church of the nativity, burke va 33rd sunday in ordinary ... · alexander andres arce bennett...

Church of the Nativity, Burke VA 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time November 18, 2018

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”

- Mark 13:31

My dear parishioners, At the close of the liturgical year the church turns our attention to the last things of our faith.... life, death, heaven, hell, and Christ's return in glory. This month of November is devoted to life after death with the feasts of All Saints and All Souls. The present gives way to the future and life forever in the kingdom of God. There is a brevity to life on earth. Remember that life is precious. You tell someone that you love them, but never enough. The Lord's second coming and His return in glory is not meant to scare us. However we might not be ready, our room might be a mess, who is going to say Mass in the morning? The return of the Lord is to be feared only if we will not be recognized by Him. If He recognizes us as one of His own, that is a joy. That is a return to be longed for. The judge we await is one of compassion and mercy we can come to know even now and make contact with through the sacraments and the way He cares for us. The wise shall shine brightly like the stars. Jesus will say our name with love and affection. So we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Today is the World Day of the Poor established by Pope Francis. He asks that we reach out in love for the poor. The Catholic Campaign for Human Development is our second collection today. CCHD is a domestic anti-poverty program in the United States. It provides not only a hand out but a hand up for low income families and helps bring about institutional change to provide for greater justice. It is worthy of our support. We welcome the S.P.R.E.D community from across the diocese to Nativity today at our 9:00am mass and celebrate with our children who have special needs. This year Nativity began to offer SPRED as part of our Religious Education program. There are twelve students participating and many catechists. Many thanks to the Sisters for this new initiative and to Joyce Kelly and Tris Miserendino who coordinate the program. It is an example of extravagant love and storing up treasure in heaven. Thanks to all parishioners who are making their annual offertory commitment today. Your generosity allows us to do so much good and to share with those most in need. Love and Happy Thanksgiving blessings,

Fr. Bob Cilinski Pastor

A Message from our Pastor Fr. Bob Cilinski

During the Month of October, through the Sacrament of Baptism, we joyfully welcomed the

following into our Parish Community:

Keyri Emily Guevara Rodriguez Dylan Mateo Guevara Rodriguez

Paola Fabiano Carrillo Daniel Adam Deza

Ysabelle Dizon Bognot Victoria Marie Head Luke Samuel Nagy

Matthew Vincent Parlatore Elizabeth Clare Becker Lucas Anthony Wellner Abigail Sophia Cobos

Jake Ryan Oktavec Ellie Rowland

Sofia Gabriela Amos Jade Alyssa Green

Finley Grace Brennan Alexander Thiago Crespo

Sabrina Amy Crespo Julian Escobar Avila Isabel Marie Helm

Genevieve Elise Shumaker Drake Dominic Alcocer Rocha Ashley Dayana Alcocer Rocha

Arianan Valentina Alcocer Rocha Vera Francis Evens Quinn Rose Holbein

Sabastian David Hook Alexander Andres Arce

Bennett Christopher Smith

CONGRATULATIONS!

World Day of the Poor “This poor man cried, and the Lord

heard him.” - Ps 34

Pope Francis has proclaimed today Sunday, November 18, 2018, as the Second Annual World Day of the Poor. He urges Catholics to listen and respond to the cry of the poor who live in our parishes and communities. Bishop Burbidge asks all parishioners to join the Church in responding to the needs of the poor through prayer and direct action.

Parishioners are encouraged to participate in one of our parish’s ministries that serve the poor, or to assist Catholic Charities, Diocese of Arlington. Parish groups, families and individuals can participate in one of Catholic Charities’ service projects for World Day of the Poor, or attend one of the Catholic Charities events observing the date.


THE WOMEN OF NATIVITY ANNUAL ADVENT TREE

It is time again for the annual Women of Nativity (WON) Advent Tree project. We are excited about this upcoming event and are very grateful to our faithful partners, the generous parishioners of our Church!

This weekend November 17/18 and next, November 24/25, ornaments with holiday wishes will be placed on a Christmas tree in the narthex. Please take the ornaments of your choice and return the requested gifts to the Church narthex on

the collection dates of December 1/2 and 8/9. Wrapping instructions for each gift are on the back of the ornament.

Several of the organizations we service have requested the gifts be UNWRAPPED for easier distribution and to maintain the integrity of their program involving young children. Please securely attach the ornament you have chosen from the tree to the

gift. This helps us greatly in separating and bagging the gifts for the various groups. GIFT CARDS should be placed in an envelope with the recipient marked on the outside. It is easier to handle GIFT CARDS if they are not wrapped.

We would very much appreciate your support and prayers for another successful Advent Tree Project!

