A Message from our Pastor Fr. Bob Cilinski

Church of the Nativity, Burke Virginia 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time November 8, 2020

“Five of them were foolish, and five were wise“ Matt 25:1-13

My dear parishioners,

Can you think of five traits of foolishness in yourself and five of wisdom? Imagine them as characters within you. Write them down and reflect. What emerges when you sit with the foolish ones? What emerges when you sit with the wise ones ?

We come to Mass on Sunday to thank God and rediscover the perspective that gives meaning to our everyday lives. We hear from the Scriptures today words that give us renewed hope and redirect our attention and our efforts toward goals that matter for eternity. We are encouraged to be among the wise who live in such a way that they are ready for the Lord’s return by living lives of loving service. Maybe this prayer will allow God’s word to speak to our hearts.

“Wake me from my slumbers, my God: may my attention to your Word this week be the oil for my lamp, so that I may greet you when you come to me each day"

The month of November began with the Feast of All Saints and All Souls. We pray for our beloved dead during these holy days and thank God for them. In our prayer we assist them in complet-ing their journey to God and the fullness of life in heaven.

The Feast of All Souls reminds us that we have a Soul. It is in our person and spirit where God dwells. The following poem reminds us that all of creation, the most beautiful and lasting is our soul. May we always keep our Souls free of sin and filled with the oil of the Holy Spirit. Love and Blessings Fr. Bob Cilinkski, Pastor Grand is the Seen By: Walt Whitman

Grand is the seen, the light, to me—grand are the sky and stars, Grand is the earth, and grand are lasting time and space, And grand their laws, so multiform, puzzling, evolutionary; But grander far the unseen soul of me, comprehending, endowing all those, Lighting the light, the sky and stars, delving the earth, sailing the sea, (What were all those, indeed, without thee, unseen soul? of what amount without thee?) More evolutionary, vast, puzzling, O my soul! More multiform far—more lasting thou than they.

A Message from our Pastor Fr. Bob Cilinski

SECOND COLLECTION THIS WEEKEND

Tens of thousands of senior religious worked to educate the young and serve those in need. Say thank you to the sisters, brothers, and religious order priests who dedicated their lives to others. Please give to the Retirement Fund for Religious in the 2nd collection. Learn more at retiredreligious.org

“Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” - MATTHEW 25:13

Many of us have put off doing something because we think we are too busy. We've all said, “I'll do it later when I have time.”

Don't delay. How is God calling you to use your gifts today? None of us is guaranteed tomorrow.

Vocation Update | Brother Jeremy Hiers, O.S.A.

Brother Jeremy Ryan Hiers, O.S.A., former parishioner at Nativity Catholic Church, is scheduled to make his Solemn Profession on Saturday, November 14 at 10:30 am at St. Thomas of Villanova Church, Villanova University in Pennsyl-

vania. There will be a live stream to the Profession on Satur-day, November 14th at 10:25am. Please follow the link at:

https://vums-web.villanova.edu/Mediasite/Play/fd846275471543beb48fbab76d59974e1d

Brother Hiers entered the Catholic Church during the Easter Vigil in 2010 after completing the RCIA program at Nativity Catholic Church. Subsequently, he volunteered with Christ House and taught Religious Education at Nativity, culminating his teaching experience as an 8th Grade/Confirmation Cate-chist in his final year at Nativity prior to entering religious formation with the Order of Saint Augustine (O.S.A.). Brother Hiers began formation with the O.S.A. on 15 August 2015, with his first year of Pre-Novitiate at Villanova University near Philadelphia; the second year of his Novitiate at St. Rita Cascia in Racine, WI; and the past three years in seminary at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago along with recently completing a pastoral assignment in PA.

Brother Jeremy Ryan Hiers will continue on the path toward Ordination following his Solemn Profession. The Nativity Catholic Church family keeps Brother Hiers in our prayers as he answers God’s call in his life. Nativity Catholic Church gives thanks to God as Brother Jeremy Ryan Hiers professes his lifetime commitment to the Order of Saint Augustine, “for the Glory of God and the Service of His Church.”

Learn more about your call to be holy by visiting: https://www.arlingtondiocese.org/vocations/vocations-

awareness-week/


St. Lucy Fall Food Drive NEXT Weekend: Saturday, November 14th from 10:00AM - 2:00PM

On Saturday, 14 November, we will have our St. Lucy Fall Food Drive, which directly supports Catholic Charities in providing food to the nearly 200,000 people (including almost 75,000 children) in the Diocese who do not know where their next meal will come from. This drive will follow the “drive-by/drop-off/no-contact” procedures that we used in July.

