FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT

The center of today’s gospel is not the woman or her sin of adultery, but a personal encounter with Jesus. Encountering Jesus always exposes the truth—both the woman and the crowd learn the truth about their own sin. They and we are not that different: we are all sinners who need to encounter Jesus, ask the truth about ourselves, and receive Jesus’ mercy. Encounter with Christ is the occasion for changing both the condemners and the condemned. Repentance means turning away from sinful behavior because one has encountered the One who is the author of truth and holiness. It is this encounter with Jesus that enables repentance in our lives.

Deep down inside, too many fear their sin is bigger than God’s mercy. Jesus, however, responds to profound sin with even more profound mercy. Once we encounter Jesus, we are moved to repent, to change our behaviors. After the encounter, what previously seemed valuable to us (our own way) is seen in truth to be sinful or rubbish. “I consider everything as loss because of the supreme good of knowing Christ Jesus” (second reading). Consequently, our encounter with Jesus moves us to die to self (“For his sake I have accepted the loss of all things”) so that we “gain Christ.” Therein lies repentance.

Repentance, then, includes both a dying and a rising. Changing our ways is the dying; a new relationship with Christ is the rising. The deepest truth about ourselves lies not so much in recognizing our sinfulness (as important as that is!) as it lies in deepening our relationship with Christ. Encountering Christ and desiring to be more like him is what calls forth from us a repentant attitude. The closer we become to Christ the more able are we to recognize our own sinfulness (that which weakens our relationship with him) and repent of our ways. Then we hear Christ say to us, “Neither do I condemn you.”


QUESTION OF THE WEEK

When do you open yourself to encountering Jesus?


TODAY’S READINGS

First Reading—Isaiah 43:16-21
(Ezekiel 37:12-14 at 9AM)
The Lord does something new for the chosen people.

Responsorial Psalm—Psalm 126
(Ps. 130 at 9AM)
The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.

Second Reading—Philippians 3:8-14
(Romans 8:8-11 at 9AM)
The supreme good is knowing Jesus as Lord.

Gospel—John 8:1-11
(John 11:1-45 [3-7, 17, 20-27, 33b-45 at 9AM)
A woman caught in the act of adultery is brought to Jesus. He challenges anyone without sin to throw the first stone.


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 682-4713 x140 or stop by the Parish Office.


DEAR PARISHIONERS AND VISITORS,

Today is the Fifth Sunday in Lent. It also marks the day of the Annunciation of Jesus, the moment when the Archangel Gabriel told Mary she was going to be the mother of our Lord, which we will commemorate tomorrow with the Feast of the Annunciation. As we observe the Lenten season and celebrate the life of Jesus, from his conception to his crucifixion and resurrection, our readings today remind us that we are at the start of “something” new.

Starting with Isaiah the Lord tells us “I am doing something new! Now it springs forth. Do you not perceive it?” With these three sentences, the Lord, rather bluntly, tells us the path to salvation and everlasting life is unlike anything the world has ever known. It comes from the creation of a new life, yet the choice is left to us on whether to recognize and accept this gift the Lord has offered.

Much can be said on how an individual comes to recognize and accept patterns observed in every day life. Events of chance to some are the works of the Lord to others. This difference in interpretation comes from perception, which is directly shaped by life experiences. To paraphrase Father Daniel’s homily from last Sunday, we view the world not as it is, but as we are.

In my own case, my wife Julie and I are expecting our first child in May. The emotions and changes that pregnancy has had on both of our lives are profound. There is an entire world I never knew existed but now experience every time I place my hand on Julie’s belly and feel a tiny little kick. The daily changes of a new life coming into this world has both of us automatically, in the words from our second reading today, “forgetting what lies behind [us] but straining forward to what lies ahead.”

In today’s Gospel, the culmination of “what lies ahead” is revealed. The woman caught committing adultery has her past transgressions forgiven and in the process becomes an equal to those who tried to condemn her. Under the Lord’s new covenant that begins with the Annunciation of Christ, we are all equals, but it is up to us to understand and act upon this awareness.

Now, some would say it was chance that with a baby on the way, I have been offered the opportunity to reflect on this Sunday’s readings and the Annunciation. Others would say it is too much of a coincidence to be just chance. Either way, I feel blessed to share my thoughts with all of you on the birth of my own child, the coming resurrection of our Lord and His Annunciation that marks exactly nine months until December 25, the birth of Christ or, in another term, one pregnancy cycle until our world is new again.

Eric Friedman, Pastoral Council Member


PARISH CALENDAR

March 27 Pastoral Council Meeting at 7:00 PM
April 1 Palm Sunday
April 4 Holy Thursday (see Triduum schedule)
April 5 Good Friday (see Triduum schedule)
April 12 Baptisms Class at 6:30 PM
April 15 Baptisms at the 10:30 AM Mass


THE SACRED THREE DAYS
THE TRIDUUM

Holy Thursday—April 5

7:30 AM Morning Prayer (no Mass) (in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel)
7:00 PM Mass of the Lord’s Supper (prepare to have your feet washed!)

Good Friday—April 6

7:30 AM Morning Prayer (no Mass) (in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel)
12:00 Noon Stations of the Cross (outside in front of the Church)
3:00 PM Solemn Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion

Holy Saturday—April 7

7:30 AM Morning Prayer (no Mass)
(no 4:00 PM Mass; no Confessions)

8:00 PM Glorious Easter Vigil

Easter Sunday—April 8

Masses of the Lord’s Resurrection
7:30 AM 9:00 AM 10:30 AM 12:00 Noon


LENT 2007
Form a New Heart Within Us

God loves us and accepts us exactly where we are, and yet loves us too much to leave us that way. To help us in the process of ongoing conversion, the Church offers us special times and seasons, like Lent. Why not take advantage of the following opportunities for conversion of heart, both individually and communally?

STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Every Friday of Lent, 5:30 PM
In the Mission Church
We will use a different version each Friday
SOUP SUPPER to follow in the Parish Social Room

“WHY ARE YOU FOLLOWING THAT MAN WITH THE CROSS?”
Every Wednesday of Lent, 9:30 AM-2:00 PM
Mission Renewal Center
Days of Recollection on various Lenten themes
offered by Fr. Richard, Fr. Howard and Sr. Susan Blomstad
(Suggested donation, $18 per Wednesday)
RSVP to MRC at 805 682-4713, x133


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.


MINISTRY TO THE HOMBOUND

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.


TRANSITION HOUSE

Transition House Homeless Shelter needs 2 volunteers to spend time with school-age children from 6:30-8:30 PM on Mondays and/or Wednesdays while their parents attend classes. The volunteers can play games with the children, talk with them, read to them, or do simple crafts with them. A staff person will be available as a resource. Please call Carly at 966-9668 ext. 115 if you can help.


NEW PARISH OFFICE HOURS

Please note the Parish Office is now closed on Mondays. Our new office hours are:

Tuesday-Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

You are welcome to leave messages on the Parish voice mail (682-4151). We will return your call on Tuesday.


ALWAYS OUR CHILDREN

The Catholic support group for parents of Gay and Lesbian Children from the Santa Barbara and Ventura area meets on the 4th Monday of every other month. We will meet Monday, March 26th, at 7:30 PM. This is a safe and comfortable environment where you can share your feelings and fears, and ask questions. The meetings are informal and confidential. For more information, please call Kathie & Joe Schneider at 805/687-4338.


CASA ESPERANZA HOMELESS SHELTER, COMMUNITY KITCHEN

Explore volunteer opportunities to aid the homeless through the Community Kitchen at Casa Esperanza. Volunteers are needed to help prepare food, help serve, and pick up donated food. Interested? Plan to attend an orientation at Casa Esperanza on Tuesday, April 3rd.We will meet in the Mission parking lot at 9:30 AM. (Arrangements can be made for volunteers who work during the day.) To sign up for the orientation or for more information, please call 687-0357. Sponsored by St. Barbara Parish Peace, Justice and Integrity of Creation Ministry


SAY “HELLO” TO OUR NEW PARISHIONERS!

Jacques, Marie, Maxime and Andrea Villeneuve


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.


ATTENTION LITURGICAL MINISTERS

During the next week or so you will be contacted by the coordinators of your ministry regarding the Holy Week and Easter Masses—some of the largest Masses of the year. Please be generous with your time. If you’re going to be in town, we need your help!


USHERS ...PLEASE TAKE NOTE

We need your help at the Holy Week and Easter Masses. Sign-up sheets can be found by the ushers’ closet. Please sign up today. Thank you.


GOOD FRIDAY COLLECTION FOR THE HOLY PLACES

Your help is needed now, as in the days of Saint Francis, to protect the Holy Places of the Holy Land. Even more important, your help is needed to protect the Holy Name of Our Lord in this troubled land which He chose for His birth, sacrificial death and victorious resurrection.

That is why Franciscan Missioners in the Holy Land minister—in Christ’s name—to the people there. The Holy Land Franciscans protect more than the stones of ancient shrines from the ravages of time or armies or tourists. They express the very idea of what it means to follow Christ, just as we do.

Your donation will give life to some and hope to others, lighting candles of faith in darkened shrines and lives. At this sacred time of year, please give generously to the annual Collection for the Shrines (and people) of the Holy Land. A special collection will take place at our Solemn Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday.


FROM DEATH TO THE FULLNESS OF LIFE

Shirley Giordano
Sister of Parishioner Joyce Patterson

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


NEW MINISTRY SCHEDULE AVAILABLE

A new Ministry Schedule for the months of April and May 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).


NEW MEXICO—A SPIRITUAL ADVENTURE

Fr. Jack Clark Robinson will hold an informational meeting at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, April 11th, in the Assisi Lounge. Deposits are due ASAP. For more information, please contact Bernice Anfuso at 569-7005.


SECULAR FRANCISCANS

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


LET US PRAY FOR THE SICK

Joan Biasetti
Anne Lano
Darrell Blagg
Mia McCabe
Felicitas Bonilla
Michael McEwen
Carmen Gonsalues
Diane Parsons
Mary Ann Jenquin
Catharene Purdy
Neil Kelley
John Tapia

May they know Christ's healing


THE SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT de PAUL

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


REFLECTION ON NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY OF THE WORD
PALM SUNDAY

The Passion narrative in Luke’s gospel pulls together many of Jesus’ teachings. The Last Supper recalls the meals Jesus shared with outcasts and sinners. Jesus uses this meal and the cross as the entry to the fullness of the heavenly banquet where we will eat again with him and with each other. On the way to Calvary, he continues to call the people to repent, to change their hearts. Jesus continues to reach out and forgive, even from the cross. He forgives his killers and offers salvation to the repentant thief. Jesus dies as he lives, the obedient and faithful servant of God. Because of this he is raised up in the kingdom.

Life Focus

* How do you deny Jesus in your everyday life?

* Jesus suffered when he was innocent. What does this say to you?


PREPARE FOR NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY

First Reading: Isaiah 50:4-7
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 22
Second Reading: Philippians 2:6-11
Gospel: Luke 22:14—23:56


STEWARDSHIP OF TREASURE

Sunday, March 18, 2007 $10,862.00

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


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.

FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT

Today’s Gospel about the Prodigal Son is probably one of the most familiar to us; our Lenten challenge is to hear it anew and respond to the parable’s call to repent and come to the feast. Reconciliation is, indeed, a “passing over” from famine to feast, from self-indulgence to self-giving. Like the father in the parable, our heavenly Father is loving and compassionate, always inviting us to his feast. The surprise of the parable is that the father expresses his forgiveness by restoring the younger son to their former relationship. God does the same with us. This ought to give us courage to undertake our own repenting, no matter what our sinfulness.

