THIRTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Where do we go when we die? This question in no way suggests a lack of faith. Rather, it underscores some of the mystery surrounding death. In the past, this feast focused on our role in the deliverance of the “poor souls in Purgatory.” We said prayers and made visits to churches in order to gain indulgences that might shorten their stay. Without denying our need to be purified of the traces of sinfulness, the readings for today suggest a very different focus. The passage from the Book of Wisdom is quite consoling: the righteous dead are secure in the protection of God. Only the foolish think that “their going forth from us [is] utter destruction.” We grieve over their death; their passing is our loss. But is it their loss? They have hope that is “full of immortality.” In other words, their hope cannot be extinguished by death. The psalm is also comforting. God, the gentle shepherd, leads the psalmist through the dark valley. There is no fear here, only trust and courage. Paul too speaks of hope, a hope grounded in God’s love. He insists that we have every reason to hope, for if Jesus died for us when we were still sinners, how much more can we expect from God now that we have been made righteous through the shedding of Jesus’ blood? The point of the Gospel story is really not the resurrection of Lazarus, but the claim that Jesus himself is the resurrection and the life. After all, Lazarus had to die again, but what Jesus promised was a life that is not subject to death: “...who lives and believes in me will never die.” Do we believe that Jesus can do this? Do we believe that Jesus will do this? Do we believe that our beloved dead are indeed secure in the hand of God?

PROJECT RACHEL
Have you or someone close to you been wounded by abortion, either recently or in the distant past? Project Rachel offers reconciliation with God, yourself, and the lost baby. For confidential help in the Santa Barbara area, please call (805) 684-4670.


STEWARDSHIP: FAITH IN ACTION
Sunday Offering: October 26th $9,112.00

Thank you for your continued support!


FALL CALENDAR
November 2 All Souls Day
November 5 New Eucharistic Minister Training
November 9 Feast of the Lateran Basilica
November 11 Veterans Day, Special Noon Mass
November 12 CALM Presentation
Novbember 15-16 Poor Clare Sisters sell Tamales
November 16 Bread for the World Sunday


YOUTH MINISTRY NEWS
Confirmation: Next Sunday, November 9th, 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 – 9:00 PM in the St. Raphael Parish Center. All high school age youth are welcome.
Junior High “Tobiah Club” Youth Ministry:
Our next meeting, Thursday, November 6th from 7:00-8:45 PM at the St. Raphael Parish Center, is Parents’ Night. Parents and youth will meet separately (parents, meet in room A&B) and then come together for closing prayer.

For more information, please contact John Vasellina at St. Raphael Parish, (805) 964-3466, ext. 1.


VETERANS DAY MASS

We will gather for Mass at Noon on Veterans Day, Tuesday November 11th, in recognition and remembrance of all our Veterans, past and present. (7:30 AM Morning Mass will not be held on this day.)


BREAD FOR THE WORLD SUNDAY - NOVEMBER 16TH
This month, St. Barbara Parish joins thousands of congregations around the country in observing “Bread for the World Sunday.” On November 16th, we will renew our commitment to ending hunger in God’s world. In the United States alone, 33 million people—including nearly 12 million children—live in poverty. Nearly 840 million people in our world are hungry. These statistics tend to overwhelm our hearts and minds, but we are not powerless. Together, we have the ability to make a difference in public policy. St. Barbara Parish has chosen to be included as one of the 2,300 Bread for the World covenant churches.


CHRISTMAS TAMALES
Mark your calendars; the Poor Clare Sisters from Tijuana will be here on the weekend of November 15-16 selling their delicious tamales. Be sure to stock up for Christmas!

SAFEGUARD THE CHILDREN COMMITTEE
The Safeguard the Children Committee has been instituted in order to facilitate ongoing child-abuse prevention education in the parish. To that end, we have invited an educator from our local child-abuse prevention organization, CALM, to speak to the parish-at-large. Please join us on Wednesday, November 12th, at 7:00 PM in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel for an informative presentation.

