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, May 16 8:00 a.m. Timothy Halisky and Family 10:00 a.m. Pro Populo 12:00 noon Joseph DiFerdinando Monday, May 17 9:00 a.m. Jan Wouters V Tuesday, May 18 9:00 a.m. Joseph Tanner V Wednesday, May 19 9:00 a.m. Mark J. Gorlinski Thursday, May 20 9:00 a.m. Mary Brindley Friday, May 21 9:00 a.m. Barbara Gorlinski V Saturday, May 22 9:00 a.m. The Josh Newfield Family 5:30 p.m. Donald Fix and Family READINGS AND CELEBRATIONS FOR THE WEEK Sunday, The Feast of the Ascension of the Lord Acts 1: 1-11, Ps 47, Eph 1: 17-23, Lk 24: 46-53 Monday. Octave of Easter Acts 19: 1-8, Ps 68, Jn 16: 29-33 Tuesday, Octave of Easter Acts 20: 17-27, Ps 68, Jn 17: 1-11a Wednesday, Octave of Easter Acts 20: 28-38, Ps 68, Jn 17: 11b - 19 Thursday, Octave of Easter Acts 22: 30; 23: 6-11, Ps 16, Jn 17: 20-26 Friday, Octave if Easter Acts 25: 13b-21, Ps 103, Jn 21: 15-19 Saturday, St. Rita of Cascia Acts 28: 16-20, 30-31, Ps 11, Jn 21: 20-25 Parish Stewardship Thank you for your generous offerings of May 8/9. The regular collection brought in $13,446 and the Poor Box yielded $ 425. Opus Dei Recollection A priest of the Opus Dei prelature presents an "Evening of Recollection" for women on the 3rd Monday of each month from 7:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. in the Church. The schedule for "Evenings of Recollection" for men may be obtained by visiting Website: restonstudycenter.org. For further information call 703-689-3433. St. Rita of Cascia - Feast Day May 22nd Rita Lotti was born in 1381 in the tiny hamlet of Roccaporena, near Cascia, in the Province of Umbria, Italy. Her parents Antonio and Amata looked upon their only child as a very special gift from God since she was born to them as they were already getting on in years. The Lottis were a devout Christian couple, offering their daughter the witness of strong faith in God and a practical example of Gospel living, especially in their role as official peacemakers or reconcilers among their fellow citizens. It should not have been surprising then that Rita, who shared her parents strong faith and religious devotion, would have desired to dedicate her life to God as a nun. Unexpected, rather, was the response of Antonio and Amata, who preferred to see Rita married, and who, in fact, had arranged a suitable husband for her. Though initially disappointed, Rita understood this choice to be the expression of God's will for her and so she consented. Both the civil and ecclesiastical climates at the time were not healthy ones - frequent conflicts and family rivalries were routinely settled by the rule of vendetta on the social level - and the scandal of antipopes and their rival bishops dominated the life of the Church. The only child of aging parents would have been far safer under the protection of a good husband, they thought, than she would be behind the unguarded walls of a convent. Thus Rita was married to Paolo Mancini, a good man though of strong and impetuous character. Their marriage was blessed with two sons, perhaps twins, and Rita's days were soon filled with the typical concerns of wife, mother and housekeeper, while Paolo was employed as a watchman for the town. As a minor civil servant, Paolo often found himself drawn into the conflicts that existed between rival political factions, and this may account for the tragedy which eventually touched the Mancini family. One day as he was returning from work Paolo was ambushed and killed. The pain which this unexpected and violent death inflicted upon Rita was only compounded by the fear that her sons would seek to avenge their father's death. Her example of forgiveness, her words of instruction and pleading, her prayers for their change of heart, were unable to move the two boys to forego any act of retaliation, and so Rita entrusted the cause totally to God, asking Him to handle the situation which was beyond her control. As it happened, both sons died within the year. Now alone, Rita gave herself to works of charity and to a more intense life of prayer. Eventually the desire to enter the convent once more grew in her, but her request for entrance among the Augustinian Nuns of Cascia was refused, not once but three times. Though Rita was known to the nuns of the Monastery of Saint Mary Magdalene, her good character and religious spirit were outweighed, in the judgment of the community, by the violence that surrounded Paolo's death. The nuns were afraid of tempting the peace of convent life, possibly because one of their members belonged to the family responsible for Paolo's murder. But Rita felt deeply that this was the vocation to which she was called and she turned to her three patron saints to intercede for her. After the third refusal by the nuns, Rita recognized that she herself must put their fears to rest. She approached Paolo's family, as well as their rivals, and persuaded them to put an end to their hostility and to live in peace. The example of her own forgiving spirit, no doubt, was an inspiration and - perhaps an embarrassment to them. The families were reconciled. They signed a document to this effect, and when Rita