Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

It’s high summer now, school is out, the pace of work slows, and some people drift away. There are visitors in the churches every summer, and familiar faces are “among the missing.” Some find the summer’s call more appealing than the summons of the church bells. Many, however, would not dream of missing a Sunday, and so they make their way to Mass in unfamiliar places, watching the locals for clues as to when to sit or stand, where the Communion stations are. In answering the call, they keep the “sabbatical” rhythm of the Christian life: every seventh day, the Body of Christ assembles for worship.

For centuries, there was no obligation to Sunday Mass in the sense of a written law, but Christians have always yearned to be together on Sunday. In the city of Abitina, during a persecution by the Emperor Diocletian, a group of Christians were urged to stop worshiping together on Sundays. They responded, “Then take our lives, for without the Sunday we cannot live.” By a curious coincidence, the appointed readings today center us on thoughts of peace. On our Independence Day, the experience of worship situates us in community, and evokes a commitment from us to be advocates of peace in all aspects of our society’s life.

—James Field, © Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.

STEWARDSHIP
Sunday, June 27th $11,488.00
Don’t forget to use your contribution envelopes.


TOGETHER IN MISSION ANNUAL APPEAL 2004

The Together in Mission Appeal of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles brings yearly support to the Catholic schools and parishes throughout the Archdiocese that cannot continue in ministry without your generous support. Here at Saint Barbara Parish, we are most fortunate to be asked to give to the Together in Mission Appeal rather than to need support from it, please give generously.
Our parish pledge to the appeal for this year is $61,000, of which we have collected less than $36,000 since the appeal began in February. By this time last year, in comparison, we had raised over $51,000 and would reach our entire goal for the appeal by the end of August. Any shortfall of the $61,000 asked of our parish for this year will have to be paid by the parish, putting a strain on the parish operating budget.
If you have already made a donation or pledge to this year’s appeal, we thank you! If you have yet to make a donation, we ask you to consider doing so. For your convenience, Together In Mission envelopes are in the pews and at the back of the church.

MUSIC NOTES
During July and August the choirs will not be rehearsing on Thursday nights. We will continue to sing at the 9:00 Mass each week warming up at 8:00 Sunday morning in the Music Room to run through the music. We invite all singers or instrumentalists to join us. The Mission choir is a terrific group of people that share a common desire to minister through the gift of song. If you have ever thought of singing with the choir but would like a less intense rehearsal schedule to try it out first, this is a perfect time!

TRAVELING THIS SUMMER?
For nationwide Mass times and locations, call Mass Times (410)676-6000 or visit www.MassTimes.org.

Job Advertisement
PARISH OFFICE MANAGERResponsible for business and administrative functions of the parish office including reception, bookkeeping, personnel, facilities and clerical. Requires computer proficiency, excellent organizational skills and creative writing ability. Must be people oriented, able to multi-task and work collaboratively and independently. Salary depends on experience. Benefits. Familiarity with Catholic Church highly desirable. Call Andrew (805) 682-4151 for application. Application and resume due Wednesday July 21.

THEOLOGY ON TAP
Are you a young adult (single or couple in your 20s and 30s)? Are you trying to make sense of your life? Do you want to meet other Catholic young adults asking the same questions? Are you thirsty for Christ in your life? Then “Theology on Tap” may be just what you need! “Theology-On-Tap” is a four week series where we take God out of the confines of a church building and into your daily life in a fun and relaxed environment. “Theology on Tap” will be meeting in the Santa Barbara Region on Saturday evenings at 7:30 PM on July 24th and 31st, and August 7th and 14th in the parish hall of St. Mary Magdalen Church in Camarillo (25 Las Posas Rd., Camarillo).
· July 24 - Love, Lust & God: How Do They Fit Together? (Bill Shaules)
· July 31 - Q&A With The Bishop: Everything You Wanted To Know But Forgot To Ask In Religious Education (Bishop Thomas Curry)
· August 7 - The Mass: Why We Do The Things We Do (Fr. David Loftus)
· August 14 - God… Can You Hear Me Now? (Sr. Kathy Bryant, R.S.C.)

YOUTH MINISTRY AND CONFIRMATION
This year we are continuing to partner with St. Raphael Parish in sending our youth to their facility to receive preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation and for Youth Ministry.
Registration Packets for First Year Confirmation, Second Year Confirmation, and Junior High “Tobiah Club” are now available in the St. Barbara Parish office. For more information, please contact St. Raphael Parish Youth Minister, John Vasellina at 964-3446, ext. 1.

SECULAR FRANCISCANS
A community of Catholic men and women who seek to pattern their lives after Christ in the spirit of St. Francis. This international order was founded by St. Francis of Assisi almost 800 years ago. For more information, please contact Bob Carman at 964-1042.

HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT OUR FIRST SUMMER SOCIAL EVER?
SPREAD THE WORD!
LIQUID REFRESHMENT FOR ALL AGES, YUMMY NIBBLIES, SWEETS, AND LOTS OF TERRIFIC CONVERSATION WITH FAMILY AT OLD MISSION SANTA BARBARA, ST. BARBARA PARISH!
JOIN US ON THE PATIO BEHIND THE PARISH KITCHEN
JULY 14, 2004 from 6:00 to SUNSET…. FREE!

Peter’s Pence Collection
For the Works of the Holy Father
Thank you for your generous contributions to last week’s collection for the Works of the Holy Father. Your participation in this work of justice and kindness strengthens our parish’s commitment to the poor and needy. May God bless you.

Social Justice News
Anyone with an interest in social justice is invited to participate in a focus group that will be held by the Office of Justice and Peace on Saturday July 24th from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Padre Serra Parish (5205 Upland, Camarillo). The goal of the focus group is to identify ways in which the Office of Justice and Peace can better support social justice work. Information and resources on social justice will also be made available. For more information, call Joan Harper at (213) 637-7560.

PREPARE FOR NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY OF THE WORD
Fifteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time
First Reading: Deuteronomy 30:10-14
Second Reading: Colossians 1:15-20
Gospel Reading: Luke 10:25-37

Reflection for the Liturgy of the Word
In today’s Gospel two questions are addressed to Jesus by a legal expert and Jesus answers both by posing a further question. The answer to the second question takes a bit more time. Jesus tells a shocking story. The story is shocking because the Samaritans, who were descended from Jews who had intermarried with pagans, were hated by the Jews. So, the good Samaritan looks after someone who despises him. After the story, Jesus poses a counter-question, which really changes the original question from “Who is my neighbor?” to “What is involved in my being a neighbor?” The reluctant answer is “The one who treated him with compassion.” And Jesus says, “Then go and do the same.”

