Did you know that song, and he happiness it brings you, is a gift from God? Yes, even if the song is by Lady Gaga.

That song, whatever it is, is a tangible, real-life touch of God’s loving concern for you, and his desire to help you feel more deeply, to deal with your pain, to share the suffering of others, to experience simple joy, to be truly alive.

To be more accurate, that song is a gift to you from the Holy Spirit.

It is the Holy Spirit that is the source of all wisdom, creativity, beauty, truth. Our word “inspiration” means to have the Holy Spirit enter us and make us see the world in a different way.

God offers endless, constant, overwhelming gift to humanity, transforming our lives with his two hands of Word and Wisdom, Son and Spirit.

We know that today is the birthday of the Church, marking the time when the Holy Spirit created this amazing community, dedicated to spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ to the entire world. We know that the Spirit guides the Church, now and always.

But the fact that the Spirit guides the Church does not mean the Spirit is in service to the Church. Far from it. The Church is in service to the Spirit. Let me say that again: The Spirit is not in service to the Church; the Church is in service to the Spirit.

And here’s another thought: as Jesus said, the Spirit goes where she will. Because the Spirit is the source of all creativity, all inspiration, all truth, all beauty, she is not confined to the Church, much less only us Roman Catholics. In fact, the Spirit is the source of all that is good and true and beautiful in all religions.

Then how does that make us special? Isn’t this the day to make us feel special?

Well, you are. And here’s why: as soon as we drop our notion that we Catholics already know everything and we’re better than other Christians, as soon as we understand that the Holy Spirit also acted through Muhammad and Buddha, and respect the truth we find in all thee places, the sooner we can discover and act on our own unique place, the special role the Spirit is guiding us to. Not because all religions are the same, but exactly because they’re different. Unless we understand what we share in common, how can we be faithful to our unique gifts? Yet we often resist the Spirit.

The scriptural passage most often used to contrast with the account of Pentecost is the story of the Tower of Babel in the Book of Genesis.

In that story, the people are unable to cooperate in a grand project because they develop different languages. At Pentecost, the division of languages is overcome so that the people of the world can join together to help build the Kingdom of God.

Now if we persist in creating divisions among the people of the world, setting up group against group and seeking to advance our own clan, are we living out the story of Pentecost or the story of the Tower of Babel?

When we can celebrate the work of the Holy Spirit in Islam and Judaism and all the authentic religions of the world, and in the arts, and science, and every good movement, then we will be able to understand the role we must play as Christians and then our role as Catholics. Otherwise, we’ll only contribute to and perpetuate the confusion of tongues described in Genesis through our arrogance and pride.

In 1972, a shy young school teacher in Queens got a call from the police. Her son had been beaten and arrested during a protest in New York City. The police officer asked if she knew her son Morty was gay. She already knew that, and to Jeanne Manford that made no difference.

Enraged at the treatment her son received, Jeanne called The New York Times, where a reporter hung up on her, and then wrote an unprecedented letter published in the New York Post denouncing the vicious practices of the police. In those days it was common for the police to randomly beat gay and lesbian people, just for fun. “I have a homosexual son, and I love him,” she wrote. Nobody had every said or written those words publicly before Jeanne Manford.

A few months later, Jeanne did something unthinkable in those days. She marched in one of the first Gay Pride Parades in New York, carrying a sign reading “Parents of Gays: Unite in Support for Our Children.”

Those first steps along a New York street began an organization called Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, PFLAG. Today PFLAG has 350 chapters with nearly a quarter of a million members, helping family members to break through hatred and ignorance to protect and defend their gay and lesbian brothers, sisters, sons and daughters. She and her husband Jules would shelter in their own home disowned and abandoned gay and lesbian youth who sought them out.

Jeanne Manford died in January of this year at the age of 92. She is an example of how the Holy Spirit goes where she will, unencumbered by our own preconceived notions of how the Spirit should act.

Jeanne had no idea where she would wind up when she stepped of the curb into that parade in 1972; she just followed her heart. She saved many families. She saved many lives. She was inspired.

The Spirit will not be restrained. The Spirit will not be dictated to. The Spirit is not here to comfort us, but to drive us on to erase division, to build communion, to heal the world by proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ to all the world.

