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 21 7:30 a.m. William Kiser V 8:45 a.m. Anneke Coleman 10:30 a.m. Pro Populo 1:00 p.m. Elizabeth DeLong V Monday, September 22 9:00 a.m. Sister Catherine Marie, O.P. Tuesday, September 23 9:00 a.m. William Bauer V Wednesday, September 24 9:00 a.m. Mildren Bruning V Thursday, September 25 9:00 a.m. John J. Collins Friday, September 26 9:00 a.m. Kathy GomezV Saturday, September 27 9:00 a.m. The Costello Family 5:30 p.m. S. Sheikh Daily Scriptures READINGS AND CELEBRATIONS FOR THE WEEK Sunday - 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time Is 55: 6-9, Ps 145, Phil 1: 20c-24,27a, Mt 20: 1-16a Monday - Weekday in Ordinary Time Prv 3: 27-34, Ps 15, Lk 8: 16-18 Tuesday - Weekday in Ordinary Time Prv 21: 1-6, 10-13, Ps 119, Lk 8: 19-21 Wednesday - Weekday in Ordinary Time Prv 30: 5-9, Ps 119, Lk 9: 1-6 Thursday - Weekday in Ordinary Time Eccl 1: 2-11, Ps 90, Lk 9: 7-9 Friday - Weekday in Ordinary Time Eccl 3: 1-11, Ps 144, Lk 9: 18-22 Saturday - Weekday in Ordinary Time Eccl 11: 9 - 12: 8, Ps 90, Lk 9: 43b-45 Parish Registration We welcome you to our Parish Community and invite you to call or register in person at the Parish Office. St. Matthew the Apostle - September 21 Matthew was a tax collector in the city of Capernaum, where Jesus was living. He was a Jew but he was working for the Romans, who had conquered the Jews. For this reason, his countrymen disliked him. They would not have anything to do with these "public sinners," as tax collectors like Matthew were called. But Jesus did not feel that way about Matthew. One day, Jesus saw Matthew sitting in his office and he said, "Follow me." At once, Matthew left his money and his position to follow Jesus. He seemed so holy and king- like. Matthew gave a big supper for Jesus. He invited other friends like himself to meet Jesus and listen to him teach. Some people found fault with Jesus for sharing a meal with those whom they considered sinners. However, Jesus had a ready answer. "They who are well do not need a doctor; the sick do. I have not come to call the just, but sinners to repentance." When Jesus went back to heaven, St. Matthew stayed in Palestine. He remained there for some time to preach about the Lord. We are familiar with the Gospel of Matthew, which is the story of Jesus and what he taught. St. Matthew presents Jesus to his own people. The Lord is the Messiah whom the prophets had said would come to save us. After preaching the Gospel to many people, St. Matthew ended his life as a glorious martyr for the faith. "You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Mt. 5:48) 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, Ann Miller, 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, 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 oration 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. 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 On September 23rd The Over Fifty Club will meet in Bishop Justs Hall at 11:30 a.m. It will be a bag lunch day. The program will be: "A Gift of Life" with a presentation by a kidney donor and the recipient. Please join us. 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. St. Catherine of Siena Treble Choir 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. From The Office of Religious Education Catechist Corner Confrater Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) September CCD Class Calendar 22, 23 All classes in session 29 No Monday classes 30 All Tuesday classes in session Confirmation Calendar September 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. "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. 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! Siena Academy News Children's Corner Siena Academy extends a warm welcome to all new and returning students, families and faculty. The year is off to a busy and exciting start. We would like to invite all parishioners to come visit and learn more about your beautiful parish school at the following events: Thursday, September 25th from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. Presentation discussing general Montessori and its application in both the school and home. Saturday, September 27th from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Presentation in the Elementary: Come see how Montessori materials are presented and used in the elementary environment (ages 6-12). Environment Observations Beginning in October, you are invited to come to Siena Academy during school hours and observe in person the beauty of our children's work in both the Children's House (ages 2 1/2 - 6) and Elementary (ages 6-12) environments. You will experience first-hand the incredible works and graces taking place daily at your parish school. Come see what so many families around the diocese are talking about! Please call 703.759.4129 to schedule an appointment. Parish Registration We welcome you to our Parish Community and invite you to call or register in person at the Parish Office. The Pro-Life Committee The Pro-Life Committee invites you to join us the last Saturday of the month, from 7:00 - 8:30 a.m. We will pray the Rosary outside the Falls Church Abortion Clinic located at 900 S. Washington Street. The Over 50 Club Scheduled Senior Trips Make Your