FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

In his hometown synagogue, Jesus’ neighbors are amazed by his words. Nevertheless, they remind each other, “Is this not Joseph’s son?” Surely the people know who he is. The carpenter’s son. The young man who had learned in this very synagogue. The boy down the street. Conflict arises as Jesus begins to define himself in a new way. When he compares himself to the ancient prophets Elijah and Elisha, the tensions grow. Tensions multiply when Jesus begins to tell of a new mission for God’s people: the good news of the Scriptures is intended for all. In his famous passage from the First Letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul reminds us of the eternal nature of love. Love does not come to an end. In today’s readings, we are reminded that, like love, Jesus’ mission cannot be contained. Jesus slips through the crowd of persecutors and moves on to new challenges. We are called to this same perseverance in the name of love.
© Copyright, J.S. Paluch Co.

STEWARDSHIP: FAITH IN ACTION
January 11th $11,295.00

Thank you for your continuing generosity!


REMEMBER TO USE YOUR ENVELOPES!
If you do not receiving contribution envelopes, please contact the parish office at 682-4151.


PARISH CALENDAR
February 1st Together in Mission Campaign
February 8th Together in Mission Campaign
February 15th Baptisms at the 9:00 AM Mass
February 20-22 Religious Education Congress


ROSARY FOR PEACE

Saturday mornings after the 7:30 AM Mass.


DEAR PARISHIONERS,
By now, you are probably wondering why we have changed the way that the presider and eucharistic ministers prepare to distribute communion. Some of you may recognize that we are responding to the new General Instructions to the Roman Missal (GIRM) that has been recently promulgated in the United States. One section of the book focuses on the duties and ministries of everyone sharing in the Mass—the people who perform the actions, speak the words, and sing the songs. Each one is to carry out “…solely and completely that which pertains to them.” The presider is the minister of communion and it is his duty to carry out the “Fractionation Rite,” that, in our case, consists of breaking and portioning the consecrated bread and pouring the consecrated wine. The ministerial role of the eucharistic ministers is to assist the presider in the distribution of the Body and Blood of Christ to the people.

Another refinement we are working toward is to re-capture and re-signify the importance of the Ambo as a primary symbol of Christ’s presence at Eucharist. (The other primary symbols are the Altar, the Chair, the Assembly-gathered, and the symbol par excel lance, the Body and Blood of Christ.) As a symbol of Christ, the Church presumes that the Ambo will be used only to proclaim the Word of God, to deliver the homily and to read the General Intercessions. Other announcements or directions should be made from another location. The narrowness of our church does not lend itself well to this directive. Please bear with us as we experiment with different locations for the welcoming and final announcements.
During Lent, we will be asked to concentrate on our bows! When we come into the church, each of us should bow from the waist (a “profound” bow) as a gesture of reverence toward the altar—the table of our Lord. The whole assembly should also make a profound bow at the words: “By the power of the Holy Spirit…and was made [hu]man,” as a gesture of awe toward the Incarnation. Finally, when we receive the Body and Blood of Christ we are to bow our heads in reverence. Please wait to bow your head until the person in front of you has moved away and you are standing directly in front of the minister. If for some reason you are not able to receive from the cup, please acknowledge Christ’s presence by bowing to one of the cups as you pass by. More to come!
February blessings!
Pat

YOUTH CONFIRMATION
Tonight, Sunday, February 1st, meet in the parish hall at St. Raphael’s at 5:00 PM, followed by Mass, dinner, and classes until 9:15 PM.


TOGETHER IN MISSION ANNUAL APPEAL A TIME FOR REFLECTION
This week, you are asked to read and reflect upon the Together in Mission materials you receive today. Those of you who receive the Archdiocesan newspaper, The Tidings, will receive more information about the campaign in this week’s edition.
Together in Mission provides substantial financial support to 32 parishes and 46 parish schools in our Archdiocese, providing education, ministry, and a Catholic presence for tens of thousands of people.
Sometimes it is difficult to envision how your pledge can help so many people. But it does. To see how, please review the materials and read the statements of those whose parishes and schools receive support.
The theme for the campaign is “Love is kind.” (1 Cor 13:4) Kindness in the forms of compassion, consideration, tenderness, and tolerance is what is being asked of each one of us. Please reflect on this challenge and give accordingly.
If you received your pledge form in the mail, please complete it and mail it back or bring it to Mass next weekend. Also, we will conduct our annual Together in Mission in-pew pledge process at all Masses next weekend and the following weekend.
As always, what you give should be given in gratitude for what God has given to you. Thank you for your prayerful consideration and generous response.


