Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

“The Generosity of God”

It is nearly impossible for us to fathom God’s grace. In the first place, it is free! We cannot earn it, no matter how early we show up in the vineyard. And in the second place, it is given to all who respond to the divine invitation. And what is most amazing about it is that it is given the same to all.

For those who struggle to figure out what God wants and follow it, this is good news indeed! It is not that we are lazy! And certainly not that we have no heart. But for some of us, the right moment has not occurred, or the right elements have not fallen into place. We stand on the edge of faith peering in, wondering how those already giving their entire lives to God can do so. What has touched them so deeply that they no longer look back? What has moved them to embrace God’s love so fully? Are we open to “being hired” by God?

In this gospel passage we learn that we, too, will be paid in full. We, too, will be given God’s total love, God’s totally generous offer of grace. Even when we come rather late to the table, the feast is still plentiful.

The key phrase in this gospel passage may well be the one the workers used in responding to the owner of the vineyard. “Why do you stand here idle all day?” he asked them. They answered, “Because no one has hired us,” indicating their willingness and desire to work. Their idleness is not laziness, not indifference, not even disinterest. It is that no one has called them, no one has given them work.

Perhaps the lesson in this for us is simply that, as long as we desire the work of God’s vineyard, as long as we are ready to undertake the labor of love, God is ready to receive and accept us in full. God’s grace is so large, and God’s love so far-reaching, that everyone who responds when called will be treated as an equal daughter or son of God.


TODAY’S READINGS

First Reading—Isaiah 55:6-9
Turn to the Lord
who is generous in forgiving.

Responsorial Psalm—Psalm 145
The Lord is near to all who call upon him.

Second Reading—Philippians 1:20c-24, 27a
Live your lives in a way worthy of the Gospel of Christ.

Gospel—Matthew 20:1-16a
The last will be first, and the first will be last.


Dear Parishioners and Visitors,
When my studies at our Franciscan School of Theology in Berkeley ended and I began my ministry in a Portland parish, I thought how nice it would be to live a more “normal” life, one not centered on the school year. Well, now I know that our lives evolve around various seasons, that education and formation are ceaseless and that Fall still kicks off the “school year!”

Today, we celebrate the Rite of Welcoming for Eric Friedman into our Community. Eric was baptized Catholic but has not yet received the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation. He will be a member of the Catechumenate in a process called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults [RCIA]. This process embraces all those seeking to learn more about our Church, our beliefs and traditions: unbaptized adults, adults baptized in a different Christian church, and those baptized Catholics seeking full communion with the Roman Catholic Church. While the RCIA process certainly involves catechesis, it is just as importantly a process of conversion of the heart!

On Sunday we also commission our Religious Education Catechists, or Teachers. Our parish Religious Education will begin registration early in October. The program is for all children in our parish. You may recall that at your child’s baptism you were asked if you were willing to take on the responsibility of raising your child in the faith of the church by loving God and our neighbor as Christ taught us. If you had not responded with a “Yes,” the baptismal ceremony would have come to a crashing halt. This responsibility is a most serious one. Our parish religious education program is our way of fulfilling our responsibility as church to help you fulfill what you promised God you would do. I urge you, tease or cajole or whatever I can do to not just register your children in the program but to participate in the program yourselves. The education of our children is one of the happier commitments we share.

Please remember the events on our parish calendar around the Feast of St. Francis…on Sunday, October 2nd, at 2:00 we will bless the animals on the front lawn (refreshment will be provided for all). On Monday evening, October 3rd at 7:00 the Franciscan family invites you to join in the liturgical celebration of Francis’ death, Transitus, in the Serra Chapel. Our masses on the Feast of St. Francis, October 4th, are at 7:30 AM and 7 PM.

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

Protecting God’s Children
Our parish will be providing a VIRTUS child sexual abuse prevention program on Sunday, September 25th, from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM in our Social Room. The goal of this training session is to help our faith community provide a child-safe environment and empower us with the tools to help us protect our children.

All those who love children and are concerned with their safety should attend. All those who work with our children are required, by the Archdiocese, to attend. Please call the Parish Office if you plan to attend.


