December 11 - 17, 2025
HOLY DAY & FEAST DAY
Our Lady of Guadalupe
December 12
In 1999, Blessed John Paul II, in his homily given during the Solemn Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, his third visit to the sanctuary, declared the date of December the 12th as a Liturgical Holy Day for the whole continent. During the same visit Pope John Paul II entrusted the cause of life to her loving protection, and placed under her motherly care the innocent lives of children, especially those who are in danger of not being born.
Source: CNA
December 14 is the Third Sunday of Advent. The 3rd Sunday of Advent is also called Gaudate Sunday, which means rejoice. The pink candle we light today reminds us of a quiet, gentle joy—the kind that comes from knowing the Lord is near.
The SIMBANG GABI opening mass is on Monday, December 15, 7:00 pm at Saint Mark parish. Everyone is invited to attend this long-cherished Advent activity. Scroll down to Archdiocese news & events to see the full Simbang Gabi schedule.
Participate in Advent activities at Saint Mark. Check out our 2025 Advent Calendar.
PARISH ANNOUNCEMENT
Second Collection on December 13 & 14 is for Retirement for the Religious
For decades, women and men religious have devoted their lives to service through countless Church ministries, often for little to no pay. Today, their communities face a severe gap between the rising cost of care and the limited resources available.
The annual collection helps provide critical financial assistance to eligible religious institutes caring for their retired members, more than 21,000 elderly sisters, brothers and religious order priests. Thank you for your generous support.
The annual collection helps provide critical financial assistance to eligible religious institutes caring for their retired members, more than 21,000 elderly sisters, brothers and religious order priests. Thank you for your generous support.
To learn more, visit USCCB.ORG
Birthdays at Communal Supper
December 27
There is no Communal Supper on December 13.
On our December 27th Communal Supper at the Parish Center, we shall honor our December birthday celebrants. All are invited to share a meal and join the fun and fellowship among parishioners.
More Advent Decor!
Many thanks to Leny Arceo & Marcia Cheng for creating a festive atmosphere in church with Christmas decors, including our lovely Christmas tree.
Parish Appeal: In place of flowers, we would appreciate your cash donations instead, to give our Environment Ministry more flexibility in their floral design and arrangements. Thank you for your cooperation and generosity!
Saint Mark Pilgrimage Fundraiser
If you are planning on joining the 2026 Pilgrimage with Fr. Angel Quitalig from April 6-17, please be reminded that the last day to sign up and pay the deposit is on December 27, 2025.
MINISTRY UPDATE
Huge Thanks from Ladies Guild
The Saint Mark Ladies Guild would like to thank the parishioners of Saint Mark for their incredible generosity during our 2025 Advent Giving drive.
You donated a total of $6,115 in Target gift cards and cash. This amount was split evenly between the two charities. We were able to distribute 120 units $25 gift cards to our own SVdP. And, 149 gift cards to Catholic Worker House in a mix of $20 and $25 as requested.
In addition, cash that came in after the cards had been purchased, was split between the two charities.
Once again, by adding this outreach to your “Christmas shopping list”, you have brought joy to those less fortunate this Christmas season.
Truly a beautiful and meaningful reflection of the Advent Spirit. Wishing all a Blessed Christmas!
Message from the Saint Vincent de Paul ministry:
The Season of Joy is here! Saint Mark SVdP members will bring Christmas cheer (and the Target gift cards you donated) to the families that we have visited over the past year. If you are interested to join us and meet our wonderful neighbors, please contact Bill Mallet (williammallet@comcast.net)."
SVdP also requests for BROWN BAGS. Please drop off at the workroom in church.
Christmas Angels Toy Drive, a Restorative Justice program
The program aims to bring hope, joy and the true spirit of Christmas to children and families impacted by incarceration and domestic and gun violence.
Attached is a list of preferred toys and more details about the program. Collection period is now until December 14
You may either: Have the toy SHIPPED DIRECTLY to : Archdiocese of San Francisco
Attention: Christmas Angels
1 Peter Yorke Way San Francisco, CA 94109
OR placed in the COLLECTION BOX at Saint Mark Church or other collection sites.
Contact: Teri Baxter xbaxter11@comcast.net and Bill Mallet williammallet@comcast.
