TWELFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

The storm at sea in today’s gospel is both a terrifying natural event as well as a metaphor for overwhelming difficulties that the Church encounters on its journey of discipleship. In either case Jesus is in the midst of his disciples urging them to greater faith, responding to their fears, and delivering them from danger. The disciples have yet to discover who Jesus is and trust in him; and so do we. This is the first task of discipleship: discover who it is that we follow and trust to care for us. Jesus’ care is ever with us because he is always present to us. As we gradually come to know who Jesus is, we learn that he is an abiding presence, a welcoming Light beckoning us to deliverance and safety. The challenge during our Christian journey is to believe in his presence and to trust in his care.

Today’s gospel is filled with symbolism. The storm is a metaphor for the difficulties that beset us at every stage of life. The boat is an image of the Church gathered—a suffering, persecuted, challenged Church. The gospel illustrates the care that we desire: that the storm be stilled, that we be delivered. The first reading illustrates what God offers us: that God is present at all times. How do we read this story, we who already know who Jesus is? The gospel challenges us to move beyond an understanding of Jesus as the one who is there when we need him (even though that is true) to the beckoning Light who brings us home to eternal life.

May we grow more sure in our trust in God’s mercy, love, and abiding presence.

May we be disciples of care and trust, spreading the good news of God’s salvation.


TODAY’S READINGS

First Reading—Job 38:1, 8-11
The Lord said to Job: Who shut within doors the sea?
And who said: Thus far shall you come but no farther!

Responsorial Psalm—Psalm 106
Give thanks to the Lord, his love is everlasting.

Second Reading—2 Corinthians 5:14-17
Whoever is in Christ is a new creation.

Gospel—Mark 4:35-41
Who is this whom even wind and sea obey?


THE CATHOLIC CHURCH WELCOMES YOU!

Are you thinking about becoming a Catholic? We would be happy to talk with you about the process. Please call the Parish Office to make an appointment.

If you are a Catholic who has been away from the Church, know you are in our prayers. We invite you to call to explore your faith and your future with us.


DEAR PARISHIONERS AND VISITORS,

Many of you have read articles over the past week or so with regard to the U.S. Catholic bishops’ approval last week of language changes in the Order of the Mass. The next step is for the changes to be submitted to Rome for approval. The bishops do not expect the changes to be made for at least a year or more.

The changes that we will notice when the new version eventually takes effect are:

· Whenever the presider says “The Lord be with you,” the people will respond “And with your spirit.” (The current response is “And also with you.”)

· In the first form of the penitential rite, the people will confess that “I have sinned greatly…through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault.” (The current translation is “I have sinned through my own fault.”)

· The Nicene Creed will begin “I believe” instead of “We believe,” which is a translation of the Latin text rather than the original Greek.

· At the presentation of the gifts, the presider will pray that “…the sacrifice which is mine and yours will be acceptable.” The current version is that “… our sacrifice will be acceptable.”

· Before the preface prayer, when the presider says “Let us give thanks to the Lord our God,” the people will respond “It is right and just.” (The current response is “It is right to give him thanks and praise.”)

· The “Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of power and might” will be changed to “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God of hosts.”

The new translations are intended to bring the English language version of the Mass into closer conformity with the “Missale Romanum,” the standard Latin language version of the Roman Missal used throughout almost all of the Roman Catholic Church. The bishops believe that the more literal translations of the Latin text will restore scriptural references that disappeared or were less evident in earlier translations into English.

May your week be filled with warm summer blessings!

Love,
Pat


PARISH CALENDAR

July 1 Memorial of Blessed Junipero Serra
July 1-2 Peter’s Pence Collection
July 4 Independence Day
July 15 Fr. Daniel arrives
July 18 Baptism Class at 6:30 PM
July 23 Baptisms at the 9:00 AM Mass


SAY “HELLO” TO OUR NEWEST PARISHIONERS

Kelly Kish
Alba Diaz


DO YOU KNOW…U.S. Bishops’ Statement on Euthanasia

“Current efforts to legalize euthanasia place our society at a critical juncture. These efforts have received growing public attention, due to new publications giving advice on methods of suicide and some highly publicized instances in which family members or physicians killed terminally ill persons or helped them kill themselves.

