MASS INTENTIONS PLEASE SEE BULLETIN BOARD FOR UPDATES Sunday, December 31 7:30 a.m. Josephine Salemi V 8:45 a.m. Mildred Riley 10:30 a.m. Pro Populo 1:00 p.m. Michael J. Ronayne Monday, January 1 10:00 a.m. Deceased Members of Jennett and McCabe Families V Tuesday, January 2 9:00 a.m. Robert and Molly Schminky Wednesday, January 3 9:00 a.m. Barret Thursday, January 4 9:00 a.m. Norma Cherry Friday, January 5 9:00 a.m. Daughters of St. Catherine of Siena Saturday, January 6 9:00 a.m. Paul Welter V 5:30 p.m. Dr. John M. Archer V Remember in your Prayers Baby Naima, Joshua Basile, Marjorie Dolak, Stephen Kennedy, Maria Keran, Carol McCarty, Fr. Craig Merkel, William Meyer, Jan Michalski, Brian Murray, Brad Phillips, Rachael Ragsdale, Suzanne Willett, David L. Wilson, Jr. Notices: ? The Parish Offices will be closed on January 1st. Please note the following: ? There will be no vigil Mass on January 1, 2007, The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. The Solemnity of Mary, January 1st - when falling on a Saturday or a Monday is not a day of obligation. So, there will only be one Mass this year for the Solemnity and that will be at 10:00 a.m. Next year, (2008) however, it will be a day of obligation A Word from Fr. Drummond Christmas is so important a feast that it is an Octave, that is, a feast celebrated over the course of eight days. Within the Octave of Christmas several other feasts are celebrated as well: on the 26th of December we celebrate St. Stephen, the First Martyr. The next day we celebrate St. John the Evangelist, while on the 28th of December we celebrate The Holy Innocents. On the 29th we have the option of celebrating the feast of St. Thomas ŕ Becket. And, on the Sunday within the Octave of Christmas we celebrate the Holy Family. On the eighth and final day of the Octave, January 1st, we celebrate Mary, Mother of God, the "Theotokas." The Feast of Mary, Mother of God is a day of obligation in this country when it does not fall on a Saturday or a Monday. Thus, it is not a day of obligation this year. All too often people confuse the Feast of Mary, Mother of God with New Years. In many places this confusion is compounded by celebrating Mass at Midnight on New Years Eve, and often the preaching is directed more to the theme of starting the New Year rather than the Motherhood of Mary. And, that is a great shame. It is fitting that the Octave of Christmas should conclude with the Feast of Mary, Mother of God. It is because of her "fiat", her willingness to cooperate with God, that we have Christmas. When Mary spoke the words, "Let it be done to me according to your word," Jesus Christ, the Incarnation of the Second Person of the Trinity took up residence in her womb. Jesus Christ took all his humanity from Mary alone, having no biological father. The union of Christ's two natures - human and divine - is such that we can refer to Mary as Mother of God. The Church formally acknowledged this at the Council of Ephesus in 431, which proclaimed Mary the Theotokas, or "God bearer," that is to say "Mother of God." From the Cross our Lord Jesus Christ "gave" Mary to John, the Beloved, and thus to the whole world. His first public miracle at the Wedding of Cana was worked at the request of His Mother, and so we know that in and through her we have a powerful intercessor with God. At the same time we must always keep in mind Mary's last recorded words: "Do whatever He tells you." St. Catherine of Siena The Octave of Christmas December 30, Saturday 9:00 a.m. - Mass and 5:30 p.m. - Vigil Mass December 31, Sunday Feast of the Holy Family Masses at 7:30 a.m., 8:45 a.m., 10:30 a.m. (Latin), and 1:00 p.m. January 1, Monday Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God One Mass only at 10:00 a.m. Father Drummond would like to acknowledge and thank everyone who helped to make this Christmas so memorable. Pam Skojec who spear-headed decorating the Church, together with help from the Knights of Columbus, and the CYO. Anson Groves for his work with the CYO and the Youth Christmas Party on Saturday the 23rd, December. And, of course, our Director of Music, Mr. Neil Weston, whose programme was outstanding. Also, on a more personal note, a big thank you to those who helped me get through despite a severe sinus attack: Dr. Zolkiwsky who helped both as Doctor, and Eucharistic Minister; as well as Andy Usera, Mike Trader who also served as Extra Ordinary Ministers of the Eucharist, and most especially Mick Kelly our Seminarian who was truly a God-send. Thanks go as