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Parish Newsletter Summer 2012

Message From Father Ron

Dear Parishioners: We celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ the second Sunday of June, a special time for us as a parish family since it is our parish feast day. The celebration of Corpus Christi gives us an opportunity to reflect on the precious gift of the Eucharist in our lives. The Eucharist is the heart of our life as Catholics and, for this reason, is the source, center, and summit of the whole life of the Church. It is the prime sacrament, the one from which all others come and the one to which all the others point. We call this sacrament, “blessed,” a biblical word that means a communication of God’s life to us. “Blessed Sacrament” is an apt name for Holy Communion, especially when we consider some of the blessings or fruits bestowed on us when we receive it. The principal fruit of receiving the Eucharist is an intimate union with Christ Jesus as we become one with Him in Holy Communion, “Whoever eats my flesh and

drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him” (John 6:56). Holy Communion is our spiritual food and nourishes our spiritual life just as food nourishes and gives us strength throughout the day. The Eucharist preserves, increases, and renews the life of grace received at Baptism so that we might continually answer the call to holiness throughout our lives. As Christ gives us the gift of Himself, He strengthens our love and enables us to die to our own selfish wants and desires. The Eucharist binds us together in the unity of the Mystical Body of Christ. Christ unites all of the faithful into one body—the Church. The Eucharist commits us to the poor, as Christ enables us to recognize His presence in the faces of our sisters and brothers who need our assistance. The Eucharist gives us the spiritual energy for our earthly pilgrimage, allows us a foretaste of heaven, and unites us with the Blessed Mother and the saints in heaven.

St. Augustine states, “Become what you receive.” The Eucharist reminds us that because we have received the Body of Christ we must become the Body of Christ. We are the Lord’s instruments and are called to care for the sick, old, and infirm; we are called to reach out to the lonely and discouraged; we are to bring His compassion and understanding to those who are hurting and wounded; and to be His voice for the marginalized in the cause of justice. Be assured of my daily prayers for you and your families, and have a blessed and safe summer. May it be a time of renewal not only for the mind and body, but also for the soul. Set some time aside for prayer to reflect on the many blessings the Lord has given you and to deepen your relationship with Him. Peace,

Father Ron

Just ‘N Time By John Dluhy, M.D.

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have seen more patients during my 50 years of practice who come to me with various illnesses that stem from early childhood deprivation of one sort of another. I have learned from trying to heal these “holes in their hearts,” that I can’t. Seen through Jesus’s eyes these are the “poor in spirit.” Instead of having a surfeit of love given to them as young children when they needed it, they only got enough from various sources to survive. These folks

may end up in my psychiatric treatment room, but no amount of professional love, the kind I deliver anyway, will fill them up. I believe if they have faith and open their hearts to Jesus Christ, He will heal them and finally receive them. It seems to be working for me! Editor’s Note: We are fortunate to have, free, these observations from a fellow parishioner, a medical doctor, gifted in healing the body and soul.

Appreciation…From The Editor

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o much time and talent goes into the production of this newsletter. Thank you to

Father Potts, the columnists, writers, photographers, student artists, and art teachers, Yves Clark, Judy Kearns

and

Grace

M c N i c h o l a s , whose

generous

contributions made

this

parish

communication possible this year. Thanks,

also,

to

Delphine Clegg, who processes the text and photos and pages,

electronically designs giving

publication

the the an

attractive, readable

Chloe Student Artist

style. We

wish

wonderful

you

a

summer;

the next newsletter will appear in the fall. Please remember to utilize the newsletter when publicizing your ministry’s events next year. Editor: Pat Watson

Pat Watson, Editor

Layout: Delphine Clegg Parish Logo Designs: Ellen Smyth Artwork: Blessed Sacrament School artists under the guidance of their art teacher, Judy Kearns

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Msgr. Maurice O’Connell: Spirituality At Sea

