FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.” This invitation of Jesus to the apostles is the same invitation he gives to each of us. And yet, our hearts are troubled. Why? For Thomas it was the desire, the need to have clarity about what lay ahead for him, for all of them. What was the path like? Where was it going? Where was Jesus going?

For Philip it seems to also be a question of being in control. “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” “Just give us certainty, clarity, control and we’ll believe,” he says. “That is all we ask!”

Looking back from where we stand in history, both of their responses might seem outrageous. Jesus, after all, is God, our Savior, and he was going home to his Father in heaven to prepare a place for his disciples. But how different are we, really, from these troubled disciples? Do we not hold on to controlling our lives? How often we even fool ourselves into believing that we are in charge, in control. Sometimes our own hearts are troubled about the future, about what is going to become of us tomorrow.

This gospel message is one of hope and of how much we are cared for and loved. And Jesus seems to understand what a difficult message it is for us to believe. For he says that if they cannot believe his words, look at his actions—the works he has done. Jesus says to us exactly what he said to Thomas and Philip: “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” That invitation, that commandment could be our daily meditation for the rest of our lives: “Do not let your hearts be troubled.”

POPE BENEDICT XVI

Lord,
Source of eternal life and truth,
give to your shepherd
Pope Benedict XVI
a spirit of courage and rich judgment,
a spirit of knowledge and love.

By governing with fidelity those
entrusted to his care
may he, as successor to the
apostle Peter and the vicar of Christ,
build your Church into a sacrament
of unity, love and peace for all the world.

We ask this through our
Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit
one God,
for ever and ever.
Amen.


ad multos annos!



Dear Parishioners and Visitors,


At the election of our Holy Father Benedict XVI, Channel 3 and the Santa Barbara News-Press arrived almost simultaneously seeking comments. All of you know as much as I do about our new Pope, and some of you may know more. Everything I know about him would fit into a thimble and there’d still be room for a quart of milk. The liberal press excoriates him; the conservative press praises him. So, sides exist. On the surface, it seems rather significant that he should have chosen the name “Benedict.” The last “Benedict” was Pope Benedict XV who was elected in September 1914 and published his first Encyclical on the feast of All Saints, within two months of his election. It’s entitled Ad Beatissimi Apostolorum, and I imagine you’ve already found it on the web. Everyone will probably read into that encyclical whatever they want to find. What I wanted to find were his exhortations to peace (which he pursued tirelessly) and to the value of expressing and defending opinions in true charity, without rancor, for example:

Regarding matters in which without harm to faith or discipline - in the absence of any authoritative intervention of the Apostolic See - there is room for divergent opinions, it is clearly the right of everyone to express and defend his own opinion. But in such discussions no expressions should be used which might constitute serious breaches of charity; let each one freely defend his own opinion, but let it be done with due moderation, so that no one should consider himself entitled to affix on those who merely do not agree with his ideas the stigma of disloyalty to faith or to discipline.

I believe there is a great more depth to this man than I know. The vision of a church and a world of societies where there is room for divergent opinions but no room for stigmas is a worthy vision.

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


Readings for the Week of April 24, 2005
Monday:
1 Pt 5:5-14/Ps 89:2-3,6-7,16-17/Mk 16:15-20

Tuesday:
Acts 14:19-28/Ps 145:10-13,21/Jn 14:27-31

Wednesday:
Acts 15:1-6/Ps 122:1-5/Jn 15:1-8

Thursday:
Acts 15:7-21/Ps 96:1-3,10/Jn 15:9-11

Friday:
Acts 15:22-31/Ps 57:8-10,12/Jn 15:12-17

Saturday:
Acts 16:1-10/Ps 100:1-3,5/Jn 15:18-21


PARISH CALENDAR
April 26 Pastoral Council Meeting at 7:00 PM
April 27 Taizé Prayer Around the Cross, 6:30 PM
May 1 Collection for Cardinal McIntyre Fund
May 1 First Communion at the 10:30 AM Mass
May 8 Feast of the Ascension of the Lord
May 4 Taizé Prayer Around the Cross, 6:30 PM
May 15 Pentecost Sunday


Stewardship Ministry
Sunday, April 17th $10,029.00


Thank you for your continuing generosity!

Don’t forget to use your contribution envelopes.

A good steward believes that everything you have and everything in the world around you is not yours, but is “on loan” from God, for you to care for accordingly.

