Parish Newsletter
March 2010
Clarence J. Enzler Writer, Outstanding Catholic Layman If you attend the Stations of the Cross on Lenten Fridays after the 5:30 p.m. Mass, (or even if you don’t) you’ll be interested in reading about Clarence Enzler, who was Father John’s father and author of the book that is used for Stations.
As you follow the Stations of the Cross using Everyone’s Way of the Cross, you may not know that the book is the work of a man who turned a disability into an accomplishment. Clarence J. Enzler, Father John’s father, suffered a serious stutter during his youth, so believing that he would not be able to follow a life’s work that required him to speak publicly, Clarence instead focused on his giftedness for writing. Eventually he excelled in both forms, expressing his eloquence as an accomplished and prolific writer and, through his experience with Toastmasters, developing as an impressive speaker. Born in Dubuque, Iowa in 1910, Clarence accepted a Knights of Columbus scholarship to come east and attend The Catholic University of America. He earned a PhD. in sociology, married Kathleen Crowley, and together they parented thirteen children, including Father John. Clarence worked for 32 years as a writer at the Department of Agriculture where he wrote speeches, articles, Congressional testimony, press releases, and reports for eight Secretaries of Agriculture and other leading officials. During this time, Clarence was cajoled by a friend to write spiritual books for the layman. He wrote four books including the classic, Everyone’s Way of the Cross, and numerous articles. Active in the St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Cana marriage program, Clarence also became a deacon for the Archdiocese of Washington.
His children believe that their father’s book, My Other Self, contains a special celebration of his gifts. Clarence lived the words of the book’s title as a exemplary Christian, an outstanding Catholic, a defender of the faith, a skilled writer, and a kind and loving family man. He led his readers to understand the intersection of the spiritual and the real world, modeling the integration of the two in his own life. Father John is very proud that Everyone’s Way of the Cross is used in churches all over the world, from Australia to London and at Lourdes in France. More than four million copies have been sold, and at Blessed Sacrament, the books have become very popular. Parishioners who use the book find a way of bringing the gospel’s message into their own hectic lives. It’s a poignant, powerful preparation on the way of the cross. Thank you, Clarence Enzler, for your life and your legacy.
Artwork by Nikki Lumbre Grade 6
From Seed To Table: Sharing The Lord’s Bounty When I mention the Blessed Sacrament Community Garden, people ask “What community garden?” and “Where is it?” The “seed” for our community garden was planted late last spring by two parish groups: the Washington InterFaith Network (WIN) and Just Matters, the climate change study group. In the light of the informed Catholic view on the environment and social justice, WIN focused on the economic crisis and the rapid rise of food prices, particularly fresh vegetables, for those in DC least able to afford them. Just Matters was concerned with appropriate stewardship of the land and other resources. Both groups wanted to create access to nutritional food for all in the DC area, particularly those dependent on food banks and meals. Two separate activities were promoted. ”Grow to Share” urged parishioners to add a vegetable plant to home gardens and contribute that plant’s produce to local food groups, such as SOME or Shepherd’s Table. The Community Garden tested a small raised vegetable bed on the grounds of the rectory. (Still haven’t noticed it? It’s against the wall of the garage beside the path to the kitchen door of the rectory!) Volunteers built, planted, weeded, and harvested. The rectory garden produced tomatoes, beans, lettuce, and a few peppers. The “Grow To Share” program added herbs, summer squash, root crops, and more peppers and tomatoes to the mix. The “Grow To Share” group included both container and in-ground gardens. Some produce went directly to parish members who were struggling with finances and food costs. More went to food banks and meal providers. These start-up efforts were successful, bringing fresh produce to a few local tables in need. Now we want to “grow” our efforts….and our volunteer base. We would like to see a parishwide effort to grow food in gardens and containers, for ourselves and for others!
