EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
In today’s Gospel, the Pharisees ask Jesus, “Why do we fast and your disciples do not? Jesus responds with three images: guests do not fast in the presence of the groom; no one sews unshrunken cloth on an old cloak; no one pours new wine into old wineskins. The guests identified in the first image are Jesus’ associates. While Jesus, the groom, is with them, they are to party. There will be time enough for fasting. The other two images speak of common sense. To sew unshrunken cloth over a hole in an old garment is to frustrate your purpose. Before long the patch will tear away and make matters worse. Likewise, to pour new wine into skins already stretched to their limits is to watch helplessly as the liquid ferments and the fruit of your labor spills and soaks the ground. Jesus announces something new—the reign of God. Jesus’ use of imagery is to call attention to the fact that much of the old simply cannot accommodate the new. Jesus’ answer to the Pharisees and John’s disciples tells them that something new is happening before their eyes. It is made manifest in his actions and in his words.
YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
*Senior High Ministry: No AfterMass today. PAUSE meets on Thursday from 7:00-8:30 PM.
*Junior High Ministry: We will not meet today due to the Religious Education Congress.
*Confirmation: Attention all second year participants: Mandatory weekly Sunday evening meetings begin next Sunday, from 7:00-8:30 PM and will run through Sunday, May 4th.
*Young Adult Ministry: On Monday, March 3rd, beginning at 6:45 PM, at Bishop Diego Center, “Bridge Builders,” a regional spirituality program for young adults, will hold its first meeting. For further information, you are invited to call 682-1508 or email: dugancsj@aol.com. There is a website for all Young Adult activities in the Santa Barbara Region. The activities listed are endorsed by the Archdiocesan Young Adult Ministry Department. Please check us out: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SantaBarbaraRegionYoungAdults
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!
CATHOLIC CHARITIES FOOD COLLECTION
The Catholic Charities Pantry needs re-stocking. We invite you to bring non-perishable food items to the church on the weekend of March 22-23. Monetary donations are also welcome.
STEWARDSHIP: FAITH IN ACTION
Sunday Offering, February 23, 2003: $10,625.00
Special collection taken up for the Franciscan School of Theology: $ 3,149.70
Thank you for your continuing generosity!
TAIZE PRAYER AROUND THE CROSS
Taize prayer begins on Wednesday, March 12th, at 6:30 PM. Please join us for the beautiful candlelit Taize liturgy of chant and contemplation. Take time with us in prayerful contemplation on the mystery of God’s most gracious gift—Jesus Christ. Given yourself a gift this Lent—come away and rest in Christ Jesus.
LENTEN DEVOTIONS
Ash Wednesday: Masses and signing with ashes at 7:30 AM, 12:00 Noon, and 7:00 PM
Daily Mass in Blessed Sacrament Chapel--7:30 AM
Taize Prayer: Wednesdays--6:30 PM
Stations of the Cross: Fridays--12:00 Noon
LENTEN OBSERVANCE
Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast and abstinence. All Catholics, 14 years and older abstain from meat. Catholics 18 to 59 years of age eat sacrificially on these days. Fridays are days of abstinence.
CHILDCARE IS NOW AVAILABLE!
Child care is available at the 9:00 AM Mass. Please contact Celia Muckerman at 696-9605.
