ST. JAMES 

The Apostle Catholic Church

July 20^th, 2020
Dear Parishioners of St. James the Apostle
 
In the Parish Pastoral Council meeting and Parish Finance Council meeting early of this month, I mentioned to both of the council members that we are planning to purchase an electrostatic sprayer that will be utilized for our community, especially for parish ministry meetings, parish activities, and all masses in the church during this difficult time of pandemic. Within couple of days, I have received remarkable responses and donations to make it possible; and for this reason, I would like to inform you that currently our total donations have reach $4,700.00.
 
With that amount of donations, on Monday July 6^th, 2020 we were able to purchase two type of electrostatic sprayers – a back pack and cordless handheld electrostatic sprayer – and fifteen gallons of disinfectant liquid which cost $3,203.00. In addition to what we have purchased, within this week, we will also purchase fifty gallons disinfectant liquid that cost $1500.00. So, our total expenses for two type of electrostatic sprayer and sixty-five gallons disinfectant liquid will be $4.703.00 and these items will be ready sometime in August due to high demand and international air freight.
 
Through this letter, on behalf of our community I would like to thank our donors bellow who have made possible our first priority for the safety of our community during this difficult time of pandemic.       

• Knight of Columbus          
• Lady Auxiliary                              
• CYO of St. James
• Missionhurst-CICM                      
• Mrs. Carolyn Weiblen                   
• Mrs. Sylvia Rubio                         
• Anonymous Donor                                    
• Mrs & Mr. Anthony Morales        
• Deacon & Mrs. Von Almen          
• Mr. & Mrs Dan Heinen                 
• Mr. Robert Kalunga                      

 Once again, I thank all of you so much for your generosity to our community and let us all move forward and work together as we create safe environment for our community during this difficult time of pandemic. Thank you.
 
Blessing, + Cor Unum et Anima Una
 
Fr. Sonny Aryanto, CICM
Parish Administrator
 

Wednesday; June 15^th, 2020
Dear Faithful Parishioners,
 
                It has been quite a while since the pandemic of COVID-19 interrupted our parish religious education system that may have caused you to wonder, whether or not St. James the Apostle would have first communion this year. During this difficult time, our parish staff has received dozens of calls from Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) parents. I do understand that there is uncertainty, many of you have asked for the scheduled time. In addition, there was also a transition in leadership in our parish. Certainly, this situation has raised your attention with regard to first communion and baptism for our CCD students.
                Now, as we move forward, I would like to inform you that “Yes”; St. James the Apostle will have first communion mass for the CCD students that have gone through the class in 2019-2020. In addition, since there are many unbaptized students that have taken class, we will also have baptism for them. Please see below the schedule for the first communion and baptism.
 
First Communion Mass for the CCD Students:

1. The sacrament reconciliation and rehearsal are scheduled on Tuesday, August 4^th, 2020 at 6:00 PM. Then First Communion for the 2^nd Grade Class is scheduled on Saturday, August 8^th, 2020 at 9:00 AM.
2. The sacrament reconciliation and rehearsal are scheduled on Thursday, August 6^th, 2020 at 6:00 PM. Then First Communion for the 3^rd Grade Class is scheduled on Saturday, August 8^th, 2020 at 11:00 AM.
3.  The sacrament reconciliation and rehearsal are scheduled on Friday, August 7^th, 2020 at 6:00 PM. Then First Communion for the Spanish Class is scheduled on Saturday, August 8^th, 2020 at 1:00 PM.
4. The sacrament reconciliation and rehearsal are scheduled on Tuesday, August 11^th, 2020 at 6:00 PM. Then First Communion for the 4^th and 5^th Grade Class is scheduled on Saturday, August 15^th, 2020 at 9:00 AM.
5. The sacrament reconciliation and rehearsal are scheduled on Thursday, August 13^th, 2020 at 6:00 PM. Then First Communion for the Middle School and High School Class is scheduled on Saturday, August 15^th, 2020 at 11:00 AM.

1. Baptism for the kinder and pre-kinder students is scheduled on Saturday, August 15^th, 2020 at 1:00 PM.
2. Baptism for the elementary and middle school students is scheduled on Saturday, August 15^th, 2020 at 3:00 PM.

1. A copy of birth certificate.
2. A copy of baptismal certificate.

1. A copy of birth certificate.
2. A copy of sponsor’s certificate of baptism with notations. If there is no notation, a copy of certificate of sacrament of confirmation is required.

It is with great excitement that on Wednesday, July 1, 2020, I officially start my pastoral ministry at St. James the Apostle Catholic Church in San Antonio as Parish Administrator. I believe that many of you have been aware of this change in leadership especially since Archbishop Gustavo-Siller officially announced the new clery assignments on May, 18, 2020 through the Archdiocese of San Antonio website. 
I am personally honored for this new assignment as Parish Administrator; and, as the new leader of the parish, I realize there are many things that I need to learn from you, loyal St. James parishioners. It is for this reason, certainly during my parish ministry at St. James, I will try my best to always be open to you and willing to walk together with you. My intention is to be a good listener and hope you will feel comfortable in voicing your concerns and future plans. My goal is to always try to be available and present to the needs of the parish community. New beginnings require time, patience, and willingness to work together to strengthen the ties that will bind us together to grow St. James into the church, we will be proud to call our home. 
With the aforementioned goals, I am also aware of how difficult is that this leadership change is happening in the middle of a difficult situation in which COVID-19 has created social distancing between us. Therefore, as we look forward together for better circumstances, I would like to ask of you to always be safe and to pray that this period of uncertainly will end soon so that the "Big Family of St. James the Apostle" will be united closely without social distancing. 
With the great excitement and anticipation, I am looking forward to walking with you in this journey of my ministry at St. James the Apostle. 

Thank you 
Fr. Sonny Aryanto, CICM