NEW EUCHARISTIC MINISTER TRAINING
If you hear God calling you to become a Eucharistic Minister at the Sunday Masses, you are in luck! We have scheduled a training session for anyone who is interested on Wednesday, November 5th, at 7:00 PM in the Church. You will be trained just in time to serve at the Christmas Masses. Please call the Parish Office to register or for further information.

CALLING ALL ADULTS
Did you ever want to be an altar server? Were you an altar server in your youth? If you answered yes to either or both of these questions, we need you! But even, if you answered no to both, please consider joining the meaningful ministry of serving your faith community as an “Adult Acolyte.” If you would like more information or would like to join this ministry, please call Andrew in the Parish Office. We hope to have this ministry in place in time for the Christmas Masses.

A SPIRIT OF VOLUNTEERISM
Over 80 parishioners expressed interest in becoming a part of various parish ministries during our Ministry Fair held Sunday, October 12th. The Coordinators of our various ministries here at St. Barbara Parish are now beginning the process of contacting those who expressed interest. May God bring forth many new volunteers to service of parish and community.

REACH OUT AND READ
The Reach Out and Read program needs volunteers to read to children in Spanish at the Franklin and Carpinteria Clinics for one hour once or twice a month. Reading will be conducted during well-baby visits on Mondays and Wednesdays. This is a very rewarding experience and training will be provided. Please call Fernanda Friden at (805) 682-1708.

FIRE DISASTER AID
If you are able to make a financial contribution to help victims of the firestorm that has overcome Southern California, please send contributions to:

Catholic Charities of Los Angeles
Fire Disaster Aid
P.O. Box 15095
Los Angeles, California 90015-0093

Donations will be immediately distributed to assist victims with rent, food, clothing, or any other emergency need. Catholic Charities will allocate these funds from their local regional offices. If you have any questions, please call (213) 251-3498.

YOUNG ADULT CONFERENCE
Mark your calendars now for the annual Young Adult Conference, November 21-23, to be held at the Hilton Long Beach (with special rates for us). You will be treated to inspirational speakers, beautiful liturgies, entertainment, and more! Check out our website http://ore.la-archdiocese.org/ya/yac2003, or call Veronica at (213) 637-7653 for more information or to register. Don’t miss out on getting together with others!

THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAYIN ORDINARY TIME
Reading I: 1 Kings 17:10-16; Reading II: Hebrews 9:24-28; Gospel: Mark 12:38-44

Today’s reading from Kings illustrates several things: God’s care for the poor, even the foreign poor (Zarephath was over Israel’s border in what is now Lebanon); Elijah's activity as his agent; and, in the context of today’s liturgy, the trusting generosity of a widow who sacrifices her own livelihood to the needs of another. Quite clearly we are invited to connect her to the poor widow of the Gospel reading. In Mark’s Gospel the poor widow who contributed “all that she had to live on” is sharply contrasted with the wealthy who gave sizable amounts from their surplus of wealth. The rich do not depend on God. They have plenty to live on. The widow now has only God and God’s people to lean upon. When have you “paraded” in your robes, accepted respect in public and in places of honor, but disregarded the needs of others? In those areas where we are “wealthy,” it is easy to share with others. Share some moments when you gave to others even when you felt poor and giving was a big risk. How have others helped you discover what is important in loving God?

THIRTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

It is apparent that Mark really wants us to identify with the seemingly insignificant people in his Gospel. Today, we meet Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, and we will soon hear the story of another seemingly minor character in the story of the widow’s mite. One would think we should be identifying with the disciples throughout the Gospel narrative, but as the story unfolds, we find that they keep Jesus at arm’s length; they find him too much to bear. Were we to identify with them, we, too, would have an excuse for a less than total response to Jesus. Contrarily, all of the “little ones” in the Gospel eagerly and totally surrender themselves to him. They are able to see in Jesus the one who can save them, the one who can make them “well.” This is a familiar message in all four Gospels—the insignificant and outsiders are the ones to recognize Jesus. It is in these little ones, then, that we can find the model for our own childlike (not childish) response to Jesus and his way. “I assure you, whoever does not accept the reign of God like a little child shall not take part in it.” (Mark 10:15)

STEWARDSHIP: FAITH IN ACTION
Sunday Offering: October 19th $10,209
World Mission Sunday (Propagation of the Faith) $2,039

Thank you for your continued support!

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

YOUTH MINISTRY AND CONFIRMATION
Confirmation: This month’s Year Two Spirit Night (for Candidates and their Sponsors) is at St. Raphael Parish tonight from 7:30-9:00 PM.
Senior High Youth Ministry: Meets Tuesday evenings from 7:15 – 9:00 PM in the St. Raphael Parish Center. All high school age youth are welcome.
Junior High “Tobiah Club” Youth Ministry:
Our next meeting, Thursday, November 6th from 7:00-8:45 PM at the St. Raphael Parish Center, is Parents’ Night. Parents and youth will meet separately (parents, meet in room A&B) and then come together for closing prayer.
For more information, please contact John Vasellina at St. Raphael Parish, (805) 964-3466, ext. 1.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Elementary Religious Education classes continue today at 9:15 AM, followed by the 10:30 AM Mass with Children’s Liturgy of the Word dismissal.

SICILY AND ITALY IN FULL BLOOM IN THE SPRING!
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 at 569-7005 for further information.

THANK YOU SAINT BARBARA PARISH
Franciscan Missionary Union
Dear Parishioners,
Peace and all good! Thank you for your gifts to the Franciscan Missionary Union. Your generosity helps the Franciscans to make a real difference to many people in times of need.

Yours in Christ and Saint Francis,
Br. John Summers, O.F.M
Together in Mission
Dear Parishioners,

I wish to extend sincerest congratulations and gratitude for your generous support of the 2003 “Together in Mission” campaign. It is indeed a blessing on our whole Archdiocese that so many of our faithful have taken to heart the theme of the 2003 Appeal: “Believe the Good News.” - Mark 1:15

Sincerely,
Joseph C. Hindley, Director of the Annual Appeal

CARDINAL MAHONY’S STATEMENT ON THE CONTINUING SUPERMARKET STRIKE

The continuing strike at Southern California’s supermarkets has created enormous economic disruption for the employees, employers, and general public. I urge all parties to return to the bargaining table at once and to resume negotiations until a satisfactory agreement is reached. Serious negotiations must continue around the clock since the economic impact upon all of Southern California is massive, plunging our overall economic recovery into greater jeopardy. The impasse over health insurance, the extent of coverage, and role of co-payments is not a problem confined to the supermarket industry. Adequate health care coverage for all Californians continues to be a major challenge for everyone. The rising cost of health care year after year is forcing many companies to forego health coverage entirely, leaving larger populations without any health care protection. This broader health care issue is one that I hope Governor-Elect Arnold Schwarzenegger will see as a high priority when he assumes office in November. In the meantime, both supermarket owners and unions representing their employees must bargain in good faith, and compromises must be reached. Both sides have an obligation to enter into full discussion, compromise, and creative strategies to share the costs of adequate health care coverage. Health care costs must be a burden that all parties can reasonably bear, lest the impasse lead to an even greater curtailment of adequate coverage. I will be praying fervently that all parties return early to meaningful discussions that are creative and recognize the special challenges that modern health care costs entail.

SPECIAL MASSES OF REMEMBRANCE

Join us for the Solemnity of All Saints next Saturday, November 1st at 12:00 Noon. We will also gather for Mass at Noon on Veterans Day, Tuesday November 11th, in recognition and remembrance of all our Veterans, past and present, in this time of daily conflict for so many brave men and women stationed overseas. Morning Mass (7:30 AM in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel) will not be celebrated on these days of special 12:00 Noon daily Masses.

