FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH

The Passover journey of the Holy Family involved more than a trip to Jerusalem for a religious festival: they “pass over” to new ways of understanding one another. While Jesus was (and would always be) the son of Mary and his foster father, Joseph, he was most profoundly the Son of God who “must be in his Father’s house.” So, too, our Christian journey continually invites us to “pass over” to a deeper understanding of who we are.

“Passing over” is a process which is part of all family life. Every good family strives for continued growth in fidelity to God and each other. Just the everyday rubbing off the “sharp edges” taking place by living closely together calls us to enter into one “passing over” after another. Each time we let go of one attitude, habit, or annoying behavior we “pass over” into a newer and deeper relationship with those around us. The family is stronger for it, and so are we.

A holy family is one in which their relationships include God at the center. Parenting is a great entry into the paschal mystery! Good parents spend their children’s growing-up years emptying themselves of their own desires for the sake of the well-being of their children, endlessly and willingly sacrificing for them. Then, when the children are adults, parents must be willing to “cut the apron strings” and let go so the children can go about their own business. Like Hannah and Mary, good parents always nurture and take care of their children but, then, they willingly give back what they have received. Passing over. Such is what holy family living is really all about.


TODAY’S READINGS

First Reading—1 Samuel 1:20-22, 24-28
Hannah gives her son Samuel back to the Lord, leaving him in the temple at Shiloh:
“As long as he lives, he shall be dedicated to the Lord.”

Responsorial Psalm—Psalm 84
Blessed are they who dwell in your house, O Lord.

Second Reading—1 John 3:1-2, 21-24
We are children of God when we believe in the name of God’s Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another just as he commanded us.

Gospel—Luke 2:41-52
Joseph and Mary find the lost Jesus in the temple in the midst of the teachers,listening to them and asking questions.


THE CATHOLIC CHURCH WELCOMES YOU!

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

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a community-based process for welcoming new members into the Roman Catholic Church that is guided by the Gospel and the lived example of the community. Adults learn about the Catholic tradition and prepare for the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. If you are interested in learning more, please call Carol Parkus at 682-4713 x140 or stop by the Parish Office.


QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What steps will I take to practice forgiveness and/or patience with a family member?


DEAR PARISHIONERS AND VISITORS,

As we approach a New Year, it is common for most people to look back on the year passed and reflect upon high points, low points, places of great challenge and places of inspiration and hope. There are always new wishes that each of us carry for the New Year, but God only asks of us the same thing each year. God calls us to let peace direct our hearts. In the second reading, these words capture my attention, “And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body.” Colossians, Ch. 3.

As a Pastoral Council member for the past three and a half years, I have been guided by God to be more open and loving of all people. For me, the highest honor of being part the Pastoral Council was having the opportunity to wash feet on Holy Thursday. I remember the first year, as I was placing my white apron around my waist, feeling so nervous about the task ahead of me for the evening. As I knelt down on the altar and looked up to receive the first person who sat on the stool in front of me, all my inhibitions melted away and I felt so peaceful and blessed to be serving in this special way. One of the children I taught in religious education at the time sat down on the stool next. I could tell they felt so shy to be in this position, and immediately after I had kissed both feet, they offered to wash mine. This feeling of pure generosity and fullness of love has remained with me since that moment. Each day, God calls us to wash one another’s feet by being observant of one another, by caring for one another, by being loving towards one another and by wearing LOVE in our words, our actions and our thoughts.

So, as I look forward to the New Year, I pray for continued health of my family, I pray for a safe entry into the world for our second baby due in February, and I pray for many moments of fullness of heart in the giving of service and small deeds that God lays before me. May your New Year bless you with the same and may you find yourself adorned with love and ready to wear love wherever this New Year takes you.

- Anna Maria Stump, Pastoral Council Member


IN THIS NEW YEAR …

May we grow more deeply into our identity
as the Body of Christ, the family of God.

May we, as Mary and Joseph sought and found
Jesus, seek and find Jesus in one another.

In This New Year

In this New Year,
We look to an end to violence and war.
We pray for peace, understanding
and reconciliation.

In this New Year,
We hope for a future where all can have enough.
We pray for prophetic voices to speak
for the poor and the marginalized.

In this New Year,
We will feel the pain of those dying
from preventable diseases.
We pray that medicines can be available to all.

In this New Year,
We will breathe air and feel alive.
We pray to improve our stewardship of God’s creation.

In this New Year,
We wish to start anew.
We pray for wisdom to
acknowledge mistakes and move on.

In this New Year,
We believe that with God’s help, it is possible.
We pray for justice to reign and dignity for all people.


PARISH CALENDAR

January 1 New Year’s Day; Mass at 10:00 AM
January 8 Baptism of the Lord
January 23 Pastoral Council Meeting at 7:00 PM
January 25 Baptism Class at 6:30 PM
January 28 Baptisms at the 12 Noon Mass


WORLD DAY OF PEACE

January 1st is World Peace Day, a tradition started by Pope Paul VI in 1968 to dedicate the first day of the year to Peace. The “Day of Peace” serves to inspire the global community to work for peace in our world, and it is a reminder that we are called to be peacemakers. The Pope has proclaimed a “World Day of Peace Message” on every January 1st since 1968.

EXCERPTS FROM POPE BENEDICT XVI’S WORLD DAY OF PEACE MESSAGE FOR 2007:
THE HUMAN PERSON, THE HEART OF PEACE

The Human Person, the Heart of Peace. I am convinced that respect for the person promotes peace and that, in building peace, the foundations are laid for an authentic, integral humanism.

The duty to respect the dignity of each human being, in whose nature the image of the Creator is reflected, means in consequence that the person cannot be disposed of at will. Those with great political, technical or economic power may not use that power to violate the rights of others who are less fortunate. Peace is based on respect for the rights of all. Peace requires the establishment of a clear boundary between what is at man’s disposal and what is not; in this way, unacceptable intrusions into the patrimony of specifically human values will be avoided.

Peace is both a gift and a task. If it is true that peace between individuals and peoples—the ability to live together and to build relationships of justice and solidarity—calls for unfailing commitment on our part, it is also true, and indeed more so, that peace is a gift from God.

Humanity, if it truly desires peace, must be increasingly conscious of the links between natural ecology, or respect for nature, and human ecology, or respect for our fellow men, women and children. Experience shows that disregard for the environment always harms human coexistence, and vice versa. It becomes more and more evident that there is an inseparable link between peace with creation and peace among men, and that both of these presuppose peace with God. The destruction and improper use of the environment and the violent hoarding of the earth’s resources causes poverty, conflicts, and wars, precisely because they are the consequences of an inhumane concept of development.


