Fourth Sunday of Advent


What’s in a name? In the ancient world, everything. One’s name was one’s identity. And the one who names another is equally important. In today’s Gospel, we see the Son of Mary receiving two names—two names revealed by God.

Joseph is the quintessential good person. His fiancée is pregnant, and he’s not the father. He intends to quietly call off the whole thing, but the angelic presence in his dream changes all that. Angels are prominent in the Scriptures to announce unanticipated changes in the lives of people. Angels tell forth God’s surprises.

So, Joseph is told to resist his instincts and go against the clear mandate of the Law. He takes Mary as his wife and legally adopts her son by naming him. He is told to name him Jesus. The name is not picked out of a baby book; “Jesus” means what it says—God saves us!

We learn that this Jesus will have a second name. This name, too, is revealed by God through the prophet Isaiah. Jesus is to be Emmanuel—God with us!

These two names tell us that this child will embody within human history the ongoing creative activity of God. God is always saving, transforming, recreating, reinventing, renewing, restoring, redoing. Jesus will be the lasting and fullest sign of this action of God.

And God is always “with us” and “for us”. God is faithful. God does not change. God will be with us in the depths of our struggle and pain. Jesus/Emmanuel is the greatest sign of God’s fidelity.

Dear Parishioners and Visitors,

We are now in the final week of the season of Advent. Today’s Mass and the Liturgies of the Hours during this week focus our attention on the imminent birth of the Messiah. Our Savior is near!

This past Friday, December 17th, the whole Church began the ancient custom of marking the final days of Advent by meditating on the seven “O Antiphons,” one for each day before Christmas Eve. The exact origin of these prayers, based on the prophecies if Isaiah, is not really known, although they are referenced as early as 480-525 AD. Each antiphon calls for the Messiah to come using different, historical titles. You may want to join in the prayer of the Church calling out to the God who comes among us.

·December 17: “O Wisdom, O holy Word of God, you govern all creation with your strong yet tender care: come and show your people the way to salvation.”

·December 18: “O sacred One of ancient Israel, who showed yourself to Moses in the burning bush, who gave him the holy law on Sinai mountain: come, stretch out your mighty hand to set us free.”

·December 19: “O Flower of Jesse’s stem, you have been raised up as a sign for all peoples. Kings stand silent in your presence; the nations bow down in worship before you: come, let nothing keep you from coming to our aid.”

·December 20: “O Key of David, O royal Power of Israel controlling at your will the gate of heaven: come, break down the prison walls of death for those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and lead your captive people into freedom.”

·December 21: “O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.”

·December 22: “O King of all nations, the only joy of every human heart, O Keystone of the mighty arch of humanity: come and save the creature you fashioned from the dust.”

·December 23: “O Emmanuel, king and lawgiver, desire of the nations, Savior of all people: come and set us free, Lord our God.”

Everyone is encouraged to take part in our communal celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Monday, at 7:00 PM, in the Church. What a wonderful way for us to celebrate together God’s love and unconditional mercy and to prepare our hearts to receive Christ anew. Several priests will be available for individual confession.

Finally, I hope you have made your plans to attend our annual New Year’s Eve liturgy, followed by a very elegant champagne reception. Look for the flier in today’s bulletin.

Peace and all blessings!

Love, Pat

CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE

Christmas Eve Masses
5:00 PM * 7:30 PM * 12:00 Midnight (Choir)

Christmas Day Masses
7:30 AM * 9:00 AM * 10:30 AM (Choir) * 12:00 Noon

Parents and children of all ages are invited to the
12:00 Noon Mass, which is geared toward families.

We will have a special procession of the children to the crib and the Children’s Liturgy of the Word. Pews will be reserved at the front of the church for the families of the children who participate in the procession. Please be at the front doors of the church by 11:50 AM.

PARISH CALENDAR

December 20 Advent Penance Liturgy, 7:00 PM in the Church

December 22 Taizé Prayer, 6:30 PM in the Church

December 24 Vigil of the Nativity

December 25 Solemnity of the Nativity

December 26 Baptisms at the 12:00 Noon Mass

December 30 Baptisms at the 12:00 Noon Mass

December 31 New Year’s Eve Celebration at 11:00 PM in the Church


DID YOU KNOW ...

Why do we have liturgical colors? And why do they affect us?

In the secular world we associate colors with particular celebrations—red and green for Christmas, purple and yellow for Easter, red-white-and-blue for the Fourth of July, white for the bridal gown. Schools have colors; so do doctoral robes and, of course, sports teams.

The early church used only one liturgical color—white. Favored for the newly-baptized, it symbolized the pure, new life they attained in Christ. Colors were few for a simple reason: colored clothing was so expensive in those days that only the wealthy could afford it.