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Volunteers are ready to plant tomato seedlings in late February for transplanting in early May. We need more volunteers to put in a series of early spring crops, such as spinach, peas, and leaf lettuce, in the rectory garden. Pat Kavanaugh, Social Concerns director, is approaching the other Chevy Chase churches to ask if they would like to engage in their own community garden effort. If so, we will share our plans and pass on extra tomato plants to them. We would like to assist Shepherd’s Table and perhaps other area groups, with establishing a small salad garden, either in pots on the terrace and walkways, or potentially in the weedy plots between the parking areas. And, we would like every parish family that gardens to seriously consider growing “extras” -- a plant, a container, or a row – to harvest regularly for SOME and Shepherd’s Table. This is a wonderful community service and faith learning activity that can be shared even with the youngest children! Beginning April 15, harvested vegetables can be placed in a bin outside the Social Concerns Office on a regular basis for delivery to food pantries. While we don’t expect much except spinach, lettuce and radishes at that time, we hope that as summer goes on, the bounty of our contributions will increase to dozens of tomatoes and pounds of the ubiquitous summer squash! Please check the community garden page on the parish website www.blessedsacramentdc.org for specific family and group activities, volunteer roles, and schedules. For more information or to volunteer, contact Lisa Greenberg,
[email protected], or Pat Kavanaugh, Social Concerns, 202.449.3987.
Volunteer Activities For The Blessed Sacrament Community Garden March: Drop off clear plastic lidded boxes, such as lettuce boxes, and clear plastic bottles at the Social Concerns office to start seeds in “mini greenhouses”
April: Come out for a work day to build a new raised bed and transplant lettuce
Summer: Volunteer to deliver harvest/take a week to weed and harvest the rectory garden. Family Activities: • “Grow to Share” some specific plants or a dedicated area in your garden • Plant two containers with salad materials—one for your family and one for the community garden • Build a potato tower and grow it through the summer Check the parish website regularly for updates: www.blessedsacramentdc.org.
RCIA And Our Parish Life Almost 30 years ago the Catholic Church developed a “new” way—Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)—of bringing people into the Catholic Christian community. Now, the bishops say that the RCIA is “renewing the life of the Church in the United States” and that it must continue to be a priority in our parishes. The bishops believe that RCIA does (or at least it can) renew parish life. A journey of conversion for the person participating in the initiation process, by extension RCIA can be a journey of conversion for the whole parish. Sponsors who walk with the candidates— supporting them, praying for them, witnessing to their faith—cannot help but experience some kind of conversion themselves. Also, the parish’s community that supports, prays for, guides and celebrates with the candidates also renews its own conversion to God in Christ. As Catholics, we believe that conversion to Jesus Christ is a lifelong and ongoing process. When we witness others changing their lives, giving up old ways of doing and being and committing themselves to Jesus Christ, it makes us want to recommit ourselves as well. There are four steps of the RCIA: precatechumenate, catechumenate, Lenten purification and mystagogia. Along the way there are important rites of acceptance, election and initiation. 1: The pre-catechumenate When such a person begins the process of initiation, she or he is in the first period of initiation, called evangelization and precatechumenate, also known as the inquiry period. This period begins when the person is first evangelized, when he/she first hears the good news of Jesus Christ from a friend, a co-worker, a neighbor, a spouse, a parent, a stranger. Someone or something has drawn this person to the parish and he/she wants to find out more. The first ritual is the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens. During this rite, celebrated during Sunday Mass, the candidates are publicly welcomed for the first time. They “declare their intention to the Church and the Church in turn...accepts them as persons who intend to become its members” (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, no. 41). This rite completes the first period of the initiation process.
Grade 6 March 2010
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2: Catechumenate During this period there is a more formal training in the Christian way of life. There are two groups. The catechumens are those who are unbaptized. Other candidates for initiation are those who are already baptized, either in a Catholic or Protestant Church, but who are not fully initiated. During the catechumenate stage, those to be initiated learn more about the sacred Scriptures and the doctrines of the Church. They meet weekly at Mass to hear the Word of God proclaimed. The catechumens and candidates are dismissed after the homily and meet with a catechist to discuss the Scriptures they heard proclaimed at Mass. In addition to the study of the Scriptures, the candidates participate in sessions that help them to understand the doctrinal teachings of the Church and learn about the prayer and worship life of the Church. They learn how to live and serve others in apostolic witness as they develop their relationship with the Catholic Christian community. The second major ritual of the RCIA occurs on the first Sunday of Lent. The catechumens have been chosen by God to receive the sacraments of initiation. The Church gives voice to God’s election and calls each one of the catechumens by name to sign the Book of the Elect. The presiding celebrant at this diocesan celebration is the bishop.