There will be no blue bags; please just use any plastic or paper bag that you receive at the grocery store. On Saturday, 14 November, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, the St. Lucy truck will be parked at the rear of the church parking lot nearest Old Keene Mill Road (like in the July drive). During that time, you can drive to the truck and our team will take any donations from your vehicle (please place your donations in your trunk for safe and easy removal). We will be wearing masks and gloves, and we will do our best to remain socially distant. The Diocese will also accept monetary donations; any donation is welcome! Please make checks out to CCDA, with “St. Lucy Project” in the memo line. We can always use help with loading donations; if you’d like to volunteer, please follow this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0d49adae29a6fe3-stlucy1 or go online for more information on our website at: https://nativityburke.org/st-lucy-winter/

Thank you and God bless you!

My Dear Parishioners, During the past seven months of the global virus, compassion, generosity and faith have been the hallmarks of our Nativity parish. Thank you!!! Our church remained open for prayer, and our Masses were celebrated live-streamed and in person. Our outreach to the hungry and those facing financial difficulties increased, and our care for the sick and dying was the highest priority. For all the struggles that 2020 has brought to the world, I believe this year has given us the unique chance to reflect on what is really important in our lives, like God, family and service. During this year, we remained strong, we still believed, we did not fold – we stood strong in our faith.

Your sacrificial giving in our offertory is a bond we share in serving our God. The lives you touch with your generosity are countless. Keeping our offertory strong in this unique pandemic supports over 1,000 children in our Nativity School and Religious Education Center, Charitable outreach to the poor, Marriage and Family ministry, Adult Faith Formation programs, inspiring liturgies, and paying down our building debt to a current $800,000 balance.

We thank you for giving of yourself in time, talent, and treasure, especially during this difficult time. Your gift is an important part of how we are able to serve and who we can reach. Thank you for prayerfully reviewing your offertory for the coming year. Your intend-ed level of giving will help the Finance Council and Pastoral Council plan for our goals and ministry this next year. An increase will strengthen all that we do. We hold you in our prayers with the assurance that God will bless you abundantly for all your goodness.

Fr. Bob Cilinski Please pray about what your commitment to our parish will be for the coming year


Hi Friends!

As we enter another month, I'm already looking ahead to the holidays. At the same time, this year I'm sad to think about the family members I won't see and the distance I'm still keeping from some friends and family because of the pandemic.

If you can relate to that, how do we bring those feelings and concerns to God? It's probably easier than you think. One thing I've learned from following an online ministry called " Blessed is She" is that by just adding God's name to the beginning of your thought, you can make it a prayer.

For example... " I miss my family," becomes, " Jesus, I miss my family." " I wonder what I should do for Thanksgiving," becomes, " God the Father, I wonder what I should do for Thanksgiving."" I can't even right now...," becomes, " Holy Spirit, I can't even right now."

I'm loving this right now. I hope it gives you something to try, too! Have a Happy Thanksgiving! Praying for you!

Alison Fram, Director of YA Ministry

VIRTUAL MISSION TRIP TO HAITI

FOR NATIVITY PARISHIONERS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2020

3:00 – 4:30 P.M. COME WITH US TO HAITI!

Please join us on a virtual mission trip to Haiti on Thursday, November 12th at 3:00 p.m. From the comfort of your home, you can connect to ZOOM and fly with us to Haiti to visit:

• Visit Food For The Poor warehouse in Haiti, a hub where donations are collected, stored, and distributed

• Visit three of Nativity’s villages (including our newest village, Balan)

• Meet families in each village, whose lives have been changed by Nativity

• See children receive treats as a gift from our Nativity community

• Hear testimony from people who have gone on previous Nativity mission trips, and what it means to see the work continue even during this difficult year

Our parish usually takes mission trips with Food For The Poor each year to Haiti and Jamaica. This year, we did a virtual trip to Jamaica in July and we are planning a virtual trip to Haiti on November 12th. We will see first hand, the results of our Operation Starfish ministry and meet the families we are serving. Nativity parishioners and friends are welcome to join us. More information and a registration link can be found on our parish web site at https://nativityburke.org/virtual-haiti/ We look forward to having you with us as we visit our friends in Haiti and see first hand how we have made a difference!

BISHOP IRETON VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE

In the Catholic tradition and in the spirit of St. Francis de Sales, Bishop Ireton High School is a college preparatory high school that promotes spiritual, intellectual, creative, social and physical development.

As a Salesian community of learning and service, Bishop Ireton High School prepares and inspires students to Advance Always with a Christ-centered focus to meet and surpass current and future global challenges.

Please visit www.bishopireton.org/openhouse to learn more about our academic, spiritual, athletic and social offerings.

Bishop Ireton High School 201 Cambridge Road, Alexandria, VA 22314 phone: 703-751-7606 email: [email protected]


“The Gospel of Life is at the heart of Jesus’ saving message to the world. Through the Incarnation and birth of Christ, God reveals to us the dignity of all

human life. Human life, as a gift of God, is sacred and inviolable. … Not only must human life not be taken,

but it must be protected with loving concern.” USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities“The Gospel of Life:

A Brief Summary" respectlife.org/gospel-of-life-summary

Choose Life Today. Choose Life Tomorrow. Pray Always. We Must Do No Less.

