Saint Gerard Catholic Church 809 Orange Avenue NW Roanoke, Virginia 24016—Office (540)343-7744 Fax (540)343-3599

Facebook—St. Gerard Catholic Church, Roanoke

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Website: stgerardroanokeva.org

VISION STATEMENT—VISION DE LA PARROQUIA A model Christian parish where each individual contributes unique gifts and talents to create a prayerful,

caring and inclusive community.

Una parroquia Cristiana modelo, en la cual cada individuo contribuye sus dones y talentos para crear

una communidad de oración, amor e inclusión.

Akarorero kumukirisu nihamwe umunta wese atanga ikado nziza cane n’impano zokubaka

amasengesho n’umwitwarariko kubaka ubumwe.

January 22, 2017— January 28, 2017

3rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

*In Service to our Faith Community*

Rev. Fr. Mark White, Pastor moreheheard@gmail.com Rev. Matt Kiehl, Parochial Vicar mkiehl@richmonddiocese.org Rev. José Morán Arce, Parochial Vicar jarce@stgerard.roacoxmail.com Maria Morales CRE reled@stgerard.roacoxmail.com Isabel Booth, Hispanic Ministry ibooth@stgerard.roacoxmail.com Jenn O’Herron, Bookkeeper joherron@stgerard.roacoxmail.com Beverly Stith, Secretary bstith@stgerard.roacoxmail.com In case of emergency call (202) 489-3607

Parish Leadership/Lideres de la Parroquia Building & Grounds Committee………………………………………………………..Jaime Benavidez & Jesus Cardenas Christian Formation……………………………………………………………………...Maria Morales, Staff Finance Council………………………………………………………………………….Karen Wray Called to Serve Ministry………………………………………………………………...Digna Martinez Knights of Columbus-Fr. Maurice McDonald Council #13046……………………..Sergio Arriaga, Grand Knight Liturgy Committee……………………………………………………………………… Nocturnal Adoration Society/Sociedad de la Adoracion Nocturna………………...Jaime Benavidez, Presidente Pastoral Care……………………………………………………………………………Charles Anderson Pastoral Council……………………………………………………………………… ..Paul English, Chair St. Andrew’s Diocesan Cemetery, Parish Representatives………………………..Caecilia Hubbard Youth Ministry…………………………………………………………………………...Victoria Brown & Claudia Arriaga Parish Community Life……………………………………………………………… ...Phyllis Mardian (Co-Chair)

Welcome to Our Visitors!

Whether you’re just visiting us for a brief time, looking for a new parish home, are returning to the practice of our

Catholic faith, we’re happy to have you here.

La Bienvenida a Nuestros Visitantes

Sea que solo está de visita, buscando por una parroquia o regresando a la práctica de su fe católica, estamos muy

contentos de que este aquí.

PRAYER INTENTIONS In our Thoughts and Prayers

Please pray for those who are sick, that they

experience strength in the Lord’s compassion

and love: Linda Sparta, Nicholas Surat, William DeBerry, Sachin Varghese, Marilyn Laukaitis, Marsha Laukaitis, Fr. Michael Herbert, Dabney Ward, Jessica English, Donna Boyd, Carolyn Mann, Claire Williams, Bill Grogan, Linda Crutchfield, Ed Harris, James Brown, Jack Stilton, Tyrone

Johnson, and Mary Ann Huff, Fr. Jim Parke

Bless all who give themselves to the service of others: To those who devote or have devoted their lives to serving our country, children and neighborhoods; they are giving back. They have answered the call to serve.

Heavenly Father, You have called my son to be a priest and

he has generously responded to that call: David Arellano, John R. Baab. Dillon A. Bruce, Deacon John R. Christian, Phillip L. Decker, Anthony Ferguson, Benjamin W. Fleser, James W. Hickman, Magnus T. Iwuji, Deacon Mark E. Kowalski, Thomas B. Lawrence III, Christopher M. Masla, Jr., John D. Minnich, Daniel R. Molochko, Kyle S. O’Connor, James P. O’Reilly, Julio Hernan Realegeño Reyes, Nicholas E. Redmond, Kevin J. Riedel, Cassidy M. N. Stinson, Christopher J. Weyer, Riley W. Winstead, Deacon Miguel Melendez, Armando Herrera, Alex Jiménez, Joe Kauflin, Patrick Walsh, William Douglas, Andrew Clark, Gregory Guilfoyle

Office’s Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

QUESTION OF THE WEEK PREGUNTA DE LA SEMANA

To whom could you preach the Gospel this week with actions rather than words?

