Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
To pray the prayer that Jesus specifically taught is to pray that God’s name be hallowed and that God’s reign be fully brought about. It is to acknowledge that all barriers to love must be dissolved. Indeed, anything that separates us—race from race, rich from poor, gender from gender, age group from age group, Christian from non-Christian—is a barrier to the holiness God wishes to share with believers. Biases or prejudices have no place in the community that honors God’s name. Jesus also tells us to pray for our very human needs: for bread, for food to nourish us, for food to eat, and for food to share. And most especially, Jesus tells us to ask for forgiveness of our sins and for the grace to forgive others as God forgives us. Finally, Jesus calls us to persevere in prayer. God is the God of graciousness, but that does not guarantee that we will get what we think we want or need. We may instead be led to discover more than we were looking for or be surprised at what is behind the door on which we are knocking. God give us what we need. Often we understand this to be true only in retrospect—only in light of the mystery of faith.
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?
Don’t Forget to Go to Mass
For nationwide Mass times and locations, call Mass Times (410)676-6000 or visit www.MassTimes.org.
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
July 24-25 National Needs Combined Collection
July 25 Baptisms at the 9:00 AM Mass
July 27 NO Pastoral Council Meeting
August 2 Feast of Our Lady of the Angels of the Portiuncula, 12:00 Noon Mass
August 4 Fiesta Pequena, 8:00 PM
August 5 Fiesta - Misa del Presidente, 10:00 AM
August 11 Feast of St. Clare, 12:00 Noon Mass
August 15 Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary
YOUTH MINISTRY 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.
MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER RETREAT
Give your spouse the gift you both deserve, the gift of yourself and loving communication. The next Marriage Encounter Weekend in Ventura has been rescheduled to October 15-17 at the Clocktower Inn. Contact Amber and Felix Masci at (805) 581-1670, or visit www.home.earthlink.net/~afmasci for more information or to register.
 BIBLE CAMP AT SAN ROQUE PARISH
Welcome to another fund filled adventure! See the volcano towering over the jungle. Hear the rumbling in the distance. Feel the ground shaking under your feet. You can almost feel the excitement that’s building as you head into big adventures at Lava Lava Island, where Jesus’ love flows!!
Lava Lava Island is overflowing with fun for kids (four years old - sixth grade), teenagers and adults (as leaders). Everyone involved will jump into God’s word with both feet… and will never be the same again. As kids explore the life of Jesus, they’ll take part in daily challenges that encourage them to apply Scripture truths to their daily lives. Don’t miss out! Camp begins Monday, August 2nd and ends Friday, August 6th, running from 9:00 AM until 12:00 Noon each day. Call the San Roque Parish Office of Religious Education today for a registration form or stop in to see us. Space is limited and filling up, so don’t wait, call us today, (805) 682-1097.
NATIONAL NEEDS COLLECTION
Each year, your support of the National Needs Combined Collection makes it possible for the Catholic Communication Campaign to continue its television, radio, and print media ministry, provides aid to some of the neediest African American and Native American communities through the vital evangelization programs of the Black and Indian Home Mission, insures the highest standards of quality Catholic education through The Catholic University of America’s exceptional programs of scholarship, research, and service, strengthens the Church at home, and helps to provide basic pastoral resources and services to needy ethnic communities in scattered and isolated areas through the Catholic Home Missions Appeal. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
Justice and Peace Committee News
We will not be meeting again until September 15th (in the Parish Social Rooms at 7:00 PM), but there is still much to do this summer. Contact Kitty Maxwell at (805) 682-5606, for more information.
PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN
In regard to the safety of our children, St. Barbara Parish formed a "Safeguard the Children Committee" in 2003 and complies with all of the Archdiocesan norm and requirements. Going even further, the parish has consulted with CALM (Child Abuse Listening and Mediation) and sponsored presentations for our religious education teachers. More… written procedures are given to all religious education families. And more…all staff and every volunteer who ministers to children submit to a criminal background check.
PUBLIC RELATIONS VOLUNTEER URGENTLY NEEDED
For concert in honor of St. Francis of Assisi being held in the Mission Church September 25th, 2004, raising funds for the Old Mission Santa Barbara Serra Wing where elderly and sick friars are cared for. Please contact Bob and Claudia Chyla at (805) 683-4966 ASAP if you can help.
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.)
