Parish Newsletter
September 2009
Message From Father John
Dear Friends, One of the things that this parish does regularly and well is send out a regular newsletter for our parishioners. The last one was sent in late May. Hopefully you have had a good summer. We have had a great summer here. It’s been busy. I have had some time away, and we have also welcomed two new wonderful priests—Father Jim Boccabella (Father Jim) and Monsignor Maury O’Connell (Father O). Both are very happy to be here, love the parish, and feel so supported by all of you who have welcomed them with such great hospitality these past few months. Please read the bios of our new priests in this newsletter, as well as some of their own reflections in the upcoming church Bulletins. We received news on July 31st, about a month later than expected, that the building permit for the Field of Dreams has been approved. By the time you read this, construction should be well underway to give our children a new play space. It should be open and ready for use sometime in October. It’s been a longtime coming—it took far longer than I ever expected—but now the children and their families can enjoy the space purchased, prepared and built especially for them. I am very excited for the children and all those who have been so generous. We have decided to put down an artificial turf field, which means the field will be available through all kinds of weather, much more than a regular grass field would be. Rain drains so quickly off of these fields; i.e., it can rain in the morning and still be used in the afternoon. Likewise, if it rains overnight, the field can be used in the morning. This is a great addition to our school, our School of Religion program and the entire parish community.
As we begin this very busy and special month of September, please look for ways to more actively participate in the parish. When I met with families over the summertime to welcome them into the school, I share the “Three T’s” with them by asking them to share their Time by attending Mass every Sunday; to share their Talent by participating an hour a week in some activity of the parish outside of Sunday Mass; and to share their Treasure by donating their first hour’s wages every week to the parish. These three goals have been well received by our new parents. It is appropriate that I share them with the entire parish community as goals we all should be trying to accomplish during this brand new year for our children, our families and for all of us who find ourselves busier than ever as the fall season begins. God’s blessings to all of our wonderful parishioners. We hope everyone can be involved in making our parish all that God wants us to be. Father John
Monsignor Maurice V. O’Connell (Father O) Father also served as a priest at Queen of Peace in SE Washington and as a chaplain at Good Counsel High School. Although he regards himself as somewhat linguistically challenged, Father obeyed, with concern, the directive of his archbishop to learn Spanish, living in Bogota, Columbia for a year. He more than rose to the challenge, and “El Padre” returned to an assignment working with the Spanish population at St. Catherine Laboure. Emphasizing that “God works in mysterious ways,” Father said that his knowledge of Spanish later enabled him to institute a Spanish Mass for the Spanish population at St. Bernard’s.
Monsignor Maurice V. O’Connell (Father “O”) comes to Blessed Sacrament in the role of senior priest, one who performs a priestly role with no administrative responsibilities attached. Father O has spent a long and varied career in the Archdiocese of Washington, having served under the leadership of four archbishops.
In the seminary Father spent two years in Wisconsin studying Latin. There he gained an appreciation for that part of the country and developed many friendships among the mid-Westerners. These and other life-long friends from his days in the seminary are among his many cherished relationships. We know Father will enhance this long list of treasured friends with many Blessed Sacrament parishioners.
If you believe in a small world, you won’t be surprised that Father O has known Father John since our pastor was a seminarian. In fact, Father John’s aunt was a parishioner in Father O’s most recent parish, St. Michael’s, Ridge, Md. (St. Michael’s is the most southern parish in Maryland, farther south than St. Mary’s City.) Father O, who grew up the brother of three sisters, enjoys people and easily relates personally. He enjoyed his years at St. Michaels; he even learned to play “Pitch”, a card game exclusively indigenous to Southern Maryland. However, Father now especially enjoys the camaraderie and collegiality of the many priests who live in the Blessed Sacrament rectory, and he looks forward to ministering to the very large parish and a school four times the size of the one he left. Father O grew up in Riverdale, in St. Bernard’s parish where he served as an altar boy and graduated from the parish school. He returned 32 years later as pastor.
Artwork by Alexa Angelus
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Father James Boccabella (Father Jim) Before he joined the seminary, Father James Boccabella (Father Jim) spent almost four decades as a layperson. His profession was accounting; as a CPA, he worked twenty-five years in several Washington public accounting firms and private companies, including various startup companies. Father Jim was born in Washington and grew up in St. Peter’s parish, Olney. A twin, Father Jim is one of twelve children whose dad owned a grocery store in Rockville. Growing up, the Boccabella siblings worked at the store; this experience afforded them and young Jim the opportunity to meet many types of people and learn to interact with them.
