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St. Barbara Parish Bulletin
Sunday, June 15, 2008
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ELEVENTH SUNDAY in ORDINARY TIME
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In today’s gospel, Jesus looks upon the troubled and abandoned crowd and is moved with pity. The Greek word for pity means “stirred to the bowels,” moved to deep emotion, moved to compassion. This is one of the times in the gospels when we read of great emotion being displayed by Jesus. Without a leader, he knew the people would be lost. Jesus’ deep compassion is manifested in his immediate response—he summons the twelve disciples and sends them as ministers of his compassion, authorized to preach and heal in his name.
The urgency of divine compassion teaches us that our ministry is one of mercy, too. There are always people “without a shepherd” - the teen who needs an adult other than parents to guide him or her along right paths, the lost traveler who might inconvenience us when he or she asks for a bit of our time for giving directions, younger children who are looking for the companionship and guidance of a big brother or sister, the co-worker who needs a listening ear. This gospel is a reminder to each of us that we have been shown compassion by a loving God and we, in turn, are to give to others what we have received “without cost.”
Compassion derives from two Latin words that mean to “suffer with.” Gospel living means that we are willing to suffer with the lost and strayed of God’s house so that they might rise to new life. The troubled and abandoned are all around us; we need simply to open our eyes, reach out, and “suffer with” them. In this is healing and strength—for both the “lost sheep as well as for the faithful disciple.
QUESTION of the WEEK
Jesus asks us to freely give of what we are freely given. What have you been given, and how do you give it away?
TODAY’S READINGS
First Reading—Exodus 19:2-6a
You shall be my special possession, dearer to me than all others.
Responsorial Psalm—Psalm 100
We are his people; the sheep of his flock.
Second Reading—Romans 5:6-11
We boast of God through Christ Jesus, through whom we have been reconciled.
Gospel—Matthew 9:3—10:8
Jesus commissioned the Twelve: cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons.
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 (RCIA) 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 the parish office at 682-4151.
SAY “HELLO” to our NEW PARISHIONERS!
Gye Yeon Ahn
Surekha Gajria
Jessica Koschmeder
Dan Krogstad
Marison Nisthal
Lawrence Reynolds
Giuseppe, Gine and Adele Ricci
Alex, Yolanda, Katie and Alex Jr Tovar
Robert, Julie, Danielle and Jacqueline Ybarra
DEAR PARISHIONERS and VISITORS,
“Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.”
We all work so hard to achieve something or to obtain something and then won’t let go of it unless we’ve been given something in return. Everything is costing more and more each and every day. The cost of living just continues to increase. But what about our service to one another? What price do we put on compassion for one another? Service is an underlining motif today. It’s not about the cost involved but how you and I use our baptismal call to serve each other without a cost.
Our invitation and our gifts come from God. How we choose to use our gifts is up to each of us. Today can be a day of gratitude for all those who have responded to that call to serve others in humility and with joy. These qualities go hand in hand. In order to serve with humility, we must first recognize that we are sinners. With that comes a great sense of gratitude for God's great love for us. In return, it is with joy that we share that love with all who come into our lives.
Catholic communities today are served by a variety of ministers: bishops, presbyters, deacons, sisters, brothers, pastoral administrators and associates, youth ministers, ministers of religious education, music ministers, liturgists and others. The church desperately needs all these ministries. One of the difficulties of being a minister, one who is called to share the message of God, is to stay close to that message, to make sure it's conveyed as it's presented in the Scriptures.
Jesus doesn't teach us today to solve all the world's problems just that we have to have the right attitude toward our brothers and sisters, imagining what it's like for them and treating them in the way we would want to be treated. No one said following Jesus in this way was easy. Nearly every name read out in today's Gospel died a martyr for our faith. May the way we live be worthy of their example. So this week when we catch ourselves jumping to an immediate condemnation of someone, let's stop and pray for the gift of compassion. That we might ask, "What must life be like for you?" At that point, our understanding will be touching the Divine.
With gratitude and hope,
Roy Spicer, Director of Music
PARISH CALENDAR
June 17 Parish Leadership Meeting, 7PM in the Social Room
June 19 RCIA Team Meeting, 6:30PM
June 21-22 Catholic Charities Food Drive
June 24 Pastoral Council Meeting at 6:45PM
June 25 Baptism Class at 6:30PM
June 29 Baptisms at the 10:30AM Mass
June 29 2nd Collection for Peter’s Pence
June 29 Anointing of the Sick after the Noon Mass
July 4 Independence Day—Parish Office Closed
A BLESSING for FATHERS
We bless you and we praise you, God of our fathers!
You are the God of Adam, father of the human family.
You are the God of Abraham,
our father in faith who was ready and willing to
give up everything to be faithful to you.
You are the God of Isaac, who was born of
laughter and old age, and the God of Jacob,
whose clever trick gained an inheritance for
twelve tribes of sons and daughters.
You are the God of Jesse, from whose loins
a nation sprang, a sturdy family tree
of monarchs, prophets and priests.
You are the God and Father of Israel,
your child whom you love with all your heart.
You are the God of Zechariah, who
fathered the Baptist and taught him the Torah,
and of Joachim,
the grandfather of Jesus.
You are the God of Joseph,
who loved and raised Jesus as his own.
You are the God and Father of Jesus,
and our Father in heaven, too:
Holy is your Name!
We thank you, God, for the gift of our fathers,
for grandfathers and godfathers
and fathers-in-law, too.
Send your Holy Spirit upon our fathers,
in whose laps we were cradled,
on whose knees we were bounced,
by whose hands we were fed, instructed,
at times corrected,
in whose company we learned to work
and play and pray, at whose side we hear your word
and celebrate your mysteries.
Heal their pains and disappointments.
Forgive all that needs to be forgiven.
Give to them the good that they have given others.
Welcome into your arms those who have died.
Fill this world, O God, with a father’s love!
We ask this your Son Jesus Christ,
who taught us to pray to you as Abba.
He lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
who is Father of the poor,
one God forever and ever.
Amen.
LET US PRAY FOR THE SICK
Eric Evonick
Mark Etzel
Richard Smith
Erin Johansson
Catharene Purdy
Rose Margaret Braiden
Patty Escalera
Mary A. Correa
Maria Muñoz
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.
CATECHISTS NEEDED
“God doesn’t call the qualified.
He qualifies those that he calls.”
- Bishop Carl Fisher
Have you been given the “gifts” to nurture the love and trust our children have for God? Have you considered sharing your faith and time with the children of our parish? We are in need of catechists for all grades. There will be plenty of support and help from our Religious Education Office. If you feel God is calling you to this ministry, please contact Linda Ruffton at (805) 682-4151 ext. 104.
INTERESTED in a YOUTH PROGRAM BEYOND SIXTH GRADE?
All parents and others who are interested in a parish youth program for 7th graders and beyond are invited to attend a brainstorming session with Fr. Daniel, Pastor, and Jocelyne Bublitz, Pastoral Council member and parent. Please contact Jocelyne at jocelyneb@cox.net to arrange a meeting time that is convenient for the majority of those who are interested. We invite you to bring your dreams and ideas, as well as whatever resources you might have to contribute to this effort.
KNOW YOUR TALENTS!
Based on the Catholic edition of the book, Living Your Strengths
Each week, the parish bulletin will feature one of the 34 talents or signature themes, listed in order of their frequency in our parish. Call the parish for more information on discovering and applying your talents.
--- STRATEGIC ---
The talent of Strategic comes in at #11 in frequency in our parish. It has to do with the ability to navigate through clutter and find a pathway. It is a way of thinking that allows for seeing patterns in the midst of complexity. The person with Strategic talent evaluates data and begins to formulate scenarios, thinking through their potential outcomes, aware of any obstacles. As various “strategies” are considered, the ones that lead nowhere or to conflict are discarded. Eventually, the best path comes forward and the Strategy person moves to act, acknowledging all the pros and cons. Sometimes others who rely on decisions from these people can be frustrated by the time involved in the process.
* RELATED SCRIPTURE: No trial has come to you but what is human. God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength; but with the trial he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to bear it.—1 Corinthians 10:13
* APPLICATION TO WORK and MINISTRY: Those with Strategy are good for leadership or assisting leaders with their talent at evaluating data and selecting relevant issues and patterns to help achieve stated goals. They are good counselors and advisors. For the parish, they make great Pastoral Council members or wherever they can help individuals or groups find multiple ways of doing things. They make good spiritual guides or companions in the area of discernment.
* PUTTING a FACE ON STRATEGIC: Fr. Daniel Barica (Pastor), Barbara McKeon, Mariko Tabar.
UPCOMING TRAVEL and PILGRIMAGE
Medjugorje/Northern Italy
13 days (May 4-16, 2009)
An excellent way for people of faith to experience spiritual renewal is to go abroad to visit holy places of prominence in the history of the Church, otherwise known as pilgrimage. It may change your life!
Among our destinations, set for May of 2009, are holy places that mark significant moments in the history of the Catholic Church. We begin in Rome with a visit to the Vatican, which is the heart of our Church, and an audience with Pope Benedict XVI, our spiritual leader. A visit to Ravenna to view the ancient mosaics will allow us to imagine the Byzantine period. Assisi during the festival of Calendimaggio will lavish us with the Church’s medieval flavor, as St. Francis and St. Clare would have known it. Then we will enjoy the cradle of the Renaissance with a visit to Florence. Our last stops in Italy will take us to Padua, spiritual home of St. Anthony, and finally, to Venice, for still other important sites in Church history and culture. And since we travel in the month of May, traditionally devoted to our Mother Mary, we will take an excursion to the holy village of Medjugorje, in Bosnia-Herzegovina, where village children began receiving daily apparitions of the Blessed Mother over twenty years ago and a place of deep conversion for me personally.
I hope you will be able to join us for our 13-day pilgrimage. I promise that you will never pray the same afterwards! And, we always have a great time.
Brochures are available in the Parish Office and the Porter’s Office. Cost of trip is $3798 pp/do, which includes RT air from LAX, top-class hotels, shuttles, most taxes, admission fees, porterage, daily Mass and most meals. For more information, please call Fr. Daniel Barica at (805) 682-4151.
STEWARDSHIP of TREASURE
Sunday, June 8th $11,536.00
Why not keep a record for one week of how you spend your time? How much do the Church and community organizations get of that time?
OLAN HORNE to SPEAK at the MISSION
Olan Horne, a survivor of clergy sexual abuse who met privately with Pope Benedict XVI on his recent trip to the U.S., will discuss this historic encounter, its impact on future dialogue with the Church leadership, and the practice of restorative work as a tool for justice and healing.