The GABRIEL PROJECT supports women who are facing a crisis pregnancy and need help. Contact 1-866-444-3553 or

[email protected] You are not alone! (Gabriel Project is a crisis pregnancy program open to all and sponsored by

the Catholic Diocese of Arlington.)

MASS INTENTIONS

"We are God's People" 1 Peter 2:10

Monday, November 9 7:30am † Dahye Lee

Tuesday, November 10

7:30am † James Lee & Grace Lee 12:00pm Special Int. for Sr. Donatella

Wednesday, November 11 7:30am Deceased Members of The Legion of Mary

Thursday, November 12 7:30am † Karen Morrison 12:00pm † Jeremias Hermosilla

Friday, November 13 7:30am † Kathleen Mengel (School) 9:00am † Pacita DeGuzman

Saturday, November 14 9:00am † Angela De Mericie Nguyen T. Kim NGOC

5:00pm † Anthony F. Lisi Jr 7:30pm † Brunilda Martinez Rupp

Sunday, November 15 7:00am † Joan Kick † Raymond Swider 11:00am † Linda Gallagher Parishioners

5:30pm † Americo Fernandez

The priest schedule for Masses is found on our webpage: https://nativityburke.org/calendar/

In prayer, let us remember the sick and deceased of the parish.

NEED TO TALK? Catholic Charities provides quality mental health services &

counselors grounded in a Catholic understanding of the human person. During the COVID-19 pandemic “Nativity’s Counse-

lor” Ms. Marguerite Turner, MS, LPC is still counseling clients via secure video conferencing and is available to talk with any

parishioners who may be struggling. through a HIPAA compliant website. Please contact Marguerite at 703-772-4751

or [email protected] to set up an appointment.

Praise and Worship Holy Hour Join us for prayer, praise and worship on Tuesday, November 10

at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church in Fairfax from 7:30-8:30pm. Deacon Marques Silva will lead us in prayer along with musician, Sara Prince. Our special intention will be for the conversion and

healing in families. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available. All are welcome. Please bring a friend. To join us live

from home, please visit https://www.arlingtondiocese.org/healingandconversion/ Please email [email protected]

if you need assistance.

ALTAR FLOWERS

Donated by Zulma Weeks In loving memory of Ernie Weeks


https://nativityburke.org/knightscouncil7992/ Facebook: Knights of Columbus Father Sikora 7992

Twitter: @kofc7992

Join the Knights! Do you want to make a difference as a Catholic Gentleman? Then join the Knights of Columbus! Please contact DGK Br. Adrian Santillan-Lecaside or GK Barry Basselgia with any questions or if you need a form 100. If you want a quick easy alternative way to join the Knights, try Online Membership. It only takes 5-10 minutes. Just go to Go to https://www.kofc.org/ and click “Join” and put Council 7992 as your preferred Council. We’ll do the rest for you to make you a member of our Order and our Nativity Council! Council Meeting: Our regular business meetings are the first and third Tuesdays of the month. Meetings are conducted virtually via GoToMeeting. Name Tag Assistance: If you have not received a name tag, please provide your name so the Worthy Warden Tom Siepmann can place the order at: [email protected]. Handy Knights Ministry: Need a hand with minor home repairs or know someone who needs help? If you are unable to perform basic maintenance tasks or small repairs in your home due to health or other factors, there is a ministry within the Knights of Columbus that may be able to assist, the “Handy Knights.” You can reach us at the following email: [email protected]. Food For Others Food Recovery Ministry: Consider joining our ministry to recover food on Tuesdays between 11:00AM and 1:00PM from the Giant location on Burke Center Parkway and delivering it to Food For Others in Fairfax. We average 300-400 lbs of food picked up per week, but have seen loads over 900lbs. If you are interested contact me at [email protected]. Join Nativity’s Usher Ministry: Several weekend Masses at Nativity are in need of additional ushers. The greatest need is at the 9:00am, 12:45pm, and 5:30pm Masses on Sundays. Nativity offers an usher training program sponsored jointly by the Dio-cese and Nativity. If you are interested in joining the Usher Min-istry, please contact Br. Tom Wilder at [email protected]. Prison Ministry: Fr. Vaccaro is asking brother knights help in writing letters to those incarcerated. He has a list of names whose lives might be impacted for the better with your correspondence. Please contact him if interested. Stephen Ministry: Brothers, Father Bob has enlisted the parish council to assess the possibility of establishing a Stephen Minis-try in Nativity. This will be a parish program, and they are look-ing for volunteers from across the parish to join in this ministry. As Knights, our reputation for service precedes us, so Jim has asked that we canvass the council to see who can support as indi-vidual volunteers to serve as leaders and/or ministers. Contact parishioner Jim Crawford at [email protected].

Prospective Teacher Information Sessions Calling all Prospective Teachers: The Office of Catholic Schools is

holding information programs for prospective teachers on Monday, November 16, Wednesday, November 18,

and Thursday, November 19. Please email [email protected] for more information.

You are invited to join us for Praise & Worship!