This candle represents the Risen Christ. At the Easter Vigil 50 days ago, I carried this candle into this church, and we all lighted our candles from it. Today we end our Easter celebration, and when Mass ends we’ll carry this candle out of the church, not because Christ is leaving us, but because we are called by the Spirit to follow him out into the streets, to bind up wounds, to heal, to break down walls and overcome divisions. To sing the song only we can sing.

Where will the Spirit lead us? We don’t know. And isn’t that absolutely marvelous?

Readings

Schedule for the Bible Study Group

We are studying the spirituality of each Gospel, and the lives of two notable Christians who have lived out that spirituality. We meet in the Parish Center every other week on Saturday from 10 a.m. – 12 noon, with a repeat on the following Monday from 7 – 9 p.m. The upcoming meetings will be on: May 20, June 1 & 3 and June 15 & 17, June 29 & July 1. Everyone is welcome to join. For more information, please call (310) 285-5425.

Catholic Men’s Fellowship

The Catholic Men’s Fellowship invites all men 18 and older to join us as we welcome our own
Msgr. Tom Welbers
Love: The Old & New Commandment
This Tuesday, May 21st at 6:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall. A light dinner will be served.
Share with us spirit of brotherhood and friendship as we turn our hearts to Christ!
Please RSVP (310) 285-5425 or dfcarpenterjr@gmail.com

Mass and Healing Service

When: May 22, Mass & Healing Service
Presenter: Fr. Bill Delaney, S.J.
Time & Location: 6:30 p.m., St Mel Catholic Church, 20870 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills 91364.
For more information contact Claudia at (818) 342-6626.

Next “Bus Stop” – Travel Bags!

The bus to the prison will leave Good Shepherd Church parking lot on Saturday, June 1st at 6 a.m. in the morning. The ride to San Luis Obispo lasts approximately 4 hours.
Each child is given a travel bag with items he/she can use during the ride to the prison. Below is a list of suggested items, by age level, that can be put into the bags.
Under 9 years old: coloring books, crayons, puzzles, toy cars, small toys, easy read books, easy card games such as Go Fish, Old Maid or Crazy Eights. We currently have 33 children under 9 years old registered for our buses.
Over 9 years old: sports and teen magazines, journals, playing cards, brain teasers, books, travel sized games, Kleenex packages, sketch pads and pencils. We currently have 30 children over 9 years registered for our buses.
Please bring the items for the bags (over the weekend) to the Parish Hall or during the week to the Parish Center.

Volunteers Still Needed

If you are interested in being a volunteer on Saturday, June 1st at 4:30 am in the morning to help greet, check-in, and meet with the children and families before they “get on the bus” please contact Lucas at 1 (617) 388-9456 or email him at lucasflanagan@gmail.com

I Was Imprisoned And You Visited Me

We have good news to report! Central Juvenile Hall is now allowing new Catholic volunteers to visit teenagers again. However, you must complete a VISTO (Volunteers in Service to Others) application and return it to the Chaplain by the 15th of the month prior to your initial visit. If you would like to receive an application please contact Barbara Gunning at bgunning@svdpla.org or call the parish office at (310) 285-5425. Please get your application back to the chaplain by May15 if you want to visit on Sunday, June 2. This will be the next opportunity for new volunteers to visit teenage inmates at Central Juvenile Hall. On June 2, we will meet in the Good Shepherd parking lot at 7 a.m. and carpool downtown together for a brief orientation followed by 8 a.m. Mass. After Mass, we will visit with the teenagers in small groups for about an hour followed by a longer orientation with the Chaplain.

Prime Time Generation For People Over 40

If your goal is to live with a little more zest, a little more humor, and a little more friendship, come join us!
Friday, June 7:
Argentine Tango Dance Class @ 8 pm
Untangle your two left feet at the L.A. Dance Experience Studio, located at 1941 Westwood Blvd. RSVP for all of the details.
July: Dodgers Game
August: Concert in the park
RSVP/sign-up at: PrimeTimeGenBH@gmail.com

Young At Heart

The Young At Heart Group will meet on Saturday, June 8, at 11 a.m. in the Parish Hall.
The speaker will be Kathleen Wright, a member of Coldwell Banker who will talk about investments, home transitions, remodeling and current Real Estate Rates.
Please arrive promptly at 11 a.m. Lunch will follow and the cost is $10.
A warm welcome is extended to new parishioners and from other church parishes as well. Join us to enjoy the program, lunch and meet new friends.
For more information call (310) 285-5425.