Those who advocate euthanasia have capitalized on people’s confusion, ambivalence, and even fear about the use of modern life-prolonging technologies. Further, borrowing language from the abortion debate, they insist that the “right to choose” must prevail over all other considerations. Being able to choose the time and manner of one’s death, without regard to what is chosen, is presented as the ultimate freedom. A decision to take one’s life or to allow a physician to kill a suffering patient, however, is very different from a decision to refuse extraordinary or disproportionately burdensome treatment.

As Catholic leaders and moral teachers, we believe that life is the most basic gift of a loving God—a gift over which we have stewardship but not absolute dominion. Our tradition, declaring a moral obligation to care for our own life and health and to seek such care from others, recognizes that we are not morally obligated to use all available medical procedures in every set of circumstances. But that tradition clearly and strongly affirms that as a responsible steward of life one must never directly intend to cause one’s own death, or the death of an innocent victim, by action or omission. As the Second Vatican Council declared, “euthanasia and willful suicide” are “offenses against life itself” which “poison civilization;” they “debase the perpetrators more than the victims and militate against the honor of the creator.”

We call on Catholics, and on all persons of good will, to reject proposals to legalize euthanasia. We urge families to discuss issues surrounding the care of terminally ill loved ones in light of sound moral principles and demands of human dignity, so that patients need not feel helpless or abandoned in the face of complex decisions about their future. And we urge health care professionals, legislators, and all involved in this debate, to seek solutions to the problems of terminally ill patents and their families that respect the inherent worth of all human beings, especially those most in need of our love and assistance.”


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
Mia McCabe
Diane Parsons
Joyce Patterson

May they know Christ's healing.


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.




YOUTH MINISTRY

Senior High “LifeTeen Mass” takes place Sunday evenings at 5:30 PM at our partner parish, St. Raphael’s. It is followed by “LifeNight” at 7:00 PM. The Junior High Youth Ministry “Tobiah Club” meets at St. Raphael’s on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month from 7:00 to 8:45 PM. For information, please contact St. Raphael Parish Youth Minister, John Vasellina at 964-3466, ext. 1.



ST. JOSEPH’S FESTIVAL

St. Joseph Catholic Church will be celebrating its 49th annual festival beginning 5:00 PM on Friday, July 7th, through 10:00 PM on Sunday, July 9th. St. Joseph’s is located at Linden Avenue and El Carro Lane in Carpinteria. Parking and admission are free. The festival will include fun rides, games for kids of all ages, live entertainment, dancing, raffles, bingo and a variety of delicious food. Please call 682-3598 for more details.



YOU CAN SAVE YOUR MARRIAGE

Is your marriage in trouble? Do you want to save it? If so, the Retrouvaille (pronounced ‘re-tro-vi’) is a program designed to provide the communication tools needed to put suffering, troubled marriages back in order. The program begins with a private, honest weekend where you will be able to rediscover each other, examine your life together and develop new, more effective techniques of communication. For more information and class schedules, please call Paul and Marisa Montgomery at (805) 642-4023.


MARY STATUE TO BE RESTORED

The very beautiful and historic statue of our Blessed Mother has been removed from the reredos to be restored to its original splendor. We look forward to its return!



RECYCLE SIGHT

Donate used and old eyeglasses to the Lions Sight and Hearing Center. For information, call 569-8264.


STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY

Sunday, June 18th $8,866.00

Thank you for your continuing generosity!

A good steward believes that everything you have and everything in the world around you is not yours, but is “on loan” from God, for you to care for accordingly.


TOGETHER IN MISSION ANNUAL APPEAL

Together In Mission is our opportunity to reach beyond our own parish boundaries and come together as a spiritual family to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who are most in need by supporting 32 parishes and 46 schools in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Many thanks to those who have already responded with either one-time donations or pledges.

Our parish goal for this year’s appeal is
$56,042 of which $43,761 has been collected...
...we are $12,281 short of our goal!

If you have not yet made a donation or pledge to Together In Mission, please prayerfully consider doing so. Pledge cards are available on the table in the back of the church.


PETER’S PENCE COLLECTION

“Anyone who has discovered Christ must lead others to him.”

Next weekend our parish will participate in the Peter’s Pence Collection, in support of the works of the Holy Father. The proceeds from this collection fund emergency relief assistance to those throughout the world who suffer from war, oppression and natural disasters. The theme for this year’s collection is “Anyone who has discovered Christ must lead others to him.” Through works of charity, Catholics provide a powerful witness of love and deeds to empower the weak, the defenseless, and the voiceless, and to sustain those who suffer. Please pray for the Holy Father and give generously to this special appeal.

