Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today’s gospel once again highlights the controversy between Jesus and the religious authorities. Here Jesus is pointing to the right order of relationships within the community and toward God. Jesus criticizes those who pursue the titles rabbi, father and master. This controversy involves more than social prestige and honor: it reveals how people view themselves in relation to others. Jesus put forth two clear reversals— first, those who take high places and pursue exalted titles will be humbled; second, some may have legitimate titles and higher positions but if they live responsibly and relate to others as servants (humble themselves), they will be exalted. Ultimately what really matters is how we understand ourselves in relation to God who alone is Teacher, Father and Master.

Everything in our life falls into place if we never lose sight of what is to be our primary relationship and behavior: love God above all others and all else. If we keep our sight on this primary relationship, not only do our relationships with each other fall into place, but the humility that makes a disciple of Jesus is not seen as something artificially tacked on, but rather as the natural outgrowth of our priorities. When the order of our relationships is awry, on the other hand, our life easily and quickly becomes embroiled in jealousy, power games, and other such behavior. One way the ‘dying to self’ that gospel living entails is apparent by being servant of others; this puts title, position and wealth into perspective— all is at the service of the good of others. The new life we might experience by such living takes the form of others respecting us not because of title but because of the genuine goodness of who we are.


PARISH CALENDAR

November 1 Feast of All Saints
November 2 Feast of All Souls
November 6 Commitment Sunday for Time, Talent and Treasure
November 15 Baptism Class at 6:30 PM
November 19 Baptisms at the 4:00 PM Mass
November 20 Solemnity of Christ the King
November 24 Thanksgiving Day Mass at 10:00 AM


Dear Parishioners and Visitors,

Ever been caught throwing rocks from your glass house? I don’t live in a glass house…I live in a glass skyscraper! Anyway, through someone’s generosity Fr. Alberic and I received tickets to the Santa Barbara Symphony’s last performance. (The Rachmaninoff was great!) Later, I was whining about how a lot of folks were dressed. So, maybe I’m a snob. I grew up in San Francisco. Every male wore a tie downtown. Even the panhandlers wore ties! Added to that, I was strongly conditioned to connect what one wore with respect shown to the people present. Here’s the Symphony in “black tie” showing respect to the audience, and any number of people in the audience in beach attire (showing respect to the musicians??). While I was whining and carrying on someone said, “Well, look at you!” So the next day I put on a tie. That caused a whole rash of comments. Still, I think that respect and hospitality could use a little dressing up.

While I’m whining I might as well mention election day. Elections are an opportunity for all of us to bring our faith to the marketplace, or be leaven for the dough. The guiding principle is last Sunday’s Gospel in our choosing the common good—not mine, but the good of all people everywhere and indeed all creation. We need to use a very large yardstick for our measuring. The bishops of the United States have spoken clearly to six principles that have been a part of the church’s social teaching that have become more refined since the time of Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum of 1891.

· That the test of every institution or policy is whether it enhances human life and human dignity which comes, not from any human quality or accomplishment, but from God.
· That human dignity is protected when the basic human rights of all people are respected.
· Work is a participation in creation. All economies exist for the human person, not the other way around.
· The needs of people who are poor and vulnerable must come first.
· Loving our neighbor has global and environmental proportions.

I look forward to seeing you on All Saints Day.

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


Today’s Readings

First Reading—Malachi 1:14; 2:2, 8-10
Do we not have one father? Did not the one God create us?
Responsorial Psalm—Psalm 131
In you, Lord, I have found my peace.
Second Reading—1 Thessalonians 2:7-9, 13
You have received not human word, but the word of God.
Gospel—Matthew 23:1-12
Call no one your father on earth; you have but one Father, the one in heaven.


Attention Eucharistic Ministers & Lectors

A new Ministry Schedule for November 1st through December 23rd is now available. Please pick up your copy in the Sacristy, the Parish Office or the Porter’s Office. The schedule is also posted on the Parish website (www.sbmission.org).

...and

Please put your name on the special sign-up sheet in Sacristy if you’d like to serve at the Thanksgiving Day Mass (10:00 AM on Thursday, November 24th). If you have any questions, please call Laura in the Parish Office.


Time, Talent and Treasure Program

We are beginning a new program that asks all of us to reflect on the gifts that God has given us—our time, our talents and our treasure—to be shared with our parish community. In preparation for Commitment Sunday on November 6th, we ask that you prayerfully consider the following questions:

1. Do I need to give only when there is a need?
2. Do I understand that each one of us has an obligation to provide regular financial and ministerial support to the parish?
3. What priority do I give to my parish? Where does it fit relative to other ways that I use my skills, spend my time and my money?
4. How much time and money do I give the parish on a weekly basis?
5. Do I give too much or too little, or are my parish commitments in balance with other commitments in my life?


