Parish Newsletter September/october 2011
Message From Father Ron
Dear Parishioners, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for the warm and gracious welcome I have received from you since arriving here at Blessed Sacrament on July 6. I have been moved by your kindness, prayerfulness, and your desire to serve so many through the ministries offered in our parish. As you know, His Eminence, Donald Cardinal Wuerl, formally installed me on Sunday, September 11. I want to thank everyone who attended the 10:30 a.m. Mass and all those who made the celebration so beautiful, and the Sanctuary Sodality who prepared the reception after the Mass. In my closing remarks, I mentioned that the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament played a part in my being accepted as a seminarian for the Archdiocese. I applied to the Archdiocese in January of my senior year of high school. I had met with the vocation director, completed my application and psychological testing, and all that was left was the interview before the vocations board. I received a letter in early April to meet the vocations board
at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament. When my turn came to go before the board that morning, I was so surprised to walk into the room and take my seat before the fourteen member board. Although an intimidating experience, the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament played an important role in my being accepted to study for the priesthood. It is an exciting time to be assigned as pastor during this Centennial year. I have enjoyed reading and listening to the stories regarding the history of the parish. I am looking forward to the celebration of our parish Centennial Birthday Party on Friday, October 7, and the School Reunion Party on Saturday, October 8. Again, thank you for your gracious welcome. Be assured of my daily prayers for you and your families. Peace, Father Ron
Inside This Issue Welcome Father Ron
• 2
Centennial Celebrations
• 2
Welcome Back Father D’Silva • 3 Trip To Basilica In Baltimore
• 3
Just ‘N Time
• 4
“Why The Chimes Rang”
• 5
“Why The Chimes Sang”
• 5
2nd & 4th Monday Club
• 6
Everyday Evangelizing
• 7
Books Of The Bible
• 7
“A Saint Among Us”
• 8
Prayer For Canonization
• 9
Radio For The Soul
• 9
School Corner
• 10
Hands Across The Community • 11 Parish Events In November
• 12
Other Parish Events
• 13
New Roman Missal Questions • 14 School Reunion Party
• 15
Parish Welcomes Father Ron Potts
B lessed Sacrament’s new pastor, Father Ron, is not really a newcomer any more. He became pastor
on July 6, which in fast-paced Washington is a long time ago. As parishioners return from summer activities ready to begin another year of committee and volunteer-related parish activities, they are meeting and getting to know an impressive and capable leader. They are learning why his wide, warm smile, charming manner, and wise sermons already have made a strong impression on many. A native Marylander, Father Ron, as he asks to be called, was born in Leonardtown and grew up in southern Maryland. After high school graduation, Father Ron was accepted as a seminarian for the Archdiocese of Washington, attending St. Pius X Seminary, Dalton, Pennsylvania and the University of Scranton. Later, he earned a Master of Arts in Theology at Mount St. Mary’s University, Emmitsburg, Maryland. After his ordination twenty-two years ago, Father Ron spent six years at St. John’s Parish, Hollywood, Maryland and five years at St. Jane de Chantal Parish in Bethesda. In September, 2000, Cardinal Hickey assigned Father Ron to Mother Seton parish in Germantown after the tragic murder of Msgr.
Thomas Wells, who grew up in Blessed Sacrament Parish. Father Ron’s assignment was complex: help the parish heal, build a rectory, complete the site work on the property, and build a new church. With the support of the parishioners, Father Ron accomplished all these things! In September, 2007, Cardinal Wuerl assigned Father Ron as pastor to Sacred Heart Parish, La Plata, Maryland where he served until his appointment to Blessed Sacrament. In addition to his parish duties, Father has served as a chaplain to the Girl Scouts of the Archdiocese of Washington and as a member on numerous boards, councils, and committees. He has impacted such groups as Christmas in April, Helping Hands, and Forward in Faith; he has served on the Priests’ Council, the Permanent Diaconate Review Board, and the Board of Carroll Publishing, among other groups. Father, we welcome you as our spiritual leader, our pastor, and our friend. May your days here be many, and joyful.
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lthough many of our readers have discontinued counting their own birthday candles, everyone will want to recognize the achievement of the 100th year birthday of Blessed Sacrament Parish. Two special events will fill the October 7-8 weekend calendar. On Friday, October 7, the 100th Birthday Party will begin with a 7 p.m. cocktail party that will be followed by an 8 p.m. seated, celebratory dinner catered by Ridgewells. The evening will include dancing. On Saturday, October 8, Blessed Sacrament School will hold a School Reunion Party for former students and friends of the school from 6:30 p.m. until midnight. For additional information, contact Tom Howe, 202.449.3977 or
[email protected], or visit www.blessedsacramentdc.org and click on “Centennial” to make your reservation online. Reservation deadline is Monday, September 19.
