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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 6
8:00 a.m.
James Anthony
10:00 a.m.
Pro Populo
12:00
John Monahan
Monday, December 7
9:00 a.m.
Tuesday, December 8 Julie Ketchum
9:00 a.m.
John Thomas Allen
Wednesday, December 9
9:00 a.m.
Elizabeth Cawley
Thursday, December 10
9:00 a.m.
Jackie Fox
Friday, December 11
9:00 a.m.
Charles Teetor
Saturday, December 12
9:00 a.m.
Special Intention
5:30 p.m.
Fran Sulak
READINGS AND CELEBRATIONS FOR THE WEEK
Sunday – 2
nd
Sunday in Advent
Bar 5:1-9, Ps 126, Phil 1:4-6,8-11
Monday – Weekday in Advent
Is 35:1-10, Ps 85, Lk 5:17-26
Tuesday – Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Gn 3:9-15,20, Ps 98, Eph 1:3-6,11-12,Lk 1:26-38
Wednesday
– Weekday in Advent
Is 40:25-31, Ps 103, Mt 11:28-30
Thursday – Weekday in Advent
Is 41:13-20, Ps 145, Mt 11:11-15
Friday – Weekday in Advent
Is 48:17-19, Ps 1, Mt 11:16-19
Saturday – Our Lady of Guadalupe
Zec 2:14-17, Ps Jdt 13, Lk 1:26-38
Parish Stewardship
Thank you for your generous offerings of November
21/22. The regular collection brought in $11,843 and the
Poor Box yielded $621. Thank you for your generous
offerings of November 28/29. The regular collection
brought in $13,364 and the Poor Box yielded $440.
History of the Immaculate Conception
A feast called the Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
arose in the Eastern Church in the seventh century (prior to
the Great Schism of 1054). It looked to the West in the
eighth century. In the eighth century it became a feast of
the Roman Catholic Church. It is the only one of Mary's
feasts that came to the Western Church not by way of
Rome, but instead spread from the Byzantine area to
Naples, and then to Normandy during their period of
dominance over southern Italy. From there it spread into
England, France, Germany, and eventually Rome.[1]
Prior to Pope Pius IX's definition of the Immaculate
Conception as Church dogma in 1854, most missals
referred to it as the Feast of the Conception of the Blessed
Virgin Mary. The festal texts of this period focused more on
the action of her conception than on the theological
question of her preservation from original sin. A missal
published in England in 1806 indicates the same collect for
the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary was
used for this feast as well.[2]
The first move towards describing Mary's conception as
"immaculate" came in the eleventh century. In the fifteenth
century Pope Sixtus IV, while promoting the festival,
explicitly tolerated those who promoted it as the
Immaculate Conception and those who challenged such a
description, a position later endorsed by the Council of
Trent.
The proper for the feast of the Conception of the Blessed
Virgin Mary in the Medieval Sarum Missal, perhaps the
most famous in England, merely addresses the action of
her conception.
The collect for the feast reads:
O God, mercifully hear the supplication of thy servants who
are assembled together on the Conception of the Virgin
Mother of God, may at her intercession be delivered by
Thee from dangers which beset us.[3]
In 1854, Pius IX made the infallible statement Ineffabilis
Deus: "The most Blessed Virgin Mary, in the first instant of
her conception, by a singular grace and privilege granted
by almighty God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the
saviour of the human race, was preserved free from all
stain.
Page 2
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,
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, 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, 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.
Please note:
Adoration is canceled for the following days:
Christmas Eve & New Year's Eve.
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.
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.
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.
Page 3
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 29
th
.
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.
Ch 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,
Christmas Party for the Children
Come join us on
Tuesday, December 15
th
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 9
th
or 10
th
. 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
Men’s Prayer Group
Gentlemen, feeling pulled to
"pick up the pace" in you
rprayer 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.
Icon Art Exhibit
Iconographer Ioana Belcea who teaches the Siena Icon
Workshop will be at St. Catherine’s after every Mass on
the weekend of December 11-12. Available for sale will
be framed prints of original artwork, museum quality
Christmas cards, and the opportunity of ordering a hand
painted icon.
Page 4
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
7
All classes in session
8
No classes – The Immaculate Conception
Holy Mass at 9:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
14,15 All classes in session
21,22 All classes in session
28,29 All classes in session
January
4,5
All classes in session
11,12 All classes in session
18
No classes
19
All 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 – 8
th
– 12
th
grade
Meetings on the first Sunday of the month 6–
8 p.m.
Junior CYO – 4
th
– 7
th
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.
Page 5
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
.
Mass Commemorating the 30
th
Anniversary
of the death of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen
Most Reverend Paul S. Loverde will offer a special Mass
on December 9, 2009, commemorating the 30th
anniversary of the death of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen.
Dioceses around the world are joining together on this
day to offer Masses in prayer for the canonization of
Archbishop Sheen. Mass for this intention will be offered
at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More at 12:05 p.m. For
more information on Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, visit
www.archbishopsheencause.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 .
Getting Married?
Have you started your Marriage Preparation (Pre-Cana)
yet? Part of your requirement is to attend a Conference
for the Engaged. They fill up quickly, so please sign up a
few months in advance! For more information please call
the Office for Family Life at (703) 841-2550 or visit:
www.arlingtondiocese.org/familylife/marriage_engaged.p
hp. Before registering, please get approval from your
marriage prep priest or deacon.
Upcoming Conferences for the Engaged
- January 9
- January 23 (including Second Unions)
- February 6
- February 27
All conferences are held at Our Lady of Good Counsel in
Vienna on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. For more
information or to register, please visit the Office for
Family Life website at
www.arlingtondiocese.org/familylife/marriage_engaged.p
hp or call us at (703) 841-2550.
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
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.