Leading up to a four-year celebration of the Second Vatican Council, which gathered 50 years ago this coming October 11, Cardinal Montini’s 1962 Lenten letter is being published in English for the first time in installments all during Lent of 2012. This is a wonderful way to understand the setting in which the Council was convened, the immense anticipation the preceded it and the great hope that characterized so much of its work. Start now reading Part I at Conciliaria.

Masses:
6:30 a.m.,  12:05 p.m.,  7:30 p.m.
Distribution of Ashes at each Mass.
5:30 p.m. – Scripture Reading and Distribution of Ashes.

Ash Wednesday is a day of fast and abstinence. Lent is our precious time of year that calls each of us to turn from self and draw closer to God through more time for Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving. We need to take the time to ask ourselves, how are we going to do that? And then  do it! Let us pray for each other during this Lenten season.

Sometimes people think this is just because no one ever tried to explain sports to me. So they try. My eyes glaze over. I yawn. I look around frantically. Eventually they stop.

A couple of weeks ago there was something called a super bowl. To me that’s something one can purchase at Crate and Barrel.

I listen to NPR on my way to work in the morning. On rare occasions they have a sports segment. I usually leave it on and just let my mind wander, as the sports segment doesn’t last long. I mean, it’s NPR.

Last week there was a segment, something about women’s collegiate basketball. Mid-major, whatever that is. But this time it caught my imagination.

The story was about a player named Elena Delle Donne. Apparently she is the best women’s basketball player in the country. And years ago she was recruited to play for the University of Connecticut, which is where one goes if one is a woman basketball player, it seems. She left after two days.

She left because she could not stand to be away from her older sister, Lizzie. Lizzie, age 27, is not at all like Elena. She was born blind and deaf. With cerebral palsy. And autism. And she’s endured more than 30 operations.

Elena adores Lizzie. Lizzie’s crazy about Elena, too. She can tell Elena’s there by her smell and her touch on her hand. And now Elena can be near Lizzie, because she’s playing basketball for the University of Delaware, near home. Lizzie and Elena have long talks by tracing patters on each other’s hands, just like Helen Keller in The Miracle Worker. Water! Water!

In today’s gospel Jesus is at home, we’re told, not traipsing through the countryside. Did you listen to where Jesus’ home was? Not Nazareth. Not Bethlehem. It’s a town in Galilee called Capernaum, K’far Nahum. In Hebrew, K’far Nahum means “the village of grace.” The grace place. Graceland. Grace. That’s God sharing some part of his life with us.

One could imagine Elena Delle Donne and her family carrying Lizzie to the roof of a house in Graceville and breaking it open to lower her down to Jesus. Houses back then usually had ladders up to the roof, which was made of wooden beams covered with dirt and grass. People would go up to the roof to enjoy the sun and have lunch. So breaking through the roof was sort of like digging.

You can imagine dirt raining down on Jesus and those in the house. Probably they thought it was funny and laughed as the sun finally broke through the hole in the roof.

And then a paralyzed man was lowered through that hole. Maybe then everyone stopped laughing. And there was quiet. Because people realized something was about to happen. As the Lord said in the first reading, “See, I am doing something new!”

In almost every other instance of healing in the Gospels, Jesus tells the one who was healed, “Your faith has healed you.” But this time, Jesus notices not the faith of the paralyzed man, but of his friends who lowered him through the roof. And that’s enough.

Too often religion is reduced to an individual relationship between God and me. What’s in it for me? What do I have to do to get my own prize when I die? Can I get a better deal than so-and-so?

Today we are reminded that it’s not just about me and God. We are invited as a community. We are saved as a community. And as we learned from the friends of the paralyzed man, we are healed as a community.

We stand on the shoulders of others. Those who passed on the faith to us, those who witnessed to Jesus Christ, enduring all hardship, those in our own lives who inspired us and held our hand as we passed from night to day.

Will you offer your own shoulders for someone to stand on, to reach higher than any one of us could do alone?

Sometimes as a community we have to take dramatic measures. Digging through the roof to get to Jesus was certainly a dramatic measure. I wonder if there is anything we as a parish community need to do to break through, to leave business as usual behind. What might that be? I don’t know. But someone here has heard what we must do, what me must break through, to bring healing to our community.

Elena Delle Donne is young. She’s still learning what her life journey entails, but she knows it’s going to be with Lizzie by her side.