Friday, June 20 at 7PM
Faulkner Gallery, SB Library, 40 E. Anapamu Street
Saturday, June 21 at 4PM
Bonaventure Hall, Old Mission Santa Barbara
(Donation Requested)
PREPARE for NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY
First Reading: Jeremiah 20:10-13
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 69
Second Reading: Romans 5:12-15
Gospel: Matthew 10:26-33
REFLECTION on NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY of the WORD
Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Next Sunday’s gospel deals with persecution and how the disciples were to respond. They were to have complete trust in Jesus. They were to have no fear of those who would threaten their lives. They were to stand strong before the divisions that might come. God, who loved them so much that he counted the hairs on their heads, would not abandon them. Matthew’s purpose in emphasizing this care in times of trial comes out of the situation of his community. Many people had rejected the Good News announced by Jesus, and they were rejecting his followers and throwing them out of the synagogues. Through the Gospel, he reminds them that Jesus will be with them through the Spirit as he promised.
Life Focus
· Describe a time in your life when you were afraid and God seemed far away. What helped you to overcome your fear?
· When have you allowed someone or something to control or prevent you from speaking the truth? How did you feel about it afterward?
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.
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Sunday, June 08, 2008
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TENTH SUNDAY in ORDINARY TIME
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The Pharisees “separated” themselves from others by their strict observance of the Law. Jesus demonstrates by his table fellowship with tax collectors and sinners that the deepest meaning of the Law is not separation but fellowship and mercy. In today’s gospel we are called to follow Jesus to the table where fellowship is an expression of divine mercy. Jesus does more than quote the passage from the prophet Hosea, “it is love [mercy] that I desire.” He interprets what this passage means in his context—to share fellowship with sinners.
This gospel and the first reading from Hosea show us what gospel living is all about: walk the talk, live the worship. At Mass we are called to share in the messianic banquet of the Lord and be fed with heavenly food, the very Body and Blood of Christ. In turn we are called to invite others into the banquet of our everyday lives, paying attention to the dignity and needs of the other. It’s that simple. In this, we are only following the example of Jesus.
Interpreting discipleship in terms of inclusive table fellowship doesn’t necessarily mean that we are to go out in the streets and invite strangers into our homes. It does mean that our time and energy cannot be directed only to those around us with whom we are comfortable. This might mean something so simple as greeting someone at church whom we don’t know, or wishing a nice day to someone on the elevator at work, or (for the children) daring to play with the boy or girl who is different and generally alone. Inclusivity means that we see Jesus in all others and respond to the goodness that is there.
QUESTION of the WEEK
When has your faith been strongly tested? How did you endure?
TODAY’S READINGS
First Reading—Hosea 6:3-6
It is love, not sacrifice, that I desire; knowledge of God, not holocausts.
Responsorial Psalm—Psalm 50
To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
Second Reading—Romans 4:18-25
Those who believe will have it credited to them as righteousness.
Gospel—Matthew 9:9-13
Tax collectors and sinners came and joined Jesus at table.
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 (RCIA) 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 the parish office at 682-4151.
SAY “HELLO” to our NEW PARISHIONERS!
Erik Axelson & Deirdre O’Shea
Luciano, Rosemary & Sarah Croccia
Barbara Ellis
John, Charmian, Rebecca & Shane Holehouse
Gerardo Alonzo & Ana Christina A. Jacob
Salvador, Sarah & Isabelle Linares
Ligia Monterroso-Roe
John Seiler
Bob Shust
Lisa Skvarla
Dennielle Zamora
DEAR PARISHIONERS and VISITORS,
Thank God!!!! I still have a chance at His mercy and forgiveness. At least I work in non-profit and not the IRS! This Gospel is so positive. It is definitely easier to hang with birds of your own feather than to cross the tracks and accept a different style of people into your heart. Jesus was not one to preach to the choir. He chose to hang with us sinners and I, for one, am grateful. Of course sinners are far more interesting people to be around than most saints are, especially those people who think that they are saintly.
The most interesting to be around are those who think that they are sinners, but that the rest of us think as holy, like are very own Fr Virgil. Jesus chose his companions for the same reasons, and to me that demonstrates his mercy. He must have been bored to tears when surrounded by the learned and overly wise.
The last time he deliberately chose to hang with the “holy” was when he was twelve and stayed behind in the temple to teach the Elders of the Temple. Jesus was not just choosing amusing dinner companions, however. Jesus chose his disciples following the same principles that software firms use to hire hackers to protect their websites. Someone who has strayed from the straight and narrow is the perfect choice to be a fisher of men. They understand the frailties that we are all prone to, and while they may still stray themselves on occasion, (Peter and “Doubting Thomas” come to mind) they know how weak we all can be and so they know the best means to save the rest of us.
If we believe that the Gospels are the word of the Lord, then Jesus also had a sense of humor. He was actually taunting the Pharisees. We all know how well that goes over with people who take themselves too seriously. Have a wonderful weekend everyone! Jocelyne Bublitz
Pastoral Council Member
PARISH CALENDAR
Jun 8-11 Fr. Daniel Away—Friar Meeting
June 13 Final Scripture Session, 10AM in the Friars Lounge
June 17 Parish Leadership Meeting, 7PM
June 19 RCIA Team Meeting, 6:30PM
June 22 Catholic Charities Food Drive
June 24 Pastoral Council Meeting at 6:45PM
June 25 Baptism Class at 6:30PM
June 29 Baptisms at the 10:30AM Mass
June 29 2nd Collection for Peter’s Pence
June 29 Anointing of the Sick after the 12Noon Mass
LET US PRAY FOR THE SICK
Eric Evonick
Mark Etzel
Richard Smith
Erin Johansson
Catharene Purdy
Rose Margaret Braiden
Patty Escalera
Mary A. Correa
John Nelson
Maria Muñoz
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.
DO YOU KNOW ...
The Gospel of Matthew
The first gospel starts with “a genealogy of Jesus Christ, son of David, son of Abraham.” With this opening, the evangelist prepares us for this Jesus who will be the fulfillment of major figures of the Hebrew scriptures.
Archeologists and textual experts usually date the writing of the Gospel of Matthew to around 80 ce. One piece of evidence for the dating of this gospel is that it contains nearly all of the Gospel of Mark. From this we know that it was composed after 70 ce (near the time when Mark was written). In addition to having Mark as a source, the Gospel of Matthew shares a large chunk of material with Luke, material that appears neither in Mark nor in John. From this we assume that there was another source for Matthew, one that he and the writer of Luke used. Matthew also had his own information about Jesus that the other evangelists did not.
The Gospel of Matthew is unique in its five-part structure: after the introduction (which contains the stories of the annunciation to Joseph [not Mary, as in Luke] of Jesus’ birth, his birth and manifestation to the magi [not shepherds, as in Luke]), each part contains a long speech by Jesus followed by actions that Jesus performs. Part one is the Sermon on the Mount; part two prepares the disciples for their missionary journeys; part three is filled with parables; part four deals with church order; and the fifth part concerns the end of the world. Scholars assume that the evangelist adopted this structure from the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible. This is a big clue about the portrait of Jesus in this gospel.
Many of the people in the church for which the Gospel of Matthew was written were Jews. One of the main purposes of this gospel was to provide consolation to those who wrestled with the compatibility of the Jewish heritage and their faith in Jesus. For this reason we find references to patriarchs of ancient Israel from the very first verse. A genealogy filled with Jewish ancestors begins the text, and the evangelist fills the narrative with quotations from the Hebrew scriptures. All of this seeks to reassure the hearers that Jesus of Nazareth was indeed the Messiah anticipated in the older faith.
The Gospel of Matthew is proclaimed throughout Liturgical Year A, in the years 2008, 2011, 2014 and so on.
In art, the evangelist Matthew is portrayed with an angel by his side. The feast of Saint Matthew is September 21st.
INTERESTED in a YOUTH PROGRAM BEYOND SIXTH GRADE?
All parents and others who are interested in a parish youth program for 7th graders and beyond are invited to attend a brainstorming session with Fr. Daniel, Pastor, and Jocelyne Bublitz, Pastoral Council member and parent. Please contact Jocelyne at jocelyneb@cox.net to arrange a meeting time that is convenient for the majority of those who are interested. We invite you to bring your dreams and ideas, as well as whatever resources you might have to contribute to this effort.
FOOD DRIVE for CATHOLIC CHARITIES
St. Barbara Parish will collect food for those in need outside the church on the weekend of June 21-22. All OF the food that is collected will be given to Catholic Charities Panty in Santa Barbara. If you wish to give food, please contribute one or more of the following non-perishable items: tuna, peanut butter, beans & rice, dried fruits & nuts, dry cereals, canned meats, canned fruits, canned vegetables & soups, pasta & pasta sauce. Monetary donations are also welcome. Thank you in advance for your generosity!
FINAL SCRIPTURE STUDY SESSION
There will be a final Scripture Study session for all of those who have been part of the group since September. We will meet on Friday, June 13 at 10:00AM in the Friars Lounge, which is the room across the lawn from where we previously met. We will process the conclusion of Acts and discuss the plan for Scripture Study for next time. Those who wish to bring refreshments are welcome to do so. Mass will follow, as usual, at 12:10 PM in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel.
KNOW YOUR TALENTS!
Based on the Catholic edition of the book, Living Your Strengths
Each week, the parish bulletin will feature one of the 34 talents or signature themes, listed in order of their frequency in our parish. Call the parish for more information on discovering and applying your talents.
The #10 talent among our parishioners is Relator. The word “relator” can’t actually be found in the dictionary, but is defined by the Strengths Program as someone who likes to be surrounded by people they already know. Relator types know lots of people, can relate to all types of people, but prefer the company of a small group of close friends, working toward a common goal. Relators love to share their feelings, fears and dreams and want others to understand what they are feeling, even at the risk of being taken advantage of. They believe that this risk-taking is proof of genuine caring and constitutes a step toward building a real friendship.
* RELATED SCRIPTURE: Some friends bring ruin on us, but a true friend is more loyal than a brother.
—Proverbs 18:24
* APPLICATION TO WORK and MINISTRY: Get to know as many people in the parish as you can. You will be the catalyst for trusting relationships. Show how much you care by helping members of a study group get to know each other better; share your feelings and beliefs about spirituality. Volunteer to coordinate small social functions in the parish.
* PUTTING a FACE ON RELATOR: Cleo Cutsinger (Hospitality Committee), Patricia DeBerry (Eucharistic Minister, Bereavement Ministry, Hospitality Committee), Mary Scopatz, Monique Fay, Cathie Ramus (Eucharistic Minister, Elementary Religious Ed Teacher, Baptism Class Instructor), Sharon Vega.
