Parish Newsletter May/June 2014
Message From Father Ron Dear Parishioners, As we continue to celebrate our Easter season, we rejoice in God’s goodness in sending His Son, Jesus, to be our Savior and Redeemer. His passion, death, and resurrection have destroyed sin and death and allow us to share in the very life and love of God. The paschal mystery is the source of our new life of grace and our invitation to follow the Lord Jesus. This is the beginning of our journey with Jesus in this world that leads to everlasting life. The Lord’s grace is very much active in the life of our parish. We witnessed our young people receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation by Cardinal Wuerl on Saturday, March 15th. We welcomed the members of our RCIA class into the church at the Easter Vigil; our second graders received their First Holy Communion on May 10th; along with the ongoing celebration of baptisms and marriages. We prepare in a special way to celebrate the Diaconate Ordination of Rob Maro our former Director of Religious Education on Saturday, June 14th, at the Cathedral of St. Matthew. Martino Choi will also be ordained as a deacon on that day as well. Rob will preach his first homily as a deacon on Sunday, June 15th, at the 12:30 p.m. Mass at Blessed Sacrament. We also celebrate the special anniversaries of our parishioners who
have been married for twenty-five to fifty years. Along with these couples, Father D’Silva celebrates his golden jubilee of fifty years of faithful priestly service this year in December. We will celebrate his anniversary on the Second Sunday of Advent, December 7th. I will be celebrating my silver jubilee of twenty-five years as a priest on Sunday, June 29th, at the 10:30 a.m. Mass. We will celebrate our parish feast day of the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ on Sunday, June 22nd, in a special way at the 12:30 p.m. Mass followed by our Eucharistic Procession through the neighborhood, returning to the church for Benediction. This celebration enables us to reflect on Jesus and the gift of Himself in the Eucharist as the source and summit of our lives. He feeds and nourishes us as we make our journey through this world with our hearts set on our true and eternal home, the kingdom of heaven. As we believe with all our hearts that Jesus is present in the Eucharist, we ask Him to help us to readily recognize Him in the faces of those around us especially our family members, friends, neighbors, co-workers and even strangers—for in serving them throughout the day, we love and serve Him. Once again, thank you for all you do for your parish by sharing your time, talent, and treasure. Be assured of my
daily prayers for you and your, and have a blessed and safe summer. May it be a time of renewal not only of mind and body, but also for your soul. Along with attending Mass on the weekend, set some extra time aside for prayer, spiritual reading, daily Mass, and visits to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. During this summer, Jesus is inviting you to deepen your relationship with Him and to reflect on the many blessings He has given to you. Peace,
Father Ron
Artwork by Maximillian Lindenberg Fifth Grade
On The Pages Of This Issue A Farewell Message From Father Laborde 2 Adieu With Blessings 2 In Loving Memory 3 Blessed Sacrament’s Daystar Gallery 4 Parish Council Renewal 5
A Farewell Message From Father Laborde Dear Friends, Being part of the Blessed Sacrament community has been a gift from God. I have been able to discover an amazing community that welcomed me very warmly; for this I am especially grateful to Fr. Ron, to the priests, and the staff. Many things impressed me about the parish: the number of families that have been here for several generations, the beauty of the music and the liturgies, the effort to integrate people with disabilities, to name a few. One aspect that stood out to me after a while – a more hidden and moving one – was the thirst for God. I was impressed by the way in which the Holy Spirit is working silently in many hearts, bringing them closer to Christ. Finally, I have to say that I have found at Blessed Sacrament a tremendous amount of talent and kindness. You have among you such gifted individuals from all walks in life. But above all, I take away with me the kindness with which you opened the doors of your hearts and your homes to welcome me. I pray that the Lord may continue to bless you and guide you in the pilgrim way of faith.