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Blessed Sacrament Welcomes Back Father D’Silva
ISacrament n 2006, the Spring edition of the Blessed newsletter included an announcement
of Father Percival D’Silva’s appointment as pastor of St. Thomas Apostle Parish. Now Blessed Sacrament Parish welcomes Father back as he renews his ministry at Blessed Sacrament where he has chosen to spend his retirement years. In a farewell newsletter article written by journalist Barbara Rosewicz and The Wall Street Journal‘s Washington editor, Jerry Seib, the authors recalled the many contributions of Father D’Silva during his eighteen years of service to Blessed Sacrament. The writers lauded Father as “the unquestioned leader of the Gym Mass” and cited his gift of new energy to the parish’s family life and marriage preparation programs. During his previous service in our parish, Father was in charge of Eucharistic ministers and lectors
and the contact for the Arimatheans. He was also instrumental in creating the Christmas gift collections and in creating an Advent wreath workshop for families. Father has the ability to relate to all people. As Rosewicz and Seib recalled, Father “started Mother’s Day and Fathers Day talks, saved them, and shepherded them into a book, Up All Night: Practical Wisdom from Mothers and Fathers.” The book became listed on Amazon. Father D’Silva often focused his sermons on the social justice mission of the Church, and parishioners still remember how after 9/11, Father proudly grabbed an American flag after Mass and carried it in the recessional procession. We welcome you back, Father, and look forward to the renewal of many interactions with you.
Senior Group Visits Baltimore Basilica By Rita Killian
On Monday, May 23, 40 members of the 2nd & 4th Monday Club and friends boarded a Baltimore-bound bus to visit America’s first cathedral, officially known as the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Located in downtown Baltimore, the first great metropolitan cathedral constructed in the United States (1806-1821) after the adoption of the Constitution, the Basilica is a fitting symbol of the country’s newfound religious freedom.
Bill Mullan shared information about his great-grandfather who had been a sexton at the Basilica and who, as part payment of his salary, lived in a house on the property that is now the gift shop.
Artwork by Gavin Brady Second Grade
After a tour and noon Mass, the group adjourned to New Cathedral Cemetery to visit the grave of Blessed Sacrament’s founder Msgr. Smyth. Honoring the 60th anniversary of Msgr. Thomas Gibbons Smyth’s burial, the accompanying seminarians led the group in prayers at his gravesite. Cemetery personnel assisted the group to set up a picnic venue, and the group enjoyed a lunch of Maryland crab-cake sandwiches. Enroute home, Ryan Pineda led the rosary to complete what all agreed was a fabulous day.
September/October 2011
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Just ‘N Time This regular newsletter column written by parishioner and psychiatrist John Dluhy, M.D. examines many spiritual aspects of life. Here, although John treats the story of Jesus from a different perspective so that a child can understand it, it is a story with a message for all.
The Story of Jesus I Wish to Tell My Grandchildren It is important for each person to
have a faith. Dostoevsky wrote that in his book, War and Peace, and I believe it. Some people have faith in science; some have faith in the Buddha. I have faith in Jesus Christ. I think Jesus is the universal therapist – someone who helps you live your life in a healthy way and who shows you how to act with your final destination in mind. Our goal after we die is to go to be with God in Heaven, so we look to Jesus for advice. Jesus was born 2000 years ago in the country of Israel in the WestBank town of Bethlehem. His mother’s name was Mary, and his stepfather’s name was Joseph. Jesus lived and worked for 32 years. Living in a small but pleasant West Bank community called Nazareth, Jesus had a normal childhood and wonderful parents. His parents gave Jesus a good Jewish education as Jewish parents still do. Jesus learned His lessons very well and was highly thought of by His teachers, the rabbis. As He grew up, Jesus was very obedient growing up and never gave His parents any trouble. He learned carpentry from His stepfather, and
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carried on the business after His stepfather died. Jesus practiced frequent meditation and prayed to His real father- God. God talked to Jesus, too. When Jesus was 28 years old, his older cousin, John, baptized Him at the river Jordon. There God spoke to everyone in a loud voice so all could hear it, “This is My son in whom I am well pleased.” God has never spoken these works to anyone else before or since.
then He went back to Heaven to be with God. Now the Catholic Church is more than 2000 years old and has more than 2 billion members. The Church cares for the people and will continue to do this forever. Aren’t you lucky to be a part of this very large family led by Jesus of Nazareth?
