SOLEMNITY OF CHRIST THE KING

All of the readings today speak, in some way, of “dominion.” What dominates our hearts—our basic attitudes—determines what kind of persons we are or will become. The Feast of Christ the King venerates Jesus as Lord, the Lord of all creation, and rightly so. In addition, this feast suggests that we reflect on and evaluate what has dominion over our lives. We can make the choice to be governed by goodwill toward all, by openness, trust, kindness, compassion and love. But we can also choose to be dominated by hatred, fear, suspicion, guilt, unresolved anger, lack of forgiveness and the like. In other words, we can allow Christ to rule over our lives or we can allow ourselves to be ruled by a vain and arrogant ego. Ask yourself, “Am I living in grace or sin? Who, or what has dominion over us answers that question.

STEWARDSHIP: FAITH IN ACTION
Sunday Offering: November 17th $11,176.50
Thank you for your continued support!

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

YOUTH NEWS
Confirmation: On Sunday, December 7th, 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 is Thursday, December 4th from 7:00-8:45 PM in the St. Raphael Parish Center.

CALLING ALL ADULTS
Did you ever want to be an altar server? Were you an altar server in your youth? 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 at 682-4151.

DEAR PARISHIONERS,
God’s special blessings upon you today, on this Solemnity of Christ the King. With this feast, we draw the liturgical year to an end and prepare for the beginning of Advent. Advent is the period of hopeful expectation for the coming of Jesus the Christ, who became flesh and dwelt among us, breaks into our lives each day, and will come in glory at the end of time.

Fr. Richard and I especially invite you to celebrate Thanksgiving Day with us at our 10:00 AM Mass. Despite the hardships we are facing as a nation, it is good for us to take time to remember and give thanks for God’s great goodness and for the many blessings we have received. We take time also to remember the poor and needy. You are invited to bring non-perishable food items to be blessed and distributed to the poor; and you may also bring an item from your own Thanksgiving table to be blessed.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!
Pat

YOUNG ADULT NEWS
Join in the Bridge Building conversations on Tuesday, December 2nd, for “Suddenly Scripture,” with Bishop Thomas Curry. All sessions to be held at Bishop Diego Center at 7:00 PM. For more information, or to RSVP, please call (805) 682-1508.

ANNUAL CATHOLIC CAMPAIGN FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT APPEAL TODAY
Nearly 33 million Americans have fallen into poverty—the highest number in years. As their futures fall, so does the future of our nation. Join the Catholic Campaign for Human Development and help break the cycle of poverty. CCHD supports self-help projects in which poor and low-income people work together to improve their lives and their communities. In today’s collection, please give generously to the Catholic Campaign for Human Development.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CONGRESS, 2004
Steeped in Mercy, Balm for the World is the theme for the annual Religious Education Congress to be held at the Anaheim Convention Center, February 19-22, 2004. Ready to nurture us once more, this year’s Congress has more than 265 workshops to choose from, covering a wide range of topics of interest, and will include praise and worship, vibrant liturgies, and a variety of prayer experiences. Register now for this spirit-filled and enriching weekend. For more information, or to register, stop by the parish office for a guidebook, call (213) 637-7332, or visit www.RECongress.org.

GIVING TREE ORNAMENT PARTY
From 9:15-10:15 AM today, Sunday, in Serra Hall, the Religious Education Program will be making ornaments for this year’s Giving Tree. Come join the fun.

LOST CONTACT
If any parishioner knows the current whereabouts of Ethel Myers, please contact her son, William Myers, at (818) 352-9080.

A TRANSITION HOUSE THANKSGIVING
Traditional Thanksgiving foods (such as turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing, pumpkin pie, vegetables, rolls, etc., etc.) are needed, ready to serve, for dinner at Transition House at 5:00 PM on Thanksgiving Day. Please contact Xochitl (“Sochee”) at (805) 966-9668, ext. 115 if you can help.

INTERFAITH THANKSGIVING CELEBRATION
Tuesday, November 25th at 7:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church (305 East Anapamu St., Santa Barbara). Please bring non-perishable goods for the Unity Shoppe. Come and be a part of this special time. For more information, call (805) 963-3579.

SOUNDS OF CHRISTMASOn Saturday, December 6th, at 7:30 PM, join Santa Clara Church (323 S. “E” St., Oxnard) for its Centennial Christmas Concert. Admission is FREE. Contact Karen Mayer at (805) 485-8648 for more information.

IMMACULATE HEART TEAS AND TOURS
The Immaculate Heart Community announces its first “Teas and Tours” benefit on Sunday, December 7th, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM. Come tour their historic Montecito home and learn about the Center for Spiritual Renewal, an interfaith retreat center offering private retreats to couples and individuals. Call (805) 969-2474 for more information.

