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By Gazette Staff Writer — Tuesday, June 11th, 2013
Bardsdale United Methodist Church will be hosting its annual Vacation Bible School July 15 - 19 from 9 am until noon. The theme for this year's fun fest is "Everywhere Fun Fair, Where God's World Comes Together" built around the Scripture of Luke 10:27- "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, with all your mind and love your neighbor as yourself". Children aged 3-15 will learn about their neighbors from nearby as well from Japan, Australia, United Kingdom, Zimbabwe and Mexico. They'll learn that neighbors are friendly, giving, bold, forgiving and welcoming. Registration is due by July 1 and is $15 per child. It includes a CD, T-shirt, snacks, crafts, stories from five countries, P.E., music and Bible drama. The first 100 children are guaranteed enrollment. Call Sharon Hurd at 524-0587 for enrollment forms. |
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By Gazette Staff Writer — Tuesday, June 4th, 2013
On Thursday, May 23rd the students at St. Sebastian School held their annual Marian Celebration. This year’s celebration kicked off the Memorial weekend. The prayerful devotion to Mary, included a special remembrance to all our American soldiers that have died for our country. Prayers were said for peace throughout the world. St. Sebastian School will have its graduation mass on Wednesday, June 12 at 5:30 pm. The graduates include students from Piru, Fillmore and Santa Paula. Besides St. Bonaventure, students will also be attending local high schools. St. Sebastian is a Catholic school that has a year-around preschool and limited class size for grades Kindergarten through 8th Grade. |
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By Gazette Staff Writer — Tuesday, June 4th, 2013
To our beloved Son and Daughter, with graduation just around the corner, we realize that as you make your way in this world, you will be facing many choices. Some of the choices you make will be easy, some very difficult, and some will be much more dangerous then others. We pray that our years together have helped form a solid foundation for choosing truth and goodness above all else. We encourage you to always take Pope Francis’ advice to heart: “Ask Jesus what He wants from you, and be brave.” When our Holy Father asks us to be brave, perhaps it is because he sees this culture’s tide coming in and understands what young people are up against. As Catholics we are swimming against the tide all the time. If we are not swimming against it, that means we are going with the flow; current culture’s definition of freedom which can be summarized like this: I should be able to do what I want, when I want, and how I want. You have your truth and I have mine. If it feels good, do it…as long as I don’t harm anyone, etc. Today, it’s almost as if all choices are exempt from moral judgment. You will see this in your peers, extended family, immediate family, classmates, high school teachers and college professors, the media, politicians…relativism is rampant in our world today (Relativism : a view that ethical truths depend on the individual and/or groups holding them. Merriam Webster Online). Yet, common sense and our faith tells us that certain things the world says is ok, are not ok. In all of history the idea that “each person has their own truth” has never improved anyone’s life, and it has never given anyone freedom. In fact, it takes freedom away. Think of it this way: The popular trend in our culture today is that pre-marital sex is the norm. Unfortunately, "popular trend" is putting it lightly. This sort of thinking is everywhere. Yet, what does a sexually active, single young woman start thinking about 24/7 if she is 2-3 days late for her period? And, if your mind, heart, soul and psych are all consumed by the thought of being pregnant, how is that freedom? This is not about controlling you…It is about you controlling yourself so that you can have true freedom. Our society is full of people who are wounded from playing with fire, in fact, you know many of them personally. You have friends who are fatherless, motherless; they have broken hearts and broken souls, they grew up getting bounced back and forth between households, the list goes on...all in the name of “there is no right and wrong.” Please take to heart the challenge of Pope John Paul II: “Some of you may be tempted to take flight from responsibility: in the fantasy worlds of alcohol and drugs, in short-lived sexual relationships without commitment to marriage and family, in indifference, in cynicism and even in violence. Put yourselves on guard against the fraud of a world that wants to exploit or misdirect your energetic and powerful search for happiness and meaning. But do not avoid the search for the true answers to the questions that confront you. Do not be afraid!” *** To our Son and Daughter, First let’s start with something