PREPARE FOR NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY

First Reading: Wisdom 1:13-15; 2:23-24
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 30
Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 8:7, 9, 13-15
Gospel: Mark 5:21-43

REFLECTION ON NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY OF THE WORD
Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Next Sunday’s gospel reading shows Jesus’ victory over the forces of evil and death. It also shows two desperate people. A father begs Jesus to help his sick daughter. An afflicted woman reaches out to Jesus for a cure. Both people put aside fears in their frantic search for help. By seeking Jesus, Jairus risks the ridicule of his fellow synagogue officials. The unclean woman risks the crowd’s anger, and possibly Jesus’ anger as well, for her touch. Jesus responds to both tenderly. He calms their fears, confirms their faith and restores the woman to health and Jairus’ daughter to new life. Jesus overpowers sickness and death. He answers people’s spoken and unspoken needs. “God formed [humans] to be imperishable,” says the author of Wisdom. Each of us must trust God’s plan.

Life Focus

- Relate an experience when someone approached you in faith and asked for help.
- What are the daily routines that drain you in your faith life?
- Describe a time when the storms of life seemed much more real than God’s presence.

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.

SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST

Today’s Gospel is Mark’s account of the Last Supper. The Eucharist takes its significance and meaning from these actions and words of Jesus. Eucharist for the early followers of Jesus, and for centuries of Christian communities, was a verb and not a noun. In other words, Christians lived and gathered to do Eucharist, not to simply receive Eucharist. Eucharist was and still is the operative action that identifies, unifies and sends out all Christians on mission for others.

For centuries Christians have struggled over the meaning and significance of Christ’s presence in the elements of bread and wine. We have so focused on the “how” and the “why” of that presence in those elements that, for some, we have blurred the very meaning of Eucharist. Namely, Eucharist is the action that unifies all of us as the Body of Christ. At times, we have focused so strongly on the real presence of Christ in the elements of bread and wine that we have forgotten the modes of the presence of Christ in others, in the Word, in those who minister to us, and in all creation.

Taking Augustine’s dictum on the Eucharist might help us focus on what we are about. About Eucharist, Augustine is attributed as saying to those gathered around the table:

“Believe what you receive.
Receive what you believe.
Become what you receive.”

May we always and everywhere give thanks for the gift of the Eucharist.

May we be willing to surrender ourselves for the good of others, thus building up the body of Christ.



TODAY’S READINGS

First Reading—Exodus 24:3-8
This is the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you.

Responsorial Psalm—Psalm 116
I will take the cup of salvation, and call on the name of the Lord.

Second Reading—Hebrews 9:11-15
Christ is the mediator of a new covenant.

Gospel—Mark 14:12-16, 22-26
This is my body. This is my blood of the covenant.


THE CATHOLIC CHURCH WELCOMES YOU

Are you thinking about becoming a Catholic? We would be happy to talk with you about the process. Please call the Parish Office to make an appointment.

If you are a Catholic who has been away from the Church, know you are in our prayers. We invite you to call to explore your faith and your future with us.



DEAR PARISHIONERS AND VISITORS,

It was such a treat to see Fr. Richard’s face light up in surprise after the 9:00 Mass last Sunday when he was greeted with a bagpipe serenade as he stepped from the church. It was a fitting send off for our Scottish-dancing-friar! We wish him much success in his new assignment.

Speaking of new assignments, Fr. Daniel will arrive here and preside at his first Masses on the weekend of July 15-16. He leaves the following Monday to fulfill several obligations and will return to us on the first weekend in August. We can look forward to his official installation as our pastor upon his return.

Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ. For the first 600 years, Christians responded fully to Christ's command to "take and eat...take and drink." Receiving both the Eucharistic bread and wine was as normal as eating and drinking at everyday meals. By the early 14th century, however, Communion under both species had become the exception. Many reasons accounted for this gradual change that developed over several hundred years. Some of the reasons we can document included an ever-increasing emphasis on seeing the Eucharist, fear of disease, scrupulosity with regard to spilling the Blood of Christ, the change from standing to kneeling to receive Communion, and the Arian heresy, which denied the humanity of Christ, coupled with the doctrine of the Real Presence which correctly teaches that Christ is fully present in each species. Vatican II restored the practice of the whole people gathered drinking from the cup. We have been given a special gift, a treasure really, that had been denied to the people for six centuries. Once again, the people of God are able to fully respond to Christ's invitation to "take and eat...take and drink."

