December 18 - 24, 2025
HOLY DAY & FEAST DAY
December 21 is the Fourth Sunday of Advent.
This day represents Love, the ultimate love of God that He might send His only Son for us. The fourth candle of Advent is lit the Sunday before Christmas, and it is the color purple, leading us to eagerly await the new Kingdom of God on earth.
SIMBANG GABI closing mass is on Tuesday, December 23, 7:00 pm at Saint Mark parish. Everyone is invited to attend this long-cherished Advent activity.
CHRISTMAS EVE is on Wednesday, December 24. Come to the 4:30 pm Christmas Eve mass, sing carols and watch the Christmas Pageant featuring our Saint Mark youth. There will be another Christmas Eve Mass at 10:00 pm.
Check out our 2025 Advent Calendar for the remaining 2025 Advent activities.
PARISH ANNOUNCEMENT
Parish Center Update
To keep our Parish Center looking nice and fresh, the floors, restrooms and partitions of the facility will be thoroughly cleaned and waxed, beginning December 29 through January 2. There is to be no access or foot traffic to any area of the Center during this time.
The floor areas of the Center (supplies, teaching aids, etc ) must be cleared of all items before Monday December 29, at 8am. The service provider will move classroom tables and chairs.
If your ministry has a regularly scheduled meeting during the week, please plan to relocate to the church or chapel.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
More Advent Decor!
Many thanks to our able team of volunteers for setting up the stable
for Christmas - Bob Ames, Chuck Marqueling, George Watrous and Mike
Desing.
for Christmas - Bob Ames, Chuck Marqueling, George Watrous and Mike
Desing.
Communal Supper
We will have communal supper on December 20.
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.
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
Message from the Saint Vincent de Paul ministry:
SVdP requests for BROWN BAGS. Please drop off at the workroom in church.
Hands of God
We all seek to help our neighbors in need, but
what can we do for the neighbor we meet on the street, in the parking lot, at our door? In addition to your prayers and kind words, we offer a practical way to help.
The Hands of God envelopes provide food for body and spirit: For $10, you will get a McDonald’s gift card ($10 value), a bilingual prayer card, and a bilingual card listing local resources, all in a weatherproof Ziploc baggie.
Saint Mark Social Justice Ministry volunteers are selling envelopes after masses this weekend of December 20 & 21. For more info, please contact Diana Krippendorf: 650-861-1951 or
what can we do for the neighbor we meet on the street, in the parking lot, at our door? In addition to your prayers and kind words, we offer a practical way to help.
The Hands of God envelopes provide food for body and spirit: For $10, you will get a McDonald’s gift card ($10 value), a bilingual prayer card, and a bilingual card listing local resources, all in a weatherproof Ziploc baggie.
Saint Mark Social Justice Ministry volunteers are selling envelopes after masses this weekend of December 20 & 21. For more info, please contact Diana Krippendorf: 650-861-1951 or
Message from COR:
We all can get better at prayer. All of us already pray, even if we do not have a formal prayer structure in our lives. A thought runs through our consciousness – I hope my sister recovers from her illness. My family had a wonderful day at the beach Saturday and I am grateful. God knows our thoughts and God will guide your sister in the right way. God hears that you are thankful for that day at the beach.
We probably do not think of those times as prayer but God does. At Cor, we practice prayer. We learn from the Catholic experts to pray better formally and informally. We learn from the other men at Cor too. One man has an insight he shares with other men and we all become better.
Do you want to pray better? You know you could be better, but how will you improve? Join us at Cor. We won’t spend an hour meditating but we can help you meditate if that is where your prayer life should go.
Community Happening
Simbang Gabi
Commissioning Ceremony at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, December 12
Above: Saint Mark representative Noel De Ocampo carrying Saint Mark's parol
(lantern).
(lantern).
