EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Both the first reading and the gospel speak of spousal relationship and love: God is the lover seeking us! We humans desire intimacy. We see marriage as the highest expression of human intimacy and union. How marvelous that God uses this human experience to describe God’s relationship with us!

Jesus applies to himself the metaphor of Bridegroom. Such spousal imagery suggests that the relationship between Jesus and his disciples is more than teacher/student or master/disciple, but a relationship of intimacy and mutuality. By identifying himself as the Bridegroom, Jesus not only projects an intimate image pointing to the close relationship we can have with him, but also points to our involvement in his mission to bring about God’s reign. We must take up the mission of the Bridegroom, and express our shared love in concrete acts for the good of others. What is new is the different kind of relationship we now can have with God: through Jesus who is the Bridegroom and one like us, we share in the divine mission to save.

With the coming of Jesus the Bridegroom, a new day has begun, one on which illnesses are healed, demons are thrown out, and sins are forgiven (see the gospels for the last two Sundays). What is called for now is not a fast, but an embracing of this new presence and reign of God. Something new is here, and it comes in terms of an intimacy between God and humankind that is far beyond the reckoning of any human imagining.


TODAY’S READINGS

First Reading—Hosea 2:16b, 17b, 21-22
I will espouse you to me forever in right and in justice, in love and in mercy.

Responsorial Psalm—Psalm 103
The Lord is kind and merciful.

Second Reading—2 Corinthians 3:1b-6
Such confidence we have through Christ toward God.

Gospel—Mark 2:18-22
New wine is poured into fresh wineskins.


DEAR PARISHIONERS,

This weekend is our “follow-up” to last week’s commitment to our Archdiocesan Campaign, Together In Mission. Since we’ll be taking the time to fill out the commitment forms at the Masses, I’d like to write a little about the Gospel that finds Jesus once again in a controversy. The situation is that the disciples of John the Baptist, as well as the Pharisees, engage in fasting as mandated by the Jewish ritual. The disciples of Jesus do not fast. The question leveled at Jesus is a legitimate one.

Jesus’ response uses the example of a wedding feast. No one fasts on joyous occasions. Fasting was a spiritual preparation for an important occasion and when the occasion arrived, the fasting ceased and the event was celebrated. The time of Jesus’ arrival and his ministry is this type of joyous occasion calls for a celebration. Later, Jesus says, (meaning after his death, resurrection, and ascension) there will be time for fasting. By the way, our ritual norms for fast and abstinence during Lent are on the back page of the parish calendar.

What Jesus says in response to the question put to him, links ministry and celebration. So, does Jesus mean to say that even making a commitment to share our financial resources through Together In Mission for the sake of continuing ministry is cause for celebration? I think that’s part of what Jesus means. Can we find joy in both the fact that we can and do share our resources, our time, our own talents?

Eating is a basic human activity and a major part of celebrations. Knowing this, Jesus left us a meal, the Eucharist, which is the centerpiece of Catholic Christianity. In a sense, it is our ministry that “feeds” this celebration, and our celebration of Eucharist “feeds” us for our ministry. It’s kind of a cycle of ministry and celebration intimately linked. What Jesus says in our Gospel may have been new to his listeners. For us, today, it is part of the fabric of our lives.

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


PARISH CALENDAR

February 28 Pastoral Council Meeting at 7:00 PM
March 1 Ash Wednesday, Masses at 7:30 AM, 12:00 Noon and 7:00 PM
March 3 Stations of the Cross at 12:00 Noon
March 4 Eucharistic Minister Workshop
March 5-8 Parish Mission
March 10 Stations of the Cross at 12:00 Noon
March 14 Taizé Prayer Around the Cross, 6:30 PM
March 21 Eucharistic Minister Workshop
March 23 Lector Workshop


DO YOU KNOW…

Anointing of the Sick: Celebrating the Sacrament

The sacrament of the anointing of the sick is a celebration in which those who are seriously ill or infirm are surrounded and supported by other members of the Christian community, whether at home (for those who cannot leave their beds) or in the house of the Church. In song and in silence, with scriptures and prayers, we strengthen the bonds of love and faith that are stronger than the most lethal disease and more powerful even than death. The sacrament may be celebrated in the context of a Mass, or on its own, depending on the needs of the person who is sick.

The celebration opens with brief introductory rites that help us remember that God is with us and that we are the body of Christ. Then follows with a Liturgy of the Word, in which we hear scriptures that shed light on the meaning of sickness and suffering and the compassion of our God, who suffers with us. Depending on the needs of the person who is sick, one brief passage or two or three readings and a psalm may be used. A homily may be preached, too.

Then the rite continues. The gathered church surrounds the person who is sick with the prayer of faith. In response to God’s word, a litany is prayed. Then, the priest does the laying on of hands, an ancient sign of the moving of the Holy Spirit to heal and save. This is done in silence. Then a prayer is said over the oil of the sick. Finally, the priest anoints the head and the hands, and sometimes other parts of the body (the feet, for example, or the part of the body that is in pain) of the one who is sick. While anointing the sick person’s head, the priest says “Through this holy anointing, may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit.” And all answer, “Amen!” While anointing the hands, the priest says, “May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up.” And again, all answer, “Amen!” If other parts of the body are anointed, no words are said. A final prayer is then said.

The liturgy of the Eucharist, or simply the giving of communion, may follow. Or the rite ends with a blessing.


LET US PRAY FOR THE SICK

Joan Biasetti
Dick Callanan
Mary Ann Jenquin
Zoe Kazali
Anne Lano
Steenie Medina
Diane Parsons
Joyce Patterson

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 for more info.