Ordained June 20, 2009, Father Jim was assigned as Associate Pastor to our parish. Father’s assignment was scheduled to begin July 1, but his work in the parish began immediately following his ordination. Several funerals and Blessed Sacrament exigencies arose with only the pastor ministering to over 3,000 families, so Father Jim graciously and generously stepped in early and began his assignment. Such a “can do” attitude has already won him the respect and gratitude of parishioners. He expressed appreciation for the loving community that exists here at Blessed Sacrament, and looks forward to getting to know and serve all of us in that community.
Ready to begin high school, the teen, Jim, explored the possibility of a priestly vocation for a year at a minor seminary, but he decided that at that time he should serve God in a lay vocation. He transferred to Good Counsel High School, and after graduating, headed for the University of Maryland and a degree in accounting. Thus, Jim began a long career in the business world and assisted with the needs of his family. Father Jim firmly believes, “There are no coincidences in life.” He elaborated, “There is a Divine plan that leads us where we should go, when we should go.” Again he heard the call to a priestly vocation and this time enrolled in Blessed John XXIII Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts. (Some parishioners will remember Father Jack Kennealy, now pastor at Immaculate Heart of Mary parish in Leonardtown, MD, who graduated from John XXIII before his ordination and assignment to Blessed Sacrament.) At the seminary, which shares teachers with the Archdiocese of Boston Seminary, Father Jim had time to explore deeply the Scriptures and teachings of the Church and to develop a spirituality he can now share with parishioners.
Artwork by Katie Herbert
September 2009
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Summer’s Over and Israel’s Story Begins! By Lisa Greenberg
Bread, Book, and Brethren, the Wednesday morning Bible Study, is trying three new things this year – an occasional DVD lecture by a national Biblical scholar, a look at the history of Ancient Israel as it relates to several different books of the Old Testament rather than a concentrated reading of a single book, and two lectures in succession by the same local Bible expert in order to get a good understanding of the lecturer’s approach. The general format of the Bible study session continues to be coffee, tea, and snacks after the 8:30 a.m. Mass, discussion of the scheduled material in a small group setting, and a lecture (live or on DVD!) on the material. Nan Levine considers the historical context of the early books of the Bible a way to understand how Israel’s nomadic herding culture helped to frame the Bible story and how the impact of neighboring cultures such as Egypt influenced the human understanding of the divine. She says, “The story of Ancient Israel is an extraordinary one considering its size, location and the power of the empires surrounding it. This year's study project will give us a chance to appreciate the history of our salvation within the context of changing times and challenges.” The use of the DVD lectures makes available to the Bread, Book, and Brethren members the current thinking and theorizing of well-known Biblical scholars. The expertise of these scholars, resident all over the United States, would otherwise not be available to the membership. Pat Chesen, who with a small committee selects and invites lecturers, is responding to a request from the membership for even more depth in the scholarly presentations. By asking specific lecturers to speak twice about succeeding passages, the lecturers will have the opportunity to develop their ideas about several chapters or stories within the material read. Monsignor Enzler will kick off the first meeting on September 9, which will include a discussion by Nan Levine about the chronology of ancient Israel. Mr. Joe Jensen will speak twice in September and Old Testament scholar Gideon Amir will follow with two lectures. The Bread, Book, and Brethren Bible Study welcomes new participants. If you think you would like to participate, please meet with us for the first meeting of the year after the 8:30 a.m. Mass in the Parish Center on Wednesday morning, September 9. For more information, visit http://www.blessedsacramentdc.org/faith-formation/bread-book-and-brethren-bible-study/.
Artwork by Claudia Reyes 4
JustFaith Program
New LANDINGS Session Begins September 24
By Pat Kavanaugh
By Karen Vittone
Catholic Churches throughout the United States are
Last spring Blessed Sacrament began a new ministry called LANDINGS, a program for inactive Catholics wanting to explore a more active return to their Catholic faith. It was a big success, not just for the four additional Catholics that we welcomed back to our church, but also for the active parishioners who participated as well. During this eight-week compassionate listening series, the group prayed together, shared their faith journeys and discussed their Catholic beliefs, all guided by the Holy Spirit.