LET US PRAY FOR THE SICK

Joan Biasetti
Mia McCabe
Carmen Gonsalues
Michael McEwen
Mary Ann Jenquin
Esther McManus
Blanche Johnson
Diane Parsons
Neil Kelley
Katherine Purdy
Anne Lano
John Tapia

May they know Christ's healing


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.


THE 2007 CALENDARS ARE HERE

All parishioners are invited to pick up their copy of the 2007 calendar in the Parish Social Room after Mass this weekend.


SAY “HELLO” TO OUR NEWEST PARISHIONER

Lloyd Deloss King


HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE

Join Fr. Daniel Barica, O.F.M., Pastor, St. Barbara Parish & Fr. Alberto Villafán, O.F.M., Associate Pastor, St. Francis of Assisi Parish, on pilgrimage to:

The Holy Land and Petra, in Jordan * April 30 – May 10, 2007
Spring flower season!

$2798 includes 11 days of travel, air fare (LAX), first-class hotels (private room & bath), daily breakfast & dinner, daily Masses & much more for a group of 32, with Nawas International Travel. We will visit all the important sites in Jerusalem, Nazareth, Bethlehem and along the shores of the Sea of Galilee, including Capernaum, Tabgha (miracle of loaves and fishes), Garden of Gethsemane, Bethany, Dead Sea, Qumran caves and much more. Petra, a city carved out of rock, is spectacular!

Color brochures are available in the Porter’s Office

- SPACES ARE STILL AVAILABLE -

$300 DEPOSIT DUE NOW!

FINAL PAYMENT DUE 95 DAYS BEFORE
DEPARTURE (1/26/07)

Please call Fr. Daniel Barica (805) 682-4713 x122 for more information.


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.


PREPARE FOR NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY

First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 72
Second Reading: Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6
Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12


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

Epiphany means “manifestation,” a revelation of Jesus as truly God. Matthew and Luke show this child to be divine through stories of “signs and wonders” when Jesus was an infant. Matthew’s account of the visit of the three magi also shows the Church’s mission to the Gentiles. Matthew’s audience, largely Jewish Christians, was struggling to accept the presence of Gentile Christians in their community. Matthew shows in this Gospel passage that the salvation of Gentiles as well as Jews was indeed God’s plan.

Life Focus

• What helps you stay focused on God’s presence in everyday situations where God is usually not mentioned?
• From your experience, when have you come to appreciate people you used to pass by or not notice?
• Who and what on your journey has helped you to know and understand Jesus and his message better?
• How do we reconcile the material gifts we have in our lives with the simple lifestyle of Jesus?


STEWARDSHIP OF TREASURE

Sunday, December 24th $7,313.00

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


CONSIDER REMEMBERING YOUR PARISH IN YOUR WILL OR TRUST

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


TRAVELING? DON’T FORGET TO GO TO MASS!

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


GETTING IN THE PARISH BULLETIN

For Parish announcements, call Laura in the Parish Office (682-4151). Please contact Mission Publishing at (888) 253-4358 for business ads.

GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST

A heart-felt THANK YOU to all who worked hard to make our Christmas liturgies such a joyous and worthy praise to our Beloved God and Savior

On behalf of the parish staff and the Franciscan family here at the Mission Santa Barbara, we wish all of you a blessed and peace-filled Christmas and New Year!


CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE

Christmas Eve Masses
5:00 PM * 12:00 Midnight

Christmas Day Masses
8:00 AM * 10:00 AM * 12:00 Noon


FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

How astounding and unexpected that the majestic ruler of Israel should come from so small and insignificant a place as Bethlehem! Even more astounding is that the Son of God should come to share our humanity. Elizabeth was astounded when, “filled with the Holy Spirit,” she realized that the mother of her Lord came to her. Here is the Christmas mystery: it is entirely astounding that God comes to us and that we who believe are also blessed.

Christmas and Easter are two cornerstone festivals for us Christians. They are really two sides of the same coin; both celebrations essentially derive their meaning from self-giving. Mary gave her body so that the Son of God could become incarnate. Jesus gave his body so that humanity could become daughters and sons of God. In both cases the giving of their bodies required an act of the will, an act confirming their wills to that of God, without counting the cost.

What is Christmas about? Giving! More than gifts which bring temporary joy, Christmas is about self-giving which makes possible everlasting joy. What has Advent really been about? We have been getting ready for our own bodies to be “consecrated”, like Christ’s. Like Mary, we must believe so that what God speaks might be fulfilled in us. By giving, we receive and convey the blessedness we have received in Christ. During these holidays, with family and friends gathering, there will be many opportunities for self-giving. Perhaps it is a matter of taking a few minutes to be present individually to the elderly. Perhaps it means playing awhile with the little ones. Perhaps it means simply helping to clean up and do dishes. However the opportunity for self-giving presents itself, it always is an opportunity for blessing. But in all our self-giving, we must never forget the divine self-gift to us: God comes to us! This is surely our greatest blessing!


QUESTION OF THE WEEK

How can I celebrate and express my gratitude to others and to God in the coming weeks?


TODAY’S READINGS

First Reading—Micah 5:1-4a
From you, Bethlehem, shall come forth one who is to be ruler in Israel. He shall shepherd his flock by the strength of the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm—Psalm 80
Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.

Second Reading—Hebrews 10:5-10
By Christ doing the will of God, namely, offering himself, we have been consecrated.

Gospel—Luke 1:39-45
Elizabeth speaks to her cousin Mary: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.”


THE CATHOLIC CHURCH WELCOMES YOU!

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


DEAR PARISHIONERS AND VISITORS,

And so we come to another ending and another beginning. We are going to have to make the best of this last week of Advent because it is going to last only a matter of hours. It’s Christmas Eve this Sunday and we will soon begin the celebrations that welcome in the Christ child. St. Francis particularly loved the idea of the Incarnation – God becoming human, seeing it as a gift of unsurpassable humility.

Are you ready to humbly receive Christ? Have you worked these past weeks to be able to make a little room for him? We all know that Jesus Christ was born once into humanity, yet that is not enough for Him. His great love for us can’t keep Him away from being near and so, through the Holy Spirit, He seeks to enter the world again and again. We must remember, however, that He cannot be born again into our world if we do not receive Him.

Celebrating Christmas well is about receiving the gift of Jesus Christ. That is precisely why Mary’s gift to us and to the world is so precious. She was willing to cooperate with God’s plan to send us a savior, receiving God’s agenda without knowing the outcome. It is never easy to give ourselves to God’s plans – mostly because we don’t get all the details. The greatest test of faith is to be able to trust that whatever God is asking of us right now will become something that serves God’s plan for the world and for our good. What is God asking of you right now?