Charity Ornaments Charity’s Name and Description Pastel Yellow Christmas Ball SOME (So Others Might Eat) Light Green Christmas Ball Sunday Suppers Red Christmas Ball Nativity Parish families in need Yellow Christmas Ball Hispanic Outreach Program Green Christmas Bulb ECHO – Children’s Christmas Gifts Blue Christmas Ball St. Augustine Church, Washington Orange Gingerbread Men Father Wilson’s Counseling Project Salmon Christmas Ball Migration & Refugee Services sponsored by Catholic Charities White Christmas Ball Lorton Community Action Center, their goal is to break the cycle of poverty and prevent homelessness through variety of services and programs Salvation Army Ornaments Prepared by Salvation Army, each has several gifts listed, choose item you wish to donate Gabriel Project Envelopes will be on the tree this year. Catholic Charity sponsored, donations assists unwed mothers with pre/post-natal needs Multi-colored Small Tags Seniors of Alexandria - Gift cards for residents of

Annie B. Rose House

It is important to return gifts on the scheduled dates to meet the delivery requirements of the charities.

It would be sad if we could not fulfill a child’s request. Again, we thank our caring parishioners who will make this a special and happy holiday for many of our less fortunate neighbors!

Please feel free to contact Sally Quenneville at [email protected] OR Patrice Chadbourne at [email protected] with any questions.


Our natural resources are of great importance to us. We protect our forests, lakes and endangered species of all kinds, plants, sea creatures and animals. Yet we allow thousands of our children to be killed every day by abortion in this great country. The greatest natural resources any country can have are its children.

Let us be thankful for the gifts and blessings of Faith, Families, Friends and Country as we bow our heads in prayer and celebrate and share this Thanksgiving Day, 2018.

And let us never forget. God Bless America!

The GABRIEL PROJECT supports women who are facing a crisis pregnancy and need help. Contact 1-866-444-3553 or

[email protected]. You are not alone! (Gabriel Project is a crisis pregnancy program open to all and

sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Arlington.)

Donut Sunday THIS weekend in the Fr. Martin Center hosted by

The Craft Group and Religious Education

To find out about the latest parish news or to see what is on the calendar, please visit our website:

www.nativityburke.org

Come to Festa di Natale

Come one, come all as Nativity Italian Heritage and Cultural Society invites you to Festa di Natale the annual Christmas party. A catered Italian dinner with wine will be featured and entertainment provided by teen Celebration

Ringers of St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church. Bring the whole family to share Christmas customs

and the holiday spirit!

Saturday, December 8, at 6:30 pm in the Fr. Martin Center

All Nativity parishioners and friends are welcomed. Tickets will be sold in the church vestibule, this weekend November 17, 18 and 25. On Sunday November 18th they

will be sold outside the Fr. Martin Center during Donut Sunday. Check or cash accepted. Adults, $20; children 16 and under, $15. Seating is limited, so get your tickets early

before they’re sold out. Hope you can join us for this joyous event! Any questions, contact Maryann Holtmann,

703-978-9062 or email her at [email protected]. Look for us on the new Nativity website.

https://nativityburke.org/festa-di-natale/

CRS Ethical Trade Faith. Action. Results.

Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Put ethically produced gifts on your list. With every purchase, a donation goes to CRS – for twice the impact! Put Christmas back in your shopping, with ethically produced gifts that uplift a world of people. Every partner is vetted for fair wages, safer working conditions and environmentally sustainable practices. Give better, live better – starting now.

Ethical Trade provides a way for producers, businesses, and consumers to help make a positive change, for themselves and for others, every day.

Ethical Trade Milk Chocolate and Advent Calendars are for sale in the Nativity Gift Shop!!

LEARNING Italian Is Fun!

The Italian Language Program is offering New Beginner Classes starting in January! Come and learn Italian in a FUN & relaxed environment. For more information on cost, dates and time please contact: Elisabetta Lazarte via text or phone

at: 703-887-1995

Thanksgiving Holiday: Classes are cancelled on Tuesday, November 20th and Sunday, November 25th. Classes resume on Monday, November 26th and Tuesday the 27th.

The R.E. Office will be closed from November 22nd –November 26th

Deadline: Confirmation Candidates Must have all

requirements turned in by Sunday, December 2nd, 3rd and 4th

Let us embrace the journey of SPRED with Mass and prayerful celebration! SPRED Volunteers, Families and Friends are

invited to a Mass and Celebration on Sunday, November 18th at 9:00am.

Celebrated by Fr. Bob Cilinski and hosted by the SPRED Team

Please join us as we come together in Prayer, Faith Love and Joy

Inclement Weather/Emergency Closing Policy

The Religious Education Program follows Fairfax County Public Schools Weather Policy. A notice will also be placed on our Parish Website. Visit our website: www.nativityburke.org or you can also visit the FCPS site. Please note – Classes are NOT CANCELLED when Fairfax County Public Schools OPEN LATE on Monday or Tuesday due to Inclement Weather.

Would you like to volunteer in our program? Please contact the RE office 703-455-0375 or email:

[email protected]

Nativity Religious Education Program


Monday, November 19 7:30am † Maria Huang Tuesday, November 20 7:30am † Kim Wesdock 12:00pm † Sr. Francis Lunney S.S.J. Wednesday, November 21 7:30am † Mary Bracco (Burke HC) 3:00pm Mass of Thanksgiving Thursday, November 22 9:00am † Loretta King No Noon Mass Friday, November 23 7:30am † Claire Statti No School Mass Saturday, November 24 9:00am † Thomas Collins 5:00pm Thanksgiving 7:00pm † Felix Podilla Sunday, November 25 7:30am † Patty Bradshaw 9:00am † Patty Bradshaw 11:00am † Jane Chase 12:45pm † Alyce Preisel 5:30pm Parishioners

The priest schedule for Masses is found on our webpage: www.nativityburke.org

In prayer, let us remember the sick and deceased of the parish.