Turn to the Lord for mercy; to our God, who is generous in forgiving.
—Isaiah 55:7b


PARISH CALENDAR

September 21 Baptism Class at 6:30 PM
September 22 Parish Meeting, 6:30 PM in the Friars’ Lounge
September 25 Baptisms at the 12:00 Noon Mass
September 25 VIRTUS Training in the Parish Social Room, 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM
September 27 Pastoral Council Meeting at 7:00 PM
October 2 Elementary Religious Ed Registration, 2:00 PM in Front of the Church
October 2 Blessing of the Animals, 2:00 PM in Front of the Church
October 3 Transitus Liturgy at 7:00 PM
October 4 Feast of St. Francis Celebrated, Mass at 7:30 AM and 7:00 PM


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 to explore your faith and your future with the Catholic Church. Please contact the Parish Office if you’d like more information (682-4151).


Meet our Newest Parishioners …
John Banister
Flor Gomes
Liz Naegele
Tony and Ann Tonkin


We Pray for the Sick
Mary Ann Jenquin
Zoe Kazali
Steenie Medina
Alfred Parziale
Louise Tighe
May they find strength and comfort in our prayers


Ministry to the Sick and Homebound
If someone you know is not able to come to Mass, or would like a minister to take Communion to their home, please call the Parish Office to make arrangements. Also, with the permission of the person who is ill, we are happy to include their name in the Prayer of the Faithful and list it in the bulletin.


From Death to New Life
Raymond Mullin
Husband of Maureen Mullin

May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace


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 year, the committee has been 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.


Prepare for Next Sunday’s Liturgy
Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
First Reading: Ezekiel 18:25-28
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 25
Second Reading: Philippians Philippians 2:1-11
Gospel Reading: Matthew 20:28-32

Reflection on Next Sunday’s Liturgy of the Word
Next Sunday’s Gospel emphasizes the theme of personal responsibility and accountability. Not only are we to respond with a “yes” to God’s call, but we are to carry out the tasks that go with that yes. This parable is set within a series of conflicts Jesus has with the religious authorities. It is Jesus’ last week in Jerusalem. The parable is another way of saying, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.” Our actions and our lives must demonstrate that we truly follow Christ and the message of the Gospel.

Life Focus

Relate an experience when you were given a second chance.

Describe a time when you were asked to help others but found an excuse not to do it.

When have you abused a relationship and had a second chance to renew that relationship? What did you do?

When have you had a change of heart?

Describe an event or encounter that made you change your behavior or attitude.


DO YOU KNOW...
There are times when we are startled by the Word. A passage in the Sunday readings speaks so deeply to our hearts that tears may well up. At other times, the homilist seems to know our innermost thoughts, as if he or she had listened to our prayers the night before.

Sometimes, though, the readings and the homily fly by us. Without knowing how we got there, we are at the offertory. If someone questioned us about the readings or the focus of the homily we would find it difficult to remember what was said just minutes ago. One reason we participate in Mass is to be nourished by the Word. If we miss this part of the liturgy, we miss an important element. It is as if we go to a family gathering and skip the conversation.

Christ comes to us at each liturgy in the Word. He comes to us uniquely. We bring ourselves to the Table of the Word. Sometimes we come distracted, sometimes upset, sometimes discouraged. Whatever way we come, however we are feeling, Christ is there to meet us.

What can we do to prepare for this meeting, this conversation? The first thing is to believe that Christ is there to greet us. Believing the he wants to communicate with us is essential. It is through faith that we become vulnerable to God.

V Before Mass, ask Christ to touch your heart through the liturgy
V Express your hunger for Christ’s nourishment
V Acknowledge your need

The second thing is to study. There are numerous bible study programs, books of commentary on the Sunday readings, and groups that gather to reflect on the weekly readings. If you want to hear the Word, understanding something about it will help. There is nothing like a string of confusing biblical names to turn off attention. Both our hearts and our minds need to be engaged in the Word.

The third thing to do is really to listen to the Word. This seems almost too simple, but distractions abound in church. When the reader is proclaiming the Word and the homilist is preaching, look at him or her. Give the Word your full attention.

Faith, study and attention are keys that open the door to Christ in the Word. He knocks at every liturgy; we need only to invite him in.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul
We meet on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 9:15 AM. Our mission is to help and to serve the poor. Please call 687-7547 for more information.