Meet our Newest Parishioners
Michael and Gabriella Salsbury

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 receive contribution envelopes by mail, don’t forget to use your Franciscan Missionary Union envelope today. 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!

All Saints Day

Masses for the Feast of All Saints Day, a holy day, will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 1st, at 7:30 AM and 7:00 PM in the Church.


All Souls Day

Masses on the Feast of All Souls will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 2nd, at 7:30 AM in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel and at 10:00 AM at Calvary Cemetery with Reverend Joseph Scott.

Youth Ministry, Confirmation Preparation and Junior High Tobiah Club

Our 2005 Confirmation program has started. St. Barbara Parish continues to partner with St. Raphael Parish. For more information, please call St. Raphael Parish Youth Minister, John Vasellina, at 964-3466, ext. 1.

Do You Know ...

When your heart beats, it draws blood into it, and then sends it to the lungs to take on oxygen. Then the blood is pulled back into the heart and finally sent back through your body to keep you alive. If the heart only took blood in and didn’t send it back out, it wouldn’t do you much good.

The liturgy is something like a heart. It draws us in when we have been depleted of spiritual energy. It links us to Christ, who revives our spirits and gives us strength. Then it sends us back out into the world.

The sending forth is the final section of the Eucharist. We call it the dismissal, but that’s a word that can easily be misunderstood. Dismissal can sound like simply the end of a gathering.

The dismissal from Eucharist is more than that. The formula of dismissal in Latin is Ite, missa est. Our current translation is, “Go, the Mass is ended.” Translated literally, the Latin means, “Go, it is the sending,” or “Go, you are sent.” The very word we commonly use for our Sunday worship— the Mass—comes from this dismissal. The Mass is for mission; it strengthens us to send us out again.

When we are dismissed from the liturgy, we are sent forth to carry on the work of Christ in the world. We respond, “Thanks be to God.” That almost sounds as if we’re just grateful it’s over! What it really means is that we are grateful to God for entrusting this sacred mission to us and for strengthening us through the Eucharist to be able to carry it out.

Before the actual dismissal, we hear announcements for the week. The announcements come at this point in the liturgy because they should be telling us ways that we can carry on our mission during the week. Here we receive the information we need for our “assignments” for the Lord. Then we pray for God’s blessing before we are formally sent out on mission.

In most parishes, we actually conclude with a final song that accompanies the procession of the ministers through the assembly. That means that the liturgy is not over until the song is finished. It is unfortunate to see so many people leaving early. Some leave during Communion itself. Others leave as soon as the song begins. Basic courtesy and respect for the Lord and for our brothers and sisters requires all of us to stay in our places, singing until the final song is concluded.

Even then, we don’t have to make a mad dash for the parking lot. Most of us could linger a bit with one another to share our joy in the Lord. Then we go forth to bring Christ to all those we meet throughout the week.

Summer Pilgrimages

Fr. Daniel Barica will lead a pilgrimage to Spain and France from May 7-19. Please call LW Travel, (310) 320-9514 for more information.
Fr. Jack Clark Robinson will lead a pilgrimage to Ireland and England from June 26-July 8. Fr. Jack invites anyone who is interested in this trip to attend his informative meeting at 7:00 PM on Thursday, November 17, in the Assisi Lounge. Please call Bernice Anfuso at 963-6521 for more information.

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

Thank You, St. Barbara Parish

“Your generosity to Notre Dame School is much appreciated! As you know, our school relies on the support of parishes in Santa Barbara who believe in Catholic school education for all. Your donation of $6,000 will directly benefit our children who are in need of tuition assistance. Thank you on their behalf. We will hold the prayer requests of St. Barbara parishioners in our hearts.”

Thank you!
Jackie Gonzalez, Principal

Let Us Pray for the Sick

Giulio Infuso
Zoe Kazali
Steenie Medina
Alfred Parziale
Anne Lano
Mary Ann Jenquin
Pat DeBerry

May they find strength and comfort in our prayers

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).


Prepare for Next Sunday’s Liturgy

Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
First Reading: Wisdom 6:12-16
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 63
Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Gospel Reading: Matthew 25:1-13


Reflection on Next Sunday’s Liturgy of the Word

Next Sunday’s Gospel passage is part of Jesus’ talk on the end time, when the world we know will end and God’s reign will come completely. Jesus tells a parable that urges people to be ready for this great event, the eternal wedding reception. The delayed arrival of the groom is the delayed Second Coming of Jesus. People must not be lulled into carelessness, into thinking that it will never happen. It will—and we do not know when. The theme of this parable is that the wise are prepared to complete their task. The oil in next Sunday’s passage is the good works done for others. We must be prepared by living according to the Gospel, doing good for others.

