ASCENSION OF THE LORD

The solemn festival of the ascension directs our attention to Jesus who takes his rightful place in glory. At the same time, however, the ascension reminds us that Christ’s saving work on earth now continues through his disciples whom he sends “into the whole world to proclaim the gospel.” The ascension is not an abandonment but a fulfillment. The real significance of the ascension is Jesus’ glory and our taking up his mission as our own. The most amazing aspect of this gospel isn’t that Jesus’ disciples are able to work fantastic wonders like picking up snakes, drinking poison and surviving, or healing the sick. The most amazing aspect of this gospel is that Jesus works with us. This is Jesus’ work that is being wrought through us. Jesus entrusts us and uses us to continue his work of salvation!

It would be daunting to us to think that we alone continue Jesus’ mission after his ascension. But not so. The gospel assures us that “the Lord works with us.” What dignity is ours! We are given the gifts to walk in the footsteps of Jesus on this earth, assured that we, too, will one day ascend to share in his glory. Need we any more motivation than that? Taking up the mission of Christ means that we share in both his death and resurrection. In the opening prayer for the Ascension Mass we pray that we might seek Christ in his glory. Although dying to self is a real part of being faithful disciples continuing Jesus’ mission, we don’t seek Christ in his suffering but through suffering we seek him in his glory.

May we faithfully carry out the mission to proclaim the gospel to every creature.

May we live in a self-giving way so as to follow Christ into his glory.

TODAY’S READINGS

First Reading—Acts 1:1-11
Jesus tells the disciples that they will be witnesses to the ends of the earth.

Responsorial Psalm—Psalm 47
God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.

Second Reading—Ephesians 4:1-13
God seated Jesus at his right hand in the heavens.

Gospel—Mark 16:15-20
The Lord Jesus was taken up into heaven.

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.

DEAR PARISHIONERS AND VISITORS,

Next week we will celebrate the feast of Pentecost. It seems that we have a custom of wearing the color red to mass on Pentecost, which seems wonderful to me...red was my mother's favorite color. Red may also be the Blessed Virgin's favorite color, too. In much of our early tradition, and still in the East, Mary was and still is depicted in red as the one who conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit. I'm not sure where the "blue" came from, but I suspect since blue was the color of the French monarchy, they may have had something to do with it. At St. Francis Parish in Spokane, where Fr. Alberic will be moving, there is a large quilt of Mary dressed in reds. The textile artists who made the quilt did so well that on feasts of Mary, quilters used to visit the church to examine the stitching. It is good to remember that our wearing of the red symbolizes that we, the church, are filled with that same Holy Spirit.

The feast of Pentecost is also a celebration of the unity that the Holy Spirit brings. One of the Old Testament stories that describes the reasons for the divisions that have plagued humanity is the description of the human pride and the building of the tower of Babel. The result was not a prideful human ascent to the heights of spirituality, but the separation into languages so that people could no longer understand each other, could no longer speak heart to heart. The description of Pentecost in the book of Acts is a reversal of Babel: people hear and understand the good news announced by the apostles regardless of the language. Pentecost is the celebration of empowerment in the Church to continue the work of the risen Lord to bring repentance and new life to all.

This year, maybe our wearing of the "red" might not just be an imitation of donning a liturgical color, but also identifying with Mary, the model of church, the woman overshadowed by the Spirit, bringing new life.

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


PARISH CALENDAR
June 11 Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity
June 18 Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ


WELCOME ERIC AND SASCHA!

Last Sunday at the 10:30 AM Mass, Fr. Richard celebrated the Rite of Reception Into The Full Communion of the Catholic Church with Eric Friedman and Sascha Fahrbach, their Sponsors, Ken Allen and Tad Carter, dear family and friends and the entire community of St. Barbara Parish. As candidates already baptized into the Christian faith, both Eric and Sascha received their Sacraments of Confirmation and their First Eucharist at this Mass. We are filled with joy that the Body of Christ has been strengthened by their presence and look forward to sharing their journey in the way of Christ. As Neophytes, they will rotate through our Mass schedule so that all not with us at last Sunday’s Mass will have the opportunity to meet them and give them a personal welcome.

SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY

Sean Comer and Silvia Franco

ATTENTION EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS & LECTORS

A new Ministry Schedule for the months of June and July is now available. You may pick up a copy in the Sacristy, the Porter’s Office or the Parish Office. In addition, the schedule is posted on the Parish website (www.sbmission.org).

TAKE HOME AN EASTER LILY

The beautiful lilies that were used in the church for the Easter season are available to parishioners who would like to take them home. Please stop by the patio behind the parish kitchen.

