tvc.dsj.org | June 19, 2018
Photo by Ana Gawrosch
Knights of Columbus at Mass Together
The San Jose Chapter of the Knights
of Columbus attended Holy Mass to-
gether on the Vigil of Corpus Christi at
Saint Joseph Parish in Mountain View.
From the moment of their found-
ing in 1882, charity has been the first
principle of the Knights of Columbus.
They are Catholic men of faith and
men of c haritable action.
Their charitable activities encom-
pass an almost infinite variety of local,
national and international projects.
Their own unique charities include the
Christian Refugee Relief Fund, Disas-
ter Relief, Ultrasound Initiative, and
Coats for Kids. They also partner with
international charities including Spe-
cial Olympics, the Global Wheelchair
Mission and Habitat for Humanity.
The principle of Fraternity prac-
ticed by the Knights of Columbus is
centered around the Most Holy Eu-
charist, which brings us all together
as one Body of Christ. Thanks to
the hospitality of Father Engelberto
Gammad and t he commun it y of
Saint Joseph Parish, members from
across the diocese were able to come
together at the one Table of the Lord.
Through this spiritual nourishment,
the Knights have assisted with Revs
vs Sems basketball game, warm coats
for our Seminarians at Mundelein
Seminary, the Quo Vadis Retreat for
Young Men, and others.
Fo r m o r e i n f o r m at i o n , v i s it
www.kofc.org/en/members/online-
membership/index.html.
Saint Mary, Gilroy, Opens New Youth Center
A few years ago, Saint Mary (Gilroy)
pastor, Father Robert Brocato, started a
listening campaign for the parish to hear
the wishes and needs of the community.
One of the biggest requests was to have
a vibrant youth ministry program. This
led to the hiring of their current youth
minister, Carlos Barba. In August of
2017, Father Robert came up with the
idea to donate the priests’ garage for
the building of a youth center, since the
youth program had already outgrown
a space shared with other ministries.
The challenge? To raise $60,000 to
begin construction.
The parish community stepped up
to the challenge and in less than two
months, successfully beat this fund-
raising goal. Construction began in
February. On May 20, Saint Mary Par-
ish celebrated the grand opening of its
new Youth Center. It was a wonderful
celebration of a dream made reality.
Parishioners joined in a special bless-
ing of the Youth Center and witnessed
Saint Mary’s own youth ministry teens
cut the ceremonial ribbon. After the
blessing, all were invited to take a tour
of the new Youth Center, while the
children enjoyed arts and crafts and
face painting.
The Saint Mary Youth Center will
be a meeting space for youth nights,
Standing with Father Robert Brocato, one of
Saint Mary Parish’s youth ministry teens cuts
the ribbon at the Youth Center Grand Opening
on May 20.
Bible study, worship nights, youth
leader planning meetings, and a place
for teens to unwind after school. After
school, the Youth Center will offer a
safe place for teens to build community
and will include laptops, Wi-Fi, snacks,
and more to assist them in getting their
homework done. Saint Mary believes
that teens are the present and future of
our Church. May the Saint Mary Youth
Center be for all a place of learning,
community, healing, and growth. And
may it be a home away from home for
all who enter it.
To learn more about the Saint Mary
Youth Center, or to donate furniture,
audio equipment, or other needs, visit
www.smpgilroy.org/youthcenter.
COMMUNITY
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