We encourage everyone to wear something red. This is the color of the feast, representing the Holy Spirit, the fire of love! Pray each day to the Holy Spirit!

The Significance of the Ascension

The theological unity, or perhaps even the temporal experience of the early community, made it seem that Jesus’ resurrection and his ascension were inseparable aspects of a single mystery. Only in the later writings of Luke and John has further theological reflection helped the Christian community to distinguish different dimensions of the mystery.

Liturgical tradition has followed the forty-day chronology formulated by Luke. We would miss the point, however, if we were to demand a precise historical chronology of events such as the Resurrection-Ascension that are primarily spiritual in nature and that clearly surpass the bounds of time and space as we know them.

What is important for us to grasp is the significance of the Ascension. For Luke, it is the decisive turning point that marks the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry and the beginning of the disciples’ Spirit-led ministry and thus the ministry of the whole church down to our own day.

Confirmation Celebrated

Last Saturday, May 12th, our parish was blessed to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation. We had teenagers and adults from our parish and we welcomed others to be confirmed from St. Victor in West Hollywood and Corpus Christi in Pacific Palisades to celebrate with us. We are deeply grateful to Sr. Kathleen and her teen confirmation team and Sr. Virginia for their guidance to these teens and adults.

Interested in Becoming a Catholic?

For more information about becoming a Catholic and/or completing your sacraments of initiation — Eucharist and Confirmation — just come and see, no obligation! Our inquiry nights continue—Thursday evenings: May 31, June 14 and July 19. For more information, please call Sr. Virginia at (310) 285-5425, e-mail her at vstehly@goodshepherdbh.org, or call Penny Lane at (310) 739-8762.

Eucharistic Ministers to the Sick and Homebound Needed

Good Shepherd Church needs volunteers to be trained to distribute Holy Communion to the sick/homebound. Times are flexible based on your work schedule and Mass attendance. Young adults especially are encourage to volunteer. For more information call (310) 285-5425.

Used Book Sale Benefitting Get On The Bus

A warm thank you to all who made the used book sale a success. Together with your purchases of used books/jewelry, and your contributions in the big round jar with the Get On The Bus Label, we raised $847. That’s almost half the cost of a bus! All the funds will be used for the bus trip for families to visit relatives in the San Luis Obispo Men’s Correctional Facility on Saturday June 2. It enables our parish to send two buses with Lynn Slotsve’s team of volunteers for this annual visitation.

Also, a big thank you to our volunteers for their kind  assistance: Lynn, Sharon, Lee, Marcus, Richard, Margaret and Ruth. Hope to see our parish family on Saturday, June 2 at 4 a.m. to assist with the programs and to cheer the participants as the buses roll out of our parking lot at 5:30 a.m.! We are reaching our goal with your help.

Did You Know?

What’s Your Plan in the event of an emergency? Did you know that every Catholic school in the Los Angeles Archdiocese is required to have a written plan for emergency procedures? The plan must include provisions for fire, earthquake, disaster and evacuation drills and lockdown procedures that conform to local, state and county requirements. Each school’s plan must be updated annually, and made available to parents. Does your own family have a similar plan for what to do and where to gather in the event of an emergency? City and County disaster preparedness agencies are a good resource to use for making your own emergency plan. For particular help, you may call Assistance Ministry at (213) 637-7650.

Event Scheduled at Cathedral for Separated, Divorced and Widowed

This is a unique experience for the separated, divorced and widowed to come together for a tour of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angeles and Mass on Saturday, June 30, beginning at 9 a.m., sponsored by the archdiocesan Office of Family Life, Separated Divorced and Widowed Ministry. Reflect and renew our inner strength knowing that healing the hurts from personal loss comes from God’s love and grace. For more information or to register contact: Julie at (626) 357-6508 or jmonell1@altrionet.com Pre-Registration: $15.00 & parking $5.00 For registration & information, call Julie (626) 357-6508 or jmonell1@altrionet.com

Singles Convention to be Held in Charleston

The Catholic Alumni Club International invites you to their annual convention in Charleston, SC on July 22-28. For more info, go to their web site or contact Don at donluebbering@fuse.net

Consider Advertising in the Bulletin

Our Sunday bulletin is an important way for us to communicate with you. Producing it every week could be very costly, but through our arrangement with the J.S. Paluch Company the parish does not pay for the printing, saving thousands of  dollars each year. Our bulletin is supported through the generosity of the businesses that you see advertised on the back cover. Most of these advertisers are parishioners and members of our local community.
If you wish to advertise in our parish Bulletin, please call the parish office at (800) 231-0805.

