TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
The gruesomeness of the second part of today’s Gospel reading seems to be in sharp contrast with the gentle Jesus we know. To help put your mind at rest, it is important to note that Scriptural references to parts of the human body are most often made in reference to the community rather than the individual. Jesus may well be talking about cutting off parts of the community who are against him, and who mislead others. Discipleship requires that we do not loose sight of our common mission. It requires our total commitment and single-heartedness, as extolled in the Beatitudes. It requires that we be united in our efforts to bring about God’s reign. Nothing else will do.

TWENTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY
IN ORDINARY TIME
Reading I: Genesis 2:18-24; Reading II:
Hebrews 2:9-11; Gospel: Mark 10:2-16

In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus goes beyond the laws of Moses and back to God’s own command. Jesus teaches the clear ideal of Genesis 2. The Hebrews saw a human person as body, soul, and spirit—all together. You are your body. So, when a man and woman “become one body,” they are like one person. There is no domination of man over woman here. Man and woman complement one another, complete each other. Describe an experience in your life when, because of your trust in a person, you accepted something difficult to understand. How have you lived through the experience of not being accepted by an individual or group? Relate an experience in your marriage or in a close relationship when you felt alone, or felt a strong sense of belonging. How has a married couple contributed to your life? How have you helped heal the hurt of someone who has divorced?

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.


STEWARDSHIP: FAITH IN ACTION
Sunday Offering: September 21 $7,795.00


HOLY CROSS SCHOOL FUNDRAISING EVENTHoly Cross School, at the San Buenaventura Mission, in Ventura is holding a “Roaring 20’s” Dinner, Dance, and Auction on October 18th. Contact Kim McAtee, (805) 644-6797, or Denise Brogna, (805) 648-3228, for more information.

PLEASE CONSIDER REMEMBERING YOUR PARISH IN YOUR WILL OR TRUSTFor information, please contact H. Richard Closson, Archdiocesan Director, Trust and Estate Programs (213) 637-7472, HRClosson@la-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.


FALL CALENDAR
September 30 Pastoral Council Meeting, 7:00 PM
October 3 Transitus, 7:00 PM, Serra Chapel
October 4 Heart and Sole AIDS Walk/Run
Blessing of the Animals, 10:00 AM
Feast of St. Francis, 4:00 PM Mass
October 5 Parish Family BBQ, 1:30 PM
Confirmation Session at St. Raphael’s
October 12 Parish Ministry Fair
Religious Education Classes Begin
Blessing of Catechists at 10:30 Mass


JAIL MINISTRY CHAPLAIN NEEDS HOUSING
Marciano Avilla, our new Jail Ministry Chaplain for the Archdiocese, is looking for an unfurnished room with bathroom access and house/kitchen privileges. Please call him at 895-4813 if you can be of help.


YOUTH NEWS
Confirmation: Next Session Sunday, October 5th. Meet in the hall at St. Raphael’s at 5:00 PM, followed by Mass, dinner and classes until 9:15 PM.

Senior High Youth Ministry: Meets Tuesday evenings from 7:15 PM – 9:00 PM at St. Raphael’s Parish Center. All high school age youth are welcome.
Junior High “Tobiah Club” Youth Ministry:
Next meeting Thursday, October 2nd, 7:00 - 8:45 PM at St. Raphael’s Parish Center. Bring your friends!

For more information, please contact John Vasellina at St. Raphael’s, 964-3466, ext. 1.

ST FRANCIS DAYS EVENTS
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS: Saturday, October 4th at 10:00AM, in front of the Old Mission.
HEART & SOUL AIDS WALK/RUN: Saturday, October 4th, Team St. Barbara participates in the Annual AIDS Walk/Run in support of our parish commitment to foster justice for all people. Registration begins at 9:00 AM at Leadbetter Beach, walk/run starts at 10:30 AM. Please consider joining us as a participant or financial supporter. Call John and Anna Stump at 560-7614 for more information.