Not until 12th-century Jerusalem, when dyes were more commonplace, did liturgical colors start to become law. After a false start (they wanted black for Christmas and blue for Epiphany), the 13th century dawned with the Pope’s decree for the colors we basically follow today—white for festive days and saints, red for martyrs and the Holy Spirit, green for the daily life of what we now call “ordinary time,” and violet for the penitential seasons like Lent. Violet, together with blue and black, shares the range of colors for mourning. Hence, even though purple was originally one of the most expensive dyes to obtain, it came to symbolize a season of mourning—a time to die to ourselves and live for Christ.

Liturgical colors still work their magic, helping us meditate on the seasons of the year and the meaning of life.


GIVING TREE

We invite everyone to visit our Giving Tree (in the Parish Social Room) and to donate an unwrapped gift to be distributed by Catholic Charities at the end of Advent. This year, we suggest you bring your gift early, along with a small, unbreakable ornament to hang on the tree. This way, instead of arriving at the end of Christmas with a bare tree, our tree will be brightly decorated with ornaments throughout the season. Your ornaments will be donated to Catholic Charities next year for distribution to those in need.


ATTENTION YOUNG ADULTS

Bridge Building of Santa Barbara, a spirituality program for young adults, invites you to second of the series with Fr. Marty Connell on October 24th at Bishop Diego Pastoral Center (4032 La Colina Road, Santa Barbara). There will be a Mass in the Chapel at 5:00 PM, followed by hors d’oeuvres and dialogue on the subject, “Love, What is it Anyway?”. Please RSVP by email to BridgeSantabarb@aol.com or call 682-1508.




PART-TIME HELP NEEDED FOR THE CHRISTMAS SEASON

We have several openings for part-time helpers during the busy Christmas season. Are you able to donate your time to any of these projects?

Decorate the Church

Please call Carol Parkus at 569-5639 if you would like to help decorate the church this week.

Donate a Poinsettia

We are accepting donations of white and red poinsettias to decorate the church during the Christmas season. Plants may be dropped off at the Parish Office.

Keep Vigil Over the Creche (help!)

Three 2-hour shifts remain “open” for a shepherd to watch over the animals in the Christmas creche. If you can help with any of these times, please call Laura in the Parish Office:

Friday, December 31st 8:00 PM—10:00 PM

Friday, December 31st 10:00 PM— Midnight

Sunday, January 2nd 10:00 PM—Midnight


TRANSITION HOUSE

Transition House needs a volunteer to pick up food from the Foodbank and transport it to the shelter every other Tuesday morning, or to substitute occasionally for the regular volunteer. Please call Mark Morehart at 968-1211 if you can help.


SPECIAL COLLECTION FOR THE RETIREMENT FUND FOR RELIGIOUS

This weekend, we will take up a special collection to help support the more than 60,000 elderly brothers, sisters and priests who, in fidelity, have given their lives to God in service to the Church. Please be as generous as possible.


PENANCE LITURGY

Often, we equate reconciliation with forgiveness of sins. Scripture, however, presents a broader understanding. Ephesians 2:12-22 serves as a mirror revealing that baptism, Eucharist and reconciliation (or confession) are all “sacraments of reconciliation.” Here, reconciliation means:

· an end to being “immersed in this world, without hope, without God,”
· removal of barriers that separate people,
· an end to hostility,
· unity among humans, and between humanity and God,
· “the good news of peace,”
· becoming citizens of God’s realm,
· becoming dwellings “where God lives.”

Our Advent Sacrament of Reconciliation liturgy will be held on Monday, December 20th, at 7:00 PM in the church. Several confessors will be available to help us “Prepare the way of the Lord.” Please join in celebrating the gift of God’s unconditional forgiveness.


TAIZÉ PRAYER AROUND THE CROSS

Please join us for our Taizé Prayer Around the Cross at 6:30 PM every Wednesday during the Advent and Christmas seasons. Take time in prayerful contemplation on the mystery of God’s most gracious gift—Jesus Christ.


CHRISTMAS GIVING

In case you are wondering how to label any Christmas gifts to the Parish or to the Franciscan Friars, we ask you to mark your envelopes and packages clearly so that we know for whom the gift is meant. Money placed in the collection is presumed to be a donation for St. Barbara Parish. If you would like to give a gift to the Friars, your package, check or envelope should be labeled “Franciscan Friars.” Bless you and thank you!


BE SURE TO MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Please note there will be no 4:00 PM Mass on Saturday, December 25th, or Saturday, January 1st. Confessions on those two days have also been cancelled. The regular Saturday schedule will resume on January 8th.


HOLIDAY CLOSURE

The St. Barbara Parish Offices will be closed all day on Monday, December 27th. The staff will return at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, December 28th.

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.


RECYCLE YOUR CHRISTMAS CARDS

Please leave your old Christmas cards in the Porter’s Office, with Linda Alderman’s name on them. Linda uses the cards to make gift tags, which she sells to benefit the Alpha Resource Center.


ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI PILGRIMAGE

Join Fr. Daniel Barica, O.F.M. on this 14-day trip March 28—April 10, 2005. Includes round trip air, first class hotels, daily Mass, most meals. Fly direct to Athens on a journey that will take you to highlights such as ancient Corinth, Delphi, a 3-day cruise in the Aegean Sea (beautiful outside cabins) to the islands of Mykonos, Rhodes, and Patmos, where the book of Revelation was written. Land on the coast of Turkey to see Ephesus, (where the blessed Mother lived with St. John) and then on to the ancient Churches in Revelation. The trip ends in Istanbul (ancient Constantinople) to see Hagia Sophia, Iktapi Palace, and experience the Grand Bazaar, oldest covered market in the world! All this and more for $2,999. Your deposit must be sent by December 20th to reserve a space. Final payment is due by January 28, 2005. For more information, call Linda Williams at LW Travel (310) 320-9514.


EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS AND LECTORS CHRISTMAS SIGN-UP SHEET

A schedule is available in the Sacristy for Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors to sign up to serve at the Christmas Masses. If you have any questions, please call Laura in the Parish Office.


NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION

Plan to celebrate and give thanks to God as we close out 2004! You are invited to join your Parish Family at 11:00 PM on Friday, December 31st, for a beautiful and inspiring evening prayer service in celebration of the New Year. Following the prayer service will be an elegant reception in front of the Mission. We hope we’ll see you there.


USHERS FOR THE CHRISTMAS MASSES

The Christmas Mass schedule can be found on page five of this bulletin. If you are willing to volunteer as an usher for any of the Christmas Masses, please call the Parish Office (682-4151).


SMALL CHURCH GROUP

Anyone interested in joining our new Small Church Group for reflection on the Gospel is encouraged to call Carol Parkus at 569-5639.


MINISTRY SCHEDULE

A new ministry schedule for the months of January and February is now available. You may pick up your copy in the Sacristy or in the Porter’s Office.


MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER

This Christmas, give your spouse a gift they’ll never forget—a Marriage Encounter Weekend! Upcoming dates are January 21st-23rd in Ventura, and February 11th-13th in Hawthorne. For more information, please call Russ and Jeanine at (805) 648-4244, email info@wwme-la-north.org, or visit their website at www.wwme-la-north.org

PREPARE FOR NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY

Solemnity of the Nativity

First Reading: Isaiah 9:1-6
Second Reading: Titus 2:11-14
Gospel Reading: Luke 2:1-14


REFLECTION ON NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY OF THE WORD

Luke records the birth of the child with tender simplicity and stresses the theme of poverty all through his Gospel. The people have reason to be joyful because in David’s city a savior is born; he is the Messiah and Lord. These three—Savior, Messiah, Lord—are Luke’s favorite titles for Jesus. The song of the angels, “Glord to God in the Highest,” is the response. God has sent the Prince of Peace with the fullness of shalom (peace and blessings) to all. All are the objects of God’s gracious love.

LIFE FOCUS

Christ came to us as a child. When has a child had an impact on your life?

Recall a time God has given a sign to you (a person, a place or an event).

Relate a time in your life when you brought “good tidings” to those in need.


Readings for the Week of December 19, 2004

Monday:
Is 7:10-14/Lk 1:26-38

Tuesday:
Sg 2:8-14/Lk 1:39-45

Wednesday:
1 Sm 1:24-28/Lk 1:46-56

Thursday:
Mal 3:1-4,23-24/Lk 1:57-66

Friday:
2 Sm 7:1-5,8-12,14,16/Lk 1:67-79

Saturday (Vigil):
Is 62:1-5/Ps 89:4-5,16-17,27,29/Acts 13:16-17,22-25/Mt 1:1-25

Saturday (Midnight):
Is 9:1-6/Ps 96:1-3,11-13/Ti 2:11-14/Lk 2:1-14

Saturday (Dawn):
Is 62:11-12/Ps 97:1,6,11-12/Ti 3:4-7/Lk 2:15-20

Saturday (Day):
Is 52:7-10/Ps 98 1-6/Heb 1:1-6/Jn 1:1-18

STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY
Sunday, December 12th $10,662.00

Immaculate Conception $518.00

Retirement Fund for Religious $2,454.00

Thank you for your continuing generosity!


GETTING IN THE PARISH BULLETIN
For Parish announcements, call Laura in the Parish Office. Contact Mission Publishing at (888) 253-4358 for business ads.


TRAVELING?

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

Third Sunday of Advent

It is fully appropriate that John’s question, “Are you the one who is to come?” is asked while he is in prison. The bound and confined questioner is in the best position and has the greatest need to look toward the future with hope. And, the question is asked with guarded but expectant hope.

The agenda of Jesus may have confused John, who might have been looking for a warrior/king to destroy the power of evil and bring to bear God’s judgment on a world in need of reform. Many of us would like God to fix what we have broken, clean up the mess we have made, and solve the problems we have created.

