Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time



In today’s reading from Luke, Jesus warns us that the gateway to heaven may not only be a tight squeeze but actually locked by the time we consider entering. And it won’t be enough to be simply a card-carrying Christian to get in. We may better understand what Jesus is saying in Luke if we shift over to chapter seven of Matthew’s gospel where he makes a similar remark: “Enter by the narrow gate, for the road is wide that leads to destruction and many there are who take that route, while the gate to life is so tight and its path so narrow that few can even find it.”

Matthew locates that remark right after Jesus’ long sermon on the mount where he actually describes the tight behavioral path down which he would lead us to fullness of life. In today’s language we would hear: “Hold no grudges. Don’t obsess over offenses. Stop nursing your anger. Don’t sneer at anyone for, as far as I’m concerned, it’s equivalent to murder! See in every woman you meet the unique, precious person she is. Don’t reduce her to a consumable object. Don’t be so litigious. Don’t get caught up in the paranoia of fine print. When you say yes, mean yes; when you say no, mean no. Be candid, trusting, and trustworthy. Don’t think of getting even. If somebody rips you off, send him a gratuity. Give and forgive as extravagantly as God gives and forgives. Love not cautiously but adventurously, seeing potential friendship even among people who despise you. Make money a means, not an end. Take the speck out of your own eye before assuming to become your brother’s oculist. Pass no judgment.” The odd and difficult thing about Jesus’ narrow gate is we have to be very “BIG” to get through.

Dear Parishioners and Visitors,
Many of you already know that our Pastoral Staff Assistant, Andrew Gafvert, has moved to Simi Valley and is about to get married. Fortunately for us, he will continue to work in the office on a part-time basis for the next few weeks. Andrew has been a great asset to our community. We will miss him and wish him well! At the same time, we are excited to announce that our parishioner, Laura Ardry, has been hired as our new Parish Office Manager. Laura has an extensive business office background and comes to us highly recommended—by her husband, Ken (just kidding!). If you have a chance, stop by the office to welcome her. Laura, we are glad that you are here!

One of the highlights of this summer has been our “Summer Socials.” Many of us have enjoyed the opportunity to come together in a low-key, relaxed atmosphere just to be with one another and chat. We will be having another social in September; watch the bulletin for more information.

In the next few days, the statue of St. Barbara will be removed from the church for cleaning and restoration. She will be returned to us in time to celebrate her feast day on December 4th.

Fr. Alberic, the Guardian of the Old Mission, underwent back surgery last week. We are pleased to report that he is doing well and on the road to recovery. Fr. Alberic wishes to thank you for your prayers and also for the flowers the parish sent to him on the day he returned home.

Don’t forget to take time to relax, refresh and renew before the summer is gone!

Love, Pat

BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY TRAINING

In partial fulfillment of our stated parish objective to establish a “Service in Time of Need” ministry, we will be holding Bereavement Ministry training sessions for seven Thursdays from 7:00-9:30 PM in the Parish Social Rooms, beginning September 9th. Sessions will be held every Thursday night thereafter through October 21st. If you are interested in participating in this new ministry, please contact the parish office at 682-4151 and register for Bereavement Ministry training.

PARISH CALENDAR
August 25 Baptism Class at 6:30 PM
August 28 Baptisms at the 4:00 PM Mass
August 29 Baptisms at the 9:00 AM Mass
August 28-29 Franciscan Missionary Union Collection
September 9 First Bereavement Ministry Training Session, 7:00-9:30 PM
September 11 Concert of Mission Music, 7:00 PM
September 16 Second Bereavement Ministry Training Session, 7:00-9:30 PM
September 19 Catechetical Sunday

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.

A GREAT MARRIAGE IS PRICELESS
Wedding dress, $875.00. Honeymoon in Hawaii, $4,200.00. A 1.90 carat 10-year anniversary platinum diamond eternity ring, $2,850.00. Giving your heart to your spouse on a Marriage Encounter weekend? Priceless. Come find out why. The remaining 2004 weekend in Ventura will be October 15-17 at the Clocktower Inn. Contact Amber and Felix Masci at 581-1670, or visit www.home.earthlink.net/~afmasci for more information or to register.

Justice and Peace Committee News

We will not meet again until September 15th (Parish Social Rooms, 7:00 PM), but there is still much to do this summer. Call Kitty Maxwell, 682-5606, for more information.

The Society of St. Vincent De Paul
Meets at 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.


SECULAR FRANCISCANS
Secular Franciscans is 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.

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 964-3466, ext. 1.

