SOLEMNITY OF THE ASCENSION
Throughout the Easter season, we focus our attention on the various aspects of Jesus’ resurrection, highlighted by the three great solemnities: Easter, Ascension and Pentecost. On Easter, we concentrate on Jesus’ victory over sin and death. This Sunday the Solemnity of the Ascension celebrates Jesus’ exaltation. On Pentecost, we will reflect on the gift of the Holy Spirit. The flow of today’s readings takes us through the message of this feast. First, we stand with the disciples gazing up at the sky, not knowing what has happened or what it might mean for us. In the second reading, Paul explains the theological meaning of Jesus’ exaltation. Finally, in the Gospel reading, we ponder the commission given to the first disciples and to us: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel.” The two angels present at Jesus’ ascension hint at this commission: Why do you stand there looking up at the sky? You have work to do. From now on you are the Body of Christ—you must proclaim the good news; you must drive out the demons that hold people in their addicting clutches; you must embrace all people with the merciful love of God. Why do you wait?
TAIZE PRAYER AROUND THE CROSS
During Eastertide, our Taize Prayer Around the Cross illumines and reflects the hope, love, and joy of this glorious season. If you have not experienced this most beautiful form of contemplative prayer and chant, this is a great time for you to do so. You are invited to join us every Wednesday at 6:30 PM in the church.
A CHORAL MILLENNIUM
The Mission Choirs will present a free concert of choral music written during the past ten centuries on June 1st at 3:00 PM in the church.
THANK YOU ST. BARBARA PARISH
Dear parishioners,
Thank you very much for your recent Lenten donations in support of Community Kitchen. It means so much to us that your church was prepared to get involved. Each of the collection boxes you provided went directly to purchase food to produce hot, nutritional meals to those less fortunate. Should you wish to consider volunteering, you can contact our volunteer coordinator, Elaine Tabyanan at 685-4434. She will be able to assist you in becoming a valued volunteer. We thank you again for your generous gift and your belief in our work.
Erik Talkin, Executive Director
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, 6
82-4151.
TOGETHER IN MISSION 2003
Thank you to all who have contributed so generously to this year’s annual appeal. As you know, 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 it.
ROSARY FOR PEACE
Each Thursday evening during the Easter season, we will recite the rosary using Pope John Paul II’s luminous mysteries. Join us in the church at 7:00 PM.
37th ANNUAL FOURTH OF JULY FESTIVAL
It may sound like a long way off, but it’s right around the corner. We are especially in need of a big crew to set up the food tent on Thursday and take it down after the show on Friday. Please call John Greening, 687-2109, if you can help. Thanks!
RCIA REUNION
Calling all people who have participated in our parish RCIA process over the years. We are planning a grand reunion on Saturday, June 7th, at 5:30 PM. Please contact Val Roses, 682-6380, for information and to let her know that you will be there!
JUSTICE AND PEACE COMMITTEE NEWS
Our parish Justice and Peace Committee will be sponsoring an informative lecture regarding gay and lesbian issues in the Catholic Church on Sunday, June 8th, from 4:00 - 6:00 PM in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. Be sure to save the date!
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY SUMMER CAMP
We need your help! Will you sponsor a child in need for one week at camp? The cost is $150.00 per child. This year, because of budget cuts, our State funding has been drastically reduced which will directly affect the number of scholarships and camp weeks we can offer. Please call Conchita Munoz, 687-6539, if you can help. Thank you.
STEWARDSHIP: FAITH IN ACTION
Sunday Offering: May 25 2003 $9,548.50
Thank you for your continuing generosity!
