Celebrate Christmas at the Old Mission

Vigil of the Nativity - December 24
Mission Church: 5:00 PM (Quartet and Instruments), 7:30 PM (Quartet)
Serra Chapel: 5:00 PM (Carols)

Solemnity of the Nativity - December 25
Mission Church: 12:00 Midnight: Solemn Mass
Bishop Thomas J. Curry presiding, choir & instruments; lessons & Carols begin at 11:10
Serra Chapel: 12:00 Midnight - Solemn Mass w/Carols

Mission Church: 7:30 AM (Carols); 9:00 AM (Quartet); 10:30 AM (Choir & Instruments); 12:00 Noon (Quartet and Instruments) special Children’s Liturgy of the Word

FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY
Jesus was found in the temple, answering the questions of the temple instructors, even putting questions to them, and replying to his mother with words that she and Joseph did not grasp. Luke related this encounter to the prophecy of Simeon that Mary would suffer in her experience of motherhood. Then the gospel links this event, at Passover time and on the third day, to the sacrificial death of Jesus. Jesus’ questions challenged Mary to grow in faith by grappling with them as they returned to Nazareth, and their intimacy deepened. In reflecting on this incident, the virtues of forgiveness and patience are stressed. We all hurt others, sometimes deliberately out of anger or spite, most of the time out of ignorance or impetuosity. We need to give others a second chance. Later, Jesus would say we should forgive even seventy times seven times. Forgiveness and patience are perhaps the most needed virtues within a family. Living side by side, day after day, we find much to forgive in each other. We all need patience to bear differences in personality, preferences, or habits. In this story of the Holy Family, we can find the same needs. Mary and Joseph displayed patience and forgiveness with the young Jesus as they sought and found him in the temple and tried to understand why he stayed behind. They are examples of how to live with forgiveness and patience.


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 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.


STEWARDSHIP: FAITH IN ACTION
December 21st $10,444.00

Thank you for your continuing generosity!


PARISH CALENDAR

December 28 Feast of the Holy Family
December 31 New Year’s Eve Prayer Service
January 4 Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord


ROSARY FOR PEACE

Saturday mornings after the 7:30 AM Mass.


YOUTH NEWS
Confirmation
Next Sunday, January 4th, meet in the hall at St. Raphael’s at 5:00 PM, followed by Mass, dinner, and classes until 9:15 PM. Need a service project? Come help us take down the manger in front of the Mission at 8:00 AM on Saturday, January 10th. Contact Andrew in the parish office at 682-4151 for more information.

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 this Thursday, January 15th from 7:00-8:45 PM in the St. Raphael Parish Center.


PILGRIMAGE TO SICILY AND ITALY

Join Fr. Vince and Fr. Dan for a pilgrimage tour of Sicily and Italy, April 27 – May 11, 2004. Join in visiting holy sites on the island of Sicily; travel to Naples and visit the Amalfi coast; partake in the medieval festival of “Calendi-maggio” in Assisi; visit Greccio, where the Christmas crèche originated, and Rome, for an extensive city tour and Papal blessing. Don’t miss out on this wonderful pilgrimage opportunity. The deadline for your deposit is January 5th. Contact Bernice Anfuso at (805) 569-7005 for more information.


NEW YEAR’S EVE PRAYER SERVICE

Join us at 11:00 PM on New Year’s Eve, Wednesday, December 31st, for an evening prayer service with Bishop Thomas Curry in the Church, followed by a reception.


RECYCLE YOUR HOLIDAY CARDS
Linda Alderman transforms your Christmas and other kinds of greeting cards into beautiful gift tags, which she sells to benefit the Alpha Resource Center. Please leave your cards at the switchboard with Linda’s name on them.

Santa Barbara Regional
CATHOLIC YOUNG ADULT GROUP
Uniting Catholic Young Adults ages 18-35, college, singles, and couples, throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. New Year’s Eve Party in Ventura, Wednesday, December 31st at 8:00 PM. Call Brian and Erin at (805) 643-0346 or email YoungCatholics@aol.com.


