Parish Newsletter Winter 2012
Message From Father Ron
Dear Parishioners:
As we begin our celebration of the season of Advent, we begin a new year of grace—an invitation to grow in our relationship with the Lord Jesus especially during this Year of Faith proclaimed by Pope Benedict XVI. As Pope Benedict has written, “The Year of Faith is a summons to an authentic and renewed conversion to the Lord.” The gift of faith enables us to deepen our relationship with the Lord Jesus; through this divine companionship we have an opportunity to grow into the person the Lord Jesus calls us to be. This relationship is the foundation of our lives. “The joy of love, the answer to the drama of suffering and pain, the power of forgiveness in the face of an offense received and the victory of life over the emptiness of death: all this finds fulfillment in the mystery of Christ’s . . . becoming man, in his sharing our human weakness so as to transform it by the power of his Resurrection.” “Through faith, we can recognize the face of the risen Lord in those who ask for our love. . . It is . . . his love that impels us to assist him whenever he becomes our neighbor along the journey of life.” During this season, we are being invited to
reflect on the gift of faith that we have been given and to live that faith in service to one another through acts of love. Not great and showy acts for all to see, but in the little ways in which we love our spouses, children, family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers— especially the poor and vulnerable in our midst. As we serve the Lord Jesus present in those around us, we become His instruments of love, goodness, justice, peace, and compassion.
Director, who was able to assist the young woman. The reason for her visit with me that afternoon was to thank us for helping her in her time of need; in return she made a generous donation to our parish so that we can continue to help others who find themselves in a similar situation. I was moved by her gratitude and her desire to help others who had helped her. Your generosity enables us to help so many who need assistance, and for this I am truly grateful.
Recently, a young woman came to the parish office and asked to see the pastor. Joan brought her into my office and the young woman began to tell me her story. A few years ago she had moved into an apartment not far from our parish. She was so happy to be here in Washington and had a good job; all was going well for a couple of years. However, she lost her job and even after cutting back on her expenses, she did not have the money to pay her rent, a desperate situation. She had passed our church numerous times and had even stopped to pray from time to time. When she was unable to pay her rent, she felt drawn to Blessed Sacrament. She met with Pat Kavanaugh, our Social Concerns
As we prepare for the celebration of Christmas, may the Lord Jesus bless you for your ongoing generosity to our parish and to our community. I am grateful for your response to the Greg Gannon food drive as we celebrate twentyfive years of collecting food for the poor and needy. Your response to the Advent Giving Tree provides gifts for those who would have no gifts at all. Again, thank you for all you do to serve so many. Be assured of my daily prayers for you and your families. Peace,
Father Ron
Growing With The Word By Lynn Dizard
Inside This Issue Growing With The Word
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Twinkling Lights 3 Creating Advent Wreaths
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Seminarian In Residence
4
The Mass As Medicine
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A Work Of Art On The Parish Grounds
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Making A Difference
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A Holy Land In Southern Maryland
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Teen Choir Leads In Sunday Song
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Remember To Live!
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Communication Workshop
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Men’s Retreat Weekend
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Editor: Pat Watson Layout: Delphine Clegg Parish Logo Designs: Ellen Smyth Artwork: Blessed Sacrament School students under the guidance of their art teacher, Judy Kearns
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Studying the Bible, to me, is like opening my laptop and clicking on “e” for “Explorer.” As often as not, something quite unexpected happens. That can be a good thing. I may learn something or connect with someone in a way that surprises me and takes me beyond where I meant to go. When I am reading Scripture together with others, it often feels as if the Holy Spirit comes among us to guide us. Even the most familiar passages can sometimes glow with new insight. Other times, when I hear some scholar tell about new findings, a familiar story may suddenly take me to a new spiritual depth. The story of the first Christmas is the one I have loved longest and best. But, until a few years ago, I never knew the best part. Then, an archeologist described to our Bible class recent findings about the structure of dwellings in and around Bethlehem at the time of Christ’s birth. These findings radically upset my concept of “no room in the inn.” The archeologist explained that the word translated as “inn” in the Christmas story is the same as the word translated in the Easter story as “upper room.” It denotes a second-story room sometimes built on the roof of a family dwelling to accommodate guests or travelers. The ground floor consisted of a large room where all the family lived together. In one corner of this area, there was a pit to shelter the domestic animals at night. There would usually be a feeding trough for the animals, a manger, on the floor at the edge of the pit. In other words, Christ was born in the center of the family home.
