TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

The “tradition of the elders” mentioned in today’s Gospel reading refers to a set of practices by which Pharisee teachers intended to help observant Jews fulfill the law as perfectly as possible. For some people, these human traditions took on far more meaning than they should have—to the point that they were equated with God’s law. Jesus’ strong rebuke of the religious leaders served to put those external actions in their proper place and return the focus to God’s law. Jesus also reframed to question toward one’s inward dispositions as related to external practices. Where are our hearts and what is our attitude toward others when we participate in Sunday Eucharist? How do we treat our family, our neighbors, the environment, indeed, all of God’s creation after we pass through the doors of the church to the outside world? Jesus reminds us to remember why we do what we do; and further, to do it with our hearts turned toward God in order to be in right relationship with God and God’s creation.

PROJECT RACHEL
Abortion has many victims, from babies to mothers, fathers, grandparents, other relatives, and friends. Project Rachel offers hope and healing through the forgiveness of God’s love to anyone affected by the pain of abortion. For confidential help, please contact Project Rachel at (805) 684-4670.

TOGETHER IN MISSION APPEAL
Sincerest thanks to all those who have already contributed or made pledges. If you have not yet made a donation, please prayerfully consider doing so.

STEWARDSHIP: FAITH IN ACTION
Sunday Offering: August 24 $10,085.00

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND
A weekend that renews the romance and excitement you experienced during your dating days. The next weekends are in Santa Barbara at the Mission, Sept. 12-14 or in Los Angeles, Sept. 26-28. Call Amber and Felix Masci at 581-1671 for more information.

FROM ST. BARBARA’S WITH LOVE
Come bid Arrivederci to Fr. Vince at an Italian Hors D’Oeuvres Reception on Monday, September 8th at Cabrillo Pavilion Arts Center, 1118 E. Cabrillo Blvd, from 4:30-8:30 PM. Parking is limited, so carpool if you can. Fr. Vince will be celebrating his final Masses at the Old Mission on Sunday, September 7th at 7:30 and 9:00 AM, and a reception will follow all the Masses on that day.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES FOOD DRIVE
After Mass today, Catholic Charities will be collecting non-perishable food items. Please join in sharing generously.

ROSARY FOR PEACE
Each Saturday morning after the 7:30 AM Mass.

YOUTH MINISTRY AND CONFIRMATION

Confirmation Classes begin on Sunday, September 7th, at 5:00 PM in the Parish Hall at St. Raphael’s Church. Please register by picking up a Registration Packet in the Parish Office of the Mission, or by contacting John at 964-3466, ext. 1.
Senior High School Youth Ministry meets every Tuesday Night from 7:15-9:00 PM in the Parish Center at St. Raphael’s Church.

All High School age youth and friends are welcome.

Junior High Youth Ministry (Tobiah Club): First meeting is Thursday, September 18th from 7:00-8:45 PM in the parish center at St. Raphael’s Church. All 7th and 8th graders are invited. Please register ahead of time by picking up a registration packet in the Mission office, or by calling John.

FATHER STAN FORTUNA IS COMING!
September 19-21st at St. Raphael’s Church, don’t miss Fr. Stan Fortuna, that Hip-Hoppin’ Priest from South Bronx, New York. Conferences will be held Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM, and again for Youth after the 5:30 PM Sunday Youth Mass. Fr. Stan will be preaching at all the weekend Masses.

RACHEL’S VINEYARD RETREAT OCTOBER 3-5, LOS ANGELES
For men and women struggling with the emotional and spiritual pain of abortion, this retreat is designed to help participants work through repressed grief and anger in a safe, non-judgmental setting and come to acceptance, healing, and hope for the future. Developed in the Roman Catholic Tradition, it utilizes spiritual exercises and rituals to help grieve the loss of unborn children and to accept God’s forgiveness. All inquiries and registrations are confidential. Call (866) 272-2435 for more information.

