November 23, 2014 - St. Leo the Great Catholic Church | Fairfax

ST. LEO THE GREAT CHURCH
FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA
www.stleofairfax.com
Dear Friends,
As we enter the final week of the liturgical year
and as we await the “new year” ushered in by the
season of Advent, the Church presents for our
reflection the reality of the Lord’s Second Coming —
His return in glory at the end of time. We read in the
Catechism of the Catholic Church:
“Since the Ascension, God’s plan has entered into
its fulfillment. We are already at the ‘last hour’.
‘Already the final age of the world is with us, and
the renewal of the world is irrevocably under way;
it is even now anticipated in a certain real way, for
the Church on earth is endowed already with a
sanctity that is real but imperfect.’”
“Before Christ’s second coming the Church must
pass through a final trial that will shake the faith of
many believers. The persecution that accompanies
her pilgrimage on earth will unveil the ‘mystery of
iniquity’ in the form of a religious deception
offering men an apparent solution to their problems
at the price of apostasy from the truth. The supreme
religious deception is that of the Antichrist, a
pseudo-messianism by which man glorifies himself
in place of God and of his Messiah come in the
flesh.”
“The Church will enter the glory of the kingdom
only through this final Passover, when she will
follow her Lord in his Death and Resurrection. The
kingdom will be fulfilled, then, not by a historic
triumph of the Church through a progressive
ascendency, but only by God’s victory over the
final unleashing of evil, which will cause his Bride
to come down from heaven. God’s triumph over the
revolt of evil will take the form of the Last
Judgment after the final cosmic upheaval of this
passing world.”
Brothers and sisters, we know neither the day
nor the hour of Christ’s return. We need not worry
about such things. We must however be prepared for it
by living mindfully each moment we have with
confidence and with purpose. For even now in a
certain way, we have already risen with Christ. For, by
virtue of the Holy Spirit, Christian life is already now
on earth a participation in the death and Resurrection
of Christ. In expectation of that day, the believer’s
body and soul already participate in the dignity of
November 23, 2014
belonging to Christ. This dignity entails the demand
that he should treat with respect his own body, but also
the body of every other person, especially the
suffering. As we approach very soon the celebration of
Thanksgiving and Christmas, let us not be distracted
from what is most important not only here for the brief
moment we are on Earth but in the world to come
which never ends.
In Christ,
Rev. David A. Whitestone, Pastor
I would like to once again thank our
generous parishioners who donated
toward the purchase of the figurines for
our parish navity set a few years ago.
New pieces for the set have been made
available this year.
We would like to add the
elephant and elephant driver to
our current navity set.
If you might be interested in
donang toward the purchase of
either of these two pieces, please
contact the parish office (703-273-5369.)
—Father Whitestone
8th graders at Saint Leo the
Great School will sell chocolatefilled advent calendars again
and hope you will consider
stocking up for family, friends, &
neighbors. What a great way to
build anticipation for the joyous
season of Christmas - with a bit of
chocolate and a Bible quote each
day! You may also donate a
calendar to a Wounded Warrior at
Walter Reed Military Hospital. We will accept donation
orders and deliver the calendars to the hospital in
December. Proceeds from the sales will be applied to the
Class of 2015 graduation event. Please stop by our table
outside the Church after Mass and support the 8th graders.
Questions? Please call or email Dawn Shook:
[email protected] or 703-385-1535.
Thank you for supporting the 8th grade class at
Saint Leo the Great Catholic School!
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE
—Please remember in your prayers the repose
of the souls of the faithful departed, especially:
Tia Raquelita, aunt of Carmen Issing; Patricia
Suppes, parishioner.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
—We ask you to remember those in need of our
daily prayers, especially: Dr. Jorge Bertran, Sylvia Bertran.
HOLIDAY CLOSINGS Saint Leo
rectory office and all parish facilities
will be closed Thursday, November
27th & Friday, November 28th in
celebration of the Thanksgiving
holiday. There will be two Masses
on Thanksgiving Day, at 6:15 and
9am. There will be two Masses
Friday morning, at 6:15 and 9am. Confessions and
Holy Hour will be held as usual on Friday, November 28th .
The Legion of Mary invites you and your
family to watch the movie “Mary of Nazareth”
in honor of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal and
Saint Catherine Laboure. The movie will be
shown after the 9:00am Mass on Saturday,
November 29 in the Guadalupe room, Parish
Hall. Bagels and Coffee will be served.
