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 28 7:30 a.m. Peggy Baird 8:45 a.m. Lee and Rita Ashman 10:30 a.m. Pro Populo 1:00 p.m. John Fitzgerald Monday, September 29 9:00 a.m. The LaPlante Family Tuesday, September 30 9:00 a.m. Robert Novak Wednesday, October 1 9:00 a.m. Kevin Ketchum Thursday, October 2 9:00 a.m. Pastor Drummond Friday, October 3 9:00 a.m. Special Intentions Saturday, October 4 9:00 a.m. James Skeffington V 5:30 p.m. Vera Znamens V Daily Scriptures READINGS AND CELEBRATIONS FOR THE WEEK Sunday - 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Ez 18: 25-28, Ps 125, Phl 2: 1-11, Mt 21: 28-32 Monday - Weekday in Ordinary Time Dn 7: 9-10, 13-14, Ps 138, Jn 1: 47-51 Tuesday - Weekday in Ordinary Time Jb 3: 1-3, 11-17, 20-23, Ps 88, Lk 9: 51-56 Wednesday - Weekday in Ordinary Time Jb 9: 1-12, 14-16, Ps 88, Lk 9: 57-62 Thursday - Weekday in Ordinary Time Jb 19: 21-27, Ps 27, Mt 18: 1-5, 10 Friday - Weekday in Ordinary Time Jb 38: 1, 12-21; 40: 3-5, Ps 139, Lk 10: 13-16 Saturday - Weekday in Ordinary Time Jb 42: 1-3, 5-6, 12-17, Ps 119, Lk 10: 17-24 Parish Stewardship Thank you for your generous offerings of September 13/14. The regular collection brought in $20,753 and the Poor Box yielded $815. We also thank you for your generous offerings of September 20/21. The regular collection brought in $ 13,968 and the Poor Box yielded $466. The Poor Box collection for August will go to benefit the following: $1,000 to The Missionaries of Charity, $1,000 to Covenant House and $1,000 to the Dominican Republic Missionaries. A Word from the Pastor As September draws to an end, so too does Father Alphonse Kaboré's stay with us - to my deep regret. Having spent the summer at St. John's in Mclean, Father Kaboré, hearing of my mother's serious illness, generously offered to come to St. Catherine's for the month of September to help out at the parish so that I might have more time to spend with my parents. Not expecting to have another resident I very gratefully accepted Father Kaboré's kind offer. Then out of the blue the good Lord sent us Father Robert as well. This made for a very jolly month of September at St. Catherine's Rectory. With Father Alphonse from Burkina Fasso, Father Robert from Poland, myself from France and Germany, (and not forgetting the Scottish Border Collie) our Rectory has been Catholic in every sense of the Word. Coming from our various and different cultures and backgrounds we have been Catholic with a small "c", that is universal. With our mutual love of Jesus Christ and our shared desire to serve Him in His Church we are Catholic with a capital "C". Father Alphoné's presence here has made it possible for me to spend more time with my parents. And indeed with both Father Alphonse and Father Robert here I have sometimes felt myself to be on holiday even as I go about my parish duties. Father Alphonse's joyful demeanour, his sense of humour, as well as his insight into the human condition, all stem from his deep and abiding Faith in Christ Jesus. Although I feel a certain sadness as he returns to Rome to conclude his studies, there is a greater joy in counting him as a good friend and a brother priest. The Church in Burkina Fasso is blessed to have such a priest, and so long as I am the Pastor at St. Catherine's he will always have a very warm welcome here. September 28 - Catholic University of America There will be a second collection taken up at all Masses this weekend. This collection will be for the benefit of Catholic University of America. 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. St. Catherine's Women's Association Save the Date: Thursday, October 2nd, 7:30 p.m. All the women of the parish are cordially invited to our October program and social: a Wine Tasting & Hors d'Oeuvre Pot Luck. Come with your favorite wine and a favorite appetizer. Be prepared to 'show and tell' about your wine and share your hors d'oeuvre recipe! It will be great fun and a wonderful opportunity for fellowship and to learn a little about wines and appetizers! If you don't have a favorite wine or appetizer, come and discover one! For more information call Katie Abruzzino at 703.689- 2531. 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. St. Catherine of Siena Rosary Prayer Group Our Rosary Prayer Group meets in the Church on the 2nd of every month at 5:00 a.m. - 6:00 a.m. We pray all four Mysteries of the Holy Rosary for the conversion of unbelievers. We cordially invite you to join us. For further information please call Deanna Bruning at 703.444.5052. St. Catherine of Siena Treble Choir 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 - 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. For further information 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) Class Calendar September 29 No Monday classes 30 All Tuesday classes in session Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12 Senior Catholic Youth Organization (9th to 12th grades) October 5 Meeting - 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Junior Catholic Youth Organization October 3 Meeting - 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. October 25 Paint Ball - time t.b.a. Confirmation Calendar September 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 October 5th on Sunday mornings from 9:15 to 10:15, 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 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. 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 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. 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. Lost and Found If you have lost anything please contact the parish office at 703.759.4350. Any items that remain unclaimed may be given away. 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. "He humbled Himself and became obedient ... " If the Lord invites you to follow Him in humble obedience as a priest or in the consecrated life, how will you respond? Call Fr. Brian Bashista: 703.841.2514, or write: b.bashista@arlingtondiocese.org. Marriage Nullity Process 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. From the Office of the Chancellor Political Activity at Parishes 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. The Aftermath of Abortion: 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. 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: 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. 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. Evening Retreats for Men - two locations ? Our Lady of Bethesda Retreat Center The first Wednesday of every month from 7:00 p.m.-9:45 p.m. Retreats begin with Mass and include dinner and opportunities for Confession. Located at 7007 Bradley Blvd., in Bethesda, MD. Information: 302.365.0612. ? St. Timothy Catholic Church Every 2nd Wednesday of the month from 7:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Includes Mass, two talks, opportunities for Confession and refreshments. All men over 18 years of age are invited. Located at 13807 Poplar Tree Rd., Chantilly. Information: 703.631.4976. Retrouvaille (pronounced retro-vi) Married Singles Lifestyle - The Married Single Lifestyle describes couples that may have lost a sense of closeness they once had as marriage partners and are living more like roommates. Retrouvaille teaches couples how to survive times like these in their marriages. This program has helped 10's of 1,000's of couples experiencing difficulty at all levels of marital distress from disillusionment to deep misery. For confidential information or to register for the October program beginning with a weekend on October 24-26. call 703.351.7211 or www.HelpOurMarriage.com. Virginia Catholic Conference Advocacy The Virginia Catholic Conference has created a new e- mail advocacy network, so that those who wish to contact their state legislators about respect life, social justice, family and education issues can receive regular alerts on measures considered during the 2006 Virginia General Assembly session, (from mid-January until mid- March) and throughout the year. Visit www.vacatholic.org for more information. 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. Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael September 29 Heavenly King, You have given us archangels to assist us during our pilgrimage on earth, St. Michael is our protector; I ask him to come to my aid, fight for all my loved ones, and protect us from danger. Saint Gabriel is a messenger of the Good News; I ask him to help me clearly to hear Your voice and to teach me the truth. Saint Raphael is the healing angel; I ask him to take my need for healing and that of everyone I know up to Your throne of grace and deliver back to us the gift of recovery. Help us, O Lord, to realize more fully the reality of the archangels and their desire to serve us. Holy angels, pray for us. Amen.