THANK YOU ST. BARBARA PARISH


Dear Parishioners,

The Coalition to Provide Shelter and Support to Santa Barbara’s Homeless would like to offer our heartfelt thanks for your recent contribution of $1,000.00. Since reopening the newly renovated Cacique Street Center in December 2002, we have provided vital services to hundreds of individuals in need, and have assisted dozens of individuals in moving off the streets and into housing, including several families with young children. Your contribution will support the programs needed to help even more homeless individuals and families address the root causes of their homelessness. Thank you for the generosity and compassion you have shared with those in need in our community.

Sincerely,
David L. Peri, Board of Directors

BOB HURD CONCERT IN CAMARILLO
Padre Serra Parish, 5205 Upland Rd., Camarillo, presents Bob Hurd and Anawim live in concert for the benefit of the Archdiocesan Office of Ministry to those with HIV/AIDS, on Friday, September 5th, at 7:30 PM. Suggested ticket donations are $12 or $10 (for students/seniors) at the door, presale tickets are also available, and children under 12 attend free. Call (805) 482-6417 for more information.

THE PARISH PICNIC IS COMING!
Mark your calendars for the annual parish picnic at Tucker’s Grove, Sunday October 5th, 1:30 PM. Come out and welcome Fr. Richard Juzix, our new pastor.

MINISTRY FAIR
Mark your calendars and plan to participate in our Ministry Fair after Masses on October 12th. There are so many opportunities for you to contribute your time and talents to your parish and community by joining one or more of our many ministries.

PARISH RAFFLE
Sincerest thanks to all those who helped make our 2003 parish raffle, raising money for refurbishment and repairs to our organ, such a smashing success.
Congratulations to our winners!
First Prize, Mexican Riviera Cruise: Nora Brucelas
Second Prize, Weekend in Vegas: Carol Tricase
Third Prize, Magellan III Luggage: Mike Errico

TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Today’s second reading has proved problematic to generations of women, particularly contemporary Western women, who do not see their husbands in a headship position over them, nor themselves as submissive to them. However, we must resist the temptation to read this passage literally; it must be taken in context. First, we need to be fair to the original language of the text. The Greek does not exactly say “Wives should be submissive to their husbands…” That phrasing comes from the honest efforts of translators to break up a very long Greek sentence. The thought begins with the preceding verse, “Be subordinate to one another out of reverence to Christ,” and that imperative governs everything that follows. The primary mandate is to mutual subordination out of reverence to Christ. Paul spells out this mutual submission in terms of the patriarchal milieu of the day. The overriding message, however, is not at all about particular roles being forever assigned to husbands and wives or men and women. Rather, this passage presents Jesus’ teaching that his followers be characterized by selfless service and the laying down of life for one another. A hard saying, yes; but one of mutual subordination, not gender struggle.


PROJECT RACHEL
Abortion has many victims, from babies to mothers, fathers, grandparents, other relatives, and friends. Project Rachel offers hope and healing through the forgiveness of God’s love to anyone affected by the pain of abortion. For confidential help, please contact Project Rachel at (805) 684-4670.


TOGETHER IN MISSION APPEAL
We are very close to reaching our goal of $59,748.00 for this year’s “Together in Mission” campaign, Sincerest thanks to all those who have already contributed or made pledges. If you have not yet made a donation, please prayerfully consider doing so.


STEWARDSHIP: FAITH IN ACTION
Sunday Offering: August 17 $11,360.00


SYNOD CLOSING LITURGY

On Saturday, September 6th, at 10:00 AM, the liturgy that closes the Synod will be celebrated at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. This is an historic occasion. The last Synod in the Archdiocese was in 1960, so this marks the first Archdiocesan Synod since Vatican II, and the first time that laypeople in Los Angeles were asked to contribute their wisdom and expertise for the good of the Church. ALL are welcome. A special invitation is extended to all those who conducted or participated in speak-up sessions, those who offered suggestions during the second consultation, representatives to Regional Synod Assembly and, of course, delegates that participated in the Archdiocesan Synod. During the liturgy, Cardinal Mahony will sign the Synod documents, thereby officially endorsing them as the pastoral direction for the Archdiocese for years to come.