The second part of celebrating Christmas well is about “re-gifting.” “Dear Abby” columns often mention the politics of re-gifting or “recycling” a gift. Despite what is said about this practice in the secular world, it makes perfect sense in the life of the Spirit. We first must receive Christ, but only as a way to give him back into our world. The re-gifting process works with all of the greatest gifts: love, hope, faith, peace, care for one another; that’s the way it works for Christians. But go ahead and hold on to your fruitcake! Speaking of gifts, all of you who are serving in a parish ministry need to save the date of Saturday, January 6, 6:00 PM, so we can gift you with an evening of food and fun to thank you for your gift of time and talent to the parish. You are our gift and we thrive as a parish because of you!

May all of you know the gift of peace that surpasses all understanding – the peace that is Jesus Christ. And may that peace accompany you into the New Year.

Abundant blessings during these most holy days,

Fr. Daniel F. Barica, O.F.M., Pastor


PARISH CALENDAR

December 31 Feast of the Holy Family
January 1 New Year’s Day; Mass at 10:00 AM
January 8 Baptism of the Lord
January 25 Baptism Class at 6:30 PM
January 28 Baptisms at the 12 Noon Mass


DO YOU KNOW…
Christmas - A Sense of the Season

You probably know the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Even though a radio station once proclaimed the twelve days of Christmas as those before December 25, Christians have always kept Christmas as a season from December 25 until January 6 (the traditional Epiphany). The church calendar today even extends the celebration until the feast of the Baptism of the Lord—the Sunday after Epiphany.

Here is what the church says about the season of Christmas: “Next to the yearly celebration of the paschal mystery [meaning the Triduum and Easter season], the church holds most sacred the memorial of Christ’s birth and early manifestations. This is the purpose of the Christmas season.”

More than just “Jesus’ birthday,” the Christmas season is a time for remembering and reveling in the nativity of Christ, the revelation of Christ to the Jewish shepherds, the revelation of Christ to the Gentile magi (that’s us!), Christ’s baptism by John in the Jordan, and Christ changing water into wine at the wedding “on the third day” (John 2:1) in Cana of Galilee. In all these saving events, we know that “the Word is made flesh and dwells among us.”

How can we keep Christmas not just as a day, but as a season? Keep the tree up (and watered!) and shining bright until the Baptism of the Lord. Sing carols and read the scriptures every day. Safely put candles around your crèche: Use small glass votive candle holders, and place them away from the straw. You might also want to add a little water to the bottom of the glass before putting the candle in—an added precaution that will also help you clean the glass more easily. When you light the candles, sing or say the prayer of the angels: Glory in heaven and peace on earth, now and forever. Amen!


LET US PRAY FOR THE SICK

Joan Biasetti
Mia McCabe
Carmen Gonsalues
Michael McEwen
Mary Ann Jenquin
Esther McManus
Blanche Johnson
Diane Parsons
Neil Kelley
Katherine Purdy
Anne Lano
Jack Stevens
John Tapia

May they know Christ's healing


FROM DEATH TO FULLNESS OF LIFE

Joseph Setka
Father of Parishioner Michael Setka

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


HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE

Join Fr. Daniel Barica, O.F.M., Pastor, St. Barbara Parish & Fr. Alberto Villafán, O.F.M., Associate Pastor, St. Francis of Assisi Parish, on pilgrimage to:

The Holy Land and Petra, in Jordan
April 30 – May 10, 2007
Spring flower season!

$2798 includes 11 days of travel, air fare (LAX), first-class hotels (private room & bath), daily breakfast & dinner, daily Masses & much more for a group of 32, with Nawas International Travel. We will visit all the important sites in Jerusalem, Nazareth, Bethlehem and along the shores of the Sea of Galilee, including Capernaum, Tabgha (miracle of loaves and fishes), Garden of Gethsemane, Bethany, Dead Sea, Qumran caves and much more. Petra, a city carved out of rock, is spectacular!

Color brochures are available in the Porter’s Office

- SPACES ARE STILL AVAILABLE -

$300 DEPOSIT DUE NOW!

FINAL PAYMENT DUE 95 DAYS BEFORE DEPARTURE (1/26/07)

Please call Fr. Daniel Barica (805) 682-4713 x122 for more information.



NEW YEAR’S RENEWAL RETREAT

Old Mission Santa Barbara with Fr. Richard McManus, OFM

Saturday December 30th—Monday January 1st
Pray in the New Year with the Franciscans

Please call 682-4713 x133 for more information


WE NEED YOUR HELP!

We are still in need of the following for Christmas Masses:
3 Eucharistic Ministers for Midnight Mass
4 Eucharistic Ministers for 10:00 AM Mass
6 Eucharistic Ministers for the 12 Noon Mass

Sign-up sheets are in the Sacristy. Thank you.


REFLECTION ON NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY OF THE WORD
Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Children always love to hear stories about when they were little. They never tire of hearing the same ones again and again. As adults, we hear these same stories with a different perspective. In them we see a glimpse of what has made us who we are. In the same way, Luke uses stories of Jesus’ early years to prepare us for his ministry. In the temple, his “Father’s house,” Jesus is at home. For now, he belongs to his parents, but that is not where he really belongs. We have seen a glimpse of the future. As Jesus “had to be” in his “Father’s house,” so must we make our own homes our “Father’s house” by honoring one another. In Christ, we see our true identity as God’s children, God’s “chosen ones,” God’s family in grace.

Life Focus

• What feelings do you think Jesus’ parents had during the three days they were searching for him?

• Describe a time in your life when you had to let go of a person or a project that had become dear to you. How was your belief in the power of Jesus involved in this letting go?

• Every family is a “holy family.” In your family situation, what can you do to better recognize the holiness in each member?


STEWARDSHIP OF TREASURE

Sunday, December 17th $11,704.00
Simbang Gabi Mass $281.00

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

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

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Today’s Gospel showcases the teaching of John and turns us toward the Jesus who is near, the One who teaches us the Good News of our salvation. This is the longest passage we have concerning what John taught. He taught hard things! How strange that, after John’s announcement that the mighty One will “gather the wheat” and burn the chaff in “unquenchable fire,” the Gospel would describe his message as “good news”! Such news is good, however, because the just judgment it announces also proclaims the advent of the One who is to come. The Good News is not a message but a person—Jesus.

The good news is announced to all those who would hear. John baptizes and preaches to crowds and to tax collectors and soldiers (marginalized people because of that they did.) When the crowd asks, “What should we do?” John answers to the effect that preparing for the Lord means caring for the needy and acting with justice.