Gospel Reading Matthew 4:12-23

╬

¿A quién le puede predicar esta semana el Evangelio con acciones en vez de palabras?

Gospel Reading Mateo 4:12-23

Upcoming at St. Gerard’s!

¡Ya viene a San Gerardo!

Sunday, January 22 / domingo, 22 de enero 9:30 am-Mass—Pro Populo 10:45 am—CF Classes

12:30 pm-Misa – Ramon Reyna † 5:00 pm—Open

Monday, January 23 / lunes, 23 de enero 12:00 Noon-Mass at St. Andrew’s

6:00 pm—Estudio Biblico

6:00 pm—Catechist Formation

Tuesday, January 24 / martes, 24 de enero

12:00 Noon-Mass at St. Andrew’s 6:30 pm—RCIA Wednesday, January 25 / miércoles, 25 de enero 12:00 Noon-Mass at St. Andrew’s 6:15 pm—Confessions 6:30 pm—Llamados a Servir Thursday, January 26 / jueves, 26 de enero 12:00 Noon-Mass at St. Andrew’s 6:30 pm—High School Youth Ministry and Catechesis 7:00 pm—Finance Council

Friday, January 27 / viernes, 27 de enero 7:30 am—Mass 12:00 Noon-Mass at St. Andrew’s 5:30 pm—Prayer group (Grupo de Oración) 7:00 pm—Hispanic Choir Practice

Saturday, January 28 / sábado, 28 de enero 2:00 pm—Private Party (commons) 3:00 pm—Baptism Prep

Sunday, January 29 / domingo, 29 de enero Roanoke Catholic School in the commons after all Masses 9:30 am Mass – 10:45 am—NO CLASSES

12:30 pm Misa – Angela Sifuentes Puente † 2:00 pm—Family meeting Class/Clase del Ministerio de la

Familia 5:00 pm—P. J. Ryan †

Ministers for January 29, 2017 9:30 am Mass Lectors: Jai-Din Tinsley Ministers of Holy Communion: Lucy Portzer, Louise Monroe, Tombola Sindehebura, Phyliss Mardian, Karen Wray Coordinator: Constance Crutchfield

Ministros para la misa de 12:30 pm del 29 de enero Lectores: Karla Benavidez, Gladis Cardenas Servidores del Altar: Casandra Monjaraz, Ximena Carreón Ministros de la Sagrada Comunión: Irma & Jose Ochoa, Digna Martinez, Joana Flores, Fabiola Rufino, Marisa & Jaime Benavidez

Coordinator: Paula Carreon

Readings for Sunday, January 29 / Lecturas para el

domingo 29 de enero

70: Zep 2:3, 3:12-13 Ps 146:6-10 1 Cor 1:26-31 Mt 5:1-12a

Parish Support Jan 15 Jan (Month to Date)

Diocesan Collection(s)$ 0 $ 65 (Campaign for Human Development, Catholic Charities)

Fundraising $ 420 $ 624 (bread ticket, food sale)

Regular Collection $ 5,092 $ 9,499 Capital Improvement $ 4,250 $ 4,942 Total $ 2,308 $14,441

Budgeted Regular Collection $ 3,145 $15,726 Capital Improvement $ 462 $ 2,308 Total $ 3,607 $18,034

Over/(Under) ($1,298) ($ 3,592)

Regional Services / Servicios Regionales

Roanoke Catholic School: 982-3532 Catholic Historical Museum: 982-0152 Madonna House: 343-8464 Roanoke Area Ministries: 345-8850 St. Francis House: 342-7561 Ext. 319 St. Andrew's Cemetery: 342-9180 Catholic Charities: 344-5107 Our Lady of the Valley: 345-5111 Refugee and Immigration Service: 342-7561 Pregnancy Counseling – Catholic Charities: 344-2749 Blue Ridge Women’s Center: 362-4357 5034 Williamson Road NW, Roanoke, VA 24012 www.blueridgewoman.org

Sacrament of Baptism: The Sacrament of Baptism should be celebrated as soon as possible after birth. Therefore parents should contact the parish office prior to the child’s birth. This will allow adequate time for the necessary preparation of the parents and the Godparents.