Instead of quick solutions accomplished by God, we get help from God and tools to fix and clean and solve. We hear about a process of salvation, not a sudden intervention. We discover in covenant with God and with one another that we are capable of becoming “more.” Our eyes open wide to catch the first light. Our legs learn to stand after we have fallen. Our flesh becomes clean, slowly but surely. Our ears perk to hear the distant sound. The deadness in us stirs and brisks and pushes against the entrapping stone.

In Advent, we wait for the One who is to come. He comes among us to share our struggle, our pain, our loss, and to say to us, “Nothing will be lost. Every striving, every hope, every impulse for life will have an effect. God remembers everything and everyone. Go tell John what you see and hear. You have seen the future. Let that vision sustain you in prison until the day of release. You have heard good news. Let that world of good news rouse you to life now and forever.”


Dear Parishioners and Visitors,

We’re entering the second half of the Advent Season of waiting, and we’ve been seeing and listening to Christmas in the market place since …well, it seems for a very long time. Christmas Season actually begins on the evening of December 24th and continues until the feast of the Baptism of the Lord which will be celebrated on January 9th this year. Consider the “feeling” we create by giving and receiving presents followed immediately by removing all the signs of Christmas Joy. Isn’t it kind of like saying, “Whew, finished another mad dash and made it through the holidays?” Many of us begin to celebrate Christmas by going to Mass, sharing a special meal and exchanging family gifts. For others, Midnight Mass is a special tradition. The variety of how we celebrate reflects the many family and ethnic traditions that make Christmas so wonderful. Perhaps, before you open gifts, you might gather with your family and special friends and offer a prayer, like:

Loving God, giver of all gifts, we thank you for these gifts before us. We have carefully chosen each one and wrapped it with love. As we now offer them to one another we thank you for the love we share and the joy you have given us by your coming among us.

Or, simply:

Loving God, thank you for the love we share and the joy you have given us by your coming among us.

Please note the schedule for our liturgies. There will be a Communal Penance Liturgy on the Monday before Christmas and I’d encourage you all to be a part of it. With Christmas on Saturday, the schedule is a bit confusing…so please keep the schedule safe and handy.

Peace and All Good,

Fr. Richard Juzix, O.F.M.

DID YOU KNOW ...

The communal reconciliation service provides a unique opportunity for Catholics to confess sins and find forgiveness. In the past, people often stood in a long line while waiting their turn for private confessions. Today they have another option—the communal service.

The communal celebration has certain advantages. The parish may celebrate one service with individual confessions instead of a sequence of private services. People confess their sins; they support and pray for other penitents; they are nourished by the proclamation of the Word and spiritual song; and they receive the support and prayer of others. Communal reconciliation reminds us that our sin affects others and others will forgive the wrong we’ve done.

When you take part in a communal celebration of reconciliation, your confession takes a slightly different form. You perform some parts of the service as a community, not as individuals. Therefore, when you go individually to the priest in communal services:

• You need not make the sign of the cross.
• You need not say, “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned.”
• You need not say how long it as been since your last confession unless this information would be helpful.
• You may say hello.
• You may say something about yourself which will help the priest extend God’s mercy to you.
• You should confess your sins.
• You need not say the act of contrition.
• You should expect very little conversation and advice from the priest because others are waiting.
• You should arrive on time and stay for the end.

PARISH CALENDAR
December 13 Eucharistic Minister Training Session, 7:00 PM in the Church
December 14 Lector Training Session, 7:00 PM in the Church
December 18 Christmas Carol Sing-A-Long, 7:00 PM in Front of the Church
December 18 National Children’s Choir of Mexico Sings at the 4:00 PM Mass
December 20 Advent Penance Liturgy, 7:00 PM in the Church

CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE

Christmas Eve Masses
5:00 PM * 7:30 PM * 12:00 Midnight (Choir)

Christmas Day Masses
7:30 AM * 9:00 AM * 10:30 AM (Choir) * 12:00 Noon

Parents and children of all ages are invited to the
12:00 Noon Mass, which is geared toward families.
We will have a special procession of the children to the crib and the Children’s Liturgy of the Word. Pews will be reserved at the front of the church for the families of the children who participate in the procession. Please be at the front doors of the church by 11:50 AM.

WE NEED LECTORS AND EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS

Many people shy away from these special ministries, thinking themselves unworthy to proclaim God’s word or to serve the Body and Blood of Christ. It is true; all of us are unworthy! Yet, God, in infinite wisdom, mercy and love, looks beyond our imperfections and invites us to serve in these ministries. If you feel that God is inviting you into the ministry of the Eucharist, please plan on coming to our training session on December 13th at 7:00 PM in the church. If you are discerning a call to the proclamation of God’s word, lector auditioning will take place on December 14th at 7:00 PM in the church. The rewards of these ministries are incalculable!

PART-TIME HELP NEEDED FOR THE CHRISTMAS SEASON

We have several openings for part-time helpers during the busy Christmas season. Are you able to donate your time to any of these projects?