BAPTIZED INTO NEW LIFE

Gabriel Richard Macias
Son of Steve and Alejandra Macias

Elliana Rene Westmacott
Daughter of Paul and Briana Westmacott

JUSTFAITH

Are you interested in exploring the social justice tradition of your faith? Do you want to know more about the spiritual journey of St. Francis of Assisi, Mother Theresa, Oscar Romero and the prophets?taking part in a justice formation process called “JustFaith” that will begin again this fall. The program includes readings, videos, and conversations about challenging topics, face-to-face encounters with the poor, and an investigation into the intersection of spirituality and Christian activism. JustFaith has been used by parishes across the country and with dramatic effects. The program will run from September through May. Get information at a table outside after Masses next Sunday.more information, email or phone Nick Beeson at beesonsb@cox.net (455-3218), Sharon Brownett at sharonbrownett@aol.com (682-7834) or Craig Bogley at bogleycat@msn.com (681-1488).

DO YOU KNOW…
Our Sunday Obligation

“Much obliged” is an old-fashioned phrase first noted in the old Oxford English Dictionary in the 16th century. Over the centuries, the phrase has lost some of its richness. Originally, it meant to be bound to a person by ties of gratitude. Today, the phrase is more used as an automatic response to someone who has performed a perfunctory service. Unfortunately, this practice does not convey the sense of truly being bound to each other by gratitude. What a loss! Because of that loss, many people understand the word obligation as a burden rather than a commitment and duty that flows from a relationship. Obligation is a form of indebtedness that comes from within the heart of a relationship.

In loving relationships, we are grateful for the gift of each other and we express that gratitude by doing right actions because we want to do so. Obligatory behaviors grow out of communication, intimacy, and personal and communal relationships. These examples can help us reflect on our obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and on holy days of obligation and rest from servile labor.

The heart of the Sunday obligation is gratitude. The word Eucharist means “to give thanks.” We gather each week because we are “much obliged” to God—for everything. This obligation is not an automatic response to someone who has performed a perfunctory service. We come together to “give thanks” to God, our Father who is the source of all life and creation, and to Jesus, God’s Son who gave us eternal life through his death on the Cross that is made present in every Mass as we participate again in Christ’s death and Resurrection through the Eucharist.

Each time we attend Mass, we bring our lives, our very selves, to the Eucharist. We gather together as community, grateful to have each other, as pilgrims in faith and grateful to be nourished by the body and blood of Christ. Just as the relationships and obligations in families are nurtured and strengthened by intimacy and communion, so too does our participation in the Eucharist nurture and strengthen our relationship with the Trinity. Food nourishes our body in the same way that our participation in Holy Communion nourishes our spirit and unites us together as individuals and as a community in Christ. Acting on our Sunday obligation of being “much obliged” gives us reason to be “more obliged” in the most authentic sense of obligation.

LET US PRAY FOR THE SICK

Joan Biasetti
Rose Margaret Braiden
Alex Falzone
Mary Ann Jenquin
Anne Lano
Diane Parsons
Joyce Patterson

May they find strength and comfort in our prayers

FR. RICHARD’S FAREWELL PARTY

Be sure to mark your calendars for next Saturday, June 3rd. We will wish Fr. Richard a fond farewell with a festive party at Serra Hall from 5:30 PM until 8:00 PM. Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and plenty of good company are in store for all. Plus a few surprises (wink, wink)!!

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SUMMER CAMP

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Summer Camp at Circle V Ranch near Lake Cachuma is providing one-week sessions for boys and girls from July 3rd through August 14th. The cost per child is $250. Scholarships are available for low-income families. For more information and for an application, call Conchita Lehne at (805) 452-7421. This summer camp event can be the highlight of your child’s summer experience!

A Counselor-In-Leadership Training Program is available for teens ages 14-18. For information on this training program, contact Rich Garcia, Camp Director, at (323) 224-6213 or by emailing circlev@svdpla.org.

If you wish to make a donation to help local children attend the summer camp program, please contact the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Old Mission Conference, at 687-7547.

STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY

Sunday, May 14th $8,031.00
Retirement Fund for Priests $1,178.00

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

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. 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, 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.

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!

PREPARE FOR NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY

First Reading: Acts 2:1-11
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 104
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13
Gospel: John 15:26-27; 16:12-15

REFLECTION ON NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY OF THE WORD
Solemnity of Pentecost

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

Life Focus

- Describe how some person has inspired courage in you.

- What gifts of the Spirit can you identify in yourself that could help transform your world?

- Which gifts of the Spirit can you identify in our community?

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.

TRAVELING? DON’T FORGET TO GO TO MASS!

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

SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

Clearly our fifty-day celebration of Easter is not something apart from the cares and demands of our everyday living. Jesus’ gospel message is always practical, something that can speak to the messiness of our everyday lives. Resurrection life is filled with love and joy and friends when it is grounded in the stark reality of self-surrender. Jesus gave one hundred percent; so must we. And then is our joy complete. This is why we still sing Alleluia!