Beginning Experience

June 7-9, 2013 - A “Beginning Experience” weekend will be held at the Holy Spirit Retreat Center in Encino for those who’ve experienced the loss of a spouse through death or divorce/separation. This program helps a person move from the darkness of grief into the light of a new beginning with renewed hope. Beginning Experience is recognized by the Office of Family Life for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The ministry’s website is www.beginningexperience.org. For info/registration, contact Peg Setti at (818) 767-1007 and, email bela2011-30@hotmail.com or Maria Rojas (bilingual/Spanish) at (310) 365-0186.

Married Couples, Need A Summer Getaway? Attend a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend!

Summer is a great time to spend a weekend away together to reconnect, and to rediscover your spouse. Weekends take place in a local area hotel, and all sharing is private with your spouse. A series of presentations made by married couples and a priest teach valuable communication tools and much more! Many couples complete the weekend with a renewed sense of togetherness, romance and deeper communication. Join us on our next WWME weekend June 28-30 in Los Angeles. We strongly encourage signups by June 3 to reserve your spot! Visit www.ilovemyspouse.net to apply or contact Sarah & Jacob Flores at (562) 923-7335 or Vinny & Tanya Calingasan at (424) 777-WWME (9963).

Beverly Hills Meals On Wheels Volunteers Needed

We need volunteers to drive and deliver meals to homebound seniors in and around Beverly Hills. We deliver Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon. To volunteer and for more information, please call Pat Jacobs at (310) 423-3517.

2013 Pilgrimage Presentation

Summary: This is an announcement that 2013 Pilgrimage Presentation will occur on Monday, June 24, 2013 at 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Description: Pilgrims who traveled on the Early Christian World Pilgrimage to Turkey will join Fr. Tom in a presentation to the parish about this wonderful experience. Photos and videos, and sharing and discussion will be featured. Turkish delights will be shared as well.

Calling All Married Couples

Feel blessed by your marriage in the Church? If so, we would love to have you help us prepare engaged couples for marriage in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. For further information please contact Candy Metoyer at (213) 637-7250 or cmetoyer@la-archdiocese.org. We Need You!

Did You Know?

Flying Solo: Tips for Children Traveling Alone
Every airline has slightly different policies on how they accommodate unaccompanied children. If your child is traveling alone this summer take special note of their policies for escorting children at connection airports and accommodations in the event that the flight is delayed or diverted. Note that some airlines policies do not include providing overnight accommodations and the airline may turn over your child to local authorities if the flight is delayed overnight. For general information regarding airline policies go to: http://moms.popsugar.com/Flying-Solo-Tips-Children-Traveling-Alone-27331080

Motherhood                                                                                                Mothers hold their children’s hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.   – Anonymous

Gathering Of Ministers
This Tuesday, May 14, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Parish Center

According to our Yearly Tradition of Planning, the Gathering of Ministers is the time when ALL those involved in groups and ministries have a chance to give feedback to the Commissions about what has happened so far this year, to offer ideas about what the Commissions are planning for the next year and to identify new Leadership Commission members. Join your fellow stewards of service! Sponsored by the Pastoral Council. Light dinner will be served. For more information, please call the parish office at (310) 285-5425.

Pentecost Is Coming!

This is the feast of the Holy Spirit – the birthday of the Church – May 18-19. The liturgical color for this day is RED, symbolizing the fire of love. You are invited to wear a touch of RED this day. To celebrate this day there will be a Pancake Breakfast after each of the morning Masses! Come one – come all. Join your parish in this Birthday Celebration.

