July/August 2009
Dear Parishioners,
“You have not chosen me, I have chosen you.” These are the words displayed on the Church wall and imprinted in my heart on my ordination day twenty-three years ago. They have become a source of my strength and inspiration in my priestly life and ministry.
When I was called to the “principal’s office”- in the presbyterial parlance, the Archbishop’s Office - I was flabbergasted to be informed by the Archbishop that the Personnel Board had unanimously decided that I should take the place of Fr. Don D’Angelo as Pastor of Holy Name Parish. I am humbled with this great trust and confidence for which I will forever be grateful to His Excellency and the members of the Personnel Board. I have accepted this great privilege not so much for my honor as for the greater glory of God. Undeserving and unworthy as I am, I will try my best to serve this parish community trusting in the grace of the Merciful Lord- the One who called and chose me.
I am Rev. Arnold E. Zamora. I was born in Taloto, Tagbilaran City, Philippines. My parents are Andres (deceased) and Ricarda Zamora. I have two sisters -Teopista (the older) was married to Ricardo Dolotina (deceased) while the younger (Myrna) is married to Augustus Escobia. Being the only boy in the family makes me by default the favorite uncle of six nieces and a nephew.
I entered the seminary at the age of twelve and finished my high school and Bachelors’ Degree in Arts and Philosophy in the same institution- the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary- in Tagbilaran City. Later I finished my Bachelor’s Degree in Sacred Theology at the Royal and Pontifical University of Santo Tomas, Manila. A year before my ordination, I came to the United States for pastoral exposure in some of the parishes of the Diocese of Steubenville, Ohio. I was ordained on June 7, 1986 on the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, and received my first assignment as Formator, Professor and Music Director of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary. Many years of my priestly life were spent teaching at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary. Many of my students are now priests and some of them are serving in the United States.
Music has always been a part of my life, which I consider a special and great gift from God. I obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from the University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City. While pursuing my music degree, I joined the Philippine Madrigal Singers, the multi-awarded and premiere choir in the Philippines. I joined the group in their European, US, Asian and national concert tours. I also served as the group’s resident arranger and occasionally the priest-chaplain if needed especially when we couldn’t find a church on a given Sunday when out of the country. I also worked with the Philippine music icon, Maestro Ryan Cayabyab, assisting in his concerts, TV shows and music publications. I organized and directed my own Church-based choral group- Chorus Paulinus- who represented the Cultural Center of the Philippines in their outreach program of choral concerts in the provinces. The group also went on a concert tour to the United States for three consecutive years. I organized a group of priests from the Diocese of Tagbilaran- “the Singing Priests Of Tagbilaran”(SPOT)- who produced some concerts both in the Philippines and in the US. In the Archdiocese of San Francisco, I have been directing the Singing Filipino Clergy. Much of my musical life is found at the wikipedia site.
Nevertheless, in all of my musical achievements, I feel that I have been chosen and ordained as a priest first and foremost. While working on my master’s degree in Liturgical music in Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA, I also served the parishes of Our Lady of Mercy in Daly City, St. Augustine in South San Francisco, and St. Mark’s in Belmont in an unofficial capacity as a resident and assisting priest. My official assignment in the Archdiocese of San Francisco was at Star of the Sea, San Francisco where I served as both the Parochial Vicar and the Church’s Music Director. I was moved as a parochial vicar to St. Brendan Church, San Francisco, two years ago. I love the parish, its parishioners, the school and the students.
This is the reason why leaving St. Brendan is not easy for me. I believe, however that such love will enable me to share myself with another community that I can also share God’s love with another community for “love begets love.” It is with this love that I am starting my ministry here at Holy Name. Love will be my guide and my guiding force. Love will be the first thing that I would like to offer to you. Always remember, ‘you are loved!”
With the love in my heart, I am now filled with excitement and enthusiasm to serve and to journey with you. I would love to know all of you personally. Please invite me to your homes and to your family and group gatherings.
For now, let me invite you to come to our Church regularly. Let us break bread together and be filled with God’s love and always rejoice in His Most Holy Name.
Sincerely yours,
Arnold Zamora
July/August 2009
May/June 2009
Here’s a tribute to all the moms, just in time for Mother’s Day. Enjoy!