During these difficult economic times, we encourage you to support these advertisers with your patronage and tell them that you appreciate their support of our parish through their advertisements in the bulletin. We thank them for their support.

Attention Everyone Involved in Our Parish Ministries

For any of our dedicated parishioners and staff, who works or volunteer their precious time (with Good Shepherd school, the sick, the elderly or children…) we will join hands with the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and abiding by their policies. This includes providing a safe environment by requiring that everyone be fingerprinted! The Archdiocese will be finger printing at Good Shepherd Parish Hall on Saturday June 9th from 10 a.m. to 5:20 p.m. Do Not Miss This Opportunity! To schedule your appointment, fees and more information call (310) 285-5425.

Spring and Summer Retreats Available

Great opportunities for young adults. Retreats offered by the Ecclesial Assistant Office of Christian Life Community Western Region:

• Guided Ignatian Silent Retreat, May 31-June 1, 2012, Valyermo
• Caritas Retreat, ages 23-40, August 2-5, 2012
• Discover Retreat, ages 18-23, July 20-22, 2012, Valyermo

To register and for more information, please visit their website at www.clcusawest.org.

Guadalupe Celebration to be Held August 5

The Archdiocese and the Knights of Columbus will sponsor a Guadalupe Celebration on Sunday, August 5th at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum free to the public. Tickets will be available online in May. Be among the first to get your free tickets and receive exclusive updates. Sign up for email alerts at www.guadalupecelebration.com

We wish all Moms in this Parish and in this world a happy Mother’s Day. There isn’t a day of the year that you aren’t special to me, Mom.

Eucharistic Ministers To The Sick and Homebound Needed

Good Shepherd Church needs volunteers to be trained to distribute Holy Communion to the sick/homebound. Times are flexible based on your work schedule and Mass attendance. Young adults are encourage to volunteer. For more information call (310)285-5425.

The Young At Heart

The Young At Heart will gather Saturday, May 19 (the third Saturday of the month) at 12 noon in the Parish Hall. Newcomers are welcome. To R.s.v.p., please call the parish office at (310) 285-5425.

Tour of California Bicycle Race Sunday, May 20

Next Sunday, the Tour of California Bicycle Race will run through Beverly Hills from 9 a.m. – Noon. Street closures and parking will be limited and may affect your arriving at Mass on time. Closures will be Rodeo Dr.(between Wilshire and Little Santa Monica), Little Santa Monica/Burton Way east of Rodeo to Doheny, and Doheny north of Burton Way to Sunset Blvd, and Sunset going east of Doheny. Due to the set-up and traffic the BH triangle (Beverly Dr, Rodeo and Camden between Wilshire and Little Santa Monica) should be avoided. For a map see their website.

The Feast of Pentecost Is Coming!

May 27 is the birthday of the Church! So wear something red to Mass that day. This is the color of the feast day, representing the Holy Spirit, the fire of love! Pray each day to the Holy Spirit!

English Tea

Please join us this Monday, May 14 from 2-5 p.m. in the Parish Hall for an afternoon English Tea. For more information please contact Shirley Smith at (213) 909-5500.

Get On The Bus Will Roll Saturday, June 2

Thanks to each of you. Our goal was $8,000, we are almost there!

Help is still needed for the activity bags. In these bags are items for ages 1 and up to help the children and teenagers have something to do on their four-hour bus ride each way. Please help! Suggestions: puzzle books, story books, travel games and things easily held in the hands. Bring these items in by Sunday, May 20 to either the parish office or the school office. Last year we gave them a very skimpy bag, so let’s do it up well this wear.

Attention All Good Shepherd Volunteers and Staff!

For any of our dedicated parishioners and staff, who works or volunteers their precious time (i.e. with Good Shepherd school, the sick, the elderly or children…) we will be joining hands with the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and abiding by their policies. This includes providing a safe environment by requiring that everyone be fingerprinted! The Archdiocese will be fingerprinted at Good Shepherd Parish Hall on Saturday June 9 from 10 a.m. to 5:20 p.m. Do not miss this opportunity! To schedule your appointment, and for more information call (310) 285-5425.

Spring And Summer Retreats

Great opportunities for young adults. Retreats offered by the Ecclesial Assistant Office of CLC Western Region:

• Guided Ignatian Silent Retreat: May 31-June 1, 2012 Valyermo, CA Caritas Retreat ages 23-40, August 2-5, 2012
• Discover Retreat: ages 18-23, July 20-22, 2012, Valyermo, CA.

To register and for more information, please visit their website at www.clcusawest.org.

