría sido contado entre los doce que estuvieron presentes cuando Jesús rezó la plegaria que escuchamos hoy: que al ser enviados al mundo fueran santificados en la verdad. Es difícil para nosotros compren-der que Jesús se arrodillara para lavarle los pies a Judas. Estas son lecciones poderosas e importantes que nosotros debemos recordar y tener en nuestro corazón al reflexionar sobre el lugar de nuestro ministerio particular en la Iglesia y el mundo, si nos mantene-mos fieles a ese ministerio, consagrados a la verdad. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

TRADICIONES DE NUESTRA FE En 1563 el Concilio de Trento estableció que todos los Católicos debían recibir la co-munión por lo menos una vez al año, de preferencia, durante la época de Pascua, los 50 días desde la Pascua Florida a la Pascua de Pentecostés. En Chile los sacerdotes en siglos pasados llevaban la Eucaristía a todos aquellos que no pudieron asistir a Misa en la Pascua Florida. Comenzando con el segundo domingo de Pascua y acompañados de huasos (vaqueros) quienes los protegían de bandidos llevando el Sacramento en cálices de plata por toda la región. Esto llegó a llamarse Cuasimodo, en base a la frase inicial de la Misa del segundo domingo pascual: Quasi modo géniti infantes (Casi como re-cién nacidos). Hoy día la fiesta también es conocida como “correr a Cristo,” por el hecho de llevar a Cristo en carretas decoradas por las calles de los pueblitos mientras los niños corren por delante gritando “¡Viva Cristo Rey!” De esta manera los niños anuncian la venida de Cristo, algo que todo cristiano debería hacer con hechos y palabras todos los días de año. —Fray Gilberto Cavazos‑Glz, OFM, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

Monday: Acts 19:1-8; Jn 16:29-33 Tuesday: Acts 20:17-27; Jn 17:1-11a Wednesday: Acts 20:28-38; Jn 17:11b-19 Thursday: Acts 22:30; 23:6-11; Jn 17:20-26 Friday: Acts 25:13b-21; Jn 21:15-19 Saturday: Acts 28:16-20, 30-31; Jn 21:20-25 Sunday: Vigil: Gn 11:1-9 or Ex 19:3-8a, 16-20b Rom 8:22-27; Jn 7:37-39 Day: Acts 2:1-11; 1 Cor 12:3b-7, 12-13

Lunes: Hch 19:1-8; Jn 16:29-33 Martes: Hch 20:17-27; Jn 17:1-11a Miércoles: Hch 20:28-38; Jn 17:11b-19 Jueves: Hch 22:30; 23:6-11; Jn 17:20-26 Viernes: Hch 25:13b-21; Jn 21:15-19 Sábado: Hch 28:16-20, 30-31; Jn 21:20-25 Domingo: Vigilia: Gén 11:1-9 o Ex 19:3-8a, 16-20b Rom 8:22- 27; Jn 7:37-39 Día: Hch 2:1-11;1 Cor 12:3b-7, 12-13

READINGS FOR THE WEEK LECTURAS DE LA SEMANA

Sunday: The Ascension of the Lord Monday: St. Christopher Magallanes and Companions Tuesday: St. Rita of Cascia Friday: St. Bede the Venerable; St. Gregory VII; St. Mary Magdalene de’ Pazzi Saturday: St. Philip Neri; Vigil of Pentecost

Domingo: La Ascensión el Señor Lunes: St. Cristóbal Magallanes y compañeros Martes: Santa Rita de Casia Viernes: San Beda el Venerable; San Gregorio VII; Santa María Magdalena de Pazzi Sábado: San Felipe Neri

SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES LOS SANTOS Y OTRAS OBSERVANCIAS

Prayer / Worship / Mass / Treasure

MASS INTENTIONS

SUNDAY, MAY 20

7:15 am Mother’s Day Novena (IM) 9:00 am Emery Fournier (IM) 11:00 am Nancy Sue Woods (MR) 1:00 pm Maria De Jesus Maldonado (RM) 5:00 pm People of the Parish (MR) 7:00 pm Diego Christian Lara (INT) (RM)

MONDAY, MAY 21

7:00 am Santos Gauna (IM) 12:15 am Mother’s Day Novena (MR)

