FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

When Gabriel announced to Mary that she would conceive and bear a Son, he left no room for Mary to have misguided expectations about this Baby—he would be of the “house of David,” be conceived by the Holy spirit, and “be called holy, the Son of God.” This annunciation account draws our attention to the concrete role Mary played in the events of salvation. Mary does not lose sight of the fact that the initiative must lie with God. The plans, the purpose, and the accomplishment of salvation will be God’s doing. By her faithful cooperation, Mary herself is shaped by God into a living Temple fit to bear the Divine Presence. These events show us in astounding ways that nothing is impossible with God.

Just as for Mary in this Sunday’s Gospel, preparing for Christ makes concrete demands on our own lives. Yet, it is not what we do that brings Divine Presence to us, it is what God accomplishes in us. And what God does for us always far surpasses anything we do for God. The incredible mystery of Christmas—we now enter into our final week of joyful preparation—is about God’s presence to us in so many unthinkable ways. We are reminded this Sunday of God’s presence: God has been with us wherever we went, enabled us to dwell in peace, established a reign for us that will last forever, adopted us as sons and daughters, filled us with grace, overshadowed us with the Holy Spirit. Like Mary, we must say, “May it be done to me according to your word.”


TODAY’S READINGS

First Reading—2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-11, 16
I will fix a place for my people. I will plant them so that they may dwell in their place without further disturbance.

Responsorial Psalm—Psalm 89
For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

Second Reading—Romans 16:25-27
To the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be glory forever and ever.

Gospel—Luke 1:26-38
Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.


DEAR PARISHIONERS AND VISITORS,

It’s almost time for the great feast! So many folks are working to help us celebrate—decorators, lectors and eucharistic ministers, servers, and presiders, folks working on liturgies and music. Thank you all.

As we prepare to celebrate the coming of the eternal Word made flesh, we have the gift of the best crèche in Santa Barbara. Our thanks to all those who have signed in to “shepherd” the manger scene. I believe it means as much to our visitors as it does to us. We still need a few more shepherds (a two-hour evening shift, you can stay in your parked car if you like) so if you can help, please call Laura at the parish office. And, I’d invite you to notice that our figures are showing some of the wear of their great age. Some folks are willing to share some very “spiffy” clothing but we also need new figures. If anyone has an idea of how to “beg” some mannequins or another idea please let me know. It’s time for a little rejuvenation.

And, looking forward to the coming of God made flesh, here’s a version of St. Teresa’s Prayer.

Christ has no body on earth
but yours;
No hands but yours;
Yours are the eyes through which he is to
look out with compassion to the world;
Yours are the feet with which he is
to go about doing good;
Yours the hands
with which he is to bless now.

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


PARISH CALENDAR

December 20 Advent Reconciliation at 7:00 PM in the Church
December 25 Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord
CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE
Christmas Eve Masses
5:00 PM 12:00 Midnight
Christmas Day Masses
7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:00 Noon
All Christmas Masses will be held in the church; there will be no Masses in the Serra Chapel.

January 1 Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God
January 3 Feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus
January 8 Epiphany of the Lord
January 9 Baptism of the Lord
January 24 Baptism Class at 6:30 PM
January 28 Baptisms at the 4:00 PM Mass


SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION

Often, we equate reconciliation with forgiveness of sins. Scripture, however, presents a broader understanding. Ephesians 2:12-22 serves as a mirror revealing that Baptism, Eucharist and Reconciliation (or penance) are all “sacraments of reconciliation.” Here, reconciliation means:
· an end to being “immersed in this world, without hope, without God”
· removal of barriers that separate people
· an end to hostility
· unity among humans, and between humanity and God
· “the good news of peace”
· becoming citizens of God’s realm
· becoming dwellings “where God lives”

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


DO YOU KNOW…

Absolution

In the deepest depths of our being, we long for absolution. We long to be pronounced clear of blame for our personal sins, but also for the sins that we share with all humanity. We want to be released from the sins of Katrina and the Southeast Asian tsunami, from Iraq and Afghanistan, from the ravages of hunger and the shame of poverty, for over-consumption and over-indulgence. We seek absolution. We long for holy pardon from all that we have not done in the face of things that are unjust or unholy and from the shame of the aching world that all too often seems so out of our control.

The sacrament of reconciliation offers us absolution from the sins that we human beings collectively bear. Yet very often we think of going to confession as being only about personal sins. We repent of and confess those sins over which we have some immediate and direct control like the harm we do to spouses, children, co-workers and loved ones. We confess, accept God’s forgiveness and that of our church community and vow to do better. And most of us do. We mature and grow into healthier more life-giving relationships.

