TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

The gospel of John often notes that the teaching of Jesus causes divisions among his listeners. For example, “Some said, ‘He is a good man,’ while others said, ‘No; on the contrary, he misleads the crowd.” What makes the division in today’s Gospel alarming is that it involves his disciples. There is murmuring and the complaint, “This saying is hard.”

Jesus challenges the disciples by an appeal to his crucifixion, resurrection and ascension. “Does this shock you? What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before?” Here, as often in the Fourth Gospel, there is a twofold meaning to the word “ascending.” It denotes Jesus’ being lifted up on the cross, but also his being raised to glory by his resurrection and ascension.

“It is the spirit that gives life,” the spirit that the glorified Christ will send at Pentecost to bring his life-giving revelation to the Church. As the Preface for Eucharistic Prayer IV proclaims, Jesus “sent the Holy Spirit from you, Father, as his first gift to those who believe, to complete his work on earth and bring us the fullness of grace.” One must be drawn to salvation by the intervention of the Father, the saving actions of Jesus, and the conferral of life by the Holy Spirit.

Many disciples leave Jesus at this point. He then turns to the Twelve, seeking their decision: “Do you also want to leave?” Peter, as spokesperson, makes this wonderful response, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.” The Greek text with its use of the perfect permits a simple translation: “We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God,” stressing that their faith and belief are now an enduring part of their lives.


TODAY’S READINGS

First Reading—Joshua 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18bIt was the Lord, our God, who protected us along our entire journey.

Responsorial Psalm—Psalm 34
Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

Second Reading—Ephesians 5:21-32
Christ nourishes and cherishes the Church because we are members of His body.

Gospel—John 6:60-69
We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.


QUESTION OF THE WEEK

“Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day.” How have I come to understand God’s promise of eternal life?

May we choose daily to follow Jesus faithfully.

May we confess that Jesus is the holy one of God by the goodness of our lives.


DO YOU KNOW…
“Until the Fat Lady Sings” (not leaving early)

You know the line about opera: “It’s not over ’til the fat lady sings.” The same is true about Sunday Mass. The “fat lady” is all of us—the Church! Sated (miraculously with just a morsel and a sip), stuffed on grace, a bit tired from sincere thanksgiving and sustained praise, the assembly has to finish this liturgy before it’s over. Would the cast leave before the final curtain? The orchestra before the finale? The team before the final buzzer or last out? At Mass, we are all the cast, all the orchestra, all the team.

The end of Mass comes quickly: after the silence that follows communion, there is a prayer. Some announcements may follow, then a blessing and dismissal, and a final song. So is it really asking too much of each other to see it through to the very end? Sure, you might be blocking in someone’s car in the parking lot. But if we all stay till the end, what difference does it make? Of course the little ones are antsy; we all are at this point. A few minutes more won’t hurt. (Nor will cries and squirming now.) And yes, not slipping out early means rubbing elbows with everyone, people jamming up at the doors and a procession of cars crawling out of the parking lot, but isn’t this a consequence of the communion that we just shared? Isn’t this how we know that we are becoming what we have shared: the Body of Christ, risen from the dead, going out into the world to give to others what has been given to us?

It’s a simple act of kindness—finishing the liturgy before leaving. And if we slow down just enough to finish our liturgy, maybe we’ll slowly learn to finish well other things in life, too. And when we learn to relish and not rush the end of things—the last minutes of a movie, the final words of a conversation, the last hand of cards and the final set of pins to knock down—what we are truly learning is to relish and not rush the end of our days—a final act of gratitude that gives God praise.


FROM DEATH TO THE FULLNESS OF LIFE

CATHERINE ROSE GACCETTA, Parishioner

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


MINISTRY TO THE 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
Carmen Gonsalues
Mary Ann Jenquin
Neil Kelley
Anne Lano
Mia McCabe
Diane Parsons

May they know Christ's healing.


THE FAITH OF A CHILD
“There is nothing more sincere than the faith of a child”

Are you being called to nurture the trust and love our children have for God? Our Religious Education Program and Children’s Liturgy at Saint Barbara Parish is in need of teachers. It would require only a couple of Sundays a month during the school year. No experience necessary. Materials and support provided.