Message from COR:
COR IS A CHRIST-CENTERED BROTHERHOOD. In a world that often promotes isolation, we can forget that God designed us for community. We are not meant to walk this journey of faith alone. The bond of Christ-centered brotherhood helps men remain focused on their mission to grow in holiness. We desire the good of our brothers as much as our own, striving to support one another in becoming the husbands, fathers and saints that God calls us to be. As the center of our bond, Jesus is the unifying source of our strength, purpose, and direction.
To read more about COR, click HERE
Community Happening
Advent Day of Recollection
We would like to thank our speaker, Dr Anthony Lilles, our Liturgy Committee and Hospitality ministry, as well as all our Recollection participants.
GIVE TODAY
Engraved Bricks Fundraiser
We encourage all parishioners to support our fundraising campaign. We continue to accept orders for the 2 locations - - the new Saint Mark Garden and the Our Lady of Lourdes grotto.
Order your engraved bricks today. Every brick helps in supporting Saint Mark's long-term capital needs.
Thank you for your generosity!
Online Giving in Church If you would like to give online at the masses, you may scan a QR code printed on our paper bulletin distributed in church. Thank you.
MASS INTENTIONS
Saturday, December 13
4:30 pm
- ERIC JAMES CARREON, JR.
(BIRTHDAY THANKSGIVING) - EUGENE ENRIQUEZ (BIRTHDAY)
Sunday, December 14
8:00 am
- ST. MARK PARISHIONERS LIVING & DECEASED
- HAZEL ZECHA (BLESSED BIRTHDAY)
9:45 am
- ROSA FERRER RAMIREZ (RIP)
- JEFFREY YI (BIRTHDAY THANKSGIVING)
11:30 am
- JEFFREY YI (BIRTHDAY THANKSGIVING)
- BERNARD ATENDIDO, SR.(BIRTHDAY MEMORIAL)
Monday, December 15
8:30 am
- CATALINA OLIVARES (RIP)
- JULIO OLIVARES (RIP)
7:00 pm (Simbang Gabi)
• HELEN ALVAREZ (BIRTHDAY)
Tuesday, December 16
8:30 am
- JONATHAN ANG (SPECIAL INTENTION)
- RACHELLE & JULIUS VINLUAN (SPECIAL INTENTIONS)
Wednesday, December 17
8:30 am
- CECILIA CATALANO (RIP)
- CRISTY CENTENO (BIRTHDAY)
7:00 pm (Simbang Gabi)
• ST. MARK PARISHIONERS LIVING & DECEASED
Thursday, December 18
8:30 am
- STANFORD CHATFIELD (RIP)
Friday, December 19
8:30 am
- JOE MENDOZA (RIP)
- BERNIE ATENDIDO (RIP)
PRAYERS FOR THE SICK
We pray for all the sick and injured in our parish community, and all those who care for them, especially for : Aurora Lopez, Tanya Daniels, Patrick Quispe, Kathy Wieder, Helen Konoshkonik, Marie Murray, Mary Beth Jones, Connie Feight. Bob and Georgia Vierra, Enrique Cruz, Sr., Wenilia Eda, Elizabeth McClelland, Victor Luscap, Maria Lourdes Chin, Cruz Sanders, Gabby Jimenez, Leia Perry, James Hardy, Bernard Gross, Flor Carlos, Paulo Valencia-Chavez, Elizabeth Chavez, Manuel Valencia-Chavez, Ernie Echague, Jose Ong, John Prouty, Maritza, Benjie Andres, Marlene Belloumini, Vince Lopez, Eddie Court, Anto Roselin, Rex Sebastin, Robert VanHuystee, Anthony Pimentel, Jonalyn Cañete, Leslie Cruz, Marie D’Asaro, Jason Domingo, John Parker, Victoria Ramos, Fr. Miles O-Brien Riley, Jim Rooney, and Teresita White.
ARCHDIOCESE NEWS & EVENTS
Simbang Gabi
Commissioning Mass
December 12, 6:00 pm
Our Lady of Mercy Parish – One Elmwood Drive, Daly City
Contact: Estelle Oloresisimo | 415-535-9248 | Estelle.oloresisimo@gmail.com
Our Lady of Mercy Parish – One Elmwood Drive, Daly City
Contact: Estelle Oloresisimo | 415-535-9248 | Estelle.oloresisimo@gmail.com
To be followed by:
Christmas Mini Concert
December 12, 7:30 pm
Our Lady of Mercy Parish
featuring Singing Priests of the Archdiocese of SF & FAMMA
Simbang Gabi
9-Day Masses - The Full Schedule
Check the calendar to see all the Simbang Gabi Masses venues and times within the Central San Mateo deanery.
