COVER SHEET CHURCH NAME: MAILING ADDRESS: St. Mary’s Catholic Church 310 Duke Street Alexandria, VA 22314 PHONE: 703.836.4100 CONTACT PERSON: Mayra Saunders or Emily Liutkus SOFTWARE: Microsoft Office Publisher 2007 Adobe Acrobat 8 Standard Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 PRINTER: HP Laserjet 1320 PCL 6 BULLETIN NUMBER: 511428 NUMBER OF PAGES SENT: 1 through 11 SUNDAY DATE OF PUBLICATION: December 5, 2010 TRANSMISSION TIME: 2:05 P.M. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: God bless you! Thank you! St. Mary’s Catholic Church FOUNDED IN 1795 310 SOUTH ROYAL STREET • ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA Rev. Dennis W. Kleinmann, Pastor Rev. Robert L. Ruskamp, Parochial Vicar Rev. Michael J.R. Kelly, Parochial Vicar Rev. Jean Claude Atusameso, In Residence Mr. Jason Burchell, Seminarian In Residence Rectory 310 Duke Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314 • 703-836-4100 • Fax: 703-549-3605 Website: http://www.saintmaryparish.net St. Mary’s School (PK-8) - Mrs. Janet Cantwell, Principal (703-549-1646) • Fax: 703-519-0840; Main Building 400 Green Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; Website: http://www.stmarys-alexva.org Stephens Hall (Jr. High & Registrar) 703-549-3488 St. Mary’s School of Religion (CCD) and (RCIA) - Jeanne Guerin, Director of Religious Education, (703-836-5450), Marianne Skees - Coordinator of Youth & Young Adult Outreach (571-319-1975) Director of Music - Dr. Charles Saik (703-684-5308) Sunday Masses: Saturday Eve Vigil - 5:00 PM Sunday - 7:00 AM & 8:30 AM, (9:15 AM - Children’s Mass, St. Mary’s School, 400 Green St.), 10:00 AM (Nursery in Lyceum, 313 Duke St.) 11:30 AM, 1:00 PM & (Vespers - Evening Prayer 4:30 PM) 5:00 PM Weekday Masses: Monday through Friday - 6:30, 8:00 AM, 12:10 PM Federal, National Holidays and Holy Days - Please see bulletin for schedule of Masses Saturday - 8:00 AM only Novenas and Adoration at the Church: Miraculous Medal Novena - Monday - noon Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament - Thursday 12:30 to 7:30 PM Mother of Perpetual Help Novena and Holy Hour Thursday - 7:30 PM Nocturnal Adoration - every First Friday, 9 PM to Saturday 6 AM Holy Hour for Life - every First Saturday following 8:00 AM Mass Confessions: Monday - Friday following the 12:10 PM Mass Saturday - 4:00 to 5:00 PM and 7:00 to 7:30 PM Thursday - 7:30 PM (during Holy Hour) First Saturday - 8:30 AM (during Holy Hour) Baptisms: Every Sunday at 2:15 PM. Please call the Rectory to register in advance and obtain regulations concerning godparents, etc. Marriages: Contact Parish Priest at least six months before possible wedding date. Couples who are living together will be asked to live separately during marriage preparation time. Project Rachel, Post-Abortion Help 1-888-456-HOPE Gabriel Project, Pregnancy Help 1-866-444-3553 Arlington Catholic Charities, Adoption Services 703-425-0100 Page Two December 5, 2010 FROM GREEN TO GOLD 6:30 8:00 12:10 7:30 A.M. A.M. P.M. P.M. MONDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2010 Lambert Sebastiani Special Intention: James Saunders, Birthday Martin Wagenhoffer Elmer Breidert TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2010 6:30 A.M. Sr. Mary Wei 8:00 A.M. James Manos 12:10 P.M. Albert and Maria Giuseppe 7:30 P.M. Special Intention: The O’Connor Family 6:30 8:00 12:10 7:30 THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010 A.M. Special Intention: Rev. Juan Alvarez and The Crusaders of St. Mary A.M. Guy A. Giancarlo, Anniversary P.M. Parishioners of St. Mary P.M. Jennie Basila, Birthday THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2010 6:30 A.M. Special Intention: Chiota Family 8:00 A.M. Samuel Ferris, Anniversary 12:10 P.M. Florence “Cissie” Jordan FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2010 6:30 A.M. Special Intention: Emile Conradle 8:00 A.M. Jeff Moore 12:10 P.M. John J. Burke 8:00 5:00 7:00 8:30 9:15 10:00 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2010 A.M. Geneive Wagnor, Anniversary P.M. Mary Chow Woon Lueng, Birthday (Fr. Jean Claude) A.M. A.M. A.M. A.M. 11:30 A.M. 1:00 P.M. 5:00 P.M. THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 12, 2010 Pete Singleton (Fr. Ruskamp) María Alcala (Fr. Ruskamp) Clay Robertson (Fr. Kelly) Edward W. Sudder, Sr., Anniversary 12/11 (Fr. Kleinmann) Robert F. Dodd, Anniversary (Fr. Kelly) Ms. Adella (Fr. Kelly) Parishioners of St. Mary (Fr. Kleinmann) The altar flowers are donated in honor of the wedding of Alexis Delaney and Jeff Walker. The flowers at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Shrine last week were donated in memory of Jeb Miller. We welcome through the Sacrament of Baptism Patrick Alexander Beretsel Elsie Marie