When: One Friday each month at 7:30 pm Dates: November 13 | January 8 | February 5 | May 7 | June 11

The night begins with an opportunity to encounter our Lord Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration, followed by a gospel

reflection by Fr. Stephen Vaccaro. There is time for silent prayer followed by praise and worship music.

Confessions are available during the night and we end with Benediction. We hope to see you there!

All the regular precautions will be followed: masks, social distancing and hand sanitizing.

NATIVITY - NEW BAPTISM PROCEDURES

We are now scheduling group Baptisms on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month at 2:00 pm in the Church for registered Nativity Parishioners. To register at Nativity Parish, please call the Parish Office for a parish registration form.

COVID 19: In an effort to continue protecting the health and safety of our parishioners, we will require face masks and social distancing at our Baptisms. We will limit the number of children being baptized at one ceremony to four.

TO SCHEDULE A BAPTISM

Step 1: Paperwork To begin the process, please first complete our Baptism Application which can be picked up from the parish office or downloaded from our website at: https://nativityburke.org/baptism/

Please bring the following to the Parish Office: 1. Copy of child’s Birth Certificate 2. A certificate of eligibility for your Catholic godparents. Please review our Godparent Requirements. Godparents who are registered members of Nativity do not need to provide a certificate. 3. Completed Baptism Application. Scheduling the date of the Baptism will take place ONLY after these items are received.

Step 2: Preparation for New Parents If this is your first child (congratulations!), in addition to providing the above paperwork, parents must attend a Baptism Prep class. Godparents are welcome, too. Register Online for our Baptism Prep class at: https://nativityburke.org/baptism/#preparation

Step 3: Nativity Schedules the Baptism Date At this point, please call our Baptismal Coordinator, Anna Marty, to review your paperwork, discuss any questions, and schedule the date and time of the Baptism. She is available Monday - Wednesday at the parish office, please call 703-455-2400 or email [email protected].

“My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.” We were created with a thirst for God. Could He be calling you to quench it by living in Him as a priest, sister or brother? Call Father Michael Isenberg (703) 841-2514 or email

[email protected].

https://nativityburke.org/mass-schedule/#adoration


TR1100VA001

Christmas is coming! Thank you for your previous support of Nativity's Boy Scout Troop 1100. We are able to offer wreaths for sale again this year with online

orders! Please visit GiftitForward.com and use code TR1100VA001 to help our troop raise funds for scout activities. Your wreath will be delivered directly to your home by

FedEx. Please contact us with any questions at [email protected] or visit https://nativityburke.org/scout-wreath-sales/. Thank you!


It is nearly time again for the annual Women of Nativity (WON) Advent Tree project. We are excited about this upcoming event and are very grateful to our faithful partners, the generous parishioners of our Church! We would very much appreciate your support and prayers for another successful Giving Tree Project.

***Due to the pandemic regulations, things look different this year. See below for details!*** On November 14th thru December 4th, “ornaments” with holiday wishes will be placed on a Virtual Christmas tree on the Nativity website. Please pick the “ornaments” of your choice and return the requested gifts to the Church as specified in the instructions for each gift/gift card you choose. GIFT CARDS should be placed in an envelope with the recipient marked on the outside. Please write gift card $$ amount on the gift card. Please DO NOT wrap gift cards. Gift cards can be returned as early as November 14th through December 6th by placing them in designated boxes in the Narthex and Gym lobby before and after weekend Masses. Please drop your gift cards off in the collection box set up in the parish office during business hours at all other times.

Actual newly purchased gifts can be returned on the weekends of November 28 & 29 and December 5th & 6th. There will be representatives from WON in the Narthex and Gym lobby during Masses. Collection boxes will remain in the Narthex for drop off during the week. All organizations we service have requested the gifts be UNWRAPPED for easier distribution.

• Appalachian Home Building Project - Providing household items for a home the Knights of Columbus will build for a family in Kentucky in June 2021. Household Items & Gift cards

• ECHO - ECHO (Ecumenical Community Helping Others) is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization which has helped the neediest people in our community for 50 years. Direct Contribution

• Father Cedric Wilson, Nativity Parish - Father Wilson’s counseling service at John’s Hopkins deals with adolescents and needy families in the Baltimore area. Gift Cards

• Gabriel Project - Donations assist unwed mothers with pre/post-natal needs. Direct Contribution

• Hispanic Outreach Program - Provides coats, vests, gloves for the needy men in the area. Men’s Outerwear

• Holy Family Hospital/Order of Malta - Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem provides state-of-the-art pediatric, obstetric, and gynecological care to women and children of the Holy Land. Direct Contribution

• Laundry Love Organization - During the Christmas season Laundry Love will give toys/gifts to the children of many of these families who have become part of this outreach program. Gift Cards

• LCAC - The Lorton Community Action Center (LCAC) seeks to provide local low-income individuals, senior citizens, and families with access to basic needs and the opportunity to empower themselves through LCAC’s self-sufficiency programs. Direct Contribution