PARISH PICNIC:
Come to our annual Parish Family BBQ at Tucker’s Grove Park, Kiwanis Meadow, on Sunday, October 5th, at 1:30 PM. We are expecting Fr. Richard to be there, so come out and welcome him.


CELEBRATE ST. FRANCIS DAYS LITURGIES

“TRANSITUS” (The Liturgy of the Passing of St. Francis from earthly to eternal life) will be celebrated at 7:00 PM on Friday, October 3rd in the Serra Chapel. Following the liturgy, enjoy a delicious almond cake. Tradition has it that St. Francis dearly loved these delicate little cakes.

FEAST OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI: Solemn Mass and the Blessing and Distributing of Olive Branches will take place at 4:00 PM on October 4th. Join us for this very special Mass in honor of St. Francis, the beloved saint for all people, and the founder of the Franciscan Friars. Mass will be followed by a festive reception in front of the church.


THE MINISTRY FAIR: AN INVITATION TO GET INVOLVED IN YOUR PARISH!After Mass on Sunday, October 12th , visit our Ministry Fair and learn about our many ministries including:

Liturgical Ministers of Hospitality (Greeters/Ushers) - Welcome/greet/seat parishioners and visitors at Mass and special liturgies.
Ministry to the Sick and Homebound - Respond to the spoken and unspoken needs of the sick, the homebound and elderly, bringing the Eucharist to them, listening to them and providing a loving presence.
St. Vincent De Paul Society - Grow spiritually and serve those in need physically, spiritually, emotionally, socially.
Stewardship Committee - Implement, oversee, and evaluate processes and programs for parishioners to share time, talent, and treasure.
We really hope you will get involved and make a difference in our parish and community!


CALLED TO FAITHFUL CITIZENSHIP“As members of the Catholic community, we enter the public forum to act on our moral convictions, share our experience in serving the poor and vulnerable, and add our values to the dialogue over our nation’s future. Our moral framework does not fit the categories of right or left, Democrat or Republican. Our responsibility is to measure every party and platform [and proposition] by how its agenda touches human life and dignity. In the Catholic tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue; participation in the political process is a moral obligation.” US Catholic Bishops


THE ART OF CAREGIVING
A free course addressing issues surrounding the role of the caregiver, designed for family caregivers providing care for older adults, will be held two consecutive Saturdays: October 4th and October 11th, 9:00 AM—3:00 PM in the Board Room of Visiting Nurse & Hospice, Santa Barbara: 222 E. Canon Perdido. For more information, or to register, please call Sharion Windom at 690-6274.

TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

The wisdom tradition found in the Book of Wisdom is based on some form of the theory of retribution—good or wise behavior brings forth success; wicked or foolish behavior yields misfortune. Experience tells us that those who choose the way of righteousness may be confronted with obstacles that seem insurmountable. People who try to live lives of integrity are often ridiculed and sometimes even persecuted. Jesus is the ultimate example of such victimization. When those who opposed him were unable to undermine the success of his ministry, they plotted to get rid of him. Jesus knew what they were up to yet he was not deterred. Jesus is the model, then, of how one should continue on the path of righteousness despite immense obstacles. The outcome can be left in the hands of God. Wisdom urges us to choose the right path. Jesus gives us a glimpse of the character of that path, namely, to embrace the vulnerable in our midst, such as defenseless children, the poor, the mentally ill, the marginalized, the homeless, and refugees of war. The fruit of such righteousness is true peace.

STEWARDSHIP: FAITH IN ACTION
Sunday Offering: September 14 $9,981.00

FALL CALENDAR
September 19-21 Fr. Stan Fortuna at St. Raphael’s
September 21 Confirmation Spirit Night, 7:30 PM
September 27 Candlelight Concert in the Church
September 30 Pastoral Council Meeting, 7:00 PM
October 3-5 St. Francis Days

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

YOUTH NEWS
Confirmation: First Spirit Night (students and sponsors) is tonight from 7:30-9:00 PM in the church at St. Raphael’s, featuring Fr. Stan Fortuna.