Enjoy these beautiful summer days!

Love,
Pat


PARISH CALENDAR

June 20 Baptism Class at 6:30 PM
June 23 Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
June 24 Feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist
June 24 Baptisms at the 4:00 PM Mass
July 1-2 Peter’s Pence Collection
July 15 Fr. Daniel arrives


ANNIVERSARY WISHES

We are delighted to note the celebration of the sixty-fifth wedding anniversary of our parishioners

JANE and SWEDE WICKMAN

Our thoughts and prayers are with you for continued happiness and for all the good things that life may send your way.




DO YOU KNOW…Communion Song

The simple human activities of sharing in one loaf and one cup at Sunday Eucharist clearly express our relationship with each other and with the Lord: We are one bread, one body. Our unity is evidenced not only in the one loaf and the one cup—we share a common posture of standing throughout the communion rite. Each of us is addressed with the same words, “The body of Christ. The blood of Christ.” And we join our voices in psalms and hymns of praise.

The power of song to unite a group of people is well known. School songs, national anthems and old favorites sung around a campfire all serve to confirm common identity and strengthen the bond among those who are present. Our communion song, too, expresses outwardly our inward union with each other and the Lord. Because communion is a time of procession to the table of the Lord, communion songs are by definition processional songs. And processions need music—music that moves our feet and our hearts.

Some might protest that they can’t walk and chew gum at the same time, so how can they be expected to walk in procession, hold a song sheet and sing. Ideally, at the time of communion, the assembly joins in with a simple repeated refrain that does not require a worship aid, freeing our hands and our eyes from the printed page. Others complain that singing during communion distracts them from prayer. The moment of communion is, of course, an intensely personal time but in Catholic liturgy, it is not a private time. Allowing for a generous time of silence after communion can meet this need for silent prayer. Liturgy as the public prayer of the church demands of us a disciplined surrender of our individual lives to our common life in Christ. Just as those who distribute the bread and the cup minister to us, we minister to each other when we join in singing the communion song. Thus we taste and see and hear the goodness of the Lord.


FROM DEATH TO NEW LIFE

BARBARA H. JOHNSON, parishioner

May her 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.


LET US PRAY FOR THE SICK

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

May they know Christ's healing.


YOUTH MINISTRY

Senior High “LifeTeen Mass” takes place Sunday evenings at 5:30 PM at our partner parish, St. Raphael’s. It is followed by “LifeNight” at 7:00 PM. The Junior High Youth Ministry “Tobiah Club” meets at St. Raphael’s on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month from 7:00 to 8:45 PM. For information, please contact St. Raphael Parish Youth Minister, John Vasellina at 964-3466, ext. 1.


BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY TRAINING

St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Ojai is offering an eight-week bereavement ministry training course beginning July 5th. The sessions will take place on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM, with a final session on Saturday, July 29th, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. For more information, please call St. Thomas Aquinas Church at (805) 646-4338.


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.


CATHOLIC CHARITIES

Catholic Charities Psychological Services offers individual, marriage and family counseling in English and Spanish by licensed therapists. There is a sliding scale fee based on income. For more information, please call all (805) 965-7045 x102 for English; Spanish speakers or bilingual call 965-7045 x114.


YOU CAN SAVE YOUR MARRIAGE

Is your marriage in trouble? Do you want to save it? If so, the Retrouvaille (pronounced ‘re-tro-vi’) is a program designed to provide the communication tools needed to put suffering, troubled marriages back in order. The program begins with a private, honest weekend where you will be able to rediscover each other, examine your life together and develop new, more effective techniques of communication. For more information and class schedules, please call Paul and Marisa Montgomery at (805) 642-4023.



TOGETHER IN MISSION ANNUAL APPEAL

Together In Mission is our opportunity to reach beyond our own parish boundaries and come together as a spiritual family to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who are most in need by supporting 32 parishes and 46 schools in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

Many thanks to those who have already responded with either one-time donations or pledges. If you have not yet made a donation or pledge to Together In Mission, please prayerfully consider doing so. Pledge cards are available on the table in the back of the church.


STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY

Sunday, June 11th $8,789.00

Thank you for your continuing generosity!