LENT – THE HOLY SEASON OF RENEWAL

“Each year, you give us this joyful season when we prepare to celebrate the Paschal Mystery with mind and heart renewed. You give us a spirit of loving reverence for you, our God, and of willing service to our neighbor.”


LENTEN OBSERVANCES

Masses on Ash Wednesday, March 1st, will be at 7:30 AM, 12:00 Noon and 7:00 PM in the main church. Lenten ashes will be distributed at each Mass. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of Fast and Abstinence. All Catholics 14 years of age and older abstain from meat, and all Catholics 18 to 59 years of age eat sacrificially on these days. All Fridays in Lent are days of abstinence from meat.


TAIZE PRAYER AROUND THE CROSS

Taize prayer will resume on Tuesday, March 14th, at 6:30 PM in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. This type of contemplative prayer and song leads us to God in and through the image of Christ crucified.

PRAYING THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS

The Stations of the Cross will be prayed each Friday during Lent at 12:00 Noon. Join us as we recall and meditate on Jesus’ journey from his condemnation to his burial in the tomb.


LENTEN FAITH SHARING GROUPS

Beginning Thursday, March 2nd, our parish will embark on a six-week Lenten small group process developed by Joan Chittister, OSB. The series is entitled, “Blessed Are You: Overcoming Evil with Good.” Sessions will be offered at 10:00 AM and again at 7:00 PM each Thursday. Topics include:
The Roots of Personal Evil
The Roots of Institutional Evil
Overcoming Evil
Evil Transformed

Please sign up after Mass at the table outside the church.



CATHOLIC CHARITIES FOOD DRIVE

As we prepare to enter the season of Lent—a time of fasting, almsgiving and praying—we ask everyone to join in our Catholic Charities Lenten food drive. Especially needed during this time are canned meats that give families needed nutrients. Each parish family is encouraged to bring canned food on Sundays during Lent. We remember our call to provide for those who are lacking the basics, acknowledging our relationship as sisters and brothers in Christ and the image of Christ found among all.


HELP THE COMMUNITY KITCHEN

Each year during the forty days of Lent, we are asked to forgo an occasional meal and to put money we would have spent on the meal in a Community Kitchen collection box as a donation toward keeping Santa Barbara hunger free. The Community Kitchen annually cooks more than 110,000 free hot meals for the hungry and homeless. In addition, free nutritious meals are provided to children’s after school programs for low-income families. Personal donation boxes are at the back of the church for you to take home.


LENTEN PARISH MISSION
March 5-8, 2006

“Celebrate What is Right with the World”
Presented by Fr. Gavin Griffith

Fr. Gavin Griffith will begin our Parish Mission by preaching at all of our Masses next weekend. On the following Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday Fr. Gavin will hold spiritual renewal sessions at 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM.

Our world is broken today. Criticism and negativity are a part of everyday life. But there is more to life than the negative. We can be both positive and realistic. Attune yourself to the beauty of the gift of life and in this way contribute to the health of our parish, our brothers and sisters, and our world.

Join us as we celebrate What is right with the World.

Gavin Griffith is a Franciscan priest and popular retreat leader in the U.S. and Canada. He has been featured in Time magazine for innovative educational methods. He is mentioned in Cal Samara’s book A Joyful Christ as a practitioner of the healing power of humor.


FEAST OF ST. JOSEPH

St. Barbara Parish will be celebrating St. Joseph’s Feast Day on Sunday, March 19th, with evening prayers at 5:30 in the church, followed by a simple pasta dinner and St. Joseph’s Table filled with desserts at Serra Hall. Tickets must be purchased in advance for $7.00 per person (watch the bulletin for details). Everyone is encouraged to bake delights to be sold at the St. Joseph’s Table and to bring them with you to the dinner. All proceeds will go to charity.


MINISTRY WORKSHOPS

All current Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers and those interested in becoming ministers are asked to sign up to attend one of the following workshops:

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS:
Sat, March 4, 10:00 AM—12:00 Noon
- or -
Tue, March 21, 7:00 PM—9:00 PM


LECTORS:
Sat, February 25, 9:30 AM—12:30 PM
- or -
Thurs, March 23, 6:30 PM—9:30 PM


All workshops will be held in the church. Please contact Laura in the Parish Office to reserve your place.


TRANSITION HOUSE FUND RAISER

Transition House Auxiliary is presenting a world-renowned puppeteer, Jim Gamble,action-packed show on Sunday, March 5th at 2:00 PM at the Marjorie Luke Theatre (721 E. Cota).for adults is $10.00; children 12 and under get in for $6.00.It will be a great way to support Transition House!For information and tickets, please call564-1408 or 682-6516. Tickets will also available at the door.


STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY

Sunday, February 19th $10,404.00

Thank you for your continuing generosity!



TOGETHER IN MISSION ANNUAL APPEAL

Together In Mission provides substantial financial support to 32 parishes and 46 schools in our Archdiocese. These parishes and schools provide education, ministry and a Catholic presence for tens of thousands of people.

Sometimes it is difficult to envision how your pledge can help so many people. But, it does. To see how, please review the materials and read the statements of those whose parishes and schools receive support.

The theme of the campaign is “Blessed is the one who has regard for the...poor” (Psalm 41:2). Together In Mission provides an opportunity to show our concern for those served by the parishes and schools that need your financial support.

We will conduct our annual Together In Mission pledge follow-up process at all Masses this weekend. As always, what you give should be given in gratitude for what God has given to you. Thank you for your prayerful consideration and generous response.

