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 V 10:00 a.m. Pro Populo 12:00 John Monahan V Monday, December 7 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 8 Julie Ketchum 9:00 a.m. John Thomas Allen V Wednesday, December 9 9:00 a.m. Elizabeth Cawley V Thursday, December 10 9:00 a.m. Jackie Fox Friday, December 11 9:00 a.m. Charles Teetor V Saturday, December 12 9:00 a.m. Special Intention 5:30 p.m. Fran Sulak READINGS AND CELEBRATIONS FOR THE WEEK Sunday - 2nd 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. 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. 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 29th. 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 15th 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 9th or 10th. 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. 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 - 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. 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. 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 30th 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. php. 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. php 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.