Volume 15, Issue Number 11 November 2013

Newsletter

One may ask, what is retreat? Retreat is a military word meaning withdrawal. In the time of tough exchanges on battle fronts the military withdraws to explore strategies that aid them in achieving their targets. This word has today gained a religious connotation. In this regard, it means a break from our daily engagements to encounter God in prayerful reflection. Though it is one’s business as to the sort of encounter she/he chooses to have with God, the church, as a primordial sacrament, a sign of God’s presence, encourages such an encounter. That is why the Saint Bede Retreat Ministry has been established in our parish, to facilitate such an encounter.

What is the purpose of retreat? It is not easy to answer this question since it varies with individuals. However, a retreat is not just a time to withdraw from the harder situations in life. It is a time to re-examine ourselves before God and make amends. Long before the coming of Christ, Aristotle boldly proclaimed “An un-examined life is not worth living!” We see in Jesus a man who always withdrew from the crowd after a day’s work to a lonely place in profound prayer (Lk 4:42). There were times he rose early to go to a lonely place to pray (Mk 1:35) – such as to the mountains (Mk 6:45-46). It was customary for him to slip away to the wilderness for prayers (Lk 5:16). It was after such an intense prayer session that he made important decisions like the choosing of the two disciples – after a whole night of prayer at the mountaintop (6:12). Even at the point of death as he went with his disciples to Gethsemane he withdrew into deep prayer (Mk 14:-32-34). It is such an opportunity that the Saint Bede Retreat Ministry offers to our parishioners.

How do we go about a retreat? A retreat is best done in quiet. We speak only when it is absolutely necessary. Interpersonal relationships are reduced. It is better to be silent at all times and pray to God during the retreat period. Thus says the Lord: “Be still and know that I am God” (Ps 46:10). Remember that Sunday worship feeds a conversion, while a retreat leads to conversion, a much deeper one.

Please submit all Decemberarticles to Anne Kushnick at annekushnick@gmail.com

by November 15.

2On November 3rd, the choirs of Saint Bede, Saint Olaf and Saint Joan of Arc Catholic Churches are coming together for a Year of Faith performance at 2 p.m. in the Nave. This hour-long festival is free and will include many adult, children, and instrumental choirs.

The conclusion of the Year of Faith will be celebrated at all Masses on the weekend of November 24th, the feast of Christ the King. Come join us in praying for in thanksgiving for the fruits of this year in our families and in our parish.

Throughout the month of October, our parish supported the Friends for Life Ministry’s baby shower and 40 Days for Life prayer campaign. After each Mass, parishioners donated diapers and other baby clothing and supplies to support our HOPE Pregnancy Center, which ministers to women and families needing assistance with unexpected or crisis pregnancies. In addition, parishioners gathered each Wednesday after the 9 a.m. daily Mass to pray the Rosary for the dignity of human life.

Children of all ages from the Saint Bede Homeschool Ministry joined in the Friends for Life Wednesday Rosary.

3More than 200 parishioners gathered together for Saint Bede Serves, our morning of service. Youth Ministry teens joined the Monthly Maintenance Ministry in preparing the grounds for our holiday visitors. Projects included clearing brush, edging, and painting around the Ironbound property. School of Religion families participated in a variety of Outreach Office projects. Younger children helped cut and label the Angel Tree ornaments. Others assembled the hygiene kits for the November and January Homeless Shelter weeks that we will host. Additional crews went into the community to collect food for FISH Food Pantry at C&F Bank, sorted clothes and donations at the FISH headquarters, and volunteered at the Grove Community Garden. Thank you to all those who participated and the many volunteers who organized this effort!

4La Iglesia Católica Saint Bede comenzó la celebración de una Misa semanal en español el 29 de septiembre. La primera Misa fue celebrada por el Monseñor Timothy Keeney, asistido por el Diácono Greg Ballentine, y tuvo lugar en 520 Richmond Road. La comunidad se reunió para un convivio después de la Misa, que será una tradición mensual el último domingo de todos los meses. Para más información, visite la página web del Ministerio Hispano en www.bedeva.org. Están todos invitados a celebrar la Misa en español con nosotros todos los domingos a las 2pm en 520 Richmond Road en Williamsburg, Virginia. ¡Los esperamos!