The love that exists between the Father and Jesus, and between Jesus and his disciples, is to exist also among the disciples themselves: “Love one another as I love you.” The dynamism of resurrection life is that it is not content with a “Jesus and me” relationship. It is essentially directed toward others, drawing in even those who are radically unlike us—as the first reading vividly demonstrates. Such selfless love cannot originate in human capabilities but originates in God. “This is love: not that we have loved God, but that he has loved us” (second reading).

The active aspect of love (as opposed to feelings, sentiment or emotionalism) is underscored by the disciples’ close association with the command of Jesus. The selfless aspect of this obedient love is also stated clearly: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. Ultimately, the life of the resurrection is reached only through dying to self. This was Jesus’ path. So is it ours as his disciples. We are able to love in this way because Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection is a model already given and because we have been chosen for such a loving, self-giving life.

May we express in self-sacrificing love and resounding joy our closeness to the risen Christ.

May we have the love and generosity to lay down our lives in service of others.

TODAY’S READINGS

First Reading—Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48
In truth, I see that God shows no partiality. Rather, in every nation whoever acts uprightly is acceptable.

Responsorial Psalm—Psalm 98
The saving power of God has been revealed to the nations.

Second Reading—1 John 4:7-10
Let us love one another, because love is of God.

Gospel—John 15:9-17
This is my commandment: Love one another as I love you.


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.

DEAR PARISHIONERS AND VISITORS,

Last week Bro. Ernie and I went to Los Angeles to help Bro. Conrad do some shopping for clothes that he needed. We stayed overnight with Fr. Dan at St. Francis so Dan and I had the chance to visit and have a good talk about our transitions. I know you will welcome him warmly when he arrives for the weekend of July 15th and 16th. Anyway, we picked Bro. Conrad up at the St. John of God residence in downtown L.A. and then, with Bro. Ernie reading the map directions, we headed for a mega-size mall in Glendale. What an adventure!! Within five minutes I was on four different freeways (10 to 110 to 2 to 5!), and one of them was a kind of merge onto the right side and dash across six lanes to exit onto a left side off ramp. I was screaming in the car like when I was downhill skiing the first time. Some good folks had given me some useful gifts…great maps for the L.A. freeways and the whole area. Now I pray that God gives me the ability to develop a better sense of direction and enough discretion so that I won’t terrify other drivers by the sight of this screaming man behind the wheel.

The Old Mission received a pretty wonderful gift, too. Parishioners have donated the money needed for Fr. Nevin to purchase and install a sheet of plexiglass to cover and protect the della Robbia Madonna in the corner of the Sacred Garden. We all thank them for their generosity and look forward to the possibility of “art at the Mission tours” by the great crew of docents.

Eric and Sascha, two of our candidates for full communion, will make their Professions of Faith and receive the Sacrament of Confirmation at the 10:30 AM Mass today, a clear example among us that God freely gives the Holy Spirit to all. God has indeed blessed us with Eric and Sascha, their sponsors, our RCIA catechists and our parish family.

Peace and all Good,

Fr. Richard Juzix, O.F.M., Pastor


PARISH CALENDAR

May 27-29 I Madonnari Street Painting Festival
May 28 Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord
May 29 Liturgy at Calvary Cemetery, 10:00 AM
May 31 Memorial Day
June 3 Fr. Richard’s Farewell Party
June 4 Solemnity of Pentecost
June 4 Fr. Alberic’s Farewell Party



DO YOU KNOW…Easter Signs & Symbols: Wax

Eastertime is the fifty-day-long season from Easter Sunday until Pentecost, June 4th this year. Throughout this time the paschal candle shines in church. This candle is an image of the risen body of Christ. It was kindled and consecrated with great ceremony on Easter Eve.

When people are baptized into the church, they are given candles lit from the paschal candle. They are told to keep their lamps burning brightly throughout their lives. At funerals the paschal candle shines on the dead, like a pillar of fire to guide them to the promised land.

A burning candle is a sign of self-sacrifice. It consumes itself in a blaze of glory. Traditionally, the church’s candles are made from beeswax. A beehive is a symbol of the church, where everyone is called to work together for the common good.

When you light a candle in prayer you might say, “Jesus Christ is the light of the world, a light no darkness can extinguish.” Or say the words proclaimed at the Easter Vigil, “Light of Christ! Thanks be to God!”

Easter Signs & Symbols: Wine

Through fermentation, yeasts convert the sugar in grapes into carbon dioxide and other byproducts, including alcohol. There is obvious energy in this transformation. Fermenting grapes hiss and fizz with potentially explosive force. In Christian tradition, wine has become symbolic for the power of the Holy Spirit.