Guadalupe Celebration August 5

The Archdiocese and the Knights of Columbus will sponsor the Guadalupe Celebration on Sunday, August 5th at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and will be free to the public. Tickets will be available online in May. Be among the first to get your free tickets and receive exclusive updates. Sign up for email alerts at http://www.guadalupecelebration.com.

The following Eucharistic Ministers to the Sick and the Homebound;
James Boyd, Leonnie Candelario, Will Foley, Mary Anne Hatt, Trixie Johnson, Marisa Ortega, Jeannette Rastin and Idalia Santos, have been certified by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles on March 31st, 2012. This is the first group from Good Shepherd Church to receive this certification as well as the Parish with the most attendants. We are very proud and honored to have such devoted ministers! Let’s follow in their footsteps and continue to provide Christs’ service to all.

Gathering Of Ministers
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
7 – 8:30 p.m. – Parish Hall

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 help identify new Leadership Commission members. Join Us! Join your fellow Stewards of Service! Sponsored by the Pastoral Council. Refreshments will be served. For more information please call the Parish Office at (310)285-5425.

Interested In Becoming A Catholic?

For more information about becoming a Catholic and/or completing your Sacrament of Eucharist and Confirmation? Just “come and see” no obligation! Our Inquiry nights continue—Thursday evenings; May 10th, 31st, June 14th and July 19th. For more information, please call Sr. Virginia at (310) 285-5425 or e-mail vstehly@goodshepherdbh.org, or Penny Lane (310) 739-8762.

The Young At Heart

The Young At Heart will gather Saturday, May 19th (the third Saturday of the month) at 12:00 Noon in the Parish Hall. Newcomers are welcome. To R.S.V.P., please call the parish office at (310) 285-5425.

English Tea

Please join us on Monday, May 14th from 2-5 p.m. in the Parish Hall for an afternoon English Tea. RSVP as soon as possible and, remember seats are limited. Men, please come out and support Fr. Tom Cahill and the Mission Circle. Ladies, please wear a Hat for the Tea. For more information please contact Shirley Smith at (213) 909-5500.

The Feast of Pentecost Is Coming!

May 27th, the Birthday of the Church! So have something red ready to wear. This is the color of the feast day, representing the Holy Spirit, the fire of love! Pray each day to the Holy Spirit!

Guadalupe Celebration – August 5, 2012

The Archdiocese and the Knights of Columbus will sponsor the Guadalupe Celebration on Sunday, August 5th at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and will be free to the public. Tickets will be available online in May. Be among the first to get your free tickets and receive exclusive updates. Sign up for email alerts at Guadalupe Celebration

Saturday, June 2nd is the Day!

Thirty nine (39) children and teenagers ages 1-17 and their care givers will be going to see their Dads in prison. How can you help?

• Activity items for their bags to occupy their time coming and going. Please be creative, be generous, coloring books, puzzles, reading books etc…etc… We did not do well with this last year, it was a very skimpy bag we gave them. Come on, we can do it! Bring the items to the Parish center or Good Shepherd School.

• Need the Activity bag itself, 29 of them, nice bag to put all these items in

• Still need money donations.

• Come on June 2nd at 4:45 a.m.

• Need volunteers to sign in families, load buses, hand out T-shirts, serve breakfast, check paperwork.

•  Most of all, sit and talk to the families, make them feel welcome.

For more information, please call Lynn Slotsve at (323) 459-9919 or e-mail lslotsve@sbcglobal.net

Electronic Offertory Giving with Faith Direct

Can’t find your checkbook or envelope Sunday morning? Join the parishioners who are using Faith Direct for automated giving to Church of the Good Shepherd. It is secure, convenient and Faith Direct will provide you an offertory card to place in the basket during the collections. There is no cost to you, and the program provides a great benefit to our parish. Sign up today by visiting www.faithdirect.net, our parish code is CA461.

Christian Meditation

Christian Meditation is held in the Sacred Heart Chapel in the Parish Center on Tuesday evenings from 7 – 8 p.m., Thursday mornings 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. and Saturday mornings 9 – 10 a.m. Experience the Ancient Christian tradition of silent prayer as taught by John Main, OSB. All are Welcome!

What do you think of when you hear this title of Jesus, the Good Shepherd? Maybe for some of us we are reminded of the 23rd Psalm, and we feel a sense of comfort.

But the Good Shepherd image we encounter in John is not some pastel-colored, warm afternoon lying on the grass. If when we think of the Good Shepherd we imagine some sort of bright Monet landscape, the reality is more like Picasso’s Guernica.