you already know. Sex is good; sex is great. God made it a joy for us because He is just brimming over with joy. Second, this God of joy is also behind all the rules about sex. Actually, there is really only one rule: no adultery. The most basic rule is embarrassingly easy to understand: it’s for marriage. In marriage, yes; outside marriage, no. Jews and Muslims have the same rule. It came from the same Designer. Third, the sexual revolution has already destroyed more families and more human happiness than any political revolution in history. Callers on talk shows all bleed from the same wound inflicted by the same type of self absorbed neanderthol. Don’t be one. Not because it is forbidden but because it is fake. Remove sex from where it is designed to be; remove it from total love, commitment, self-giving, and fidelity; remove it from marriage, family, children, and society; turn it into a private, “consensual,” “libertarian,” “recreational” thing; and what do you have? Something fake. (Excerpts from Peter Kreeft, Catholic Philosopher) It's definitely difficult to save sex for marriage; especially when so many today sadly view it almost as a form of recreation -- but it's worth the wait regardless of what the majority says. You wait for marriage because you don’t want to worry about a baby being born out of wedlock. You wait because you don’t want to walk into Rite-Aid or planned parenthood for a cheap bag of chemicals that cause the body to lie to it’s very self. You wait because you don’t want her to have the severe headaches and side effects that come with those chemicals that create chaos in her body, mind and heart. You wait so that you can go out and date and have the freedom to actually figure out what a good marriage partner is...there is that one rule so that young men can actually know how many children they really have in this world, and, know their children...so that children who are born into this world will have family’s that are not broken and so that they can know and love and grow up with their own biological father...so that they won’t be aborted before they have a chance to be born. The rule is to protect and ensure your happiness, NOT take it away. A love between a man and a woman that is truly free to grow and even fill the air all around you is one that is pure and chaste-and waits for the day when family and friends witness your promises to each other and to God, through sickness and health, through good times and bad…forever…The fundamental reasons for waiting until marriage are you want the long term good of the other person above your own immediate desires; because you want to honor her for who she is, not what she is. You wait because that is what real love does…it puts the good of the Beloved before one’s self. When you think about everything that was good in your lives, it all came from committed love. Not perfect love. Committed. There’s nothing more beautiful, inspiring and fulfilling as being in a relationship with a really good person who bases life and decisions on truth, integrity, love of others, commitment, and love of God. This does not make one’s life easier. There is still the struggle of our own ego’s getting in the way. No, it does not make it easier, but it does make life better! Consider the words of St John Chrysostom as an example of such love. He said that a young husband should say to his bride, “I have taken you in my arms, and I love you, and I prefer you to my life itself. For the present life is nothing, and my most ardent dream is to spend it with you in such a way that we may be assured of not being separated in the life reserved for us.” This is love: when no pleasure on this earth could be more desirable than wanting to be with this one person for all of eternity and taking every opportunity in word and deed to ensure that possibility. |
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By Gazette Staff Writer — Wednesday, May 15th, 2013
FAITH – FAMILY – FUN For the first time in over 15 years………FREE ADMISSION! Come join thousands of faithful Catholic families at the 2013 Catholic Family Conference being held on Friday and Saturday, July 12-13 at the Ontario Convention Center in Ontario , California . You and your family will experience reverent liturgy, an outstanding selection of vendors and an impressive lineup of today’s most inspiring Catholic speakers. This year promises to be better than ever with our special guests like: Fr. Bill Casey – Fathers of Mercy You’ll enjoy special programs for Adults, Teens and an area for Child Care, Mass, Confession, Benediction and Adoration. Everyone is welcome and we expect a packed house. ONLINE REGISTRATION highly suggested. Click here to register. WHERE TO STAY EXHIBITOR/VENDOR OPPORTUNITIES PRIESTS AND DEACONS HELP PROMOTE LOS ANGELES ARCHDIOCESE ENDORSEMENT We trust in God and your generosity to help us cover all expenses with your donations. Deposits are due by the end of May. Please make your most generous contribution right now. DONATE God bless you! Ruben Quezada "Be watchful, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong." 1 Cor. 16:13 |