Come join us and learn from the children. Please call Linda Ruffton at 682-4713 x140.


SEPTEMBER 11TH
NATIONAL DAY OF REMEMBRANCE

September 11th has been set aside as a national day of remembrance in the United States. The church will be open all day for private prayer. In addition, we invite you to join us on that day at 5:30 PM as we mark the fifth anniversary of the September 11th attacks on our country with a Liturgy of Remembrance. We will remember and pray for those who died, along with their families and friends. We will remember and pray for those who gave so valiantly of themselves for the sake of others. We will remember and pray for the terrorists. We will pray for God’s peace throughout the world with prayers from the Muslim, Jewish and Christian traditions. And, we will hand out olive branches, the universal sign of peace.


SAY “HELLO” TO OUR NEWEST PARISHIONERS

Melanie Sastria
Edward and Anja Skehan
Novia Yuanita


THANK YOU, ST. BARBARA PARISH

“Dear Friends, Thank you for your generous gift to Catholic Relief Services on behalf of the suffering people of Sudan. Your recent offering of $2,208.00 is vital to helping save the lives of vulnerable and displaced persons in this strife-torn country. Thanks to your support CRS is providing essential humanitarian relief in the form of shelter, water, sanitation, refugee camp management, education and food. Collectively you have reached across the globe with your heart and made a tremendous difference. Thank you for the power of your gift and your prayers.”
God bless you,
Ken Hackett, President
Catholic Relief Services


YOUNG ADULTS…THIS ONE’S FOR YOU!

Fr. Jack Stoeger and Sr. Joann Heinritz will direct a special Sunday retreat on September 17th at the Pastoral Center (4032 La Colina Road, Santa Barbara). Reserve your place by leaving your name, address, phone number and email address at 682-1508 or BridgeSantaBarb@aol.com. Information and a schedule will be sent to you.


COMBONI MISSIONARIES APPEAL

The Archdiocesan Society for the Propagation of the Faith is sending Fr. Peter Premarini of the Comboni Missionaries to preach their mission appeal on September 9th and 10th. Fr. Premarini spent 27 years in Uganda working among the Karamajong people. Last year he returned to the U.S. and is presently working at their mission center in Covina, CA.

The Comboni Missionaries number more than 4,000 priests, brothers, sisters and lay persons and are dedicated to serving the poor and powerless throughout the world. Their founder, St. Daniel Comboni, was canonized by Pope John Paul in 2003.

Look for the yellow envelopes in the pews on the appeal weekend. Please be as generous as possible.


ANNUAL LABOR DAY MASS

The Archdiocesan Office of Justice and Peace invites you to their Annual Labor Day Mass at 10:00 AM on Monday, September 24th. Along with local unions and other community organizations, they are coordinating the Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angeles in Los Angeles (555 W. Temple Street).


CHOIR AUDITIONS

During the month of September, the Choir of St. Barbara Parish will audition interested singers with significant choral music experience for the 2006-2007 Liturgical Year. For more information please call the parish office at 682-4151.


REFLECTION ON NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY OF THE WORD
Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jesus’ words are strong about getting caught up in what one does on the outside. Religion cannot be all externals. Jesus takes the offensive here. He adapts a quote from Isaiah about paying lip service to God with no heart. He warns them about insisting that human rules are God’s will. In fact, the Book of Deuteronomy clearly says that nothing may be added or taken away from God’s law. Deuteronomy speaks of God’s law as a way to show gratitude for God’s great love. God chose and formed people freely. These laws of God are not a heavy burden nor a way to win God’s love; they are simply a way to respond with love to God’s goodness. The Pharisees took God’s law seriously and followed it with devotion. But a few Pharisees forgot the heart of religion—God’s relationship with people—and got trapped in mere regulations. This passage can speak to our own lives in the Church today.

Life Focus

• Describe a time when your heart led you to do something good, but the “law” stood in the way.
• Name an experience when “the way we do things” got in the way of what’s really important.
• Relate a time when you judged a person unacceptable because of externals.


PREPARE FOR NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY

First Reading: Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 15
Second Reading: James 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27
Gospel: Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23


STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY

Sunday, August 20th $8,100.00
Feast of the Assumption $778.00

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.


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.

TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

With this Sunday, Jesus’ revelation of the lofty mystery which has been at the heart of our Catholic tradition for two millennia comes to full light. The Eucharist defines who we are: those intimately connected to Jesus because we share in his very body and blood. Moreover, from our human experience we know that eating and life are connected. Nourishment sustains life. Jesus’ revelation of the mystery of giving himself as our food brings this relationship to a new order: by “eating this bead we will live forever.”

The sublime simplicity and beauty of this gospel text reminds us that Jesus takes the ordinary human act of eating and shows us that this familiar action is the very way we can come to eternal life. The act—eating—is the same; the food differs. The food Jesus offers is from heaven and that upon which we fear is no less than Jesus himself. Jesus is the source of our life. At the same time we can never forget that our communion with Jesus nourishes us to share that life with others. In this way we ourselves become bread for the life of others. The reality of this gospel is that we ourselves become the bread of life for others by eating and remaining in Jesus. Our intimacy with Jesus calls us to the same intimacy with others. This kind of intimacy does not end but continues to everlasting life.

May we remain in Jesus and enjoy life with him and the Father.

May we be strengthened in our love and care for one another by the sacrament of eternal life.


TODAY’S READINGS

First Reading—Proverbs 9:1-6
Wisdom has built her house; she has dressed her meat, mixed her wine, yes, she has spread her table.

Responsorial Psalm—Psalm 34
Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

Second Reading—Ephesians 5:15-20
Be filled with the Spirit, giving thanks always and for everything.

Gospel—John 6:51-58
I am the living bread that came down from heaven.


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 has been awhile since we focused on the saints included in the liturgical calendar. Saints are ordinary people who lived and loved God in extraordinary ways. They are our models of holiness; they are our spiritual heroes and heroines. What the Church looks for in venerating a saint is not a faultless or sinless life, but a passionate and single-minded dedication to Christ manifested in a life of prayer and good works.

The month of August is rich with memorials and feast days. In the first half of the month, we celebrated the feasts of two Franciscan saints: St. Clare, a close friend and follower of St. Francis, and St. Maximilian Kolbe who gave his own life to spare another man’s life at Auschwitz in 1941. This past week, we celebrated the Assumption of Mary into heaven, the greatest Marian feast. Tomorrow we will honor St. Pope Pius X. Pius served as pope from 1903 to 1914. His wish was “to renew all things in Christ,” and he is credited with beginning the liturgical renewal of the Church. On August 22nd, we will again remember the Blessed Mother under the title of the “Regina Caeli,” the Queen of Heaven.

At the end of the month, we celebrate a number of great saints, one right after the other. August 23rd is the feast of St. Rose of Lima, who died in 1617. She was the first person to be named a saint from the western hemisphere and is a patron saint of South America. The following day, we honor the apostle, St. Bartholomew, about which little is known other than his mention in the Gospels as one of the twelve. August 25th marks the memorial of St. Louis of France. As king, Louis provided homes all over France for orphans and widows, and he provided food for the poor from his own table, sometimes waiting on them himself. August 27th is the feast of St. Monica, the mother of one of Christianity’s greatest saints, St. Augustine, whose own feast day falls on the following day. Finally, on August 29th, we remember the martyrdom of St. John the Baptist. John is also honored each year on June 24th with a solemnity Mass marking the anniversary of his birth.

We look to all the saints in heaven—named and unnamed—as our mediators and intercessors through, with and in Christ. We pray to these holy men and women and in turn, they pray for us.

Enjoy the week!

Love,
Patricia Sandall, Pastoral Associate


PARISH CALENDAR

August 22 Baptism Class at 6:30 PM
August 26-27 John Vasellina, Youth Minister, will speak at all Masses
August 27 Baptisms at the 10:30 AM Mass
August 29 Pastoral Council Meeting at 7:00 PM


DO YOU KNOW …

The Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke are called the synoptic gospels, coming from the two Greek words “optic,” meaning “to see,” and “syn,” meaning “together” or “similarly.” They are called so because the three describe basically the same events in Jesus’ life; they are called so also to distinguish them from the other gospel: the Gospel of John.

