Parish Staff Maggie Radzik Head of School 703.759.4129 Anson Groves Dir. of Religious Ed. 703.759.3530 Nancy Caro Sacristan Rick Webb Gen. Mgr. Financial Dir. 703.759.4350 Dr. Kimberly Hess Director of Music 703.759.4350 Mary LaPlante Parish Secretary 703.759.4350 Jackie Fox Bulletin Editor 703.759.4350 Guillermo DeLeon Director of Facilities 703.638.4301 Email address: deleonscs@gmail.com Emiro Soto Maintenance Rosa Hernandez Support Staff Stephen Dolenc Web Master stephendolenc @gmail.com Mass Intentions Sunday, September 14 7:30 a.m. Fritz Creter V 8:45 a.m. James Boltz, Sr, V. 10:30 a.m. Pro Populo 1:00 p.m. John Bruning V Monday, September 15 9:00 a.m. John Ochs V Tuesday, September 16 9:00 a.m. Frank Abruzzio V Wednesday, September 17 9:00 a.m. Therna DeFrancis V Thursday, September 18 9:00 a.m. James Laratta V Friday, September 19 9:00 a.m. Donald Peeler V Saturday, September 20 9:00 a.m. Patricia Dillon 5:30 p.m. Marie Guhanick V Daily Scriptures READINGS AND CELEBRATIONS FOR THE WEEK Sunday - The Exaltation of the Holy Cross Sir 27: 30 - 28: 9, Ps 103, Rom 14: 7-9, Mt 18: 21-35 Monday - Our Lady of Sorrows 1 Cor 11: 17-26, 33, Ps 40, Jn 19: 25-27 Tuesday - Weekday in Ordinary Time 1 Cor 12: 12-14, 27-31a, Ps 100, Lk 7: 11-17 Wednesday - Weekday in Ordinary Time 1 Cor 12: 31 - 13:13, Ps 33, Lk 7:31-35 Thursday - Weekday in Ordinary Time 1 Cor 15: 1-11, Ps 118, Lk 7: 36-50 Friday - Weekday in Ordinary Time 1 Cor 15: 12-20, Ps 17, Lk 8: 1-3 Saturday - Weekday in Ordinary Time 1 Cor 15: 35-37, 42-49, Ps 56, Lk 8: 4-15 Parish Stewardship Thank you for your generous offerings of September 6/7. The regular collection brought in $18,912 and the Poor Box yielded $370. Second Collection - Religious Education There will be a second collection taken up at all Masses this weekend, September 13/14. This collection will be for the benefit of Catholic Religious Education. Second Annual 5K Run/Walk in Memory of Peter Choo On Saturday, September 20th the second annual 5K Run/Walk will be held in memory of Peter Choo, a young parishioner of St. Catherine's who was called home by God last year just a month after his confirmation. This event will begin at 8:00 a.m. by the Wachovia Bank in Great Falls (750 Walker Road in Great Falls). There is a parking lot next to the bank that is also adjacent to the starting location of the 5K. We ask that those who wish to participate to please arrive no later than 7:45 a.m. for T- shirt distribution. Peter's Wish Foundation is a non-profit organization that aims to aid those who are fighting childhood cancer as well as those who are searching for a To register please visit: www.petersWishFoundation.org and click on "Register Now" on the left side of the screen. All proceeds will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Please join us and bring your friends. SEPTEMBER 14 TRIUMPH OF THE HOLY CROSS "Just as Moses lifted up the serpent, so must the Son of Man be lifted up. God highly exalted him and made him Lord! How unforgettable are his deeds. Today's feast celebrates a double anniversary. In Jerusalem, Constantine erected a round church, the Anastasis, above the empty grave of Jesus, and a basilica, the Martyrium; in the square between the two churches, a shrine, Calvarium, marking the place of the crucifixion. Dedicated in 335, they were destroyed by the Persians in 614. The present church of the Holy Sepulcher was built by the Crusaders in 1149. Today also commemorated the discovery of the Lord's cross by the empress, St. Helena in 320. Pray for the Sick and Homebound of our Parish Elaine Elizabeth Abraham, Maryann Barron, Joshua Basile, Philip Calanchini, Jose Campos, Thomas Case, Moira Connor, Baby Natasha deSa, Marjorie Dolak, Larry Dublin, Danny Frey, Brian Hack, Elizabeth Hooten, Marjorie Horan, Evelyn LaPlante, Joan Loftis, Deana Mansoor, Inaam Mansoor, Carol McCarty, Baby Peter Michalski, David Murphy, Makayla Overend, Lien Shinta, Margaret Wood, Joseph Vander Woude, Baby Anthony Yantiss Pray for Those Who have Fallen Asleep in Christ Lila Brown, Irene Corrado, Joseph Gartlan, Maria Keran, William Bud Ko, Nicholas Lippis, Rita Lippis, Margie McBee, Steve Saunders, Adele Spauer, Thomas Vander Woude, Jack Wood, Angel Zavala Pray for our Armed Forces Personnel Jordan Bowren, Jeff Campbell, James Doin, Brendan Dunne, Christopher