She knows not just that Lizzie can’t go it alone, but neither can she. They need each other, just as we do. So maybe we can put aside the fighting and division, and together figure out what we’re supposed to do here. Can you help?

Lent begins in a few days. Maybe during these upcoming 40 days each of us can listen for the answer to a question: how can we all, together, bring others to Christ?

If so, we can be a part of God’s action, so that he can exclaim again, “See, I am doing something new!”

Readings: Isaiah 43:18-19, 21-22, 24-25; 2 Corinthians 1:18-22; Mark 2:1-12

This Sunday, February 19th, be sure to bring your palms from past Palm Sundays to the church. Baskets will be available to collect the palms, and you are invited to a brief ceremony immediately following the 5:30 p.m. Mass to burn the palms for use on Ash Wednesday. Traditionally, the ashes used on Ash Wednesday are the burnt remains of the palms that represented rejoicing on Palm Sunday, burned and turned to symbols of restraint and penance for Lent.

Parish Office News

The Parish Office will be closed this Monday, February 20th in observance of President’s Day.

Parish Office Schedule During Lent

Beginning Ash Wednesday, February 22nd, the Parish Center will be closed from Noon to 12:40 p.m., in   order to allow the staff to participate in the liturgy.

Ash Wednesday
Wednesday, February 22nd

Lent Begins! Are we ready?
Masses:
6:30 a.m.,  12:05 p.m.,  7:30 p.m.
Distribution of Ashes at each Mass.
5:30 p.m. – Liturgy of the Word only with the distribution of Ashes.
Ash Wednesday is a day of fasting and abstinence. Lent is our precious time of year that calls each of us to turn from self and draw closer to God through more time for Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving. We need to take the time to ask ourselves, how are we going to do that? And then  do it! Let us pray for each other during this Lenten season.

Fasting & Abstinence

During Lent, we abide by the laws of fasting and abstinence. Ash Wednesday and all Fridays are days of abstinence. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are also days of  fasting. The law of abstinence applies to everyone over 14 years of age. Abstinence means “no meat”. The law of fasting applies to everyone between the ages of 18 and 60. Fasting means that only one full meatless meal may be taken, and the other two meals should not add up to a full meal.

Lenten Suppers

Good Shepherd will be hosting a Lenten Supper every Friday after Stations of the Cross.
They will begin on the Friday, February 24th and continue thru March 30th.
Stations of the Cross will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the church and supper will follow in the Parish Hall. If anyone would like to help with the supper or if any students need community or service hours, please call the Parish Center (310) 285-5425 for more information.

Music Notes

We are seeking donations to once again have two trumpet players at the Easter Vigil, and the 10:30 & 12:30 Easter Sunday liturgies. Last year it cost nearly $900.00 because of the length of time they were here, and were paid professional fees. If you would like to make a donation, perhaps as a memorial, please contact me. My email is GSMusicMinistry@aol.com and phone is (310) 285-5425 ext #125.
Your co-worker in Christ,
Terry Hicks

Bible Study News

We meet twice a month on Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. and Monday evening 7-9 p.m. at the Parish Center, Good Shepherd Room. Our next gathering is February 25 & 27. At that time we will be studying Isaiah, Chapters 41-42.

St. Vincent de Paul Society Bundle Sunday

On Sunday, March 4th our Parish is having a Bundle Sunday for the society of St. Vincent de Paul thrift stores. Please bring your usable clothing and household items on this day. Their truck will be here in our church parking lot. Please help them in their endless efforts to assist the needy. They are in great need of furniture and large appliances. Call them for pick up of any heavy items at (323) 224-6280 or (800) 97-HELP-1.

Prayer Shawl Ministry

The Prayer Shawl Ministry uses yarn to create beautiful prayer shawls to comfort and warm those in need. For instance: those working through cancer treatment, significant illness, the loss of a loved one, people who would benefit from being wrapped in prayers and love. All shawls are blessed before going out to individuals who need the warmth, prayers and love.
Good Shepherd Prayer Shawl Ministry knitters and crotchetier meet every other Saturday in the Parish Center from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Our next meeting is March 3rd. All are welcome! Knitters need: knitting needles size 11 or 13, three skeins of yarn and prayers for health. Crotchetier need: a size J hook, yarn and prayers for joy. Donations of yarn (or monetary) are welcome for this lovely ministry. Please drop any donations off at the parish office marked “Prayer Shawl”. To request a prayer shawl for yourself or someone you know, please call the parish office at (310) 285-5425.