Fisher Therese Anne McCall Violet Perpetua Torres For the past three weeks here I have spared you any discussion of football. Instead I focused on the many reasons to be grateful, especially as we were approaching Thanksgiving Day. It was brought to my attention that there is one set of volunteers whom I have never thanked by name in this column. I assure you this was not intentional, but rather an oversight on my part for which I apologize, as I am very grateful for those from our parish who assist at Christ House, Carpenter’s Shelter, and Alive. These area outreach organizations serve a vital role in Alexandria. Our parishioners, who volunteer there, are to be commended. This is a wonderful way to represent our parish and do some good for others. Briefly, during my football discussion hiatus, my Packers did quite well, winning four straight games. That ended, however, last Sunday. In fact I had hoped three teams would have had victories—the Packers, the Redskins, and the Eagles. Of course it was all for selfish reasons: I always want the Packers to win, the Redskins would have beaten the Vikings, who I always want to see lose. Similarly, I always want the Bears to lose. All three of “my” teams lost last weekend. Obviously, it was disappointing, but there’s always this week. What was not disappointing was how many of you attended the Holy Hour last Saturday evening. There wasn’t much notice as I explained in last week’s bulletin here. Despite that I was impressed by how many took the time on a Saturday night over Thanksgiving Day weekend to come to church and pray. The church certainly wasn’t full. But there were truly a good number of you who came. I commend and thank you for that. It was a wonderful way to bring in the new Church year and start the season of Advent. It was also an opportunity to be enriched spiritually. Another opportunity to grow in holiness and be spiritually enriched begins Monday evening with a special Mass at 7:30 P.M. This will open our annual 40 Hours Devotion. Immediately as Mass ends the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed on the altar and remain so until Wednesday night at 7:00 P.M. We will have the privilege of adoring Our Lord around the clock. (Security is being provided during the nighttime hours.) As in years past, please sign up in the back of church, taking one or more hours. Such a devotion is a great blessing for a parish and is also a great way to work on deepening our personal relationship with God. This in turn will help add to the spiritual nature of the Advent season, which seems to be often lost with all the pre-Christmas expectations. We have to work on maintaining the somewhat penitential, definitely prayerful spirit of this holy season as we prepare for another year’s celebration of Jesus’ birth, when Our Lord came in history, and for the time when He will come again in His majesty. He comes to us now in hope; that is, in the hopeful expectation that His grace is with us to help us live the lives we are called to live, turning from past and avoiding future sin, and being men and women of great faith. With all this tremendous things can come, here on earth and someday in heaven. It is also a wonderful way to prepare for the celebration of our parish’s patronal feast day, the Immaculate Conception, a holy day of obligation as well. As a side note, the Advent Reflection series/ holy hour on Tuesdays is replaced this week by the vigil Mass of the Holy Day. The series continues next week with Fr. Kelly speaking instead of Fr. Ruskamp, who will be on retreat. Fr. Ruskamp will conclude the series the following week. In Christ, Fr. Kleinmann Second Sunday of Advent VOCATIONS Lord Jesus, Christ our King, Your kingdom is within each baptized soul where You reign by Your grace. Regard our longing for true holiness and grant that all come to know and love You through faithfulness to our unique vocations. Amen. Are you called to be “A herald’s voice in the desert” preparing the way of the Lord in the hearts of His people? If you are considering a vocation to the priesthood or consecrated life, call Father Brian Bashista at 703.841.2514, or write: [email protected]. O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place my trust in You! LEGION OF MARY meets at 7:30 P.M. in the St. Joachim Room in St. Mary's Lyceum. Meetings include the Rosary and discussion on works performed. For more information please contact Fidel Delgado, 703.721.9677 or [email protected]. TEENS AT ST. MARY’S CHRISTMAS PARTY TODAY!!! We are having a Christmas party and service afternoon. It’s a great opportunity to get to know the other teens in the parish and to give back this Christmas season. Please bring either a gift for a new mom (ex: diapers, bottles, clothes) or