Frediani, Brian Horn, Brendan McCarthy, Matthew O'Neil, Justin Smallwood The Blessed Sacrament THIS IS MY BODY - THIS IS MY BLOOD A Holy Hour is simply an hour set-aside totally for the Lord; an hour consecrated to God. It is a time to recollect our mind, heart and spirit in order to focus them on God and more specifically our Eucharistic Lord. To make a Holy Hour is to make a decision to spend one hour with our friend, our Savior and Lord who is truly present in the Blessed Sacrament of the altar. Eucharistic Adoration and Holy Hour The Church and the world have a great need of Eucharistic worship. Jesus waits for us in this sacrament of love. Let us be generous with our time in going to meet Him in adoration and in contemplation, that is full of faith, and ready to make reparation for the great faults and crimes of the world. May our adoration never cease. - John Paul II, 1960 To sign up for adoration or for information regarding adoration please contact Diane Cieslak 703.678.3919. 24 hour Eucharistic Adoration begins after the 9:00 a.m. Mass on Wednesday and ends with reposition of the Blessed Sacrament at 8:55 a.m. on Thursday. 24 hour Eucharistic Adoration also begins after the 9:00 a.m. Mass on every First Friday of the month and ends with reposition of the Blessed Sacrament at 8:55 a.m. on Saturday. Holy Hour is every Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. The Knights of Columbus News Pancake Breakfast Today, September 14th the Knights of Columbus are sponsor a Pancake Breakfast, in Bishop Justs Hall, following the 8:45 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Masses. All are cordially invited and donations will be accepted. Social Meeting The next social meeting of the Padre Pio Council of the Knights of Columbus will be held on Tuesday, September 16th at 7:30 p.m. in Bishop Justs Hall. Our speaker will be Father Alphonse Kaboré. All parishioners are welcome and refreshments will be served. 40 Days For Life September 24th through November 2nd Christians throughout Northern Virginia are invited to take part in the national 40 Days for Life effort. 40 Days for Life is a nation-wide campaign that calls upon God through prayer, fasting, and peaceful vigil to end abortion in America. This is a remarkable effort that has grown dramatically over the last years. The St. Catherine of Siena Pro-Life Committee is participating in the effort and asks fellow parishioners to join us. From September 24th through November 2nd, we ask that parishioners devote special prayer and periods of fasting to the unborn and ask God to help America free itself from the evil of abortion. St. Catherine's will also join other area parishes and hold a peaceful vigil outside the abortion clinic located at 900 S. Washington Street in Falls Church. St. Catherine's will pray at the clinic for 24 hours on Thursday, September 25th and Tuesday, October 7th. We need volunteers to accomplish this. Please prayerfully consider supporting this great effort. For more information or to volunteer to join the vigil, please contact Mark Poirier at mark.g.Poirier@saic.com or call 703.421.7240. The Over Fifty Club of St. Catherine of Siena Extending an invitation for any Senior to join our Social Club. We meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month in Bishop Justs Hall from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There are interesting speakers, trips, special luncheons and a fun social time to meet new people. We also have a social bridge group that meets the 1st Friday of the month at 10:00 a.m. Single's or couples are warmly welcomed. For more information contact Mary Ann at 703.404.8677, or Madeline at 703.759.2605. Annual Parish Picnic - September 27th Save the date!! Saturday, September 27th Highlights: Food, Games, Fire Trucks, Castle Moon Bounce and Fun for All Bring your family and friends!!! Saturday, September 27th from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Volunteers are needed. Please call Kathy Abruzzino at 703.689.2531. From The Office of Religious Education Catechist Corner Confrater Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) September CCD Class Calendar 15, 16 Classes Begin 22, 23 All classes in session 29 No Monday classes 30 All Tuesday classes in session Confirmation Calendar September 17, 24 6:00 p.m. Bishop Justs Hall 13 Girls