SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST

People of Jesus’ day received many of his teachings with caution at best. But today’s Gospel passage ranks among the highest for a skeptical reception. Listeners knew they needed bread to live. But many felt the life they had then was enough, was all there was. After all, they were descendents of Abraham and Sarah. So being told they didn’t yet have real life within them was more than a red flag. Being invited to partake in their teacher’s own flesh and blood in order to have life that would not end must have sounded far-fetched and even cannibalistic to some.

Yet the marvel of this teaching is that Jesus’ word is good. The teacher himself models—becomes—the teaching: life that does not end is available—and it is found in me. No other rabbi could offer such intimacy to a follower. No other gesture has ever impacted the life of believers in such a way.

Faith in teaching comes from trust in the reliability of the teacher. All Jesus’ other ministries—healing and telling about the kingdom—brought life. His touch had returned people to health and returned them to family. His word freed and forgave. And if sharing in his life meant having these forever, the listening crowd could take a leap of faith again, for in Jesus they found someone on whom they could stake their lives.

Perhaps our key to a deepening faith in the Eucharist is learning to discover the many faces of Jesus giving us life in our daily healings and living of his Word. Then we will more fully experience the eternal life the Eucharist offers. For it is the summit of what life in Jesus can mean.


Dear Parishioners and Visitors,

To the dismay of many in the Church, it is evident that in most parishes people still do not see Communion in the Blood of Christ as equal in importance to Communion in the Body of Christ. On this Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, I think it is particularly appropriate to share with you snippets from a provocative article, “A Fire in the Blood,” written by Nathan Mitchell, a prominent liturgical theologian.

“Bloodshed always makes us uncomfortable—and that is precisely the point. Without the cup, the Eucharist might easily sink to the level of an elegant dinner where—surrounded by friends, fragrance, lights, and music—we sup serenely while the rest of the world goes mad…The cup will not let us forget. It will not let us sanitize the fact that Jesus died ‘in bad company,’ nor will it silence the loud voice of his blood…The loud voice of Jesus’ blood will not let us forget that he died (as we must) for and among the weak and vulnerable…The cup of the Blood of Christ makes us participants both in the life of God and in the struggles against the suffering of the world. Drinking the cup, we pledge ourselves to justice and solidarity with the losers, the powerless—all the have-nots who have been shut up, shut out, and shut down. There is fire in the cup that burns until it ignites the fire in our belly. If blood could talk as it blazes, it would tell us to tremble in awe and gratitude. Surely, too, it would pronounce judgment on our sin. It would demand to know why we have kept the hungry child hungry, the table bare, the furnace cold, the beggar’s bowl empty, the old woman’s meds priced well beyond her reach. At the same time, the Blood of Christ blooms with visions. In and through our Communion in the Blood of Christ, we dare to dream a world where peace and mercy flourish.”

Let us make that world a reality.

Love, Pat


We Pray for the Sick

Rose Margaret Braiden
Corado Reginatto
Viola Valenzuela

May they find strength and comfort in our prayers


PARISH CALENDAR
May 31 Pastoral Council Meeting at 7:00 PM
June 19 Father’s Day
June 22 Baptism Class at 6:30 PM
June 26 Baptisms at the 10:30 AM Mass


Readings for the Week of May 29, 2005

Monday:
Tb 1:3;2:1-8/Ps 112:1-6/Mk 12:1-12

Tuesday:
Zep 3:14-18/Is 12:2-6/Lk 1:39-56

Wednesday:
Tb 3:1-11,16-17/Ps 25:2-9/Mk 12:18-27

Thursday:
Tb 6:10-11;7:1,9-17;8:4-9/Ps 128:1-5/Mk 12:28-34

Friday:
Dt 7:6-11/Ps 103:1-4,6-8,10/1 Jn 4:7-16/Mt 11:25-30

Saturday:
Tb 12:1,5-15,20/Tb 13:2,6-8/Lk 2:41-51


“Compassionate Choice Act”
California’s Assisted Suicide Proposal
Assembly Bill 654
A bill to legalize assisted suicide in California is making its way through the legislature. The “Compassionate Choice Act” would authorize an adult who…has been determined by his or her attending physician to be suffering from a terminal disease…to make a request for medication for the purpose of ending his or her life. The sponsors of this legislation are people with good intentions. They argue that suicide can eliminate the pain, the dependency and the high cost of dying. They reason that suicide will bring dignity to an undignified process, hence the title of their bill.
The Catholic Church stands in strong and unqualified opposition to the legalization of physician-assisted suicide. We believe that every human person’s dignity is indelible. Death, a natural passing we all must endure, cannot strip us of dignity. We may imagine a loss of dignity because of the judgment of others or a diminished perception of ourselves, but it is an allusion. Our worth is inherent, our humanity permanent. The task of society is to acknowledge our dignity and treat us accordingly.
Statistics indicated that fears of dying with pain or watching loved ones suffer in pain are the primary reasons people give for supporting assisted suicide. The sad part is that people have not been made aware of the incredible strides in palliative medicine (care specifically focused on alleviating suffering and promoting quality of life) in recent years that have virtually eliminated that reality. One pain management physician stated the point succinctly, “I simply have never seen a case nor heard of a colleague’s case where it (physician-assisted suicide) was necessary. If there is such a request, it is always—and I repeat, always—dropped when quality care is rendered.”
Our efforts as a society would be better focused on providing quality end-of-life care to all people. We need to encourage more medical personnel to become involved in palliative care available in hospitals, nursing homes and home-based programs. Much more public education needs to be done so that everyone knows what programs are available to help them manage their healthcare choices and options.
Contact Californians Against Assisted Suicide, www.ca-aas.com for additional information.


Recycle Sight

Donate used and old eyeglasses to the Lions Sight and Hearing Center. Call 569-8264 to receive a list of specially marked boxes in selected drop-off sites.


Discernment for Pastoral Council

It’s getting to be that time of the year again when all registered parishioners will be invited to recommend parishioners to serve as Pastoral Council members. According to the Archdiocesan guideline book, “Communion and Consultation: Pastoral Council Guidelines,” the specific task of the Pastoral Council is planning. The Council engages in a three-pronged process of study, reflection and recommendation. Meetings are held on the last Tuesday of each month, and council members serve a three-year term. Watch the bulletin for more information.