The Gospel of John was probably the last of the four gospels to be written, and experts usually place its composition in the late first century. It is commonly held that the prologue (1:1–18) and the appendix (21:1–25) were added to the original gospel. This is particularly obvious about the appendix, for there is a clear conclusion to the Gospel of John at the end of Ch. 20.

The portrait of Jesus in this gospel is unique for its supreme theology: Jesus is the Word of God, existing with God from the beginning of time (1:1–2). He is all-knowing and all-powerful; even the guards and soldiers who come to arrest Jesus fall down and worship him before they take him away (18:6). Most of the stories in John are not found in the other gospels; among the unique stories are the wedding feast at Cana, the Samaritan woman at the well, the raising of Lazarus and Jesus’ washing of the feet of the disciples. Jesus has a lot to say in John; there are long discourses with familiar phrases such as “I am the good shepherd,” “I am the resurrection,” and “I am the true vine”: weighty statements of a lofty theology.

While the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke each have one year of the three-year lectionary cycle assigned for their proclamation, the Gospel of John does not. Rather, John is proclaimed on Sundays during the forty days of Lent and during the fifty days of the Easter season, as well as during the celebrations of particular feasts—such as Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Pentecost and Christmas Day.

In art, the evangelist John is usually the only one of the four to be beardless, and there is an eagle by his side or near his head. Though they were probably two different people historically, tradition has merged the figures of the apostle John and the evangelist John. The feast of Saint John is December 27.


MINISTRY TO THE 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
Carmen Gonsalues
Mary Ann Jenquin
Neil Kelley
Anne Lano
Mia McCabe
Diane Parsons

May they know Christ's healing.


THE FAITH OF A CHILD

There is nothing more sincere than the faith of a child

Are you being called to nurture the trust and love our children have for God? Our Religious Education Program and Children’s Liturgy at Saint Barbara Parish is in need of teachers. It would require only a couple of Sundays a month during the school year. No experience necessary. Materials and support provided.

Come join us and learn from the children. Please call Linda Ruffton at 966-6724.


HIGH SCHOOL CONFIRMATION PREPARATION & JR. HIGH MINISTRY (The “Edge”)

St. Barbara Parish continues to partner with St. Raphael Parish in sending our youth to their facility to receive preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

“The Edge” is a pre-Confirmation youth group for 7th & 8th graders. Its goal is to build church community through fellowship by creating an atmosphere for young people to grow spiritually and socially. This group meets every other Thursday in the St. Raphael Parish Hall from 7:00 PM-8:45 PM. The evening usually consists of games, sessions, bible study, prayer and liturgies.

Our Confirmation program is a two-year program for 9th graders (and older). Candidates meet in small groups on Monday evenings once or twice a month during the school year. These classes teach the students about their faith while allowing them to explore their own spirituality. Candidates are also required to attend the monthly Spirit Nights Classes with their sponsor or parent.

For registration information and answers to your questions, please contact John Vasellina, Youth Minister, at (805) 964-3466 (ext. 1) or email him at srym12@yahoo.com.


RESOURCES TO HELP KEEP KIDS SAFE

In addition to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles’ website (www.la-archdiocese.org) and www.virtus.org, the website of a child safety training program utilized throughout the Archdiocese, the website of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children offers dozens of well-produced informational brochures covering a broad range of child safety topics. Go to www.ncmec.org and click on “Resources for Parents & Guardians” to find these brochures, as well as other helpful information about child safety.

For additional help you may call Sr. Sheila McNiff, Director of Assistance Ministry, at (213) 637-7650.


ATTENTION MARRIED COUPLES

Do you feel lost and alone? Are you frustrated, hurt or angry with each other? Does talking about it only make it worse? If your marriage has become troubled or stressed, or if your relationship has grown cold and distant, if you are thinking of separation or divorce, or if you are already separated or divorced but want to try again—then we urge you to attend the upcoming Retrouvaille Weekend on September 8-10. For more information, please call (805) 642-4023. You may call anonymously. All names are kept in strictest confidence. There are no group discussions.


SAY “HELLO” TO OUR NEWEST PARISHIONERS

Philip Palacio and Maria Tadeo
Evangeline Herrera and Thomas Anglin


TOGETHER IN MISSION ANNUAL APPEAL
(Only $634 needed to reach our goal!!)