2005 Southern California Catholic Prayer Breakfast
When: September 27, 2005
6:30 AM Rosary led by Auxiliary Bishops
7:00 AM Mass celebrated by Cardinal Mahony
7:45 AM Breakfast available; program begins
Where: Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels
555 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA

For more information and to register, please go to www.californiaprayerbreakfast.com or call Brady Strahl at (949) 474-7368, ext. 168.

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 is September 27th at 7:30 PM. 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.

Organ Recital
Lucile Beasley, wife of our Associate Organist William Beasley, will play the Noon organ recital at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels (555 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles) on Wednesday, September 21st, at 12:45 PM. The half-hour program is preceded by Mass at 12:10 PM. Validated free parking is available at the Cathedral.

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 year’s appeal is $59,362 of which $57,409 has been collected. If you have not yet made a donation or pledge, please consider doing so.

Stewardship Ministry
Sunday, September 11th $10,314.00
Hurricane Relief Fund $1,595.00
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.

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 (682-4151). Please contact Mission Publishing at (888) 253-4358 for business ads.

Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Forgive as God Forgives”
The familiar story of the unforgiving servant is actually a commentary on an earlier passage in Matthew’s Gospel, the Lord’s Prayer in chapter 6. Jesus teaches us to forgive, and goes on in the very next verse to repeat that teaching and underscore it. “If you forgive others,” he tells us, “your heavenly Father will forgive you.” But if you don’t forgive … watch out!

Throughout this gospel, Jesus doles out little by little the secrets of the reign of God. There is a teaching on the dangers of wealth; then one on the need to deny oneself; and now this rather mysterious teaching on forgiveness. In each of these teachings, we learn that God is good, generous, and forgiving, and that we must be, too!

This message is not only a secret to the reign of God, but also the secret to a fully happy life. The two become one, you see. If you forgive, Jesus might have said, you will be happy. But if you don’t, you will be miserable, dragging around behind you a heavy load of resentment, anger and hostility.

Many Catholics (as well as people of other faith traditions) grew up believing that if they just followed the laws, they would be saved. But the teachings of Jesus go deeper than that. Merely following the law will not touch one’s heart to make him or her forgiving, will it? We must go out of our way to forgive, no matter how large the debt, no matter how often the transgression, no matter how hurt we have been. This gospel seems to suggest that in order to be fully healed and experience the “salve” of salvation, we must dig deeply into our souls and forgive—no matter what.

And just a few months later, Jesus shows us precisely what this means. On the cross he turned to his killers and forgave them. It is as if he were saying in that act, “Do you think that this, even this, can stop me from loving you? Never. I will never stop loving you.” Salvation, indeed!


Today’s Readings

First Reading—Sirach 27:30-28:7
Remember the commandments and hate not your neighbor.

Responsorial Psalm—Psalm 103
The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in compassion.

Second Reading—Romans 14:7-9
Whether we live, or whether we die, we do so for the Lord.

Gospel—Matthew 18:21-35
Forgive one another from your heart.


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 to explore your faith and your future with the Catholic Church. Please contact the Parish Office if you’d like more information (682-4151).


Dear Parishioners and Visitors,

Our readings contain a call to forgiveness. Cain’s murder of his brother, Abel, is the beginning of violence in our faith tradition. When Cain’s punishment is to exist as a wanderer, Cain despairs that his own life will be forfeit. But God then tells Cain that if anyone kills him, he will be avenged sevenfold. And so God then puts a “mark” on Cain lest anyone kill him on sight. Later, Lamech, a descendent of Cain boasts to his wives, “I have killed a man for wounding me, a boy for bruising me. If Cain is avenged sevenfold, then I am avenged seventy times seven times.” Peter asks Jesus in our Gospel how often he must forgive. Is Jesus’ rather cryptic response of forgiving seventy times seven times a reference to the boasting of Lamech? Is Jesus talking about not just forgiving a whole bunch of times, but rather telling Peter that his followers must not only forgive but not to ever seek retribution? Is the concept of “punitive damage” contrary to the Gospel?

Another thought…in a book I read a while back, a wise confessor remarked to a person going to confession that it’s easier to forgive a friend when they’re wrong than when they’re right?