• Nativity School - Items to help some of our Nativity Parish students. Children’s Clothing & Toys

• Nativity Parish - The clergy and staff handle special needs especially during the holidays. Also, for the Sisters to support their Polish orphanage. Children’s Clothing & Gift Cards

• Migration & Refugee Services - Last year, MRS provided services to about 3,000 refugees, both new arrivals and existing clients. Gift cards will be used for household items to help families get settled here in Northern VA. Gift Cards

• Seniors of Alexandria - Annie B. Rose House is a low-income senior assisted living community. The gift cards help with several areas of need, e.g., food, transportation to doctors, medical devices, and prescriptions. Gift Cards

• S.O.M.E - SOME exists to help the poor and homeless of our nation’s capital by meeting the immediate daily needs of the people they serve with food, clothing, and health care. Direct Contribution

• St. Augustine’s of DC - Saint Augustine Church is located in Washington, DC. Gift Cards will support children in their after-school program. Gift Cards

• Where Needed - Gift Card of your choice in the amount of your choice. These will be used in areas where more assistance is needed. Gift Cards


DRIVE THRU


ADULTS—YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIFE OF A YOUNG PERSON

YOU can make a difference in the life of a young person - leading them closer to Christ. College-Age, Young Adults, Parents, Grandparents, Retirees ...all are welcome to share the Catholic faith! Contact Ms. Ingrid to inquire how YOU can make a difference.

Follow Us nat ivi tycym

Nativity Youth Ministry

Get the Weekly CYM UPdate! Via FlockNote

High School: nativityburke.org/cym/lifeteen/ Grades 5-8 nativityburke.org/cym/edge/

nativityschool.org

NATIVITY CATHOLIC SCHOOL A Blue Ribbon School of Excellence

Nativity Catholic Church’s Fifth Annual Golf Outing --

Fundraising For the Community __________________________________

Thank you to all of our generous sponsors -- many have been with us all 5 years! It was a perfect day for golf and Father Bob and a team of new and returning players from both the school and parish played through a morning filled with fun, fellowship and fresh air.

***************************************** A heartfelt thanks to this group of folks for their support

-- their contributions made this event happen. We are very grateful for their generosity.

ACF Environmental, Alliant Employee Benefits, Anderson Company, Anderson Family, Arceli Brown State Farm Insurance Agency, B&B Signal, Chantilly Crushed Stone, Joe Dezzutti, Digital Office Products, Encore Sausage Company, Fairfax Memorial, Father Bob, Flowers and Ferns, The Gold Group, LLC “The Standard in Insurance and Financial Services”, Harris Family, Mike Holupka, W. B. Hopke Company, Hutchison Hydroseeding Inc, KC Johnson and Sons, KL 161 Trucking, The Kauffman Group, Knights of Columbus Fr. Vincent Sikora Council #7992, M&T Bank, Mike McCarthy, The McKnight Family, The Muha Family, NFP, Nativity Catholic School, Nativity Parish, Rosemary O'Connor, Pediatric Dental Care, Pugg Haulers, Rimkus family, Roche Brothers, Sachs Capital, Shannon Auto, Shirley Contracting Company, Luck Stone, Timm family, Utilities Unlimited, and Virginia Eyecare Associates.

***************************************** To ensure our return to the classroom, Nativity School follows a strict regimen of health and safety guidelines.

A GREAT BIG THANK YOU

to our families -- and to countless others -- who are helping to make our transi-tion back into the classroom truly a working partnership.

Serving students in Grades 5 thru 12 in a

variety of teen groupings

For Complete Information Visit the Nativity Website

Starting September 2020 - All gatherings will take place bi-week outside in the fresh air

• All Groups meet from 5:00pm - 6:30pm

• Masks required - Bring a Camp Chair

• Parent involvement is requested to support this ministry during COVID-19

EDGE is middle school ministry Grades 5, 6, 7, 8 LifeTEEN is high school ministry Grades 9-10-11-12

Bi-Weekly Mon EDGE Grades 5 & 6 5:00-6:30pm Tues EDGE Grades 7 & 8 5:00-6:30pm

Wed LifeTEEN Grade 9 5:00-6:30pm Thur LifeTEEN Grades 10-11-12 5:00-6:30pm

YM Meeting Calendar Visit parish the web site - Youth and Family LifeTEEN or EDGE - YM Calendar

No Drop-Ins | SignUp Required Visit Web Site to get on the CYM Flocknote for

Updates, SignUp and Gathering Reminders

http://www.nativityburke.org/nativityschool/


ÁRBOL DE DONACIONES DE LAS MUJERES DE NATIVITY

Cada año durante la época de Adviento, las Mujeres de Nativity (WON) ayuda a nuestra comunidad con un Árbol de Donaciones. ¡Estamos emocionados por este evento y muy agradecidos con los fieles y generosos feligreses de nues-tra parroquia! Agradeceríamos enormemente su apoyo y sus oraciones por otro año exitoso.