ALWAYS OUR CHILDREN!
The Catholic Support Group for Parents of gay and lesbian Catholics for the Santa Barbara and Ventura area meets on the last Tuesday of the month. The next meeting is Tuesday, July 27th 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 (805) 687-4338. See the website at http://www.archdiocesemlgc.com.
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, , and the lost baby. For confidential help, call 684-4670.
BEGINNING EXPERIENCE WEEKEND
Are you widowed, separated, or divorced? The Beginning Experience Weekend is designed to provide tools to understand and process the feelings of loss. It is a time to rediscover your uniqueness and self-confidence, to put closure on the past, and focus on a new beginning in the present. The next workshop is November 5-7, 2004, in Los Angeles. For future dates and more information, please contact: Rebecca Whittaker (562)430-0204, rwhittaker@social.rr.com
CHILDREN’S BEGINNING EXPERIENCE
Children’s Beginning Experience is a grief recovery weekend in a camp like setting designed for children ages 8-18 who have experienced the death of a parent or whose parents have separated, divorced, or were never married. Children dealing with these types of losses may become withdrawn, fearful, and insecure, seem to act out for no reason, or become confused and depressed, often blaming themselves. The goal of each weekend is to help sort out and begin working through these feelings, while building a stronger sense of self-esteem. This is accomplished by providing a safe and secure place for caring, acceptance, and community to blossom. Running from Friday evening through Sunday afternoon, the Children’s Beginning Experience is supervised by adults and presented by a team of kids willing to share their own experience to help others. The next weekends are July 30 to August 1, and November 12-14, 2004. For future dates ad more information, contact Rick Albrecht (661)252-2613 rickety123@aol.com or Martha Oviedo (714)549-2619 moviedo31@aol.com
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Corazone desperately needs volunteers to help dismantle a large monastery which has been donated to them. The donated materials will be used to build homes in Mexico for those most in need. The project is scheduled for weekends in August and the site is approximately half an hour’s drive north of Santa Barbara. Food and facilities will be provided. The work will qualify as community service hours for high school students. To volunteer, please phone Sonya Huerta, project coordinator, (805) 568-5115.
CALLING ALL GOOD SHEPHERD BEVERLY HILLS ALUMNI
We need your address, telephone number, and year of graduation for our upcoming 75th Anniversary. Please contact Andrea Kathol (Class of 2000) with any information by email, KF6ZQU@aol.com, or FAX (310) 553-6805.
JustFaith
JustFaith, an intensive justice formation program sponsored by Catholic Charities USA, will be introduced at a meeting on Sunday, July 25 from 3:00-5:00 PM at Immaculate Heart Center (888 San Ysidro Rd.). Call Carol Carrig, 969-2474, for details.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO VISIT IRELAND?
Then don’t miss St. Raphael Senior Travel’s Ireland Trip, October 2004. Fourteen days in Ireland! Please call Mary at 967-1709 for more information.
PREPARE FOR NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY OF THE WORD
Eighteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time
First Reading: Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23
Second Reading: Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11
Gospel Reading: Luke 12:13-21
Reflection for the Liturgy of the Word
The "Parable of the Rich Fool," told only by Luke, contrasts those who place their trust in material possessions with those who recognize their complete dependence on God. The parable challenges us to rethink our priorities and our attitudes about wealth. It also calls us to make a decision about possessiveness and then act on our decision. By refusing to decide the case, Jesus forces the two brothers to come to their own decisions. The parable challenges us to "seek first the reign of God."
Life Focus
Share a time that material goods failed to satisfy you.
How can you store up "riches in the sight of God" that you can "take with you"?
Tell how "avoiding greed in all its forms" can help you shape your everyday life.
What helps you find a balance between taking reasonable care of yourself and hearing the needs all around you?
Drawing upon your experience, track down the various ways you are being pressured to put your security in the possession of material goods.
Readings for the Week of July 25, 2004
Monday:
Jer 13:1-11/Dn 32:18-21/Mt 13:31-35
Tuesday:
Jer 14:17-22/Ps 79:8-9,11,13/Mt 13:36-43
Wednesday:
Jer 15:10,16-21/Ps 59:2-4,10-11,17-18/Mt 13:44-46
Thursday:
Jer 18:1-6/Ps 146:1-6/Jn 11:19-27
Friday:
Jer 26:1-9/Ps 69:5,8-10,14/Mt 13:54-58
Saturday:
Jer 26:11-16,24/Ps 69:15-16,20-21/Mt 14:1-12
STEWARDSHIP
Sunday, July 18th $10,032.00
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 approximately $36,500 since the appeal began in February. By this time last year, for comparison, we had raised about $57,000 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.