And another….last week some eight thousand dollars was contributed towards the Bishops’ National Collection for Hurricane Relief. A lot of envelopes were taken and may be coming back in this weekend. This is an example of a wonderful generosity that mirrors the generosity and goodness of God. A generosity in giving money is a sign that you also have a generosity in giving forgiveness too.

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



PARISH CALENDAR

September 21 Baptism Class at 6:30 PM
September 22 Parish Meeting, 6:30 PM in the Friars’ Lounge
September 25 Baptisms at the 12:00 Noon Mass
September 27 Pastoral Council Meeting at 7:00 PM
October 2 Blessing of the Animals, 2:00 PM in front of the Mission
October 3 Transitus Liturgy, 7:00 PM in the Church
October 4 Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, Mass at 7:30 AM and 7:00 PM



We Pray for the Sick

Mary Ann Jenquin
Zoe Kazali
Steenie Medina
Alfred Parziale

May they find strength and comfort in our prayers



Ministry to the Sick and Homebound

If someone you know is not able to come to Mass, or would like a minister to take Communion to their home, please call the Parish Office to make arrangements. Also, with the permission of the person who is ill, we are happy to include their name in the Prayer of the Faithful and list it in the bulletin.


DO YOU KNOW...

Visitors to Roman Catholic parishes often comment on the up-and-down nature of Sunday Mass. First everyone stands, then we sit, then stand and in most places eventually kneel. Christians from other traditions, and not a few Catholics themselves, might wonder why we bother with all this motion. Why don’t we just “sit and watch,” as we do at most other public gatherings—theaters, cinemas, sports events and so on?

A Catholic response to this question is simple: Sunday Mass at its heart is not an event staged for an audience; no one is there to watch. Everyone present is an actor, and together those gathered act as one. In doing so we become more fully the body of Christ, from the gathering at the beginning, to the proclamation of God’s word, to the moment we “lift up our hearts”—offer our whole selves—to God along with gifts of bread and wine, then to receive those gifts back from God as Christ’s body and blood.

In each of these moments our bodies reflect what we are doing. That common posture embodies and reinforces the fact that we, though many, are one in Christ. Nothing says this more profoundly than when we together approach the table of the Lord to share in Communion.

Unfortunately, in many places, the power of that symbol gets muddied by the fact that we don’t all share the same posture during Communion. Too often, some in the assembly are kneeling or sitting while others stand waiting to receive. It’s as if some are just standing in line to get food while others who have already gotten their meal have found a place to sit and eat.

But this practice misses the heart of the mystery of Communion, for in sharing Christ’s body and blood, God is making us not only one with Christ but one in Christ as well. In Communion we become what we have shared, a body with many parts and many gifts, the one family of the household of God. In the end, then, our Communion is incomplete until all of us have shared the body and blood of Christ.

To make that clear in our liturgy, then, we stand together, from the Lord’s Prayer until the prayer after Communion, attentive and prayerful, joyfully singing, until all our sisters and brothers have shared the holy meal, until all of us are truly “in Communion” with each other. Our bodies—standing, processing, returning, singing—proclaim that we are one body.


2005 Southern California Catholic Prayer Breakfast

When: September 27, 2005
6:30 AM Rosary led by Auxiliary Bishops
7:00 AM Mass celebrated by Cardinal Mahony
7:45 AM Breakfast available; program begins

Where: Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels
555 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA

For more information and to register, please go to www.californiaprayerbreakfast.com or call Brady Strahl at (949) 474-7368, ext. 168.

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.

Sacrament of Matrimony

Michael Dunn and Pamela Moore
Michael Zandona and Katie Ullman

Meet our Newest Parishioners …

Valerio and Tiziana De Angelis
Mac and Jerrie Freeman

Thank You, Saint Barbara Parish

“On behalf of the Board of Directors of Casa Esperanza Homeless Center, thank you for your generous contribution of $1,000. Support from caring community members like yourselves enables Casa Esperanza to provide critical services to more than 1500 individuals each year. Your gift will be used to provide emergency food and shelter for those in crisis situations, and will help to maintain the Transitional program for the homeless who are working to improve their physical and mental wellness, achieve sobriety, and secure employment and permanent housing. Because of your compassion, generosity and belief in our mission, lives are being saved and transformed every day at Casa Esperanza. Thank you again for your support.”