presented the document to the nuns, they no longer had reason to refuse her. Rita Lotti Mancini now became Sister Rita. For the next forty years Rita lived the life of an Augustinian Nun, according to the Rule of the saint she had chosen years before as her spiritual father, Saint Augustine of Hippo. His was a gentle Rule which invited the members of the community to strive in every way possible to achieve communion of mind and heart with God and one another. Her days were spent in prayer and contemplation, in service to the sick and the poor, and in activities necessary to support the life of the small community. After twenty-five years of religious life, Rita was given what she considered a most treasured and singular gift from God. Always devoted to Jesus crucified, her desire constantly grew to share in His great act of love for her and for all humanity by helping to carry His cross. One day as she knelt in prayer, her forehead was pierced by a violent wound, a thorn from the crown that covered Jesus' own head. She bore this wound for fifteen years until the day of her death. For the last several years of her life Rita was confined to bed. The last of the many crosses she was presented in life was now the humbling condition of an invalid, totally dependent upon the charity of her sisters. Finally, on May 22,1457 Rita's life on earth came to an end. The various crosses she had born as wife, widow, mother and nun were now put aside once and for all as she met the embrace of her Risen Lord. 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, 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, Jean Driggers, Br. David Eddy, George Gibson, Bill Hale, Carol Jones, Mary Elizabeth Jones, Joan Keller, Rector Craig Merkel, Gloria Ross 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. 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. 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. An Open Invitation From the Lord - We Need You! Adoration has an opening that needs to be filled immediately from 11: p.m. - 12:00 a.m. on Wednesdays. In addition, most of the hours of First Fridays have only one adorer. We would like at least two people. If you have considered attending adoration, consider this God's personal invitation. If you cannot commit to an hour every week, share the time with friends or family. For question and/or to sign up please contact Diane Cieslak 703-678-3919. 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 Saint Catherine of Siena Choir Presents The Second Annual Benefit Concert Performing Mozart's Vespers (K.339) In addition, the choir will perform his offertory, Benedictus sit Deus (K. 117) and soprano, Danielle Talamantes will sing his solo motet, Exsultate Jubilate (K. 165). Organist, Kimberly Hess, and members of the United States Army Strings will play several of his church sonatas! Wednesday evening, June 2nd at 7:30 p.m. St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church Tickets will be available in the Narthex for a suggested donation of: Adults: $25.00 - Children: $15.00 Order forms will also be available to pre-order CDs of the concert for a donation of $25.00. Please help us to keep the music program at St. Catherine's a thing of beauty and one which enhances the liturgy and worship of God in an all-worthy and magnificent fashion. Proceeds benefit the Parish Music Program for further information, call 703.759-4350 The Women's Association News All women of the parish are cordially invited to join and participate in our monthly activities and fellowship. We have great camaraderie and encourage you to come and be a part of our community. The Women's Association is looking for new members to enjoy the company of like-minded women by serving St. Catherine's of Siena Church in various ways. So, give it some thought and if you are interested in a break from your everyday routine or would like more information please contact Lynn at lhanlon@cox.net. Up-Coming Events: ? The Stitch and Knit group will continue working on their T-Shirt quilts on Thursday, May 20th from 7-9 in Padre Pio Hall. Anyone interested in joining the class may bring their t-shirts and we will help you get started. Please RSVP to Katie at keabruzzino@msn.com if you plan to come or for more information. ? Do you have photos and other keepsakes in old albums or are your pictures turning yellow? Tessy can help you transfer your family's old photos, 4H ribbons and other memorabilia into new photo-safe albums to stop their deterioration and create wonderful memories for your family. The group's next meeting will be on May 20, from 7-9 pm, in Padre Pio hall, the same time as the stitch and knit group. If you would like more information, would like to attend, or would prefer to meet during the day please contact Tessy at sixtrissells@verizon.net The Knights of Columbus News Consider This Opportunity to Serve! The Knights of Columbus are the largest Catholic Men's fraternal organization - are you a Knight? For information please contact Kevin Trissell at 703-464- 8393 or trissellkofc@verizon.net. Are You Graduating This Year? We are looking for the names and schools of all our high school and college graduates. All graduating students are encouraged to submit their names and school for a special (June 20th) bulletin insert to recognize their accomplishments. Please forward your information to the Bulletin Editor (enter the word "BULLETIN" in the subject line) via st.catherineofsiena@priest.com no later than June 6th. 