Life Focus

Tell of a time when you missed out on a good thing because you were not prepared.

What helps you prepare your “light” for Christ’s coming?

What has happened to help you remain faithful to your faith journey?


Stewardship Ministry
Sunday, October 23rd $ 8,643.00
World Mission Sunday $647.00

Thank you for your continuing generosity!


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-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

“God Deals Fairly with Us”
Here we have a wonderful gospel story that, in itself, leads us to understand more deeply the message of Jesus. How will God deal with us? What can we expect? This story gives us a rather stark portrayal.

In verse 34, the text tells us that the vintage was near, literally, “the time of fruit.” This suggests to us that, in the Christian life, time is always of the essence. It is always urgent for us to be about the reign of God. The vineyard of which this story speaks, of course, is that very reign.

The allegory here is clear. God has given us this vineyard—and all the tools we need to tend it. The harvest is upon us. Prophets were sent to call us home, but we did not listen to them. But God, faithful to the end, did not give up. Instead, he sent his very own Son. Surely we would listen to him, God thought. But him we also rejected.

This is a story about the leaders of God’s Chosen People; it is also a story about us. Indeed, the time of the harvest is near. The work of the reign of God falls upon us—and we have all the tools we need to do what God wants. But will we listen to those who speak for God, our modern prophets? Or will we reject them, greedily hoping to have the vineyard to ourselves?

The point is not merely a matter of running a good vineyard. The wicked tenants did that, after all. It is a matter of producing fruit for God that is the central issue here, rather than seeking our own selfish interests, It is easy for us to confuse this. What does God want? God wants respect for all life; forgiveness; mercy; for the poor to be fed, the ill nursed, the lonely visited, the imprisoned set free; for us to be generous; to love our enemies; and to take care of the poor. Reading Scripture as a whole, we can plainly see what God wants.


Today’s Readings

First Reading—Isaiah 5:1-7
The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.

Responsorial Psalm—Psalm 80

Second Reading—Philippians 4:6-9
God’s peace will guard your hearts and minds.

Gospel—Matthew 21:33-43
The kingdom of God will be given to those who produce its fruit.


DO YOU KNOW...
Seven Ways to Make Mass “Better”

1. Know what it’s all about. Study and learn what we do at Mass and probe the theological and doctrinal meanings behind it all. Keep seeking, for catechesis is a lifelong activity; we can never know it all. Ask for help from your parish, and perhaps form a study or discussion group.

2. Get there on time. Prepare the night before or in the morning if you go Saturday evening. If you have children in your care, plan extra carefully: lay clothes out early, set the breakfast table the night before, make sure everybody’s shoes are by the door and find your keys! Get to church on time while preserving the family peace. It’s hard to pray when folks are feuding, frustrated or fuming mad.

3. Claim the space and event as your own. Take time before you arrive or when you first get to church to think back over your week. For what are you thankful, in what do you need help? These things become your offering. Know what Sunday of the liturgical year it is and how this will shape the liturgy. Pick up a worship aid, greet your neighbors in the pew and take off your coat. You are in your second home, one you share with many others, where you offer your life through praise and thanksgiving to God.

4. Pay attention to where you sit. While it’s nice to have comfy spots in church, we must put hospitality first. Move in so that those who come in later don’t have to climb over. If you have children, sit where they can see best. They can only feel at home and participate when they see what’s going on.

5. Learn to sing. It truly doesn’t matter how well you sing. Sing softly if you’re shy. We sing the liturgy like children sing their way into life’s lessons and sports enthusiasts sing their way into becoming diehard fans. Singing at Mass teaches us who we are.

6. Live the liturgy through the week. Sunday Mass should form our behavior each week. It tells us who we are and how we are to live. Think and talk about the images and messages that stick with you from the homily, hymns, or prayers. What did you notice about the community with whom you gathered? What lessons did you learn about living the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Let the echoes lead your heart and mind the whole week long.



PARISH CALENDAR

October is “Respect Life” Month
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 in the Serra Chapel
October 4 Feast of St. Francis Celebrated, Mass at 7:30 AM and 7:00 PM
October 16 Bread for the World Sunday


CELEBRATE THE FEAST OF ST. FRANCIS

Sunday * October 2
Blessing of the Animals, 2:00 PM in Front of the Mission

Monday * October 3
Transitus Liturgy
(The Passing of St. Francis from Earthly Life to Eternal Life)
7:00 PM in the Serra Chapel*
* please bring a votive candle (in a glass or plastic container)

Tuesday * October 4
Feast of St. Francis, Mass at 7:30 AM and 7:00 PM **
** dessert buffet after evening Mass


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.