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: Job 38:1, 8-11
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 106
Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:14-17
Gospel: Mark 4:35-41


REFLECTION ON NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY OF THE WORD
Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Next Sunday’s Gospel tells us something about Mark’s audience. He was writing to early Christians in Rome who were being persecuted and whose lives were upset and threatened. This situation is represented by the disciples being tossed about by the storm at sea. The Lord is in the boat, but he sleeps. The storm at sea represents the evil that God conquers. In the creation story in Genesis, God commands and brings order and calm. In the same way, Jesus quiets this storm. Jesus spends a lot of time with his disciples. But, they are a long way from understanding who he is—and a long way from trusting him in storms.

Life Focus

- How does Jesus “calm the storm” in your personal life or your parish?

- Give an example of how you trusted others in your parish. How did it affect you?

- What images of Jesus come from your own culture and grassroots experience?


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.

SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST HOLY TRINITY

The gospel is telling. It is a post-resurrection account. The eleven “saw him” and prostrated themselves in worship. The resurrection has opened for the disciples a new relationship to Jesus. This relationship has its own new demands: Jesus is beheld as who he is—God to be worshiped. But as deep and difficult as the mystery of the Trinity is, we can never forget that our God is a very personal one who is “with us always.” Perhaps the most amazing thing about this Triune God is that although God is divine and utterly beyond us, God chooses to be present to us and to commission us to continue Jesus’ work in bringing salvation to our world. The Trinity is not just a dogma, but an indwelling presence of three Persons who continually create, save and sustain us and all of creation.

The gospel moves us from speculation about the Trinity as a dogma to be believed to an experience of the Trinity. The dignity of our baptism is that we share in God’s life and mighty deeds. In the readings for this solemnity we find a summary of God’s mighty deeds: creating, speaking to us, calling a nation, giving commandments, leading us by the Spirit, adopting us as “heirs of Christ.” These are the same deeds that form the pattern of our own daily living. By bringing God’s presence to all those we meet, we are recreating, announcing God’s mighty deeds, calling forth goodness from others, giving direction to our lives, leading others to God, and becoming one with others in the family of God’s beloved children.

May we faithfully worship the Triune God with praise and thanksgiving until the end of the age.

May we come to salvation through openness to God’s presence and continuing the mission of Jesus.




TODAY’S READINGS

First Reading—Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40
Ask now of the days of old: Did anything so great ever happen before? Was it ever heard of?

Responsorial Psalm—Psalm 33
Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.

Second Reading—Romans 8:14-17
You received a Spirit of adoption through whom we cry, “Abba, Father!”

Gospel—Matthew 28:16-20
I am with you always, until the end of the age.


THE CATHOLIC CHURCH WELCOMES YOU

Are you thinking about becoming a Catholic? We would be happy to talk with you about the process. Please call the Parish Office to make an appointment.

If you are a Catholic who has been away from the Church, know you are in our prayers. We invite you to call to explore your faith and your future with us.



DEAR PARISHIONERS AND VISITORS,

Thank you for your presence and your presents at the parish’s party at Serra Hall last Saturday and at the friars’ party for Fr. Alberic and myself on Sunday. Especially I am grateful to Ginny and Jerry, Madeline and Julio, and the folks who did so much work for Saturday evening. It seemed that everyone enjoyed the time visiting with each other, and enjoyed the wonderful food, too. The companionship was great. It is difficult for me to leave friends…I’m still finding out the wonderful surprise treasures of your goodness. I believe it’s an old vaudeville axiom that “you should always leave them wanting more.” I do indeed leave for my new assignment wanting more. Thank you again.

In case you’re wondering what happened to the stature of the Blessed Virgin Mary on the wall behind the altar, she is being cleaned and restored thanks to Tina Foss’s work in securing grant monies to help with the project. St. Joseph and the large crucifix are the only two remaining figures needing refurbishing. Mary will be back home before the feast of the Assumption.

The weekend of July 15th and 16th will be Fr. Daniel Barica’s first weekend here. I know that you will give him not just a warm welcome, but help him to be at home with you. The new guardian will be arriving in July too—another Richard, Fr. Richard McManus (no relation to John and Gloria but a good man nevertheless). It will take you a little longer to get to know Fr. Richard because he will not have the responsibilities of pastoral ministry, but I know you will welcome him too.

I will miss you. Please continue to keep me in your prayers as I will keep you in mine.

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


PARISH CALENDAR

June 18 Father’s Day
June 18 Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ
June 20 Baptism Class at 6:30 PM
June 23 Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
June 24 Feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist
June 24 Baptisms at the 4:00 PM Mass
July 1-2 Peter’s Pence Collection


DO YOU KNOW…The Gospel of the Lord!