ARCHDIOCESAN SYNOD THEMES
If all the baptized are to share in the Church’s mission, then the structures of Church life and governance must be renewed, and some new structures established to allow for the greatest degree of participation on the part of the greatest number of the baptized. Another theme that delegates to the Archdiocesan Synod continue to consider is “Structures for Participation and Accountability.” Please pray for all those involved in this renewal of the Church in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles as they strive to collaborate with one another for the building of the one Body of Christ
BREAD FOR THE WORLD ACTION ALERT
Hunger and malnutrition are proven contributors to many difficulties for children, including learning difficulties. About 13 million children in the United States do not always have the food they need. Please write Rep. Lois Capps (U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. 20515) and senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein (U.S Senate, Washington, D.C. 20510) or contact them via the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and urge them to vote to include sufficient funding in the 2004 budget for nutrition programs (WIC, Food Stamps, school meals, and the Summer Food Program) to reach every eligible child
TRANSITION HOUSE VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION PICNIC
All cooks, proctors, and parishioners who volunteer at Transition House in any capacity, and their families, are invited to a picnic featuring food, fun, magic, and music at Tucker’s Grove Park on Sunday, June 8, from Noon until 3:00pm. Please call Xochitil (“Sochee”) at 966-9668 to RSVP.
SOLEMNITY OF PENTECOST
Reading I: Acts 2:1-11; Reading II:
1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13; Gospel: John 20:19-23
The readings for Pentecost Sunday give us two accounts of the Pentecost event. In Luke’s account “a driving wind” is heard. In John’s, the Lord “breathes” upon his disciples. The apostles, even though they have been gathering together in the upper room out of fear, are now given the power of the Holy Spirit, the life-giving heart of the Church. They are also to do what Jesus did: forgive sins, heal divisions, bring about reconciliation and joy to all. All Christians are commissioned and given power to carry on this mission.
Describe how some person has inspired courage in you. What gifts of the Spirit can you identify in yourself that could help transform the world? Which gifts of the Spirit can you identify in our community?

SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
What may sound like a somewhat convoluted gospel text boils down to something really quite simple: remain in Jesus’ love, keep the commandments, love one another. The gospel helps us understand how we are to bring this down to something measurable in our everyday living. God’s love for us is the model—Jesus sacrificed his life; so must we. God expressed divine love by sending Jesus to teach us and, ultimately, to die for us. Likewise, we express our love by “laying down” our lives to the will of God and in service to others. This is the cost of discipleship. The command is simple: love one another; the demand is imposing: lay down your lives. Keeping God’s commandments is laying down our lives—we surrender our will to doing God’s will. Caring for and reaching out to others is laying down our lives. We do little things everyday, not because we have to but because we see the other as the beloved of God. We choose these ways of dying to self because we choose to remain in Jesus’ love, even at a cost to ourselves.
PROJECT RACHEL
Have you or someone close to you been wounded by abortion, either recently or in the past? PROJECT RACHEL offers reconciliation with God, yourself and the lost baby. For confidential help, you are invited to call 684-4670.
TAIZE PRAYER AROUND THE CROSS
During Eastertide, our Taize Prayer Around the Cross illumines and reflects the hope, love, and joy of this glorious season. If you have not experienced this most beautiful form of contemplative prayer and chant, this is a great time for you to do so. You are invited to join us every Wednesday at 6:30 PM in the church.
A CHORAL MILLENNIUM
The Mission Choirs will present a free concert of choral music written during the past ten centuries on June 1st at 3:00 PM in the church.
THANK YOU ST. BARBARA PARISH
On behalf of the UCSB Campus Chapter of Habitat for Humanity, I would like to thank your church for the very generous contribution to our Spring Break house building trip. Because of contributors such as you, we are able to make these trips year after year.
Thank you again for your help.
Joanna Funke, Treasurer and Fundraising Chair
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.
TOGETHER IN MISSION 2003
Thank you to all who have contributed so generously to this year’s annual appeal. As you know, 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. To date, we have received $51,051.00 in payments, which is approximately $10,000.00 below our goal. If you have not yet made a pledge or donation, please consider it.
ROSARY FOR PEACE
Each Thursday evening during the Easter season, we will recite the rosary using Pope John Paul II’s luminous mysteries. The Rosary has been a means of bringing light into a darkened world since the 13th century. Please join us in the church at 7:00 PM.