Sacrament of Reconciliation: On Wednesday from 6:15-7:00 PM or by appointment.

First Reconciliation and First Communion, Sacrament of Confirmation: Please contact the Coordinator of Religious Education (María Morales) for more information.

Sacrament of Marriage: Requires at least nine months of preparation before the Marriage. Contact the Pastor, through the parish office, to start the process.

Pastoral Care: Please contact the parish office if you are aware a parishioner is sick and desires to receive the Eucharist, Anointing of the Sick or a visit from the Pastor.

Parish Registration forms are available through the office.

Sacramento del Bautismo. El Sacramento del Bautismo debe ser celebrado después del nacimiento del niño, o tan pronto como sea posible. Los padres deben llamar a la oficina de la parroquia antes de la fecha del nacimiento para que los padres y padrinos reciban la preparación necesaria.

Sacramento de Reconciliación. Los miércoles de 6:15-7:00 PM o por una cita.

Para Primera Reconciliación, Primera Comunión o Sacramento de Confirmación. Llame a la Coordinadora de Educación Religiosa, María Morales.

Sacramento del Matrimonio. Se requieren por lo menos nueve meses de preparación. Para iniciar el proceso póngase en contacto con el Párroco llamando la oficina.

Cuidado Pastoral. Si Ud. se entera de que un feligrés está enfermo y desea recibir la Eucaristía, Unción de Enfermos o una visita del Párroco, llame a la oficina.

Las Formas de Registro Parroquial están disponibles también en

la oficina.

Advertiser of the Month MELROSE HARDWARE

(please see the backcover of this bulletin for more

information)

Anunciante del Mes MELROSE HARDWARE

(por favor vea la cubierta posterior de este boletín para

mayor información)

CATHOLIC

SCHOOLS…

EDUCATING

HEART, MIND, SPIRIT

We will celebrate Catholic Schools Week January 29– February 3. This is the week that Catholic

schools nationally celebrate the gift of the opportunity

of being educated in our Catholic faith. We ask for your

prayers and support for all Catholic schools that they

may continue to be a strong influence on our children,

not only in their educational life, but their spiritual life

as well.

Loving Father, I stand before You in the midst of

confusion and complexities of life. My future sometimes seems distant and unknown. Give me, O Lord, the

vision to see the path You set before me. Grant me the courage to follow Your way, that through the gifts and talents You have given me, I may bring Your life and Your love to others. I ask this through Jesus, Your Son

and my Brother. Amen

In all we do...Evangelize!

“A Church which ‘goes forth’ is a Church

whose doors are open.”

En todo lo que

hagamos… ¡Evangelicemos!

“Una Iglesia que ‘va hacia adelante’ es una

Iglesia cuyas puertas están abiertas.”

Did you know?

Mountains are mentioned more than 500 times in the Bible. While they have a significant symbolic value, they first and foremost are part of the physical reality of biblical times.

Mountains have a logical religious symbolism for biblical cultures since they are “closer to God” who was believed to dwell in the heavens (as in the sky). As a result, God often reveals himself on the mountaintop and we hear people today talk about their own ‘mountaintop experiences’ in their spiritual journey.

So put on your climbing gear and head out for a hike!

MOUNT ARARAT...Noah’s ark rests here after the flood.

MOUNT SINAI...Moses receives the Ten Commandments from God here, a symbol of God’s Covenant with Israel.

MOUNT OF OLIVES...Jesus prays here before his arrest & crucifixion.

MOUNT ZION...David captures area and it becomes the City of David, later the location of Solomon's Temple.

MOUNT CARMEL...Elijah calls God to light a sacrifice on fire proving to the Prophets of Baal his is the one true God.

MOUNT OF THE TRANSFIGURATION...Before the disciples' eyes, Jesus is transfigured (appearing as he will after the resurrection) next to Moses and Elijah.

SERMON ON THE MOUNT...Jesus delivers the Beatitudes & The Lord's Prayer.

Who knew?