UPCOMING TRAVEL and PILGRIMAGE
Medjugorje/Northern Italy
13 days (May 4-16, 2009)
An excellent way for people of faith to experience spiritual renewal is to go abroad to visit holy places of prominence in the history of the Church, otherwise known as pilgrimage. It may change your life!
Among our destinations, set for May of 2009, are holy places that mark significant moments in the history of the Catholic Church. We begin in Rome with a visit to the Vatican, which is the heart of our Church, and an audience with Pope Benedict XVI, our spiritual leader. A visit to Ravenna to view the ancient mosaics will allow us to imagine the Byzantine period. Assisi during the festival of Calendimaggio will lavish us with the Church’s medieval flavor, as St. Francis and St. Clare would have known it. Then we will enjoy the cradle of the Renaissance with a visit to Florence. Our last stops in Italy will take us to Padua, spiritual home of St. Anthony, and finally, to Venice, for still other important sites in Church history and culture. And since we travel in the month of May, traditionally devoted to our Mother Mary, we will take an excursion to the holy village of Medjugorje, in Bosnia-Herzegovina, where village children began receiving daily apparitions of the Blessed Mother over twenty years ago and a place of deep conversion for me personally.
I hope you will be able to join us for our 13-day pilgrimage. I promise that you will never pray the same afterwards! And, we always have a great time.
Brochures are available in the Parish Office and the Porter’s Office. Cost of trip is $3798 pp/do, which includes RT air from LAX, top-class hotels, shuttles, most taxes, admission fees, porterage, daily Mass and most meals. For more information, please call Fr. Daniel Barica at (805) 682-4151.
STEWARDSHIP of TREASURE
Sunday, June 1st $12,452.00
It is important that we budget our hours as we budget our income so we are able to give our time to be involved in Church and community activities.
PREPARE for NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY
First Reading: Exodus 19:2-6a
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 100
Second Reading: Romans 5:6-11
Gospel: Matthew 9:36—10:8
REFLECTION on NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY of the WORD
Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
In next Sunday’s gospel Jesus sends his disciples and tells them how to act as his messengers. Jesus’ response to the crowds in need of shepherding is to authorize his disciples to extend his own healing. Although here they are told not to preach to non-Jews, later in Matthew’s gospel Jesus will commission his disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations.” But this will not take place until after the Resurrection. In these early sections of the gospel, the emphasis is on healing rather than teaching.
Life Focus
* Speak of a time when it became clear to you that you could make a difference to another. How did you do it?
* When did you feel overwhelmed by life’s demands and didn’t know where to seek help?
* Relate an experience when someone helped you to recognize your worth and value.
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.
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Sunday, June 01, 2008
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NINTH SUNDAY in ORDINARY TIME
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So much has been written on doing God’s will. Often we Catholics have assured ourselves that “church on Sunday” and “getting one’s sacraments” are the essence of doing God’s will. Surely our liturgy and our sacraments are great gifts to us. Celebrating with the Christian community is certainly a major means of strength. Our participation in liturgy and sacraments is the foundation of our lives, the bedrock that makes it possible for us to do God’s will. However, Jesus is clearly telling us that simply crying out, “Lord, Lord,” is not the heart of his message. The word of the gospel is far deeper than religious worship. Jesus does not seem to be impressed with the prophecy in his name, or exorcising devils, or even performing miracles. Yet, we still desire signs and wonders and we flock to sightings of what some have deemed miraculous.
The key to this challenging passage is hearing the words of the Lord and putting them into practice. If we only hear the words and do not live them, we are the foolish who build on sand. At liturgy, before the gospel is read, we pray as we cross ourselves three times, that the Word of God be in our minds, on our lips, and in our hearts. This prayer, often done without much real thought, is truly asking the help of God‘s Spirit to live the word of God, to put it into practice every day of our lives. This is doing God’s will. Not one of us wants to have the winds and rain destroy our houses, yet the torrents of life sometimes blow the words of our Lord from our hearts and minds. Jesus tells us to put his words into practice and to make the “Sunday experience” the rock foundation of our lives.
QUESTION of the WEEK
I am told to build wisely on a rock foundation. What is the rock foundation of my life?
TODAY’S READINGS
First Reading—Deuteronomy 11:18, 26-28, 32
Take my words into your heart and soul.
Responsorial Psalm—Psalm 31
Lord, be my rock of safety.
Second Reading—Romans 3:21-25, 28
The righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law.
Gospel—Matthew 7:21-27
Only the one who does the will of the Father will enter the kingdom of heaven.
FROM DEATH to the FULLNESS of LIFE
Fr. Virgil Cordano, O.F.M.
May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
MAY WE CELEBRATE WHAT UNITES US
While we do what we can to promote our growth as the individuals that we are, in and through the communities of which we are members, I offer for your prayerful consideration certain basic tenets that we might hold in common, if we are to have true and responsible individualism together with the experience of community.
May we believe in, respect and promote the dignity, the worth and even the sacredness of every human person, including, of course, our own persons.
In all honesty, search our minds and hearts to discover, acknowledge and free ourselves from biases, discriminations, oppressions, violence and unenlightened and unanalyzed opinions and judgments.
Welcome dialogue among ourselves in which we listen sincerely and speak honestly in an atmosphere of genuine freedom.
Honor convictions that people live by, even though our persuasions may differ.
In concert with one another attempt to articulate and live by certain basic ethical values and norms. rooted in our common human nature—confirmed and clarified in our faith-convictions.
May we share our dreams, ideals, deepest desires and hopes and continue to support each other in working toward their fulfillment.
Be united in compassion for all those in need, the rich, the poor, the lonely, the abandoned, the oppressed and the abused.
Face up to our common frailty and mortality. Life is precarious and radically contingent. We are not in absolute control of our lives. The future is not secure. We need each other. We are dependent upon each other and God.
Reflect on and share with one another what we believe to be the meaning of all human experiences.
Face up to the questions and human yearnings that are felt in the depths of our hearts, including issues of intimacy, and the purpose and goal of human life.
May we together go in search of understanding of an imitation of a God who is a God for all persons and not merely a God who is thought to restrict love to just one religious gathering of people. May we be open to what an educated religious faith can contribute to the moral fiber of society.
May we crown all our efforts to live in communion with one another with an all-inclusive, sacrificing love for every person. We are true to our individual selves when we reach out to each other.
May we be grateful for our blessings and hopeful in our struggles. Let us celebrate all of life as a family of citizens and friends where people love and care for each other. While we honor what separates us, may we rejoice over what unites us.
- Fr. Virgil Cordano, O.F.M.
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 (RCIA) 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 the parish office at 682-4151.
SAY “HELLO” to our NEW PARISHIONERS!
J. Christopher, Trisha, Taylor, Alec, Lauren, Carly and Gregory Marmo
DEAR PARISHIONERS and VISITORS,
These past days of warmer weather drew so many people to the beach to get relief. I don’t need heat to get me to the beach! I love to walk on the soft sand and to let the cool ocean water wash over my feet which really refreshes me and brings me peace. Having grown up near the beach in South Florida, I have seen my share of picnics and parties there. If I wasn’t splashing around in the water, I was usually looking for shells, crabs or man-of-wars, getting buried in the sand or making castles. The difficult thing about building castles was that you needed sand that was wet enough to hold together. This meant that you had to take the risk of building close to the shore, which was pretty dangerous. One never knew when the tide would come in and destroy hours worth of artistry.
Jesus reminds us today that when it comes to building a solid spiritual life, we cannot take the risk of building on a risky foundation. If we are beyond our teen years, chances are that we have met some rogue waves in our lives – unforeseen hardships or tragedies that have tested the strength of our faith. Maybe the waves came in early, when we were fairly young, through a serious illness, family death or divorce. If we have managed thus far, then we have something solid in our spiritual foundation. The challenge is to keep the foundation strong through regular prayer and a rich sacramental life.
Brothers and sisters, God does not desire a solid spiritual foundation in our lives just to get through tragedies. God truly loves us and sincerely desires our happiness, both here on earth and in the life to come. Regular prayer keeps us in communication with the one who loves us beyond our understanding. This love is going to guide us, nurture us, and lead us to live and fulfill our mission. As Jesus reminds us, the kingdom of heaven is for “the one who does the will of my Father.” The sign of a significant prayer life is that it moves beyond words (Lord, Lord) and into action that reflects the best use of our God-given talents and gifts.
As we move quickly into summer, may the sand castles that you and your children/grandchildren build on the beach remind you of the precious gift of faith. And remember that waves may come but they also go. They are part of the rhythm of life. Sometimes the best we can do is ride them!
Yours, in the peace and beauty of our Creator God!
Fr. Daniel F. Barica, O.F.M., Pastor
PARISH CALENDAR
June 3 Finance Committee at 6:30PM
June 5 Inquiry to Catholicism, 6:30PM
June 5 RCIA Meeting at 6:30PM
June 17 Parish Leadership Meeting at 7PM
June 25 Baptism Class at 6:30PM
June 29 Peter’s Pence Second Collection
June 29 Baptisms at the 10:30AM Mass
June 29 Anointing of the Sick after the 12Noon Mass
LET US PRAY FOR THE SICK
Eric Evonick
Mark Etzel
Richard Smith
Erin Johansson
Catharene Purdy
Rose Margaret Braiden
Patty Escalera
Mary A. Correa
Jennifer Buckley
John Nelson
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.
KNOW YOUR TALENTS!
Based on the Catholic edition of the book, Living Your Strengths
Each week, the parish bulletin will feature one of the 34 talents or signature themes, listed in order of their frequency in our parish. Call the parish for more information on discovering and applying your talents.
-- DEVELOPER --
The talent of Developer comes in at #9 in frequency in our parish. And what a wonderful talent it is for a parish! Those with Developer look at the world as a place of great potential – in fact that is all they may see! From their perspective, every person is a work in progress and nobody is fully formed. Developers look for ways to challenge others and then look for the ways people grow in response. Finding signs of growth and development in others is what energizes those with this talent. Eventually, others know that they can rely on Developers for help and encouragement. Those with Developer talent might become frustrated with or even hurt by those who choose not to grow or at least are not ready to grow, and therefore distance themselves from Developer types.
* RELATED SCRIPTURE: And what you heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will have the ability to teach others as well.–2 Timothy 2:2
* APPLICATION TO WORK and MINISTRY: A position as a counselor, adviser, mentor, teacher, catechist or any position where you can assist and/or moderate growth in others would be extremely fulfilling for Developer types. Likewise, for leaders who feel that their efforts to effect change might be in vain, Developers can help them recognize and appreciate even the smallest fruits of their efforts.
