ST. LEO THE GREAT CHURCH FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA www.stleofairfax.com Dear Friends, September 27 is the Feast of St. Vincent de Paul. St. Vincent was born in France in 1580. St. Vincent is best known for his work with the poor and disadvantaged. A priest with a great zeal for preaching the Catholic faith and a love for the Blessed Sacrament, he was keenly aware of the truth of the scriptures: “If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,’ but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it? So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2: 15-16) “If someone who has worldly means sees a brother in need and refuses him compassion, how can the love of God remain in him? Children let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth.” (1 John 3:17) St. Vincent died in 1660, but his work for the poor continues. In 1833, Blessed Antoine Frederic Ozanam founded the St. Vincent de Paul Society as a Catholic human service organization in memory of St. Vincent dedicated to evangelization and helping the poor. The work of the Society has spread throughout the world. The St. Vincent de Paul Society is the outreach program of our parish. It is truly, in my estimation, the shining star of St. Leo the Great parish. We are blessed with dedicated volunteers on call throughout the week to assist those in great need. These volunteers give of their time and talent to assess and meet the needs of our suffering brothers and sisters. None of this possible without our active participation through involvement in food donations and contributions through the “poor boxes”. We all need to examine and consider or lives in light of the scriptures. Am I grateful for the blessings given to me by God? Do I live the faith I profess as fully as I could? Do I see my own efforts at reaching out to those in need as being simply a “nice” thing to do rather than as an essential and constitutive element of my Catholic faith? Brothers and sisters, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth! September 28, 2014 It is amazing that something as simple as bringing a few cans of our “forgotten” or “extra” food to church can and does make a difference in the lives of our neighbors. In serving our brothers and sisters in need, we serve Jesus Christ Himself. “'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?' And the king will say to them in reply, 'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.' " +++++ Next Saturday October 4 is the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. We will celebrate the blessing of animals in front of the church at the statue of St. Francis at 10 AM. In Christ, Rev. David A. Whitestone From Sept. 24 - Nov. 2, you are invited to join other Christians for 40 Days for Life – 40 days of prayer and fasting for an end to abortion. You are also invited to stand and peacefully pray during a 40-day vigil in the public rightof-way outside Falls Church Healthcare Center on 900 S. Washington St. & also to help spread the word about this important community outreach. If you would like more information, and especially if you would like to volunteer to help, contact: Ruby Nicdao, ruby40daysforlife@gmail.com, 703-795-2216, or visit: www.40daysforlife.com/fallschurch. St. Leo Adult Bible Study began its 2014-15 study on Thursday September 25th, at 7:30pm in the St. Mark Room, Parish Hall. Our first topic of study will be The Letter of Paul to the Romans. Join us as we learn from St. Paul about the great gift of salvation through Christ, and explore the questions of faith, grace, good works, & predestination. This was at the heart of the 16th-century Reformation & Martin Luther's decision to challenge church teaching. Bring a Catholic edition of the Bible. Contact Norma Jo Shore: 703-978-3361 or shore3361@aol.com TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME —Please remember in your prayers the repose of the souls of the faithful departed, especially: Irene Draim, wife of Robert Draim. Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday —We ask you to remember those in need of our daily prayers, especially: Patrick Laing. BLESSING OF PARENTS NEXT SUNDAY, October 5 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, October 5th, 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, Oct. 4th, 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, October 4th 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. Blessing of Animals In honor of the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, Saint Leo Parish will have a blessing of pets at 10:00 am (following First Saturday Devotions) on Saturday, October 4h at the statue of Saint Francis. The blessing will take place rain or shine. Craft Fair Space Available The Ladies of Fr. Diamond Council #6292 K of C, are hosting a craft show at St. Leo on Sunday October 19th. We are accepting registrations from vendors interested in renting table space. Email Ladiesof.fatherdiamondcouncil@yahoo.com for information. Learn Italian! It’s Fun and Easy! Join our classes in September. For cost & dates please contact Elisabetta Lazarte: Bsmile24@aol.com or 703-887-1995. Italian Heritage Society of St Mary of Sorrows, Lucio D’ Andrea: lucioandrea@ Verizon.net. Are you or someone you know interested in serving as a lector at Mass? If so, please contact Tim Holleran at 703853-8107 or thwvu81@aol.com for more information. Prior experience as a lector is not necessary. Dn 7:9-10, 13-14; Jn 1:47-51 Jb 3:1-3, 11-17, 20-23; Lk 9:51-56 Jb 9:1-12, 14-16; Lk 9:57-62 Jb 19:21-27; Mt 18:1-5, 10 Jb 38:1, 12-21, 40:3-5; Lk 10:13-16 Jb 42:1-3, 5-6, 12-17; Lk 10:17-24 Is 5:1-7; Phil 4:6-9; Mt 21:33-43 MASS INTENTIONS September 29 through October 5 Mon.: 6:15 9:00 Michael D’Souza Special Intention Tues.: 6:15 9:00 Judith Ross Fred DiMonte Wed.: 6:15 9:00 Joseph and Rose Cesarini Hank Urban Thurs.: 6:15 9:00 Anne Temple Patricia Louise Davis Fri.: 6:15 9:00 Donald Schindler Veronica Craven Sat.: 9:00 5:00 Respect Life Peter Emens Sun.: 7:30 9:00 11:00 1:00 5:00 James and Caroline Curran (anniv.) Schell Wessel deceased of the parish Special Intention For the Parish In addition to the regular schedule of Masses, Mass has been offered for the following intentions: Dick Keys, Steven Wainczar, Special Intention, Mildred Appleby, Special Intention, Dick Keys. BAPTISM CLASS IS MANDATORY at Saint Leo. The next class is Tuesday, October 14th 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 Catholic University. Please be generous. ST. LEO THE GREAT CHURCH FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA www.stleofairfax.com A VOCATION VIEW “He humbled Himself and became obedientN.” If the Lord invites you to follow Him in humble odedience as a priest or in the consecrated life, how will you respond? Call Father J.D. Jaffe at 703-841-2514 or write: j.jaffe@arlingtondiocese.org. If you are an older adult, or have a physical special needs, our Conference may be able to provide you with a little extra this Christmas. Please contact us no later than September 30 to further discuss your needs. Call 703-352-2324 and mention Giving Tree. From time to time, we need assistance in casework management, to help provide further guidance to our brothers and sisters. We are seeking an attorney who can provide pro bono consulting services with expertise in the area of ADA & Tenant/landlord issues. Please call (703)352-3509. Music Liturgy at St. Leo the Great Joining a choir gives us a chance to minister to others through music – to serve the church. What a privilege to be used by God for this purpose! Ultimately the best reason to join a church choir is that you get to praise God through song. Our choirs will soon return (after a brief summer vacation) to leading the congregation in song. Is God calling you to join one of our choirs and serve the church in this way? If so, the best time to join is NOW. Please contact our music director, Lorraine Neill: lneill@stleofairfax.com or 703-273 -4682 if you would like to join any of our choirs. If you are interested in joining our YOUTH CHOIR or TEEN CHOIR contact Lorraine Neill: lneill@stleofairfax.com or 703-273-4682 The ADULT CHOIR is in great need of SOPRANOS!!!! The adult choir sings at the 11 AM Mass on Sunday and rehearses Wednesdays from 7:30–9 PM. This traditional choir sings 4-part music. It is helpful if you have had some experience singing in a choir. They also prepare music for Holy Days, Confirmation, Christmas Midnight Mass, Holy Week, & other celebrations where music is needed. The CONTEMPORARY CHOIR sings at the 9:00 AM Mass under the direction of Ann LaBarge, and rehearses Thursdays in the St. Cecilia music room at 7:30 PM. If you would like to sing in this choir, please contact Ann at vaillini@verizon.net Our HANDBELL CHOIR is looking for new members. They meet on Wednesday from 6:30–7:30 PM. It is necessary to have a basic knowledge of note reading to be a successful ringer. Please contact Lorraine Neill if you are interested. We are in need of CANTORS to lead the singing once or twice a month at our Masses. If you are a professionally trained singer, perhaps you are being called to serve the church in this way. Please contact Lorraine Neill if you are interested. September 28, 2014 ADULT FAITH FORMATION Faith & Food at P.J. Skidoos Please join us on Monday, October 6th 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: carolynsmith.stleos@gmail.com or 703-273-7277. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a process for bringing into the Catholic Church both those who have never been baptized and those who were baptized in a non-Catholic church. RCIA is also the best way for adult Catholics who have never been confirmed to prepare for the final Sacrament of Initiation. Every September, a new RCIA class begins at St. Leo the Great and we invite any adult who would like to join the Catholic Church, be confirmed, or who is simply interested in learning about the teachings and customs of Catholic Christianity to come and join us. While classroom work is part of the process, RCIA is more than a class; it is a gradual introduction to the customs, beliefs, practices, and devotions of Catholicism. There is no obligation, only an opportunity to learn! RCIA meets on Tuesdays from 7:30pm-9:00pm in the Guadalupe Room, Parish Hall. For additional information, please contact Carolyn Smith: carolynsmith.stleos@gmail.com or 703-273-5369. 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 are available for pickup during the school day from 8am - 3pm, and at: www.saintleothegreatschool.org. All completed applications, with copies of supporting documents, may be sent through the mail or hand-carried to the school between the hours of 8am and 12pm. Acceptance letters for the 2014–2015 school year will be mailed once completed applications are received. Financial Aid packets are also available upon request. In the event of inclement weather, please check the website, or call the school office, 703-2731211 for information. Applications available: www.saintleothegreatschool.org. PLEASE NOTE: Saint Leo parishioners receive preferential status in Pre-School through eighth grade applications. In-parish families must be registered. TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Religious Education News PARENTS OF FALL 2014 CONFIRMATION CANDIDATES Our Confirmation Dates are: Teams 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 11: Confirmation Rehearsal- Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 6:00 pm and Confirmation -Thursday, Nov. 20, at 7:30 pm. Teams 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10: Confirmation Rehearsal- Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 8:00 pm and Confirmation- Friday, Nov. 21 at 7:30 pm. Religious Education Office: 703-273-4868 Theology on Tap Join us after the talk for a post-TOT show with Marie Miller & Kenny Kohlhaas! Arlington Fall 2014 Theology on Tap series, "Stories of Faith, Hope & Conversion," will be held Monday evenings Sept.29 - Nov. 3. Adults (ages 21-39) single and married of all faith backgrounds are invited to O'Sullivan's Irish Pub 3207 Washington Blvd., Clarendon (across from St. Charles Borromeo). Talk begins at 7:30 pm & ends with Q&A at 8:30 pm. Arrive early to get a seat! Questions? Contact Erin Healy: 703-841-2549 or yam@arlingtondiocese.org Sept. 29—"God is Patient: Prodigal Son to Priest" ~Rev. Robert Wagner Mass to Pray for Healing for Victims/Survivors of Sexual Abuse In 2004, Bishop Loverde began a series of diocesan-sponsored Masses to pray for healing for victims/ survivors of sexual abuse. The next Mass will be on October 8 at 7:30 pm at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 12807 Valleywood Drive, in Lake Ridge. The Mass will be followed by a reception. Bishop Loverde will preside. You are cordially invited to an ADVOCATES FOR LIFE dinner in support of A Woman's Choice Pro-Life Crisis Pregnancy Center Saturday October 18, 6 - 10 pm at The Waterford at Fair Oaks (12025 Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy, Fairfax) Guest Speaker: Jeanne Monahan, President of the March for Life. Tickets are $100/person. For Reservations call 703-538-4305 by Oct. 7, or visit: www.AWomansChoiceCenter.com. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Father Diamond Council Events & Calendar Meetings – 2nd and 4th Tuesdays 8:00 PM Providence Hall 10/7 Officer’s & Chairmen Meeting 7:30 –Providence Hall ——————Giant, Shoppers Food Warehouse & Safeway Food Cards for sale – at Parish Hall every weekday at 3:00 PM or call Larry Novak - 703-978-6137 ——————- HIGH SCHOOL: JOIN US TONIGHT SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28th (immediately following 5pm Mass). Dinner, Games, and Catholic 101--The Creed! 6-8pm in St. Leo Gym. All teens 9th - 12th grade invited! RCIT (Rite of Chris%an Ini%a%on for Teens) If you are in high school and are looking to receive, Bap%sm, First Communion, or Confirma%on please email Erik at stleosyouth@gmail.com. Registra%ons for sacramental prep classes now available! Youth Rally! Mark your calendars for Sunday October 19th! Rally is one of largest gatherings of high school age teens from all around the diocese. Come for a day of faith and fun! Permission slips will be available late September. Girls CLC is this Monday, September 29th. Each week we break open the Gospels and reflect on scripture. Having tea par%es and ea%ng cupcakes are part of the weekly fun! Interested? Please contact Laura Benne9 at laura.schaefer1@gmail.com. Boys CLC is this Wednesday, October 1st. Each week we break open the Gospels and reflect on scripture. Playing ul%mate frisbee, board games, or jamming out are part of the weekly fun! Interested? Contact Erik Teter atstleosyouth@gmail.com Middle School: "Thursday Takeovers" begin October 9, 3:30-5:30pm. 6th-8th graders are invited to come for snacks, games, and ul%mate frisbee. We meet in the Youth Room for this weekly event! "On Fire!" Kick-Off will be on Saturday, October 11, 5-8 pm 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!" will be a once/month, large group event. This year's theme is "Living a Life of Virtue." Cox Farms Trip! Saturday, October 18. Meet for 9:00am Mass followed by a trip to the farm. We will need drivers and chaperones. More details and permission slip online. Each month, we will have a service trip or fun field trip planned. Volunteer! Do you have a heart for youth ministry? We are looking for YOU! We are in need of adult volunteers with hearts on fire for Christ! Must be at least 21 years of age, and willing to complete the Virtus Cer>fica>on. We need volunteers for both our High School and Middle School Youth Ministry Programs. Join the Knights – Contact Pat McGuire – 703-218-2986 Ques>ons? Email Erik or Melissa at stleosyouth@gmail.com ST. LEO THE GREAT CHURCH FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA www.stleofairfax.com Horarios e Información Santas Misas: Español: Inglés: domingos a la 1:00 pm sábados–5 pm (Vigilia), domingos–7:30, 9, 11:00, 5pm September 28, 2014 “Se humilló a sí mismo y se hizo obediente….” Si el Señor te invita a seguirle en obediencia humilde como sacerdote o en la vida consagrada, ¿cómo vas a responder? Llama al Padre J.D. Jaffe al (703) 841-2514 o escribe a: j.jaffe@arlingtondiocese.org. 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 youth@stleos.com. Legion de Maria: sabado 5:00—6:30 pm ó domingo 11 am—12:30 pm. Información: Virginia Pierson —vpierson@stleofairfax.com 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. 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. Registraciones para las Clases de Educación Religiosa Nuestras Oficinas están abiertas de Lunes a Jueves 930 am330 pm. Hojas de registración están disponible en el Web site de la Parroquia. Por favor llame a Toni Haaland o Virginia Pierson al 703-273-4868 si usted tiene alguna pregunta. Se necesitan Catequistas y asistentes para el año escolar 2014-2015. Por favor llamar a Toni Haaland al 703-273-4868 si le gustaría ayudar a ensenar la Fe. Se dará entrenamiento. Todos los voluntarios deben ser totalmente compatibles con los requerimientos dela oficina diocesana de protección dela infancia. Por favor déjenos saber lo antes posible para ayudarlo con el proceso. 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 nsolares4@gmail.com. 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 25 de octubre. 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 Gustavo y Sandra Solares, 703-346-0409. Grupo de Oración Sábados 6-8:30pm, Salon de Nuestra Sra de La Guadalupe. Información: Jose Ferrufino: 703-250-1343. TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME ST. LEO THE GREAT CHURCH FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA www.stleofairfax.com September 28, 2014