OUR LENTEN JOURNEY
The whole character of Lent is defined and inspired by the Easter celebration. The thrust of Lent, faithful to the Gospel message, celebrates the whole Paschal Mystery—the life, passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. There is no dividing death from resurrection; there is no dividing Lent from Easter. During this period, the community enters stage by stage into the fullness of the Easter feast. The first days of the Lenten liturgy (Ash Wednesday to the following Saturday) give us the means to assess our priorities and realign ourselves along the way that leads to salvation— prayer, fasting and alms giving. These disciplines are important means, not ends in themselves. Their purpose is to enable us to put the things of this earth into proper perspective, and to empty ourselves so that we may be filled with Christ’s mercy, love and peace. The liturgy of the second Sunday of Lent offers us a glimpse of what will be revealed fully at Easter—–the glory of the Risen Christ. At the third, fourth and fifth Sunday liturgies, we engage in the Scrutinies for the elect who will be initiated at Easter. On the third Sunday, we examine ourselves to see what really slakes our thirst, and whether we thirst for the living God alone. On the fourth Sunday, we examine the ways in which we are blinded to the needs of others or are blind to the ways in which God reveals Godself to us. On the fifth Sunday, we identify with Mary and Martha in professing faith once again in Jesus as Messiah. On Passion Sunday, all the paradox of the Paschal mystery erupts! Life is achieved by embracing death. The opening prayer gathers our sentiments into focus: “Today, we joyfully acclaim Jesus our Messiah and King. May we reach one day the happiness of the new and everlasting Jerusalem by faithfully following him...Let us go forth in peace, praising Jesus our Messiah, as did the crowds who welcomed him to Jerusalem.” Today’s feast explains our Lenten journey.
THIRD WOMEN’S PEACE WALK:SUNDAY, MARCH 3RD
The Women’s Peace Walk will host families walking silently in white, today, March 3rd. The purpose of the walk is “to show what peace looks like, sounds like, behaves like and feels like...We are simply united in our passion for peace.” The walkers will gather at the Santa Barbara Courthouse at 2:00 PM.
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.”
ELEMENTARY RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Parents, please note that there will be no religious education classes or Children’s Liturgy of the Word on Sunday, March 2nd due to the Religious Education Congress. See you on March 9th!
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.
THE FEAST OF ST. JOSEPH: MARCH 19
As is our tradition, you are invited to join us for a special, festive Mass, followed by a scrumptious Italian dinner (what else?) in the Friars dining room. Tickets are $7.00 at the door. The parish will again sponsor the “St. Joseph’s Table,” featuring home-baked goods for sale. All proceeds will be donated to the Catholic Charities Food Pantry. If you can bake for us, please call Bernice Anfuso, 569-7005 immediatel
PROJECT RACHEL
Have you or someone close to you been wounded by abortion, recently or in the past? Reconciliation with God, yourself and the lost baby is possible through PROJECT RACHEL. For confidential help, please call 684-4670.

SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
In today’s Gospel, we once again hear a story that links healing and proclaiming the good news. In this passage, though, Jesus is more than a miracle worker. By forgiving the sins of the paralytic, Jesus’ divinity is proclaimed (“God alone can forgive sins.”). In and through our baptism, we are the adopted daughters and sons of God. As such, we share in God’s divine life. There is no better way for us to proclaim our own share in divinity than by forgiving others. Forgiveness is truly a divine act of mercy. All of us know that forgiveness is not easy. It is really a kind of dying to one’s self, as for Jesus Christ is was literal dying. When we forgive, we proclaim the Gospel. We announce that something new is happening—broken relationships are being restored. By our acts of forgiveness we give glory to God!
THE JESUS EXPERIENCE
Paulist Production’s “The Jesus Experience” is an amazing chronicle of the saints and rogues who carried the message of Christianity across the globe. The six-week series is rich in Christian history, music and art. Tune in to the Hallmark station (65) each Sunday at 12:00 noon, beginning March 9th.
YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
Senior High Ministry: Please join us today in the San Roque Parish Hall from 12:30-1:30 PM for the AFTERMASS today. There will be no PAUSE this Thursday due to the Religious Education Congress in Anaheim..
Junior High Ministry: All Junior High youth are invited to join us from 2:30-4:00 PM today for our weekly Sunday fellowship.
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: FAITH IN ACTION
Sunday Offering, February 16, 2003: $11,180.00
Thank you for your continuing generosity!
YOUNG ADULT WEBSITE
There is a website for all Young Adult activities in the Santa Barbara Region. The activities listed are endorsed by the Archdiocesan Young Adult Ministry Department. Please check us out: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SantaBarbaraRegionYoungAdults.
CHILDCARE IS NOW AVAILABLE!
