FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT
Gospel of John 3:14-21
Nicodemus is the man who came to Jesus at night, asking if a person can be born again (John 3:4). He is a seeker who desires salvation, and the dialogue of Jesus with Nicodemus is a way of speaking about the new life of faith and baptism. In the Lenten season, as candidates prepare for baptism, the faithful also revisit fundamental questions as we move together toward the glory of Easter.
Gospel of John 9:1-41At the 9:00 AM Mass, we will hear the story of the man born blind. Jesus went to the blind man. Although there was a crowd around because of the feast days going on, this one individual was important enough that Jesus would take time to do whatever he could to help. He not only cured him of his physical condition, but Jesus gave him new hope and a purpose in life—faith in Jesus as sent from God. The man became a disciple through faith and through Jesus’ reaching out to him as an individual. Each person, Jesus shows us, is worthy of dignity no matter who he or she is. Our own lack of sight can keep us from recognizing someone’s dignity.
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.
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 PAUSE this week. Hope to see you next Thursday. God Bless!
¨Junior High Ministry: Join us today in the Youth Room from 2:30-4:00 PM.
¨Confirmation: Second year participants meet tonight from 7:00-8:30 PM in the Youth Room.
¨Young Adult Ministry: Join us in the youth room this Wednesday evening for a young adult reception with food and fellowship following Taize. This Thursday from 7-8 PM , in place of youth ministry core team, we will be having a planning meeting for our upcoming Coffeehouse Concert. Please join us. We need your help!
¨Visit us on the web at www.sbmission.org/youth.html and don’t forget to check our news and updates section, changed on a weekly basis.
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, March 23, 2003: $10,411.00
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.
NEW PARISHIONER WELCOMING RECEPTION
Our hospitality committee is planning a special reception honoring and welcoming our newest parishioners on April 27 after the 9:00 AM and the 10:30 AM Masses in the inside gardens. We invite all parishioners to attend, as well, to meet and greet the newest members of our Parish family.
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.
SUNDAY MORNING COFFEE HOUR
We are in need of volunteers willing to serve coffee and donuts once every six weeks after the 7:30 AM and the 9:00 AM Masses. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet your fellow parishioners! If you would like to help, please call Charlotte Nelson at 569-6892. Please note that there will be no coffee hour on April 13th, 20th, and 27th.
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.
PRAYER REQUEST
We ask that during this time of Lent and of a deeper and richer prayer life, that you pray for our catechumens and candidates in the RCIA process. Please take a bookmark located at the back of the church and pray for that person. May our candidates and catechumens experience the enduring love of God!
TOGETHER IN MISSION 2003
Many thanks to all who have contributed to this year’s annual appeal. To date, 337 households have pledged $57,768.00 toward our goal of $59,745.00. We have received $30,497.00 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.
TV DOCUDRAMA ON ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI
Hallmark channel (Ch. 65) will present a one-hour docudrama on the life of St. Francis on Palm Sunday, April 13, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The film, “Reluctant Saint: Francis of Assisi,” was shot in Umbria, Italy, where St. Francis lived and worked
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
·Attention Women! You are invited to attend a Women’s Retreat, “Open the Window, Discover the Sacred,” at Serra Retreat House in Malibu on the weekend of April 4-6. Sr. Miriam Therese Larkin is the retreat director for the weekend. Call Rita Ryan, 683-2571, for more information.
·Transition House annual fundraiser, “Mad Hatter Parade and Luncheon,” on April 10 at the Double Tree Resort. For more information, call 969-6866.
·Have you considered religious life as a Franciscan? There will be a Franciscan Discernment Holy Week Retreat at the Old Mission on April 13-17. For more information and to register, email: vocations@sbfranciscans.org.
·The annual fundraiser for Villa Majella, a residence for pregnant, unwed women, will be on Saturday, May 3. Please help by donating items for the silent auction such as handmade items or gift baskets. For information, call Linda at 693-8656.
BREAD FOR THE WORLD
There are 800 million undernourished people in the developing world. 189 nations, including the United States, have set the goal to cut in half extreme hunger and poverty and to substantially improve health and education in developing countries by 2015. Information about Bread for the World’s letter writing/postcard signing campaign, “Rise to the Challenge: End World Hunger”, is enclosed in today’s bulletin. St. Barbara Parish is a Bread for the World covenant church. Bread for the World is asking covenant church members to write to their senators and representatives in Congress urging them to sponsor legislation which would increase U.S. assistance for poverty-focused development. A sample letter will be included in the bulletin next week. A “Background Paper” about “Rise to the Challenge: End World Hunger” is available in the parish office.
EUCHARISTIC MINISTER HOLY WEEK AND EASTER SCHEDULE
Eucharistic Ministers are asked to sign up for Holy Week and Easter. Please be sure to make a note of your assignment. Thank you!
ADULT CONFIRMATION
The formation process for adults wishing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation will begin on April 24 at 7:00 PM. Please call the Parish office at 682-4151 for more information and to register.
SILENT PRAYER VIGIL FOR PEACE
“When war, as in these days in Iraq, threatens the fate of humanity, it is even more urgent to proclaim with a determined voice, that peace alone is the way to construct a more just and caring society...Violence and arms can never resolve the problems of humanity.”
Pope John Paul II
You are invited to join with us each Sunday evening from 7:00-7:30 PM, in front of the church, as we pray in silence for peace in the world. We will continue this vigil each Sunday evening.
THANK YOU ST. BARBARA PAIRISH
Many thanks for your generous food drive to support the Catholic Charities food pantry. Your help is vital to our mission!
Brian Clark, Catholic Charities

SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT
Gospel of John 2:13-25:The simple call of the Gospel that we will hear at the 4:00 PM, 7:30 AM, 10:30 AM and 12:00 Noon Masses is to a single-minded zeal for God. We tend to get lost in the demands of our everyday living. We get up in the morning, spend our day doing countless things before we fall into bed at the end of the day—usually totally exhausted. In the midst of all this busyness, it is pretty difficult to be single-minded about anything except the tasks at hand. This Gospel challenges us to keep doing all our everyday tasks, but for the right reason—zeal for God.
Gospel of John 4:5-42: At the 9:00 AM Mass, we will hear the story of the Samaritan woman. The Lectionary’s restored focus on the baptismal character of Lent is clearly shown in this reading. Jesus promises the Samaritan woman “living water” if only she will put her faith in him as God’s messiah. All three readings call us to explore our own baptism (and the baptisms of catechumens that will take place at the Easter vigil) in terms of faith as God’s saving gift of love to us in Jesus.
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.
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: Our monthly movie night is this Thursday from 7:00-9:00 PM in the Youth Room.
¨Junior High Ministry: Join us today in the Youth Room from 2:30-4:00 PM.
¨Confirmation: Second year participants meet tonight from 7:00-8:30 PM in the Youth Room.
¨Young Adult Ministry: If you would like to help with any of our youth programs, please contact us or attend one of our Youth Ministry Core Team Meetings held every first Thursday of the month from 7:00-8:30 PM in the Youth Room.
¨Visit us on the web at www.sbmission.org/youth.html and don’t forget to check our news and updates section, changed on a weekly basis.
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, March 16, 2003: $9,943.00
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.
NEW PARISHIONER WELCOMING RECEPTION
Our hospitality committee is planning a special reception honoring and welcoming our newest parishioners on April 27 after the 9:00 AM and the 10:30 AM Masses in the inside gardens. We invite all parishioners to attend, as well, to meet and greet the newest members of our Parish family.
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.
SUNDAY MORNING COFFEE HOUR
We are in need of volunteers willing to serve coffee and donuts once every six weeks after the 7:30 AM and the 9:00 AM Masses. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet your fellow parishioners! If you would like to help, please call Charlotte Nelson at 569-6892. Please note that there will be no coffee hour on April 13th, 20th, and 27th.
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.
PRAYER REQUEST
We ask that during this time of Lent and of a deeper and richer prayer life, that you pray for our catechumens and candidates in the RCIA process. Please take a bookmark located at the back of the church and pray for that person. May our candidates and catechumens experience the enduring love of God!
TOGETHER IN MISSION 2003
Many thanks to all who have contributed to this year’s annual appeal. To date, 337 households have pledged $57,768.00 toward our goal of $59,745.00. We have received $29,997.00 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.
TV DOCUDRAMA ON ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI
Hallmark channel (Ch. 65) will present a one-hour docudrama on the life of St. Francis on Palm Sunday, April 13, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The film, “Reluctant Saint: Francis of Assisi,” was shot in Umbria, Italy, where St. Francis lived and worked.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
·Spirituality Within Reach is the topic of Word and Life Study Fellowship Lenten series featuring Dr.David Richo. Join us at 10:00 AM on March 27, April 3, and April 10 at Holy Cross Parish Hall. For more information, please call 967-4013.
·Attention Women! You are invited to attend a Women’s Retreat, “Open the Window, Discover the Sacred,” at Serra Retreat House in Malibu on the weekend of April 4-6. Sr. Miriam Therese Larkin is the retreat director for the weekend. Call Rita Ryan, 683-2571, for more information.
·Transition House annual fundraiser, “Mad Hatter Parade and Luncheon,” on April 10 at the Double Tree Resort. For more information, call 969-6866.
·The annual fundraiser for Villa Majella, a residence for pregnant, unwed women, will be on Saturday, May 3. Please help by donating items for the silent auction such as handmade items or gift baskets. For information, call Linda at 693-8656.
BREAD FOR THE WORLD
There are 800 million undernourished people in the developing world. 189 nations, including the United States, have set the goal to cut in half extreme hunger and poverty and to substantially improve health and education in developing countries by 2015. Information about Bread for the World’s letter writing/postcard signing campaign, “Rise to the Challenge: End World Hunger”, is enclosed in today’s bulletin. St. Barbara Parish is a Bread for the World covenant church. Bread for the World is asking covenant church members to write to their senators and representatives in Congress urging them to sponsor legislation which would increase U.S. assistance for poverty-focused development. A sample letter will be included in the bulletin next week. A “Background Paper” about “Rise to the Challenge: End World Hunger” is available in the parish office.
EUCHARISTIC MINISTER HOLY WEEK AND EASTER SCHEDULE
Eucharistic Ministers are asked to sign up for Holy Week and Easter. Please be sure to make a note of your assignment. Thank you!
ADULT CONFIRMATION
The formation process for adults wishing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation will begin on April 24 at 7:00 PM. Please call the Parish office at 682-4151 for more information and to register.

SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT
Transfiguration takes place when some inner quality of a person is brought to the surface, when some hidden potential comes to light. Today’s readings from Genesis and the Gospel of Mark present stories of transfiguration. Abraham is put through a difficult test of faith, but, in the end, he transforms from being merely a shepherd to being father to a great people. Jesus is transfigured before the eyes of his friends and demonstrates that he is more than a skilled carpenter and itinerant preacher. In his transformation, Jesus shows his true colors. Jesus invites us to do the same, in the spirit of Lent. Each of us is a treasure house of hidden talents and virtues. Every good quality we admire in someone else lies within us. However dormant, it is there. This Lent, for your own good and the good of others, why not accept Jesus’ invitation to show your true colors. Follow your dreams. Let more of your magnificence come out into the open. Allow yourself to be transfigured!
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.
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: PAUSE meets on Thursday at 7:00 PM in the Youth Room.
Junior High Ministry: Meets today in the Youth Room from 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM.
Confirmation: Attention all second year participants: There are mandatory weekly Sunday evening meetings from 7:00-8:30 PM in the Youth Room. Meetings will run through Sunday, May 4th.
Young Adult Ministry: The Santa Barbara Regional Young Adult Ministry now has a website. Check out: 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, March 9, 2003: $11,428.00
Thank you for your continuing generosity!
TAIZE PRAYER AROUND THE CROSS
Taize Prayer will resume on Wednesday, March 26, at 6:30 PM. Take time with us in prayerful contemplation on the mystery of God’s most gracious gift—Jesus Christ. Give yourself a gift this Lent—come away and rest in Christ Jesus.
LENTEN DEVOTIONS
Daily Mass in Blessed Sacrament Chapel 7:30 AM
Taize Prayer: Wednesdays 6:30 PM
Stations of the Cross: Fridays 12:00 Noon
CHILDCARE IS NOW AVAILABLE!
Child care is available at the 9:00 AM Mass. Please contact Celia Muckerman at 696-9605.
NEW PARISHIONER WELCOMING RECEPTION
Our hospitality committee is planning a special reception honoring and welcoming our newest parishioners on April 27 after the 9:00 AM and the 10:30 AM Masses in the inside gardens. We invite all parishioners to attend, as well, to meet and greet the newest members of our Parish family.
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.
THE FEAST OF ST. JOSEPH: MARCH 19
As is our tradition, you are invited to join us for a festive Mass at 5:30 PM, 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, immediately!
SUNDAY MORNING COFFEE HOUR
We are in need of volunteers willing to serve coffee and donuts once every six weeks after the 7:30 AM and the 9:00 AM Masses. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet your fellow parishioners! If you would like to help, please call Charlotte Nelson at 569-6892.
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
The wounds of abortion can be healed whether the abortion was recent or in the past. Through counseling, support and understanding, anyone wounded by abortion can experience God’s forgiveness and love. For confidential help, call 684-4670.
TOGETHER IN MISSION 2003
Many thanks to all who have contributed to this year’s annual appeal. To date, 337 households have pledged $57,568.00 toward our goal of $59,745.00. We have received $29,522.00 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.
TV DOCUDRAMA ON ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI
Hallmark channel (Ch. 65) will present a one-hour docudrama on the life of St. Francis on Palm Sunday, April 13, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The film, “Reluctant Saint: Francis of Assisi,” was shot in Umbria, Italy, where St. Francis lived and worked.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
·Retrouvaille, a program designed to provide the communication tools needed to put suffering, troubled marriages back in order, is scheduled for March 28-March 30. Please call 642-4023.
·SCRC Spring Conference takes place on April 5-6 in Duarte. For information, call (818)771-1361.
·Annual Mass to honor the life and legacy of Cesar Chavez on Monday, March 31 at 12:10 PM at the Cathedral, Cardinal Roger Mahony presiding. For more information, please call (213)637-7550.
·Transition House annual fundraiser, “Mad Hatter Parade and Luncheon,” on April 10 at Fess Parker’s Double Tree Resort. For more information, please call 969-6866.
·The annual fundraiser for Villa Majella, a residence for pregnant, unwed women, will be on Saturday, May 3. Please help by donating items for the silent auction such as handmade items, gift baskets, or delicious. For information, call Linda at 693-8656.
“GIVE UP HUNGER FOR LENT”
Pick up a Community Kitchen Lenten Collection Box at the back of the church and fill it up during Lent with money you might have spent on dessert and other “extras,” or money saved by Lenten fasting. You will be helping the Community Kitchen which serves over 110,000 meals each year.

FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT
Today’s Gospel unfolds in two distinct movements: Jesus goes out into the desert and is tempted by Satan; then he goes into Galilee to “proclaim the gospel of God.” Jesus’ confrontation with Satan leads to proclamation of the Gospel. In a nutshell, this defines what Lent is all about. We, too, spend some extra time by ourselves during Lent so that we can come to the Easter celebration better able to proclaim the Gospel. Proclamation begins with the acceptance, in hope, of God’s graciousness already offered. Proclamation is to speak the words of God that make God’s presence known in the world. Proclamation is to turn from evil (Satan) and turn toward God. Proclaiming the Gospel, then, means that we turn from our sinful ways, we forgive others as God forgives, and we say “yes” to God. None of this is easy to do, which is why proclaiming the Gospel is a life-long mission. And, in fact, this is exactly why we need Lent—to make sure our journey is headed in the right direction.
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.
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. PAUSE meets on Thursday at 7:00 PM
*Junior High Ministry: We will not meet today. See you next week!
*Confirmation: Attention all second year participants: Mandatory weekly Sunday evening meetings begin tonight 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.
The Santa Barbara Regional Young Adult Ministry now has a website. Check out: groups.yahoo.com/group/SantaBarbaraRegionYoungAdults
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, March 2, 2003: $11,709.00
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. Give yourself a gift this Lent—come away and rest in Christ Jesus.
LENTEN DEVOTIONS
Daily Mass in Blessed Sacrament Chapel: 7:30 AM
Taize Prayer: Wednesdays: 6:30 PM
Stations of the Cross: Fridays: 12:00 Noon
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.
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, immediately!

THANK YOU ST. BARBARA PARISH
Dear Fr. Vince and Parishioners,
We really appreciate your great generosity to the sisters of this community when they were selling tamales at your parish. Sr. Celina Muniz, O.S.C.

Dear Parishioners,
Thank you for your generous donation to the Colima, Mexico Disaster Relief Fund. Msgr. Royale Vadakin

Dear Friends,
Thank your recent gift of $686.00 to the Franciscan Missionary Union. Br. John Summers, O.F.M.

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
Abortion has many victims, from babies to mothers, fathers, grandparents, whole families. PROJECT RACHEL offers these people hope and healing through the loving forgiveness of God’s love. For confidential help, call 684-4670.
TOGETHER IN MISSION 2003
Many thanks to all who have contributed to this year’s annual appeal. To date, 332 households have pledged $55,887.00 toward our goal of $59,745.00. We have received $27,672.00 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.