Life Focus
In the parable of the Good Samaritan, which of the four characters do you identify with? Explain.

Speak of a time when you felt second best or excluded. Who was or was not a Good Samaritan to you?

Tell of a time you were a good neighbor to a stranger.

Describe an occasion when you did not help a person who needed you.

When has a person you least expected shown you the way?


Readings for the Week of July 4, 2004

Monday:
Hos 2:16-18,21-22/Ps 145:2-9/Mt 9:18-26
Tuesday:
Hos 8:4-7,11-13/Ps 115:3-10/Mt 9:32-38
Wednesday:
Hos 10:1-3,7-8,12/Ps 105:2-7/Mt 10:1-7
Thursday:
Hos 11:1-4,8-9/Ps 80:2-3,15-16/Mt 10:7-15
Friday:
Hos 14:2-10/Ps 51:3-4,8-9,12-14,17/Mt 10:16-23
Saturday:
Is 6:1-8/Ps 93:1-2,5/Mt 10:24-33

13th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jesus’ invitation in this gospel to follow him receives mixed responses. Some try to dissuade Jesus from his journey and won’t even hear his message. Others seem to make an eager response, but are naïve about where the journey leads. Still others make excuses and don’t even try to follow Jesus. Each response suggests that people have some sense of what the cost of following Jesus is. At issue is that obedience in following Jesus leads to death. Our own decision to follow Jesus has implications. For ourselves, the implications lie in terms of our dying to ourselves. For humankind, the implications lie in the fact that our choices truly affect the establishment of God’s reign here and now. This last point is rather startling; it is easier for us to think of Jesus as savior of the world and the one who brings about God’s reign. It is much more difficult for each of us to grasp that our own actions also bring salvation to others and help establish God’s reign. Following Jesus to Jerusalem, then, isn’t simply about a personal response to a divine invitation; it is the way God’s reign is established.

PREPARE FOR NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY OF THE WORD
Fourteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time
First Reading: Isaiah 66:10-14
Second Reading: Galatians 6:14-18
Gospel Reading: Luke 10:1-12, 17-20

Reflection for the Liturgy of the Word
For centuries God’s people longed for a messiah. They yearned for someone who would bring about God’s reign, a time of peace and blessings. The prophets had an unshakable faith in God’s reign and communicated that confidence to the people. It is this reign that Jesus preached and began. He commissions the seventy-two disciples to proclaim the coming of this reign. The peace of God’s reign is made possible through Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. It is the fulfillment of all humanity’s hopes. The disciples are successful because they are agents of God’s grace. That they have been chosen as instruments of that grace is the real reason for rejoicing.

Life Focus
How does Jesus ask you to spread the gospel in the world today? What obstacles are in your path? What do you need to overcome these obstacles?

When have you felt like a lamb walking among wolves?

What instructions that you received early in your faith life are still valid and useful today?

Readings for the Week of June 27, 2004

Monday:
Am 2:6-10,13-16/Ps 50:16-23/Mt 8:18-22
Tuesday:
Acts 12:1-11/Ps 34:2-9/2 Tm 4:6-8,17-18/Mt 16:13-19
Wednesday:
Am 5:14-15,21-24/Ps 50:7-13,16-17/Mt 8:28-34
Thursday:
Am 7:10-17/Ps 19:8-11/Mt 9:1-8
Friday:
Am 8:4-6,9-12/Ps 119:2,10,20,30,40,131/Mt 9:9-13
Saturday:
Eph 2:19-22/Ps 117:1-2/Jn 20:24-29


WEEKLY COLLECTION

Sunday, June 20th $10,355.00
Don’t forget to use your contribution envelopes.

TOGETHER IN MISSION ANNUAL APPEAL 2004

The Together in Mission Appeal of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles brings yearly support to the Catholic schools and parishes throughout the Archdiocese that cannot continue in ministry without your generous support. Here at Saint Barbara Parish, we are most fortunate to be asked to give to the Together in Mission Appeal rather than to need support from it, please give generously.
Our parish pledge to the appeal for this year is $61,000, of which we have collected less than $36,000 since the appeal began in February. By this time last year, in comparison, we had raised over $51,000 and would reach our entire goal for the appeal by the end of August. Any shortfall of the $61,000 asked of our parish for this year will have to be paid by the parish, putting a strain on the parish operating budget.
If you have already made a donation or pledge to this year’s appeal, we thank you! If you have yet to make a donation, we ask you to consider doing so. For your convenience, Together In Mission envelopes are in the pews and at the back of the church.

MUSIC NOTES
During July and August the choirs will not be rehearsing on Thursday nights. We will continue to sing at the 9:00 Mass each week warming up at 8:00 Sunday morning in the Music Room to run through the music. We invite all singers or instrumentalists to join us. The Mission choir is a terrific group of people that share a common desire to minister through the gift of song. If you have ever thought of singing with the choir but would like a less intense rehearsal schedule to try it out first, this is a perfect time!

THANK YOU ST. BARBARA PARISH

Dear Friends,

On behalf of the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County, thank you for your gift of $1,000.00 for our Room to Store the Harvest Capital Campaign. The Foodbank could not operate without the outstanding support of caring partners such as you.

Because of this contribution, we are closer to our goal of raising enough funds to acquire a larger warehouse in Santa Maria that will allow the Foodbank to stop turning away over 2 million pounds of food each your. In fact, it is my pleasure to notify you that, to date, the Foodbank has been able to raise over $1.73 million from individual supporters, foundations, corporations and local governments.

We are very excited to have your support of our capital campaign and we look forward to celebrating the construction of our new warehouse with you. Together we are hunger’s hope.

Thank you once again,

Sincerely,
Jeanette F. Nadeau, Executive Director

Peter’s Pence Collection
For the Works of the Holy FatherToday our parish participates in the Peter’s Pence 2004 collection for the Works of the Holy Father. Each year the Holy Father asks us to help him provide for our neediest brothers and sisters throughout the world—those who suffer due to war, oppression, and natural disasters. Join the Holy Father in this act of justice and kindness. Please pray for the Holy Father and give generously to this special appeal.


Don’t Miss the 38th Annual St. Barbara Parish Arts and Crafts Festival
Saturday, July 3rd, 2004, Old Mission Santa Barbara
Over 125 artists and artisans will display their products for judging and for sale from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., featuring paintings, pottery, jewelry, and much more. Live music and entertainment is scheduled throughout the day, food and refreshments are for sale, and creative activities are offered for children. Free parking and admission.

More Volunteers Are Still Needed!