ALTAR FLOWERS Donated with Love by

The Yelicie Family In Loving Memory of Andy Yelicie and Anne and Arthur Schmidt

with Special Intentions for The Castelli and Schmidt Families

Nativity is a tithing community Giving back a portion of God’s blessings in gratitude.

“Each day with one heart—we are the hands of Jesus”

You can designate Nativity Church or Nativity School as the beneficiaries of your Amazon Smile! You can choose Nativity by going to: YOUR ACCOUNT, YOUR AMAZON SMILE and designating Nativity. Amazon then contributes

a small percentage of each purchase to Nativity. For questions, please contact Ann Benson: 703 455 2400.

The Nativity Youth Choir is in need of additional guitars and an electric bass player for fill out their band.

The Youth Choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-9:00pm in the church and serves at the

11:00am Sunday Mass. Students 7th-12th grade are welcome. If you are interested, please contact

Sara Prince at [email protected].

The Thanksgiving day Mass will be celebrated at 9:00am. There will be no noon Mass.

Nativity’s Grief Support Group Meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month, from

7:30pm until 9:00pm, room 224. This Group is open to all.

“And then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.” (MARK 13:26)

We will all have that day when we are standing before God and our life is played out like a movie. When this happens and God asks each of us, “What have you done with the gifts that I have

given you?” How will you respond?

Join Nativity’s Usher Ministry

Several weekend Masses at Nativity need additional ushers. The greatest need is at the 9:00am, 12:45pm, and 5:30pm Masses on Sundays. Nativity offers an usher training program sponsored jointly by the Diocese and Nativity.

If you are interested in joining the Usher Ministry, please contact Tom Wilder at [email protected].


nativityschool.org

NATIVITY CATHOLIC SCHOOL

A Blue Ribbon School of Excellence

Join the Knights! Do you want to make a difference as a Catholic Gentleman? Then join the Knights of Columbus! Please contact DGK John Ostrowski at [email protected] if you are interested in joining our order or know someone who is. If you want a quick easy alternative way to join the Knights, try Online Membership. In only 5-10 minutes, just go to www.kofc.org/joinus, fill out the needed information, and put Council 7992 as your preferred Council. We’ll do the rest for you to make you a member of our Order and our Nativity Council!

Council Meeting: The next council meeting is Tuesday, 20 November. Rosary starts at 7:15pm and the meeting will start at 7:30.

Breakfast with Santa: The Knights of Columbus invite all the Children of Nativity Parish to join them in the Parish Hall on Saturday morning, December 1st from 9:30AM to noon for fun, fellowship and a chance to meet and have breakfast with Santa. There will be a continental breakfast, a children’s Christmas video, Christmas crafts and Santa will have a surprise for all boys and girls who attend. So that Santa knows you will be there, we request you let his elves know that you plan to attend; email them at [email protected] or leave a message at 703-440-8437.

Father Vincent S. Sikora Gravesite Visit/GK Luncheon, December 8: Brothers, please join us at 9:00 am mass on Saturday, 8 Dec., followed by a trip to our Council’s namesake Fr. Sikora’s gravesite to say the Rosary, and then to a Luncheon hosted by the Grand Knight. Please save the date.

Handy Knights Ministry: Need a hand with minor home repairs or know someone who needs help? If you are unable to perform basic maintenance tasks or small repairs in your home due to health or other factors, there is a ministry within the Knights of Columbus that may be able to assist, the “Handy Knights.” You can reach us at the following email: [email protected] to let us know what your needs are and provide a way we can contact you. One of our Handy Knights will be in touch to assess your problem and hopefully provide a quick fix – no charge for help, but donations are gratefully accepted to help pay it for-ward to others. And, although this ministry is willing and able, it is not intended for jobs better suited for (or requiring) a certified professional or contractor. If we can’t fix it, we will help you find someone who can.

Long-Term Care Plans Offer Peace of Mind: November is Long Term Care (LTC) Awareness Month. Let’s focus on the importance of having a plan. After all, we all have a long term care plan, we just may not understand how, or if, the plan will take care of our long term care needs. Since its addition to the Order’s product portfolio in 2000, long-term care (LTC) insurance has provided the Knights of Columbus with an excellent opportunity to further serve members and their families. And, for our long-term care policy holders in the United States, there’s an added bonus. It’s called “Provider Pathway,” a program offering access to a network of long-term care providers at discounted rates. If you haven’t yet thought about long-term care insurance, you owe it to yourself to do so. There are a few decisions to make in choosing a “plan” — a comprehensive plan that covers care whether you’re at home or in a facility, or one that covers facil-ity only; daily benefit amounts and benefit durations (how much and how long it will last); and the length of the elimination period (waiting period) before benefits kick-in. Having a professionally trained agent ― and a brother Knight you can trust ― to help guide you through the process is yet another valuable benefit that comes with your membership. Take advantage of it; contact Thom Harrington 703-810-3200