Child care is available at the 9:00 AM Mass. Please contact Celia Muckerman at 696-9605.
HEALING THE BODY OF CHRIST
As Catholics, we are facing a critical time. A crisis of confidence has shaken many. As members of the Body of Christ, we know that when one part is ailing and suffering, we all suffer. Now is the time to bring healing and renewal to the Body of Christ. “Healing the Body of Christ” is a special six-week program designed to help Catholics move forward in a positive fashion in the wake of highly publicized scandals. The sessions center on the Church’s teachings on the Body of Christ—how its members’ actions impact this Body, and how the Body can be healed and brought to greater holiness by God through the gifts of Scripture, the Eucharist, and the other sacraments. The six themes include, “The Church in Time of Crisis,” “A Church of Saints and Sinners,” “Healing, Repentance and Forgiveness,” “Relationships: Within the Church and To the World,” “Prayer and Spiritual Maturity,” and “God’s Gifts of Eucharist and Other Sacraments.” Beginning on Thursday, March 6th, from 7:00-8:30 PM, and continuing each Thursday evening throughout the six weeks of Lent, you are invited to participate with us in this small group process. It is necessary that you be able to commit yourself to attending all six sessions. This is the last week to register; please stop by the table in front of the church today. As we journey together in prayer, listening to and sharing the Word of God, Christ will be our center and the Holy Spirit will be our healing power. Please join us!
THIRD WOMEN’S PEACE WALK
The Women’s Peace Walk will host families walking silently in white on Sunday, March 3rd. The purpose of the walk is “to show what peace looks like, sounds like, behaves like and feels like...We are simply united in our passion for peace.” The walkers will gather at the Santa Barbara Courthouse at 2:00 PM.
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.”
ELEMENTARY RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Parents, please note that there will be no religious education classes or Children’s Liturgy of the Word on Sunday, March 2nd due to the Religious Education Congress. See you on March 9th!
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.
TOGETHER IN MISSION 2003
Many thanks to all who have contributed to this year’s annual appeal. To date, 319 households have pledged $55,212.00 We have received $26,477.00 in donations. Our hope is that each and every household will respond to this appeal, according to its means. All funds collected are restricted to the “Together in Mission” campaign which supports 30 parishes and 44 schools in the Archdiocese that simply cannot operate without our help. If you have not yet made a pledge or donation, please consider doing so today. Envelopes are in the pews.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
·NAIM, the organization for widows and widowers will meet Sunday, March 9th at 11:00 AM at the Bishop Diego Center. Please call 967-5465.
·Notre Dame School is currently accepting applications for grades K-8. Please call 965-1033.
·Our Lady of Mount Carmel School is accepting applications for grades K-8. Call 969-5965.
·Santa Barbara Pregnancy Counseling Center is looking for a part-time program director. Please FAX resume to 569-2842
·Catholic Charities offers low-cost, professional counseling to individuals, couples and families. Please call 965-7045, ext. 102 for information.
PROJECT RACHEL
Are you or someone close to you suffering the effects of an abortion, recent or in the past? Are you feeling guilty, angry, depressed? Through PROJECT RACHEL, healing is possible and you can experience God’s loving forgiveness. For confidential help, please call 684-4670.

SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
The encounter between Jesus and the leper in today’s Gospel is instructive. First, though the Law commands the man to keep his distance, he dares to approach Jesus. The source of his confidence is expressed in his words: “If you wish, you can make me clean.” He knows that Jesus can mediate healing. It is telling that he asks for “cleansing,” a word that refers to the removal of ritual pollution. For him, to be restored to the worshipping community is as important as to be healed from a physical ailment. Jesus’ response, Mark tells us, springs from compassion. He stretches out his hand, touches the man, and says, “I do will it. Be made clean.” This episode invites us into a life of grace in two powerful ways. With the leper’s profound confidence in Jesus’ compassion and power to heal and restore us, we can place ourselves in the scandals of the “untouchable” man and present ourselves to Jesus the healer. Or, we may be led to acknowledge some “outsider” in our own lives who could use our compassion and readiness to reach out.