Calendars and Make Plans to Enjoy a Great Trip Membership in the Club and Senior Status is not required. Early Registration is Suggested! ? September 30 - Gettysburg & Eisenhower Tour A new museum and visitor's center recently opened with twelve galleries. A magnificent Cyclorama* which depicts the Charge of the Confederate Infantry. Restoration cost over 11 million dollars and took five years to complete. Grand opening is September 26th. We'll have lunch there (on your own), tour the Eisenhower Farm and make a surprise stop on the way home. $68. *A large composite picture placed on the interior walls of a cylindrical room so as to appear in natural perspective to a spectator standing in the center of the room. ? October 6 to 10 - Myrtle Beach, S.C. (on the beach). Four full course dinners and breakfasts, guided tour of Charlestown, S.C. Backstage tour of the Alabama Theatre, Three spectacular shows: Carolina Opry, Alabama Theatre & Cirque (fantastic acrobatics), a visit to LaBelle Winery, all taxes & gratuities. $498. ? October 17 One Day Pilgrimage Mount St. Mary's Seminary - Mother Seton's Shrine This beautiful day trip to the National Shire of the "Grotto of Lourdes" will include a tour of the seminary at Mount St. Mary's with Mass, lunch at the Cozy restaurant in Thurmont, and a visit to Mother Seton House and museum in Emmitsburg, MD. A priest will be joining us for this beautiful day of either "thanksgiving" or for our "special request". Early registration is suggested. $56 includes motor coach, driver's tip and lunch. Pickup is at St. Thomas a Becket and Cascade Senior Center. ? April 25-May 3 (2009) - Cruise to the Mexican Riviera Includes airfare from Dulles to Los Angeles. A seven night cruise aboard the "Mariner of the Seas." One evening in Los Angeles with dinner & breakfast. Tour Los Angeles; visit Cabo SanLucas, Mazatlan Puerto Vallarta. All taxes & transfers included. Inside cabin $1,919 - Outside cabin $2,219 - Balcony $2,419. Please call regarding registration. You do not need to be a senior to join us, or a member of the Club. Please call the following for more information and/or registration. Mary Ann at 703.404.8677 or Lorraine at 703.448.9181. 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. 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. "Seek the Lord while He may be found..." While seeking Him in prayer and the sacraments, listen to Him. Could it be you are being called by Jesus to serve as a priest, deacon, sister or brother? If you think He may be offering you this grace, call Fr. Brian Bashista: 703.841.2514, or write: b.bashista@arlingtondiocese.org. 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. Marriage Nullity Process September 25 St. Luke Parish - Bishop Flaherty Hall, McLean October 7 St. John the Apostle Parish - Parish Hall, Leesburg. Father Mark Mealey, O.S.F.S., J.C.D., V.G., Judicial Vicar, will give a presentation on the Marriage Nullity Process in the Diocese of Arlington. He will answer questions about the nullity process and the grounds (reasons) needed to begin the process. To ensure there are adequate copies of the materials to be distributed, please reserve a space by calling Joyce Wagner at 703.841.2502. Pregnancy Loss, Sexual Trauma, Unresolved Grief Conference The Office for Family Life and Catholic Charities will host a conference on Pregnancy Loss, Sexual Trauma and Unresolved Grief on Wednesday, September 24th. Theresa Burke, Ph.D., and Kevin Burke, L.S.W., founders of Rachel's Vineyard Healing Retreats and Ministries will be the keynote speakers. The Conference will take place at Top of the Town in Arlington, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Continuing Education Credits are available to licensed professionals. For more information or to register for this seminar, please call 703.841.2504 The Aftermath of Abortion: How are you and I affected? St. Luke Catholic Church in McLean will host a talk presented by Project Rachel of the Office for Family Life on Wednesday, October 1st in Flaherty Hall at 7:30 p.m. Statistics tell us that one in 4 American women have had at least one abortion. This includes our friends, relatives, neighbors...maybe even some of us. Come, listen and learn how to respond with love and compassion. Help those who are suffering to find peace and healing in God's infinite mercy. For more information please call 703.356.1255. Post-Abortion Help A Rachel's Vineyard weekend for healing after an abortion is scheduled on October 31 - November 2. This retreat is a safe place to renew, rebuild and redeem hearts broken from abortion. It offers a supportive, confidential and non-judgmental environment where you can express, release and reconcile painful post-abortive emotions to begin the process of restoration, renewal and healing. Please call Myriam at 703.729.7998 for information or contact by email at projectrachel@arlingtondiocese.org. Remember to Pray the Rosary Daily Rosary The Rosary, a "summary of the Gospel", is a wonderful way to have daily contact with Mary, the Mother of the Lord. Visit www.theholyrosary.org to learn how to pray the Holy Rosary. 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. 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. 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.