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By Gazette Staff Writer — Wednesday, May 15th, 2013
The Qur'an allows for the owning of sex slaves: If you fear that you will not act justly towards the orphans, marry such women as seem good to you, two, three, four; but if you fear you will not be equitable, then only one, or what your right hands own; so it is likelier you will not be partial. (Qur'an 4:3) This verse is the basis for Islamic polygamy, allowing a man to take as many as four wives, as long as he believes he is able to “deal justly” with all of them. But justice in these circumstances is in the eye of the beholder. Ibn Kathir says this the requirement to deal justly with one’s wives is no big deal, since treating them justly isn’t the same as treating them equally: “it is not obligatory to treat them equally, rather it is recommended. So if one does so, that is good, and if not, there is no harm on him.” The verse goes on to say... http://www.jihadwatch.org/2013/05/bangladesh-140-christian-girls-rescued... |
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By Gazette Staff Writer — Monday, April 22nd, 2013
I was on the Laura Ingraham Show yesterday discussing the Boston jihad bombings and the extent of Islamic supremacist preaching in U.S. mosques. You can listen here: http://mp3play.noxsolutions.com/laura/mp3/041913_free.mp3 I referred during... http://www.jihadwatch.org/2013/04/audio-robert-spencer-discusses-the-bos... |
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By Gazette Staff Writer — Wednesday, April 10th, 2013
This Saturday, April 13 from 8 until noon, the women of the Bardsdale United Methodist Church will host their highly-anticipated spring rummage sale in the church parking lot and LeBard Hall. Great bargains are waiting for shoppers in need of clothing, furnishings for the home, housewares, tools, toys, books, electronics and bric-a-brac. Proceeds from this event helps the United Methodist Women fund ministries for those in need. The church is located at 1498 Bardsdale Avenue. |
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By Gazette Staff Writer — Tuesday, April 9th, 2013
After a successful visit to the New York metropolitan area and New Jersey this past February, two important relics of St. Anthony of Padua are returning to the United States for an eight-day tour of Southern California. The event, organized by the Messenger of St. Anthony magazine directed by the Franciscan Friars of the Basilica of St. Anthony in Padua, Italy, marks the 750th anniversary of the discovery of the Saint’s incorrupt tongue by St. Bonaventure. St. Anthony died in 1231, and was buried in a little church outside the walls of the town of Padua. In 1263 his remains were transferred to the newly constructed Basilica. Present at this ceremony was St. Bonaventure in his capacity as Minister General of the Friars Minor. When St. Anthony’s coffin was opened, and it was found to contain only bones and ashes, with one exception: the Saint’s vocal apparatus was found to be intact, and in particular his tongue was still red and soft. At the sight of this miracle, St. Bonaventure exclaimed in awe: “Oh blessed tongue, that ever praised the Lord, and led others to praise Him! Now it is clear how great are your merits before God!” The tour, which starts on Sunday, April 14 in San Diego and ends on Sunday 21 in Gardena, will be a great occasion to reflect upon one of the most popular saints in Christendom, venerated by millions of people all over the world. The following Eucharistic and veneration services will be celebrated: April 14 Good Shepherd Parish 12:15 PM Eucharistic Celebration and Veneration April 15 Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels 11:00 AM Veneration and 12:10 PM Mass Holy Family Church, 6:30 PM Eucharistic Celebration and Veneration April 16 St. Peter’s Italian Church 6:00 PM Eucharistic Celebration and Veneration April 17 St. Barbara Parish 7:00 PM Eucharistic Celebration and Veneration April 18 American Martyrs Church 5:00 PM Eucharistic Celebration and Veneration April 19 St. Francis of Assisi Church, 11 AM Eucharistic Celebration and Veneration St. Francis Korean Catholic Church 7:30 PM Eucharistic Celebration and Veneration April 20 St. Anthony Catholic Church, 12 PM Eucharistic Celebration and Veneration Our Lady of Guadalupe Church 5:00 PM Vigil Mass and Veneration April 21 St. Anthony of Padua Church 11:00 AM Eucharistic Celebration and Veneration |
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By Gazette Staff Writer — Wednesday, March 27th, 2013
Islamic hard-liners stormed a mosque in suburban Cairo, turning it into torture chamber for Christians who had been demonstrating against the ruling Muslim Brotherhood in the latest case of violent persecution that experts fear will only get worse. Such stories have... http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/03/26/egyptian-mosque-turned-into-hous... |