items for children in Afghanistan (ex: soccer balls, toys, clothes). We’ll be in the Lyceum from 3-5 P.M. RETREAT: Interested in getting away from the busyness for a weekend? The teens of St. Mary’s are going to be attending a retreat hosted by the Mount St. Mary seminary Feb. 11-13. Registrations are due by December 16th. Please call the office for forms and more information 571.319.1975. WORK CAMP!!! If you are interested in attending our week long diocesan work camp filled with fun, community service, worship and more, the date of the camp is July 23-29. Call or email the office for more details and the commitment forms. [email protected]. DONATIONS: the new youth room is still in need of a few more items, another DVD player, coffee tables, any old game systems (Wii, PS3, etc.) and games for either of those. Thank you to all of those who have already donated!!! Volunteers – we are always looking for more people who are willing to share their time and faith with the teens at St. Mary’s. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact Marianne Skees at 571.319.1975 or [email protected]. ST. MARY’S YOUNG ADULTS (Singles & married in their 20’s & 30’s) 1st SUNDAY DINNER: Join us after the 5 P.M. Mass for a potluck (make sure you bring some food or a little money) with the other young adults in the parish. 3rd Friday Holy Hour – We start at 7 P.M. with a holy hour in the Church followed by some sort of social event after. For December we are going to be caroling. For more about what is happening with young adults in the parish go to http:// saintmarysyoungadults.wordpress.com/. CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS: Since 1795, the decoration of our church and sanctuary has been an important expression of the joyful celebration of Christmas. With a rich heritage of more than two centuries, St. Mary Catholic Church has a more distinctly historic appearance. In keeping with this history and the liturgical calendar, the Mary Martha Guild will install Christmas decorations on December 24th 2010, to remain through January 9th, 2011, when the Christmas Season ends. Decorations will include native berries, greens and flowers, accented by beautiful poinsettias, which were first introduced to the Commonwealth in 1811 by Elizabeth and James Monroe. Our church decorations, flowers and vintage crèche figures, designed to give glory to “our newborn King,” also remind us of the great gift of the Catholic faith our ancestors have handed down to us. To protect and preserve Christmas decorations for future generations, we ask everyone to please refrain from touching the crèche figures, Christmas flowers and ornaments – instead, let them prayerfully touch you. 40 HOURS DEVOTION: Please sign-up to spend an hour in adoration with Our Lord present in the Blessed Sacrament. Our 40 Hours Devotion starts after the 7:30 P.M. Mass on Monday, December 6, 2010, and ends on Wednesday, December 8 at 7:00 P.M. Sign-up book located at the back of the church. You are all beautiful, O Mary; in you there is no trace of original sin. Page Three PRO-LIFE CORNER "The mystery of the Incarnation reveals the specific value of the dignity of human life. God gave us this gift and sanctified it when the Son became man and was born of Mary. It is a gift that must be protected, from conception until natural death. With all my heart I join people involved in various initiatives aimed at respecting life and promoting a new social awareness." Pope Benedict XVI Immaculate Heart of Mary, please pray for us. GIFT FOR LIFE “GIVING TREE”: As you prepare for Christmas, include a Gift for Life on your shopping list by supporting the Gabriel Project. Your taxdeductible contribution will make a big difference in the life of an expectant mother. It’s easy to give! Just take a gift tag from the giving tree in the back of the church and follow the directions, or give your gift to the giving tree volunteers who will collect donations on December 11th and 12th. THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a Holy Day of Obligation. A Vigil Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 7 at 7:30 P.M. Mass on Wednesday, December 8 will be celebrated at 6:30 A.M., 8:00 A.M., 12:10 P.M. and 7:30 P.M. PRAYER TO THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION O Virgin Immaculate, Mother of God and my Mother, from thy sublime height turn upon thine eyes of pity. Filled with confidence in thy goodness and knowing full well thy power, I beseech Thee to extend to me thine assistance in the journey of life, which is so full of dangers for my soul. And in order that I may never be the slave of the devil through sin, but may ever live with my heart humble and pure, I entrust myself wholly to thee. I consecrate