Father Lucas Laborde
Parish Welcomes RCIA Members 5 Challenge: Building a Stairway to Our Heavenly Chimes 6 Snapshots From Around the Parish Campus 6 Walking the Footsteps of First American-born Saint 7 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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Adieu With Blessings! Blessed Sacrament’s proximity to The Catholic University of America (CUA) often attracts priest-students who are willing to serve parishioners while they are enrolled at the university. Anyone who has two jobs and/or relates to two different sets of responsibilities can relate to this challenging yet rewarding role. Father Robert Lucas Laborde, a member of the Saint John Society, in Corvallis, Oregon, arrived at Blessed Sacrament in August 2012 and began his studies in pursuit of a Licentiate in Systematic Theology at CUA. The parish is indeed grateful for the dedicated manner in which Father has performed his service to Blessed Sacrament for the past two years and for the friendship and spiritual instruction he has extended to so many people.
Artwork by Quinn Murray First Grade
We wish Father Lucas many graces and blessings as he adopts three new roles: resuming the evangelization work of the Saint John Society on two college campuses, performing service in two parishes, and assisting with the theological formation of men studying to enter the Saint John Society. Thank you , Father, and God speed. Find us on Facebook
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In Loving Memory A Religious Statue and A Field of Remembrance
. . . the statue is a comfort to us
By Marc Duffy
to remind us that although we
There is an African saying that no one truly dies as long as someone on this Earth speaks his/her name or remembers his/her life. Six years ago, my wife and daughter died in an automobile accident. Now, six years later, we are remembering them still by dedicating a statue of St. Ann with the Blessed Mother that will be placed next to the Blessed Sacrament Field of Dreams.
mind us that although we miss our loved ones dearly, they are being watched over by the Community of Saints. Already, I have paused at the Field of Remembrance to say a prayer to St. Ann and the Blessed Mother, asking them to watch over Marianne and Caroline. With the statue in place, I hope others may also go and say a prayer in remembrance for their loved ones.
People who lose loved ones remember them in many different ways. We remember the deceased with anniversary Masses; we remember their birthdays, their favorite seasons and their favorite activities. We remember the dead by raising money for scholarships such as the Marianne and Caroline Duffy Scholarship fund that has raised money for families in need to help pay tuition at Blessed Sacrament Elementary School. Also, the beautiful tulip garden, the Field of Remembrance, on the Patterson Street side of the Field of Dreams pays honor to my wife and daughter. And we remember them by donating a statue in their name.
Donating a statue is a small way to give back to a community that has been so loving and supportive. The realization that I need the help and support of my community has been a humbling and growing experience.
As the mother of Mary, a statue of St. Ann with the Blessed Mother is a fitting way to remember Marianne and Caroline. A statue is also a tangible symbol of our faith; the statue is a comfort to us to re-
As a single parent, I have often relied on the wisdom of others with far more experience raising children. As a working parent, I have also relied on the generosity of those who have helped with child care. As a community, we grow in faith and learn the meaning of what Jesus Christ taught us during His short time on Earth: if we love one another, if we strive to think of others more than ourselves, we can experience true joy, not only in the next life, but also in this one as well. As the African saying reminds us, Marianne and Caroline live on in the hearts of
miss our loved ones dearly, they are being watched over by the Community of Saints.
those who remember, of those touched by their lives, and of those who continue to touch others. Three days before Easter, we received a donation to the Marianne and Caroline Duffy Scholarship fund at Blessed Sacrament School with a note from a traveler who witnessed the accident. Six years later, he remembers Marianne and Caroline and holds his kids tighter as a result. Six years later, we are donating a statue in Marianne and Caroline’s name. We grow in love by remembering, we grow in love by helping others, and thereby we become more human, just as Jesus taught. Life has come full circle. Thank you, and God Bless. Editor’s Note: The statue is currently located on the main level of the parish center. It will be moved to its permanent location adjacent to the Field of Dreams after a pedestal is placed there for it.