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

In today’s gospel, Jesus challenges Martha’s orientation towards "doing" and praises Mary’s posture of "being." Jesus is actually inviting disciples (men and women) to step out of their expected norm, to look at things from a new perspective and encounter the God of surprise. Whenever disciples stretch themselves, move into uncharted waters and listen to God anew, they invite the transformation of every area of life. Those who are naturally drawn to a ministry of service need to spend time in prayer and contemplation, and those who are drawn to contemplation need to ground their prayer in action. One feeds the other. Today’s gospel reminds us that the greatest action one can perform is to love God with one’s entire being. Jesus invites us to step outside the routine of our lives, even the admirable routine, and abide with him. Our service will not last if not rooted in the contemplation of God’s word.

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.
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
July 22 Baptism Class, 6:30 PM
July 24-25 National Needs Combined Collection
July 25 Baptisms at the 9:00 AM Mass
July 27 NO Pastoral Council Meeting
August 2 Feast of Our Lady of the Angels of the Portiuncula, 12:00 Noon Mass
August 4 Fiesta Pequena, 8:00 PM
August 5 Fiesta - Misa del Presidente, 10:00 AM
August 11 Feast of St. Clare, 12:00 Noon Mass

Job Advertisement
PARISH OFFICE MANAGER
Responsible 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 by July 21.

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.

HANDICAPABLES MASS AND LUNCHEON:
Saturday, July 24, Holy Cross Parish (1740 Cliff Dr.) Mass at 11:30 AM followed by lunch. For reservations/transportation, contact Shirley at 967-9985.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO VISIT IRELAND?
Then don’t miss St. Raphael Senior Travel’s Ireland Trip, October 2004. Fourteen days in Ireland! Please call Mary at 967-1709 for more information.

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER RETREAT
Give your spouse the gift you both deserve, the gift of yourself and loving communication. The next Marriage Encounter Weekend in Ventura has been rescheduled to October 15-17 at the Clocktower Inn. Contact Amber and Felix Masci at (805) 581-1670, or visit www.home.earthlink.net/~afmasci for more information or to register. 

  BIBLE CAMP AT SAN ROQUE PARISH

Welcome to another fund filled adventure! See the volcano towering over the jungle. Hear the rumbling in the distance. Feel the ground shaking under your feet. You can almost feel the excitement that’s building as you head into big adventures at Lava Lava Island, where Jesus’ love flows!!
Lava Lava Island is overflowing with fun for kids (four years old - sixth grade), teenagers and adults (as leaders). Everyone involved will jump into God’s word with both feet… and will never be the same again. As kids explore the life of Jesus, they’ll take part in daily challenges that encourage them to apply Scripture truths to their daily lives. Don’t miss out! Camp begins Monday, August 2nd and ends Friday, August 6th, running from 9:00 AM until 12:00 Noon each day. Call the San Roque Parish Office of Religious Education today for a registration form or stop in to see us. Space is limited and filling up, so don’t wait, call us today, (805) 682-1097.