Not many years after my confirmation, I was privileged to teach my first Sunday School class, an experience I still remember with delight. I seemed to be able to inspire my pupils. They, in turn, inspired me with a fresh appreciation for Bible stories I thought I knew. As time went on, I welcomed a number of other opportunities to teach and to learn with children. I found they could jump nimbly over hurdles of time and culture to get to the meaning of the Word. They could identify with the people who knew Jesus Christ in the flesh—even if they were not yet ready for tests of historical accuracy. I remember one Sunday morning in early April at the Georgetown Presbyterian Church when our primary class was dramatizing the Passion. Seven-year-old Peter was putting his heart into the role of Simon Peter. Like the Apostle, he, too, urgently wanted things to be different. So, when his classmate asked him if he knew Jesus the Galilean, he shouted—not once, but three times—“Yes! Yes! Yes! I know him!” Peter grew up to be a pillar of the Church. Over the decades of my life, I have also profited from a variety of opportunities to study the Bible with peers and with Bible scholars. Yet, the more I study, the more there seems left to explore. Currently, I am participating
in Bread, Book & Brethren (BB&B) at Blessed Sacrament. I am one of the newer members of the group, but probably the oldest. I find my participation rewarding, even beyond my high expectations. The whole of the BB&B experience is greater than the sum of its parts— Bible study together with generous conviviality and warm fellowship in a context of shared faith. The subject of our study this year is the Parables of the Kingdom. Last year, we studied the Book of Wisdom, and the year before, the Gospel of St. John. The Bible I am using is ‘The Catholic Study Bible of The New American Bible,’ 1990, which belonged to my husband, Wilson. Wilson died three years ago after we had been married for sixty-five years. When I take his Bible down from the top shelf of his bookcase and read his marginal notes, it can be almost like talking with him. It seems sometimes as if we are growing closer still, still growing with the Word. Editor’s Note: BB&B at Blessed Sacrament meets every Wednesday after the 8 a.m. Mass for a half-hour of socializing in the parish center, a facilitated small group discussion of the Bible readings and, a lecture or DVD presentation that expands the reading. If interested, you are welcome to join at any time. The group is beginning a new study guide on January 23. Contacts: Lisa Greenberg,
[email protected] or Susan Carr, 202.363.6816.
Twinkling Lights Star On Blessed Sacrament Campus Artwork by Lizzie Rosettie Kindergarten
When I was growing up, Bible study was part of our family conversation as it had been for generations. In summer, when we went to visit Grandpa Chase, all of us cousins and sisters and brothers and aunts—whoever happened to be there, except the babies— gathered around in the evening to listen to Grandpa read from the Bible and lead us in prayer before we went to bed. I felt proud to be included in listening to this grown-up book, the Word of God. I knew it was true. Everyone said so. The hymns we sang said so. Early on, it was clear to me that the truth is not necessarily easy to understand. Sometimes, Grandpa would tell us about his grandfather, who had been pastor of a Congregational church in the prosperous town of Litchfield, Connecticut, before he went as a missionary to carry the Word to the wild frontier of western Pennsylvania. At that time, the Presbyterians and Congregationalists pooled their mission resources while dividing the wilderness geographically. The churches they founded in Pennsylvania were Presbyterian. I first received a Bible of my own nearly eight decades ago. It was presented to me by the Riverdale Presbyterian Church in New York when I was confirmed. My mother was Director of Religious Education there, having done graduate study at the Union Theological Seminary in New York after her sixth child, my baby sister, was in nursery school. I treasured that Bible, inscribed with my name. It was the King James version, one that, although now antiquated, has left its mark on my own faith as well as on English literature.
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he magnificent sparkle of the Blessed Sacrament Christmas lights adorning the campus hedges and soon to be lit live Christmas tree in front of the church as well as the lighted star in the chimes tower, coupled with the pineperfumed air emanating from the Blessed Sacrament Christmas tree sale taking place on the apartment house parking lot next to the church, announce to even the most confirmed curmudgeon that the celebration of the birth of Christ is very near.