TUESDAY, MAY 22

7:00 am Vicenta and Zoilo Rosal (RM) 12:15 pm Joseph Liu (MR)

WEDNESDAY, MAY 23

7:00 am Mary Gauna (RM) 12:15 pm Mariano Valdriz (MR)

THURSDAY, MAY 24

7:00 am Adolfo Coronel (IM) 12:15 am Jarrod Rodriguez (INT) (IM) 7:30 pm The Coronel/Acosta Family (INT) (IM)

FRIDAY, MAY 25

7:00 am Enrique Benavides (IM) 12:15 am Mary Lynne Contos (MR)

SATURDAY, MAY 26

7:30 am Linda Danley 5:00 pm Evelyn Dillehay 7:00 pm Bertha Campos

SUNDAY, MAY 27

7:15 am People of the Parish 9:00 am Robert D. Gutierrez 11:00 am Fr. Mike’s 40th Anniversary (INT) 1:00 pm Ruben & Eloisa Renteria 5:00 pm Narciso Lara, Jr. (INT) 7:00 pm Jose Fidel Garcia

……………………………………………..

Father Ignacio…………………….Fr. I.M. Father Roy ……………………….Fr. R.M. Father Manny…………………….Fr. M.R.

PLEASE PRAY FOR ALL THE SICK MEM-BERS OF OUR PARISH COMMUNITY AND

FOR THOSE WHO CARE FOR THEM If you know of someone that would like to receive Communion at home, please call

Catherine O’Brien, 758-1797.

HAGAMOS ORACIÓN POR LOS ENFERMOS DE NUESTRA

COMUNIDAD Y también por los que cuidan de ellos. Si quie-ren que se les lleve la comunión o quieren

confesarse, hable con Connie al 998-8842 o a la oficina de la Parroquia 424-1959.

STEWARDSHIP REPORT Time and Talent … Explore the opportunities in your parish for praying with others: prayer groups, Eucharistic Adoration, rosary group. Praying together can strengthen the habit of personal prayer. Copyright © 2011, World Library Publications. All rights reserved.

Figures as of May 13th: Plate collections so far in 2011-2012: $ 376,519.02 Budgeted plate collections year-to-date for 2011-2012: $ 380,769.22

(Our fiscal year goes from September 1 to August 31.)

Plate Collection ……………………………………………………………….…….$ 7,465.23 Electronic Giving (total donors - 91)………………………..………….…….……..$ 1,127.00 Thursday/Friday …………………...………………………….…………………….$ 369.00 First Communion ...…….………….……………………………………………….$ 5,271.72

If you are interested in electronic giving, please contact Arlala Sheppard 424-1959.

PARISH DEBT The balance on our Cislini Youth Center debt is: $170,620.70

WELCOME! Our warmest welcome to all who worship with us. If you would like to join our parish community, please fill out this form and place it in the collection basket or mail it to our Parish Office: 22 Stone Street, Salinas, California 93901

¡Bienvenidos! Nuestra más calurosa bienvenida a todas las personas que junto con nosotros alaban a Dios. Agra-decemos su participación. Si usted desea unirse a nuestra comunidad parroquial, por favor llene esta forma y deposítela en la canasta de los donativos, o envíela por correo, a nuestra Oficina Parroquial: 22 Stone Street, Salinas, CA 93901

Name/Nombre ____________________________________________________________________

E-Mail Address/Dirección de Correo Electrónico _________________________________________

Phone/Teléfono ___________________________________________________________________

Address/Dirección _________________________________________________________________

New Parishioner/Nuevo en la Parroquia New Address/ Nuevo Dirección New Phone No./Nuevo Teléfono Send Sun. Envelopes/Envié Sobres Moving-Remove Name/Borrar Nombre Send Electronic Giving Form/Mandar Forma Electrónica

• Kindergarten through 8th Grade • Up to date, engaging curriculum which meets and exceeds CA State standards

• Experienced caring staff • Enrichment programs: Technology, Music, Art, Spanish, Sports, Field Trips, Student Council

• WCEA/WASC Accredited

Sacred Heart School 123 W. Market St., Salinas

(831) 771-1310 • www.shschool.com

Student applications of any religion, race, color, and national or ethnic origin are accepted.

