Inside This Issue • September 20,...

Weekday and Saturday MassesMonday - Friday: 6:30 a.m., 8 a.m., 11 a.m., 5:30 p.m. Saturday: 8 a.m., 11 a.m.

Filipino Mass in Tagalog every 4th Sunday at 3:30 p.m.

Holy Day MassesEve of the Feast: 5:30 p.m.Day of the Feast: 6:30 a.m., 8 a.m., 11 a.m., 5:30 p.m.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament*Exposition: Monday-Friday, 3-5:15 p.m., in the church Thursday before first Friday of each month, 6-8 p.m., with Holy Hour from 7-8 p.m.*No adoration on federal holidays

Inside This Issue • September 20, 2015

We Welcome a New Parochial Vicar • 3MOMS News • 3Not Too Late to Join Adult Faith Formation Courses • 3Do You Own Books/DVDs/CDs You No Longer Wish to Keep? • 4Sanctuary Sodality’s Upcoming Events • 5Supporting the People of Haiti • 6School Supply Collection Next Weekend • 6Financial Planning Session: Affording a Catholic Education • 6From the Community • 6

Saturday, September 19 5:30 p.m. ~ Father Ron

Sunday, September 20 7:30 a.m. ~ Father O 9:00 a.m.* ~ Father Ron 10:30 a.m. ~ Father Andy (Church) 10:30 a.m. ~ Father Alec (Gym) 12:30 p.m. ~ Father D’Silva 5:30 p.m. ~ Father D’Silva

*American Sign Language interpreted Mass

3630 Quesada Street, NWWashington, D.C. 20015

202.966.6575 • Phone202.966.9255 • Fax

www.blessedsacramentdc.org

Blessed Sacrament School5841 Chevy Chase Parkway, NW

Washington, D.C. 20015202.966.6682

www.bsstoday.org

Mass Times ~ Presider Schedule

This Weekend

Food Collection for the PoorAt all Masses. Blessed Sacrament parish is responding to the call of Pope Francis to serve the poor by donating food for the poorest parishes in the inner city of our archdiocese. The donations are being collected by the John S. Mulholland Family Foundation and will be delivered on our behalf on Monday, September 21, the day before the Holy Father’s arrival in Washington, DC.

School of Religion Opening Mass and PotluckSunday, 9 a.m. Mass in the church for Sunday classes.

Young Family Ministry Planning SessionSunday, after the 10:30 a.m. Masses in the main meeting room of the parish center. Having a new or young child can sometimes make parents feel isolated. For that reason, a new group is forming at Blessed Sacrament to bring together families with children between ages newborn and five years old. Blessed Sacrament Young Family Ministry will provide the young families of the parish a community of peers that share a common faith, values, schedule, and demands on their attention.

Saturday, September 26 ~ Bishop Dorsonville

Sunday, September 27 ~ Father Armstrong ~ Father O ~ Father Alec ~ Father D’Silva ~ Father Ron ~ Father Andy

Pastoral Staff

Duffy Parish Center

Sacraments

Parish Services & Information

Rev. Ronald A. Potts, Pastor • [email protected]. Andrew Gonzalo, Parochial Vicar Rev. Alec Scott, Parochial Vicar • [email protected]. Msgr. Maurice V. O’Connell, Retired Priest • [email protected]. Percival L. D’Silva, Retired Priest • [email protected] Kenneth Angell • [email protected] Donald Mays • [email protected] on WeekendsRev. Regis Armstrong, OFM Cap, Catholic University

Main Office 202.966.6575 (Monday - Saturday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)In an Emergency 202.966.6575, Ext. 3988 (to page priest on duty)Facilities 202.449.4610Pius X Library 202.449.3974Ray Manning Adult Center 202.363.4512Mr. John Navolio, Business Manager

202.449.3984, [email protected] Mr. Jay Rader, Director of Liturgy and Music

202.449.3981, [email protected] of Faith Formation

202.449.3989 Ms. Rosalie Days, Sacramental Preparation Coordinator

202.449.4618, [email protected]. Patricia Kavanaugh, Social Concerns Minister

202.449.3987, [email protected](Office open Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., and by appointment)