Our Lenten penance calls us to go beyond where we are (like either the younger son or the elder son) to the compassion and generosity of the father. Every day in countless ways we are faced with a choice to repent and make stronger our relationships with others. Only by choosing to repent can we feast. Ultimately, our Lenten (and life) journey is one of reconciliation which brings healing and restored relationship. Reconciliation implies a letting go of whatever binds us or hinders us or turns us in on ourselves and a “passing over” to receiving the compassion and mercy which can only be celebrated in the abundance of a feast.

Lent tends to pass all too quickly. We cannot let it go by and be satisfied only with “giving up” something. Lent also offers us a positive opportunity to reflect on our many relationships, especially with those closest to us (family, parish community, colleagues at work). Repentance challenges us to look deeply into our own selves and root out whatever self-centeredness keeps us from receiving God’s mercy and compassion and from offering forgiveness to (or seeking it from) others.


QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Which of the two sons is more like you?


TODAY’S READINGS

First Reading—Joshua 5:9a, 10-12 (1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a at 9AM)
God’s people enter the promised land, observe the Passover, and eat of the produce of the land.

Responsorial Psalm—Psalm 34 (Ps. 23 at 9AM)
Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

Second Reading—2 Corinthians 5:17-21 (Ephesians 5:8-14 at 9AM))
We are now ambassadors for Christ.

Gospel—Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 (John 9:1-41 [1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38] at 9AM)
We must rejoice when our brother who was dead in sin repents and comes back to life.


THE CATHOLIC CHURCH WELCOMES YOU

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

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 682-4713 x140 or stop by the Parish Office.


THE SACRED THREE DAYS
THE TRIDUUM

Holy Thursday—April 5

7:30 AM Morning Prayer (no Mass)
(in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel)

7:00 PM Mass of the Lord’s Supper
(prepare to have your feet washed!)

Good Friday—April 6

7:30 AM Morning Prayer (no Mass)
(in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel)

12:00 Noon Stations of the Cross
(outside in front of the Church)

3:00 PM Solemn Liturgy
of the Lord’s Passion

Holy Saturday—April 7

7:30 AM Morning Prayer (no Mass)
(no 4:00 PM Mass; no Confessions)

8:00 PM Glorious Easter Vigil

Easter Sunday—April 8

Masses of the Lord’s Resurrection
7:30 AM 9:00 AM 10:30 AM 12:00 Noon


DEAR PARISHIONERS and VISITORS,

As we cross the halfway mark of Lent, the Church invites us to REJOICE! We change colors for one Sunday in Lent from penance purple to ROSE, a color that denotes the JOY of being almost there! Where is “there,” you ask? Easter joy – the joy of celebrating resurrection!

Joy is something that is going to help us carry our crosses. As we walk with Jesus during our parish Stations of the Cross (Fridays, 5:30 PM), I can’t help but think about not only my crosses but those of the people gathered in the Church, as well as crosses born today throughout our world – there are so many! And that is precisely the point of this Franciscan devotion. Even though our imaginations may take us to the various scenes of Christ’s suffering; even though we feel the defeat each time Christ falls and the piercing pain of the nails going in through his hands, the power of this devotion really comes when present day crosses come to mind. Somewhere a parent carries the cross of having a wayward child who is willing to rob the family fortune, only to waste it all on reckless living. And how many countless individuals bear the cross of being in relationship with people who have hearts of stone – unforgiving and unable to rejoice, full of pride, resentments and anger at what the world is not. Do these crosses sound familiar? The story of the prodigal son contains representations of wayward hearts just like these, that are outdone by the generosity of a Father’s heart who is patient, compassionate and full of forgiveness. I pray the Stations of the Cross be a prayer that forms within us hearts like that.

This week the parish invites you Tuesday night at 7:00 PM to bring some healing to your heart, in whatever condition you may find it. Remember that the Church asks that you go to sacramental reconciliation at least once per year, best done at this time in order to prepare our hearts to fully embrace Easter joy (Easter duty). Don’t lose this opportunity!

Finally, as we ready ourselves for Easter season, I want to put out a CALL TO ALL MINISTERS to begin to gear up for the most important liturgies of the year.

May God bless us, heal our hearts and make us faithful disciples!

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


PARISH CALENDAR

Tonight St. Joseph’s Dinner at 6PM
March 20 Communal Reconciliation at 7:00 PM in the Church
March 23 Stations of the Cross at 5:30 PM
March 26 Annunciation of the Lord, Mass at 7:30 AM
March 27 Pastoral Council Meeting at 7:00 PM
April 1 Palm Sunday
April 4 Holy Thursday (see Triduum schedule)
April 5 Good Friday (see Triduum schedule)


LENT 2007
Form a New Heart Within Us

God loves us and accepts us exactly where we are, and yet loves us too much to leave us that way. To help us in the process of ongoing conversion, the Church offers us special times and seasons, like Lent. Why not take advantage of the following opportunities for conversion of heart, both individually and communally?

STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Every Friday of Lent, 5:30 PM
In the Mission Church
We will use a different version each Friday
SOUP SUPPER to follow in the Parish Social Room

COMMUNAL RECONCILIATION
Tuesday, March 20, 7:00 PM
In the Mission Church
Our Sacrament of Reconciliation for the Season of Lent
Celebrate God’s unconditional forgiveness

“WHY ARE YOU FOLLOWING THAT MAN WITH THE CROSS?”
Every Wednesday of Lent, 9:30 AM-2:00 PM
Mission Renewal Center
Days of Recollection on various Lenten themes
offered by Fr. Richard, Fr. Howard and Sr. Susan Blomstad
(Suggested donation, $18 per Wednesday)
RSVP to MRC at 805 682-4713, x133


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 Lenten Sacrament of Reconciliation will be held on Tuesday, March 20th, 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.