Weekly Spanish MassSaint Bede Catholic Church began its weekly Spanish Mass on September 29th. Msgr. Timothy Keeney celebrated the Mass, assisted by Deacon Greg Ballentine, at the Chapel on 520 Richmond Road. The community gathered for a convivio afterwards, which will be a monthly tradition after Mass on the 4th Sunday of every month. For more information, please visit the Ministerio Hispano page on the parish website www.bedeva.org. All are welcome to join us for the Spanish Mass on Sundays at 2pm.

5Saint Bede Catholic Church hosted its annual Saint Michael’s Vespers on Friday, September 27th. Saint Michael’s Vespers is an ecumenical prayer service for the protection of our local first responders and in honor of those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The parish welcomed firemen, police officers, and EMTs from many local squads.

Saint Bede Catholic Church celebrated the Feast of Saint Francis with the “Blessing of Animals.” Parishioners and pets join Deacon Francis Roettinger on the portico on a beautiful October evening for this special prayer service.

6Keep Christ in Christmas (KCIC)

Christmas Card Sales and Wounded Warrior Support

Father Rizer Council of the Knights of Columbus at Saint Bede will be selling Christmas cards before and after all Masses starting the weekend of November 9-10. Proceeds from the sale of the cards will be used to support our seminarians. We have many new designs this year. Please stop by our table in the Commons. The Knights will also be selling Spanish Christmas Cards after the 2 pm Spanish Mass in the Chapel on Richmond Road.

The Knights will again be collecting donations for our Wounded Warriors. During the last two years our generous parishioners donated more than $2,000 each year for this very worthy cause. All money collected will go toward the support of military on the Peninsula.

Knights of Columbus awarded $500 scholarships to the Young Man of the Year,

Tommy Neville, and the Young Woman of the Year, Ashley Dorst.

The Knights hosted an ice cream social after the 5 p.m. Mass to celebrate the awards.

7Congratulations to Mary Barkowski who celebrated her 105th birthday on October 25, 2013. Mary lives at the Landing and has been visited by the Joy Ministry for 15 years.

BAPTISMS

August 27, 2013Anthony J. Delgado

Son of David A. Delgadoand Dina A. Jimenez

Bryan F. Garcia-SamayoaSon of Allan N. Garcia

and Dinora M. Samayoa

Diana E. Trigueros-HernandezDaughter of Miguel A. Trigueros

and Veronica A. Hernandez

Katherine G. Villeda- HernandezDaughter of Vilma E. Villeda

Hernandez

September 21, 2013Jace Camden Birchfield

Child of Howard Michael Birchfieldand Maigan Edwards

Michael Finn McShaneSon of Michael McShane

and Jill Marie Violini

Katherine Grace WilsonDaughter of Christopher Wilson

and Robin Looft

Thomas James GaylordSon of Jeffrey Charles Gaylord

and Katherine Elizabeth Kennedy

WEDDINGS

August 17, 2013Chad Everett Smith

and Mary Jennifer Norako

August 31, 2013Timothy Robert Gillette

and Corey Boykin Goggin

September 12, 2013Jason Michael Chiasera

and Lindsey Ann Chapman

September 20, 2013Brian Anthony McGrath

and Megan Lynne Metzger

September 28, 2013Jaeson Aaron Scott

and Stephanie Anne Sims

Parish Announcements

As a vibrant community we welcome and congratulate all parishioners on the reception of God’s grace through the sacraments of Baptism and Marriage.

8 “Peace in the Fast Lane” The First Catholic Women’s Conference wowed the audience!

by Genevieve McQuade

Did you miss it? “Peace in the Fast Lane,” the very first diocesan-wide 2013 Catholic Women’s Conference, a one-day event, took place Saturday, September 28, at the Richmond Conference Center. It was sponsored by the Center for Marriage, Family & Life of the Diocese of Richmond. About 500 women gathered, travelling distances near and far, from almost half of approximately 150 parishes of the diocese. Allow me to bring home to you some reactions excerpted from interviews taken during and after the day’s conclusion, as well as a smattering of the wisdom shared by the keynote speaker, Catholic Renée Bondi. The enthusiasm of these ladies’ overflowed:

“I have not had a day to myself in a while…I’ve been pampered, spoiled by all today…great from beginning to the end.” – Holy Trinity, Norfolk “It was a Catholic women’s conference…our religion!” – Church of the Holy Family, Va. Beach “I’m excited our religion finally had something for busy women.” – Church of the Holy Spirit, Va. Beach “Next year, we’ll have a bus! ...delighted that this was a Catholic conference!” – St. Thomas More, Lynchburg “I came because I felt crunched…caretaker of my mother.” – Church of the Redeemer, Mechanicsville “An awesome experience...the first time...I didn’t expect all that.” – St. Edward the Confessor, Richmond “Like nothing you can experience outside….uplifting…felt the Holy Spirit…enlightening.” – St. Gabriel, Richmond “Very powerful, moving…brought me closer to what I need to be doing.” – Holy Trinity, Norfolk

The main stimulant for these responses? Renée Bondi, the keynote speaker and an established Christian singer, was the extraordinary highlight. Everyone was captivated by Renée as she told her story as a quadriplegic, enhanced by her beautiful singing and favorite Scriptures to illustrate the conference theme of discovering “peace in the fast lane” of our lives.

Engaged to marry twenty-five years ago, then 29, Renée Bondi had a successful music-teaching career and excellent singing voice. But then the unexpected happened. Bondi inexplicably became a quadriplegic when, in a deep sleep, she dove off her bed, landed on her head, shattered her spine, and lost her singing capability. Against all odds and all physicians’ prognoses, Renée’s voice was miraculously restored with a crystal clear, angelic sound, although she remained immobile except for her head and shoulders. This ordeal transformed the quality of her life and subsequent nation-wide ministry.

Reflecting on the “fast lane” of women’s complex lives, she offered entertaining answers to: “You know you’re too busy when ____.” Often asked, “How do you keep smiling in that wheelchair?” Her solution was symbolized by “S.O.S.”, shorthand for sanctify, organize, surrender. It’s wise advice for everyone.

“Sanctify means to make pure or holy. I needed to keep my mind pure and holy so that my mind wouldn’t get the best of me.” Feeling poorly in the hospital one day, a Eucharistic minister asked her, “How are you doing today?” Renée related that her non-verbal caused the good woman to respond: “Breathe in, say ‘Jesus.’ Exhale. Say ‘mercy.’ By the seventeenth time, my heart was starting to change. Why? Because there is power in the name of Jesus!” she cried out to us. “How do we organize our life?” Listing usual priorities, God, spouse, children, and job, “Who is first and in what order?” she queried. She added “self” with God, by spending time with the Lord to “fill up our tank,” then spouse, children, and lastly, job. She knew God loved her, but “why would He want me this way?” she pondered. Not being able to go it alone, she realized she needed God. Surrender, the final “S,” evolved to transfigure her intense anger that God could permit the freak accident that paralyzed her sister, now a paraplegic. It took Bondi surrendering several times a day for five months to achieve peace. Another “sister remaining standing is – a nurse!” she laughed. Continued on page 9

9

Fr. Brieffies

Missionaries of the Holy Family

George Govostes (D)Leonard Chapura (D)Mary Van Hook (D)Paul Gonzalez (D)

Agnes Goodison (D)Eugenia Young (D)Ralph Picardi (D)

Barbara Coughlin (D)Helen Goode (D)

Francis M. Donovan (D)Mary T. Donovan (D)

Margaret E. Donovan (D)Marie Methot (D)

Clarence Methot (D)All Living In Need of Prayers (L)All Souls In Need of Prayers (D)

Fr. Rodrigo MingolloSt. Luke Parish, Virginia Beach

Nancy & Todd Kolb (L)Poma Family (D)

Barbara Coughlin (D)Dorothy Sosnowski (D)

Murrell Persick (D)

Rev. Merlito Mactal AbiogSt. Peter The Apostle, Onley, VA

Raymond Ohlman (L)Jo O’Connor (D)

James Boardman (D)Tom Freemey (D)

John Patrick Callaghan (D)Ralph Picardi (D)

Mary L. Donovan (D)Joseph Donovan (D)Frank J. Donovan (D)

Margaret M. Donovan (D)William Donovan (D)Dorothy Burkhardt (D)Elmer Burkhardt (D)

Michele Burkhardt (D)Mark Burkhardt (D)

Mission Mass IntentionsAs a parish, we support many mission communities around the state and around the world. In exchange for this support, many Masses are offered for our parishioners and loved ones, both living and deceased.