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By Gazette Staff Writer — Tuesday, March 19th, 2013
Please join the community of Trinity Episcopal Church as we observe Holy Week and Easter. Our Maundy Thursday service will be at 7:00 on March 28th. Good Friday services will be held at noon and 7:00 pm on March 29th. At 8:00 pm on Saturday, March 30th, we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord with the Great Vigil of Easter, followed on Sunday morning March 31st, by a festal Easter Eucharist. Everyone in the community is invited, and all are welcomed. Trinity can be found in Fillmore at the corner of 2nd and Saratoga Streets. For more information, call Rev. Larry Brown, 558-3740, or Trinity Church, 600 Saratoga Street Fillmore, 524-1910, or visit the website at TrinityFillmore.org. |
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By Gazette Staff Writer — Wednesday, March 6th, 2013
This is the regime Obama sent U.S. forces and weaponry to install. "100 Copts Arrested In Libya," by Ashraf Ramelah for Voice of the Copts, March 2: Voice of the Copts strongly condemns the round-up, detention and presumed torture of Egyptian Copts in Benghazi, Libya being held for allegedly proselytizing Christianity which is illegal in that country. Evidence of such offense is yet unsubstantiated as facts cited by the arresting body keep changing. Furthermore, the charges are highly suspect given they follow recent attacks on a Coptic church. Now after more than a week captive, the Egyptian prisoners from Upper Egypt, who live and work temporarily in Libya, are strongly believed to be denied their human rights in violation of international law. Silence from Egyptian... http://www.jihadwatch.org/2013/03/sharia-in-action-in-libya-100-christia... |
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By Gazette Staff Writer — Tuesday, February 26th, 2013
Here’s what you urgently need to know . . .
Dear Friend of Catholic Answers, We have arrived at a turning point in American history. The United States Supreme Court has accepted two cases that may result in same-sex marriage being imposed everywhere in America. While these cases have been progressing through the courts, out of the public eye, Catholic Answers has been vigilant, and, now that the cases have arrived at the Supreme Court, we’ve sprung into action. But we need your help! Here are all the facts. Proposition 8 Prop 8 was passed to protect marriage—even in California, even in a year when liberals won heavily—but homosexual activists have not stopped their relentless onslaught. Despite the fact it was a constitutional amendment, they got key judges—using tortured legal reasoning—to strike it down as unconstitutional. Now it’s before the U.S. Supreme Court. The Defense of Marriage Act DOMA protects states from being forced to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states. It also protects the federal government from having to recognize these marriages, and it prevents federal benefits from going to them. But once again, homosexual activists have not stopped their relentless onslaught, and now this matter, too, is before the Supreme Court. What Will Happen? It would be just like in 1973, when Roe v. Wade swept away all state laws protecting unborn children from abortion. That abomination led to decades of conflict and tens of millions of children being killed—and the fight is far from over. We must do all we can to prevent another abomination from being imposed on our nation. That’s why Catholic Answers has been vigilant on this issue, because there’s one truth we cannot ignore . . . We’re on Our Own . . . So It’s All Up to Us! That’s right. The government officials whose job is to execute the laws of the land have refused to defend the laws—or at least these laws. As early as 2010, then-California attorney general Jerry Brown refused to defend Prop 8 in court. That means the defense of these laws falls to people like you and me. We must do what we can—what the courts allow us to do—to protect these laws and to protect marriage itself. What Catholic Answers Is Doing This is a special type of legal document that “interested parties” can prepare to advise the court about the issues in front of it, to make sure that important parts of the subject are discussed. It helps the justices to have the potential consequences of their decisions painted in vivid detail, and that is why our attorneys are filing the brief. It focuses on the disastrous effects that imposing same-sex marriage would have on religious liberty in America. Here’s what would happen. . . . A Nightmare Future “To be a devout Catholic, Protestant, Mormon, Muslim, or Orthodox Jew will become the moral equivalent of being a member of the Ku Klux Klan.” Furthermore, our brief points out: “The Court would