More volunteers are still needed for this event to help coordinate the sale of coffee, donuts and cookies, oversee parking, put up the food tent on Friday evening and take it down on Saturday evening. Please contact Lisa Thomas, Coordinator, at (805) 686-5459 ASAP if you can help out with St. Barbara Parish’s biggest fundraiser of the year

ALWAYS OUR CHILDREN!
The Catholic Support Group for Parents of gay and lesbian Catholics for the Santa Barbara and Ventura area will now meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month. The next meeting is Tuesday, June 29th at 7:30 PM in Santa Barbara. A safe and comfortable environment is offered where you can share your feelings, fears and ask questions. These meetings are informal and confidential. For more information or directions, please call Kathie and Joe at 687-4338. See the website at www.archdiocesemlgc.com.

St. Vincent De Paul Pancake Breakfast
AT SERRA HALL THIS MORNING!A parish family event for all ages! Please join us for Pancakes at Serra Hall after Mass this morning and help send kids to summer camp by joining in a silent auction or making a tax deductible donation. For more information on how to donate, please call 687-7547. Thank you for your support.

SIMON SCANLON WRITING AWARDS
Sponsored by The Way of St. Francis, this writing contest is open to all. Submissions should be original essays or feature length articles of 1500-2000 words (entries must not have been previously published or presented in any form) about any theme dealing with the influence and relevance of Franciscan life, spirituality, history, etc. in our world today. Profiles, essays, fiction, human interest stories, photo essays with text, interviews, accounts of charitable projects, etc. are acceptable. $1000 First Prize, $500 Second Prize, $250, Third Prize. Submissions must be postmarked by October 4, 2004. Pamphlets with more information are available in the Porter’s Office.

GETTING IN THE PARISH BULLETIN
For Parish Announcements, please contact Andrew in the Parish Office; submissions are due Tuesdays at noon for consideration. Contact Allen Corn at Mission Publishing (888-253-4358) for Business Ads.

PARISH CALENDAR
June 26 Baptisms at the 4:00 PM Mass
June 26-27 Peter’s Pence Collection
June 27 St. Vincent De Paul Pancake Breakfast
Baptisms at the 12:00 Noon Mass
June 29 Pastoral Council Meeting, 7:00 PM
July 1 Feast of Junipero Serra, 12 Noon Mass
July 3 Fourth of July Art Festival
July 14 First Parish Summer Social 6:00 PM
July 22 Baptism Class, 6:30 PM



From Death to New Life

Peggy Peri

Feast of Blessed Padre Junipero Serra
Please join us in our celebration of the Feast of Blessed Junipero Serra this Thursday, July 1st. We will begin with a look at original Serra documents with background information provided by Br. Timothy. Please gather in the parish social rooms at 11:00 AM. A festive Mass will follow in the church at 12:00 Noon. Please note, 7:30 AM Mass will not be celebrated on this day.

Job Advertisement
PARISH OFFICE MANAGERResponsible for business and administrative functions of the parish office including reception, bookkeeping, personnel, facilities and clerical. Requires computer proficiency, excellent organizational skills and creative writing ability. Must be people oriented, able to multi-task and work collaboratively and independently. Salary depends on experience. Benefits. Familiarity with Catholic Church highly desirable. Call Andrew (805) 682-4151 for application. Application and resume due Wednesday July 21.

THEOLOGY ON TAP
Are you a young adult (single or couple in your 20s and 30s)? Are you trying to make sense of your life? Do you want to meet other Catholic young adults asking the same questions? Are you thirsty for Christ in your life? Then “Theology on Tap” may be just what you need! “Theology-On-Tap” is a four week series where we take God out of the confines of a church building and into your daily life in a fun and relaxed environment. “Theology on Tap” will be meeting in the Santa Barbara Region on Saturday evenings at 7:30 PM July 24th and 31st, and August 7th and 14th in the parish hall of St. Mary Magdalen Church in Camarillo More details to come.

Parish Summer Socials
Mark your calendars now for the first in a number of parish summer socials, Wednesday July 14th, 6:00 PM to Sunset here at the Old Mission. Don’t miss out on this great new way for us to gather as a parish family. More details to come.

Youth Ministry and Confirmation
This year we are continuing to partner with St. Raphael Parish in sending our youth to their facility to receive preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation and for Youth Ministry.
Registration Packets for First Year Confirmation, Second Year Confirmation, and Junior High “Tobiah Club” are now available in the St. Barbara Parish office. For more information, please contact St. Raphael Parish Youth Minister, John Vasellina at 964-3446, ext. 1.

SECULAR FRANCISCANS
A community of Catholic men and women who seek to pattern their lives after Christ in the spirit of St. Francis. This international order was founded by St. Francis of Assisi almost 800 years ago. For more information, please contact Bob Carman at 964-1042

RECYCLE SIGHT
Donate used and old eyeglasses to the Lions Sight and Hearing Center. Glasses are cleaned, categorized by prescription, and distributed around the world, where eyeglasses are unaffordable and inaccessible. Call (805) 569-8264 to receive a list of specially marked boxes in selected drop-off sites.

12th Sunday in Ordinary Time

The very progression of today’s Gospel opens up its meaning for us. Jesus “was praying in solitude.” While our own prayer is directed toward God and experiencing God’s presence, Jesus’ prayer is unique—while experiencing God, Jesus experiences self as divine. In prayer, Jesus’ connection with divinity is a connection with who he is as the Son of God. Jesus’ prayer, then, not only opens up God’s identity, it also opens up Jesus’ identity. By thus being in touch with who he is, Jesus is in touch with his ultimate mission—to “suffer greatly,” “be rejected,” “be killed,” and “be raised.” This mission is inherently who Jesus is—Savior. We usually think of Jesus’ mission as teaching, preaching, healing, and working miracles, and so it was. But, underlying these activities is the ultimate one—his suffering, death, and resurrection. So it is with us.

Don’t Miss the 38th Annual
St. Barbara Parish Arts and Crafts Festival
Saturday, July 3rd, 2004 at Old Mission Santa Barbara

Over 125 artists and artisans will display their products for judging and for sale from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., featuring paintings, pottery, jewelry, and much more. Live music and entertainment is scheduled throughout the day, food and refreshments are for sale, and creative activities are offered for children. Free parking and admission.

More Volunteers Are Still Needed!

Volunteers are still needed for this event to coordinate the sale of coffee, donuts and cookies, to oversee parking, and to help put up the food tent on Friday evening and take it down Saturday evening. Please contact Lisa Thomas, Coordinator, at (805) 686-5459 ASAP if you can help out with St. Barbara Parish’s biggest fundraiser of the year

WEEKLY CONTRIBUTIONS
Sunday, June 13th $10,289.00
Don’t forget to use your contribution envelopes.