Advent Wreaths & Candles and Christmas Wreaths
Sunday, Nov. 30th, after 7:30, 9:00, & 11:00 am Masses+
Support AWC Crisis Pregnancy Center and decorate your
home at the same time! Mixed Wreath with Cones ($25), Noble
Fir Wreath ($20), Advent/Christmas Wreath with Berries &
Cones ($10), Mixed Bunch of Greens ($5), Candle Holder Ring
($10), 4-pk of Advent Candles ($5). Unsold items will be sold at
the Knights of Columbus Christmas tree trailer.
Crèche Lighting & Spaghetti Dinner
Please join the Knights of Columbus &
Columbiettes for our annual Crèche
Lighting to be held Saturday,
November 29th following the 5pm Vigil
Mass. Immediately following the
Crèche Lighting, the Knights & Columbiettes will host our
annual Spaghetti Dinner, 6:30 -7:30pm in the school gym.
Cost: $8 per adult, $5 per child. Maximum family cost $25
(2 adult maximum). Please RSVP by November 24 to Herb
Zimmerman at 703-385-9455 or [email protected].
Come join us for a night of delicious food and fellowship as
we begin the Advent season!
♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫
All parishioners are invited to join the St. Leo Youth and
Teen Choirs, Adult Handbell Ringers and Lectors on
Wednesday, December 3, at 7:15 pm as they record the
Christmas Day Mass for Shut-Ins in the Crypt Church of the
Basilica of the National Shrine. The celebrant will be Bishop
Loverde. Free parking available. This special one-hour
edition of the Sunday TV Mass will be broadcast Christmas
morning, at 8 am on WDCW Channel 50, Questions?
Contact Jackie Hayes at 202-281-0615 or [email protected].
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Rv 14:1-3, 4b-5; Lk 21:1-4
Rv 14:14-19; Lk 21:5-11
Rv 15:1-4; Lk 21:12-19
Rv 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9a;
Lk 21: 20-28
Rv 20: 1-4, 11–21:2; Lk 21:29-33
Rv 22:1-7; Lk 21:34-36
Is 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7;
1 Cor 1:3-9; Mk 13:33-37
MASS INTENTIONS
November 24 through November 30
Mon.:
6:15
9:00
Judith Ross
Special Intention
Tues.:
6:15
9:00
Lynn Marie Concepcion
Judith Ross
Wed.:
6:15
9:00
Violet and Thomas Murphy
William Hill
Thurs.:
6:15
9:00
Col. Joseph E. Laposa
Austina Kelley
Fri.:
6:15
9:00
May Donoghue
Judith Ross
Sat.:
9:00
5:00
deceased Legion of Mary members
Floyd Gast
Sun.:
7:30
9:00
11:00
1:00
5:00
For the Parish
William J. Perri
Dr. Rafael F. Madan
Special Intention
Esperanza Sara Montesa
In addition to the regular schedule of Masses, Mass has
been offered for the following intentions: Florence Urban,
Gil and Ramos families, Special Intention, Special Intention,
Special Intention, Al Moracco, Special Intention.
BAPTISM CLASS IS MANDATORY at Saint
Leo. The next class is Tuesday, December 9th at
7:30 pm in the St. Mark room. Please call the
rectory office (703-273-5369) to register.
Low Gluten Hosts are available for those who need them.
Please inform the sacristan before Mass begins.
The second collection this weekend will benefit the
Campaign for Human Development.
ST. LEO THE GREAT CHURCH
FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA
www.stleofairfax.com
A VOCATION VIEW
“I was hungry and you gave me to eat, I was thirsty
and you gave me to drink.” Is Christ calling you to
serve Him in others as a sister, brother, deacon or
priest? Call Father J.D. Jaffe at 703-841-2514
or write: [email protected].
Come and See! A Vocation Retreat The Daughters of St.
Paul will host a vocation discernment retreat at their
convent in Alexandria, Friday, Nov. 28, 6pm – Sunday,
Nov. 30, 6pm. Single women, ages 18-35 years old who
would like to learn more about religious life are invited.
Contact Sr. Margaret Michael: 703-549-3806 or
[email protected].
8th Grade Testing Required for Placement in Five Catholic
High Schools in the Diocese of Arlington Test Date:
Saturday, Dec. 6. TEST SITES: Bishop Ireton High School,
Alexandria; Bishop O'Connell High School, Arlington; Paul VI
High School, Fairfax; Pope John Paul the Great High School,
Dumfries. TEST TIME: 8:30 am—12 Noon. FEE: $35.