The Gospel imagery of chaff and wheat captures well gospel living. Those who refuse to die to themselves and be transformed into those over whom God rejoices will “burn with unquenchable fire.” What should we do to avoid this judgment? The Gospel is clear: live as green wheat rising to new life. The second reading is specific: “Your kindness should be known to all.” Only by dying to self now do we avoid the everlasting judgment to burn with unquenchable fire.

When we live as wheat risen to new life in Christ, when we make our kindness known to all, we preach the Good News by our very lives. We announce with John that the Lord is near and that we have discovered anew what we should do. We have discovered anew that the Good news is revealed in our encounters with Jesus Christ.


TODAY’S READINGS

First Reading—Zephaniah 3:14-18a
Shout for joy! Sing joyfully! Be glad and exult!
The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior.

Responsorial Psalm—Isaiah 12
Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.

Second Reading—Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice! The Lord is near. Make your requests known to God.

Gospel—Luke 3:10-18
John tells his hearers to share their possessions with the needy; be honest; do not threaten or accuse others falsely.


THE CATHOLIC CHURCH WELCOMES YOU

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


QUESTION OF THE WEEK

When Jesus comes to you looking for wheat, what will he find?


DEAR PARISHIONERS AND VISITORS,

Today is traditionally known as “Gaudete” Sunday, which means “Rejoice” Sunday. Joy is a prominent aspect of all three readings as we move from focusing on the return of Christ at the end of time to the approaching commemoration of Christ’s first coming in the mystery of the Incarnation—Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem. From today onward, the readings and the prayers of the Mass call us to look back to the greatest of all of God’s actions in human history—God entering into our existence and experience through the person of Jesus the Christ.

December 17th is also the day on which the Church begins using the seven “O Antiphons” during the celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours. These prayers of praise, which date back at least to the seventh century, mark the Octave before Christmas (December 17-Dec 23). The importance of the “O Antiphons” is two-fold: each prayer highlights a title for the Messiah, and refers back to the prophecies of Isaiah in the Old Testament.

“O Wisdom, O holy Word of God, you govern all creation with your strong, yet tender care. Come and show your people the way to salvation...”
“O Adonai, O sacred One of ancient Israel, who showed yourself to Moses in the burning bush, who gave him the holy law on Sinai Mountain, come stretch out your mighty hand to set us free…”
“O Flower of Jesse’s Stem, you have been raised up as a sign for all people; rulers stand silent in your presence, the nations bow down in worship before you. Come, let nothing keep you from coming to our aid…”
“O Key of David, O Royal Power of Israel, controlling at your will the Gate of Heaven, come break down the prison walls of death for those who dwell in the darkness and the shadow of death, and lead your captive people into freedom…”
“O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice, come shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death…”
“O King of all nations, the only joy of the human heart; O Keystone of the mighty arch of humanity, come save the creature you fashioned from the dust…”
“O Emmanuel, king and lawgiver, desire of nations, Savior of all people, come and set us free, Lord our God…”

As you prepare yourself for Christmas during this week, take some time to pray and reflect on the “O Antiphons.”

Advent Blessings!

Patricia Sandall
Pastoral Associate


PARISH CALENDAR

Today Simbang Gabi Mass, 7PM in the Church, Bishop Thomas Curry, Presider
December 19 Advent Reconciliation at 7:00 PM in the Church
December 24 Fourth Sunday of Advent
December 24 Vigil of Christmas, Masses at 5:00 PM and Midnight
December 25 Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord, Masses at 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM
and 12:00 Noon


DO YOU KNOW…
The Gospel of Luke

If asked to name their favorite story from the Bible, most Christians would probably choose something from the Gospel of Luke. These stories are indeed unforgettable, and the Christian tradition is graced by this gospel from Luke’s hand. It is the only one of the four gospels to describe the angel’s annunciation of the coming birth of Jesus to Mary, and the visit of the shepherds at his birth; it is the only one to tell the parables of the Good Samaritan, of the prodigal son, and of the rich man and Lazarus; it is the only gospel to relate the story of Jesus and the disciples on the road to Emmaus after the resurrection. In addition to that, Luke’s Christmas story is proclaimed by Linus on the Charlie Brown Christmas special!

Archeologists and textual experts usually date the writing of the Gospel of Luke to around 80 CE. One piece of evidence that helps with the dating is that the gospel contains nearly all of Mark, and from this we know that it was composed after 70 CE (about when Mark was written). In addition to having Mark as a source, the Gospel of Luke shares a large chunk of material with Matthew, material that appears neither in Mark nor in John. From this we assume that there was another source for Luke, one that he and the writer of Matthew used together. Luke also had a source of information that only he used.

The evangelist Luke is also the author of the Acts of the Apostles, which is, in a sense, the second part to the gospel. This is evident from the very polished Greek of these two books, but more specifically, from the fact that both books are addressed to Theophilus, a fellow believer. (See Luke 1:3 and Acts 1:1.) Luke’s contribution, therefore, makes up more than one-quarter of the second testament.

The portrait of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke is of an itinerant prophet who is attracted to the poor and the outcast. He explains that his ministry is to them, and he envisions the heavenly banquet as filled with the poor and disenfranchised. The evangelist draws powerful portraits of despised members of the society, and much of the wonder of this compelling gospel is in its address to sinners.

The Gospel of Luke is proclaimed every third year. The feast of Saint Luke is October 18.


CALLING ALL SHEPHERDS

Volunteer shepherds are needed to keep vigil over the Christmas crèche this season. Please call the Parish Office if you can help out.


EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS & LECTORS CHRISTMAS SIGN-UP SHEETS

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

Also, a new Ministry Schedule for the months of December 2006 (excluding Christmas Eve Night and Christmas Day) and January 2007 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).


CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE

Christmas Eve Masses
5:00 PM * 12:00 Midnight

Christmas Day Masses
8:00 AM * 10:00 AM * 12:00 Noon


CHRISTIAN INITIATION
Welcome Victoria Kline!

At today’s 9:00 AM Mass we celebrate of the Rite of Welcoming for Victoria Kline. With great joy, we welcome Victoria into our community as a baptized Candidate in our Christian Adult formation process.

Victoria’s journey to full initiation into the Catholic Church will be supported by Celeste Barber, her sponsor, and by all of us who share responsibility for helping Victoria on this path. Join us in congratulating Victoria after this Mass on the portico and help her feel welcome whenever we gather!


GIVING TREE

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


LUMINARIAS FOR CHRISTMAS CAROLING

We need help making luminarias for the Christmas Carol Sing-a-Long, as well as help setting them up on Saturday, December 16th at 5:00 PM. Please call Laura in the Parish Office at 682-4151.