FEAST OF THE EPIPHANYReading I: Isaiah 60:1-6, 12-14; Reading II:
Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6; Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12

Epiphany means “manifestation,” a revelation of Jesus as truly God. Matthew and Luke show this child to be divine through stories of “signs and wonders” when Jesus was an infant. Matthew’s account of the visit of the three magi also shows the Church’s mission to the Gentiles. Matthew’s audience, largely Jewish Christians, was struggling to accept the presence of Gentile Christians in their community. Matthew shows in this Gospel passage that the salvation of Gentiles as well as Jews was indeed God’s plan.
What helps you stay focused on God’s presence in everyday situations where God is usually not mentioned? From your experience, when have you come to appreciate people you used to pass by and not notice? Who and what on your journey has helped you to better know and understand Jesus and his message? How do we reconcile the material gifts we have in our lives with the simple life-style of Jesus?

FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT
Today’s readings prepare us for the upcoming feast by giving us a glimpse into the mystery we will be celebrating. These readings bring together the major themes of the Sundays in Advent—promise, repentance, transformation, and joy. We now stand on the threshold of something marvelous, eager to step inside and enjoy what we have been waiting for, to enjoy what has been prepared for us there. Through the readings, the door opens a bit and we are amazed at how ordinary everything is inside. The mystery of the Incarnation comes to ordinary people living ordinary lives. All that is required is openness to God’s will and willingness to respond to God’s call. In fact, such obedience to God is the motivating force in Jesus’ life—“I come to do your will.” As we stand on the threshold of the Feast of the Nativity, we can begin to realize that the radiance of God can shine forth from us through our faithfulness to the ordinary events of our daily lives.

STEWARDSHIP: FAITH IN ACTION
December 14th $9, 348.50
Retirement Fund for Religious $1,419.00

Thank you for your continuing generosity!


PARISH CALENDAR
December 24 Vigil of the Nativity of the Lord
December 25 Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord
December 28 Feast of the Holy Family
December 31 New Year’s Eve Prayer Service
January 4 Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord


DEAR PARISHIONERS,
Today we bring the season of Advent—the season of preparation for the Feast of the Nativity—to a close. With Mary, we eagerly await the birth of the child who embodies God’s unique entry into our world. As we will pray at the Christmas Masses, “Today you fill our hearts with joy…Jesus Christ is your only begotten one before all ages, yet is now born in time. Jesus the Christ has come to lift up all things, to restore unity to creation, and to lead humankind from exile into your heavenly reign.” Come celebrate with us!
I wish to invite parents and children of all ages to our 12:00 Noon Mass which is geared toward families. We will have a special procession of the children to the crib and the Children’s Liturgy of the Word. Pews will be reserved at the front of the church for the families of the children who participate in the procession. Please be at the front doors of the church by 11:50 AM.
I also invite all of you to make plans to join us for our annual New Year’s Eve party. We begin with joy-filled prayer and song at 11:00 PM and follow with an elegant reception in front of the Mission. It’s a grand way to bring in the New Year.
May the blessings of this holy season abound!

Love,
Pat

ADVENT PROJECTS
YOUR HELP IS NEEDED, COME LEND A HAND

SHEPHERDS WATCH OVER THE CRECHE
Please help! We need people to watch over the crèche from 8:00 PM until midnight in two-hour shifts. Please call Mike Petrini at (805) 962-9295.

DECORATING THE CHURCH
Please call Carol Parkus at (805) 569-5639 if you can help decorate the church and the chapel during the week of December 21st. Also, you are invited to donate a white poinsettia in memory of a loved one-living or deceased.

ADVENT GIVING TREE
Our Giving Tree gifts are being delivered today, thank you to all who contributed this year. If you still have gifts to donate, please take them to Catholic Charities at 609 East Haley, 965-7045.