*** Debido a las regulaciones de la pandemia, las cosas serán diferentes este año. ¡Mire los detalles a continuación! *** · Del 14 de noviembre al 4 de diciembre, se colocarán "adornos" con deseos en un Árbol de Navidad virtual en la página web de la parroquia. Por favor elija los "adornos" que desee y devuelva los regalos sugeridos a la parroquia como se especifica en las instrucciones de cada regalo / tarjeta de regalo que usted elija.

· Las TARJETAS DE REGALO deben colocarse en un sobre e indicar claramente en el exterior a quien va destinado. Por favor escriba el monto $$ en la tarjeta de regalo. Por favor NO envuelva las tarjetas de regalo. Pueden colocar las tarjetas en las cajas designadas en el vestíbulo y en el gimnasio de la escuela antes y después de las misas de fin de semana desde el 14 de noviembre al 6 de diciembre. También, habrá una caja designada en la oficina de la parroquia donde podrá dejar las tarjetas de regalo en cualquier momento durante el horario de oficina.

Los regalos nuevos se pueden dejar los fines de semana del 28 y 29 de noviembre y del 5 y 6 de diciembre. Habrá representantes de Mujeres de Nativity (WON) en el vestíbulo y en el gimnasio de la escuela durante las misas. Las cajas designadas permanecerán en el vestíbulo durante la semana. Todas las organizaciones a las que servimos han solicitado que los regalos NO SEAN ENVUELTOS para facilitar la distribución.

• Proyecto de construcción de viviendas (Appalachia Home Building Project) - Proporcionan artículos para el hogar para un hogar que los Caballeros de Colón (Knights of Columbus) construirán para una familia en Kentucky en junio de 2021. Artículos para el hogar & Tarjetas de regalo

• ECHO - Comunidad Ecuménica Ayudando a Otros (ECHO) es una organización sin fines de lucro, totalmente voluntaria que ha ayudado a las personas más necesitadas en nuestra comunidad durante 50 años. Donar directamente

• Padre Cedric Wilson, Parroquia Nativity - El servicio de consejería del Padre Wilson en John's Hopkins se ocupa de adolescentes y familias necesitadas en el área de Baltimore. Tarjetas de regalo

• Proyecto Gabriel (Gabriel Project) - Las donaciones del Proyecto Gabriel ayudan a las madres solteras con necesidades pre y posnatales. Donar Directamente

• Servicio a los hispanos (Hispanic Outreach Program)- Proporciona abrigos, chalecos, guantes para los hombres necesitados de la zona. Ropa de abrigo para hombres

• Hospital Sagrada Familia / Orden de Malta - El hospital Sagrada Familia en Belen (Holy Family Hospital in Beth-lehem) ofrece lo último en atención pediátrica, obstétrica y ginecológica para mujeres y niños de la Tierra Santa. Donar Directamente

• Organización Lavandería de Amor (Laundry Love Organization) - Durante la temporada navideña, Laundry Love dará juguetes / regalos a los hijos de muchas de estas familias que se han convertido en parte de este programa. Tarjetas de regalo

• Centro de Acción Comunitaria de Lorton The Lorton Community Action Center (LCAC) - The Lorton Communi-ty Action Center (LCAC) busca brindar a personas locales de bajos ingresos, personas mayores y familias acceso a las necesidades básicas y la oportunidad de empoderar a ellos mismos a través de los programas de autosuficiencia de LCAC. Donar Directamente

• Escuela Nativity (Nativity School) - Artículos para ayudar a algunos de nuestros estudiantes de la parroquia. Ropa para niños & juguetes

• Parroquia Nativity (Nativity Parish) - El clero y el personal se encargan de las necesidades especiales, especial-mente durante los días festivos. También, a las hermanas para apoyar su orfanato en Polonia. Ropa para niños y tarjetas de regalo

• Servicios de Migracion y Refugiados (Migration & Refugee Services) - El año pasado, MRS brindó servicios a unos 3.000 refugiados, tanto recién llegados y existentes. Las tarjetas de regalo se utilizarán para artículos para el hogar que ayudaran a familias a establecerse aquí en el norte de Virginia. Tarjetas de regalo

• Personas Mayores de Alexandria (Seniors de Alexandria) - Annie B. Rose House es una residencia asistida para personas mayores de bajos ingresos. Las tarjetas de regalo ayudaran con varias áreas de necesidad, por ejemplo, alimentos, transporte para citas médicos, dispositivos médicos y medicamentos. Tarjetas de regalo

• S.O.M.E - SOME existe para ayudar a los pobres y desamparados de la capital satisfaciendo las necesidades diarias inmediatas de las personas a las que sirven con comida, ropa y atención médica. Donar directamente

• La Iglesia de San Agustín en Washington DC (Saint Augustine’s of DC) - Las tarjetas de regalo apoyaran a niños con sus programas extracurriculares. Tarjetas de regalo