Spring Fling Family Dance

Family Faith Formation First Holy Communion

Faith Formation...

I-HELP INTERFAITH HOMELESS EMERGENCY LODGING PROGRAM

Dear Parishioners, for the month of May – please bring shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrushes for the homeless. Please bring items to the Parish Office (mark for I-Help). Give what you can afford. God will bless you for your kindness. THE QUEEN OF HEAVEN CEMETERY holds a Mass in memory of the faithful departed on the first Saturday of each month at 10:00 AM. Priests of Sacred Heart and Madonna del Sasso take turns to celebrate this Mass. For more info, please call 449-5890. EL CEMENTERIO REINA DEL CIELO (QUEEN OF HEAVEN) - Se celebra una Misa en memoria de los fieles difuntos el primer sábado de cada mes a las 10:00 AM. Los Sacerdotes del Sagrado Corazón y Madonna del Sasso se turnan para celebrar esta Misa. El 5 de Noviembre el turno de Madonna del Sasso. Para más información favor llamar al 449-5890.

ADULT FAITH NIGHT SERIES-We believe, Step by Step Through the Profession of Faith. The lecture series is the remedy for complacent, shallow, participation in this rich statement of faith. Stephen Valgos of-fers this presentation in a 9-part lecture series. Using Catechism of the Catholic Church, he brings to life the faith that we profess in an exciting and meaningful way. His passion and zeal will surely inspire you and transform you. All presentations are held at Palma’s Multi Purpose Build-ing from 7-8 PM. Monday, May 21, We Believe In the Forgiveness of Sins, The Resurrection of the Body & Life Everlasting. For more informa-tion email stephen@catholicevangelist.com.

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH – Volunteers from our Par-ish are needed to help out the First United Methodist Church outreach program each Monday by helping to prepare and serve lunch. We are in need of more people to help! Please call Raquel Quezada at 442-1879 for more information or to volunteer.

JEANINE’S STORY Life would be so much easier if Jesus were still walking the earth. Think of the benefits. We would have proof that he lived, died, and rose again. We really could get an answer to “What would Jesus do?” But think of the temptations: “Lord, find me a job.” “Please cure my friend.” We might neglect responsibili-ties to be with him. Jesus commanded his disciples to proclaim the Good News. He promised the Holy Spirit’s power to help them persevere and do extraordi-nary things in his name. Then he returned to his place at God’s right hand. At our baptism, we received the same power from on high as the disciples, and were “clothed in Christ.” For us to persevere as followers of Jesus we continu-ally need the power of the Holy Spirit. Let us set aside time each day, as the first disciples did, to pray as we approach Pentecost. Copyright © 2011, World Library Publications. All rights reserved.

EVENTS IN OUR PARISH

Sunday 05-20-2012 SPECIAL COLLECTION FOR Catholic Charities

Tuesday 05-22-2012 NOVENA TO OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP after 7:00 am Mass and before 12:15 pm Mass

Thursday 05-24-2012 ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT after 7:00 am MASS until 12:00 Noon and 5:00-7:00 pm

Friday 05-25-2012 SACRED HEART NOVENA PRAYERS before the 12:15 pm Mass Sunday 05-27-2012 SPECIAL COLLECTION FOR BUILDINGS AND GROUND MAINTENANCE

¿QUÉ PASA EN NUESTRA PARROQUIA?

Domingo 05-20-2012 COLECTA ESPECIAL PARA Caridades Católicas

Martes 05-22-2012 NOVENA A Ntra. Sra. DEL PERPETUO SOCORRO Después de la Misa de 7:00am y antes de la Misa de 12:15 pm

Jueves 05-24-2012 ADORACIÓN AL SANTÍSIMO SACRAMENTO: Des-pués de la Misa de 7:00 am hasta las 12:00 del medio día y de 5:00 a 7:00 pm

Viernes 05-25-2012 NOVENA EN HONOR AL SAGRADO CORAZÓN antes de la Misa de 12:15 pm

Domingo 05-27-2012 COLECTA ESPECIAL PARA EL MANTENIMIENTO DE NUESTRA PARROQUIA

SUMMER PROGRAMS AT PALMA—Impressive Minds, Impressive Moves….Summer programs are being offered at Palma High School for boys and girls from 5th grade through high school. Programs range from ath-letics to reading, science, art, math, writing courses and game strategies. Each session is one week. Registration forms are available at: www.palmaschool.org or contact Sarah DeSantis for more information at (831) 320-4070 or e-mail desantis@palmaschool.org.