Ms. Emma Voelzke, Special Needs Coordinator202.449.3990, [email protected]

Ms. Kathy Gillespie, Director of CYO202.449.3972, [email protected]

Blessed Sacrament SchoolMr. Chris Kelly, Principal 202.966.6682, [email protected]. Nancy Ryan, Director of Admissions

202.966.6682, Ext. 6110, [email protected]

Baptism • Baptismal preparation is required of all parents prior to the baptism of their child. We recommend preparation take place before the child is born. For more info: Father O, [email protected] or 202.449.4617.Matrimony • All couples who are to be married at Blessed Sacrament must complete our parish marriage preparation program. Please contact one of the parish priests six months in advance of your marriage date. Reconciliation • Friday and Saturday after the 11 a.m. Mass (if no funeral); Saturday, 4 - 5 p.m. and after the 5:30 p.m. Mass, or anytime by appointment.

Care Of The Sick & Homebound • If you or someone you know is hospitalized or homebound and would like a priest to visit, contact the parish office at 202.966.6575.New Parishioners • Welcome to Blessed Sacrament! Please register by stopping in at the parish office, located in the Duffy parish center, and filling out a registration form. Forms also available in the pamphlet rack at the Quesada Street entrance to the church and on the parish website.Bulletin Announcements • Due Mondays @ 10 a.m. Send announcements to: [email protected]. Newsletter Content • Send articles, photos and other content to: [email protected] Postings • Send requests for postings for the Blessed Sacrament Parish website to: [email protected] Bulletin Boards • The parish secretary maintains the church bulletin boards. Please drop off any flyers for posting to Joan Ward in the parish office, located in the Duffy parish center.Inclement Weather Policy • The parish center/office follows Montgomery County Schools for delays and closings. All evening activities are cancelled those days the schools are closed.

In our reading from the Book of Wisdom, we find the situation where those who do evil are intolerant of the just persons who pose a permanent challenge to their wicked deeds. Unable to pressure the just to act as they do, the evildoers attempt to ruin the reputation of the just ones. Those who denounce the just characterize them as troublemakers who mislead the people. The evildoers begin by trying to break down the just by reviling and torturing them. These tortures, whether moral or physical, are the usual means used in the hope of overcoming the meekness and patience of the just. In the eyes of the evildoers, force can obtain anything and the failure of these methods incites their fury and leads them to kill the innocent. They blasphemously challenge God by putting the just one to death. Jesus fulfills this passage as the Righteous One accomplishing our salvation. This passage also applies to the multitude of men and women of all times, persecuted, tortured, put to death because they stood up as unshakable witnesses to what is right and just.

In our passage from the Letter of St. James, he stresses the need for “the wisdom from above” that is the antidote for jealousy and ambition and what results from them. The gift of wisdom enables us to see things as God sees them and not through our own selfish lens as we strive to accomplish His will in our lives. The root of peace and conflict lies in the human heart. The battle between greed, jealously, envy, hate, and revenge takes place within this arena. Prayer is the means for adjusting one’s will to God’s; and God’s will is for peace among all people. Prayer is true and deserves to be heard in the measure in which it expresses the effective desire for conversion, a conversion for which one humbly but intently asks for God’s grace and the Holy Spirit.

In our passage from Mark’s Gospel, the disciples cannot imagine that Jesus will be put to death or understand what the resurrection means, and are afraid to question Him about it. And, they cannot decide who is the greatest. So, Jesus sits down and begins to teach the apostles, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” Then Jesus calls a child to Him, embraces him, and says to His disciples, “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me.” By identifying Himself with a child, Jesus shows what He Himself is, without pretense: the Lord and the Master certainly, but as one who serves. The disciples must conduct themselves in the same manner and rejoice at being welcomed as lowly persons, not seeking to assert themselves by making their importance felt. In order to be the first in the kingdom opened by our crucified Lord, we must, like Him, become the last and the servants of all.