Senior High Youth Ministry: Meets Tuesday evenings from 7:15 PM – 9:00 PM at St. Raphael’s Parish Center. All high school age youth are welcome.
Junior High “Tobiah Club” Youth Ministry:
Next meeting Thursday, October 2nd, 7:00 - 8:45 PM at St. Raphael’s Parish Center. Bring your friends!

For more information, please contact John Vasellina at St. Raphael’s, 964-3466, ext. 1.

ST FRANCIS DAYS EVENTS

CANDLELIGHT CONCERT IN THE CHURCH:
Plan to attend the annual St. Francis Days benefit concert followed by an elegant reception on September 27th at 7:30PM. Tickets are available in the Mission Gift Shop. Call 683-4966 for more information.


BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS:
Saturday, October 4th at 10:00AM, in front of the Old Mission.

HEART AND SOUL AIDS WALK AND RUN:
Saturday, October 4th. Registration begins at 9:00 AM at Leadbetter Beach, walk/run starts at 10:30 AM.

PARISH PICNIC: Come to our annual Parish Family BBQ at the Kiwanis Meadow at Tucker’s Grove Park on October 5th, at 1:30 PM. We are expecting Fr. Richard to be there so come out and welcome him.


CELEBRATE ST. FRANCIS DAYS LITURGIES

“TRANSITUS” (The Liturgy of the Passing of St. Francis from earthly to eternal life) will be celebrated at 7:00 PM on Friday, October 3rd in the Serra Chapel. Following the liturgy, enjoy a delicious almond cake. Tradition has it that St. Francis dearly loved these delicate little cakes.

FEAST OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI: Solemn Mass and the Blessing and Distributing of Olive Branches will take place at 4:00 PM on October 4th. Join us for this very special Mass in honor of St. Francis, the beloved saint for all people, and the founder of the Franciscan Friars. Mass will be followed by a festive reception in front of the church.

13th ANNUAL HEART AND SOLE AIDS WALK
TEAM ST. BARBARA participates in the Annual AIDS Walk/Run as a St. Francis Days event in support of our commitment to foster justice for all people. Please consider joining us as a walker, runner or financial supporter. Contact John and Anna Stump at (805)560-7614, for further information.

AN INVITATION TO GET INVOLVED IN YOUR PARISH!
After Mass on Sunday, October 12th , visit our Ministry Fair and learn about our many ministries including:

Detention Ministry (Adult and Juvenile) - Interacting with inmates to bring a message of God’s unconditional love, compassion, and forgiveness.
Elementary Religious Education and Children’s
Liturgy of the Word - Teaching and nurturing the children of our parish and preparing them for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist; leading Children’s Liturgy of the Word for the 10:30 AM Mass.
Eucharistic Ministry - Sharing the Body and Blood of Christ with parishioners and visitors to the parish.
Hospitality - Warmth, love, and friendship through food, drink, and sharing. Planning and executing regularly planned and one-time receptions and social events.
Lectors - Proclaiming the Word of God in liturgical assembly.
We really hope you will get involved and make a difference in our parish and community!

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES

What a grand send off! How can I begin to thank all of you for everything you did to make my final weekend with you such a beautiful memory! I will always treasure those days. Thanks to all who worked so hard to put on the receptions and the farewell party at the beach! I was so moved by your outpouring of love and support. Thanks for all the dinners, gifts and greetings. Please pray for me in my new parish ministry and know that I will hold all of you in prayer as you, too, make a transition with a new pastor. I can tell you that Fr. Richard is a fine friar and priest. He will only enhance St. Barbara Parish with his many gifts. I know that you will welcome him into your lives as you lovingly welcomed me. I look forward to the time when I can return to celebrate Sunday Eucharist with you. In the meantime, know that I love you and pray all of God's blessings upon you.
Ciao, Father Vince (602) 354-2072

