Mass Times Saturday, January 2 5:30 p.m. Sunday, January 3 7:30 a.m. 9:00 a.m.* 10:30 a.m. (Church) 10:30 a.m. (Gym) 12:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m.
*American Sign Language interpreted Mass Weekday & Saturday Masses Monday - Friday: 6:30 a.m., 8 a.m., 11 a.m., 5:30 p.m. Saturday: 8 a.m., 11 a.m. Filipino Mass in Tagalog every 4th Sunday at 4 p.m. Holy Day Masses Eve of the Feast: 5:30 p.m. Day of the Feast: 6:30 a.m., 8 a.m., 11 a.m., 5:30 p.m. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament* Exposition: Monday-Friday, 3-5:15 p.m., in the church Thursday before first Friday of each month, 6-8 p.m., with Holy Hour from 7-8 p.m. *No adoration on federal holidays
Inside This Issue • January 3, 2016 Bread, Book & Brethren Begins a New Course of Study • 3 Lenten Communication Workshop for Couples • 3 In Your Parish Library: Books About Mother Teresa • 4
This Weekend Outreach Collection This is our monthly collection of food items and monetary donations for our Soup Kitchen Ministry. Coffee and Doughnuts Sunday, immediately after the 10:30 Masses in the school auditorium. This is the monthly parish social event.
Thought for the Week From Pope Francis
3630 Quesada Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20015 202.966.6575 • Phone 202.966.9255 • Fax www.blessedsacramentdc.org Blessed Sacrament School 5841 Chevy Chase Parkway, NW Washington, D.C. 20015 202.966.6682 www.bsstoday.org
“Religious freedom certainly means the right to worship God, individually and in community, as our consciences dictate. But religious liberty…transcends places of worship and the private sphere of individuals and families. Because religion itself, the religious dimension, is not a subculture. It is part of the culture of every people and every nation. Our various religious traditions serve society primarily by the message they proclaim. They call individuals and communities to worship God, the source of all life, liberty and happiness.” (Address at Meeting with the Hispanic Community and Other Immigrants, Philadelphia, PA, September 26, 2015) Source of Image: walkwithfrancis.org
Epiphany of the Lord Pastoral Staff Rev. Ronald A. Potts, Pastor •
[email protected] Rev. Andrew Gonzalo, Parochial Vicar •
[email protected] Rev. Msgr. Maurice V. O’Connell, Retired Priest •
[email protected] Rev. Percival L. D’Silva, Retired Priest •
[email protected] Deacon Kenneth Angell •
[email protected] Deacon Donald Mays •
[email protected] Assistant on Weekends Rev. Regis Armstrong, OFM Cap, Catholic University
Duffy Parish Center Main Office 202.966.6575 (Monday - Saturday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) In an Emergency 202.966.6575, Ext. 3988 (to page priest on duty) Facilities 202.449.4610 Pius X Library 202.449.3974 Ray Manning Adult Center 202.363.4512 Mr. John Navolio, Business Manager 202.449.3984,
[email protected] Mr. Jay Rader, Director of Liturgy and Music 202.449.3981,
[email protected] Ms. Michelle Balch, Director of Religious Education 202.449.3989,
[email protected] Ms. Rosalie Days, Sacramental Preparation Coordinator 202.449.4618,
[email protected] Ms. Casey Armand, Youth Minister 202.449.3985,
[email protected] Mrs. Patricia Kavanaugh, Social Concerns Minister 202.449.3987,
[email protected] (Office open Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., and by appointment) Ms. Emma Voelzke, Special Needs Coordinator 202.449.3990,
[email protected] Ms. Kathy Gillespie, Director of CYO 202.449.3972,
[email protected]
Blessed Sacrament School Mr. Chris Kelly, Principal 202.966.6682,
[email protected] Ms. Nancy Ryan, Director of Admissions 202.966.6682, Ext. 6110,
[email protected]
Sacraments Baptism • Baptismal preparation is required of all parents prior to the baptism of their child. We recommend preparation take place before the child is born. For more info: Michelle Balch,
[email protected] /202.449.3989. Matrimony • All couples who are to be married at Blessed Sacrament must complete our parish marriage preparation program. Please contact one of the parish priests six months in advance of your marriage date. Reconciliation • Friday and Saturday after the 11 a.m. Mass (if no funeral); Saturday, 4 - 5 p.m. and after the 5:30 p.m. Mass, or anytime by appointment.
