FALSE PROPHETS, TRUE PROPHETS
In Deuteronomy today we hear that God’s very words will fill the mouth of a true prophet, but a false prophet will, in a manner of speaking, put mere mortal words into God’s mouth. In Mark’s Gospel, we see Jesus teaching and healing as a true prophet, one filled with the authority of God’s own voice, the Holy One of God.
The whole history of our church is filled with both true and false prophets. But in today’s Gospel we learn that Jesus’ fame spread because he taught with authority; he wasn’t an authority because he was popular or famous. We also learn from him, in his desert temptation confrontations with Satan, that anyone can quote scripture, even against God’s purposes. And today we hear that his authority was not like that of the scribes, who held the official positions of religious authority in his day. Our work is to do our best to discern the true prophets in our midst, and to be true prophets as well. The psalmist tells us how to do this: by not hardening our hearts when God speaks. If we truly listen to God, it will be God’s very words filling our mouths. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

CATHOLIC CO-ED SOFTBALL
Players wanted! For the Greater South Bay/Long Beach/West Orange County Catholic Co-ed Slo-Pitch Spring Adult (ages 18+) Softball League. Games are held on Sunday afternoons from March thru June in Torrance and Long Beach. Singles and couples are welcome—female players are especially needed. Please contact ASAP: Fred Lawler (657)464-9314 or fredlawler@hotmail.com

LUNCHEON and ENTERTAINMENT
Back by popular demand, pianist Rush Robinson, will again entertain us with current songs as well as oldies but goodies! February 15th with lunch beginning at 11:30am. Donation is $30.00, and reservations can be mailed to Eleanor Williams, 876 Palo Verde, Long Beach 90815, or call her @562-431- 3853.

SAVE THESE DATES
Saturday, March 10th—St. Patrick’s Day Party
Sunday, April 22nd—Fashion Show, 3-5pm

PARISH PICTORIAL DIRECTORY
To Commemorate the 75th Anniversary of St. Bartholomew Church this year, this pictorial directory will help connect names with faces and will capture the history of our church congregation. Sign-ups begin this weekend in the Social Hall after 5pm Mass on Saturday and all Masses on Sunday. Photographs will be taken February 8th through February 11th.
• Every participating family/individual that selects a pose for the directory will receive a free directory and a $25 gift certificate—no purchase necessary
• Only one visit to the Church for photography
• No cost to the participants or the Church
Please participate—the Directory won’t be complete without you. Volunteers are needed to help with sign-ups. Please call the Rectory.


AN EVENING WITH THE ARCHBISHOP
The Catholic Lawyers Association and the St. Thomas More Society invite all Catholic judges, lawyers and members of the legal community together with their spouse or a guest to attend “An Evening with the Archbishop”, Wednesday, February 15th, 5:30pm, at The California Club, 538 S. Flower Street in Los Angeles. Reservations are required—the dinner cost is $110.00 per person. Checks payable to “St. Thomas More Society” and mailed to: St. Thomas More Society, 1100 Green Street, Pasadena. CA 91106. The evening’s program will give the legal community the opportunity to greet Archbishop Jose Gomez and learn about his goals and aspirations for the Archdiocese.

CENTERING PRAYER
Come and spend an hour in a lovely, peaceful setting, to listen, reflect, respond and rest in God. Join us in Centering Prayer every 2nd and 4th Monday in the Church at 7:00pm. For information: Pat (562) 243-8460; or, Melissa (562)434-1998.

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults):  How Does a Person Become a Catholic?
Thinking about becoming a Catholic? Have you ever thought about becoming a Catholic, or completing your Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation? Have you felt something inside calling you to look a little deeper? Are you curious about Catholicism? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, we invite you to “Come & See!” Inquiry sessions about the Catholic faith are every Wednesday from 7:00-8:30pm in the Jubilee Room. Inquiry is the first step in the four-step process of faith formation known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). For more information, please call Ted or Kathleen Flood (562)434-3163.

PARISH COMMUNITY GROUP: - SHARING OURSELVES
Our parishioner outreach service has been a longstanding mission of the Community Group and is still available to our parishioners. It is our mission to try to help home-bound or other parishioners who need assistance. Volunteers who want to assist and visit parishioners who require help are very much needed. If you would like to help or if you know of someone who needs assistance, contact: Linda Gager (562)433- 2985. Sponsored by our Parish Community Group.

LEGION OF MARY
Meets every Wednesday, 8:45am, in the Jubilee Room. Everyone is welcome.