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unusual indoor decorations, so when he arrived at Blessed Sacrament and learned that the parish favors a festive outdoor display, Father supported the effort wholeheartedly. The secret: that star stays up there on the chimes tower all year. It was with significant difficulty that members of the Chimes Committee placed that star high over Chevy Chase, so it hangs unlighted and unnoticed for forty-nine weeks of the year. At Christmas, the star east of Chevy Chase Circle shines brightly, beckoning all to the church manger. May the lights’ brilliance bring joy to your heart and peace to your soul. Merry Christmas from our newsletter staff!
But have you ever wondered how all those lights suddenly transform the church campus? Who does all that work that you may do on a small scale on your own property? How does the star get up there so it appears to float over Chevy Chase? Well, there is at least one secret involved.
Editor’s Note: The Blessed Sacrament Christmas tree lighting is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on December 20. Artwork by Collin MacLennan Second Grade
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First, let it be known that our beloved pastor is an aficionado of Christmas. Over the years many friends have contributed to Father Ron’s impressive collection of
Winter 2012
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Creating Advent Wreaths: Preparing Homes And Hearts For Christmas By John Dluhy, M.D.
By Pat Kavanaugh, Director of Social Concerns
All seasons bring joy in many different ways, but the Advent season is special, almost magical. The smell of Advent greens brings back memories of past Christmases with family and loved ones and also reminds us of why we celebrate Advent. Participating in the tradition of making Advent wreaths helps prepare homes and hearts for the coming of the Christ Child. An Advent wreath in the home reminds us to invite God into our lives and pray that home is a place of faith, forgiveness, joy and peace. Each year the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament’s Social Concerns Office offers an Advent wreath workshop on the first Sunday of Advent. With the help of volunteers, fresh greens are cut prior to the workshop, then creativity abounds, and beautiful Advent wreaths are prepared for the Christmas Season. For the last two years, Suzanne Spierron Gilmore, with remarkable organization and efficiency, has run the Advent Wreath Workshop. To allow as many people to have an opportunity to participate, this year Suzanne added the option to purchase an Advent Wreath Kit, so if an individual or family could not attend the workshop on the designated day, they could purchase the kit and later make the wreath at home.
In past years, the first Sunday of Advent has coincided with Thanksgiving weekend, a time when many people are away. But not so this year! As a result, the number of people who participated in the event practically doubled! Many participants attending said making an Advent wreath had been a tradition. For others, especially families with young children, they hope this will become a family tradition. Many mentioned they hope the Advent wreath-making activity and the presence of the wreath in the home will help provide more meaningful ways to celebrate the season than one finds in the mainstream culture with its emphasis on commercialization. Father Ron, Father D’Silva and Father Lucas all stopped by to greet parishioners, and as they observed the wreath-making process, theyseemed to marvel at the enthusiasm and creativity that went into the design of each wreath. After they left, Steve and Vicky Connors and family prepared a large “surprise” Advent wreath to present to Father Ron and the priests in the rectory. The event ended with many beautiful wreaths, lots of smiles, and joyful anticipation of the Advent season. Editor’s Note: If you missed this year’s event, calendar the first Sunday in Advent—12/1/13—to attend next year’s workshop.
H
The second of six children whose parents are converts to Catholicism— Photo by Paul Fetters his mother is a teacher; his father is an aeronautical engineer—Martino spent a couple of his early elementary school years in Korea, but most of his school years were spent pursuing an education in the U.S. A graduate of the University of Maryland, he now is pursuing his seminary studies at Mt. St. Mary’s University. Martino explained that a pastoral year spent working in a parish affords a seminarian an opportunity to encounter the dynamics of parish life, an experience one cannot
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have in a seminary environment. The year, also called a spiritual year, allows a seminarian to develop a personal closeness to Jesus, a relationship difficult to achieve when an intense academic schedules consumes so much time. Mentored by an excellent model, Father Ron, Martino performs a number of roles at Blessed Sacrament. He visits school classrooms daily, where he conducts classes several times weekly for all grade-level students. He also teaches in the School of Religion and assists in sacramental preparation. RCIA and the Youth Group claim Martino’s time, and, of course, he’s an active participant in the many Blessed Sacrament liturgies. Oh yes, he trains new altar servers, and is even writing a manual for experienced servers to hone their skills and training. With a schedule like this, being a priest will probably seem easy to Martino, whose ordination date is June, 2015. He will then become a priest in the Archdiocese of Washington. Our parish thanks you, Martino, for your committed service. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
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Many parishioners fear germs. My
systems
mother was a woman who trained
impaired, and within days we
me to fear contamination and
both came down with bad upper
infection, and in medical school I
respiratory
learned a scientific fear system.