Yet beyond all our personal failings lie the sins of humanity. Our cultural, corporate or social sins are the ones that really weigh us down. They are our most troubling sins because we cannot pin them down and because it’s hard to know how to fix them. These are the sins that stifle our spirits, frustrate our creative energy and sink us further into complacency or even denial. We know that we are all connected and that we are each responsible in some way for the collective failings of humankind. We each need absolution and we together, as the Body of Christ, need absolution. Beyond knowing that God forgives us, we also need the ritual gesture of absolution—the gentle touch and healing, freeing words that the sacrament offers us.

“… through the ministry of the Church
May god give you pardon and peace,
and I absolve you from your sins
in the name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.”


GIVING TREE

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


CHRISTMAS AT TRANSITION HOUSE

Transition House is looking for “Secret Santas” to purchase gifts from wish lists for children and their parents living at the homeless shelter. Also needed are gift cards to Ralphs and Vons, a Christmas tree and/or decorations, wrapping materials and people to wrap gifts at the shelter. Please call Xochitl (Sochee) at 966-9668 to offer your help.

NEED A GIFT IDEA?

Christmas gift candles are available in the Mission Serra Shop. These candles feature a beautiful picture of either Saint Barbara or the Santa Barbara Mission. The gift shop is open 7 days a week from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.


PLEASE DONATE A POINSETTIA

We are accepting donations of poinsettias to decorate the church during the Christmas season. Your donation may be made in memory of a loved one—living or deceased. Plants should be dropped off at the Parish Office.


LET US PRAY FOR THE SICK

Joan Biasetti
Mary Ann Jenquin
Zoe Kazali
Anne Lano
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.


CALLING MORE SHEPHERDS

More volunteer shepherds are needed to keep vigil over the Christmas crèche between Saturday, December 17th and Sunday, January 1st. Shifts are from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and from 10:00 PM to Midnight. Look for the sign-up board outside the church this weekend.


ATTENTION EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS AND LECTORS

A new Ministry Schedule for December 31, 2005 through January 31, 2006 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 one of the Christmas Masses. If you’re going to be in town, we really need you!


THE 2006 CALENDARS ARE HERE!

All parishioners are invited to pick up their copy of the 2006 calendar in the Social Room after Mass.



DECORATE THE CHURCH

Please call Mary Heron at 687-6117 if you would like to help decorate the church this week.

WE WELCOME OUR NEWEST PARISHIONERS

Ellen Burnham
Biddy Collins
Maria & Brett Elliott

HOLIDAY CLOSURE

The Parish Offices will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, December 26th and 27th. This closure will not have any effect on the 7:30 AM Daily Mass.


PREPARE FOR NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY

First Reading: Isaiah 52:7-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98
Second Reading: Hebrews 1:1-6
Gospel Reading: John 1:1-18

Reflection on Next Sunday’s
Liturgy of the Word

Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord

The Gospel for Christmas Day is the prologue or beginning of John’s Gospel. It starts, “In the beginning.” This echoes the first line of the Book of Genesis. The connection is clear. The Word (the eternal Son of God) already existed at the instant of creation. He had not been born as a human being and given the name Jesus yet, but he was in the presence of God. It was through God’s Word (“Let there be…”) that things were created. “Let there be light,” the first gift of the creator, was not only the sun, moon and stars, but the light of the Word. Human beings brought evil into God’s creation, but that darkness did not overpower the light.
Life Focus

- Tell of an experience when another person’s words revealed God’s presence to you.
- When have your words helped another person see? Where did you find the right words?
- How have you seen light continue to shine in spite of great darkness all around?
- If you accept the Word as love, how does this influence those you meet in your daily life?

STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY

Sunday, December 11th $9,386.00
Feast of the Immaculate Conception $870.00
Retirement Fund for Religious $2,177.00

Thank you for your continuing generosity!


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

TRAVELING?
Don’t forget to go to Mass!

For nationwide Mass times and locations, please 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.

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

In a pragmatic society such as ours, we tend to identify ourselves by what we do—for example, I am a banker; I am a teacher; I am a plumber. We also tend to justify our worth by how much we make or how many and what kind of possessions we have. Rarely do we hear the question put to us that was put forth to John the Baptist in the gospel: “Who are you?” The identity question can scare many people because it puts us on the spot—if we know and acknowledge who we are, then we also know who we are not. This kind of self-knowledge narrows down how we might act if we are to be consistent with who we are.

