Parish Staff Laura Bell Head of School 703.759.4129 Maggie Radzik Head of Pedagogy 703.759.4129 Anson Groves Dir. of Religious Ed. 703.759.3530 Sharon O'Donnell Religious Ed Secretary 703.759.3530 Anson Groves Dir of Catholic Youth Org 702.759.3530 Nancy Caro Sacristan Rick Webb Gen. Mgr. Financial Dir. 703.759.4350 Dr. Kimberly Hess Director of Music 703.759.4350 Judy Wood 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, December 13 8:00 a.m. Deacon Clyde Jackson V 10:00 a.m. Pro Populo 12:00 Thomas McDonald V Monday, December 14 9:00 a.m. Marie Cattaro V Tuesday, December 15 9:00 a.m. Louise Soave V Wednesday, December 16 9:00 a.m. Jack Markland V Thursday, December 17 9:00 a.m. The Michael Hoyt Family Friday, December 18 9:00 a.m. Joseph Dunne V Saturday, December 19 9:00 a.m. Joseph Calderazzo V 5:30 p.m. Michael O'Connell V READINGS AND CELEBRATIONS FOR THE WEEK Sunday - 3rd Sunday in Advent Zep 3:14-18a, Is 12:2-6, Phil 4:4-7, Lk 3:10-18 Monday - St. John of the Cross Nm 24:2-7,15-17a, Ps 25, Mt 21:23-27 Tuesday - Weekday in Advent Zep 3:1-2,9-13, Ps 34, Mt 21:28-32 Wednesday - Weekday in Advent Is 45:6c-8, 18, 21c-25, Ps 85, Lk 7:18b-23 Thursday - Weekday in Advent Gn 49:2,8-10, Ps 72, Mt 1:1-17 Friday - Weekday in Advent Jer 23:5-8, Ps 72, Mt 1:18-25 Saturday - Weekday in Advent Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a, Ps 71, Lk 1:5-25 Parish Stewardship Thank you for your generous offerings of November 5/6. The regular collection brought in $14,130 and the Poor Box yielded $269. The Poor Box offerings for November (other than the first week) will go to benefit Nicaragua Missiomary Sister of The Fiat of Mary and Divine Mercy Care. . The Second Collection on December 19th/20th is for Strings for Midnight Mass. She laid Him in a manger That cold and wintry night. The shepherds gathered close To view the wondrous sight. The Christ Child looked to heaven His Father smiled at Him. The light of David glowed Through the star of Bethlehem. Mary held Him close A mothers love was near. As she kissed the face of God The one she held so dear. She looked down at the hands Of her newborn baby Son. It was then she shed her tears As she knew what was to come. Her tears fell on His face And He looked into her eyes. It was then she felt the peace Of her gift to all mankind. On this Christmas Eve Look up into the sky. You will see the Son of God As a star shines o'er the night. There are many dates in the upcoming weeks and months that are available for Mass Intentions. Please contact the office to arrange for an intention and to get a Mass card. Pray for the Sick and Homebound of our Parish Elaine Elizabeth Abraham, Joshua Basile, Bryan Cox, Flora DeLeon, Betsabe de Soto, Marjorie Dolak, Christa Drummond, Larry Dublin, Marilyn Flynn, Jackie Fox, Danny Frey, Brian Hack, Elizabeth Hooten, Marjorie Horan, Carol McCarty, Susan McQuade, Canon Craig Merkel, Peter Milchalski, David Murphy, Fr. Paul Richardson, William Schrepel, Murray Schooner, Lien Shinta, John Spencer, Cris Ternisky, Abby Trepacz, Ana Laura Valdez, Anthony Yantiss Pray for Those Who have Fallen Asleep in Christ James Anthony, Maryann Barron, Philip Calanchini, Joe Cassella, Bill Corr, Joseph Dunne, Bill Hale, Mary Elizabeth Jones, Cynthia Randall, Victor Wouters Pray for our Armed Forces Personnel Patrick Bouchoux, Jordan Bowren, Dane Doocy, Brendan Dunne, Mark Falcon, Christopher Frediani, Michael Holtz, Brian Horn, Kathleen Mahoney, Josh Moore, Matthew O'Neil, Mathew Rowell, 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 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 7:00 p.m. Communion and Blessings A very common liturgical abuse of our times happens during the reception of Holy Communion when persons who cannot receive Communion nevertheless line up with their arms crossed over their chest, as a "message" to the priest that they want a blessing instead of Communion. This is liturgically incorrect on a number of levels. First and foremost, the time for Communion is the time for Communion. The Communion line is not, and should not be, the blessing line. Secondly, the liturgical actions of the priest during Mass are highly regulated, and quite specific of what to do and when to do it. The actions of a good liturgist may seem spontaneous, but they are not and should not be. Unfortunately, owing to the confused time in which we live, some people are instructed to present themselves, arms crossed, before the priest at Communion time for a blessing. To make things even more confused, some people present themselves with crossed arms as a sign that they wish to receive on the tongue! Children who have not yet made their first Communion may come up with their parents who are receiving, but should not present themselves individually for a blessing. Others, who cannot receive, for whatever reason, should remain seated. The proper time for the blessing follows the prayer after Communion, which blessing all receive together. Annual Christmas Open House Save the date: December 23rd Father Drummond will be hosting the Parish Christmas Open House. All parishioners are cordially invited to attend this annual event. The date to save is Sunday, December 