Youth Ministry

Senior High “LifeTeen Mass” takes place Sunday evenings at 5:30 PM at our partner parish, St. Raphael’s. It is followed by “LifeNight” at 7:00 PM. The Junior High Youth Ministry “Tobiah Club” meets at St. Raphael’s on the first and third Thursdays of each month from 7:00 to 8:45 PM. For more information, please contact St. Raphael Parish Youth Minister, John Vasellina at 964-3466 ext. 1.


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. Please contact the Parish Office if you’d like more information (682-4151).

Justice, Peace & Integrity of Creation

The primary purpose of our parish Justice, Peace & Integrity of Creation Committee is to educate the committee members and the rest of the parish about the principles of Catholic social teaching and to explore ways to put these teachings into practice in our personal lives and at every level of society.

During the coming year, the committee will be focusing on the principle of “the integrity of creation” (the care of the earth), as defined by Pope John Paul II. We plan to share the results of our study periodically with the rest of the parish via the Sunday bulletin and will occasionally ask our parishioners to support legislation designed to protect the environment.


St Vincent de Paul Free Breakfast & Lunch
Sunday, June 5 · 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Serra Hall, 2210 Garden Street

St. Vincent de Paul Conference, Old Mission Santa Barbara, is having its annual free breakfast and lunch to raise funds for sending Santa Barbara children to Circle V Summer Camp. It costs $250 per child to provide one week of great fun. Cash contributions help defray this cost. This year we are having an old and new item sale to make your breakfast visit an added treat. If you have anything in the way of jewelry, dishes, or decorative table items that you wish to donate to our sale, please call Richard Rink at 687-0514 or Cherif Khoury at 569-2149. We will be happy to pick up these items. Donations are welcome and may be tax deductible.

Youth Altar Servers and Adult Acolytes Needed

We are always in need of more youth altar servers and adult acolytes. Training sessions for youth and adults are in progress. For more information, contact Bob and Claudia Chyla at 683-4966.

Simon Scanlon Writing Awards

Sponsored by The Way of St. Francis, the seventh annual Simon Scanlon writing contest is open to everyone. Your submission should be an original essay or feature length article about Franciscan life, spirituality, history, etc., in our world today. The prize for first place is $1,000; second place prize is $500; and third place prize is $250. If you are interested, please contact The Way of St. Francis, 1500 34th Avenue, Oakland, CA 94601, call (916) 443-5717, or email ofmcaway@att.net for further guidelines and dates. More details may be found in the pamphlets in the Porter’s Office.


Memorial Day Liturgy

Cardinal Roger Mahony will celebrate a special Memorial Day Liturgy at 10:00 AM on Monday, May 30th, at Calvary Cemetery. Please join him at this celebration, along with priests and other local parishes.


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 Street. Call (805) 965-7045 x102 for English; Spanish speakers or bilingual call 965-7045 x114.

The Franciscan Missionary Union

Today 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 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!


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 $46,259 (78% of our goal!) has been collected. If you have not yet made a donation or pledge, please consider doing so. Thank you for your generosity.

Stewardship Ministry

Sunday, May 22nd $9,630.00


Thank you for your continuing generosity!
(Don’t forget to use your contribution envelopes.)


Prepare for Next Sunday’s Liturgy
Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
First Reading: Hosea 6:3-6

Second Reading: Romans 4:18-25

Gospel Reading: Matthew 9:9-13


Reflection on Next Sunday’s Liturgy of the Word

Next Sunday’s Gospel shows Jesus being rejected by some of the Pharisees. Caught up in observing the Law to the letter, they fail to see the generosity of God’s love shown by Jesus. Jesus asked Matthew, a customs collector, to follow him. This man was regarded as a sinner by the Jews and someone to be avoided and scorned. God’s mercy is not held from those who appear to be unworthy. In fact, it is precisely to these that God’s love reaches out. People are saved by God’s graciousness, not by their own efforts or accomplishments. Observance of the law without love for others is not genuine religion.

Life Focus

When have you experienced having your life together and being quite independent? When have you experienced a time when you couldn’t “do it” alone?

The Pharisees complain about Jesus to his disciples instead of going to him directly. Describe a time in your life when you didn’t have the courage to speak directly to a person you disagreed with or who offended you, but complained to others instead.

How have you let the law, not love, become a priority in your spiritual life?

Traveling?
Don’t forget to go to Mass.

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.

Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity


Many Christians can recite the first verse of today’s Gospel. In fact, it is quoted often as a foundational belief and appears in many highly visible places these days. Still, the notion of God loving—not condemning—our world is a mystery we can hardly fathom. Maybe that is because we don’t have the eyes and hearts for it, so we continue selecting facets of our culture and people that please us. Ours is a much more discriminate relationship to the world than God’s full love for it.

Our creed names God as Trinity, a community of three persons who live in loving communion. It is a community where mutuality, give-and-take, and equality are enjoyed with no limits on time. This notion is so far from our experience, we call it a mystery. Our loves, after all, struggle to be mutual; our relationships are seldom equal; and we never seem to have enough time.

Today we are reminded that God the Father who loves the world and all its peoples gave his only Son so that we could come to believe. And this belief leads to the God-life that knows no limits. Who would not want a life like that?

Like a good parent who offers options and prays a child will choose the good, our heavenly Father offers us eternal life through faith in Jesus. Eternal life can begin now. We have a lifetime to ponder the mystery.


Readings for the Week of May 22, 2005

Monday:
Sir 17:20-24/Ps 32:1-2,5-7/Mk 10:17-27

Tuesday:
Sir 35:1-12/Ps 50:5-8,14,23/Mk 10:28-31

Wednesday:
Sir 36:1,4-5,10-17/Ps 79:8-9,11,13/Mk 10:32-45

Thursday:
Sir 42:15-25/Ps 33:2-9/Mk 10:46-52

Friday:
Sir 44:1,9-13/Ps 149:1-6,9/Mk 11:11-26

Saturday:
Sir 51:12-20/Ps 19:8-11/Mk 11:27-33


Dear Parishioners and Visitors,

On Tuesday of last week, May 17th, I celebrated the 30th anniversary of my ordination at the 7:30 AM mass and we all had coffee and ginger-honey coffee cake afterwards. So my thoughts have naturally had a kind of reminiscing quality. Back in “the good old days” the friars found an ordination happening somewhere and just got at the end of the line. The two of us friars ordained that year got at the end of the line at the San Francisco diocesan ordinations, and since I’m from San Francisco it worked out pretty well for me. Immediately after the ceremony my family and friends headed to St. Anthony’s in the City for a reception and before I even got inside, some stranger on the street said, “Father, could you hear my confession?” Caught! Part of the bishop’s instruction at an ordination contains the words referring to scripture, “Believe what you read, teach what you believe, practice what you teach.”