It’s the context that makes all the difference. The story of the Good Shepherd is how Jesus explains what happens when he heals the man born blind, a gospel story you may recall from a few weeks ago. For his compassion, Jesus is investigated by the authorities, who are anxious to find any reason to kill him.

After that, when Jesus in in town for Chanukah, he talks again about being the Good Shepherd in the gospel passage we heard today. In response, the authorities try to stone him. But he stares them down, looking them in the eye and telling them no one can take his life, only he can lay it down. And then he escapes, narrowly.

The Good Shepherd we learn about in today’s gospel is not an all-powerful protector. He is someone who is himself in danger even as he protects the sheep. This is not a sunny walk through the grassy meadow. It is a night of terror, huddled together as we hide from a band of robbers searching for us pass along a nearby ridge and hear the howl of wolves all around us.

The Good Shepherd is the hunted shepherd.

Consider the passage in John that occurs just before today’s gospel reading:

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.
I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

The thieves and robbers Jesus was talking about were the religious authorities who are supposed to be shepherds but instead look out for their own interests.

That’s what the people of San Salvador were afraid of in February 1977 when they heard who their new archbishop would be. He had been an auxiliary before, and was known for preferring the wealthy over the poor, for dogmatic harangues against progressives in the diocesan newspaper, for a certain cold rigidity. Few would have considered him a good shepherd.

One month later, a good friend of the archbishop, a Jesuit who was devoted to the poor, was murdered by the right-wing Salvadoran government. This awoke something in Archbishop Oscar Romero, and he turned against the wealthy and the powerful to stand with the poorest of the poor, seeking to protect them even as his own life was in danger. He was now a hunted shepherd. He heard the robbers pass by looking for him and the wolves all around him, but he stayed with the sheep in the night.

Archbishop Romero became a Good Shepherd. He came that the people of El Salvador could have life, and have it abundantly.

In order for us to share that abundant life, we must know some of the terror. That is part of the paradox of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus, that to gain the world we must give it up, to be first we must be last. That it is better to mourn, that it’s better to be humble that it’s better to be poor in spirit, even though the world tells us the exact opposite will make us happy.

But the abundant life Jesus offers us is real and intense. It invites us to be a part of the suffering of others that we may find real joy. Just as he called Archbishop Romero to a better life, a life of radical compassion, so he calls each of us to that same life.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.
I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

Only three years after becoming archbishop of San Salvador, Oscar Romero was celebrating Mass in a hospital chapel. Just as the raised the cup during the eucharistic prayer, shots rang out. The archbishop fell to the floor, the chalice spilled all around him.

250,000 mourners from all over the world came for his funeral Mass in the cathedral of San Salvador. As the crowds filled the cathedral and spilled into the huge plaza, bombs exploded and government snipers killed random mourners as they prayed the Mass.

We’re still in the middle of our Easter celebration. This celebration began on Holy Saturday night with the Easter Proclamation. One section of the proclamation goes like this:

The sanctifying power of this night dispels wickedness,
washes faults away, restores innocence to the fallen, and joy to mourners,
drives out hatred, fosters concord, and brings down the mighty.

If we have no troubles, no concerns, if we think our society is wonderful and fair and just, then we have no need for a Good Shepherd. Then we would be like the wealthy families of El Salvador, to whom a good shepherd was one who maintained the status quo. Someone who stands with the mighty against the lowly.

But if we can really and truly come to realize that we need a Good Shepherd, a hunted shepherd, we can begin to live a new, abundant life.

Read an eyewitness account of the massacre at the funeral of Archbishop Romero.

Readings: Acts 4:8-12; 1 John 3:1-2; John 10:11-18

“I Am The Good Shepherd.” This Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Easter, is our Feast Day. Let’s celebrate as a parish family! Smile, greet and welcome each other.

Interested In Becoming A Catholic?

Do you wish more information about becoming a Catholic and/or completing your Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation? Just come and see — no obligation! Our Inquiry nights continue—Thursday evenings; May 10th, 31st, June 14th and July 19th. For more information, please call Sr. Virginia at (310) 285-5425 or e-mail vstehly@goodshepherdbh.org, or Penny Lane (310) 739-8762.

Cardinal McIntyre Fund For Charity Annual Collection May 5-6

Since 1951, the Cardinal McIntyre Fund for Charity has offered hope for those in crisis situations throughout the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Next weekend, May 5-6, all parishes in the Archdiocese will take up this Annual Collection. Your contribution goes directly toward emergency needs for children, adults and families and provides one-time emergency help for food, utilities, medical, housing or funeral expenses. The goal of the Cardinal McIntyre Fund for Charity is service to the “neediest of the needy,” those for whom no other resources exist. Please be as generous as possible. Envelopes are in the pews.