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Blessed Sacrament’s Daystar Gallery Mission of the Daystar Gallery To hang the most professional and wellcoordinated exhibitions for the enjoyment of parishioners. To inspire the viewer to “see,” within a variety of artistic mediums, images of nature and Spirit interpreted through the artist’s own unique vision.
Artwork by Yves Clark Blessed Sacrament School Art Teacher
Artwork by Judy Kearns Blessed Sacrament School Art Teacher
By Paricia M. Friend Director, Daystar Gallery In September 2002, the parish dedicated its newly created center to Monsignor Thomas E. Duffy, retiring pastor, and the multi-level building attached to the church quickly became the new home for the many parish activities.
work. Also, Helen, David Gardiner, Father Ray, and I served on a committee to choose the stained glass artist, Brenda Belfield, who created a permanent artistic feature for the new building: a chapel window, donated by Mrs. Evelyn Childs.
The late Helen Orem envisioned the large room on the main level with high ceilings and open walls as a venue for an art gallery where parish and visiting artists would have an opportunity to show their work. At the same time, the displayed art would enhance the meeting room for groups. The Daystar Gallery was born!
Helen became ill and died in March 2009; the gallery was dark for nine months. One day, during prayer, it became clear that I could and should continue the work of the Daystar Gallery as Helen’s legacy, a project that she had held so dear to her heart. The gallery reopened in November with my own work for Advent, “Angels, A Celestial Visitation.” Then artists seemed to appear, and I found the calendar filled for the following year. Vicki Malone, a parishioner and a fine botanical artist, agreed to exhibit her work and offered to organize reception refreshments, as well. Lorraine Kusik, former secretary of the parish handled the public relations. The exhibitions have featured varied artists: men in a homeless shelter who are
Helen and I worked together to choose the exhibitions’ artists, and during Advent and Lent, we concentrated on appropriate subjects of the Proper of Seasons. All the other months were open to the artist, as God’s hand is in all creation. Helen, with the physical help of Preston Taylor, Blessed Sacrament Facilities Manager, placed and hung the 4
studying art with Susan Lenczowski, children artists of Blessed Sacrament School, fine artist-parishioners, professional artists outside the parish, and several art professors. The works have included paintings in a variety of mediums, such as oil, acrylic, watercolor, fabric collage, and drawings in graphite and charcoal. During Lent, 2013, the gallery exhibited my work of the Stations of the Cross with Helen Orem’s poetry set next to each Station. This exhibition was an opportunity to merge art and friendship in celebration of Helen’s creation of the Daystar Gallery, to celebrate her talent as a poet, and to honor her legacy. We hope more parishioners will visit the gallery and come to the receptions to enjoy the art and honor the artists. The gallery continues to enrich the many groups that meet in that venue. Watch for future announcements in the parish bulletin about featured exhibits. Featured artwork is from a recent exhibit. Find us on Facebook
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Parish Council Renewal By Dave Byers Parish Pastoral Council President The Blessed Sacrament Parish Pastoral Council will have an old-but-new look in 2014-15. Responding to recent archdiocesan guidelines, Father Ron plans to reshape and refocus the council and the lay leadership structure it heads. He will build on the PAR (Parish Assessment and Renewal) process, which the parish adopted some years ago. The archdiocesan guidelines define the mission thusly: “The Parish Pastoral Council is a consultative body for the pastor. Through reflection, prayer, planning, motivation and support, the Parish Pastoral Council serves the pastor by helping identify and encourage those ministries or services that are needed for the growth of a living parish community…. [T]he Parish Pastoral Council is an instrument to help the pastor and the parish better discern, clarify and communicate its responsibilities for proclaiming the Good News.” Proclaiming the Good News, advancing the new evangelization, is the lodestar. Blessed Sacrament Parish is the local presence of the Catholic Church. It shares the Church’s mission to witness to Jesus Christ in word and deed, and to be the “seed and beginning” of the kingdom of God. The Council and the whole parish leadership have no other final purpose.
