Parish Staff Nancy Caro Sacristan Sr. Janet Siepker Head of School 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, September 5 8:00 a.m. Robert Carlin V 10:00 a.m. Pro Populo 12:00 noon Craig Stevens Monday, September 6 9:00 a.m. Claudette Ford Tuesday, September 7 9:00 a.m. James R. Anthony V Wednesday, September 8 9:00 a.m. Jackie Fox Thursday, September 9 9:00 a.m. Celests Angleton Friday, September 10 9:00 a.m. Victims of Terrorism Saturday, September 11 9:00 a.m. Peter Choo 5:30 p.m. Margaret Kraus READINGS AND CELEBRATIONS FOR THE WEEK Sunday, 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Wis 9: 13-18b, Ps 90, Phlm 9-10, 12-17, Lk 14: 25-33 Monday, Weekday in Ordinary Time 1 Cor 5: 1-8, Ps 5, Lk 6: 6-11 Tuesday, Weekday in Ordinary Time 1 Cor 6: 1-11, Ps 149, Lk 6: 12-19 Wednesday, The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Mi 5: 1-4a, Ps 13, Mt 1: 1-16, 18-23 Thursday, Weekday in Ordinary Time 1 Cor 8: 1b-7, 11-13, Ps 139, Lk 6: 27-38 Friday, Weekday in Ordinary Time 1 Cor 9: 16-19, 22b-27, Ps 84, Lk 6: 39-42 Saturday, Weekday in Ordinary Time 1 Cor 10: 14-22, Ps 116, Lk 6: 43-49 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. Parish Stewardship Thank you for your generous offerings of August 28/29. The regular collection brought in $10,439 and the Poor Box yielded $284. Please note: The Parish Office will be closed on September 6th in observance of Labor Day. The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Thy birth, O Virgin Mother of God, heralded joy to all the world. For from thou hast risen the Sun of justice, Christ our God. Destroying the curse, He gave blessing; and damning death, He bestowed on us life everlasting. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. For from thou hast risen the Sun of justice, Christ our God. - from The Divine Office - Matins (Morning Prayer) The birth of Mary was miraculous. She was conceived without sin as a special grace because God had selected her to become the mother of His Son. The dogma of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, though generally believed throughout the Church for many centuries, was formally declared by Pope Pius IX in 1854. According to one tradition, the house in which Mary was born in Nazareth is the same one in which the Annunciation took place. By another tradition, the Annunciation site is beneath the Crusader church of Saint Anna in Jerusalem, under a 3rd Century oratory known as the "Gate of Mary". Micah 5:1-4a Now you are walled about with a wall; siege is laid against us; with a rod they strike upon the cheek the ruler of Israel. But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are little to be among the clans of Judah, from you, shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in travail has brought forth; then the rest of his brethren shall return to the people of Israel. And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. 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. Pray for the Sick and Homebound of our Parish Joshua Basile, Ed Bubbosh, Dianne Burrell, Tom Case, Bryan Cox, Dona Curry, Flora DeLeon, Betsabe deSoto, Marjorie Dolak, Antonia Iglic-Dolenc, Eileen Drennan, Jim Drennan, Marilyn Flynn, Gerald Green, Brian Hack, John Larounis, Susan McQuade, Peter Michalski, William Schrepel, Peggy Selton, K.L. Sypal, Chick Wilson, Anthony Yantiss Pray for Those Who have Fallen Asleep in Christ Peter Choo, John Connor,Moira Connor, Joseph DiFerdinando,Jean Driggers, Christa Drummond, Br. David Eddy, George Gibson, Eddie Guerrero, Francois Haeringer, Carol Jones, Joan Keller, Ed Kondracki, Michael Keran, Rector Craig Merkel, Jan Wouters Pray for our Armed Forces Personnel Patrick Bouchoux, Brendan Dunne, Mark Falcon, Christopher Frediani, Brian Horn, Josh Moore, Matthew O'Neil, Mathew Rowell, Justin Smallwood Parish Registration We welcome you to our Parish Community and invite you to call or register in person at the Parish Office. Eucharistic Adorers Are Needed An Open Invitation From the Lord Please prayerfully consider His call! We need adorers on the following days and times: Wednesday: 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. First Fridays: 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. 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 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. The Over Fifty Club of St. Catherine of Siena Begins the Fall Season The Over 50 Club will open the fall session with a meeting on Tuesday, September 14th with Mass at 11:00 a.m. followed by a potluck luncheon in Bishop Justs Hall. Annual dues of $15.00 will be collected at that meeting. Our speaker will be presented by long-time St. Catherine's parishioner, Bill Stanmeyer, Esq., retired attorney, author, former Law Professor and cancer survivor. His topic will be: How to Regain and Keep Your Health When Your Personal Warranty Has Expired. We welcome all members of St. Catherine's to join us that day, and we hope you may consider joining our Club, whose purpose is to offer fellowship and