ELIGIBLE STUDENTS: Any 8th grader attending public
school, non-Catholic private schools or Catholic schools
outside the Arlington Diocese.
REQUIREMENTS: Students must fill out a High School
Placement Test Registration Form (under “School Forms”
http://www.arlingtondiocese.org/catholicschools/parents.php).
The registration form must be submitted to the test site no later
than Thursday, December 4, 2014. The $35 fee should
accompany the form.
Saint Leo the Great
Catholic School
invites interested parents to visit the
school and learn what makes us a
National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence
Applications for the current school year are
available in the school office. You may stop by to
pick one up during school hours, 8:00 am-3:00
pm or access forms on our website at:
www.saintleothegreatschool.org/Admissions.
Applications for the 2015-2016 school
year are available. Join us for an
Open House on any of the following
dates: Dec. 15, 10am; Jan. 25,
12:00pm; Feb. 26, 10am, or call the
school office to make an appointment for a tour 703-273-1211.
In case of inclement weather please check the website or call
the school office. Financial Aid packets available upon
request.
PLEASE NOTE: Saint Leo parishioners receive preferential
status in Pre-School through eighth grade applications.
In-parish families must be registered.
November 23, 2014
ADULT FAITH FORMATION
Faith & Food at P.J. Skidoos
Please join Father Dufresne on Monday,
December 1st at 7:00 pm, for an evening of
fellowship and lively discussion over dinner
(appetizers on us!). Be sure to bring your friends! All ages are
welcome! To suggest topics or submit questions you would
like
answered,
please
contact
Carolyn:
[email protected], 703-273-7277.
Pilgrimage to Italy sponsored by St.
Leo the Great's Adult Faith
Formation Travel with Fr. Matthew
DeForest and Carolyn Smith to Rome,
Tuscany, Florence, Siena, Orvieto,
Milan, Sordevolo, and Turin. See the
Holy Shroud in Turin which will not be on display again
until 2025! The trip will be from June 3 – 13, 2015. ALL
inclusive price is $3,999.00. This includes airfare, all
hotels, breakfasts, dinners (including red and white
wine), tips, entrances, and private guide. Mass will be
celebrated daily. To register, please contact Proximo
Travel at (855) 842-8001 or (508) 340-9370. You can
also register online at www.proximotravel.com. You can
see an online brochure on the Proximo website under:
choose your trip, custom tours, Travel to Italy with Fr.
Matthew D. and Carolyn S., or on the St. Leo webpage
www.stleofairfax.com.
For more information, please contact Carolyn at
[email protected] or 703-273-5369.
Scouting for Food Thank you blessings to
Helen Webb, George Mason SFF Coordinator &
leaders & Scouts of: Packs 987, 1113, 1978,
1114, 1513, 882 and Troops 1113, 918, 13, 987,
1978 & 1887. The Scouts provided our pantry with 8,984
pounds of food. Thank you Patrick McCormack for
providing copier box lids; business donor for our new
scale; Papa John's (Fairfax Boulevard) for pizza; and Tony
Chavez, Maintenance Support. Thank you SVDP members
and volunteers for your serving hands at this event: Greg
DaDamio, Dorothy Schaefer, Ben Schaefer, Vivian
Rooney, Polo Leyendecker, Pat Buckheit, Nancy
McKinley, Mike McKinley, Raquel Loli, Coleen Mackay,
Italio de Grandi, John Eldred, Susan Parmele, Cheryl
Frazier and Jim Haynes.
God bless you all in this work of mercy.
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE
Religious Education News
MAY GOD BLESS OUR CONFIRMANDI
AND THEIR FAMILIES!
8th Grade Religious Education classes continue with the
Bible Study “Encounter”. We look forward to seeing your
child on Monday, December 1st at 7:00 -8:15 pm.
There will be no evening classes on Monday, December 8
so that families can attend Mass for the Feast of the
Immaculate Conception, a Holy Day of Obligation.
As a reminder, First Communion paperwork is due on
Monday December 15.
Religious Education Office:
703-273-4868
THE GIVING TREE Each year,
Saint Leo St. Vincent DePaul
Society puts up the Giving Tree in
the church vestibule. The ‘hearts’
decorating
the
tree
have
descriptions and sizes of gifts requested by needy families.
These families, all in the Fairfax City area, have been
interviewed by SVDP members to learn what children &
adults could really use. A number of heart requests will also
assist the homeless & babies of unwed mothers. We ask
you to share the joy of Christmas with someone in need by
taking a heart from the tree and providing the gift
described. Please put your unwrapped gifts in a gift bag
with the hearts attached. On Sundays, place them in the
large decorated box next to the tree. During the week, gifts
must be taken to the rectory. Gifts need to be returned no
later than Tuesday, Dec. 16th.