TOGETHER IN MISSION APPEAL
The Together in Mission Appeal of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles brings yearly support to the Catholic schools and parishes throughout the Archdiocese that cannot continue in ministry without your generous support. Here at Saint Barbara Parish, we are most fortunate to be asked to give to the Together in Mission Appeal rather than to need support from it, please give generously.
Our parish pledge to the appeal for this year is $61,000, of which we have collected less than $36,000 since the appeal began in February. By this time last year, in comparison, we had raised over $51,000 and would reach our entire goal for the appeal by the end of August. Any shortfall of the $61,000 asked of our parish for this year will have to be paid by the parish, putting a strain on the parish operating budget.
If you have already made a donation or pledge to this year’s appeal, we thank you! If you have yet to make a donation, we ask you to consider doing so. For your convenience, Together In Mission envelopes are in the pews and at the back of the church.

CONFIRMATION
This year we are continuing to partner with St. Raphael Parish in sending our youth to their facility to receive preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation, and for Youth Ministry. Registration Packets for First Year Confirmation, Second Year Confirmation, and Junior High “Tobiah Club” are now available in the Parish office. For more information, please contact St. Raphael Parish Coordinator of Youth Ministry and Confirmation, John Vasellina at 964-3446, ext. 1.

MUSIC NOTES
During July and August the choirs will not be rehearsing on Thursday nights. We will continue to sing at the 9:00 Mass each week warming up at 8:00 Sunday morning in the Music Room to run through the music. We invite all singers or instrumentalists to join us. The Mission choir is a terrific group of people that share a common desire to minister through the gift of song. If you have ever thought of singing with the choir but would like a less intense rehearsal schedule to try it out first, this is a perfect time!
RECITAL:
One of our superb cantors will be singing in recital at the Faulkner Galleries at the Santa Barbara Public Library this weekend. Andre Shillo, baritone, will be performing a program at 2:00 PM on Sunday, June 20th. The public is cordially invited.

TRAVELING THIS SUMMER?
For nationwide Mass times and locations, call Mass Times (410) 676-6000 or visit www.MassTimes.org.


THANK YOU ST. BARBARA PARISH

Dear Parishioners,
Speaking for all of the members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul here at Old Mission Santa Barbara, I would like to express our gratitude to the Parish for the $1,000 contribution to our conference. The funds will be used to help provide food, rent assistance, and other necessities to those in need.

Sincerely yours,
Richard Rink, Conference President


Environment and Art in Catholic Worship
Do you like to play in the mud or get a kick out of repotting plants and watering clover in your lawn? Do you find yourself spending more time eyeing the flowers at the Farmer’s Market than the veggies? Are you moved by the flags in parades? Are you intrigued by a sense of the line, balance and scale of your car? Do you find yourself rearranging furniture just for fun? If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, we need and want you to help us create environments conducive to worship at our liturgies. If we’ve piqued your curiosity, come and find out more about what we do!
We invite all of you who want to learn more about what we do and why, to call Carol Parkus at 569-5639. Summer is a wonderful season for growing in new ways and new directions, and harvest time (feast days, Advent, Christmas Season, etc.) will be here sooner than we realize. To help us with our ministry, we are invited to attend the “Form/Reform” Conference on Environment and Art in Catholic Worship, August 8-11 in Los Angeles. Help us explore the beauty of our liturgical seasons and the meaning of our faith’s symbols.


NETWORK ACTION
In our Society, housing is a critical determinate of opportunity. Safe, decent and affordable housing provides access to employment, social and political relationships, stable health, social status, education and other vital services. Network believes that housing is a basic human right. St. Barbara Parish is a member of Network, a National Catholic Social Justice Lobby. We ask you to contact Rep. Lois Capps, via the U.S. Capitol switchboard (202-224-3121) and ask her to cosponsor the “Bringing America Home Act” (H.R. 2897) a comprehensive bill designed to end homelessness in the U.S. www.networklobby.org.


St. Vincent De Paul Pancake Breakfast
and Silent Auction, Sunday June 27th
A parish family event for all ages! Please plan to join us for Pancakes at Serra Hall (corner of Garden and Los Olivos) after Mass on Sunday, June 27th and help send kids to summer camp by joining in a silent auction or making a tax deductible donation. For more information on how to donate, please call 687-7547. Thank you for your support.

Justice and Peace Committee
Our next meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 23rd, at 7:00 PM in the Parish Social Room. Please join us. Call Kitty Maxwell at 682-5606 for more information.

Peter’s Pence Collection
For the Works of the Holy Father
Next week our parish will participate in the Peter’s Pence Collection for the Works of the Holy Father. This collection enables the Holy Father to respond to requests for emergency funds from the most disadvantaged throughout the world. This special appeal is an opportunity to demonstrate justice and kindness to our brothers and sisters in need. Please pray for the Holy Father’s works and contribute generously to the appeal.

Bishop Garcia Diego H.S. Placement Test
for students applying to 9th grade
June 24 from 3:30-5:30 PM at Bishop High School (4000 La Colina Rd.) for incoming freshman applying for admission The test fee is $40.00. Applications are on the web at www.bishopdiego.org or at the school office. For more information, call Debbie Herrera, Director of Admissions at 967-1266 x118.

ALWAYS OUR CHILDREN!
The Catholic Support Group for Parents of gay and lesbian Catholics for the Santa Barbara and Ventura area will now meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month. The next meeting is Tuesday, June 29th at 7:30 PM in Santa Barbara. A safe and comfortable environment is offered where you can share your feelings, fears and ask questions. These meetings are informal and confidential. For more information or directions, please call Kathie and Joe at 687-4338. See the website at www.archdiocesemlgc.com.


PARISH CALENDAR
June 23 Baptism Class, 6:30 PM
Justice and Peace Committee Meeting
June 26 Baptisms at the 4:00 PM Mass
June 26-27 Peter’s Pence Collection
June 27 St. Vincent De Paul Pancake Breakfast
Baptisms at the 12:00 Noon Mass
June 29 Pastoral Council Meeting, 7:00 PM
July 1 Feast of Junipero Serra, 12 Noon Mass
July 3 Fourth of July Art Festival

The Society of St. Vincent De Paul
Meets in the Bride’s Room of the Old Mission on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month at 12:45 PM. We work to help and to serve the poor. Call our voicemail at 687-7547 and leave a message for more information.


GETTING IN THE PARISH BULLETIN
Submissions are due by Tuesday at Noon weekly for consideration. Contact Andrew in the Parish Office.