ADULT CONFIRMATION
The formation process for adults seeking to complete Christian Initiation through the Sacrament of Confirmation will begin Wednesday, March 3rd at 7:30 PM. Confirmation will take place at St. Raphael’s Church Saturday, April 17th. Please call the Parish Office to register.


DEATH WATCH
The execution of Kevin Cooper is scheduled to take place on February 10th at midnight at San Quentin. The Catholic Church is opposed to the death penalty, which Pope John Paul II has called cruel and unnecessary. Please contact our Governor and ask him to exercise his authority in ending this barbaric practice that diminishes human life, abandons hope for restoration and forgiveness, and does nothing to contribute to public safety.
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-445-2841
FAX: 916-445-4633
Email: governor@governor.ca.gov


FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION
Monday of this week is the Feast of the Presentation, also known as “Candlemas” Day, or the Feast of Light. In Jesus’ time, forty days after the birth of a child the parents were to present the newborn at the temple in Jerusalem. When Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple, two holy people, Anna and Simeon, were given the grace to recognize him as the Messiah. Simeon called Jesus “a light to the nations.” For many centuries, the Church has celebrated the light of Jesus’ presence in the world by blessing candles that will be used in the church and in people’s homes throughout the coming year. If you can make it to Mass tomorrow morning, bring a candle to be blessed. It’s a beautiful sight to behold.


FEAST OF ST. BLASE
This Tuesday is the Feast of St. Blasé. St. Blasé is said to have been a physician as well as a bishop. Traditionally on this day, we bless throats as a sign of God’s love and care for our physical well being. St. Blasé, pray for us!


LENTEN SMALL CHURCH COMMUNITIES
Mark your calendars and sign up to participate in our six-week Lenten Small Church Community gatherings beginning on Tuesday, February 24th. This year we will be using “Lenten Longings,” a small group guide put out by Renew International. We have this resource available in the office should you wish to see it. Sign-up sheets are located at the back of the church. You may sign up for a morning session (from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM) or an evening session (from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM). All groups will gather at the Mission. Taking part in a small church community is a wonderful way for us to respond to the call to deepen our prayer life during Lent. Other opportunities for prayer during Lent will be Taize prayer on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM and the Stations of the Cross at noon each Friday.

YOUNG ADULTS
Join Bridge Building of Santa Barbara, a Spirituality Program for Young Adults, this Monday, February 2nd at 7:00 PM at Bishop Diego Center (4032 La Colina Rd., Santa Barbara). Our topic for the evening is: “The Death Penalty and Other Life Issues” with special guest speakers. For more information or to RSVP, call (805) 682-1508 or email dugancsj@aol.com.

THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
The holidays are well behind us; the year stretches out ahead. And what sort of year will it be? To judge by the words of Jesus in today’s Gospel, it will be “a year acceptable to the Lord.” And Jesus surely didn’t mean only the next three hundred sixty-five days facing his listeners at that time. When Jesus announced the “arrival” of God’s favor, it was a message for all time, for every year. Similarly, we read today in Nehemiah how the people gathered with solemnity to hear God’s word as though for the first time. They listened, and then fell to the ground and wept. But the prophet said, “Today is holy … do not be sad, and do not weep.” The “year acceptable to the Lord” is this year. The day that is “holy” is this day. The time to listen is now. What sort of year will you have? What sort of day? God’s help is always here. What you do with each day can be holy and acceptable to the Lord if you but listen to and act on God’s word. © Copyright, J.S. Paluch Co.


STEWARDSHIP: FAITH IN ACTION
January 11th $9,845.00

Thank you for your continuing generosity!
Please remember to use your contribution envelopes. If you are not receiving envelopes, please contact the parish office at 682-4151.

PARISH CALENDAR

January 25th--Blanket Sunday
Baptisms at the 10:30 AM Mass
February 1st--Together in Mission Campaign
February 8th---Together in Mission Campaign
February 15th--Baptisms at the 9:00 AM Mass
February 20-22--Religious Education Congress


ROSARY FOR PEACE

Saturday mornings after the 7:30 AM Mass.

Thanking you for your continued support, Fr. Richard, O.F.M.


YOUTH NEWS
Confirmation
Next Sunday, February 1st, 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, January 29th from 7:00-8:45 PM in the St. Raphael Parish Center.


CLERGY APPRECIATION DINNER
All are invited to a Clergy Appreciation Dinner hosted by the Knights of Columbus, at 6:30 PM, this Wednesday, January 28th, at Bishop Diego H.S. Tickets are available in the Porters Office.