“CONVERSATIONS WITH DOROTHY DAY”

Saturday, March 24 7PM Serra Hall

All are invited to a one-woman dramatic presentation on the life of Dorothy Day by Sharon Halsey-Hoover.Dorothy Day (1897 - 1980) was a passionate advocate for the poor and spearheaded the formation of Catholic Worker Houses which shelter and serve the poor in communities around the nation.of these houses, Beatitude House, is located in Guadalupe, CA. The founders of this house, Dennis and Tensei Apel, will be present to answer questions. Admission is free.of dry beans and rice or monetary donations are most welcome. Come and hear the story of Dorothy Day's conversion of heart.

Sponsored by the Parish Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Committee (JPIC)


INTERFAITH INITIATIVE

You are invited to the upcoming IFISBC event entitled “Believing Women: Personal Stories of Faith.”

Thursday, March 22, 2007 6:30 to 9:00 PM
First Presbyterian Church—Fellowship Center
21 E. Constance, Santa Barbara

The event will feature six women from the Jewish, Christian and Muslim traditions sharing their personal spiritual stories. The event is part of the Interfaith Initiative’s “Faith in Action” series.

The event is free and open to the public. No ticket is required. For more information, please call Bill Graves at 805-964-9134 or Terre Sanitate at 805-201-3134.


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
Neil Kelley
Darrell Blagg
Anne Lano
Felicitas Bonilla
Mia McCabe
Shirley Giordano
Michael McEwen
Carmen Gonsalues
Diane Parsons
Mary Ann Jenquin
John Tapia

May they know Christ's healing


ATTENTION LITURGICAL MINISTERS

During the next week or so you will be contacted by the coordinators of your ministry regarding the Holy Week and Easter Masses—some of the largest Masses of the year. Please be generous with your time. If you’re going to be in town, we need your help!


USHERS ...PLEASE TAKE NOTE

We need your help at the Holy Week and Easter Masses. Sign-up sheets can be found by the ushers’ closet. Please sign up today. Thank you.


TRANSITION HOUSE

Transition House Homeless Shelter needs 2 volunteers to spend time with school-age children from 6:30-8:30 PM on Mondays and/or Wednesdays while their parents attend classes. The volunteers can play games with the children, talk with them, read to them, or do simple crafts with them. A staff person will be available as a resource. Please call Carly at 966-9668 ext. 115 if you can help.


NEW PARISH OFFICE HOURS

Please note the Parish Office is now closed on Mondays. Our new office hours are:

Tuesday-Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

You are welcome to leave messages on the Parish voice mail (682-4151). We will call you back on Tuesday morning.


ALWAYS OUR CHILDREN

The Catholic support group for parents of Gay and Lesbian Children from the Santa Barbara and Ventura area meets on the 4th Monday of every other month. We will meet Monday, March 26th, at 7:30 PM. This is a safe and comfortable environment where you can share your feelings and fears, and ask questions. The meetings are informal and confidential. For more information, please call Kathie & Joe Schneider at 805/687-4338.


SAY “HELLO” TO OUR NEW PARISHIONERS!

Michael and Michelle Jellen
Sarah Kelly
David, Jo, Brooke and Ian Sadecki


CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES COLLECTION

Today we will have a special collection for Catholic Relief Services. The Catholic Relief Services Collection supports Catholic Church organizations that carry out international relief and solidarity efforts. Please give generously.


STEWARDSHIP OF TREASURE

Sunday, March 11, 2007 $10,862.00

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


REFLECTION ON NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY OF THE WORD
FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT

The gospel of the woman caught in adultery shows Jesus’ concern for women put down and exploited. Those who accused the woman were using her to trap Jesus. If he says to let the woman go, he has no regard for the law that says she should be stoned to death. If he agrees that she should be stoned, he goes against his own gospel of compassion. Jesus says nothing; he stoops and scribbles in the sand. He says, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” The crowd, understandably, drifts away. Jesus is left alone with the woman. He treats her as a real person, with respect. He refuses to condemn her. He tells her to go, but from now on, to avoid this sin.

Life Focus

* Imagine this scene happening in your life. Who are you in this picture? How is Jesus guiding you toward forgiveness and compassion?

* In what ways does having your sinfulness or faults exposed help you toward greater compassion?


PREPARE FOR NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY

First Reading: Isaiah 43:16-21
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 126
Second Reading: Philippians 3:8-14
Gospel: John 8:1-11


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.

THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT

Jesus offers no explanation for the tragedies mentioned in the gospel. Instead he uses these tragedies to call the people to repent. While the stakes are high (repent or perish, bear fruit or be cut down), the parable offers this hope: that in our work of repentance God shows us patience (“leave it for this year”) and assists us (“I shall cultivate … and fertilize”). Thus, at the same time that we are jarred into the reality of repentance, we also hear about God’s great compassion.

The challenge of Lent is urgent: “repent or perish; bear fruit or be cut down.” But what does this urgency mean, for most of us really are scarcely huge sinners! Although murder and adultery and apostasy (giving up the faith) and other public, scandalous, heinous sins are as much a part of our Church now as they were when the early Church practiced public penitence, the vast majority of us are just common sinful folk. Sometimes it’s not so obvious to us what we must repent. We are sort of stuck—like the fig tree; it was still alive, just wasn’t doing much.

The challenge of Lent is to allow Jesus to “cultivate” and “fertilize” us so that we know of what we are to repent, receive God’s great compassion, and can begin bearing even more fruit. The Gospels are one way to help us prune out our sins. They are the measure against which we can examine our daily living. Another way is to pay attention to the people around us. They can reflect back to us behaviors which need to change as well as draw us out of ourselves to act in charity and graciousness. Gospel living—and repenting—isn’t something undertaken in isolation. It always involves other people. They are the “examples” who teach us what needs to change in us so that we can bear fruit—sometimes even a bumper crop!


