November 30, 2014 - St. Leo the Great Catholic Church | Fairfax

ST. LEO THE GREAT CHURCH
FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA
www.stleofairfax.com
Dear Friends,
“It is truly right and just, our duty and our
salvation always and everywhere to give
you thanks, Lord, holy Father, almighty
and eternal God, through Christ our Lord.
For he assumed at his first coming the
lowliness of human flesh, and so fulfilled
the design you formed long ago, and
opened for us the way to salvation, that,
when he comes again in glory and majesty
and all is at last made manifest, we who
watch for that day may inherit the great
promise in which now we dare to hope.”
The words of the first preface for Advent (the
prayer which introduces the Holy Holy and begins the
Eucharistic Prayer), speaks of Christ’s coming in the
“lowliness of human flesh” as his first coming. This
first coming, in which God the Son is incarnate or
became man, “opened for us the way to salvation”. It
is the beginning not the fulfillment. God the Son
began to live as a man so that he could die freely
offering himself as the perfect sacrifice to God the
Father for the forgiveness of our sins.
The
manifestation of Christ’s love in Bethlehem in the
manger is but the beginning of the revelation of the
saving power of God.
The first coming of Christ will be followed by
the second at the end of time, when all will be “made
manifest” and the “glory and majesty” of Christ will
be known by all and shared with those who have said
(and lived) “yes” to the Son of God. We begin this
season of Advent quite naturally fixed on Christmas
Day as the terminus or goal, however, the prayer of the
Church calls us to look beyond, to look forward, and to
live with a view to the future coming of Christ at the
end of time. May we who dare to hope inherit this
great promise.
I share again the words of Father Max Josef
Metzger, a Catholic Priest martyred by the Nazis in 1944:
“He knows not Advent’s meaning who has never sat
By twilight in a dreary cell, its window dim;
Even by day comes little light into the narrow space.
Evening falls, slowly steals away the sun.
Night throws her gloomy mantle round the room,
Terrifying, impenetrable.
November 30, 2014
Will it always be night?
Will ne’er a ray of sunshine pierce the gloom?
And a new day lead on to joy?
A faint light glimmers through the narrow rift, a witness
That the sun sets never and soon will rise again,
Yes, that the light on which men turned their backs,
The Lord will bring again, with power and glory,
And found his everlasting kingdom!
I believe in Advent!”
As we enter into this season of Advent, may we
who are imprisoned by our own fears and doubts,
believe again in the coming of the one who has never
left us – Jesus, the cause of our joy! Perfect love drives
out all fear.
In Christ,
Rev. David A. Whitestone, Pastor
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.
Advent Wreaths & Candles and
Christmas Wreaths Sunday, Nov.
30th, after 7:30, 9:00, & 11:00 am
Mass 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).
♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫
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 202281-0615 or [email protected].
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
—Please remember in your prayers the repose
of the souls of the faithful departed, especially:
Theodore Akitoby, father of Bernardin Akitoby;
Ann Lunn, mother of Suzie Walton.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
—We ask you to remember those in need of our
daily prayers.
EUCHARISTIC
ADORATION
DURING
ADVENT: The season of Advent has begun.
To help prepare our minds and hearts for the
birth of our Savior, Saint Leo parish will offer
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament between
the 6:15 and 9am Masses each weekday.
BLESSING OF PARENTS NEXT SUNDAY, December 7 On
the 1st Sunday of each month, Saint Leo features a blessing
for Expectant and Adopting Parents in support of life & family.
The blessing will take place after the 9am Mass in the church.
Parents in any stage of pregnancy or the adoption process
are invited.
THE 11 AM MASS NEXT SUNDAY, December 7th, will be
for the souls of those parishioners, family members and
friends who have died during the last month. If you would like
to have someone remembered in the Prayers of the Faithful
at this Mass, please call 703-273-5369.
FIRST SATURDAY DEVOTIONS: Next Saturday, Dec. 6, we
will have our regular First Saturday devotions beginning with
9 am Mass, ending with Benediction. Come, pray for peace
and an end to abortion.