THE 2007 CALENDARS ARE HERE!

All parishioners are invited to pick up their copy of the 2007 calendar in the Parish Social Room after Mass this weekend.


NEW YEAR’S RENEWAL RETREAT

Old Mission Santa Barbara with Fr. Richard McManus, OFM

Saturday December 30th—Monday January 1st
Pray in the New Year with the Franciscans

Please call 682-4713 x133 for more information


PLEASE DONATE A POINSETTIA

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


SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION

Often, we equate reconciliation with forgiveness of sins. Scripture, however, presents a broader understanding. Ephesians 2:12-22 serves as a mirror revealing that baptism, Eucharist and reconciliation (or penance) are all “sacraments of reconciliation.” Here, reconciliation means:

• an end to being “immersed in this world, without hope, without God”
• removal of barriers that separate people
• an end to hostility
• unity among humans, and between humanity and God
• “the good news of peace”
• becoming citizens of God’s realm
• becoming dwellings “where God lives”

Our Advent Sacrament of Reconciliation will be held on Tuesday, December 19th, at 7:00 PM in the church. Several confessors will be available to help us “prepare the way of the Lord.” Please join in celebrating the gift of God’s unconditional forgiveness.


SAY “HELLO” TO OUR NEWEST PARISHIONERS

Blanca Flor Benedict
Anna C. LaMothe
Stephen and Olympic Murphy
Timothy and Diana Smith
Thao and Gary Thomas


LET US PRAY FOR THE SICK

Joan Biasetti
Diane Parsons
Carmen Gonsalues
Betty Pitman
Mary Ann Jenquin
Katherine Purdy
Blanche Johnson
John Ryan
Neil Kelley
Joe Setka
Anne Lano
Jack Stevens
Mia McCabe
John Tapia
Michael McEwen

May they know Christ's healinG


HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE

Join Fr. Daniel Barica, O.F.M., Pastor, St. Barbara Parish & Fr. Alberto Villafán, O.F.M., Associate Pastor, St. Francis on pilgrimage to The Holy Land and Petra, in Jordan
April 30 – May 10, 2007 … Spring flower season!

$2798 includes 11 days of travel, air fare (LAX), first-class hotels (private room & bath), daily breakfast & dinner, daily Masses & much more for a group of 32, with Nawas International Travel. We will visit all the important sites in Jerusalem, Nazareth, Bethlehem and along the shores of the Sea of Galilee, including Capernaum, Tabgha (miracle of loaves and fishes), Garden of Gethsemane, Bethany, Dead Sea, Qumran caves and much more. Petra, a city carved out of rock, is spectacular!

Color brochures are available in the Porter’s Office and the Parish Office.

$300 DEPOSIT DUE NOW!

FINAL PAYMENT DUE 95 DAYS BEFORE DEPARTURE (1/26/07)

Please call Fr. Daniel Barica (805) 682-4713 x122 for more information.


REFLECTION ON NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY OF THE WORD
Fourth Sunday of Advent

Luke’s account of the visitation is a lovely human story. In addition, there are deep statements about God and the desired relationship with God. The account reveals profound faith in the Lordship of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. Mary is blessed because of her trusting acceptance of God’s plan for her. She is the model disciple, a model for all. She hears the word of God and keeps it, not really knowing what lies in store for her. Also, Mary’s blessedness comes from the “fruit of her womb.” Elizabeth voices the fundamental Christian faith in the Lordship of Jesus: “But who am I that the mother of my Lord should come to me?”

Life Focus

•Share a time in your life when you’ve been asked to believe in God’s promise when all circumstances would have you believe otherwise.
•State when in your life you’ve been filled with enthusiasm and joy and proclaimed Jesus as Lord.
•Compare a time you said “yes” to God, when you “went out in haste,” to a time you went out with careful deliberation.
•In what circumstances do you find it most difficult to be honest and open about what you think and feel?


PREPARE FOR NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY

First Reading: Micah 5:1-4a
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 80
Second Reading: Hebrews 10:5-10
Gospel: Luke 1:39-45


STEWARDSHIP OF TREASURE

Sunday, December 10th $10,886.00
Immaculate Conception $922.00
Retirement Fund for Religious $3,127.00

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

_____________________________________________

CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE

Christmas Eve Masses
5:00 PM * 12:00 Midnight

Christmas Day Masses
8:00 AM * 10:00 AM * 12:00 Noon

______________________________________________


SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

It was to none of the powerful (Caesar, Pilate, etc.) that God’s word came, it was not in the centers of power that God’s word was announced. God’s word came to John and was announced in the desert. So it is with us: God’s word comes to us in the desert places of our lives as we struggle to “prepare the way of the Lord.” One way we prepare for the coming of the Word is by listening to God’s word. Indeed, already in the listening God is present to us!

In an age when we are inundated with sounds, words, music, etc., it can be difficult to hear God’s word. We need a place of quiet—our own desert—to listen for and hear God’s word to us. But although we hear God’s word in the desert, the desert is not our home. The “Word of the Holy One” calls us out of the desert and leads us to the new Jerusalem.

The Liturgy of the Word challenges us to take the real events of our everyday lives—all the suffering and pain, all the anxiety and hopelessness, all the joy and peace—and see them as means to recognize the presence of Christ to us. These events in their own way are God’s word coming to us. In this way we make our Advent something more than the preparation for a single-day feast of a birth. This is what Advent is all about—recognizing the presence of Christ in our lives as salvation already come because God’s Word has already been spoken to us. Christian living challenges us to stop our busy-ness long enough to hear that Word, to be overshadowed by the Word, to allow the Word to make straight our paths.


TODAY’S READINGS

First Reading—Baruch 5:1-9
Stand on the heights, Jerusalem; see your children rejoicing that they are remembered by God. A merciful and just God leads Israel in joy.

Responsorial Psalm—Psalm 126
The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.

Second Reading—Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11
May your love increase in knowledge to discern what is valuable that you may be blameless for the day of Christ.

Gospel—Luke 3:1-6
John proclaims a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. All flesh shall see the salvation of God.


THE CATHOLIC CHURCH WELCOMES YOU!

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


QUESTION OF THE WEEK

In what ways do you experience the forgiveness of God?


DEAR PARISHIONERS AND VISITORS,

Each December my mother made an Advent calendar out of cardboard and aluminum foil and hung it on the refrigerator. She created foil cut-outs in the shape of a star, wrote a date on each star, and taped them to the cardboard. The December 25 star was much bigger than all the others. Each star represented a day in Advent but, like most kids, to me it meant how many days until Christmas. Well, the first kid out of bed got to pluck a shiny star off the calendar (and, thus, the daily countdown to the gifts). Come to think of it, this may have been a clever way for my mother to get her children out of bed! And instead of asking her the never-ending question, “how many days til Christmas,” we could just count the stars.