God’s Spirit is the lifeblood of the body of Christ. Jesus commands us to drink deeply. On Pentecost the disciples drank so much of the Spirit that bystanders thought they were drunk. The pentecostal signs of the Spirit, such as fire and wind, share qualities in common. Like wine, they can be agents of destruction or forces for creativity and delight.

Make of this season a time to turn away from destruction and to renew your powers of creativity and delight. In the Eucharistic feast, drink deeply of the Spirit.


LET US PRAY FOR THE SICK

Joan Biasetti
Rose Margaret Braiden
Alex Falzone
Noah Hernandez

Mary Ann Jenquin
Anne Lano
Diane Parsons
Joyce Patterson

May they find strength and comfort in our prayers

FR. RICHARD’S FAREWELL PARTY

Be sure to mark your calendars for Saturday, June 3rd. We will wish Fr. Richard a fond farewell with a festive party at Serra Hall from 5:30 PM until 8:00 PM. Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and plenty of good company are in store for all. Plus a few surprises (wink, wink)!!


SAY “HELLO” TO OUR NEWEST PARISHIONERS

James Bedard
Meghan Roarty
Kathleen Ousley-Kish


ST. MARK’S FUNDRAISER AND AUCTION DINNER

St. Mark’s University Parish is having an auction dinner! Proceeds will go to benefit their UCSB Catholic student activities. Please join them on a relaxing evening “In An Octopus’ Garden,” on Saturday, June 3rd, at 6:00 PM. Admission is $25 for non-students and $20 for students. Good food, great company, many auction items, and lots of fun will be provided! Please call the St. Mark’s Parish Office at 968-1078 for more info and for reservations.

MEMORIAL DAY LITURGY

Bishop Thomas Curry will celebrate a special Memorial Day Liturgy at 10:00 AM on Monday, May 29th, at Calvary Cemetery.

JOB OPENING

Organizer needed to work 10-15 hours per week for Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE), a faith-based organization promoting economic justice for local community residents. Experience in fund development and active familiarity with the local faith community is helpful. Living wage. Bilingual skills beneficial. Training available. Please respond by June 1st with resume to sbclue@yahoo.com.

ITALIAN STREET PAINTING FESTIVAL

On Memorial Day weekend— May 27, 28 and 29—the Friars will host the annual I Madonnari Festival here at the Old Mission. The directors of the festival will do everything they can to make it as easy as possible for you to get to Mass those days, by keeping festival parking just south of the road. Just let the volunteers know you’re going to Mass.

ATTENTION EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS AND LECTORS

A new Ministry Schedule for the months of June and July is now available. You may pick up a copy in the Sacristy, the Porter’s Office or the Parish Office. In addition, the schedule is posted on the Parish website (www.sbmission.org).

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SUMMER CAMP

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Summer Camp at Circle V Ranch near Lake Cachuma is providing one-week sessions for boys and girls from July 3rd through August 14th. The cost per child is $250. Scholarships are available for low-income families. For more information and for an application, call Conchita Lehne at (805) 452-7421. This summer camp event can be the highlight of your child’s summer experience!

A Counselor-In-Leadership Training Program is available for teens ages 14-18. For information on this training program, contact Rich Garcia, Camp Director, at (323) 224-6213 or by emailing circlev@svdpla.org.

If you wish to make a donation to help local children attend the summer camp program, please contact the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Old Mission Conference, at 687-7547.

STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY

Sunday, May 14th $8,370.00

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

THE FRANCISCAN MISSIONARY UNION

Next weekend you will be encouraged to support the Franciscan Missionary Union through a second collection that will be taken up at all the Masses. Throughout the year, Franciscan Parishes hold this second collection on fifth Sundays. If you receive contribution envelopes by mail, don’t forget to use your Franciscan Missionary Union envelope today. If you have already made a contribution, 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.

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!

RETIREMENT FUND FOR ARCHDIOCESAN PRIESTS

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

PREPARE FOR NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY

First Reading: Acts 1:1-11
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 47
Second Reading: Ephesians 1:17-23
Gospel: Mark 16:15-20

REFLECTION ON NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY OF THE WORD
The Ascension of the Lord

Next Sunday’s feast follows the Lukan picture of the exaltation of Jesus. Only Luke has a forty-day schema followed by Pentecost, and while the day is called the Ascension of the Lord, the focus of the readings is on the exaltation of Jesus, who commissions his followers to carry on his mission. The Church, like the disciples, is not to stand “looking intently at the sky” but to carry on Jesus’ mission to the ends of the earth.

Life Focus

- In what ways do you carry on Jesus’ mission to build up the reign of God in the world, in your country, in your local community, in your Church community, in your family?
- Reflect on a variety of ministries in the Church and how you have been or may be called to a special ministry.

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.

TRAVELING? DON’T FORGET TO GO TO MASS!

