THE PRESENTATION OF JESUS IN THE TEMPLE
At first glance, the presentation of the infant, Jesus, in the temple appears to be a peaceful scene. But the scene from Malachi is not peaceful. God says, “Suddenly there will come to the temple the Lord whom you seek.” He comes like a refiner’s fire or like fuller’s lye. He comes able to burn you to ash and bleach you to the bone. For Malachi, this terrifying appearance corrected a problem. The priests of the temple were not offering due sacrifice to God, so God prophesied that the Lord would appear in the temple to set things right. That tiny baby held in the arms of his parents grew up to be the Savior who reads the thoughts of our hearts and calls us to conversion. In baptism, we were anointed as a priestly people. Let God’s fire purge whatever keeps us from union with God and one another.
TRANSITION HOUSE
Transition House Homeless Shelter desperately needs someone with a strong back and an SUV or truck to transport food from the Food Bank to the shelter one or two Tuesday mornings per month. If you can help, please call Mark Morehart at 968-1211.
NEW PARISH CENSUS
Please pick up a card at the back of the church. You may drop the completed card in the collection or return it to the parish office. Thanks!
STEWARDSHIP: FIRST FRUITS BACK TO GOD
Sunday Offering, January 26th: $10,764.00
Thank you for your continuing generosity!
LOS ANGELES RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CONGRESS 2003: FEB 28 - MARCH 2
Don’t miss out on this! Mark your calendars and make your hotel reservations immediately! This year’s Congress features over 265 workshops. Truly, there is something for everyone! Beautiful, uplifting liturgies are planned. Daily noon time concerts and evening performances promise to be entertaining and inspiring. The topics addressed will range from spirituality and personal development to theology and catechesis. For information on the workshops, speakers, and events, pick up a registration guidebook from the Parish Office.
CHILDCARE IS NOW AVAILABLE!
Child care is available at the 9:00 AM Mass. Please contact Celia Muckerman at 696-9605.
DISCERNMENT FOR PASTORAL COUNCIL
During all the Masses on the weekend of February 9th, all registered parishioners will be invited to recommend parishioners to serve as Pastoral Council members. According to the Archdiocesan guideline book, “Communion and Consultation: Pastoral Council Guidelines,” the specific task of the Pastoral Council is pastoral planning. The Council engages in a three-pronged process of study, reflection, and recommendation. Meetings are held monthly, on the last Tuesday of each month, and council members serve a three-year term. The Pastoral Council candidate should be:
-visionary, creative and imaginative
-a facilitator of change and growth
-sensitive to tradition
-team oriented
-collaborative
-willing to commit time and energy outside
of Pastoral Council meetings
Each person nominated will be notified by Fr. Vince and invited to a meeting on Tuesday, February 18th, at 7:00 PM at which the vision and mission of the Council will be presented. Those who are willing to serve will be asked to state orally and in writing why they want to serve and the skills they would bring to the Council ministry. A committee of outgoing council members together with Fr. Vince will discern, by means of prayer and discussion, four new members for the Pastoral Council from those candidates.
“Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful.”
TOGETHER IN MISSION 2003
“Believe the Good News”
“Together in Mission” is our opportunity to reach beyond our own parish boundaries and to come together as a spiritual family to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who are most in need. Many thanks to all who have responded with either one-time donations or five-month pledges. Our Parish assessment is $59,745. We have received pledges in the amount of $37,452.00, with 225 households responding. Our hope is that all of us will do our fair share, and that each household will contribute according to its means. If you have not already made your “Together in Mission” pledge, please consider doing so today. Thank you for your generosity.
POPE JOHN PAUL II SPEAKS ON WAR
In his annual address to world ambassadors, Pope John Paul II said: “War is never just another means that one can choose to employ for settling differences between nations...As the charter of the United Nations organization and international laws remind us, war cannot be decided upon, even when it is a matter of ensuring the common good, except as the very last option and in accordance with very strict conditions, without ignoring the consequences for the civilian population both during and after the military operations…[War] is always a defeat for humanity...international law, honest dialogue, solidarity between states, the noble exercise of diplomacy: these are methods worthy of individuals and nations in resolving their differences.”