An Evening of Praise, Worship, & Adoration will be held
Saturday, December 6th from 7-8:30 pm at Saint Leo in the
Church. All are welcome for prayer, beautiful music,
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, and Benediction.
Mini-Retreat/Evening of Recollection for Women at St.
Leo on Tuesday, Dec. 2nd from 7:30-9:00 pm in the church.
This monthly event is designed to help us refocus on our
struggle to become saints, and to make it our joyful duty
serve. Sponsored by Opus Dei. For more information, please
call Peggy, 703-620-4945.
Parish Advent Penance Service and
Individual Confessions There will be an Advent
Penance Service Sunday, December 14, at 7:30
pm in the Church. We plan to have more than
14 priests to hear individual confessions. Please
plan to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to
participate in the sacrament before Christmas.
Paul VI Catholic High School invites you to our Live Nativity
Sunday, Dec. 7, 4–5:30pm. The miracle of the Christmas
Story comes alive & you see and hear the story of Christ’s
birth. Families are invited to sing carols with us and feel the
magic and love of the season. Refreshments served
afterwards in the cafeteria. Dress as a visitor to Bethlehem,
Shepherd, or Angel. Visit: [email protected]
Sunday
Is 2:1-5; Mt 8:5-11
Is 11:1-10; Lk 10:21-24
Is 25:6-10a; Mt 15:29-37
Is 26:1-6; Mt 7:21, 24-27
Is 29:17-24; Mt 9:27-31
Is 30:19-21, 23-26;
Mt 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8
Is 40:1-5, 9-11; 2 Pt 3:8-14; Mk 1:1-8
MASS INTENTIONS
December 1 through December 7
Mon.:
6:15
9:00
Judith Ross
George Pardiny, Sr.
Tues.:
6:15
9:00
Valeria Wieczorek
Vincent Bateman
Wed.:
6:15
9:00
Helen Noterman
Judith Ross
Thurs.:
6:15
9:00
Margaret Monick
Special Intention
Fri.:
6:15
9:00
Mary Carmen Laney
Virginia Boschi
Sat.:
9:00
5:00
Respect Life
Samuel Hawthorn
Sun.:
7:30
9:00
11:00
1:00
5:00
For the Parish
Elizabeth Walton
deceased of the parish
Pedro Juanpere
Margot Edwards
In addition to the regular schedule of Masses, Mass has
been offered for the following intentions: Florence Urban,
Leo Perea, Florence Urban, Hughes and Nelson Families,
Special Intention, 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.
ST. LEO THE GREAT CHURCH
FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA
www.stleofairfax.com
A VOCATION VIEW
“Father, we are the work of Your hands.” Is
God’s work in you to be of service to Him as a
priest, deacon or in the consecrated life? Call
Father J.D. Jaffe at 703-841-2514 or write:
[email protected].
Congratulations to the following Saint Leo
parishioners who have been named to the
first quarter Honor Roll for High School:
Bishop Ireton: Alexander Budzynski, Shaelyn Dowd.
Pope Paul VI: Principal’s Honor Roll: Isabella Gordon,
Christopher Greene, Sarah Hebert, Catherine Hebert,
Daniel Jacobs, Mark LaBarge, Seung Yun Lee, Jessica Ong,
Allison Potter, Nathan Revor, Thomas Sheehan, Chloe
Tarbell, Nicola Toole, Julianna Villa.
Honor Roll: Olivia Alba, Joseph Arzeno, Tyler Aucoin,
Mackenzie Bacarella, Nicole Blunck, Italia Carnazza, Sonya
Chinje, Pedro Coronado-Magan, Elizabeth Crosson, James
Dunbar, Bridget Fitzsimon, Dillon Furey, Gabriella Gordon,
Victoria Handy, Antonella Henson-Vendrell, Matthew
Holleran, Amanda Hope, Kathleeen Hope, Nicholas Issing,
Paul Mack, Anh Mai, Nicholas Meyer, Samuel Meyer, Juan
Morantes, Teresa Neves, Kaitlan O’Keefe, Hannah
O’Malley, Michaela Romina Palma, Emilie Tazuri, Megan
Revor, Christopher Robertello, Jacob Roszkowiak, Conner
Stowell, Tyler Stowell, John Tarbell, Anna Turcott, Luke
Wasikowski, James Wilkins.
