St. Mary’s Catholic Church

FOUNDED IN 1795 310 SOUTH ROYAL STREET • ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA

Rev. Edward C. Hathaway, Pastor

Rev. Nicholas R. Barnes, Parochial Vicar Rev. Andrew W. Haissig, Parochial Vicar Rev. Edward J. Bresnahan, In Residence

Rectory 310 Duke Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314 • 703-836-4100 • Fax: 703-549-3605 Website: www.stmaryoldtown.org Office Email Address: admin@stmaryoldtown.org

St. Mary’s School (PK-8) • 703-549-1646 • Fax: 703-519-0840 Mrs. Janet Cantwell, Principal (jcantwell@smsva.org) Main Building 400 Green Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; Website: http://www.smsva.org St. Mary’s School of Religion (CCD) and (RCIA) - Fr. Nick R. Barnes (703-836-4100) Director of Young Adult and Youth Activities - Arragon Perrone (571-882-9593) Director of Music - Dr. Charles Saik (703-684-5308) Sunday Masses: Saturday Eve Vigil - 5:00 PM Sunday - 7:00 AM & 8:30 AM, (9:15 AM - Children’s Mass, St. Mary’s School, 400 Green St.), 10:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:00 PM & (Vespers - Evening Prayer 4:30 PM) 5:00 PM Weekday Masses: Monday through Friday - 6:30, 8:00 AM, 12:10 PM Federal, National Holidays and Holy Days - Please see bulletin for schedule of Masses Saturday - 8:30 AM only Novenas and Adoration at the Church: Miraculous Medal Novena - Monday - noon Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament - Wednesday - 12:30 to 7:30 PM Mother of Perpetual Help Novena and Holy Hour - Wednesday - 7:30 PM Nocturnal Adoration - every First Friday, 9 PM to Saturday 7:30 AM Holy Hour for Life - every First Saturday 7:30 to 8:30 AM Confessions: Monday - Friday following the 12:10 PM Mass Saturday - 9:00 to 10 AM and 4:00 to 5:00 PM Wednesday - 7:30 PM (during Holy Hour) First Saturday - 9:00 to 10 AM Baptisms: Every Sunday at 2:15 PM. Please call the Rectory to register in advance and obtain regulations concerning godparents, etc. Marriages: Contact Parish Priest at least six months before possible wedding date. Couples who are living together will be asked to live separately during marriage preparation time.

Project Rachel, Post Abortion Help 1-888-456-HOPE Gabriel Project, Pregnancy Help 1-866-444-3553 Arlington Catholic Charities, Adoption Services 703-425-0100

Page Two December 6, 2015

Oremus pro invicem. “Let us pray for each other.”

CHRIST COMES IN MYSTERY During Advent we meditate on the history, 2015 years ago, in mystery and in majesty at the end of time. Today we contemplate Christ coming in mystery. He does so through the Church, most powerfully through Her Sacred Mysteries which are the Seven Sacraments. Worthy and frequent reception of the sacraments of the Eucharist and Penance is encouraged for all who draw near to the Lord Who is so eager to greet His sons and daughters. The faithful are called to prepare for these encounters with the living Christ by a diligent and focused attention of the mind and heart. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Christ also comes to us mysteriously in moments of contemplative prayer and meditation for which we must likewise prepare. Additionally, the Christian encounters Christ through acts of self-giving and generosity which enrich and extend the reign of Our Lord. All are encouraged, especially in this holy Advent season, to take advantage of the Sacrament of Mercy, where He fills our souls with grace and light, thus preparing us to worthily receive Him in the Holy Eucharist.

In next week’s bulletin we will focus on Christ’s coming in majesty.

The Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy will run from December 8, 2015,

the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception through November 20, 2016,

the Solemnity of Christ the King.