Opportunities to advance in the degrees of our Order: Admission (1st) Degree: Monday, November 19, 2018, Council 12846, St. Raymond of Penafort Church, Springfield, VA, 7:00pm. Tuesday, Novem-ber 20, 2018, Council 11922, Holy Spirit School, Annandale, VA 8:00pm. Formation (2nd) Degree: Wednesday, 28 Nov 2018 - 7:00 PM - Council 6153, St Bernadette School, Springfield, VA. Thursday, 29 Nov 2018 - 7:30PM - Council 7992, Church of the Nativity School, Burke. Knighthood (3rd) Degree: Saturday, 1 Dec 2018 - Warrenton, Council 5561 Thursday, 13 Dec 2018 - Virginia Beach, Council 10515.

Open House Coming Up ~ Tuesday, December 11, 2018 * 9:00-10:30am

For details, contact Shannon Murphy at (703) 455-2300 or [email protected]

************************************* Fourth Grade Field Trip Fun

Our Fourth Graders recently traveled to the Saint John Paul II National Shrine in Washington, D.C., in an area known as “The Little Rome” -- an area which also includes the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Catholic University, and the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America.

Our fourth graders attended Mass, received the Sacrament of Communion, venerated a first-class relic of St. John Paul II in the Shrine’s Chapel of Illuminous Mysterious, viewed the museum to learn more about his life, and enjoyed the intricate-ly beautiful mosaics hung in both the church and chapel -- art that inspires worship, prayer, and reflection.

Students learned about St. John Paul’s life from a childhood and young adulthood spent in Nazi-occupied Poland. He was ordained in 1946, became the bishop of Ombi in 1958, and then archbishop of Krakow in 1964. St. John Paul was made a cardinal by Pope Paul VI in 1967 and, in 1978, became the first non-Italian pope in more than 400 years. He died in 2005 and was declared Saint in 2014.

The JP II Shrine, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, is a research center and education facility promoting Catholic principles, and welcomes visitors of all faiths.

************************************* Got an Inquisitive Preschooler? Let’s Meet!!

We Have a Couple of Seats Open in Our Fall Class and We’d Like to Offer One to Your Preschooler. Come Tour Our Cam-pus, Visit the Classroom, and Meet Our Students and Teachers.

Learn How We Spend Our School Day! For more information, please contact Mrs. Mazzella, our Early

Childhood Education Program Director, at 703-455-2300. **************************************

We’re Back to School! It’s Good to See Our Friends, Grow in Our Faith & Knowledge,

and Have Fun While We’re at it! Join us at Nativity to see how your child would spend his or her

days here -- learning, praying, sharing, and laughing. We may be just the school for which you’ve been searching!

Contact us at www.nativityschool.org, (703) 455-2300, or [email protected].

Love working with children? Want flexibility? Consider subbing for us ...

Nativity School is in need of substitute teachers with the following minimum qualifications: 2-plus years of college,

ability to follow a lesson plan and give effective instructions in the absence of the teacher, proficiency in maintaining effective classroom management skills, successful completion of Virtus

training, successful background check. To apply, email Annie Fernandez at [email protected], or call her at (703) 455-2300, ext.146. Thank you!

http://www.nativityburke.org/nativityschool/

Website: www.nativityburke.org 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time November 18, 2018

The 2018 Parish Altar Flower book is open! A few dates remain available. It is a thoughtful way to honor a

loved one living or deceased. If interested, please call the office at 703-455-2400 or drop by to sign up.

Novena for Couples Struggling with Infertility and Infant Loss

You are invited to join in prayer with Bishop Burbidge in a Novena to Our Lady for the intentions of couples struggling with infertility or suffering after miscarriage or early infant death. The novena starts Tuesday, December 4 and ends Wednesday, December 12, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. A concluding Mass will be offered by Fr. Rich Dyer at 7:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Thomas More on the same day. In this nine-day novena, you can pray along with Bishop Burbidge and get the prayers sent to you daily. Subscribe by texting “novena18” to 84576 to get the prayers in English. For Spanish prayers, text “guadalupe18” to 84576. For more information and to sign up via email, go to arlingtondiocese.org/novena18.

Saint John Paul II National Shrine Events

Tea and a Rosary for Mothers: On Saturday, December 1, 2018 from 9:45 am to 12:00 pm, we're excited to invite all women ages 18 and up to the Saint John Paul II National Shrine for a gathering focused on the gift of motherhood. As always, a light breakfast and babysitting for children ages 2-12 will be provided, plus we will continue to offer the opportunity for Confession (take advantage of this while your kids are in babysitting!) and the Rosary with meditations. Our speaker will be Colleen Duggan, who is giving a presentation titled, “Good Enough Parenting Is not Mediocre Parenting.” Please reserve your Eventbrite tickets at teaandarosary.eventbrite.com by November 30, 2018.