At Blessed Sacrament, time has loosened the links among the various parts of this structure, somewhat compromising its effectiveness. As the incoming Parish Pastoral Council chair, I believe the PAR plan is sound in general, but it needs attention. The five commissions need better information on the health of the ministries for which they are responsible. Moreover, the council needs thorough reports from the commissions so it can offer Father Ron wise advice on strengthening the various areas of parish life. What we’re planning to do in 2014-15 is more than tinkering and less than a major overhaul. Artwork by Michael Yost First Grade
Blessed Sacrament has a lay leadership plan in place to pursue that high purpose. PAR specifies a pyramidal structure. The various ministries, perhaps 70 in number, are grouped for organizational convenience under five commissions: Administration/Communications, Community Life, Faith Formation, Outreach, and Worship. Each commission is made up of representatives from the various ministries it oversees. In turn, one or two commission members serve on the parish council so an integrated lay leadership structure emerges.
Father Ron has invited any parishioner who feels the call to serve on the council or to chair one of the five commissions, to contact Dave Byers at
[email protected] or 301.681.7014. This invitation is for all Blessed Sacrament parishioners, whether or not they are currently in leadership positions. Father Ron will host an orientation session for 2014-15 council members on Tuesday, June 10, at the rectory. “The Holy Spirit is moving,” Father Ron says, “working through our faithful community.” He adds with a laugh, “But the Spirit could use a little help.”
Parish Welcomes RCIA Members By Therese Recinella Each year the Holy Spirit brings to the RCIA process people of all ages and backgrounds. Blessed Sacrament continues to be blessed by those who, after lengthy and in-depth study, enter the Catholic Church through baptism and full communion during the Easter vigil. This year our RCIA group included participants representing families, spouses,
young adults, and teens. Among the families are Rick and Amanda Oliver and their baby, Lily. We also welcomed Thomas Faust, Catherine Tafur, longtime parishioner Jamie Donelon, Eleanor Franc, a senior at St. John’s High School, and Erica Godwin, a recent CUA law school grad. We know that all will continue to be warmly welcomed into our parish community.
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Challenge: Building A Stairway To Our Heavenly Chimes By Joe Bozik Bell towers are notorious for containing rickety ladders used in order to access their upper levels, begetting the ire of nervous climbers. Our bell tower at Blessed Sacrament contains three sets of interior ladder systems, ranging from the typical 10-rung extension ladder, to steel rungs anchored in brick and mortar, to very rigid 24-rung and 22-rung steel ladders (being tubular rungs welded to flanking plate metal verticals). Such climbing equipment allows the Chimes Committee volunteers access to our tower chimes machinery, some sixty feet up the bell tower. A few years ago, the bell tower volunteers at the First United Methodist Church, 88 North Fifth Street, Newark, Ohio, a church with an operating Deagan chimes system similar to Blessed Sacrament’s, decided to solve the somewhat formidable challenge of climbing to their tower. The church’s two bell towers are immense with relatively spacious interiors, containing taunting ladder rungs anchored in the tower bricks, for inspecting and maintaining upper tower chimes’ striking machines.
The challenge for members of First United Methodist was how to build an interior stairwell within the bell tower in the most efficient manner, using wood sparingly to minimize costs. Put to the test in Ohio, the carpenters designed, cut, assembled, and installed a 36-foot high wooden stairwell to replace the former ladder rungs. This stairwell “hugged” the interior circumference of the bell tower, anchoring the wooden joists to the inside block of the tower, making the climb using six “flights” of stairs. The ingenious aspect of this project was in the planning and design of the amount of wood used for the stairs. All “waste” pieces were designed to be reused and recycled into the smaller parts needed for other angles of the stairs. Remarkably, all such “waste” pieces were utilized so efficiently that at the end of the project, all the remaining scraps and sawdust could fit in a small plastic grocery bag. And to this day, a visitor who tours the First United Methodist’s bell tower will see this plastic bag full of the only scraps remain-
ing from a uniquely designed wooden stairwell that significantly minimized the amount of wood, and costs, required for such a project! Volunteers Photo by Joe Bozik now “walk” up the stairway in lieu of climbing ladder rungs. If you find yourself on a roadtrip near Newark, Ohio, be sure to call ahead and inquire about the wooden staircase (shown above) and bag of scraps in the bell tower. A challenge for Blessed Sacrament parishioners of construction abilities: Who would be interested in planning, designing, estimating, and assembling a stairway to our heavenly chimes? Who is up to the challenge? If interested, or for more information, contact Joe Bozik:
[email protected].
