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, November 29 8:00 a.m. Virginia Stimson V 10:00 a.m. Pro Populo 12:00 Elizabeth White V Monday, November 30 9:00 a.m. Special Intention Tuesday, December 1 9:00 a.m. Bill Sullenberger V Wednesday, December 2 9:00 a.m. Joseph McDonald Thursday, December 3 9:00 a.m. Elizabeth Hunt V Friday, December 4 9:00 a.m. The Drummond Family Saturday, December 5 9:00 a.m. Betsabe de Soto 5:30 p.m. Norma Cherry V READINGS AND CELEBRATIONS FOR THE WEEK Sunday - 1st Sunday in Advent Jer 33: 14-16, Ps 25, 1 Thes 3: 12- 4: 2, Lk 21: 25-28, 34 -36 Monday - Weekday in Advent Rom 10: 9-18, Ps 19, Mt 4: 18-22 Tuesday - Weekday in Advent Is 11: 1 - 10, Ps 72, Lk 10: 21 - 24 Wednesday - Weekday in Advent Is 25: 6 - 10a, Ps 23, Mt 15: 29-37 Thursday - Weekday in Advent Is 26: 1-6, Ps 118, Mt 7: 21, 24 - 27 Friday - First Friday Is 29: 17-24, Ps 27, Mt 9: 27-31 Saturday - First Saturday Is 30: 19 - 21, 23 - 26, Ps 147, Mt 9: 35 - 10: 1, 5a, 6 - 8 There are many dates in the upcoming weeks and months that are available for Mass Intentions. Please contact the office to arrange for an intention and to get a Mass card. The Season of Advent Theme: Preparing for the Coming of the Lord Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and ends on the day before Christmas. Thus it begins on 29 November 2009 and ends on 24 December at sundown. (Christmas Eve begins at sundown.) Advent originated as a period during which converts prepared themselves for baptism through instruction, prayer, fasting, and reflection, much like Lent. The length of Advent varied from three days to six weeks-six weeks being approximately 40 days, the length of time that Jesus spent in the wilderness preparing for His ministry. The Western Church The general topic of Advent is the coming of Jesus Christ, both in the manger in Bethlehem and in the clouds of glory. In the west during the Middle Ages, Advent became a time to prepare for the Second Coming, because in those days, many people were convinced that all the signs pointed to the imminent return of Christ. In time, Advent spread throughout the western Church and became fixed at its present length. Over the last fifty years, Advent has come to anticipate the Nativity as well. The First Sunday in Advent Jesus explains that no one knows the time of the Second Coming, therefore we should always be prepared. The Second Sunday in Advent John the Baptist preaches repentance to prepare for the coming of the Lord. The Third Sunday in Advent *In Year A, John's disciples ask Jesus who He is. In Year B, John explains that he is not the Messiah. In Year C, John explains how people should repent. The Fourth Sunday in Advent *In Year A, Joseph learns that Mary is a virgin, even though she is pregnant. In Year B, Gabriel explains to Mary that even though she is a virgin, she will give birth to the Son of God. In Year C, Mary goes to Elizabeth and expresses her joy (the passage known as the Magnificat). * The Catholic Church is in Year C. 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. 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 Michaki, 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: Thanksgiving Eve, 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. "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 St. Catherine of Siena Rosary Prayer Group Our Rosary Prayer Group meets in the Church on the 2nd of every month at 5:00 a.m. - 6:00 a.m. We pray all four Mysteries of the Holy Rosary for the conversion of unbelievers. We cordially invite you to join us. For further information please call Nancy Tanner at 703.757.0045. 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 November 30 All classes in session December 1 All classes in session 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 The Women's Association News All women of the parish are cordially invited to belong and participate in our monthly activities. We have great camaraderie and encourage you to come and join us. Christmas Ornament Exchange Party When: Thursday, December 3rd at 7:00 p.m. The Women's Association invites all women (members and current non-members) to attend our annual Christmas Exchange Party. Please bring an appetizer, side dish, or dessert to share and a wrapped religious ornament (if possible valued at $10.00) so that you can participate and join in the fun, as we play our ornament exchange game. For further information email or call Donna Borrelli at 703.577.9264. or donnaborrelli@aol.com. 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. 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. Business Meeting The Padre Pio Council of the Knights of Columbus will hold their next business meeting on Tuesday, December 1st at 7:30 p.m. in Padre 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 at703.464.8393 or trissellkofc@verizon.net with any questions. 