NATIONAL NEEDS COLLECTION NEXT WEEKEND
Each year, your support of the National Needs Combined Collection makes it possible for the Catholic Communication Campaign to continue its television, radio, and print media ministry, provides aid to some of the neediest African American and Native American communities through the vital evangelization programs of the Black and Indian Home Mission, insures the highest standards of quality Catholic education through The Catholic University of America’s exceptional programs of scholarship, research, and service, strengthens the Church at home, and helps to provide basic pastoral resources and services to needy ethnic communities in scattered and isolated areas through the Catholic Home Missions Appeal. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Justice and Peace Committee
We will not be meeting again until September 15th (in the Parish Social Rooms at 7:00 PM), but there is still much to do this summer. Contact Kitty Maxwell at (805) 682-5606, for more information.

A REMINDER
In regard to the safety of our children, St. Barbara Parish formed a "Safeguard the Children Committee" in 2003 and complies with all of the Archdiocesan norm and requirements. Going even further, the parish has consulted with CALM (Child Abuse Listening and Mediation) and sponsored presentations for our religious education teachers. More… written procedures are given to all religious education families. And more…all staff and every volunteer who ministers to children submit to a criminal background check.

PUBLIC RELATIONS VOLUNTEER URGENTLY NEEDED
For concert in honor of St. Francis of Assisi being held in the Mission Church September 25th, 2004, raising funds for the Old Mission Santa Barbara Serra Wing where elderly and sick friars are cared for. Please contact Bob and Claudia Chyla at (805) 683-4966 ASAP if you can help.

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.)

ATTENTION YOUNG ADULTS
Bridge Building of Santa Barbara, a spirituality program for young adults, invites you to their popular GAME NIGHT at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, July 20th at Bishop Diego Pastoral Center (4032 La Colina Rd., Santa Barbara). Bring a friend for snacks, chat, and games. For more information, call (805) 682-1508, or email bridgesantabarbara@aol.com.
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.

ALWAYS OUR CHILDREN!
The Catholic Support Group for Parents of gay and lesbian Catholics for the Santa Barbara and Ventura area meets on the last Tuesday of the month. The next meeting is Tuesday, July 27th 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 (805) 687-4338. See the website at http://www.archdiocesemlgc.com.

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.

JAPANESE STUDENTS NEED HOSTS:
Forty-nine junior boys and girls from a high school in Kyoto, Japan need a place to stay while they are perfecting their English and Computer skills in an all-day program at UCSB from August 19 - September 3. They all speak English and will bring their own spending money.  All you need to provide them with is a bed, meals, and transportation to and from a pick-up location (the Mission is one of the locations). Singles, families and retired folks are all welcome to participate. Call Carol Potter at (877) 962-5701 to volunteer.

BEGINNING EXPERIENCE WEEKEND
Are you widowed, separated, or divorced? The Beginning Experience Weekend is designed to provide tools to understand and process the feelings of loss. It is a time to rediscover your uniqueness and self-confidence, to put closure on the past, and focus on a new beginning in the present. The next workshop is November 5-7, 2004, in Los Angeles. For future dates and more information, please contact: Rebecca Whittaker (562)430-0204, rwhittaker@social.rr.com.
 
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.

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, , and the lost baby. For confidential help, call 684-4670.

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

PREPARE FOR NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY OF THE WORD
Seventeenth Sunday of Ordinary Time
First Reading: Genesis 18:20-32
Second Reading: Colossians 2:12-14
Gospel Reading: Luke 11:1-13

Reflection for the Liturgy of the Word
In today’s Gospel, Luke gives us his version of the Lord’s Prayer, slightly different in wording from Matthew’s. It would seem that Jesus taught his disciples how to pray without giving them a precise formula. The central request is for the coming of God’s reign. Physical nourishment is necessary as people await God’s reign, and Luke suggests that that it will be a long wait by adding the significant "each day." One attitude is singled out: mutual forgiveness modeled on God’s forgiveness. One quality of prayer is stressed: perseverance. Eventual success is assured, and in the process one stays in touch with God.