my heart to thee forever, my only desire being to love thy Divine Son, Jesus. Mary, none of thy devout servants has ever perished; may I too be saved. Amen. ST. MARY’S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE SALE Now through Sunday, December 12th Weekdays: 6-8 P.M. Weekends: 8-6 P.M. Fresh Trees, Wreaths and Garlands will be on sale. This year delivery service will be available this weekend for a fee for homes within 5 miles of the school. All proceeds will benefit St. Mary's School and your support is greatly appreciated. NEWS FROM ST. MARY’S SCHOOL At the beginning of the year, The Catholic Daughters of America donated a statue of Our Lady of Fatima to the school. The statue will spend time with all the grades this year. The first stop has been 7th and 8th Grade, where the students spent time in Religion, learning and researching more information about Our Lady of Fatima. 8th Graders are also preparing for confirmation in the spring and are working on making a personal connection to their confirmation saint by doing some in depth research for upcoming presentations. They also took their annual confirmation retreat to Mount Saint Mary’s University at the end of October. 6th Grade held their annual Consumer Science Fair in early November. Students spent time this fall getting a better understanding of scientific procedures, collecting data, and writing a hypothesis and conclusion on two related products. Products on display this fall included tennis balls, laundry detergent, football trading cards, and orange juice. 4th Grade spent a day in Williamsburg this fall, where they toured the Governor’s Palace, capital building, and learned more about life in the 1600’s. To prepare for the trip, they spent time this fall learning about early Virginia history, including what the life of a nine year old would be like. 3rd Grade has spent time this fall, learning about communities, with the Flat Stanley project. It is meant to facilitate a letter writing campaign by students and to learn more about different communities around the world. This year, Flat Stanley traveled to such locations as London, Pittsburgh, South Dakota, Uruguay, and Ghana. Students in Pre-K through 2nd Grade participated in the Annual All Saints Parade on November 1. They dressed in their favorite saint costume and paraded several blocks through the south end of Alexandria, returning to school through the Royal Street gates, where they were enthusiastically welcomed back by the students in Grades 3-8. December 5, 2010 TODAY'S READINGS First Reading: He shall bring justice for the afflicted; the earth shall overflow with the knowledge of the Lord (Isaiah 11: 1-10). Psalm: Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever (Psalm 72). Second Reading: Glorify God by living in harmony with one another, welcoming each other as Christ welcomed you (Romans 15: 4-9). Gospel: Produce good fruit worthy of your baptism; repent, for the reign of God is near (Matthew 3: 1-12). Sunday: Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday: Saturday: DIVINE MERCY CORNER "Tell My priests that hardened sinners will repent on hearing their words when they will speak about My unfathomable mercy, about the compassion I have for them in My Heart. To priests who will proclaim and extol My mercy, I will give wondrous power and I will anoint their words and touch the hearts of those to whom they will speak. I desire that priests proclaim this great mercy of Mine toward the souls of sinners. Let the sinner not be afraid to approach Me. The flames of mercy are burning Meclamoring to be spent; I want to pour them out upon all of these souls.” READINGS FOR THE WEEK Is 35: 1-10; Lk 5: 17-26 Is 40: 1-11; Mt 18: 12-14 Gn 3: 9-15, 20; Eph 1: 3-6, 11-12; Lk 1: 26-38 Is 41: 13-20; Mt 11: 11-15 Is 48: 17-19; Mt 11: 16-19 Sir 48: 1-4, 9-11; Mt 17: 9a, 10-13 Is 35: 1-6a, 10; Ps 146; Jas 5: 7-10; Mt 11: 2-11 Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday Friday: Saturday: Sunday: SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES Second Sunday of Advent St. Nicholas St. Ambrose The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary St. Juan Diego Blessed Virgin Mary; St. Damasus I Please pray for all those who are ill, including: Ebosa Aguele Richard Alger, Jr. Chris Ballard Baby Dana Barber Gary Barteldt Nicholas Bartick Lucille Bassett Tori Benecchi Raymond Bergmann Chris Bosworth Rosemary Brice James Carroll, II William Carroll Ron Celeste James Clark Liz Clark Terri Clark Dina Clemmer Ann Conjura Thomas Connor JoAnne Conte Wallace P. Cooney Dorothy Cotton Carolyn Daly Chandler John D’Antoni Mary F. Davis Cecilia Dawley Dan De Celles Theresa DeFore Columbine Delenclos Patricia Dobrzynski Eileen Doherty Carla Dutzman Monica