High School Placement Test (HSPT) Registration

Eighth grade students attending public schools or non-Catholic private schools who are interested in attending Catholic High Schools in the Diocese of Arlington, need to take the High School Placement Test (HSPT) offered on Saturday, December 1, 2018 or Saturday, January 12, 2019. This test is required for placement at Bishop Ireton High School, Bishop O’Connell High School, Paul VI High School and Saint John Paul the Great High School. Students must fill out an HSPT Registration Form (available under “Frequently Asked Questions” under Schools at http:/www.arlingtondiocese.org/) and submit to the test site by November 29 for the December test.

OUTSIDE THE PARISH

The Blessed Christmas Wafers, a centuries’ old Christmas vigil tradition enjoyed by the East Europeans, are available from

St. Leo’s Social Ministry at the Knights of Columbus Christmas tree trailer located at Saint Leo the Great Catholic Church,

3700 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax. Times are weekdays, 4-8 and Sat 9-8, Sun 9-5 beginning

November 25. Please call for availability after December 15. Donation is $4.00 per wafer package. For information

call (703) 764-0243. All wafer proceeds benefit the St. Leo’s Social Ministry.

Love working with children? Creative with Fingerpaint? Like to Sift Sand? Want flexibility? Consider subbing for us …

Substitutes are needed in our Early Childhood Program with the minimum qualifications:

• A love of children!

• Complete a series of background checks

To apply, email Mary Jo Mazzella, Director, Nativity’s Early Childhood Program, at [email protected],

or call her at (703)455-2300 ext. 136.

Got An Inquisitive Preschooler? Introduce Us!! We’ve Got a Seat for Your Child

Preschool Day Extended; Week Lengthened

This Fall, our Preschool class meets Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to NOON, with an OPTIONAL Preschool Afternoon Extension from NOON to 2:30 p.m. An Extended Care Program is available as well. We’re continuing to accept applications for the 2018-19 School Year. It’s not too late! Join us -- take a tour, visit our classroom, and see our campus. Learn how we spend the rest of our school day! For more information, please contact Mrs. Mazzella, our Early Childhood Education Program Director, at 703-455-2300.

Photo: Our Preschoolers’ Handmade Monster Parade for Halloween!

Join Bishop Burbidge to Pray for Vocations

At a parish near you! The Holy Hours begin at 7:30 p.m., followed by a light reception. The next Holy Hour will be

Friday, November 30 at St. John the Evangelist in Warrenton. There will be more announced in the spring. There is no need to

RSVP for these events. For more information visit www.ArlingtonVocations.org.

Mother of Mercy Free Medical Clinic Update

The Mother of Mercy Free Medical Clinic invites you to join us on Tuesday, December 4 at 7:00 p.m. in the PAC at All Saints Catholic Church in Manassas. This is an opportunity for the clinic to thank the community for its support. We will also share an update on the past year and a look into the future, which includes providing pre-natal care to continue encouraging life in our community. Please bring anyone who might be interested. You can RSVP at [email protected].


Contact Director: Alison Fram [email protected], cell: 703-577-5329

Find us on the parish website

COLLEGE MINISTRY and

YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY

Young Adult Ministry Serving people ages 21-39

Facebook Group - “Catholic Life Young Adult Ministry”

Instagram - @nativityyam

Weekly: Every Tuesday - Small Group from 7:30-9:00pm, Youth Room. No Basketball this week - Happy Thanksgiving!

Monday, 11/19- Fairfax TOT at The Auld Shebeen - Food/ drinks 6:30pm, Talk at 7:30pm. Speaker: Fr. Schultz,

St. Leo’s, Topic: "Why I Cancelled Netflix" Friday, 12/7 - YA Christmas Mass and Party - We know it’s still Advent, but we want to celebrate Christmas as a YA community. Join us for Mass at 7pm followed by a Christmas party in the cafeteria - bring a dish to share. Spouses and kids are welcome! Anyone in their 20s and 30s is part of YA Ministry.

COLLEGE MINISTRY

Serving people ages 18 - 21

Follow us on social media!

Facebook Group - “Nativity College Ministry”

Instagram - @nativitycollege

THIS WEDNESDAY!!! Get ready for our annual College Thanksgiving Break Flag Football event! 11/21, 11am-1pm on the back field. Anyone college - age (18-21) is welcome to come and bring friends!

This is one of our favorite times to catch up with you when you’re home for Thanksgiving. Text Alison at 703-577-5329 to rsvp

Serving students in Grades 6 thru 12 in a variety of

teen groupings

YOU are wanted and needed to make this ministry strong. Consider making

a difference in the life of a teen -

Leading them closer to Christ!

For Complete Information on what we offer visit Nativity web site - Youth & Family

November 2018 - June 2019

High School - Weekly Sundays - LifeTEEN - 6:30 dinner, 7pm Ministry Wednesdays - Go Deeper - Girls - 7pm Thursdays - Go Deeper Boys - 7pm

Middle School - Grades 6, 7, and 8 Weekly Sundays - EDGE - 3:30pm - 5:00pm

Service Opportunities, Fun Outings & Diocesan Events

offered throughout the year.