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, 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. Open Registration Siena Academy is now accepting applications for new students for the 2010-2011 school years. 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. 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 May First Holy Communion 14 First Holy Communion Practice at 6:00 p.m. 15 First Holy Communion at 10:30 a.m. 17,18 All classes in session 24,25 Final classes 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 grades 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. We Need Your Help! 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 March 24 - May 26 The Apocalypse of St. John the Divine - 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 For Catholics, confession is a most important part of our faith and our lives. But some of still might have some questions about confession. In Russell Shaw's book, Why We Need Confession, we learn that the fallen nature of man and tendency toward sin is a reality that has lost credibility of late. But for John Henry Cardinal Newman "Original sin became to me almost as certain as that the world exists, as the existence of God." Far from being the breaking of arbitrary and external laws, the author shows us that sin damages not only our relationship with God, but affects the deep bonds of charity and grace linking us with others. Because of this, sin prevents us from developing our full humanity and living as true daughters and sons of God. Only through the sacrament of reconciliation can one retain the harmony of life and grace lost by sin. For happiness can be found solely in the struggle against sin. The rewards of true repentance and sorrow are life, but, as St. Paul tells us, "the wages of sin are death." Why We Need Confession is available on the bookshelf for $9.00. Over 50 Club u May 21- The National Harbor. Motor coach will take us to the pier in Alexandria where we'll board the water taxi to the harbor. Spend the day shopping, have lunch and tour the beautiful area. Returning around 5:00 p.m. $49. uJune1 - 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 the Nation) they make rosaries from dried roses. Do not miss this wonderful trip. $99. u August 1 - 14 England, Scotland and Wales. Call for information. u September 8 -9 Atlantic City overnight staying at the Tropicana Casino. Buffet dinner, breakfast and a bonus package, plus a show if one is scheduled. The 9th is the Resorts Casino with another bonus. The date might be changed to fit the show schedule. $149/dbl - 199/single. u October 16 - 20 Cruise to Bermuda - Leaving from the Baltimore Harbor, on The Enchantment of the Sea. Motor coach from St. Thomas à Becket Catholic Church. Only a few openings left. Range: $837.50 - $1,117.30. 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 Please help St. Catherine's support the work of Catholic Charities. 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 are 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. 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. In the Diocese & Other Events Website: www.arlingtondiocese.org Some white-collar jobs are more challenging than others Vocation Prayer O Mary, virgin and mother, draw close to your heart all those who are discerning the vocation to which your Son Jesus is inviting them. Help them realize the presence of the Word within them and teach them to listen to Him in the silence of prayer, that they may respond with faithfulness and love. Amen. "You will be My witnesses to the ends of the earth." If you think the Lord may be inviting you to carry on His mission as a priest, deacon or in the consecrated life, call Father Brian Bashista (703) 841-2514, or write: b.bashista@arlingtondiocese.org. The World Apostolate of Fatima Eucharistic Holy Hour When: Sunday, May 23rd from 3-4 p.m. Where: St. Thomas à Becket Catholic Church 1421 Wiehle Avenue, Reston At Fatima, Our Lady asked for prayer and sacrifice for the conversion of sinners, peace in the world, and an increase in vocations. We hope you will join us in prayer. Virginia Catholic Conference Advocacy The Virginia Catholic Conference has created an 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 at the Virginia General Assembly sessions, throughout the year. Visit www.vacatholic.org for more information. The Holy Father's Prayer Intentions for May. General Intention Human Trafficking. That the shameful and monstrous trafficking in human beings, which sadly involves millions of women and children, may stop. Mission Intention Priests, Religious, and Committed Lay People. That priests, religious women and men, and lay people involved in apostolic work may understand how to bring missionary enthusiasm to the communities they serve.