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

CONSIDER REMEMBERING YOUR PARISH IN YOUR WILL OR TRUST
For more information, please contact H. Richard Closson, Archdiocesan Director, Trust and Estate Programs (213) 637-7472, HRClosson@la-arch-diocese.org. The correct legal title for our parish is: Roman Catholic Archbishop of Los Angeles, A Corporation Sole for the benefit of St. Barbara Parish.

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.

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.

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 weekend is November 12-14, 2004. For future dates and more information, contact Rick Albrecht (661)252-2613 rickety123@aol.com or Martha Oviedo (714)549-2619 moviedo31@aol.com

The Franciscan Missionary Union
Next Sunday, you will be encouraged to support the Franciscan Missionary Union through a second collection that will be taken up at all the Masses. Throughout the year, Franciscan Parishes hold this second collection on fifth Sundays. If you receive contribution envelopes by mail, don’t forget to bring your Franciscan Missionary Union envelope next Sunday. If you have already made a contribution in it, we thank you for your support.

The Franciscans minister to God's needy all over the world. The missionary work of the St. Barbara Province has expanded over the years to include rural parishes, Hispanic and Native American missions and ministry among the poor of the inner cities. In other parts of the world, our friars work with church communities in the Philippines, Mexico, Thailand, Peru, Guatemala, El Salvador, Russia, Kazakhstan, and the Holy Land.

Over the years, the Franciscans have been assisted in their missionary efforts by people sharing their spiritual and financial resources through the Franciscan Missionary Union (FMU). The FMU is an association of persons who help the missions by their prayers, alms, spreading knowledge and love for the missions and encouraging missionary vocations - all works of the highest charity.

The Franciscans invite you to become partners with them in this ministry of love and compassion. Through your support of the Franciscan Missionary Union, you become partners in the work of the Franciscan Missionaries. Please join us!

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 last Tuesday of each month. The next meeting is Tuesday, August 24th 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 www.archdiocesemlgc.com.

NETWORK ACTION
Saint Barbara Parish is a member of Network, a National Catholic Social Justice Lobby. This month Network is asking us to phone Rep. Lois Capps (805-730-1710) or email her at http://capwiz.com/networklobby/home/ and ask her to co-sponsor H. Con Res. 392 to support SMART Security: a Sensible Multilateral American Response to Terrorism.

SMART Security would:
· Focus on preventing terrorism by strengthening international institutions and respect for the law.
· Respond to the threat and spread of weapons of mass destruction and the proliferation of conventional weapons.
· Concentrate on terror and violence prevention strategies, including development and peace keeping.
· Revisit current United States budget priorities to meet all security needs, including those of the environment and peacekeeping, reconstruction, and development within the international community.
· Attempt every alternative to war, including conflict assessment, strengthening the ability of international bodies to prevent and resolve conflict, and supporting civil society programs.

Please see the SMART fact sheet on the parish bulletin board for more information.

Take a Stand Against Domestic Violence
On Thursday, August 26th, Domestic Violence Solutions for Santa Barbara County will present two workshops by nationally renowned domestic violence educators Ted Bunch and Anthony Porter, challenging “well-meaning men” to share responsibility for ending violence against women: Men’s Workshop 7:45-9:00 AM (1105 Chapala Street; $20, breakfast included). Men’s and Women’s Workshop 7:00-10:00 PM (33 West Victoria Street; $20, $10/students). RSVP 963-4458, x11.

Reflection for the Liturgy of the Word

The setting for next Sunday’s Gospel passage is another meal. This setting provides the material for Jesus’ teaching. The lessons from both parables look to what should be done in order to be at the heavenly banquet in the Father’s house. We must be willing to accept our strengths and weaknesses. The weaknesses are the way we come to depend on God and one another. Those who are truly humble will also be willing to come to the aid of the poor because they know that they, too, are poor. This parable prepares us for eternal happiness, as opposed to immediate self-gratification and repayment for favors done.

Life Focus

Recall a situation when you put someone else first and when someone put you first.

Relate a recent experience when you felt obligated to pay back a gesture of goodwill. What was the outcome?

How can you practice giving yourself or your possessions without expecting anything in return?

How do you deal with the “beggars, crippled, lame and blind” in this world? Who are they for you?

PREPARE FOR NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY OF THE WORD

Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
First Reading: Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29
Second Reading: Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24
Gospel Reading: Luke 14:1, 7-14

Readings for the Week of August 22, 2004
Monday:
2 Thes 1:1-5,11-12/Ps 96:1-5/Mt 23:13-22
Tuesday:
Rv 21:9-14/s 145:10-13,17-18/Jn 1:45-51
Wednesday:
2 Thes 3:6-10,16-18/Ps 128:1-2,4-5/Mt 23:27-32
Thursday:
1 Cor 1:1-9/Ps 145:2-7/Mt 24:42-51
Friday:
1 Cor 1:17-25/Ps 33:1-2,4-5,10-11/Mt 25:1-13
Saturday:
1 Cor 1:26-31/Ps 33:12-13,18-21/Mt 25:14-30

STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY
Sunday, August 15th

$11,004.00
Don’t forget to use your contribution envelopes.