Then Jesus got together a team of 12 helpers called Apostles and began to travel on foot all over Israel to teach everybody He met. Jesus taught His followers to imitate Him. He told them that if they led a good life, after they died, God would say “I am pleased with you” and invite them into Heaven. Many people did not want to hear that we should first please God during our lives. The authorities were suspicious of Jesus, arrested Him, and gave Him a trial. During the trial He said He was God. This made the dictator very angry, so he punished and executed Jesus. Jesus shocked everybody by becoming alive again and teaching His followers some more. He started the Catholic Church, and
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“Why The Chimes Rang” – A Lost Pantomime Of 1939 By Joe Bozik
P
erhaps lost in time, or is it possible you may be able help the Chimes Committee solve this mystery? Perchance you are one of the names mentioned below or recognize a name who may provide some clues. The January 1939 Parish News reported that Blessed Sacrament’s Girl Scout Troop 46 presented in pantomime “Why the Chimes Rang” on Father Smyth’s Feast Day, December 21. The Troop planned, rehearsed and costumed the pantomime by themselves with very little outside help. This was done as part of the requirement for earning a new, dramatic merit badge, and the Troop, as a whole, was determined to be one of the first troops in the city to win this badge. At that time, it is believed the Blessed Sacrament Troop was lead by Mrs. J. D. Fitzgerald and were
mainly second grade classmates at Blessed Sacrament School (formally Blessed Sacrament Class of 1945). There were 24 members in the Troop including Barbara Bauman, Joy Bergeron, Joan Carson, Kathleen Cole, Jean Connors, Geraldine Crismond, Barbara Croarkin, Jean Croker, Susan Dwan, Anne Fahy, Helen Marie Fitzgerald, Mary Jane Hackett, Mary Rita Kennedy, Janet McCaffrey, Nancy McCarthy, Rosemary Miller, Edith Moses, Mary Frances O’Connor, Sara Ann Peabody, Gertrude Ann Price, Patricia Stafford, Alice Thomas, Jane Thomas and Jean Wiley. The Chimes Committee is sincerely curious about this pantomime and welcomes any clues or information you may be able to provide. Contact Joe Bozik, 202.244.4833 or
[email protected].
“Why The Chimes Sang” – A Christmas Program Play By Joe Bozik
T
he January, 1942 Parish News reported
It is curious that the title of this play is similar to,
that
but not the same as a pantomime presented by Girl
Blessed Sacrament School’s Dramatic
Class (eighth graders) presented “Why the Chimes Sang” during the December, 1941 Christmas program. The play
Scout Troop 46 in December 1938 to Father Smyth
entitled,
“Why
the
Chimes
Rang.”
included two scenes that took place in the fifteenth century:
Question:
Could
these
two
a peasant’s hut on the edge
plays be similar in scope and
of a forest near a cathedral
content, or would someone
town, and the chancel of the
know
cathedral.
were? Perhaps the original
The
instructor,
Miss G. Finnerty, directed the cast: Mary Ellen Myers, Jean Connors,
Jack
Keenan,
Barbara
how
different
they
pantomime became a musical, and hence the title changed from “Rang” to “Sang”?
Bauman, Thomas O’Neill, Jack Hayden, Ellen Robertson, Kathleen Milloy, Charles Hunter, Patricia Hurney, Gertrude Maloney, Frank Buckley, Jean Wiley, Walter Sullivan, and John Daly.
September/October 2011
Question: Is the history of Girl Scout Troop 46 archived? If so, where? Artwork by Anne Patterson Second Grade
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The 2nd & 4th Monday Club and the Adult Center By Rita Killian
IAdult n this Centennial year, it’s good to reflect on our past. Both the 2nd & 4th Monday Club and The Center were launched under the initiative of our beloved pastor Msgr. Joseph Corbett to offer
spiritual and leisure activities for the parish retirees. The 2nd & 4th Monday Club, established in 1975, offers a variety of programs including lectures, trips to historic sights, churches, theatres and a oncea-month luncheon. These activities are held (you guessed it) on the 2nd & 4th Mondays of the month in Apartment #1 in the Chevy Chase apartment building, another historic sight also celebrating its centennial year. A few years after the establishment of the 2nd & 4th Monday Club, Msgr. Corbett proposed that a first floor unit of the “parish-owned apartment building be converted into a center open daily for drop-in visits, companionship and leisure activities.” This Adult Center, which come to fruition in 1981, was first known as the Grace McKenna Center in honor of Grace McKenna, a well-known parishioner who had resided in that apartment for more than 30 years prior to its becoming the center. Later the center was renamed for Ray Manning to recognize his enormous contribution as its first director and benefactor. Now, on the 30th Anniversary of its establishment, the current group of 2nd & 4th Monday Club and Adult Center participants have decided to rename the center again. Going forward, the center will be known as “The Msgr. Joseph Corbett Adult Center” to honor the pastor who contributed so much not only to the seniors of the parish but also to the parish as a whole. Adult Center activities take place on weekday afternoons after the 11 a.m. Mass. Beverages and desserts are provided everyday for participants, who are encouraged to bring their brown bag lunch. The following is a summary of our weekly activities: Mondays (1st & 3rd) are filled with fun activities such as bingo and other games, movies, book revues, focused discussions or an occasional scenic drive. Tuesdays (lst & 3rd): Tuesdays with Maury, something new we are introducing this year beginning September 20. For those of you who don’t know, Blessed Sacrament has its very own Maury, Father O (Msgr. Maurice O’Connell). Father O will lead a gathering of interested parishioners in discussing “Life’s Great Lessons - Learned From Experience.” The topics will include the world, love, work, community, family, aging, forgiveness, sickness and death. On the alternate Tuesdays (2nd & 4th) we will continue our Scripture readings and reflections. Artwork by Brendan Egan Wednesdays at noon: We offer a superb art class, Seventh Grade led by parishioner Dick Swartz. Dick is an awardwinning water color artist who also teaches classes at the historic Washington Arts Club and many local senior living residences. In his teaching, Dick focuses on God’s beautiful creations, emphasizing the unique gifts God has given each of us, including artistic abilities we may not even realize.