Luminarias for Christmas Carol Sing-A-Long

We need help making 400 luminarias for the Christmas Carol Sing-A-Long, as well as help setting them up on Saturday, December 18th at 5:00 PM. Call Laura in the Parish Office at 682-4151.

Decorate the Church

Please call Carol Parkus at 569-5639 if you would like to help decorate the church during the week of December 19th.

Donate a Poinsettia

We are accepting donations of white and red poinsettias to decorate the church during the Christmas season. Plants may be dropped off at the Parish Office.

Keep Vigil Over the Creche

Three 2-hour shifts remain “open” for a shepherd to watch over the animals in the Christmas creche. If you can help with any of these times, please call Laura in the Parish Office:

Friday, December 31st 8:00 PM—10:00 PM

Friday, December 31st 10:00 PM— Midnight

Sunday, January 2nd 10:00 PM—Midnight

TRANSITION HOUSE
Transition House needs a volunteer to pick up food from the Foodbank and transport it to the shelter every other Tuesday morning. Please call Mark Morehart at 968-1211 if you can help.

USHERS FOR THE CHRISTMAS MASSES
The Christmas Mass schedule can be found on page five of this bulletin. If you are willing to volunteer as an usher for any of the Christmas Masses, please call the Parish Office (682-4151).

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS AND LECTORS CHRISTMAS SIGN-UP SHEET
A schedule is available in the Sacristy for Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors to sign up to serve at the Christmas Masses. If you have any questions, please call Laura in the Parish Office.

SPECIAL COLLECTION FOR THE RETIREMENT FUND FOR RELIGIOUS
This weekend, we will take up a special collection to help support the more than 60,000 elderly brothers, sisters and priests who, in fidelity, have given their lives to God in service to the Church. Please be as generous as possible.

FEAST OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
In celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, please join us for evening prayer at 4:00 PM on Sunday, December 12th in the church. A light reception will follow.

PENANCE LITURGY
Often, we equate reconciliation with forgiveness of sins. Scripture, however, presents a broader understanding. Ephesians 2:12-22 serves as a mirror revealing that baptism, Eucharist and reconciliation (or confession) are all “sacraments of reconciliation.” Here, reconciliation means:

• an end to being “immersed in this world, without hope, without God,”
• removal of barriers that separate people,
• an end to hostility,
• unity among humans, and between humanity and God,
• “the good news of peace,”
• becoming citizens of God’s realm,
• becoming dwellings “where God lives.”

Our Advent Sacrament of Reconciliation liturgy will be held on Monday, December 20th, at 7:00 PM in the church. Several confessors will be available to help us “Prepare the way of the Lord.” Please join in celebrating the gift of God’s unconditional forgiveness.


TAIZÉ PRAYER AROUND THE CROSS

Please join us for our Taizé Prayer Around the Cross at 6:30 PM every Wednesday during the Advent and Christmas seasons. Take time in prayerful contemplation on the mystery of God’s most gracious gift—Jesus Christ.


CHRISTMAS GIVING

In case you are wondering how to label any Christmas gifts to the Parish or to the Franciscan Friars, we ask you to mark your envelopes and packages clearly so that we know for whom the gift is meant. Money placed in the collection is presumed to be a donation for St. Barbara Parish. If you would like to give a gift to the Friars, your package, check or envelope should be labeled “Franciscan Friars.” Bless you and thank you!

BE SURE TO MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Please note there will be no 4:00 PM Mass on Saturday, December 25th, or Saturday, January 1st. Confessions on those two days have also been cancelled. The regular Saturday schedule will resume on January 8th.


NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION

Plan to celebrate and give thanks to God as we close out 2004! You are invited to join your Parish Family at 11:00 PM on Friday, December 31st, for a beautiful and inspiring evening prayer service in celebration of the New Year. Following the prayer service will be an elegant reception in front of the Mission. We hope we’ll see you there.


HOLIDAY CLOSURE

The St. Barbara Parish Offices will be closed all day on Monday, December 27th. The staff will return at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, December 28th.


SMALL CHURCH GROUP

Anyone interested in joining our new Small Church Group for reflection on the Gospel is encouraged to call Carol Parkus at 569-5639.

JUSTICE, PEACE & INTEGRITY OF CREATION

The Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Committee would like to thank all who contributed to the collection after Mass last weekend. The money will be used to buy cards and postage stamps for prison inmates so that they may send Christmas greetings to their families. The next meeting of the JPIC Committee will be at 7:15 PM on Wednesday, December 15th, in the Parish Social Room. All are welcome.

GIVING TREE
We invite everyone to visit our Giving Tree (in the Parish Social Room) and to donate an unwrapped gift to be distributed by Catholic Charities at the end of Advent. This year, we suggest you bring your gift early, along with a small, unbreakable ornament to hang on the tree. This way, instead of arriving at the end of Christmas with a bare tree, our tree will be brightly decorated with ornaments throughout the season. Your ornaments will be donated to Catholic Charities next year for distribution to those in need.