QUESTION OF THE WEEK

How has God been patient with me?


TODAY’S READINGS

First Reading—Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15 (Exodus 17:3-7 at 9AM)
The Lord God appears to Moses and directs him to go and deliver the Israelites from Egypt.

Responsorial Psalm—Psalm 27 (Ps. 95 at 9AM)
The Lord is kind and merciful.

Second Reading—1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12 (Romans 5:1-2, 5-8 at 9AM))
We are not to grumble like the people with Moses in the desert.

Gospel—Luke 13:1-9 (John 4:5-42 [5-15, 19b-26, 39a, 40-42] at 9AM)
If you do not repent, you will all perish.


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,

We’re almost halfway through the forty days of Lent! How’s your heart? Have you made any progress on personal and spiritual transformation? You may have begun a good work or attempted to let go of something and already experienced failure. I want to tell you to hang in there! Don’t give up hope on your conversion! Remember, it’s a life-long process.

Speaking of hope, this is a good time to remember what gives us hope when we are disheartened. God, throughout history, has always provided hope for us. In the scriptures, God gives hope to the enslaved Israelites, a barren fig tree and at the 9 AM Mass we will hear about hope for a marginalized Samaritan woman. God hears our cries for help and reaches out to us, even though it may not come in the form that we would prefer. But it comes, because God desires that we grow and mature into “the best version of ourselves,” a phrase I heard from the Religious Education Congress in Anaheim last weekend.

This weekend St. Barbara Parish offers opportunities for ongoing conversion and hope. Fr. John Gibbons, a friend and friar companion, will be visiting all the Masses this weekend and asking for help in his mission project in Russia. Also, on Sunday afternoon, we welcome Mr. Ken Williams, who brings his joy and enthusiasm to help us dispel the many myths and prejudices we hold about homeless people. And don’t forget to join us next Sunday night as we celebrate the patron of the universal Church, our beloved St. Joseph. Bring a dessert to share and prepare yourself for good Petrini cooking and musical entertainment! We only have 100 tickets so get yours early! Proceeds will bring hope to those who seek food and shelter at Casa Esperanza.

Finally, please join me in prayer as we say goodbye and give thanks to Patricia Sandall, who has decided to leave her position as Pastoral Associate after serving this community faithfully for many years. Pat has brought so many gifts to the parish and will be greatly missed. Transition is hard on everyone – so let us be patient and keep our hope and trust in God who leads us on our journey.

Yours in Christ, our light of hope!
Fr. Daniel F. Barica, O.F.M., Pastor


PARISH CALENDAR

March 18 St. Joseph’s Dinner at 6PM
March 20 Communal Reconciliation at 7:00 PM in the Church
March 24 Play—Life of Dorothy Day, 7PM , Serra Hall
March 27 Pastoral Council Meeting at 7:00 PM


LET US PRAY FOR THE SICK

Joan Biasetti
Neil Kelley
Darrell Blagg
Anne Lano
Felicitas Bonilla
Mia McCabe
Shirley Giordano
Michael McEwen
Carmen Gonsalues
Diane Parsons
Mary Ann Jenquin
John Tapia

May they know Christ's healing


LENT 2007
Form a New Heart Within Us

God loves us and accepts us exactly where we are, and yet loves us too much to leave us that way. To help us in the process of ongoing conversion, the Church offers us special times and seasons, like Lent. Why not take advantage of the following opportunities for conversion of heart, both individually and communally?

STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Every Friday of Lent, 5:30 PM
In the Mission Church
We will use a different version each Friday
SOUP SUPPER to follow in the Parish Social Room

FR. JOHN GIBBONS, MISSIONARY
This Weekend
At all Masses
Fr. John Gibbons is a Franciscan priest of the St. Barbara Province who is currently working as a missionary in Russia. Fr. John is in the process of building a church and will share his story with us and seek assistance. Along with other friars, he has responded to an international plea from the Franciscan Order
to minister to the minority Catholic community in the East.

MYTHS ABOUT HOMELESS PEOPLE
March 11 … today! 3:00 PM-4:30 PM
In the Blessed Sacrament Chapel
Social worker Ken Williams is our guest to help dispel the many myths that surround homeless people. How can we build solidarity with the poor among us?

COMMUNAL RECONCILIATION
Tuesday, March 20, 7:00 PM
In the Mission Church
Our Sacrament of Reconciliation for the Season of Lent
Celebrate God’s unconditional forgiveness

CONVERSATIONS WITH DOROTHY DAY
Saturday, March 24, 7:00 PM
In Serra Hall
Join us in this one-person act as Sharon Halsey-Hoover brings Dorothy Day back to earth for an hour with stories about her life. Q&A to follow. Free will offering.

“WHY ARE YOU FOLLOWING THAT MAN WITH THE CROSS?”
Every Wednesday of Lent, 9:30 AM-2:00 PM
Mission Renewal Center
Days of Recollection on various Lenten themes
offered by Fr. Richard, Fr. Howard and Sr. Susan Blomstad
(Suggested donation, $18 per Wednesday)
RSVP to MRC at 805 682-4713, x133


THE FIRST SCRUTINY of the ELECT

On this Third Sunday of Lent at the 9:00 AM Mass, we celebrate the First Scrutiny for Laurie McCarthy, our Elect, who is preparing to receive her Initiation Sacraments at the Easter Vigil. Scrutinies are called rites of “self-searching and repentance” and culminate in an exorcism, the earnest prayer of the church for the deliverance from evil and for the strengthening of those soon to be baptized. Our prayers are for Laurie and all Elect throughout the world as they process through this phase of Purification and Enlightenment.

On consecutive Sundays, the Second and Third Scrutinies will be celebrated at the 9:00 AM Masses.