Sincerely,

Michael J. Foley, Executive Director
David L. Peri, Board of Directors

Attention Young Adults

If you are single or a couple ages 25 to 40, you are invited to join other young adults of the parishes of Santa Barbara on the second Tuesday of every month at Bishop Diego Center, 4031 La Colina Road. Bridge Building of Santa Barbara will celebrate its third year with a “Kick Off” social/game night on Tuesday, September 13th, at 7:00 PM. For more information, please call Kelly at 682-1508 or email BridgeSantaBarb@aol.com

“PADRE”
Book Signing Party Today!
Copies of Fr. Virgil’s biography, “PADRE—The Spiritual Journey of Father Virgil Cordano,” are available in the Mission Gift Shop for only $17.95. Profits from the sales will benefit the elderly friars in our Serra Wing. Please join us today from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM in the Friars’ Lounge for a special book signing party. Refreshments will be served.

Attention Eucharistic Ministers & Lectors

A new Ministry Schedule for the period September 1st through October 31st 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.

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.

Oktoberfest Celebration

The Knights of Columbus Goleta Valley Council 5300 will be honored by your attendance at their annual Oktoberfest celebration at 6:30 PM on Saturday, September 17th, at St. Raphael’s Church (in the parish hall). Dinner tickets are only $15 for adults and $9 for children. Come, enjoy delicious German food, German beer, live traditional music and great company! All proceeds will be used to help support the Knights’ charitable activities. For more information and tickets, contact Rich Scholl at 683-8874.


Forgive your neighbor’s injustice; then when you pray, your own sins will be forgiven.
— Sirach 28:2


Prepare for Next Sunday’s Liturgy
Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading: Isaiah 55:6-9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 145
Second Reading: Philippians 1:20c-24, 27a
Gospel Reading: Matthew 20:1-16a

Reflection on Next Sunday’s Liturgy of the Word

The generosity of God continues to be highlighted in today’s Gospel. We accept God’s gifts and try to live in such a way that shows gratitude and a willingness to imitate God’s compassion. The message of the parable of the workers in the vineyard is that God’s justice is far beyond our understanding. This parable may have been aimed at those Jewish Christians who resented God’s call of the Gentiles to salvation.

Life Focus

Describe a time when you were bothered by generosity shown to someone you thought less deserving.

Tell of an experience when you were treated better than you thought you deserved.

Relate an experience when you were criticized for being generous or forgiving.

Describe a time when you felt cheated by someone else’s good fortune.

Stewardship Ministry

Sunday, August 28th $8,521.63
Hurricane Relief Fund $8,755.00

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 year’s appeal is $59,362 of which $57,409 (only $1,953 to go!) has been collected. If you have not yet made a donation or pledge, please consider doing so.


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 (682-4151). Please contact Mission Publishing at (888) 253-4358 for business ads.

TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

“Where Two or Three Are Gathered in My Name”

“Anything goes.” In today’s society, it might seem that this is sometimes true. Being critical of others is not popular. In the name of “correctness,” we might even feel everyone should be allowed to live as he or she sees fit, regardless of the old rules and regulations. It seems like the “contemporary way.”

But here we have Jesus suggesting something else. Apparently, not every way of living is acceptable for a faithful Christian. In this text, we have a demonstration of that point at which, we might say, the gospel draws the line. If one sins and remains within the community, the text says, he or she must be confronted and, after due process, if he or she refuses to listen, then excommunication is the proper solution.

It sounds rather harsh, doesn’t it? But what would the offenses be for which such a harsh treatment is suitable? We must look at the broader gospel to grasp this. Then we find, for example, that fully half the moral sayings of Jesus deal with the dangers of money and wealth. Many others deal with the necessity of loving one’s enemies, of lending without expecting return, of loving others tenderly, and of examining one’s own conscience before admonishing others about their sins.

All of this suggests to us that to live the Christian life today, one must gather with trusted friends in a reasonably small group and examine one’s life in terms of the gospel. If we find ourselves or one another lacking, we must gently call ourselves or one another forth in a loving way, in the interest of reconciliation. If one refuses such honesty and does not amend his or her life, then he or she can no longer be considered a full member of the community.

