Parish Staff Nancy Caro Sacristan Laura Bell Head of School 703-759-4129 Maggie Radzik Head of Pedagogy 703-759-4129 Anson Groves Dir of Catholic Youth Org 703-759-3530 Anson Groves Dir. of Religious Ed. 703-759-3530 Sharon O'Donnell Religious Ed Secretary 703-759-3530 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, April 11 8:00 a.m. The Kfoury & Malakooti Families 10:00 a.m. Pro Populo 12:00 Betty Rfouru V Monday, April 12 9:00 a.m. Michelle Escobar V Tuesday, April 13 9:00 a.m. Luba Hinman V Wednesday, April 14 9:00 a.m. Luba Hinman V Thursday, April 15 9:00 a.m. Marie Gorlinsky V Friday, April 17 9:00 a.m. Mary Beck Rich V Saturday, April 18 9:00 a.m. Helen Stoll 5:30 p.m. Diane Sina READINGS AND CELEBRATIONS FOR THE WEEK Sunday, Divine Mercy Sunday Acts 5: 12-16, Ps 118, Rv 1: 9-11a, 12-13, 17-19, Jn 20: 19-31 Monday. Octave of Easter Acts 4: 23-31, Ps 2, Jn 3: 1-8 Tuesday, Octave of Easter Acts 4: 32-37, Ps 93, Jn 3: 7b-15 Wednesday, Octave of Easter Acts 5: 17-26, Ps 34, Jn 3: 16-21 Thursday, Octave of Easter Acts 5: 27-33, Ps 34, Jn 3: Jn 3: 31-36 Friday, Octave of Eastern Acts 5: 34-42, Ps 27, Jn 6: 1-15 Saturday, Octave of Easter Acts 6: 1-7, Ps 33, Jn 6: 16-21 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. Feast of the Divine Mercy Sunday, April 11th This past week, the whole of Christendom once again commemorates our Lord Jesus Christ's passion, death and resurrection. It is a time to reflect over how we have lived our lives as Christians and how we have followed the example set by Jesus. It is likewise a perfect time to repent for our sins, return to the Lord, and be blessed with His overflowing love and eternal mercy. This Sunday is also a fitting time to recall how merciful the Lord Jesus is despite our sinfulness, as we celebrate the Feast of the Divine Mercy. The Feast of the Divine Mercy was established by the late Pope John Paul II (who coincidentally died on the vigil of the Divine Mercy Sunday in 2005) on April 30, 2000 on the occasion of Blessed Sister Faustina's canonization. The Feast is dedicated to the Devotion to the Divine Mercy. The liturgical readings of the Second Sunday of Easter affirm the appropriateness of the Divine Mercy Sunday: They speak of the blood and water that was poured out from the Savior's heart and about the sacraments of Baptism and Confession and about His mercy. The Gospel of the Day also speaks of the wonderful things that Jesus did on the day of His resurrection during His first public appearance. Similar to all other celebrations in the Church's calendar, certain preparations are to be made before the Feast of the Divine Mercy. In her diary, St. Faustina wrote that Jesus willed the Divine Mercy Sunday to be preceded by a novena commencing on Good Friday. Each day of the novena will bring to His mercy a different group of souls and shall be prayed for penance and absolution. Aside from praying this novena, believers are also admonished to confess, receive Holy Communion and pray for the intentions of the Pope in order to be granted a plenary indulgence. In her diary, St. Faustina wrote that Jesus encouraged believers: "Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be scarlet. My mercy is so great that no mind will be able to fathom it throughout all eternity." (Diary of Sr. Faustina, 699). . Pray for the Sick and Homebound of our Parish Joshua Basile, Dianne Burrell, Tom Case, Bernadette Choo, Bernadette Hong Choo, Catherine Choo, Jonathan Choo, Bryan Cox, Dona Curry, Flora DeLeon, Betsabe deSoto, Marjorie Dolak, Eileen Drennan, Christa Drummond, Marilyn Flynn, Gerald Green, Brian Hack, Ed Kondracki, John Larounis, Carol McCarty, Susan McQuade, Peter Michalski, Peter Nam, John Spencer, K.L. Sypal, Chick Wilson, Jan Wouters, Anthony Yantiss Pray for Those Who have Fallen Asleep in Christ James Anthony, Maryann Barron, Philip Calanchini, Joe Cassella, Peter Choo, John Connor, Moira Connor, Bill Corr, Br. David Eddy, George Gibson, Bill Hale, Carol Jones, Mary Elizabeth Jones, Joan Keller Pray for our Armed Forces Personnel Patrick Bouchoux, Jordan Bowren, 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 Eucharistic Adoration and Holy Hour 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. 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 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. 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. Pancake Breakfast - This Sunday April 11th after the 8:00 and 10:00 am Masses in Bishop Justs Hall Social Meeting - Tuesday April 20th, 7;30 p.m. in Padre Pio Hall. Topic: Advanced Medical Directives and Knights of Columbus fraternal benefits. KOVAR Knights will be collecting donations in the local area and after Mass from April 15 -18 to benefit individuals with mental disabilities as part of the State of Virginia KofC KOVAR campaign. Spring Blood Drive The Knights of Columbus are sponsoring the Spring Blood Drive on Sunday, April 18th from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Bishop Justs Hall. Sign-up sheets are available in the Narthex after all Masses. Whether due to illness or injury, one out of every ten people entering a hospital will require a blood transfusion. In the United States alone, 32,000 pints of blood are needed each and every day to keep up with the demand. Please give for this life-saving effort. For further information or to sign-up, contact George Melendez at (703) 867.2972. Office of Religious Education The Religious