Friday, July 23, 2004
Dear Parishioners and Visitors,

Now that it’s summertime and the livin’ is easy (really?!), it’s time for us to circle back to our exploration of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, published in the United States about one year ago. During Lent, we touched a little bit on bowing as a gesture for the people to make during the liturgy. Many of us already instinctively bow our heads at the name of Jesus or when the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are named, and rightfully so. There are two other points within the liturgy that require a bow on our part. We are to make a bow of the body (a bow from the waist) during the recitation of the Creed at the words "…by the power of the Holy Spirit he was born of the Virgin Mary, and became [hu]man." We bow at these words to highlight and acknowledge the profound mystery of the Incarnation. Interestingly, this particular instruction has been included in the General Instruction for many years but had not been emphasized as a gesture for the people. The other bow we are to make is a bow of the head to both of the Eucharistic elements—the Body and the Blood of Christ, thereby underscoring the profundity of God’s greatest gift to us. We are to make that bow just before we receive the consecrated bread in our hands and take the cup to drink. If you bow sooner than that, it looks as though you are bowing to the person in front of you! Our Eucharistic Ministers know to wait for your bow. Also, if you do not drink from the cup for some reason, it is most appropriate to bow to the cup as you pass by. By the way, it is not appropriate for one to genuflect to the elements; the common gesture is the bow. I invite you to join me in working toward including these bows in your participation in the liturgy.

Our first-ever "Summer Social" was so utterly delightful and successful that the committee is already looking forward to the next one. The theme will be "Fiesta!" We will serve delicious Mexican hors d’oeuvres, and you can expect a surprise or two. Plan to join us on Wednesday, August 18th at 6:00 PM on the patio and grass area behind the parish kitchen. Children are welcome!
Summer blessings! Pat

Thursday, July 15, 2004
Dear Parishioners and Visitors,
Wednesday a front-page article appeared in the Santa Barbara News press regarding Brother Gerald, a friar in residence at the Old Mission. The article portrays Brother Gerald as a friar who fled Canada to avoid prosecution for child abuse. The article portrays the Franciscan Friars as "covering up" and "harboring" a fugitive from justice. The article graciously left out the part of the original Dallas newspaper article describing the Old Mission as "a religious complex overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Santa Barbara, California." Unfortunately, the article did not also omit other inaccuracies that I know the New Press had available. Brother Gerald requested to be transferred to California in order to work in charitable ministries. It was not until Brother Gerald had been in California for about 20 years that allegations were made in Canada and a warrant issued. Since that time Canadian officials have known where Brother Gerald has been, under what conditions, and have never sought extradition. Since that time Brother Gerald has been removed from any ministry, has been in constant counseling and has been strictly monitored. Brother Gerald moved to the Old Mission because he is old and suffers from cancer and diabetes. Lastly, young children have never been an issue in Brother Gerald’s sexual misconduct. I believe there is justice with repentance, with restitution (as much as possible), with protection for society especially the powerless among us, and with forgiveness. I do not believe revenge to be a virtue, even under a category of justice. Peace and all Good, Fr. Richard, O.F.M. : Mi 2:1-5/Ps 10:1-4,7-8,14/Mt 12:14-21
Wednesday, July 07, 2004
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.