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

FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

The gospel and readings describe what it means to bear fruit; remain in Christ (gospel), speak out boldly (first reading), love in deed and truth and keep the commandments (second reading). We usually think of intimacy and love in terms of pleasure turned on ourselves. Instead, the intimacy and love that bear fruit for God’s reign is self-giving that glorifies God. This means that our worship flows from the self-sacrificing, good deeds of everyday living; worship and life are intimately connected.

Remaining in Christ has its practical demands. To be sure, we are not without the nourishment and care that will sustain us—Christ is our vine; the Father is our vine grower. Nonetheless, to remain in Christ means that we must live as Jesus did: “not in word or speech but in deed and truth.” In other words, being the branch grafted onto Christ’s life is real, to the extent that we believe and love.

How are we grafted onto this Christ-vine? Essentially, this is what the initiation sacraments (baptism, Eucharist, confirmation) are all about: becoming the branch that is grafted onto the vine and receiving its life and love from the vine. This is another reason why the Easter season is a privileged time for celebrating these sacraments in the Church. These readings encourage us by stating explicitly the kind of loving, intimate relationship that can be ours in Christ. They also challenge us because living in Christ necessitates a difference in how we live—we baptized Christians live everyday life within the mystery of Christ's dying and rising. The Easter season helps us grasp this more clearly. This is another reason why we still sing Alleluia!

May we ever deepen our belief and love in the risen Lord.

May we glorify God by the fruits of our living.


TODAY’S READINGS

First Reading—Acts 9:26-31
The church was being built up, and grew in numbers.

Responsorial Psalm—Psalm 22
I will praise you, Lord, in the assembly of your people.

Second Reading—1 John 3:18-24
Let us love not in word or speech, but in deed and truth.

Gospel—John 15:1-8
Remain in me, as I remain in you. I am the vine, you are the branches.




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.


DEAR PARISHIONERS AND VISITORS,

From what I understand (that means that what I’m about to write is not necessarily the “Gospel truth”), in the good ol’ days Mission Santa Barbara had the most extensive vineyards of all the California missions. So what do you think went through the minds of the earliest folks in this church when they heard this gospel about vine? They certainly understood that the branches of a vine had no life separate from the vine. They certainly noticed that the branches are not only connected, they are also intertwined. Concretely this indicates that a purely individualistic Christianity is not only unacceptable and ineffective, it is non-existent. A believer must be incorporated into Christ and intertwined within the community of Church in order to become part of the divine mutuality and share the divine love flowing back and forth through the vine and the branches. This is John’s version of the Body of Christ, his vision of church as a true living organism of mutual interdependence. I guess it’s not as easy for us today as it was for our ancestors to experience the reality of an existence that depends on shared being.

A coffee service will be coming soon. The Old Mission hopes to open a public coffee service at the end of the front arcade sometime before I Madonnari, hopefully by May 19th. Coffee and pre-packaged sandwiches, cookies, chips and sodas will be served. The service will operate roughly between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, but it will not be open during the parish coffee and donuts on Sundays. So you’re going to have to come back during the week to “check it out.” If anyone is interested in working there part-time or full-time, they may apply at the Mission Gift Shop. From what I understand (again) the service will not include espresso, or cappuccino, at least not yet.

Wine and coffee, what more can we ask?…maybe a growing understanding of the interconnectedness that is the Body of Christ.

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


PARISH CALENDAR

May 16 Baptism Class at 6:30 PM
May 21 Adult Christian Initiation at the 10:30 AM Mass
May 21 Baptisms at the 12:00 Noon Mass
May 25 Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord
May 27-29 I Madonnari Street Painting Festival
May 31 Memorial Day
June 3 Fr. Richard’s Farewell Party
June 4 Solemnity of Pentecost
June 4 Fr. Alberic’s Farewell Party


FROM DEATH TO NEW LIFE

Viola Valenzuela, parishioner

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



DO YOU KNOW…
Easter Signs & Symbols: Water

A glorious and lovely custom, the origins of the Easter bath date back a little more than one thousand years, from the time when large numbers of eastern Europeans first accepted Christianity and were baptized into the faith.

Water is precious to Christians. It reminds us of the rivers of paradise, the great flood and the Red Sea. In baptism we enter those waters to be created anew. In baptism we are led safely to freedom. Baptismal waters are like a tomb. In them we die, are buried and are raised with Christ. The waters are like a womb. In them we are reborn.

Remember and renew your baptism throughout Eastertime (the fifty days from Easter until Pentecost), on the feast of the Baptism of the Lord each January, and on the actual anniversary of your own celebration of the first sacrament. Ask parents and godparents what they can recollect about it. What mementoes can you find—your robe, candle or certificate?

Set a bowl brimming with water on the kitchen table. Morning and night, take some water on your fingertips and make the sign of the cross as a pledge of resurrection.


