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 23 8:00 a.m. Special Intention 10:00 a.m. Pro Populo 12:00 noon Bernadette Trimble Monday, May 24 9:00 a.m. Jessica Majzoub Tuesday, May 25 9:00 a.m. John Collins V Wednesday, May 26 9:00 a.m. Fran Chronowski Thursday, May 27 9:00 a.m. Albert and Maret Doorfee V Friday, May 28 9:00 a.m. Peter Krause V Saturday, May 29 9:00 a.m. William I. Miller V 5:30 p.m. Joan Smithwick V READINGS AND CELEBRATIONS FOR THE WEEK Sunday, Pentecost Acts 2: 1-11, Ps 104, 1 Cor 12: 3b-7. 12 -13, Jn 20: 19-23 Monday, Weekday in Ordinary Time 1 Pt 1: 3-9, Ps 111, Mk 10: 17-27 Tuesday, Weekday in Ordinary Time 1 Pt 1: 10-16, Ps 98, Mk 10: 28-31 Wednesday, Weekday in Ordinary Time 1 Pt 1: 18-25, Ps 147, Mk 10: 32=45 Thursday, Weekday in Ordinary Time 1 Pt 2: 2-5, 9-12, Ps 100, Mk 10: 46-52 Friday, Weekday in Ordinary time 1 Pt 4: 7-13, Ps 96, Mk 11: 11-26 Saturday, Weekday in Ordinary time Jude 17, 20b-25, Ps 63, Mk 11: 27-33 Parish Stewardship Thank you for your generous offerings of May 15/16. The regular collection brought in $13,446 and the Poor Box yielded $425. The Poor Box offerings for the month of April will go to benefit Little Sisters of the Poor. Faith Direct Contributions Contributions for the month of May are $20,658. Those interested in contributing automatically through Faith Direct please go to www.faithdirect.net St. Catherine CODE is VA129. A Word from Father Drummond On the first weekend of May this year, the pilgrim city of Lourdes, France was largely given over to the Sovereign Military Order of St. John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta, more familiarly known as the Knights of Malta. Born of the First Crusade, the Order was first based in Jerusalem where it ran a hospital for pilgrims while also providing support and protection for pilgrims on the way to and from Jerusalem. After the fall of the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem, the Order settled first in Rhodes, then in Malta. After Napoleon drove the Order out of Malta, it briefly found protection from the Emperor of Russia before evolving to a Sovereign entity without any real territory (except for its headquarters in Rome which enjoys extraterritoriality). The Order of St. John is truly the first "international organization". While the Order retains the word "Military" in its official name, its focus has long since shifted to the other two aspects of its original Charter of 1114, namely charity and caring for the sick. Hence the Order's annual pilgrimage to Lourdes. Although highly visible in the streets of Lourdes because of its members' distinctive uniform of black tunic and beret for men and short white veil and black cloak for women, the real attention is given over to the "Malades", or the sick pilgrims who are the reason for the pilgrimage. From its earliest days the Order coined the expression "nos seigneurs, les malades", or "our lords, the sick". And treated as Lords they are, as they are literally carted around Lourdes by members of the Order. From all over the world the Order brings them in to experience the healing waters of Lourdes revealed by our Lady to St. Bernadette. They have the opportunity to go to the Baths, to receive the Sacraments, to participate in both the Rosary and the Eucharistic Processions and to receive pilgrim medals from the hands of the Grand Master of the Order, who although a professed religious is not a priest and yet ranks with the Cardinals. The overall experience for all who are involved is one of healing - if not in body, most certainly in soul - a healing that can only come from and through the Love of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Next week some highlights of my own specific experience with the Order at Lourdes.) 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. 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. 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. 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 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 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. 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 Pro-Life Committee The Pro-Life Committee invites you to join us the last Saturday of the month, from 7:00 - 8:30 a.m. We will pray the Rosary, outside the Falls Church Abortion Clinic, located at 900 S. Washington Street. The Over Fifty Club of St. Catherine of Siena Extending an invitation for any Senior to join our Social Club. We meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month in Bishop Justs Hall from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There are interesting speakers, trips, special luncheons and a fun social time to meet new people. We also have a social bridge group that meets the 1st Friday of the month at 10:00 a.m. Single's or couples are warmly welcomed. For more information contact Mary Ann at 703-404-8677, or Madeline at 703-759-2605. A Warm Welcome to Newcomers If you are a visitor who regularly attends Mass at St. Catherine's, it is very