Education office fondly Wishes all of St. Catherine parishioners a very Happy and Blessed Easter Please Note: The Office of Religious Education is closed on Thursdays and Fridays. Email the office at reoffice@SaintCatherinesChurch.org for any information. Catechist Corner Confraternity of Christian Doctrine CCD Class Calendar April 12 All classes in session * 13 All classes in session * 19,20 All classes in session 26,27 All classes in session * SCHEDULE CHANGE: Monday classes will be held on April 12th as Fairfax County Schools will be holding classes that day Other Important Dates First Holy Communion May 14 First Holy Communion Practice at 6:00 p.m. 15 First Holy Communion at 10:30 a.m. Confirmation: April 26 2nd Confirmation Report Due September 8,15,22,29 Final Confirmation classes October TBA Confirmation 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. CYO (8th - 12th grades) April 11, Sunday - Meeting from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. "Atheist Double Jeopardy - loving God in a cruel world" April 18, Sunday 8:00 am - 2:00 pm Blood Drive Service Project The Week of Graces is scheduled for the week of July 12th. Children between the ages of 5-11 are welcome to participate. We are in need of volunteers to: ? People to purchase, assemble and make crafts before July 12th. ? People (adults & teenagers) to teach in the classrooms ? Someone in charge of purchasing and snacks daily If you can help, please call the Office of Religious Education at 703-759-3530. Adult Bible Study The Apocalypse of St. John the Divine - Christ Will Come Again! Beginning March 24th through May 26th, Wednesday mornings from 10:00 - 11:00 am Join us as we study the last book of the Holy Bible, the mysterious and poetic book of Revelation. Through this Bible study, you will become familiar and comfortable with a book that confuses and frightens many. You will learn more about the Mass. You will learn more about the Holy Spirit and his Holy Church. You will learn about God's messengers to us, His Holy Angels. And you will learn about the great Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary. And mostly, you will learn more about Jesus Christ and the heavenly palace that awaits us. "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth . . . God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more." Book Corner News We have just celebrated the great feast of Easter, but did you know that Eastertide is celebrated up to and ending on Pentecost? The daily meditations composed by author Francis Fernandez in the seven volumes of In Conversation With God will help us live the Easter message. Volume 2: Lent and Eastertide is now available on our bookshelves for $19.00. Man's highest aspiration is to be able to converse with Jesus - to pray. In Conversation With God helps the reader to pray with piety and with confidence. It is aimed not at the 'specialist' but is for the ordinary person - for the housewife, for the teacher, for the shop assistant, etc. Christ House Food Donation Drive Please help St. Catherine's support the work of Catholic Charities in order to help others less fortunate. Please be so kind as to limit contributions to the following, and to check the expiration dates. canned items: meats (corned beef, spam, chicken, tuna, fruit and vegetables, peanut butter, jelly, cereal, pasta, instant potatoes, macaroni & cheese kits. 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. Over 50 Club u 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 Call number below for price. u May 21- Day Trip to National Harbor - by motor coach, then water taxi. Spend the day shopping, lunch, visit the Gaylord Hotel and surrounding area. $40 u June1 - Day trip with Father Drummond to Mt. St. Mary's City. Lunch included and tour. Visit the Old State House and Port Tobacco, also the Carmelite Monastery (first convent in he Nation) They make rosaries from dried roses. Do not miss this wonderful trip. $99. u September 8 -9 - Atlantic City overnight staying at the Tropicana Casino. Buffet dinner, breakfast and a bonus package, plus a show in one is scheduled. The 9th is the Resorts Casino with another bonus. The date might be changed to fit the show schedule. $149/dbm $199/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. 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. The Women's Association News All women of the parish are cordially invited to belong and participate in our monthly activities and fellowship. We have great camaraderie and encourage you to come and join us. Cha-Cha Dance Class in Bishop Justs Hall All are invited! 3 consecutive weeks Sunday April 11 1:15 - 3:00 pm Sunday April 18 3:15 - 5:00 pm Sunday April 25 1:15 - 3:00 pm For more information contact Kathy at mcerroni@aol.com Siena Academy News Mission Statement Siena Academy is the parish school at St. Catherine of Siena. Its 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 and discoveries made by Dr. Maria Montessori in regard to the unique spiritual and developmental needs of the child from birth to adulthood. Siena Academy's Annual Fundraiser: Sagra del Siena, April 24th at 7:00 P.M. Thank you to all parishioners who have already, so generously donated to our parish school. You should have received an invitation by mail last week to join fellow parishioners at the Sagra del Siena, a fundraiser for Siena Academy and celebration of St. Catherine of Siena's feast day. Come for great fellowship, Italian