¿Sabías qué?

En la biblia las montañas son mencionadas más de 500 veces. A pesar de que tienen un significado simbólico, primero que todo y ante todo son parte de la realidad física de los tiempos de la biblia.

Las montañas tienen un simbolismo lógico religiosos para las culturas de la biblia ya que ellas están ‘más cercas de Dios’ quien se creía vivía en el cielo. Como resultado, Dios a menudo se revela a sí mismo en el tope de la montaña y escuchamos hoy en día a la gente hablar acerca de su propia ‘experiencia en el tope de la montaña’ en su jornada espiritual.

¡Así que póngase su equipo de escalar y salga a subir la montaña!

MONTE ARARAT...El arca de Noé descansa aquí después del diluvio.

MONTE SINAI...Moisés recibe los Diez Mandamientos de parte de Dios aquí, un símbolo del Compromiso de Dios con Israel.

MONTE DE LOS OLIVOS...Jesús reza aquí antes de su arresto y crucifixión.

MONTE ZION...David captura el área y se convierte en la ciudad de David, más tarde en la ubicación del Templo de Salomón.

MONTE CARMELO...Elías llama a Dios a hacer un sacrificio probando a los Profetas de Baal que él es el verdadero Dios.

MONTE DE LA TRANSFIGURACIÓN... Antes los ojos de los discípulos, Jesús es transfigurado (apareciendo como el será después de la resurrección) al lado de Moisés y Elías. EL SERMÓN EN LA MONTAÑA...Jesús entrega las Bienaventuranzas y el Padrenuestro.

¿Quién sabia?

BOOK OF PRAYER INTENTIONS, located at the back of

church, is there to enter your prayer requests. These intentions are

then offered up at Mass. Please feel free to place your prayer

requests in this book.

To request a Mass Intention and Mass card, contact the parish

office at 540-343-7744 or stop by during regular business hours.

Take 5 with Pastoral Council! The Council had a wonderful discussion of how to renew

and refresh our membership. We will be encouraging

parishioners who are interested in joining the Pastoral

Council to nominate themselves or another qualified

parishioner in the near future. Watch the bulletins for more

information!

Initial bids for the parish renovation were too high, so some

slight changes to reduce costs are being made. The project

will be re-bid in hopes of beginning renovations this Spring.

¡Cinco minutes con el Consejo Pastoral! El Consejo Pastoral tubo una maravillosa discusión acerca de

como renovar y refrescar nuestra membrecía. Muy pronto

nosotros estaremos animando a los feligreses que estén

interesados en unirse al Consejo Pastoral de nominarse o a

otro feligrés que cumpla con los requisitos. ¡Vea el boletín

para mayor información!

Las propuestas iniciales para la renovación de la parroquia

fueron muy altas, so algunos pequeños cambios se han

hecho. El proyecto será reabierto a propuestas de

contratistas con la esperanza de comenzar la renovación en

la primavera.

“Who except God can give you peace? Has the world ever been able to satisfy the heart?

St. Gerard

“¿Quien excepto Dios puede darte la paz? ¿Ha podido el

mundo alguna vez satisfacer el corazón?”

San Gerardo

Join Our Team of Interpreters! Are you fluent in English and some other language? If so, you might enjoy working as a free lance interpreter with Commonwealth Catholic Charities! Contact us to learn more about the requirements, compensation and benefits of being an interpreter in your community. Email Interpreter.Services@cccofva.org or call (540) 342-7561 The Office for Black Catholics invites you to our 1st Annual Black Catholic Leadership Awards Banquet. This event is being hosted at the Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa/Short Pump, 12042 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23233 on Saturday, March 25, 2017, 6:00pm and will include live en-tertainment.

The purpose of this event is to recognize Black Catholic leadership within our Diocese. Funds raised for this event are given in the form of scholarships to assist Black Catholic youth in continuing their education.

Black Catholic adults who made significant contributions to their faith community in the Diocese of Richmond will be recognized. The Lifetime Achievement Award, Sister Cora Marie Billings Award and Acacia Tree Award will also be presented.

In an effort to ensure seating, please call the office (540-343-7744) ASAP to make your reservation. Seating is limited therefore a quick response would be encouraged.

Please join us, along with Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo, a host of dignitaries and friends.