Thursdays at noon: A welcoming group of parishioners and friends play rubber bridge (intermediate level). We are always looking for new participants and would love it if you would join us. This is “dropin” bridge, so you don’t need to bring a partner or a foursome, just bring yourself. (Of course we would also welcome your partner or table of four, but it isn’t necessary.) Because the end time of the 11 a.m. Mass varies, specific activities like art classes, bridge, etc. begin at noon. Consider this your invitation to join us for any and all of these activities. Have ideas or suggestions to add to our repertoire, don’t hesitate to contact me at
[email protected] or 202.363.5069.
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Everyday Evangelizing for Everyday Catholics By Karen Vittone
Blessed Sacrament is preparing for its autumn
LANDINGS session beginning October 6. As coordinator of this ministry, I would like to share with you some of my thoughts and observations over these past three years with the hope that you will continue to share LANDINGS with your friends, neighbors and relatives as one way to take another look at returning to one’s childhood faith. The major reason people give for not attending church is apathy, not scandal or major disagreements with the Church. Even if there was a disagreement or negative experience, over time some who were formerly active Catholics became passive and no longer felt compelled to participate. Gradually they just drifted away. As we all know, the central tenet of “everyday evangelizing” is demonstrating, by our lives, that Christianity is about attraction, not promotion. Are we living attractive lives? Do we live, love and work differently? Who does your life intrigue? The Catholic Church’s strongest asset is conveyed through our example and our actions. When we develop our Catholic identity and live it to its fullest, our lifestyle and enthusiasm become contagious— we are reaching here for irresistible! This is when we become powerful witnesses. As modern Catholics, we tend to just blend in. But we must seek to be more open and to look for opportunities to draw our inactive brothers and sisters in; many are on the edge of returning. I truly believe that the Holy Spirit places people in our path. For many it takes just one person in their lives to reach out, a person guided by the Holy Spirit and a love of their faith, to patiently nurture them. There should be no pressure, just a sharing of their faith and what Christ has done for them in their lives. When we reach out and share our faith stories in a warm, inclusive and welcoming manner, we become a strong witness for our Catholic faith. Lay Catholics have the living day-to-day contact and potential for helping disengaged Catholics that our clergy and religious may not have.
September/October 2011
We all know that by the virtue of our Baptism, we are all called to be disciples. While we should constantly be evangelizing by example, we should also be thinking creatively for ways to share our faith with others. When an opportunity does occur, we must make the most of every moment by focusing on the people and not the speculation about whether or not others will actually return to the Church. The central message is simply to convey God’s love for them, that God meets them at any point in their faith journeys, that He wants to forgive and forget, and to pray to Him for guidance. God only asks us to share our faith and to invite; the Holy Spirit will take it from there. Some people may not return immediately, or perhaps they won’t return at all. But their experience with us, either by observation or conversation, will affect them.
An Invitation To Study Books Of The Bible
Bread, Book, and Brethren, the Blessed Sacrament Bible Study Group, invites all to join them in studying the Book of Wisdom and the Epistles of St. John this year. Father O kicked off the first meeting on September 14 with an introduction to the Book of Wisdom. New members are welcome at any time during the year. The group gathers Wednesday mornings after the 8 a.m. Mass on the main level of the Duffy Parish Center. The program includes refreshments from 8:30 to 9 a.m, an opening prayer, small-group discussion until 10 a.m., and a lecture or DVD on the material studied with large group discussion until 11 a.m. More information can be found at www.blessedsacramentdc.org under “Parish Organizations.”