cuisine and wine, music, a live auction, a silent auction, a raffle, and a glimpse into life at Siena Academy. One of the auction items being offered is a tea for 6 adults prepared and served by our own Pastor, Father Drummond! Siena Academy provides an affordable, truly Catholic Montessori education for our children. There are many ways to give if you are unable to attend the event. Please consider a sponsorship opportunity or making a tax-deductible donation. Questions? Please contact Christine Chambers at christinestor@yahoo.com or 703-689-9902. Win a Car or Cash! Siena Academy is participating in the All-Saints Car Raffle. In 2008, one of our parishioners won a car! If you'd like more tickets, they are available in the school or Parish Office. Siena Academy keeps $3 of every $5 ticket sold. All proceeds go to the Siena Academy Annual Fund.? ? Open Registration Siena Academy is now accepting applications for new students for the 2010-2011 school year. Our Toddler Program is for children ages 18 months to 3 years of age. Our Children's House environment is for children ages 3-6 years old. Our Elementary environment is for children ages 6-12. For more information, please call the Siena Academy office at 703-759-4129. Please Do Not Park on the Grass We have spent a great deal of money repairing the asphalt at the Church as well as planting new grass. Parking on the grass not only damages the grass but the edges of the asphalt as well. More to the point: it is a violation of the posted Fire Lanes. There are plenty of parking spaces for all, but yes, if you are late you will have to walk a few more feet. If you see someone parking on the grass, please ask them to move; this is your Church. We do not want to have to resort to towing the offenders. Thank you for your cooperation. Parish Registration We welcome you to our Parish Community and invite you to call or register in person at the Parish Office. 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 Website For everything you ever wanted to know about St. Catherine of Siena Parish, but forgot to ask during office hours, you may visit the parish Website at www.saintcatherineschurch.org, In the Diocese & Other Events Website: www.arlingtondiocese.org Some white-collar jobs are more challenging than others Loving Savior, at the foot of the Cross we look on You whom we have pierced through by ours sins. May our hearts be transformed in Your mercy so that we may more generously respond to You and Your command to love as You have loved us. May Your Passion especially strengthen all those being called to the priesthood, diaconate and consecrated life. Amen. Are you being called to the priesthood or the consecrated life? Call the Office of Vocations at 703-841-2514. Papal Blessings and Papal Audiences If you are interested in receiving a papal blessing for an anniversary, birthday or other special occasion, or plan on visiting Rome and would like to attend a general papal audience, please contact the Parish Office at least three months in advance of the event or visit to Rome. Note that the papal audiences are only on Wednesdays and are subject to the Holy Father's health, travels and weekly schedule. Call 703.759.4350. 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. The Sanctity of Life The wondrous works of Mighty God are past our mortal understanding. The Holy Spirit quickened John the Baptist as yet unborn and while within her womb his mother bore him, to know and greet his Lord; and tho' he could not speak that Name, by all adored, he stirred and leapt in salutation the while Elizabeth, with Mary standing by, observed the miracle, in hushed and whispered wonder. If ye, O faithful ones, because the flesh is weak, from duty oftentimes are turning, yet if your hearts with love for Him are burning then God will give you strength to speak, and courage to proclaim your obligation, yea, heartily, with love and adoration. - from Bach's Cantata for the Feast of the Visitation of Mary "It is poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish." The so-called right to abortion has pitted mothers against their children and women against men. It has portrayed the greatest of gifts - a child - as a competitor, an intrusion, and an inconvenience. - Mother Theresa Prayer to the Virgin Mary O Mary, Mother of Jesus and Mother of us all, we turn to you today as the one who said "Yes" to Life. Despite the surprise and the uncertainty about how this could be, you said yes. Mary, we pray today for all mothers who are afraid to be mothers. We pray for those who feel threatened and overwhelmed by their pregnancy. Intercede for them, that God may give them the grace to say yes, and the courage to go on. May they have the grace to reject the false solution of abortion. May they say with you, "Be it done unto me according to your word." May they experience the help of Christian people, and know the peace that comes from doing God's will. Amen. Gabriel Project & Project Rachel Below are two assistance programs sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. These programs are open to anyone in need, regardless of their faith. Gabriel Project provides pregnancy assistance to women and men in crisis pregnancy. Telephone: 703.841.3810. Website: gabrielproject@arlingtondiocese.org. Project Rachel provides assistance to those women and men who have suffered an abortion. Telephone: (703) 841-2504, Website: projectrachel@arlingtondiocese.org.