happens rarely to us, but once
So I have a healthy respect for
an infection takes hold, the body
germs.
must repair by fighting and killing
Blessed Sacrament DC
were
temporarily
infections.
This
the invader virus. This requires Some
people
fear
rest, sensible food and drink, and
being
emotional recovery.
contaminated by others attending Mass
who
are
sneezing
and The good news is that the Mass
coughing. Some communicants Artwork by Leana Hohman Eighth Grade
are afraid of drinking the Blood of
Christ
from
the
chalice;
helps us with emotional recovery. Each Mass forcibly reminds us
others shrink from touching at
with infected others. When we are
that we are not alone. We are
the Kiss of Peace. We seem to
in church we are dependent on our
loved, and we are embedded
be
immune systems to protect us.
not only in our congregation, but
susceptible
potentially
to
also in a community headed by
infection and disease just by coming to Mass and participating
Science has long known about
Christ that includes thousands of
in the sacramental traditions.
certain
saints and millions of much-loved
preventive
habits: and
ancestors, brothers and sisters.
Fortunately science has some
frequently, avoiding the reception
So each time we come to Mass or
important things to say about
of a direct sneeze or cough,
participate in some other group
how we get sick and why. I
keeping
sacramental
learned from my medical school
from contact with other known,
treating ourselves and boosting
mentors—preventative medicine
large doses of germs. Less well
our immune systems.
scientists—that the common cold
known
was brought about by a change in
lower
system’s
The Mass then can be considered
our immune system. A decrease
ability to fight off infection. One
a treatment for infections, cancer,
in T cells (T lymphocytes) affects
important reason we get colds
AIDS, and immune-suppressive
negatively the body’s ability to
and upper respiratory infections
disease of all kinds. And so, I
fight foreign intruders—bacteria
is
remind myself of this when I
washing
Martino Choi – Seminarian In Residence e looks like a young priest, but he’s really a seminarian spending his pastoral year at Blessed Sacrament between his second and third year of theology study. Martino Choi‘s heritage is Korean, and he has lived in both Asia and the U.S., spending his last 16 years in the Washington, DC, metro area.
The Mass As Medicine
a
our
a
hands
respectful
are our
recent
the
well
distance
factors
immune
significant
activity
we
are
that
loss.
touch my fellow congregants,
and viruses. Recently I noted this happening in
when I shake hands at the Kiss of
invaders
and
my own life: my wife and I, both
Peace, and when I sip the Blood
spores,
and
medical
recently
of Christ from the common cup
other microorganisms—attack us
suffered the loss of our brother,
at communion. I will not get ill; I
when we are in intimate contact
John. We felt it; our immune
will be better off.
These
potential
others—tuberculin
Winter 2012
practitioners,
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New Work of Art Graces Parish Grounds
By Cleo Tavani Sturdy and safe new railings at the parking lot entrance of the Blessed Sacrament Gym and Auditorium may not sound like a “work of art.” But take a look at the elegant ironwork and graceful placement of the new railings which represent the time, talent, and treasure of Master Ironworker, and parishioner, Domenic Finelli. The railings match the design of the stair railings at the entrances to the church, but were crafted to match the physical layout of the entrance to the building which is officially named for the second pastor of the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament, Msgr. Edward H. Roach. The Finelli family connection to the Roach Building started in the early fifties when Domenic’s father, Philip Sr., began a long friendship with Msgr. Roach. Out of that friendship, Domenic and his brothers, Philip Jr. and Mario, attended Blessed Sacrament School.