Roanoke Catholic School is accepting applications for a part time bus driver for field trips and athletics. Applicants must possess a CDL. Please contact Matt Peck at 540-293-3791 or mpeck@roanokecatholic.com for more information or to apply. Are you searching for a way to renew your baptismal promises and deepen your relationship with your faith and God? If so, the Holy Spirit may be inviting you to consider a vocation as a Secular Franciscan.

Secular Franciscans are members of a local fraternity, a living and active Christian community. The Secular Franciscan Order is just that, an Order within the Catholic Church and not an organization or club. Our Companions of Francis and Clare Fraternity meet on the 4th Sunday of each month from 1:00 – 5:00 PM at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Salem, Virginia.

If you are interested and would like to learn more, please contact Mr. David Kauffman, OFS, at 540-463-9684 or wdkauffman@comcast.net. Welcome to Mr. Jon Templeton who has joined St. Andrew’s Diocesan Cemetery as our new manager. What should you do with that unwanted vehicle sitting in your garage? Donate it! Your contribution will help provide much-needed support for Commonwealth Catholic Charities’ programs. Cars, boats, RVs and many other vehicles are accepted. Donating is easy and your gift is tax deductible. Call (855) 501-GIVE or visit www.cccofva-cardonations.org. We’ll schedule the pick up and take care of the rest.

OUTSIDE THE PARISH

St. Gerard’s sincerely thanks the

Diocesan Office of Social Ministries for the 2017 Fuel and Hunger

Grant.

Proceeds from the grant allow St. Gerard’s to continue helping

those in need with rent and utility assistance.

San Gerardo agradece sinceramente a la Oficina Diocesana del

Ministerio Social por el Fuel and Hunger Grant del 2017. Este

dinero permite a San Gerardo continuar ayudando aquellos

necesitados con la renta y asistencia con la electricidad o el gas.

“He called them, and immediately they

left their boat and their father and

followed Him.” Matthew 4:22

Just as Jesus called the first apostles, He

calls each of us to follow Him, too. Not

everyone is called to leave their business

or family behind, but we are expected to

put God first in everything. Everything

from our time in daily prayer, our talent

in participating in one of our parish

ministries and our treasure to support the financial needs of our

parish mission.

"Él los llamó, y de inmediato dejaron su bote y a su padre y lo

siguieron." Mateo 4;22

Así como Jesús llamó a los primeros apóstoles, Él también nos

llama a cada uno de nosotros para seguirlo. No todos están

llamados a abandonar su negocio o su familia, pero se espera que

pongamos a Dios en primer lugar en todo. Todo, desde nuestro

tiempo en la oración diaria, nuestro talento en participar en uno

de nuestros ministerios parroquiales y nuestro tesoro para apoyar

las necesidades financieras de nuestra misión parroquial.

“There can be no true peace if everyone

claims always and exclusively his or her

own rights, without caring for the good of

others.” Pope Francis

Life Long Christian Formation – Formaci�n Cristiana de por VidaJanuary 22, 2016

YOUTH CONFIRMATION. Next session is on Tuesday February 7at 7:00 pm on the office side is the class.

CONFIRMACI�N DE J�VENES.La pr�xima clase es el martes 7 de febrero a las 7:00pm del lado de las oficinas.

RCIA Schedule 2016-2017. For children and adults are the 3rd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 6:30-8pm. The next session is THISTuesday January 24th, 2017.

Horario de RICA 2016-2017. Para los ni�os y adultos son los 3o, and 4o martes del mes de 6:30-8pm. La pr�xima sesi�n es ESTE martes 24 de enero del 2017.

Youth! Dive deeper into understanding your relationship with Jesus… attend one of the retreats!

Christian Awakening.A peer-ministered retreat which enables the teenagers in grades 11 or 12 to come to know and experience Christ, and to see him in themselves and others. Feb. 24-26, 2017 at 4-H Smith Mt. Lake. Registration is dueby February 14, 2017.

Kujenga. This is a retreat opportunity for African American and African youth in high school. March 10-11, 2017; RoslynRetreat Center in Richmond. Please contact one of the youth ministers for more information.