37th ANNUAL FOURTH OF JULY FESTIVAL
It may sound like a long way off, but it’s right around the corner. We are especially in need of a big crew to set up the food tent on Thursday and take it down after the show on Friday. Please call John Greening, 687-2109, if you can help. Thanks!
RCIA REUNION
Calling all people who have participated in our parish RCIA process over the years. We are planning a grand reunion on Saturday, June 7th, at 5:30 PM. Please contact Val Roses, 682-6380, for information and to let her know that you will be there!
JUSTICE AND PEACE COMMITTEE NEWS
Our parish Justice and Peace Committee will be sponsoring an informative lecture regarding gay and lesbian issues in the Catholic Church on Sunday, June 8th, from 4:00 - 6:00 PM in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. Be sure to save the date!
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY SUMMER CAMP
We need your help! Will you sponsor a child in need for one week at camp? The cost is $150.00 per child. This year, because of budget cuts, our State funding has been drastically reduced which will directly affect the number of scholarships and camp weeks we can offer. Please call Conchita Munoz, 687-6539, if you can help. Thank you.
IRAQ EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND
You are encouraged to make a donation to assist our brothers and sisters in Iraq. Send your donation directly to: Iraq Emergency Relief Fund, Archdiocese of Los Angeles, C/O Msgr. Royale Vadakin, 3424 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90010.
STEWARDSHIP: FAITH IN ACTION
Sunday Offering: May 18 2003 $11,446.00
Priest’s Retirement Fund $ 1,183.00
Thank you for your continuing generosity!
NETWORK
St. Barbara Parish is a member of NETWORK, a national Catholic Social Lobby, dedicated to securing local and global economic justice. See our website: click on the Justice and Peace Committee.
CELEBRANT SINGERS
Holy Cross Parish invites you a concert featuring the CELEBRANT SINGERS on Saturday, June 7th, at 7:00 PM in the Parish Hall.
ARCHDIOCESAN SYNOD THEMES
·“Every baptized Catholic is called to holiness by sharing in the mission of the Church...for the transformation of the world…”
·“The structures of Church life and governance must be renewed...to allow for the greatest degree of participation...of the baptized.”
Please pray for all those involved in the Archdiocesan Synod process as we strive to move forward into the future. The next session is on June 27th.

FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
The gospel this week is once again about relationships. We must “remain” in Christ, the Vine, and that means that we will be in need of constant pruning. What do we look like when we are pruned? First, anything must be taken away that does not keep us in Christ, so that the fruit we bear blossoms from the intimate relationship we have with the Risen One. Second, we must be willing to prune away the distractions and selfishness that lead us to think that we can shape our own lives without God. Instead, we must let God shape us so we can bear much fruit. Our fruitfulness is not so much for our own sake, but rather, for the sake of others. This is what glorifies God—bringing others into closer relationship with God. The new life of resurrection, ours because we are called to intimate relationship with God, is expressed in loving deeds for the good of others. Self-giving love, motivated by the sheer joy of the resurrection, opens us to fruitful pruning in order for us to remain in Christ, bearing good fruit.
GREAT SUNDAY
The fifty days from Easter to Pentecost are celebrated in joyful exaltation as one “Great Sunday.” These are the days, above all other days, for singing “Alleluia!” The passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ begins a new age—the age of a new creation in which God and humanity are reconciled in Christ; the age of God’s abiding presence through the Spirit of Christ. As God’s Spirit blew over the waters on the first day of creation, so does Christ’s Spirit infuse and direct the new creation in us. During this Eastertide, let us continue to jubilantly rejoice in God’s graciousness!
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. It 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.
STEWARDSHIP: FAITH IN ACTION
Sunday Offering: May 5 2003 $9,991.00
Thank you for your continuing generosity!
RCIA REUNION
Calling all people who have participated in our parish RCIA process. We are planning a grand reunion on Saturday, June 7th at 5:30 PM. Please contact Val Roses, at 682-6380, for further information and to let her know that you will be there!