TOGETHER IN MISSION APPEAL
The Archdiocese has reported that collections to date have reached $54,546 against our Parish goal of $60,807. Many thanks to all of those who have already generously given. You can see that we are closing in on our goal, but we are not there yet! To those who have not yet joined this Together in Mission appeal, we ask you to prayerfully consider doing so. Remember, your pledge or donation provides substantial financial support to 32 parishes and 46 parish schools in our Archdiocese, providing education, ministry and a Catholic presence for tens of thousands of people who simply cannot continue in ministry without your generous support. Pledge envelopes are available in the pews and at the back of the church. Thank you.

Business Ads in the Parish Bulletin
Please call Mission Publishing (888-253-4358)

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The discussion between Jesus and his disciples is picking up momentum. The stakes are higher. Jesus warns his disciples about what to expect. They will be persecuted because of him. They will encounter hypocrisy. They must rely on God to sustain them. The parable in today’s gospel deals with Jesus’ return after his ascension into glory. Jesus is the master who returns after the wedding feast. The parable is an exhortation to vigilance. Luke insists that detachment from worldly goods constitutes preparation for Jesus’ second coming.

When the Lord returns, he will serve his guests as they recline at the table. Even after Jesus’ glorification, he will return to assume the role of humble servant. Leaders of the community are to follow his example.

Luke presents one of his favorite themes. Disciples are to sell what they have and give to the poor. It is the heart of radical discipleship. Jesus acted as the example. Jesus lived the simple life, and in so doing lived in freedom. Such freedom empowers the servant to live for others.

The reference to burning lamps is an allusion to Passover. This reminds the disciples that Christ is the new Passover, and that Christians are heirs to the liberation Jesus won by his death and resurrection. Jesus invites us to participate in his death and resurrection [paschal mystery] and thus share in his act of redemption. When we offer our suffering to God for the sins of the world, we share in the mystery of the cross.

The allusion to reclining at table is also a reminder of the Eucharist. We remember that Jesus gave us his presence in the midst of his absence. We remember and make present the reality that Jesus died and rose again for us. We memorialize and participate in that event at every celebration of Eucharist. Christians are fed the bread of life so they can, in turn, go out and feed others as they await Jesus’ return. Today’s gospel is also a catechism on preparedness. Christians are to be ready for the Master’s return at a moment’s notice.

PARISH CALENDAR
August 11 Feast of St. Clare, 12:00 Noon Mass
August 15 Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
August 25 Baptism Class at 6:30 PM
August 28 Baptisms at the 4:00 PM Mass
August 28-29 Franciscan MissionaryUnion Collection
September 9 First Bereavement Ministry Training Session, 7:00-9:30 PM
September 11 Concert of Mission Music, 7:00 PM

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.

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.
From Death to New Life

Helen Joyce

SAINT VINCENT’S GOLF CLASSIC FUNDRAISER
St. Vincent’s will host its Third Annual Golf Classic, featuring Fred Couples, winner of 15 PGA events and the 2003 Shell Houston Open. The tournament will be held Monday, September 20, 2004, at Sandpiper Golf Club. Presented by Santa Barbara Bank & Trust, the benefit tournament will feature a pre-game golf clinic conducted by Couples, an 18-hole game of scramble, dinner, awards and auction items. All proceeds will benefit the women and children served by St. Vincent’s, the oldest social agency in Santa Barbara. Established in 1858, St. Vincent’s provides underprivileged single mothers and their children with the full range of services and support they need to lead productive and fulfilling lives on their own, including transitional housing and affordable day care. The staff of certified professional counselors, case managers and mentors operates on a core value system of respect, quality, simplicity, advocacy and creativity, providing the life skills that promote growth and independent living. Donations are tax deductible. For more details about the tournament, contact Sister Paule at (805) 683-6381, ext. 107, pfreeburg@sv-sb.org; or Lupe Montero at (805) 683-6381, ext. 127, lmontero@sv-sb.org.

SECOND SUMMER SOCIAL!
Join St. Barbara Parish for our fiesta themed second summer social on the patio behind the parish kitchen, August 18, 2004, from 6:00 p.m. to Sunset. All are welcome … Bocadillos and Drinks —Free!

BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY NEWS
For some time, we have been looking into establishing a bereavement ministry in partial fulfillment of our stated parish objective to establish a “Service in Time of Need” ministry. As promised we will be holding training sessions this Fall. The first of seven sessions will be held on Thursday, September 9th from 7:00-9:30 PM. Sessions will be held every Thursday night thereafter at the same time through October 21st. If you are interested in attending and participating in this new ministry please contact the parish office.