PREPARE FOR NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY

Fourth Sunday of Advent

First Reading: Isaiah 35:1-6, 10
Second Reading: James 5:7-10
Gospel Reading: Matthew 11:2-11


REFLECTION ON NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY OF THE WORD

Matthew’s version of Jesus’ conception is a statement of Christian faith in Jesus as the Son of God. It begins with Joseph’s confusion over Mary’s pregnancy. They were engaged to be married but had not yet lived together. Sexual relations with anyone except the engaged person were considered adultery, and punishment was severe. God reassures Joseph in a dream that the child has been conceived by “the power of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew sees Joseph as a model of faith. He recognizes the power of God working in ways he cannot understand. The child’s destiny is indicated by his name—the name Jesus means “Yahweh helps” or “Yahweh saves.” Matthew stresses the meaning of Emmanuel, “God-With-Us,” to emphasize Jesus’ divine Son-ship.


LIFE FOCUS

Describe a time when you felt your trust had been betrayed by someone you loved.

Describe a time when you had to struggle to trust God in a difficult situation.

When did you change a decision of yours after prayer and reflection?


Readings for the Week of December 12, 2004

Monday:
Nm 24:2-7,15-17/Mt 21:23-27

Tuesday:
Zep 3:1-2,9-13/Mt 21:28-32

Wednesday:
Is 45:6-8,18,21-25/Lk 7:18-23

Thursday:
Is 54:1-10/Lk 7:24-30

Friday:
Gn 49:2,8-10/Mt 1:1-17

Saturday:
Jer 23:5-8/Mt 1:18-24


Sunday, December 5th

$11,055.00

Thank you for your continuing generosity!


TRAVELING?

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, call Laura in the Parish Office. Contact Mission Publishing at (888) 253-4358 for business ads.

Second Sunday of Advent

As hard as we try and as much as we long for the peace and harmony of the Reign of God, where “the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb,” we just can’t quite seem to achieve it. Instead, the chasm between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have-nots’ of the world grows wider and wider. Wars rage on and on. The rights of the weak are trampled on and dismissed. Even in our own homes, peace is often an elusive dream. Therefore, we find it hard to believe John the Baptist’s claim that “The Reign of God is at hand,” and even harder to continue to strive for the goal without getting discouraged.

Perhaps St. Paul’s prayer for us can help as we go about our mission of preparing the way. “May God, the source of all patience and encouragement, enable you to live in perfect harmony with one another according to the spirit of Christ Jesus.” Paul wants us to know that only God can restore ultimate harmony to creation. And, when we put our trust in God, as Jesus did, we receive hope-filled patience, knowing that God is acting in every new moment. We can be sure that God will always give us the courage we need to work for justice for all people, and to seek reconciliation in our relationships with one another. For it is the spirit of Christ Jesus, the spirit of compassionate love working in and through us, that will prepare the way.


Dear Parishioners and Visitors,

I don’t know about you, but my December calendar is overflowing with December events. December’s liturgical calendar is also filled to the brim with remembrances of holy women and men who have gone before us—those who lived their lives in hope, joy and anticipation—the very themes of the season of Advent.

December 1st was the anniversary of the day that a black woman, Rosa Parks, refused to give up her bus seat to a white man, thereby challenging the unjust system of segregation in the United States. December 2nd was the anniversary of the deaths of Maura Clarke, Ita Ford, Dorothy Kazel and Jean Donovan, the four women missionaries killed in El Salvador because they, too, challenged an unjust system of oppression.

December 3rd marked the feast of St. Francis Xavier, a missionary to the Far East who sang to children, cared for the sick, and treated all people with Christ-like gentleness. Of course, all of us know that December 4th was the feast of our patron saint, St. Barbara. Although little is known about her, she is still a favorite intercessor of many people.

Next Sunday, we will honor Mary under the title of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patroness of the Americas, at an evening prayer liturgy and reception beginning at 4:00 PM. We honor her again on December 8th, a holy day, as the Immaculate Conception. Masses will be at 7:30 AM, 12:00 Noon, and 7:00 PM. On December 9th, we honor Blessed Juan Diego, the young Aztec Indian to whom Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared.

In the days to come, we will celebrate St. Nicholas, the original Santa Claus, on December 6th; and we remember Thomas Merton on December 10th, the anniversary of his death in 1968. December 13th is the Feast of St. Lucy, the light, who guides our hope toward the coming of Christ our Light; and December 14th is the Feast of St. John of the Cross, whose books about prayer and spiritual direction are still used throughout the world.