Estill Baby Lily Fitzgerald Sean Franko Barbara Furey Katie Gaietto Vincent Gaudioso, Jr. Elizabeth German Georgia Gleason Catherine Gomez Lovanne Graham JoAnn Griffin Jean Heins Debra Hill Daniel Scott Holden Mark Holenchik Rosemary Wolf Hogan Steve Hoogland Phyllis Hook Helen Hoover Tyler Hovey Becky Hsu Mark Hulkower Denise Jensen Dick Johnson Sylvia Johnson Bob Johnston Sheila Jurinski Erik Kemp Breda Kiely Emily Knisley Mary T. Kocourek Jack Koehler Karen Kollmansperger Barbara Kramer Jim Lake Brenda LaRochelle Conrad Lass, Sr. Joe Leonard Etelvina Leon John Linehardt Jane Lewis Anthony Lodato Michael Lodato Paul Lopapa Thomas Lovely Lauren Luzier Fred Macguire Harry Marson Rev. Francis Martin Karen Martinez Christy Matthias Holden Mauk Constance McAloon Mike McKeon Gina McReynolds Robert McWhorter Frank Medico Patricia Medley Julie Meskill Dorothy Mickler Baby Bennen Manahan Richard Molleur Bishop David Monroe Ronnie Morris Rachel Ann Mydell Rosemary Naegele Thomas Naegele Ellen Whelan Norris Rev. Francisco Núñez Doris Oshinsky Laura Palmer Ray Paquette Clayton Parker Anna Therese Parks Kristy Parnell Peggy Pascotti Marietta Phillips Elton Pollock William Powell Betsy Raposa Colleen Rogers Walter Robinson Agnes Roesner Ceil Rooney Jaymie Rowland Charlotte Ruelas Janet Russell Eddie Salomns Deanna Satterthwaite James Saunders Mary Beth Saunders Jean Schilling Frank Sellitto, Jr. John Shannon Mike Stachura George Thomas Chris Thurlow Dr. Trimber Lofton White Carmina Young New additions to the sick list are in bold print. Please pray for all the deceased, including Paul Barsanti, Harold Bursch, Betty Cleveland, Ardith Dentzer, Elva Rocha Guzman, 1stLt Robert Michael Kelly, Charlotte Kerns, and Katherine Tolhurst. St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls, please pray for them. Amen. Page Four (Jesus to St. Faustina) THE DIVINE MERCY CENACLE meets continuously throughout the year on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month at 10:30 A.M. in the Saint Joachim room of the Lyceum. For further information, please call Harry or Lynne Dolton at 703.960.0592. All are welcome! RCIA (RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION FOR ADULTS): Are you interested in becoming Catholic? Or in learning more about the Catholic Faith? On December 6, Father Kleinmann will talk about THE SACRAMENTS (OCF Art. 1, CCC 1113-30, 1210-11). (This is the CLASS #1 for Catholic adults who are attending RCIA only as preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation.) This class will meet in the Lyceum's St. Joseph Room (downstairs). Please note: The Morning of Reflection scheduled for December 12 has been canceled. While classes are directed to those inquiring about the Catholic faith, ALL are welcome. Parish priests lead the 90-minute sessions in a systematic review of the teachings of the Catholic Church. CCD CLASSROOM AIDES: We are still looking for classroom aides for our CCD program, which is held Sundays from 10:15 A.M.-11:15 A.M. in St. Mary’s School. If you are high school age or above, we would like to invite you to be an aide. Please email [email protected] if you are interested in volunteering. ADVENT HOLY HOUR AND REFLECTION SERIES: December 7: There will be no Advent Holy Hour and Reflection Series since 40 Hours continues this night. PREDESTINATION: CATHOLIC TEACHING AND THEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE: All Catholic adults are invited to the monthly Patricians discussion group on December 18th, 9 - 11 A.M. (date changed due to Christmas) in the Holy Family Auditorium of St. Mary’s Lyceum. Patricians allow lay Catholics an opportunity to grow in their knowledge of the faith while discussing an aspect of Catholic life in the comfort of a prayerful, family setting. Fr. Kelly serves as spiritual director and provides additional commentary. Refreshments provided. Contact Linda Melone at 703.725.8526 or [email protected]. St. Nicholas, St. Ambrose, St. Juan Diego and St. Damasus I, pray for us. PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR PARISHIONERS SERVING IN THE MILITARY AND FOR THEIR FAMILIES, INCLUDING: Christy Barry Seamus Barry Christopher Bryant Jeffrey Camerato Matthew Constantino Edward Culbert Peter Culbert Carolyn Theresa Frazier Felix Gumbiner Tom Hanifen Andrew Lennox Matthew Lennox Ryan Maple James Thomas Martin Allbert Martins Mark Martins Edward Joseph Parry, III Brian P. Riva Keith Sylvia Frederick Tackaberry Michael J. Turner Gerard Wager Ezra Wells MILITARY FAMILIES: If you have a relative or friend serving in the military, at home or overseas and would like to include their name in our prayer list, please call the rectory office at 703.836.4100.
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