From the beginning, reading from one of the four gospels has been a high point of our Sunday assembling to give thanks and praise. For good reason, too. Christ comes to us in word as well as in deed, in the scriptures as well as in the sharing of his body and blood. And while we know that God speaks to us in all of holy scripture, at Mass we are most eager to hear the gospel, the good news of the very words and deeds of Jesus. (After all, that is what the Old English word “gospel” means—“good news,” “God’s news.”) So when it is time, we jump to our feet. We acclaim the coming of the gospel with that most ancient and holy of words: Alleluia! (Unless it is Lent, our season of sorrow when we fast from our glorious word just like Israel in exile hung up its harps.) Fast to our feet, singing loud praise, we watch as the priest takes up the Book of the Gospels. Accompanied by servers with candles, perhaps with fragrant clouds of incense from another server’s bowl, the Book of the Gospels makes it way through our assembly from altar to ambo. It sat on the altar from the start of Mass as a sign that Christ is present in the gospel. Now it is taken “up to the heights” to be proclaimed from the ambo, just as Jesus preached the sermon on the mount, or the apostles, drunk with the Holy Spirit, shouted joy from Jerusalem’s Pentecost rooftops. As the priest announces that this is from Matthew or Mark, from Luke or John, we trace the sign of the cross on our foreheads (may we understand this good news!), on our lips (may we always speak and spread this good news!), and over our hearts (may we love and always live this good news!) Then we listen. We stand together and listen. We stand and listen like a servant being given orders, like an honored guest whose deeds are recounted, like a convicted criminal before the judge’s bench. And when it is spoken, when the last word for this day has sunk deep within, the priest looks to us and says, “The gospel of the Lord!” to which we cry, “Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!” What else could we possibly say?


FROM DEATH TO NEW LIFE

ALEXANDER FALZON, parishioner

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.



LET US PRAY FOR THE SICK

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

May they know Christ's healing.


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.


JUSTFAITH

What is the responsibility of Catholics toward the poor? How do we become people who really care for and act on behalf of the poor and vulnerable? This fall, a program called JustFaith will be offered. The program is designed to empower and transform participants so that they can become voices for the voiceless and agents of God’s Good News for the poor. Be ready for a demanding and challenging 30 weeks that include meetings, videos, retreats and immersion experiences. The program will run from September through May.

For more information talk to representatives at the tables outside Masses today. You maycontact Sharon Brownett at sharonbrownett@aol.com (682-7834), Nick Beeson at beesonsb@cox.net (455-3218) or Craig Bogley at bogleycat@msn.com (681-1488).


SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY

Brian Abston and Shauna Watson


MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER

A Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend is a great way to get away from it all and focus on the one you love. The next weekend is July 21-23. For more information, call Russ & Jeanine at 648-4224, email info@wwme-la-north.org or visit www.wwme-la-north.org.


SECULAR FRANCISCANS

Secular Franciscans are a community of Catholic men and women who seek to pattern their lives after Christ in the spirit of St. Francis. This international order was founded by St. Francis of Assisi almost 800 years ago. For more information, please contact Bob Carman at 964-1042.



TOGETHER IN MISSION ANNUAL APPEAL

Together In Mission is our opportunity to reach beyond our own parish boundaries and come together as a spiritual family to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who are most in need by supporting 32 parishes and 46 schools in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

Many thanks to those who have already responded with either one-time donations or pledges. If you have not yet made a donation or pledge to Together In Mission, please prayerfully consider doing so. Pledge cards are available on the table in the back of the church.



STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY

Sunday, June 4th $11,313.00
Indonesian Earthquake Victims $2,208.00

Thank you for your continuing generosity!

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.



CONSIDER REMEMBERING YOUR PARISH IN YOUR WILL OR TRUST

For more information, please contact H. Richard Closson, Archdiocesan Director, Trust and Estate Programs (213) 637-7472, HRClosson@la-arch-diocese.org. The correct legal title for our parish is: Roman Catholic Archbishop of Los Angeles, A Corporation Sole for the Benefit of St. Barbara Parish.