Domenic feels this gift is his way of expressing
Domenic and his wife Cindy followed the family tradition by sending their three children to Blessed Sacrament School. The oldest child Chris, who is in the construction business, owns Pro Villa, a company that builds custom homes. Julianna, a recent graduate of Tulane University School of Medicine, is a resident in child psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania. Alisa is currently a student at the University of Notre Dame Law School. Artwork by James Gardiner
Other improvements to the Roach Building
Second Grade
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Making A Differnce In Our Community And Beyond: Greg Gannon Canned Food Drive
gratitude to the parish for all it has meant to his family. This parish is grateful for Domenic’s very unique gift and the special way it reflects the talents of a gifted and generous parishioner. The new stair railings replaced the mostly missing railings which were installed as part of the original construction of this building housing the gym and auditorium. This lack of railings created an unsafe condition, not just for the students of Blessed Sacrament
Blessed Sacrament students the day before the drive at the church.
Many hands make light work.
School, but for the many adults and children, some of whom have disabilities, who come to the building throughout weekdays and weekends.
include installation of two signs indicating the ADA ramp entrance to the building as well as new signs above the glass entrance doors indicating the location of the gym and auditorium. Finally, new bushes were planted at the corner between the two sets of stairs to beautify the area and to deter short cuts. The project was coordinated by Cleo Tavani,
Rick Gannon (on right) with Mark McCaffrey (on left) and the driver who came down from the Southern New Jersey Food Bank to pick up food for the Sandy victims.
Banner on Chevy Chase Circle with Blessed Sacrament graduates Liliana Caceras and Julia Townsend at the end of collection day.
Head of the Guild of Parish Gardeners, which oversees the care of the parish grounds.
Author’s Note: It is important to remind sponsors of activities to be held in the school gym and/or auditorium to indicate in any announcements that the parking lot entrance is the preferred access point for both disabled and non-disabled persons. The numerical address on Chevy Chase Parkway for the Roach Building should not be used in an announcement. It leads attendees to an entrance with a long set of stairs and often-locked doors.
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By Stephanie McGovern On Saturday, December 1, 2012, hundreds of volunteers put on their traditional food drive shirts and hit their neighborhoods to participate in the 25th Annual Greg Gannon Canned Food Drive. With over 85,000 cans collected (and more are still being donated), we had another overwhelmingly successful year for the food drive. Not only were we able to contribute to over 25 local organizations, but also a portion of our collection was given to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey to support the victims of Hurricane Sandy. From its humble beginnings of a group of friends collecting cans for the local hungry, to an organization that distributes
Winter 2012
over 26,000 bags in the extended neighborhoods of Chevy Chase, DC, the Greg Gannon Canned Food Drive has collected over 935,000 in its 25 years in existence. Despite its size, fearless leader Rick Gannon continues to keep this an intimate, caring, and personal experience for everyone involved. Participation in the food drive, which takes place on the first Saturday in December, has become a tradition for many and a wonderful opportunity for the whole family. If you would like more information about the food drive, would like to participate in the future, or would like to make a donation, please visit www.greggannoncfd.org.
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A Holy Land In Southern Maryland continuously active parish in the United States. While there, Father Ron celebrated Mass, assisted by our seminarian Martino Choi, using one of the few remaining “saddlebag” chalices (in 18th century colonial times, Catholics were forbidden to conduct religious services and the Jesuits traveled the rural roads, bringing the sacraments to their “parishioners,” with their vestments and unassembled chalices hidden from view in saddlebags). Following Mass, we were able to venerate a relic of the True Cross brought to this country by Father White when he arrived with the other pilgrims on the Arc and the Dove.
By Rita Killian; Photos by Joe Bozik On a beautiful sundrenched mid-October morning, fifty-eight “pilgrims” from Chevy Chase embarked on a faith journey to visit the historic churches of Southern Maryland, guided by our pastor and very own priest/historian. Father Ron Potts, a native of Southern Maryland, is not only an expert on the church history of Southern Maryland, but also on every other aspect of life, both old and new, in these historic counties. Although our beautiful “chariot” arrived a bit late because of the inevitable rush hour delays, spirits remained high as we circled the Beltway. Once on Route 5, the real adventure began with tales of Dr. Mudd, John Wilkes Booth, Mary Surrat, Abraham Lincoln and, last but certainly not least, Father Andrew White, S.J. Our first stop was St. Francis Xavier Church at Newtown Neck, MD, established in 1661, the oldest Catholic church in the original thirteen states. Also on the property is the Jesuit Manor House, a site important in the 17th century ecclesiastical history of Maryland, and an example of a self-contained Jesuit community made self-supporting by the surrounding 700-acre farm.