God bless you, Father Ron

Pastor’s Column

2 www.blessedsacramentdc.org

Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Anthony van Dyck, Let the Children Come to Me, c 1618-1620, detail

Source of Image: http://liturgy.slu.edu

Question for the WeekSometimes, when we strive to be first or be the one that wins, we hurt others. When has striving to be first hurt others? What can you do differently in the future to help others to succeed?(Source: www.osvcurriculum.com/lifelong_catechesis)`

Youth Corner

School of ReligionRegistration for 2015-16 ClassesRegistration is now open. To register your child or for more info, contact our Coordinator of Faith Formation, Mrs. Gina Schulz: [email protected].

Still Need Catechists and Catechist Aides for Sunday Session

Contact: Office of Faith Formation: 202.449.3989

Faith Formation

Sacramental Preparation Catechist NeededThe catechist will teach older children preparing for First Penance and First Communion. This class meets four to five Tuesdays in the fall and four to five Tuesdays in the spring. If interested, contact the Office of Faith Formation, 202.449.3989.

3 Blessed Sacrament DCFind us onFacebook

Sunday Session: 8:45–10 a.m.5th Grade: 1 Catechist6th Grade: 2 Catechists8th Grade: 2 Aides

Poor Box DonationsDonations collected during the month of September will benefit the Tenants Empowerment Network, a transitional housing program for homeless families. The program, which is part of Catholic Charities, also provides case management services, addictions counseling, childcare assistance, and guidance in securing employment. Families may remain in the TEN program for up to two years.

We Welcome a New Parochial VicarFather Andrew Gonzalo joined our parish last week. Father Andy had been serving at St. Augustine’s Church, Washington, DC, since November 2012. He is a native of the Philippines and served as a missionary for 17 years in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Welcome, Father Andy!

School of Religion Opening Mass and PotluckTuesday Session: September 22, 4:30 p.m. Mass in the church.

Please include our sick in your Prayers that they may exPerience healing and comfort

Luis Amiel Theresa Szot AndersonAlejandro ArceRobert BarryAnnielou Bayly BermanWilliam H. CassonAnn GardinerKieran KelleyMarion Middendorf

Barrie & Elizabeth Montague Brady Nelson Fredy H. Ortega Daniel OrtmanRichard B. PerryRev. Barbara SchlachterNelly TurnerVioleta TurnerHope Elena Katz-Zogby

MOMS NewsMOMS (Ministry of Mothers Sharing) has spaces available for the fall and winter sessions. The objective of MOMS is to gather mothers together to form a network of mutual, spiritual support. Among the most rewarding aspects of the eight weeks spent together are the friendships formed and the insights gained, along with the increased spirituality you bring to your life and your family’s. The fall session runs from Monday, September 21 to Monday, November 9, 7:30–9:30 p.m. If you are interested in joining, please contact Lori Finch and Julia Stogoski at [email protected].

Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament September 20, 2015

Adult Faith FormationBread, Book, and Brethren Bible StudyIt’s not too late to join the weekly Bible study community for a discussion of “Praying the Scriptures,” a Collegeville book, Wednesday mornings, parish center, main level. Coffee and refreshments at 8:30 a.m.; Meeting and structured group discussions at 9 a.m.; Guest speaker or DVD at 10 a.m. Fee is $25. All are invited. For more information, contact Nan Levine 202.244.7691 or Eniko Basa, [email protected].

Tuesday & Thursday Courses Taught By Brother MalachyIntroduction to the Life and Vision of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, S.J. Tuesdays, 8:45–10:45 a.m., main level of the parish centerBrief Description: While roaming the earth and working on his scientific tasks, Teilhard de Chardin’s mind was asking profound questions about the meaning and goal of cosmic and human life, which led him to undertake research into the origins of the human being and life as we know it today. His views put him on a collision course with his Jesuit superiors in France and Church authorities in Rome. The Twelve Minor Prophets and the Book of Daniel Thursdays, 8:45–10:45 a.m., main level of the parish centerBrief Description: The Book of the Twelve is a collection of oracles spanning 300 years; taken as a whole, it is both a reflection on the past and a lesson for the future. The Book of Daniel was written to strengthen the Jewish people in their suffering.

For more information on both courses, contact Brother Malachy: 202.364.2932. There is no need to pre-register; just come!