SANTA BARBARA REGIONAL RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CONGRESS

This year’s regional Religious Education Congress is being held at Bishop Garcia Diego High School next Saturday, November 1st. This year’s theme is “Let Us Rejoice And Be Glad”. On site registration begins at 8:00 AM, $25/registrant. The day will close with a 4:00 PM Mass, Bishop Thomas J. Curry presiding.


THIRTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Reading I: Deuteronomy 6:2-6; Reading II:
Hebrews 7:23-28; Gospel: Mark 12:28-34

Today’s Gospel is part of a series of six conflict stories that take place in Jerusalem during the last week of Jesus’ life. Jerusalem will reject Jesus. In the midst of this controversy, the leaders are already plotting to kill him. And yet, in a surprising twist, this scribe is honest in asking about the most important way of following God. Jesus answers as any good Jewish leader would, with the two great commandments. He links them together. Whether Jewish teachers of this time did the same linking together or whether this is original with Jesus, we do not know. But the link is clear. Loving self, neighbor, and God go together. One cannot love God without developing a reverence for God’s children. The scribe goes much further than a good and devout Jew of the time would go. He says that this double law of love is more important than temple worship. Jesus tells him he is not far from the reign of God. Speak of a surprising way someone touched you with concern recently. What keeps you from noticing love present in your life? Who of the three—you, others, God—is the most difficult for you to have real regard for? Why? When did you feel God was asking too much of you in loving your neighbor?

TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
What makes a leader? Who should a leader be? How do leaders act; the head of a team, of a family? The heads of State smile at crowds and embrace a child who renders them homage, but who serves and who is to be served? Jesus has come to serve and his service to humanity will be his voluntary death. “He made himself obedient, took the condition of a slave and died on the cross.” [Phil. 2:9]

The great Chinese philosopher Lao-Tsu wrote:

“What have the river and sea done to be kings of the hundred valleys? They put themselves below them and that is why they reign in the hundred valleys. If the saint wants to be at the top of his people first he has to learn how to talk with humility. If he wants to lead his people, he should be last. That is how the saint is at the top of his people and doesn’t make them suffer. Willingly they place him at the top and do not get tired of him. Since he doesn’t compete with anybody nobody can compete with him.”

STEWARDSHIP: FAITH IN ACTION
Sunday Offering: October 12th $10,510.00

Thank you for your continued support!

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

YOUTH MINISTRY
Confirmation: This month’s Year One Spirit Night (for Candidates and their Sponsors) is at St. Raphael’s tonight from 7:30-9:00 PM, Year Two Spirit Night is next Sunday, October 26th.
Senior High Youth Ministry: Meets Tuesday evenings from 7:15 – 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, November 6th from 7:00-8:45 PM at St. Raphael’s Parish Center, is Parents’ Night. Parents and youth will meet separately (parents, meet in room A&B) and then come together for closing prayer.
For more information, please contact John Vasellina at St. Raphael’s, 964-3466, ext. 1.


A GIFT OF LOVE AND LIFE
Heifer International, offering hungry families around the world a way to feed themselves and become self-reliant, recognizes St. Barbara Parish for the contribution of healthy animals and training, a gift of love and life. Our Religious Education classes donated seedlings, ducks, geese, and chicks, through money they raised during the season of Lent.


RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Elementary Religious Education classes continue today at 9:15 AM, followed by the 10:30 AM Mass with Children’s Liturgy of the Word dismissal.


SICILY AND ITALY IN FULL BLOOM IN THE SPRING!
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 at 569-7005 for further information.


WORLD MISSION SUNDAY
Today, through your prayers and financial support, you accompany the priests, Religious, and lay people in the Missions who are Christ’s witnesses to a world so in need of His healing love and peace.