WEDDING COORDINATORS
Do you simply love weddings? Would you like to help coordinate weddings at the Old Mission? If you are interested, please call the office for more information. We pay a small stipend for this position.
TAIZE PRAYER AROUND THE CROSS
During Eastertide, our Taize Prayer Around the Cross illumines and reflects the hope, the love, and the joy of this glorious season. If you have not experienced this most beautiful form of contemplative prayer and chant, this would be a beautiful time for you to do so. You are invited to join us every Wednesday at 6:30 PM in the Mission church.
JUSTICE AND PEACE COMMITTEE NEWS
Our parish Justice and Peace Committee will be sponsoring an informative lecture regarding gay and lesbian issues in the Catholic Church on Sunday, June 8th, from 4:00 - 6:00 PM in the social rooms. Be sure to save the date!
37TH ANNUAL FOURTH OF JULY FESTIVAL
It may sound like a long way off, but we have been planning the Fourth of July Arts and Crafts Festival for months, and now it is time to turn to you for help. As always, we need many volunteers for this event. We are especially in need of a big crew to set up the food tent on Thursday and take it down after the show on Friday. Please call John Greening at 687-2109.
A CHORAL MILLENNIUM
The Mission Choirs will present a free concert of choral music on June 1st at 3:00 PM. The concert will feature a variety of music written during the past ten centuries, including works by Josquin DesPrez, Byrd, Palestrina, Pergolesi, Bruckner and others, as well as the premiere of a new Mass by Santa Barbara composer Justin Weaver, a member of our choir.
TOGETHER IN MISSION 2003
Many thanks to all who have contributed to this year’s annual appeal. We are still about $1500.00 short of our goal in monies pledged. All funds collected are restricted to the 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·
The “Always Our Children!” support group for families of gay and lesbian Catholics will meet on Thursday, May 22nd at 7:30 PM. Please call Kathie and Joe at 687-4338.
·The annual Santa Barbara Memorial Day Mass will be held at Calvary Cemetery on Monday, May 26th, at 10:00 AM.
ROSARY FOR PEACE
Each Thursday evening during the Easter season, we will recite the rosary using Pope John Paul II’s luminous mysteries. The Rosary has been a means of bringing light into a darkened world since the 13th century. Please join us in the church at 7:00. PM.
THANK YOU ST. BARBARA PARISH!
Dear Members of St. Barbara Parish,
In this season, “Bread for the World” thanks you for being a beacon of hope. Your gift has helped our citizen's lobby raise a strong voice on behalf of hungry people...As we pray for the people of Iraq and the soldiers who have been sent there, let us also challenge our nation’s leaders to create a more peaceful and secure world by helping hungry people feed themselves and their families.
David Beckman, President

Dear St. Barbara Parishioners,
Please accept our sincere thanks for your gift...With more caring people like you—people not only concerned, but willing to take action—the war against hunger could be won. Thank you for joining with us. Please know that you gift makes a difference in the day to day life of many of your neighbors. Jeanette Nadeau, Executive Director

Dear Friends,
Peace and all good! Thank you for your kind gift to the Franciscan Missionary Union. Your generosity helps the Franciscans serve the needs of the church and the world, and it is an important witness to the goodness of God! Br. John Summers, O.F.M.

Dear Fr. Vince,
My special thanks to you and your people for your generous Good Friday collection to help support the mission of the Church in the Holy Land...All the Franciscan Friars of the Custody of the Holy Land join me in thanking you for your prayers, kindness, and generous help in this work entrusted to us by the Holy Father. Friar Callistus Welch, O.F.M.
IRAQ EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND
You are encouraged to make a donation to this fund to assist our brothers and sisters in Iraq. Send your donation directly to: Iraq Emergency Relief Fund, Archdiocese of Los Angeles, C/O Msgr. Vadakin, 3424 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, Ca. 90010.