Preparing for the Liturgy of the Word
Thirteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time
First Reading: Kings 19:16, 19-21
Second Reading: Galatians 5:1, 13-18
Gospel Reading: Luke 9:51-62

Reflection for the Liturgy of the Word
Next Sunday’s Gospel spells out what it means to follow Jesus, to be his disciple. James and John, “sons of thunder,” angry at being rejected by the Samaritans, want to call down fire from heaven to consume Jesus’ enemies. Jesus says there is no room for getting even in the Christian way of life. There is to be no violence. Luke develops the theme of discipleship further using three examples. Jesus tells the one who offers to follow him “wherever he goes” of the hardships involved. His strange reply to the man who wants to go home first to bury his father underlines the urgency to get on with proclaiming the reign of God. And finally there is a singleness of purpose involved in being a follower of Jesus. There can be no looking back to what one has left behind.

Life Focus
How do you react when someone criticizes you or is hostile to you?

When in your life have you been called to change direction (put your hand to a different “plow”) because of your desire to be a follower of Jesus?

What does it mean to your everyday life to be a follower of Jesus?

What is your reaction to being called by Jesus?

Readings for the Week of June 20, 2004

Monday:
2 Kgs 17:5-8,13-15,18/Ps 60:3-5,12-13/Mt 7:1-5
Tuesday:
2 Kgs 19:9-11,14-21,31-36/Ps 48:2-4,10-11/Mt 7:6,12-14
Wednesday:
2 Kgs 22:8-13;23:1-3/Ps 119:33-37,40/Mt 7:15-20
Thursday:
Is 49:1-6/Ps 139:1-3,13-15/Acts 13:22-26/Lk 1:57-66,80
Friday:
2 Kgs 25:1-12/Ps 137:1-6/Mt 8:1-4
Saturday:
Lam 2:2,10-14,18-19/Ps 74:1-7,20-21/Mt 8:5-17

Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

We owe today’s beautiful feast to a valiant woman who suffered a great deal to establish a feast out of her love for the Eucharist. Juliana was a nun in Belgium in the thirteenth century. She served in a hospital for lepers. She became convinced through her prayer that the liturgical year was incomplete because it had no feast for the Eucharist. Her efforts were not welcome, and a supervising priest sought to punish her for promoting a feast that “nobody wanted.” He even had her accused of financial mismanagement and banished her from her convent.

Shortly after she was exiled, the bishop approved the feast. It quickly spread through Europe. In those days, people very seldom received Holy Communion, and so the processions through the streets with the eucharistic bread not only led to an awareness of Christ’s hunger to be with us, but prepared the way for a deeper desire to receive Christ’s body and blood in more frequent Communion. The feast grew rapidly, but Juliana disappeared into poverty and a hidden life. She ended her days as an “anchoress,” a woman living in seclusion in a room attached to a parish church. Imagine her delight at seeing us gathered at the table of the Lord on this day, aware of Christ’s presence in our midst, sharing fully in Christ’s body and blood.

- James Field, © Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.

Weekly Contributions
Sunday, June 6th $9,766.00
Don’t forget to use your contribution envelopes.


TOGETHER IN MISSION APPEAL

The Together in Mission Appeal of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles brings yearly support to the Catholic schools and parishes throughout the Archdiocese that cannot continue in ministry without your generous support. Here at Saint Barbara Parish, we are most fortunate to be asked to give to the Together in Mission Appeal rather than to need support from it, please give generously.

Our parish pledge to the appeal for this year is $61,000, of which we have collected less than $36,000 since the appeal began in February. By this time last year, in comparison, we had raised over $51,000 and would reach our entire goal for the appeal by the end of August. Any shortfall of the $61,000 asked of our parish for this year will have to be paid by the parish, putting a strain on the parish operating budget.

If you have already made a donation or pledge to this year’s appeal, we thank you! If you have yet to make a donation, we ask you to prayerfully consider doing so. For your convenience, Together In Mission envelopes are in the pews and at the back of the church.


BECOME A LITURGICAL MINISTER
We are always in need of liturgical ministers. Please consider serving your parish in one of the following ministries:

USHERS work in concert with the sacristans to prepare before and after the Mass. In addition, they welcome and assist people as needed, and they take up the collection during the Mass.

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS serve the Body and Blood of Christ and purify the vessels after Communion.

LECTORS proclaim the Word of God to the gathered assembly, and read the Prayer of the Faithful.

ALTAR SERVERS AND ADULT ACOLYTES assist the Presider in various ways during the Mass.

Call the Parish Office for more information.


St. Vincent De Paul Summer Camp
Circle V Ranch - Summer Camp for Girls and Boys Ages 7 - 13 - St. Vincent de Paul Ranch Camp is providing one-week sessions for boys and girls. Dates for one-week sessions are from June 28 through August 9. Cost is $250 per child. Financial aid is available for children of low-income families that qualify. For more information, call Conchita Lehne at (805) 452-7421. Counselor in leadership training program is available for young people ages 14 – 17. If you wish to make a donation to help local children attend the summer camp program, contact St. Vincent de Paul at 687 – 7547.


CATHOLIC CHARITIES OFFERS PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING SERVICES

Catholic Charities Santa Barbara offers professional psychological counseling to individuals, couples and families. A very reasonable sliding scale is available. The office is located at 609 E. Haley. Call (805) 965-7045 x102 for English; Spanish speakers or bilingual call 965-7045 x114.


PARISH CALENDAR
June 23 Baptism Class, 6:30 PM
Justice and Peace Committee Meeting
June 26 Baptisms at the 4:00 PM Mass
June 26-27 Peter’s Pence Collection
June 27 St. Vincent De Paul Pancake Breakfast
Baptisms at the 12:00 Noon Mass
June 29 Pastoral Council Meeting, 7:00 PM
July 1 Feast of Junipero Serra, 12 Noon Mass
July 3 Fourth of July Art Festival


CONFIRMATION
This year we are continuing to partner with St. Raphael Parish in sending our youth to their facility to receive preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation, and for Youth Ministry. John Vasellina, Youth Minister and Confirmation Coordinator, will be speaking about these programs at Mass today and will be available after Mass to hand out registration materials and answer any questions you might have. Registration Packets will also be available in the Parish office.

The Society of St. Vincent De Paul
Meets in the Bride’s Room of the Old Mission on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month at 12:45 PM. We work to help and to serve the poor. Call our voicemail at 687-7547 and leave a message for more information.