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“A Saint Among Us” The Life and Legacy of Mary Virginia Merrick, Founder of the Christ Child Society, and Candidate for Sainthood. By Cleo Tavani
Ithef you had come to Mass at Shrine of the Most Blessed
Sacrament on a Sunday morning in the early 1950s, that frail elderly lady in a wheelchair worshipping along with you may have been the woman now under consideration by the Catholic Church for canonization. Mary Virginia Merrick, the founder of the Christ Child Society, lived in our parish community from 1921 until her death in 1955. Longtime parishioners remember her being wheeled down Brookeville Road and into the church. For all of her adult years until she died at the age of 88, Mary was confined to a wheelchair or a bed, paralyzed because of a childhood accident. With only the use of her hands and arms and usually in constant pain, “Miss Mary” as she was called, established thirtyseven chapters of the National Christ Child Society in the United States and one at The Hague before she died. Mary’s life provides American Catholics with an exceptional witness to the faith and “culture of life.” The fact that with all the physical handicaps she endured, Mary founded this still-thriving charitable organization, raises her virtue to an heroic level. This service to the poor and vulnerable was based solely on her devotion to the Christ Child and her belief that anything asked of Him for a child would be given. In launching this phase of the cause, Cardinal Wuerl called for the collection of evidence
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and interviewing of witnesses. Theologians and historians will be appointed to research the many writings of the candidate. Also, two miracles attributed solely to the intercession of Mary Virginia Merrick must be recognized by Church authorities. (For the beatification of a Servant of God, a miracle attributed to her intercession, verified after her death, is necessary. That person then receives the title “Blessed”. For canonization, another verified miracle is needed. With canonization, the person receives the title of “Saint.”) Cardinal Wuerl has called upon all those persons who may have useful information regarding the Cause of Beatification and Canonization of Mary Virginia Merrick to submit such documents and information. That information can be sent to the Archdiocese of Washington, P.O. Box 29260, Washington, DC 20017, faxed to 301.853.7674 or e-mailed to www.MVMcause@ adw.org. Blessed Sacrament parishioners have a special opportunity to find out more about all the topics covered in this article by coming to the 12:30 p.m. Mass on Sunday, November 6th, for a celebration of the Mass by Monsignor John Enzler, Spiritual Advisor of the Washington chapter of the Christ Child Society and former pastor of the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Parishioners are invited to come to the school auditorium after the Mass to attend a celebration of the life and legacy of Mary Virginia Merrick. A brief film about Mary Virginia Merrick will be followed by
presentations of the presidents of both the Washington chapter and the national chapter of the Christ Child Society. In addition, we are very pleased to have Kathleen Asdorian, Postulator for the Cause of Canonization and Beatification of Miss Mary, and Jeannine Marino, Vice-Postulator, to provide all the details of this amazing process. There will be a display of some artifacts which belonged to Miss Mary as well as layette blankets crafted by Blessed Sacrament volunteers. This event is being sponsored by the Mary Virginia Merrick Guild of the Washington Chapter of the Christ Child Society; many Blessed Sacrament parishioners are among its members. It is also their contribution to the celebration of the Centennial of the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Parishioners can also advance the cause by saying the “Prayer for the Canonization of Mary Virginia Merrick.” In addition to prayers, voluntary good will donations to the National Christ Child Society to advance the Cause for Canonization of Mary Virginia Merrick are greatly appreciated. Please note your donation is for the Cause for Canonization and send it to the National Christ Child Society, 4340 East West Highway, Suite 202, Bethesda, MD 20814. Additional information regarding the Cause for Canonization of Mary Virginia Merrick may be found at www.nationalchristchildsoc.org or by emailing: canonization@ nationalchristchildsoc.org. Find us on Facebook
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Radio For The Soul By Karen Vittone
As many of you may know, the Metropolitan Washington area has a terrific Catholic radio station, WMET 1160 AM. WMET is committed to providing solid Catholic programming addressing the specific needs of Catholics. The station is presently working on cooperative efforts with local diocesan hierarchies and clergy to create and develop programming to meet the needs and interests of the nearly five million people WMET reaches daily.
Prayer For The Canonization Of Mary Virginia Merrick Lord God, in your special love for children, you chose to raise up Mary Virginia Merrick to be the servant of the poor children. In laboring to serve the young and those without hope because of the crushing weight of poverty, she proclaimed the love of your Son. She made her life’s work a
I have agreed to be the station’s representative for our parish; the station is looking for ways to get the word out about the station and to share parish news of importance or interest with our metro-area Catholic community. At this point I am not exactly sure what this entails, but I am looking forward to assisting in any way possible since I have been an avid listener for the last six months. There is much variation to the programming, and it is very engaging, informative and thought-provoking, not to mention a great evangelization tool. I listen while working around the house, gardening, driving, exercising and walking. Tune in for a listen, and check out their on-line schedule at: www.grnonline. com. It’s good for the soul!
demonstration that “nothing is ever too much to do for a child.” Grant that her example of selfless charity and courageous virtue in the face of her own suffering will inspire us to be as generous in the service of others. We humbly ask that your servant Mary Virginia Merrick be numbered among the Church’s canonized saints for the edification of your holy people, in accord with your most holy will. Through her intercession, please hear and answer my request (state intention). Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Source: http://www.nationalchristchildsoc.org
September/October 2011
Artwork by Elon Epps Seventh Grade
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School Corner
We are pleased to include a new feature in the newsletter this year: news from our parish school. Jillian Bastow, Middle School Language Arts, and her students have graciously accepted our invitation to provide regular input about the activities at Blessed Sacrament School.