All of these holy people allowed God to work through them in imitation of Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, the God among us. Let us pray that we will follow their example by allowing God to come into the world through us.
Love, Pat

PARISH CALENDAR

December 6 Eucharistic Minister Training Session, 7:00 PM in the Church

December 7 Lector Training Session, 7:00 PM in the Church

December 8 Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Masses at 7:30 AM, Noon & 7:00 PM

December 9 “Safeguard the Children” Education Session at 6:00 PM

December 11 Building of the Christmas Crechè at 8:00 AM

December 12 Collection for Retired Religious

December 12 Feast of our Lady of Guadalupe, Evening Prayer, 4:00 PM in the Church; Reception follows

December 13 Eucharistic Minister Training Session, 7:00 PM in the Church


December 14 Lector Training Session, 7:00 PM in the Church

December 18 Christmas Carol Sing-A-Long, 7:00 PM in Front of the Church


CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE

Christmas Eve Masses
5:00 PM l 7:30 PM l 12:00 Midnight

Christmas Day Masses
7:30 AM l 9:00 AM l 10:30 AM l 12:00 Noon


DID YOU KNOW ...

“The Immaculate Conception” is a title for Mary, the mother of Jesus. The expression means that Mary was conceived without sin. The conviction that Jesus was born of a virgin is a distinct belief, even though many Catholics erroneously think that the Immaculate Conception refers to Jesus.

Contributing to the confusion is the celebration of the Immaculate Conception during the season of Advent. While the faithful are preparing to honor the birth of Jesus, we commemorate the conception of Mary. The choice of December 8th for the Immaculate Conception does not directly relate to Advent; it corresponds more to the traditional date for the feast of the birth of Mary—September 8th. The feast for the conception of Mary is backed up nine months from that day. In a similar way, we celebrate the Annunciation on March 25th—nine months before the birth of Jesus.

Belief in the Immaculate Conception asserts that God preserved Mary from all sin from the moment of her conception, thus preparing a pure vessel for the incarnation of the Son. Although the Immaculate Conception of Mary has been affirmed since the earliest centuries of Christianity, it was not formally proclaimed a dogma of the church until 1854.


SAFEGUARD THE CHILDREN

All parishioners are invited and encouraged to attend an educational presentation by Andrew Gafvert, our former Youth Minister and Pastoral Staff Assistant, for Safeguard the Children. The meeting will take place in the Parish Social Room at 6:00 PM on Thursday, December 9th.


JUSTICE, PEACE & INTEGRITY OF CREATION

The Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Committee would like to thank all who contributed to the collection after Mass last weekend. The money will be used to buy cards and postage stamps for prison inmates so that they may send Christmas greetings to their families. The next meeting of the JPIC Committee will be at 7:15 PM on Wednesday, December 15th, in the Parish Social Room. All are welcome.


GIVING TREE

We invite everyone to visit our Giving Tree (in the Parish Social Room) and to donate an unwrapped gift to be distributed by Catholic Charities at the end of Advent. This year, we suggest you bring your gift early, along with a small, unbreakable ornament to hang on the tree. This way, instead of arriving at the end of Christmas with a bare tree, our tree will be brightly decorated with ornaments throughout the season. Your ornaments will be donated to Catholic Charities next year for distribution to those in need.


WE NEED LECTORS AND EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS

Many people shy away from these special ministries, thinking themselves unworthy to proclaim God’s word or to serve the Body and Blood of Christ. It is true; all of us are unworthy! Yet, God, in infinite wisdom, mercy and love, looks beyond our imperfections and invites us to serve in these ministries. If you feel that God is inviting you into the ministry of the Eucharist, please plan on coming to one of our training sessions on December 6th or December 13th at 7:00 PM in the church. If you are discerning a call to the proclamation of God’s word, lector auditioning will take place on December 7th and December 14th at 7:00 PM in the church. The rewards of these ministries are incalculable!


BREAD FOR THE WORLD

St. Barbara Parish is a Bread for the World Covenant Church. Bread for the World is asking Covenant Church members to urge Congress to take action that will save the lives of those ravaged by famine and the AIDS epidemic—and that will enable Africans to feed themselves. We ask that you sign the petition below and mail it to Bread for the World, 50 “F” St. NW, #500, Washington, DC 20001.

CITIZEN PETITION

I urge the Senate Majority Leader and the House Speaker, along with other leaders in Congress to:

(1) Rush humanitarian assistance to Africa where drought and flooding have made food production impossible;
(2) Increase emergency aid and step up diplomatic sanctions in response to the crisis in Sudan;
(3) Fully fund the New Millennium Challenge Account for the world’s poorest countries; and
(4) Increase our nation’s participation in global AIDS initiatives that support cost-effective drug therapy and life-saving prevention.

Signed: ___________________________________

Date: _____________________________________

City, State: ________________________________


IMMACULATE HEART BENEFIT

Come help celebrate one of Santa Barbara County’s hidden treasures. On Sunday, December 5th, from 1:00-5:00 PM, the Immaculate Heart Community Center for Spiritual Renewal will host their second annual “Teas and Tours” benefit. Tour their historic Montecito home. Enjoy holiday fare, music, silent auctions, a holiday boutique, and much more! Reservations are $40 at the door. Please call 969-2474 for more information.