Together in Mission Annual Appeal

“Together in Mission” will provide financial support to the 32 parishes and 46 schools most in need within the Archdiocese this year. Many thanks to those who have already responded with donations or pledges. Our parish goal for this this year’s appeal is $59,362 of which $38,830 (66% of the goal) has been collected! If you have not yet made a donation or pledge, please consider doing so. Pledge cards are available on the table in the back of the church. Thank you for your generosity.

“Get on the Bus”

Most incarcerated women never see their children. On Friday, May 6th, you can help make it possible for children to see their mothers at the Valley State Prison for Women and the Central California Women’s Facility, both in Chowchilla; the Corona Institute for Women; and the Ventura Youth Authority for offenders ages 12 through 24. We are looking for people who can help with the hospitality committee, putting together gift bags and gathering medium-sized teddy bears to be given to the children on the way home, donating money for lunches for the bus trip home, or through your prayerful support as a faith community. If you would like to help in any way, please call Catherine Conneally-Salazar, Catholic Chaplain, Ventura Youth Correctional Facility, at (805) 278-3746.

Living Wage Ordinance—A Matter of Justice

All parishioners, friends and neighbors are invited to attend a meeting sponsored by CLUE (Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice) on the proposed Living Wage Ordinance on Sunday, April 24th, from 2:00—4:00 PM at Serra Hall (corner of Los Olivos and Garden Streets). Information about how the proposed ordinance was developed, for whom it is intended, and how it may be implemented will be presented. There will also be an opportunity to reflect on how and why this ordinance speaks to our moral and religious beliefs and standards. If you have any questions, please call Pat Sandall (682-4713 x142).


Circle V Ranch
Summer Camp for Girls & Boys Ages 7–13
St. Vincent de Paul Summer Camp at Circle V Ranch near Lake Cachuma is providing one-week sessions for boys and girls, July 2nd—August 13th. Cost is $250 per child. Financial aid is available for children of low-income families for parents that qualify for assistance. For more information and an application, call Conchita Lehne at (805) 452-7421. This summer camp experience is often the highlight of a child’s summer experience. If you wish to make a donation for helping local children attend the summer camp program, contact St. Vincent de Paul Conference Old Mission Santa Barbara at 687-7547.


VIRTUS Training

Did you know that more than 20,000 adults who work with children and youth have gone through the VIRTUS program. The mandatory training helps adults identify the types of inappropriate behavior which can lead to abuse. A kep part of keeping our children safe means knowing how to prevent abuse. To learn more, please call Joan Vienna, Coordinator of the Archdiocese’s Safeguard the Children Program Office at (213) 637-7227.

Busy Person's Retreat

As a prayerful preparation for the feast of Pentecost, a “Busy Person’s Retreat” will be offered beginning Sunday, May 8th, through Thursday, May 12th. This is a directed retreat tailored to fit the time and schedule of each participant. The requirements are twofold: (1) a commitment to spending 30 minutes each day of the retreat in personal prayer; and (2) a commitment to meeting for 30 minutes each day with a spiritual director. The retreat begins with evening prayer at 7:00 PM on Sunday, May 8th. At this time you will meet with your spiritual director. Please fill out a blue registration form in the Porter’s Office or call Mary Rosenfeld at 687-4744. Because there will be several spiritual directors available for this retreat, we would appreciate receiving your registration no later than Wednesday, May 4th.

JustFaith

What is the responsibility of Catholics toward the poor? How do we become people who really care for and act on behalf of the poor and vulnerable? This fall a new program called JustFaith will be offered for the first time in our parish. The program is designed to empower and transform participants so that they can become voices for the voiceless and agents of God’s good news for the poor. Be ready for a demanding, challenging 30 weeks that include meetings, videos, retreats and immersion experiences. The program will run from September-May. You may contact: Maureen Earls at mcearls@cox.net or 403-2709; Sharon Brownett at sharonbrownett@aol.com or 682-7834; Kitty Maxwell at 682-5606. There will be an informational meeting on Wednesday, May 18th, from 7:00 PM—8:30 PM in the Mission Bride’s Room. Registration ends May 31st. RSVP to Maureen at 682-9834.

Attention Eucharistic Ministers & Lectors

A new Ministry Schedule for the period May 7th through June 30th is now available. You may pick up a copy in either the Sacristy or the Porter’s Office. In addition, the schedule is posted on the Parish website (www.sbmission.org).

If you have recently moved or changed your phone number, please call Laura in the Parish Office so that she can update your information in the Ministry database.