SCRUTINIES

Every time we celebrate the sacrament of baptism, we ask the questions, “Do you renounce Satan? and all his works? and all his empty promises?” These are serious questions. We should consider them carefully before answering. And that is what the elect, those preparing to be baptized at the Easter Vigil, spend much of Lent doing.

For those who are making their final preparation for baptism, Lent is a time of purification and enlightenment. They examine their lives in the light of God’s word and ask the entire Christian community to pray that whatever is weak and sinful within them may be eliminated and that whatever is good and holy may be affirmed. And we do. After the homily, in a litany of intercession, we proclaim the power of Jesus over all sin. Then we pray over the elect for their deliverance and strengthening. The presider, catechists, sponsors and other members of the community also may lay their hands on the heads of the elect in an ancient sign of forgiveness, healing and empowerment.

And because the entire community will renew its baptismal promises at Easter, we too examine our lives in light of God’s word. Of course, this is something we should be doing throughout the year, but we focus on this self-examination in a special way during Lent. In every community that will baptize adults or older children at the Easter Vigil, special rites known as the “scrutinies” are celebrated at liturgy on the third, fourth and fifth Sundays of Lent.

On these Sundays, the gospel readings are from the Gospel of John; they are the stories of the Samaritan woman whom Jesus meets at Jacob’s well, the healing and coming to faith of the man born blind and the raising of Lazarus from the dead. These readings have been used for centuries to prepare the elect and the church for baptism. The readings focus on sin and redemption using the images of thirst and water, darkness and light, death and life. By examining ourselves through these readings, we come to know how we have become parched, how we have been blinded, how we have become deadened through sin. When we and the elect are asked at Easter to renounce Satan, evil works and empty promises, our answer can be a thoughtful, strong and heartfelt “I do.”


LENTEN OBSERVANCES

All Fridays in Lent are days of abstinence from meat. Good Friday is a day of Fast and Abstinence. All Catholics 14 years of age and older abstain from meat, and all Catholics 18 to 59 years of age eat sacrificially on these days.


FEAST OF ST. JOSEPH
Patron of the Universal Church

Our St. Joseph Day celebration dinner is set for Sunday, March 18, at 6:00 PM in the Friars’ dining room. Please join us for a delicious Italian meal and lively entertainment. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at the Parish Office and after all Masses this weekend. Dinner guests are invited to bring a dessert item for the St. Joseph Table with an estimated dollar value placed on it, to be sold after dinner. Proceeds will be given to the Casa Esperanza Homeless Center.

March 14 is your last day to purchase tickets!!


TOGETHER IN MISSION ANNUAL APPEAL

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


CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES COLLECTION

Next weekend we will have a special collection for Catholic Relief Services. The Catholic Relief Services Collection supports Catholic Church organizations that carry out international relief and solidarity efforts. Programs include relief and resettlement services to the victims of persecution, war, and natural disasters as well as development projects to improve the living conditions of the poor; advocacy on behalf of the powerless, peace and reconciliation work for people suffering from violence; and legal and support services for poor immigrants. Please give generously.

“Through the eyes of faith, the starving child, the believer in jail, and the woman without clean water or health care are not issues, but ‘Jesus in Disguise’.”


PILGRIMAGE TO ITALIA

Fr. Vince Mesi, OFM will lead a joy-filled pilgrimage to Italy and Sicily!!!

Papal Audience / Mass at Tomb of St. Francis

September 7th –26th, 2007
$4500.00 (Double Occupancy)

There are still some spaces left for anyone wishing to go on this spiritual journey !

For more information, please call Fr. Vince Mesi, O.F.M.
602.354.2072
vmesi@yahoo.com


NEW MEXICO—A SPIRITUAL ADVENTURE

Fr. Jack Clark Robinson will hold an informational meeting on Wednesday, March 14th, at 7:00 PM at the Old Mission. For more information, please contact Bernice Anfuso at 569-7005.


REFLECTION ON NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY OF THE WORD
FOUTH SUNDAY OF LENT

The parable of the prodigal son is one of the best known of all the stories Jesus told. The parable is about divine mercy and the desire “to return to the father.” Luke has in mind tax collectors and sinners who were “drawing near” to Jesus. The group of Pharisees and scribes, represented by the elder son, only complain and criticize. According to the way they see it, they have served God and obeyed the Law. They don’t understand how sinners can also be sons and daughters of God. For Luke, the religious leaders who keep all the rules and think they can earn salvation by their own efforts are farther away from God than the sinners.

Life Focus

* Which of the two sons is more like you? Reflect on an experience from your life that would show this.
* Was there a time when you were away from God? How did you find your way back?
* The father shows loving patience. Speak of an experience from your life when you had to wait patiently. How did that make you feel?


PREPARE FOR NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY

First Reading: Joshua 5:9a, 10-12
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 34
Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Gospel: Luke 15:1-3, 11-32


STEWARDSHIP OF TREASURE

Sunday, March 4, 2007 $12,675.00

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


SAY “HELLO” TO OUR NEW PARISHIONERS!

MARCY and TODD ELIASSEN
BARBARA REAUME


NEW PARISH OFFICE HOURS

Beginning Monday, March 12th, the Parish Office will be closed on Mondays. Our new office hours are:

Tuesday-Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

You are welcome to leave messages on the Parish voice mail (682-4151). We will call you back on Tuesday morning.


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.

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT

Jesus went up the mountain to pray. Like us, Jesus sought communion with his God and Father. His prayerful union with his Father manifested his identity as One who shares in the Father’s glory. On the mountain of transfiguration the disciples witness the glory of Jesus’ identity as the “chosen Son.” This divine affirmation of Jesus and his mission at the same time includes a divine imperative for us: “listen to him.” We, too, are destined for glory when Christ will “change our lowly body to conform with his glorified body.” On that day our own identity as God’s sons and daughters will be fully revealed.