Pentecost Celebrations

An Extended Pentecost Vigil Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 18 at 5:30 p.m. At this special Mass, we will recall: (1) how the apostles gathered together in an upper room and devoted themselves with one accord to prayer and (2) then at Pentecost, how tongues of fire came to rest upon the apostles and filled them with the Holy Spirit. The Mass will include several Old Testament readings, a New Testament reading, and a Gospel reading. In addition, the teens from our parish who received the Sacrament of Confirmation on April 28 will join us at this Mass, and will help us to recall how we received the Sacrament of Confirmation in years past. This special Mass will be somewhat longer than usual, but should end no later than 7 p.m. Afterward, everyone will be invited to the Hall for a reception and to congratulate the teens for receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation.
The celebration of Pentecost will continue at the Masses on Sunday, May 19 (8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 5:30 p.m.). At the 10:30 a.m. Mass, the members of the RCIA Program who were newly baptized and newly received into the Church at the Easter Vigil will receive a special blessing and a reception for them will follow in the Hall after the Mass.

Schedule for the Bible Study Group

We are studying the spirituality of each Gospel, and the lives of two notable Christians who have lived out that  spirituality. We meet in the Parish Center every other week on  Saturday from 10 a.m. – 12 noon, with a repeat on the following Monday from 7 – 9 p.m. The upcoming meetings will be on: May 18 & 20, June 1 & 3 and June 15 & 17. Everyone is welcome to join. For more information, please call (310) 285-5425.

Memorial Day

On Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, there will be one Mass at Good Shepherd, at 10 a.m.

Have You Ever Thought About Becoming A Catholic and/or Completing Your Sacraments?

Something is stirring in your heart, you hear, “Come—Come! Closer.” What will you do? Life is passing! Are you ready for the greatest adventure of your life  with God?
Inquiry Sessions Continue
May 22 & June 5
7:30 – 9 p.m. in the Parish Center
No obligation, give us a call or just come.
We are here for you! For more information, please contact either Sr. Virginia at (310) 285-5425, e-mail vstehly@goodshepherdbh.org or, Penny Lane (310) 739-8762.

Next “Bus Stop” – Travel Bags!

The bus to the prison will leave Good Shepherd Church parking lot on Saturday, June 1st at 6 a.m. in the morning. The ride to prison in San Luis Obispo lasts approximately 4 hours. Each child is given a travel bag with items he/she can use during the ride to the prison. Below is a list of suggested items, by age level, that can be put into the bags.
Under 9 years old: coloring books, crayons, puzzles, toy cars, small toys, easy read books, easy card games such as Go Fish, Old Maid or Crazy Eights. We currently have 33 children under 9 years old registered for our buses. Over 9 years old: sports and teen magazines, journals, playing cards, brain teasers, books, travel sized games, Kleenex packages, sketch pads and pencils. We currently have 30 children over 9 years registered for our buses.
Please bring the items for the bags (over the weekend) to the Parish Hall or during the week to the Parish Center.

Volunteers Still Needed
If you are interested in being a volunteer on Saturday, June 1st at 4:30 am in the morning to help greet, check-in, and meet with the children and families before they “get on the bus” please contact Lucas at 1 (617) 388-9456 or email him at lucasflanagan@gmail.com

Beginning Experience

June 7-9, 2013 - A “Beginning Experience” weekend will be held at the Holy Spirit Retreat Center in Encino for those who’ve experienced the loss of a spouse through death or divorce/separation. This program helps a person move from the darkness of grief into the light of a new beginning with renewed hope. Beginning Experience is recognized by the Office of Family Life for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The ministry’s website is www.beginningexperience.org. For info/registration, contact Peg Setti at (818) 767-1007 and, email bela2011-30@hotmail.com or Maria Rojas (bilingual/Spanish) at (310) 365-0186.

Married Couples, Need A Summer Getaway? Attend a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend!

Summer is a great time to spend a weekend away together to reconnect, and to rediscover your spouse. Weekends take place in a local area hotel, and all sharing is private with your spouse. A series of presentations made by married couples and a priest teach valuable communication tools and much more! Many couples complete the weekend with a renewed sense of togetherness, romance and deeper communication. Join us on our next WWME weekend June 28-30 in Los Angeles. We strongly encourage signups by June 3 to reserve your spot! Visit www.ilovemyspouse.net to apply or contact Sarah & Jacob Flores at (562) 923-7335 or Vinny & Tanya Calingasan at (424) 777-WWME (9963).