23rd. The evening will begin at 7:00 p.m., at the Rectory. A Gift of Music The St. Catherine Choir CD, From Glory to Glory: A Celebration of the Church's Spring, will be available in the Narthex after all Masses in the season of Advent for a donation of $25.00. The CD is a live recording of the concert presented by the choir this past May. Works by Lassus, Tallis, Haydnn, Vaughan Williams, Stanford and Nestor can be heard on this recording. The CD would make a great Christmas present for family as well as friends who enjoy beautiful music and would also help to support the music program. Thank you, Dr. Kimberly Hess, Director of Music. The Knights of Columbus News Consider This Opportunity to Serve! The Knights of Columbus are the largest Catholic Men fraternal organization - are you a Knight? For information please contact Kevin Trissell at 703.464.8393 or trissellkofc@verizon.net. Keep Christ in Christmas! Christmas cards with the focus on Christ. The joyous Christmas season is once again approaching. The Knights of Columbus are offering, for sale, our beautiful, "Keep Christ in Christmas" cards. The cards will be available after all Masses or through Kevin Trissell at 703.464.8393, or trissellkofc@verizon.net. Annual Christmas Tree Sale The Knights of Columbus is holding their annual Christmas fresh-cut tree sale beginning Sunday, November 29th. A beautiful selection including trees up to 12 feet tall. As always local delivery is free. Shop early!! Proceeds help support the Knights Charities. Please contact Grand Knigh Kevin Trissell at trissellkofc@verizon.net or at 703.464.8393 with any questions. Christmas Party for the Children Come join us on Tuesday, December 15th from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. in Bishop Justs Hall for a Christmas Party hosted by the Knights of Columbus. All children will get to talk to Santa and receive a free photo. A hot dog dinner will be provided. Contact Grand Knight Kevin Trissell at 703.464.8393 or trissellkofc@verizon.net with any questions. Over 50 Club 2009 Trips ? December - White House Christmas Tour Waiting for confirmation date. Event will be either the 9th or 10th. Confirmation date expected to be set 3 weeks prior to selected date. $32 per person. This is a limited list. Call for details. 2010 Trips ? March 5 -"Philadelphia Flower Show: - The theme is Passport To The World, which takes you on a breathtaking floral trip around the world: India, The Netherlands, ? April 14 - Sight & Sound in Lancaster will present its newest show "Joseph" the inspiring journey and restoration of his family especially important in today's world. Sound track with 14 original songs, 30 foot high Egyptian palace on a 300 foot stage that wraps around three sides of the audience. A wonderful buffet at Miller's included. Do not miss this outstanding show $89 complete. ? April 28 - 30 Great Shrines & History of Philadelphia. A magnificent trip with 2 nights lodging, 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner, daily Mass. Visit the National Shrine of St. Katherine Drexel, Shrine of St. John Neumann and Our Lady of Czestochowa. Stop at Longwood Gardens and Winterthur. We will have a priest join us. $444/Dbl, $544/Single. ?May 10 - 14 Trapp Family Lodge. We stop at Lake George on the way up and back, then 2 nights at the Lodge with magnificent scenery. Visit the famous Cold Hollow Cider Mill, Stowe Village, Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream and other attractions. Breakfast and dinner included $659Dbl, $824/Single. Membership in the Club is not required to travel with us! Please call the following for more information and/or registration. Mary Ann at 703.404.8677 or Connie at 703.759.2939 Christ House Food Donation Drive St. Catherine's continues its efforts to support the work of Catholic Charities. Please help us to help others. The following non-perishable food items are requested: Canned meats (corned beef, spam, chicken), canned tuna, canned fruit and vegetables, peanut butter, jelly, cereal, pasta, instant potatoes, macaroni & cheese kits. Please be so kind as to limit contributions to these items, and please check the expiration dates. Labeled bins will be placed in the narthex of the church. Gift cards from Giant or Safeway are another option that you might find more convenient. Please place gift cards in an envelope marked "Christ House" and place in the collection basket at Mass or drop off at the Parish Office. Office of Religious Education Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it - Proverbs 22:6 The Office of Religious Education is closed on Fridays Catechist Corner Confraternity of Christian Doctrine CCD Class Calendar December 14,15 All classes in session 21,22 All classes in session 28,29 No classes January 4,5 All classes in session 11,12 All classes in session 18 No Monday classes 19 All Tuesday classes in session 25,26 All classes in session Other Important Dates February 20 First Penance at 9:00 a.m. March 13 Boys retreat for Holy Confirmation 20 Girls retreat for Holy Confirmation May 15 Mass of First Holy Communion at 10:30 a.m. Catholic Youth Organization Please see the CYO bulletin board for all upcoming events