One Act Theater Ministry - Fall RALLY - Diocesan Event - Fall Trunk or Treat - Fall (Family Event) Life Is VERY Good - Winter Living Stations - Lent VBC, Work Camp - Summer

Seasonal

One Act Jr. Theater Ministry - Fall Trunk or Treat - Fall (Family Event) BASH - Diocesan Event - Spring VBC, Camp EDGE - Summer

Seasonal

Follow Us nat ivi tycym

Nativity Youth Ministry

Have you heard the call to work with youth? YOU can make a difference in the life of a young person - leading them closer to Christ.

College-Age, Young Adults, Parents, Grandparents, Retirees… all are welcome to share the Catholic faith! Contact Ms. Ingrid to inquire how YOU can help.

Find out what’s going on in Youth Ministry

Get the Weekly CYM UPdate!

Send Email to Ms. Ingrid [email protected] -Include Child’s Name, School, Grade and Birthdate, Cell -Parent/Guardian names, cell numbers, emails UPdate goes out Wednesdays

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Facebook y la amistad La experiencia «imperfecta» de amistad en Facebook, sin embargo, apunta a la perfección Por: P. Jorge Enrique Mújica | Fuente: Zenit.org

Quien registra un perfil para comenzar a interactuar con otros usuarios en Facebook puede darse cuenta que a la base de las relaciones posibles en esa red social está un valor: la amistad. La dinámica de la comunicación entre usuarios en Facebook parte de las relaciones entre amigos y para que esas relaciones sean posibles precisan de que los interesados sean «amigos» en esa red social. Ese «ser amigo» sigue un procedimiento antes de llegar a ser una realidad digital: un usuario pide amistad a otro por medio de la opción «solicitud de amistad». Pero no basta solicitar: la petición debe ser confirmada por el otro usuario a través de la opción «confirmar amistad» para que cobre efecto. Hecho esto último hay una nueva relación de amistad en el ambiente que Facebook ofrece. Es cierto que no pocas veces esa «nueva amistad» es sólo la prolongación de una serie de relaciones previas surgidas en el ámbito de las relaciones cara a cara. Otras tantas supone el reencuentro con conocidos de antaño mientras que en otras más es el desenlace de una serie de experiencias de conocimiento humano surgidas en el contexto del mismo Facebook (gracias a la compatibi-lidad en torno a intereses u otro grupo de afinidades). Al profundizar el tema de la amistad en Facebook se puede descubrir, por un lado, que lo que tradicionalmente consideramos «amistad» ha encontrado un nuevo escenario de prolongación vivencial; y, por otro, que la experiencia misma de lo que hoy allí mu-chos asocian al concepto «amistad» supone, por lo menos, una mutación de significado. Acerca de esto último, es sobre todo en el grupo de quienes nacieron cuando internet ya existía en los que el valor amistad im-plica unas dimensiones de relación distintas a las tradicionales: piénsese en que ahora las interacciones mediadas por la tecnología son el modo más generalizado por el que los nativos digitales expresan su cercanía, muestras de afecto y otros gestos propios de los amigos. Estas «formas sociales» están pasando a ser la manera ordinaria de relación también para muchos inmigrantes digitales. Si consideramos internet como lo que es, un ambiente, podemos decir que entonces el lugar donde la amistad se manifiesta simplemente ha cambiado de escenario o al menos que ha encontrado uno nuevo. Pero internet no es un ambiente sustitutivo sino complementario o, mejor dicho, a integrar en la vida humana que es una sola. Considerando esto es que podemos advertir que la «amistad» que Facebook posibilita y muchos viven supone una mutación de significado. Mutación porque en definitiva la «amistad» pierde características que le son propias como la dimensión física del trato per-sonal entre humanos. No es que Facebook en particular, o las redes sociales en general, no constituyan auténticas plataformas donde la amistad es una realidad vivida y vivible; lo que sucede es que por su misma naturaleza presentan limitantes que la llevan a ser un espacio imperfecto de amistad. Esto en razón de no ser áreas físicas donde la gestualidad y la palabra hablada pueden fortalecer las relaciones o el simple hecho de que el radio de amigos difícilmente puede llegar a las 2.000 personas, como tantas veces sucede a quienes más que amistad buscan popularidad. La experiencia «imperfecta» de amistad en Facebook, sin embargo, apunta a la perfección. Es así que podemos apreciar mejor el hecho de que las redes sociales como Facebook han acercado a las personas. Ciertamente tampoco podemos dejar de reconocer que se ha dado una cierta banalización ya no sólo del concepto sino de la misma experiencia de amistad. Las personas con más amigos en Facebook son percibidas como más populares. Y en la búsqueda de esa popularidad los usuarios aceptan a tantas personas como «amigos» cuando en realidad lo que en el fondo se quiere es potenciales dadores de «me gusta» para las propias publicaciones. El otro no es visto como «amigo» sino como un simple número al servicio del propio ego. Uno de los momentos en que el valor de la amistad queda más al descubierto en el Evangelio es cuando Jesucristo dice a sus apóstoles: «Ya no os llamo siervos sino amigos». No es una declaración cualquiera sino una transformación de relaciones: el que an-tes era un servidor ahora es llamado amigo. No se trata sólo de un cambio denominacional sino un auténtico cambio de relaciones con todas las implicaciones que eso supone: ya no es una relación vertical sino horizontal. De esta manera Dios indica cómo debe ser tra-tado el ser humano: como amigo. Y tal vez sea esta la cristianización que se pueda hacer de la amistad en Facebook. Este artículo es parte del número de octubre de 2015 de “Informarse, revista electrónica de cultura humanística” que en su más reciente edición está dedicado al tema de la amistad.