correspondingly consign traditional religious beliefs regarding marriage and the family to the same circle of constitutional hell as racism and sexism. “Thus, simply by accepting the principles that their religious groups have publicly supported for thousands of years, tens of millions of religious believers in the United States would be branded as the legal equivalent of racists, a result that will subject believers to such burdens and acrimony that many will be forced to hide their faith.” Those burdens will be felt in all parts of society. How You, Your Children, and Your Grandchildren Will Be Punished If the Supreme Court imposes same-sex marriage on the U.S., the machinery of the state will be used to punish you and everyone you care about. The punishment will take several forms . . . Employers will fire people—or not hire them in the first place—if they speak out in favor of true marriage. (Some are already doing this.) Pressure will be put on everyone to support same-sex marriage or be shunned as bigots in every walk of life. That pressure won’t be applied only to you and me, it will also be applied to our children and grandchildren—forcing them to choose between their faith and being a social outcast. That’s a recipe for disaster in a world that already puts so many barriers between young people and the faith. That’s why Catholic Answers has leapt to the defense of true marriage. Because of the brief we’re filing with the Court, we will make sure that the voice of faithful Catholicism will be heard in these cases, and it is your generosity that makes this possible. But there’s a problem . . . We Need Your Help! As you know, making a difference in court is not something that can be done on the cheap. The fees to prepare and file this brief could mount as high as $30,000 or more, and with the current state of the economy, giving is down for charities like Catholic Answers, and we’re already in a cash-strapped state. That’s why I need to ask for your help—and in a special way. I really need to ask our supporters to go above and beyond with their generosity right now. [Click here to donate] This Is the Last Chance for Marriage in America The crisis in the Supreme Court is so grave that we simply could not sit on the sidelines. This is “it,” folks. If we lose these cases, it will be “game over” for true marriage in the United States—for the rest of our lives. The Church will be dealt a blow from which it will not recover for generations (if ever). Yet it could not have come at a worse time for Catholic Answers. That’s why we urgently need your help today. [Click here to donate] Whatever amount you can afford, you have my sincere thanks. The hour is late. May I hear from you today? Sincerely, Karl Keating P.S. We must fight the battle for marriage on other fronts as well. That’s why, as a thank you for your gift of $50 or more, I’d like to send you these two new books that will help you defend true marriage in your own circles and provide powerful answers that crush the arguments made by advocates of homosexual “marriage.” Getting the Marriage Conversation Right: A Guide for Effective Dialogue by renowned moral theologian William B. May |
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By Gazette Staff Writer — Tuesday, February 5th, 2013
Catholic observe Abstinence and Fasting during Lent that begins on Ash Wednesday Feb. 13. Abstinence from eating meat is to be observed on all Fridays during Lent. This applies to all persons 14 and older. The law of fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday applies to all persons 18 or older and younger than 59. Fasting means that one full meatless meal per day may be eaten. Two other meatless meals may be taken sufficient to maintain strength, but together they should not equal a full meal. Liquids, including milk and fruit juice, may be taken between meals. If health or ability to work are affected, fasting does not oblige. Private, self-imposed observance of fasting on Lenten weekdays is strongly recommended. Pastors and parents should ensure that children who are not bound by the laws of fast and abstinence are taught an authentic sense of penance, conversion and reconciliation. The Traditional Stations of the Cross will be prayed during Lent at 6PM in the Church. All are welcome to pray the outdoor stations built on the south edge of the parish plant. God Bless. |
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By Gazette Staff Writer — Tuesday, February 5th, 2013
If you're looking for a place to spend a magical St. Valentine's Day, consider joining us at the Bardsdale United Methodist Church for a Sweetheart Dinner on Thursday, February 14 in LeBard Hall. Beginning at 5:30 pm with appetizers, guests will enjoy a catered dinner by Ruben Ronquillo. The entree will be beef or chicken with rice pilaf, veggies, Caesar salad, and dessert accompanied by romantic music for your dancing pleasure. Suggested donation is $35.00 for a couple or $20 per single. Since it is being catered and space is limited, reservations are a must. Please reserve your seating by February 11 by calling the church office at 524-2070, Marcia at 524-3674, or Mimi at 524-1823. We hope you bring your sweetheart or come by yourself and be our sweetheart. The church is located at 1498 Bardsdale Avenue, two miles south of Fillmore. |