“Together in Mission” will provide financial support to the 32 parishes and 46 schools most in need within the Archdiocese this year. Many thanks to those who have already responded with donations or pledges. Our parish goal for this year’s appeal is $56,042 of which $55,408 has been collected. If you have not yet made a donation or pledge, please consider doing so. Thank you for your generosity.


FREE AGAVE PLANTS

The beautiful agave plants that decorated the altar during Fiesta weekend are free to anyone who would like to give them a new home. The plants can be found on the patio behind the Sacristy.


REFLECTION ON NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY OF THE WORD
Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

Faced with Jesus’ claim to be the real bread from heaven, the truth, the revelation of the Father, his disciples had to make a decision. Today’s Gospel reading gives their reaction to that claim. Many reject his words and refuse to believe that he “came down” from heaven. Jesus told them to “stop murmuring” and pointed out the need for that faith which only God can give. The Twelve remain with Jesus. They were the ones who would “remain with Jesus” once he ascended to the Father. Peter sums up their faith, accepting the revelation of Jesus with the words, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” The people who deserted him wanted answers they could understand. Their faith was weak. The apostles did not understand either, but bec ause they loved Jesus, they believed and accepted without understanding. We, too, cannot really understand how Jesus is present in the Eucharist. We cannot know, intellectually, how bread and wine became his “body and blood.” When we make our act of faith, however, we become one with him in a special, life-giving way.

Life Focus

- Describe how your experience of the Eucharist has changed over the course of your life and how this has affected you.

- Describe a struggle you had which led to a deeper faith.

- Relate an experience that has shaken your faith.


PREPARE FOR NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY

First Reading: Joshua 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 34
Second Reading: Ephesians 5:21-32
Gospel: John 6:60-69


STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY

Sunday, August 13th $9,496.00
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.


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.

NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

The peoples’ murmuring in the gospel and their practical objection to Jesus’ claim to be from heaven (they “know his father and mother”) shows they have completely misunderstood the purpose of the multiplication of loaves and haven’t listened very well to all that Jesus has taught. Jesus answers their misunderstandings and unbelief with a monologue during which he teaches that when we seek the “desert manna,” we die. The true bread that comes down from heaven gives life, but does so only when we surrender ourselves to “listen to the Father.”

This gospel assures us that we have all we need to come to eternal life. The one stipulation given is that we have belief. This doesn’t mean simply an intellectual assent to the reality and truth of Jesus’ word and bread, it means that we must declare in deed that we listen to Jesus and accept the strength he offers. Word, belief, bread, and life all converge in us when we listen and do. Living the paschal mystery doesn’t mean that our life unfolds on a simple, straight path to eternal life. Spiritual growth includes vicissitudes of ups and downs, risings and dyings, that are natural to the very rhythm of the mystery itself. Our challenge is not to get discouraged, but to hand ourselves over to the nourishment of word and sacrament that God offers, a nourishment that carries us surely on our life’s journey toward eternal life.

May we always be strengthened by the bread of Christ’s teaching.

May we be strengthened to persevere on our journey to eternal life.


TODAY’S READINGS

First Reading—1 Kings 19:4-8
Elijah looked and there at his head was a hearth cake and a jug of water.

Responsorial Psalm—Psalm 34
Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

Second Reading—Ephesians 4:30--5:2
Be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love.

Gospel—John 6:41-51
Jesus said, “I am the living bread; whoever eats this bread will live forever.”


DEAR PARISHIONERS AND VISITORS,

“Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph?” This is what the people were “murmuring” about Jesus when his words and actions were found to be too challenging. What is YOUR reaction when you are asked to do, follow or believe something relating to faith that you want to resist?

For most cradle Catholics, it seems easy to believe that Jesus is the bread of life. It is when our belief moves us to action (which it ought to do) that we begin to struggle. What does the Bread of Life ask of me? What would I rather not hear from Jesus?

Please do not take this as a criticism of St. Barbara parish: I need to confess that I have had a difficult time adjusting to my new life here at the parish. Just about everything is NEW! I have a new room, office, friar community, staff, parishioners, policies and procedures. All of this brings new challenges and expectations and at times I have felt overwhelmed. The one thing that is not new is that I remember so many of you from the last time I was assigned here. Your warmth and acceptance of me has made the transition so much easier and I thank you for that!

