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, March 7 8:00 a.m. Sandra Copone V 10:00 a.m. Pro Populo V 12:00 Denis Hannah Monday, March 8 9:00 a.m. Marge Kennedy V Tuesday, March 9 9:00 a.m. David P. Simon V Wednesday, March 10 9:00 a.m. John Magner V Thursday, March 11 9:00 a.m. Connie Philion Friday, March 12 9:00 a.m. Joseph Cascio V Saturday, March 13 9:00 a.m. Jackie Fox 5:30 p.m. Fr. James Orthmann READINGS AND CELEBRATIONS FOR THE WEEK Sunday, Third Sunday of Lent Ex 3: 1-8a, 13-15, Ps 103, 1 Cor 10: 1-6, 10-12, Lk 13: 1-9 Monday. Weekday in Lent 2 Kgs 5: 1-15b,Pss 42 &43, Lk 4: 24-30 Tuesday, Weekday in Lent Dn 3: 25, 34-43, Ps 25, Mt 18: 21-35 Wednesday, Weekday in Lent Dt 4: 1, 5-9, Ps 147, Mt 5: 17-19 Thursday, Weekday in Lent Jer 7: 23-28, Ps 95, Lk 11: 14-23 Friday, Weekday in Lent Hos 14: 2-10, Ps 81, Mk 12: 28-34 Saturday, Weekday in Lent Hos 6: 1-6, Ps 51, Lk 18: 9-14 Parish Stewardship Albeit the collections for the month of February were seriously down in the month of February, the recorded collections are as follows: Faith Direct contributions: $ 16.721. Regular Collections: $54,082. The Poor Box: $1,293. A Word From Fr. Drummond About thirty years ago the Australian writer Morris West, best known for his novel The Shoes of the Fisherman, published another novel called The Clowns of God. This is a loose sequel to Fisherman involving a pope who abdicates and, quite literally, the Second Coming. The title The Clowns of God refers to severely mentally handicapped children. It is meant as an affectionate expression to reflect that these innocent ones give joy to God as clowns give joy to children. Both as a child and as an adult, I have never really liked clowns, finding them somewhat creepy so the metaphor is not one I would use. Nevertheless I do truly appreciate the spirit of West's expression, that a child with heavy mental and/or physical handicaps is especially beloved by God. Even thirty years ago, this flew in the face of popular reasoning that still encourages expectant mothers to have their unborn children tested for any "abnormalities" with the idea of aborting any that might test positive. Many people would oppose abortion in other cases, but condone it when the unborn child is not "perfect". The idea that these children are made in the image and likeness of God either does not occur to them or is disregarded. When I was at my first parish, there was a young boy who suffered from cerebral palsy. He had difficulty walking and every single word he spoke was a struggle for him to get out. Yet he attended the regular CCD class and when his class made their first confessions, he was the only one who could say the whole Act of Contrition unassisted and who did not need to be reminded of a word or phrase. My eyes still fill with tears when I recall that. At the same parish there was a young woman of twenty-one. She had a very severe case of Downs Syndrome. For the longest time she also was on oxygen, and one morning, shortly after she got up, her body simply failed. Her mother had died some months before and her father could not have been more devastated when she too was called home. I shall never forget the sight of his gently cradling her body to his heart weeping and saying over and over "my baby girl". No one could ever tell him that his child was not perfect and deserving of Life. At her funeral I acknowledged that society viewed her as "handicapped", but also noted that in her twenty-one years she had never been guilty of personal sin because of her condition. And we call that handicapped? Sadly even some Catholics who would never consider aborting such a child before birth would still encourage the parents of such a child to just let him or her go. But I don't see how parents can do that. True, the Church does not require that extraordinary means be used to keep a person alive. But what parent, who has the ability to do so, would not use any and every means they can to keep their child alive if that is what it takes. In not requiring extraordinary means the Church is setting a minimum, but can a minimum be set on a mother's love, or God's? Some children are given to us only for a small amount of time, and often even that has to be fought for. But is that not part of what makes them so very precious and worth fighting for? Each of these children is a particularly powerful receptacle of the Love of God and tends to transform all who come in contact with them as only the Love of God can do. For myself,I am not only grateful for each and every such child I have met (as well as their parents), but I also feel honored by the experience. The Lenten Season Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I may love only what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, that I may defend all that is holy. Guard me, O Holy Spirit, that I myself may always be holy. - St. Augustine of Hippo Lenten Season This penitential season of six Sundays and forty weekdays prepares for the high feast of Easter. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends with the beginning of the Mass of the Lord's Supper in the evening on Holy Thursday (not Holy Saturday noon, as formerly). Stations of the Cross will be offered each Friday during Lent at 7:30 p.m. in the Church. Take time to participate in this venerable tradition of the Church and meditate on our Lord's sacrifice for our sins. Church Regulations Regarding Fast and Abstinence: Abstinence from meat (beast or fowl) is to be observed by all Catholics fourteen years old and older on Ash Wednesday and on all the Fridays of Lent. This obligation prohibits the eating of meat, but not eggs, milk products, or condiments of any kind, even though made from animal fat. Fasting means limiting oneself to one full meal on a given fast day. Catholics who are eighteen years of age but not yet fifty-nine are obliged to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. On fast days two additional smaller meals are permitted if necessary to maintain strength. However, the two smaller meals together may not equal one full meal. Moreover, eating solid foods between meals on fast days is not permitted. 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, Carol McCarty, Susan McQuade, Peter Milchalski, Peter Nam, Murray Schooner,John Spencer, K.L. Sypal, Chick Wilson, David Wilson, Jr., Jan Wouters, Anthony Yantiss Pray for Those Who have Fallen Asleep in Christ James Anthony, Maryann Barron, Philip Calanchini, Joe Cassella, Peter Choo, Moira Connor, Bill Corr, Joseph Dunne, Br. David Eddy, George Gibson, Bill Hale, Mary Elizabeth Jones, Joan Keller, Cynthia Randall, Victor Wouters 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 Light Is On For You The Sacrament of Reconciliation Confession schedule during the season of Lent beginning February 24th through March 31st. Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Saturdays from 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Holy Hour on Wednesdays will occur as scheduled unless otherwise announced. Lourdes Virtual Pilgrimage Experience Please mark your calendars! When: Sunday, March 7th at 1:00 p.m. Directly following the Noon Mass St. Catherine's will host the North American Lourdes. Volunteers will present a 90 minute spiritual and prayerful pilgrimage which includes apparitions and message of Lourdes in the footsteps of Bernadette. During this guided virtual tour you will touch a piece of the Grotto, experience the baths with water from the Spring at Lourdes, receive a Eucharistic Blessing and experience a decade of the Rosary procession. Each pilgrim receives a bottle of Lourdes water to take home. For further information please call: Kathy at 703-450-2827. The Temptation of Jesus Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights. - Matthew 4:1 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. Lenten Dinners Beginning Friday, February 19th the Knights of Columbus will support Lenten dinners each Friday during Lent, not including Good Friday. Please join us in Bishop Justs Hall from 6:30 p.m. until 7:15 p.m. Stations of the Cross will be prayed in the Church following the Lenten Dinner. Please stay and pray with us. Annual Free Throw Contest When: - March 7th (see times below) Where: Forest Edge Elementary School - Reston The Padre Pio Council of the Knights of Columbus invites all area girls and boys to the Annual Basketball Free Throw Contest This is an open event for all girls and boys (bring friends and neighbors) that is free of charge and requires no pre-registration. Girls and boys ages 7 thru 9 will begin at 1:30 pm and ages 10 thru 14 at 2:30 pm. Prizes will be awarded for the girl and boy winners in each age group. If you have questions, please call Jim Hanlon at 703.759.6539. Office of Religious Education 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 March 8,9 All classes in session 15.16 All classes in session 22,23 All classes in session 29, 30 No classes (Holy Week) Other Important Dates First Holy Communion March 20 First Penance at 9:00 a.m. May 14 First Holy Communion Practice - 6:00 p.m. 15 Mass of First Holy Communion at 10:30 a.m. Confirmation: March 13 Boys retreat (7th and 8th grade boys) 20 Girls retreat (7th and 8th grade girls) April 26 2nd Confirmation Report Due September 8,15 Final Confirmation Classes in Bishop Justs Hall 22, 29 Final Confirmation Classes in Bishop Justs Hall 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. 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, Over 50 Club u April 14(Wednesday_ and 17 (Saturday) - 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. u April 25 Spy Museum & Ford Museum - Guided tour, lunch on your own at the Museum, then history and tour of the Ford Museum. See where Lincoln was shot. $61. 