CALLED TO FAITHFUL CITIZENSHIP“As members of the Catholic community, we enter the public forum to act on our moral convictions, share our experience in serving the poor and vulnerable, and add our values to the dialogue over our nation’s future. Our moral framework does not fit the categories of right or left, Democrat or Republican. Our responsibility is to measure every party and platform [and proposition] by how its agenda touches human life and dignity. In the Catholic tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue; participation in the political process is a moral obligation.” US Catholic Bishops

BREAD FOR THE WORLD ACTION ALERT
With more than 800 million undernourished people in developing countries and 42 million already infected with HIV/AIDS, we in the United States must do all that we can to help. Please call Sen. Barbara Boxer (202) 224-3553, Sen. Diane Feinstein (202) 224-3841 and Rep. Lois Capps (805) 730-1710 to urge them to accede to President Bush’s request that Congress vote to include in the 2004 appropriations bill full funding of $1.3 billion for a Millennium Challenge Account to fight hunger in poor countries and $3 billion in additional global HIV/AIDS funding.

ALWAYS OUR CHILDREN
Parents and families of gay and lesbian Catholics are invited to a support group meeting on Wednesday September 24th at 7:30 PM in Santa Barbara. These meetings are informal and confidential. Call Kathie and Joe at (805) 687-4338 for more information.

TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Reading I: Numbers 11:25-29; Reading II:
James 5:1-6; Gospel: Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

There is always a temptation in Church communities to control and possess all the ways God works and not give credit to anyone who is not of our kind. In today’s Gospel, the apostles forbid a man from casting out demons because he is not in their group of followers of Jesus. The disciples are told they belong to Christ. The phrase is literally, “in the name of Christ.” This name is powerful enough not only to cast out demons, but to gather people into the person of Christ. Any sacrifice is worth the effort to belong to Christ. Describe an experience in which a person was misjudged because he or she was not “one of us.” Relate an experience when God’s power or love came to you through an unlikely person.

TWENTY-FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

In Mark’s gospel, Jesus implies that God’s ideas about securing “the good life” may be different from ours. He warns Peter not to confuse his standards with those of God. He also makes a very enigmatic statement: “For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake and for the gospel’s will save it.” A lesson we can take from this is that we need to surrender our illusions of “control.” If we are control-type persons, we are doomed to endless frustrations. If we try to hang on to life as we have it, we will lose it. But if we give up life, with its illusions of control, for the sake of the gospel, we will save it. The gospel doesn’t promise self-confidence based on control; rather it calls for openness to mystery and grace. It doesn’t offer security based on material guarantees; rather it calls for an acceptance of life’s basic ambiguity. Life is a mystery, full of surprises, contradictions, reversals, and paradox. Setbacks, misfortunes, and suffering are just as much a part of life as advancement, good fortune, and pleasure. Mysteries cannot be explained, much less controlled. They can only be embraced with reverence and awe. Save yourself some anxiety and learn to embrace life for its mystery and giftedness. You can gain enormous peace of heart and tranquility if you are willing to “let go.” Not that you never make plans or work hard, but that you are flexible, which is at the heart of joyful living. As Jesus, you have to become aware that real joy is primarily found in forsaking the demands of the ego and letting go. Surrendering “control” just might be the most self-liberating act you ever perform.


STEWARDSHIP: FAITH IN ACTION
Sunday Offering: September 7 $12,084.00


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

ATTENTION ALL YOUTH
Confirmation: First Spirit Night (students and sponsors) next Sunday evening from 7:30-9:00 PM in the church at St. Raphael’s, featuring Fr. Stan Fortuna.

Senior High Youth Ministry: Meets Tuesday evenings from 7:15 PM – 9:00 PM at St. Raphael’s Parish Center. All high school age youth are welcome.
Junior High “Tobiah Club” Youth Ministry:
Next meeting Thursday, October 2nd, 7:00 - 8:45 PM at St. Raphael’s Parish Center. Bring your friends!