Prayer of Pope Francis for the Jubilee Lord Jesus Christ, you have taught us to be merciful like the heavenly Father, and have told us that whoever sees you sees Him. Show us your face and we will be saved. Your loving gaze freed Zacchaeus and Matthew from being enslaved by money; the adulteress and Magdalene from seeking happiness only in created things; made Peter weep after his betrayal, and assured Paradise to the repentant thief. Let us hear, as if addressed to each one of us, the words that you spoke to the Samaritan woman: “If you knew the gift of God!”

You are the visible face of the invisible Father, of the God who manifests his power above all by forgiveness and mercy: let the Church be your visible face in the world, its Lord risen and glorified. You willed that your ministers would also be clothed in weakness in order that they may feel compassion for those in ignorance and error: let everyone who approaches them feel sought after, loved, and forgiven by God.

Send your Spirit and consecrate every one of us with its anointing, so that the Jubilee of Mercy may be a year of grace from the Lord, and your Church, with renewed enthusiasm, may bring good news to the poor, proclaim liberty to captives and the oppressed, and restore sight to the blind.

We ask this of you, Lord Jesus, through the intercession of Mary, Mother of Mercy; you who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen.

SAINT AMBROSE MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015

6:30 A.M. Special Intention: Fr. Kleinmann 8:00 A.M. James Manos 12:10 P.M. Donald McLaughlin 7:30 P.M. Living and Deceased Members of the Lay, León-Duarte and Saunders Families

THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2015

6:30 A.M. Parishioners of St. Mary 8:00 A.M. Jennie Mae Basila 12:10 P.M. Guy A. Giancarlo, Anniversary 7:30 P.M. Special Intention: Emily Liutkus

SAINT JUAN DIEGO WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015

6:30 A.M. Special Intention: Christine K. Hull 8:00 A.M. Special Intention: Angela Giancarlo, Birthday 12:10 P.M. Philomena, Annie and Joseph Caporaletti

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

6:30 A.M. Grace M. O’Lone 8:00 A.M. Ray Christopher Woods 12:10 P.M. John McIntyre

SAINT DAMASUS, I FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015

6:30 A.M. Clarence Joseph Romes 8:00 A.M. Walter Dorsey 12:10 P.M. Florence Chamberlain

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2015

8:30 A.M. Living and Deceased Family Members of Lucille Chung and Gary Helmbrecht 5:00 P.M. Robert F. Dodd, Anniversary

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 13, 2015 7:00 A.M. Amarillis T. Issa 8:30 A.M John Shannon 9:15 A.M. Fe Gutierrez 10:00 A.M. Parishioners of St. Mary 11:30 A.M John Shannon 1:00 P.M. Armando Quilaqueo 5:00 P.M. Chris Holden, Anniversary

PRAYER FOR LIGHTING THE ADVENT WREATH CANDLES IN THE SECOND WEEK

God of power and mercy open our hearts in welcome. Remove the things that hinder us from receiving Christ with joy so that we may share His wisdom and become one with Him when He comes

in glory, for He lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

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Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us.

PRO-LIFE CORNER "Listen, put it into your heart, my youngest and dearest son, that the thing that disturbs you, the thing that afflicts you, is nothing. Do not let your countenance, your heart be disturbed. Do not fear this sickness of your uncle or any other sickness, nor anything that is sharp or hurtful. Am I not here, I, who am your Mother? Are you not under my shadow and protection? Am I not the source of your joy? Are you not in the hollow of my mantle, in the crossing of my arms? Do you need anything more? Let nothing else worry you, disturb you.”

(Our Lady of Guadalupe to Saint Juan Diego)

O Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.

VOCATIONS

Are you seeking “knowledge and full insight to help you determine” your vocation in Christ as a priest, deacon or in

consecrated life? Call Father J.D. Jaffe at 703.841.2514, or write: j.jaffe@arlingtondiocese.org.

DAY OF RECOLLECTION FOR DISCERNERS Could Christ be calling you to the priesthood or religious life? Take a step to find out. The Office of Vocations will hold a day retreat for men on Saturday, December 19 and a day retreat for women on Sunday, December 20. Both run from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. and are open to those 17 years and older. Please register by Friday, December 11. To register, please contact the Office of Vocations at 703.841.2514 or vocations@arlingtondiocese.org.

