Dear Parishioners,

As the end of the Religious Education School year comes to a close, I want to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to all who make our program of Catechesis such a successful and fruitful ministry especially our First Communion preparation program

Our Catechists (religious education teachers and assistants) spend untold hours in preparation and teaching time in order to pass on the Catholic faith to a new generation of believers — your children — and I know that I join all of our parents in offering our collective appreciation. The time, energy and love that comprises those who take on this ministry is not only a powerful sign of Christian Discipleship but it is also the bedrock of Saint Bartholomew parish: to pass on Christ’s teachings and faith to others as we continue that “chain-link” fence of faith which was begun by Christ and His Apostles and carries on today through our families and volunteers, especially those involved in our Religious Education Program.

In a very special way I also wish to acknowledge and thank the leadership and creativity of Rachael Smit, our Director of Religious Education, for the program that continues to draw families to our parish. Unfortunately, she will not be able to continue to be with us as she needed to leave for personal reasons. One of the comments I hear from families drawn to us is that our religious education program not only teaches the faith — but that we are very blessed with a special person in Rachel to lead our Faith Formation Program.

We shall miss her tremendously. She was a huge supporter of our Pastoral Plan, and the efforts to invigorate our parish in this time of pandemic. She is such an amazing person. I’ll personally miss her strength of character and warmth that provided our Faith Formation program the needed leadership for eight years. That’s what I’ll greatly miss. On behalf of the staff, Father Linh Nguyen, the members of Pastoral and Finance Councils and the entire parish community, we wish you, RACHAEL, all the best in whatever endeavor you tackle next.

Thank you one and all who serve Christ in our Religious Education program!

Fr. Senic and Fr. Linh

Would you like me or my brother priest, Fr. Linh at the St. Bartholomew  to offer the Holy Mass for your intentions?

Contact us to arrange for a Mass to be said in our sanctuary. Call or email the parish office at (650) 347- 0701 or receptionist@barts.org.