¨ $25 helps support a catechist for a month
¨ $75 provides for the work of Religious Sisters
¨ $100 is a month’s help for a village mission

As always, your prayers are a most treasured gift to the Missions.


CONCERT VESPERS TONIGHT
In Honor of St. Luke, the Capella Barbara and the Mission Schola present: A Mission Heritage, Sunday, October 19th at 4:30 PM. Featuring music from the early California Mission period and music recently composed for the Mission choirs.


YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY NEWS
If you are between 25 and 35 years of age, please join Bridge Building (a spirituality program for young adults) of Santa Barbara for Starbucks at Bishop Diego Center on Thursday, October 23rd at 7:00 PM. We will be talking about issues of importance to our lives. RSVP 682-1508 or dugancsj@aol.com.


ALWAYS OUR CHILDREN!
Parents and families of gay and lesbian Catholics are invited to a support group meeting this Thursday, October 23rd, at 7:30 PM in Santa Barbara. These meetings are informal and confidential. For more information and/or directions, please call Kathie and Joe at (805) 687-4338.


“COUNTRY FAIR” AND BBQ FUNDRAISER
The Santa Barbara Pregnancy Counseling Center is holding its annual “Country Fair” with a BBQ tri-tip dinner cooked by the Knights of Columbus on Sunday, October 26th from 12:00-4:00 PM at Serra Hall. Bring your family for a fun-filled afternoon of good food, prizes, entertainment, and a silent auction. Please call (805) 682-2266 and make your reservation today. Adults $15, Children $5 (under 10).


OUR LADY OF SORROWS CHURCH NOTRE DAME SCHOOL FESTIVAL
Our Lady of Sorrows Church and Notre Dame School will hold their Annual Festival on Sunday, October 26th. Tax deductible donations of supplies are greatly needed and appreciated, as well as volunteers to work at the festival. If you can lend a hand, please contact Festival Co-Chairs Bea Molina (689-5170; beamolina@aol.com) or Christian Perez (962-2922 H, 568-2462 W; lakerlou@email.msn.com).


SAN ROQUE SANTUARY GUILD CARD PARTY LUNCHEON
The San Roque Sanctuary Guild invites you to their annual Card Party Luncheon on Saturday, October 25th in San Roque Parish’s McCabe Hall at 11:30 AM. Come for good food and good fun with good friends. $10.00 per person donation. Door prizes galore. Plenty of parking. Pokeno for non card players. Call Lee Donovan at 687-7126, or Jean Ferguson at 687-1882 for reservations.


THANK YOU SAINT BARBARA PARISH
The Ryan family would like to thank you for your love, devotion, and many prayers for Michael these last nine months. We wish to especially thank Fr. Virgil, Fr. John, Fr. Brewer, the Eucharistic Ministers, Dr. Keith Paulson-Thorp, and the choir for a wonderful Mass of Resurrection. Your kindness and support are most appreciated.
With love, Lucille Ryan and Family

THIRTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Reading I: Jeremiah 31:7-9; Reading II:
Hebrews 5:1-6; Gospel: Mark 10:46-52

The second half of Mark’s Gospel focuses on seeing and not seeing Jesus for who he really is. Three times Jesus predicts his rejection and execution. He and the disciples are on the long journey to Jerusalem where he will be seen clearly. The disciples refuse to see. They cannot and will not recognized such a leader. Bartimaeus, even in his blindness, sees and shouts to Jesus as the Son of David, a title for the messiah. When Jesus asks, the blind man is simple and clear and he follows Jesus on the road to Jerusalem—to suffering, dying, and rising. Bartimaeus calls Jesus “Master.” Bartimaeus is the new disciple going along with Jesus. What do you need to see in order to better follow God in your life? Recall an experience when your values were questioned and you either shouted louder or shut up. Describe a time when you were moved to change your way of seeing things because of a very important person in your life. When have you acted on blind faith?