Transition House Volunteer Picnic

Parishioners who cook, proctor or volunteer in any other capacity at Transition House are invited, along with their families, to a picnic at Oak Park (main area) on Sunday, May 15th, from 12:00 PM—3:00 PM. There will be a barbecue, entertainment, children’s activities, a raffle and volunteer awards. Please RSVP by May 9th, 966-9668. The Transition House staff really hopes you will attend the picnic so they can express their appreciation for your help. Besides, it’s lots of fun and the food is great!

Cardinal McIntyre Fund for Charity

Next weekend we will take up a special collection for the Cardinal McIntyre Fund for Charity. Your contribution will help save the “neediest of those in need”—children, families and individuals throughout the Archdiocese for whom no other resources exist. Your gifts help provide basic necessities such as food and milk for three days, lodging for a night, emergency medical care, rent to tide over a financial crisis, and burial assistance. One hundred percent of your contribution goes directly toward the emergency needs of children and adults who suffer on a daily basis. Mass is offered every day for the intentions of those who contribute. Thank you.


Sacrament of Confirmation

On Saturday, April 9th, the following youth from our parish celebrated the sacrament of Confirmation with Bishop Thomas Curry...

Kiersten Bilodeau * Emily Carlson

Rebecca Kennedy * Austin Melton

Elizabeth Setka *Ingrid Thorlaksson

Chris Vail * Ashley Weisman

Please pray for these Confirmandi that they may always remain in Christ and be guided by the Holy Spirit.


A Special Mass for Pope Benedict XVI

With great joy we will celebrate a Mass in honor of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI on Monday, April 25th, at 12:00 Noon. Please join us as we pray for our Holy Father as he embarks on his new calling as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

Prepare for Next Sunday’s Liturgy
Sixth Sunday of Easter

First Reading: Acts 8:5-8, 14-17
Second Reading: 1 Peter 3:15-18
Gospel Reading: John 14:15-21


Reflection on Next Sunday’s Liturgy of the Word

In next Sunday’s Gospel Jesus assures his disciples that he will not leave them abandoned, defenseless orphans. He will continue to be with them but in a new way, namely, through the presence of the Holy Spirit. The faithful, those with eyes enlightened by faith, will be deeply aware that he is there with them. He will not be only “with” them, but “within” them, a source of inner strength and confidence. Christians are caught up into the very life of God! For us, this means the Spirit will enable us to find Christ in ourselves and each other.

Life Focus

Describe a time when you felt left out, orphaned or abandoned.

Relate an example in which an act of loving service brought about healing, excitement or rejoicing.

Describe a situation in which you knew that God was present.

What signs helped you to recognize God’s presence?

Traveling?

For nationwide Mass times and locations, visit www.MassTimes.org.


Getting in the Parish Bulletin

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

Fourth Sunday of Easter

In Jesus’ time, at the end of the day, when their sheep were finished grazing, all the shepherds would bring their flocks together for the night. They would keep them safely in a protected fold so that wolves or thieves would not bother them. Every night one shepherd was appointed to lie down in front of the gate of the sheepfold so that no one could enter. This shepherd would protect the flocks even with his life, if necessary. Each morning all the shepherds would return and call or whistle for their own sheep to gather. Each knew his own sheep and the sheep knew the sound of the shepherd’s voice and would follow him.

The Good Shepherd is not the shepherd of pious art, but a strong and brave protector who lies down in front of the gate refusing to let anyone snatch us or come near us. The Good Shepherd, Jesus, knows each of us by name and calls us in baptism. When life experiences such as family crises, death, illness, fear, or emotional pain make us unable to move or unable to care for ourselves, he is there to guard us, to protect us, and lead us through the darkest hours. Sometimes it is only long after the event that we recognize he was there, is there for us. Taking time to call those experiences helps us be aware of them the next time and take comfort and courage from his presence.

The Good Shepherd is also an example for us to learn who and how we are to be for one another. The Good Shepherd is the pattern for us to model our lives. We are to go out of our way to protect and care for others. We are to watch over those who need watching over. Indeed, we are to search for them, not just wait for our paths to cross. In our own community, there are those who are forgotten, helpless, and those who are in some way lost. Jesus calls us to be shepherds to them. Jesus has been the Good Shepherd for us individually and for our community. How can we not do the same for others?