Front of St. Francis Xavier Church.
As observed on the church grounds of St. Francis Xavier.
A quick ten minute drive brought us to our delightful lunch stop at The Front Porch Restaurant in Leonardtown, MD, a new restaurant in a charming old Victorian mansion. We were treated to great ambiance, delicious food and good service. Everyone enjoyed lunch, but I think those who had the crab cake sandwich were the most thrilled. Our next stop was the notable St. Ignatius Church, Port Tobacco, MD, founded in 1641 by Father Andrew White and the oldest 8
Our final stop was the beautiful and tranquil Carmel of Port Tobacco, the site of the first Carmelite Monastery in the United States. In the quiet solitude of the late afternoon, our modern day pilgrims explored the early buildings, dating from the 1790s (restored to their fundamental austerity in 1933), strolled the serene grounds, and enjoyed quiet prayer in the beautiful and peaceful new chapel. We were also delighted to find a wonderful gift shop burgeoning with religious goods, sweaters, scarves, etc. handmade by the nuns. The most unusual aspect of this shopping experience was that there was no one to pay—no cashier, just a tray on which to leave your money...strictly the honor system method of payment!
Father Ron distributing communion during the Mass he celebrated at St. Ignatius Church.
Father Ron and Seminarian Martino Choi praying on the altar of St. Ignatius Church.
Lastly, back on the bus, time to leave this glorious pastoral setting so near, yet so distant from the hubbub inside the Beltway. We prayed our way back as Martino led us in the Rosary, and we silently promised, “We will return.”
Father Ron speaking to members of the tour group gathered at the altar at St. Francis Xavier Church. continued on next page...
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And, we will! There are many historic churches yet to see. Our next trip will be April 29, 2013. RSVP now: r.killian@ verizon.net or 202.363.5069. Winter 2012
Tour group leaving the new chapel at Carmel of Port Tobacco, LaPlata, MD.
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Another Communication Workshop Planned for 2013
Those who attend 5:30 Mass on Sunday evenings may notice that the usual bluerobed choir is not leading the congregation in song. This Mass is instead led in song by the Teen Choir consisting of enthusiastic high schoolers, helped by some more seasoned singers of the parish. The multi-talented Ginny Curtin has directed this choir for years, and many people are happy to see parishioners of this age using their talents in this special way for Mass. St. John’s College High School student and participant Rebecca Walters
says "I love being able to sing in the church choir. It makes me feel closer to God by doing something I love to do and praising Him while doing so." Another St. John’s student and participant, Maggie Fernicola, who is new to the program says, “This is a fun way to get involved in Mass.” The teen choir is another example of the opportunities that Blessed Sacrament is able to offer. If you are interested in participating in the choir at this Mass, please see Ginny Curtain for more information.
By Ann Hoffman
In Sunday Song
Teen Choir Leads
By Molly Flores
Artwork by Finn Scanlon Fourth Grade
Remember To Live! Author At Blessed Sacrament
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wareness and acceptance of our mortality as experienced in aging, illness, and the death of others can bring a clarity and richness to the limited, precious moments of life, and helps us foster a special care for relationships and priorities in the time we are given. Father Thomas Ryan, CSP will discuss and sign his book, “Remember to Live! Embracing the Second Half of Life,” on Sunday morning, January 27, 2013 in the Duffy Parish Center. This book is a must-read not only for those in their second half of life, but also for all who wish to enrich their understanding and appreciation of life. It’s the perfect gift for others and a great antidote to one’s own postholiday blues.
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A reviewer writes: “Everyone over the age of 21 ought to read Father Tom Ryan's book, ‘Remember to Live!’ Persons finding themselves in the ‘sandwich generation’ will learn ideas to better help them understand their parents; persons facing the addition of years will glean new and needed spiritual, physical and psychological insights. This book truly resonates with anyone who thinks realistically beyond today, but it also gently prods those who don't have open, realistic minds about aging and the need to "do it well." Tom Ryan is an excellent role model himself, but he also provides examples of others whose experiences are invaluable. If you hope to have only the best
of futures, run, don't walk to get this book, and then reserve a comfortable corner to assimilate its ideas.” Father Thomas Ryan, CSP, a native Minnesotan, is the Paulist Fathers’ Director of the North American Office for Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations in Washington, DC. He has authored and co-authored more than forty books.