Registration packets are available in St. Barbara’s Parish Office. For additional information, please call John Vasellina at St. Raphael’s, 964-3466, ext. 1.

ST FRANCIS DAYS EVENTS

CANDLELIGHT CONCERT IN THE CHURCH:
Saturday, September 27th at 7:30PM. For more information, contact Bob or Claudia Chyla at 683-4966.


BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS: Saturday, October 4th at 10:00AM, in front of the Old Mission.

HEART AND SOUL AIDS WALK AND RUN:
Saturday, October 4th. Registration begins at 9:00AM at Leadbetter Beach, walk/run starts at 10:30AM.

PARISH PICNIC ON OCTOBER 5TH: Come to our annual Parish Picnic at the Kiwanis Meadow at Tucker’s Grove Park on October 5th, at 1:30PM. We are expecting Fr. Richard to be there so come out and welcome him. Children are most welcome!

AN OPPORTUNITY TO MINISTER TO OUR CHILDREN“And Jesus said, Let the little children come to me…it is to just such as these that the reign of God belongs.’” (Matthew 19:14)

If you are a baptized and confirmed Catholic, have a strong faith and a willing heart to share, we need you! We are looking for a few special people to help form our young people in the faith on Sunday mornings from 9:00AM - 10:30AM. We provide all the necessary training and materials, and we promise to hold your hand every step of the way. Elementary Religious Education classes and Children’s Liturgy of the Word begin on October 12th at 9:15AM. Registration forms are available in the Parish Office. For additional information, please contact Andrea Roe at 565-9251.

CELEBRATE ST. FRANCIS DAYS LITURGIES

“TRANSITUS” (The Liturgy of the Passing of St. Francis from earthly to eternal life) will be celebrated at 7:00PM on Friday, October 3rd in the Serra Chapel. Following the liturgy, enjoy a delicious almond cake. Tradition has it that St. Francis dearly loved these delicate little cakes.

FEAST OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI: Solemn Mass and the Blessing and Distributing of Olive Branches will take place at 4:00PM on October 4th. Join us for this very special Mass in honor of St. Francis, the beloved saint for all people, and the founder of the Franciscan Friars. Mass will be followed by a festive reception in front of the church.

CANDLELIGHT CONCERT
Plan to attend the annual St. Francis Days benefit concert followed by an elegant reception on September 27th at 7:30PM. Tickets are available in the Mission Gift Shop. Volunteers are needed! Please come to our meeting on Tuesday, September 16th at 7:00 PM in the Assisi Lounge and we will find a place for you. Call 683-4966 for more information.

13th ANNUAL HEART AND SOLE AIDS WALK
TEAM ST. BARBARA participates in the Annual AIDS Walk/Run as a St. Francis Days event in support of our commitment to foster justice for all people. Please consider joining us as a walker, runner or financial supporter. Contact John and Anna Stump, 560-7614, for more details.

AN INVITATION TO GET INVOLVED IN YOUR PARISH!
After Mass on Sunday, October 12th , visit our Ministry Fair and learn about our many ministries including:

Altar Linens — Periodically helping launder altar linens and albs used at the liturgies.
Altar Servers / Adult Acolytes — Adults and children (4th grade/10 years or older) assisting ministers at the altar during Mass and other liturgies.
Choir / Music — Singing at the 9:00 AM Mass, all special liturgies, and other parish celebrations.
Christian Initiation Sponsors — Journeying with people who wish to become Catholic.
Church Environment, Art, and Flower Arranging —Planning and executing environment for the church for weekends and other special liturgies.
Committee on Justice and Peace — Study and reflect on issues of peace and justice and guide implementation of programs of education and assistance.
Confirmation Process — Teaching and mentoring high school youth preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

We really hope you will get involved and make a difference in our parish!