PRAYING IN THE KITCHEN AT ST. FRANCIS RETREAT—A weekend of food, ethics and demonstration with Brother Mateo Guerrero, OFM, former personal chef for celebrities, and Brother Keith Warner, OFM, Professor of Environmental Ethics at Santa Clara University. Daily Mass and common prayer are available. Friday, May 25-Sunday, May 27, $220 per person for single occupancy, $180 per person for double occu-pancy. For further information, please contact St. Francis Retreat at (831) 623-4234.

SACRED HEART ALTAR SOCIETY NEWS - The members of the Sacred Heart Altar and Rosary Society would like to thank all of you who supported our May barbeque. Thanks to the Parish support our barbeque was a huge success. Thank you for your support. The Sacred Heart Altar Society will hold their Spring Tea on Tuesday, June 5, 2012. All members of the parish are invited. We will meet at the Parish Center, in the Sacred Heart Room, at 1:00 P.M. Please call Pat Ryan at 424-1191 if you are able to attend. Hope to see you there.

ANNUAL MINISTRIES APPEAL (AMA) 2012: Thank you to the 180 families who pledged $47,766.24 to support the mission of the diocese and the parish to teach, preach, minister and serve in the name of Jesus through their financial contri-bution to the 2012 Annual Ministries Appeal (AMA). Our appeal is now “officially” closed. Our total amount pledged is under last year’s by a little over $10,000 … so … we will gladly continue to accept contributions from anyone who didn’t have an opportunity to pledge during the campaign. If you need a pledge envelope, please contact the parish office. If using an envelope other than the pledge envelope, please clearly mark it AMA (if enclosing cash … please put your name, address and phone number on the envelope).

PETICIÓN ANNUAL DE MINISTERIOS (AMA) 2012: Gracias a las 180 familias quienes ya han hecho sus promesas $47,766.24 en apoyo a la misión de la Diócesis y de la parroquia para enseñar, predicar, servir y proveer ministerio en nombre de Jesus mediante su contribución financiera en la petición anual de ministe-rios del 2012 (AMA). Haremos la clausura “oficial” al final del mes. Nuestro monto total de este año esta $10,000 menos a otros años. Por lo que con gusto segui-remos aceptando contribuciones de cualquiera que no tuvo oportunidad de hacer su promesa durante la cam-paña. Si necesita un sobre favor de hablar a la oficina. Si usted esta usando algún otro sobre favor de macar (AMA) su nombre dirección y numero de teléfono.

MAKE-UP TRAINING SESSION - We would like to thank all of the parishioners who attended one of the recent training sessions for Lectors, Sac-ristans, and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Com-munion. If you are a current minister in any of these areas but were not able to attend one of the sessions, please call the Parish Office at 424-1959. We will try to set up a make-up training session that will accommodate everyone who is interested in continuing in their ministry.

Electronic Giving

Open your heart without opening your checkbook.

Electronic Giving is an easier, more secure way to make

your regular contributions to our church through automated giving.

Reasons to sign up for Electronic Giving:

• No need to write checks or bring cash to church.

• Peace-of-mind knowing that the church is receiving your contribution even if you are unable to attend Mass.

• More secure than checks.

• All contributions are recorded for you on your bank statement with date of settlement.

• IT COSTS YOU NOTHING and you can stop at any time if your financial situation changes!

Sign Up Today.

Authorization forms are available upon request. Contact Arlala in the parish office

(424-1959 or email: scrhrtchurch@sbcglobal.net)

SESIÓN DE ENTRENAMIENTO REPRO-GRAMADO - Quisiéramos agradecer a todos aquellos quienes asistieron a las sesiones de entrenamiento para lectores, sacristanes y Ministros de la Santa Eucaristía. Si usted es ministro en una de estas áreas y no le fue posible asistir a una de estas sesiones, favor de llamar al Centro Pastoral al 424-1959. Programaremos otra sesión para que pueda cumplir con este requisito.