All of the baptized people of God are baptized into Christ Jesus, who is the priest. I understand the ordained priesthood to be a ministry for the church and the priesthood of all the baptized to be a priesthood for the world. So I would pass on the bishop’s instruction to you, with a bit of a Franciscan twist. The “twist” is this: we have three books given us by God, the Book of Scripture, the Book of Creation, and the Book of our own personal experience. They kind of form a triptych style book for us. And since forgiveness and reconciliation has been so linked in my own life, I’d ask you to link the forgiving and removing divisions in you own bringing Christ to our world. Please pray we may encourage, inspire, and enliven each other in our mirroring the risen Jesus to the community of the church and to the world.

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


“Compassionate Choice Act”
California’s Assisted Suicide Proposal
Assembly Bill 654

A bill to legalize assisted suicide in California is making its way through the legislature. The “Compassionate Choice Act” would authorize an adult who…has been determined by his or her attending physician to be suffering from a terminal disease…to make a request for medication for the purpose of ending his or her life. The sponsors of this legislation are people with good intentions. They argue that suicide can eliminate the pain, the dependency and the high cost of dying. They reason that suicide will bring dignity to an undignified process, hence the title of their bill.

The Catholic Church stands in strong and unqualified opposition to the legalization of physician-assisted suicide. We believe that every human person’s dignity is indelible. Death, a natural passing we all must endure, cannot strip us of dignity. We may imagine a loss of dignity because of the judgment of others or a diminished perception of ourselves, but it is an allusion. Our worth is inherent, our humanity permanent. The task of society is to acknowledge our dignity and treat us accordingly.

Statistics indicated that fears of dying with pain or watching loved ones suffer in pain are the primary reasons people give for supporting assisted suicide. The sad part is that people have not been made aware of the incredible strides in palliative medicine (care specifically focused on alleviating suffering and promoting quality of life) in recent years that have virtually eliminated that reality. One pain management physician stated the point succinctly, “I simply have never seen a case nor heard of a colleague’s case where it (physician-assisted suicide) was necessary. If there is such a request, it is always—and I repeat, always—dropped when quality care is rendered.”

Our efforts as a society would be better focused on providing quality end-of-life care to all people. We need to encourage more medical personnel to become involved in palliative care available in hospitals, nursing homes and home-based programs. Much more public education needs to be done so that everyone knows what programs are available to help them manage their healthcare choices and options.

Contact Californians Against Assisted Suicide, www.ca-aas.com for additional information.

We Pray for the Sick

Craig Bogley
Rose Margaret Braiden
Corado Reginatto
Jim Shea

May they find strength and comfort in our prayers

The Franciscan Missionary Union
Next weekend 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 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!

Villa Majella

A part-time staff position is available at Villa Majella maternity home. Evening shift, 5:00 PM—10:00 PM, approximately 25 hrs./week. Applicant should have knowledge of childbirth, parenting and drug recovery. Villa Majella is a residential program for single, pregnant young women carrying their babies to term. Please send your resume by May 31st to: Villa Majella Business Office, 202 W. Valerio Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, or fax it to 563-1581.

Discernment for Pastoral Council

It’s getting to be that time of the year again when all registered parishioners will be invited to recommend parishioners to serve as Pastoral Council members. According to the Archdiocesan guideline book, “Communion and Consultation: Pastoral Council Guidelines,” the specific task of the Pastoral Council is planning. The Council engages in a three-pronged process of study, reflection and recommendation. Meetings are held on the last Tuesday of each month, and council members serve a three-year term. Watch the bulletin for more information.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful

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. Please contact the Parish Office if you’d like more information.

Always our Children

The Catholic support group for parents of gay and lesbian children from the Santa Barbara and Ventura area meets on the fourth Tuesday of every other month. The next meeting will be at 7:30 PM on Tuesday, May 24th. This is a safe and comfortable environment where you can share your feelings and fears, and ask questions. The meetings are informal and confidential.

For more information, please call Kathie and Joe Schneider at 687-4338.

I Madonnari
Italian Street Painting Festival

On Memorial Day weekend— May 28, 29 and 30—the Friars will host the annual I Madonnari Festival here at the Old Mission. The directors of the festival will do everything they can to make it as easy as possible for you to get to Mass those days, by keeping festival parking just south of the road. Just let the volunteers know you’re going to Mass.

If you plan to stay and enjoy the Festival after Mass, please park on the large field between the parking lot and Serra Hall. This will assure parking places for the people coming to the next Mass.

For those who have difficulty walking a long distance, there will be provisions for drop-off and pick-up at the top of the road.

St Vincent de Paul Free Breakfast & Lunch
Sunday, June 5
Serra Hall, 2210 Garden Street
8:30 AM to 1:00 PM
St. Vincent de Paul Conference, Old Mission Santa Barbara, is having its annual free breakfast and lunch to raise funds for sending Santa Barbara children to Circle V Summer Camp. It costs $250 per child to provide one week of great fun. Cash contributions help defray this cost. This year we are having an old and new item sale to make your breakfast visit an added treat. If you have anything in the way of jewelry, dishes, or decorative table items that you wish to donate to our sale, please call Richard Rink at 687-0514 or Cherif Khoury at 569-2149. We will be happy to pick up these items. Donations are welcome and may be tax deductible.

Adopt an Easter Lily

The beautiful lilies that were used in the church for Easter are available to parishioners who would like to take them home and give them new life. Please stop by the patio behind the Porter’s Office kitchen.

Placement Exam

Bishop Garcia Diego High School’s placement exam for incoming freshmen will take place from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM on June 2nd at 4000 La Colina Road. For information and an application, please call the admissions office at 967-1266 x118. Financial aid is available.