SAVE THE DATE: Wednesday, May 25, 2016 for a Pilgrimage led by Father Hathaway to the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and the Grotto of Lourdes in Emmitsburg, PA. Estimated cost $60. For more information, please contact Barbara Juszczyk (703.638.6834) or Maria Sabio (703.329.0011).

COME PRAY THE ROSARY every third Saturday following the 8:30 A.M. Mass, in front of the Alexandria Medical and Professional Plaza, 2839 Duke St. (near Bishop Ireton HS), with other St. Mary’s parishioners. Our next gathering to pray for pregnant mothers and their unborn children will be December 19. If you need transportation to the clinic, please contact Suzan Cummins at 703.782.6757.

ST. MARY’S GIVING TREE The Youth & Young Adult Apostolate is collecting gifts and donations for:

Catholic Charities Migration & Refugee Services, which is in special need of: hats, gloves, mittens & scarves (child & adult sizes), pajamas (child & adult sizes); any kitchen utensils, cutting boards, pots & pans, can openers; rice cookers, teapots & alarm clocks; any size bath towels; basic cleaning supplies like laundry detergent; twin and full-size sheet sets, blankets or comforters; gift cards to any grocery store, Target or Walmart

Christ House Food Pantry, which is in special need of: canned meats (chicken, corned beef, spam), peanut butter, jelly, tuna, canned vegetables (corn, green beans – both regular & low sodium), individual fruit cups (low sugar), cereal (low sugar), pasta (regular & gluten-free), instant potatoes, macaroni & cheese kits, coffee, cooking oil, flour, sugar, as well as gift cards to Giant, Safeway, Walmart, or Target

There are also tags for monetary donations to the Gabriel Project, which helps pregnant women in need.

Gift tags will be available on the Giving Tree in the rear of the church starting this weekend. Please take a tag, purchase the gift or gift card and bring it back to St. Mary’s on December 19th or 20th. Please do not leave gifts or gift cards in the church. UNWRAPPED gifts and donations will be collected outside of the church before and after all Masses at St. Mary’s Church on December 19th and 20th. Any questions, please call the Coordinators of the Youth & Young Adult Apostolate, Arragon & Kara, at 571.882.9593 or email them at saintmarysparishyouth@gmail.com.

ST. MARY’S PLAY GROUP: The final meeting of 2015 will be Monday, December 14th at 9:30 A.M. in the Lyceum (313 Duke Street). We will be celebrating the Christmas holiday with a potluck brunch. Meetings will resume on Monday, January 4th. The Play Group is open to infants and toddlers of the parish and their parents and caregivers. We meet on Monday mornings (except holidays) at the Lyceum or, in comfortable weather, local parks and other no- or low-cost locations. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Kerri Griffin at saintmarystots@gmail.com.

HOLY FATHER’S INTENTIONS FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER

Universal

That all may experience the mercy of God, who never tires of forgiving.

Evangelization

That families, especially those who suffer, may find in the birth of Jesus a sign of certain hope.

FORTY HOURS DEVOTION

Please prayerfully consider participating in the ancient practice of Forty Hours Devotion in preparation for our parish patronal feast, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (Tuesday, December 8). Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament will be held continuously (except for Mass times) beginning on Sunday evening, December 6, following the 5 P.M. Mass and concluding on Tuesday evening, December 8 at 7 P.M.

Sign–up sheets for the Forty Hours Devotion are located in the binders at the back of the church. We need at least 2 persons present at every hour. All are welcome to come at any time even if you have not signed up.