Walk for Life
January 24, 2026
Join us as we walk for HOPE,
walk for LOVE,
and walk for LIFE,
at the 22nd Annual Walk for Life West Coast!
Walk for Life Main Event:
Rally: 12:30 – 1:30 pm at the Civic Center Plaza, San Francisco
Walk: 1:30 pm
St. Mary’s Cathedral Sunday Afternoon “Musical Meditations” Live and Livestreamed
For more information, contact Mr. Chris Tietze at 415-567-2020, Ext. 213
Enjoy the longest continuously running organ concert series in San Francisco, and other instrumental and vocal recitals as well on Sundays at 4:00p. These Musical Meditations are open to the public at the Cathedral (1111 Gough Street, San Francisco) and are being livestreamed on the St. Mary’s Cathedral YouTube channel, above.
Upcoming LIVE and Livestreamed
- Sunday, December 14, 4:00p: Su Yeon Kim, Violin. Bach solo violin sonatas.
- Sunday, December 14, 7:00 pm: Cookies &Carols, an annual seasonal concert by the Cathedral Choirs, Patrons Hall. Admission $35/25.
- Sunday, December 21, 4:00p: Nataly Pak, Organ.
- Sunday, December 28, 4:00p: Wendy Loder, Sopano and Violin, with Jeanette Wilkin Tietze, Piano.
SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
MASSES
Monday to Friday at 8:30 am
Saturday at 4:30 pm (Sunday Vigil)
Sunday at 8:00 am, 9:45 am (with Children's Liturgy of the Word) and 11:30 am
Sunday at 8:00 am, 9:45 am (with Children's Liturgy of the Word) and 11:30 am
Cantonese Mass 1:30 pm every 2nd, 4th and 5th Sunday
Livestream Masses for the Sick & Homebound every Sunday at 9:45 am
First Saturday Mass at 8:30 am, followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.
Holy Day Masses at 8:30 am and 7:00 pm
AT THE CHAPEL
Rosary after the 8:30 am Mass
Devotion to the Sacred Heart every First Friday after the Mass and Rosary
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament : Monday to Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Perpetual Help Devotion, Adoration & Benediction : Wednesdays at 7:00 pm
AT THE GROTTO
(outdoor activity may move to Chapel due to weather conditions)
Rosary at 6:30 pm, Monday to Friday
OTHERS
Confessions every Saturday from 3:45 to 4:20 pm or by appointment
Anointing of the Sick - by appointment. Contact parish office.
Holy Communion for the Homebound. Email Chris at camilestone33@gmail.com
PARISH INFORMATION
Parish Staff & Email Directory:
Fr. Angel Quitalig, Pastor, frangel@saintmarkbelmont.com
Fr. Dominic Savio Lee, In-Residence, domsaviolee@yahoo.com
Richard Dizon, Permanent Deacon, dcnrich@saintmarkbelmont.com
Elsa Agasid, Music Director, eagasid@saintmarkbelmont.com
Elsa Atendido, Office Coordinator, elsa@saintmarkbelmont.com
Dinna Bayangos, Communications Coordinator, dinna@saintmarkbelmont.com
Jacob Tolentino, Director of Religious Education, jacob@saintmarkbelmont.com
Office Inquiries & Concerns: office@saintmarkbelmont.com
Office Address: 325 Marine View Avenue, Belmont, CA 94002
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Thank you for signing up to receive our weekly email newsletter. It's one of the many ways to stay connected to the Saint Mark parish community.
Our next breakfast is on May 18, Saturday, from 8:00 to 9:30 am at the Parish Center. Excell Network's reentry scholarship program assists students on probation and parole as they continue their education. Start your day with us and be inspired by the students' stories of hope and renewal, while enjoying a delicious meal!
Tickets are priced at $20 per person. You can buy tickets online.
On May 11, Saturday, we invite all May birthday celebrants to celebrate their birthday at the Communal Supper at 6pm at the Parish Center
Winner's Prize for Corn Hole Competition
Source: Catholic News Agency
Reserve your space. Sign up on Flocknote or in church!
Our Adoration is every Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm at the Chapel.
We are looking for adorers to fill up vacant slots to make sure that Adoration is available throughout the day.
Sign up sheet is in the Chapel. We will provide training.