Retreat 20 Boys Retreat 28 Final Rehearsal and Holy Hour 29 Mass of Holy Confirmation CCD Catechists are Needed! There are several positions in our religious education program still open for catechists and assistant catechists. If you would like to volunteer to pass on the holy faith to the next generation, please fill out a Catechist Registration Form available from the Office of Religious Education. There is no experience necessary. We will provide all materials, support, training, and the assistance of an experienced catechist. All you need to bring is a love for the holy faith and a love of children. Please consider donating your time. Graces will be amply supplied. Becoming Catholic Beginning this September, the Office of Religious Education will hold classes for those interested in learning more about "Becoming Catholic." These classes are ideal for those who are just curious about what it means to be Catholic, as well as for those who are more certain. This class will also be useful for adults who may have skipped a sacrament (e.g. Holy Confirmation). If you or someone you know is interested, please contact the Office of Religious Education at 703.759.3530. Bible Study "Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ" - St. Jerome "From Adam to Jesus - A Journey through the Bible" What is the story of salvation? Do you want to know more about Adam, Noah, Abraham, Solomon, David, Mary and Jesus? This introduction to the Holy Bible, over the course of five Saturday mornings will present an overview of the main story, characters, and theology found in the "Word of God." Using the Holy Bible, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and the wisdom of the Church Fathers, we will explore the main events of Salvation History, From Adam to Jesus. Please join our study in Bishop Justs Hall with a light breakfast from 9:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Class dates are: October 4th & 18th, November 8th & 22nd, December 6th. Newcomers are welcome to join us at any time. Please contact the Office of Religious Education at 703.759.3530 for more information. All you need is to bring your Bible! "I Will Build My Church - The Acts of the Apostles" The Holy Father, Pope Benedict, has declared this to be the year of St. Paul. Throughout the year, the Office of Religious Education will host a series of Bible studies on the life and writings of St. Paul found in Sacred Scripture. Our first study for the year will begin with the book The Acts of the Apostles. Class dates are: Friday mornings from October 3rd to October 31st We will study the very beginnings of the holy Catholic Church and in particular the life of St. Paul as presented in The Acts of the Apostles. Please join our study in Bishop Justs Hall with a light breakfast on Friday mornings from 9:45 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. A Ministry to Traveling Catholics Home or Abroad To locate a Catholic Church while traveling at home or abroad visit www.masstimes.org. You will find information/directions on the closest Catholic Church to your destination, along with Mass and Confession times. This Website also offers links to an on-line reference library of: The Day's Readings, Bible, Catechism, U.S. Bishops & Diocese, Saint of the Day, Daily Prayer, Life Ways, Sing Your Praises, Vatican Website, Vatican Library, Vatican Museums and Catholic News. St. Catherine of Siena is Looking For Volunteers Children's Choir Opportunities St. Catherine of Siena Treble Choir is looking for new members. The Treble Choir sings for the 8:45 a.m. Liturgy on the second and last Sundays of each month from September through May, and rehearses in Bishop Justs Hall on Thursdays from 4:00-5:30 p.m. Choir members as young as six years old are invited to join, and may remain through high school age. The children receive vocal technique and sight-reading training as part of the weekly rehearsal process, laying the foundation for a more enriched musical experience. For further information, please contact Dr. Kimberly Hess, Director of Music at 703.759.4350 or kimberlyannhess@gmail.com. In the Diocese & Other Events Website: www.arlingtondiocese.org Vocations Awareness Some white-collar jobs are more challenging than others Vocation Prayer: Heavenly Father, bless our diocese with the grace of vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and religious life. Through the intercession of the Blessed Mother, grant to those You have called the willingness and generosity of spirit to give of themselves in devoting their lives and their talents to the service of our Lord and to His Church. Increase the faith of all within our diocese, and particularly the faith of those You have called and will continue to call. We ask this through Christ, Your Son. Amen. "Whoever believes in the Son of Man will have eternal life." Are you called to bring faith in Christ and eternal life to others as a priest, deacon or in the consecrated life? Call Fr. Brian Bashista: 703.841.2514, or write: b.bashista@arlingtondiocese.org. The Second Annual Workshop In Gregorian Chant Friday, October 17 from 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Saturday, October 18 from 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. St. John the Beloved Parish in McLean Directed by the acclaimed Chantmaster, Scott Turkington. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn to read and sing the approved, ancient and beautiful prayer of the Church, using the "square" notation! Registration fee of $90/per person. Free childcare will be provided. Featuring two fine receptions, Saturday lunch, and two lectures on chant. Participants will sing what they have learned at Mass (Extraordinary Form) on Saturday evening. To register, visit www.musicsacra.com/mclean or call 703.356.3639. Deadline for registration is September 30th. Space is limited. From the Office of the Chancellor Political Activity at Parishes As the November elections approach, all parishioners should be aware of the following policies of the Diocese of Arlington with regard to political activity at parishes and other Church facilities and events. Distribution of partisan campaign literature (e.g. leaflets, bumper stickers, etc.) on Church property is not permitted. Distribution of any voter guides or other election-related materials, other than those prepared by Bishop Loverde, the Virginia Catholic Conference or the USCCB, also is not permitted on Church property. This prohibition includes any of the "Voter Guides," "Platforms," etc., prepared by various groups, whether they claim to be within or outside of the Catholic Church. Do not bring such materials onto Church property for distribution. If you discover anyone distributing such materials, please inform your pastor or a parish staff member. A complete discussion of our diocesan policies is available online at the Website of the Virginia Catholic Conference, www.vacatholic.org. If you become aware of any violation of these policies, please contact the Office of the Chancellor, Catholic Diocese of Arlington, 200 Glebe Road, Suite 914, Arlington, VA 22203. St. Philip Parish Annual Fall Festival Saturday, September 17th from 10:00 to 7:00 p.m. Located at 7500 St. Philips Court, Falls Church This year the Fall Festival will feature good old-fashioned family fun with a Country Store, with homemade jams and jellies; Arts and Crafts Room, with handmade Christmas decorations, and special gifts for that special someone; a Silent Auction, Bingo, Carnival Games, a Moon Bounce, a ride called "Orbotran" and Pony Rides. Homemade cookies, cakes and other goodies will be for sale, and a variety of treasures will be available at the White Elephant. Chances will be available on a Hand-Made Quilt, and on a $1,500 raffle. Snacks will be served all day, and in the evening an International Dinner, featuring delicacies from around the world will be served beginning at 4:00 p.m. Live music and entertainment by the King's Park German Band for your enjoyment while you dine. Our Lady of Bethesda Retreat Center Spiritual Exercises Our Lady of Bethesda Retreat Center located at 7007 Bradley Blvd in Bethesda, Maryland offers silent weekend retreats based on the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Upcoming retreats for Women: September 12-14, October 3-5, November 7-9, December 5-7. Upcoming retreats for Men: September 19-21, December 19-21. Cost is $170, includes meals, lodging, linens and retreat materials. For more information visit Website at www.ourladyofbethesda.org. To register please call 301.365.0612. Diaconate Formation Inquiry Meetings for those interested in the Permanent Diaconate program