important we know who you are! Please fill out a simple card at the Parish Office that will allow us to serve you better. Being on the rolls of St. Catherine gives you a few benefits. Mainly, the Priests get to know their flock by name, essential in times of illness or death and for receiving some of the Sacraments. By using offertory envelopes with your name on them we can provide year-end tax information that is unavailable to those who place checks or cash in the collection. Year- end proof of donations will be required on tax returns. In the Diocese & Other Events Website: www.arlingtondiocese.org Some white-collar jobs are more challenging than others Diaconate Ordination - June 5th You are invited to attend the Diaconate Ordination on Saturday, June 5th at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More, Arlington. Vigil of Priesthood Ordination Holy Hour - June 11th Please join us in prayer at 7:30 p.m. for a holy hour at Blessed Sacrament Parish, Alexandria. Priesthood Ordination - June 12th You are invited to attend the Priesthood Ordination on Saturday, June 12th at 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More, Arlington. Pro-Life Movie - "BloodMney" BloodMoney is a documentary film that exposes the truth behind the Abortion Industry from the Pro-Life perspective. This film will examine the history of abortion in America, from the inception of Planned Parenthood and the profitability of abortion clinics, to Roe v. Wade, to the denial of when life begins, to the fight to save the lives of innocent babies, and the devastating effects it has had on the women that have had them. The following link is to this new independent film which needs our support. In order for the producers to get it into the theaters they need to show that millions of interested people have visited their website. You need only visit the website; there is no need to sign-up as a supporter unless you want to. Please help get this important film into theaters by visiting the website, and then forward this email to your family and friends. http://www.bloodmoneyfilm.com. Marian Day of Prayer The Marian Spirituality of Pope John Paul II When: June 25th - 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (Concluding with Holy Mass at 5:00 p.m. Where: Pope John Paul II Cultural Center 3900 Harewood Rd/, N.E., D.C. A Marian Day of Prayer honoring the Marian Spirituality of Pope John Paul II and the 25th National celebration of the reported apparitions in Medjugorje. Opening with the International Holy Rosary, followed by speakers: Fr. Bill McCarty, Director of "My Father's House" Retreat Center and Johnnette Benkovic of EWTN. We will pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet at 3:00 p.m. Confessions, luncheon and bookstore will be available. The cost is $35.00 and a meal will be $10.00. Clergy and religious are gratis. Please register before the event online at: ww.themariancenter.org under Events or call 202-635- 5448 or E-mail at marianedu@jp2cc.org . The Feast of Pentecost DESCENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Pentecost Sunday is one of the most ancient feasts of the Church, celebrated early enough to be mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles (20:16) and St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians (16:8). It is the 50th day after Easter (if we count both Easter and Pentecost), and it supplants the Jewish feast of Pentecost, which took place 50 days after the Passover and which celebrated the sealing of the Old Covenant on Mount Sinai. The Acts of the Apostles recounts the story of the original Pentecost as well (Acts 2). Jews from all over were gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate the Jewish feast. On that Sunday, ten days after our Lord's Ascension, the Apostles and the Blessed Virgin Mary were gathered in the Upper Room, where they had seen Christ after His Resurrection: And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a mighty wind coming, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them parted tongues as it were of fire, and it sat upon every one of them: And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they began to speak with diverse tongues, according as the Holy Ghost gave them to speak. [Acts 2:2-4] Christ had promised His Apostles that He would sent His Holy Spirit, and, on Pentecost, they were granted the gifts of the Spirit. The Apostles began to preach the Gospel in all of the languages that the Jews who were gathered there spoke, and about 3,000 people were converted and baptized that day. That is why Pentecost is often called "the birthday of the Church." On this day, with the descent of the Holy Spirit, Christ's mission is completed, and the New Covenant is inaugurated. It's interesting to note that St. Peter, the first pope, was already the leader and spokesman for the Apostles on Pentecost Sunday (see Acts 2:14ff). O Holy Spirit, descend plentifully into my heart. Enlighten the dark corners of this neglected dwelling and scatter there Thy cheerful beams.