Parish Services & Information Care of the Sick and Homebound • If you or someone you know is hospitalized or homebound and would like a priest to visit, contact the parish office at 202.966.6575. New Parishioners • Welcome! Please register by: stopping in at the parish office or using the registration form available online or from the pamphlet rack at the Quesada Street entrance to the church. Bulletin Announcements • Deadline: Mondays @ 10 a.m. Send to:
[email protected] Newsletter Content •
[email protected] Photo/Video Submissions •
[email protected] Website Postings •
[email protected] Church Bulletin Boards • The parish secretary maintains the church bulletin boards. Please drop off any flyers for posting to Joan Ward in the parish office, located in the Duffy parish center. Inclement Weather Policy • The parish center/office follows Montgomery County Schools for delays and closings. All evening activities are cancelled those days the schools are closed.
Pastor’s Column Today we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord. The word epiphany means manifestation. Isaiah’s gaze focuses on Jerusalem, toward which he sees a long joyous procession of her children who “come from afar.” On the summit of Zion, the newly reconstructed Temple blazes with the light of the candelabra. The city appears to him brightly illuminated, ablaze with the glory of the Lord upon it, while the rest of the world remains in darkness. Toward this glittering light, it is no longer the throngs of exiles or the procession of the Feast of Tabernacles that is marching up, but the countless multitudes of nations and kings from every land. They bring offerings of gold, incense and riches while singing praises to the Lord. The prophet sees this transfigured Jerusalem, and he lets us see what looms beyond the horizon of history, the point toward which all eyes look, the assembly place for all the nations marching toward the full manifestation—the Epiphany of the Lord. St. Matthew tells us the most important message that the Lord was manifested to people who came from distant lands. God made this good news of Jesus’ birth known to the Magi by a star which guided their journey. But it was necessary for the chief priests and scribes to supply the Scriptures to the strangers so that they might reach the house where they would find the newborn king. Under one form or another, God, by the signs He gives and the preaching of the Gospel that reveals their meaning, invited all people to seek and find the Savior. After finding the Christ Child and presenting their gifts to Him, the Magi are told in a dream to return to their homeland by another route. This detail Fra Angelico and Fra Filippo Lippi, Adoration of the Magi c. 1440/1460,Detail of Matthew’s Source of Image:http://liturgy.slu.edu gospel suggests to us that there must be a change in our ways after we encounter the Lord in faith. The Magi disappear as mysteriously as they appeared; Matthew says nothing of what became of them. All encounters with the Lord Jesus, to whom we give homage, to whom we offer presents, involve taking “another route” back to our “own country,” back to our daily occupations. God bless you, Father Ron
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Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament Youth Corner
Question for the Week The star guided the Magi to Jesus. What are the people or events who have guided you in your relationship with Jesus? (Source: www.osvcurriculum.com/lifelong_catechesis)
Poor Box Donations Donations collected during the month of January will benefit the John S. Mulholland Family Foundation, which supports the work of food pantries run by St. Thomas More and St. Francis Xavier parishes in Southeast Washington and Holy Name parish in Northeast Washington. The foundation provides the pantries with canned and packaged food, as well as with fresh poultry, meat, dairy products, and produce. Bread, Book & Brethren Begins a New Course of Study in January On January 6, Bread, Book and Brethren, the Wednesday morning Bible study group of forty plus women and men, begins a study of one of the Old Testament’s most influential books, Isaiah. Scholars from the Jewish community as well as the Christian will lecture at 10 a.m. following structured small group discussions of the readings. All are welcome to sample the meeting, which is held in the parish center on the main level. Coffee and snacks are available before the official opening at 9 a.m. Little Rock commentaries and study guides available at the meeting. For more information, call Nan Levine, 202.244.7691, or e-mail