ST. MARY’S MIDDLE SCHOOL JUNIOR CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS are hosting a Moms Day Out - just in time for Christmas errands! Babysitting will be provided for $5/hour on Friday, Dec. 11, at St. Mary's Lyceum from 11 A.M. - 3 P.M., for children ages 2 - 8. Snacks and crafts will be provided and Virtus-compliant adults will be present. Proceeds benefit Mary's Shelter for women and children in Fredericksburg, VA. To request a reservation, email rosie.mclaughlin@icloud.com.

GIVE A GIFT FOR LIFE: Please give a Gift for Life this season to help Gabriel Project fund a mother’s maternity care. One grateful mother wrote: "I knew that I was not alone, that there are good people who help others. Gabriel Project made me know that a child is not a burden but a blessing from God.” For more information and/or to donate: www.arlingtondiocese.org/giftforlife.

2015 CATHOLIC CHARITIES ANNUAL CHRISTMAS COLLECTION Next weekend - December 12 and 13.

Catholic Charities is an essential diocesan ministry, serving the poor with Christian love and compassion. Our professional support services touch the

lives of tens of thousands at every stage of life. In this Year of Mercy your gift to Catholic Charities will transform lives.

Your gifts stay in the diocese to serve people in need. A sacrificial gift by all of you will be a loving gift of Christ’s love and mercy

to those in need. Please visitwww.ccda.net to learn more.

SAINTS ANNE AND JOACHIM SOCIETY will be going to visit the newly renovated Renwick Gallery on Wednesday, December 9. Meet at Lyceum at 9:45 A.M. Limited number of spaces remaining. Bus is $10/members and $15 nonmembers. If interested or for further information, please contact Barbara Juszczyk at 703.683.6834.

SOLEMNITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION December 8th is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

and a Holy Day of Obligation. The Bishops of the United States placed our nation

under the protection and patronage of Mary, under her title of the Immaculate Conception.

Mass Times Tuesday, December 7: 7:30 P.M.

Wednesday, December 8: 6:30 A.M., 8:00 A.M., 12:10 P.M., and 7:30 P.M.

December 6, 2015 Page Four

DIVINE MERCY CORNER

The Mother of God has taught me how to prepare for the Feast of Christmas.

I saw Her today, without the Infant Jesus. She said to me: " My daughter, strive after silence and humility, so that Jesus...may

be able to rest. Adore Him in your heart....Dwell with Him continuously in

your own heart. He will be your strength."

(St. Faustina, Diary 785)

JESUS I TRUST IN YOU!

TODAY'S READINGS First Reading: Stand on the heights, Jerusalem; see your children rejoicing that they are remembered by God. A merciful and just God leads Israel in joy (Baruch 5:1-9). Psalm: The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy (Psalm 126). Second Reading: May your love increase in knowledge to discern what is valuable that you may be blameless for the day of Christ (Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11). Gospel: John proclaims a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. All flesh shall see the salvation of God (Luke 3:1-6). READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Is 35:1-10; Ps 85:9-14; Lk 5:17-26 Tuesday: Gn 3:9-15, 20; Ps 98:1-4; Eph 1:3-6, 11-12; Lk 1:26-38 Wednesday: Is 40:25-31; Ps 103:1-4, 8, 10; Mt 11:28-30 Thursday: Is 41:13-20; Ps 145:1, 9-13ab; Mt 11:11-15 Friday: Is 48:17-19; Ps 1:1-4, 6; Mt 11:16-19 Saturday: Zec 2:14-17 or Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab; Jdt 13:18bcde, 19; Lk 1:26-38 or Lk 1:39-47, or any readings from the Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary, nos. 707-712 Sunday: Zep 3:14-18a; Is 12:2-3, 4, 5-6; Phil 4:4-7; Lk 3:10-18

SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES Sunday: Second Sunday of Advent Monday: Saint Ambrose Tuesday: The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Wednesday: Saint Juan Diego Friday: Saint Damasus I Saturday: Our Lady of Guadalupe

Youth and Young Adult Ministries Facebook: St. Mary’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry Instagram: SaintmarysYAYAM Twitter: SaintmarysYAYA

For weekly email updates and newsletters, please contact Kara Hollis at khollis@stmaryoldtown.org

MIDDLE SCHOOL Thanks to all the Middle Schoolers who have come out for our nights of Faith, Fun and Fellowship the first half of the school year. Due to scheduling conflicts, we will not have another F3 until the New Year! Please keep up to date on the website as well as through our weekly newsletter!