in the Diocese of Arlington will be held on the following dates at parishes throughout the Diocese: Thursday, September 25, 7:30 p.m. St. Thomas á Becket, Reston Friday, September 26, 7:30 p.m. Queen of Apostles, Alexandria Saturday, September 27, 9:30 a.m. St. James, Falls Church Sunday, September 28, 1:00 p.m. Sacred Heart, Winchester Friday, October 3, 7:30 p.m. Holy Trinity, Gainesville Sunday, October 5, 1:00 p.m. St. Leo, Fairfax Men interested in discerning a vocation to the Permanent Diaconate, and their wives, are invited to these meetings to get a better understanding of the vocation in general and the formation process in particular. Refreshments will be served. For further information and to RSVP, please call 703.841.2508. HOPE In Northern Virginia, Inc. Looking for Volunteers For thirty-six years, Hope in Northern Virginia has been helping women experiencing crisis pregnancies. We are looking for caring and dedicated volunteers to assist women facing crisis pregnancies. Bilingual and English speaking volunteers are needed to handle our diverse population. Please consider offering your time to assist pregnant women in this critical ministry. Many opportunities are available. Call 703.536.2020 for further information or to make an appointment to stop by the office to visit with us. Office Hours: Mon -Wed: 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Fri - Sat: 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon. 610 Park Ave., Falls Church, VA, 22046 Office of Child Protection & Safety Protecting Our Future The Office of Child Protection & Safety was created to assist all parishes and schools in creating a safe environment where our children are free from sexual abuse, physical abuse and neglect. The office provides various services including child abuse prevention training for employees, volunteers, children and youth and criminal background history investigations for employees and volunteers who work with children. For more information about services provided by the Office of Child Protection & Safety as well as diocesan policy regarding the prevention of child abuse, please visit www.arlingtondiocese.org Catholic Healing Ministry The Catholic Healing Ministry of the Diocese of Arlington will celebrate a Mass and Healing service on Thursday, September 18th at 7:30 p.m. at St. John the Apostle in Leesburg. Fr. Tuck Grinnell celebrant. For further information call 540.347.0809 or visit www.healingministry.net. A Woman's Choice Crisis Pregnancy Center For Life, Morality and Justice Volunteers Needed to Help Save Lives Location: 6201 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church We are in need of volunteers, both English and Bilingual speaking. The only requirement is that one is morally supportive of Humana Vitae, and can give 3 - 4 hours of service time each week. We have positions available for Counselors, Receptionists, Translators and Drivers willing to pick up and deliver cribs. Training is provided. The rewards are priceless. For further information, please call Dolores Wisecarver at 703.538.4305. Marriage Jubilee Mass - October 26th The Most Reverend Paul S. Loverde along with the Office for Family Life honors those couples of the Diocese of Arlington celebrating 25 and 50 years of marriage with the Marriage Jubilee Mass on Sunday, October 26, 2008 at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More. Are you celebrating your Silver or Golden Marriage Jubilee this year? Were you married in 1958 or 1983? Then contact the parish office at 703.759.4350 to register for the "2008 Marriage Jubilee Mass" to be celebrated on Sunday, October 26th at 2:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More. The parish office must submit all registrations to the Office for Family Life as soon as possible. Call the parish office with questions. Do not delay! Holy Father's Prayer Intention for September 2008 General: That those who are forced to leave home and country because of war or oppressive regimes may be supported by Christians in the defence and protection of their rights. Mission: That faithful to the sacrament of matrimony every Christian family may cultivate the values of love and communion in order to be a small evangelizing community, sensitive and open to the material and spiritual needs of others. REMEMBER TO PRAY THE ROSARY