Celebrate Christmas at the Old Mission

Vigil of the Nativity - December 24
Mission Church: 5:00 PM (Quartet and Instruments), 7:30 PM (Quartet)
Serra Chapel: 5:00 PM (Carols)

Solemnity of the Nativity - December 25
Mission Church: 12:00 Midnight: Solemn Mass
Bishop Thomas J. Curry presiding, choir & instruments; lessons & Carols begin at 11:10
Serra Chapel: 12:00 Midnight - Solemn Mass w/Carols

Mission Church: 7:30 AM (Carols); 9:00 AM (Quartet); 10:30 AM (Choir & Instruments); 12:00 Noon (Quartet and Instruments) special Children’s Liturgy of the Word

NEW YEAR’S EVE PRAYER SERVICE
Join us at 11:00 PM on New Year’s Eve, December 31st, for an evening prayer service in the Church, followed by a reception.

NOTRE DAME SCHOOL FUNDRAISING
Dear Parishioners,
Since you have been such wonderful supporters of Notre Dame in the past, I thought you might like the opportunity to support us once again in our fundraising efforts for new playground equipment. We have $10,000.00 left to raise to reach our goal and are hopeful that you might find yourself in a position to make a tax deductible contribution toward our playground. Our students, faculty, and families are most grateful for your continued support. We look forward to hearing from you soon at (805) 965-1033.

Thank you,
Mrs. MacKenzie, Principal

P.S.: We also need volunteer playground supervisors for lunch recess from 12:00 Noon until 1:00 PM. If you can help out, please give us a call.


THANK YOU SAINT BARBARA PARISH
Dear Parishioners,
On behalf of the entire Bishop Diego High School community, I want to thank you for your contribution of $500.00 for student financial assistance. The finest gift that can be given is one that helps educate young people, our hope and our future. Your contribution assists in providing an excellent education to our Bishop Students. May God bless you and those you love.

Sincerely,
Sister Theresa Reis, S.N.D.,
Director of Development


CHRISTMAS GIVING
Just in case you were wondering how to label any Christmas gifts to the parish or to the Franciscan Friars we’d ask you to be clear so that we know for whom your gift is meant. We presume that gifts placed into the collection are gifts for St. Barbara Parish, that is for the continuing ministry, programs, salaries, physical and administrative costs. If you are giving a gift to the Franciscan Friars your check or envelope should be labeled Franciscan Friars. You may leave these gifts at the parish office and we’ll get them to Fr. Alberic, the superior of the Franciscan Community. “Old Mission” could be either or both, so please help us by distinguishing between St. Barbara Parish and the Franciscan Friars. By the way, a new processional cross has been on the parish “wish list” for the last two years. If you’d like to help with a special gift, label it “Processional Cross”.

Thanks, Fr. Richard

FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY
Reading I: Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14; Reading II:
Colossians 3:12-21; Gospel: Luke 2:41-52
Children always love to hear stories about when they were little. They never tire of hearing the same ones again and again. As adults, we hear these same stories with a different perspective. In them, we see a glimpse of what has made us who we are. In the same way, Luke uses stories of Jesus’ early years to prepare us for his ministry. In the temple, his “Father’s house,” Jesus is at home. For now, he belongs to his parents, but that is not where he really belongs. We have seen a glimpse of the future. As Jesus “had to be” in his “Father’s house,” so must we make our own homes our “Father’s house” by honoring one another. In Christ, we see our true identity as God’s children, God’s “chosen ones,” God’s family in grace.
What do you think were the feelings Jesus’ parents had during the three days they were searching for him? Share a time when you may have had similar feelings about a lost child or a loved one. Describe a time in your life when you had to let go of a person or a project that had become dear to you. How was your belief in the power of Jesus involved in this letting go? Every family is a “holy family.” In your family situation, what can you do to better recognize the holiness in each member?

THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT
The Gospels indicate that John the Baptist was so popular among the people that many wondered if he might not be the Messiah. The Gospels also make it very clear that he is not. For Luke, John the Baptist is the last in a long line of prophets pointing to the age to come. John baptizes only with water but Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire—the decisive difference between the two.
When you wash something in water, it is possible to get most of the stains out most of the time. Yet it never really looks or feels like brand new again. Fire is different. If you take a rusty old piece of metal to fire, melt it down, the rust is removed and the metal is poured out bright and shinny new, ready to be re-molded or transformed. At different times and places the church has emphasized baptism as the removing of the stain of sin, or has emphasized baptism as transformation into the body of Christ. In the last forty years, especially with the revival of the Catechumenate, the church celebrates baptism as the foundational sign of the sacramental life of the Church with Eucharist at the center.
And just as the Spirit (breath) of God hovered over the chaos in beginning creation, and just as God breathed life into the first human beings described in Genesis 2:7, the baptism that Jesus brings breathes new life. With his death and resurrection Jesus returned to the Father and then sent his Spirit on the church to enliven it. It is that same Holy Spirit who guides us and provides us with life today.