PREPARE FOR NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY

First Reading: Exodus 24:3-8
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 116
Second Reading: Hebrews 9:11-15
Gospel: Mark 14:12-16, 22-26



REFLECTION ON NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY OF THE WORD
Solemnity of The Body and Blood of Christ

For Mark, the Last Supper consciously recalls the Passover meal that celebrated God’s leading the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt to their own country. In Jesus, a new covenant is formed between God and the people. Jesus uses the Passover symbols of blessing the bread and wine and passing them around. But he goes beyond this to claim the bread as his body and the wine as his blood. As the Letter to the Hebrews explains, Jesus shed his own blood to cleanse us from our sins. We come to worship the living God by heeding and doing everything God has called us to do. In the “blood of the covenant,” a new community is formed. The early Christians celebrated the Eucharist with joy. They anticipated the heavenly banquet they would share with Christ and each other.

Life Focus

- Speak of an experience in your life when you were willing to sacrifice for others as Jesus did for us.

- Imagine not being able to receive the Eucharist. How would this affect you?

- After celebrating the first Eucharist, Jesus and his friends were out singing songs of praise. In what ways do you like to praise God?


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.

SOLEMNITY OF PENTECOST

Strong driving wind and “tongues of fire”—these are powerful images which express a powerful experience! The Scriptures lead us to believe that prior to Pentecost the disciples of Jesus huddled together behind locked doors, hardly behavior befitting those who had “seen the Lord.” After Pentecost the disciples’ behavior changed dramatically—they burst the confines of locks and preached boldly and witnessed heroically. The presence of the Risen Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit changed everything. Those who were in fear are given peace, those locked in a room are sent out. When Jesus breathes the Holy Spirit on the disciples he is recreating them and the world.

Pentecost is our birth into new life as a new creation. It is our celebration of being God’s redeemed people who carry on the mission of the Jesus through the Spirit. This is the great mystery we celebrate on this festival. This is one of the reasons why the Easter season is a privileged time for celebrating baptisms. For in our baptism we first receive the Spirit and the new life that is ours as those who bear Christ’s name and mission (“As the Father has sent me, so I send you”.)

This Pentecost solemnity brings to a climax the fifty-day celebration of Easter. But we must be careful not to put away our Easter joy too quickly. Pentecost may be the end of the Easter season, but it is also a celebration of the beginning of our new life in Christ. Rather than our Alleluias being over, they are just beginning!

May we carry the presence of the risen Christ to all corners of the earth.

May we manifest the fruits of the Spirit in all we do.



TODAY’S READINGS

First Reading—Acts 2:1-11
Filled with the Holy Spirit, the apostles begin to speak in tongues.

Responsorial Psalm—Psalm 104
Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.

Second Reading—1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13
There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit.

Gospel—John 15:26-27, 16:12-15
As the Father has sent me, so I send you.


THE CATHOLIC CHURCH WELCOMES YOU

Are you thinking about becoming a Catholic? We would be happy to talk with you about the process. Please call the Parish Office to make an appointment.

If you are a Catholic who has been away from the Church, know you are in our prayers. We invite you to call to explore your faith and your future with us.



DEAR PARISHIONERS AND VISITORS,

In his book, The Jesus I Never Knew, Philip Yancey describes how the Jesus he was taught about in Sunday school didn’t match the image he was to meet later in the Gospels. Describing this change, he writes “In physical appearance, Jesus favored those who would have been kicked out of Bible college and rejected by most churches. Among his contemporaries he somehow gained a reputation as ‘a wine-bibber and a glutton.’ Those in authority, whether religious or political, regarded him as a troublemaker, a disturber of the peace…. Who was this Christ, after all?”

Our relationship with Christ takes on different nuances as we mature in faith. As children, we accept the images of traditional pious art. Often, young adults are drawn to an image of Jesus rejecting the “status quo.” At some point, through prayer, or attentiveness to the sacraments, or a relationship with the gospels, or a powerful personal experience, we develop an understanding of Jesus that is uniquely our own—one that is worthy of our most heroic efforts to be faithful.

Jesus indeed speaks to each of us in a language only we can understand, the language of our own hearts, and invites us to the life of faith only we can live. Pentecost was an occasion of many miracles. The one that stands out in my heart is that the disciples are freed to proclaim out loud what is in their hearts: their relationship and love of the one true God and of Jesus Christ whom God has sent.

The birth of the church was not merely an ancient historical event, much less an accident or a coincidence. The church continues to be re-born when through the gift of the Holy Spirit, we proclaim what is in our hearts.