W
hen I was in elementary and middle school, my parents would take my brother and me to Staples to buy new school supplies. It was a family affair; my mom would circle the date on the calendar, and we would go to dinner before descending upon the store. At dinner, we would each forecast the anticipated “peak” and “pit” of our upcoming school year. Mine usually went, “Peak: excited to see my friends and start a new history class. Pit: math!” As we walked through the aisles, my father would sing “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” The return to school truly is an exciting time full of possibility. As usual, there are a lot of “peaks” at Blessed Sacrament School. Over the summer, the K-5 teachers participated in Responsive Classroom training. Responsive Classroom is an approach based on research that increases academic achievement and social skills while decreasing problem behaviors resulting in more high quality instruction. The K-5 teachers had rave reviews and have seen Responsive Classroom be effective in their classrooms. Upstairs, the middle school advisors reviewed and analyzed the advisory model. The result is a modified advisory that centers around three core ideas: Academics, Community and Spiritual Growth. Advisory aligns students with an adult advocate and
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small group of peers to help them navigate all three areas. As a whole school community, Blessed Sacrament School has adopted the Bulldog Pledge. Every advisory and homeroom recites it each morning after prayer. The pledge is designed to remind the students that they are part of a community of learners, and that they are also part of a Catholic community. There are so many “peaks” at Blessed Sacrament School. Perhaps the only “pit” in sight is that summer has come to an end. But, as my father says, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!”
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Chevy Chase At Home Offers New Support Program Dr. Nathan Billig, Geriatric Psychiatrist and
speaker will be Bonnie Klem, LCSW-C, Adult
CC@ H Board member, is organizing a small
Protective Service Investigations Supervisor. She
support group for adult children of aging
will be joined by Nina Chaiklin, LCSW-C, Social
parents in response to requests from several
Services to Adults Case Manager and the Senior
local residents. This is a unique opportunity to
Care Program Coordinator. You won’t want to miss
share your concerns with others facing similar
this timely presentation, 2 to 4 p.m. at the Chevy
situations and to benefit from the experience
Chase Village Hall.
of an expert in the field. The 10 monthly sessions, held from 7:30 to 9 p.m. on one
Hands Across The Community
Tuesday each month until summer, are free to CC@ H members and the children of members. Enrollment is limited to 7 to 10 participants, who should attend all sessions. If the group isn’t filled by members, non-members may enroll for a fee. To enroll, or for information, call the CC@ H office at 301.657.3115.
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On Thursday, October 13th, our monthly Brunch Bunch will gather once again from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Olympia Cafe, 7021 Brookville Road. Come meet Nathan Billig and Janet Regan and have a chance to chat about any topic you want to bring up. The coffee is good, the conversation stimulating, the atmosphere comfortable, and there’s free parking in back. Best of all, it’s FUN! What more could you ask for?!
Are you puzzled by some of the new words
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that now seem to be part of our every day vocabulary? Do you ever wonder what your
To release your inner artist, be sure to join us at
teen-age grandchildren are talking about??
CC@ H’s Meet & Mingle on Tuesday, October 18th,
If so, you won’t want to miss CC@ H’s Meet
2 to 4 p.m. at the Chevy Chase Village Hall, where
& Mingle on Tuesday, September 20, 2011,
local artist and teacher Millie Shott will show us
to hear Alan Fern (over 50) and Jack Arnholz
how to “Be Creative With Inks.” Prepare to splash
(under 20) on “Techno Talk: Defining Those
around a bit and see what you can come up with!
Words You Have Always Wondered About.”
As always there will be delicious refreshments.
The fun starts at 2 p.m. and continues till 4, including refreshments, at the Chevy Chase Village Hall.
Check out the Upcoming Events section on our website at www.chevychaseathome.org to find out
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what’s in store. Topics and speakers will be listed
CC@ H’s Meet & Mingle will present an
there when we have confirmation. Future events
informative program on Tuesday, October
include an opportunity to meet CC@ H Board
4th, entitled “Navigating the System: Dealing
members Bill Gilbert and Peter Gray when the
with Medicare, Care Giving, etc.”
Brunch Bunch gets together on November 10th.