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. Parent Coffee Siena Academy PASA is hosting a parent coffee on Tuesday, December 1st at 9:30 a.m. in Bishop Justs Hall. We'll have a Clothing/Toy Exchange: Clear out the clutter and bring your gently used items for others to take or find some gently used items for your own family to use. Either way come and enjoy a cup of coffee with friends! All are welcome! 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 and 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. ADVENT WREATH PRAYER First Sunday of Advent "Stay awake! You do not know when the appointed time will come." (Gather in silence as the family member chosen, lights the first candle). Leader: O Lord, during this Advent season, help each of us to become aware of our need for you, to be full of thankfulness and joy and to repay love with love. Family: Prepare us for your coming, Jesus. Leader: May this Advent light remind us of Jesus who is the Light of the world. Family: Prepare us for your coming, Jesus. Leader: During this Advent preparation, just as the potter fashions his clay, mold this family into the image of your Son. Family: Prepare us for your coming, Jesus. Leader: God, we ask you to help us remember during this busy season what Christmas is really all about, and awaken us to your presence in our lives. We offer our prayer in the name of Jesus, your Son. Family: Amen. Second Sunday of Advent "Make ready the way of the Lord, clear him a straight path." (Gather in silence as the family member chosen, lights the two candles). Leader: Father, turn our hearts and our minds back to you, that we may listen to the message of John the Baptist to prepare the way for the Savior to come to us. Family: Come to us Lord, may your presence be our peace. Leader: Come to us Lord, in our family life. May your presence be the deep love in which we grow together and the peace that overcomes all conflict. Family: Come to us Lord; may your presence be our peace. Leader: Lord, you stand among us unnoticed and unknown. Teach us to see you in the poor and lonely, the hungry and the sick in our midst. Family: Come to us Lord; may your presence be our peace. Leader: We praise you for the example of Mary. Her openness to you brought Jesus into this world. May each of us continue to bring Jesus to all those we touch. Family: Amen. Third Sunday of Advent (Gather in silence as the family member chosen, lights the three candles). Leader: Lord, God, we thank you for your constant love. As we prepare for the coming of your Son, may we recognize all the precious gifts you give us each day. Family: We are grateful for your constant love! Leader: We praise you Father with all our hearts, because in your Son, Jesus you share our human life. Family: We are grateful for your constant love! Leader: Lord, accept the gift of our lives, our work, our play, the small things and the special things, the sad and the joyful. Take them as a sign of our gratitude. Family: We are grateful for your constant love! Leader: O Lord, our God, everything we are and everything we have is your gift to us. Forgive us for the time we have taken you for granted. Remove from our hearts all sadness which keeps us from feeling the hope and joy of your Son's birth. Family: Amen. Fourth Sunday of Advent (Gather in silence as the family member chosen, lights the four candles). Leader: We welcome you as you come to us through those who love us and care for us, may we love them in return. Family: Lord Jesus, come and be born in our hearts. Leader: No one will ever know that you have come to us, unless they see your presence in the patient care we have for one another. Family: Lord Jesus, come and be born in our hearts. Leader: Just as Mary, your mother, brought you into the world, help us bring you to each person we meet, especially the sick and the lonely. Family: Lord Jesus, come and be born in our hearts. Leader: All the earth awaits your coming Lord. Fulfill your promise and come. Let us, like Mary, say "yes" to your life in our hearts and our homes. We ask this through Christ, Our Lord. Family: Amen. Daily Prayers for Lighting the Advent Wreath First Week O Emmanuel, Jesus Christ, desire of every nation, Savior of all peoples, come and dwell among us. Amen. Second Week O King of all nations, Jesus Christ, only joy of every heart, come and save your people. Amen. Third Week O Key of David, Jesus Christ, the gates of heaven open at your command, come and show us the way to salvation. Amen. Fourth Week O Wisdom, holy Word of God, Jesus Christ, all things are in your hands, come and show us the way to salvation. Amen.