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By Gazette Staff Writer — Tuesday, January 22nd, 2013
The Bardsdale United Methodist Church Orange Pealer Bell Choir is having a Sweetheart Dinner on Valentine's Day, Thursday, February 14. The dinner will start with appetizers at 5:30 pm and followed with a catered dinner at 6 pm. The menu will be a choice of chicken or beef, or both, rice pilaf, steamed vegetables, Caesar salad, rolls, beverage and dessert. Suggested donations are $20 per person or $35 per couple. Reservations are required. Please call the church at 524-2070, Marcia at 524-3674 or Mimi at 524-1823 to reserve your seating. Come spend a magical evening with us at the Bardsdale Church. Bring your sweetie or come and let us be your sweetheart. |
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By Gazette Staff Writer — Wednesday, January 16th, 2013
Priority registration will be given to those new students who are sibling/ relatives of current or past students. After the Priority registration ends January 31st, then registrations is open to all. Students Must be 4years old by December 31st 2014 $75.00 Registrations per month Tuitions for 2012-1013 will be $185.00 per month If you have any questions, please feel to ask or call Maggie at 524-1306 for additional information |
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By Gazette Staff Writer — Monday, January 14th, 2013
By Jan Markell In the early days of all things "purpose driven," I didn't say much. I was, admittedly, skeptical. I had a hunch churches might experience the promised growth thanks to the movement behind "purpose driven," the seeker-sensitive movement; however, it might not be a healthy growth. But as the years moved on, I started hearing about wreckage. Calls and e-mails told me that beloved congregations were caving to all things unsound and even unscriptural. Members were told that the ends justified the means. In other words, numbers trumped everything. So, I began to watch Pastor Warren more carefully. When he praised the freedom in Syria in 2006, I just shuddered. When he spoke to the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) and withheld the gospel, I reacted again. ISNA is a front for the Muslim Brotherhood. When he told Alan Colmes to "give Jesus a try for 60 days," I came close to writing him off. When Rick began featuring... http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs019/1101818841456/archive/110942259... |
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By Gazette Staff Writer — Tuesday, January 8th, 2013
VENTURA COUNTY FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES TO HONOR DR. PEDRO GARCIA, JAN. 24 Fundraising event, “God’s Hand in an American Dream,” to celebrate Cuban refugee’s 50 years of service and achievement in America Ventura, CA - The Ventura County chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (www.venturacountyfca.org) is honoring educator and Camarillo resident Dr. Pedro Garcia at a fundraising event, “God’s Hand in an American Dream,” Thursday, January 24, 2013, 11:30 A.M. to 1:30 P.M., at the Tower Club in Oxnard. The event will chronicle Dr. Garcia’s 50 years of faith, freedom and achievement, from his escape from Cuba as a teen to his career as an educator and ministry to sports programs. After his dissident father became a marked man, Dr. Garcia fled Cuba with his brother in 1962. Eventually reunited with his parents in America, Dr. “Dr. Garcia embodies the mission of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes,” “Pedro and our entire family are humbled by this tribute event,” said Dr. Proceeds from ticket sales, table sponsorships, and event program advertising will fund Fellowship of Christian Athletes’ programs in Ventura County. Individual tickets are $65, which include event admission with a traditional Cuban luncheon. VIP tickets are $95, which include a pre-event reception in addition to the event and luncheon. Table sponsorships range from $1,000 to $5,000. To purchase tickets, sponsorships or ads, visit www.venturacountyfca.org and click on the homepage link for the event. For more information, contact area director Ed Lyon, 805-746-4725, elyon@fca.org. “God’s Hand in an American Dream,” Ventura County Fellowship for Christian Athletes fundraising event honoring Dr. Pedro Garcia Thursday, January 24, 2013, 11:30 A.M. to 1:30 P.M. About Fellowship of Christian Athletes: |
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By Gazette Staff Writer — Wednesday, December 19th, 2012
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