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY SUMMER CAMP
We operate a summer camp in the Santa Barbara foothills. Scholarships are available for local children in need. For more information, or to make a donation, please call Conchita Munoz at 687-6539.

SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
Reading I: Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48;
Reading II: 1 John 4:7-10; Gospel: John 15:9-17
In today’s Gospel, Jesus makes it clear that his leaving is not the end of everything. He promises that his disciples will live on in his love by keeping the commandments. He promises them joy in their continued union, and he is glad to call them friends. Jesus reminds them that he has made known to them all that he heard from the Father. The challenge for them is to go forward and bear fruit by loving one another. God sent the only begotten one that “we might have life through him.” Others are to have life through us. You will note that in the reading from Acts, Peter comes to realize that this gift is to be extended to uncircumcised Gentiles as well as Jews. Anyone who reverences God and acts according to God’s will is acceptable to God.
Under what circumstances have you been particularly aware of God’s love in your life?

FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
In this gospel parable, the hired man doesn’t have a sufficiently deep or committed relationship to the sheep and so he runs away in danger. The good shepherd, however, the one who owns the sheep and has much more at stake than the hired hand, is concerned about, cares for, and protects the sheep even to the point of laying down the shepherd’s life. The good shepherd is the one who fulfills the obligation of relationship. The shepherd’s mission—leading the sheep appropriately—flows from the relationship—the shepherd owns the sheep. Laying down our lives for the sake of others doesn’t mean that we will be nailed to a cross. It does mean that we commit ourselves to good deeds such as caring for the sick, forgiving those who wrong us (last Sunday’s gospel), giving thanks and praise to God, loving others as God has loved us. These good deeds are the very “stuff” of our everyday living. We don’t have to go out of our way to be good shepherds. We simply must relate as one filled with new life to those who come our way.
GREAT SUNDAY
The fifty days from Easter to Pentecost are celebrated in joyful exaltation as one “Great Sunday.” These are the days, above all other days, for singing “Alleluia!” The passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ begins a new age—the age of a new creation in which God and humanity are reconciled in Christ; the age of God’s abiding presence through the Spirit of Christ. As God’s Spirit blew over the waters on the first day of creation, so does Christ’s Spirit infuse and direct the new creation in us. During this Eastertide, let us continue to jubilantly rejoice in God’s graciousness!
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. It 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.
YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY¨
Senior High Ministry: PAUSE will not meet this Thursday. See you next week!
¨Junior High Ministry: We will not meet today. See you next week!
¨Confirmation: Rite of Confirmation to be celebrated next Sunday at San Roque, at 11:30 AM.
¨Young Adult Ministry: Thanks again to everyone who helped make our Coffeehouse Concert such a rousing success. It was great!
¨Visit us on the web at www.sbmission.org/youth.html for weekly updates!
STEWARDSHIP: FAITH IN ACTION
Sunday Offering: May 5 2003 $9,991.00
Thank you for your continuing generosity!
TAIZE PRAYER AROUND THE CROSS
During Eastertide, our Taize Prayer Around the Cross illumines and reflects the hope, the love, and the joy of this glorious season. If you have not experienced this most beautiful form of contemplative prayer and chant, this would be a beautiful time for you to do so. You are invited to join us every Wednesday at 6:30 PM in the Mission church.
A CHORAL MILLENNIUM
Mark your calendars! The Mission Choirs will present a free concert of choral music on June 1st at 3:00 PM. The concert will feature a variety of music written during the past ten centuries, including works by Josquin DesPrez, Byrd Palestrina, Pergolesi, Bruckner and others, as well as the premiere of a new Mass by Santa Barbara composer Justin Weaver, a member of the choir.
TOGETHER IN MISSION 2003
Many thanks to all who have contributed to this year’s annual appeal. We are still about $1500.00 short of our goal in monies pledged. 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 convenience.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
·Sr. Helen Prejean, author of Dead Man Walking, will speak at UCSB’s Campbell Hall on May 16th at 8:00 PM. Call 893-3535 for information.
