A word from our president:
Terry Ward, longtime and faithful board member of our club, did herself proud by bringing DAVE GOULD to town and orchestrating his speaking to us this past month. Though we were unable to have Mass because ALL the priests were on retreat, Dave’s presentation was highly religious in that it glorified God’s world and his Catholicity was evident. His suggestion that we all get outside and especially visit our state parks to recreate ourselves and take a child with us was a worthy one and I hope we remember his words. I really do wish more of you could have heard him. We did not do his pre appearance publicity justice for this was one of the most outstanding speakers and message this season for sure.
Coming up and for the last time this season, we will gather for Mass on June 14 at 7:00 a.m. Steve Valgos, a formerly familiar face here in Modesto, give us some ideas for going into our own worlds and proclaiming or at least defending this Catholic faith that we so love. Steve is an outstanding presenter and enjoys many successes in his career as an instructor, counselor and carrier of God’s message. Please come to say good-bye to your CPBC friends for the summer.
On September 13, we will meet again under a different board and slate of officers. We DO know that Terry Withrow, who was elected to our Board of Supervisors this past year, will address us. Terry is a long time St. Stanislaus parishioner and a friendly face at most Catholic functions. His children are accomplished as is his wife, Kristen. They are folks down on the farm working hard to protect our county’s agricultural face. Terry will address some county issues but also tell us how he instills his Catholicity into his business and his politics. Please plan to be there to kick off another exciting year of interesting speakers, warm friendships, and a darn good breakfast. Those pastries are terrific, are they not?
God bless us and our group!Thanks, Sue Fenton
Mission Statement
As Catholic professional and business men and women, we are called to live as disciples of Jesus Christ not only on Sundays, but every day at home and at work. Our goal in the Catholic Professional and Business Club (CP&BC) an unincorporated association, shall be to continue our faith formation as Catholics so that we can bear witness in our daily lives by word and deed to the Good News of Jesus Christ. We gather to share with others who seek a more ethical business environment. These goals shall be attained by coming together monthly to hear from an informative and motivational speaker during the meeting. Each of us shall strive to integrate our ethical values as Catholics into our professional and business lives.
Next Meeting, Tuesday, jUNE 14, 2011
Join us at 7:00am for Mass at the Doubletree Hotel in downtown Modesto. Breakfast will be at 7:30am. $15 for members, $20 for non-members. For reservations please call 527-0026 or email Joan Hart at hart@cchsca.org. See the calendar page for upcoming speakers!
jUNE 14 , 2011
Steve Valgos
Pope John Paul II called for a "new evangelization" in our
Churches today. He said we are in need of ongoing adult
catechises to stem the tide of secularism, consumerism, and
relativism. For that reason this ministry focuses on those who
already occupy the pew! The Church itself is my mission field,
and my labor's end is that Catholics today might learn (or
relearn), love, and live their Christian faith in a meaningful,
relevant, and powerful way.
For this reason, I teach not just the "what" of the Catholic Church's teachings, but just as, if not more importantly, the "so what" of her teachings. This ministry focuses on making the faith relevant to Christ's disciples. Let me share the joy that I've found as His disciple in the Catholic Community!
A word from Father West
On May 1st, the Second Sunday of Easter, also called “Divine Mercy Sunday,” I had the great gift being present at the Beatification of John Paul II. This was such a wonderful and moving experience! I was deeply touched to the point of tears because of God’s love for me and every person shining through the holy life of our beloved, previous pope. Being at the Mass, I was reminded of the glory to which we are all called, the glory to be in heaven. I was not only able to attend this historic Mass; I also had the great honor of giving Holy Communion! Having received a specially designated ticket, I was allowed into St. Peter’s Basilica a few hours before Mass began to prepare for giving Holy Communion. While I and a couple of hundred other priests were waiting for instructions, we had an opportunity to pray in the presence of Blessed John Paul II’s coffin, which was brought up from the basilica’s crypt for the beatification ceremonies. Without the general public, we could stay as long as we wanted, and because of the limited number of people, I also was able to touch John Paul II’s casket. Touching the coffin would have been impossible under normal circumstances.
Celebrating the holy life of this great man, at least 1.5 million people filled St. Peter’s square and the long, broad avenue leading to the square. They came from all over the world to honor a man who clearly showed in the way he prayed, spoke, acted, and served as a priest / bishop / pope, a supernatural love, a total self-giving love for Christ and His Church. He lived in such a way that he was able to show God’s love to each person he encountered. He knew and, more importantly, lived the fact that Christ is Divine Mercy incarnate, and He is to be trusted always.
In his dedicated service to the Church, John Paul II courageously preached the light of Christ’s Gospel to a dark world desperate to hear that each and every person is loved by God and called to the glory of eternal life. During his 28 year papacy, John Paul II called particular attention to the dignity of the human person, and the fact that every human person is called to reflect the love and life of the Blessed Trinity in their daily lives – in their work, in their families, in their marriages, and, even in, the sexual union between husband and wife. Every person no matter how small (unborn children), how old, how poor, or how sick is made in the image and likeness of God and should always be reverenced as such. In addition, John Paul II had such a great love and devotion to our Blessed Mother. His motto, in fact, was “totus tuus.” In Latin, this means “total yours.” He totally dedicated himself to protection and care of Mary and was truly her beloved son.
It is important to keep in mind that we also can possess the same glory of heaven enjoyed by John Paul II. By responding generously to God’s gracious offer to love Him and share in His divine life, and thereby, live up to the dignity of this high calling, we hear the voice of Christ, Our Good Shepherd, and following Him in every area of our lives.
In Christ,
Fr. Samuel West
Catholic Professional and Business Club
Chaplain