My understanding of Advent as a child is comparable to a quote by the poet T.S. Eliot, “I’ve had the experience, but I’ve missed the meaning.” But that was then. It’s Advent again. I still have an Advent calendar. And that is where the similarities end.

Advent is the time to prepare our hearts for and to live our lives in preparation for Christ’s coming. Today’s readings speak of the end of time and remind us of the importance of being ready. Luckily for us, we are afforded the opportunity to better ourselves over and over again. Every day, we get yet another chance to change – to prepare the way of the Lord. Luke and John the Baptist remind us, especially in Advent, to turn away from being satisfied and content with our present life, and to make every day a prayer of praise and thanksgiving that we reflect in our attitudes and actions. All who are struggling with their faith are encouraged to stand up, to have confidence, to be strong, to “look to the east.” Paul’s letter to the Philippians encourages us to be pure and blameless in order that we may experience the day of Christ.

Jesus is Lord and the full meaning of salvation is possible for all who turn to him. Luke’s gospel tells us, “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” Every day, I work at straightening the crooked paths in my life. I remember what we say every Sunday, “we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.”

The Advent season is short this year with fewer stars to pluck from the calendar. Now I know that each one is filled with the Lord’s goodness.

Laura Ardry, Pastoral Council Member


PARISH CALENDAR

Dec 9-10 Retirement Fund for Religious Collection
Dec 12 Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mass at 12 Noon (there will be no 7:30 AM Mass this day)
Dec 16 Volunteers to meet in front of the Church at 5:00 PM to Build Luminarias
Dec 16 Christmas Carol Sing-a-Long, 7PM in front of the Church (bring your own candle)
Dec 17 Simbang Gabi Mass, 7PM in the Church, Bishop Thomas Curry, Presider
Dec 19 Advent Reconciliation, 7PM in the Church


DO YOU KNOW …
Eternity’s Clock and Crown

What is this Advent wreath whose four candles help us mark the passing of the weeks before Christmas? It is eternity’s clock—a circle that says “In our ending is our beginning.” It is the wheel of time—a circle of evergreen branches—cut and left to wither—revealing that death and life are two pieces of a whole. It is also a crown, the victor’s laurel garland, the sign that the race is done, the prize won. It is the crown of us as a people, a chosen race, a royal priesthood. It is the crown of each of us as individuals—baptized individuals whose heads were smeared with that royal oil, chrism. We are marked for eternity. With four candles lit, the Advent wreath is the fiery crown that we give to Christ the King, the Savior who returns in the growing gloom to gather us into our eternal home, the new and heavenly Jerusalem.

O God, rejoicing,
we remember the promise of your Son.
As the light from this candle,
may the blessing of Christ come upon us,
brightening our way
and guiding us by his truth.
May Christ our Savior bring life
into the darkness of our world,
and to us, as we wait for his coming.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen


LET US PRAY FOR THE SICK

Joan Biasetti
Diane Parsons
Carmen Gonsalues
Betty Pitman
Mary Ann Jenquin
Katherine Purdy
Blanche Johnson
John Ryan
Neil Kelley
Joe Setka
Anne Lano
Jack Stevens
Mia McCabe
John Tapia
Michael McEwen

May they know Christ's healing


POSTAGE STAMPS NEEDED

The Office of Restorative Justice is in need of donations of postage stamps. We distribute Christmas cards to our brothers and sisters in the County Jail and Juvenile Halls, but we need to provide postage. We need approximately 2600 stamps! Your contribution will be most appreciated. Please forward your donation by December 16 to:
Marciano Avilla
Office of Restorative Justice
4032 La Colina Rd., Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 898-7008 • marciano@sbpr.org


RETIREMENT FUND FOR THE RELIGIOUS

Today’s second collection benefits the Retirement Fund for Religious. The total amount donated since 1988—almost $500 million—would pay for just one year of skilled nursing and assisted living for more than 11,000 religious in need of such care today. Even the extraordinary response to this appeal actually represents a donation of only one dollar per year per adult Catholic in the United States. Please give generously.


CALLING ALL SHEPHERDS

Volunteer shepherds are needed to keep vigil over the Christmas crèche this season. Please call the Parish Office if you can help out.


EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS & LECTORS CHRISTMAS SIGN-UP SHEETS

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

Also, A new Ministry Schedule for the months of December 2006 (excluding Christmas Eve Night and Christmas Day) and January 2007 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).


SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION

Often, we equate reconciliation with forgiveness of sins. Scripture, however, presents a broader understanding. Ephesians 2:12-22 serves as a mirror revealing that baptism, Eucharist and reconciliation (or penance) are all “sacraments of reconciliation.” Here, reconciliation means:

• an end to being “immersed in this world, without hope, without God”
• removal of barriers that separate people
• an end to hostility
• unity among humans, and between humanity and God
• “the good news of peace”
• becoming citizens of God’s realm
• becoming dwellings “where God lives”

Our Advent Sacrament of Reconciliation will be held on Tuesday, December 19th, at 7:00 PM in the church. Several confessors will be available to help us “prepare the way of the Lord.” Please join in celebrating the gift of God’s unconditional forgiveness.


CHRISTIAN INITIATION
WELCOME VICTORIA KLINE!

Please join us at our 9:00 AM Mass on the Third Sunday of Advent, December 17th, in our celebration of the Rite of Welcoming for Victoria Kline. With great joy, we welcome Victoria into our community as a baptized Candidate in our Christian Adult formation process.

Victoria’s journey to full initiation into the Catholic Church will be supported by Celeste Barber, her sponsor, and by all of us who share responsibility for helping Victoria on this path. Join us in congratulating Victoria after this mass on the portico and help her feel welcome whenever we gather!


THANK YOU, ST. BARBARA PARISH

“Peace and all good! Thank you for your recent gift of $1,679 to the Franciscan Missionary Union. Your generosity helps the Franciscans to serve the needs of the church and the world, and it’s an important witness to the goodness of God.”
- Brother John Summers, OFM
_____

“We wish to gratefully acknowledge your generosity and that of the good people of the Saint Barbara Parish. Your offering in the amount of $2,618 represents your heartwarming response to the mission appeal that our missionary preached for the benefit of the Society of the Comboni Missionaries. May Our Lord bless and reward you for the interest and concern you have shown for our missionaries and may we continue to work together in our common goal of spreading the word of Jesus.”
- Rev. Joseph Bragotti, Missions Director
_____

“Thank you very much for the generous World Mission Sunday contribution of $1,503 from the people of Saint Barbara Parish. I am deeply grateful for your financial support for the formation of our seminarians. Without you, we could barely move forward in the formation of local priests for our vast diocese. You enable us to keep the Church going and to spread the Gospel. How can we ever thank you? Know that you remain in my prayers and in the prayers of the people of the Missions.”
- Rev. Msgr. Terrance L. Fleming, Archdiocesan Dir.


HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE

Join Fr. Daniel Barica, O.F.M., Pastor, St. Barbara Parish & Fr. Alberto Villafán, O.F.M., Associate Pastor, St. Francis on pilgrimage to:

THE HOLY LAND and PETRA, in Jordan
APRIL 30 - MAY 10, 2007
Spring flower season!

$2798 includes 11 days of travel, air fare (LAX), first-class hotels (private room & bath), daily breakfast & dinner, daily Masses & much more for a group of 32, with Nawas International Travel. We will visit all the important sites in Jerusalem, Nazareth, Bethlehem and along the shores of the Sea of Galilee, including Capernaum, Tabgha (miracle of loaves and fishes), Garden of Gethsemane, Bethany, Dead Sea, Qumran caves and much more. Petra, a city carved out of rock, is spectacular!

Color brochures are available
in the Porter’s Office and the Parish Office.

$300 DEPOSIT DUE NOW!

FINAL PAYMENT DUE 95 DAYS BEFORE DEPARTURE (1/26/07)

Please call Fr. Daniel Barica (805) 682-4713 x122 for more information.


SIMBANG GABI

Save the date! For the first time, St. Barbara Parish will host a Simbang Gabi Mass with Bishop Thomas Curry, presider, on Sunday, December 17th at 7:00 PM in the Church. Simbang Gabi is a traditional Filipino Advent Mass. This year’s theme is:

You will find a CHILD … lying in a manger. Lk 2:12

“Makikita ninyo any isang SANGGOL…
na nakahimlay sa sabsaban.”


GIVING TREE

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


LUMINARIAS FOR CHRISTMAS CAROLING

We need help making luminarias for the Christmas Carol Sing-a-Long, as well as help setting them up on Saturday, December 16th at 5:00 PM. Please call Laura in the Parish Office at 682-4151.


THE 2007 CALENDARS ARE HERE

All parishioners are invited to pick up their copy of the 2007 calendar in the Parish Social Room after Mass this weekend.


NEW YEAR’S RENEWAL RETREAT

Old Mission Santa Barbara
with Fr. Richard McManus, OFM

Saturday December 30th—Monday January 1st
Pray in the New Year
with the Franciscans

Please call 682-4713 x133
for more information


PLEASE DONATE A POINSETTIA

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


STEWARDSHIP OF TREASURE

Sunday, December 3rd $13,707.00

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

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

God is faithful. The promise made through Jeremiah (see first reading) is fulfilled in Jesus, the “just shoot” from the stump of David. Jesus, the embodiment of God’s fidelity, also makes a promise—he will return in glory with redemption. Such divine fidelity calls us to similar fidelity: we are to “conduct ourselves to please God.” We can be faithful because God is faithful.

We tend to think that if we are faithful, then God will be faithful to us. In fact, the opposite is true. Because God is faithful, we can be faithful. God is the One who is just and always faithful. “Justice” here means “righteousness,” that is, being in right relationship. We are in right relationship with God and each other when we align ourselves (by right living) with the “Son of Man.” Faithful living, then, presupposes right relationship with God expressed by patterning our life after that of the divine Son.

The way we live our faithfulness now is shaped by this particular time of the liturgical year, Advent. During Advent we Christians wait for more than a day (Christmas); we await a person—Jesus Christ who now reigns in glory. The paradox here is that we await the One who has already come! This paradox is played out in our everyday living as irreconcilable opposites: sometimes we live like Christ did and make his presence felt in our world; at other times we live as though our hearts have become drowsy and give in to the temptations to commit selfish acts. Then Christ seems far away and our relationship with God and each other is weakened.


QUESTION OF THE WEEK

How has God blessed you?


TODAY’S READINGS

First Reading—Jeremiah 33:14-16
The days are coming when the Lord will fulfill the promise made to Israel and Judah.

Responsorial Psalm—Psalm 25
To you, O Lord, I lift my soul.

Second Reading—1 Thessalonians 3:12—4:2
May the Lord make you increase and abound in love that you may be blameless in holiness; conduct yourselves so as to please God.

Gospel—Luke 21:25-28, 34-36
There will be signs and you will see the Son of Man coming with power and great glory.


THE CATHOLIC CHURCH WELCOMES YOU!

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


DEAR PARISHIONERS AND VISITORS,

Babies are cute, aren’t they? My sister just had a baby and I keep getting photos sent to me on the internet of his latest look and outfit. I also have been hearing the story about how much time and effort babies need, which makes me think that they are much cuter when they belong to someone else! Just preparing for one takes a lot of work and planning. My sister and her husband’s lives have had to change so much for their son. It truly is a labor of love and there is perhaps no other reason why people would give so much of themselves.

Advent is also a time of preparation and spiritual work. Yet it is much more than preparing for a baby. Listen to the beautiful yet alarming readings of this season. They speak to us of vigilance and watchfulness, both for the coming Christ child and for our redemption that is imminent. It’s easy to grow drowsy and impatient after 2000 years, yet He’s coming, ready or not!

Last Sunday I offered everyone a quiz to help us assess how well we are living our discipleship in the areas of prayer, evangelization (growing in our faith and sharing it with others), outreach to the poor, and stewardship (recognizing, using and sharing our gifts). Since we have a new liturgical year we get to start over! So let us get our spiritual houses in order once again; to make room for the beautiful child and the persistent adult Jesus who loves us too much to leave us alone. Christ seeks full conversion and there is no time to lose. Are you ready?

We invite you to participate in two Advent rituals to help in your spiritual preparation: 1) you and your family can make an Advent wreath at our gathering this weekend. Light the candles and pray that you recognize the many ways that Christ comes to us; 2) in addition to putting out your own nativity scene, we invite you to take part in adopting a crèche figure for a new set that we will display outside this year. We have been wanting to replace the worn figures for many years and we suddenly received a half-price offer that we could not pass up – yet we need your help to offset the cost. (More information is forthcoming about this project.)

Your Advent will, no doubt, be filled with many activities as Christmas quickly approaches. Don’t forget to stop and remember the One who came to us a long time ago, who suddenly comes in surprising ways, and is still to come when we least expect it.