A 24-Part Bible Study Featuring Jeff Cavins

Dates, Times, Location 24 Wednesdays

Oct 14-Dec 16, 2015 and Jan 6-May 11, 2016 Blessed Sacrament School Auditorium

3630 Quesada Street, NW Washington, DC 20015

7 - 8:30 PM

Cost/Registration Register online at: www.evangelization.com

Your registration includes the student materials and the ability to stream the study videos

online at your convenience. $23.00 plus shipping

For More Information Please contact: Ceil Malphrus

[email protected] 301-907-0827

This exciting study brings the Gospel to

life and draws you closer to Christ. You

will see Jesus as the awaited Messiah

who fulfills the promises and prophecies

of the Old Testament, establishes the

New Law, and inaugurates the Kingdom

of Heaven. Set in the rich context of

Jesus' life, Matthew shows us who Jesus

is and what his life and teachings mean

for us today.

"Once you start learning he makes

you hunger for more. Jeff pulls

everything you need to know out

of the Bible and it all starts to make

sense like it never did before."

-Margaret A. Tirpak, NY

Wednesday evenings:October 14 - December 16, 2015 January 6 - May 11, 2016 7 - 8:30 p.m.School auditorium

Register online: www.evangelization.com. Contact: Ceil Malphrus, [email protected] or 301.907.0827

Sanctuary Sodality Initiating Junior Units High school aged girls are invited to join new junior units of the Sanctuary Sodality. Becoming involved in Sodality is a great way to enjoy time with friends and engage in service projects both in and outside the parish. Service projects can be used for school community service obligations! There will be at least one new unit of tenth graders, which interested girls are welcome to join. But, a group of girls who already know one another or who go to the same school may form additional units. Please contact Cathy Lincoln at [email protected]/202.689.4636 for more information.

Recent additions to the library include several books on the relationship between science and faith; Cecile Kelly reviews Kathleen Duffy’s book reminding us that the disciplines of science and theology are mutually interdependent. This autumn Brother Malachy Broderick will include this topic in his series “Introduction to the life, thought and vision of Teilhard de Chardin, S.J.”

“Ask the Beasts: Darwin and the God of Love,” by Elizabeth Johnson (261.88 J63 A47). “Johnson’s work is vivifying, encouraging not only Christian thoughtfulness but also reverence toward the ecosystem on its behalf. An overdue reconciliation of religious belief to scientific cognizance, ‘Ask the Beasts’ should become the benchmark for conversations between the disciplines,” writes one reviewer. Johnson shows Darwin’s “The Origin of Species” (rarely can you read such a lucid interpretation and analysis) as an affirmation for care of the natural world, juxtaposing “The Nicene Creed” as a related voice of holiness.

“From Teilhard to Omega: Co-Creating an Unfinished Universe,” editor, Ilia Delio (261.5 D379 F92). Thirteen writers present essays for a fresh understanding of the thought of Teilhard de Chardin (1881-1995), the Jesuit paleontologist and mystic. They fall into four sections: theology, philosophy, spirituality and science. Each essay is followed by Points to Ponder and Questions for Discussion making this book a good choice for book clubs. John Haught, for example, shows how evolutionary biology and astrophysics has changed our understanding of the relationship between God and the World; this section continues with essays by Kathleen Duffy, Ilia Delio, Denis Edwards and Francois Euve. Each writer brings us contemporary views on evolving humanity in the context of Teilhard’s writings, once disparaged but now affirmed.

“Teilhard’s Mysticism,” by Kathleen Duffy (230.20 D87 T22). The author, a molecular physicist and theologian, shows the development of Teilhard de Chardin’s mystical outlook by tracing his personal journey through his writings. In addition, she cites contemporary scientific examples “about the nature, structure and dynamics of the cosmos…to stimulate a sense of awe and wonder comparable to what he might have experienced when he confronted the science of his day.” Duffy tells us that Teilhard has been her guide in trying “to make sense of what sometimes seems to be the disconnected worlds of religion and science” and that “his synthesis not only confirms that it is possible to commune deeply with both God and the world, but also teaches how to commune with God through the world.”

For more information, visit the library or call 202.449.3974.