Dear Parishioners and Visitors,

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has established a National Hurricane Relief Fund. Funds received will be administered through Catholic Charities USA. Checks may be sent to the parish—please note Hurricane Relief on the check—or you may send your check to:

2005 Hurricane Relief Fund
Catholic Charities USA
PO Box 25168
Alexandria, VA 22313-9788

Hurricane Katrina has ravaged the Gulf Coast. Not just because of hurricanes, but whenever people suffer there unfortunately are usually some who will point to God’s justice and chastisement. The popularity of the Left Behind series of eschatological thrillers about the final days and the battle of good vs. evil, the good guys being taken up from earth in “rapture” while the bad guys are smoted, uh, smitten, uh, are squashed like bugs by God, points to the growing tendency of “Little Jack Horner” theology. Remember the kid sitting in the corner all by himself who pulls the plum out of the pie with his thumb congratulating himself, “Oh what a good boy am I?” The books are great thrillers; poor theology.

A lot of folks want to see some folks as evil so that they can then be the good and virtuous folks. The problem with most of the “rapture” talk is that it limits the love of God, limits God’s ability to save. Dividing people into the rapture crowd and the smitten is usually what happens just before good people do bad things. When natural forces result in human pain and misery, God both suffers with the sorrowing and reaches out through the hands of rescuers. When people do evil, then God both suffers with the sorrowing and reaches out through the hands of the loving. While it may be attractive to believe that God loves some of us and can’t wait to send wrath on the others, the Gospel and our Catholic Tradition call forth love for all people in sad situations everywhere. Actually, the Gospel and our Tradition just call forth love all the time. What other response can we have to one who loves us all so much?

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

Today’s Readings

First Reading—Ezekiel 33:7-9
Warn the wicked, trying to turn them from their ways.

Responsorial Psalm—Psalm 95
If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Second Reading—Romans 13:8-10
Owe nothing to anyone, except mutual love.

Gospel—Matthew 18:15-20
If two agree about anything for which they pray, it shall be granted to them.


PARISH CALENDAR

September 5 Labor Day
September 8 Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
September 12 Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary
September 21 Baptism Class at 6:30 PM
September 22 Parish Meeting, 6:30 PM in the Friars’ Lounge
September 25 Baptisms at the 12:00 Noon Mass
September 27 Pastoral Council Meeting at 7:00 PM


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 to explore your faith and your future with the Catholic Church. Please contact the Parish Office if you’d like more information (682-4151).

We Pray for the Sick

Mary Ann Jenquin
Zoe Kazali
Steenie Medina
Alfred Parziale
May they find strength and comfort in our prayers.

Ministry to the Sick and Homebound

If someone you know is not able to come to Mass, or would like a minister to take Communion to their home, please call the Parish Office to make arrangements. Also, with the permission of the person who is ill, we are happy to include their name in the Prayer of the Faithful and list it in the bulletin.

Attention Eucharistic Ministers & Lectors

A new Ministry Schedule for the period September 1st through October 31st 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.

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.


Prepare for Next Sunday’s Liturgy
Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading: Sirach 27:30—28:7
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 103
Second Reading: Romans 14:7-9
Gospel Reading: Matthew 18:21-35

Reflection on Next Sunday’s Liturgy of the Word

Forgiveness is perhaps one of the greatest challenges individuals and communities face. In this Gospel passage, Peter asks Jesus how often he should forgive someone who has wronged him. Jesus’ answer—”seventy times seven times”—would have meant “no limits” to his listeners. Jesus tells a story about what will happen to those who do not show others the same forgiveness and compassion they have received from God.

Life Focus

Who in your life has forgiven you the most?

Recall an experience when you held onto a grudge. What was the effect on you?

Relate an incident when you forgave someone even though you found it difficult to do so. How do you forgive when you still feel hurt and angry?

Recall an experience of forgiving a hurt from the distant past.

Describe a time when God’s generosity to you made it possible for you to forgive someone else.

DO YOU KNOW …

For many Catholics, it’s as automatic as dipping their hand in the holy water font or standing up at the words, “Let us pray.” We are accustomed to genuflecting—bending one knee to the floor—as we arrive for Mass. We might observe some people bowing and other doing no special action. Visitors or new Catholics may wonder—indeed maybe all of us wonder—what is the right thing to do?