Now that Bishop Curry has officially installed me as pastor here, I plan to spend the next several months gathering information about the status of the parish and building relationships with staff and parish ministers and also with you, the faithful members of St. Barbara Parish. I pray that you will be ready to move forward as I ask you to bring your gifts to our parish table so that we can continue to fulfill our parish mission (listed on the front of the bulletin). Our mission is the blueprint we use to build the Reign of God here in our corner of the world. At times we will want to resist in what the Lord asks of us. Resistance is OK, yet needs examination and discernment in prayer. God puts us all to work yet we need to remember that he does not forget to feed us and nurture us for the work we are called to do. God truly is our bread. As we feed on this bread, may we draw strength for the challenges our God presents to each of us, especially the greatest challenge: to become bread for the world!

Yours in Christ Jesus, the bread of life,
Fr. Daniel Barica, O.F.M., Pastor


PARISH CALENDAR

August 15 Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Masses at 7:30 AM & Noon
August 22 Baptism Class at 6:30 PM
August 26-27 John Vasellina, Youth Minister, to speak at all Masses
August 27 Baptisms at the 10:30 AM Mass
August 29 Pastoral Council Meeting at 7:00 PM


DO YOU KNOW…

Q: Who may be godparents for our baby’s baptism?

A: Godparents should be both role models and resource persons, individuals who are at ease with the practice of their faith and would normally be considered “active” Catholics. They should be people who are comfortable with answering questions about their personal relation with God as experienced in the Catholic communion, even if they are unsure about all the technicalities. They should be people who are interested in and will continue to support their godchild in the years ahead as they and their godchild develop in their relationships with God and others.

Church law specifies that godparents be at least sixteen years old and fully initiated, that is, have received the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and first communion. It is also assumes that godparents have been asked to serve in this role by the individual to be baptized (or, in the case of infants, by the family or, if they do not know anyone, the local pastor). The other requirements stipulate that parents should not be godparents, nor should anyone whose status in the church is questionable.

The role of the godparent is not merely that of patron—it is that of mentor. And so, sometimes emotional conflicts occur in a family when relatives or close friends who are held in esteem are considered as possible godparents, but are technically not qualified either because they are not Catholics or because they are Catholics who do not practice their faith regularly or whose religious status is “problematic” because of some situation, for example, a civil marriage not blessed by the church.

It is occasionally permitted for a non-Catholic Christian to be associated as a “Christian witness” to a baptism. Though not officially a godparent, such an individual can still function as a role model for someone who is trying to learn about how a person should follow Christ in our troublesome world. In such situations, another person should be designated as the official godparent, someone who fits into the traditional categories.

Most people are aware of the conflicts that can occur between loyalties based on relationships and friendship and the demands of liturgical and religious authenticity. Not every relative or friend is appropriate to serve as godparent, and not every person who is appropriate as a godparent is close enough to serve in that capacity for the family. Balance is not easy to achieve! In special cases, the advice of the local priest or pastoral minister can be very helpful.


MINISTRY TO THE 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
Carmen Gonsalues
Mary Ann Jenquin
Neil Kelley
Anne Lano
Mia McCabe
Diane Parsons
Joyce Patterson

May they know Christ's healing.


ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
Tuesday • August 15

The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is Mary’s greatest feast—her Passover into Heaven. It explicitly links Mary’s assumption into Heaven with Christ’s resurrection. In 1950, Pope Pius XII declared what Catholics had long believed—after Mary’s death, God raised her body. On this day we rejoice that our broken world will be made new again. Masses will be held at 7:30 AM and 12:00 Noon.


THE FAITH OF A CHILD

There is nothing more sincere than the faith of a child

Are you being called to nurture the trust and love our children have for God? Our Religious Education Program and Children’s Liturgy at Saint Barbara Parish is in need of teachers. It would require only a couple of Sundays a month during the school year. No experience necessary. Materials and support provided.

Come join us and learn from the children. Please call Linda Ruffton at 966-6724.