a sharing of our Christian faith. For more information contact Mary Ann at 703-404-8677. The Pro-Life Committee Pro-Life Thought: Every human being, at every stage and condition of life, is willed and loved by God. For this reason, every human life is sacred. To deprive someone of life is a grave wrong and a grave dishonor to God. Because we are created in the image of God, who is Love, our identity and our vocation is to love. Pope Benedict has called this "the key to our entire existence." Pro-Life Intention: For parents whose pregnant daughters are considering abortion: That they will help their daughter understands the priceless gift she is carrying and help her choose life, through parenting or adoption. Please pray to the Lord. The Knights of Columbus News Consider This Opportunity to Serve! Looking for an opportunity to serve? Join the Knights of Columbus. Contact Kevin Trissell at 703-464-8393 or trissellkofc@verizon.net. Pancake Breakfast Next Sunday, September 12th the Knights will sponsor a Pancake Breakfast, in Bishop Justs Hall, following the 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Masses. Donations will be accepted, and all are cordially invited. Business Meeting The Padre Pio Council of the Knights of Columbus will hold their next business meeting on Tuesday, September 7th at 7:30 p.m. in Padre Pio Hall. 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. Men's Prayer Group Gentlemen, feeling pulled to "pick up the pace" in your prayer 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. Siena Academy News "Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs." Douay-Rheim Catholic Bible - Mark 10:14 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. Dear Parishioners, By the time you read this Siena Academy will be filled with well-prepared staff and environments with eager students at work. We will eventually have a parish open house enabling you to see the beauty and experience the joy of all that we offer the children. We trust in your prayers. As we proceed throughout the year I will share with you some of the unique aspects of the school, the heart of which is the Montessori-based Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. God bless you. Sister Janet Please Do Not Park on the Grass We have spent a great deal of money repairing the asphalt at the Church as well as planting new grass. Parking on the grass not only damages the grass but the edges of the asphalt as well. More to the point: it is a violation of the posted Fire Lanes. There are plenty of parking spaces for all, but yes, if you are late you will have to walk a few more feet. Arrive five minutes early and there will be no extra walking. If you see someone parking on the grass, please ask them to move; this is your Church. We do not want to have to resort to towing the offenders. Thank you for your cooperation. Daily Rosary The Rosary, a "summary of the Gospel", is a wonderful way to have daily contact with Mary, the Mother of the Lord. Visit www.theholyrosary.org to learn how to pray the Holy Rosary. 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. Over 50 Club u September 11 The Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre In Lancaster. PA. The show is GEORGE M. with wonderful music and a professional cast. $98. u September 20-24 Fall Foliage Rocking Horse Ranch In the Catskill Mountains. Staying at the Rocking Horse Ranch with all sit-down meals from the menu. Day and evening activities including side trips. Everything is located on one floor (great for seniors). $623. u September 27-30 Wildwood Seafood Feast Includes: 3 nights accommodations, 3 full breakfasts and dinners that include a deluxe seafood buffet with an assortment of seafood and roast beef, a trip to Cape May, one day at the Tropicana Casino with bonus package, a visit to the Smithville Village, Washington Street Mall and more.$329. u October 3 Riverside Dinner Theatre In Fredericksburg, VA. This beautiful theatre will present the show CHICAGO. A sit-down luncheon is included. $89. u December 1 Voices of Christmas At the Living Water Theatre in Lancaster, PA. This is the final performance for this wonderful show, an exhilarating journey through the treasured traditions of Christmas. $76. 2011 u April 30 - May 14 Taking Reservations Now Riverboat trip to Ancient Egypt. This promises to be a fantastic trip. Call for flyer and information. 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. 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. St. Catherine's Office of Religious Education will be closed until Tuesday September 7, 2010. Catechist Corner Confraternity of Christian Doctrine CCD Classes resume on Monday, September 13, 2010 High School CCD has been moved from Monday evenings to Wednesday evenings from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. The first class will be held on October 6th. CCD Needs Your Help for the 2010-2011 School Year Please consider giving some time to the children of our parish. It is truly a rewarding experience in many ways! Mondays 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Teacher and Assistants needed for Grades 1, 3, 4, 5 & 6 Mondays, 6:45 - 7:45 p.m. Assistants needed for Grades 3, 5, 6, & 7 Tuesdays, 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Assistants needed for Grades 3, 5, & 6 Teacher and Assistant needed for Grade 4 Confirmation September 7, 14, 21 Final classes from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Dinner will be served to all students. 