XXXIII Domingo Ordinario - B Evangelio de la Misa: Mc 13,24-32 Urge la santidad

El año eclesiástico va tocando a su fin y la liturgia nos lo advierte, y a la vez nos orienta e ilumina con la Palabra de Dios. El final del año litúrgico es un buen momento para recordar y medi-tar las advertencias de Jesús sobre el fin de la vida humana, de cada uno y de todos al final de los tiempos. Este es el tema del Evangelio de la misa, que, como es norma desde hace doce domingos, se toma en este caso del evangelista Marcos. Con estas advertencias no pretende Jesús, y tampoco la Iglesia, asustarnos y amedrentarnos, sino de ayudarnos a fomentar la re-sponsabilidad humana en la vida personal y social. Gracias, Señor, por estas advertencias que me haces en el Evangelio a propósito del fin del mundo, y al mismo tiempo aplicables al fin de mi vida personal. Quiero leerlas y meditarlas (pensarlas) como un hijo bueno y solícito, que escucha a su buen padre, al abrir el corazón a su numerosa prole. Sé que no me hablas para asustarme, o atemorizarme, pero estoy seguro que deseas mi permanente postura vigilante, y que persevere con re-sponsabilidad trabajando, cumpliendo con mi pequeño

deber de cada momento, santificándome y haciendo apostolado con generosidad. Te pido, Señor, que sea consciente de los múltiples y variados “talentos” que pones cada día en mis manos, para que “negocie” con ellos: vida de familia, amistad, trabajo profesional, dinero, cultura, gracia de Dios, formación humana y espiritual, etc. Ayúdame a “negociar” con ellos en mi lucha ascética por crec-er en santidad y en caridad social y apostólica. Que aproveche convenientemente el examen de conciencia cada noche, para espolearme en esta “guerra santa” de amor y vida, de santidad y gracia, de alegría y felicidad. Que cada mañana sepa recomenzar mi andadura hacia la san-tidad Que la sinceridad me haga más responsable, y el temor filial más exigente, para que nunca tema tus cariñosas palabras: “El cielo y la tierra pasarán, pero mis palabras no pasarán”. Quiero escuchar y recordar estas palabras cada día con paz y agradecimiento, con confianza y urgencia apostólica, y al mis-mo tiempo con cariño de amigo y temor de hijo.

Padre Segismundo Fernandez Rodríguez


XXXIII Domingo del tiempo ordinario, Ciclo B En aquellos días... Autor: P. Raniero Cantalamessa, ofmcap Sitio Web: P. Raniero Cantalamessa, ofmcap Daniel 12, 1-3; Hebreos 10, 11-14. 18; Marcos 13, 24-32

El Evangelio del penúltimo domingo del año litúrgico es el clási-co texto sobre el fin del mundo. En toda época ha habido quien se ha encargado de agitar amenazadoramente esta página del Evan-gelio ante sus contemporáneos, alimentando psicosis y angustia. Mi consejo es permanecer tranquilos y no dejarse turbar lo más mínimo por estas previsiones catastróficas. Basta con leer la frase final del mismo pasaje evangélico: «Mas de aquel día y hora, nadie sabe nada, ni los ángeles en el cielo, ni el Hijo, sólo el Pa-dre». Si ni siquiera los ángeles ni el Hijo (se entiende que en cuanto hombre, no en cuanto Dios) conocen el día ni la hora del final, ¿es posible que lo sepa y esté autorizado a anunciarlo el último adepto de alguna secta o fanático religioso? En el Evan-gelio Jesús nos asegura el hecho de que Él volverá un día y re-unirá a sus elegidos desde los cuatro vientos; el cuándo y el cómo vendrá (entre las nubes del cielo, el oscurecimiento del sol y la caída de las estrellas) forman parte del lenguaje figurado propio del género literario de estos relatos. Otra observación puede ayudar a explicar ciertas páginas del Evangelio. Cuando nosotros hablamos del fin del mundo, según la idea que tenemos hoy del tiempo, pensamos inmedi-atamente en el fin del mundo en absoluto, después de lo cual ya no puede haber más que la eternidad. Pero la Biblia razona con categorías relativas e históricas, más que absolutas y metafísicas. Cuando por ello habla del fin del mundo, entiende con mucha frecuencia el mundo concreto, aquél que de hecho existe y es conocido por cierto grupo de hombres: su mundo. Se trata, en resumen, más del fin de un mundo que del fin del mundo, si bien las dos perspectivas a veces se entrecruzan. Jesús dice: «No pasará esta generación sin que todo esto suceda». ¿Se equivocó? No; no pasó de hecho aquella genera-ción; el mundo conocido por quienes le escuchaban, el mundo judaico, pasó trágicamente con la destrucción de Jerusalén en el año 70 después de Cristo. Cuando en el año 410 sucedió el saqueo de Roma por obra de los vándalos, muchos grandes espíri-tus del tiempo pensaron que era el fin del mundo. No erraban mucho; acababa un mundo, el creado por Roma con su imperio. En este sentido, no se equivocaban tampoco aquellos que el 11 de septiembre de 2001, viendo la caída de las Torres Gemelas, pen-saron en el fin del mundo... Todo esto no disminuye, sino que acrecienta la seriedad del compromiso cristiano. Sería la mayor estupidez consolarse diciendo que, total, nadie conoce cuándo será el fin del mundo, olvidando que puede ser, para cada uno, esta misma noche. Por eso Jesús concluye el Evangelio de hoy con la recomendación: «Estad atentos y vigilad, porque no sabéis cuándo será el momen-to preciso». Debemos -considero- cambiar completamente el estado de ánimo con el que escuchamos estos Evangelios que hablan del fin del mundo y del retorno de Cristo. Se ha terminado por con-siderar un castigo y una oscura amenaza aquello que la Escritura llama «la feliz esperanza» de los cristianos, esto es, la venida de