ARCHDIOCESAN FINANCIAL REPORT
For your information, the Archdiocese published its Financial Summary for the most recent fiscal year in the January 24th edition of the Tidings. The report includes summary statements of current financial position, current revenues and expenses, and an invitation to access www.la-archdiocese.org for more detailed financial information and explanation.
HOW DOES ONE BECOME A CATHOLIC?
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a community-based process for welcoming new members into the Roman Catholic Church that is guided by the Gospel and the lived example of the community. If you are interested in looking into the Catholic faith, please call the Parish Office, 682-4151.
HEALING MASS
You are invited to a healing Mass which will address the sexual crises in the Church. Father Michael Sears will be the presider on Monday, February 17th at 7:30 PM at St. Raphael’s Church. For more information, please call Ann Hawkes at 687-2303.

THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
In the first reading today, the prophet, Jonah, is sent to the city of Nineveh to convert it. “Conversion” means turning from one way of life to another. God spares the city only when the Ninevites turn from their evil ways to virtuous living. The Letter from Paul to the Corinthians reiterates this lesson as the people are instructed to abandon their old assumptions and attitudes for a new way of seeing life and people—the old ways were to be left behind. Mark’s gospel underscores the same message: Jesus calls Simon and Andrew, James and John to leave everything behind—boats, nets, and even family—to follow him and become fishers of people. We are their descendents. Our faith is the faith that these original followers received from Jesus and handed over to us in the Scriptures and Church Tradition. Our call to conversion that we hear over and over throughout our lifetime is the same. Discipleship demands everything from us!
YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
Senior High Ministry: After Mass meets today from 12:30-1:30 PM at the San Roque Parish Hall. PAUSE meets Thursday from 7:00-8:30 PM in the Youth Room.
Confirmation: This year’s retreat for our year two process participants is being held in coordination with St. Rose of Lima Parish in Simi Valley on February 14-16. Call Andrew to register.
Junior High Ministry: Shine meets in the Youth Room today from 2:30-4:00 PM. Rise meets on January 28th from 7:00-8:30 PM.
Young Adult Ministry: We want to form a core team for this ministry to increase its impact. Call Andrew if you are interested in helping build up this ministry.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CONGRESS: FEB 28-MAR 2
Mark your calendars and make your hotel reservations immediately! Don’t miss out on this year’s Congress featuring over 265 workshops. Truly, there is something for everyone! For information on the workshops, speakers, and events, or a registration booklet, please call (213) 637-7332.
STEWARDSHIP: FIRST FRUITS BACK TO GOD
Sunday Offering, January 19th: $13,311.08
Thank you for your continuing generosity!
CHILDCARE IS NOW AVAILABLE!
Child care is available at the 9:00 AM Mass only. Please contact Celia Muckerman at 696-9605.
DISCERNMENT FOR PASTORAL COUNCIL
During all the Masses on the weekend of February 9th, all registered parishioners will be invited to recommend parishioners to serve as Pastoral Council members. According to the Archdiocesan guideline book, “Communion and Consultation: Pastoral Council Guidelines,” the specific task of the Pastoral Council is pastoral planning. The Council engages in a three-pronged process of study, reflection, and recommendation. Meetings are held monthly, on the last Tuesday of each month, and council members serve a three-year term. The Pastoral Council candidate should be:
-visionary, creative and imaginative
-a facilitator of change and growth
-sensitive to tradition
TOGETHER IN MISSION 2003
Last year, many of you gave so generously to this annual campaign, and on behalf of the recipients, we thank you. This year, we hope that even more of our parishioners will respond to the call to help those less fortunate by making a pledge to this campaign, according to their means. The “Together in Mission” campaign will provide financial support to 30 parishes and 44 parish schools that provide education, ministry and a Catholic presence for tens of thousands of people. These parishes and schools simply cannot operate without our help. Please prayerfully consider what you can give.
LITURGICAL FORMATION DAY
The Archdiocesan Office for Worship will hold a liturgical formation day on Saturday, February 8th, at St. Monica Parish, 725 California Avenue in Santa Monica. This day is for everyone interested in liturgy. Workshops will include an overview of the Rite of Christian Initiation, liturgical spirituality, lector enrichment and a formation process for eucharistic ministers. If you wish to attend, please call the Office for Worship at 213-637-7262, or you can register online at LALiturgy.org
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
·Bishop Garcia Diego High School’s placement exam will be held on February 1st at 8:00 AM. For more information, you are invited to call 967-1266.