17 Rehearsal with sponsors, 6:30 p.m. 24 Confirmation Mass Bishop Loverde! Presiding at 7:30 p.m. Interview schedule with Father Drummond is posted in the Narthex on the RE bulletin board. Please sign up! In the Diocese & Other Events Website: www.arlingtondiocese.org Some white-collar jobs are more challenging than others "None of you can become My disciple if you do not give up all your possessions." Are you being called to discipleship as a priest, deacon or in the consecrated life? Call Father Brian Bashista (703) 841-2514, or write: b.bashista@arlingtondiocese.org. Celebrating a Silver or Golden Wedding Anniversary this Year? Were you married in 1960 or 1985? Then join Bishop Loverde for the 2010 Marriage Jubilee Mass to be celebrated on Sunday, October 24 at 2:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More. Contact the parish office to register no later than September 24. Gabriel Project Training Gabriel Project Arlington (GPA), the diocesan parish- based pregnancy assistance ministry of the Office for Family Life, is holding a free training session for interested volunteers on Saturday, September 25 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, after the 9 a.m. Mass. The training is from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Register online before September 24 at www.arlingtondiocese.org/gpavolunteer. For more information, please contact the GPA main office at (703) 841-2755. Abortion Recovery Retreats for Women An "Entering Canaan" Day of Prayer and Healing will take place on Saturday, September 18 and a Rachel's Vineyard Weekend Retreat is scheduled for October 15- 17. These retreats are a safe place to renew, rebuild and redeem hearts broken from abortion. They offer a supportive, confidential and non-judgmental environment where you can express, reconcile and release painful post-abortive emotions to begin the process of restoration, renewal and healing. For more info or to register, please call Project Rachel (703) 841-2504 or (888) 456-HOPE or email projectrachel@arlingtondiocese.org Prayer Service for Victims of Sexual Abuse Sept. 11 The Office of Victim Assistance invites victims/survivors of sexual abuse and the entire Catholic community to join us at a Prayer Service to pray for healing for those who have been sexually abused. The Prayer Service will be held on Saturday, September 11, 2010 at 10 a.m. at St. Ambrose Church, 3829 Woodburn Road in Annandale. For more information, please visit our website www.arlingtondiocese.org, or contact the Victim Assistance Coordinators, Pat Mudd at (703) 841-2530 or Kathryn Kramer at (703) 841-2759. All calls are confidential. Family Observance of the Feast of the Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary Mary's Birthday Cake All children love birthday cakes -- so today, let's make a birthday cake for the Blessed Virgin Mary. A white layer cake or angel food cake would be appropriate, with white icing and blue icing for trim (white is a symbol of purity; blue symbolizes fidelity, and is a color especially used for Mary). We suggest letting the children help with the decorations, if possible. If you have a small statue of Mary, it could be placed in the center of the cake, which can be surrounded by 10 candles -- one for each "Hail Mary" prayer in a decade of the Rosary. (If you don't have a little statue, you can write Mary's name on the cake in blue icing.) At the end of the evening meal, each child could take turns lighting the 10 candles as the whole family prays together a "Hail Mary" for each candle, ending with the Lord's Prayer. If the children are too young to light candles, mother could light the candles, and then the adults could pray one Hail Mary at the end, just before the cake is cut. After eating the birthday cake, the prayer below could be said (this prayer, the concluding prayer from "Matins" of the Divine Office, could also be said with the children at bedtime). Lord God, the day of our salvation dawned when the Blessed Virgin gave birth to your Son. As we celebrate her nativity grant us your grace and your peace. Through Christ our Lord, Amen. The Angelus The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary: And she conceived of the Holy Spirit. Hail Mary ... Behold the handmaid of the Lord: Be it done unto me according to Thy word. Hail Mary . . . And the Word was made Flesh: And dwelt among us. Hail Mary . . . Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us pray. Pour forth; we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection, through the same Christ Our Lord.