Marriage Enrichment Program

The Office of Family Life would like to announce the beginning of a Marriage Enrichment Program for the for couples married 0-5 years. The title of the new program is:
Newlyweds 101: Keeping Your Marriage God-Centric
The primary goal of this enrichment program is to openly identify, share, and discuss concepts and techniques to enhance couple’s marriages to be more  God-Centric. The program will be held on Friday evenings over the first half of 2012 (see dates and times below).
Where:  St. Basil Catholic Church, 637 S. Kingsley Dr.,  (corner of Wilshire Boulevard) L. A. CA 90005
When:    Friday Evenings    Time:   7 to 9:30 p.m.
Dates:  February 24, March 23, April 20, May 25, June 22 and July 27, 2012.
We encourage couples married 0-5 years to attend and participate in this new and innovative Marriage Enrichment Program. For more information or to register, please contact Candy Metoyer at (213) 637-7250 or email cmetoyer@la-archdiocese.org.

Divorced and Separated Group

Does a group like this speak to you? Maybe you have recently divorced or separated and have all kinds of different feelings. This would be an opportunity  to share with others in a safe, supportive, and confidential environment. Please call the Parish Office at (310) 285-5425 if you are interested.

Volunteers Needed For Beverly Hills Meals On Wheels

Beverly Hills Meals On Wheels needs volunteers to drive and deliver meals to the homebound seniors in the Beverly Hills area. Meals delivery are Monday thru Friday from 10:30 a.m. to about Noon. For more details, please call Pat Jacobson at (310) 423-3517. Love one another.

Looking For A Missalette?

You have the opportunity to check the bulletin each week for the scripture readings for the following Sunday. This way you can use your Bible for reference. If you wish to use a Missalette, we invite you to pick one up   at the Parish Office during the week. Whichever way you choose, this is a wonderful opportunity to prepare for the Mass each weekend.

Next weekend be sure to bring your palms from past Palm Sundays to the church. Baskets will be available to collect the palms, and you are invited to a brief ceremony immediately following the 5:30 p.m. Mass on Sunday, February 19 to burn the palms for use on Ash Wednesday. Traditionally, the ashes used on Ash Wednesday are the burnt remains of the palms that represented rejoicing on Palm Sunday, burned and turned to symbols of restraint and penance for Lent.

Mass and Healing Service

This Wednesday, February 15, 6:30 p.m. there will be a Mass & Healing Service at St. Mel Catholic Church, located at 20870 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills, led by Fr. Bob Garon. Topic: Healing of the Family Tree. For more information, please call Claudia at (818) 342-6626.

Parish Office Schedule During Lent

Beginning Ash Wednesday, February 22nd, the Parish Center will be closed from Noon to 12:40 p.m., in order to allow the staff to participate in the liturgy.

Music Notes

Next Sunday, February 19, there will be a special musical addition at the 10:30 liturgy.
A quartet of string players who play reproductions of 18th Century instruments will be present to accompany the choir, some of the liturgy, and do some instrumental offerings. They are playing without remuneration because they simply want to play in a liturgical setting…hurray! Also, a high school student, whose family is new to the parish, will be joining; playing a string bass. On a different note, so to speak, we are seeking donations to once again have two trumpet players at the Easter Vigil, and the 10:30 & 12:30 Easter Sunday liturgies. Last year it cost nearly $900.00 because of the length of time they were here, and were paid professional fees. If you would like to make a donation, perhaps as a memorial, please contact me. My email is GSMusicMinistry@aol.com and phone is (310) 285-5425 x 125.
Your co-worker in Christ,
Terry Hicks

Did You Know?

Background checks and screening
“In the Los Angeles Archdiocese, all clergy, paid parish/school personnel and volunteers who work regularly in a supervisory role with children or youth must be fingerprinted. For information call: (213) 637-7411.” From the pamphlet, “Working Together to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse: Keeping Ministerial Relationships Healthy & Holy,” published by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The pamphlet is available in the parish in English and  Spanish, and online at: http://www.archdiocese.la/protecting/index.php. For particular help, you may call Assistance Ministry at (213) 637-7650.