Liturgical documents speak about genuflecting as a sign of adoration. Its use is restricted to the Blessed Sacrament and to the cross from the veneration on Good Friday until the Easter Vigil. Outside of the Triduum, then, genuflecting would be appropriate only to adore the reserved sacrament. If the tabernacle is located in the sanctuary, a genuflection toward the tabernacle is the proper gesture when we come into the church.

In the United States, before the reform of the liturgy, it was common for the tabernacle to be placed on the main altar, and so everyone would genuflect toward the tabernacle when they came in. Although we didn’t always realize it, the genuflection was not related in a general way to entering a sacred place, but was a specific act of adoration of Christ in the reserved sacrament.

So, when the Blessed Sacrament is reserved in its own chapel, we do not genuflect when entering church. Rather, a bow is made to the altar as a symbol of Christ. That is the direction given in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, the document that gives Catholics all around the world instructions for celebrating Mass. It says that when the priest and other ministers enter the sanctuary, they are to reverence the altar with a deep bow. Only if there is a tabernacle in the sanctuary do they genuflect—at the very beginning and end of Mass, but not during Mass.

Our gesture when we enter church, then, depends on the situation. A deep bow toward the altar as a symbol of Christ is the norm, unless there is a tabernacle with the Blessed Sacrament in the sanctuary. In that case, we show our adoration of Christ by a reverent genuflection.


SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY

Kevin Goodwin and Natalie Hoeffliger

Meet our Newest Parishioners …

Rick and Grace Bower
James and Melanie Brewer
Heather Huffman and Philip Dracht
Kathleen Ingraham
Cecelia Murray
Jorge Rodriguez


BAPTIZED INTO NEW LIFE

Blake Edward Behrens
Son of Edward and Meghan Behrens

Jake Timothy Carroll
Son of Patrick and Kim Carroll

Maximillian Harry Early
Son of Harold and Charlotte Early

Olivia Maria Gaspar
Daughter of Laszlo and Leora Gaspar

Joseph Brandon Howell
Son of James and Kelly Howell


“PADRE”

Signed copies of Fr. Virgil’s biography, ”PADRE—The Spiritual Journey of Father Virgil Cordano,” are available in the Mission Gift Shop for only $17.95. Profits from the sales will benefit the elderly friars in our Serra Wing. This book would make a nice gift, too!


Those who close their ears to the needy will themselves cry and not be heard.
— Hebrew proverb


Oktoberfest Celebration

The Knights of Columbus Goleta Valley Council 5300 will be honored by your attendance at their annual Oktoberfest celebration at 6:30 PM on Saturday, September 17th, at St. Raphael’s Church (in the parish hall). Dinner tickets are only $15 for adults and $9 for children. Come, enjoy some delicious German food, German beer, live traditional music for dancing, toasting and singing and great company! All proceeds will be used to help support the Knights’ charitable activities. For more information and tickets, please contact Rich Scholl at 683-8874.


2005 Southern California Catholic Prayer Breakfast

When: September 27, 2005
6:30 AM Rosary led by Auxiliary Bishops
7:00 AM Mass celebrated by Cardinal Mahony
7:45 AM Breakfast available; program begins

Where: Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels
555 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA

For more information and to register, please go to www.californiaprayerbreakfast.com or call Brady Strahl at (949) 474-7368, ext. 168


A Biblical Spirituality of Exile: ”Theirs” and “Ours”

You are invited to join Dr. Daniel Smith-Christopher, Professor of Theological Studies and Director of Peace Studies at Loyola Marymount University, for this eight-week study. Registration will take place at the first session on Thursday, September 15th. All sessions will be held from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon at Holy Cross Parish Hall. The cost is $45 ($80/couple). For more information, please call Alice MacDonald at (805) 967-4013.


Stewardship Ministry
Sunday, August 28th $8,859.00
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 year’s appeal is $59,362 of which $57,409 (only $1,953 to go!) has been collected. If you have not yet made a donation or pledge, please consider doing so.

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 (682-4151). Please contact Mission Publishing at (888) 253-4358 for business ads.