Did You Know?

Cell Phones: A mixed blessing
Cell phones with photographic capability are a great blessing but they can certainly be misused as well. Have a healthy suspicion of anyone using a cell phone in an awkward or unusual way. Be especially cognizant of any suspicious cell phone use in areas where people could be in various states of undress or where children are  gathered. If you see someone using a cell phone in a way that appears suspicious, don’t be afraid to ask what he or she is doing or to alert someone in a position of authority about your concerns. For a copy of the complete VIRTUS® article above “Taking A Closer Look at Cell Phone Video Voyeurism” email: jvienna@la-archdiocese.org.

I Was Imprisoned And You Visited Me

We have good news to report! Central Juvenile Hall is now allowing new Catholic volunteers to visit teenagers again. However, you must complete a VISTO (Volunteers in Service to Others) application and return  it to the Chaplain by the 15th of the month prior to your initial visit. If you would like to receive an application please contact Barbara Gunning at bgunning@svdpla.org or call the parish office at (310) 285-5425. Please get your application back to the chaplain by May 15 if you want to visit on Sunday, June 2. This will be the next opportunity for new volunteers to visit teenage inmates at Central Juvenile Hall. On June 2, we will meet in the Good Shepherd parking lot at 7 a.m. and carpool downtown together for a brief orientation followed by 8 a.m. Mass. After Mass, we will visit with the teenagers in small groups for about an hour followed by a longer orientation with the Chaplain.

Volunteer Sacristans Are Needed For All Masses

A sacristan is someone who serves by working with the Sacred.
If you volunteer, you will serve as part of a Sacristan Team. The team members will work together to prepare the altar and the sanctuary for the celebration of Mass, and will supervise clean up afterwards. For example, a Sacristan Team will set out the Sacred Vessels and the vestments, determine the number of hosts and the amount of wine needed, light the candles, set out the books and the worship aids, and assist a new or a substitute priest who may not be familiar with the parish. On Sundays, you would serve at your usual Sunday Mass. If you feel that God may be calling you to serve our community in this way, please call Ethel at (310) 285-5425 for more information and training.

2013 Pilgrimage Presentation

Summary: This is an announcement that 2013 Pilgrimage Presentation will occur on Monday, June 24, 2013 at 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Description: Pilgrims who traveled on the Early Christian World Pilgrimage to Turkey will join Fr. Tom in a presentation to the parish about this wonderful experience. Photos and videos, and sharing and discussion will be featured. Turkish delights will be shared as well.

Prime Time Generation For People Over 40

If your goal is to live with a little more zest, a little more humor, and a little more friendship, come join us!
Friday, June 7:
Argentine Tango Dance Class @ 8 pm
Untangle your two left feet at the L.A. Dance Experience Studio, located at 1941 Westwood Blvd. RSVP for all of the details.
July:  Dodgers Game
August:  Concert in the park
RSVP/sign-up at: PrimeTimeGenBH@gmail.com

Beverly Hills Meals On Wheels Volunteers Needed

We need volunteers to drive and deliver meals to homebound seniors in and around Beverly Hills. We deliver Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon. To volunteer and for more information, please call Pat Jacobs at (310) 423-3517.

Congratulations to all the students from Good Shepherd School as well the students from the Parish Religious Education program on the celebration of their First Communion at the 10:30 a.m. Mass this Sunday, May 5, 2013. We are so very happy for all of you.

Schedule for the Bible Study Group

We are studying the spirituality of each Gospel, and the lives of two notable Christians who have lived out that  spirituality. We meet in the Parish Center every other week on  Saturday from 10 a.m. – 12 noon, with a repeat on the following Monday from 7 – 9 p.m. The upcoming meetings will be on: May 6, May 18 & 20 and June 1 & 3 and June 15 & 17. Everyone is welcome to join. For more information, please call (310) 285-5425.

Are You A Person Who Likes To Welcome And Greet People?

You are invited to be an Usher-Greeter at one of the weekend Masses. We invite you as a single person, a married couple, or as a family to be a part of thisministry. What a blessed gift you can be to the people who come to Church each week.
Think about this—but do not think too long. You are invited now! Please call the Parish Office this week at (310) 285-5425 and we will get back to you immediately.