* PUTTING a FACE ON DEVELOPER: Loy Corral, Elizabeth Johnson (JPIC Ministry), Tony Navarro, Mary Lu Schmechel (Ironing Angel, Mission Receptionist) Mary Anne Schmidt (Usher), Linda Vargas.
FINAL SCRIPTURE STUDY SESSION
There will be a final Scripture Study session for all of those who have been part of the group since September. We will meet on Friday, June 13 at 10:00AM in the Friars Lounge, which is the room across the lawn from where we previously met. We will process the conclusion of Acts and discuss the plan for Scripture Study for next time. Those who wish to bring refreshments are welcome to do so. Mass will follow, as usual, at 12:10 PM in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel.
UPCOMING PILGRIMAGE
Medjugorje/Northern Italy
13 days (May 4-16, 2009)
An excellent way for people of faith to experience spiritual renewal is to go abroad to visit holy places of prominence in the history of the Church, otherwise known as pilgrimage. It may change your life!
Among our destinations, set for May of 2009, are holy places that mark significant moments in the history of the Catholic Church. We begin in Rome with a visit to the Vatican, which is the heart of our Church, and an audience with Pope Benedict XVI, our spiritual leader. A visit to Ravenna to view the ancient mosaics will allow us to imagine the Byzantine period. Assisi during the festival of Calendimaggio will lavish us with the Church’s medieval flavor, as St. Francis and St. Clare would have known it. Then we will enjoy the cradle of the Renaissance with a visit to Florence. Our last stops in Italy will take us to Padua, spiritual home of St. Anthony, and finally, to Venice, for still other important sites in Church history and culture. And since we travel in the month of May, traditionally devoted to our Mother Mary, we will take an excursion to the holy village of Medjugorje, in Bosnia-Herzegovina, where village children began receiving daily apparitions of the Blessed Mother over twenty years ago and a place of deep conversion for me personally.
I hope you will be able to join us for our 13-day pilgrimage. I promise that you will never pray the same afterwards! And, we always have a great time.
Brochures are available in the Parish Office and the Porter’s Office. Cost of trip is $3798 pp/do, which includes RT air from LAX, top-class hotels, shuttles, most taxes, admission fees, porterage, daily Mass and most meals. For more information, please call Fr. Daniel Barica at 682-4151.
HIDE and SEEK
Searching for the More
A Day of Recollection at Old Mission Santa Barbara Renewal Center. Please join us Wednesday, June 4. Sessions are from 9:30AM to 2:00PM and include presentations, reflection, Eucharist and lunch. Alternating presenters are Fr. Richard McManus OFM, Fr. Howard Hall OFM and Sr. Susan Blomstad, OSF. Suggested donation is $20. Please contact the Mission Renewal Center at 682-4713 ext 133 or retreats@sboldmission.org to make your reservation.
STEWARDSHIP of TREASURE
Sunday, May 25th $10,295.00
Franciscan Missionary Union $3,001.00
With each contribution, show a cheerful countenance, and pay your tithes in a spirit of joy.—(Sir 35:8)
ALWAYS our CHILDREN
The Catholic support group for parents of Gay and Lesbian Children from the Santa Barbara and Ventura area normally meets on the 4th Monday of every other month. Due to the holiday weekend they will instead be meeting on Monday, June 2 at 7:30PM. This is a comfortable environment where you can share your feelings and ask questions. The meetings are informal and confidential. For more information, please call Kathie & Joe Schneider at (805) 687-4338
PREPARE for NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY
First Reading: Hosea 6:3-6
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 50
Second Reading: Romans 4:18-25
Gospel: Matthew 9:9-13
REFLECTION on NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY of the WORD
Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Next Sunday’s gospel shows Jesus being rejected by some of the Pharisees. Caught up in observing the Law to the letter, they fail to see the generosity of God’s love shown by Jesus. Jesus asked Matthew, a customs collector, to follow him. This man was regarded as a sinner by the Jews and someone to be avoided and scorned. God’s mercy is not held from those who appear to be unworthy. In fact, it is precisely to these that God’s love reaches out. People are saved by God’s graciousness, not by their own efforts or accomplishments. Observance of the law without love for others is not genuine religion.
Life Focus
* When have you experienced having your life together and being quite independent? When have you experienced a time when you couldn’t “do it” alone?
* The Pharisees complain about Jesus to his disciples instead of going to him directly. Describe a time in your life when you did not have the courage to speak directly to a person you disagreed with or who offended you, but complained to others instead.
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.
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Sunday, May 25, 2008
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SOLEMNITY of the MOST HOLY BODY and BLOOD of CHRIST
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When he was struck on the road to Damascus, Paul was given an insight that he never forgot. While he lay on the ground, blinded by the light, he heard a voice say, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” He learned early on that when he persecuted a follower of Jesus he was doing violence to the Body of Christ. Paul began to see a close connection between the body of Jesus that he “broke” in the Eucharist and the mystical body of Christ dwelling in one of his disciples.
He tells us, “The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the Body of Christ?...we are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf.” Fed by the Eucharist, Paul could more clearly see the Body of Christ in himself and in others.
Like Paul, we seek to grow in an integrated vision of the Body of Christ in the sacrament and in people, whether saints or sinners. In the final judgment, Jesus speaks of his body in others. “I was hungry...naked...whatever you did for one of these least sisters or brothers of mine, you did for me.”
In order for us to be faithful in witness and service as Christ’s disciples, we need to be nourished regularly through the Eucharistic presence of Christ. So our prayer is, “Lord help us to be faithful to your presence in Eucharist and in all people.”
QUESTION of the WEEK
How does the presence of Christ in the Eucharist give hope to my life each day?
TODAY’S READINGS
First Reading—Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14b-16a
Never forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of slavery and fed you with manna in the desert.
Responsorial Psalm—Psalm 147
Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
Second Reading—1 Corinthians 10:16-17
Because the loaf of bread is one, we who partake of it, though we are many, are one body.
Gospel—John 6:51-58
Jesus said, “I am the living bread; whoever eats this bread will live forever.”
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 (RCIA) 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 the parish office at 682-4151.
SAY “HELLO” to our NEW PARISHIONERS!
Lorre Bushman
Mimi Crane
Edward Gordon
Hannah Stuckenschneider
Lucile Vea and Ray Felton
DEAR PARISHIONERS & VISITORS,
A portion of this week’s gospel reads as follows: “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you.” Not having the privilege of partaking of Eucharist means not filling yourself with Jesus. We all need this life within to become better followers who strive to live the Gospel life.
Through His Body and Blood, we are capable of wondrous and significant deeds. This inner life we receive by eating the living bread and drinking the precious blood allows each of us to have the strength to help the helpless. We all need to nourish our bodies, but the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ gives our soul the nourishment we need to give to those who do not have. This true food gives us the love we need to love those who are not loved, to forgive our enemies, and to be true stewards of our gifts. This nourishment is the life within that allows for marvelous accomplishments and through these accomplishments, with each life we touch, we truly live forever. Saint Francis, Saint Claire, Saint Peter, Saint Paul, Mother Theresa, Pope John Paul, Martin Luther King, and the list goes on and on throughout the centuries into modern times. Each touched many lives through this life within and will have life forever.
I have the awesome privilege of assisting with the distribution the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ as a Eucharistic Minister and many times this has brought tears to my eyes thinking about the love, power and majesty of this gift of the living bread and the life within.
Ginny Petrini
Pastoral Council Member
PARISH CALENDAR
May 29 Inquiry to Catholicism, 6:30PM
June 1 Strengths Journey Graduates’ Pot Luck, 1:15PM
June 3 Finance Committee Meeting at 6:30PM
June 5 Inquiry to Catholicism, 6:30PM
June 17 Parish Leadership Meeting at 6:45PM
OFFICE CLOSURE
Have a blessed Memorial Day! In observance of the upcoming holiday, the Parish Office will be closed on Tuesday, May 27.
BAPTIZED INTO NEW LIFE
Joel Franklin Eugene
Son of Eugene and Mary Thomas
Diego Salvador Pedroza
Son of Miguel and Lizette Pedroza
MEMORIAL DAY LITURGY
Rev. Msgr. Michael Jennett will celebrate a special Memorial Day Liturgy at 10AM on Monday, May 26, at Calvary Cemetery.
LET US PRAY FOR THE SICK
Eric Evonick
Mark Etzel
Richard Smith
Erin Johansson
Catharene Purdy
Rose Margaret Braiden
Patty Escalera
Mary A. Correa
Jennifer Buckley
Liliane Kirby
Fr. Virgil Cordano, OFM
May they know Christ's healing.
ANOINTING of the SICK
(Today after the 12Noon Mass)
The parish will administer the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick today after the 12Noon Mass. This sacrament is administered to bring spiritual and even physical strength during an illness. It is a way for Christians to identify with Christ in his passion and ask for God’s healing power. Only baptized Catholics whose health is seriously impaired by sickness or old age are proper subjects for receiving this sacrament.
KNOW YOUR TALENTS!
Based on the Catholic edition of the book, Living Your Strengths
Each week, the parish bulletin will feature one of the 34 talents or signature themes, listed in order of their frequency in our parish. Call the parish for more information on discovering and applying your talents.
- INTELLECTION -
Coming in strong as the parish’s #7 signature theme is Intellection. Intellection people enjoy all types of mental activity — reading, studying, philosophical discussions, challenging questions; they like to think. At times their thoughts lack focus, depending on what other strengths they have. They like to be alone, as this gives them time for reflection and to ponder the events of the day.
* RELATED SCRIPTURE: After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. –Luke 2:46-47
* APPLICATION TO WORK and MINISTRY: Intellection talents help one find innovative ideas and solutions. Their intellect can be used for in-depth study of issues in the parish. These talents can help catechists in the parish anticipate questions and achieve greater depth in their teaching. They can read and review important articles and books, and recommend them to other members of the parish.
* PUTTING a FACE ON INTELLECTION: Andrea Duda (Adult Faith Formation), Victoria Kline (Sacristan), Margery Lilly (Altar Server, Sacristan), Patricia DeBerry (Eucharistic Minister, Hospitality, Bereavement), Mary Scopatz.
STRENGTHS JOURNEY “GRADUATION”
All graduates of the recently completed ‘Living Your Strengths Journey’ are invited to come to a pot luck luncheon. Please join us as we review the Strengths program and talk about the next step.
When? Sunday, June 1 @ 1:15PM
Where? Parish Social Room
Please RSVP to the Parish Office (682-4151).
STEWARDSHIP of TREASURE
Sunday, May 18th $9,864.00
Archdiocesan Priest Retirement Fund $2,304.00
MYANMAR DISASTER
Support Catholic Relief Services
Thank you for the generous outpouring of support received for those affected by Cyclone Nargis. These lifesaving donations have helped Catholic Relief Services support the Caritas Internationalis network. Additional funds are urgently needed to help the most vulnerable survivors.