CHRISTIAN INITIATION

Next Sunday at the 10:30 AM Mass, we will celebrate the reception of Eric Friedman and Sascha Farhrbach into full communion with the Catholic Church. With their Sponsors, Ken Allen and Tad Carter, we pray for them and join with them in reflecting on the journey shared by all Christians who strive to live as baptized followers of Christ. All are invited to celebrate with Eric and Sascha in the Friar’s Garden immediately following the Mass.


Remember that when you leave this earth,
you can take with you nothing
that you have received,
only what you have given—
a full heart enriched by honest service,
love, sacrifice and courage.

— St. Francis of Assisi


LET US PRAY FOR THE SICK

Joan Biasetti
Rose Margaret Braiden
Alex Falzone
Mary Ann Jenquin
Anne Lano
Diane Parsons
Joyce Patterson

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.


HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

“My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her.”
-George Washington

“I remember my mother’s prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life.”
-Abraham Lincoln

“God could not be everywhere and therefore God made mothers.”
-Jewish proverb


COUNTRY DANCE NIGHT

You’re invited to a fun-filled night of country dance at Trinity Episcopal Church (1500 State Street) on Friday, May 19th. Join Lisa, your dance instructor, for line dance lessons at 7:00 PM. Then enjoy country, rock and swing music by the Last Call Country Band from 8:00 PM until 11:00 PM. Admission is $10 at the door, and will benefit CLUE (Clergy & Laity United for Economic Justice).


SAY “HELLO” TO OUR NEWEST PARISHIONERS

Rick & Adele Hubbard
Hilary Pasmore

ALWAYS OUR CHILDREN

The Catholic support group for parents of Gay and Lesbian Children from the Santa Barbara and Ventura area meets on the fourth Tuesday of every other month. Their next meeting is Monday, May 22nd, at 7:30 PM. This is a safe and comfortable environment where you can share your feelings and fears, and ask questions. The meetings are informal and confidential. For more information, please call Kathie and Joe Schneider at (805) 687-4338.

POLISH MASS AT HOLY CROSS

A Polish-spoken Mass will be said on Saturday, May 20th, at 6:15 PM in Holy Cross Church on the Mesa. The Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Bogdan Molenda from Our Lady of Bright Mount in Los Angeles. Everyone is invited to tea and treats in the Holy Cross Hall after the Mass.

BEGINNING EXPERIENCE

Divorced? Separated? Widowed? 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. This bilingual Beginning Experience Weekend will be held from May 19-21 here at the Old Mission. For more information, please call Virginia Gonzales (967-6550) or Shirley Saffire (482-4614).

SUMMER CAMPING PROGRAM
Camp Mariastella

Sponsored by the Sisters of Social Service and located in Wrightwood, Camp Mariastella offers a residential camping experience for girls ages 7-15, and a Counselor-in-Training program for young women ages 17 and older. Applications are being accepted for campers, summer camp counselors and registered nurses (who would like to volunteer for one week). Please call the camp office for more information at (818) 285-1555 or email them at campmariastella@aol.com.

STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY

Sunday, May 7th $9,719.00
Cardinal McIntyre Fund for Charity $1,169.00

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




PREPARE FOR NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY

First Reading: Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98
Second Reading: 1 John 4:7-10
Gospel: John 15:9-17



REFLECTION ON NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY OF THE WORD
Sixth Sunday of Easter

In next Sunday’s gospel Jesus makes it clear that his leaving is not everything. He promises that his disciples will live on in his love by keeping the commandments. He promises them joy in their continued union, and he is glad to call them friends. Jesus reminds them that he has made known to them all that he heard from the Father. The challenge for them is to go forward and bear fruit by loving one another. God sent his only Son that “we might have life through him: Others are to have life through us. In the reading from Acts, Peter comes to realize that this gift is to be extended to uncircumcised Gentiles as well as Jews. Anyone who reverences God and acts according to God’s will is acceptable to God.

Life Focus

- As you reflect on Jesus calling you his friend, what thoughts and feelings come to you?
- When in the last two weeks did you recognize God’s love in your life?
- What does it mean in your life to love yourself? What things hinder you from loving yourself?
- Which people do you find most difficult to notice and be concerned about?

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.

TRAVELING?
Don’t forget to go to Mass!

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

FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

Jesus’ being our Good Shepherd doesn’t save us from the hard work of the gospel call—to lay down our own lives for the good of others. There is a salvation theme that runs through this year’s readings, and even in Easter joy we are reminded that salvation has two faces: both dying to self as well as rising to new life in Christ. Laying down his life isn’t just something Jesus does; it’s also what his disciples do. Loving completely and everlastingly isn’t just what the Father and Jesus do; it’s also what his disciples do. We are able to do this if we hear our Good Shepherd’s voice.