Peace in the Fast Lane (continued from page 9)

Renée Bondi spoke of prayer time as “falling in love with God,” that “Christ needs to be first.” If not, things don’t go right because we “hit the pavement running.” Bondi deemed the problem of women’s felt unworthiness as critical to confront. “Why is it when a Catholic woman is asked, ‘Does Christ love you?’” too frequently her reply is, “I hope so,” and not a vigorous, “Yes!’” We “need not take unworthiness so far,” she claimed, “that we shrink back from Christ’s love. Would we reject a lovingly wrapped gift from your child, saying ‘no-no-no’? Don’t we do that with Christ?” She added, “Do you receive his love? You are valued. Do you go through the motions of Catholicism with a head-knowledge, not a heart-knowledge, feeling like we get to heaven on a point system? This passion that He has for us, did He do it for nothing?” gesturing

toward a backdrop banner of Jesus crucified. “To accept and receive the love of Jesus is the foundation for peace,” Bondi concluded.

At Mass, presider Father Michael Boehling’s homily centered on giving of “ourselves – our time, our energy, our presence, our prayers,” adding, “more and more, I am convinced, that this is how the Lord becomes more present in our world...through us. Through us, He reaches out – in a special way – to those who are struggling, those who are suffering, those who are looking for peace.” Many other elements contributed to the enthusiastic reactions: Mass, reconciliation, choice of breakout sessions, accompanying ministries and vendors represented, and not the least, a generous continental breakfast and superb choices at the lunch buffets, all in the spotless conference center.

Saint Bede had at least 13 women (wonderful to see each other there, as few knew who was attending in advance), as well as several from our neighboring parish, Saint Olaf. Over 60 women came from Virginia Beach (many bused in), with of course, many from the Richmond vicinity, and the I-64 and I-95 corridors. Some of the more distant places included Martinsville, Blacksburg, Ferrum, from western Virginia. This information reflects only the pre-registered attendees, a little over half of the actual women, as complete statistics have not been recorded as of writing this article.Wouldn’t it be great (and it could promote increased participation from Saint Bede), if we could gather a brimming busload or at least carpools of our ladies to attend this awesome conference next year?

The 2013 Catholic Women’s Conference provided ample time and a superb place for women to experience or to renew a personal encounter with Christ as the only source of lasting peace.

10 Putting Our Faith in ActionThe Parish Finances

Each month our clergy, religious, numerous staff members and many volunteers work many hours to spread and live the message of the Gospels here in Williamsburg which is made possible by your generous financial support. We can never say “thank you” enough for your personal and family sacrifices that support the Saint Bede Parish. Thank you again.

Expenses and contributions don’t occur evenly each month throughout the fiscal year. Recurring expenses follow a predictable cycle each year and contributions have their own cycle of ups and downs as well. They are not in sync. Predictably, Christmas and Easter are always periods of increased receipts. The annual Parish budget takes these ebbs and flows into account which results in some months, particularly months early in the fiscal year, running a planned deficit.

As you can see from the chart below, through September we had a deficit of $34,986. However, due to the reasons mentioned above, when the actual deficit for the fiscal year-to-date is compared to the budgeted deficit anticipated for the same period, the Parish is $40,311 ahead of budget fiscal year-to-date.

This surplus through the end of the first quarter of our fiscal year is due to both actual income being ahead of the budget projection for income during the quarter and actual expenses being less than the budget projection for the same period. Specifically, actual income was $640,490 compared to the budgeted income of $620,025 resulting in $20,465 more income than budgeted. On the expense side, actual expenses were $675,476 compared to budgeted expenses of $695,322 resulting in a savings of $19,846 from budgeted expenses. The combination of the income and expense performance for the first quarter of our fiscal year is reflected in the Parish being $40,311 ahead of budget.