SICILY AND ITALY ARE IN FULL BLOOM IN THE SPING!
Fr. Vince and Fr. Daniel will lead a pilgrimage tour of Sicily and Italy, April 27 – May 11, 2004. Join us as we travel to the island of Sicily to spend five days visiting many holy sites, then travel by boat to Naples to visit the Amalfi coast, and on to Assisi to partake in the medieval festival of “Calendimaggio.” We will also visit Greccio, where the Christmas crèche originated, and, of course, Rome, for an extensive city tour and papal blessing. Please contact Bernice Anfuso, 569-7005 for further information.

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
The United Nations has designated September 21st as an International Day of Peace to be observed as a day of global ceasefire and non-violence. “May all people welcome each other as brothers and sisters and may the peace they long for ever flower and ever reign among them.” Pope John XXIII


TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Reading I: Wisdom 2:12-9, 17-20; Reading II:
James 3:16-4:3; Gospel: Mark 9:30-37

After the second prediction of suffering, the disciples fail or refuse to ask about its meaning. Instead, they do the exact opposite of Jesus’ teaching and struggle with each other for position and power. Jesus answers with a symbolic action that is stronger than words. He embraces a child, a symbol of powerlessness. He directs them not to build up a power structure, but to embrace powerlessness. In the same way, the power of the Christian community will be in powerlessness. Describe a time when you gained insight from an experience of being defenseless and powerless. Why is it difficult for you to be last of all? Why is it worth it? Tell of a time when your life was enriched by a person who gave up power willingly. Relate a time when you were tempted to try to control another’s life situation.

TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

As a part of our baptismal rite today, the priest touches our ears to “unstop” them and touches our mouth to be “opened.” We are able to hear the Word of God in our lives and hope in the one who heals us. Once able to truly hear, the need and desire to speak out and testify to our faith is both strong and urgent, a sign that we have, indeed, answered the call to discipleship. Jesus constantly instructed his disciples to listen, to be attentive, to stretch themselves beyond narrow ways of seeing and hearing. This was not easy, especially when they witnessed miracles that brought people their hearing, their sight, and their speech—their very life. Why wouldn’t Jesus want them to proclaim from the rooftops what they saw? This Gospel gives us a clue. It is essential to listen—to hear clearly first, so that one’s speech can be understood. Listening, then, can be an effective means for sharing the Good News that Jesus has asked us to share with one another.

STEWARDSHIP: FAITH IN ACTION
Sunday Offering: August 31 $10,614.00

FROM ST. BARBARA’S WITH LOVE
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.

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

ATTENTION ALL HIGH SCHOOL AND JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH!

Confirmation: The first session will take place TONIGHT at 5:00PM in St. Raphael’s Parish Center, 5444 Hollister Avenue.
Senior High Youth Ministry: Meets every Tuesday evening from 7:15 PM – 9:00 PM at St. Raphael’s Parish Center. All high school age youth are welcome, and bring your friends!
Junior High Youth Ministry: The Junior High “Tobiah Club” will meet for the first time on Thursday, September 18th from 7:00 PM – 8:45 PM at St. Raphael’s Parish Center. You are welcome to bring your friends!
Registration packets are available in St. Barbara’s Parish Office. For additional information, please call John Vasellina at St. Raphael’s, 964-3466, ext. 1.

FATHER STAN FORTUNA IS COMING!
September 19-21st, St. Raphael’s will be hosting 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. Check out Fr. Stan at www.troubadourforthelord.com

MINISTRY FAIR
Mark your calendars and plan to participate in our Ministry Fair after the 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.

ST FRANCIS DAYS EVENTS

CANDLELIGHT CONCERT IN THE CHURCH:
Friday, September 26th at 8:00PM. For more information, contact Bob or Claudia Chyla at 683-4966.


BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS: Saturday, October 4th at 10:00AM, in front of the Old Mission.