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n addition to gathering with family, friends and past and current parishioners this spring to celebate the 40th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood, Msgr. O’Connell (Father O), retired priest at Blessed Sacrament, spent 32 days on a working vacation aboard Cunard’s Queen Mary 2. From Hong Kong to London, Father celebrated daily and Sunday Masses, conducted Holy Week services at sea, heard confessions, and developed new friendships with many traveling passengers. Sunday congregations numbered about 150 Catholics, and daily Mass attendees numbered between 25 and 40 people. The ship’s busy schedule allocated 45 minutes for a religious service, so Father reported he had to “slightly adapt “ the regular Holy Thursday and Easter vigil services. Father took 500 small palm crosses to share with passengers and crew, so Holy Week symbols and prayers were in many cabins shipboard. Father was especially impressed with the singing and organization of the crew, when at the Masses he celebrated in the evening to match their schedule, they had the hymns and prayers projected on the wall for all to see.

a constant dredging operation. A ditch connecting three lakes, the Suez is single lane, allowing for only one large ship transit at a time. Two bridges cross the canal, one accommodates a train taking pilgrims to Mecca. Many tall, crowded ferries make the East-West crossing of the canal, darting perilously in between larger ships. The weather and potential pirates provided added excitement. A sandstorm in Egypt is among Father’s memorable shipboard moments when what he described as “a brown wall as far as the eye could see” hit the ship, darkening the skies and depositing fine sand everywhere. In the Strait of Hormuth, a British warship escorted the Queen, while security staff on all decks monitored the waters for pirates. Father read six books, wrote a travel blog and enjoyed the people and the life aboard ship, but he missed Blessed Sacrament, and after more than a month away, he was ready to return home. Father, we’re glad to have you back from your time with the Queen. We all missed you!

Father met many educated and interesting people who gave witness to their faith. Successful professionals, the travelers dialogued with Father throughout the trip; it was only at the end when business cards were shared that Father learned the level of their success. One American couple, now living in China, is active in the underground church there. Catholics living in this Communist country where religion is officially banned, come together regularly for prayer and the Eucharist and once every three weeks for a Mass celebrated by a visiting elderly priest. Although Father considers the people the highlight of the trip, he admits that the transit of the Suez Canal was the fulfillment of a childhood dream. Not the typical concrete-filled canal with locks, the Suez has no locks and is dug from the sand, requiring

Summer 2012

Artwork by Johnny Stanton Second Grade

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Annual Bulldog Run Reaches Record Numbers By Molly Flores, Sophomore, St. John’s College High School

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t was a beautiful day for the fifth annual Blessed Sacrament Bulldog 5k on Saturday, May 5. Father D’Silva began the day with a prayer and blessing, wishing a best of luck to all the runners. For many people this is a must-attend annual event. First place went to amateur runner, Omar Nour, with a time of 16.22. Running groups such as NRRL and Girl’s Up contributed several legs to the 5k. Following the race, participants enjoyed refreshments from Potomac Pizza, Vaccaro’s and Chevy Chase Supermarket. The most anticipated event by far was the Fun Run for the little kids. Co-chairs Cindy Hart and Lisa O’Neil were ecstatic about the turnout of over 400 runners and are looking forward to a bigger success next year. The Blessed Sacrament Community finished this great morning dancing to some songs supplied by DJ Iana.

 

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Summer Art Camp Returns

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fter a fun-filled, successful experience last year, Judy Kearns, Blessed Sacrament School art teacher, will again offer five weekly sessions of afternoon art camp for children. Sessions begin Monday, June

25 and continue weekly until July 27. The $225 fee includes materials, small-group instruction, and snacks. Unlock your child’s artistic abilities; contact Judy Kearns, 301.704.2470 or jkearns@blessedsacramentdc. org.

 Summer Fun – Art Camp 2012  Make all kinds of cool art from Tie-dye to printmaking. We will explore sculpture, drawing, painting, through the languid afternoons of summer, while enjoying new friends. Come and join us while we discover various artists and techniques. Each week we will work on new projects. Children can enroll in multiple sessions. Session 1: June 25 - June 29 Session 2: July 2 - July 6 (No class July 4; $180) Session 3: July 9 - 13 Session 4: July 16 - 20 Session 5: July 23 - 27 The camp meets from 12:30 to 3 p.m. The cost is $225 per week. All supplies and a snack are included (last year we enjoyed ice cream and watermelon). All are welcome. No special skill is needed. We will have fun discovering our creative abilities. To enroll your child in this camp, complete the form below and send it with a check made payable to Blessed Sacrament School to: Blessed Sacrament School Attn Judy Kearns Art Dept 5841 Chevy Chase Parkway, NW Washington, DC 20015-2599

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Summer 2012

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A Friendly Visit Results in Deagan Donation – A Step Back Into Our Chimes’ History By Joseph Bozik

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ho installed Deagan Company’s tubular chimes in our bell tower in 1935? In reality, it was Deagan engineer Clarence Gercken according to a 1935 log entry that son, Jack, still treasures at his Chicago home just blocks away from the original Deagan factory. Recently, I had an opportunity to meet Jack (himself a former employee) who graciously led a tour of two floors of the former factory at 1770 W. Berteau Street, still proudly standing in northwest Chicago.