SAY “HELLO” TO OUR NEWEST PARISHIONERS

Shelly Bear
Kris Smith
Rodney and Kaitelyn Kelly


PREPARE FOR NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY

First Reading: Genesis 9:8-15
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 25
Second Reading: 1 Peter 3:18-22
Gospel Reading: Mark 1:12-15




REFLECTION ON NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY OF THE WORD

First Sunday of Lent

On the first Sunday of Lent, we hear Mark’s version of Jesus being tempted in the desert. Jesus begins with this confrontation with evil. The rest of his life and work will continue this great battle: casting out demons, healing, struggling for the truth against corrupt leaders and even the blindness of his own disciples. Through it all, he proclaims, the good news that the time of God’s reign is now. God’s truth and love is stronger than distortion and injustice. Believe the good news and it can change your life.


Life Focus

- Relate an experience when you were “tested.”
- Describe a time when you were challenged to confront a weakness in your life.
- Talk about an obstacle in the recent past that could be keeping you from becoming a better person. What might such an obstacle be in the weeks ahead?
- Explain how you deal with failures in your life.


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.

SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

In today’s gospel the paralytic’s response to Jesus’ healing him is recorded (“went away in the sight of everyone”), as is the crowd’s (“astounded and glorified God”). This response indicates that the crowd accepted what the scribes could not: that Jesus was divine because he could forgive sins. Moreover, when disciples act to forgive one another, we share in Jesus’ divine life and share in a divine act.

Forgiveness comes from God, but it does require something from us. The four men in this gospel story acted to bring the paralytic to Jesus. They overcame obstacles to reach him, motivated by the expectation that Jesus would do what he had done for so many others. They had faith in Jesus’ power and they acted on this faith. This kind of faith demands dying. We must die to hanging onto our infirmities—to excuses for why we are powerless to act, to paralysis in face of obstacles, to healing and forgiveness. When we embrace this kind of dying, we place ourselves in the presence of Jesus, and there discover the resurrection.

The healings of Jesus don’t merely expel demons or cure infirmities; they touch the deepest part of our woundedness. Forgiveness of sins communicates a depth of healing between us and God, within ourselves, between ourselves and one another that we cannot achieve by our own power. Such forgiveness brings a healing and freedom that only God can give.

TODAY’S READINGS

First Reading—Isaiah 43:18-19, 21-22, 24b-25
Remember not the events of the past, the things of long ago consider not; see, I am doing something new!

Responsorial Psalm—Psalm 41
Lord, heal my soul, for I have sinned against you.

Second Reading—2 Corinthians 1:18-22
God has given the Spirit in our hearts as a first installment.

Gospel—Mark 2:1-12
They were all astounded and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.”


DEAR PARISHIONERS,

This weekend and next we will be making our commitments to Together In Mission so I’d like to reflect just a bit on the Gospel. The Gospel speaks of conflict and forgiveness and healing. It’s curious that it is the healing and forgiving that leads to the conflict. Jesus corners the scribes by questioning them in such a way that, no matter how they answer, they lose. If he cures the paralyzed man, Jesus obviously shows divine power. If they say that forgiving sins is easier, then they insult God. The point is that Jesus is the Son of Man and acts accordingly. A second small point is that, from the Gospel’s point of view, forgiving sins is more difficult or more filled with the divine power of God than is miraculous healing. And this gift, this power is given to us? In our lives what is the relationship between forgiving and conflicting?

Fr. Gavin Griffith, O.F.M. will be offering a parish mission beginning by preaching at all the Masses on the weekend of March 4-5, and gatherings on the following Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. There will be a morning session that will be repeated in the early evening each day. Please mark your calendars now, and look at page five in the bulletin for details. It’s been too long since the last parish mission, and I pray this will become a source of grace and blessing for us all.

March 19 is the feast of St. Joseph, and it falls on a Sunday. We will celebrate the foster father of Our Lord and patron of the Church with Evening Prayer at 5:30 PM and a St. Joseph’s Table (dinner at Serra Hall), with the proceeds going to the poor. Again mark your calendars; there will be more in next week’s bulletin.

And so we look forward to the beginning of Lent with a Parish Mission and a feast, in addition to the distribution of ashes on Ash Wednesday, Taizé Prayer on Tuesdays during Lent, and Stations of the Cross on Lenten Fridays. The Repentance, Forgiveness, Almsgiving of Lent and the Renewal and New Life of Easter.

Fr. Virgil can be seen (gloriously arrayed) as “the Cardinal” in the Santa Barbara Opera’s production of “Tosca” on February 24 & 26 and March 4. Fr. Virgil tells me that he has a “non-speaking” part. I can’t imagine what that might look like. It’s not a “freebie” so if you want to watch, call 963-0761 to buy a ticket.

Peace and all Good,
Fr. Richard Juzix, Pastor



PARISH CALENDAR

February 21 Baptism Class at 6:30 PM
February 25 Lector Workshop
February 26 Baptisms at the 9:00 AM Mass
February 28 Pastoral Council Meeting at 7:00 PM
March 1 Ash Wednesday
March 4 Eucharistic Minister Workshop
March 5 First Sunday in Lent
March 21 Eucharistic Minister Workshop
March 23 Lector Workshop



DO YOU KNOW…

“Anointing of the Sick: The Mystery of Illness”

We get hurt. We wear out. The lungs, the eyes, the memory, and any of the many limbs and organs that compose us break or ache. Gloom comes over us then: pity for ourselves, sorrow, depression, anger. But hope can come, too, and courage, and sometimes peace.