FORMACION PARA PAREJAS.�Cu�l es la misi�n de la familia en la Iglesia? �C�mo ser�a una familia inspirada en Jes�s? �ES JESUS EL CENTRO DE MI FAMILIA? Esta y muchas otras preguntas son respondidas en los talleres de formaci�n el �ltimo domingo de mes de 2 – 3:30 PM. La pr�xima sesi�n ser� el 29 de enero, 2017Invitamos a todas las parejas (casadas o no) a estas sesiones de formaci�n para la familia. Para mayor informaci�n, hable con Paula y H�ctor Carre�n o con Joana y Jes�s Flores o con Sergio y Claudia Arriaga o llaman a Mar�a Morales a la oficina entre semana al 343-7744.Habr� cuidado de ni�os.

El Evangelio en el hogar. El Evangelio de esta semana: Mateo 4:12-23. El Evangelio establece el inicio del ministerio de Jes�s en Galilea. All� Jes�s pas� su tiempo ense�ando, proclamando el Reino de Dios y curando a los enfermos. Galilea est� situada junto al mar Mediterr�neo y muchas personas que viv�an all� eran pescadores. Jes�s invit� a sus nuevos amigos a abandonar sus redes y a seguirlo. Les prometi� que ahora pescar�an personas en lugar de peces.Rezar juntos. Hasta los ni�os m�s peque�os pueden comprender la necesidad de guardar silencio. Inviten a todos los miembros de su familia a compartir unos momentos de oraci�n en silencio. Un buen momento para hacer esto es antes de la comida en familia, pero puede ser en cualquier momento en que toda la familia est� reunida. Pueden tomarse todos de las manos. Un adulto puede recordar a la familia que Jes�s nos llama a todos a seguirlo. Luego dediquen un momento de entre treinta segundos a un minuto para rezar en silencio. (Recuerden que un minuto de silencio puede resultarle muy largo a un ni�o peque�o).

The Gospel at Home. This Week’s Gospel: Mathew 4:12-23. The Gospel places the beginning of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee. Where he spent his time teaching, proclaiming God’s kingdom, and healing the sick. Galilee is situated on the Mediterranean Sea, and many people who lived there were fishermen. Jesus invited his new friends here to drop their nets and follow him. He promised them that they would now be fishing for people instead of fish.Pray Together. Even the youngest children can understand the need for silence. Invite all the members of your families to share a few moments of silent prayer. A good time to do this is just before a family meal, but it can be anytime the whole family is together. You can all hold hands. An adult can remind the family that Jesus call all of you to follow him. Then spend anywhere from thirty seconds to a minute in silent prayer. (Remember that a minute of silence can feel pretty long to a young child.).

SACRAMENTO DE BAUTISMOPr�xima charla pre bautismal:ESTE s�bado 28 de enero de 3-5pm; en el sal�n de clases. Pr�xima fecha de bautismo: s�bado 11 de febrero del 2017 a las 11:00 AM. Existe un l�mite de 10 ni�os o hasta 6 familiaspor cada s�bado.Las familias interesadas deben: 1.) asistir a misa todos los domingos, 2.) Estar inscritas en la parroquia, 3.) Tenerllena la forma de inscripci�n al bautismo. Los ni�os NO deben venir a la pl�tica para evitar interrupciones.

9 Reasons to Join 9 Days for Life. USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities. Join the U.S. bishops' annual pro-life novena January 21-29 via Facebook, email, text message or an app. Sign up today at www.9daysforlife.com!

An end to abortion is not the only intention. We'll also be praying for people at all stages: those near the end of their lives, children in need of adoptive homes, those mourning the loss of a child through abortion, and many others.

1. It's important. Abortion has been legal for 44 years. Children need life-long families. An increasing number of states are considering legalizing doctor-assisted suicide. Men, women and children are suffering in a variety of ways and need our prayers.

2. It's an age-old tradition. For centuries, Catholics have made the commitment to pray for nine days for special intentions. This is a way to practice perseverance, setting aside time each day to spend with God.

3. It's "unforgettable." You can download and print the prayers for each day or, so that you don't forget to participate, you can sign up to receive them daily through emails, text messages, or an app that allows you to customize the time of your reminders!