St. Raphael’s Parish will hold a healing Mass for those affected by the sexual abuse crisis in the Church on Monday, February 17th, at 7:30 PM. For more information, call Anne Hawkes, 687-2303.
HOW DOES ONE BECOME A CATHOLIC?
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a community-based process for welcoming new members into the Roman Catholic Church that is guided by the Gospel and the lived example of parishioners. If you are interested in looking into the Catholic faith, please call the Parish Office, 682-4151.
ANNUAL OFFERTORY COMMITMENT
The final report from the Stewardship Committee indicates that 402 households responded with weekly pledges totaling $9,202.30, for an annual projected income of $478,519.60. Last year, 270 households responded with pledges totaling $442,312.00. Many thanks to all of you who made a commitment to support your parish.

-team oriented
-collaborative
-willing to commit time and energy outside
of Pastoral Council meetings
Each person nominated will be notified by Fr. Vince and invited to a meeting on Tuesday, February 18th, at 7:00 PM at which the vision and mission of the Council will be presented. Those who are willing to serve will be asked to state orally and in writing why they want to serve and the skills they would bring to the Council ministry. A committee of outgoing council members together with Fr. Vince will discern, by means of prayer and discussion, four new members for the Pastoral Council from those candidates.
“Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful.”

SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Some of us find Jesus Christ in a breathtaking, mystical conversion like Paul; most of us encounter Jesus Christ over a period of years as our faith deepens and we come to understand Christ’s message. One thing is certain, no matter how it happens, it must lead to a decision, for Jesus summons us as followers when he says, “Come and see.” The first and second readings today focus on the meaning of our call. In the first reading, Samuel models the openness for which we ought to strive in our relationship with God: “Speak, for your servant is listening.” Paul reminds us that we are joined together in our service as members of one body. Further, he states, our lives are powered by the Spirit, and therefore, all of our conduct flows, or ought to flow, from this union with the Spirit and with each other.
CELEBRATE WORLD MARRIAGE DAY 2003
The annual Anniversary Mass for married couples will be held in the Santa Barbara Region on Sunday, February 23rd at 3:00 PM at Mary Star of the Sea Church, 463 Pleasant Valley Road, Oxnard. Bishop Thomas Curry will preside and give recognition to those celebrating 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 or more years of marriage. A reception will follow. Please call the Regional Office, 682-0442, to register.
YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
*Senior High Ministry: AfterMass meets today from 12:30-1:30 PM at the San Roque Parish Hall. PAUSE meets Thursday from 7:00-8:30 PM in the Youth Room.
*Confirmation: This year’s retreat for our year two process participants is being held in coordination with St. Rose of Lima Parish in Simi Valley on Presidents’ Day weekend. Call to register.
*Junior High Ministry: Shine meets in the Youth Room today from 2:30-4:00 PM. Rise is cancelled this week (see you on January 28th).
*Young Adult Ministry: We want to form a core team for this ministry to increase its impact. Call Andrew if you are interested in helping build up this ministry.
STEWARDSHIP: FIRST FRUITS BACK TO GOD
Sunday Offering, January 12th: $11,476.50
Thank you for your continuing generosity!
LOS ANGELES RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CONGRESS 2003: FEB 28 - MARCH 2
Don’t miss out on this! Mark your calendars and make your hotel reservations immediately! This year’s Congress features over 265 workshops. Truly, there is something for everyone! Beautiful, uplifting liturgies are planned. Daily noon time concerts and evening performances promise to be entertaining and inspiring. The topics addressed will range from spirituality and personal development to theology and catechesis. For information on the workshops, speakers, and events, pick up a registration guidebook from the Parish Office.
CHILDCARE IS NOW AVAILABLE!
Child care is available at the 9:00 AM Mass only. Please contact Celia Muckerman at 696-9605.
“HEALING A PAST MISCARRIAGE OR ABORTION”
La Casa De Maria has scheduled a weekend retreat, January 24-26, for those who have suffered the loss of a child through miscarriage or abortion. The loss of a fetus, whether by choice or by chance, can bring up recurring feelings of confusion, vulnerability and grief. Our weekend is about understanding, acceptance and healing. Please call 969-5031.