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 30, 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 St. Leo webpage
www.stleofairfax.com.
For more information, please contact Carolyn at
[email protected] or 703-273-5369.
Christmas Trees The Knights of Columbus
are selling Christmas Trees in front of Saint
Leo School weekdays: 3:30-9pm; Saturdays:
9am-9pm; & Sundays 9 am-6 pm. Sales start
Sunday Nov. 30 and continue through
Monday, December 22. There will be Fraser
Firs and Scotch Pines. Proceeds from the sales support
the Knights of Columbus’ charitable activities.
The Blessed Christmas Wafers, a centuries’
old Christmas vigil tradition enjoyed by the
East Europeans, are available from the
Saint Vincent de Paul Society at the Knights
of Columbus Christmas tree trailer Monday
–Friday: 3:30-8 , Saturday 9-9, & Sunday 9-6 and at the
Rectory office from 9 to 9. Please call for availability after
December 17. Donation is $3.00 per wafer package. For
information call 703-764-0243. All wafer proceeds benefit
the Saint Vincent de Paul Society.
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Religious Education News
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:
Father Diamond Scholarship Council 6292 will award a 4
year $500 scholarship to a Catholic student entering 9th
grade in a Catholic HS starting in the Fall 2015. The
application is on the council website: www.6292.kofcva.org
in the News Headlines section. For further information
contact Tim Tilson at 703-273-9436 or via email at
[email protected].
12/2
12/6
Our annual Ornament Sales fundraiser will take place after
all the Masses Dec 7th and 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, and children's advent wreaths for
$10. Keep an eye out for us after all Masses.
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.
11/30
HIGH SCHOOL:
NO HSYN TONIGHT! Enjoy time with your
families! Join us next week, Sunday, Dec. 7
(immediately following 5pm Mass) 6-8pm in St.
Leo Gym. All teens 9th - 12th grade invited.
Father Diamond Council
Events & Calendar
Meetings – 2nd and 4th Tuesdays
8:00 PM
Providence Hall
Live Christmas Tree Sales: Sundays: 9am-6 pm;
Mon – Fri: 3:30 pm -9 pm; Saturdays: 9 am-9 pm
1 pm Redskins Game Providence Hall
7:30 PM - Officer's Mtg Providence Hall
6:00PM- Christmas Party Providence Hall
–Knights and guests
——————-
Join the Knights – Contact Pat McGuire – 703-218-2986
Mark your calendars! We will have a Workcamp Interest
Meeting at 3:45pm on Dec 14th in the youth room. Youth
and Parents are welcome to joins us to hear more about
this awesome service opportunity for teens in 9th -12th grade.
Workcamp is week long trip serving those in need by repairing
homes making them warmer, safer and drier.
RCIT (Rite of Christian Initiation for Teens) If you are in high
school and are looking to receive, Baptism, First communion,
or
Confirmation
email
Erik:
[email protected].
Registrations for sacramental prep classes now available!
Girls CLC is this Monday, December 1 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, December 3 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" this week! Join us December 4
from 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.
ST. LEO THE GREAT CHURCH
FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA
www.stleofairfax.com
Advent Silent Retreat for Women December 5-7, at
Dominican Retreat House, McLean. In silence and in
listening we can rediscover the mystery of Christmas - the
very presence of God in our hearts and in our lives. This
silent retreat at the beginning of the holy season of Advent
invites us into an awareness of Emmanuel- "God is with
us." Join us for this special weekend marking the start of a
wondrous season. For information contact Ceil Bailey: 703281-1975 or Dominican Retreat: 703-356-4243.
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 30, 2014
“Padre, somos hechura de Tus manos”. Es la
obra de Dios en ti servirle a Él como
sacerdote, diácono o en la vida consagrada,
llama al Padre J.D. Jaffe al (703) 841-2514 o
escribele 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.
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
ST. LEO THE GREAT CHURCH
FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA
www.stleofairfax.com
November 30, 2014