recording record numbers of parishioners joining JustFaith. Sponsored by Catholic Charities USA and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, JustFaith is a popular and growing pastoral force. Core Gospel and Catholic Teaching question what it is that opens peoples’ hearts to recognize their kindredness and to respond to each other’s needs with compassion, love, generosity and care. The JustFaith program is about compassion and conversion and attempts to address this mysterious question through a formation process and a spiritual journey. Of the JustFaith process and journey one former graduate stated, “In JustFaith I met Jesus. In the faces of the poor, I met Jesus. In the lives of the courageous women and men fighting for peace and justice, I met Jesus. In the struggles of my companion classmates, I met Jesus. And, like everyone who ever met Jesus, I am changed now.” Participants first attend an introspective retreat, sharing their faith journey, building group solidarity and creating an openness for the discussions to come. Next, participants meet weekly for readings, videos, lecture, discussion, prayer “boarder crossings, ”which are hands-on experiences in justice education and much more. The intent of the JustFaith program is to provide learning opportunities that emphasize the remarkable justice tradition of the church. Join potential JustFaith 2009-2010 participants and previous JustFaith graduates at an informal, informational session (with refreshments, wine, coffee) on Tuesday, September 15, at 7 p.m. in the Duffy Parish Center Library. Find out if this new dynamic faith journey interests you. Listen to remarkable stories of recent graduates’ experiences and be prepared to have all your questions answered. For more information, contact Program Coordinator Jeanne Rossomme, 202.257.0663
[email protected] or Social Concerns Director Pat Kavanaugh 202.449.3987
[email protected].
September 2009
A new eight-week LANDINGS series will begin meeting Thursday, September 24. The main reason that all of the returning Catholics gave for attending our first LANDINGS session was that someone asked them! Please think of someone you know who “used to be Catholic” or who attends Mass only occasionally. God just asks us to invite, the Holy Spirit will do the rest! What greater act of love this year than to reactivate your own faith, or invite someone back home to the Church, through LANDINGS. The full participation of every Catholic is a precious gift to our faith community. There is no pressure, just an invitation to explore the possibilities. To find out more about LANDINGS, please contact Karen Vittone, at 301.585.0592 or
[email protected]. "Liturgy is not an option nor merely an obligation, not a bonus, but a need -- like food and drink, like sleep and work, like friends. We need to gather, listen, give praise and thanks, and share communion. Otherwise we forget who we are and whose we are, and we can have neither the strength nor the joy to be Christ's body -- present in the world today.” Joseph Cardinal Bernardin
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Adult Faith Formation, 2009-10
Rite Of Christian Initiation Of Adults (RCIA) Are you interested in the Catholic faith? The RCIA is designed for adults who would like to learn (or even re-learn) the basic tenets of Catholicism in an atmosphere that is warm, supportive, and friendly. Specifically this class is for: 1) persons who wish to receive the Sacrament of Baptism; 2) persons baptized in another Christian tradition who desire to become Catholic 3) persons baptized Catholic who wish to receive the Sacrament of First Eucharist and/ or the Sacrament of Confirmation 4) anyone who would like to learn more about the Catholic faith for the first time or as a refresher. The sessions are free and imply no commitment to convert to Catholicism and take place on Monday evenings from 7:30 to 9:30. The first session this fall will be on Monday, September 14 in the Duffy Parish Center. Contact: Rob Maro, 202.449.3989 or
[email protected].
Artwork by Annie Williams
Young Adult Bible Study (Single & Married 20s-40s) Meet new people and apply your Catholic Faith to every day life! Join the group on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month at 7:30 p.m. in the Duffy Parish Center Main Level Meeting Room where they discuss the theology and relevance of the Sunday Mass readings. The next meeting is Tuesday, September 15. For more information, contact Rob Maro at 202.449.3989 or
[email protected].
Class Taught By Brother Malachy Broderick, FSC The Deutero-Pauline and Pseudo-Pauline Letters & Hebrews — This class will explore the seven authentic letters of Saint Paul as well as the letters that were written by later Pauline disciples. Some contain Pauline thought but not Pauline authorship and hence are known as DeuteroPauline. The Pastoral letters, Titus and I & II Timothy contain neither Pauline thought nor Pauline authorship. The Letter to the Hebrews is in fact a catechetical tract and not a letter at all. It is not part of the Pauline Corpus. This class will be held on Tuesdays from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m. beginning Tuesday, September 15. For more information, contact Rob Maro at 202.449.3989 or
[email protected].
Class Taught By Brother Malachy Broderick, FSC The Classical Prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, & Ezechiel — Israel had many prophets but the most literary ones were known as the classical prophets. Their time is roughly the 8th century BC. They are important for us Christians because much of what they had to say is interpreted in light of Jesus and because they are heavily represented in our Liturgical cycle especially in Advent and Lent. This class will be held on Thursdays from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m. beginning Thursday, September 17. For more information, contact Rob Maro at 202.449.3989 or
[email protected].