WHY GOD MADE MOMS
Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions:
Why did God make mothers?
1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house.
3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.
How did God make mothers?
1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
3. God made my Mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.
What ingredients are mothers made of ?
1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.
Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?
1. We're related.
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people' s moms like me.
What kind of little girl was your mom?
1. My mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.
2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
3. They say she used to be nice.
What did Mom need to know about dad before she married him?
1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?
Why did your mom marry your dad?
1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my mom eats a lot.
2. She got too old to do anything else with him.
3. My grandma says that mom didn't have her thinking cap on.
Who's the boss at your house?
1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.
2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.
What's the difference between moms & dads?
1. Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work.
2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3. Dads are taller & stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friend's.
4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.
What does your mom do in her spare time?
1. Mothers don't do spare time.
2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.
What would it take to make your mom perfect?
1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.
If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?
1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.
2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me.
3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.
WHEN YOU STOP LAUGHING --
PASS THIS ON TO OTHER MOTHERS, GRANDMOTHERS, AUNTS and anyone else who just needs a good laugh!!
WHY GOD MADE MOMS
Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions:
Why did God make mothers?
1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house.
3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.
How did God make mothers?
1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
3. God made my Mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.
What ingredients are mothers made of ?
1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.
Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?
1. We're related.
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people' s moms like me.
What kind of little girl was your mom?
1. My mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.
2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
3. They say she used to be nice.
What did Mom need to know about dad before she married him?
1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?
Why did your mom marry your dad?
1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my mom eats a lot.
2. She got too old to do anything else with him.
3. My grandma says that mom didn't have her thinking cap on.
Who's the boss at your house?
1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.
2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.
What's the difference between moms & dads?
1. Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work.
2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3. Dads are taller & stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friend's.
4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.
What does your mom do in her spare time?
1. Mothers don't do spare time.
2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.
What would it take to make your mom perfect?
1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.
If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?
1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.
2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me.
3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.
WHEN YOU STOP LAUGHING --
PASS THIS ON TO OTHER MOTHERS, GRANDMOTHERS, AUNTS and anyone else who just needs a good laugh!!
March/April 2009
March/April 2009
Dear Parishioners,
As you know, I get so many e-mails with many interesting stories with words of wisdom and humor. The ones that interest me are the stories that I share with you through these mailings. For this installment, I am sharing an “advise list” or some things we should do for ourselves.
An Angel says, 'Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice.’
1. Pray.
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns . If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety . If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good 'Thank you Jesus .'
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego
33. Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36 Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before.
GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU.
'If God is for us, who can be against us?'
(Romans 8:31)
Fr. Don
Dear Parishioners,
As you know, I get so many e-mails with many interesting stories with words of wisdom and humor. The ones that interest me are the stories that I share with you through these mailings. For this installment, I am sharing an “advise list” or some things we should do for ourselves.
An Angel says, 'Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice.’
1. Pray.
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns . If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety . If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good 'Thank you Jesus .'
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego
33. Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36 Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before.
GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU.
'If God is for us, who can be against us?'
(Romans 8:31)
Fr. Don
January/February
January/February 2009
Dear Parishioner, Here’s some beauty tips and New Year’s inspirations to start off your year.
Beauty Tips
by Audrey Hepburn
For attractive lips, Speak words of kindness.
For lovely eyes, Seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure, Share your food with the hungry.
For beautiful hair, Let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.
For poise, Walk with the knowledge you'll never walk alone.
People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed; Never throw out anybody.
Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm.
As you grow older you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.
The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair.
The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.
The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a Woman is reflected in her soul.
It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she knows.
And the beauty of a woman, with passing years only grows!
Attitude is a Little Thing that makes a BIG Difference
by DeLores Pressley
Did you make a New Year's Resolution? Have you lost weight, got a new job or gave up cigarettes? Now that we are months into our new year, it is time to reflect on our goals. Did you achieve success with your resolution or goals? Maybe you had a difficult time adhering to your resolution.
There are times in all of our lives when we find ourselves reneging on our promises. We may feel like failures. The tenacity to make changes in our lives is not difficult. Normally, it is not the lack of keeping our promise that is causing the feelings of failure, but it is how we are thinking. Attitude is a determining factor in our successes or failures. Changing our thoughts have a tremendous influence on our life outcomes.