Visit Your Parish Library


Chimes Chatter. . . so now you are ascending our chimes’ bell tower to level one (continuing our discussion of last week about how we are journeying on a virtual tour to the belfry): “I count 24 ladder rungs climbing up to a first opening, that of an antechamber of sorts over two stories up. This ‘power and parts’ room as it was described to me is a windowless room that leads to striking machines and chimes yet another level up. I then hear a clacking of moving components and peals marking a quarter hour, louder than I ever heard before at street level. That was cool, I said to myself. Looking around this living room sized area with a two-story ceiling above me, I see shelves of electrical parts, vintage mechanical pieces, raw materials for treating repairs, and the all important logbook for trending maintenance and breakdowns. I like what I am getting into. In front of me I see a large, black, medicine-sized cabinet being opened revealing colored wires and sixteen coils, called solenoids, which when magnetized, lift vertical rods upward making signal connections to sound specific chimes above. Before the next peal, there are fifteen minutes to observe the solenoids, gingerly probe for loose connections, and check for broken piece-parts, as I frequently time myself anticipating the next quarter-hour strike, for when systems go ‘hot,’ one does not want to be touching wirings. At this level, 110-volt ac-power enters from the grid and is converted or ‘stepped down’ via transformers to 50-volt dc-power to operate the strike machines. And now I ascend another two stories looking up at a wooden trap door . . ..” To be continued.

Share a story about “your” chimes—contact [email protected].

Photo by Joe Bozik

The AdulT CenTer All parishioners, 39 and holding, are invited to gather in Apt. 1 in the Chevy Chase apartment building next to the church for fellowship after the 11 a.m. weekday Mass. Bring a sandwich and join the activities. For more information or for transportation, call Rita Killian at 202.363.5069.

Monday Welcome Back Luncheon @ NoonTuesday Strong Seniors: Strength & Balance Exercise ClassWednesday Watercolor Art Class with Dick SwartzThursday Bridge for Bridge Lovers @ NoonFriday Closed

Do You Own Books/DVDs/CDs You No Longer Wish to Keep? They may be of great interest to other parishioners; please donate them for the parish library’s biennial book sale event, scheduled for October 24-25. Fiction, travel, history, cookbooks, and biography, as well as children’s books, are all welcome if they are in good condition and unmarked. However, magazines and textbooks are not suitable for this sale. Please bring your donations to the library on the second floor of the parish center; add your name and address to the bags and boxes so that we can acknowledge your gift.

Mondays @ the Corbett Café: Fellowship, Coffee & Doughnuts Join fellow parishioners and friends in Apartment 1 of the Chevy Chase Apartments (next to the church) for fellowship any or every Monday, 8:30 a.m. – ‘til the coffee runs out!


5 Blessed Sacrament DCFind us onFacebook

Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament September 20, 2015

In Connection with Pope Francis’ Visit to Washington, DC

How is your Walk with Francis pledge? Have you followed through? Jesus encourages us with the joy and beauty of humble service in the Gospel today when He teaches, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” If you need help getting started, visit WalkwithFrancis.org. Share your pledge on social media and challenge others using #WalkwithFrancis.

We Are Looking for a Few Good Women!Sanctuary Sodality is always on the hunt for women who are interested in fun and fellowship (and a little bit of service—very time friendly). Please come to an informational coffee on Wednesday, September 30, from 8–10 a.m. at the home of Emma Voelzke (5821

Nevada Avenue, NW) and talk with current members about joining an existing unit, or get a group together and form your own unit! Units sometimes coalesce around a shared charity or interest, or a unit might come together because all the members have a child of a certain age. All are welcome. For further information, please contact [email protected] or [email protected]. Annual Fall Dinner: Thursday, October 1The induction of new members will take place directly after the 5:30 p.m. Mass so please plan on attending Mass. The dinner will be held in the school cafeteria. Our featured speaker is Don Mullikin, President of San Miguel School. Cost is $20; $15 for seniors.

Did You Know?? The Young Catholics with Disabilities group will resume its outings on Saturday, September 26. If you know of a young adult with a disability who would benefit from attending Mass and a monthly social outing, please help us to spread the word. We are always looking for young adult chaperones to accompany the group. Come join in the fun! For more information about how Blessed Sacrament is becoming a more inclusive community, contact Emma Voelzke at [email protected] or 202.449.3990.