CHRISTMAS BOUTIQUE AND BAKE SALE
On Sunday, December 7th, from 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM, come to the St. Raphael Parish (5444 Hollister Ave., Goleta) Women’s Auxiliary Christmas Boutique and Bake Sale for gifts, crafts, raffled treasures, a children’s corner, breads, cakes, cookies, pies, and more.

ST. VINCENT’S CHRISTMAS NEEDS
St. Vincent’s asks for your assistance in filling their need for Christmas food baskets for their single mothers and children. Please call Sr. Alicia Martin, Executive Director, at (805) 683-6381, ext. 101 for details.

FAIR TRADE COFFEE UPDATE
Proctor and Gamble, the largest seller of coffee in the United States, has decided to offer Fair Trade Certified Coffee through its specialty coffee division, Millstone. Fair Trade growers are guaranteed a minimum of $1.26 a pound for their coffee beans, which enables them to feed their families, send their children to school, purchase essential medicines, and stay on their land. Equal Exchange, the company that supplies Fair Trade Certified Coffee to St. Barbara Parish, has made an agreement with Catholic Relief Services, whereby five percent of their sales to Catholic parishes will go to Catholic Relief Services Small Farmer Fund.

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Reading I: Jeremiah 33:14-16; Reading II: 1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2; Gospel: Luke 21:25-28, 34-36
During Advent we remember Jesus’ coming at the first Christmas and we prepare for this year’s Christmas. But, Jesus’ first coming really looks forward to his final coming at the end. The early Christians thought this second coming would happen during their lifetime. The Gospel writers wanted to make it clear that Jesus never promised this. But, Luke wants his Church community and ours to wait with expectation and hope. His Gospel begins with God's message to key people not to be afraid. At the predictions of the end of the world, Jesus again encourages people not to be afraid. The Son of Man will come to transform the world. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, what are the situations and events that scare you? Who or what gave you the courage to go on when things seemed to be falling apart? Describe an experience when hope carried you through a trying time. We all have to wait for different things. What has the experience of waiting been like for you during different times of your life? What has to change in this world of ours for God’s rule to come?

THIRTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

The author of the Book of Daniel seems to be writing about the future, but the present was the real concern. The author’s message was intended to strengthen the faith of the Jews, and to encourage them to stay faithful to the teachings of their ancestors, in spite of temptations to abandon them. At that time in history, the Greeks ruled over Israel and they were attempting to establish their culture and political system everywhere. It became a crime to practice Judaism and Jews were being killed because of their faith. Thus, in order to sustain the people, the author offers an optimistic view of the future: justice will triumph, and even those seemingly overcome by death will rise. Mark was also writing for a persecuted community. His concern was less about spectacular events in the future and more about giving people—then and now—a sense of hope, and confirming the value of living a good life. Mark will have achieved his purpose if we are encouraged to take stock of how we live out our Christian vocation to determine what needs to change for us to be prepared for the final coming of Christ.

STEWARDSHIP: FAITH IN ACTION
Sunday Offering: November 2nd $9,918.00
Thank you for your continued support!

FALL CALENDAR

November 15-16 Poor Clare Sisters sell Tamales
November 16 Bread for the World Sunday
November 19 Peace & Justice Committee Meeting
in the Social Rooms, 7:00-8:30 PM
November 23 Annual Catholic Campaign
for Human Development Appeal
Giving Tree Ornament Making in
Serra Hall, 9:15-10:15 AM
December 8 Immaculate Conception

YOUTH NEWS
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 is Thursday, November 20th from 7:00-8:45 PM at the St. Raphael Parish Center.

ALWAYS OUR CHILDREN!
Parents and families of gay and lesbian Catholics are invited to a support group meeting on Thursday, November 20th, at 7:30 PM in Santa Barbara. For more information and/or directions, please call 687-4338.

CHRISTMAS TAMALES
After Mass today, the Poor Clare Sisters of Ensenada are selling their delicious tamales. Be sure to stock up for Christmas! The Sisters will be at Holy Cross Church, working out of the parish hall, from 10:00 AM until 7:00 PM, daily until Sunday, November 23rd. Please support the Sisters.

CALLING ALL ADULTS
Did you ever want to be an altar server? Were you an altar server in your youth? 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 at 682-4151.

FIRE DISASTER AID
If you are able to make a financial contribution to help victims of the Southern California fire disaster, 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.

THANK YOU ST. BARBARA PARISH!
From the Franciscan Friars of the Holy Land

Dear Parishioners,
Thank you for the generous help you have given this year for the work of the Church in the Holy Land. Continued strife has made the Christian presence all the more necessary to bring what help and succor we can to the poor inhabitants caught in a maelstrom. Only God’s assistance and the generosity of our Catholic people enable us to continue our ministry of caring for the holy places where our Lord lived, and evangelizing the poor and oppressed.