STEWARDSHIP: FAITH IN ACTION
December 7th $11,674.00
Thank you for your continuing generosity!

PARISH CALENDAR
December 14 Fr. Howard’s Jubilee Mass 12:00 Noon, followed by a reception
December 14 Collection for Retired Religious
December 17 Taize Prayer, 6:30 PM
December 18 Sacrament of Reconciliation, 7 PM
December 19 Crèche animals arrive
December 20 Christmas Carol Sing-A-Long, 7 PM
December 25 Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord


PILGRIMAGE TO SICILY AND ITALY
APRIL 27– May 11, 2004
Fr. Vince and Fr. Daniel will lead a pilgrimage tour of Sicily and Italy, April 27 – May 11, 2004. Join in visiting holy sites on the island of Sicily; travel by boat to Naples and visit the Amalfi coast; continue on to Assisi and partake in the medieval festival of “Calendi-maggio.” We will also visit Greccio, where the Christmas crèche originated, and, of course, Rome, for an extensive city tour and Papal blessing. Don’t miss out on this wonderful pilgrimage opportunity. The deadline for your deposit is January 5th. Please contact Bernice Anfuso at (805) 569-7005 for more information.


A JUBILOUS OCCASION
At the 12:00 Noon Mass today, we joyfully join Fr. Howard in celebrating his golden jubilee. A lovely reception will follow in the garden.


SPECIAL COLLECTION FOR THE
RETIREMENT FUND FOR RELIGIOUSToday, we take up a special collection to help support the more than 60,000 elderly brothers, sisters and priests who, in fidelity, have given their lives to God in service to the Church. Please be as generous as possible.


ST. VINCENT’S CHRISTMAS NEEDS
St. Vincent’s hopes for Christmas food baskets to give to their single mothers and children. Please call Sr. Alicia Martin at (805) 683-6381, ext. 101.


ADVENT PROJECTS YOUR HELP IS NEEDED, COME LEND A HAND

STRING LIGHTS ON THE CHRISTMAS TREES
Our outdoor trees arrive on December 15th. If you can help put lights on the trees during that week, please call Steve Nagelmann at (805) 687-4610.

SHEPHERDS WATCH OVER THE CRECHE
Please help! We need people to watch over the crèche from 8:00 PM until midnight in two-hour shifts. Please call Mike Petrini at (805) 962-9295.

COME HELP MAKE LUMINARIAS FOR THE CHRISTMAS SING-A-LONG ON DECEMBER 20TH
We need help to make 400 hundred luminarias! Also, we would love some help setting them out on December 20th at 5:00 PM. Please call Andrew in the Parish Office, at (805) 682-4151.

DECORATING THE CHURCH
Please call Carol Parkus at (805) 569-5639 if you can help decorate the church and the chapel during the week of December 21st. Also, you are invited to donate a white poinsettia in memory of a loved one-living or deceased.


ADVENT GIVING TREE

Our Giving Tree to help the poor and needy is in the Social Rooms this year! You are asked to please stop by and take an ornament from the tree. On the back of the ornament you will find a tag directing you to purchase a gift for a child, woman or man. Place the unwrapped gift under the tree. PLEASE NOTE: Gifts will be delivered on Sunday, December 21st, so we need your gift by then.


CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE

CHRISTMAS VIGILS IN THE MISSION CHURCH
5:00 PM, 7:30 PM and Midnight Mass

CHRISTMAS VIGILS IN THE SERRA CHAPEL
5:00 PM and Midnight Mass

MASSES ON CHRISTMAS DAY
7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, and 12:00 Noon

FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT
Reading I: Micah 5:1-4; Reading II:
Hebrews 10:5-10; Gospel: Luke 1:39-45
Luke’s account of the visitation is a lovely human story. In addition, there are deep statements about God and the desired relationship with God. The account reveals profound faith in the Lordship of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. Mary is blessed because of her trusting acceptance of God’s plan for her. She is the model disciple, a model for all. She hears the word of God and keeps it, not really knowing what lies in store for her. Also, Mary’s blessedness comes from the “fruit of her womb.” Elizabeth voices the fundamental Christian faith in the Lordship of Jesus: “But who am I that the mother of my Lord should come to me?”
Share a time in your life when you’ve been asked to believe in God’s promise when all circumstances would have you believe otherwise. State when in your life you’ve been filled with enthusiasm and joy and proclaimed Jesus as Lord. Compare a time you said “yes” to God, when you “went out in haste,” to a time you went out with careful deliberation. Relate an incident in your life when you were aware of the Holy Spirit working in someone else.

SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT
Last Sunday’s Gospel directed our attention to the end times and gave us a glimpse of what those times have in store for those who are ready—the promise of safety and security, and for those who are not—calamities of all sorts. This Sunday’s Gospel gives us a glimpse of the fullness of the end days. Our natural tendency is to want to get to the fullness and bypass the hard work of daily dying to self that is required to reach the glory and joy promised us. We want to bypass what John proclaimed: “A baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.”
Let’s be honest, it’s not just the busy-ness of Christmas preparations now in full fury that distracts us from our on-going work of repentance. Every day of the year, we can easily allow ourselves to be distracted by mountains of work, paths of indecision, valleys of doubt and fear. Today is an excellent day to take some time to reflect on God’s forgiveness and mercy. For it is God who gives sure direction to our lives and who ultimately brings us home to eternal glory.


STEWARDSHIP: FAITH IN ACTION
November 30th $9,225.00
Thank you for your continuing generosity

PARISH CALENDAR
December 8 Feast of the Immaculate Conception,
7:30 AM, 12 Noon & 7:00 PM Masses
December 10 Taize Prayer, 6:30 PM
December 12 Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Special liturgy and dinner at 5:30 PM
December 14 Fr. Howard’s Jubilee Mass at
12:00 Noon followed by reception
December 14 Collection for Retirered Religious
December 17 Taize Prayer, 6:30 PM
December 18 Sacrament of Reconciliation, 7:00PM


TAIZE PRAYER AROUND THE CROSS
Join us for our candlelight Taize Prayer Around the Cross. Come away from the hustle and bustle of this busy season to spend some time in prayerful contemplation on the mystery of God’s most gracious gift to us—Jesus Christ, our Savior. Taize prayer will be held at 6:30 PM each Wednesday during Advent.


FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
Holy day Masses for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception will be celebrated at 7:30 AM, 12:00 Noon, and at 7:30 PM. Please join us in honoring Mary, the Immaculate Conception, who is the patroness of the United States.


CELEBRATE!
Everyone is invited to join us next Sunday, December 14th at the 12:00 Noon Mass as we joyfully welcome back Fr. Howard by celebrating his golden jubilee with him! A lovely reception will follow in the garden. We missed you!

FEAST OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
Everyone is invited to join us as we celebrate the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patroness of the Americas, on Friday, December 12th. We begin with a beautiful liturgy in the church and follow it with a delicious Mexican dinner.

SPECIAL COLLECTION FOR THE RETIREMENT FUND FOR RELIGIOUS
Each year, we take up a special collection to help support over the 60,000 elderly sister, brothers and priests who, in fidelity, have given their lives to God in service to the Church. We are scheduled to take up that collection next weekend. Please be as generous as possible.


ST. VINCENT’S CHRISTMAS NEEDS
St. Vincent’s hopes for Christmas food baskets to give to their single mothers and children. Please call Sr. Alicia Martin at (805) 683-6381, ext. 101.