STEWARDSHIP:
Gifts of Time, Talent, and Treasure
Your gifts of time and talent are just as important to your parish and community as your gifts of treasure. Just as we are called by God to share of the gifts we have been given financially, we are called to share our gifts of time and talent to an even greater degree. Did you know that there are over 20 volunteer ministries here a St. Barbara Parish? Please contact the parish office at (805) 682-4151 for more information.


CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS TEA PARTY
The Catholic Daughters of the Americas will host their second annual Elegant Valentine’s Day Tea Party, Friday, February 6th at Serra Hall (2210 Garden St). Tickets are $20.00 and sold out last year so get yours today. Tickets will NOT be available at the door. For reservations, please call Yvonne Connolly at 563-3538 or 687-9884, or Christie Green at 687-0497

Catholic school supporters from around the country will observe the 29th annual Catholic Schools Week, January 25-31, 2004. This event was established by the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) to put the spotlight on the contributions of Catholic education and its service to the Church and to the country. National Appreciation Day For Catholic Schools is commemorated on the Wednesday of the week (January 28). It was founded as a day of outreach to community and government leaders On state and city levels, Catholic educators meet with civic representatives to present information on the local Catholic school network. On the national scene, Catholic school students, teachers and parents meet with key congressional leaders and personally deliver letters from Catholic school superintendents to every senatorial and congressional office. National Appreciation Day For Catholic School Teachers is observed the Friday of the week (January 30) to recognize the contribution of the 167,000 teachers serving 2.6 million Catholic school students.


BLANKET SUNDAY TODAY
Today after all the Masses, the Society of Saint Vincent De Paul will be accepting donations of blankets for the needy. Please consider giving the gift of warmth to someone less fortunate this winter season.


TOGETHER IN MISSION ANNUAL APPEAL
Last week, Cardinal Mahony sent a letter to most past contributors to the Together in Mission campaign. Next weekend, at all the Masses, we will share additional information about this campaign that provides funds to 32 parishes and 46 schools that would find it difficult, if not impossible, to operate without them.
As each household prayerfully reflects on the amount of the pledge to be made to help these parishes and schools, please reflect on the following questions:

Do I try always to hear and follow the messages proclaimed in the Gospels?

As a believer, do I share a significant portion of my financial resources with my parish, my Archdiocese, and the Universal Church, as a sign of the gratitude that I feel for what God has given to me?

Will the amount of my pledge to Together in Mission reflect a real investment in maintaining ministry, education, and services in the 32 parishes and 46 schools assisted by the campaign?
Please pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit as you consider the above questions and give generously, according to what God has given you.


CATHOLIC CHARITIES URGENT NEED
Catholic Charities of Santa Barbara is losing use of a truck needed to distribute food at their Haley Street, Carpinteria, and Isla Vista food pantries. They can purchase a used truck at a price range of $9,500-$12,000. Anyone who can help underwrite a portion of this cost, please contact Antonio Daniel at 965-7045.

FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Reading I: Jeremiah 1:4-5, 17-19; Reading II: 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13; Gospel: Luke 4:21-30

In today’s Gospel, initial enthusiasm is followed by growing hostility as Jesus gives evidence of a preferential option for the poor, the outcasts, the sinners. After a violent attempt on his life, he simply walks away. This foreshadows the end of the Gospel when God will raise him from the grip of death. The crowd finds it difficult to accept Jesus as anything but Joseph’s son. How could an ordinary human being obtain such wisdom? They reject the very idea that Jesus could be anything other than what they suppose him to be. But Jesus goes on to suggest that even Gentiles will be acceptable to God. At this preaching, many would know a “turning point’ in their lives, even as we do whenever we turn to Christ in our own lives.
Describe the time or times in your life when you had a sense of God calling you. Jesus pursues the outcasts. Who do you find easy to exclude? Why? How has your personal understanding and appreciation of Jesus changed over the years. Relate an experience when you attempted to make Jesus and his values known to your friends, relatives and companions but were contradicted, or laughed at, or coldly received by them. What were your thoughts and feelings then?

SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

In today’s Gospel depicting the wedding feast at Cana, we see Jesus pressed by his mother’s compassion to respond to a social dilemma. In Jesus’ time, wedding feasts were prime social events celebrated with the whole community present. It would have been a great source of embarrassment to the host to have miscalculated the needed amount of wine or to have been unable to afford the quantity needed. Mary noted the problem and approached her son, asking him for help. This story points to Jesus as a man who cared about the needs of those around him. In everyday life, Jesus could be moved to respond in order to meet people where they were. Mary knew this capacity in her son. She trusted him to reach out and alleviate the discomfort. In doing so, Jesus made this miracle a sign of his “hour,” giving it a profound meaning that Mary would come to understand. Through this miracle, we can come to understand that God is concerned about our human dilemmas and chooses to respond. We can be assured that our own petitions to God are heard. While we may not know the precise way in which God will respond, we can surely take comfort in knowing that our voices are heard.

STEWARDSHIP: FAITH IN ACTION
January 11th $13,410.00

Thank you for your continuing generosity!


PARISH CALENDAR
January 18th Stewardship Sunday
January 21st Justice and Peace Meeting, 7:00 PM
January 22nd Baptism Class, 6:30 PM
January 25th Blanket Sunday


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

ALWAYS OUR CHILDREN!
Parents and families of gay and lesbian Catholics are invited to a support group meeting on Thursday, January 22nd, at 7:30 PM in Santa Barbara. These meetings are informal and confidential For more information and/or directions, call 687-4338.

RACHEL’S VINEYARD RETREAT
for healing after abortion
February 13-15th: Rachel’s Vineyard retreat is for men and women struggling with the emotional and spiritual pain of abortion. The retreat is designed to help participants work through repressed grief and anger in a safe, nonjudgmental setting and come to acceptance, healing, and hope for the future. Developed in the Roman Catholic Tradition, it utilizes spiritual exercises and rituals to help grieve the loss of the unborn child(ren) and to accept God’s forgiveness. All inquiries and registrations are confidential. The retreat is being held at the Mary and Joseph Retreat Center at 5448 Crest Road in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. Registration is $175 per person (scholarships available). For more information, call 272-2435, or visit www.rachelsvineyard.org.

CLERGY APPRECIATION DINNER
All are invited to a Clergy Appreciation Dinner hosted by the Knights of Columbus, at 6:30 PM, Wednesday, January 28th, at Bishop Diego H.S. Tickets are available in the Porters Office.


STEWARDSHIP:Gifts of Time, Talent, and Treasure
As you consider your financial contributions this week, please contemplate your sharing of the gift of your time as well. If you are less able to share financially, consider contributing more of your time and talent. Your parish and community need your support in service. Over the next few weeks we will share some of these opportunities here.

Please remember to use your contribution envelopes. If you are not receiving envelopes, please call the parish office at 682-4151 and we will get some out to you.

JUSTICE AND PEACE COMMITTEE
Join us this Wednesday, January 21st, at 7:00 PM in the social rooms for our monthly meeting. Marciano Avilla will be speaking on social justice and detention ministry. Also, Bread for the World is offering Hunger Advocacy Workshops in Santa Paula, Santa Clarita, and Arroyo Grande. More information on this at our meeting, or contact Kitty Maxwell by email at kitty16@cox.net.

RIGHT TO LIFE CANDLELIGHT VIGIL
January 22nd, 2004 will be the 31st anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court Roe v. Wade Decision. Join us for a quiet evening of reflection and prayer in defense of the Unborn at the 3rd Annual Interfaith Right to Life Candlelight Vigil this Thursday, January 22nd, from 8:30 - 9:30 PM in Storke Plaza, UCSB Campus. Prayers will be led by UCSB Campus Ministers. Candles will be provided to those who cannot bring their own. For more information, please contact St. Mark's University Parish at 968-1078, or e-mail Christina at littlerose@Irsoftware.zzn.com

REQUIEM FOR THE UNBORN MASS
To be held at 7:30 PM on Friday, January 23rd, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels (555 West Temple St., Los Angeles; discounted parking rate of $5 per car will be in effect for the event). Cardinal Roger Mahoney, celebrant.

CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS TEA PARTY
Mark your calendars for the second annual Elegant Valentine’s Day Tea Party, Friday, February 6th at Serra Hall. More information next week!

THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Reading I: Nehemiah 8:2-4, 5-6, 8-10; Reading II: 1 Corinthians. 12:12-30; Gospel: Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21
This Sunday’s Gospel is an introduction. The first part introduces us to the Gospel of Luke; the second introduces the Gospel message into the world. The first four verses of this passage form the prologue to Luke’s Gospel. He writes not only to Theophilus (Beloved of God) but to the community of those who believe in Christ. The second introduction is like an inauguration speech by Jesus as he begins his work. Invited to give a talk on the scriptures in his hometown synagogue, Jesus stands and reads from Isaiah. Anointed by the Spirit, he has been sent to preach the Good News to the poor, the disadvantaged, the exploited. A new age dawns and Isaiah’s prophetic words are now fulfilled.
From your experience, describe someone who is poor. What is good news to a poor person? Give examples. Share a time when you were blind to the needs of the poor. Give reasons for your blindness. How would you introduce Christ and his teachings to someone who does not know him?