Memorial Day Liturgy

Cardinal Roger Mahony will celebrate a special Memorial Day Liturgy at 10:00 AM on Monday, May 30th, at Calvary Cemetery. Please join him at this celebration, along with priests and other local parishes.

Sacrament of Matrimony

Richard Wickman and Darlene Serpa

Youth Altar Servers and Adult Acolytes Needed

We are always in need of more youth altar servers and adult acolytes. Training sessions for youth and adults are in progress. For more information, contact Bob and Claudia Chyla at 683-4966.

Stations of the Cross

The beautiful stations of the cross created by Fr. Nevin Ford in the 1960s have been moved from St. Anthony’s Seminary to the Mission grounds, where they will be installed in a tranquil garden of 84 olive trees. Volunteers will be outside the church after each Mass next weekend to encourage your support for the costs of this project.

Prepare for Next Sunday’s Liturgy
Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

First Reading: Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:16-17

Gospel Reading: John 6:51-58


Reflection on Next Sunday’s Liturgy of the Word

Jesus provides “real food” and “real drink” in the Eucharist—his own “flesh” and “blood” to sustain the believer. In next Sunday’s Gospel the crowds find this hard to believe, but Jesus doesn’t retreat from his statement. There is no question of Jesus’ meaning: when we partake of the Eucharist, we have a share in eternal life—here and now. For John eternal life is God’s life, the life God shares with his son. When we receive the Eucharist, we are united to Jesus and the Father. We share God’s life. When we share Christ’s life, we are already living eternally!


Life Focus

Recall a celebration of the Mass that meant a lot to you.

People quarreled over Jesus and what he expected of them. What does he expect of you in your life?

Christ gave us fullness of life. Describe what fullness of life is for you.

Although receiving the body and blood of Christ is personal, it is not private. Christ gave us himself for “the life of the world.” What commitments does the Eucharist call you to?


Stewardship Ministry

Sunday, May 15th $9,292.00


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 $41,652 (70% of the goal) has been collected! If you have not yet made a donation or pledge, please consider doing so. Thank you for your generosity.

Traveling?
Don’t forget to go to Mass.

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.

Solemnity of Pentecost


The well-known author and rabbi, Abraham Heschel, wrote in his spiritual journals a thought that became a conviction for him: “What we own, we owe.” In the gospel reading, we hear Jesus confer a potent gift on the disciples: Peace. First it is a greeting. Later, it becomes a mandate.

Offering peace seems an unlikely challenge for these followers, considering their circumstances. They are, at the moment, hiding behind locked doors, quaking from fear of the authorities. But true to his nature, the risen Jesus appears just in time, speaking the one word that exactly fits their need: Peace. Their delight at seeing him is soon tempered with a spiritual maturity as he names their remarkable responsibility: Those you forgive are forgiven!

For Jesus to issue a mandate without giving his disciples all they need for the task would be out of character. So he provides the power that will make forgiveness possible: “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

At the moment they felt his breath and knew his trust, their ministry and ours began. “What we own, we owe.” The spirit empowers us to offer peace where there is fear, acceptance where there is hate. Good ministry today reflects this commission of Jesus. We are faithful to it each time we respond with the gift of the Holy Spirit we have received.


Dear Parishioners and Visitors,

Today is Pentecost! As its name indicates, this glorious feast takes place fifty days after Easter. It is the crowning finale of the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which lasts through Eastertide and ends with the pouring out of the Spirit over the apostles and in the Church. Hence the importance of Pentecost in the liturgical year, where the richness of the liturgy tries to do justice to the many components of the mystery as it is celebrated by the Church. The inauguration of the new covenant, the promulgation of the new Law announced by the prophets, the gathering of the community, the beginning of the coming harvest, Pentecost of the final manifestation of God that has given birth to the Church.

Love that hovered over the waters
And rocked them with the first wind,
Our souls sleep.
Seize them with a new rhythm
That flows from Christ their source
To overflow among us.

You are the voice that groans
Amid the sorrows of our world,
The name of the Father;
But you are also
The voice that brings God’s response:
The love of God covers the earth.

You are the genesis of all ages,
You are the wind that cries birth
To the hidden soul;
You engender us from within,
You make the silence reverberate
In the depth of very being.

Love descending today,
Come stir up the secret waters
Of our baptism,
Which from the death of Jesus Christ
Makes us rise up in new life:
All is love in Love itself.

May the blessings of Pentecost transform us!

Love, Pat


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. Please contact the Parish Office if you’d like more information.


We Pray for the Sick

Craig Bogley
Rose Margaret Braiden
Corado Reginatto
Jim Shea

May they find strength and comfort in our prayers


Readings for the Week of May 15, 2005

Monday:
Sir 1:1-10/Ps 93:1-2,5/Mk 9:14-29

Tuesday:
Sir 2:1-11/Ps 37:3-4,18-19,27-28,39-40/Mk 9:30-37

Wednesday:
Sir 4:11-19/Ps 119:165,168,171-172,174-175/Mk 9:38-40

Thursday:
Sir 5:1-8/Ps 1:1-4,6/Mk 9:41-50

Friday:
Sir 6:5-17/Ps 119:12,16,18,27,34-35/Mk 10:1-12

Saturday:
Sir 17:1-15/Ps 103:13-18/Mk 10:13-16


Do You Know …

White dominates the vesture and environment of the Easter season, with one obvious exception—Pentecost. On this 50th and last day of the Church’s most solemn season—the day we recall the descent of the Holy Spirit both on the first Pentecost and among the baptized today—we might wonder, why the change?

One connection between red and Pentecost is obvious: fire. This applies not only to the Acts account of the Spirit appearing in “tongues as of fire” but also to the many stories of fire that appear throughout the scriptures: the burning bush on Mount Horeb, the pillar of fire that accompanied the Israelites during their flight from Egypt, the fire and smoke on the mountain when Moses received the Law, the cleansing fire of the prophet Malachi. The reds and oranges of Pentecost recall God’s presence in the history of Israel as they also herald the coming of Christ’s Spirit, God’s enduring presence and power among the baptized today.