Jesus talks about his exodus, his passing through suffering and death to the glory of risen life. Our salvation is to follow Jesus into his passion and death so that we, too, might attain the glory of new life. Our following Jesus is spelled out in the ordinary “dyings” of our everyday living: reaching out to visit a lonely elderly person, listening to a troubled adolescent, biting our tongue instead of saying sharp words, still having patience when we’ve been pushed too far. The utterly amazing thing about our embracing these little, everyday “dyings” is that we ourselves experience a kind of transfiguration. As we learn to say yes to God and others, we grow deeper into our own identity as the chosen ones of God. We become more perfectly members of Christ’s Body when we act like Jesus did—when we reach out to others who are in need, when we bring a comforting touch, when we forgive. God’s command to “listen to” Jesus isn't a passive hearing of words; we listen by doing as Jesus did. Our whole life, then, is a transfiguration, a passing over from our old sinful ways to the ways of light and grace offered by God.


QUESTION OF THE WEEK

When has the presence of God seemed most near to you?


Dear Parishioners and Visitors,

In God’s covenant with Abram, who was childless, God told Abram he would have many descendants. God brought Abram outside and said “Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them… so your descendants shall be.” Genesis 15:5

Did you ever try to count the stars? It just can’t be done; all you can do is marvel at their beauty. Stars have a special significance for me.

This first reading always reminds me of a vacation that my husband Robert and I took a few years ago. We went to a very beautiful place and the first night of our stay, we decided we would walk to a local restaurant for dinner. When we stepped outside our little bungalow into the pitch darkness of the night, we understood why the hotel had given us a flashlight; there were no street lights, no lighted signs, and only a miniscule amount of light from the other nearby bungalows. But one thing was certain; the heavens had come down to greet us. The sky was filled with unlimited, infinite stars. It was awesome! We actually bowed our heads and thanked God for the beauty bestowed upon us. For seven nights we were showered with God’s stars and to this day we have not forgotten this experience.

I always liked what Saint Thomas Aquinas wrote concerning the transfiguration: “The whole Trinity appeared: the Father in the voice, the Son in the man; the Spirit in the shining cloud.” The disciples saw Moses, the lawgiver, and Elijah the miracle-worker and they saw, for a brief moment, God’s glory. Some say this vision happened at night. Perhaps a starry, starry night as bright and shining as Jesus, as he was transformed before Peter, James and John. Beauty was so overwhelming to behold!

I had the opportunity to see a positive transformation take place in a young Franciscan Friar a number of years ago. The journey he was going through, I would imagine, was not an easy one. I knew him when he was a Deacon. Maybe sometimes not so sure of himself, questioning the path he had chosen for his life. He had concerns over the vow of obedience, but as he learned more about himself, and matured, all of his searching always brought him back to be a servant of God.

I was honored to be on the Altar when this same young man took his vows to become a Franciscan Priest. After his ordination Mass he was dazzling, so bright and confident. He was so completely happy. He has become truly a Good Shepherd, an excellent leader, who wants only the best for his parish. I am very proud to have known this young man and see the example he sets for all.

God only knows what we want in the deepest part of our heart and how we respond to life experiences and relationships; this is our own spirituality. Enjoy your search to know oneself. And look toward heaven and see the stars.

Peace and Blessings,
Claudia Chyla, Pastoral Council Member


TODAY’S READINGS

First Reading—Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18
The Lord made a covenant with his faithful servant, Abram, saying, “To your descendants I give this land.”

Responsorial Psalm—Psalm 27
The Lord is my light and my salvation.

Second Reading—Philippians 3:17—4:1
We await the Lord Jesus, who will change us to conform with his glorified body.

Gospel—Luke 9:28b-36
Peter, James, and John witness the transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain.


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.


PARISH CALENDAR

March 11 Ken Williams’ Talk on Homelessness, 3-4:30 PM in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel
March 20 Communal Reconciliation at 7:00 PM in the Church
March 24 Play—Life of Dorothy Day, 7:00 PM in Serra Hall
March 27 Pastoral Council Meeting at 7:00 PM


LENT 2007
Form A New Heart Within Us

God loves us and accepts us exactly where we are, and yet loves us too much to leave us that way. To help us in the process of ongoing conversion, the Church offers us special times and seasons, like Lent. Why not take advantage of the following opportunities for conversion of heart, both individually and communally?

STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Every Friday of Lent, 5:30 PM
In the Mission Church
We will use a different version each Friday
SOUP SUPPER to follow in the Parish Social Room

FR. JOHN GIBBONS, MISSIONARY
Saturday & Sunday, March 10 and 11
At all Masses
Fr. John Gibbons is a Franciscan priest of the St. Barbara Province who is currently working as a missionary in Russia. Fr. John is in the process of building a church and will share his story with us and seek assistance. Along with other friars, he has responded to an international plea from the Franciscan Order
to minister to the minority Catholic community in the East.

MYTHS ABOUT HOMELESS PEOPLE
Sunday, March 11, 3:00 PM-4:30 PM
In the Blessed Sacrament Chapel
Social worker Ken Williams is our guest to help dispel the many myths that surround homeless people. How can we build solidarity with the poor among us?

COMMUNAL RECONCILIATION
Tuesday, March 20, 7:00 PM
In the Mission Church
Our Sacrament of Reconciliation for the Season of Lent
Celebrate God’s unconditional forgiveness

CONVERSATIONS WITH DOROTHY DAY
Saturday, March 24, 7:00 PM
In Serra Hall
Join us in this one-person act as Sharon Halsey-Hoover brings Dorothy Day back to earth for an hour with stories about her life. Q&A to follow. Free will offering.