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
June 20 Baptism Class at 6:30 PM
June 24 Baptisms at the 4:00 PM Mass


DO YOU KNOW…

White dominates the vesture and environment of the Easter season, with one obvious exception—Pentecost. On this 50th and last day of the Church’s most solemn season—the day we recall the descent of the Holy Spirit both on the first Pentecost and among the baptized today—we might wonder, why the change to red?

One connection between red and Pentecost is obvious: fire. This applies not only to the Acts account of the Spirit appearing in “tongues as of fire” but also to the many stories of fire that appear throughout the Scriptures: the burning bush on Mount Horeb, the pillar of fire that accompanied the Israelites during their flight from Egypt, the fire and smoke on the mountain when Moses received the Law, the cleansing fire of the prophet Malachi. The reds and oranges of Pentecost recall God’s presence in the history of Israel as they also herald the coming of Christ’s Spirit, God’s enduring presence and power among the baptized today.

Yet red evokes more than fire. Red is also the color of apostles and martyrs, both witnesses to Christ. The Greek word for apostle translates literally as “one who is sent,” while that for martyr means “witness.” Feasts of apostles and martyrs certainly draw meaning from Pentecost, since it was the Spirit who empowered the first apostles to proclaim the Good News and the Spirit who gave the martyrs the courage even to shed their blood for the Gospel. The blood of the martyrs inevitably points to the cross upon which Christ became the first martyr, the first witness to the true depth of God’s love for the world.

The shades of red and orange that clothe Pentecost point us to the mystery of the Spirit’s action. In the Spirit, we stand with Moses and Israel as actors in salvation history; as those baptized into Christ’s Paschal mystery, we are also empowered as apostles, sent as witnesses even to death. How appropriate, then, that the day after Pentecost is a “mere” weekday in Ordinary Time, when we must begin again the work of carrying Christ’s message in the everyday, Monday morning martyrs set afire by the presence of God.


LET US PRAY FOR THE SICK

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

May they know Christ's healing.


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.


MARY STATUE TO BE RESTORED

The very beautiful and historic statue of our Blessed Mother has been removed from the reredos to be restored to its original splendor. We expect the work to take about eight weeks.


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.


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.


FARE THEE WELL, FR. ALBERIC

The Franciscan Friars will host an “open house” today (Sunday) from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM in the Fireside room to bid farewell to Fr. Alberic, who has generously given of himself as guardian of the community for the past six years.


ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SUMMER CAMP

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Summer Camp at Circle V Ranch is providing one-week sessions for boys and girls from July 3rd through August 14th. Scholarships are available for low-income families. For more information, call Conchita Lehne at (805) 452-7421.

A Counselor-In-Leadership Training Program is available for teens ages 14-18. Contact Rich Garcia at (323) 224-6213 or email at circlev@svdpla.org.

If you wish to make a donation toward the scholarship fund, please contact the Society of St. Vincent de Paul at 687-7547.


RECYCLE SIGHT

Donate used and old eyeglasses to the Lions Sight and Hearing Center. For information, call 569-8264.


TOGETHER IN MISSION ANNUAL APPEAL

Together In Mission is our opportunity to reach beyond our own parish boundaries and come together as a spiritual family to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who are most in need by supporting 32 parishes and 46 schools in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

Many thanks to those who have already responded with either one-time donations or pledges. If you have not yet made a donation or pledge to Together In Mission, please prayerfully consider doing so. Pledge cards are available on the table in the back of the church.


SPECIAL COLLECTION FOR INDONESIAN VICTIMS

We will take up a special second collection today to aid the earthquake victims in Indonesia. You donations will be sent directly to the local dioceses for distribution. Thank you for your generosity.

STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY

Sunday, May 28th $ 7,933.00

Thank you for your continuing generosity.

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: Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 33
Second Reading: Romans 8:14-17
Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20

REFLECTION ON NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY OF THE WORD
Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

Matthew tells us that the apostles now recognize Jesus in his risen life and they worship him. Jesus drew near to them as he always draws near to humankind. Having formed them as his disciples, he now sends them forth in turn to make disciples of all nations. They are to baptize people in such a way that they will be seen as sons and daughters of God. The trinity—Father, Son and Holy Spirit—describes an experience of the one, true God who creates, liberates and makes holy. Into this God, a community of persons, we are plunged by our Baptism.

Life Focus

- How are you answering Jesus’ call to be a disciple?

- Christ sends us to all peoples. Where do you find yourself too narrow in your approach to people, too limited by your upbringing?

- Describe a time when you “entertained doubts” about God.

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.