Have You Ever Thought About Becoming A Catholic and/or Completing Your Sacraments?

Something is stirring in your heart, you hear, “Come—Come! Closer.” What will you do? Life is passing! Are you ready for the greatest adventure of your life  with God?
Inquiry Sessions Continue
May 9 & 22, June 5 & 19
7:30 – 9 p.m. in the Parish Center
No obligation, give us a call or just come.
We are here for you! For more information, please contact either Sr. Virginia at (310) 285-5425, e-mail vstehly@goodshepherdbh.org or, Penny Lane (310) 739-8762.

Pentecost Is Coming!

This is the feast of the Holy Spirit – the birthday of the Church – May 18-19. The liturgical color for this day is RED, symbolizing the fire of love. You are invited to wear a touch of RED this day. To celebrate this day there will be a Pancake Breakfast after each of the morning Masses! Come one – come all. Join your parish in this Birthday Celebration.

Pentecost Celebrations

An Extended Pentecost Vigil Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 18th at 5:30 p.m.  At this special Mass, we will recall: (1) how the apostles gathered together in an upper room and devoted themselves with one accord to prayer and (2) then at Pentecost, how tongues as of fire came to rest upon the apostles and filled them with the Holy Spirit.
The Mass will include several Old Testament readings, a New Testament reading, and a Gospel reading. In addition, the teens from our parish who received the Sacrament of Confirmation on April 28th will join us at this Mass, and will help us to recall how we received the Sacrament of Confirmation in years past.
Mass will be somewhat longer than usual, but should end no later than 7 p.m. Afterward, everyone will be invited to the Hall for a reception and to congratulate the teens for receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation.
The celebration of Pentecost will continue at the Masses on Sunday, May 19th (8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 5:30 p.m.). At the 10:30 a.m. Mass, the members of the RCIA Program who were newly baptized and newly received into the Church at the Easter Vigil will receive a special blessing; and a reception for them will follow in the Hall after the Mass.

Beverly Hills Meals On Wheels Volunteers Needed

We need volunteers to drive and deliver meals to homebound seniors in and around Beverly Hills. We deliver Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon. To volunteer and for more information, please call Pat Jacobs at (310) 423-3517.

Get On The Bus Update
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

The Get on the Bus committee would like to thank all of the parishioners for their tremendous support of last weekend’s Book and White Elephant sale, Mother’s Day card sale and donations! With your great support we raised $5,109.50 With the $1,500 we had already raised it brings us to $6,609.50, which is over half of our $10,000 goal. A special thanks to Deacon Eric who designed the  Mother’s Day card and to the volunteers who worked on putting together the books, pricing the white elephant items and selling the books, cards, and white elephant items…Sharon Monroe, Lee Reed, Anne Murphy, Donna Slates, Ethel Olah, Nazanin Mesbahzadeh, Marcus Anderson, Richard Craig, Margaret Kame, Fran Brevig, Cathey Lizzio, Colette Van Dyke, Lisa Skyler, Rita Bazeley, Philip Grocher, Raymond Mata, and Pamela Staton. Mother’s Day cards are still available after all the Masses by the Parish Hall this weekend. They can also be purchased at the Parish Center during the week. The entire $10 donation for the Mother’s Day card goes directly to our Get on the Bus fund.

Volunteer Sacristans Are Needed For All Masses

A sacristan is someone who serves by working with the sacred.
If you volunteer, you will serve as part of a sacristan team. The team members will work together to prepare the altar and the sanctuary for the celebration of Mass, and will supervise clean up afterwards.
For example, a sacristan team will set out the sacred vessels and the vestments, determine the number of hosts and the amount of wine needed, light the candles, set out the books and the worship aids, and assist a new or a substitute priest who may not be familiar with the parish.
On Sundays, you would serve at your usual Sunday Mass. If you feel that God may be calling you to serve our community in this way, please call Ethel at (310) 285-5425 for more information and training.