SAVE THESE DATES!
Fr. Vince’s final Masses will be on September 7th. We will hold a farewell party on September 8th, from 4:30-8:30 PM at the Cabrillo Arts Pavilion.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES FOOD DRIVE
After all the Masses next weekend, Catholic Charities will be collecting non-perishable food items. Please join in sharing generously.


ATTENTION ALL CATECHISTS, LECTORS, EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS, AND OTHER MINISTRY MINDED PARISHIONERS:

The Center for Religion and Spirituality at Loyola Marymount University will offer a day of reflection on “Spirituality for Ministry” on Saturday, September 6th, from 9:30 AM until 3:30 PM at the LMU campus in Los Angeles. For more information, or to register, please visit http://extension.lmu.edu/religion on the web, e-mail CRS@lmu.edu, or call (310) 338-2799.


YOUTH MINISTRY AND CONFIRMATION

Confirmation Classes begin on Sunday, September 7th, at 5:00 PM in the Parish Hall at St. Raphael’s Church. Please register by picking up a Registration Packet in the Parish Office of the Mission, or by contacting John at 964-3466, ext. 1.
Senior High School Youth Ministry meets every Tuesday Night from 7:15-9:00 PM in the Parish Center at St. Raphael’s Church. All High School age youth and friends are welcome.
Junior High Youth Ministry (Tobiah Club): First meeting is Thursday, September 18th from 7:00-8:45 PM in the parish center at St. Raphael’s Church. All 7th and 8th graders are invited. Please register ahead of time by picking up a registration packet in the Mission office, or calling John.

FATHER STAN FORTUNA IS COMING!
September 19-21st at St. Raphael’s Church, don’t miss Fr. Stan Fortuna, that Hip-Hoppin’ Preist from South Bronx, New York. All ages are encouraged to attend. Conferences will be held on both Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM, and again for Youth on Sunday after the 5:30 PM Youth Mass. Fr. Stan will be preaching at all of the weekend Masses. Be there!

RACHEL’S VINEYARD RETREAT
OCTOBER 3-5, LOS ANGELES

For men and women struggling with the emotional and spiritual pain of abortion, this retreat is designed to help participants work through repressed grief and anger in a safe, non-judgmental setting and come to acceptance, healing, and hope for the future. Developed in the Roman Catholic Tradition, it utilizes spiritual exercises and rituals to help grieve the loss of unborn children and to accept God’s forgiveness. All inquiries and registrations are confidential. Call (866) 272-2435 for more information.


THANK YOU ST. BARBARA PARISH

On behalf of the Most Rev. Bishop Callistus Rubaramira and the Kabale Diocese faith community, I wish to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your parish family’s profound generosity and kindness during the recent mission appeal. Your contribution will, without a doubt, make a very significant difference in the lives of our people, especially, the orphaned innocents. As the missionary who made the appeal, I would like you to know that I was deeply touched by the unreserved hospitality, generosity, and friendship exhibited by everyone in your parish community. I felt very much at home, and enjoyed your spirit-filled liturgy. Kabale Diocese wishes you God’s choicest blessing. You will remain always in our prayers and gratitude.

Gratefully,
Fr. Frederick K. Byaruhanga,
Overseas Representative

ALWAYS OUR CHILDREN!
Parents and families of gay and lesbian Catholics are invited to a support group meeting on Thursday, August 28th at 7:30 PM in Santa Barbara. These meetings are informal and confidential. For more information, please call Kathie and Joe at 687-4338.

TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
The very people who asked to receive the bread of life from Jesus and were fed just the day before are now scorning Jesus and grumbling about what he is saying because he is challenging the status quo. This seems to be a familiar pattern in our own spiritual lives. Things may be in a state of relative calm, or perhaps we feel that we `are growing in our faith when a situation develops that presents a challenge to our way of being. We have an internal sense that there is truth to be gleaned, but we resist being open to it because it may involve our having to change something about ourselves. This section of John’s Gospel is about the nourishment God gives us in and through Jesus, providing a unique and special way for us to be connected through Christ’s body and blood. Eucharist, the life of Jesus Christ in the Word and in the consecrated Bread and Wine, is exactly the right nourishment that will help us to stretch us beyond our current comfort zone into closer alignment with the Reign of God.
PROJECT RACHEL
The wounds of abortion can be healed whether the abortion was recent or many years ago. Through understanding, support, and counseling, anyone affected by abortion can experience God’s love and forgiveness. For confidential help, please contact Project Rachel at (805) 684-4670.
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 APPEAL
We are very close to reaching our goal of $59,748.00 for this year’s “Together in Mission” campaign, but are still about $1,000 short in payments. Sincerest thanks to all those who have already contributed or made pledges. If you have not yet made a donation, please prayerfully consider doing so.
THE ARCHDIOCESAN SYNOD PROCESS
What happened after the Synod delegates accepted Cardinal Mahony’s invitation and the Editing and Writing Commissions began their work? Prior to meeting for the historic first session of Synod in May, over 500 representatives and delegates from all five Pastoral Regions gathered at a Pre-Synod event in April to review a draft of the Synod document and give their suggestions to improve it. The aim of the day was to focus the vision, strengthened the proposals and assist the delegates in their responsibilities. Their suggestions were given to the Editorial Commission and the Writing Commission for further editing. To the newly commissioned delegates, the Regional representatives came to the microphones and said: “Be bold and daring”, “Call on us to help you, for we are just as committed as you are”, “Keep the family central”, “Develop a Spanish text that gives expression to the Hispanic mind”, “Stay close to the Holy Spirit who will guide and encourage you to be what the Church is all about”...and much more. It was an inspiring day filled with evidence of the breadth and depth of leadership in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES OFFERS PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING SERVICES
Catholic Charities offers professional psychological counseling to individuals, couples and families. A very reasonable sliding scale is available. The office is located at 609 E. Haley St. Santa Barbara. Call (805) 965-7045, ext. 102 for English; Spanish speakers or bilingual call (805) 965-7045, ext. 114.
HOLY CROSS SCHOOL FUNDRAISING EVENT
Holy Cross School, at the San Buenaventura Mission, in Ventura is holding a “Roaring 20’s” Dinner, Dance, and Auction on October 18th. Come and enjoy plenty of good food, music and auction bargains. Contact Kim McAtee, (805) 644-6797, or Denise Brogna, (805) 648-3228, for more info.
PLEASE CONSIDER REMEMBERING YOUR PARISH IN YOUR WILL OR TRUST
For information, please contact H. Richard Closson, Director, Trust and Estate Programs (213) 637-7472, HRClosson@al-archdiocese.org. The correct legal title for our parish is: The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Los Angeles, A Corporation Sole for the benefit of St. Barbara Parish
TRAVELING THIS SUMMER?
For nationwide Mass times and locations, call Mass Times (410) 676-6000 or visit www.MassTimes.org
MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND
A weekend that renews the romance and excitement you experienced during your dating days. The next weekends are in Santa Barbara at the Mission, Sept. 12-14 or in Los Angeles, Sept. 26-28. Call Amber and Felix Masci at 581-1671 for more information.
SAVE THESE DATES!
Fr. Vince’s final Masses will be on September 7th. We will hold a farewell party on September 8th, from 4:30-8:30 PM at the Cabrillo Arts Pavilion.
JAIL MINISTRY CHAPLAIN NEEDS HOUSING
Marciano Avilla, our new Jail Ministry Chaplain for the Archdiocese, is looking for a unfurnished room with bathroom access and house/kitchen privileges. Please call him at 895-4813 if you can help him
CATHOLIC CHARITIES FOOD DRIVE
After all the Masses on the weekend of August 31st, Catholic Charities will be collecting non-perishable food items. Please join in sharing generously.
ATTENTION ALL CATECHISTS, LECTORS, EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS, AND OTHER MINISTRY MINDED PARISHIONERS:
The Center for Religion and Spirituality at Loyola Marymount University will offer a day of reflection on “Spirituality for Ministry” on Saturday, September 6th, from 9:30 AM until 3:30 PM at the LMU campus in Los Angeles. For more information, or to register, please visit http://extension.lmu.edu/religion on the web, e-mail CRS@lmu.edu, or call (310) 338-2799.
OCTOBER 9, 2003! SAVE THE DATE!
Golf Tournament honoring Miss Sue Labadie, to benefit Notre Dame School—Details Soon!
SATURDAY MORNING ROSARY FOR PEACE
Each Saturday morning after the 7:30 AM Mass.
ATTENTION ALLREALLY COOL PEOPLE YOUNG AND OLD
Fr. Stan Fortuna, the Hip-Hoppin’ Rapper Priest from South Bronx will be at St. Raphael’s on the weekend of September 19-21. More to come!
SAN LORENZO RETREAT CENTER
You are invited to “An Evening in Tuscany,” the annual dinner/auction to benefit the retreat center, on Saturday, September 6th at 4:30 PM. Tickets are 85,000 lira ($50.00) and may be reserved by calling Gary and Jodi Waples at 688-0322. For more information, please call 688-8290.

NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Like Elijah, we need the help of God. We need divine bread and wine for the journey through this life on earth. In Eucharist, believers regain strength from “every word that comes from the mouth of God,” and Jesus offers us the bread and wine of his Body and Blood. This is the food that prompts our faith and empowers our service. This is the food that enables us to follow the way of love as recommended by the Ephesians author in today’s second reading. In partaking of the Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation, we are transformed. We become the bread of comfort and the wine of gladness for one another.

PROJECT RACHEL

The wounds of abortion can be healed whether the abortion was recent or many years ago. Through understanding, support, and counseling, anyone affected by abortion can experience God’s love and forgiveness. For confidential help, contact Project Rachel at (805) 684-4670.

TOGETHER IN MISSION APPEAL
We are very close to reaching our goal of $59,748.00 for this year’s “Together in Mission” campaign, but are still about $1,000 short in payments. Sincerest thanks to all those who have already contributed or made pledges. If you have not yet made a donation, please prayerfully consider doing so.

STEWARDSHIP: FAITH IN ACTION
Sunday Offering: August 3, 2003 $12,376.00

Thank you for your continuing generosity!

THE ARCHDIOCESAN SYNOD PROCESS

Once the Synod Regional Assemblies were over, an Editing Committee began to organize and consolidate the 230 proposals that came from the five regions, and a Writing Commission prepared Synod documentation, which was the theological vision and foundation of the Synod themes, with brief descriptive definitions of each one. In the meantime, each Regional Bishop met with his nominating committee to select delegates from among those suggested at the Regional Synod Assemblies. Those selected received an invitation from the Cardinal with an RSVP request—356 people said “yes” to the privilege and challenge of serving as a delegate. The fact that so many were willing to serve is powerful evidence of the desire and commitment to participate in the future of the Church. What was expected of the delegates? Personal prayer for openness, clarity and courage; reading and reflecting on the preparatory materials they received; bringing their experience, wisdom, faith, hope, and love to Synod sessions and engaging in dialogue, discernment, and decision with the other delegates.

SUMMER CALENDAR

August 9-10 Missionary Appeal Collection
August 11 Feast of St. Clare of Assisi, 12:00
August 14 Feast of St. Maximillian Kolbe, 12:00
The Assisi Underground, 7:00 PM
August 15 Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary into Heaven, a Holy Day
August 16 New Eucharistic Minister Training at 10:00 AM in the Church
August 26 Ministry Fair Meeting at 7:00 PM
August 30-31 Catholic Charities Food Collection
August 31 Baptisms at 9:00 AM Mass

SAVE THESE DATES!
Fr. Vince’s final Masses will be on September 7th. We will hold a farewell party on September 8th, from 4:30-8:30 PM at the Cabrillo Arts Pavilion.