Christians have received the Body of Christ and have indeed become part of the Body of Christ through their Baptism. The Church uses the period of mystagogy to help the neophytes understand and live out their new lives as part of the Body of Christ. Also, mystagogy is about mission: the new Christians, as part of Christ’s body, must live out the mission of the entire people of God in the Church and in the world. Through the RCIA our parishes participate in the mission of the Church. We make new disciples and we renew the old, faithful ones. When we commit ourselves, our energy and our resources to the RCIA, we commit our parishes to continuing the mission of Jesus in the Church and in the world. Note: This year 15 participants met every Monday evening for two hours at Blessed Sacrament from September to May. This group, led by Rob Maro, included some Catholics who wanted a refresher course. We will welcome those new members on Saturday, April 3, at the Easter Vigil in church.
3: Period of purification The final period of preparation is one of intense, spiritual recollection that usually coincides with Lent. It is a time for reflection and prayer. The candidates, now called the elect, purify their minds and hearts by celebrating several rituals. The three purifying rituals, known as the Scrutinies, strengthen the elect and help to complete their conversion. The Presentation of the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer enlighten the minds of the elect in the final weeks of their preparation for the Sacraments of Initiation, which will be celebrated the night of the Easter Vigil. Sacraments of Initiation: At the Easter Vigil, the candidates celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism (for the unbaptized), Confirmation and Eucharist. 4: Period of mystagogy After the Easter celebration, during the Eastertide is a period of mystagogia, a word from ancient Greek signifying a deepening understanding of the mysteries of our faith. During the Easter season, the newly initiated gather weekly to deepen their grasp of the paschal mystery. These new 4
Artwork by Graeme Hall Grade 7
Alaska in January? After the incessant snowfalls this winter, most Washingtonians dreamed about travel south to a tropical island. Not so for Father O who this January traveled north to Alaska. Father O described his experience as, “Wonderful! With sun and no wind, the 25-27 degree weather was really very nice.” The retreat for members of the Legion of Mary was a silent retreat, so even meals were in silence. When he wasn’t preaching and meeting with retreatants, Father read and caught up on his mail. Father attended the seminary in Wisconsin, so cold winter weather is not new to him. He had visited Alaska last summer with members of his former parish in southern Maryland, but returning in winter gave him a different perspective. In Anchorage, where Father gave the retreat, he visited Portage Glacier, stopped at a ski resort and did lots of walking. Days in Anchorage were nine hours long; not so in Fairbanks, just a two and a half hour flight away. There the sun rose at 10:43am and set at 3:00pm – only five hours of daylight. Ice sculptures that last summer needed to be housed indoors to preserve the ice are now outdoors; water thrown into the air becomes an icy mist. Snowmobiling is a top sport; Father did not say if he drove one.
Artwork by Lucy Fredell Grade 5
Purchased from Russia in 1867, Alaska was for many years a mission territory visited by Dominicans, Jesuits, and other orders of missionaries. Alaska’s Catholic church was organized as a diocese when the territory became a state in 1959. Father learned that the church in Alaska is “lively” although only eight per cent of the entire state attends church of any denomination. (In the continental U.S. the number is much higher.) Father commented, “The people are rugged individualists; they’re survivalists.” Father reflects his zest for life in all that he does, including his trip to the 49th state. However, like most travelers he said that he was glad to be home, saying, “I love being at Blessed Sacrament!” We love having you here Father!
Just In Time By John Dluhy, M.D.
I am a physician. I still spend time praying for my patients and various relatives with fatal illnesses. In reading about Jesus and how He cured people, I saw once again that He put the fact they had faith first. He forgave sin first.
Artwork by Patrick Pfohl Grade 2 March 2010
If people have faith, healing or cure can follow. We need to pray for others first that they have faith; then we can pray that they will be healed. Talking to God about this is healthy and time well spent. 5
AEDs Installed in Strategic Parish Campus Locations By The Blessed Sacrament Wellness Committee
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are now located in the mid-level (parking lot) hallway of the parish center, the lobby of the school office and the hall outside the gym. This was a coordinated effort involving the Parish Wellness Committee, the School Health Care Staff, the Parish Facilities Department, and an anonymous parishioner who donated one of the AEDs through the George Washington University Cheney Cardiovascular Institute ReStart Program. According to the American Heart Association, AEDs are computerized medical devices that check the heart Artwork by Jack Schultz rhythm of a person who is unresponsive, is not breathing Grade 5 and has no pulse. The device recognizes a rhythm that requires a shock, and the shock is administered. BUT AEDs are not self-executing miracle devices. Training is needed to operate the devices. This training, including CPR, needs to be part of a broader program in emergency preparedness. Key members of the parish and school staff, as well as parishioners, have already received training for cardiac and other medical emergencies. Future training sessions are planned and will be advertised. In addition, an “Emergency Procedures” sheet that covers a wide range of emergencies that can and have occurred on the parish campus, was prepared and is being posted in all locations where people gather. The sheet addresses possible cardiac emergencies as well as fire, security and power emergencies. Take a minute to see for yourself where these AEDs are located.