HELP! HELP! HELP!
PROJECTS, PROJECTS, PROJECTS
OUTDOOR CHRISTMAS CRECHE SETUP
Calling all able-bodied people! We really need your help early next Saturday morning to set up the Christmas Crèche in front of the church. Please call Owen Guitteau at 682-4474 .
STRING LIGHTS ON CHRISTMAS TREES
Our outdoor trees arrive on December 15th. If you can help put lights on the trees during that week, please call Steve Nagelmann at 687-4610.
SHEPHERDS TO WATCH OVER THE .CRECHE
Please help! We need people to watch over the crèche from 8:00 until midnight in two-hour shifts. Please call Mike Petrini at 962-9295.
MAKE LUMINARIAS FOR THE CHRISTMAS SING-A-LONG ON DECEMBER 20TH
We need help to make 400 hundred luminarias! Also, we would love some help setting them out on December 20th at 5:00 PM. Please call Andrew in the Parish Office, 682-4151.

DECORATE THE CHURCH
Please call Carol Parkus at 569-5639 if you can help decorate the church and the chapel during the week of December 21st. Also, you are invited to donate a white poinsettia in memory of a loved one-living or deceased.

ADVENT GIVING TREE
Our Giving Tree to help the poor and needy is in the Social Rooms this year! You are asked to please stop by and take an ornament from the tree. On the back of the ornament you will find a tag directing you to purchase a gift for a child, woman or man. Place the unwrapped gift under the tree.
PLEASE NOTE: Gifts will be delivered on Sunday, December 21st. We need your gift by then.

THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT
Reading I: Zephaniah 3:14-18; Reading II:
Philippians 4:4-7; Gospel: Luke 3:10-18

John the Baptizer was looking forward to and preparing for the coming of a great prophet who would signal the dawn of God’s reign. John’s message was a stern, no-nonsense one: “Repent or be damned!” He also gave specific examples of how people are to repent. Those who have more than they need are to share it with those who do not have enough. Tax collectors must stop cheating people. All intimidation must stop. The people who heard John wondered if he were the coming Messiah, but he quickly pointed to the one “far superior to himself.” The difference was indicated by their baptisms—one with water and one with the fire of the Holy Spirit.

If you were to ask John the Baptist “What am I to do then?” how would he answer you?
In what ways do you imitate John by proclaiming the Good News?
How do you radiate to others the joy of God’s presence within?

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

One of the themes of the prophet Jeremiah is the contrast between the word of God and human words; God’s fidelity and trustworthiness in always keeping promises. In today’s reading, Jeremiah refers specifically to the incident when David desired to build a house for God, and God, through the prophet Nathan, promised to build a house for David: a dynasty that would never fail. What the successors of David desired most was security for themselves and their people. Unfortunately, they tried to find it in earthly resources (King Zedekiah’s political alliance with Egypt for example), instead of in God. St. Paul looks forward to Jesus’ coming in glory, praying that the Church at Thessalonica “abound in love for one another and for all” so that they will be pleasing to God on that day. The First Sunday of Advent begins the lectionary cycle of Luke’s Gospel, but we begin almost at the end of the Gospel with a rather terrifying passage describing the fall of Jerusalem. The Gospel is not trying to whip us into a fanatical frenzy. Rather, it wants us to be aware of just how caught up we get in the anxieties and cares of the present time so that we lose all awareness that there might be anything beyond our present situation.

STEWARDSHIP: FAITH IN ACTION
Sunday Offering: November 24th $10,414.00
Thank you for your continued support!

PARISH CALENDAR
December 3 Taize Prayer, 6:30 PM
December 4 Feast of St. Barbara, 12 Noon Mass
December 8 Feast of the Immaculate Conception, 7:30 AM, 12 Noon & 7:00 PM Masses
December 10 Taize Prayer, 6:30 PM
December 12 Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
December 14 Retirement Fund for Religious
December 17 Taize Prayer, 6:30 PM

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

ADULT ACOLYTE MINISTRY
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.” Soon, we will be holding training for this ministry. Please call Andrew in the Parish Office at 682-4151 if you are interested in participating.