The Cathedral Of Our Lady Of The Angels Presents
Samuel Soria In Concert

As part of the Tenth Year Anniversary Commemoration, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels located at 555 W. Temple street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 is sponsoring a special Organ concert by world-class organist, Samuel Soria. The concert will begin at 4 p.m. This Sunday, May 5th and will include works by historic composers, as well as an original composition by Mr. Soria entitled “Improvisation on B.A.C.H.”
For more information please visit www.olacathedral.org or call (213) 680-5200.

I Was Imprisoned And You Visited Me

We have good news to report! Central Juvenile Hall is now allowing new Catholic volunteers to visit teenagers again. However, you must complete a VISTO (Volunteers in Service to Others) application and return  it to the Chaplain by the 15th of the month prior to your initial visit. If you would like to receive an application please call the parish office at (310) 285-5425. Please get your application back to the chaplain by May 15th if you want to visit on Sunday, June 2nd. This will be the next opportunity for new volunteers to visit teenage inmates at Central Juvenile Hall. On June 2nd, we will meet in the Good Shepherd parking lot at 7 a.m. and carpool downtown together for a brief orientation followed by 8 a.m. Mass. After Mass, we will visit with the teenagers in small groups for about an hour followed by a longer orientation with the Chaplain.

Prime Time Generation For People Over 40

If your goal is to live with a little more zest, a little more humor, and a little more friendship, come join us!
Friday, May 10:  Wine Tasting at 7 p.m.
Join us for a fun wine-tasting event to share and savor. Vino virgins, cork connoisseurs and all of us in between  are welcome to wine out. Cheers! Please RSVP to receive all the information.
Friday, June 7:
Argentine Tango Dance Class at 8 p.m.
Untangle your two left feet at the L.A. Dance Experience Studio, located at 1941 Westwood Blvd. More details to follow….
July:  Dodgers Game
RSVP/sign-up at: PrimeTimeGenBH@gmail.com

Did You Know?

Is Your Family Prepared for a Natural Disaster?
A news report on last month’s earthquake in Southwest China demonstrates how important it is to have a family preparedness plan in case of a disaster. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children offers the following recommendations to all families potentially impacted by a natural disaster: know where your children are at all times, stay together, take photos of your children with you when evacuated, give children identification information to carry with them, including the child’s name, date of birth, address, phone numbers, etc., e-mail digital photos of all family members to extended relatives and/or friends, photocopy important documents and mail to a friend/relative in a safe location, make a plan with your children, so they know what to do if your family becomes separated during an evacuation. For more information please visit the website: www.missingkids.com/disasters

A contemporary graphic of the Madonna and Child graces the cover, and inside is this message:

Happy Mother’s Day. A gift has been made in your honor to bring children from our community to visit their mothers and fathers in prison.

Your $10 gift will indeed help underwrite our parish sponsorship of buses through Get on the Bus to take children from the Los Angeles area to visit their parents in California’s far-flung prisons. Many of these children have never been able to visit their mothers or fathers due to lack of transportation and the difficulty of completing all the necessary paperwork. Good Shepherd parishioners erase those obstacles and accompany the children to a festive family event hosted at the prison.

The cover art for the card is provided courtesy of the Corita Art Center on the campus of Immaculate Heart High School in Los Feliz. Entitled admirable exchange, the image is a reproduction of a 1951 serigraph by the world-renown artist Corita.

Corita Kent, also known as Sister Mary Corita, gained international fame for her vibrant serigraphs during the 1960s and 1970s. A Sister of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, she ran the Art Department at Immaculate Heart College until 1968 when she left the Order and moved to Boston.

Corita’s art reflects her spirituality, her commitment to social justice, her hope for peace, and her delight in the world that takes place all around us.

Get On The Bus brings children and their caregivers from throughout the state of California to visit their mothers & fathers in prison.

An annual event, Get On The Bus offers free transportation for the children and their caregivers to the prison.

Each child is provided a travel bag, a photo with his or her parent, and meals for the day (breakfast, snacks, lunch at the prison, and dinner). On the trip home, a teddy bear with a letter from their parent and post-event counseling.

The Mother’s Day cards will be available in return for your gift of $10 after all Masses this weekend and during the week at the parish office. This card is a thoughtful gesture for any mother: yours, your grandmother, your wife or a good friend.