Simbang Gabi @ St. Joe

In a neighborhood on busy Mission Boulevard, off Washington, in Fremont, sits a nondescript one-level structure, next to the historic Old Mission San Jose. It is known as St. Joseph Church, and this is my parish.

St. Joseph is about a 15-minute drive from where me and my family live. Mind you, there are a couple of churches closer to home and a few more within the same driving time. But we continue to go to St. Joseph, as we have done for the last 8 years or so, because there is just something about this community. And this includes the small but growing Filipino population. By the way, my son also goes to St. Joseph School.


Personally, what sets this parish apart from all the others in the area is how nice and closely-knit the people are. You'll be surprised, but the Fil-Ams here are (very) refined. You'll never meet a friendlier, more accommodating, and more welcoming bunch of Pinoys this side of the East Bay. Yes, I am biased, and I am not sorry about it because it is true. Wait till you see the others and you'll know what I mean.

Anyway......

The Filipino community at St. Joseph has been active in the parish for many years. It has participated in numerous parish events and has contributed significantly to the growth of the community. In recent years, the Filipino community began showcasing Philippine culture and liturgical events in this predominantly white parish.

These events include the Feast of the Santo Nino (Feast of the Child Jesus) that is celebrated in January. A major celebration in spring is Flores de Mayo (Flowers of May) and Santacruzan, wherein children offer flowers to the Virgin Mary during Sunday masses throughout the month of May. The festivities culminate with the Santacruzan, a parade of religious characters honoring St. Helena in her search for Jesus' cross.


In September, the feast of the first Filipino saint, Lorenzo Ruiz, is celebrated. Wrapping up the year is Simbang Gabi (Midnight Mass), which is one of the anticipated events of the parish.

Simbang Gabi at St. Joseph is quite unique. It is not just a mass, but a fiesta (feast) of sorts. Unlike the traditional 9-day novena masses at 4:00 in the morning, this Simbang Gabi is a one-day
event, typically, held on the last Saturday before Christmas, and celebrated a little later in the morning, at 6:00 o'clock. And unlike Simbang Gabi back in the Motherland, there are also no puto-bungbong and bibingka (delicacies associated with these dawn masses) sold outside the church courtyard.

But we try to replicate as much as we can, and sometimes, even more. Popular traditional and well-loved contemporary Filipino liturgical songs and Christmas carols fill the nearby Old Mission San Jose church as worshipers brave the chilly, December morning. After the mass, everyone partakes of a sumptuous Filipino breakfast at the Parish Hall. In between bites of daing na bangus, adobo, and sinangag, parishioners are treated to some entertainment that include cultural dances and songs, and performances from talents within the community.

A lot of work goes into the preparation for Simbang Gabi. Music is selected, and the ragtag Filipino Choir does a first pass before a final selection is made. What follow are 5-Friday rehearsals, led by St. Joe's music director, who happens to be white. Meanwhile, a set of volunteers is responsible for promoting the event and securing benefactors to adequately fund the celebration. On the eve of the event, another group of volunteers design, decorate, and set up the Parish Hall for the morning reception. Then, there are those who are responsible for entertainment and ensuring the smooth flow of activities on D-day. After the festivities, everyone pitches in to clean up.

And did I mention about the priest? Well, searching for one, at times, has become an ordeal. Filipino priests are in demand during the holiday season because of the growing number of parishes that celebrate Simbang Gabi that you have to book them way in advance.

Simbang Gabi at St. Joseph is a one-of-a-kind experience. A truly Pinoy event in America.

Partake in the Eucharist, be regaled with the music, savor the fare, and welcome the birth of Jesus Christ.

Come and join the celebration on December 19, 2009, Saturday, 6:00 in the morning, at the Old Mission San Jose church.

By the way, have you ever been to the Old Mission at 6:00 in the morning during winter? It's a BLAST !!!!


Author's Note: The Old Mission San Jose church is located at 43300 Mission Boulevard, Fremont, CA 94539. The Filipino group is called The Filipino Community of St. Joseph/Mission San Jose-TFCSJ, and St. Joseph's music director is Ron McKean.)