DEAR PARISHIONERS,
Advent is a time of waiting in joyful hope. We prepare to celebrate the coming of the Word made flesh and we await the Third Coming. Overwhelmed by the demands of the season, we can wait for Jesus in a state of anxiety, or cynicism, or harried indifference toward the miracle that is upon us. Or we can take our cue from the prayer we hear every Sunday and “wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.” The stories of Advent help us strike the right note for our wait: the prophecies of Isaiah and John the Baptist, full of their own stern hope; the pregnancies of Mary and Elizabeth, each as joyous as it is unexpected; the miracles, cures and other signs pointing the way to the Savior. Use these reflections to immerse yourself in the season, and find your own hope and joy along the wait.
Oh, about this “Third Coming”…I’m never really sure about the numbering system here. It seems to me that the First Coming must really have been at the moment in creation when God first uttered the “Word” while the Spirit or Breath of God was hovering over the waters of chaos. God certainly “spoke” the “Word” completely at the Incarnation when God became human like us in all things but sin. But was that the second coming? The Word Made Flesh abides with us always and comes again at each Eucharist leaping down from heaven not to the wood of the crib but to the wood of the altar. So what are our numbers up to by now? I hope we recognize a “coming of Jesus” each time we are ourselves “Eucharist” for someone else. So while number theory may break down here in quantifying the number of ways and times that Jesus is with us, we can always wait in joyful hope to each as well as “the” coming of Jesus in Glory.

Peace and Blessings,
Fr. Richard

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.

TAIZE PRAYER AROUND THE CROSS

Join us for our candlelit Taize Prayer Around the Cross. Take time in prayerful contemplation on the mystery of God’s most gracious gift—Jesus Christ. Taize will be held at 6:30 PM Wednesdays, December 3rd, 10th, and 17th.

FEAST OF SAINT BARBARA
Join us for a festive Mass honoring our patron saint this Thursday, December 4th at 12 Noon. 7:30 AM Mass will not be celebrated on this day.

FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
You are invited to celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a Holy Day of Obligation, at 7:30 AM, 12 Noon, or 7:00 PM Mass on Monday, December 8th.

YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY NEWS
Join Bridge Building, Tuesday, December 2nd, at 7:00 PM at Bishop Diego Center (4032 La Colina Rd.) for Bishop Thomas Curry’s “Suddenly Scripture.” Call 682-1508, or email dugancsj@aol.com for details.

ADVENT DAY OF PRAYER
St. Mary’s Seminary (1964 Las Canoas Rd., Santa Barbara) presents an Advent Day of Prayer on Tuesday, December 9th, from 10:00 AM—2:00 PM. Please call (805) 966-4829 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.

HANDICAPABLES MASS AND LUNCHEON
On Saturday, December 6th, at 11:30 AM, the Knights of Columbus will be hosting a Mass and Luncheon for Handicapables at Serra Hall, Sponsored by Catholic Charities. Contact Shirley Dettmann at 967-9985.

NAIM CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON
NAIM, the organization for widows and widowers, will be having a Christmas luncheon on Sunday, December 14th at Pacific Cove (formerly Four Winds, 3435 State Street, Santa Barbara). To RSVP, please send a check for $12.00 to Angeline O’Meara (5004 Birchwood Rd.; Santa Barbara, CA 93111), or call Anne Marie at 967-5465 for more information.

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

IMMACULATE HEART TEAS AND TOURS
The Immaculate Heart Community announces its first “Teas and Tours” benefit on Sunday, December 7th, between 1:00 PM 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.

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Reading I: Baruch 5:1-9; Reading II:
Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11; Gospel: Luke 3:1-6

The First Sunday of Advent looks to the final coming of Jesus in glory at the end of time. The second and third Advent Sundays look to Jesus’ first coming and feature John the Baptist as the first to announce Jesus’ ministry. Luke introduces John with a list of all the political and religious leaders of the time. All these leaders hold power and will reject Jesus, but God’s call is greater than any opposition. John’s message speaks to us as much as it did to the people of his time: Make a straight way for the one who is to come. Change your life and your attitude. Repent. Make room! John the Baptist’s message is for all times. In what areas are you challenged to change in the midst of all the worldly attitudes around you? How are you called to live the Good News concretely in your local communities—family, neighborhood, small church community? John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus. How do you announce the coming of the Lord?