In 2013, for the fourth year, Blessed Sacrament is offering an opportunity for married and engaged couples to learn a specific and practical method to improve their communication skills. This method, called “Active Listening,” is designed to teach couples to express themselves in constructive ways to avoid arousing defensiveness or hostility in their partners. Couples are given general instructions and are then paired with a trained facilitator in order to practice the skills taught. The key to a successful workshop is an openness to learn about oneself and to be open to change. Even when couples come from two very different points of view, this method helps resolve differences, solve problems and make decisions with a better understanding of each other. Marital relationships go through many ups and downs; however, this is NOT for couples who are experiencing severe difficulties which would require professional counseling.
most couples would have liked more than four sessions, these are some of their comments: “The process helped us talk calmly and rationally about an issue, making sure we knew what the other thought along the way;” “This taught me how to really listen;” “The facilitators were very helpful.” And after several months of practicing this technique here are other comments: “Although we were a bit unsure what to expect from the workshop, we both are so pleased we enrolled. We were given extremely useful tools that have helped us connect and improve our daily communication” and “We found that using the Active Listening
The past three sessions drew a range of couples, from engaged to those with small children and those who have been married nearly fifty years. In addition to the fact that
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Communication permeates our daily lives. Done well, it enriches us and makes us feel closer to our spouse. It helps us grow individually and grow as a couple. Done poorly, it creates silence, distance, misunderstandings, disillusion and often leads to separation and divorce. As a married couple we are called to be a living sign—a sacrament—of God’s love. It is important to remember that our Sacrament of Matrimony needs to be nurtured and enriched. This workshop may just be the boost needed.
The workshop will be held from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on four consecutive Tuesdays: February 26, March 5, 12, and 19, at the parish center. Each session builds on the other, so plan to attend all four sessions. Register by February 18 by sending a $35 check payable to Blessed Sacrament to: Ann & Jim Hoffman, 6421 31st Place, NW, Washington, DC 20015. Questions? Contact Jim & Ann at Artwork by Sarah Slimp 202.362.4510 or 202.486.8291 or Fifth Grade
[email protected].
Men’s Retreat Weekend: March 1-3, 2013
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f you’re into multi-tasking—and who isn’t?—plan to visit a beautiful location on the Potomac River, eat well, and search your soul, in dialogue with One who loves us as dear friends. There, you will attend the 2013 Blessed Sacrament Men's Retreat, March 1-3, 2013 at Loyola Retreat House in Faulkner, MD. You can register by visiting the Blessed Sacrament Web site: www. blessedsacramentdc.org, or the Loyola Retreat House Web site: www.loyolaonthepotomac.com.
In an atmosphere of silence, from after dinner on Friday until Sunday lunch, you will be “Speaking As One Friend To Another” and deepening your faith and love for Jesus through honest dialogue in prayer.
Artwork by Ronan Larkin Third Grade
technique has improved not only our ability to communicate as a couple, but also our ability to communicate with our children.”
Along with the sacramental and devotional activities that are an important part of this retreat every year, the times of personal prayer will allow retreatants to think
Winter 2012
about some of the challenging questions Jesus asked his disciples and followers in the Gospels. The Eucharist will be celebrated each day, and Reconciliation will be available before dinner on Friday and on Saturday afternoon. Personal prayer and reflection are absolutely essential to growing in a personal relationship with God. Loyola's directors encourage and instruct retreatants in ways to grow from knowing the Lord himself. In prayer, the retreatant finds himself growing from awareness of Jesus to the experience of Jesus Christ and His personal love, ultimately discovering a desire to walk through life in companionship with the Lord. This fifty-five year parish tradition is open to all men, age ten and up. It's a great opportunity for fathers to spend quality time with their sons. Push back, relax, and take some “you-time” with the Lord!
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3630 Quesada Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20015 202.966.6575 www.blessedsacramentdc.org