[email protected]. Spaces Available for MOMS Winter Sessions MOMS (Ministry of Mothers Sharing) has spaces available for the its winter sessions. The objective of MOMS is to gather mothers together to form a network of mutual, spiritual support. Among the most rewarding aspects of the eight weeks spent together are the friendships formed and the insights gained, along with the increased spirituality you bring to your life and your family’s. The winter session runs Monday, January 25, through Monday, March 14, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. If you are interested in joining, contact Lori Finch or Julia Stogoski at:
[email protected]. Become a Legionary Interested in offering a better service to our Beloved Mother? Then become a Legion of Mary member. We have groups who are willing to guide you along the way. Children are encouraged to join as well. Contacts: Cora De Lara at 202.363.1799 for information about the adult session, held every Saturday at 6:30 p.m.; and Daisy Suralta at 202.651.1121 for information about the junior session (for ages 5 years to 18 years), held every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Location of sessions: the Ray Manning Center. Lenten Communication Workshop for Couples How about making 2016 the year when you make your relationship as a couple your number one priority? Plan on participating in the Lenten Communication Workshop for Couples offered by Blessed Sacrament Parish. It is held on four consecutive Tuesdays, February 16 and 23, and March 1 and 8, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. The past six years drew a range of couples from engaged to those with small children to those married 50 years. All reported a better understanding of their partner and even their children. To find out more, contact Jim and Ann Hoffman at 202.362.4510, 202.486.8291 or
[email protected] or visit the parish website and find the Ministries tab under Faith Formation. Registration is available online. Find us on Facebook
Blessed Sacrament DC
January 3, 2016
Faith Formation Sunday Readings/Questions for Reflection . . . from the Faith Formation Commission Isaiah 60:1-6: Though darkness covered the earth, light and glory came to Jerusalem, says the First Reading. Are you aware of God’s light and glory in your life? Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6: Just what was this mystery that Paul said “was made known to me by revelation”? How does God’s Grace enter in? Matthew 2:1-12: As the star led the Magi to Christ, what does Pope Francis say God gives us to guide our pilgrimage? What does he suggest we learn from the Magi about being “cunning”? The star appearing in the sky kindled in their minds and in their hearts a light that moved them to seek the great Light of Christ. Every person has two great ‘books’ which provide the signs to guide this pilgrimage. These “books,” are “the book of creation and the book of sacred Scripture.” What is most important, is that we be attentive, alert, and listen to God who speaks to us, … listening to the Gospel, reading it, meditating on it and making it our spiritual nourishment especially enables us to encounter the living Jesus, to experience him and his love. The Magi used this light of ‘cunning’ when, on the way back, they decided not to pass by the gloomy palace of Herod, but to take another route. The wise men teach us how not to fall into the snares of darkness and how to defend ourselves from the shadows which seek to envelop our life. Pope Francis’ homily on the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6, 2014 (Source: Center for Liturgy at St. Louis University)
Newly Baptized Addison Rose Myler Josephine Wimsatt Taylor Reid Patrick Wigton
R est in Peace Luis Amiel Virginia Phillips Robert Mahaney
Please include our sick in your prayers that they may experience healing and comfort
Alejandro Arce Annielou Bayly Berman William H. Casson Linda Defendeifer Marian Middendorf Barrie & Elizabeth Montague Fredy H. Ortega
Daniel Ortman Richard B. Perry Bernard Thomas Renzy, III Rev. Barbara Schlachter Nelly Turner Violeta Turner Hope Elena Katz-Zogby
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Epiphany of the Lord Visit Your Parish Library
Each year has its highlights and 2016 is already distinguished for Mother Teresa’s promised canonization announced by Pope Francis on December 17. Her life is a beacon of much that the Pope holds dear; it’s a witness to what we aspire.