Life Focus
When has there seemed to be no answer to your prayer? What has been your response? Describe the change in yourself.

From your experience, what keeps you praying or not praying?

How are you affected when you are slow to forgive? Who in your life do you need to forgive (include yourself)?

Reflect on a time when your prayer was answer in a different way than you expected.
STEWARDSHIP
Sunday, July 11th $10,618.00
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.

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

In the parable of the good Samaritan, Jesus challenges us in at least three ways: how close we should get to suffering, how generously we should respond, and how inclusive our compassion should be. First, notice what the priest and Levite did. They crossed the road so that they wouldn’t have to get too close to the injured man who seemed to be dead. Touching a dead body would render them unsuitable for service of God. Perhaps they didn’t want to see. The Good Samaritan challenges us to move toward suffering rather than away from it. When we engage life “up close and personal,” with open eyes and an open heart, we are much more likely to be moved to compassionate action. The second challenge the good Samaritan poses for us is how generous our compassionate action should be. Jesus raises the standard on what it means to be “good.” In many situations, it’s not enough to make donations of cash, food, or clothes; send a sympathy card; or promise to pray for others. Notice the extent of the service provided by the good Samaritan. He personally comforted the injured man, transported him to a safe haven, paid for his care, and promised to return to see if more was needed. He may have arrived late at his original destination, but sometimes God has other destinations in mind for us when we set out at the beginning of each day. Thirdly, Jesus uses the good Samaritan to underline his constant teaching that the test of Christian love is not how much we love those who love us, but how much we love those who don’t love us. Jesus’ disciples are to imitate their master’s inclusive embrace of all people and the example of the good Samaritan. We are called to extend our compassion to our “enemies”: those who get on our nerves, those who sometimes put us down, those who can’t repay us, those who often disagree with us, as well as those who seek to hurt us.

Dear Parishioners and Visitors,
Many thanks to all of you who worked so hard on the parish Arts and Crafts Festival Fundraiser last weekend: working in the food and information booths, helping people park, donating cookies, set up and tear down, and so much more. We could not have done it without you. Very special thanks are due to Lisa Thomas, who coordinates the Festival with such hard work and dedication, and to Marti and Gil Garcia, who did a terrific job coordinating the food booth for their first time! We thank you all!

At the Festival, we began selling raffle tickets for a seven night Cruise of the Mexican Riviera for two with ports of call of Puerto Vallarta, Matzatlan, and Cabo San Lucas aboard the new Carnival MS Pride. Many thanks to Cathy Steinke for bringing us another great raffle fundraiser! If you did not get tickets at the Arts and Crafts Festival, there will be plenty more opportunities to buy them between now and the drawing at the Parish Picnic on Sunday, October 10th (please note: this is a different date than is noted on the tickets).

Finally, I would like to draw your attention to the next page of the bulletin where you will find the details for our first ever St. Barbara Parish Summer Social, scheduled for Wednesday, July 14th. We hope that you will plan to join us in this great chance to come together as a parish family! See you on the 14th!

Peace and all Good, Fr. Richard, O.F.M.

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!

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.

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.

HANDICAPABLES MASS AND LUNCHEON:
Saturday, July 24, Holy Cross Parish (1740 Cliff Dr.) Mass at 11:30 AM followed by lunch. For reservations/transportation, contact Shirley at 967-9985.

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER RETREAT
Give your spouse the gift you both deserve, the gift of yourself and loving communication. The next Marriage Encounter Weekend in Ventura has been rescheduled to October 15-17 at the Clocktower Inn. Contact Amber and Felix Masci at (805) 581-1670, or visit www.home.earthlink.net/~afmasci for more information or to register.