Readings for the Week of June 13, 2004

Monday:
1 Kgs 21:1-16/Ps 5:2-3,5-7/Mt 5:38-42
Tuesday:
1 Kgs 21:17-29/Ps 51:3-6,11-16/Mt 5:43-48
Wednesday:
2 Kgs 2:1,6-14/Ps 31:20-21,24/Mt 6:1,16-18
Thursday:
Sir 48:1-14/Ps 97:1-7/Mt 6:7-15
Friday:
Ez 34:11-16/Ps 23:1-6/Rom 5:5-11/Lk 15:3-7
Saturday:
2 Chr 24:17-25/Ps 89:4-5,29-34/Lk 2:41-51


TRAVELING THIS SUMMER?
Don’t forget to go to Mass.
For nationwide Mass times and locations, call Mass Times (410) 676-6000 or visit www.MassTimes.org.


MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER RETREAT
Do you yearn for your spouse to really talk to you on a deep level? Are you longing for your spouse to really “get” what you are saying, for them to really hear you? You have the opportunity to strengthen and develop your communication skills by making a Marriage Encounter weekend. Turn ho-hum into WOW and see for yourself how good it can be! The next weekend in Ventura County is July 9-11. Contact Amber and Felix Masci at (805) 581-1670 or visit our website at home.earthlink.net/~afmasci for more information and to register. The Marriage Encounter Convention will be held July 17-18, 2004 at Mt. Saint Mary’s College in Brentwood. Find out more at www.me2004.org.


THANK YOU ST. BARBARA PARISH

Dear Parishioners,
Thank you so much for your generous donations to Notre Dame School. Your financial help will offset the tuition rate given for the families of St. Barbara Parish this past school year. In addition, your generosity will be extended to the most needy of our families that faced unforeseen financial hardship this year due to the grocery store labor strike
We will continue to lift up the needs of St. Barbara Parish in our prayers and look forward to opportunities to support parish activities.


Sincerely,
Jackie Gonzalez, Principal



SECULAR FRANCISCANS
Secular Franciscans are a community of Catholic men and women who seek to pattern their lives after Christ in the spirit of St. Francis. This international order was founded by St. Francis of Assisi almost 800 years ago. For more information, please contact Bob Carman at 964-1042, or Fr. Alberic Smith, O.F.M., at 682-4713 x157.


GETTING IN THE PARISH BULLETIN
For Church Announcements, please contact Andrew in the Parish Office. Each week, submissions are due by Tuesday at Noon for consideration.


SIMON SCANLON WRITING AWARDS
Sponsored by The Way of St. Francis, this writing contest is open to all. Submissions should be original essays or feature length articles of 1500-2000 words (entries must not have been previously published or presented in any form) about any theme dealing with the influence and relevance of Franciscan life, spirituality, history, etc. in our world today. Profiles, essays, fiction, human interest stories, photo essays with text, interviews, accounts of charitable projects, etc. are acceptable. $1000 First Prize, $500 Second Prize, $250, Third Prize. Submissions must be postmarked by October 4, 2004. Pamphlets with more information are available in the Porter’s Office.


Environment and Art in Catholic Worship

Do you like to play in the mud or get a kick out of repotting plants and watering clover in your lawn? Do you find yourself spending more time eyeing the flowers at the Farmer’s Market than the veggies? Are you moved by the flags in parades? Are you intrigued by a sense of the line, balance and scale of your car? Do you find yourself rearranging furniture just for fun? If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, we need and want you to help us create environments conducive to worship at our liturgies. If we’ve piqued your curiosity, come and find out more about what we do!

We invite all of you who want to learn more about what we do and why, to call Carol Parkus at 569-5639. Summer is a wonderful season for growing in new ways and new directions, and harvest time (feast days, Advent, Christmas Season, etc.) will be here sooner than we realize. To help us with our ministry, we are invited to attend the “Form/Reform” Conference on Environment and Art in Catholic Worship, August 8-11 in Los Angeles. Help us explore the beauty of our liturgical seasons and the meaning of our faith’s symbols.


Bishop Garcia Diego H.S. Placement Test for students applying to 9th grade
A placement test will be held on June 24 from 3:30-5:30 PM at Bishop High School (4000 La Colina Rd.) for incoming freshman applying for admission The test fee is $40.00. Applications are on the web at www.bishopdiego.org or at the school office. For more information, call Debbie Herrera, Director of Admissions at 967-1266 x118.


BATTLING LEUKEMIA
Friends of Miguel Valle and his family are holding a fundraiser to offset the cost of battling his Leukemia. The event is a lunch featuring chicken, rice, beans and salad. The requested donation is $6.00. The fundraiser is at the Schott center at Santa Barbara City College on Saturday, June 19, 2004. The address is 721 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara. The time is 1:00 PM to 5:00 pm. There will also be drawings, a silent auction, and a raffle. For more info please call Melissa at (805) 682-9964



Anniversaries of Death
William T. Hardesty


NETWORK ACTION
In our Society, housing is a critical determinate of opportunity. Safe, decent and affordable housing provides access to employment, social and political relationships, stable health, social status, education and other vital services. Network believes that housing is a basic human right. St. Barbara Parish is a member of Network, a National Catholic Social Justice Lobby. We ask you to contact Rep. Lois Capps, via the U.S. Capitol switchboard (202-224-3121) and ask her to cosponsor the “Bringing America Home Act” (H.R. 2897) a comprehensive bill designed to end homelessness in the U.S. Among the bills key components are: Housing, increased funding for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Veterans’ Administration and Department of Agriculture and 1,500,000 Section 8 Housing Vouchers for low-income families; Health Care, a Sense of Congress resolving to enact legislation to guarantee that every person in the United States has access to comprehensive, quality and affordable health care; Economic Security, Temporary Worker Fairness and Protection, which will enact federal legislation giving temporary workers the same protections as those afforded permanent workers; Civil Rights, requirements that communities receiving homeless assistance dollars certify they are not criminalizing homelessness through laws and ordinances. Visit www.networklobby.org for more information.


St. Vincent De Paul Pancake Breakfast and Silent Auction, Sunday June 27th
A parish family event for all ages! Please plan to join us for Pancakes at Serra Hall (corner of Garden and Los Olivos) after Mass on Sunday, June 27th and help send kids to summer camp by joining in a silent auction or making a tax-deductible donation. For more information on how to donate, please call 687-7547. Thank you for your support.


Justice and Peace Committee
Our next meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 23rd, at 7:00 PM in the Parish Social Room. Please join us. Call Kitty Maxwell at 682-5606 for more information.