Simbang Gabi Opening Mass at Saint Mark Parish, December 15
Thanks to Tina & Noel de Ocampo, our Simbang Gabi committee representatives, and our Hospitality team - Leny & Bernard Arceo, Marcia Cheng, Joanna & Roel Escalante, Allen Capalla and Noel Mulato and other volunteers- for organizing our fellowship on the 1st night and preparing a hearty meal after the mass on the 3rd night. Our thanks too to those who donated for the reception.
Knights of Columbus Wife Appreciation Dinner
December 13
View more photos of our community in our Media Gallery.
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 20
4:30 pm
- BERNADETTE TENGCO (SPECIAL INTENTIONS)
- MARIA GOKIM (SPECIAL INTENTIONS)
Sunday, December 21
8:00 am
- ST. MARK PARISHIONERS LIVING & DECEASED
- LOPE GAYLA (RIP)
9:45 am
- DARREN DYCHIOCO (BIRTHDAY)
- FILOMENA CASTRO (RIP)
11:30 am
- FR. RICHARD ANTONIO (RIP)
- FELIZ & JOSE LAVAL (RIP)
- BERNARD CAFIRMA (DEATH ANNIVERSARY)
Monday, December 22
8:30 am
- MIKE & TESS TAFT & FAMILY (SPECIAL INTENTIONS)
- CHRISTOPHER STOVALL (BIRTHDAY BLESSING)
Tuesday, December 23
8:30 am
- JEAN EVERBELLE DY (BIRTHDAY)
- MATTHEW STOVALL (BIRTHDAY BLESSING)
Wednesday, December 24
4:30 pm (Christmas Eve)
- DINNA BAYANGOS & FAMILY (SPECIAL INTENTIONS)
- LENY ARCEO & FAMILY (SPECIAL INTENTIONS)
- TINA DE OCAMPO & FAMILY (THANKSGIVING)
10:00 pm (Christmas Eve)
• LICUDINE FAMILY (SPECIAL INTENTIONS
• MATT LUCETT & FAMILY (THANKSGIVING)
• JOSIE HEMP & FAMILY (THANKSGIVING)
Thursday, December 25
8:00 am (Christmas)
- RONNIE SUPELANA & FAMILY (SPECIAL INTENTIONS)
- BRENDA CASH (RIP)
- ANDY & BARBARA KLASE (RIP)
9:45 am (Christmas)
- MARCIA CHENG & FAMILY (THANKSGIVING)
- CELIA PEREZ & FAMILY (THANKSGIVING)
- FLORA LEE CHAN & FAMILY (THANKSGIVING)
11:30 am (Christmas)
- ELSA ATENDIDO & FAMILY (THANKSGIVING)
- MICHAEL & SUE DESING & FAMILY (THANKSGIVING)
- ROEL ESCALANTE & FAMILY (SPECIAL INTENTIONS)
Friday, December 26
8:30 am
- CARRILLO & ANZALDO FAMILY (RIP)
- YVONNE RICHARDS (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
New – Catholic Charities Volunteer Opportunities
Monday-Tuesday, Dec. 22 & Dec. 23, 2025
Contacts: Darlene Wilson | 415-972-1371 dawilson@catholiccharitiessf.org
Catholic Charities has two Christmas volunteer opportunities. Embrace the season by taking time to serve others and spread Christmas joy throughout our community.
- Monday, Dec. 22 from 4:00p to 7:00p: Christmas Dinner and Celebration at 10th and Mission Family Housing Program in San Francisco.
- Tuesday, Dec. 23 from 10:00a to 1:00p: Christmas Luncheon at OMI Senior Center at 2616 Ocean Avenue in San Francisco.
For information or to sign up, contact Darlene Wilson at 415.972.1371 or dawilson@catholiccharitiessf.org
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 21, 4:00p: Nataly Pak, Organ.
- Sunday, December 28, 4:00p: Wendy Loder, Sopano and Violin, with Jeanette Wilkin Tietze, Piano.
- Sunday, January 4, 4:00p: Epiphany Lessons and Carols, sung by the Cathedral Choir School and the Golden Gate Boyschoir and Bellringers.
- Sunday, January 11, 4:00p: Joerg Abbing, Organ.
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.