At the beginning of the year, I decided to improve my eating habits and exercise regularly. I did not refer to this change in my life as a "New Year's Resolution" because statistically, resolutions only last twelve days. Also, I did not say that I was going on a diet, because "diets" do not work. In order to achieve my goals, I had to change my attitude and make a commitment to take the necessary steps to improve my health and level of fitness. Attitude is extremely important when you want to make a change in your life. I could not make a true commitment without the "I Can" attitude. I had to believe that I could achieve success.
Activity is the key to fitness. We need to take pleasure in being active in our own way and as a normal part of our life. I do not profess to be a fitness expert. It is important that you check with a doctor or an expert in the fields of health and fitness before you begin any exercise program. However, I became more active by walking fifteen minutes per day and gradually increased to thirty minutes per day. You can determine how many minutes above your existing routine that is good for you. Initially, if you can only walk or exercise five minutes per day, you are moving towards your goal. Simply, increase your time to receive more results.
Currently, I have lost fifteen pounds off my size twenty body because of my attitude and commitment. My eating habits definitely have room for improvement, however, I am now cognizant of what I put in my body. I stop eating when I am full. I eat two cookies instead of ten. I have been a non-active member of a health club for many years, now I am committed to using my membership. The health club that I belong to is not exclusively for plus sizes. In fact, I may be one of the largest members. I have zero tolerance for size bias and I do not let others rob me of my confidence.
You do not need a new year to decide to make changes in your life. There is no better time than now. Whatever life changes you are seeking, you have the power to make the changes. If you begin anything with a negative attitude thinking you will fail, then the chances are high that you indeed will. When you approach everything with a positive outlook you will be more confident in your attitude and will achieve a much better result. Keep a positive attitude and life successes will come!
WISHING YOU ALL BLESSINGS FOR THE NEW YEAR!! Fr. Don
November/December
November/December 2008
Dear Parishioners,
This is a test for us 'old kids'! The answers are printed in the back, but don't cheat. Thanks to our secretary, Colleen for sending this to me.
1. After the Lone Ranger saved the day and rode off into the sunset, the grateful citizens would ask, Who was that masked man? Invariably, someone would answer, I don't know, but he left this behind. What did he leave behind? ________________.
2. When the Beatles first came to the U.S. In early 1964, we all watched them on
The _______________ Show.
3. 'Get your kicks, __________________.'
4. 'The story you are about to see is true. The names have been changed to
___________________.'
5. 'In the jungle, the mighty jungle, ________________.'
6. After the Twist, The Mashed Potato, and the Watusi, we'danced' under a stick that was lowered as low as we could go in a dance called the '_____________.'
7. Nestle's makes the very best . . . . _______________.'
8. Satchmo was America 's 'Ambassador of Goodwill.' Our parents shared this great jazz trumpet player with us. His name was _________________.
9. What takes a licking and keeps on ticking? _______________.
10. Red Skeleton's hobo character was named __________________ and Red always ended his television show by saying, 'Good Night, and '________ ________. '
11. Some Americans who protested the Vietnam War did so by burning their ___________.
12. The cute little car with the engine in the back and the trunk in the front was called the VW. What other names did it go by? ____________ & _______________.
13. In 1971, singer Don MacLean sang a song about, 'the day the music died.' This was a tribute to ___________________.
14. We can remember the first satellite placed into orbit. The Russians did it. It was called ___________________.
15. One of the big fads of the late 50's and 60's was a large plastic ring that we twirled around our waist. It was called the _____________ ______________.
ANSWERS :
1. The Lone Ranger left behind a silver bullet.
2. The Ed Sullivan Show
3. On Route 66
4. To protect the innocent.
5. The Lion Sleeps Tonight
6. The limbo
7. Chocolate
8. Louis Armstrong
9. The Timex watch
10. Freddy, The Freeloader and 'Good Night and God Bless.'
11. Draft cards (Bras were also burned. Not flags, as some have guessed)
12. Beetle or Bug
13. Buddy Holly
14. Sputnik
15. Hoola-hoop
Share this with your 'old' friends, better known as Seniors. Have fun remembering!
Fr. Don