As established in past years, toys for children will not be
requested on the hearts. Instead, clothing and educational
gifts will be emphasized. Thank you for your generosity.
11/23
11/25
11/28
11/29
11/29
11/30
Father Diamond Council
Events & Calendar
Meetings – 2nd and 4th Tuesdays
8:00 PM
Providence Hall
4 PM Redskins Game Providence Hall
7 PM Rosary, 8 PM - 1st Degree & Bus. Mtg.
9:30 am - Tree Lot Setup & Creche Setup
8:30 am - Trees Arrive & Unloaded
6 PM - Creche Lighting - 6:45 PM - Spaghetti Dinner
All Parishioners Invited
9 am —6 pm - Tree Sales Begin
1 pm Redskins Game Providence Hall
——————-
Join the Knights – Contact Pat McGuire – 703-218-2986
HIGH SCHOOL:
JOIN US TONIGHT! Sunday, November 23
for HSYN (immediately following
5pm
Mass) 6-8pm in St. Leo Gym. All teens 9th-12th
grade invited. ADVENT PREP NIGHT! We will have a Holy
Half Hour, Praise and Worship, and prepare our hearts for
Christmas!
Our annual Ornament Sales fundraiser will take place
after all Masses Dec 7th & Dec 14th. NEW THIS YEAR!!:
We are selling 2014 White House Christmas
ornaments for $25. All proceeds support Workcamp! We
will also sell ornaments that can be personalized with a
name, message, year, or more! Each one is $5. Advent
candles will be available for $7 a set, & children's advent
wreaths for $10. Keep an eye out for us after all Masses.
We appreciate your support!
RCIT (Rite of Christian Initiation for Teens) If you are in high
school and are looking to receive, Baptism, First
Communion, or Confirmation, please email Erik:
[email protected].
Girls CLC is this Monday, November 24 Each week we
break open the Gospels and reflect on scripture. Having tea
parties and eating cupcakes are part of the weekly fun!
Interested? Contact Laura Bennett at [email protected]
Boys CLC is this Wednesday, November 26 . Each week we
break open the Gospels and reflect on scripture. Playing
ultimate frisbee, board games, or jamming out are part of the
weekly fun! Interested?
Contact Erik Teter at [email protected]
Middle School
"Thursday Takeovers" will NOT meet this week-HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Our next meeting will be
December 4th, 3:30-5:00pm. 6th-8th graders are invited to
come for snacks, games, and ultimate frisbee. We will meet
in the Youth Room. This is a weekly event!
Our next "On Fire!" is SATURDAY December 6, 5-8pm.
We will meet for Mass, followed by a free dinner in the gym,
games ,a brief talk, giveaways, and a bonfire with s'mores.
"On Fire!" is a once month, large group event. This year's
theme is "Living a Life of Virtue."
Mark your calendars for Christmas Caroling! Saturday,
December 13 at Sunrise Assisted Living. 6th-12th Graders
welcome. We will bring Christmas cheer, followed by lunch
at Chick Fil A. Permission forms on our website!
Volunteer! Do you have a heart for youth ministry? We are
looking for YOU! We need adult volunteers with hearts on
fire for Christ! Must be at least 21 years of age, and be fully
compliant with the requirements of the Diocesan Office for
the Protec1on of Children/Young People. We need
volunteers for both our High School and Middle School
Youth Ministry Programs.
Ques1ons? Email Erik or Melissa at [email protected]
ST. LEO THE GREAT CHURCH
FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA
www.stleofairfax.com
Congratulations to the following
Saint Leo parishioners who have
been named to the first quarter
Honor Roll at Bishop O'Connell High
School:
Distinguished Honors: Lily Harkes;
1st Honors: Lauren Harkes;
2nd Honors: Brian Adkins, Albert Fung, Jorge Pena,
David Pizzano.
Horarios e Información
Santas Misas:
Español:
Inglés:
domingos a la 1:00 pm
sábados–5 pm (Vigilia),
domingos–7:30, 9, 11:00, 5pm
Confesiones en español: Los domingos desde las 12:00pm
a 12:50pm.
Bautizos: Preparación- llamar a Carlos Cea: 703-8362139.
RCIA Para Adultos: domingos 10:30 am—12pm Salon Juan
al lado de la iglesia. Para información, llamar al Diacono Jose
Lopez 703-222-7704.