4. It raises awareness. Does the world know that so many of us value and respect every human life from conception to natural death? You can share the intentions on social media, as well as a number of other eye-catching and relevant graphics, and even download a special Facebook cover photo and profile picture to spread the word.

5. It unites us with other participants. One mark of the Catholic Church is its universality. This is an opportunity to gather in prayer with thousands of people for a united, prayerful purpose.

6. It unites us with those suffering. Prayer is a way to recognize our solidarity with those who are suffering. We are called to support one another in prayer and in action.

7. It is spiritually enriching. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops will send out not only prayer intentions for each day, but also short reflections, actions, and articles. Nine days later you'll be more informed about issues related to valuing all human life.

8. It calls us to action. Different actions are suggested each day as a way of offering reparation for the ways our country has not respected God's gift of life. Additionally, the novena may end after 9 days, but the need to protect life never will. Throughout these 9 days you may find a specific aspect or stage of life that you feel called to particularly advocate for.

9. It will bless us! Remember that whatever we give to God, He gives back to us a hundred-fold. By offering nine days of prayer to Him, we are not only allowing Him to work through us in the lives of others, we are opening our hearts to receive His love and grace in our own lives as well.

Please keep in your prayers our six youth and the two adults participating this week in the March for Life in Washington, DC.

Por favor mantenga en sus oraciones a nuestros seis jóvenes y dos adultos que participarán esta semana en la Marcha por la Vida en Washington DC.

9 motivos para participar en 9 Díaspor la Vida. Secretariado de Actividades Pro-Vida de la USCCB. Únete a los obispos católicos de EE. UU en la novena anual por la vida del 21 al 29 de enero por vía de Facebook, mensaje electrónico o de texto o una aplicación. ¡Únete a www.9daysforlife.com!Ponerle fin al aborto no es la única intención. También rezaremos por la vida en todas sus etapas: las personas cercanas al final de su vida, los niños que necesitan familias adoptivas, todos aquellos que lloran la pérdida de un hijo por el aborto, y muchas otras.

1. Es importante. El aborto es legal desde hace 44 años. Los niños necesitan una familia para toda la vida. Un creciente número de estados considera legalizar el suicidio asistido por médicos. Hombres, mujeres y niños sufren de diversas maneras y necesitan nuestras oraciones.

2. Es una tradición milenaria. Durante siglos, los católicos se han comprometido a rezar durante nueve días por intenciones especiales. Esta es una manera de practicar la perseverancia, reservando tiempo cada día para pasarlo con Dios.

3. Es "inolvidable". Las oraciones para cada día se pueden bajar e imprimir o, para que no te olvides de participar, te puedes suscribir para recibirlas diariamente por correo electrónico, mensajes de texto o una aplicación que te permite personalizar el momento en que prefieres recibir tus recordatorios.

4. Forma conciencia. ¿Sabe el mundo que muchísimos de nosotros valoramos y respetamos cada vida humana desde la concepción hasta la muerte natural? Puedes compartir las intenciones en los medios sociales e incluso bajar una foto de portada atractiva y una foto de perfil especiales para Facebook para difundir el mensaje.

5. Nos une con los que sufren. La oración es una manera de reconocer nuestra solidaridad con los que sufren. Estamos llamados a apoyarnos unos a otros con oraciones y acciones.

6. Nos une con otros participantes. Una característica de la Iglesia Católica es su universalidad. Esta es una oportunidad para unirse en oración con miles de personas con un mismo propósito.

7. Enriquece el espíritu. La conferencia de Obispos Católicos de los Estados Unidos te enviará intenciones de oración para cada día y también reflexiones, acciones y artículos breves. Nueve días después estarás más informado sobre cómo valorar toda vida humana.

8. Nos llama a la acción. Se sugieren diferentes acciones para cada día como una manera de ofrecer reparación por las maneras en que nuestro país no respeta el don de la vida que nos regala Dios. Asimismo, la novena puede terminar después de 9 días, pero la necesidad de proteger la vida nunca termina. Durante estos 9 días, podrías encontrar un aspecto específico o una etapa de la vida a la que te sientas llamado a defender de manera particular.

9. ¡Nos bendecirá! Recuerda que cuando le damos a Dios, Él nos devuelve al ciento por uno. Al ofrecerle nueve días de oración permitimos que nos utilice para obrar en la vida de otras personas, y abrimos nuestro corazón para recibir su amor y gracia en nuestra propia vida también.