The challenge of this gospel is to be as clear about who we are and who we are not as was John the Baptist. This clarity can only come from developing an intimate relationship with the One “whose sandal strap [we are] not worthy to untie.” Yet, because Jesus calls us in baptism to be one with him in the Body of Christ, we are worthy because God has made us “perfectly holy” (second reading). For this, we “rejoice always” (second reading). The work of John the Baptist continues in us, the Body of Christ. And, like John, this is what we do: testify, cry out, make straight the way of the Lord. Through our baptismal anointing and identity as Body of Christ we, too, are heralds of Christ, sent by God who, through us, makes “justice and praise spring up before all the nations” (first reading). United in Christ Jesus, we can bring about a “year of favor from the Lord.”

TODAY’S READINGS
First Reading—Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11
As a garden makes its growth spring up, so will God make justice spring up before all the nations.
Responsorial Psalm—Psalm 8126
My soul rejoices in my God.
Second Reading—1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
Do not quench the spirit. Do not despise prophetic utterances. Test everything, retain what is good.
Gospel—John 1:6-8, 19-28
I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, make straight the way of the Lord.

Dear Parishioners and Visitors,

The phrase “a day of vindication by our God” has been used by too many to cloak hatred and violence. There is a wonderful Native American story reflecting on how it is that some trees remain green all year—the evergreens. The cedar, pine, spruce, fir, laurel and holly are all symbols of Christmas and the Christmas season as symbols of life in the midst of the barrenness of winter. Except in Santa Barbara there isn’t much barrenness, and no snow to speak of. The Native American story begins by the Great Mystery asking all of the trees to stay awake, but only the evergreens manage to stay awake for seven nights. They are then appointed guardians of the forest. There is a sense of defiance in their attitude. G.K. Chesterton once wrote, “A religion that defies the world should have a feast that defies the weather.”

The images of Christmas include a light shining in the darkness, a wide-awake person among a group of folks sound asleep, an evergreen in an otherwise barren forest, a laughing child in a ramshackle stable. Defiance is not angry and raging, finding fuel in hatred. Defiance is gentle. It is important that it be gentle. Defiance comes from our being touched with a power of love that is stronger than all the things that try to tear us down, even stronger than ourselves.

Our gentle defiance springs from this everlasting love. It is not a tirade, or a well-crafted act, or a compulsive reaction. It is simply who we are—awake among the sleeping, green in the midst of the barren, light shining in the darkness, loving steadily though “non-love” abounds.

It is a gentle defiance that will bring about the dream of Isaiah in our first reading, of true justice and praise that has all the look and feel of people dressed up and ready for the wedding banquet in a lush garden.

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

DO YOU KNOW…A Sense of the Season

December is the time for expressing the hope and strengthening the dreams that will carry us through the next year. Advent is the way we as church express our hopes. Prophetic visions, prayers and songs calling for the Lord to come help us to hope profoundly. Advent allows us to do what most others do in December—but to see in the coming Lord the answer to our dreams. In our Catholic tradition, keeping Advent means singing the songs of expectation, of our hopes and longing, before we enter into the full-throated praise of Christmas carols.

Here are a few lines from our tradition on what Advent is about. “Advent has a two-fold character—as a season to prepare us for Christmas when Christ’s first coming is remembered; as a season when that remembrance directs the mind and the heart to await Christ’s second coming at the end of time. Advent is thus a period for devout and joyful expectation.”

Thomas Merton, in his book Seasons of Celebration, reviewed the ways Saint Bernard of Clairvaux approached these comings of Christ. The first advent was Christ’s birth. The other will be at the end of time. Faith in these two stimulates recognition of a third, the advent of Christ in our church now, today. Viewed from this perspective, the Advent liturgy, with its scriptures, prayers and songs, is neither a romantic return to the Old Testament while we wait for the baby at Bethlehem, nor is it an exercise in expressing hope for an ever-receding end of time. The Advent liturgy is neither nostalgic nor illusory. When we take the tradition and enter it fully, we become Advent, the people in and through whom Christ comes.