Twelfth Sunday of Ordinary Time
First Reading: Zechariah 12:10-11
Second Reading: Galatians 3:26-29
Gospel Reading: Luke 9:18-24

Reflection for the Liturgy of the Word
In today’s Gospel we reach a climax. Jesus will soon start his fateful journey to Jerusalem. He asks the crucial question: “ Who do people say I am?” Peter, spokesman for the disciples, recognizes Jesus as the Messiah. Peter had no facts on which to base his declaration, but he did have faith! Immediately Peter and the other disciples are challenged to rethink their definition of Messiah. Jesus is not a military of political figure. He is a suffering, dying and rising Messiah. Jesus clearly tells the disciples and the crowd that there is a cost to being a follower. You must be willing to lose yourself and go where Jesus leads—even if that means changing your thinking and beliefs, or suffering injustice, or lost of comforts. But of course you will be with Jesus.

Life Focus
Where do you go for seclusion?

If an atheist asked you who Jesus was and why you follow him, what would you say?

Share about someone you know who has “taken up a cross” each day. How does this inspire you?

Which of Jesus’ footsteps would you find it impossible to walk in? Why?

In your life, where have you gone or what have you done because of Jesus’ lead?

Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

As difficult as it is to grasp the mystery of God’s triune majesty, it is even more difficult for us to truly grasp that God loves us so much that God shares divine life and glory with us. Living out the Paschal Mystery means that we are faithful witnesses to God within. We witness to God’s divine presence through the good works we do. We can also witness simply by appreciating others and ourselves for the wonderful gift of God’s presence that we are to one another. Today’s readings challenge us to become more deeply aware of God’s presence in all of creation, in Jesus, and in ourselves. Then, we can allow that awareness to overflow in thanksgiving and praise that gives glory to God.

WEEKLY COLLECTIONS
Sunday, May 30th $10,060.50
Don’t forget to use your contribution envelopes.


TOGETHER IN MISSION APPEAL
The Together in Mission Appeal of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles brings yearly support to the Catholic schools and parishes throughout the Archdiocese that cannot continue in ministry without your generous support. Here at Saint Barbara Parish, we are most fortunate to be asked to give to the Together in Mission Appeal rather than to need support from it, please give generously.
Our parish pledge to the appeal for this year is $61,000, of which we have collected less than $36,000 since the appeal began in February. By this time last year, in comparison, we had raised over $51,000 and would reach our entire goal for the appeal by the end of August. Any shortfall of the $61,000 asked of our parish for this year will have to be paid by the parish, putting a strain on the parish operating budget.
If you have already made a donation or pledge to this year’s appeal, we thank you! If you have yet to make a donation, we ask you to prayerfully consider doing so. For your convenience, Together In Mission envelopes are in the pews and at the back of the church.


BECOME A LITURGICAL MINISTER
We are always in need of liturgical ministers. Please consider serving your parish in one of the following ministries:

USHERS work in concert with the sacristans to prepare before and after the Mass. In addition, they welcome and assist people as needed, and they take up the collection during the Mass.

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS serve the Body and Blood of Christ and purify the vessels after Communion.

LECTORS proclaim the Word of God to the gathered assembly, and read the Prayer of the Faithful.

Call the Parish Office for more information.


St. Vincent De Paul Summer Camp
Circle V Ranch - Summer Camp for Girls and Boys Ages 7 - 13 - St. Vincent de Paul Ranch Camp is providing one-week sessions for boys and girls. Dates for one-week sessions are from June 28 through August 9. Cost is $250 per child. Financial aid is available for children of low-income families that qualify. For more information, call Conchita Lehne at (805) 452-7421. Counselor in leadership training program is available for young people ages 14 – 17. If you wish to make a donation to help local children attend the summer camp program, contact St. Vincent de Paul at 687 – 7547.


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.


YOUTH ALTAR SERVERS AND ADULT ACOLYTES NEEDED
We are in need of more youth altar servers and/or adult acolytes to serve at Mass. Altar servers and acolytes assist the Presider in various ways throughout the Mass. For more information, please contact Bob and Claudia Chyla at (805) 683-4966.


CATHOLIC CHARITIES OFFERS PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING SERVICES

Catholic Charities Santa Barbara offers professional psychological counseling to individuals, couples and families. A very reasonable sliding scale is available. The office is located at 609 E. Haley. Call (805) 965-7045 x102 for English; Spanish speakers or bilingual call 965-7045 x114.


PARISH CALENDAR

June 6 Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity
June 12-13 John Vasellina from St. Raphael parish speaking at all Masses in regards to Youth Ministry and Confirmation.
June 12 Fr. Benny celebrates 60 years of Ordination, 11:00 AM Mass, reception to follow
June 13 Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
June 23 Baptism Class, 6:30 PM
June 26 Baptisms at the 4:00 PM Mass
June 26-27 Peter’s Pence Collection
June 27 St. Vincent De Paul Pancake Breakfast
Baptisms at the 12:00 Noon Mass
June 29 Pastoral Council Meeting, 7:00 PM


Fr. Benny Celebrates
The 60th Anniversary Of His Ordination
Next Saturday, June 12th, the 60th Anniversary of Fr. Benvenute Bavero, O.F.M., will be celebrated with a Mass in the Mission Church at 11:00 AM, followed by a reception in the Sacred Garden. All Parishioners are invited to join in the celebration.

CONFIRMATION
Registration Packets for Year 1 Confirmation students will be available in the Parish office very soon. This year we are continuing to partner with St. Raphael's Church in sending our Youth to their facility to receive preparation for the Sacrament, and for Youth Ministry. John Vasellina, Youth Minister and Confirmation Coordinator will be speaking about these programs at all the Masses on the weekend of Sunday, June 13th. He will be available to answer any questions you might have at that time or by phone, 964-3466 ext 1.


The Society of St. Vincent De Paul
Meets in the Bride’s Room of the Old Mission on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month at 12:45 PM. We work to help and to serve the poor. Call our voicemail at 687-7547 and leave a message for more information.


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

MUSIC NOTES
If you are a singer or instrumentalist, your musical gifts are needed at our liturgies. Please contact Dr. Keith Paulson-Thorp, Music Director, for details on how you might join in our music ministries.

TRAVELING THIS SUMMER?
Don’t forget to go to Mass.
For nationwide Mass times and locations, call Mass Times (410) 676-6000 or visit www.MassTimes.org.

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER RETREAT
Do you yearn for your spouse to really talk to you on a deep level? Are you longing for your spouse to really “get” what you are saying, for them to really hear you? You have the opportunity to strengthen and develop your communication skills by making a Marriage Encounter weekend. Turn ho-hum into WOW and see for yourself how good it can be! The next weekend in Ventura County is July 9-11. Contact Amber and Felix Masci at (805) 581-1670 or visit our website at home.earthlink.net/~afmasci for more information and to register. The Marriage Encounter Convention will be held July 17-18, 2004 at Mt. Saint Mary’s College in Brentwood. Find out more at www.me2004.org.