Sincerely yours in Christ,
Br. Callistus Welch, O.F.M., Commissary

DEAR PARISHIONERS,

Our gospel today comes from the apocalyptic (end of the world) section of Mark’s gospel. All apocalyptic writing in scripture, even if the images sound a little scary, were meant as words of encouragement and hope. The underlying message is that God will come to our aid. Is our gospel about the “end of the world” or about the “transformation of the world.” Can doomsday fit into our understanding of the history of God’s relationship with us?
Three friars from our province will be attending a vigil at Fort Benning next weekend and they ask for our prayers. Fort Benning is home to the U.S. Army’s Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (formerly called the School of the Americas).
The US Army School of the Americas (SOA), based in Fort Benning, Georgia, trains Latin American soldiers in combat, counter-insurgency, and counter-narcotics. Graduates of the SOA have been responsible for some of the worst human rights abuses in Latin America, including participation in the assassination of Archbishop Oscar Romero, and the El Mozote Massacre of 900 civilians. Over 300 American Bishops have called on our government to close the School.
On January 17, 2001 the SOA was replaced by the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHISC). The result of a Department of Defense proposal included in the Defense Authorization Bill for Fiscal 2001, the name-change measure passed when the House of Representatives defeated, by a narrow ten vote margin, a bi-partisan amendment to close the SOA and conduct a congressional investigation.
Part of the work of building the Kingdom of God entrusted to us by Christ is working to free others from individual “doomsdays.” The “doomsday prophets” have never correctly predicted the end of the world not because they got the wrong date…they got the wrong God.
If you are interested in information about the School of the Americas, check the “SOA Watch” website at www.soaw.org.
Peace and All Good,
Fr. Richard

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

YOUNG ADULT NEWS
Join in the Bridge Building conversations: Thursday, November 20, “But, God, I’m So Busy,” with Jan Husung, C.S.J. All sessions to be held at Bishop Diego Center at 7:00 PM. RSVP 682-1508.

ANNUAL CATHOLIC CAMPAIGN FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT APPEAL
Next weekend, join St. Barbara Parish in support of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. Together we can help to break the cycle of poverty in our country. Please give generously to the appeal.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CONGRESS, 2004
Steeped in Mercy, Balm for the World is the theme for the annual Religious Education Congress to be held at the Anaheim Convention Center, February 19-22, 2004. Ready to nurture us once more, this year’s Congress has more than 265 workshops to choose from, covering a wide range of topics of interest, and will include praise and worship, vibrant liturgies, and a variety of prayer experiences. Register now for this spirit-filled and enriching weekend. For more information, or to register, stop by the parish office for a guidebook, call (213) 637-7332, or visit www.RECongress.org.

GIVING TREE ORNAMENT PARTY
Next Sunday, November 23rd, from 9:15-10:15 AM, in Serra Hall, the Religious Education Program will be making ornaments for this year’s Giving Tree. To join in the fun, please contact Andrea Roe at 565-9251.

SOLEMNITY OF CHRIST THE KING
Reading I: Daniel 7:13-14; Reading II:
Revelation 1:5-8; Gospel: John 18:33-37

Today’s Gospel is about the world not recognizing Jesus. Neither the Roman world nor the Jewish religious community recognized who Jesus really was. They call Jesus “king,” but they do not realize the truth of what they say. In John’s Gospel, Jesus is in control of the situation. He is already the victor. He walks the way of the cross like a king to his throne, and he rules from the cross. Jesus’ power is the truth he has and the truth he is. His kingdom is not of this world, but his kingdom is very much coming into this world of ours. That kingdom calls into question the way things are done by the rulers of this world. How have you recently experienced the conflict between the values of the kingdom and the values that modern society preaches? Jesus testified to the truth. When have you been challenged to do the same? Relate a personal experience of being rejected as Christ was. What are the obstacles that pull you away from following Jesus?

THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Why would the Church focus the celebration of a Eucharist on the dedication of an ancient church building? This particular church building is the pope’s cathedral, and hence the cathedral church of the entire Roman Church. In commemorating and celebrating its dedication in the year 324, we are to recall the existence of the thousands of other Catholic churches throughout the world linked together by the bishop of Rome. On this day, we are also especially linked with other traditions of faith, Protestant, Orthodox, and Anglican, who share with us baptism into the one Christ. We are reminded of both our union and division and we are called to continue to pray for Christian unity. In addition, this feast symbolizes an even deeper reality. It calls to mind the people who worship within the church buildings, each one of whom is—as the New Testament writers dare to call us—a “New Temple.” In ancient times, the temple was the meeting place of heaven and earth, the place of sacrifice, the locus of forgiveness and atonement, the source of unity, and the place that manifested divine presence. Do we live up to that description?

