OBSTACLES
The prophet Ezekiel, Saint Paul, and the Lord Jesus share something in common in today’s scripture readings. They all experience obstacles to their ministry. Ezekiel is summoned to prophesy to the Israelites, who are “[h]ard of face and obstinate of heart” (Ezekiel 2:4). Saint Paul recounts how he has been given a “thorn in the flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7). The Lord Jesus is unable to perform many signs in his native place. The Gospel tells us that “[he] was amazed at their lack of faith” (Mark 6:6). We, too, sometimes encounter obstacles as we travel along the journey of faith. So often we experience weakness on this journey. Let the words of the Lord to Saint Paul encourage us today: “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). © Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.

ATTENTION LADIES!
There will be a priest directed Women’s Silent Retreat at the Carmelite Sisters Sacred House Retreat House from September 11 to September 13. The Retreat provides a silent and restful atmosphere in a beautiful garden setting in which you can come closer to God and deepen your prayer life. You will return consoled, strengthened and spiritually refreshed as there is ‘Great Power in Prayer and Silence’. For reservation/information, please call Eva Talastas or Carmela Chiurazzi directly at (562)428- 7194.


TOWN HALL MEETING
“The Road to Health Care Reform”, Friday, July 3rd, 9am (registration from 8:30am), at St. Mary Medical Center, Parr Health Enhancement Center, 1055 Linden Avenue in Long Beach. R.S.V.P. for this very important event to: 888-478-6379.

CENTERING PRAYER
Centering Prayer is a prayer of consent to the presence and action of God within us, prayed in God’s first language—SILENCE. Every 2nd and 4th Monday, in the Church at 7:00pm, and every First Friday, at 7:30pm. For more information, call: Pat (562)433-2452; or Melissa (562)434-1998.

DIACONATE FORMATION
Are you being called to become a deacon? Information Day for all men (between the ages of 30 and 60) who are interested in learning more about becoming a permanent deacon in our Archdiocese will be Sunday, July 26th, 1:30—4:00pm, at St. John
Chrysostom, 546 E. Florence Avenue in Inglewood. For information, please call (213)637-7383.
“If you want to be first, make yourself servant of all” (Mt. 20:27)

NEW LIFE BEGINNINGS
The Long Beach shelter for homeless, pregnant women is looking for volunteers to help at their collectibles/ thrift shop: Treasure Hunt Boutique at 2650 E. Broadway. Hours are 10-4, Tuesday through Saturday. If you have a few extra hours a week or month, (help is especially needed on Saturdays), and are looking for something worthwhile and fun, call Christine Woznicki (714) 514-6669.

RENEW—Theology on Tap 2009
If you are a young adult, married, single, or dating, between the ages of 18-39, you are invited to join us for the 8th annual summer speaker series, Theology -on-Tap! Come meet other young adults for fun, networking, and opportunities to discuss and learn about current issues of faith. Tuesdays, July 21, 28, August 4, August 11, at St. Dominic Savio Church Parish Hall, 13400 Bellflower Blvd., in Bellflower, 7- 9:30pm. For information:
bettyraereyes@yahoo.com; or
aela.mejia@agile360.com
Web page: http://archdiocese.la/mya

CHEER CAMP
St. Joseph High School in Lakewood, July 17-19. An affordable weekend of skill and technique training and a lot of fun. Ages 5-14, no experience necessary. $55.00 includes cheer training, as well as lunch on Saturday and Sunday, camp t-shirt, and the opportunity to earn prizes. Please contact: Nicole Vazquez (562)925-5073,x166, or nvasquez@sj.jester.org

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults):  What does it mean to be an RCIA Sponsor?
Have you been a sponsor, or are you thinking about becoming one? Are you a practicing Catholic and a person of faith? The ministry of the sponsor in the initiation process for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) can be joyous and enriching. Sponsors provide an important link to the Church community. They are also mentors and companions to Catechumens or Candidates as they journey towards full reception in the Church. If you’d like to know more about this ministry, there will be an information and training meeting in September.
Could you be an Initiation Catechist?
Are you someone who looks for connections between God’s action and human life? Do you enjoy sharing your life and faith with others? Are you willing to grow in your own knowledge and understanding of Catholic teachings? These are essential qualities for a catechist. Catechists are teachers of religious education and ministers of the Word. The RCIA needs additional catechists, who would be substitutes and would participate in Inquiry classes during Advent. We encourage you to join our team. After all, God provides the gifts needed so that the Church might grow and initiate new members! For more information about these enriching and faith-filled ministries, please call Earl Lovett 562- 439-3198.

MEALS ON WHEELS
Please consider volunteering to help Meals on Wheels deliver hot meals to ill, disabled, aged in our local St. Bart’s area. Volunteers can help one morning a week or even one morning a month from 10:30am until about 11:45am, delivering in-home nourishment. Call Julie (562)433-0232 for info.

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.

COMMUNITY BIBLE STUDY
“Life “Changes” - Study of the Book of Acts. Every Thursday, 7:00pm, in the Jubilee Room. For more information, call: Patricia Goodman (562)434-7434.

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