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Focus On Volunteers
By Joy Choppin
It would have been hard to miss the fact that some repairs were made to the interior of the church. It all began when parishioners Agnes Clancy and Mike Hotka noticed that the frieze (the plaster decoration between the wall and the ceiling) above the confessional on the Quesada Street side and the gold leaf over the statue of Our Lady were in disrepair. Agnes, a painter, approached Mike, a residential repair craftsman, to fix the problem. As a gift to the parish, they presented a proposal on Thanksgiving Day 2008 to “restore water-damaged cornices, frieze and arched, sponge-painted ceiling areas of Blessed Sacrament Church without re-painting the entire interior of the building.” Father John gratefully accepted the proposal, and Ms. Clancy and Mr. Hotka began the repairs on January 2, 2009. Working around the daily Mass schedule, they began a process which lasted until late spring. Discovering that part of the frieze had separated from the cornice and was in danger of falling, they made that problem their first priority. Just that small portion of the repairs proved to be a difficult and challenging job. Experimenting with the composition of the new plaster, they made a cast of the damaged part. Finding an adhesive that would reattach the frieze to the cornice was another challenge. Then
September 2009
they had to make alterations to the colors of an existing paint color to match the rest of the frieze. They carefully addressed the normal changes that occur to paint over time and the effects of years of candle smoke and dirt. By trial and error, and sheer hard work, the clever and generous artist and craftsman solved the problems caused by water damage. In addition to the repair work, it was necessary to remove ladders for church services; the pews and aisles had to be cleaned, and then put back in place. Next came repairs to the statue of our Lady, some of the Stations of the Cross, and the statue of Sacred Heart. Father John spoke for all of us when he commented, “It’s an amazing thing to see the talents and gifts of parishioners who bring such expertise to such a complicated task as fixing frescoes and long-standing beautiful church decorations. We are grateful to Mike and Agnes for all their time and effort. For them, it’s a ‘labor of love;’ for us it’s a ‘thing of beauty.’ We are fortunate to have their artistic talents and their willingness to share those talents with us.”
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Cardinal McCarrick to Receive St. Luke Award On Monday, October 19, 2009,
His Eminence, Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick will receive the 2009 St. Luke Award. The award will be presented at the annual benefit reception held at the Vatican Embassy from 6:30-8:30 p.m. This event is held every October on or near the Feast Day of St. Luke. During the evening, the Saint Luke Award is presented to a man or woman whose professional life or charitable works embodies the ideals of the Institute: the rebuilding of the spiritual, physical, emotional, and intellectual life of those in need. In undertaking these tasks, the honoree is motivated by the Gospel ideals of compassion, charity, and a belief that all persons are brothers and sisters in Christ. Funds raised through the annual benefit support Saint Luke’s Charity Care Program. Many religious congregations as well as missionary/smaller dioceses are unable to afford treatment for their clergy and religious. Funds raised at the annual benefit provide for deeply discounted or free treatment for priests, deacons, sisters and brothers in need. For more information, go to http://www.sli.org/ help/SLIannualbenefit.html or contact Valerie A. Lapcinski, 301.445.7970; Fax: 301.422.5400;
[email protected].
Parishioner Authors Book Parishioner Patrick Malone is the author of a timely new book: The Life You Save: Nine Steps to Finding the Best Medical Care -and Avoiding the Worst (Da Capo Lifelong 2009). The book features true stories about avoidable health care tragedies from Patrick's career as a malpractice lawyer representing patients in Maryland, D.C. and Virginia. "This is a big issue that is mostly off the radar screen of the health care reform debate," says Patrick. "Lots of people get hurt every year, and millions of Americans suffer from indifferent, outdated health care, but the good news is that you can prevent this from happening to you or a family member. Better yet, you can find the very best care in the world." Patrick has been interviewed about the book on NBC's Today show and on ABC's Good Morning America Health. More information about the book is on his site: http:// lifeyousave.com. Patrick lectors at the 5:30 p.m. Sunday Mass and sometimes joins the choir at that Mass. He and his wife Vicki and son Brendan live in Chevy Chase, Maryland. In the first chapter of a book by Blessed Sacrament parishioners, Up All Night: Practical Wisdom from Mothers and Fathers, Patrick's tells his story about Brendan, who has autism.