“Come Be My Light: The Private Writings of the ‘Saint of Calcutta’” (271.9 T272c C734). This book marked the tenth anniversary of Mother Teresa’s death. It reveals through letters to her spiritual advisors and close friends the journey she undertook in response to the Voice she heard asking, “wilt thou refuse to do this for Me?” (p.48). From the founding of the Missionaries of Charity in 1948 until her death extraordinary faith shines in these letters; even when God’s presence was hidden she understood this as her “identification with those she served…the rejected and unwanted” (p.216). “A Simple Path,” compiled by Lucinda Varley (B 272c V423 S41). “I can tell you about my path, but I’m only a little wire” said Mother Teresa when a film producer met with her to discuss a film and book about her work. This book resulted from her suggestion: people would understand the work of the Missionaries of Charity through the children’s home, the center for leprosy patients, the home for the dying and the destitute, and the one for the TB sufferers. “Such a Vision of the Street: Mother Teresa – the Spirit and the Work,” by Eileen Egan (B T272c E315 S823). The author was a lay co-worker who knew Mother Teresa for more that 30 years. This exhaustive biography, which won the Christopher prize “is more than just the story of a life.” It chronicles the dynamic growth of her ministry—nine foundations on three continents. For more books about Mother Teresa, visit the library or call 202.449.3974.
The Adult Center All parishioners, 39 and holding, are invited to gather in Apt. 1 in the Chevy Chase apartment building next to the church for fellowship after the 11 a.m. weekday Mass. Bring a sandwich and join the activities. For more information or for transportation, call Rita Killian at 202.363.5069. Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Strong Seniors: Strength and Balance Exercises Tuesdays with Maury (Father O) Watercolor Art Class with Dick Swartz Bridge for Bridge Lovers @ Noon Closed
Christian Family Movement Ministry A Prayer for Help in Ending Violence As we enter the new year, let us continue to pray for freedom from gun violence. But let us also heed the words of Cardinal Wuerl during a walk for Faith over Fear “…(W)e need not give in to fear and we certainly do not need to panic.” And in this Jubilee Year of Mercy, let us remember perpetrators of violence as did Cardinal Wuerl in quoting Luke 23:24: “Then Jesus said Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” Loving and faithful God, through the years the people of our archdiocese have prayed in times of war, disaster and illness. We come to you Father and ask you to help us in the battle of today against violence, murder and racism. We implore you to give us your wisdom that we may build a community founded on the values of Jesus, which give respect to the life and dignity of all people. Bless parents that they may form their children in faith. Bless and protect our youth that they may be the peacemakers of our time. Give consolation to those who have lost loved ones through violence. Hear our prayer and give us the perseverance to be a voice for life and human dignity in our community. We ask you this through Christ our Lord.
From the Community Express Yourself Sponsored by The Johns Hopkins Medical Center/NIH Suburban Hospital, this group is for those having difficulty finding their words or making themselves understood (aphasia). The group meets the second Tuesday of the month at Friendship Heights Community Center, 4433 S. Park Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD, from 2 to 3 p.m. There is no charge to attend; spouses/friends are welcome. For more information, contact Susan I. Wranik at
[email protected] or 301.520.2332. Administrative Assistant Wanted For Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions, a non-profit, national organization whose members include worship office staffs and liturgical commissions from the dioceses of the USA; salary negotiable, commensurate with experience. For consideration, send a cover letter, resume, and references to Search Committee, FDLC National Office, 415 Michigan Avenue, NE, Suite 70, Washington, DC 20017 or e-mail to
[email protected].
Winter Baseball Camps at Catholic University Advanced development baseball camps will be offered this winter on the weekends from January 10 to February 13 for players ages 7-18. For more information, contact Ross Natoli at
[email protected] or 202.319.6092, or visit www.rossnatolibaseballcamps.com.
Every Thursday Coffee and Conversation @ the Corbett Café Join fellow parishioners every Thursday after the 8 a.m. Mass at the Corbett Café, Apartment 1 of the Chevy Chase Apartments (next to the church) for coffee and conversation.
Sponsor of the Week We would like to thank Alexander S. Isaac, M.D. for placing an ad in our weekly bulletin.
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