FEAST OF THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD
Like Jesus, we are baptized not just by water but also by the Holy Spirit and fire. Receiving the Spirit in our own baptism manifests our identity as ones who share in God’s own life, and as those who are saved, renewed, and justified. Being baptized by fire means that we share in Jesus’ mission, including giving ourselves totally for the sake of others. Taking our baptism seriously and living out our baptismal commitment means that we are willing to “die to self,” that is, to die to our own self-centeredness, time and time again. And in so doing, we manifest the hope that is sure—we are heirs to the promise of eternal life, God’s promise already fulfilled.


STEWARDSHIP: FAITH IN ACTION
Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God $1,039.00
January 4th $15,488.00

Thank you for your continuing generosity!


PARISH CALENDAR

January 11th Stewardship Sunday
January 18th Stewardship Sunday
January 22nd Baptism Class, 6:30 PM
January 25th Blanket Sunday
January 27th Pastoral Council, 7:00 PM


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


YOUTH NEWS
Confirmation:
Tonight, Sunday, January 11th, is Spirit Night for all candidates and their sponsors from 7:30-9:00 PM at St. Raphael Church.

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.



2004 CALENDARS AVAILABLE NOW
The 2004 Religious Art Calendar is now available. Pick up a copy today in the social rooms.


ORGAN RECITAL
St. Barbara Parish Music director, Keith Paulson-Thorp will be taking part in an organ recital at the First United Methodist Church in Ventura (1338 E. Santa Clara St.) today, Sunday, at 3:00 PM.


GIFT SHOP JOB OPPORTUNITY
The Serra Shop, located at the Santa Barbara Mission, is looking for a mature, responsible person to work in the Gift Shop on weekends and some holidays. Please call Joann at 682-4149.


A MATTER OF JUSTICE
Santa Barbara “CLUE” (Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice) invites St. Barbara parishioners, along with members of many of the churches in the Santa Barbara area, to spend an hour or two each week walking in solidarity with the grocery workers at one of our local stores. The strike is now into its fourth month and is having a devastating effect on many workers and their families. CLUE is also accepting donations that will go directly to the most needy families. Checks can be made payable to the St. Barbara Parish CLUE Fund. Let us pray that the strike will be settled equitably and quickly.


THE ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY
Thanks Art Melton, for six years as President
All are invited to attend the first Saint Vincent De Paul Society Meeting of the new year this Monday, January 12th, at 6:00 PM in the Bride’s Room here at the Old Mission. We will gather to show our appreciation to outgoing president (of two terms, six years in total!) Art Melton for his dedication, example, and leadership in service to those in need; refreshments will be served. Join us as we elect our new board. For more information, please contact Art at 569-2915 or 569-9355. Please do consider joining us.


CLERGY APPRECIATION DINNER
All are invited to a Clergy Appreciation Dinner hosted by the Knights of Columbus and the Serra Club on Wednesday, January 28th at Bishop Diego High School. The dinner begins at 6:30 PM and is an opportunity to support the priests in our region. Tickets will be on sale after Mass today.


RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CONGRESS, 2004
Workshops are filling up quickly for this year’s Religious Education Congress, themed Steeped in Mercy, Balm for the World, being held February 19th-22nd at the Anaheim Convention Center. Ready to nurture us once more, this year’s Congress combines over 265 workshops covering a wide range of topics of interest with 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. Don’t miss out, register today.


THANK YOU ST. BARBARA PARISH
Amnesty International thanks you for your generous support. Your parish’s recent donation of $200.00 furthers our worldwide work to help free prisoners of conscience, ensure fair and prompt trials for all political prisoners and end torture, “disappearances” and executions.

SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Reading I: Isaiah 62:1-5; Reading II:
1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Gospel: John 2:1-12
In the wedding at Cana, John tells us the simple story of a wedding, which more importantly, is a “sign.” A wedding is taking place, not only the one at Cana, but the more important one between God and people. God joins to Israel in the appearance of the Son. When Jesus changes water into wine, he replaces the old order (water) with the new (wine). The astonishing amount of wine (ninety to one hundred fifty gallons) suggest the superabundant blessings of this new age. Here lies the truth behind the wedding scene, Jesus revealed his “glory” and the disciples “saw” and began to believe him.
Who helped bring your faith to life? How do you do this for others? What blessings have come to you beyond what you asked or expected? When were you able to talk to those close to you about who you are and what you believe? Where has the wine run out in your life? Describe a recent “ordinary” event that ended up having extraordinary meaning for you.

FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY

The tradition of the three wise men began developing in the fifth century, and by the eighth century, the three men had been given names. The tradition has it that these three men, astrologers/astronomers from far-off, eastern lands, were able to read and understand the signs in the heavens. They recognized the bright star in the sky as being a call from God, so they followed the star. In doing so, they were led to the child in Bethlehem. They immediately recognized him as the promised Messiah and fell to their knees to worship him. The Epiphany story does not really end there, though. As the Gospel writer is want to do, Matthew uses contrasting behaviors to make his point. In this case, Matthew contrasts the faith of the Magi, who respond appropriately to the truth revealed to them, with the cynical cunning of Herod. Matthew’s intent is to warn us not to miss the wonder of the presence of God in our lives, most particularly when it challenges our own schemes.


STEWARDSHIP: FAITH IN ACTION
Feast of the Nativity of the Lord $20,320.00
December 29th $7,900.00

Thank you for your continuing generosity!

PARISH CALENDAR

January 4 Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord
January 6 Volunteer Appreciation Dinner
January 10 Help take down the manger, 8:00 AM


ROSARY FOR PEACE

Saturday mornings after the 7:30 AM Mass.

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


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 with the Porter’s Office 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. Call Brian and Erin at 643-0346 or email YoungCatholics@aol.com for a monthly email update of events.

2004 CALENDARS AVAILABLE NOW
The 2004 Religious Art Calendar is now available. Pick up a copy today in the social rooms.

TAKING DOWN THE MANGER
We need all the help we can get to take down the Manger scene that so many have enjoyed this Christmas Season, so please do come on out and join the fun, 8:00 AM, Saturday, January 10th.


CLERGY APPRECIATION DINNER
All are invited to a Clergy Appreciation Dinner hosted by the Knights of Columbus and the Serra Club on Wednesday, January 28th at Bishop Diego H.S. The dinner begins at 6:30 PM and is an opportunity to support the priests in our region. Tickets are available at the Porter’s Office and will also be sold after masses January 10th-11th.

TOGETHER ON THE JOURNEY
National Migration Week, January 4-10

In two recent pastoral letters, “Welcoming the Stranger Among Us: Unity in Diversity” and “Strangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope,” our bishops call us to engage in a process of Conversion, Communion, and Solidarity.

Dear Jesus, our journey through life is long and hard. We cannot make this trip alone; we must walk together in the journey. You promised to send us a helper, your Spirit. Help us to see your Spirit in those you send to journey with us.

In the refugee family, seeking safety from violence, let us see your Spirit. In the migrant worker, bringing food to our tables, let us see your Spirit. In the asylum-seeker, seeking justice for himself and his family, let us see your Spirit. In the unaccompanied child, traveling in a dangerous world, let us see your Spirit.

Teach us to recognize that as we walk with each other, You are present. Teach us to welcome not only the strangers in our midst, but the gifts they bring: the invitation to conversion, communion, and solidarity.

This is the help you have sent: we are not alone. We are together on the journey, and for this we give you thanks.
Amen.

FEAST OF THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD
Reading I: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7; Reading II:
Acts 10:34-38; Gospel: Luke 3:15-16, 21-22

Luke tells us that John prepares the way for Jesus’ ministry by the baptism he preaches. That baptism not only marks the beginning of Christ’s ministry, but it also marks the dawn of a new era in human history. Our eyes are drawn from one figure to another: In John we see the promise; in Jesus, the fulfillment. As Luke records events, John will soon fade out of the picture entirely. He is “water” compared to “fire.” He is herald compared to the One he proclaimed. He preached a promise. It would come true. As John prepared the way for the Lord, so must we in our own lives. As we were given a new birth in the Holy Spirit with our own Baptism, we must hear and obey God’s word in our lives every day.
John the Baptist prepared the way for the Lord. How do you “prepare the way for the Lord” in your own life and in the lives of others? Baptism prepared Jesus for his mission and life’s work. What has your Baptism asked you to do? How have you responded? Describe a time when you noticed a real renewing of life, either in yourself, in others, or in society. What was the effect?