Snapshots From Around The Parish Campus First Communion, Artists in Residence, Bulldog 5k
Photo by Judy Kearns
Photos by Pat Watson
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Photos by Amanda Loveland
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Walking The Footsteps Of First American-born Saint By Joe Bozik Our first faith journey of 2014 (fourth in two years) to historic churches of our greater metropolitan area, began with prayers and a forecast of April showers. Father Ron Potts again provided wonderful leadership in his role as our spiritual director, tour-guide, historian, and especially, path-finder for our coach’s driver. Our first stop was the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, for a brief introductory film on Elizabeth Ann Seton’s early life, her struggles after her husband’s death, her conversion to Catholicism, her faith, her teachings, and her founding of Sisters of Charity two hundred and five years ago. Father Ron then celebrated Mass, with two Mount St. Joseph’s seminarian altar servers and our readings by James Strahota, upstairs in the magnificent domed Basilica with impressive paintings and stained glass windows. As we sang the Mass’ concluding hymn, we processed to venerate a relic of Mother Seton at her tomb, now in a side chapel at the right of the main altar. We next followed our local tour docents as we were transported back in time, with a visit to the Stone House and “White House,” featuring period furnishings and working 19th century kitchen hearths. We envisioned the close quarters Mother Seton and her fellow Sisters of Charity faced while living in the cold, cramped Stone House (built in 1750). The first motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity, the White House, was built in 1809, the year of the founding of the new order. We knelt in prayer at the small, indoor chapel and altar where Mother Se-
ton said her daily prayers. Our tour of the grounds included a walk to St. Joseph’s Cemetery (Mother Seton’s children and family), the Mortuary Chapel and the Seton Legacy Garden. A short drive, literally around the corner, we arrived at the Carriage House Inn, where four seminarians (including Rob Mauro and Martino Choi) greeted us for a wonderful buffet lunch, including vegetable or cream of crab delicious homemade soups. Our next destination was the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, high on St. Mary’s Mountain above Mount St. Mary’s University. Martino Choi led us in Rosary prayer at the Grotto Cave area. There was time there to write prayer intentions, light a memorial candle, touch a stone from the French Grotto of Lourdes, visit the Corpus Christi Chapel, collect some Grotto Mountain spring water, and stop at the new visitors’ center gift shop.
The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Emmitsburg, Maryland
Humble altar in the Sisters of Charity White House where Mother Seton prayed
We returned to Blessed Sacrament filled with another collection of spiritual memories of historic Emmitsburg, Maryland, protected by our coach from the descending showers which had held-off all day. A fifth spiritual journey is in planning! Why not enjoy this fascinating experience. Our next trip (one involving an overnight stay) will be later this year in October to religious destinations in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Please contact Rita Killian at
[email protected] or 202.363.5069 if you are interested in joining us for this next spiritual journey.
Father Ron Potts greeting pilgrims at Mount St. Mary’s Lourdes Grotto
Photos by Joe Bozik
Note From the Editor: Bouquets of thanks to all who made the newsletter possible this year. Our pastor’s letters, the writers, the photographers, the Blessed Sacrament School art teachers and their students, and our extremely skilled designer made it possible to bring you, electronically and in print, the news of many Blessed Sacrament activities. May/June 2014
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