IS GOD CALLING YOU TO SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY AS A LECTOR?
When the Scriptures are read at Mass, it is Christ who speaks. When the proclaimer of the Word finishes the reading, looks up at the assembly and says, “The Word of the Lord,” something wonderful has happened. The mystery of God’s interaction with us has been recalled, revived and renewed. God’s Word has become flesh in our midst in order to achieve the purpose for which it was sent—to redeem us in love. God calls some of us to serve the community as lectors. If you think you may be being called to this ministry, you are invited to a discernment workshop on Saturday, February 22nd, from 9:00 AM-12:30 PM. We are pleased to have Fr. Bill Cieslak, a Capuchin friar, as our presenter. Fr. Bill is the president of the Franciscan School of Theology in Berkeley and an eminent liturgical theologian and liturgist. You can expect to become thoroughly acquainted with the ministry of the lector, and Fr. Bill will take time to listen to and evaluate each individual’s reading. Current lectors are encouraged to attend also. Fr. Bill will give evaluations and helpful pointers to current lectors as time permits. If you are interested in taking part in this workshop, please call the Parish Office as soon as possible to reserve your spot.
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. Thank you for considering this important ministry.
YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
*Senior High Ministry: No AfterMass today due to the Year Two Confirmation Retreat being held this weekend. Movie night is this Thursday from 7:00-9:00 PM in the Mission Youth Room.
*Junior High Ministry: No meeting today due to the Confirmation Retreat. Join us next Sunday.
*Young Adult Ministry: Save Friday, May 2nd, for an evening coffeehouse style concert featuring singer-songwriters Tyrone Wells, Mike Barnet and Danny Vasquez. We will need lots of help with planning and publicity. Call Andrew ASAP!
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: FAITH IN ACTION
Sunday Offering, February 9, 2003: $10,465.00
Thank you for your continuing generosity!
LOS ANGELES RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CONGRESS 2003: FEB 28 - MARCH 2
Hurry, time is running out! 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.
HEALING THE BODY OF CHRIST
As Catholics, we are facing a critical time. A crisis of confidence has shaken many. As members of the Body of Christ, we know that when one part is ailing and suffering, we all suffer. Now is the time to bring healing and renewal to the Body of Christ. “Healing the Body of Christ” is a special six-week program designed to help Catholics move forward in a positive fashion in the wake of highly publicized scandals. The sessions center on the Church’s teachings on the Body of Christ—how its members’ actions impact this Body, and how the Body can be healed and brought to greater holiness by God through the gifts of Scripture, the Eucharist, and the other sacraments. The six themes include, “The Church in Time of Crisis,” “A Church of Saints and Sinners,” “Healing, Repentance and Forgiveness,” “Relationships: Within the Church and To the World,” “Prayer and Spiritual Maturity,” and “God’s Gifts of Eucharist and Other Sacraments.” Beginning on Thursday, March 6th, from 7:00-8:30 PM, and continuing each Thursday evening throughout the six weeks of Lent, you are invited to participate with us in this small group process. It is necessary that you be able to commit yourself to attending all six sessions. There will be a sign-up table in front of the church for the next two weeks for you to register. As we journey together in prayer, listening to and sharing the Word of God, Christ will be our center and the Holy Spirit will be our healing power. Please join us!
THE BEGINNING EXPERIENCE
Divorced? Separated? Widowed? The Beginning Experience is a weekend program for those suffering the loss of a loved one. The program is designed to be a time of closure on the past and a new beginning in the present. The Spanish Beginning Experience weekend will be held from March 7-9, 2003 at the Santa Barbara Mission. For more information, call Marie Crespo 682-6734.
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.”
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.