May the joy, hope and stillness of Advent be yours,

Fr. Daniel F. Barica, O.F.M., Pastor


PARISH CALENDAR

TODAY Advent Wreath Making, Serra Hall, 12 Noon
Dec 4 Feast of Saint Barbara, Mass at 12 Noon (there will be no 7:30 AM Mass this day)
Dec 8 Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Holy Day. Masses at 7:30 AM and 7:00 PM
Dec 9-10 Retirement Fund for Religious Collection
Dec 12 Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mass at 12 Noon (there will be no 7:30 AM Mass this day)
Dec 16 Volunteers to Meet in front of the Church at 5:00 PM to Build Luminarias
Dec 16 Christmas Carol Sing-a-Long, 7PM in front of the Church (bring your own candle)
Dec 19 Advent Reconciliation, 7PM in the Church


DO YOU KNOW…
Advent—A Sense of the Season

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

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

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


CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE

Christmas Eve Masses
5:00 PM ? 12:00 Midnight

Christmas Day Masses
8:00 AM ? 10:00 AM ? 12:00 Noon


SIMBANG GABI

Save the date! For the first time, St. Barbara Parish will host a Simbang Gabi Mass with Bishop Thomas Curry, presider, on Sunday, December 17th at 7:00 PM in the Church. Simbang Gabi is a traditional Filipino Advent Mass. This year’s theme is:

You will find a CHILD … lying in a manger. Lk 2:12

“Makikita ninyo ang isang SANGGOL…
na nakahimlay sa sabsaban.”


LET US PRAY FOR THE SICK

Joan Biasetti
Diane Parsons
Carmen Gonsalues
Betty Pitman
Mary Ann Jenquin
Katherine Purdy
Neil Kelley
John Ryan
Anne Lano
Joe Setka
Mia McCabe
Jack Stevens
Michael McEwen
John Tapia

May they know Christ's healing


WHOLE COMMUNITY ADVENT GATHERING
Today at Serra Hall

All parishioners are invited to come to Serra Hall TODAY at 12:00 Noon for our “Whole Community Advent Celebration of the Season of Advent”. We will pray together, share a meal together and make Advent Wreaths for our homes. We hope to see you there!


TRANSITION HOUSE
On November 18th Transition House Homeless Shelter re-opened after a year of remodeling to make it more family-friendly. Family bedrooms have replaced dormitories and there is at least one window and a thermostat in each bedroom. New features include a's enrichment room for arts and crafts, music, storytelling, games, etc., a children's library, a computer lab and two lounges.the dining area, small square tables, seating four people, have replaced long tables, seating twelve people, creating a friendlier and quieter dining experience. St. Barbara Parish "adopted" a bedroom at Transition House, which members of the Parish Justice, Peace & Integrity of Creation Committee furnished and decorated. They placed the following framed "Blessing on this Room" in English and Spanish on the desk:

A Blessing On This Room

Doorway, open to our friends.
Walls, keep us safe inside.
Window, welcome sunshine and starlight.
Mirror, reflect joyful smiles.
Lamp, brighten the dark.
Desk, inspire creativity.
Blankets, give warmth during slumber.
Pillows, bring peaceful dreams.
World, bring us hope and success,
Peace and love in all places always.

- Your friends at St. Barbara Parish


SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION

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

Our Advent Sacrament of Reconciliation will be held on Tuesday, December 19th, at 7:00 PM in the church. Several confessors will be available to help us “prepare the way of the Lord.” Please join in celebrating the gift of God’s unconditional forgiveness.


PILGRIMAGE

Join Fr. Daniel Barica, O.F.M., Pastor, St. Barbara Parish & Fr. Alberto Villafán, O.F.M., Associate Pastor, St. Francis on pilgrimage to:

THE HOLY LAND and PETRA, in Jordan
APRIL 30 - MAY 10, 2007
Spring flower season!

$2798 includes 11 days of travel, air fare (LAX), first-class hotels (private room & bath), daily breakfast & dinner, daily Masses & much more for a group of 32, with Nawas International Travel. We will visit all the important sites in Jerusalem, Nazareth, Bethlehem and along the shores of the Sea of Galilee, including Capernaum, Tabgha (miracle of loaves and fishes), Garden of Gethsemane, Bethany, Dead Sea, Qumran caves and much more. Petra, a city carved out of rock, is spectacular!

Color brochures are available
in the Porter’s Office and the Parish Office.

$300 DEPOSIT DUE NOW!

FINAL PAYMENT DUE 95 DAYS BEFORE DEPARTURE (1/26/07)

Please call Fr. Daniel Barica (805) 682-4713 x122 for more information.


POSTAGE STAMPS NEEDED

The Office of Restorative Justice is in need of donations of postage stamps. We distribute Christmas cards to our brothers and sisters in the County Jail and Juvenile Halls, but we need to provide postage. We need approximately 2600 stamps! Your contribution will be most appreciated. Please forward your donation by December 16 to:
Marciano Avilla
Office of Restorative Justice
4032 La Colina Rd., Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 898-7008
marciano@sbpr.org


SAY “HELLO” TO OUR NEWEST PARISHIONERS

Raul Rodriguez
Rachel Tanck
Brandice Valentino


GIVING TREE

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


CALLING ALL SHEPHERDS

Volunteer shepherds are needed to keep vigil over the Christmas crèche this season. Please call the Parish Office if you can help out.


LUMINARIAS FOR CHRISTMAS CAROLING

We need help making luminarias for the Christmas Carol Sing-a-Long, as well as help setting them up on Saturday, December 16th at 5:00 PM. Please call Laura in the Parish Office at 682-4151.


EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS & LECTORS CHRISTMAS SIGN-IN SHEETS

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

Also, A new Ministry Schedule for the months of December 2006 (excluding Christmas Eve Night and Christmas Day) and January 2007 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).


THE 2007 CALENDARS ARE HERE

All parishioners are invited to pick up their copy of the 2007 calendar in the Parish Social Room after Mass this weekend.


YOUNG ADULTS – COME ONE, COME ALL

The Young Adult Ministry’s Christmas party and Mass will take place on Wednesday, December 13th, at 7:00 PM at the Pastoral Center, 4032 La Colina Road. Bishop Curry will preside. Please RSVP to Kelly and Michelle at 682-1508 or email them at BridgeSantaBarb@aol.com.


PLEASE DONATE A POINSETTIA

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


STEWARDSHIP OF TREASURE

Sunday, November 26th $11,008.00
Thanksgiving Day Collection $704.00
(proceeds to St. Vincent de Paul)

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


SPECIAL COLLECTION FOR THE RETIREMENT FUND FOR RELIGIOUS

Next week the second collection benefits the Retirement Fund for Religious. More than 37,000 women and men religious are now past age 70 and their institutes struggle daily with the spiraling costs of health care. Please give generously.