All of this is marked and celebrated in the rites of our tradition. With a word and a deed, with touch and breath and spit and mud, Jesus heals those who ail. In every place and time, we who are the Church remember and tell stories of healing, anoint the sick with oil and share the one bread even with those who cannot assemble for Mass. Thus the sick and the healthy, the homebound and the spry, saints and sinners are made one and remain one, a single body of many parts.

Anyone who is seriously ill can be anointed, including the elderly who become weaker, even if no illness is present; those waiting for surgery when a serious condition is the reason for the operation; sick children who have sufficient use of reason to be helped by the celebration; and those who are unconscious or who have lost the use of reason, provided that they probably would have asked for the sacrament had they the use of their faculties. Furthermore, many forms of mental illness are now known to be serious. So the mentally ill may be anointed, provided that they will be helped and not harmed by the rite. If you have questions, consult a priest or other parish leader.

The most complete celebration of the sacrament is a communal one, a celebration in which those to be anointed are surrounded and supported by other members of the Christian community, whether at home, or in the house of the Church (for those who can leave their beds and come here). In song and in silence, with scriptures and prayers, we strengthen the bonds of love and faith that are stronger than the most lethal disease and more powerful even than death.



STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY

Sunday, February 12th $10,231.00

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



LET US PRAY FOR THE SICK

Br. Timothy Arthur
Joan Biasetti
Dick Callanan
Mary Ann Jenquin
Zoe Kazali
Anne Lano
Steenie Medina
Meg Suddaby

May they find strength and comfort in our prayers



TOGETHER IN MISSION ANNUAL APPEAL

Together In Mission provides substantial financial support to 32 parishes and 46 schools in our Archdiocese. These parishes and schools provide education, ministry and a Catholic presence for tens of thousands of people.

Sometimes it is difficult to envision how your pledge can help so many people. But, it does. To see how, please review the materials and read the statements of those whose parishes and schools receive support.


The theme of the campaign is “Blessed is the one who has regard for the...poor” (Psalm 41:2). Together In Mission provides an opportunity to show our concern for those served by the parishes and schools that need your financial support.


We will conduct our annual Together In Mission in-pew pledge process at all Masses this weekend and next weekend. As always, what you give should be given in gratitude for what God has given to you. Thank you for your prayerful consideration and generous response.



FROM DEATH TO NEW LIFE

Lawrence Castagnola
Husband of Kathryn Castagnola

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



2006 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CONGRESS

The annual Religious Education Congress at Anaheim is ready to enrich and revitalize us once more. Sponsored by the Office of Religious Education at the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, the Congress draws in excess of 35,000 participants over the course of this internationally acclaimed 4-day event. Congress’ international presence continues to grow, with participants attending from over 14 different countries.

This year’s Congress, scheduled for March 31st through April 2nd, 2006, focuses on the theme “Step Into Freedom.” Over the weekend participants will enjoy morning praise, evening liturgies and a variety of prayer experiences with internationally renowned leaders in the areas of liturgical music and worship. Concerts at noon-time and in the evening offer additional opportunities for praise and worship—delightful experiences which engage and renew participants!

For more information or to register, stop by the Parish Office for a guidebook, or call the RECongress information line at (213) 637-7346. Online registration is also available at www.RECongress.org.



MINISTRY WORKSHOPS

All current Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers and those interested in becoming ministers are asked to sign up to attend one of the following workshops:

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
Sat, March 4, 10:00 AM—12:00 Noon
- or -
Tue, March 21, 7:00 PM—9:00 PM

LECTORS
Sat, February 25, 9:30 AM—12:30 PM
- or -
Thurs, March 23, 6:30 PM—9:30 PM

All workshops will be held in the church. Please contact Laura in the Parish Office to reserve your place.



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.



LENTEN PARISH MISSION
MARCH 5-8, 2006

“Celebrate What is Right with the World”
Presented by Fr. Gavin Griffith

Fr. Gavin Griffith will begin our Parish Mission by preaching at all of our Masses on the weekend of March 4-5. On the following Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday Fr. Gavin will hold spiritual renewal sessions at 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM.

Our world is broken today. Criticism and negativity are a part of everyday life. But there is more to life than the negative. We can be both positive and realistic. Attune yourself to the beauty of the gift of life and in this way contribute to the health of our parish, our brothers and sisters, and our world.

Join us as we celebrate What is right with the World.

Gavin Griffith is a Franciscan priest and popular retreat leader in the U.S. and Canada. He has been featured in Time magazine for innovative educational methods. He is mentioned in Cal Samara’s book A Joyful Christ as a practitioner of the healing power of humor.



HELP POOR FAMILIES

Please Sign the Petition for a JuneState Ballot Initiative to Increase Minimum Wage from $6.75 to $7.25.

Our parish’s JustFaith participants are working with PUEBLO on this petition. We hope you will take action and add your signature today at a table outside the church.

- Background -

? An estimated 7.3 million workers (5.8% of the workforce) would benefit from an increase in the minimum wage to $7.25 by June 2007. Of these workers, 72% are adults and 61% are women.

? The current minimum wage is inadequate to support a single parent with two children.

? A 1998 EPI study failed to find any systematic, significant job loss associated with the 1996-97 minimum wage increase.

? please see details above



PREPARE FOR NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY

First Reading: Hosea 2:16b, 17b, 21-22
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 103
Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 3:1b-6
Gospel Reading: Mark 2:18-22

REFLECTION ON NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY OF THE WORD

Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

A series of sayings in next weekend’s readings emphasizes that with Jesus a new age has dawned. It is the time of the “bridegroom,” a time for replacing the whole cloth, a time for new wine and new wineskins. These images stress that the new age of salvation is present in Jesus and new things are possible. Jesus’ ministry brought in a totally new era, calling for a new lifestyle. The images of the cloak and the wineskins stress the incompatibility of the new with the old. “Band-Aid” measures will not work: a brand new cloak and fresh wineskins are required.