SAY “HELLO” TO OUR NEWEST PARISHIONERS

Marie Francine
Evangeline and Thomas Herrera
Judy Hudson


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 $55,408 HAS BEEN COLLECTED...
...WE ARE ONLY $634 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.


CALLING ALL MARRIED COUPLES

The Archdiocesan Office of Family Life’s Marriage Preparation Program is looking for married couples (married in the Catholic Church) to help engaged couples prepare for the Sacrament of Matrimony through their One Day Marriage Preparation Classes. If you are interested, please call Candy Metoyer at (213) 637-7250.


HIGH SCHOOL CONFIRMATION PREPARATION & JR. HIGH MINISTRY (“THE EDGE”)

St. Barbara Parish continues to partner with St. Raphael Parish in sending our youth to their facility to receive preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

“The Edge” is a pre-Confirmation youth group for 7th & 8th graders. Its goal is to build church community through fellowship by creating an atmosphere for young people to grow spiritually and socially. This group meets every other Thursday in the St. Raphael Parish Hall from 7:00 PM-8:45 PM. The evening usually consists of games, sessions, bible study, prayer and liturgies.

Our Confirmation program is a two-year program for 9th graders (and older). Candidates meet in small groups on Monday evenings once or twice a month during the school year. These classes teach the students about their faith while allowing them to explore their own spirituality. Candidates are also required to attend the monthly Spirit Nights Classes with their sponsor or parent.

For registration information and answers to your questions, please contact John Vasellina, Youth Minister, at (805) 964-3466 (ext. 1) or email him at srym12@yahoo.com.


STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY

Sunday, August 6th $9,964.00

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.


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

Jesus’ gospel has no direct account of the institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper. Rather, it includes this sermon on the Bread of Life that we have been hearing for the past several weeks. The statement of the opening verse, “the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world,” is very close to the account in Luke’s gospel of Jesus blessing bread at the Last Supper and saying, “This is my body given for you.” Accepting the teaching of Jesus, the Liturgy of the Word, important as this is, only prepares us to share his body and blood. Participation in the Eucharist brings present possession of “eternal life” and is thus a pledge of eventual resurrection.

Life Focus

- Jesus puts great emphasis on the “flesh and blood” reality of the food we now call the Eucharist. Name other ways you “feed on” the “flesh and blood” reality of Jesus.

- What have you done with the “life” received in the Eucharist?


PREPARE FOR NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY OF THE WORD

First Reading: Proverbs 9:1-6
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 34
Second Reading: Ephesians 5:15-20
Gospel: John 6:51-58


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.

PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE INSTALLATION
OF OUR NEW PASTOR
FR. DANIEL BARICA, O.F.M.
AUGUST 11, 2006
MASS AT 7:00 PM IN THE CHURCH
BISHOP THOMAS CURRY, PRESIDER
Dessert Reception to Follow


TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD

Jesus’ transfigured glory foreshadows his glorious resurrection, a new life that was his because he faithfully did the will of his Father, even to the point of suffering and dying. If we wish to share in this same transfigured glory, we must be equally faithful in surrendering our will to God’s will, to living the gospel, to be willing to die to self for the good of others. The transfiguration of Jesus tells us that the reign of God is already here. We help establish that reign when we die to self and rise with Christ in glory.

Normally we do everything we can to avoid hardships. The road to glory, however, is not an easy one. The paschal mystery, paradoxically, tells us that the only way to have life is to surrender to dying. The gospel tells us how we surrender: by listening to Jesus. This “listening” means more than being attentive to the Liturgy of the Word on Sunday! It means that we also “listen” with our very deeds, our living the gospel message. Gospel living is something so simple as taking the time to listen to those who need to spill out their hearts when seeking help or listening to the children excitedly relate what happened to them in school.

The cost of discipleship is not something we would naturally embrace. This gospel motivates us to be disciples because we already see what becomes of the faithful disciple: he or she is transfigured into glory. The challenge to our everyday living is that our life be transfigured (transformed) so that when people see us, they see Jesus.

May we faithfully follow Jesus to eternal glory.

May we be unafraid to accept the cost of discipleship.


TODAY’S READINGS

First Reading—Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
I saw one like a Son of man coming on the clouds of heaven.