HIGH SCHOOL ALL HIGHSCHOOLERS ARE INVITED! Dinner, faith, fellowship and more every Sunday evening, 6:00-7:30 P.M. in the Lyceum Auditorium. Please join us this Sunday, December 6th!

MARCH FOR LIFE & LIFE IS VERY GOOD: Middle & high schools youth: Want to celebrate the pro-life movement? Consider attending the Evening of Prayer on Jan. 21st or the Morning Rally & Mass on Jan. 22nd at the Eagle Bank Arena in Fairfax, VA. The March for Life will follow the Morning Rally. Thousands of youth throughout the Arlington Diocese will be there. If interested, contact Arragon & Kara for more information.

PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN REFRESHER TRAINING 2015

What: Annual Refresher Training for Church & School Volunteers with Children

When: Wednesday, December 9 and 16, 2015 – 6:30, 7:10 and 7:50 P.M.

Where: Christ Child Hall (lower level of St. Mary’s Middle School) 923 S. Royal Street, Alexandria, VA

Who: Religious education teachers and aides; providers of child care services under the auspices of the parish; youth ministers and volunteers, directors/coaches of children’s activities (athletics, choir, etc.), Boy and Girl scout leaders, parent volunteers having substantial contact with children under 18 years of age who attended the initial 4-hour Virtus training before January 1, 2015 and have not attended another refresher session in 2015.

Due to space constraints at Christ Child Hall, we ask that you pre-register for one of the dates and times provided.

Please contact Patricia Binninger (pbinninger@stmaryoldtown.org) or Elena Otero Bigg, (eoterobigg@smsva.org) or leave a voice mail message at 703.836.4100, extension 27, to reserve a seat at one of the three sessions held each night.

TOY DONATIONS: You will find a Toys for Tots collection box at the entrance. Please drop off an unwrapped toy for those less fortunate by December 13th.

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS: Since 1795, the decoration of our church and sanctuary has been an important expression of the joyful celebration of Christmas. With a rich heritage of more than two centuries, St. Mary Catholic Church has a more distinctly historic appearance. In keeping with this history and the liturgical calendar, the Mary Martha Guild will install Christmas decorations on December 24th 2015, to remain through January 10th, 2016, when the Church returns to Ordinary Time. Decorations will include native berries, greens and flowers, accented by beautiful poinsettias, which were first introduced to the Commonwealth in 1811 by Elizabeth and James Monroe. Our church decorations, flowers and vintage crèche figures, designed to give glory to “our newborn King,” also remind us of the great gift of the Catholic faith our ancestors have handed down to us. To protect and preserve Christmas decorations for future generations, we ask everyone to please refrain from touching the crèche figures, Christmas decorations and floral arrangements – instead, let them prayerfully touch you.

BABY JESUS BIRTHDAY PARTY: You are invited to a Birthday Party for Baby Jesus! On Friday, December 11 (3:00-6:00 P.M.) and Saturday, December 12 (11:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M.), the Daughters of St. Paul will host their annual Baby Jesus Birthday Party at Pauline Books and Media (1025 King St., Old Town Alexandria). Kids of all ages are invited for picture-taking with Baby Jesus (bring your own camera; costumes provided); birthday cake, crafts, story-telling, and more! 703.549.3806 or alexandria@paulinemedia.com for more information!

CHRIST HOUSE DINNER St. Mary’s will be serving dinner on Tuesday, December 29, 2015. Please sign up for food donations in the book at the back of the church. Thank you for your generosity throughout 2015! Questions? Please call Janet Watkins at 703.836.1265 or Rita Meyer at 703.768.3482.