• Donde más se necesite - Las tarjetas de regalo en el monto de su elección serán utilizadas en áreas donde se nece-site más ayuda. Tarjetas de regalo


XXXII DOMINGO ORDINARIO – A Evangelio: Mat 25,1-13 - Gozar del ban-quete de la vida Con un ejemplo –la parábola de las diez doncellas que salen a recibir al esposo– tomado de la vida ordinaria de su tiempo, y muy conocido y experi-mentado por muchos de sus oyentes, Jesús nos instruye sobre la necesidad de vivir siempre preparados para dar cuenta Dios de nuestra vida, cuando El nos llame. No sabemos cuando será ese momento. Pero no solo por prudencia táctica hemos de estar prepar-ados y en gracia de Dios, sino por que merece la pena vivir iluminados y enriquecidos por la fe cris-tiana y moldeados por el calor de la caridad y del compromiso cristiano a lo largo de los días de nuestra vida. ________________________________________ Señor, que nos adviertes de la necesidad de estar siempre preparados, para cuando Tu nos llames. Quiero ser como las doncellas prudentes que fueron a esperar al esposo con las lámparas aprovisionadas de aceite. No solo estuvieron a punto para recibirlo, sino que durmieron felices mientras le esperaban, y disfrutaron del encuentro y de la entrada al ban-quete. No solo evitaron el reproche y rechazo del esposo, sino que participaron en la fiesta con alegría y satisfacción personal y comunitaria, compartiendo su presencia con todos los invitados a la fiesta de la vida. Quiero aprender, Señor, la lección de la prudencia y del aprovechamiento del tiempo; de la puntuali-dad al comenzar a hacer las cosas y del orden y buena organización al trabajar, al divertirme y al ayudar el prójimo. Que nunca me domine la pereza, la comodidad egoísta e imprudente, el cálculo individualista o la “cuquería” humana, al cumplir con mis deberes profesionales, familiares y sociales, y con los pro-piamente religiosos y apostólicos. El ejemplo de los santos y de los buenos cristianos me ilumina y estimula, y algunas veces me inqui-eta y descorazona, pues me reprochan mi in-diferencia y precipitación, mi tibieza y mediocri-dad …; pero ¡qué bien me hacen sus biografías y sus testimonios, sus palabras y su ejemplo de vida! Su alegría es evidente, y su trabajo y generosidad se desborda en obras buenas y en testimonio apostólico. Ayúdame, Señor, a imitarles y a disfru-tar de la vida como ellos lo hicieron y fueron feli-ces. Y que, al final, pueda ser reconocido por Ti, y entrar en el banquete del Reino, en el día y la hora que decidas para mí. Padre Segismundo Fernandez Rodríguez

Fernando Torres cmf Vivir es confiar

El Evangelio nos plantea hoy el tema de la fe. Y lo hace de una forma muy gráfi-ca, con un ejemplo que todos podemos entender. Creer se parece, de alguna manera, a salir de la seguridad de la bar-ca y arrojarse al agua en medio de la tormenta. Eso es lo que Jesús pide a Pedro que haga. De alguna forma le desafía a que confíe en él. Pero Pedro titubea porque se siente inseguro. Es po-sible que nosotros muchas veces nos sintamos como Pe-dro, inseguros. Y que busquemos seguridades que, como Pedro, no vamos a encontrar. Es que a veces desearíamos que la fe fuera el resultado de una demostración científica. O bien que hubiese sido un milagro o algo extraordinario lo que hubiese provocado nuestra fe. En el fondo, se supone que la fe nos pone en relación con Dios. Y Dios es considerado en estos casos como un ser lejano, poderoso y en el fondo peligroso para la vida de las personas. Como no nos sentimos seguros frente a él, queremos pruebas convincentes. La realidad es que la fe brota de la misma actitud básica sobre la que se establece cualquier relación. Un ejemplo bien claro de esto lo encontramos en la relación de amor de una pareja. Ninguno de los dos podrá decir nunca que está absolutamente seguro del amor del otro o de la otra. Él o ella solamente tienen indicios: sonrisas, palabras, caricias, llamadas telefónicas... pero nada más. Esos indicios confir-man el amor pero nunca son pruebas concluyentes. Al final, la persona, cada uno, cada una, tiene que dar un paso al frente y confiar. Y fiarse del otro. Con Dios sucede exactamente igual. No tenemos más re-medio que fiarnos de él. Porque no tenemos ni tendremos nunca pruebas concluyentes de su existencia. Solamente tenemos testigos. Un testigo mayor: Jesús, que pasó la vida haciendo el bien, curando a los enfermos y amando a todos los que se encontró por el camino precisamente en nombre de Dios. Él nos dijo que su amor era fruto del amor de Dios, que nos amaba con el mismo amor de Dios y que tenemos que confiar en él. Y tenemos otros muchos testigos. Los muchos hombres y mujeres que le han seguido, que han confiado en él y que han vivido amando y haciendo el bien. Pero no tenemos pruebas matemáticas ni físicas ni quími-cas de ese amor. Nos tenemos que fiar. En el Evangelio de hoy, Jesús nos invita a echarnos al agua, a vivir sin miedo, confiando en el amor de Dios. Nos invita a creer en Él y confiar en que con Él podemos sortear los peligros de la vida. Porque su amor está siempre con nosotros. Para la reflexión ¿Somos capaces de confiar en las personas con que vivi-mos? ¿O quizá se ha instalado en nuestro corazón una desconfianza radical? La fe es creer que Dios está ordenan-do la vida y la historia para el bien. ¿Creemos y confiamos de esa manera en Dios? ¿Colaboramos con él para que su plan de salvación salga adelante?