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 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. 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. 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), 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. 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. Win a Car or Cash! Siena Academy is participating in the All-Saints Car Raffle. In 2008, a lucky winner came from our parish. Siena Academy keeps $3 of every $5 ticket sold. If you'd like more tickets, they are available in the school or Parish Office. All proceeds go to the Siena Academy Annual Fund. Toddler Program Openings Beginning in March, Siena Academy will have space available for children ages 18 months to 2 1/2 years in our Toddler Program. The Toddler Program meets two mornings a week from 8:30-11:15 a.m. If you are interested, please call the Siena Academy office at 703-759-4129. Sagra del Siena Academy Join us on April 24th for our annual fundraiser to benefit Siena Academy. The evening will include Italian cuisine and wine, a live auction, silent auction, raffle, and a look inside Siena Academy. Contact Siena Academy for more information. Men's Prayer Group Gentlemen, feeling pulled to "pick up the pace" in your prayer life? Come join your silent prayers with ours in Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament in support of our pastor, parish and school. Thursdays from 5:00 - 6:00 a.m. For further information: ksypal@yahoo.com. In the Diocese & Other Events Website: www.arlingtondiocese.org Some white-collar jobs are more challenging than others From the Chancellor's Desk When may crosses, statues and other images be covered? - In the Dioceses of the United States, crosses in the church may be covered from the conclusion of the Mass for Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent until the end of the celebration of the Lord's Passion on Good Friday. Images in the church may be covered from the conclusion of the Mass for Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent until the beginning of the Easter Vigil. Paul VI Catholic High School Close Up for Prospective Students and Parents - Looking for smaller classes and a greater sense of community for your child? Please come and explore the benefits of a Catholic High School Education on March 10th at 7:00 p.m.at Paul VI Catholic High School in Fairfax. For more details contact: ehanley@paulvi.net. Diocese of Arlington's First Men's Conference When: Saturday, March 13th from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Where: St. Joseph Catholic Church (Banquet Hall), 750 Peachtree St., Herndon We will hear Capt. Guy Gruters talk about his experiences as a fighter pilot in Vietnam, and imprisonment for five years as a P.O.W. in the Hanoi Hilton. We will learn about the challenges to living faithfully in the halls of Congress from Catholic Congressman Chris Smith. Fr. Paul Scalia, Pastor of St. John the Beloved Parish, will reflect on the manly virtues as lived in modern life, and Bishop Loverde will join us to celebrate Mass. Time for Confession will be available during lunch. All attendees must pre-register before the even. Registration at the door will not be available. Registration $45. Register at www.arlingtondiocese.org, or call Rick Webb at the Parish Office 703.759.4350. The Institute of Catholic Culture Presents: The Institute of Catholic Culture is a non-profit educational Institute dedicated to the re-evangelization of our society through educational seminars offered to the public at no charge. Byzantine Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts Time: Wednesday, March 10th at 6:30 p.m. Introduction; 7:30 p.m. ~ Presanctified Liturgy; 8:30 p.m. ~ Lenten Supper. Location: Holy Transfiguration Melkite Catholic Church, 8501 Lewinsville Road in McLean True Justice & the Mercy of God: An Introduction to the Cardinal Virtues Presenter: Fr. Daniel Hanley Time: Saturday, March 13th at 7:30 p.m. Location: St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, 3700 Old Lee Hwy. in Fairfax. A Warm Welcome to Newcomers If you are a visitor who regularly attends Mass at St. Catherine's, it is very important we know who you are! Please fill out a simple card at the Parish Office that will allow us to serve you better. Being on the rolls of St. Catherine gives you a few benefits. Mainly, the Priests get to know their flock by name, essential in times of illness or death and for receiving some of the Sacraments. By using offertory envelopes with your name on them we can provide year-end tax information that is unavailable to those who place checks or cash in the collection. Year-end proof of donations will be required on tax returns.