Donación Electrónica

Abre tu corazón sin abrir tu chequera.

La donación electrónica es una forma fácil, y más segura de realizar sus contribuciones regulares a nuestra iglesia mediante donación automática.

Razones para la donación electrónica:

• No hay necesidad de escribir cheques o traer efectivo a la iglesia.

• La tranquilidad de saber que la iglesia está recibiendo su contribución aun si usted no puede asistir a Misa.

• Más seguro que los cheques.

• Todas las contribuciones son registradas en sus estados de cuenta bancarios con la fecha de la transacción.

• NO LE CUESTA NADA y usted puede suspenderlo en cualquier momento si su situación económica cambia!

Solicítelo hoy. Las formas de autorización están disponibles para quien lo

solicite. Comuníquese con Arlala a la oficina parroquial

(424-1959 o por correo electrónico: scrhrtchurch@sbcglobal.net)

"Let us keep the following priests (who are currently serving in our parish or served at one time) in our thoughts and prayers as they celebrate the anniversaries of their ordination to the priesthood this month: Fr. Mike Miller - 40 years; Fr. Joe Hercek - 40 years; Fr. Ignacio Martinez - 19 years; and Fr. Roy Margallo - 12 years."

“Vamos a mantener a los siguientes sacerdotes (que actualmente están sirviendo en la parroquia o una vez sir-vieron) en nuestros pensamientos y oraciones mientras celebran su aniversario de ordenación al sacerdocio en este mes de Mayo… Padre Mike Miller – 40 años, Padre Joe Hercek – 40 años, Padre Ignacio Martinez – 19 años y padre Roy Margallo por sus 12 años.”

A GREAT SUMMER CAMP FOR GIRLS - Camp Auxilium, a resident and day camp run by the Salesian Sisters in the beautiful Corralitos hills, is an excellent place for girls, ages 6 to 14, to enjoy a summer experi-ence of wholesome fun, friendship, and formative ac-tivities, in a safe, happy, faith-filled atmosphere. Camp dates: June 24 to July 21. Reservations may be made for 1 to 4 weeks, resident or day camp. For camp info, go to: www.salesianschool.org. For more information call: (831) 728-4700 ext 3. (Hurry, while spaces are still available!)

CURSILLO ULTREYA - Please join us for our next Ultreya at St. Francis Xavier in Seaside on Saturday, June 9th at 7:00 p.m. It will be held in the Parish Hall. If you have made your Cursillo or are thinking of mak-ing your Cursillo please join us for fun and fellowship; all are welcome. If you have any questions about the upcoming Ultreya or Cursillo Retreats please contact Cindy Stefani at 831-633-5012 or Gerald or Delores Ward at 831-783-1595. The next Women's Cursillo weekend will be September 13-16th, 2012 at Camp Francis near Aptos.

INVITATION FROM AN AGING PRIEST - This month I’ll be celebrating 40 wonderful years of priesthood. Looking back, I wouldn’t trade any of those times at Resurrection (in Aptos, as a deacon), Sacred Heart (Salinas), St. David’s (Richmond), St. Francis Xavier (Seaside), the diocesan Office of Edu-cation (Monterey), St. Joseph’s (Spreckels), Sacred Heart (Hollister), St. Patrick’s (Watsonville), Madonna del Sasso (Salinas) and again at Sacred Heart in Salinas.

I hope sometime on May 26 you will thank God for his many mercies to me … and if you are free and interested you are warmly invited to a Mass of Thanksgiving that day, 12:00 noon, at Sacred Heart Church in Salinas.

My heart is brimming over with happiness. Isn’t God wonderful! Peace, All Good ….. Fr. Michael Miller

MADONNA MANOR– Independent and Assisted Living at its Best. Are you looking for a retirement home for you or a relative? Come see our beautiful Madonna Manor retirement home for women. You will meet many wonderful happy ladies who share their lives in the special friendly community. For more information or an appointment, call 7 days a week 9am to 4pm (831) 758-0931. You may also check our website at www.madonnamanorcda.org or visit us at Madonna Manor, 1335 Byron Drive, Salinas.