Life Focus
- Describe a time in your life when you were or were not open to a new way of doing something.
- What in your life is new? What is the old that you have let go of?
- How are you challenged today to reach to new ways of understanding?
- Are you open to risking new ways to live out Jesus’ command to love one another? How?



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.

SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

In this gospel, the healing hand of Jesus stretches out to an outcast of society—a leper. The leper, having been healed, is compelled “to publicize the whole matter.” Both the actions of Jesus and the leper inform our discipleship: like Jesus, we reach out even to outcasts; like the leper, we proclaim the good news.

Each of us at certain times in our lives experiences isolation and alienation from loved ones and from God, like that of the leper in this gospel. Through Jesus’ touch the paschal mystery is revealed to us and in us. Death is transformed into life, the ultimate isolation of the cross becomes the ultimate restoration of the resurrection. We participate in this paschal mystery both by opening ourselves to the restoring touch of Jesus and by offering his restoring touch to the most alienated among us.

Jesus said to the leper, “I do will it.” We must say to Jesus, “I will do it.” This is a commitment of life to reach out to the outcasts of our time. Our proclamation of the good news, our “publicizing the whole matter,” must be a proclamation of the good deeds of our living. Like Jesus, we must be willing to touch those who need comfort, we must be “moved with pity” for those who have different views or habits or lifestyles and are thus alienated from others. Like Jesus, we must receive anyone who comes to us.

TODAY’S READINGS

First Reading—Leviticus 12:1-2, 44-46
The leper will dwell apart, making an adobe outside the camp.

Responsorial Psalm—Psalm 32
I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation.

Second Reading—1 Corinthians 10:31—11:1
Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.

Gospel—Mark 1:40—45
The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean.



DEAR PARISHIONERS,

Last week I wrote a letter that was mailed to all of you. I can’t tell you how dismayed I am to find that my letter would prove “newsworthy.” I wonder if there will be a day when homilies will be reprinted for the common good of all the good folks in Santa Barbara. Please pray for me as I do for you.

This weekend Kathy Garcia, the principal of St. Sebastian’s school in Santa Paula, will be with us to tell us how much the money given to Together In Mission means to her school. It is good to hear first-hand of the wonderful things that happen when we share.

For many people in our society, amassing great wealth is considered a sign of good enterprise, not a debt to God that asks repayment in concern for the less fortunate. And the Western nations that have been so blessed not only fail to give God enough credit, but also pay far too little attention to the dire poverty in which people of other nations live. The United States is seeking more efficient ways to close its borders to those who come without legal sanction in search of a way to support the families they leave behind. Many of its citizens discriminate against people whose command of our language is poor, forgetting that their own ancestors (except those who came from the United Kingdom) came here speaking other tongues.

We are not all guilty, of course, but each of us could spare a minute to give thanks for the blessings we enjoy—and to ask just how God intends us to use them.

Peace and all Good,
Fr. Richard Juzix, Pastor



PARISH CALENDAR

February 12 Parish Meeting at 3:00 PM (please see page 6 for details)
February 18 Together in Mission Commitment Sunday
February 21 Baptism Class at 6:30 PM
February 26 Baptisms at the 9:00 AM Mass



DO YOU KNOW …

“Silence”

“Be quiet, you’re in church now!” Many of us grew up being reminded regularly that the appropriate behavior for us during Mass was to be silent. Church and the library had that in common. Then, with the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, active participation became the norm. Usually active participation is understood as joining in the singing and saying the responses along with everyone else. Rarely do we expand the definition of participation to include communal silence.

Public silence is frequently very awkward. We assume someone forgot their cue or made an embarrassing mistake. Yet we also know the heart-gripping impact when a grandstand full of people observes a moment of silence. The liturgy invites us to pray without words several times during Sunday Mass. Before the opening prayer, after the readings and the homily, perhaps during the intercessions and again after communion, we are given the opportunity to call to mind God’s presence in our midst, to offer our personal petitions and express our thanks for God’s continuing blessings. Such silence is not a passive “shutting down” but rather an attentive awareness of our intimate connection with the Lord and with one another. Such awareness requires ample time to develop—ample time not only at a particular liturgy, but Sunday after Sunday after Sunday. Only then will the inevitable coughing, kneeler banging and fussing babies mark the beginning of our silence and not the end of it!

In another, more profound sense, we are always silent at liturgy—even when we speak. We sing psalms and speak prayers that are not our own but rather the words of our ancestors in faith and the words of the Church. Our individualistic American culture finds such behavior suspicious or even threatening: “I am my own person!” But it is precisely in that surrender to the power of ritual and the life of the larger community that we discover our true voice.



STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY

Sunday, February 5th $9,033.00

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


WELCOME NEW RCIA CANDIDATES

On January 22nd at the 9:00 AM Mass, we celebrated the Rite of Welcoming for Sascha Fahrbach and John Steensma. As baptized Christians, they have become Candidates in our Adult Initiation process. Sascha is a student at UCSB and, although born in Austria, comes to Santa Barbara from the Bay Area. Fluent in several languages, Sascha is studying Chinese and may major in International Business. Tad Carter has volunteered to be Sascha’s Sponsor. John is back home again in Santa Barbara and has been intermittently in the process as an Inquirer for three years. No longer stretching his time between Las Vegas and Texas, John is ready to proceed with full initiation. Fritz Patterson has volunteered to be John’s Sponsor. Sorry, there are no photos at this time. Some will follow!