TOGETHER IN MISSION 2003
Last year, many of you gave so generously to this annual campaign, and on behalf of the recipients, we thank you. This year, we hope that even more of our parishioners will respond to the call to help those less fortunate by making a pledge to this campaign, according to their means. Please read the “Together in Mission” materials provided this week. Note that “Together in Mission” will provide financial support to 30 parishes and 44 parish schools that provide education, ministry and a Catholic presence for tens of thousands of people. These parishes and schools simply cannot operate without our help. If you receive a pledge form in the mail, please complete it and mail it back or bring it to Mass next Sunday.
LITURGICAL FORMATION DAY
The Archdiocesan Office for Worship will hold a liturgical formation day on Saturday, February 8th, at St. Monica Parish, 725 California Avenue in Santa Monica. This day is for everyone interested in liturgy. Workshops will include an overview of the Rite of Christian Initiation, liturgical spirituality, lector enrichment and a formation process for eucharistic ministers. If you wish to attend, please call the Office for Worship at 213-637-7262, or you can register online at LALiturgy.org
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
¨Bishop Garcia Diego High School’s placement exam will be held on January 25th and February 1st at 8:00 AM. For more information, you are invited to call 967-1266.
¨Word and Life Study Fellowship is meeting weekly. Call Alice McDonald, 967-4013.
¨The Institute for Adult Spirituality four-week Monday evening series, “Why Be Catholic?” begins on January 20th. Please call Harriet Burke, 967-7506.
¨St. Raphael’s Parish will hold a healing Mass for those affected by the sexual abuse crisis in the Church on Monday, February 17th, at 7:30 PM. For more information, call Anne Hawkes, 687-2303.
RECYCLE YOUR CHRISTMAS CARDS
You are invited to leave your Christmas (and other) cards at the Porter’s Office. Please be sure to put Linda Alderman’s name on them. Linda uses your cards to make gift tags that she sells to benefit the Alpha Resource Center. Thanks for your help.
HOW DOES ONE BECOME A CATHOLIC?
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a community-based process for welcoming new members into the Roman Catholic Church that is guided by the Gospel and the lived example of parishioners. If you are interested in looking into the Catholic faith, please call the Parish Office, 682-4151.
FROM THE PEACE AND JUSTICE COMMITTEE
The Peace and Justice Committee will meet Wednesday, January 22nd at 7:15 PM in the Social Rooms. Robert Muller will speak to us about his work in Costa Rica as Chancellor of the University of Peace. We will also discuss “A Place at the Table,” a program that deals with gay and lesbian issues in the church. All are welcome to join us.
THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Reading I: Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Reading II: 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Gospel: Mark 1:14-20
This passage begins Jesus’ preaching and is the core message of everything he will say later. To repent means to change one’s mind—to completely change one’s attitude from self-centeredness to God-centeredness. It suggests a total change in one’s life. We see an example of this in Jesus’ call to his first followers and their response. Simon and Andrew set aside their life’s work to follow Jesus. James and John abandon their work and leave their father to follow Jesus. Believing in the Gospel means a personal attachment to the person of Jesus and going with him on his way.
Relate an experience when you were drawn to someone and it changed your life. Describe the change.

SOLEMNITY OF EPIPHANY
When we consider the entire Gospel message, we must move beyond the mere appearance of a celestial body such as the star that appeared to the magi. In today’s readings, many larger themes are present. A world filled with light, bursting with joy, dedicating itself to the reign of justice and peace, is present throughout the Scriptures. The magi themselves are “overjoyed” at the appearance of the star, not for itself, but because of whom it represents. Filled with joy, they bow down and pay homage to Jesus. The season of the Nativity is one of great joy—so great that the Church gives us these twelve days of Christmas to celebrate. Beyond today, we need to remember that, as disciples, the purpose of the season’s joy is to refresh us and strengthen us for the mission of proclaiming the coming of God’s reign. The star in Matthew’s Gospel is only significant when, through us, it becomes the good fortune of the hungry fed and the homeless sheltered, the poor cared for through our charity, and the powerless finding a voice in our witness.