Dear Parishioners and Visitors,

An historic moment in the history of the Church is about to begin. Tomorrow, the conclave of cardinals will assemble to elect the next pope. The process will take place behind the locked doors of the Sistine Chapel according to an extremely detailed procedure set out by Pope John II. “…From the Pauline Chapel of the Apostolic Palace, where they will assemble at a suitable hour in the afternoon, the Cardinal electors, in choir dress, and invoking the assistance of the Holy Spirit with the chant of the Veni Creator, will solemnly process to the Sistine Chapel of the Apostolic Palace, where the election will be held.” Under the rules, secret ballots can be cast once on the first day of the conclave, then, normally, twice during each subsequent morning and evening session. Except for periodic pauses, the voting continues until a new pontiff is elected. It is interesting to note that, in theory, any baptized male Catholic can be elected pope; but current Church law states that he must become a bishop before taking office. As a practical matter, that scenario is highly unlikely inasmuch as the electors have chosen a fellow cardinal since the beginning of 15th century! Once the election has taken place, by tradition, the ballots are burned dry—or with chemical additives to produce white smoke. The senior member of the College of electors asks the consent of the one elected by saying, “Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?” As soon as the cardinal receives the elected one’s consent, he asks him, “By what name do you wish to be called?” Immediately following, a document is drawn up certifying acceptance by the new pope and the name he has taken. The new pope’s name is then publicly announced and the pontiff offers his first blessing to the world in St. Peter’s Square.

Each day during this period, the bishops of United States have suggested that we pray the following prayer, taken from the Mass for the Election of a Pope or Bishop:

Lord God, You are the eternal shepherd and guide. In your mercy grant your Church a shepherd who will walk in your ways and whose watchful care will bring us your blessing.

We ask this through Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Love, Pat

PARISH CALENDAR

April 19 Baptism Class at 6:30 PM
April 20 Taizé Prayer Around the Cross, 6:30 PM
April 22 Earth Day 2005
April 24 Baptisms at the 9:00 AM Mass
April 26 Pastoral Council Meeting at 7:00 PM
April 27 Taizé Prayer Around the Cross, 6:30 PM
May 1 Collection for Cardinal McIntyre Fund
May 1 First Communion at the 10:30 AM Mass
May 15 Pentecost Sunday


Readings for the Week of April 17, 2005

Monday:
Acts 11:1-18/Ps 42:2-3;43:3-4/Jn 10:11-18

Tuesday:
Acts 11:19-26/Ps 87:1-7/Jn 10:22-30

Wednesday:
Acts 12:24-13:5/Ps 67:2-3,5-6,8/Jn 12:44-50

Thursday:
Acts 13:13-25/Ps 89:2-3,21-22,25,27/Jn 13:16-20

Friday:
Acts 13:26-33/Ps 2:6-11/Jn 14:1-6

Saturday:
Acts 13:44-52/Ps 98:1-4/Jn 14:7-14


Homily by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger Excerpts from the Sermon from the Funeral of Pope John Paul II
“‘Follow me.’ The Risen Lord says these words to Peter. They are his last words to this disciple, chosen to shepherd his flock. ‘Follow me’ - this lapidary saying of Christ can be taken as the key to understanding the message which comes to us from the life of our late beloved Pope John Paul II. Today we bury his remains in the earth as a seed of immortality—our hearts are full of sadness, yet at the same time of joyful hope and profound gratitude.“

“These are the sentiments that inspire us, Brothers and Sisters in Christ, present here in Saint Peter’s Square, in neighboring streets and in various other locations within the city of Rome, where an immense crowd, silently praying, has gathered over the last few days. I greet all of you from my heart.” [….]

“Follow me! As a young student Karol Wojtyla was thrilled by literature, the theatre, and poetry. Working in a chemical plant, surrounded and threatened by the Nazi terror, he heard the voice of the Lord: Follow me! In this extraordinary setting he began to read books of philosophy and theology, and then entered the clandestine seminary established by Cardinal Sapieha. After the war he was able to complete his studies in the faculty of theology of the Jagiellonian University of Krakow. How often, in his letters to priests and in his autobiographical books has he spoken to us about his priesthood, to which he was ordained on 1 November 1946. […] The Holy Father was a priest to the last, for he offered his life to God for his flock and for the entire human family, in a daily self-oblation for the service of the Church, especially amid the sufferings of his final months. And in this way he became one with Christ, the Good Shepherd who loves his sheep. Finally, ‘abide in my love:’ the Pope who tried to meet everyone, who had an ability to forgive and to open his heart to all, tells us once again today, with these words of the Lord, that by abiding in the love of Christ we learn, at the school of Christ, the art of true love.”