Cyclone Nargis brought a deadly tidal surge across the low-lying coastal areas of Myanmar. Official estimates of the death count are as high as 128,000, with another 2.5 million people in urgent need of assistance. Initial relief efforts are expected to reach 40,000 people in two of the hardest-hit areas. To date, 26,000 people have received food and relief supplies. More than 100 local volunteers have been trained to play a critical role with assessments and logistics.
CRS will provide support through local, nongovernmental and trusted humanitarian partners on the ground. The Caritas Internationalis network will determine the most appropriate way to carry out relief efforts.
Our Archdiocese, in the spirit of Christian solidarity, wishes to extend prayers and financial assistance to the people of Myanmar. Anyone who would like to donate may send a check payable to “CRS/ADLA-Myanmar Relief Fund” to the Archdiocesan Office of Justice and Peace (3424 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90010-2202). Donations may be also be made through the CRS web site at crs.org/myanmar/cyclone-nargis/
Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. The agency provides assistance to people in 98 countries and territories based on need, regardless of race, nationality or creed.
UPCOMING TRAVEL and PILGRIMAGE
Highlights of Guatemala
7 days
Oct. 27 – Nov. 3, 2008
Come see the cultural and religious highlights of Guatemala. Fr. Daniel, Pastor, who lived in Guatemala, will lead this intimate exploration of: the unique native population (descendants of the Mayan civilization); the old colonial capital of Antigua (surrounded by volcanoes); the villages around Lake Atitlan (named after the Apostles); the colorful market day in Chichicastenango; the Black Christ of Esquipulas; the All Saints Day celebration of huge, colorful paper kites in Santiago Sacatepequez; and ending with a flight to the ancient Mayan civilization of Tikal, in the northern jungles of the Peten. Santiago Sacatepequez. As I await final pricing for airfare, know that the cost of this trip will be around $1499 per person/double occupancy, which will include RT air from LAX, domestic RT flight to Tikal, top class hotels, shuttles, guides, Mass on most days, and breakfasts at the hotels. For more information, please call Fr. Daniel Barica at 682-4151.
Medjugorje/Northern Italy
13 days (May 4-16, 2009)
Come join a pilgrimage, led by Fr. Daniel Barica, that will explore significant periods in our Church history, beginning with a papal audience in the eternal city of Rome, then including the Byzantine mosaics in Ravenna; the Medieval festival of Calendimaggio in Assisi, home of St. Francis, where we will explore the history of this saint; Florence, capital of the Renaissance;. We will take an overnight ferry across the Adriatic to visit Medjugorje, in Croatia, where the Blessed Mother has been visiting several locals since 1981. After visiting the holy sites, we return by way of a visit to Split and its Roman heritage. This trip includes Italy’s most romantic city, Venice, and also home of its other famous Franciscan, St. Anthony, in Padua. Brochures are available in the Parish Office and the Porter’s Office. Cost of trip is $3798 pp/do, which includes RT air from LAX, top-class hotels, shuttles, most taxes, admission fees, porterage, daily Mass and most meals. For more information, please call Fr. Daniel Barica at 682-4151.
ALWAYS our CHILDREN
The Catholic support group for parents of Gay and Lesbian Children from the Santa Barbara and Ventura area normally meets on the 4th Monday of every other month. Due to the holiday weekend they will instead be meeting on Monday, June 2 at 7:30PM.
This is a safe and comfortable environment where you can share your feelings and ask questions. The meetings are informal and confidential.
For more information call Kathie & Joe Schneider: 805/687-4338
REFLECTION on NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY of the WORD
Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Next Sunday’s gospel is the conclusion of the final teaching from the Sermon on the Mount. We must determine God’s will for us and give God glory, seeking no recognition for ourselves. Jesus is both model and teacher in this. Simply hearing the words of Jesus isn’t enough. We must put them into action, build them into the very structure and fiber of our lives. If we do this, then no matter how violent the storms of our lives, we will stand firm on a foundation of God’s love and protection.
Life Focus
· What event in your life would you like to relive? What would you change about it?
· In what areas of your life might Jesus say, “I never knew you?”
· When did you do the “right thing” for the wrong reason?
· How do you recognize God’s presence in your everyday life?
PREPARE for NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY
First Reading: Deuteronomy 11:18, 26-28, 32
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 31
Second Reading: Romans 3:21-25, 28
Gospel: Matthew 7:21-27
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.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
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SOLEMNITY of the MOST HOLY TRINITY
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God is revealed to Moses as merciful, gracious, kind and faithful (first reading). Yet even this wonderful divine self-revelation was exceeded when God gave his only Son so that we might be saved. But even more—the fullest revelation of the grace, love and fellowship of the Trinity is extended to us believers with the sending of the Spirit as a share in divine intimacy—eternal life itself. The unceasing work of the Trinity is this: to love us into divine presence, into eternal life. Thus, the mystery and majesty of God is not kept internal to the community of divine Persons, but is shared with us so that we might share in that very same divine life
This is a wonderful solemnity celebrating the life and majesty of God; as the responsorial psalm prompts us, we sing out our blessings and praises for God’s holy glory. At the same time that we are uplifted in praise, we are also brought down to earth by this solemnity for it reminds us that the only way we share in God’s glory is to give of ourselves in the same way God gives to us: in love and mercy, graciousness and faithfulness
The second reading gives us concrete examples of what it means even now to live this kind of divine self-giving: “rejoice,” “mend your ways,” “encourage one another,” “agree with one another,” “live in peace,” “greet one another with a holy kiss.” Amazingly, our simple, good, everyday actions toward one another express the very life of God and God’s desire for us. The mystery of the Trinity will always be a mystery; nevertheless, we ourselves are privileged to express the wonder of divine life through our own goodness, mercy, love and peace.
QUESTION of the WEEK
In what ways have I experienced God as Father?
TODAY’S READINGS
First Reading—Exodus 34:4b-6, 8-9
The Lord is merciful and gracious, rich in kindness and faithfulness.
Responsorial Psalm—Daniel 3
Glory and praise for ever!
Second Reading—2 Corinthians 13:11-13
Brothers and sisters, rejoice. Live with one another in peace, and the God of peace will be with you.
Gospel—John 3:16-18
God did not send the Son to condemn the world, but to give it abundant 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 (RCIA) 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 the parish office at 682-4151.
DEAR PARISHIONERS and VISITORS,
The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, which we celebrate today, brings us face to face with the mystery of God. When we look at creation we can know certain things about God and about the grandeur of God’s love for us. It is Jesus who reveals to us the mystery of God and through the gift of the Holy Spirit, the love of God is poured into our hearts. Last weekend we celebrated the great feast of Pentecost as one family, and like the disciples of Jesus, we too were filled with the Holy Spirit. Our physical eyes were open and all of our senses were fully alive. What an amazing day it was indeed. But did we see God?
Have you ever wondered what God looks like? I remember asking this question when I was a young child going to church with my grandmother. The answer to my question went like this. I was told to just look up at the birds and see how they live surrounded by air. In that same way we live surrounded by God. Since that time I’ve come to understand that God is more than just surrounding us. In order for us to see God we must search for God with eyes other than our physical ones. In order to truly see God our hearts must also be open.
God is all around us. One God in three persons, a God who is within us and yet utterly beyond us. But until we discover God within us, God will always seem remote from us. The image of God is found within. We meet God not just in the world around us, but in the world within us, and find that God is closer to us than we ever expected. God is part of us. In the words of St. Paul: ‘In him we live and move and have our being. (Acts 17:28)
So, do you see God any better after celebrating the great solemnity of Pentecost last weekend with our fellow parishioners and friends? I know I do, because something happened to my heart.
With peace and hope,
Roy Spicer
Director of Music
PARISH CALENDAR
May 20 Pastoral Council Meeting at 6:45PM
May 22 Inquiry to Catholicism, 6:30PM in the Assisi Lounge
May 23 Fr. Daniel’s Scripture Study, 10-11:30AM
May 24-26 I Madonnari Festival
May 24 Eucharistic Ministry Intro &Training, Blessed Sacrament Chapel after the 4PM Mass
May 25 Second Collection for the Franciscan Missionary Union
May 25 Anointing of the Sick after the 12Noon Mass
May 29 Inquiry to Catholicism, 6:30PM -Assisi Lounge
June 1 Strengths Journey Graduates’ Pot Luck, 1:15PM
MEMORIAL DAY LITURGY
Rev. Msgr. Michael Jennett will celebrate a special Memorial Day Liturgy at 10AM on Monday, May 26, at Calvary Cemetery.
LET US PRAY FOR THE SICK
Eric Evonick
Mark Etzel
Richard Smith
Erin Johansson
Catharene Purdy
Rose Margaret Braiden
Patty Escalera
Mary A. Correa
Jennifer Buckley
Liliane Kirby
Fr. Virgil Cordano, OFM
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.
DID YOU KNOW ...
“Until the Fat Lady Sings”
You know the line about opera: “It ain’t over ’til the fat lady sings.” The same is true about Sunday Mass. And no, the “fat lady” is not the cantor. She’s us—all of us—the church! Sated (miraculously with just a morsel and a sip), stuffed on grace, a bit tired from sincere thanksgiving and sustained praise, the assembly has to finish this liturgy before it’s over. Would the cast leave before the final curtain? The orchestra before the finale? The team before the final buzzer or last out? At Mass, we are all the cast, all the orchestra, all the team.
The end of Mass comes quickly: After the silent revery that follows communion, there is a prayer and maybe a hymn. Some announcements follow, then a blessing and dismissal, perhaps a final song. So is it really asking too much of each other to see it through to the very end? Sure, you might be blocking in someone’s car in the parking lot. But if we all stay till the end, what difference does it make? Of course the little ones are antsy; we all are at this point. A few minutes more won’t hurt. (Nor will cries and squirming now.) And yes, not slipping out early means rubbing elbows with everyone, people jamming up at the doors and a procession of cars crawling out of the parking lot, but isn’t this a consequence of the communion that we just shared? Isn’t this how we know that we are becoming what we have shared: the Body of Christ, risen from the dead, going out into the world to give to others what has been given to us?
It’s a simple act of kindness—finishing the liturgy before leaving. And if we slow down just enough to finish our liturgy, maybe we’ll slowly learn to finish well other things in life, too. And when we learn to relish and not rush the end of things—the last minutes of a movie, the final words of a conversation, the last hand of cards and the final set of pins to knock down—what we are truly learning is to relish and not rush the end of our days—a final act of gratitude that gives God praise.
SAY “HELLO” to our NEW PARISHIONER!