Ver Liturgia

http://www.ciudadredonda.org/calendario-lecturas/evangelio-del-dia/liturgia-viva/?f=2017-08-13


Ciclo A. XXXII Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario A Julio César Villalobos, C.M. Escuché una vez esta historia. Había una vez un Señor que estaba en el desierto extenuado, cansado, sin ganas de avanzar hacia adelante, y por supuesto, con sed. Se había desmayado por unos instantes…Al despertar, divis a lo lejos algo “raro”. No sabía qué era. ¿Será una ciu-dad para que me acojan?, ¿será un espejismo?, ¿será una ilusin o algo pasajero?, ¿será que vienen por mí?…empezaba a hacerse estas y otras preguntas más. Mientras se hacía estas preguntas, hacía todo el esfuerzo por acercarse a esa cosa rara. Mientras más se acercaba, podía divisar algo más concreto. De pronto las fuerzas se le fueron, y por 2da vez se desmayó por unos instantes: ¿será mi última oportunidad que la vida me da para descubrir lo que realmente necesito para vivir?… De pronto divis que era una máquina vieja, toda sucia, llena de xido, sin uso…era una máquina para sacar agua manualmente. Y pens para sí: ¿“funcionará esta máquina? o ¿me doy por vencido? Se acerca a esta máquina. Al lado de ella hay una botella con una inscripción dentro. Empezó entonces a manipular la palanca de esa máquina vieja de sacar agua manualmente. Lo hacía una y otra vez, de arriba abajo. Pero se cansó y por 3ra vez se desmayó por unos segundos. Cuando se despert hizo lo que le dijeron en su sueo: “sigue así y conseguirás lo que quieras”. Se levant y retom su tarea. Hizo tantos esfuerzos que hasta se intentó colgar de aquella palanca para que tenga mejor movilidad…y ¿saben?…no consigui nada. Esta vez no se desmay, pero sentado razon por última vez: “¿y si hago mi mejor esfuer-zo y pienso que si lo consigo?”…Insisti por 3ra vez con aquella máquina, de tanto insistir vio que salía na pequea gota, y luego otras más…hasta que consiguió un buen chorro de agua. Pudo tomar el agua que quiso, se bañó, etc. Pero mirando aquella botella, con esa inscripcin que decía: “manipula la palanca y conseguirás el agua que quieras”, tomó unas hojas de plantas viejas que había por allí y las utiliz como “lapicero”…y escribi en ese papel: “POR FA-VOR CREAN LO QUE DICE EL MENSAJE”. Si analizamos las lecturas de hoy domingo, podemos ver que estas cambian “ligeramente” de lenguaje. Como preparándonos a los acontecimientos que se avecinan: Adviento y Navidad. La esperanza, que es Dios mismo, está puesta en la 1ra lectura como la Sabiduría (Sab.6,12-16). Esta está a nuestro alcance, y nos da seguridad: “…el que vela por ella pronto se ve libre de preocupaciones”. Dios nunca nos abandona. Él permanece fiel aunque nosotros le fallemos. Si amamos de verdad a Dios, lo podremos sentir, tocar, palpar, proclamar, lo podemos ver. Entendemos por qué el salmista dirá: “Mi alma está sedienta de ti”, “toda mi vida te bendeciré y alzaré las manos invocándote” (Salmo 62). Por eso es que urge la necesidad de buscar a Di-os y dejarse encontrar por él. El Señor de la historia, perseveró en su intento de beber agua, no se desanimó a pesar de las dificultades. Simplemente aprendió a confiar. Dios no falla, él llega sin avisar, pero llega. El evangelio de hoy (Mt.25,1-13) nos muestra un pasaje, con una parábola muy conocida por todos: la Pa-rábola de las 10 vírgenes. Unas prudentes y otras necias. Por un lado están las personas que quieren aceptar a Dios en su vida. Por otro lado las personas que no quieren a Dios en su vida, o las personas que quieren prescindir de Él. ¿No será que el mundo está como está porque prescinde siempre de Dios? ¿Qué hubiera pasado si aquel hombre de la historia no hubiera perseverado?, simplemente no hubiera conseguido lo que es-peraba. Buscar la Esperanza, no falla. ¿Te animas a encontrarla? Fuente: Somos.vicencianos.org (con permiso)

A Message from our Pastor Fr. Bob Cilinski

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