Nuestro Señor Jesucristo (Tito, 2, 13). También está por en me-dio la idea misma que tenemos de Dios. Los recurrentes discursos sobre el fin del mundo, obra frecuente de per-sonas con un sentimiento religioso distorsionado, tienen sobre muchos un efecto devastador: reforzar la idea de un Dios perennemente enfadado, dispuesto a dar rienda suelta

Noviembre, mes para meditar Este mes que nos llena de recuerdos de los seres que ya no podemos ver... Por: Ma Esther De Ariño | Fuente: Catholic.net El día está desapacible....soledad en la Capilla, la luz roja parpadea y tu estás ahí Señor... y yo como siempre estoy frente a ti y no se por qué tengo un sentimiento de melanco-lía...debe ser el mes de noviembre. Este mes que nos llena de recuerdos de los seres que ya no podemos ver, lugares va-cíos, ecos de voces queridas ... que ya no oímos, siluetas y rostros que llevamos en nuestro corazón, pero...que ya no están. Es el mes en que se habla de la muerte y los cre-púsculos tienen una luz mortecina y el viento que va arran-cando las hojas de los árboles nos habla de la proximidad del invierno. Si tuviera color le pondríamos un tono gris, serio y formal, con pinceladas de color cobre y oro.... Es el mes en que el pensamiento de la muerte nos pone inquietos pero solo por unos días pues pronto nos libe-ramos de este, para seguir, con alegría inconsciente, sumer-giéndonos en el bullicio de la vida. Pensar, meditar en la muerte no nos gusta. No esta-mos preparados para ello y tan solo nos causa desasosiego. Sabemos que algún día llegará... Tu, Jesús, nos dices: Velad, porque no sabeís ni el día ni la hora. Estad alerta, para no ser sorprendidos. La muerte ha de llegar, eso no cabe duda, pero tu Señor, nos trajiste la esperanza de la resurrección. Creer en que vamos a resucitar es algo que nos aligera el alma y que en realidad no es la muerte sino una transformación de la propia vida. Y San Pablo nos dice en su primera carta a los co-rintios: Ahora bien, si se predica que Cristo ha resucitado de entre los muertos, ¿cómo andan diciendo algunos de entre vosotros que no hay resurrección de muertos?.Si no hay re-surrección de muertos, tampoco Cristo resucitó y si no resu-citó Cristo, vana es nuestra predicación, vana también vues-tra fe. Pero no, Cristo resucitó de entre los muertos como primicia de los que se durmieron Esta fe es la que nos alimenta, Señor, y hace que tengamos una esperanza en esa muerte como la puerta hacia la otra vida, hacia la vida eterna. Pero eso si, ese viaje a la eternidad nos obliga a tener listo "el equipaje", nos hace vivir día a día con el es-fuerzo y la voluntad de ser mejores. No podemos despreciar el momento presente para obtener méritos que serán presen-tados ante tu Juicio, Señor. Los seres queridos que se fueron nos impelen de mil formas y momentos a que preparemos "ese camino" y ese final de nuestra vida terrena, porque ellos ya saben que el gozo será infinito cuando traspasemos esa temida puerta de la muerte y podamos contemplar el rostro de tu amado Padre, el tuyo , el de tu Santísima Madre y también el de todos los que se nos adelantaron. Mes de noviembre.... mes para meditar.

a su ira sobre el mundo. Pero éste no es el Dios de la Biblia, a quien un salmo describe como «clemente y compasivo, tardo a la cólera y lleno de amor, que no se querella eternamente ni para siempre guarda su rencor... que él sabe de qué estamos

http://www.cantalamessa.org/

church of the nativity, burke va 33rd sunday in ordinary ... · alexander andres arce bennett...

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