Sunday Readings/Questions For Reflection. . . from the Faith Formation Commission

Wisdom 2:12, 17-20: Who are the “just ones” who endure persecution by the wicked ones today? Is there an injustice that “tries your patience”?

James 3:16-4:3: Where does ambition for power and greatness lead? What does it do to a country? to a business? to a Church? Is there a way to cultivate peace?

Mark 9:30-37: Jesus tells the disciples that in order to rank first they should be the servants of all. Who would you serve if you could? Anyone close to you? Where do you think your parish ranks in taking care of people in need? Where would you rank yourself? And, how does the person benefit by receiving a child in Jesus’ name according to Pope Francis? What does he say it does for the child or the one received?

We see how faith brings light and hope in situations of grave hardship; we observe how faith is rekindled in hearts touched by the Spirit of Jesus who said, ‘Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me.’ ” …

Goodness is its own reward and draws us closer to God, who is the Supreme Good. It helps us to think like him, to see our lives in the light of his plan of love for each one of us, and enables us to delight in life’s daily joys, helping us in difficulties and in trials.

Faith brings light to hardshipChildren’s center, Tirana, Albania, Sept. 21, 2014

(Source: Center for Liturgy at St. Louis University)

Walk with Francis by Helping an Unaccompanied Immigrant ChildCatholic Charities together with local parishes is encouraging area residents to Walk with Francis by helping the poor and marginalized in our community. Catholic Charities Immigration Legal Services (ILS) asks area legal professionals to make this pledge by agreeing to represent an unaccompanied minor to obtain legal status in the United States. Many of these children have escaped horrific violence and are relying on volunteer attorneys in order to remain in the United States safe from harm in their home countries. When represented by an attorney, these children are five times more likely to be able to remain in the United States than when they are not. ILS trains and mentors volunteer attorney as well as provides interpreters and other resources to help ensure the successful representation of these deserving clients. Currently there is a backlog of over seventy children waiting for representation and Catholic Charities is asking each parish to agree to assist a minimum of two unaccompanied minors. Please join Monsignor Enzler and Cardinal Donald Wuerl and make your commitment to walk with Francis by representing an immigrant child. Catholic Charities needs your help to fulfill the Pope’s vision that “these children be welcomed and protected.” Contact Jim Feroli at [email protected] to get information on trainings and cases, and take the first step in your walk with Francis.

“Walk with Francis” at the Interfaith Walk Next SundayThe annual tradition of people from all faiths and no faith coming together to learn and celebrate each other and their traditions continues. There will be a special energy behind this year’s event as it truly is The Walk of the people. As our communities, both large and small, continue to change, let us remember that it is in the coming together that knowledge is shared, hearts are healed, and relationships are formed. Opening ceremonies at Washington Hebrew Congregation, 3935 Macomb Street, NW, at 1:30 p.m.; closing ceremonies at The Islamic Center, 2551 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, at 4:30 p.m. Free and open to all. More info at http://washingtonpeacecenter.org/node/15577.


Sponsor of the Week

We would like to thank Happy Maids

for placing an ad in our weekly bulletin.

Outreach

Supporting the People of HaitiDid you know that physicians from our parishes volunteer at Hopital Sacre Coeur in Milot, Haiti? Physicians from the parishes travel to Haiti to provide healthcare services at Hopital Sacre Coeur in the North of Haiti. Come and learn more next Saturday, September 26. There will be a Mass for Haiti celebrated by Monsignor John Enzler at 5:30 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church for all parishioners of Blessed Sacrament, Little Flower, and Our Lady of Mercy. Following the Mass, there will be a short reception with light refreshments in the parish center at Blessed Sacrament. All are welcome.

School Supply Collection Next Weekend The next time you see a sale ad for school supplies, please consider purchasing school items for a child in need at St. Thomas More, Blessed Sacrament’s Sister School/Parish in Southeast DC. The school children need construction paper, scissors, glue sticks, binders, notebooks, pens, pencils, crayons, colored markers, and highlighters. This annual collection is scheduled for the weekend of September 26-27 at all Masses. Volunteers will be outside the church entrances to collect the school supply donations. If you are a student in need of service hours, please contact Pat Kavanaugh, [email protected] or 202.449.3987, to volunteer at one or more of the Masses.