SAINT JOHN THE BELOVED APOSTLE, THIRD ORDER FRANCISCAN FRATERNITY meets at St. Mary’s Lyceum (313 Duke St.) on the second Saturday of the month. Practicing Catholics interested in becoming a Secular Franciscan (OFS) are welcome. For more information, please contact Sadie Martins at 703.548.8063.

LESSONS & CAROLS CONCERT NEWS Our combined parish adult and children's choirs, accompanied by organ

and strings, will present the annual Lessons & Carols Concert on Sunday evening, December 13 at 7:00 P.M. Come and listen to beautiful Advent

and Christmas anthems, and join in singing traditional carols with us. Please join us in bidding farewell to our beloved

Music Director, Dr. Charles Saik.

Second Sunday of Advent Page Five

PLEASE PRAY FOR ALL THOSE WHO ARE ILL, INCLUDING:

Marie Abadjoby Anthony Adorante Jack Allen Rosa Maria Almenara Baby Mercy Amaya Patricia Amaya Aaron Araya Pat Areno Mary Averna José Ayala Romula Baptista Mary C. Bartkowicz Roberta Bauer Olga DiCorpo Bell Dolores Benavides Tori Benecchi Arthur Binninger Arthur Blakeslee Baby Simon Blouin Baby Brady Blythe Chris Bosworth Robert Bowen Theresa Bresnahan Mary Claire Bright Roger Bruce Renee Bullion Jake Bulmer Dailey Byrd Jerry Caesar Dorothy Campbell Debbie Campo Ron Celeste Charles M. Chamberlain, Jr. Elise Champaign Kathy Clausen Will Cofer Dawn Cook Beatriz Coquilla-Canete Camden Courcier Carter Cox Dan De Celles Ken Crowe Paul Delaney Fidel Delgado Dan Doherty Christina Donald Betty Egan Dorsett Kathleen Dorsey Karen DowneyDoyle Sue Dwyer Richard Edes Joe Elias Sandra Elias Ron Flynn Grady Frank James Fusco April Garcia

Michael Giancarlo Betty Gibbs Turi Gibson Regina Giuseppe Millie Goods Lawrence Grenier Lorraine Grippi John Guerin Tom Guerin Joan Gullen Hubert Hahn Luca Harmon David Hanley Mike Hart Dale Henderson Jack Hickey Don Hilbert Nicholas Holden Carol Holver Helen Hoover Becky Hsu Felisa Hervey Scot Imus Aidan James Ray Jenkins Bethany Johnson Mark Jones John Kelly Steve Kerner Stephen Klare William Kleinmann Larry Koblenz Arnold Kunkler, Jr. Catherine Lameynardie Thomas Larsen Brian Le Etelvina León-Duarte Mary Frances Lewis John Linehardt Anthony Lodato Rodney Lodato Baby Samuel Looney Frank Lopapa Emma Lopo-Sullivan Peter Lor Thomas Lovely Michael Luken Steve Markle Holden Mauk Melanie McCollum Eileen McDonough Brother Shamus McGrenra James McGrath Family William McNamara Frank Medico Janice Melone Teresa Membreño Baby Adam David Miller

Russell Miller Keith Murphy Dan Morrow Anna Munro Samantha Nealis Edward Nee, Jr. Betty Nesky Geraldine Petrino Dee Phillips Tina Porter Ira Ravitz Vickie Reddick Ralph Patrick Regan Gerard Rosekruns Marge Rusnak Michael Ryan Heather Saparoff James Saunders Peter L. Scheetz Robert Sherwood Steve Schultz Margaret Grace Scolese Kent Siegul Baby Joey Shaw Marianne Petrino Sheehan Mary Shelin Sharon Smith Stachura David Stefans Mary Stier George Stone Gregory Stone Patricia Stone Mary Sullivan Carson Svilich Baby Benedict G. P. Tafaro Elaine Tamanini Lyda Tanco Gayle Temple Ray Tobin Ricardo Torres Mary Treamont Margaret Trick Dr. Trimber Jane Trimber Calvin Vance Fr. Daniel Vitz Gloria Wanchock Larry Ward Randy Weber Margaret Whelan Angela White Raea Whitecotton Baby Carly Theresa Wyvill Yolanda Yebra Vincent Zamaria Robert Zapalac Diane Wilkerson