STEWARDSHIP: FAITH IN ACTION
Sunday Offering: November 2nd $11,305.00
Solemnity of All Saints $279.00
Commemoration of All Souls $522.00

Thank you for your continued support!

FALL CALENDAR
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
November 19 Peace & Justice Committee Meeting
November 20 Baptism Class, 6:30 PM

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

YOUTH NEWS
Confirmation: This month’s Spirit Night (for Candidates and their Sponsors) is at St. Raphael’s 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 is Thursday, November 20th from 7:00-8:45 PM at the St. Raphael Parish Center. Don’t forget to bring your friends.

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

ALWAYS OUR CHILDREN!
Parents and families of gay and lesbian Catholics are invited to a support group meeting on Thursday, November 20th, at 7:30 PM in Santa Barbara. These meetings are informal and confidential. For more information and/or directions, please call (805) 687-4338.

VETERANS DAY MASS
We will gather for Mass at Noon on Veterans Day, this Tuesday, in recognition and remembrance of all our Veterans, past and present.
(Please Note: 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.” Next Sunday, we will renew our commitment to ending hunger in God’s world.

CHRISTMAS TAMALES
Next weekend after Masses, the Poor Clare Sisters from Tijuana will be here selling their delicious tamales. Be sure to stock up for Christmas!

SAFEGUARD THE CHILDREN
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.

BISHOP HIGH SCHOOL FUNDRAISER
Join us for an entertaining evening of music on Saturday, November 15th, with Nuns for Fun, an uplifting Sister Act. Festivities will begin with cocktails at 6:30 PM, followed by Nuns for Fun at 7:15 PM, and dancing with The Cruisers at 9:00 PM. The cost for tickets is $35.00 per person in advance, or $40.00 per person at the door. Seniors 62 years and older enjoy a discounted price of $25.00 per person. To make a reservation and obtain your tickets, call Carolyn at the Bishop front office, 967-1266.

FIRE DISASTER AID
If you are able to make a financial contribution to help victims of the Southern California fire disaster, 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!

PEACE AND JUSTICE COMMITTEE MEETING
The Peace and Justice Committee will be meeting on Wednesday, November 19th from 7:00-8:30 PM in the Parish Social Rooms.

CONTEMPLATIVE MINISTRY OUTREACH
St. Joseph Parish in Carpinteria is beginning a contemplative ministry outreach program. On Sunday, November 16th, Sr. Catherine Bazar, O.P. will conduct a workshop on Centering Prayer. The workshop will be held at St. Joseph School in Room 8. The cost of the workshop is $10. Please call Sr. Suzanne Dunn, 684-2181, ext. 11 for more information, or to register.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES MISTLETOE BALL
On Saturday, November 22nd, the 11th Annual Mistletoe Ball, an elegant dinner, dance, and auction, at the Bacara Resort, supports the work of Catholic Charities in helping people of all faiths in the Santa Barbara area who are most in need. Call (805) 965-7045 for your tickets. Come for a great time and a great cause.

SANTA BARBARA REGIONAL CELEBRATION
SEPERATED, DIVORCED, WIDOWED, SINGLE
On Sunday, November 23rd, the Office of Family Life, Archdiocese of Los Angeles, sponsors the presentation of “Joy: A Gift for All Ages” featuring guest speaker Angela M. Keyack, M.A. (Music by Bob and Patti Burnham) starting at 12:45 PM in Bonaventure Hall at the Santa Barbara Mission Retreat Center ($10 donation). Liturgy is in the Friar’s Chapel at 3:00 PM, celebrated by Bishop Thomas Curry. A reception will follow from 4:00-5:00 PM. Call Lucy at 687-9637 or Bernice at 339-0480 for more information.

THIRTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Reading I: Daniel 12:1-3; Reading II:
Hebrews 10:11-14, 18; Gospel: Mark 13:24-32

As the Church year nears its end, the readings also speak of the end time. These readings were written during times of trial and persecution, and their purpose is to encourage people not to give up. Today’s reading from Daniel comes just one hundred sixty-five years before Jesus. It speaks of great conflict– even the earth will shake and the stars will fall– but for the first time in the Old Testament, there is a very clear belief in the resurrection of the faithful and punishment for evil. God’s faithful who do good and lead others to goodness (justice) will shine with God’s own light. The Gospel proclaims that Jesus will come at the end of time to call his people from all over the world to share in his victory. All the physical world—earth, sun, moon, stars—will be under and belong to him. In tough times, what keeps you going? If the world were ending tomorrow, how would you experience today differently? What would you do differently today? In what way do you need to persevere right now?