LET US PRAY FOR THE SICK

Br. Timothy Arthur
Joan Biasetti
Dick Callanan
Mary Ann Jenquin
Zoe Kazali
Anne Lano
Steenie Medina
Meg Suddaby

May they find strength and comfort in our prayers.



TRAVELING? DON’T FORGET TO GO TO MASS!

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

SAY “HELLO” TO OUR NEWEST PARISHIONERS

Mike and Trisha Ainsa
Heather Hudachek
Edward Zaske



TOGETHER IN MISSION 2006

This week, you are asked to read and reflect upon the Together In Mission materials that you received today. Those of you who subscribe to the Archdiocesan newspaper, The Tidings, will receive more information about the campaign in this week’s edition.

Together In Mission provides substantial financial support to 32 parishes and 46 schools in our Archdiocese. These parishes and schools provide education, ministry and a Catholic presence for tens of thousands of people.

Sometimes it is difficult to envision how your pledge can help so many people. But, it does. To see how, please review the materials and read the statements of those whose parishes and schools receive support.

The theme of the campaign is “Blessed is the one who has regard for the...poor” (Psalm 41:2). Together In Mission provides an opportunity to show our concern for those served by the parishes and schools that need your financial support.

If you received your pledge form in the mail, please complete it and mail it back or bring it to Mass next weekend. Also, we will conduct our annual Together In Mission in-pew pledge process at all Masses next weekend and the following weekend.

As always, what you give should be given in gratitude for what God has given to you. Thank you for your prayerful consideration and generous response.



2006 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CONGRESS

The annual Religious Education Congress at Anaheim is ready to enrich and revitalize us once more. Sponsored by the Office of Religious Education at the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, the Congress draws in excess of 35,000 participants over the course of this internationally acclaimed 4-day event. Congress’ international presence continues to grow, with participants attending from over 14 different countries.

This year’s Congress, scheduled for March 31st through April 2nd, 2006, focuses on the theme “Step Into Freedom.” Over the weekend participants will enjoy morning praise, evening liturgies and a variety of prayer experiences with internationally renowned leaders in the areas of liturgical music and worship. Concerts at noon-time and in the evening offer additional opportunities for praise and worship—delightful experiences which engage and renew participants!

For more information or to register, stop by the Parish Office for a guidebook, or call the RECongress information line at (213) 637-7346. Online registration is also available at www.RECongress.org.


“CLOSE TO HOME:
AWARENESS AND UNDERSTANDING OF CLERGY SEXUAL ABUSE IN OUR COMMUNITY”

Scheduled for 3:00 PM on today in the Bonaventure Room, this talk by Paul Fericano is intended to inform, educate and support the entire community regarding the possible upcoming trial (March 6) against the Franciscan Province and the Rev. Mario Cimmarrusti. The emotional and spiritual impact of the trial will take its toll on everyone. This talk aims to address the anger, confusion, pain and possible re-injury that may occur due to the media publicity. Our hope is that, by being better informed, we can find a path to understanding, compassion and safety for ourselves and for others.

Angelica Jochim will also be present to briefly discuss the completion of the Independent Response Team and the position of Pastoral Outreach Coordinator. Time for questions will be set aside after the talk.
________________

Paul Fericano is a former seminarian at St. Anthony’s Seminary, a survivor of clergy sexual abuse and co-founder of SafeNet: The Survivors Alliance and Franciscan Exchange Network, an association of survivors devoted to peace and reconciliation.
Angelica Jochim, M.A., MFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist in Santa Barbara. Angelica is currently the Pastoral Outreach Coordinator for the Franciscan Province of St. Barbara and works with the Province’s new advisory board on sexual abuse issues.



MINISTRY WORKSHOPS

All current Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers and those interested in becoming ministers are asked to sign up to attend one of the following workshops:

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
Sat, March 4, 10:00 AM—12:00 Noon
- or -
Tue, March 21, 7:00 PM—9:00 PM

LECTORS
Sat, February 25, 9:30 AM—12:30 PM
- or -
Thurs, March 23, 6:30 PM—9:30 PM

All workshops will be held in the church. Please contact Laura in the Parish Office to reserve your place.



ATTENTION YOUNG ADULTS!

Bridge Building will not meet on Valentine’s Day, but please join us for Game Night on Thursday, February 16, at 7:00 PM at the Santa Barbara Pastoral Center.

Reminder: Garage Sale
Saturday, February 18, 8:00 AM—12 Noon
Pastoral Center (4032 La Colina Road)

For more information, please call Kelly (682-1508) or email BridgeSantaBarb@aol.com



PREPARE FOR NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY

First Reading: Isaiah 43:18-19, 21-22, 24b-25
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 41
Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:18-22
Gospel Reading: Mark 2:1-12



REFLECTION ON NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY OF THE WORD

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

On the surface this seems to be the story of an ordinary healing miracle by Jesus. But beneath the physical cure is the extraordinary act of forgiveness of sins. Only God can forgive sin. Jesus, having the spirit of God upon him and being the Holy One of God, is able to forgive sin. His cure of the man’s lameness dramatizes the greater cure of the soul. Through this action Jesus declares that “...the Son of Man has the authority to forgive sins.” It would have been easy merely to say, “your sins are forgiven”; the physical cure gave public evidence of Jesus’ power over the forces of evil.

Life Focus

- What helps me realize God’s continuous love and forgiveness?
- When have you experienced forgiveness? When have you forgiven another?

FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Job, in the first reading for this Sunday, speaks accurately of the human condition as all too many of us experience it: “Is not people’s life on earth a drudgery?” Illness, pain, suffering, weakness, forces of evil. Each of us has a sense that these realities—in spite of modern advances—are part of our every day existence and are really beyond our control. We often seek divine intervention through prayer of intercession. Sometimes we even seek miracles when things seem utterly out of control. Today’s gospel may bring to mind all our good desires to overcome the evils of life. Since we are all in need of healing in some form or another, we can easily place ourselves in this gospel. This is a point of the gospel: surely Jesus has the power to heal; but even more importantly, these specific healing accounts are instances of the far-reaching power of Jesus to save.
In all these gospel healings we receive glimpses of the greater mystery being revealed by Jesus, the movement from death to life. The evil that affects all of our lives in one way or another is a reminder that the reign of God is “not yet” fully established. The healings and good news of Jesus are reminders that the reign is “already” gradually being revealed in the words and deeds of Jesus, whose mission is to inaugurate God’s reign.
By means of encounters with individuals in the healings, Jesus establishes a relationship with others so that he might preach the good news that God’s reign is at hand. The healings performed by Jesus inaugurate the reign of God. We know what Jesus did: encountered people and offered them wholeness. As his disciples, this is our work as well. It is our way of life.


TODAY’S READINGS

First Reading—Job 7:1-4, 6-7
Job spoke, saying, “I have been assigned months of misery, and troubled nights have been allotted to me.”

Responsorial Psalm—Psalm 147
Praise the Lord, who heals the brokenhearted.

Second Reading—1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23
I have become all things to all, to save at least some.

Gospel—Mark 1:29-39
Jesus cured many who were sick with various diseases.


DEAR PARISHIONERS AND VISITORS,

Like you, I am bewildered by the events at the post office in Goleta. Senseless violence reaches past grieving family and friends creating ripples that go farther than any of us know. Most of us would like to think of our workplaces as safe places. Most of us would expect that people in emotional need or crisis can receive at least minimal help to be able to complete life’s daily tasks. Hopefully Catholic Charities here in Santa Barbara can continue grow, with a little help from volunteers and benefactors to offer more help to folks in our area.
There are many people who have expectations of us, our families, our co-workers, our employers or employees; and we in turn have expectations of others. Great expectations, sometimes too great, are laid on people, especially the members of the coming generation. That emphasis can come to dominate anyone’s life almost to the exclusion of every other consideration. One of those considerations is God. Where does God rank on that list of people whose expectations we keep trying to meet? Ultimately, God’s evaluation of us is the only one that counts. Friends, relatives, bosses, co-workers, neighbors, members of the country club will all fade from the scene in due time and with them their assessments. God keeps trying to tell us that we are beloved, and God keeps trying to command, ask, beg, tease and cajole us into returning love. How can we live to not just reflect the Gospel, but to proclaim Good News?
Please read the Together In Mission announcement in the bulletin. This sharing of our financial resources within our archdiocese gives hope to people in need and, when given in faith, undeniably proclaims God’s loving presence among us.

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


DO YOU KNOW …

The Gospel of Mark

The second gospel takes our breath away with its rapid telling of the events of Jesus’ public ministry. A mere sixteen chapters from beginning to end, the Gospel of Mark is both the shortest and earliest of the four gospels in the Bible.
Archeologists and textual experts have dated this gospel to about 70 CE, at least a few decades after the death of Jesus. This date, which many Christians find to be quite late, does not mean that the stories were brand-new at the time; it means that earlier Christians so expected the second coming of Christ in their own lifetimes that they did not take the time to sit down and write. The stories were passed along orally until later in the first century.
The Gospel of Mark gives us a unique portrait of Jesus, which can be drawn as much from what the gospel does not contain as from what it does. The story begins, for example, not with a story of the birth of Jesus, as do the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. No magi or shepherds for Mark! The end of the Gospel had a unique abbreviation as well. The original version of Mark ended not with 16:20 (as do our Bibles, centuries later), but with verse 16:8. The original text left hearers pondering disciples who had run away and tomb-visiting women who had fled the scene “frightened out of their wits.” Verses 16:9–20 were added a short time later.
Between its abrupt beginning and incomplete ending—an empty tomb, but no resurrection—the gospel plunges us into the whirlwind of Jesus’ activity, which is described in a sometimes harsh, spare style. Along the way Jesus preaches and prophesies, hollers and heals, teaches and tells tales up to his coming to Jerusalem, where his life as one of us ends, but the story just begins. (Perhaps we are the disciples who must now live in the mystery of the empty tomb.)
The portrait of Jesus sketched by Mark is difficult for Christians to hear. Because of its content of suffering and tribulation, some have called it a “passion narrative with a long introduction.” Throughout the story, Jesus anticipates his death, and he draws the listener in to focus on this aspect of the Christian life.
The Gospel of Mark is proclaimed on Sundays in Year B, the years 2006, 2009, 2012 and so on.
In art, the evangelist Mark is portrayed with a lion by his side. The feast of Saint Mark is April 25.


PARISH CALENDAR
February 12 World Marriage Day
February 12 Parish Meeting (see page 6 for details)
February 21 Baptism Class at 6:30 PM
February 26 Baptisms at the 9:00 AM Mass

STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY

Sunday, January 29th $10,736.00
Franciscan Missionary Union $3,258.00

Thank you for your continuing generosity!