PARISH CALENDAR
December 11 Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe celebrated, 7:00 PM Evening Prayer
in the Church
December 12 Our Lady of Guadalupe Feast Day, Mass at 7:30 AM
December 12 Retirement Fund for Religious Special Collection
December 17 Building of the Christmas Crèche at 8:00 AM
December 17 Volunteers to Meet in Front of the Church at 5:00 PM to Build Luminarias
December 17 Christmas Carol Sing-a-Long, 7:30 PM in front of the Church (bring
a candle!)
December 20 Advent Reconciliation, 7:00 PM in the Church

Sacrament of Reconciliation
Often, we equate reconciliation with forgiveness of sins. Scripture, however, presents a broader understanding. Ephesians 2:12-22 serves as a mirror revealing that baptism, Eucharist and reconciliation (or penance) are all “sacraments of reconciliation.” Here, reconciliation means:
· an end to being “immersed in this world, without hope, without God”
· removal of barriers that separate people
· an end to hostility
· unity among humans, and between humanity and God
· “the good news of peace”
· becoming citizens of God’s realm
· becoming dwellings “where God lives”

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

Let Us Pray for the Sick
Dick Callanan
Mary Ann Jenquin
Zoe Kazali
Anne Lano
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.

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


CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE
Christmas Eve
5:00 PM *12:00 Midnight
Christmas Day
7:30 AM * 9:00 AM * 10:30 AM * 12:00 Noon


Calling all Shepherds
Volunteer shepherds are needed to keep vigil over the Christmas crèche between Friday, December 17th and Sunday, January 1st. Shifts are from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and from 10:00 PM to Midnight. Look for the sign-up board outside the church this weekend.

Luminarias for Christmas Caroling
We need help making luminarias for the Christmas Carol Sing-a-Long, as well as help setting them up on Saturday, December 17th at 5:00 PM. Please call Laura in the Parish Office at 682-4151.

Christmas Crèche
We need able-bodied people to help early (8:00 AM!) on Saturday, December 17th, with the construction of the Christmas crèche in front of the church. To sign up, please call the Parish Office.

Please Donate a Poinsettia
We are accepting donations of poinsettias to decorate the church during the Christmas season. Your donation may be made in memory of a loved one—living or deceased. Plants should be dropped off at the Parish Office.

The 2006 Calendars Are Here!
All parishioners are invited to pick up their copy of the 2006 calendar in the Social Room after Mass this weekend.

Decorate the Church
Please call Mary Heron at 687-6117 if you would like to help decorate the church during the week of December 18th

Eucharistic Ministers & Lectors Christmas Sign-Up Sheets
Please put your name on the special sign-up sheets in the Sacristy if you can serve at one of the Christmas Masses. If you’re going to be in town, WE NEED YOU!

Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Old Mission Santa Barbara Conference
Our Conference extends its appreciation for the food and money contributed at the Thanksgiving Day Mass. The food delivered to Catholic Charities Pantry helped restock their shelves depleted from pre-holiday requests for food. We also want to thank the Parish members and visitors who contributed blankets and money to our Annual Blanket Drive for Project Recovery. The funds will help us buy linens and blankets for the detox center, and help some of the needs of individuals referred to us by Project Recovery Drop-In Center.

Need a Gift Idea?
Christmas gift candles are available in the Mission Serra Shop. These candles feature a beautiful picture of either Saint Barbara or the Santa Barbara Mission. The gift shop is open 7 days a week from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Prepare for Next Sunday’s Liturgy
First Reading: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 89
Second Reading: Romans 16:25-27
Gospel Reading: Luke 1:26-38

Reflection on Next Sunday’s Liturgy of the Word
Fourth Sunday of Advent

In next Sunday’s reading from Second Samuel, David is determined to build a house for God. But the prophet Nathan tells him that instead God would build a royal house, a dynasty, for him. Even after the failure of David’s descendants as kings, the Jews believed that the Messiah would come from the line of David. In today’s passage from Luke’s Gospel, we discover that the house the Lord settles on is the womb of the young woman Mary. The angel tells Mary that her child will be “Son of the Most High.” “The Lord God will give him the throne of David his father. He will rule over the house of Jacob forever and his reign will be without end.” This announcement in the gospel again shows that God approaches us with love first.

Life Focus

- What experiences in your life have led you to accept things at face value?

- Relate an experience when you were expected to do something that you thought would be impossible.

- Speak of a time when you felt troubled.

- When has someone cared for you before you could ever respond?


Special Collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious

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


Stewardship Ministry
Sunday, December 4th $11,280.00
Franciscan School of Theology $3,174.00

Thank You For Your Continuing Generosity!
(Please don’t forget to use your envelopes.)


Traveling?
Don’t forget to go to Mass!
For nationwide Mass times and locations, please 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.