Responsorial Psalm—Psalm 97
The Lord is king, the most high over all the earth.

Second Reading—2 Peter 1:16-19
Be attentive to the prophetic message, as to a lamp shining in the dark place.

Gospel—Mark 9:2-10
Jesus was transfigured, and his clothes became dazzling white.


DO YOU KNOW…

Q May I receive communion more than once a day?
A Yes! A key insight that the church has received since Vatican II is that participation in the Mass reaches a high point in the sharing of communion, an action that Christians should consider normal and commonplace rather than secondary and rare.

This vital connection between one’s presence at Mass and the reception of communion is expressed in several ways, including the understanding of Mass as a sacrificial meal in which we are fed with the Lord’s body and blood, the dismissal of catechumens before the liturgy of the Eucharist (they are dismissed precisely because they cannot receive communion until they are baptized), the procession with the gifts and the distribution of bread consecrated at the Mass rather than bread that has been reserved in the tabernacle.

As the interconnections between the reception of communion and participation in the Mass became clearer, people began to wonder why individuals should be prevented from receiving communion at a Mass simply because they might have received communion earlier that same day. In the early 1970s, Rome changed a long-standing practice and explicitly permitted those who were present at a special Mass, such as Masses in which sacraments were conferred or similar special occasions, to receive communion, even if they had already communicated earlier that day.

This revised practice has been included in a more general form in the 1983 Code of Canon Law. There is no longer any mention of the second Mass being in any way related to a special occasion (canon 917). Thus, current church custom permits anyone to receive communion a second time on any day, as long as the second reception of communion occurs during Mass. (Thus, this permission does not hold if communion is being distributed outside of Mass except in the case of viaticum.)

The scriptures record that, at the Last Supper, Jesus said, “All of you, take and eat...take and drink.” On those occasions when a person attends a second Mass on the same day (either by obligation or by devotion), he or she should never hesitate about fully participating in the celebration of the Eucharist by receiving communion a second time.


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.


PARISH CALENDAR

August 11 Feast of St. Clare, Mass at 7:30 AM
August 11 Fr. Daniel Barica’s Installation Mass, 7:00 PM in the Church
August 15 Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Masses at 7:30 AM and Noon
August 22 Baptism Class at 6:30 PM
August 27 Baptisms at the 10:30 AM Mass


MINISTRY TO THE 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
Carmen Gonsalues
Mary Ann Jenquin
Neil Kelley
Anne Lano
Mia McCabe
Diane Parsons
Joyce Patterson

May they know Christ's healing.


STAND UP FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Vigil in Support of the La Cumbre Tenants
Monday, August 7th • 6:30pm
83 N. La Cumbre Avenue, Santa Barbara

On Tuesday, July 25th, the Santa Barbara City Council voted to demolish ten low-income rental units and replace them with million dollar condominiums. Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE) calls on all community members who support affordable housing to join us to call on our local elected officials to put people first and protect our limited affordable housing! For more information, contact CLUE at 682-4713 x118 or email sbclue@cox.net.


THE FAITH OF A CHILD

“There is nothing more sincere than the faith of a child.”

Are you being called to nurture the trust and love our children have for God? Our Religious Education Program and Children’s Liturgy at Saint Barbara Parish is in need of teachers. It would require only a couple of Sundays a month during the school year. No experience necessary. Materials and support provided.

Come join us and learn from the children. Please call Linda Ruffton at 966-6724.


SAY “HELLO” TO OUR NEWEST PARISHIONER

Natalie Daoud


ATTENTION EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS & LECTORS

Please be sure to pick up a copy of the new Ministry Schedule for August 1st-October 1st. For your convenience, the schedule is also posted on the Parish website (www.sbmission.org).


CALLING ALL MARRIED COUPLES

The Archdiocesan Office of Family Life’s Marriage Preparation Program is looking for married couples (married in the Catholic Church) to help engaged couples prepare for the Sacrament of Matrimony through their One Day Marriage Preparation Classes. If you are interested, please call Candy Metoyer at (213) 637-7250.


STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY

Sunday, July 30th $8,801.00
Franciscan Missionary Union $831.00

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 $51,769 HAS BEEN COLLECTED...
...WE ARE ONLY $4,273 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.


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.