TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION
For centuries, the only Eucharistic Prayer we heard as Western Catholics was the old Roman Canon, usually recited in a low voice by the priest, in Latin. By the 1940s, many Catholics were learning to follow along with the actions of the priest by means of a bilingual missal, with Latin on one side and English on the other. Drawings of the priest’s position at the altar, moving from one side to the other, or bowing or standing with uplifted hands at the center, helped the readers stay on track. The Roman Canon is a long prayer, and since it was done every day for every occasion, priests had a way of galloping through it. Even though long, its structure is fairly simple, with the consecration and sacrifice clearly marked out. Sadly, this surviving prayer had triumphed over many treasures of our tradition that emphasized other dimensions of Eucharist. The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy in 1963 did not call directly for new Eucharistic Prayers, but that direction was inevitable. Discussion began almost immediately, and by 1967 the Vatican approved three new Eucharistic Prayers. In 1974, the Congregation for Worship unveiled the experiment of two Eucharistic Prayers for Masses of Reconciliation, and three for Masses with Children. At last, a period of creativity and enrichment had begun. © Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.

NATIONAL NEEDS COLLECTION
This weekend’s special collection makes it possible to continue strengthening Catholic faith, values and education through The Catholic Communication Campaign’s television, radio and print messages; it helps support some of the poorest dioceses in the country; it enables the Black and Indian Home Mission to provide aid to some of the neediest African- American and Native American communities; it insures the highest standards of quality Catholic education through The Catholic University of America’s exceptional programs of scholarship, research, and service; and it strengthens the Church at home and helps to provide basic pastoral resources and services to needy ethnic communities in scattered and isolated areas through the Catholic Home Missions Appeal. Envelopes can be found in the pews.

CHILDREN’S CHOIR IS COMING!!
This fall St. Barts will begin a Children’s Choir at the 9:30am Mass once a month. Children from grades 3rd thru 9th are invited to participate. For more information and to register, please contact Julie Westervelt (562)243-1286 or Jwesty212@msn.com.

GUITAR GROUP CONTEMPORARY ENSEMBLE
John Koss has been hired as the leader of a newly forming Guitar Group to be the music ministers at the 9:30 Mass twice a month. We are very eager to offer this more contemporary style of music to the parish. We are in need of instrumentalists, guitarists, singers, etc. who would like to be part of the music group. July rehearsals will be Tuesday, July 22nd, and Monday, July 28th, at 7:00pm in the Church. If you are interested please call: John (626)484-8587.

WOMEN’S SILENT RETREAT
Priest-directed retreat at the Carmelite Sisters Sacred House Retreat House from September 5th- September 7th, providing a silent and restful atmosphere in a beautiful garden setting in which you can come closer to God and deepen your prayer life. For reservation/information, please call Eva Talasta or Carmela Chiurazzi at (562)428-7194.

PARISH MINISTRY FAIR
Saturday and Sunday, October 4th and 5th, 2008, in the Social Hall after all Masses. There are more than 20 ministries and groups at St. Bartholomew. Each offers rewarding opportunities. Save the date and find out what’s going on—get involved and get to know other parishioners. For more information, please call Brian Archambault (562)208-8222.

RELIGION and POLITICS
On Thursday, July 31st, the Most Reverend George Niederauer, Archbishop of San Francisco, will be at St. Matthew’s Church, 672 Temple Avenue in Long Beach, to discuss the various questions which arise regarding religion and politics. Using the Bishops’ document: “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship; A Call to Political Responsibility,” the Archbishop will explore what the Church should and should not do in the political arena and under what circumstances a Catholic may, in good conscience, vote for candidates who hold views contrary to Catholic teaching. We begin at 7:00pm in the Church. Please plan to come and invite your friends!

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. Please call Julie, (562)433-0232, for more information.

CENTERING PRAYER - THE PRAYER OF SILENCE
Will be on vacation June 18th through August, so please watch for the new Centering Prayer calendar in September. Everyone is encouraged to practice
Centering Prayer (Christian Meditation) on a daily basis for a period of 20 minutes (twice daily, if possible).“Make time for the quiet moments, as God whispers and the world is loud.”

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.

SPIRITUAL GROWTH MEETING
Every First and Third Tuesday of the month, 7:00pm, in the Jubilee Room. Subject: “Purpose Driven Life”. For information, please call Jim or Susan (562)433-6137.

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults):
For those interested in Catholicism.“Inquiry” is the first step in this four-step process and classes will begin in August. Watch the bulletin for future announcements about the starting date. Also, sponsors will be needed. For more information on RCIA, please call Earl Lovett (562)439- 3198.

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