We Pray for the Sick

Giulio Anfuso
Zoe Kazali
Steenie Medina
Alfred Parziale

May they find strength and comfort in our prayers.


Bread for the World Sunday October 16, 2005

St. Barbara Parish is a Bread for the World Covenant Church. As such, we commit ourselves to working for an end to world-wide hunger. On October 16th, our parish will celebrate “Bread for the World Sunday.” We ask you to reflect on the covenant the parish made with Bread for the World several years ago:

We Covenant…

V In our worship and study: to seek God’s message for us regarding our hungry brothers and sisters, and to learn about the causes of—and solutions to—hunger, emphasizing the role of public policy.

V In our working and giving: to help hungry people in our community, to support our Church’s hunger relief, development and education programs, and to participate corporately in the work of the Bread for the World membership.

V In our living: to give prominence to the needs of hungry people, and to reflect in our lives an awareness of our role as stewards of God’s gifts.


From Death to New Life

Walter Maguire
Father of Margaret Douville
May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace


Rachel’s Vineyard October 14-16, 2005

Rachel’s Vineyard retreat is for men and women struggling with the emotional and spiritual pain of abortion. The retreat is designed to help participants work through repressed grief and anger in a safe, nonjudgmental setting and come to acceptance, healing, and hope for the future. Developed in the Roman Catholic tradition, it utilizes spiritual exercises and rituals to help grieve the loss of unborn children and to accept God’s forgiveness. All inquiries and registrations are confidential. The next retreat weekend is October 14-16 at the Claretian Renewal Center in Los Angeles. The cost is $175 per person. For registration and more information, please call 866-272-2435 or go to www.rachelsvineyard.org.


Catholic Campaign for Human Development

The prophets called the community to “care for the widow, the orphan and the stranger.” The single parent, the child in poverty, and the refugee and immigrant in our midst have the same claim on us today. The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) funds organizations working to break the cycle of poverty in the city, suburbs and the rural parts of the Archdiocese. Your help is needed. Please support CCHD this November.

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

First Reading: Isaiah 25:6-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 23
Second Reading: Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20
Gospel Reading: Matthew 222:1-14

Reflection on Next Sunday’s Liturgy of the Word

In the Scriptures, meals are always occasions of sharing of life, memories and intimacy. This simple human experience represents the rich life shared between God and his people. The wedding banquet especially looks to the end time when God and his people will find a final sharing of life with each other. In this parable the first guests invited refuse to come. The king tells his servants to invite everyone they meet, “the bad as well as the good.” The Church will never be a perfect community of saintly people. All are invited. The only requirement is to receive the Good News willingly. God doesn’t care about the clothes we wear. The point is that to share in the heavenly banquet, one must sincerely be open to the Lord.

Life Focus

Relate an experience when you knew you had to change your behavior and you chose not to.

Describe an experience when you received an invitation and made up excuses because you didn’t want to attend.

Who would you rather not be with at the same table? Why?

On what occasion did you feel most out of place in a group?

Beginning Experience

The Beginning Experience is a weekend program for those suffering the loss of a loved one. The program is designed to be a time of closure on the past and a new beginning in the present. The next Beginning Experience weekend will be held from October 28-30 here at the Santa Barbara Mission. For information, please call Virginia at 967-6550.

Santa Barbara Regional Congress

WHAT? Regional Congress

WHO? Any adult or teen looking to grow in their awareness of subjects that surround their faith or enhance their ministry.

WHEN? October 29, 2005 (8:45 AM until the closing Liturgy with the Bishop at 3:45 PM)

WHERE? At Bishop Diego High School

WHY? When two or more are gathered, Grace happens! You are invited to attend Congress and experience a day where we are gathered in Grace and open to receiving the gifts and blessings of such an experience. Information may be obtained in the Parish Office or by calling the Santa Barbara Regional Office of Religious Education at 569-1135.

Baptized Into New Life

Kent Winston Dunn & Robert Clayton Dunn
Sons of Kent and Rosemary Dunn

Dylan Matthew Reid
Son of Matthew and Sandy Reid

Youth Ministry
High School Confirmation Preparation
and Junior High (“Tobiah Club”)
Our 2005 Confirmation program has started. St. Barbara Parish continues to partner with St. Raphael Parish in sending our youth to their facility to receive preparation for this sacrament.

For more information, please call St. Raphael Parish Youth Minister, John Vasellina, at 964-3466.

Stewardship Ministry

Sunday, September 25th $8,482.00

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.