Senior CYO - 8th - 12th grade Meetings on the first Sunday of the month 6-8 p.m. Junior CYO - 4th - 7th grades Meetings on the first Friday of the month 6-8 p.m. 2009 - 2010 Adult Bible Study Series Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m. We will meet in Bishop Justs H all Fall 2009 - September 30 to December 16 The Gospel of St. John - The Glory of Jesus Christ! Join us as we read and study the gospel written by St. John: the beloved disciple. Through this Bible study you will learn: - What is the Holy Bible, and how do we read it? - Who was St. John? - Basic theology and doctrine about Our Lord, Jesus Christ. - What it means to be a child of God, how God loves you and wants to glorify you! Bring a Bible; bring a friend; save a soul! A light breakfast will be served. Winter 2010 The Epistles of St. John & Pope Benedict's "God is Love" Spring 2010 Revelation, The Apocalypse of St. John Siena Academy News Mission Statement Our mission is to give glory to God and to assist parents in the role as primary educators of their children by offering specially prepared environments founded upon the principles made by Dr. Maria Montessori.. eScrip Do you shop online for Christmas presents? If so, please support Siena Academy (ID number: 500003075) by using the eScrip Online Mall. Shop at over 1,000 of your favorite online merchants and earn up to 16% for Siena Academy. Enroll with www.escrip.com., click on Online Mall logo at www.escrip.com and then shop at your favorite brand name store and automatically donate to our group. Vendors include eBay, Nordstrom, Barnes and Noble, The Home Depot, Toys R Us, Disney among others. Recycle Your Old Cell Phones Do you have old laptops, ipods, or cell phones? Printer toner cartridges or inkjet cartridges? You can donate these at the conveniently located eScrip bin in the Narthex of the Church. Please make sure the laptops are bootable and have the power cords with them if we want to get credit. Accessories such as external drives are not needed or accepted. Thanks for your support! If there are questions please contact Betsye Richardson at betsyer@verizon.net. Bereavement Support Group St. Catherine of Siena Bereavement Support Group invites you to join us on Tuesday, December 22nd at 7:30 p.m. in Padre Pio Hall to a discussion of coping with our losses through the holidays. If questions please call Nancy Tanner 703. 757. 0045. In the Diocese & Other Events Website: www.arlingtondiocese.org Some white-collar jobs are more challenging than others From the Office of Vocations Are you seeking "knowledge and full insight to help you determine" your vocation in Christ as a priest, deacon or in consecrated life? Call Father Brian Bashista (703) 841-2514, or write: b.bashista@arlingtondiocese.org. United Way/Combined Federal Campaign Let your workplace giving support the services of Catholic Charities throughout the Diocese of Arlington. Select United Way #8055 or CFC #24770 as your designated charity when you make your donations. Catholic Charities serves 21 counties in northern Virginia through a soup kitchen, Christ House on Wheels food delivery program, counseling, homeless shelter, adoption program, senior center, and other programs (www.ccda.net). Help After Abortion Are you experiencing feelings of shame, guilt, regret and sadness? Have you lost a child to abortion? Contact Project Rachel post-abortion healing ministry for confidential referrals to trained clergy, professional counselors, retreats and/or aftercare gatherings at (703) 841-2504 or www.arlingtondiocese.org/rachel . 2009 Men's Group Day of Discernment: Saturday, December 19, 2009 If you are 17 years or older and would like to meet in fraternity with seminarians and other men discerning Our Lord's call, please join us at the Franciscan Monastery, 1400 Quincy St. NE, Washington, DC 20017. Mass, Adoration, and the Sacrament of Penance will be available. Lunch and dinner provided. For more information or to register, please contact the Diocese of Arlington Office of Vocations at 703-841-2514 or e-mail the office at vocations@arlingtondiocese.org "Our" Seminarian's When writing your Christmas cards, please include our seminarian's. Please keep them in your prayers as they continue their studies. They would be more than happy to receive some encouraging words. Mick Kelly, & Brian McAllister (a parishioner): Mount Saint Mary's Seminary 16000 Old Emmitsburg Road Emmitsburg, Maryland 21727-7797 Mike Isenberg & Nick Barnes North American College 00120 Vatican City State Europe Christmas Poem Sweet Baby Jesus Sweet Baby, Jesus, gentle and mild Born in a manger, sweet, Holy, Child, Shepherds and Wise Men came from afar, Seeking a Savior, they followed a star, Sweet Baby, Jesus, sent from above, Son of our Father gift of God's love, In realms of glory, angels did sing Heavens rejoiced as they welcomed a King. Sweet Baby, Jesus, Mary's sweet Child, Light of our life, sweet Babe so mild, There in a manger, Thou art adored, Jesus, we greet Thee, our Savior, our Lord. Sweet Baby, Jesus, send peace to earth, Lift up all hearts through Thy holy birth. Now at Thy crib, as evening draws nigh, Hear this our praises from earth to the skies.