well to Fr. Ryland, Fr. Ukwe and Fr. Beers for their tremendous help on Christmas Day. And finally to everyone in the Parish for supporting me with their prayers and heartfelt expressions of concern. May God Bless and keep you all. Daily Scriptures READINGS AND CELEBRATIONS FOR THE WEEK Sunday - The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Sir 3: 2-6, 12-14, Ps 128, Col 3: 12-21, Lk 2: 41-52 Monday - The Octave Day of Christmas The BVM Nm 6: 22-27, Ps 67, Gal 4: 4-7, Lk 2: 16-21 Tuesday - St. Basil the Great & Gregory Nazianzen 1Jn 2: 22-28, Ps 98, Jn 1: 19-28 Wednesday - The Most Holy Name of Jesus 1Jn 2: 29 - 3: 6, Ps 98, Jn 1: 29-34 Thursday - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton 1Jn 3: 7-10, Ps 98, Jn 1: 35-42 Friday - St. John Neumann - First Friday 1Jn 3: 11-21, Ps 100, Jn 1: 43-51 Saturday - Blessed André Bessette - First Saturday 1Jn 5: 5-13, Ps 147, Mk 1: 7-11 Eucharistic Adoration and Holy Hour Adoration is every Wednesday and every First Friday beginning after the 9:00 a.m. Mass and ending with the reposition of the Blessed Sacrament at 8:55 a.m. the next day. Holy Hour is every Wednesday and every First Friday at 7:30 p.m. Adorers are always needed. Please remember to get a substitute if you are unable to attend. If you are interested in helping, please contact Anneke Coleman at 703.759.2599. Eucharistic Adoration Adorers Urgently Needed We are in urgent need of more adorers for Wednesdays and First Fridays, both for the day and night hours. Please prayerfully consider whether you can make a commitment to spend an hour with our Lord. Please call Anneke Coleman at 703.759.2599 if you can help. Altar Boy Schedule December 30/31 5:30 p.m. D. Krohn, the Maldonados, the Hatfields, the Browns 7:30 a.m. the Kerans, A. Spalding, E. Watson, A. Ferguson 8:45 a.m. the Webers, the Stevens, P. O'Neil, A. Kotoriy 10:30 a.m. C. Smedberg, W. Twetten, P. Falcone, the Moriartys, J. Livaudais, A. Giordano, the de Sas 1:00 pm S. Cynkar, the Ketts, the Galbraiths, Z. McCoy, J. Weaver Catechist Corner Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) Class Calendar January 2007 1,2 The Solemnity of the Mother of God - No classes 7,8,9 All classes in session 14 All classes in session 15 Martin Luther King Day - No classes 16 All classes in session 21,22,23 All classes in session 28,29,30 All classes in session May 2007 20 First Holy Communion Mass, 10:30 a.m. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Classes are held each Sunday at 12:00 p.m., in the school, (room 8, St. Gregory the Great classroom). December 2006 31 No class January 2007 7 I believe in the Holy Catholic Church 14 The liturgical seasons of the Church & Introduction to the Sacraments 21 Sacraments of Initiation 28 Sacraments of Healing Are you considering becoming Catholic or returning to the Church? Please contact the Office of Religious Education at 703.759.3530. Adult Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) Bible Study "I will build my Church!" - An Introduction to the Acts of the Apostles What was the early Church like? Who were the first Christians? How did the Apostles spread the Catholic faith throughout the world? What does their example have to do with us today? This bible study is an introduction to the Acts of the Apostles. While it builds on our previous bible study of the Gospel of St. Luke, we will take a beginner's approach. There is no prior knowledge of scripture necessary. All are welcome: parishioners and non-parishioners, Catholics and non-Catholics. Please bring your Bible. Schedule: February through April Thursdays from 5:00 p.m.-6:15 p.m. 2/8, 2/15, 2/22, 3/1, 3/8, 3/15, 3/22, 3/29, 4/12, 4/19, 4/26 Fridays from 10:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. 2/9, 2/16, 2/23, 3/2, 3/9, 3/16, 3/23, 3/30, 4/13, 4/20, 4/27 Catholic Youth Organization January 2007 7, Sunday - Meeting - "I am the Life" 22, Monday - March for Life The Octave of Christmas From the Latin word, Octava, comes the ancient practice of celebrating Christmas for eight wonderful days. Why celebrate for eight days? The practice actually is as ancient as the Old Testament. The Hebrew people observed many of their feasts for a period of eight days. The "Feast of Tabernacles" and the "Dedication of the Temple" are two of the more notable. Later, the Roman Emperor Constantine continued the tradition by celebrating the dedication of basilicas in the Christian World for the same period of eight days. Prior to the Second Vatican Council, which closed in 1965, the