SEND OUT YOUR SPIRIT
Last week we heard that, following the Ascension, the disciples, Mary, and other followers of the Lord retreated to the upper room in prayer. This week we hear that, while praying in that room, the Holy Spirit comes upon them. Jesus’ post-resurrection promise, recounted in today’s Gospel, is fulfilled: the power of the Holy Spirit comes upon Jesus’ followers. Saint Paul tells us that all of us, in some way, are given gifts of the Holy Spirit, gifts that can be used to spread the Good News. Today is one of the Church’s greatest festivals. Let us carry the refrain of the responsorial psalm with us throughout the coming week: “Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth!” (Psalm 104:30).© Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.

FAREWELL
Robert McNeil, one of the parish Cantors, will be leaving our parish music ministry to venture into other music endeavors. Robert’s last weekend here will be on Pentecost Sunday, May 11th, as a Cantor at the 12:30pm Mass. We are extremely fortunate and grateful that we have been able to share in his extraordinary musical talents and enjoy his beautiful voice ministering to us here at St. Bart’s for the past 6 years. We will miss his gentle presence and kind personality. We wish him God’s blessings in all his future endeavors.

ANNUAL PARISH FIESTA
Hosted by St. Anthony Church, May 16th-18th. There will be rides, games, lots of food at great prices, and a raffle! Raffle tickets at $1.00 each, and the grand prize is $5,000. Come and enjoy good family fun and support our parish and elementary school. For questions, call the office (562)590-9229.

ANNUAL BOOK SALE
Saturday, May 17th 2-4:30pm Sunday, May 18th 8am—2:00pm Help is needed—THURSDAY, May 15th 10:00am in the Social Hall. Starting Sunday April 27th, books can be dropped off in the Social Hall from 8am-2pm. No books will be accepted after May 11th. To volunteer to help or for ?’s: Pat Fine (562)433-2809.

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.

WOMEN’S COUNCIL MONTHLY MEETING
This Monday, May 5th, 12 noon in the Jubilee Room. All women of the Parish are invited to attend.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION REGISTRATION
This week during class hours at the Youth Center, 4545 E. Fourth Street (562)439-1802.

CENTERING PRAYER - THE PRAYER OF SILENCE
Meditation is an inner journey of silence, stillness, and simplicity.   This practice has been part of our Christian tradition since the time of the Desert Fathers.  Each Wednesday evening we have the  opportunity to practice this prayer together.  If Spirit calls, do not hesitate to come...7-8:30 PM at the St Bartholomew Youth Center 4545 E. Broadway, Long Beach.  Each First Friday we have Centering Prayer and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at 7 PM in the church.  Every Wednesday evening, 7-8:30pm, at our Youth Center, 4545 E. Fourth Street (between Park and Ximeno).

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.

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,located at 2650 E. Broadway. Hours are 10-4, Tuesday through Saturday. If you have a few extra hours a week (or month) and are looking for something worthwhile and fun, call Christine Woznicki (562)987-0216.

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults):
Are you curious about Catholicism? Or, do you know someone who is interested in the Catholic faith? As a Catholic community, it is our greatest joy as well as our mission, to continually welcome new members. “Inquiry” is the first step in the process of faith formation and education known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).
The RCIA is a four-step process for individuals who are not baptized; those who were baptized in other Christian traditions; or baptized Catholics, who haven’t received the Sacraments of Eucharist and/or Confirmation. Those who choose to begin the RCIA process experience an enriching faith journey that enables them to broaden and deepen their prayer life; to know God through the scriptures; to come to know themselves more fully; and to actively participate in parish and community activities. A new RCIA program will begin this fall and full sacramental initiation will be celebrated at the Easter Vigil next spring. Inquiry classes are held the second Wednesday of the month in the Jubilee Room from 8 to 9 p.m. We encourage and invite interested individuals to “come and see” what living a life as a committed Catholic Christian can mean for you. For more information, please call Earl Lovett, 562-439-3198.

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