“Follow me! In July 1958 the young priest Karol Wojtyla began a new stage in his journey with the Lord and in the footsteps of the Lord. Karol had gone to the Masuri lakes for his usual vacation, along with a group of young people who loved canoeing. But he brought with him a letter inviting him to call on the Primate of Poland, Cardinal Wyszynski. He could guess the purpose of the meeting: he was to be appointed as the auxiliary Bishop of Krakow. […] Follow me—Karol Wojtyla accepted the appointment, for he heard in the Church’s call the voice of Christ. And then he realized how true are the Lord’s words: ‘Those who try to make their life secure will lose it, but those who lose their life will keep it.’” (Lk 17:33)

Our Pope—and we all know this—never wanted to make his own life secure, to keep it for himself; he wanted to give of himself unreservedly, to the very last moment, for Christ and thus also for us. And thus he came to experience how everything which he had given over into the Lord’s hands came back to him in a new way. His love of words, of poetry, of literature, became an essential part of his pastoral mission and gave new vitality, new urgency, new attractiveness to the preaching of the Gospel, even when it is a sign of contradiction.”

“Follow me! In October 1978 Cardinal Wojtyla once again heard the voice of the Lord. Once more there took place that dialogue with Peter reported in the Gospel of this Mass: ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me? Feed my sheep!’ To the Lord’s question, ‘Karol, do you love me?,’ the Archbishop of Krakow answered from the depths of his heart: ‘Lord you know everything; you know that I love you.’ The love of Christ was the dominant force in the life of our beloved Holy Father. Anyone who ever saw him pray, who ever heard him preach, knows that. Thanks to his being profoundly rooted in Christ, he was able to bear a burden which transcends merely human abilities: that of being the shepherd of Christ’s flock, his universal Church.”

“Follow me! Together with the command to feed his flock, Christ proclaimed to Peter that he would die a martyr’s death. With those words, which conclude and sum up the dialogue on love and on the mandate of the universal shepherd, the Lord recalls another dialogue, which took place during the Last Supper. There Jesus had said: ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ Peter said to him, ‘Lord, where are you going?’ Jesus replied: ‘Where I am going, you cannot follow me now; but you will follow me afterward.’” (Jn 13:33,36)

“Divine Mercy: the Holy Father found the purest reflection of God’s mercy in the Mother of God. He, who at an early age had lost his own mother, loved his divine mother all the more. He heard the words of the crucified Lord as addressed personally to him: ‘Behold your Mother.’ And so he did as the beloved disciple did: he took her into his own home (eis ta idia: Jn 19:27) - ‘Totus tuus.’ And from the mother he learned to conform himself to Christ.”

“None of us can ever forget how in that last Easter Sunday of his life, the Holy Father, marked by suffering, came once more to the window of the Apostolic Palace and one last time gave his blessing ‘urbi et orbi.’ We can be sure that our beloved Pope is standing today at the window of the Father’s house, that he sees us and blesses us. Yes, bless us, Holy Father. We entrust your dear soul to the Mother of God, your Mother, who guided you each day and who will guide you now to the eternal glory of her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.”

Stewardship Ministry
Sunday, April 10th $9,859.00


Thank you for your continuing generosity!

Don’t forget to use your contribution envelopes

“Get on the Bus”

Most incarcerated women never see their children. On Friday, May 6th, you can help make it possible for children to see their mothers at the Valley State Prison for Women and the Central California Women’s Facility, both in Chowchilla; the Corona Institute for Women; and the Ventura Youth Authority for offenders ages 12 through 24. We are looking for people who can help with the hospitality committee, putting together gift bags and gathering medium-sized teddy bears to be given to the children on the way home, donating money for lunches for the bus trip home, or through your prayerful support as a faith community. If you would like to help in any way, please call Catherine Conneally-Salazar, Catholic Chaplain, Ventura Youth Correctional Facility, at (805) 278-3746.

Living Wage Ordinance—A Matter of Justice

All parishioners, friends and neighbors are invited to attend a meeting sponsored by CLUE (Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice) on the proposed Living Wage Ordinance on Sunday, April 24th, from 2:00—4:00 PM at Serra Hall (corner of Los Olivos and Garden Streets). Information about how the proposed ordinance was developed, for whom it is intended, and how it may be implemented will be presented. There will also be an opportunity to reflect on how and why this ordinance speaks to our moral and religious beliefs and standards. If you have any questions, please call Pat Sandall (682-4713 x142).