Paige Van Tuyl-Steketee
KNOW YOUR TALENTS!
Based on the Catholic edition of the book, Living Your Strengths
Each week, the parish bulletin will feature one of the 34 talents or signature themes, listed in order of their frequency in our parish. Call the parish for more information on discovering and applying your talents.
It comes as no surprise that Harmony is the #6 strength in our parish, and that it’s number one for eleven of our parishioners! People strong in the Harmony theme tend to avoid conflict and friction and instead search for areas of agreement and common ground. They live by the tenet that everything can be more easily accomplished if we work together, keep our opinions to ourselves, and not “rock the boat.”
- RELATED SCRIPTURE: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. -Matthew 5:9
- APPLICATION TO WORK and MINISTRY: Harmony folks like to tackle hands-on projects in the parish and work best with those who are considerate and cooperative, resulting in a feeling of spiritual satisfaction and growth. Look for ways to link people with conflicting perspectives by showing them what they already agree on. This display of openness will ultimately help you learn and will afford you countless opportunities when you need the expertise of others.
- PUTTING a FACE ON HARMONY: Lorraine Abston, Claudia Chyla (Co-Leader of Altar Server Ministry, Stewardship Ministry), Carmen Diaz Flores (Eucharistic Minister), Mary Heron (Environment Committee, Sunday Coffee Hour), Louise LaMothe, David Medina (Lector), Linda Ruffton (Coordinator of Elementary Religious Education), P.J. Wilkinson (Pastoral Council, Eucharistic Minister).
STRENGTHS JOURNEY “GRADUATION”
All graduates of the recently completed ‘Living Your Strengths Journey’ are invited to come to a pot luck luncheon. Please join us as we review the Strengths program and talk about the next step.
When? Sunday, June 1 @ 1:15PM
Where? Parish Social Room
Please RSVP to the Parish Office (682-4151).
STEWARDSHIP of TREASURE
Sunday, May 11th $10,958.00
FRANCISCAN MISSIONARY UNION
Next weekend you will be encouraged to support the Franciscan Missionary Union through a second collection that will be taken up at all the Masses. If you have already made a contribution, we thank you for your support.
The Franciscans minister to God's needy all over the world. The missionary work of the St. Barbara Province has expanded over the years to include rural parishes, Hispanic and Native American missions and ministry among the poor of the inner cities. In other parts of the world, our friars work with church communities in the Philippines, Mexico, Thailand, Peru, Guatemala, El Salvador, Russia, Kazakhstan, and the Holy Land.
The Franciscans invite you to become partners with them in this ministry of love and compassion. Through your support of the Franciscan Missionary Union, you become partners in the work of the Franciscan Missionaries.
THANK YOU, ST. BARBARA PARISH
“On behalf of the women and families in Haiti who daily benefit from Fonkoze’s mocrocredit loan program and its literacy and life skills training, thank you for your recent donation of $1272 for our “Path to a Better Life” program. Together we are providing rural women in Haiti access to crucial financial and non-financial services. We thank you for your partnership and generosity.”
Sincerely,
Leigh Carter, Executive Director
Fonkoze USA
UPCOMING TRAVEL and PILGRIMAGE
Highlights of Guatemala
7 days
Oct. 27 – Nov. 3, 2008
Come see the cultural and religious highlights of Guatemala. Fr. Daniel, Pastor, who lived in Guatemala, will lead this intimate exploration of: the unique native population (descendants of the Mayan civilization); the old colonial capital of Antigua (surrounded by volcanoes); the villages around Lake Atitlan (named after the Apostles); the colorful market day in Chichicastenango; the Black Christ of Esquipulas; the All Saints Day celebration of huge, colorful paper kites in Santiago Sacatepequez; and ending with a flight to the ancient Mayan civilization of Tikal, in the northern jungles of the Peten. Santiago Sacatepequez. As I await final pricing for airfare, know that the cost of this trip will be around $1499 per person/double occupancy, which will include RT air from LAX, domestic RT flight to Tikal, top class hotels, shuttles, guides, Mass on most days, and breakfasts at the hotels. For further questions and answers, please come to an:
INFORMATION MEETING
Thursday, May 22 at 6:30 - 7PM, Parish Social Room
Please bring a deposit, $100pp, to reserve the flight
Please call Fr. Daniel for more information, 682-4151
Medjugorje/Northern Italy
13 days (May 4-16, 2009)
Come join a pilgrimage, led by Fr. Daniel Barica, that will explore significant periods in our Church history, beginning with a papal audience in the eternal city of Rome, then including the Byzantine mosaics in Ravenna; the Medieval festival of Calendimaggio in Assisi, home of St. Francis, where we will explore the history of this saint; Florence, capital of the Renaissance;. We will take an overnight ferry across the Adriatic to visit Medjugorje, in Croatia, where the Blessed Mother has been visiting several locals since 1981. After visiting the holy sites, we return by way of a visit to Split and its Roman heritage. This trip includes Italy’s most romantic city, Venice, and also home of its other famous Franciscan, St. Anthony, in Padua.
Please call or e-mail the parish for a brochure with all the details. Cost of trip is $3798 pp/do, which includes RT air from LAX, top-class hotels, shuttles, most taxes, admission fees, porterage, daily Mass and most meals.
INFORMATION SESSION
Thursday, May 22, 7 - 7:30pm
Deposits required to reserve a space
PREPARE for NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY
First Reading: Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14b-16a
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 147
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:16-17
Gospel: John 6:51-58
REFLECTION on NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY of the WORD
Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ
Jesus provides “real food” and “real drink” in the Eucharist—his own “flesh” and “blood” to sustain the believer. In next Sunday’s Gospel the crowds find this hard to believe, but Jesus doesn’t retreat from his statement. There is no question of Jesus’ meaning: When we partake of the Eucharist, we have a share in eternal life—here and now. For John, eternal life is God’s life, the life God shares with his Son. When we receive the Eucharist, we are united to Jesus and the Father. We share God’s life. When we share Christ’s life, we are already living eternally!
Life Focus
· People quarreled over Jesus and what He expected of them. What does He expect of you in your life?
· The Body of Christ on the altar, the Body of Christ around the altar: How are they the same? How are they different? How do they affect one another?
· Recall a celebration of the Mass that meant a lot to you.
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Sunday, May 11, 2008
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SOLEMNITY of PENTECOST
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The setting for today’s Gospel reading is the same as that of several Gospels which we read during the Easter Season: the upper room. On the evening before his death, Jesus instructed his disciples that he had to depart to his Father, that he would not leave them orphans, that they must continue his presence in the world by loving as he had loved, and that he would give them the Spirit to guide, teach and support them in their trials. All this now seems to be forgotten.
The disciples are locked in the upper room, fearful of what might happen to them at the hands of ‘the Jews.’ ‘The Jews’ had slain Jesus … what might they do to his disciples? But the Jesus whom they had seen nailed hand and foot to a Cross comes to them—alive! The man who had been agonizingly crucified is not only alive, but he comes to bring peace. On two occasions he greets them, “Peace be with you.” Here we find the beginnings of the transformation which the death and resurrection of Jesus can produce.
As the Father had sent him, so now he sends the disciples, but the promises he made in the upper room must first be fulfilled. He gives them the Spirit, the other Advocate who would stand by them, instruct them and strengthen them. The disciples have been further transformed. With the gift of the Spirit, fear is turned into joy.
Pentecost puts an end to fear. The gift of the Spirit must give us the courage to open doors we lock around us. We need to be transformed at Pentecost. Our fear must be turned into joy, the disciple must become the missionary, opening doors that we have shut. Repeating the mission of Jesus himself, we have now been sent, not to judge the world, but to save it.
QUESTION of the WEEK
Where is the Holy Spirit speaking in your life right now?
TODAY’S READINGS
First Reading—Acts 2:1-11
Filled with the Holy Spirit, the apostles begin to speak in tongues.
Responsorial Psalm—Psalm 104
Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.
Second Reading—1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13
In one Spirit we are baptized into one body and given to drink of one Spirit.
Gospel—John 20:19-23
Jesus Christ appears to the disciples and sends them on their mission with the power to forgive or retain sins through the Holy Spirit.
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 (RCIA) 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 the parish office at 682-4151.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHURCH!
Dear Parishioners and Visitors,
Thank you for coming to this Pentecost celebration of our whole parish family. Pentecost is a celebration of the gift of the Holy Spirit – a gift that gave birth to our Church. Remember that the followers of Jesus had been frightened and discouraged by his sudden crucifixion and death. Even after they rejoiced in His resurrection, they were still too afraid to go out and give witness. The Holy Spirit gave them courage to boldly proclaim the good news of the Gospel and to carry on the ministry of Jesus in the world.
That same Spirit brought the Gospel to this part of the world over 200 years ago when the Franciscans arrived and began their mission work in California. That same Spirit is alive and very active today in empowering the members of St. Barbara Parish with carrying on Christ’s ministry. We thank God for the work of the Holy Spirit among us. It can be seen in the breadth of the ministries represented in the parish, the unity that is present in the cultural diversity, and also in the wealth of talents and strengths that make up this Body of Christ. I thank God for all of you, who courageously allow the Holy Spirit into your lives, guiding you to live your baptismal call to its full potential.
Finally, as our country celebrates Mother’s Day today, we offer our prayers and love to our mothers who brought us into the world. Thank you, mothers, for the gift of life!
In the Spirit of joy and love on this festival day,
Fr. Daniel F. Barica, O.F.M., Pastor
PARISH CALENDAR
May 15 Inquiry to Catholicism, 6:30PM in the Assisi Lounge
May 16 Baptism Class at 6:30PM
May 18 Baptisms at the 9AM Mass
May 20 Pastoral Council Meeting 7PM
May 22 Inquiry to Catholicism, 6:30PM in the Assisi Lounge
May 23 Fr. Daniel’s Scripture Study, 10-11:30AM
May 25 Anointing of the Sick after the 12Noon Mass
May 29 Inquiry to Catholicism, 6:30PM in the Assisi Lounge
FROM DEATH to the FULLNESS of LIFE
Rose Mostachetti
May her soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
LET US PRAY FOR THE SICK
Eric Evonick
Mark Etzel
Richard Smith
Erin Johansson
Catharene Purdy
Rose Margaret Braiden
Patty Escalera
Mary A. Correa
Jennifer Buckley
Liliane Kirby
Fr. Virgil Cordano, O.F.M.
May they know Christ's healing.