September/October 2011
The main
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Dining And Rock ‘N Roll For Charity
Rosaria Communities of the Archdiocese of Washington is a nonprofit corporation established to build or acquire homes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their first home is on the grounds of St. Rose of Lima in Gaithersburg, and their goal is to have other group homes in parishes throughout Montgomery County. (www. rosariacommunitiesinc.org) Jubilee Association of Maryland is a nonprofit organization that provides residential services and support to people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. Jubilee is in partnership with Rosaria Communities in serving the developmentally disabled. (www.jubileemd.org) RSVP by October 9 to Alycia Alexander, 301.949.8628, X114 or
[email protected].
Saint Luke Institute To Honor Jane Belford, Esq. The Saint Luke Institute will hold its 2011 Annual Benefit Reception at the Vatican Embassy in Washington, D.C. on Monday, October 17, at 6:30 p.m. Jane G. Belford, Esq., Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Washington will receive the 2011 Saint Luke Award. For more information, contact Carolyn Boyle or Valerie Lapcinski at Saint Luke Institute:
[email protected] or ValerieL@sli. org; 301.422.5405 or 301.422.5406.
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On November 2, the feast of All Souls, the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament will be transformed into a mini-European cathedral. If you’ve never attended the evening Mass that remembers the souls of the deceased and honors, in a special way, those parishioners who have died this past year, you’ve missed a unique experience. The Blessed Sacrament choir, accompanied by a group of orchestral musicians, will perform the Faure Requiem Mass, a Requiem in D minor. The best known of Gabriel Faure’s work, this choral-orchestral work directed by Jay Rader, Blessed Sacrament’s music director, is truly inspiring in its presentation. A reception in the Msgr. Duffy Parish Center will follow the Mass that begins at 7 p.m.
Annual Sodality Bazaar Inspires Spirit Of Giving By Sheila Menn A hallmark of the holiday season, the Blessed Sacrament Sanctuary Sodality Holiday Bazaar helps enrich the spirit of giving in our community each year. Proceeds raised by the event benefit nearly 20 local charities and enable the Sodality to contribute financial support to parish projects. Never an event to miss, the Sodality Bazaar gives all of us a great jump start on our holiday shopping. We welcome everyone’s help to make this year’s Bazaar a success! If you are interested in being a vendor at the bazaar or have a vendor to suggest, please contact
[email protected] or 202.494.2433.
On The November Parish Calendar
Hands Across The Community
Msgr. John Enzler and Blessed Sacrament parishioners Patrick and Vicki Malone, will co-host a fundraiser to benefit Rosaria Communities and Jubilee Association of Maryland on October 14 from 7 to 11 p.m. at Rock Creek Mansion, 5417 West Cedar Lane, Bethesda, MD. The evening includes a buffet dinner, open bar, and dancing. Suggested donation is $100 per person.
Faure Requiem To Honor Deceased Parishioners
Also, please start collecting your gently used women’s and children’s clothing, as well as any kitchen and home décor items to contribute to our White Elephant sale. Donations will be accepted at the parish center starting Monday, November 7. Lastly, make your list, check it twice, but most importantly don’t miss the Annual Sodality Holiday Bazaar, Saturday, November 12, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Blessed Sacrament School gym. Find us on Facebook
Blessed Sacrament DC
Centennial and Upcoming Parish Events
WE CAN DO IT!!
Donations may be left at either the main or Quesada Street entrances to the church. For more information, contact Pat Kavanaugh in the Social Concerns office at 202.449.3987 or
[email protected].
For those who enjoy golf, some great tunes, great fun and company, while contributing to a great cause, the Smyth Fund Golf Classic has it all.