JustFaith

What is the responsibility of Catholics toward the poor? How do we become people who really care for and act on behalf of the poor and vulnerable? This fall a new program called JustFaith will be offered for the first time in our parish. The program is designed to empower and transform participants so that they can become voices for the voiceless and agents of God's good news for the poor. Be ready for a demanding, challenging 30 weeks that include meetings, videos, retreats and immersion experiences. The program will run from September through May. For more information, talk to representatives at tables outside Masses during April. You may also contact: Maureen Earls at mcearls@cox.net or 403-2709; Sharon Brownett at sharonbrownett@aol.com or 682-7834; Kitty Maxwell at 682-5606.

Circle V Ranch
Summer Camp for Girls & Boys Ages 7–13

St. Vincent de Paul Summer Camp at Circle V Ranch near Lake Cachuma is providing one-week sessions for boys and girls, July 2nd—August 13th. Cost is $250 per child. Financial aid is available for children of low-income families for parents that qualify for assistance. For more information and an application, call Conchita Lehne at (805) 452-7421. This summer camp experience is often the highlight of a child’s summer experience.

If you wish to make a donation for helping local children attend the summer camp program, contact St. Vincent de Paul Conference Old Mission Santa Barbara at 687-7547.

Marriage Encounter

Spring is here. Make it last with a Marriage Encounter weekend! Upcoming dates are April 22nd-24th in Woodland Hills. For more information, call Russ and Jeanine at 648-4244, email info@wwme-la-north.org, or visit www.wwme-la-north.org.

The Catholic Church Welcomes You!

Are you thinking about returning to actively practicing your faith? If you are a Catholic who has been away from the Church, know you are in our prayers. We invite you explore your faith and your future with the Catholic Church. If you are interested in learning more, contact the Parish Office (682-4151).

Mad Hatter Luncheon

Voted “Best Afternoon Event” in its debut, Transition House Auxiliary’s Eighth Annual Mad Hatter Luncheon will take place at 11:30 AM on April 27th at Fess Parker’s Doubletree Resort. Seating will be limited, so please reserve early. This year’s theme is Alice’s Garden. Prizes will be awarded for the funniest, most beautiful and most original hat. Plan to purchase your raffle tickets for outstanding vacations offered as grand prizes and bid on some very unusual silent auction items. Cost is $85. For information, please call Jan at 564-1408.

Help Prevent Child Abuse

April is national Child Abuse Prevention Month. There is no better time than Easter to celebrate the protection of our most valuable gift from God—our children. For information on how you can become more informed and involved in keeping our children safe, please call Joan Vienna, Coordinator of the Archdiocese’s Safeguard the Children Program at (213) 637-7227.

VIRTUS Training

Did you know that every person working with children and youth in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles is mandated to attend VIRTUS training? VIRTUS is designed to prevent child abuse by making adults aware of how sexual abuse is perpetrated by adults as well as other children. More than 20,000 adults have gone through the VIRTUS training program in the Archdiocese. To find out about training sessions near you, please call the Archdiocese’s Safeguard the Children Program Office at (213) 637-7227.


Prepare for Next Sunday’s Liturgy
Fifth Sunday of Easter

First Reading: Acts 6:1-7
Second Reading: 1 Peter 2:4-9
Gospel Reading: John 14:1-12


Reflection on Next Sunday’s Liturgy of the Word

Next Sunday’s Gospel is taken from Jesus’ long speech at the Last Supper. When he announces his departure, the disciples are understandably sad, but he consoles them with warm words of hope: Through his death they will go to the Father. The central verse of this Gospel, when Jesus identifies himself as “the way, the truth, and the life,” reveals Jesus not only as the “way” to the Father, but as the revelation of the Father. In his humanity, he reveals what God is like. Jesus’ kindness, his compassion, his concern for the poor, his forgiveness of sinners help us to know the Father.


Life Focus

Relate an experience when you did something for others because they valued and trusted you.

Describe an experience when you had to trust without knowing what would happen.

Tell of an experience that showed a wavering of faith on your part.

Describe a personal experience when you wanted someone to show you the way.

Where is home for you?


Traveling?

For nationwide Mass times and locations, visit www.MassTimes.org.

Getting in the Parish Bulletin

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