·St. Mark’s University Parish invites you to their 13th annual dinner and live auction on Saturday, May 17th at 6:00 PM. Come prepared to enjoy an authentic Mexican dinner! Please call 968-1078.
·The “Beginning Experience Weekend” is designed as a time of closure and new beginnings for divorced, separated or widowed people. A weekend is scheduled for May 17th. Please call 967-6550 for further information and reservations.
·Family Service Agency’s 20th Annual Children’s Festival will take place on Saturday, May 17, from 10-4 PM at Alameda Park. Admission and entertainment are free! Join us!
·NAIM, the Archdiocesan organization for widows and widowers, will meet on Sunday, May 18th. Please call Marie at 967-5465 for information.
·The “Always Our Children!” support group for families of gay and lesbian Catholics will meet on Thursday, May 22nd at 7:30 PM. Please call Kathie and Joe at 687-4338.
ROSARY FOR PEACE
Each Thursday evening during the Easter season, we will recite the rosary using Pope John Paul II’s luminous mysteries. The Rosary has been a means of bringing light into a darkened world since the 13th century. Please join us in the church at 7:00 PM.
ARCHDIOCESAN SYNOD
The Time is Now! From the invocation of the Synod in Cardinal Mahony’s pastoral letter in 2000, As I have Done for You, to the first session which begins on May 16, 2003, the faithful of the Archdiocese have been on the path with their bishop and moving forward. It started with grass-roots listening and speak-up sessions that led to a second consultation, and continued with proposals that were drafted at Regional Assemblies and will be brought forward to the Synod. Please pray for the delegates—laity, religious, priests and deacons—as they continue the journey to set pastoral priorities for the future of our Archdiocese.
IRAQ EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND
You are encouraged to make a donation to this fund that will assist our brothers and sisters in Iraq. You may send your donation directly to: Iraq Emergency Relief Fund, Archdiocese of Los Angeles, C/O Monsignor Royale Vadakin, 3424 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, Ca. 90010. Thank you for your help.
FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
Reading I: Acts 9:26-31; Reading II:
1 John 3:18-24; Gospel: John 15:1-8
John speaks of Jesus doing the work of the Father. He knows the love and concern of the Father. The image of the vine and the branches reveals the union between Jesus and us. Together the vine, Jesus, and the branches, his disciples, bear much fruit. The One who causes us to grow, and prunes and trims us is the Father. The works of Jesus become the works of the disciple. We are to live as Jesus lived, to love as he loved. Jesus not only revealed God’s love for us, he gave evidence of this love “by laying down his life for us.” To be followers of Jesus, we must give witness to him by our words and deeds.
Speak of a time when you were able to do more than your limitations allowed because of your communion with Christ.

THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER
Gospel of Luke 24:35-48
Despite the reports of the two Emmaus disciples and other eye witnesses as well, when Jesus appeared to the gathered disciples they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost. Similar to last Sunday with Thomas, Jesus invites the disciples to “Look at my hands and my feet; it is really I.” Look, touch, see— “a ghost does not have flesh and bones as I do.” How quickly their terror was changed to incredulous joy! How amazed they were at this Risen One! To what lengths does Jesus go to convince the disciples (and us) that he is truly alive, resurrected to new life! Our belief in the Risen One is not some elite intellectual exercise but an embodied faith expressed in actions. Our faith is manifested by our assent to God’s will in our actions, and by our witness to repentance and forgiveness of sins. Forgiveness is part of the reality of resurrected life; it is the effect of death and resurrection. We should walk and act like a forgiven people!
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. It 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.
GREAT SUNDAY
The fifty days from Easter to Pentecost are celebrated in joyful exaltation as one “Great Sunday.” These are the days, above all other days, for singing “Alleluia!” The passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ begins a new age—the age of a new creation in which God and humanity are reconciled in Christ; the age of God’s abiding presence through the Spirit of Christ. As God’s Spirit blew over the waters on the first day of creation, so does Christ’s Spirit infuse and direct the new creation in us. During this Eastertide, let us continue to jubilantly rejoice in God’s graciousness!
YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
-Senior High Ministry: PAUSE meets Thursday from 7:00-8:30 PM in the Youth Room. See you there!
¨Junior High Ministry: We will not meet today. See you next week!
¨Confirmation: Second year participants meet tonight from 7:00-8:30 PM in the Youth Room.
¨Young Adult Ministry: Thanks to everyone who helped make our Coffeehouse Concert such a rousing success. It was great!
¨Visit us on the web at www.sbmission.org/youth.html and don’t forget to check our news and updates section that is 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, April 27, 2003: $8,919.00
Thank you for your continuing generosity!
TAIZE PRAYER AROUND THE CROSS
During Eastertide, our Taize Prayer Around the Cross illumines and reflects the hope, the love, and the joy of this glorious season. If you have not experienced this most beautiful form of contemplative prayer and chant, this would be a beautiful time for you to do so. You are invited to join us every Wednesday at 6:30 PM in the Mission church.
SUNDAY MORNING COFFEE HOUR
Your help is needed! We especially need volunteers willing to serve coffee and donuts once every six weeks after the 9:00 AM Mass. We can also use your help after the 7:30 AM Mass. Think of this ministry as a wonderful opportunity to meet your fellow parishioners! If you are able to help us, please call Charlotte Nelson at 569-6892. Thanks!
TOGETHER IN MISSION 2003
Many thanks to all who have contributed to this year’s annual appeal. We are still about $1500.00 short of our goal in monies pledged. 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 convenience.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
·St. Vincent’s will host its first annual Festival of Art benefit at the Doubletree today, May 4, from 4:00-8:00 PM. Call 683-6381, ext. 107.
·Villa Majella will host a benefit reception, “Celebrate Motherhood,” on May 9th. Please call 563-0003 for more information.
·Bishop High presents “Fiddler on the Roof,” Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10 at Bishop.
·Sr. Helen Prejean, author of Dead Man Walking, will speak at UCSB’s Campbell Hall on May 16th at 8:00 PM. Call 893-3535 for information.
·The “Beginning Experience” Weekend is designed as a time of closure and new beginnings for divorced, separated or widowed people. Weekends are scheduled for May 10th and May 17th,. Please call 967-6550 for further information.
·Family Service Agency’s 20th Annual Children’s Festival will take place on Saturday, May 17, from 10-4 PM at Alameda Park. Admission and entertainment are free! Join us!
·NAIM, the Archdiocesan organization for widows and widowers, will meet on Sunday, May 18. Please call Marie at 967-5465 for information.
ROSARY FOR PEACE
Each Thursday evening during the Easter season, we will recite the rosary using Pope John Paul II’s luminous mysteries. The Rosary has been a means of bringing light into a darkened world since the 13th century. Please join us in the church at 7:00 PM.
CARDINAL MCINTYRE FUND FOR CHARITY
Today, we take up a special collection for the Cardinal McIntyre Fund for Charity. Your contribution will help to save the “neediest of those in need”—children, families, and individuals throughout the Archdiocese for whom no other resources exist. Your gifts help provide basic necessities such as food and milk for three days, lodging for the night, emergency medical care, rent to tide over a financial crisis, and burial assistance. When you make a donation to the Cardinal McIntyre Fund for Charity, 100% of your contribution goes directly toward the emergency needs of children and adults who suffer on a daily basis. Mass is offered everyday for the intentions of those who contribute. Thank you.
IRAQ EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND
You are encouraged to make a donation to this fund that will assist our brothers and sisters in Iraq. You may send your donation directly to: Iraq Emergency Relief Fund, Archdiocese of Los Angeles, C/O Monsignor Royale Vadakin, 3424 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, Ca. 90010. Thank you for your help.