Church granted certain feasts the dignity of an octave. In addition to the more prominent liturgical observations of Easter, Pentecost, Epiphany, the feasts of Sts. Peter and St. Paul, St. Lawrence, and St. Agnes were observed. Today we celebrate two feasts with Octaves: Easter and Christmas. Again, so why celebrate for eight days? Life in the ancient world was so hectic and filled with pressure and families had grown apart and were being swept up in the older pagan traditions, that the Church granted a period of eight days in order to contemplate the mysteries experienced by the Christians of the ancient world! The ancient world did not have television, shopping malls, computers, telephones, fast food, automobiles, magazines and newspapers...if the Ancients were busily distracted, what has become of us!? We need to enjoy this time! Visit family, feast, attend Mass, praise God, visit the poor, celebrate charity, and most of all be humble before the Mystery: The Word of God has become man! Opus Dei ?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 the Opus Dei Website at: restonstudycenter.org and clicking on: 2006 Schedule, Evening of Recollection for Men. The Reston Study Center is located at 1810 Old Reston Avenue in Reston. Knights of Columbus News Business Meeting January 2nd, Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in Padre Pio Hall. Pancake Breakfast Next Sunday, January 7th. All are cordially invited to the Pancake Breakfast in Bishop Justs Hall following the 8:45 and 10:00 a.m. Masses. Junior Legion of Mary Dear Children, Do you want to be part of Mary's Army? She has many spiritual works of Mercy for you to perform, including group prayer and learning to make rosaries. If you have made your first Holy Communion come join us! We meet every Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. in Padre Pio Hall. For information contact Cathy Fairbairn at cathyfairbairn@yahoo.com. On the Twelfth Day of Christmas ... Celebrate the Epiphany with Dinner and Dancing -January 6, 2007 Plan Now to Attend - To be held in Bishop Justs Hall Tickets still on sale until December 31st. Come celebrate with family and friends and discover the amazing work of Dr. Maria Montessori, which continues today across the world and in our own parish school. Discover what the future of education is all about while you celebrate the Twelfth Day of Christmas. The Vigil Mass is at 5:30 p.m., followed by cocktails at 6:30 and dinner at 7:30. This gala affair is sponsored by Siena Academy. Feast on an Italian catered dinner, then dance to the Fairfax Swing Band!!! For tickets call or email Barbara Kelley, 703.450.8480, bagkelley@comcast.net. If you can't attend but would like to buy a raffle ticket for one of the exciting raffle prizes (hot air balloon ride, case of wine and a wine-tasting for six with a wine basket), stop by the Siena Academy office in the lower level of the Church and see Sharon O'Donnell, from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Proceeds to benefit Siena Academy. Over Fifty Club Scheduled Senior Trips ? Philadelphia Flower Show, "Legion of Ireland", day trip, March 6th. ? Three Bakers Dinner Theatre, day trip, March 22nd. Note, if there is enough interest we'll make a trip to EWTN in Alabama on June 4th through the 9th. For further information please call Mary Ann at 703.404.8677. In the Diocese & Other Events Vocations Discernment Some white-collar jobs are more challenging than others "God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts". If the Spirit of Jesus is prompting you to love and serve Him as a priest, deacon or in the consecrated life,call Father Brian Bashista at 703.841.2514 or write to bashista@arlingtondiocese.org. Vocation Prayer: Lord Jesus Emmanuel! Open our hearts and minds to the gift of Your presence within us which we received in baptism and celebrate at Christmas. May the Holy Spirit prepare us to receive Your call to holiness and help us to respond to You with joy. Give us generous hearts and choose many more among us to serve You and Your kingdom as priests, sisters, brother and deacons. Amen. Gabriel Project & Project Rachel Listed below are two assistance programs sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. These programs are open to anyone in need. 