Yet red evokes more than fire. Red is also the color of apostles and martyrs, both witnesses to Christ. The Greek word for apostle translates literally as “one who is sent,” while that for martyr means “witness.” Feasts of apostles and martyrs certainly draw meaning from Pentecost, since it was the Spirit who empowered the first apostles to proclaim the Good News and the Spirit who gave the martyrs the courage even to shed their blood for the Gospel. The blood of the martyrs inevitably points to the cross upon which Christ became the first martyr, the first witness to the true depth of God’s love for the world.

The shades of red and orange that clothe Pentecost point us to the mystery of the Spirit’s action. In the Spirit, we stand with Moses and Israel as actors in salvation history; as those baptized into Christ’s Paschal mystery, we are also empowered as apostles, sent as witnesses even to death. How appropriate, then, that the day after Pentecost is a “mere” weekday in Ordinary Time, when we must begin again the work of carrying Christ’s message in the everyday, Monday morning martyrs set afire by the presence of God.



Stewardship Ministry

Sunday, May 8th $10,632.00

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.


Thank you for your continuing generosity!
(Don’t forget to use your contribution envelopes.)


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 $41,652 (70% 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.



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.



Widowed? Separated? Divorced?

The Beginning Experience is a weekend program designed to be a time of closure on the past and a new beginning in the present. The next Beginning Experience weekend will be May 20th-22nd here at the Santa Barbara Mission. For more information call Shirley at 482-4614 or Gerry at 938-5338.


Retirement Fund for Archdiocesan Priests

Today we will take up a second collection for the Retired Priests of the Archdiocese. Please consider making a donation in support of this important fund.


Discernment for Pastoral Council

It’s getting to be that time of the year again when all registered parishioners will be invited to recommend parishioners to serve as Pastoral Council members. According to the Archdiocesan guideline book, “Communion and Consultation: Pastoral Council Guidelines,” the specific task of the Pastoral Council is planning. The Council engages in a three-pronged process of study, reflection and recommendation. Meetings are held on the last Tuesday of each month, and council members serve a three-year term. Watch the bulletin for more information.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful


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.


Youth Ministry

Senior High “LifeTeen Mass” takes place Sunday evenings at 5:30 PM at our partner parish, St. Raphael’s. It is followed by “LifeNight” at 7:00 PM. The Junior High Youth Ministry “Tobiah Club” meets at St. Raphael’s on the first and third Thursdays of each month from 7:00 to 8:45 PM. For more information, please contact St. Raphael Parish Youth Minister, John Vasellina at 964-3466 ext. 1.


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.



St. Vincent de Paul Free Breakfast & Lunch
Sunday, June 5
Serra Hall, 2210 Garden Street
8:30 AM to 1:00 PM

St. Vincent de Paul Conference, Old Mission Santa Barbara, is having its annual free breakfast and lunch to raise funds for sending Santa Barbara children to Circle V Summer Camp. It costs $250 per child to provide one week of great fun. Cash contributions help defray this cost. This year we are having an old and new item sale to make your breakfast visit an added treat. If you have anything in the way of jewelry, dishes, or decorative table items that you wish to donate to our sale, please call Richard Rink at 687-0514 or Cherif Khoury at 569-2149. We will be happy to pick up these items. Donations are welcome and may be tax deductible.


Music Notes
If you are a singer or instrumentalist, your musical gifts are needed at our liturgies. Please contact Dr. Keith Paulson-Thorp, Music Director, for details on how you might join in our music ministries.

Take Home an Easter Lily

The beautiful lilies that were used in the church for Easter are available to parishioners who would like to take them home and give them new life. Please stop by the patio behind the Porter’s Office kitchen.


The Queen Needs Help!Volunteer Opportunity

Old Mission Santa Barbara (the Queen of them all) needs volunteers to help in the Porter’s Office. The Porter’s Office is where all the action is. All the phone calls and people coming to the friary, the parish, the Serra Wing, and the Mission Renewal Center come to the Porter’s Office. The list of available volunteers needs to grow. If you are interested in helping or have ay questions, please call Fr. Alberic at 682-4713 ext. 157.



Protecting our Youth

Parents and guardians play a key role in the success of parish programs for young people. They will be in the best position to protect their own children, as well as all the children in the parish community. Involvement and communication are important factors in helping to ensure safe environments for all of our children.



Always our Children

The Catholic support group for parents of gay and lesbian children from the Santa Barbara and Ventura area meets on the fourth Tuesday of every other month. The next meeting will be at 7:30 PM on Tuesday, May 24th. This is a safe and comfortable environment where you can share your feelings and fears, and ask questions. The meetings are informal and confidential.

For more information, please call Kathie and Joe Schneider at 687-4338.



I Madonnari
Italian Street Painting FestivalOn Memorial Day weekend— May 28, 29 and 30—the Friars will host the annual I Madonnari Festival here at the Old Mission. The directors of the festival will do everything they can to make it as easy as possible for you to get to Mass those days, by keeping festival parking just south of the road. Just let the volunteers know you’re going to Mass.

If you plan to stay and enjoy the Festival after Mass, please park on the large field between the parking lot and Serra Hall. This will assure parking places for the people coming to the next Mass.

For those who have difficulty walking a long distance, there will be provisions for drop-off and pick-up at the top of the road.

Prepare for Next Sunday’s LiturgySolemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

First Reading: Exodus 34:4-6, 8-9
Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 13:11-13
Gospel Reading: John 3:16-18



Reflection on Next Sunday’s Liturgy of the Word

In next Sunday’s second reading, Paul calls the Corinthians to be a community united in Christ. He reminds them that the God to whom they have committed themselves is a God of love, who gave us the Son. The love and the power that brings the Father and the Son together with each other is the Holy Spirit. The very Spirit of God is what brings us together as well—the Church, in our families and in our small church community. In the Gospel Jesus declares that he is God’s only son, the one who has come from God. He is the means through whom salvation will be given. And this salvation that God confers is based on faith. Those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God will be saved, while others will condemn themselves by their refusal to believe.


Life Focus

How have you experienced the Spirit challenging and nudging you?

Who are the saviors in your life? How are they Christ to you?

What part of the world do you find most difficult to love? Why? What part of your own personal world is hardest for you to love?

Traveling?
Don’t forget to go to Mass.

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.

Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord


On the feast of the Ascension we stand in awe of the exaltation Jesus enjoys at the right hand of God. Both his ascending and his placement at God’s right hand are metaphors that attempt to capture some aspect of the mystery we celebrate today. Jesus, this man who lived among us, who was put to death because of his integrity as the Messiah of God, has been exalted by God. Metaphorical language describes this exaltation in terms of Jesus enjoying the place of honor in God’s presence. His being lifted up is another metaphorical way of speaking. It characterizes his transition from existence on earth (even resurrected existence) to existence with God.

The readings indicate that his exaltation carries implications for our lives here on earth. In the first reading, Jesus’ followers are told not to stand looking up to heaven, preoccupied with what was in the past. Their attention is redirected to the future. This new direction is even clearer in the Gospel, where the Eleven are given a commission. With Jesus’ departure, it is their responsibility to continue the work that he began. They, and we, are told to make disciples of all the nations, to baptize and to teach. This is an awesome task. Can it be accomplished without Jesus? Picking up a theme found in last Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus promises to be with them, and us, “always, until the end of the age.”

In the power of his Spirit, we can do it. We are not alone.


Dear Parishioners and Visitors,

This weekend we celebrate Mother’s Day and we celebrate the Ascension of the Lord. At all the Masses, we will celebrate the Feast, and bless our mothers. The word “bless” has two meanings in our tradition. To bless means asking God to look with special favor on someone or something; and to bless means to give thanks to God for someone or something. Sometimes to bless means both at the same time. On Mother’s Day we do give thanks to God for our mothers, both living and dead, and we ask God to watch over them, and to fill them with joy and well-being. In Great Britain and Canada, Mother’s Day is called “Mothering Day.” We also pray for and give thanks to God for everyone who “mothered” or “mothers” us, the people who nurture us, encourage us, help us grow, urge us to soar and to fly.

One of the ancient titles of the Church is “Mother Church.” St. Cyprian of Carthage, who was martyred in 258, often referred to “mother church” in his writings as though it were already in common usage. So let us pray for and ask God’s blessing on our Holy Mother Church on this Mother’s Day, that after gazing up into the sky (in all the wonderful ways we wonder and dream) we can go about doing the work given to us…to proclaim the good news to all creation.

Happy Mother’s Day to all,
Fr. Richard Juzix, O.F.M., Pastor


PARISH CALENDAR

May 11 Taizé Prayer Around the Cross, 6:30 PM
May 15 Pentecost Sunday
May 17 Baptism Class at 6:30 PM
May 22 Baptisms at the 12:00 Noon Mass


Readings for the Week of May 8, 2005

Monday:
Acts 19:1-8/Ps 68:2-7/Jn 16:29-33

Tuesday:
Acts 20:17-27/Ps 68:10-11,20-21/Jn 17:1-11

Wednesday:
Acts 20:28-38/Ps 68:29-30,33-36/Jn 17:11-19

Thursday:
Acts 22:30;23:6-11/Ps 16:1-2,5,7-11/Jn 17:20-26

Friday:
Acts 25:13-21/Ps 103:1-2,11-12,19-20/Jn 21:15-19

Saturday:
Acts 1:15-17,20-26/Ps 113:1-8/Jn 15:9-17


Do You Know …

It can be easy to think of receiving Communion as a private affair. We often see people deep in personal prayer during the Communion rite. This kind of reflectiveness is often encouraged as a means to grow in “perfect communion” with Christ. At the same time it can be easy to forget that “Communion” means much more than personal unity with Christ; “Communion also describes our relationship with Christ’s whole body, the church, which itself is often described as a communion, a mystical body in which all people are made one.

A truly perfect communion directs us not merely heavenward but earthward as well. We cannot be one with Christ unless we are also constantly seeking true unity with our sisters and brothers. This kind of communion certainly requires that we set aside our pettiness, our us-versus-them attitudes, our fear of those who are different, but it doesn’t stop there. Perfect communion requires us, compels us, to reach out to all people, to see ourselves in those different from us, to recognize all human suffering as our suffering as well.

Pope John Paul II, in announcing the current year of the Eucharist, draws us to the heart of the matter:

The Eucharist is not merely an expression of communion in the church’s life; it is also a project of solidarity for all of humanity. In the celebration of the Eucharist the church constantly renews her awareness of being a “sign and instrument” not only of intimate union with God but also of the unity of the whole human race. … More than ever, our troubled world, which began the new Millennium with the specter of terrorism and the tragedy of war, demands that Christians learn to experience the Eucharist as a great school of peace.

Our Communion, then, must extend beyond our Catholic community, beyond the whole Christian family, to embrace all those created in God’s image and likeness. Communion’s perfection is in the end no small task, no pious feeling, but an effort worthy of those honored with the name of “disciple of Christ.”


We Pray for the Sick

Rose Margaret Braiden
Corado Reginatto
Meg Suddaby

May they find strength and comfort in our prayers.


Happy Mother’s Day!

Mothers are the models of wisdom, greatness and courage. Their grace teaches us the real beauty of life.



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).


Youth Altar Servers and Adult Acolytes Needed

We are always in need of more youth altar servers and adult acolytes. Training sessions for youth and adults are in progress. For more information, contact Bob and Claudia Chyla at 683-4966.


Stewardship Ministry
Sunday, May 1st $10,502.00
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.

Thank you for your continuing generosity!

Don’t forget to use your contribution envelopes.


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.

Discernment for Pastoral Council

It’s getting to be that time of the year again when all registered parishioners will be invited to recommend parishioners to serve as Pastoral Council members. According to the Archdiocesan guideline book, “Communion and Consultation: Pastoral Council Guidelines,” the specific task of the Pastoral Council is planning. The Council engages in a three-pronged process of study, reflection and recommendation. Meetings are held on the last Tuesday of each month, and council members serve a three-year term. Watch the bulletin for more information.

Recycle Sight

Donate used and old eyeglasses to the Lions Sight and Hearing Center. Call 569-8264 to receive a list of specially marked boxes in selected drop-off sites.



The Society of St. Vincent de Paul

We meet on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 12:45 PM. Our mission is to help and to serve the poor. Call our voicemail at 687-7547 and leave a message for more information.

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.

Widowed? Separated? Divorced?