ATTENTION YOUNG ADULTS

Bridge Building of Santa Barbara, a spirituality program for young adults, invites you to attend a vigil Mass with Bishop Thomas Curry at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, December 7th, at Bishop Diego Pastoral Center (4032 La Colina Road). After the Mass, there will be refreshments and a special presentation of “Taking Another Look at Christmas.” Please RSVP to BridgeSantaBarb@aol.com or call 682-1508.


“THANKS”

The St. Vincent de Paul Conference at Old Mission Santa Barbara thanks parishioners for their generosity at the Thanksgiving Mass. Catholic Charities’ food pantry was delighted with the quantity of food collected.



WHAT A DIFFERENCE A WEEK MAKES!

In the last week, all but a few of the shepherd shifts have been filled. If you can help with any of the following times, please call Laura in the Parish Office at 682-4151:


Saturday, December 25th
8PM—10:00 PM

Friday, December 31st
8:00 PM—10:00 PM

Friday, December 31st
10:00 PM—12:00 Midnight

Sunday, January 2nd
10:00 PM—12:00 Midnight

Thank you to everyone who has already signed up!


FEAST OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE

In celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, please join us for evening prayer at 4:00 PM on Sunday, December 12th in the church. A light, festive reception will follow.


PART-TIME HELP NEEDED FOR THE CHRISTMAS SEASON

We have several openings for part-time helpers during the busy Christmas season. Are you able to donate your time to any of these projects?

Outdoor Christmas Crechè Set-Up/Take-Down
Able-bodied people needed at 8:00 AM on Saturday, December 11th, to set up the Christmas crechè in front of the church; take-down will be at 8:00 AM on Saturday, January 8th. To sign up, please call Laura in the Parish Office (682-4151).

Lights on Christmas Trees
Our large, outdoor trees will arrive during the week of December 13th. If you can help string on the lights, please call Steve Nagelmann at 687-4610.

Luminarias for Christmas Carol Sing-A-Long
We need help making 400 luminarias for the Christmas Carol Sing-A-Long, as well as help setting them up on Saturday, December 18th at 5:00 PM. Call Laura in the Parish Office at 682-4151.

Decorate the Church
Please call Carol Parkus at 569-5639 if you would like to help decorate the church during the week of December 19th.

Donate a Poinsettia
We are accepting donations of white and red poinsettias to decorate the church during the Christmas season. Plants may be dropped off at the Parish Office.


SPECIAL COLLECTION FOR THE RETIREMENT FUND FOR RELIGIOUS

Next weekend, we will take up a special collection to help support the more than 60,000 elderly brothers, sisters and priests who, in fidelity, have given their lives to God in service to the Church. Please be as generous as possible.


USHERS FOR THE CHRISTMAS MASSES

The Christmas Mass schedule can be found on page five of this bulletin. If you are willing to volunteer as an usher for any of the Christmas Masses, please call the Parish Office (682-4151).


EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS CHRISTMAS SIGN-UP SHEET

A schedule is available in the Sacristy for Eucharistic Ministers to sign up to serve at the Christmas Masses. If you have any questions, please call Laura in the Parish Office.

PREPARE FOR NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY

Third Sunday of Advent

First Reading: Isaiah 35:1-6, 10
Second Reading: James 5:7-10
Gospel Reading: Matthew 11:2-11


REFLECTION ON NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY OF THE WORD

Prophets such as Isaiah brought a message of hope that things could be different. John the Baptist, too, proclaimed the coming of a new age. But now, John is in prison and his followers wonder if Jesus is the promised one. They may have been expecting a “fire and brimstone” preacher who would lead the people out of their oppression. Instead, Jesus gives them a different image, an image of healing, forgiveness and tender concern for all people.

LIFE FOCUS

Describe a false or faulty image you once had of how your life, the world, or the Church was supposed to be. What changed your image?

Relate an experience when it was easy for you to recognize God in a person, situation or event, and another when it was difficult.

What obstacles do you have in your life that keep you from following Christ today? Describe an experience in your life when you removed an obstacle.

Describe an experience when you felt hemmed in by your small world. Relate who or what helped you to free you from this situation.


Readings for the Week of December 5, 2004

Monday:
Is 35:1-10/Lk 5:17-26

Tuesday:
Is 40:1-11/Mt 18:12-14

Wednesday:
Gn 3:9-15,20/Ps 98:1-4/Eph 1:3-6,11-12/Lk 1:26-38

Thursday:
Is 41:13-20/Mt 11:11-15

Friday:
Is 48:17-19/Mt 11:16-19

Saturday:
Sir 48:1-4,9-11/Mt 17:9-13



STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY
Sunday, November 28th

$8,981.00

Thank you for your continuing generosity!