Matrimonio: Todo Católico que desee contraer matrimonio
debe contactar la parroquia por lo menos seis meses antes del
evento. Para mayor información comunicarse con Diacono
Jose Lopez 703-222-7704.
Catequesis Para Niños y Jóvenes: domingos 11– 12:30.
Llamar a: 703-273-4868.
Sacramentos para Estudiantes de Secundaria: llamar
a la Oficina de Jovenes al teléfono 703-591-6089, ó email a
[email protected].
Legion de Maria: sabado 5:00—6:30 pm ó domingo 11
am—12:30 pm.
Información: Virginia Pierson —[email protected]
Para mas información, llamar al Diacono José López 703222-7704.
GED: Comienza el domingo 7 de septiembre 2:30 -4:00 pm
Alfabetización: Comienza el domingo 7 de septiembre
2:30 - 4:00 pm
Clases de Convalidación: Comienza el sábado 13 de
septiembre 7:00—9:00 pm
Programa Rito de Iniciación Cristiana para Adultos (RICA)
Clases para adultos (18 años o mayores) que deseen recibir
los sacramentos de bautizo, confirmación, y comunión
comienzan el domingo, 14 de septiembre, y de 11am a
12:15pm en el salón San Juan del centro parroquial. Para
mayor información, llamar a Gustavo o Sandra Solares,
tel. 703-346-0409.
November 23, 2014
“Porque tuve hambre y me diste de comer,
tuve sed y me diste de beber.” ¿Está Cristo
llamándote a servirle como hermana,
hermano, diácono o sacerdote? Llama al
Padre J.D. Jaffe al (703) 841-2514 o escribe a:
[email protected].
Nuevo Coro de San Leo San Leo tiene una nueva
directora de Coro para la misa en español, Noemi
Solares. Estamos en busca de participantes ya sea
que hayan sido antes parte del coro o que quieran
ahora ser miembros del nuevo grupo. Si usted
esta interesado y desea formar parte, las prácticas serán los
dias miércoles a las 7:30pm en el salon St. John y domingos a
las 12:00pm en el salón St. Cecilia del centro parroquial. Para
mayor información enviar email a [email protected].
Hora Santa: Jesus nos dijo ¿No puedes acompañarme por
una hora? El grupo de oración de la parroquia los invita a
una Hora de Adoración delante del Santísimo normalmente
todos lo últimos sábados del més. La próxima hora santa
será el 22 de noviembre.
Se ofrece clases de inglés Caridades Catolicas–Hogar
Hispano ofrece clases de inglés en la Iglesia San Leo Magno
los sábados de 10 am a 12 pm. Ofrecemos varios niveles de
clase. Llame a 571-208-1572 para más información.
Estudio Bíblico – Epístola de Santiago y Carta de Pablo
a los Gálatas El estudio bíblico comenzará el 19 de
Septiembre. Estudiaremos la Epístola de Santiago “Perlas
para una Vida Santa” durante 11 semanas y en enero
entraremos al estudio de los Gálatas “Liberados para Vivir
una Vida Plena”. En el estudio de Santiago aplicaremos la
sabiduría de Santiago en nuestras vidas diarias. Este
estudio es para todos los que luchamos para vivir una vida
verdaderamente cristiana y nos ofrece muchas soluciones
prácticas. En el estudio de Gálatas aprenderemos lo que
significa tener una relación de hijos con Dios Padre. El
estudio se llevará a cabo todos los viernes de 7:30 a
9:00pm en el salón San Juan del centro parroquial. El costo
es de $25 para el material. Para mayor información o para
registrarse, llamar a Sandra Solares, 703-346-0409.
Grupo Divina Misericordia y Compasión ¿Conoce a alguien
que se encuentre solo y enfermo? ¿Sabe de alguien que
necesite de la palabra de Dios y de la compañía de miembros
de su iglesia? Un grupo de personas de nuestra parroquia
visita a los miembros de la comunidad que se encuentran
enfermos en los hospitales ó en sus casas. Se brinda
oraciones y compañía a todas aquellas personas delicadas de
salud. Tambien un ministro le puede traer comunión ó puede
pedir que un sacerdote le visite para recibir los sacramentos.
Por favor llamen a Gilma Orozco al 571-238-6634.
Grupo de Oración Sábados 6-8:30pm, Salon de Nuestra Sra
de La Guadalupe. Información: Jose Ferrufino: 703-250-1343.
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE
ST. LEO THE GREAT CHURCH
FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA
www.stleofairfax.com
November 23, 2014