The Beginning Experience is a weekend program designed to be a time of closure on the past and a new beginning in the present. The next Beginning Experience weekend will be May 20th-22nd at the Santa Barbara Mission. For more information call Shirley at 482-4614 or Gerry at 938-5338.

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.

2005 Men’s Retreat

On the weekend of May 20th-22nd, Fr. Michael Mahoney and Fr. Gerald Barron will be giving a retreat for men at the San Lorenzo Seminary Prayer and Retreat Center. If you are interested in attending, please contact Jim Patin at 688-5630 or email him at jpatin@sanlorenzo.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.

Youth Ministry

Senior High “LifeTeen Mass” takes place Sunday evenings at 5:30 PM at our partner parish, St. Raphael’s. It is followed by “LifeNight” at 7:00 PM. The Junior High Youth Ministry “Tobiah Club” meets at St. Raphael’s on the first and third Thursdays of each month from 7:00 to 8:45 PM. For more information, please contact St. Raphael Parish Youth Minister, John Vasellina at 964-3466 ext. 1.

Music Notes

If you are a singer or instrumentalist, your musical gifts are needed at our liturgies. Please contact Dr. Keith Paulson-Thorp, Music Director, for details on how you might join in our music ministries.

Justice, Peace & Integrity of Creation

The primary purpose of our parish Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation Committee is to educate the committee members and the rest of the parish about the principles of Catholic social teaching and to explore ways to put these teachings into practice in our personal lives and at every level of society.

During the coming year, the committee will be focusing on the principle of “the integrity of creation” (the care of the earth), as defined by Pope John Paul II. We plan to share the results of our study periodically with the rest of the parish via the Sunday bulletin and will occasionally ask our parishioners to support legislation designed to protect the environment.

Our next meeting is Wednesday, May 11th at 7:00 PM in the Bride’s Room at the Old Mission. All are welcome.

Marriage Retorno

Do you want to enrich your relationship with your spouse and with God? A Marriage Retorno weekend provides participating couples with an opportunity for a renewal of their relationship as a couple with God. For more information, please call Amber and Felix Masci at (805) 581-1670, or email them at afmasci@earthlink.net.

Take Home an Easter Lily

The beautiful lilies that were used in the church for Easter are available to parishioners who would like to take them home and give them new life. Please stop by the patio behind the Porter’s Office kitchen.

The Queen Needs Help!
Volunteer Opportunity

Old Mission Santa Barbara (the Queen of them all) needs volunteers to help in the Porter’s Office. The Porter’s Office is where all the action is. All the phone calls and people coming to the friary, the parish, the Serra Wing, and the Mission Renewal Center come to the Porter’s Office. The list of available volunteers needs to grow. If you are interested in helping or have ay questions, please call Fr. Alberic at 682-4713 ext. 157.

Prepare for Next Sunday’s Liturgy
Pentecost Sunday

First Reading: Acts 2:1-11
Second Reading: 11 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13
Gospel Reading: John 20:19-23


Reflection on Next Sunday’s Liturgy of the Word

Our readings for next Sunday give us two accounts of the Pentecost event. In Luke’s account “a driving wind” is heard. In John’s, the Lord “breathes” upon his disciples. The apostles, even though they have been gathered together in the upper room out of fear, are now given the power of the Holy Spirit, the life-giving heart of the Church. They are also to do what Jesus did—forgive sins, heal divisions, bring about reconciliation and joy to all. All Christians are commissioned and given power to carry on this mission.

Life Focus

At Pentecost the Spirit enabled the disciples to overcome their fears. What fears were you able to overcome so you could continue the work you were called to do?

When have you been surprised at people very different from you hearing God’s message through you?

Speak of a time when you needed help to forgive someone. What do you find most difficult to forgive in yourself?


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.

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Jesus promises in this Sunday’s gospel that he “will not leave [us] orphans.” Oh, yes, Jesus has already given basic sustenance—his word and the breaking of bread. But something more is needed, the fruit of his promised love: Jesus “remains with” us, loves us, and reveals himself to us. All these actions—but especially the self-revelation—established a relationship with us. We are not orphans because Jesus never gives up drawing us more deeply into his life, never gives up drawing us more deeply into relationship with him. Jesus’ work is never finished. Neither is ours.

So much of the resurrection belief rests in intimacy with Jesus and we know such intimacy is to characterize all of Christian life. Yet it’s difficult to keep things in perspective: so much of our life seems anything but connected to Jesus, let alone his resurrection. Our sheer busyness hardly leaves us with a moment to catch our breath, let alone be concerned about intimacy with Jesus! We have difficulty being intimate with those we love and with whom we work and spend our lives; how in the world can we talk in any practical terms about intimacy with Jesus? But intimacy with Jesus doesn’t require that we pray all the time or that we are consciously aware of Jesus’ presence. Intimacy with Jesus is a simple matter of keeping his commandments—being gentle and reverent toward others, having a clear conscience, doing good. For most of us we are already doing what we need to do to be good Christians; what more is needed is to recognize that these good actions are already receiving the intimacy Jesus offers. He makes all good possible.


Dear Parishioners and Visitors,

Our celebration of the fifty days of Easter continues with glorious celebrations of the sacraments of the Church. Several weeks ago, and again this past week, we celebrated the sacrament of Confirmation with our youth. Last Sunday, we baptized Brooke Elizabeth Bradley into the life of Christ. And today at the 10:30 Mass, nineteen of our children will receive Holy Communion for the first time. Our love and congratulations to:

Emily Allen, Peter Beeson, William Belfiore
Barrett Burnes, Giulia Castleberg, Emma Cisek
Kimberly Crickette, Colin Dosch, Brianna Doyle
Mateusz Dulnik, Tessa Fredericks
Noah Hernandez, Kela Johnson, Alessio Morello
Ana Redding, Elijah Rodenas, Jessany Rodenas
Amanda Stinson, Emily Velez

May their faith continue to grow through the reception of Holy Eucharist.

Today we have a special collection for the Cardinal McIntyre Fund for Charity. This fund exists as an emergency safety net to help families and individuals for whom no other aid is available. Please be as generous as possible.