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. Retrouvaille Are you feeling helpless because you think your marriage is heading downhill? Don't despair. Retrouvaille (French for rediscovery and pronounced re-tro-vi) is a proven and effective program that is helping hurting marriages rebuild their trust and renew their communication. Call (703 471- 1199 or visit our Website www.helpourmarriage.org. All calls and inquiries are confidential. St. Anselm's Abbey School Is holding an entrance exam on Saturday, January 13th from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. St. Anselm's serves a diverse group of academically gifted young men in grades six through twelve. The admission process is conducted on a rolling basis throughout the year. The school is located at 4501 South Dakota Avenue, NE, Washington, DC. For further information please contact Patrick I. Parson, Director of Admission, at 202.269.2379. Prime Time Single Catholics of N. VA (PTSC) is open to all those who are eligible to marry in the Catholic Church. Members range in age 50 to 70+. Some have never married, some are widowed, and some have annulled marriages. During the year PTSC holds many social, cultural, service and religious activities. Below are the upcoming events for January 2007.. January 4, History Salon at 7:30 p.m. contact: Jean Porte at 703.241.3944 January 6, Community Service Activity at 1:30 p.m. contact: Madeleine Bukowski at 703.820.4138. January 7, Installation Mass and Brunch at 10:30 a.m. contact: Celeste Mondin at 703.560.8547. January 8, Golf at Burke Lake Golf Course at 10:00 a.m. contact: Rose Sexton at 703.644.4841. January 8, Book Salon at 7:00 p.m. contact: Andy McLaughlin at 703.820.5156. For more information please call Loida Lefebvre at (703) 660-9187. When Traveling To locate a Catholic Church while traveling visit www.masstimes.org. Search by using the name of the town you are traveling to, or by zip code. You will find information on the closest Catholic Church to your destination, along with parish Mass times and directions. Missionaries of Our Lady of Divine Mercy Please join us for the next Coffee Talk with Divine Mercy on Saturday, January 6, 2007 at St. Raymond's Catholic Parish located at 8750 Pohick Road in Springfield. Fr. Jack Fullen and Kellie Ross will speak about Miracles of Divine Mercy. Fr. Jack will hear confesions beginning at 8:00 a.m. followed by Holy Mass at 9:00 a.m. The discussion will begin at 10:00 a.m. The suggested donation is $10.00. For more information call 703.659.1636. Theology on Tap (ToT) Topic: "A Transformation of a Soul through Divine Mercy" Fr. Jack Fullen and Kellie Ross, founders of the Missionaries of Our Lady of Divine Mercy and the House of Mercy will be speaking at Theology on Tap on Monday, January 8, 2007. Please join them at 7:30 p.m. at Pat Troy's Irish Pub located at 111 N. Pitt Street in Old Town Alexandria. For further information visit www.arlingtondiocese.org or call the Missionaries of Our Lady of Divine Mercy at 703.659.1636. From the Vatican Vatican Information Service The Vatican Information Service is a news service, founded in the Holy See Press Office, that provides information about the Magisterium and the pastoral activities of the Holy Father and the Roman Curia. The service - which began in 1991 - transmits news from Monday through Friday throughout the year, except during the month of August. It is available in English, Italian, Spanish, and French. VIS is sent to subscribers every day at 3 PM, (Rome time) so that information is made available before its transmission by the media. You can receive VIS service via daily e-mail free of charge. In order to receive VIS service, go to: http://212.77.1.245/news_services/press/vis/englinde.php# start (the Vatican website) and follow the instructions under How to receive VIS free of charge. Peace and Justice In announcing the theme for the January 1st World Day of Peace, Pope Benedict XVI said, "respect for the dignity of the human person is an essential condition for peace in the human family." The Vatican statement announcing the chosen theme said, "human dignity must be promoted and defended because (it) is the seal of God who created men and women in His likeness; it is the sign of the common destiny of humanity (and) the foundation of love for God and for one's neighbor." The Holy Family Painting by Michaelangelo - . Christ Jesus - Fullness Of All Revelation God's Final And Complete Word (65-66) from the Catechism Of The Catholic Church, Simplified In the last days, God "has spoken to us by a Son" (Heb 1:1-2). In his own unsurpassable Word, God has said everything. There will be no other word. "In giving us his Son, He spoke everything to us. He has no more to say" - (St. John of the Cross).