Century-old, former Deagan Factory as it stands today. Photo by Joe Bozik

At our noon rendezvous time, Jack Gercken pulled up along the Deagan building virtually into the same parking space he used some 50 years ago. He was clutching a scrapbook under his arm; we greeted one another and proceeded to the lobby. We pressed the “keyboard” at the factory entrance, ringing “G-E-C” of a 1907 Deagan church organ chimes. Opening the door wearing

a smile, lab coat and well-worn hands, was Gilberto Serna, owner of Century Mallet, restorer of vintage Deagan marimbas, xylophones and related “chimes” percussion instruments. Jack and Gilberto greeted each other, and the Deagan chimes world of the last century came alive as the stories flowed. The John C. Deagan Company began making small percussion instruments in 1880, transforming to invent, then fabricate enormous tubular tower chimes in 1916. The company purchased the Berteau Street building in 1912 and successfully installed over 440 systems by 1957 (ours in 1935). Not being able to compete with newer technologies, Deagan closed its business in 1976, with the exception of the smaller percussion instruments division being purchased by Gilberto, who continues restoration of original Deagan instruments on the second floor. The building is well-maintained and today home to other graphics and small businesses. At its peak, the facilities included an 8,000 square foot machine shop, a 5,000 square foot wood shop with wood-curing kilns, a polishing and plating department, modern spray finishing bays, and over 30,000 square feet reserved for assembly operations, material storage, engineering and design offices, and shipping. The building’s clock tower also housed a 25-tone chimes system, but these chimes were subsequently sold to an admiring customer. Remnants abounded along the second floor ceiling of old belt-and-pulley systems to operate the various lathes and metallurgy machines in this vast room. Dozens of restored Deagan percussion instruments in mint condition were exhibited; it was like walking in continued on next page...

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a museum hall, with surrounding memorabilia, photos and awards. As we departed, and Gilberto returned to tuning a customer’s rosewood marimba pieces, we passed the room where John Deagan maintained his office on the first floor, on our way to one more stop: Rosehill Mausoleum. Dedicated in 1914, it is perhaps the grandest mausoleum in Chicago, in terms of size (enormously long corridors on two levels), beauty (Italian marble everywhere and spectacular stained glass by Tiffany and other artists), and recognized names (families of Richard Sears, Montgomery Ward and Oscar Mayer). Behind ornate bronze gates on the lower expansive level, Deagan and his family occupy a private room, confirming our research of the 1853-1934 dates of John C. Deagan. At the end of the visit, Jack continued the preservation of the legacy of Deagan tubular chimes and donated a pair of roller assembly brackets to Blessed Sacrament’s Chimes Committee. In gratitude, the Chimes Committee

will share maintenance and preservation advice with Jack. Thus, a friendly visit culminated in a future alliance linking our parish and the Deagan community. Interested in learning more about our chimes? Call 202.244.4833.

Joe Bozik, on left, visiting Jack Gercken (former Deagan Chief Engineer) and Gilberto Serna (Century Mallet Instruments owner).

Hands Across The Community Chevy Chase At Home Activities Chevy Chase at Home (CC@H) serves the community’s older residents. They report the following up-coming activities: The 2nd Thursday Brunch Bunch will get together from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on June 14 at the Olympia Coffee Shoppe, 7021 Brookville Road. This informal gathering with some of the CC@ H board members is always lively and fun, so drop by for coffee and conversation. Free parking in back.  If you’re thinking of becoming a member of Chevy Chase At Home, watch for its half-price sale, which begins July 1. And for information about its up-coming summer programs, visit www.chevychaseathome.org.

Summer 2012

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3630 Quesada Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20015 202.966.6575 www.blessedsacramentdc.org