What makes the shepherd a good shepherd is his laying down his life for the sheep. The command Jesus “received from the Father”— to lay down his life—is also our command. When we, like Jesus, lay down our life, then we, like Jesus, come to new life. The way of the shepherd is the way of the sheep.

The gospel also spells out for us how, as disciples of the risen Christ, we are to lay down our life: by leading, protecting, guiding, knowing, loving. Our Christian living, then, is about relating to others as the Father and Good Shepherd have related to us. If our relationship with Jesus is so intimate that we are known as “children of God,” then we share that same knowledge and intimacy with each other. This is how we are all “one flock.” This is how we share in bringing salvation to others; by knowing others with the same intimacy and self-giving as the Father and Jesus know us.

May we witness by our Christian living that Christ is risen and offers us new life.

May we further God’s saving work by living joyfully our new life.


THE CATHOLIC CHURCH WELCOMES YOU!

Are you thinking about returning to actively practicing your faith? If you are a Catholic who has been away from the Church, know you are in our prayers. We invite you to explore your faith and your future with the Catholic Church.


CHRISTIAN INITIATION

Eric Friedman and Sascha Fahrbach, our Candidates for reception in the Catholic Church, are in their final phase of preparing to receive their initiation sacraments, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist, on May 21st at our 10:30 AM Mass. We pray for them through this Easter season, that they deepen their understanding of Jesus and incorporate his life and teachings into their own. We eagerly anticipate their reception into full communion with the Catholic Church and invite all to attend a Sacred Garden reception for them and their family and friends immediately following the 10:30 AM Mass.


TODAY’S READINGS

First Reading—Acts 4:8-12
There is no other name under heaven by which we are to be saved than the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene.

Responsorial Psalm—Psalm 118
The stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone.

Second Reading—1 John 3:1-2
See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God.

Gospel—John 10:11-18
I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.



DEAR PARISHIONERS AND VISITORS,

The Good Shepherd has been a favorite image of Jesus in our history. At the same time we do not hold sheep in much esteem, thinking them stupid and helpless. Sheep could not survive without the care and attention of a trustworthy shepherd. We are not always “brainless” but if we can take ourselves a little less seriously we can admit that we often act as unwisely as sheep do. We can easily go astray and get ourselves into trouble because we cherish our independence and our own opinions too much. We are sometimes willing to blindly accept others people’s ideas or prejudices without reference to what our faith should teach us. We often vote on issues and candidates without weighing all our values. We let misguided people lead us into dangerous habits or situations (“One more drink won’t hurt.” “How fast can this car go?” “But everybody cheats on their income tax!”)

However strongly we may dislike thinking of ourselves as sheep, we are in constant need of a Good Shepherd. Happily we have one, one who cares for his flock and was willing to give his life for them. And as our second reading suggests, by his dying and rising Christ has made us more than his flock; he has made us children of God. Jesus offers us his constant comfort, inviting us to live the love he gives us.

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

PARISH CALENDAR

May 13 Feast of Our Lady of Fatima
May 14 Mother’s Day
May 16 Baptism Class at 6:30 PM
May 21 Adult Christian Initiation at the 10:30 AM Mass
May 21 Baptisms at the 12:00 Noon Mass
May 25 Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord
June 3 Fr. Richard’s Farewell Party
June 4 Fr. Alberic’s Farewell Party



DO YOU KNOW…Buen Pastor (the Good Shepherd)

The custom of focusing on the Good Shepherd during the Easter season is a very ancient practice. There is evidence that proclamation of the Good Shepherd scriptures dates as far back as Pope Gregory, and perhaps even as far back as the fifth century with Pope Leo the Great. Pope Leo intimately connected the sheep to the Good Shepherd. What happened to the sheep, happened to the shepherd, and vice versa. Christ and his people shared a mutual life. When people enter the waters of baptism, die to the old self, and are born again to the new, true conversion and transformation take place and they are incorporated into Jesus’ paschal mystery. “For these newly baptized creatures are filled and fed by their Shepherd—since to participate in Christ’s body and blood is to become, in fact, what we consume” (St. Leo).

Later in the patristic period, the image of Christ as the Good Shepherd was appropriated as an image to describe leadership in the church. Christ who nourished and safeguarded the flock became a metaphor for those who would shepherd the people in Christ’s church. The word pastor was derived from this image. Gregory the Great formulated a working pastoral theology. Gregory, like those before him, connected the shepherd to Christ’s passion and cross. Gregory insisted that pastors must not please people at the expense of the truth; they must bear the pain of those they serve in self-sacrificing love.

The Second Vatican Council drew on the patristic formulations as it developed a theology of pastoral ministry:

In the Constitution on the Church, no. 6, the Johannine images of flock and Shepherd are invoked to support the view that the Church is a communion born of Christ's sacrifice on the cross, enlivened by the Spirit, and nourished by the paschal sacraments. Similarly, the council’s documents on the Bishop’s Pastoral Office in the Church, nos. 2, 16, and on the Life and Ministry of Priests, no. 3, interpret ordained ministry by reference to Christ the shepherd, who freely surrendered his own life that others might live.