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.

CONTACTING KYLE VAN TASSEL
Kyle Van Tassel, who served St. Barbara Parish as an altar server for over 10 years before enlisting in the Army is currently stationed in Iraq. Kyle’s family has provided his mailing address for those who might wish to write to him:

S4 Van Tassel/Eddy J
HHC Task Force 1-18
2nd BCT, 1 ID
Operation Iraqi Freedom
FOB Danger “FWD”
APO AE 09392

Kyle would love to hear from you!

“An Evening in Madrid”
The San Lorenzo Seminary Prayer and Retreat Center will hold its annual Dinner/Auction on Saturday, September 11th at 4:30 PM. Please join them for “An Evening in Madrid”. The event will be held at Old Mission Santa Inés in conjunction with their bicentennial celebration. Tickets are $60/person and may be reserved by calling Gary and Jodi Waples at 688-0322. Seating is limited, so make your reservations early. Tables of 10 and 12 are available. For more information, please call Jim and Peggy Patin at 688-8290.

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).

Please join in celebrating our most recent marriage between:
Mark Udell & Evangeline Feliciano

A GREAT MARRIAGE IS PRICELESS
Wedding dress, $875.00. Honeymoon in Hawaii, $4,200.00. A 1.90 carat 10-year anniversary platinum diamond eternity ring, $2850.00. Giving your heart to your spouse on a Marriage Encounter weekend? Priceless. Come find out why. The remaining 2004 weekend in Ventura will be October 15-17 at the Clocktower Inn. Contact Amber and Felix Masci at 581-1670, or visit www.home.earthlink.net/~afmasci for more information or to register.

MASS FOR FaMILY AND FRIENDS OF THE INCARCERATED
A special Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, August 22nd, at 3:00 PM at St. Raphael Church (5444 Hollister Ave.) for Family and Friends of the Incarcerated. Contact St. Raphael parish for more information, (805) 967-5641.

Santa Inés Bicentennial Celebration
You are invited to join Old Mission Santa Inés for their 200th anniversary celebration, Friday, September 17th through Sunday, September 19th. Festivities will include two performances of “The Bells of Santa Inés” on Friday and Saturday at 8:00 PM. Cardinal Mahoney will preside over a rededication of the Mission on Sunday, September 19th at 3:00 PM, followed by a special bilingual Anniversary Mass and reception. Please contact the Santa Inés Mission for more information, 688-4815.

VOCATION RETREAT DAY FOR YOUNG WOMEN
To be held at Nazareth House, 3333 Manning Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90064, on Saturday, August 21 from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM. Call Sister Fintan at (310) 839-2361 for more information or email vocations@nazarethhousela.org.

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 (805) 967-1709 for more information.

PREPARE FOR NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY OF THE WORD

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
First Reading: Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:20-27
Gospel Reading: Luke 1:39-56

Reflection for the Liturgy of the Word

The Assumption of Mary is a celebration of hope. Christians are resurrection people; we live by hope. We face our trials in life, but we do so hopefully. In our moments of greatest loss and trouble, we can firmly explain: “I know that my redeemer lives, and with him I will live in the land of the living.” Assumption for us is a hope-filled assumption that this is so.
Life Focus

Relate a time when your trust and hope in God helped you to face a hardship. When have you experienced feelings of hopelessness? How did you deal with these feelings?

Readings for the Week of August 8, 2004
Monday:
Ez 1:2-5,24-28/Ps 148:1-2,11-14/Mt 17:22-27
Tuesday:
2 Cor 9:6-10/Ps 112:1-2,5-9/Jn 12:24-26
Wednesday:
Ez 9:1-7;10:18-22/Ps 113:1-6/Mt 18:15-20
Thursday:
Ez 12:1-12/Ps 78:56-59,61-62/Mt 18:21-19:1
Friday:
Ez 16:1-15,60,63/Is 12:2-6/Mt 19:3-12
Saturday:
Ez 18:1-10,13,30-32/Ps 51:12-15,18-19/Mt 19:13-15

Sunday, August 1st 1,539.00
Don’t forget to use your contribution envelopes.

TOGETHER IN MISSION APPEAL
The Archdiocese has reported that collections have reached $53,426 against our Parish Goal of $60,807. You can see we are closing in on our Goal, but we are not there yet! To those who have not yet joined this Together in Mission appeal, please help us reach our Goal. Remember, your pledge or donation goes to the schools and parishes in our Archdiocese that simply cannot continue in ministry without your generous support. Pledge envelopes are available in the pews and at the back of the church. Thank you.

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.