PLEASE PRAY FOR ALL THE DECEASED, INCLUDING: Mark Blazevich, Norma Fisher and Betty Wargo

Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses said throughout the world today,

for all the Holy Souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal church, those in my own home and within my family. Amen.

St. Joseph, patron of departing souls, please pray for them.

PLEASE PRAY FOR ALL OUR MILITARY AND CIVILIAN MEMBERS SERVING IN HARM’S WAY, INCLUDING:

Michael Andriani Kyle Biddle Timothy Blaine Casey Chandler Matthew Constantino Peter Culbert Mark Dobson

Neal Jones Rey Gonzalez Jeremy Hill Albert Martins Mark Martins Megan McGarry Christopher Moore Edward Joseph Parry, III

Chris Quayle William St. Clair Brett Taylor Jon Tomita Case Wilson Thomas Wissler Brian Wong

Almighty and Eternal God, those who take refuge in You will be glad and forever will shout for joy. Protect these men and women as they discharge their duties. Protect them with the shield of Your strength and keep them safe from all evil and harm. May the power of Your love enable them to return home in safety, that with all who love them, they may ever praise You for Your loving care. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Tend your sick ones, O Lord Christ. Rest your weary ones. Bless your dying ones. Soothe your suffering ones. Pity your afflicted ones. Shield your joyous ones.

And for all Your love's sake. Amen.

Saint Augustine

CHRISTMAS ANTICIPATION PRAYER Beginning on St. Andrew the Apostle's feast day, November 30,

the following beautiful prayer is traditionally recited fifteen times a day until Christmas. This is a very meditative prayer that helps us increase

our awareness of the real focus of Christmas and helps us prepare ourselves spiritually for His coming.

Hail and blessed be the hour and moment In which the Son of God was born

Of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in the piercing cold.

In that hour vouchsafe, O my God, to hear my prayer and grant my desires,

[here mention your request] through the merits of Our Savior Jesus Christ,

and of His blessed Mother. Amen.

FOOTBALL SOCIAL AT THE LYCEUM: In today's world, many Catholic men are looking to fulfill their desire to spend meaningful time with their family, serve their community and their Church, and grow in their Faith. If you are interested in making a difference in the lives of others and your own, come Thursday, December 10 at 8 P.M. to the Lyceum (313 Duke St. 2nd floor auditorium) and enjoy some football, free pizza and beer, and learn about the Knights of Columbus. Parking is available at the lot on the corner of Duke and Fairfax Streets. Call or email Larry Clark, 202.494.4761, hlclark63@gmail.com for more information.

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE INFORMATION RECEPTIONIST NEEDED AT CHRIST HOUSE: Live the Gospel by helping those in need of financial assistance. Assist those calling Catholic Charities seeking financial aid in order to prevent eviction or having one of their utilities shut off. Answer incoming calls and put callers at ease and make them feel that their calls are welcomed. Training hours are on Tuesdays from 9 to 11 A.M. or Wednesdays from 12 to 2 P.M. Please contact Sister Annie Juan at AJuan@ccda.net or 703.548.4227, ext. 101 for more information.

THE LEGION OF MARY invites men and women who desire to grow closer to Jesus, to join them Monday evenings at 7:35 P.M. in the St. Ann & Joachim Room of the Lyceum. The main purpose of the Legion of Mary is to give glory to God through the sanctification of its members. Members become instruments of the Holy Spirit through a balanced program of prayer and service. The Legion is, in essence, an extension of the heart and hands of the pastor. Fr. Andrew Haissig serves as spiritual director.

O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you.