I wish to call your attention to a wonderful opportunity for you to deepen your spiritual life by participating in a sort of “mini-retreat” that does not require a huge time commitment. The “Busy Person’s Retreat” will be offered from May 8th through May 12th. Each day you will meet with a spiritual director for thirty minutes and spend thirty minutes in personal prayer. What could be easier? For further information, please call Mary Rosenfeld, 687-4744, or you may pick up a registration form at the Porter’s Office.

Finally, next Sunday is the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord. Many of us remember celebrating this holy day as “Ascension Thursday.” Because of its great importance as one of the three high points of the Easter season (Easter, Ascension and Pentecost), the feast was moved to Sunday so that all of us could celebrate the fact that Jesus has gone to glory and we await Jesus’ return in glory.

Blessings to all, Pat


Do You Know …

Although the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults has been prominent in many parishes for some years, many of its celebrations may still be unfamiliar to Catholics. One that may cause some head-scratching is the dismissal of those preparing for Baptism—the catechumens—from the assembly after the homily. After all, isn’t the Christian community supposed to embody hospitality, especially for newcomers?

Though it may appear inhospitable, the dismissal is actually more an expression of the unique place catechumens occupy in the community: they are both already members of the community but not yet fully initiated, and so they do not yet share fully in the privilege of the baptized members of a “chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people” (1 Peter 2:9).

The location of the dismissal in the liturgy gives us a sense of what this baptismal mission entails. Catechumens are dismissed after the homily. The rest of the assembly continues the Sunday liturgy with the profession of faith—the creed that catechumens have yet to profess—followed by petitions for the Church, the world, those in need, and the local community. Because they are not baptized, the catechumens are not empowered to take part in these prayers.

With the liturgy of the Eucharist, the privilege of the initiated becomes even clearer. The most obvious privilege is receiving the body and blood of Christ at communion, but we often forget that the whole assembly also participates in the eucharistic prayer proclaimed by the ordained priest by offering the gifts with him and by offering themselves.

Far from excluding the catechumens, then, the dismissal acknowledges the stage of their journey on the road to initiation: they are “on the way” but haven’t quite reached their destination. At the same time, the dismissal highlights our desire that the catechumens will soon be full members.


PARISH CALENDAR

May 4 Taizé Prayer Around the Cross, 6:30 PM
May 5 Cinco de Mayo
May 8 Mother’s Day
May 8 Feast of the Ascension of the Lord
May 11 Taizé Prayer Around the Cross, 6:30 PM
May 15 Pentecost Sunday
May 17 Baptism Class at 6:30 PM
May 22 Baptisms at the 12:00 Noon Mass


Readings for the Week of May 1, 2005

Monday:
Acts 16:11-15/Ps 149:1-6,9/Jn 15:26-16:4

Tuesday:
1 Cor 15:1-8/Ps 19:2-5/Jn 14:6-14

Wednesday:
Acts 17:15,22-18:1/Ps 148:1-2,11-14/Jn 16:12-15

Thursday:
Acts 18:1-8/Ps 98:1-4/Jn 16:16-20

Friday:
Acts 18:9-18/Ps 47:2-7/Jn 16:20-2

Saturday:
Acts 18:23-28/Ps 47:2-3,8-10/Jn 16:23-28


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.
Stewardship Ministry
Sunday, April 24th $9,621.00


Thank you for your continuing generosity!

Don’t forget to use your contribution envelopes.


Discernment for Pastoral Council

It’s getting to be that time of the year again when all registered parishioners will be invited to recommend parishioners to serve as Pastoral Council members. According to the Archdiocesan guideline book, “Communion and Consultation: Pastoral Council Guidelines,” the specific task of the Pastoral Council is planning. The Council engages in a three-pronged process of study, reflection and recommendation. Meetings are held on the last Tuesday of each month, and council members serve a three-year term. Watch the bulletin for more information.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful.
“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.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul

We meet on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 12:45 PM. Our mission is to help and to serve the poor. Call our voicemail at 687-7547 and leave a message for more information.

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.

Widowed? Separated? Divorced?

The Beginning Experience is a weekend program designed to be a time of closure on the past and a new beginning in the present. The next Beginning Experience weekend will be May 20th-22nd at the Santa Barbara Mission. For more information call Shirley at 482-4614 or Gerry at 938-5338.

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.

Cardinal McIntyre Fund for Charity

Today 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. Thank you.

May we always open our arms in welcome
to those who are searching for Jesus.

May we grow in our intimate relationship with Jesus
so that we can make known
the new life of his resurrection.


2005 Men’s Retreat

On the weekend of May 20th-22nd, Fr. Michael Mahoney and Fr. Gerald Barron will be giving a retreat for men at the San Lorenzo Seminary Prayer and Retreat Center. If you are interested in attending, please contact Jim Patin at 688-5630 or email him at jpatin@sanlorenzo.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).
Old Mission Basement Sale

Come to our sale for your chance to purchase treasures and “old stuff”… furniture, lamps, art, old picture frames, books, exercise equipment, bronze elephants, Indian artifacts, old mission tiles, dishes, and much more! Saturday, May 7th, from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Placement Exam

Bishop Garcia Diego High School’s placement exam for incoming freshmen will take place from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM on May 5th and June 2nd at 4000 La Colina Road. For information and an application, please call the admissions office at 967-1266 x118. Financial aid is available.

Baptized Into New Life

Brooke Elizabeth Bradley

Daughter of Scott & Christine Bradley

A Special Thank-You

Dear Friends,
Peace and all good! Thank you for your recent gift of $250.00 to the Franciscan Missionary Union. Your generosity helps the Franciscans to serve the needs of the church and the world, and it is an important witness to the goodness of God.”
Yours in Christ and Saint Francis,
Brother John Summers, O.F.M.


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.

Youth Ministry

Senior High “LifeTeen Mass” takes place Sunday evenings at 5:30 PM at our partner parish, St. Raphael’s. It is followed by “LifeNight” at 7:00 PM. The Junior High Youth Ministry “Tobiah Club” meets at St. Raphael’s on the first and third Thursdays of each month from 7:00 to 8:45 PM. For more information, please contact St. Raphael Parish Youth Minister, John Vasellina at 964-3466, ext. 1.

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!

Prepare for Next Sunday’s Liturgy
Seventh Sunday of Easter

First Reading: Acts 1:12-14
Second Reading: 1 Peter 4:13-16
Gospel Reading: John 17:1-11


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.