MEALS ON WHEELS– Good Nutrition and inde-pendent living go hand in hand….If you know a senior who is unable to shop or make their own meals, call Meals on Wheels of the Salinas Valley at 758-MEAL (758-6325) or toll-free at 1-877-758-MEAL (1-877-758-6325). We deliver meals to homes throughout the Salinas Valley, from Pajaro and Aromas in the north to San Ardo and Bradley in the South.

Lumen Christi Finalist

Catholic Extension is pleased to announce that David Balch has become a final-ist for the 2012 Lumen Christi Award. Mr. Balch's ministry has spread the light of Christ to so many in the Diocese of Monterey– as a Lumen Christi Award finalist, his light now shines even farther! Leading by example, he is changing the lives of Salinas youth so they can bring a new hope to their troubled com-munity. Show your support today for Mr. Balch as he becomes one step closer to the Award, which is accompanied by a $50,000 grant.

This award is given to one person in the U.S. who "brings the light of Christ" to their community. Catholic Extension has revealed that David is a finalist for the award (there are 12 finalists). By making the final round, Sacred Heart receives $5,000 for youth ministry and the Diocese receives $5,000 as well. If David wins the award, the Parish gets $25,000 for youth ministry and the Diocese will receive $25,000.

This is the bio that Catholic Extension ran: "Over the past five years, the city of Salinas, California has experienced an onslaught of gangs and violence that has torn apart families and left many living in fear. The growing instability in this community is testing the faith of youth and young adults in the area, who are plagued by social pressures and desperate for an alternative.

Amidst this struggle, there is a light that shines from within Sacred Heart parish. David Balch has mobilized the local youth, empowering them to take ownership of their faith, their relationships and their community. As Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry at the parish, Balch draws young people from all over Salinas to his meetings and activities. He coordinates retreats, a youth group, Christian concerts, and gang outreach and evangelization, providing a safe envi-ronment for teens that is overflowing with faith. His efforts are changing the way that teens are perceived by adults, and more importantly, the way that teens perceive themselves.

Under Balch’s dedicated leadership, these teens have established ministries like 831 United, a movement that promotes peace and acceptance to improve the Salinas community for future generations. They organize retreats, conduct cloth-ing and toy drives, and mentor their peers in need.

Balch is an example for these young people not only for his leadership, but also for his unwavering faith. He too has been tested—in 2009, he lost his four-year-old son in a drunk driving accident. Despite facing an unbearable tragedy, Balch and his wife publically forgave the driver, citing a belief in the “greater good.” Balch encourages all of his young adults to live lives in which the journey of faith is above all else. With his guidance, they are achieving a greater good, both within themselves and their community."

How can we help David Balch win this wonderful honor, we need to vote!

VOTE TODAY - HERE'S HOW:

1. Go to Facebook.com/catholicextension 2. Click to “like” the page 3. Follow directions to Lumen Christi voting

4. Share it with your friends and family on your own Facebook wall so that they vote too!

If you do not have a Facebook page you can still help! Starting May 21, you can vote directly through Catholicextension.org.

Liturgical Schedule:

Saturday: 7:30 am, 5:00 pm (English) 7:00 pm (Spanish) Sunday: 7:15 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am and 5:00 pm (English) 1:00 pm and 7:00 pm (Spanish) Weekdays: Monday - Friday: 7:00 am and 12:15 pm (English) Thursday: 7:00 pm (Spanish) First Friday: 7:30 pm (Spanish) Fourth Monday: 7:00 pm (Spanish)

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION (Bilingual Confessions): Friday: 12:15 pm and 6:00 pm Penance service.

BAPTISM (Children): Please come to the Parish Office (with a copy of your child’s birth certificate) to receive information about preparation and scheduling.

MARRIAGE: Preparation should begin at least 6 months in advance. Please call the Parish Office during office hours for an appointment with the priest.

SACRAMENT OF THE SICK: First Wednes-day of each month at 12:15 pm, or by appoint-ment.

HOSPITALIZED/HOMEBOUND: Please notify the Parish Office if you would like Holy

First Holy Communion