THANK YOU ST. BARBARA PARISH

Saint Vincent de Paul Conference at St. Barbara Parish, Old Mission Santa Barbara extends our appreciation to all the people that made the Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, June 26 a grand success. Several thousand dollars were raised to help send children from Santa Barbara to summer camp. In particular, we give thanks for the help we received from the St. Barbara Parish coffee servers, members of the Knights of Columbus Council #1684, members of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas – Court Santa Barbara #293, contributors of our silent auction items, contributors of food, and our exhausted SVdP Conference members making summer camp for Santa Barbara children a success for 2004.

Sincerely,
Richard Rink, Conference President

BIBLE CAMP AT SAN ROQUE PARISH

Welcome to another fun filled adventure! See the volcano towering over the jungle. Hear the rumbling in the distance. Feel the ground shaking under your feet. You can almost feel the excitement that’s building as you head into big adventures at Lava Lava Island, where Jesus’ love flows!!

Lava Lava Island is overflowing with fun for kids (four years old - sixth grade), teenagers and adults (as leaders). Everyone involved will jump into God’s word with both feet… and will never be the same again. As kids explore the life of Jesus, they’ll take part in daily challenges that encourage them to apply Scripture truths to their daily lives. Don’t miss out! Camp begins Monday, August 2nd and ends Friday, August 6th, running from 9:00 AM until 12:00 Noon each day. Call the San Roque Parish Office of Religious Education today for a registration form or stop in to see us. Space is limited and filling up, so don’t wait, call us today, (805) 682-1097.

PREPARE FOR NEXT SUNDAY’S
LITURGY OF THE WORD
Sixteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time
First Reading: Genesis 18:1-10
Second Reading: Colossians 1:24-28
Gospel Reading: Luke 10:38-42

Reflection for the Liturgy of the Word
In next Sunday’s first reading, we get a glimpse of the importance of hospitality in the desert. The Gospel continues this theme of hospitality. Martha prepares the meal in the kitchen while Mary sits at the Lord’s feet. Martha takes exception to Mary’s actions, but Mary is being hospitable in her own way. Jesus teaches Martha to balance her work with a bit of listening. It is not that her work isn’t important, but action by itself can easily become mindless busyness. It’s a question of balancing priorities.

Life Focus
Who are you most like, Mary or Martha? Tell of an experience from your life to show this. How can you develop the other side of yourself?

Tell of an experience in your life when your attention was focused on the less important in a situation.

Who, more than anyone, makes you feel at home? How? How can you show this kind of hospitality to others this week?

As an individual, what do you do to prepare yourself to listen to Christ? Do you have a special time or place for listening?

How can your life be more centered and clear?

Readings for the Week of July 11, 2004

Monday:
Is 1:10-17/Ps 50:8-9,16-17,21,23/Mt 10:34-11:1
Tuesday:
Is 7:1-9/Ps 48:2-8/Mt 11:20-24
Wednesday:
Is 10:5-7,13-16/Ps 94:5-10,14-15/Mt 11:25-27
Thursday:
Is 26:7-9,12,16-19/Ps 102:13-21/Mt 11:28-30
Friday:
Is 38:1-6,21-22,7-8/Is 38:10-12,16/Mt 12:1-8
Saturday:
Mi 2:1-5/Ps 10:1-4,7-8,14/Mt 12:14-21

STEWARDSHIP
Sunday, July 4th $9,867.00
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.

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

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
July 14 First Parish Summer Social 6:00 PM
July 22 Baptism Class, 6:30 PM
July 24-25 National Needs Combined Collection
July 25 Baptisms at the 9:00 AM Mass
July 27 NO Pastoral Council Meeting
August 2 Feast of Our Lady of the Angels of the Portiuncula, 12:00 Noon Mass
August 4 Fiesta Pequena, 8:00 PM
August 5 Fiesta - Misa del Presidente, 10:00 AM

Job Advertisement
PARISH OFFICE MANAGER
Responsible 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 by July 21.