“WHY ARE YOU FOLLOWING THAT MAN
WITH THE CROSS?”
Every Wednesday of Lent, 9:30 AM-2:00 PM
Mission Renewal Center
Days of Recollection on various Lenten themes
offered by Fr. Richard, Fr. Howard and Sr. Susan Blomstad
(Suggested donation, $18 per Wednesday)
RSVP to MRC at 805 682-4713, x133


FEAST OF ST. JOSEPH
Patron of the Universal Church

Our St. Joseph Day celebration dinner is set for Sunday, March 18, at 6:00 PM in the Friars’ dining room. Please join us for a delicious Italian meal and lively entertainment. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at the Parish Office and after all Masses during the weekend of March 10 and 11. Dinner guests are invited to bring a dessert item for the St. Joseph Table with an estimated dollar value placed on it, to be sold after dinner. Proceeds will be given to the Casa Esperanza Homeless Center.


COMMUNION FROM THE CUP

Jesus’ command to us at the Last Supper is clear: “Take this, all of you, and drink from it.” In the four decades since the Second Vatican Council, communion from a common cup for all the faithful has been re-introduced as a sign of obedience to Jesus’ command. Many of us can still remember when the cup was not offered to the people. In the early Church, however, sharing of both the body and the blood was so much the norm that to refuse the cup would have raised suspicions about one’s beliefs.

Over the years, for a number of reasons, the practice of sharing the cup became the exception rather than the rule. For instance, popular piety placed an increased emphasis on seeing the sacred elements rather than consuming them. Also, a change in the posture for communion from standing to kneeling made reception from the cup more awkward. Fears of spillage and disease also played a role; and the cup was ultimately withdrawn from the people.

The liturgical documents of Vatican II tell us that good liturgy demands that our actions be consistent with our words. At the preparation of the gifts, we bring forward the gifts of bread and wine. We pray that “the fruit of the vine and work of human hands” become “our spiritual food and drink.” These gifts are offered to the Father, who changes them into the body and blood of Jesus Christ and gives them back to us. The fullness of the mystery is lost when we do not accept the gifts in return. Good liturgy also demands respect for the power of our symbols. Wine calls to mind not only the joys of the heavenly banquet table, but also the price of the covenant which led to Jesus’ suffering and death. We neglect the power of such images when we ignore the cup or “intinct” (dip the consecrated host into the cup). In the United States, there is a prohibition against the communicant “intincting” his/her own host.

“When we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim your death, Lord Jesus, until you come in glory.”

May our actions be consistent with the words we sing.


CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES COLLECTION

Next weekend we will have a special collection for Catholic Relief Services. The Catholic Relief Services Collection supports Catholic Church organizations that carry out international relief and solidarity efforts. Programs include relief and resettlement services to the victims of persecution, war, and natural disasters as well as development projects to improve the living conditions of the poor; advocacy on behalf of the powerless, peace and reconciliation work for people suffering from violence; and legal and support services for poor immigrants. Please give generously.

“Through the eyes of faith,
the starving child, the believer in jail,
and the woman without clean water or health care
are not issues, but
‘Jesus in Disguise’.”


LET US PRAY FOR THE SICK

Joan Biasetti
Anne Lano
Darrell Blagg
Mia McCabe
Felicitas Bonilla
Michael McEwen
Carmen Gonsalues
Diane Parsons
Mary Ann Jenquin
John Tapia
Neil Kelley

May they know Christ's healing


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.


NEW MEXICO—A SPIRITUAL ADVENTURE

Fr. Jack Clark Robinson will hold an informational meeting on Wednesday, March 14th, at 7:00 PM at the Mission. For more information, please contact Bernice Anfuso at 569-7005.


LENTEN OBSERVANCES

All Fridays in Lent are days of abstinence from meat. Good Friday is a day of Fast and Abstinence. All Catholics 14 years of age and older abstain from meat, and all Catholics 18 to 59 years of age eat sacrificially on these days.


THANK YOU, ST. BARBARA PARISH

“On behalf of the students of Notre Dame School, thank you for you generous donation of $6,000. We are grateful to you for the stake you have in Catholic education in Santa Barbara. Your donation to Notre Dame supports our commitment to make Catholic education available to all families who seek it for their children. Notre Dame School community holds the prayer needs of St. Barbara Parish community in our hearts! god bless you!”

Jackie Gonzalez, Principal, Notre Dame School


A LETTER FROM AFGHANISTAN

An excerpt from a letter received by a parishioner from his medic friend in Afghanistan:

“The people here are very poor and limited in their resources. Basic items such as soap, toothbrushes, combs are often lacking. Most of the little ones have no shoes, I am asking friends and families, if interested, to send care packages to me here [in Afghanistan], with simple items like travel soaps, toothpaste, brushes, shampoo, and child-sized socks, shoes and flip-flops. We see a lot of burned children, injured children and simply neglected children in our clinics…Please let people know of our need.”

If you wish to send care packages, you may send them directly to the following address:
Jason Bolt
TF MED
396 CSH
APO AE 09314


REFLECTION ON NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY OF THE WORD
Third Sunday of Lent

The fig tree in the parable in next Sunday’s Gospel represents Jerusalem. Jerusalem was the center of God’s chosen people. He loved and cared, cultivated and fertilized. It was time for Jerusalem to bear fruit, but Jerusalem failed. The coming of Jesus as the ”sign” of God’s love for people can be seen as an extra time of grace given to Jerusalem. But by the time the Gospel was written, Luke’s audience would know that Jerusalem had been destroyed. The parable also carried a caution for us: Unless we reform, we too will perish, just as Jerusalem did.

Life Focus

* Tell how God’s calling caused you to look inward and make positive change in your life.

* When were you recently faced with a challenging situation that required your patience and nurturing? How did your faith see you through?

* What are some “fruits” you need to cultivate more carefully in your life? What is keeping you from being productive?


PREPARE FOR NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY

First Reading: Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 103
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12
Gospel: Luke 13:1-9


STEWARDSHIP OF TREASURE

Sunday, February 25, 2007 $11,921.00

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


TOGETHER IN MISSION ANNUAL APPEAL

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


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.