SACRAMENT OF FIRST EUCHARIST

Today at the 10:30 AM Mass, thirteen of our children will receive Holy Communion for the first time. Our love and congratulations to:

Chloe Grace Allen
Victoria Concepcion Biancone
Ameet Andrew Braganza
Nandini Lucy Braganza
Julianna Maria Colaneri
John Oliver Euwer
Fabiane Maria Friden
Sabina Andrea Friden
Rebecca Sofia Allegra Hsu
Melissa Clare Kleeburg
Bryce Patrick Morison
Katya Maria Tashma-Rapp
Chase Robert Wallace

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


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.


LET US PRAY FOR THE SICK

Joan Biasetti
Rose Margaret Braiden
Mary Ann Jenquin
Anne Lano
Diane Parsons
Joyce Patterson

May they find strength and comfort in our prayers.



SAY “HELLO” TO OUR NEWEST PARISHIONERS

Sabrina Bennett
Robert and Marion Buegler
Robert Knieriem
Marcos Gomez & Edna Margarita Murillo
Darren O’Sullivan


BEGINNING EXPERIENCE

Divorced? Separated? Widowed? 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. This bilingual Beginning Experience Weekend will be held from May 19-21 here at the Old Mission. For more information, please call Virginia Gonzales (967-6550) or Shirley Saffire (482-4614).



COUNTRY DANCE NIGHT

You’re invited to a fun-filled night of country dance at Trinity Episcopal Church (1500 State Street) on Friday, May 19th. Join Lisa, your dance instructor, for line dance lessons at 7:00 PM. Then enjoy country, rock and swing music by the Last Call Country Band from 8:00 PM until 11:00 PM. Admission is $10 at the door, and will benefit CLUE (Clergy & Laity United for Economic Justice).




“GET ON THE BUS”
Get On The Bus 2006 will take more than 500 children from cities throughout the state to visit their mothers in the women’s prisons in Chowchilla, Ventura, Norco and Corona. Please give some prayerful thought as to how you can support Get On The Bus through donations or volunteer service. Please feel free to call Sr. Suzanne Jabro at (213) 637-7456 with any questions you may have.



THE SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL

We meet on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 9:30 AM. Our mission is to help and to serve the poor. Please call 687-7547 for more information.



BAPTIZED INTO NEW LIFE

Jackson Reese Andrews
Son of Blake and Gina Andrews

Helen Rose Twining
Daughter of Travis and Amanda Twining



FARE THEE WELL, FR. ALBERIC

The Franciscan Friars will host an “open house” for folks to thank Fr. Alberic, who has generously given of himself as guardian of the community for the past six years, and to wish him well at his new assignment in Spokane. The open house will be on Sunday, June 4th, from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM in the Fireside Room at the Old Mission. Hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be served.


STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY

Sunday, April 30th $9,387.00

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


CARDINAL MCINTYRE FUND FOR CHARITY

Today is our parish collection for the Cardinal McIntyre Fund for Charity. Each day of the year, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is offered for the intentions of those who contribute and participate in the Cardinal McIntyre Fund for Charity. 100% of your contributions offer emergency assistance to mothers, children and individuals. Your gifts help provide basic necessities such as food and milk for three days, lodging for the night, emergency medical care, rent to tide over a financial crisis, and burial assistance. Envelopes are available in the pews. Thank you.

Jesus’ message to us is really very simple. He wants us to…
Love one another…
to help feed those who are hungry…
to give drink to those who are thirsty…
to welcome the stranger…
to comfort the ill… Matthew 25:35-40


PREPARE FOR NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY

First Reading: Acts 9:26-31
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 22
Second Reading: 1 John 3:18-24
Gospel: John 15:1-8

REFLECTION ON NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY OF THE WORD
Fifth Sunday of Easter

John speaks of doing the work of the Father. He knows the love and concern of the Father. The image of the vine and the branches reveals the union between Jesus and us. Together the vine, Jesus, and the branches, his disciples, bear much fruit. The One who causes to grow, prunes and trims is the Father. The works of Jesus become part of the disciple. We are to live as Jesus lived, to love as he loved. Jesus not only revealed God’s love for us, he gave evidence of this love “by laying down his life for us.” To be followers of Jesus we must give witness to him by our words and deeds.

Life Focus
- What do you need to prune in your life?

- What nourishment do you need to help you increase your yield?

-Speak of a time when you were able to do more than your limitations allowed because of your communion with Christ?

- In your experience, where is there a real bond between you and the other people of your Church? Where is that unity missing?

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.