THANK YOU ST. BARBARA PARISH

Dear Parishioners,
On behalf of the board, staff, and resident families at Transition House, I would like to thank you for your recent gift of $500.00. Your contribution is greatly needed in order to offer respectful support to families in Santa Barbara who are experiencing homelessness.
Family homelessness continues to be a critical problem in our community. For many families, even holding down a full-time job does not guarantee the ability to pay for housing. It takes a job with a living wage, keen money management skills, a stable environment at home, and the support of family and friends.
Together with volunteers and donors, Transition House offers the support these folks need to do the hard work of reaching these goals. Thanks to you, we will continue to offer quality programs for our clients. Your dollars buy food and shelter, infant care and after-school programs, career development, ESL and computer classes, quality case management, and the time families need to achieve success.
We take very seriously your faith in our program. We are grateful to be able to count on you as a partner in our efforts to solve family homelessness in Santa Barbara.

Sincerely,
Kathleen Baushke, Executive Director



SECULAR FRANCISCANS
Secular Franciscans are a community of Catholic men and women who seek to pattern their lives after Christ in the spirit of St. Francis. This international order was founded by St. Francis of Assisi almost 800 years ago. For more information, please contact Bob Carman at 964-1042, or Fr. Alberic Smith, O.F.M., at 682-4713 x157.


GETTING IN THE PARISH BULLETIN
For Church Announcements, please contact Andrew in the Parish Office. Each week, submissions are due by Tuesday at Noon for consideration.

BREAD FOR THE WORLD
National Call in Days, June 7-11
Urgent Action Needed to Ensure Funds
For Women and Children in the U.S.
Please call Dianne Feinstein through a special toll-free number only available during the week of June 7-11, 1-800-826-3688. Urge her to provide at least $5 billion for the WIC program in Fiscal year 2005 and to make sure that the WIC contingency fund is replenished. Pregnant women, mothers, infants, and children may go without the nutrition they need unless funding is provided. Contacting Dianne Feinstein is important because she sits on the Senate Agricultural Appropriations Subcommittee. These subcommittees will soon recommend how much money should be allocated in fiscal year 2005 to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The President has requested $4.8 billion for 2005 for WIC. However, due in large part to an unanticipated rise in food costs, that amount will not be enough to serve all eligible people. In April alone, dairy products such as milk, eggs, cheese, and baby formula rose by more than 10%, according to a recent government report. The WIC program has a contingency fund, but much of the fund’s money will be used to cover shortfalls that are already occurring, due in part to high food costs. The amount left over will not be enough to cover the shortfall in 2005, and states may be forced to reduce the amount of food provided or restrict access to the program.
Please call Senator Feinstein toll free June 7-11.


STAND UP AGAINST MEDIA INDECENCY!

Parents are finding it more difficult to find entertainment for their families that is untainted by harmful portrayals of sex and violence, even among broadcast listings. Primetime fare includes programming - and even advertising - unsuitable for younger audiences. As fewer companies own larger segments of the news and entertainment industries, and stockholders demand greater profits, it is reasonable to believe that sex and violence will be even more prevalent on television and in the movies than it is today.
In 2003, grassroots efforts in response to the potential for greater media consolidation proved what the nation's bishops said in “Renewing the Mind of the Media,” that regular citizens can have an impact on the media and our government, which regulates the media.
Join thousands of Catholics and other concerned citizens who are dismayed by the prevalence of sex and violence in the media.

Go to www.catholic.org/ccc/banner.php
to join in petitioning that:

We, the Catholic people of the United States, united in our families, parishes, and dioceses, together with our bishops, pledge to encourage media leaders to act responsibly, to make room for voices they have neglected, and to eliminate anything that diminishes our appreciation of God's image in creation. We urge our government representatives to use their influence appropriately so that the media will strive to serve the common good and not only their own interests. We pledge to reject media that produces immoral content and demeans the dignity of the human person.

SIMON SCANLON WRITING AWARDS
Sponsored by The Way of St. Francis, this writing contest is open to all. Submissions should be original essays or feature length articles of 1500-2000 words (entries must not have been previously published or presented in any form) about any theme dealing with the influence and relevance of Franciscan life, spirituality, history, etc. in our world today. Profiles, essays, fiction, human interest stories, photo essays with text, interviews, accounts of charitable projects, etc. are acceptable. $1000 First Prize, $500 Second Prize, $250, Third Prize. Submissions must be postmarked by October 4, 2004. Pamphlets with more information are available in the Porter’s Office.

Solemnity of the Most Holy
Body and Blood of ChristFirst Reading: Genesis 14:18-20
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Gospel Reading: Luke 9:11-17

Reflection for the Liturgy of the Word

Luke’s Gospel stresses Jesus’ table fellowship with people of all sorts. This and other themes emerge in his account of Jesus feeding the multitude. (1) When Jesus asks the apostles to give the people something to eat themselves, it is a thinly veiled hint that they are to imitate him in feeding the hungry. (2) His generosity is suggested by the fact that “they all ate until they had enough” and underscored by the quality of leftovers, enough to fill twelve baskets. (Twelve symbolized all humanity.) Some people at Corinth had forgotten the significance of the Eucharist and were nullifying it by their selfishness. The rich members of the community were turning the common meal into a private bash. Paul reminded them that the Eucharist bonds us to all people around God’s table.

Life Focus
When have you felt you were running on empty?

Do you hunger in your family, work, or community? Name one thing you can do to make a difference.

What would make your life complete?

Christ related with all types of people. What type of people do you find easy to include in your life? What type of people are easy to exclude?

Today, who are the people who do not feel welcome in our Church? Can you take any practical steps to welcome at least one of these people?

Readings for the Week of May 30, 2004

Monday:
1 Kgs 17:1-6/Ps 121:1-8/Mt 5:1-12
Tuesday:
1 Kgs 17:7-16/Ps 4:2-5,7-8/Mt 5:13-16
Wednesday:
1 Kgs 18:20-39/Ps 16:1-2,4-5,8,11/Mt 5:17-19
Thursday:
1 Kgs 18:41-46/Ps 65:10-13/Mt 5:20-26
Friday:
Acts 11:21-26;13:1-3/Ps 98:1-6/Mt 5:27-32
Saturday:
1 Kgs 19:19-21/Ps 16:1-2,5,7-10/Mt 5:33-37