As always, thanks to our wonderful Blessed Sacrament School artists and to Ms. Judy Kearns, their art teacher.
Contributions of articles/photos/information for the monthly newsletter are always welcome. Please send material to:
[email protected].
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SHARE Blessed Sacrament Parish Food CoCo-op March 2010 Order Form Value Package — $20 • • • • • • • • • •
Chicken Drumsticks 1.7 lbs. Italian Meatballs 1 lb. Chicken Breast Strips 1 lb. Roast Beef Deli Meat 0.50 lb. Pork Chops 1 lb. Frozen Blueberries 1 lb. Frozen Sweet Potato Patties 1 lb. Potatoes 3 lbs. Onions 1.5 lbs. Plus 4-5 other fruit, vegetable and grocery items
Honey-Baked Sprial-Sliced Ham — $20 additional • • • • •
Cook’s 8 – 9 lb Honey-Cured Spiral-Cut Ham Bone-in, Vacuum-Packed, Wrapped in Gold Foil Ideal for Easter Dinner (April 4) This top-of-the-line Ham retails for $38 - $40 Quality at a Cost-Effective Price!
Order Form Submission Deadline: March 15 Please order ____ SHARE Food Package(s) for me @ $20 each = $______ Please order ____ Honey-Baked Sprial-Sliced Ham for me @ $20 each = $______ Total SHARE Food Package(s) and Honey-Baked Ham(s) = $ ____________
□ I wish to donate____ SHARE Food Package(s) to the Blessed Sacrament Food Bank (Donated packages do not have to be picked up; they will be distributed by volunteers.) Name: _________________________________________ Telephone: _____________________________________ Address:____________________________________________________________________________________ E-mail address:_________________________________ Pick up between 3 & 5 p.m. Friday afternoon, March 26, at the Duffy Parish Center, upper level, off the parking lot. Orders not picked up will be distributed to others. No refunds. Payment Method (please circle one): Cash, Money Order or Check payable to Blessed Sacrament. Mail order form and check or money order to: SHARE at Blessed Sacrament, 3630 Quesada Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20015. For more information, leave a message in the Blessed Sacrament SHARE Voice Mailbox (202.449.4611) or send an e-mail to
[email protected].
Irish Night Featuring the Music of Up Ya Boya! (Up Ya Boya! is an Irish phrase meaning “well done” or “good for you.”)
Date: Location: Cost:
Saturday, March 20 (6:30 p.m.) Blessed Sacrament Gym $40 per person, $75 per couple until March 14 – then $50 per person; Seniors - $30 per person
Proceeds to benefit:
Enjoy quality Irish food, refreshments and music For more information, contact:
[email protected] Tickets available at the door and online at: http://www.blessedsacramentdc.org/event/2010-03-20-irish-night/
Sacred Triduum Schedule 2010 Tuesday, March 30 7:30 p.m.
Lenten Penance Service
Wednesday, March 31 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Confessions
Holy Thursday, April 1 8 a.m. 7 p.m. 11:50 p.m.
Solemn Morning Prayer Liturgy of the Lord’s Supper; After Mass, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in the Chapel of the Duffy Parish Center until Compline (Night Prayers) at 11:50 p.m. Compline (Night Prayers) in the Chapel of the Duffy Parish Center
Good Friday, April 2 12 p.m. Stations of the Cross 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. Confessions 1:10 p.m. Outdoor Stations of the Cross with Neighboring Churches on the Circle (Gather at Blessed Sacrament @ 1 p.m.) 3 p.m. Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion 7 p.m. Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion
Holy Saturday, April 3 (Easter Vigil) 8 p.m.
Church
Easter Sunday Liturgies, April 4 7:30 a.m. 9 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m.
Church Church Church & Gym Church & Gym Church