HEART AND SOUL AIDS WALK AND RUN:
Saturday, October 4th. Registration begins at 9:00AM at Leadbetter Beach. The walk/run starts at 10:30AM.

PARISH PICNIC ON OCTOBER 5TH: Make your plans now to attend our annual Parish Picnic at the Kiwanis Meadow at Tucker’s Grove Park on October 5th, at 1:30PM. We are expecting Fr. Richard to be there so come out and welcome him. The food will be great and children are most welcome. See you there!

ELEMENTARY RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AND FORMATION
Our elementary level religious education and formation program has three facets that work together to prepare the children to be fully engaged and participating in the Sunday Mass. We gather on Sunday mornings at 9:15AM for liturgical catechesis based on the readings for the Mass of the day. Families then attend the 10:30AM Mass together. After the introductory rites of the Mass, the children are dismissed to hear and reflect on the Liturgy of the Word using the Children’s Lectionary in which some of the language has been changed to make the readings more accessible to the children. Our program begins on October 12th. All children in first through sixth grades are welcome! Parents are encouraged to pre-register so that we can adequately plan for the year. You may stop by the Parish Office to pick up a packet, or call Andrea Roe at 565-9251.

CELEBRATE ST. FRANCIS DAYS LITURGIES
"TRANSITUS” (The Liturgy of the Passing of St. Francis from earthly to eternal life) will be celebrated at 7:00PM on Friday, October 3rd in the Serra Chapel. Following the liturgy, enjoy a delicious almond cake. Tradition has it that St. Francis dearly loved these delicate little cakes.

FEAST OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI: Solemn Mass and the Blessing and Distributing of Olive Branches will take place at 4:00PM on October 4th. Join us for this very special Mass in honor of St. Francis, the beloved saint for all people, and the founder of the Franciscan Friars. Mass will be followed by a festive reception in front of the church.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED SEPTEMBER 26TH:
ST. FRANCIS DAYS CANDLELIGHT CONCERT
Can you help us? We need people to help with decorating, set-up, and tear-down, as well as workers in kitchen and reception area. Please come to our meeting on Monday, September 15th, at 7:00PM in the Assisi Lounge. Call 683-4966 for more information.

ANNIVERSARY REMEMBRANCE OF 9/11
On the morning of September 11th, in remembrance of the more than three thousand people who died in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, our bells will toll at 5:45 AM, 6:03 AM, 6:43 AM, 7:05 AM, 7:10 AM, and 7:28AM, marking the time of the attacks and the collapse of the World Trade Center towers. At 12:00 Noon, please join us for a special memorial Mass. Please note, this Mass will be in place of the 7:30 AM Mass on that day. The Church will remain open all day for personal prayer. Let us ask God to comfort us, to strengthen us, and to bring all of us together in a spirit of unity and solidarity toward achieving world peace.

SICILY AND ITALY ARE IN FULL BLOOM IN THE SPING!
Fr. Vince and Fr. Daniel will lead a pilgrimage tour of Sicily and Italy, April 27 – May 11, 2004. Join us as we travel to the island of Sicily, where we will spend five days visiting many holy sites, such as the Black Madonna. We will travel by boat from Sicily to Naples to visit the Amalfi coast, then on to Assisi to partake in the medieval festival of “Calendimaggio.” We will also visit Greccio, where the Christmas crèche originated, and, of course, Rome, for an extensive city tour and papal blessing. Please contact Bernice Anfuso, 569-7005 for further information.

TWENTY-FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Reading I: Isaiah 50:4-9; Reading II: James 2:14-18; Gospel: Mark 8:27-35

Today’s Gospel is a key passage in Mark. It leads to the first of three instructions on discipleship. Following Jesus will mean suffering with him through a life of selfless love. Describe an experience when you were willing to pay a price to follow the Lord. Relate an experience that led you to a change of heart.

FR. VINCE’S NEW ADDRESS:

St. Mary’s Basilica
231 North 3rd Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004

(602) 252-7651