Sacred Heart Women’s Retreat “Open Wide the Doors to Christ”

Conducted by the Sacred Heart Sisters at the Sacred Heart Retreat Camp, Big Bear Lake: May 4-6. The retreat will include communal and private prayer. Celebrations of the Eucharist and Reconciliation will highlight the retreat experience. Come and be refreshed  by the love and company of our Lord Jesus Christ. Donation: $90. For more information, call (909) 866-5696.

Gathering Of Ministers

Tuesday, May 8, 2012
7 – 8:30 p.m. – Parish Hall

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 help identify new Leadership Commission members. Join Us! Join your fellow Stewards of Service! Sponsored by the Pastoral Council. Refreshments will be served. For more information please call the Parish Office at (310)285-5425.

Get On The Bus Is Rolling Again Saturday, June 2nd is the Day!

Thirty nine (39) children and teenagers ages 1-17 and their care givers will be going to  see their Dads in prison.

How can you help?

• Activity items for their bags to occupy their time coming and going. Please be creative, be generous, coloring books, puzzles, reading books etc…etc… We did not do well with this last year, it was a very skimpy bag we gave them. Come on, we can do it! Bring the items to the Parish Center or Good Shepherd School.
• The Activity bag itself, 29 of them, nice bag to put all these items in
• Still need money donations
• Come on June 2nd at 4:45 a.m.
• Need volunteers to sign in families, load buses, hand out T-shirts, serve breakfast, check paperwork.
• Most of all, sit and talk to the families, make them feel welcome.

For more information, please call Lynn Slotsve at (323) 459-9919 or e-mail lslotsve@sbcglobal.net

Used Book Sale

Donations of books and “Baubles of Jewelry” are being accepted for the parish sale on Sunday morning, May 6 in the Parish Hall. Kindly place items in designated containers in the Parish Hall by May 4th. Proceeds from this used book sale will benefit the “Get On The Bus” project, which travels to San Luis Obispo prison on June 1st. Used paperbacks will be sold $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00 Hardback books will be sold for $3.00 each.

English Tea

Please join us on Monday, May 14th from 2-5 p.m. in the Parish Hall for an afternoon English Tea. RSVP as soon as possible and, remember seats are limited. Men, please come out and support Fr. Tom Cahill and the Mission Circle. Ladies, please wear a Hat for the Tea. For more information please contact Shirley Smith at (213) 909-5500.

Exploring the Role of Mary In God’s Plan of Salvation – May 2012

A series of lectures on the role of Our Blessed Mother in God’s plan of salvation. The lectures will be based on Holy Scripture, illustrated by works of art, and will be given by Fr. Jack Brennan S.M.A., from St. John’s Seminary. The remaining lectures will be on Tuesdays: May 1st, May 8th and May 15th. They will beheld at the parish Hall of St. Victor’s Parish located at 8634  Holloway Dr., West Hollywood, 90069 from 7-8 p.m. All are invited.

Beverly Hills Meals On Wheels

The Beverly Hills Meals On Wheels needs volunteers to drive and deliver meals to the homebound seniors in the Beverly Hills area. We deliver Monday thru Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. For more details, please call Pat Jacobson at (310) 423-3517.

The Young At Heart

The Young At Heart will gather Saturday, May 19th (the third Saturday of the month) at 12:00 Noon in the Parish Hall. Newcomers are welcome. To R.S.V.P., please call the parish office at (310) 285-5425.

Electronic Offertory Giving with Faith Direct

Recently, we have introduced a new and exciting way for you to support our parish offertory and second collections: Faith Direct. With Faith Direct, you can make regular automatic contributions to Church of the Good Shepherd using your credit/debit card or bank account, the same process that you may use to pay utility bills or make car payments. Making your donations automatically means relief from the hassle of locating your offertory envelopes as you run out the door on Sunday morning, and guarantees that the church will receive your gifts even if you are unable to attend Mass. There is no fee to you, the parishioner, associated with use of the Faith Direct program. Automatic contributions greatly benefit Church of the Good Shepherd by providing a predictable cash flow as well as decreasing the time and money the church expends dealing with the envelope system. Faith Direct will provide you with personalized offertory cards that you may place in the basket, and a year end tax statement. We find Faith Direct a “win-win” for both parishioners and our parish. Please enroll in this program by picking up an enrollment form from the church office, clicking on the Faith Direct link here on our website or by visiting the Faith Direct website to enroll securely on line. Our parish code is CA461.