ST. GERARD CATHOLIC CHURCH ROANOKE, VIRGINIA

St. Gerard’s Catholic Church is seeking at twelve members to serve two-year terms on the Pastoral Council. We are beginning a new process to replenish the Council, and ask you to consider submitting your name, or the name of another parishioner for consideration.

The Pastoral Council assists the pastor in developing our parish mission plan to make Christ more present in our church and in our community. Members represent the entire parish and exercise a concern for all parishioners. In the spirit of God’s love, the Council seeks ways in which every parishioner’s gifts may surface, grow and flourish for the good of the church.

Age or which Mass you attend makes no difference. The desire and commitment to give your time and energy to serve others is what is most important. Candidates should be:

Full and faithful members of the church Interested in all that is happening in our parish Able to communicate and collaborate with others Able to attend all meetings and offer good advice to our pastor

The Pastoral Council typically meets every other month. Meetings last about an hour and fifteen minutes and are generally held on the second Wednesday of the month at 7 PM.

Please consider serving yourself or nominating another member of the parish to our Pastoral Council. Help St. Gerard’s fulfill God’s purpose for us to spread his Word and serve others. All you need to do to be considered is to submit your name or the name of another parishioner in the special collection basket on January 29th or February 5th.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please talk to Paul English, Miriam Ornelas, Claudia Rodriguez, Lee Hill, Diana Crandall, Constance Crutchfield or Tom Carr. Their photographs are in the commons.

Many thanks for your consideration to serve our parish!

ST. GERARD’S PASTORAL COUNCIL

CANDIDATE NOMINATION

DEADLINE – FEBRUARY 5, 2017

ST. GERARD CATHOLIC CHURCH ROANOKE, VIRGINIA

La Iglesia Cat�lica de San Gerardo est� buscando por doce miembros para servir un t�rmino de dos a�os en el Consejo Pastoral. Estamos comenzando un nuevo proceso para reponer el Consejo, y le pedimos que considere someter su nombre, o el nombre de otro feligr�s para su consideraci�n.

El Consejo Pastoral ayuda al p�rroco a desarrollar nuestro plan de misiones parroquiales para hacer que Cristo est� m�s presente en nuestra iglesia y en nuestra comunidad. Los miembros representan a toda la parroquia y ejercen una preocupaci�n por todos los feligreses. En el esp�ritu del amor de Dios, el Consejo busca maneras en que los dones de cada feligr�s pueden surgir, crecer y florecer para el bien de la iglesia.

La edad o la misa a la que asiste no hacen ninguna diferencia. El deseo y el compromiso de dar su tiempo y energ�a para servir a los dem�s es lo m�s importante. Los candidatos deben ser:• Miembros �ntegros y fieles de la iglesia• Interesado en todo lo que est� sucediendo en nuestra parroquia• Capaz de comunicarse y colaborar con otros• Capaces de asistir a todas las reuniones y ofrecer buenos consejos a nuestro p�rroco

El Consejo Pastoral normalmente se re�ne cada dos meses. Las reuniones duran aproximadamente una hora y quince minutos y generalmente se llevan a cabo el segundo mi�rcoles del mes a las 7 PM.

Por favor considere nominarse usted mismo o nominar a otro miembro de la parroquia a nuestro Consejo Pastoral. Ayude a San Gerardo a cumplir el prop�sito de Dios para que nosotros difundamos su Palabra y sirvamos a los dem�s. Todo lo que necesita hacer para ser considerado es presentar su nombre o el nombre de otro feligr�s en la canasta especial de la colecci�n el 29 de enero o el 5 de febrero.

Si tiene alguna pregunta o necesita informaci�n adicional, por favor hable con Paul English, Miriam Ornelas, Claudia Rodr�guez, Lee Hill, Diana Crandall, Constance Crutchfield o Tom Carr. Sus fotograf�as est�n en el �rea com�n.

�Muchas gracias por su consideraci�n para servir a nuestra parroquia!

EL CONSEJO PASTORAL DE ST. GERARD

NOMINACI�N DEL CANDIDATO

FECHA L�MITE - 5 DE FEBRERO DE 2017

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