DID YOU KNOW …
Pentecost
Easter reaches its fullness today, the fiftieth day, the Spirit’s day, birthday of the church, great Pentecost! What began in cold ashes, what was washed with water and oiled with gladness and nourished with bread and wine now is filled with breath and stirred aflame. Breathe deeply today; let every breath be a prayer. Play the flute or the kazoo. Hang wind chimes to catch God’s breath. Fly a kite. Be on fire today; live passionately. Read a love poem. Challenge someone to act on behalf of the common good. Take a stand against a grave injustice. Light seven candles on the dinner table. Wear red. Eat strawberries. Sing “Come, Holy Ghost.” (If you don’t know it, find someone to teach it to you.)
Fifty days of Easter have been given for our delight and for our salvation. Rejoice and be glad!
A PRAYER for MOTHERS
We thank you, God,
for the gift of our mothers,
for grandmothers and godmothers
and mothers-in-law, too.
Send your Holy Spirit upon our mothers,
at whose breasts we were fed,
by whose hands we were cleaned and clothed,
at times corrected,
in whose laps we learned to sing and speak
and play and pray,
at whose side we hear your word
and celebrate your mysteries.
Heal their pains and disappointments.
Forgive all that needs to be forgiven.
Give to them the good
that they have given others.
Fill this world, O God, with a mother’s love!
Happy Mother’s Day!
SAY “HELLO” to our NEW PARISHIONERS!
Enrique and Olga Delgado
STEWARDSHIP of TREASURE
Sunday, May 4th $11,603.00
All of us are called to be good stewards of our time, but to different causes or activities according to God’s specific call. What is God’s call to me?
HOLY THURSDAY COLLECTION SENT to HAITI
On Holy Thursday St. Barbara Parish collected $1,272 for the poor. At Father Daniel’s request, JPIC selected a program to receive this donation. We chose Chemen Lavi Miyo (Pathway to a Better Life), a program for the extreme poor in Haiti., a micro-credit institution, provides this program for families who are not yet ready for micro-credit loans. They beg for food, have not one asset, and have no male in the home. They are given 18 months of support with food and free health care. Case workers help families receive training in developing a small business and getting assets to begin it.18 months, 80% of the families are ready to participate in the micro-credit loans and join a solidarity group. So our donation not only gives direct aid but also helps to eliminate the causes of poverty in these Haitian families.
Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Ministry
KNOW YOUR TALENTS!
Based on the Catholic edition of the book, Living Your Strengths
Each week, the parish bulletin will feature one of the 34 talents or signature themes, listed in order of their frequency in our parish. Call the parish for more information on discovering and applying your talents.
Responsibility is the fifth most prominent talent in our parish. People strong in the Responsibility theme take ownership of whatever they commit to do. Honesty and loyalty are two very important virtues in their lives. To grow spiritually, they need to “live” their faith, taking personal responsibility for setting aside quality time to develop your relationship with God.
- RELATED SCRIPTURE: A good name is more desirable than great riches, and high esteem, than gold and silver. 2 Timothy 3:14-17
- APPLICATION TO WORK and MINISTRY: You passionately give your time and talent to help the homeless and the homebound. In addition, you are serious about your financial commitments to the church and the needy. You would make an excellent recruiter for various parish ministries, not satisfied until each role is filled with the right person. Responsibility motivates you, but you must avoid taking on “too much.”
- PUTTING a FACE ON RESPONSIBILITY: Robert Chyla (Pastoral Council, Co-Leader of Altar Server Ministry, Stewardship Ministry, MC of Major Parish Events), Shauna Abston, Loy Corral, Cleo Cutsinger (Sunday Coffee), Sandy Melendez (Pastoral Council), Jackie Stevens (Eucharistic Minister).
UPCOMING TRAVEL and PILGRIMAGE
Highlights of Guatemala
7 days (Oct. 27 – Nov. 3, 2008)
Guatemala has the highest native population in Central America, descendants of the Mayan civilization. Villages in the highlands have their own dialects, clothing and rituals. Having lived in Guatemala for 7 months as part of Franciscan formation, Fr. Daniel Barica, Pastor, will lead this trip. We will explore the old colonial capital of Antigua, surrounded by volcanoes, as well as cruise Lake Atitlan, with villages named after the Apostles, where there is a shrine for an American priest, Fr. Stanley Rother, who was martyred by the military for defending the rights of the native peoples. You will be awestruck by the colors at market day in Chichicastenango and moved by the pilgrims to Esquipulas, where an image of the Black Christ is venerated. We will fly to the ancient Mayan civilization of Tikal, in the northern jungles of the Peten. Finally, we will attend the famous kite-flying festival which commemorates All Saints Day in Santiago Sacatepequez. Please call Fr. Daniel for more information on forthcoming brochure and price.
Medjugorje/Northern Italy
13 days (May 4-16, 2009)
Led by Pastor, Fr. Daniel Barica, O.F.M., through NAWAS Travel
This pilgrimage will begin in Rome, with a papal audience and time to explore the eternal city. Then we will head to Assisi, home of St. Francis, in time for Calendimaggio, a glorious Medieval Festival where the city dresses up and engages in ancient games. We will have Mass at the tomb of Francis, visit the Carceri, (his former prayer caves), see the Church of San Damiano that he rebuilt, see the Franciscan relics at St. Clare’s Church, and celebrate Mass at the Portiuncula. Then we take an overnight ferry across the Adriatic to visit Medjugorje, in Croatia, where the Blessed Mother has been visiting several locals since 1981. After visiting the holy sites, we return by way of a visit to Split and its Roman heritage. Back in Italy we will stay in Florence, the ancient Renaissance capital, as well as visit Ravenna for its Byzantine mosaics, Padua, the city and church made famous by St. Anthony, and end up in Venice, for a tour of this most beautiful of Italy’s cities. Please call or e-mail the parish to receive more information, forthcoming, on details and costs.
HIDDEN TREASURES TOUR
The Old Mission Santa Barbara Museum Docents invite you to come on their first ever “Hidden Treasures Tour of the Old Mission” on Sunday, May 18, from 4-6PM, followed by a reception in the Friar’s Lounge. The cost is $30 with reservation and $35 at the door. For reservations or more information, please call (805) 682-4713 x166. Tickets may also be purchased in the Serra Shop.
TRANSITION HOUSE FAMILY PICNIC
Parishioners who help out at Transition House in any capacity, and their families, are invited to celebrate and honor all the Transition House volunteers at a BBQ on Sunday, May 18, 12-3PM, at the Main Area of Oak Park, 300 West Alamar Ave.your enjoyment there will be music, activities, a raffle, gifts and rewards. Please RSVP as soon as possible to Carly Harrod, phone (966-9668, ext. 115) or e-mail (charrod@transitionhouse.com).
PREPARE for NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY
First Reading: Exodus 34:4b-6, 8-9
Responsorial Psalm: Daniel 3
Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 13:11-13
Gospel: John 3:16-18
REFLECTION on NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY of the WORD
Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity
In next weekend’s second reading Paul calls the Corinthians to be a community united in Christ. He reminds them that the God to whom they have committed themselves is a God of love, who gave us his only Son. The love and the power that brings the Father and the Son together with each other is the Holy Spirit. The very Spirit of God is what brings us together as well—in the Church, in our families, and in our small church community. In the Gospel Jesus declares that he is God’s only Son, the one who has come from God. He is the means through whom salvation will be given. And this salvation that God confers is based on faith. Those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God will be saved, while others will condemn themselves by their refusal to believe.
Life Focus
· How have you experienced the Spirit challenging and nudging you?
· Who are the saviors in your life? How are they Christ to you?
GETTING in the PARISH BULLETIN
For Parish announcements, call Laura in the Parish Office (682-4151). Please contact Mission Publishing at (888) 253-4358 for business ads.
TRAVELING?
Don’t forget to go to Mass!
For nationwide Mass times and locations, please visit http://www.masstimes.org/.
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Sunday, May 04, 2008
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ASCENSION of THE LORD
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Jesus’ ascension into heaven is not a reward for what he did on earth, but a return to his rightful place at the right hand of the Father. The ascension, like the resurrection, manifests the divinity and lordship of Christ. And here is the mystery we celebrate: when we acknowledge Christ as Lord, we are led to worship him and continue his work on earth. Jesus is still present among us. But the twist of the gospel is that this new presence of Jesus is, through the power of the Spirit, within us and is manifested when we continue Jesus’ saving work as his disciples.
It is easy to think that witnessing, baptizing, and teaching belong to the church “professionals.” Jesus is saying otherwise. We don’t have to be mystics or theologians to do what the Spirit in us urges: witness, baptize, teach. We do this by letting the Spirit work through us in our daily lives. Jesus himself makes this work very concrete when he tells the disciples to teach all nations “to observe all that I have commanded you.”
Here the truism “actions speak louder than words” would be so applicable. Our best witnessing, baptizing and teaching is through our own gospel living. When we live God’s commandments, others may be led to do the same. When we worship well, others may be led to do the same. When we are confident of God’s message, others may be also. When we live as though we truly believe that the risen Lord is present within us, others may also believe in their own dignity and call to embrace risen life.
QUESTION of the WEEK
How do you respond to the spiritual revelations and miracles in your life?
TODAY’S READINGS
First Reading—Acts 1:1-11
Jesus tells the disciples that they will be witnesses to the ends of the earth.
Responsorial Psalm—Psalm 47
God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.
Second Reading—Ephesians 1:17-23
May the Father of glory give you a Spirit of wisdom and revelation.
Gospel—Matthew 28:16-20
Jesus instructs the eleven to baptize and teach people of all nations.
DEAR PARISHIONERS and VISITORS,
Last week I preached about how music helps us to express the deepest of emotions and that love’s ups and downs seem to dominate musical texts. Saying goodbye may follow as a close second, in terms of a realm of emotions that tug at our hearts, and therefore the basis for a good number of songs as well.
The scriptures on the feast of the Ascension tell the story of Jesus saying goodbye to his followers. Note that Matthew’s Gospel, however, leaves out the departure – there is no actual “ascension.” Jesus merely gives his disciples instructions for what to do while he is gone. And those parting words are very important for us, especially the very last ones: “I am with you always.” These words of Jesus provide a frame for the Gospel. The same idea of Jesus’ constant presence with us is recorded in Matthew’s birth story of Jesus. Joseph is reminded of Isaiah’s prophecy that the child’s name, Emmanuel, means “God is with us.” It is one thing to know this from the Gospel and it is another thing altogether to experience it.
Christ’s constant presence among us is good news yet it is also something we don’t always feel or experience. We have to consciously remind ourselves and each other that He is with us in all things, especially when we are in pain or crisis. Participating in the Eucharist each week is one way to remind ourselves that Jesus dwells in us. It is my sincere hope that the children of the parish, who are receiving their first communion both at today’s liturgy and the one two weeks ago, will come to trust that Eucharist is a way to physically experience the connection. I am convinced this is why the Church asks us to celebrate Eucharist at least once a week.