We hope the ministry oriented presentation of our financial position each month helps to demonstrate the tremendous effect you have through your prayerful donations.

Finance Council Update Fiscal Year End June 2014 Operating Budget and Actual Expenses through September 30, 2013.

Description Annual Budget Fiscal Year End June 30, 2014*

Actual through September 30, 2013

Actual to Budget

IncomeParishioners 2,357,646 512,193 22%Visitors and Cash 312,476 75,586 24%Other Income 134,817 52,711 39%Total Income 2,804,939 640,490 23%ExpensesStrengthening our Future ChurchSchool of Religion 144,337 25,116 17%Youth Ministries 91,152 20,987 23%Adult Ministries 243,111 51,431 21%Catholic Campus Ministry 146,529 30,018 20%Strengthening our Future Church Total 625,129 127,552 20%Providing Spiritual EnrichmentLiturgy and Music 625,236 181,099 29%Clergy 311,308 78,454 25%Providing Spiritual Enrichment Total 936,544 259,553 28%Administration, Debt and Diocesan SupportAdministration 630,136 137,771 22%Debt and Interest 295,678 73,401 25%Diocesan Support 317,452 77,199 24%Administration, Debt and Diocesan Support Total 1,243,266 288,371 23%Total Expenses 2,804,939 675,476 24%Surplus (Deficit) 0 (34,986)

*The annual budget includes a $44,346 subsidy from the diocese for expenses for salary and benefits for our Catholic Campus Ministry.

Please visit our website at www.bedeva.org.

Saint Bede Mission StatementWe are a Catholic faith community proclaiming Christ’s message in word and action.

Rev. Monsignor Timothy E. Keeney, Pastor 229-3631Rev. Daniel Asue, Parochial Vicar 229-3631 Rev. James M. Glass, Parochial Vicar 229-3631Ginger DiLoreto, Sec & Admin. Assistant 229-3631 Deacon Francis Roettinger, Liturgy Coordinator 229-3631Deacon Gregory Ballentine, Office of Worship 229-3631Aaron Renninger, Liturgy & Music Director 229-7723 Deacon Dominic Cerrato, Director Adult Faith Formation 603-6989 Susan Ribeiro, Director of Finance 603-6989 Will Goggins, Youth Ministry Coordinator 229-1745

Nicole Lancour, Communications Coordinator 229-1745 Judy Hemler, School of Religion Coordinator 603-6989Shannon Woloszynowski, Social Ministry & Human Concerns 253-0664MaryEllen Pitard, Director Catholic Campus Ministry 220-1415Al Jaroszewicz, Director Facilities & Maintenance 229-3700Sr. Carolyn Bouchard, Coordinator 603-6989 Health & Elder Care Ministry Healing Ministry Marriage Preparation

Did You Know?You can “like” us on Facebook and “follow” us on Twitter! Stay connected throughout the week with daily posts including: photos from parish events, reflections on the saints and Scripture, prayer requests, and more!

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SaintBedeCatholicChurch Twitter: @SaintBedeVA

Church Staff

Prayer for Our TroopsLord, hold our troops in Your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for

the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need, and bring them home safely. May their sacrifices bring about a lasting and just peace in all lands. I ask this in the name of Jesus, Our Lord and Savior. Amen.

If you would like to add to this list the name of a family member who is in harm’s way, please e-mail the first name and initial of the last name to vdiloreto@bedeva.org, or call the Church Office.

AbbeyAdamAndyAndrewAndrew L.BeauBillBobbBrandonBrendan M. LaneBrentBrianBrian OBryanBryanChaplain Tom A. Chris

CoreyDanDanielDavidDavidD.J.Drew PDugganEmily K. EricEricEricEthanGaryGregoryHeatherIvanoJack

JakeJamesJamesJasonJasonJasper C.JeffJeffreyJimJohnJonJonathanJosephJustinJustinKarlKatherineKevin

KevinKevinKyleLea K.MaryMattMatthewMaureenMichaelMichaelMichael P. IVMikeNicholasOliverPatrickPaulPhillipRichard

RobertRonaldRyanRyan S.SamSarahSeanShawnStanSteveStephen P. Thomas GWill