Together in Mission

Thank you to all who have given to Together in Mission in past years. We can assure you that the funds you have given have helped not only to provide ministry but also to keep the doors open at many of the parishes and schools supported by the campaign. As you may know, this year our sister parish, St. Thomas in Los Angeles is featured in the documentation as one of the recipients of Together in Mission funds. You are, very directly, helping to bring the Good News, the Word of God, to St. Thomas and thousands of people. Should you have received an envelope in the mail, please pray over what you and your family should offer and bring the envelope back to Church. You may put it in the collection basket. Should you have not received an envelope please take one from the pews, fill it out and place it in the collection basket this Sunday or next. You have one year to fulfill your pledge. Credit cards are accepted. Each of us is called to share his or her gifts. Together in Mission is the most effective way to support ministry outside of our parish boundaries. May God continue to bless you and your family.

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Is your talent knitting or crochet? Then come and share your talents with members of our Prayer Shawl Ministry. We knit and crochet prayer shawls and gift them to anyone in our community as a way to share God’s love and comfort. And if you do not know how to knit or crochet, don’t worry! You are still invited to join us. We will teach you. We meet every other Saturday in the Parish Center from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Our next meeting is next Saturday, February 18th.

Get On The Bus Needs Volunteers

On Sunday, February 19th at 2 p.m. in the hall, we are asking all volunteers who want to help “Get on the Bus” to come and be trained for event day and to help sign up families for the June 2nd Event Day. We are asking parishioners to come at 2 and the family applicants to come at 3 to sign paper work necessary to be cleared by the prison. We will need volunteers to help with this process and to also visit those families that could not make it and get the paper work signed and back to me. We will also be training those volunteers to help on Event Day, June 2nd so you know what to do and can be part of this experience. Many of you have already been touched by these kids who are so excited to see their fathers after not being able to see them for a long time. If we can make it more special for them, then that is   what we should do. We are also looking for two licensed counselors that can come on June 2nd as we need a counselor on each bus. For more information, contact Lynn Slotsve lslotsve@sbcglobal.net or (323) 459-9919. These kids already offer their thanks to you for your help and support.
Lynn Slotsve

Lenten Suppers

Good Shepherd will be hosting a Lenten Supper every Friday, except Good Friday, after Stations of the Cross. They will begin on the Friday after Ash Wednesday, February 24th  and continue thru March 30th. Stations of the Cross will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the church and supper will follow in the Parish Hall. If anyone would like to help with the supper or if any students need community or service hours, please call the Parish Center (310) 285-5425 for more information.

Marriage Enrichment Program

The Office of Family Life would like to announce the beginning of a Marriage Enrichment Program for the for couples married 0-5 years. The title of the new program is: Newlyweds 101: Keeping Your Marriage God-Centric
The primary goal of this enrichment program is to openly identify, share, and discuss concepts and techniques to enhance couple’s marriages to be more  God-Centric. The program will be held on Friday evenings over the first half of 2012 (see dates and times below).
Where:   St. Basil Catholic Church, 637 S. Kingsley Dr.,  (corner of Wilshire Boulevard)     L. A. CA 90005
When:    Friday Evenings  -  Time:   7 to 9:30 p.m.
Dates:    February 24, March 23, April 20, May 25, June 22 and July 27, 2012.
We encourage couples married 0-5 years to attend and participate in this new and innovative Marriage Enrichment Program. For more information or to register, please contact Candy Metoyer at (213) 637-7250 or email cmetoyer@la-archdiocese.org.

St. Vincent de Paul Society Bundle Sunday

On Sunday, March 4th our Parish is having a Bundle Sunday for the society of St. Vincent de Paul thrift stores. Please bring your usable clothing and usable household items on this day. Their truck will be here at our church parking lot. Please help them in their endless efforts to assist the needy. They are in great need of furniture and large appliances. Call them for pick up of any heavy items at (323) 224-6280 or (800) 97-HELP-1.

Divorced and Separated Group

Does a group like this speak to you? Maybe you have recently divorced or separated and have all kinds of different feelings. This would be an opportunity to share with others in a safe, supportive, and confidential environment. Please call the Parish Office at (310) 285-5425 if you are interested.

Looking For A Missalette?

You have the opportunity to check the bulletin each week for the scripture readings for the  Sunday coming up. This way you can use your Bible for reference. If you wish to use a Missalette, we invite you to pick one up at the Parish Office during the week. Whichever way you choose, this is a wonderful opportunity to prepare for the Mass each weekend.

Volunteers Needed For Beverly Hills Meals On Wheels

Beverly Hills Meals On Wheels needs volunteers to drive and deliver meals to the homebound seniors in the Beverly Hills area. Meals delivery are Monday thru Friday from 10:30 a.m. to about Noon. For more details, please call Pat Jacobson at (310) 423-3517. Love one another.