Thursday, October 6th, 2011 at the Worthington Manor Golf Club All proceeds directly benefit Blessed Sacrament School
For more info: www.bssgolf.org 2011 Sponsors A Mason Media Group Company
September/October 2011
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Ten Questions On The Roman Missal, Third Edition 1. Why the changes? Pope John Paul II issued the third edition of the Missale Romanum (the Latin text of the Roman Missal) during the Jubilee Year in 2000. This new edition included many new texts requiring translation. In addition, the experience of the years after the Second Vatican Council gave rise to a desire for more formal and literal translations of the original Latin texts. This new translation will employ the best of what we have learned about translation and liturgical language in two generations of celebrating the Liturgy in the vernacular. It will provide an opportunity to reflect ever more deeply on the eucharistic celebration that lies at the heart of the Church’s life. 2. Who is doing the work of translation? The process of translating liturgical texts from the original Latin is a highly consultative work done by several groups. The International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL) prepares English translations of liturgical texts on behalf of the conferences of bishops of Englishspeaking countries. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and the other member conferences receive draft translations of each text and have the opportunity to offer comments and suggestions to ICEL. Then ICEL proposes a second draft, which each conference approves and submits to the Vatican for final approval. Each conference reserves the right to amend or modify a particular text. At the Vatican, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments examines the translated texts, offers authoritative approval (recognitio) of the texts, and grants permission for their use. Currently the Congregation is aided by the recommendations of Vox Clara, a special committee of bishops and consultants from English-speaking countries. The translation and review process is guided by the guidelines in Liturgiam Authenticam, issued in 2001, an instruction from the Congregation that outlines the principles and rules for liturgical translation. In 2007, the Congregation also issued a ratio outlining the specific rules for translation in English. 3. What’s new or different about the revised translation? The style of the translation of the third edition is different. In accord with the rules for translation established by the Holy See, the revised translation follows the style of the original Latin texts more closely, including concrete images, repetition, parallelisms, and rhythm. The English used in the Mass texts is more formal and
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dignified in style. Where possible, the texts follow the language of Scripture and include many poetic images. In addition, the third edition contains prayers for the celebration of recently canonized saints, additional prefaces for the Eucharistic Prayers, additional Masses and prayers for various needs and intentions, and some updated and revised rubrics (or instructions) for the celebration of the Mass. 4. What is the timeline for the approval and implementation of the Missal? After the Latin Missale Romanum was published in 2002, ICEL began its work of preparing a draft English translation of the text. ICEL presented the first section— the Order of Mass, which contains the fixed prayers of the Mass, including the people’s parts—to the English-speaking conferences of bishops in 2004. The USCCB approved the final version in 2006, and the Holy See confirmed this section in June 2008. The remaining sections were approved between 2007 and 2009. The USCCB completed its approval of the Missal in November 2009. The Holy See granted the final approval of the text in the spring of 2010. Cardinal Francis George, OMI, president of the USCCB, announced that parishes may begin using the revised translation on November 27, 2011. 5. Can we start using the texts approved by the bishops immediately? The translation of the Missale Romanum could not be used in the celebration of the Mass until the complete text was confirmed by the Holy See. Now that the translation has received the recognitio, the USCCB has established the first day on which the new translation may be used. Use of the revised text requires preparation and catechesis for both priests and the faithful. When the time comes to use the texts in the celebration of the Mass, priests will be properly trained, the faithful will have an understanding and appreciation of what is being prayed, and musical settings for the liturgical texts will be readily available. 6. What will the process of implementation look like? Now that the recognitio has been granted, final preparation and publication of the Missal will commence. Catechesis on the new translation and on the Liturgy itself will become even more important. Training for priests, music ministers, and other liturgical leaders (liturgy committees and liturgical commissions), as well as formation for all Catholics, will help to ensure the successful implementation of the new text.
7. What will the new Missal mean in my parish? In the months before the revised translation is implemented, parishes will have to do many things. The parish will have to replace liturgical books and participation aids. Priests will practice proclaiming the new texts and will prepare homilies helping the faithful to understand the new translation and to deepen their appreciation for the Liturgy. The music ministers and the people will learn new musical settings for the parts of the Mass (such as the Gloria and the Sanctus). Catechists and teachers will help parishioners learn the new prayers. Parishes may also use this opportunity to undertake a thorough reexamination of their liturgical practices. 8. If my parish likes the old translation better, can we continue using that one? Now that the Holy See has granted the recognitio to the revised translation, the USCCB has established a date for first use and a date for mandatory use. No parish may continue to use the current translation after the mandatory use date. Parishes will need to use the period before the mandatory use date to help parishioners renew their love for the Sacred Liturgy, to understand the changes, and to develop an appreciation for the revised translation. 9. Do these changes mean that the old translation was not valid and orthodox? The current translation was approved by the conferences of bishops and confirmed by the Holy See. Until the new text becomes effective, the current translation remains the valid ordinary form of the Liturgy in the Roman Rite. The revised translation attempts to address some inadequacies in the present translation by introducing a more elevated style of language and by retaining many poetic texts and scriptural allusions. The current translation fostered the faith of two generations of Catholics and retains a valid place in church history. 10. What opportunities does the new Missal offer the Church? Implementing the new Missal will give the Church an opportunity to take a fresh look at its liturgical practice and to renew its celebration of the Sacred Liturgy, which is the “source and summit” of Christian life (Second Vatican Council, Dogmatic Constitution on the Church [Lumen Gentium], no. 11). The faithful, encountering the Liturgy anew in the new text, can deepen their sharing in Christ’s sacrifice, offering their lives to the Father as they worship “in Spirit and truth” (Jn 4:23). Source: http://www.usccb.org/romanmissal Find us on Facebook
Blessed Sacrament DC
September/October 2011
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3630 Quesada Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20015 202.966.6575 www.blessedsacramentdc.org