ANNUAL OFFERTORY COMMITMENT
The final report from the Stewardship Committee indicates that 402 households responded with weekly pledges totaling $9,202.30, for an annual total of $478,519.60. Last year, 270 households responded with pledges totaling $442,312.00 annually. Thank you for your generosity and willingness to make a commitment to support your parish. It is on the basis of these numbers that we plan for the next year.
YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
¨ Senior High Youth Ministry:. PAUSE meets Thursday from 7:00-8:30 PM in the Mission Youth Room.
¨ Confirmation: All Confirmation process participants are expected to attend our second Sunday evening Confirmation meeting tonight from 7:00-8:30 PM in the Parish Social Rooms.
¨ Junior High Ministry: Our Sunday fellowship, SHINE meets today in the Youth Room from 2:00-4:00 PM. Our weeknight fellowship, RISE, meets Tuesday from 7:00-8:30 PM (new time!) in the Youth Room.
¨ College Ministry: Please call Andrew if you are interested in starting this ministry.
¨ Young Adult Ministry: Stay tuned for upcoming events and opportunities. Happy New Year!
NEW PARISH CENSUSz
Please pick up a card at the back of the church. You may drop the completed card in the collection or return it to the parish office. Thanks!
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CONGRESS: FEB 28-MAR 2
Don’t miss out on this! Mark your calendars and make your hotel reservations immediately! Don’t miss out on this year’s Congress featuring over 265 workshops. Truly, there is something for everyone! For information on the workshops, speakers, and events, or to get a registration booklet, please call the Office of Religious Education at (213) 637-7332.
STEWARDSHIP: FIRST FRUITS BACK TO GOD
Sunday Offering: December 22 $13,369.50
Thank you for your continuing support!
CHILDCARE IS NOW AVAILABLE!
We are thrilled to announce that childcare is available during the 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM Masses in the “Good Shepherd” room. Call Melody DuPrau at 687-2198 for information and to volunteer.
GUADALUPE FILM
Fr. Gary, O.F.M., is planning to produce a film on the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe. If you think you might be interested in helping with this production, please contact Fr. Gary at 682-4713, ext. 168.
“HEALING A PAST MISCARRIAGE OR ABORTION”
La Casa De Maria has scheduled a weekend retreat, January 24-26, for those who have suffered the loss of a child through miscarriage or abortion. The loss of a fetus, whether by choice or by chance, can bring up recurring feelings of confusion, vulnerability and grief. Our weekend is about understanding, acceptance and healing. Please call 969-5031.
TRANSITION HOUSE NEEDS A DRIVER
Please call Mark Morehart at 968-1211 if you can help transport food from the Food Bank once a month.
TOGETHER IN MISSION 2003:“BELIEVE THE GOOD NEWS”
The Archdiocesan Annual “Together In Mission” campaign begins this year on the weekend of January 25-26. Please prayerfully reflect on the amount you will give toward helping the poorer parishes and schools in the Archdiocese, the following questions should be kept in mind:
1. Do I try always to hear and follow the messages proclaimed in the Gospels?
2. As a believer and as a member of the Universal Church, do I do my best to share my financial resources with my Parish, Archdiocese and the Church throughout the world?
3. Is what I give to further the reign of God here on earth a sufficient reflection of the gratitude that I have for the gifts God has given me?
LITURGICAL FORMATION DAY
The Archdiocesan Office for Worship will hold a liturgical formation day on Saturday, February 8th, at St. Monica Parish, 725 California Avenue in Santa Monica. This day is for everyone interested in liturgy. Workshops will include an overview of the Rite of Christian Initiation, liturgical spirituality, lector enrichment and a formation process for eucharistic ministers. If you wish to attend, please call the Office for Worship at 213-637-7262, or you can register online at LALiturgy.org
COPING WITH GRIEF:GOD’S LOVE IN A TIME OF SORROW
St. Mary’s Seminary presents a day of prayer and reflection on the topic of grief on January 15, 2003 from 10:00-3:00 PM. The day is designed for those who have recently suffered the loss of a loved one and for those regularly engaged as care givers or counselors to the grieving. The celebration of the Eucharist and Sacramental Reconciliation will be integral to the day. Reservations are required. Please call St. Mary’s Seminary at 966-4829 for further information or to make reservations.







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