I am looking forward to our whole parish community celebration next week at the outdoor Pentecost Mass. I hope and pray that you can experience the beauty of seeing the family all together at one celebration. As a pastor, these types of occasions are one of the powerful ways that I experience the Christ’s abiding presence.
Peace and every good,
Fr. Daniel F. Barica, O.F.M., Pastor
PARISH CALENDAR
May 6 Parish Leadership Meeting at 6:30PM
May 8 RCIA at 6:30PM in the Assisi Lounge
May 8 Finance Committee Meeting, 6:30PM
May 9 Fr. Daniel’s Scripture Study, 10-11:30AM
May 11 Pentecost Sunday—Outdoor Mass at 10AM
May 15 RCIA at 6:30PM in the Assisi Lounge
May 16 Baptism Class at 6:30PM
May 18 Baptisms at the 9AM Mass
May 20 Pastoral Council Meeting at 7PM
May 22 RCIA at 6:30PM in the Assisi Lounge
May 23 Fr. Daniel’s Scripture Study, 10-11:30AM
PREPARE for PENTECOST MASS
As you know, the parish will celebrate ONE MASS on Sunday, May 11, at 10AM, for the entire parish family. Seating will be provided in front of the Mission steps. With that in mind, please note the following:
- WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR? Red is the color for Pentecost, so consider wearing something red. We also wish to celebrate the diversity of our parish, so another option is to wear something that represents your cultural background. And we will be outside for almost two hours, so check the weather beforehand. If it is going to be a warm, sunny day, please feel free to wear a hat and use sunscreen.
- ARRIVE EARLY – More than half of our lot will be taken up with seating for Mass. Parking for the disabled will be located in marked spaces across from the fountain, facing the Mission. In addition to the parking lot to the left of the Church, we will be using the field behind that lot. Attendants will be on hand to help everyone find parking, yet extra time will be needed to walk from parking to the seating. The side lot behind Serra Chapel will be occupied with retreat parking.
- IT WILL BE MOTHER’S DAY – Mother’s are most welcome and there will be a special blessing of Mothers at the Mass.
- RECEPTION – We are planning a delicious lunch after Mass that will be served inside the Mission grounds.
- CELEBRATING OUR CULTURE – As we celebrate the birthday of the Church, we also celebrate our particular parish faith community in all of its diversity. If you speak and read a language other than English, we would like to include this in the Mass. Please call the Parish Office for more details on how your native language can be a part of our celebration.
LET US PRAY FOR THE SICK
Eric Evonick
Mark Etzel
Richard Smith
Erin Johansson
Catharene Purdy
Rose Margaret Braiden
Jayne Flynn
Mary A. Correa
Patty Escalera
Liliane Kirby
Jennifer Buckley
May they know Christ's healing.
SACRAMENT of CONFIRMATION
On April 19, the following youth from our parish celebrated the sacrament of Confirmation with Bishop Thomas Curry at St. Raphael Church:
Chanel Battistone
Alejandro Chavez
Grace Cisik
Please pray for these Confirmandi that they may always remain in Christ and be guided by the Holy Spirit.
BAPTIZED INTO NEW LIFE
Clare Mae Castor
Daughter of Robert and Mary Castor
Diego Jorge Rodriguez
Son of Jorge and Karina Rodriguez
Naiyeli Skye Torres
Daughter of Nicholas Torres and Leah Rodriguez
SACRAMENT of FIRST EUCHARIST
Today at the 10:30AM Mass, seven of our children will receive Holy Communion for the first time. Our love and congratulations to:
Daniela Castleberg
Clark Cossin
Timothy Hirsch
Miranda Valdes
Natalia Valdes
Claire Velez
Sienna Watson
May their faith continue to grow through the reception of the Holy Eucharist.
SAY “HELLO” to our NEW PARISHIONERS!
Travis, Janice, Trevor and Treyton Moon
Nick, Lora and Ilda Parker
Patrick Rauber
Yvette Trevino
Julio and Mary Veyna
TRANSITION HOUSE FAMILY PICNIC
Parishioners who help out at Transition House in any capacity, and their families, are invited to celebrate and honor all the Transition House volunteers at a BBQ on Sunday, May 18, 12-3PM, at the Main Area of Oak Park, 300 West Alamar Ave.your enjoyment there will be music, activities, a raffle, gifts and rewards. Please RSVP as soon as possible to Carly Harrod, phone (966-9668, ext. 115) or e-mail (charrod@transitionhouse.com).
THANK YOU, TEAM ST. BARBARA
As a Bread for the World Covenant Church, we've learned that nearly a billion of our world's people have less than one dollar a day to spend on food and all other needs. During his visit to the United States, Pope Benedict frequently expressed his concerns about the development of the poorest regions of the world.
In response to these needs, St. Barbara Parish joined together as a team last Sunday, April 27th, sending an offering of 648 letters to our Legislators, asking to do all that they can to support aid programs that will give people in the poorest countries the skills and opportunities they need work themselves out of poverty.
St. Barbara Parish also worked as a team to bring loaves of bread for a bake sale to support Casa Esperanza, a local shelter and soup kitchen, which will be experiencing drastic loss in funding due to cutbacks in the State budget. We are happy to announce that at our bake sale, our parish has raised $1,255.64 to donate to Casa Esperanza. Thanks so much to everyone who helped with the Offering of Letters and for baking so many loaves of bread! Cheers for "Team St. Barbara!”
STEWARDSHIP of TREASURE
Sunday, April 27th $10,498.00
Children’s Collection $2.00
Cardinal McIntyre Fund for Charity $1,930.00
Thank you for your generosity!
HIDDEN TREASURES TOUR
The Old Mission Santa Barbara Museum Docents invite you to come on their first ever “Hidden Treasures Tour of the Old Mission” on Sunday, May 18, from 4-6PM, followed by a reception in the Friar’s Lounge. The cost is $30 with reservation and $35 at the door. For reservations or more information, please call (805) 682-4713 x166. Tickets may also be purchased in the Serra Shop.
KNOW YOUR TALENTS!
Based on the Catholic edition of the book, Living Your Strengths
Each week, the parish bulletin will feature one of the 34 talents or signature themes, listed in order of their frequency in our parish. Call the parish for more information on discovering and applying your talents.
The talent of Learner comes in at #5 in frequency in our parish. Learners are drawn to the joy of learning and are thrilled about moving from ignorance to competence. For these people, the subject matter is not as important as the process. They thrive in environments where they frequently are expected to learn something new and move on to the next learning experience. Learners do not need to be experts at what they learn, although many of them are. They have the gift of being able to learn a lot in a short time. This gives them confidence, although at times, some learners get frustrated about not necessarily mastering any subject.
- RELATED SCRIPTURE: But you, remain faithful to what you have learned and believed, because you know from whom you learned it, and that from infancy you have known (the) sacred scriptures. 2 Timothy 3:14-17
- APPLICATION TO WORK and MINISTRY: All that learning can be shared! So try to find opportunities to do so; then learners can proceed with new learning experiences. Learners have lots of enthusiasm around learning, so they are great in groups where new information or study is taking place. Learners make great catalysts for change. In parishes they are at the forefront of Bible classes, workshops on all kinds of ministries, and spiritual reading or book clubs. Many learners would enjoy teaching or catechist positions which allow them to share their knowledge.
- PUTTING a FACE ON LEARNER: Donna Blakemore (Eucharistic Minister, Sunday Coffee), Mac Freeman (Eucharistic Minister), Sandy Melendez (Finance Council), and Kathy Pojunas.
UPCOMING TRAVEL and PILGRIMAGE
Highlights of Guatemala
7 days (Oct. 27 – Nov. 3, 2008)
Guatemala has the highest native population in Central America, descendants of the Mayan civilization. Villages in the highlands have their own dialects, clothing and rituals. Having lived in Guatemala for 7 months as part of Franciscan formation, Fr. Daniel Barica, Pastor, will lead this trip. We will explore the old colonial capital of Antigua, surrounded by volcanoes, as well as cruise Lake Atitlan, with villages named after the Apostles, where there is a shrine for an American priest, Fr. Stanley Rother, who was martyred by the military for defending the rights of the native peoples. You will be awestruck by the colors at market day in Chichicastenango and moved by the pilgrims to Esquipulas, where an image of the Black Christ is venerated. We will fly to the ancient Mayan civilization of Tikal, in the northern jungles of the Peten. Finally, we will attend the famous kite-flying festival which commemorates All Saints Day in Santiago Sacatepequez. Please call Fr. Daniel for more information on forthcoming brochure and price.
Medjugorje/Northern Italy
13 days (May 4-16, 2009)
Led by Pastor, Fr. Daniel Barica, O.F.M., through NAWAS Travel
This pilgrimage will begin in Rome, with a papal audience and time to explore the eternal city. Then we will head to Assisi, home of St. Francis, in time for Calendimaggio, a glorious Medieval Festival where the city dresses up and engages in ancient games. We will have Mass at the tomb of Francis, visit the Carceri, (his former prayer caves), see the Church of San Damiano that he rebuilt, see the Franciscan relics at St. Clare’s Church, and celebrate Mass at the Portiuncula. Then we take an overnight ferry across the Adriatic to visit Medjugorje, in Croatia, where the Blessed Mother has been visiting several locals since 1981. After visiting the holy sites, we return by way of a visit to Split and its Roman heritage. Back in Italy we will stay in Florence, the ancient Renaissance capital, as well as visit Ravenna for its Byzantine mosaics, Padua, the city and church made famous by St. Anthony, and end up in Venice, for a tour of this most beautiful of Italy’s cities. Please call or e-mail the parish to receive more information, forthcoming, on details and costs.
PREPARE for NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY
First Reading: Acts 2:1-11
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 104
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13
Gospel: John 20:19-23
REFLECTION on NEXT SUNDAY’S LITURGY of the WORD
SOLEMNITY of PENTECOST
Our readings next Sunday give us two accounts of the Pentecost event. In Luke’s account “a driving wind” is heard. In John’s, the Lord “breathes” upon his disciples. The apostles, even though they have been gathered together in the upper room out of fear, are now given the power of the Holy Spirit, the life-giving heart of the Church. They are also to do what Jesus did: forgive sins, heal divisions, bring about reconciliation and joy to all. All Christians are commissioned and given power to carry on this mission.
Life Focus
· Describe how some person has inspired courage in you.
· What gifts of the Spirit can you identify in yourself that could help transform your world?
· Which gifts of the Spirit can you identify in your community?
· How are we developing together with other laypersons a mission of liberation in our everyday life?
TRAVELING?
Don’t forget to go to Mass!
For nationwide Mass times and locations, please visit www.MassTimes.org.
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