EUCHARIST MINISTRY

“A Ministry of Immense Love”
Pope Paul VI described the Eucharist as a testament of Christ’s “ immense love,” a “wonderful gift,” “the greatest gift of all.” None of us, in our own right, can ever be worthy enough to distribute Christ’s Body and Blood to others. Yet, God, in wisdom and grace, makes us worthy and calls some of us to serve in this ministry. Is God calling you to serve as a minister of Holy Communion? We will have a special training session for new Eucharistic Ministers on Saturday, August 16th, at 10:00 AM in the Church. For planning purposes, please call the Parish Office if you will attend.

JAIL MINISTRY CHAPLAIN NEEDS HOUSING
Marciano Avilla, our new Jail Ministry Chaplain, is looking for a large unfurnished room with bathroom access and house/kitchen privileges. Please call him at 895-4813 if you can help him find a place to stay.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES FOOD DRIVE
After all the Masses on the weekend of August 31st, Catholic Charities will be collecting non-perishable food items. Please join in sharing generously.

SPECIAL FEAST DAYS IN AUGUST
As a Franciscan community, we celebrate several special feast days during the month of August. We invite you to join us for these liturgies:

August 11th
Feast of St. Clare of Assisi:
Clare was a follower and close friend of St. Francis. Like Francis, she traded her life of wealth for a future with “Lady Poverty.” Her choice was both a challenge and an example to her peers and to us today. Mass will be at Noon. Stop by the shrine and pray for her intercessions. (No 7:30 AM Mass this day).

August 14th
Feast of St. Maximilian Kolbe:
Maximilian was a prisoner at Auschwitz where, in imitation of Jesus, he willingly gave his own life in order to spare the life of a condemned man with a young family. Mass will be at Noon (No 7:30 AM Mass this day). Also, join us in the church at 7:00 PM for “The Assisi Underground.”

August 15th
Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary into Heaven, a Holy Day:
Mary’s assumption into heaven is explicitly linked with Christ’s resurrection. It is the foretaste of what God has in store for us. Masses will be held at 7:30 AM, 12:00 Noon, and 7:30 PM.

ATTENTION ALL CATECHISTS, LECTORS, EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS, AND
OTHER MINISTRY MINDED PARISHIONERS:

The Center for Religion and Spirituality at Loyola Marymount University will offer a day of reflection on “Spirituality for Ministry” on Saturday, September 6th, from 9:30 AM until 3:30 PM at the LMU campus in Los Angeles. For more information, or to register, please visit http://extension.lmu.edu/religion on the web, e-mail CRS@lmu.edu, or call (310) 338-2799.

OCTOBER 9, 2003! SAVE THE DATE!
Golf Tournament Honoring Miss Sue Labadie, to benefit Notre Dame School—Details Soon!

TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Reading I: Proverbs 9:1-6; Reading II:
Ephesians 5:15-20; Gospel: John 6:51-58

John’s Gospel has no direct account of the institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper. Rather, it includes this sermon on the Bread of Life that we have been hearing for the past several weeks. The statement of the opening verse, “the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world,” is very close to the account in Luke’s Gospel of Jesus blessing bread at the Last Supper and saying, “This is my body given for you.” Accepting the teaching of Jesus, the Liturgy of the Word, important as it is, only prepares us to share his body and blood. Participation in the Eucharist brings present possession of “eternal life” and is thus a pledge of eventual resurrection. Jesus puts great emphasis on the “flesh and blood” reality of the food we now call the Eucharist. Name other ways you “feed on” the “flesh and blood” reality of Jesus. What have you done with this “life” received in the Eucharist? Describe an experience when you have been the “bread of life” for others.