TOGETHER IN MISSION 2003
Many thanks to all who have contributed to this year’s annual appeal. To date, 307 households have pledged and donated $54,227. Our hope is that each and every household will respond to this appeal, according to its means. All funds collected are restricted to the “Together in Mission” campaign which supports 30 parishes and 44 schools in the Archdiocese that cannot operate without our help. If you have not yet made a pledge or donation, please consider doing so today. Envelopes are in the pews. Your gift will ensure quality education, ministry, and a Catholic presence for tens of thousands of people.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
*Parents and families of gay and lesbian Catholics are invited to a support group meeting on February 20th at 7:30 PM. Please call Kathie and Joe, 687-4338, for more information and directions.
*Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic School is currently accepting applications for grades K-8. Please call the school office, 969-5965.
*Catholic Charities offers low-cost, professional counseling to individuals, couples and families. Please call 965-7045 ext. 102 for information.

FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Once again this week, we see Jesus the healer at work. First, he healed Peter’s mother-in-law of the fever that put her to bed. After sundown, when the Sabbath had ended, crowds gathered at the door to be cured by Jesus. You can imagine Jesus and the disciples must have felt exhausted after such an evening. There were crowds pressing in on them and many people, sick with various diseases, trying to come forward to Jesus. Then, in the quiet of the next morning, Jesus slipped away to be alone to pray. He went off to pray in the midst of busyness. This is not the only time we see such a pattern with Jesus. Perhaps Jesus offered prayers of thanksgiving for the goodness and blessings of the previous day. It is likely that he prayed for the people whom he met the day before. He might have prayed for the courage and the energy to continue his work. Does this sound like your prayer? While we may not have days when the whole city appears at our door, some days it may feel that way. When that happens, we are reminded by Jesus’ example to take time out. We need to take time to pray alone and with others. Jesus went on to spread the Good News. From town to town, he went teaching that God calls God’s people and God is always there for them. As followers of Jesus, we must do the same.
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. Thank you for considering this important ministry.
THANK YOU ST. BARBARA PARISH
Dear St. Barbara’s Parish,
The Coalition to Provide Shelter and Support to Santa Barbara’s Homeless would like to offer you our heartfelt thanks for your recent contribution of $500.00. Your support of our newly renovated Cacique Street Center will help provide refuge, warmth, comfort and nourishment to those in greatest need in our community...We thank you for your generosity and kindness.
David Peri, CoChair, Fundraising Committee
Dear Friends,
Thank you for your contribution of $500.00 to the Interfaith Coalition for Immigrant Rights (ICIR)...
David Salniker, Executive Director
Dear St. Barbara Parishioners,
Thank you very much for your donation of $500.00 to Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County. We truly appreciate your financial support and your commitment to help hard-working families realize the dream of home ownership and end the cycle of poverty in our community.
Sarah Rettinger, Board President
Dear St. Barbara Parish,
We are grateful for your parish donation of $100.00 to the National Pastoral Life Center...We continue to remember you in our prayers.
Rev. Msgr. Philip J. Murnion, Director
YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
Senior High Ministry: The AfterMass meets today from 12:30-1:30 PM in the San Roque Parish Hall. PAUSE meets Thursday from 7:00-8:30 PM.
Confirmation: We need adult drivers to and from our retreat in Calabasas, February 14th-16th. Please call Andrew, 682-4713, 118, ASAP.
Junior High Ministry: Join us in the Youth Room today from 2:30-4:00 PM. Please note: we no longer meet on Tuesday nights.
Young Adult Ministry: Stay tuned for upcoming events and opportunities.
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: FAITH IN ACTION
Sunday Offering, February 2, 2003: $11,382.50
Special Collection for Colima, Mexico:$1,490.00
Thank you for your continuing generosity!
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
Today, registered parishioners will be invited to recommend parishioners to serve as Pastoral Council members. According to the Archdiocesan guideline booklet, “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. 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.
THE BEGINNING EXPERIENCE
Divorced? Separated? Widowed? The Beginning Experience is a weekend program for those suffering the loss of a loved one. The program is designed to be a time of closure on the past and a new beginning in the present. The Spanish Beginning Experience weekend will be held from March 7-9, 2003 at the Santa Barbara Mission. For more information, call Marie Crespo 682-6734.
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.”
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.