Christian Family Movement Ministry

A Prayer for Help in Ending Violence “As the District’s summer of blood seeps slowly into fall, some among us continue to operate in silos splendidly isolated from what is happening in the neighborhoods around us.”—Colbert King, Washington Post, September 12, 2015. Let us especially honor our parish programs that serve our sister parish St. Thomas More in Southeast and other neighborhoods, as well as individuals who serve to broach walls. Let us pray:

Loving and faithful God, through the years the people of our archdiocese have prayed in times of war, disaster and ill-ness. We come to you Father and ask you to help us in the battle of today against violence, murder and racism.

We implore you to give us your wisdom that we may build a community founded on the values of Jesus, which give respect to the life and dignity of all people.

Bless parents that they may form their children in faith.

Bless and protect our youth that they may be the peace-makers of our time. Give consolation to those who have lost loved ones through violence.

Hear our prayer and give us the perseverance to be a voice for life and human dignity in our community.

We ask you this through Christ our Lord.


From the Community

Prayer Vigil at Planned Parenthood FacilitySponsored by 40 Days of Life, this prayer vigil will be held from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. at 1225 Fourth Street, NE (southeast corner of Florida Avenue) from September 23 through November 1. Visit https://40daysforlife.com/local-campaigns/washington to sign up for vigil hours. You will be asked to check a box acknowledging the Statement of Peace. Join in prayers for the sanctity of unborn babies and all human life.

Fundraising Event for Birthright of Montgomery County Sunday, September 27, 1–4 p.m. at the Rosensteel Knights of Columbus, 9707 Rosensteel Avenue, Silver Spring, MD. Celebrate the precious gift of life, the Pope’s visit, and the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. Delicious food, refreshing drinks, Catholic vendors. In addition, live streaming of the Pope’s visit on four large-screen TVs. Price: $7 per person; $25 per family. All you can eat and drink.

Our Lady of Good Counsel High School Information NightOur Lady of Good Counsel High School will be holding a Parent Information Night for interested parents of 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students on Tuesday, September 29, at 7 p.m. in the Kane Center. A formal presentation on the admissions process, its academic offerings (including the International Baccalaureate and Ryken programs), Co-curricular and Athletic programs, and student life will be presented. No registration required. Contact Emmy McNamara at 240.283.3235 for further information.

Monthly Reflections for Men and Women: The Christian DifferenceTake time out of your busy schedule and find something different. Wednesdays at Our Lady of Bethesda Retreat Center, 7007 Bradley Boulevard, Bethesda, MD. For women: September 30, 9:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m./7–9:45 p.m.; For men: October 7, 7–9:30 p.m. Each session includes: Mass, guided meditations related to the theme for the year, opportunity for confession, and a delicious meal. No reservations required to attend. Suggested donation: $10 per person. More info: www.ourladyofbethesda.org/301.365.0612.

Fifth Annual Order of Malta Lecture SeriesFaith and Service: The Unbreakable Bond lecture series presented this year by Father Matt Malone, SJ, President and Editor in Chief of America Media on Thursday, October 1, 7 p.m. at the Catherine E. Nolan Center at Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School, 1524 35th Street, NW, Washington, DC. A reception will follow at the Nolan Center. Mass at 5:30 p.m. at Holy Trinity Church, 3513 N Street, NW, Washington, DC, will precede the lecture. Free parking is available at Georgetown Visitation.

From the Archdiocese

Free Financial Planning Session: Affording a Catholic EducationThe Archdiocese of Washington Catholic Schools’ Board of Education is hosting a free financial planning session, Affording a Catholic Education: Budgeting Strategies for Families on Wednesday, October 7, from 6-8 p.m. at Holy Cross School in North Bethesda, MD. Families throughout the entire Archdiocese of Washington are faced with the issue of affordability when considering a Catholic education for their children. This session is open to all and will assist parents and guardians of Catholic school students, and prospective students, with planning and budgeting for the cost of a Catholic education. A link to register can be found at blessedsacramentdc.org.

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