LET US PRAY FOR THE SICK

Br. Timothy Arthur
Joan Biasetti
Dick Callanan
Mary Ann Jenquin
Zoe Kazali
Anne Lano
Steenie Medina
Meg Suddaby

May they find strength and comfort in our prayers



WE WELCOME OUR NEWEST PARISHIONER

Cyril Hudachek



TOGETHER IN MISSION 2006

Cardinal Mahony is sending a letter this week to past contributors to the Together in Mission campaign. If you receive this letter, please respond with a generous pledge to support the ministries, programs and services provided by the parishes and schools that receive these funds.
On the weekend of February 11-12, we will provide additional information about this campaign that provides funds to 32 parishes and 46 schools that would find it difficult, if not impossible, to operate without them.
On the weekends of February 18-19 and February 25-26, we will conduct the in-pew solicitation process so that those who do not receive the mailing will have an opportunity to make their pledges.
As each parish household prayerfully reflects on the amount of the pledge to be made to help these parishes and schools, please reflect on the following questions:

• Do I really believe that I have a duty to help others who are in need?
• Is what I give to the work of the Church enough to show how grateful I am for what God has given me?
• Do I appreciate how important every contribution to Together is Mission is to the people in the subsidized parishes and schools?

Please pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit as you consider the above questions and give generously, according to what God has given to you.



2006 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CONGRESS

The annual Religious Education Congress at Anaheim is ready to enrich and revitalize us once more. Sponsored by the Office of Religious Education at the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, the Congress draws in excess of 35,000 participants over the course of this internationally acclaimed 4-day event. Congress’ international presence continues to grow, with participants attending from over 14 different countries.
This year’s Congress, scheduled for March 31st through April 2nd, 2006, focuses on the theme “Step Into Freedom.” Over the weekend participants will enjoy morning praise, evening liturgies and a variety of prayer experiences with internationally renowned leaders in the areas of liturgical music and worship. Concerts at noon-time and in the evening offer additional opportunities for praise and worship—delightful experiences which engage and renew participants!
For more information or to register, stop by the Parish Office for a guidebook, or call the RECongress information line at (213) 637-7346. Online registration is also available at www.RECongress.org.


“CLOSE TO HOME: AWARENESS AND UNDERSTANDING OF CLERGY SEXUAL ABUSE IN OUR COMMUNITY”

Scheduled for 3:00 PM on Sunday, February 12 in the Bonaventure Room, this talk by Paul Fericano is intended to inform, educate and support the entire community regarding the possible upcoming trial (March 6) against the Franciscan Province and the Rev. Mario Cimmarrusti. The emotional and spiritual impact of the trial will take its toll on everyone. This talk aims to address the anger, confusion, pain and possible re-injury that may occur due to the media publicity. Our hope is that, by being better informed, we can find a path to understanding, compassion and safety for ourselves and for others.

Angelica Jochim will also be present to briefly discuss the completion of the Independent Response Team and the position of Pastoral Outreach Coordinator.

Time for questions will be set aside after the talk.
________________

Paul Fericano is a former seminarian at St. Anthony’s Seminary, a survivor of clergy sexual abuse and co-founder of SafeNet: The Survivors Alliance and Franciscan Exchange Network, an association of survivors devoted to peace and reconciliation.
Angelica Jochim, M.A., MFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist in Santa Barbara. Angelica is currently the Pastoral Outreach Coordinator for the Franciscan Province of St. Barbara and works with the Province’s new advisory board on sexual abuse issues.



BAPTIZED INTO NEW LIFE

Cristopher Mateo Geiler
Son of Cristopher and Carmen Geiler

Makena Louise Johnson
Daughter of Derek and Sarah Johnson

Gianna Isabella Stump
Daughter of John and Anna Stump

Shawn Edward Walters
Son of Shawn and Martha Walters



MINISTRY WORKSHOPS LECTORS & EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS

All current Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers and those interested in becoming ministers are asked to sign up to attend one of the following workshops:


EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS:
Sat, March 4, 10:00 AM—12:00 Noon
- or -
Tues, March 21, 7:00 PM—9:00 PM


LECTORS:
Sat, February 25, 9:30 AM—12:30 PM
- or -
Thurs, March 23, 6:30 PM—9:30 PM


Please contact Laura in the Parish Office to reserve your place.



FROM DEATH TO NEW LIFE

Br. Fabian Walker, Franciscan Friar

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



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.



CERTIFIED NURSES’ AIDE NEEDED

A Certified Nurses’ Aide is needed ASAP for Sunday and Monday nights from 10PM-6AM to care for elderly Franciscan Friars. Please all Anita Pivato, RN at 687-0609.


PREPARE FOR NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY

First Reading: Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 32
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:31—11:1
Gospel Reading: Mark 1:40-45

Reflection on Next Sunday’s
Liturgy of the Word

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

According to Jewish law, lepers were considered unclean and outcasts from society. Yet in today’s gospel, Jesus immediately responds to a leper’s request for healing. Jesus had great respect for the Law of Moses so he told the leper to fulfill the cleansing requirements by offering sacrifice and appearing before the priest. Jesus orders him to tell no one who had cured him, but the leper ignores Jesus’ command and tells everyone what happened. In spite of the growing difficulties of his ministry, Jesus continues healing and preaching. He was able to proceed because people had faith in him.

Life Focus

- Jesus reaches out to these outcasts. What groups do you have the most difficulty accepting?

- Describe a time when you recognized and accepted another person’s ability to help you.

- Relate a time when you were moved with compassion toward someone who was considered “unclean.”

- Tell of a time when you were or were not able to keep good news to yourself.


TRAVELING? DON’T FORGET TO GO TO MASS!

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