Focus On Haiti
On October 31 and November 1, Father Reginald Jean-Mary will speak to the Blessed Sacrament community at all the Masses, informing them of the spiritual and temporal needs of the people of Haiti. Father has worked for many years with the people of Haiti and is the pastor of the largest Haitian Catholic community in Miami. One of our own parishioners, Anne Devereaux, has worked for many years with Father both in Haiti and in Barbados to address the many challenges of the people. On November 6, an evening cocktail buffet in an historic Chevy Chase home will raise funds for the establishment of a maternity clinic in Jean Rabel, the northwest area of Haiti. This is a way to enjoy a social evening with fellow parishioners and support the work of the gospel. Women from the surrounding Haitian countryside experience serious medical care needs that the projected clinic will provide. Mark your calendars, save the date, and contact Anne Devereaux at 301.652.9344 for further information.
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History Of Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church As Blessed Sacrament parish prepares for its centennial celebration in 2011, the newsletter will include a series of articles about the history of our neighboring churches and other Chevy Chase landmarks. In this issue, we are pleased to feature the Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church, our neighboring church across Chevy Chase Parkway. Our readers are certain to find especially interesting the information about the original assessment of Chevy Chase as “too far out of the city for settlement” and the closing of churches during the Spanish flu. During World War II many church members served in the military; the church itself took an active volunteer role, providing a regular open house and supper for Waves and Naval officers on duty in Washington. Additionally, the church bell tower was commandeered for airplane spotting. After the war, as part of the post-war relief effort, CCPC adopted destroyed churches in Hedel, Holland and Darmstadt, Germany, providing food, clothing and even live animals to the people. The church congregation grew notably in the 1950’s and by 1958 the church established the Weekday Nursery School, thus beginning a long history of valued educational introduction enjoyed by many neighborhood students.
Last year the Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church celebrated its 100th year of faith, witness and service. On January 26, 1908 the congregation was officially organized with 23 charter members who then applied to the Washington City Presbytery for permission to build a church at Chevy Chase Circle. However, the Presbytery responded negatively, indicating that Chevy Chase was too far out of the city; it was concerned that the neighborhood would never be built up. The charter members persisted in their request until the Presbytery agreed, and the members planned a small chapel for 200 congregants. Groundbreaking ceremonies took place on July 7, 1910, and two church members, the Simpson Brothers, contracted to build the church for $9,000, at no personal profit. The initial structure would be used as a church with the plan that it would become a future Sunday School department when a larger structure would be built.
The Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church has had a long-standing serious commitment to adult and youth Christian education programs, to assistance to the homeless and working- poor, and to mission activity. Establishing and working in schools and orphanages, church members have provided funds and direct personal assistance in many countries including Pakistan, Kenya, Korea and Latin America. The centennial celebration in 2008 capped 100 years of generous contributions to our community by our neighboring Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church. Blessed Sacrament looks forward to joining the congregation in a second century of service.
In the teen years of the 20th century, the area’s poor roads were often muddy, and houses were far apart. Members often removed their mud-clogged boots at the church’s threshold after crossing fields to get to church. In October 1918 the D.C. Health Department closed all the city’s churches because of the Spanish Flu epidemic. September 2009
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SHARE Food Co-Op is an amazing, unique program that is open to everyone. SHARE distributes highquality, affordable and nutritious food as a way to build community and strengthen families. The next page contains an order form for September and contact/resource information if you have questions about this program.
Artwork by Lila McGrail
As always, thanks to our wonderful Blessed Sacrament School artists and to Ms. Judy Kearns, their art teacher.
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SHARE BLESSED SACRAMENT PARISH FOOD COCO-OP
September 2009 Order Form Value Package - $20 • • • • • • • • • •
Split Chicken Breasts 1.7 lb. Tilapia Fillets 1lb. Meatballs 1 lb. Smoked Cocktail Franks 0.75 lb Shaved Roast Beef Deli Meat 0.50 lb. Chocolate/Vanilla Pudding Cups 4 pack Frozen Mixed Vegetables 1 lb. Potatoes 3 lbs. Onions 1.5 lbs. Plus 4-5 other fruit, vegetable & grocery items items
September Seafood Spectacular - $20 Additional • • • • • •
Fully-cooked, Peeled Shrimp Ring 0.75 lb. Flounder Fillets 0.50 lb. Tilapia Stuffed with Shrimp and Herbs 0.50 lb. Tilapia Stuffed with Scallops and Red Peppers 0.50 lb. Salmon Fillets 0.50 lb. Pollock Fillets 0.75 lb.
Order Form Submission Deadline: September 14, 2009 Please order ____ SHARE Food Packages for me @ $20 each = $______ Please order ____ SHARE Food September Grill Specials for me @ $20 each = $______ Total SHARE Food Package(s) and September Grill Specials = $ ____________ Name: _________________________________ Telephone: _____________________________ Address: _______________________________ E-mail Address: _________________________ Pick up between 3 – 5 p.m. Friday afternoon, September 25, 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]. September 2009
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