HOLY COM FORTER -SAINT CYPRI AN ROM AN C ATHOLIC CHURCH AUGUST 20 , 2017

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Our Mission Statement: Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Roman Catholic Church, empowered by the Holy Spirit, exists to evangelize and to uphold Christian values by promoting the teachings of the Church in Word, Sacrament and Witness.

Our Vision Statement: A welcoming, embracing and joyful faith family richly rooted in the community today, tomorrow and forever.

Sunday (8/20) 9:30am Picnic Planning mtg 7:00pm Mass 8:00pm AA

Monday (8/21) 10:00am Women’s Min meeting 8:00pm YAM Bible Study

Wednesday (8/23) 5:00pm Rectory closed 6:30pm Vacation Bible School

Thursday (8/24) 7:00pm Knights of Columbus

Saturday (8/26) 4:30pm Mass

THIS WEEK AT THE PARISH

Sunday, August 20 8:00am For the intentions of Sheryl Burke 11:00am Robert Brooks † 7:00pm For the intentions of Francis Tracy Monday, August 21 Saint Pius X, Pope

7:00am Maurice Austin, Jr. (birthday-Aug. 22) Tuesday, August 22 Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary

7:00am Cheryl Walker Ross † (birthday) Wednesday, August 23 Saint Rose of Lima, Virgin

7:00am For the intentions of Paula Eaves Thursday, August 24 Saint Bartholomew, Apostle

7:00am For the People Friday, August 25 Saint Louis; Saint Joseph Calasanz, Priest

7:00am Mark Anthony Graham † Saturday, August 26 8:00am Irene Nickerson † 4:30pm Ruby Lowry Roberts (birthday-Aug. 29)

The Gospel today speaks about the need to persist in prayer. It opens with a reference to Jesus' TRAVEL. We are told that he goes north of Israel into modern day Lebanon. This is pagan territory and a rather odd destination for a Jewish preacher. But, this is important for us in terms of understanding Jesus’ love for all people, and his ultimate love for the woman in today's Gospel. This leads us to TORMENT. A Canaanite woman cries out to Jesus to heal her daughter. Pagans generally hated Jews but her torment makes her reach out to Jesus. Next comes the TEST. Jesus draws her out by several seemingly hurtful comments. First, he ignores her, then he says he will deal only with Jews, then he says he should not throw (his) food to dogs. But remember, the Lord loves the Gentiles and that is why he has come north into pagan territory. So, his testing of her leads to her TENACITY. She is not put off. She knows what she wants, and that Jesus can accomplish it. Masterfully, she says "Even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from their masters' table!" Her tenacity leads to TRIUMPH. For Jesus says to her "O woman great is your faith, let it be done as you wish" and the woman's daughter was healed. What of us? Would you persevere in prayer, or grow angry and discouraged.

Stewardship Report 2017—2018

Weekly Budget Amount Needed $16,346

Actual Tithes Collected (8/13) $17,577

Actual Surplus (+) + $1,231

CARDINAL’S APPEAL UPDATE: It is not too late. If you have not yet made your pIedge or outright gift to the 2017 Cardinal’s Appeal there is still time. We need everyone’s help to reach our parish goal ($55,119). HCSC is currently $27,215 short. You can also visit the Appeal’s secure website: https://appeal.adw.org to make a pledge/gift or, contact Valerie Brown, Director of the Cardinal’s Appeal (301-853-4574 or brownv@adw.org. Thank you for your generous gift to the Church of Washington.

FUNERAL: Elizabeth J. Walker (Mon., Aug. 21st)

Mass Attendance for August 13, 2017

4:30pm 49 8:00am 96 11:00am 200 7:00pm 115 Total: 460

MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK

Music Schedule Processional Praise Him! LMGM #446 Responsorial Psalm O God, let all the nations praise you! Offertory O How I love Jesus LMGM #365 This Little Light of Mine LMGM #637 Communion Come to the Feast LMGM #684 Recessional O How I love Jesus LMGM #365

8:00am Ruby Robertson, Cantor – George Stewart, Director of Music 11:00am L ’Tanya Holley, Cantor – Tim Bias, Accompanist

Readings This Weekend: Isaiah 56:1, 6-7 Romans 11:13-15, 29-32 Mt 15:21-28 Readings Next Weekend: Isaiah 22:19-23 Romans 11:33-36 Mt 16:13-20

DAILY BIBLE READINGS Monday: Judges 2:11-19 Matthew 19:16-22 Tuesday: Judges 6:11-24 Matthew 19:23-30 Wednesday: Judges 9:6-15 Matthew 20:1-16 Thursday: Revelation 21:9-14 John 1:45-51 Friday: Ruth 1:1, 3-6 Matthew 22:34-40 Saturday: Ruth 2:1-3, 8-11; 4:13-17 Matthew 23:1-12

FAITH DIRECT ELECTRONIC TITHING: Consider enrolling in eGiving through Faith Direct to make sure that your gift will reach Holy Comforter-St. Cyprian even when you cannot. Enroll today by visiting www.faithdirect.net and use our church code: DC59. Questions? Contact Kim Peaks at pam@hcscchurch.org or call 202-546-1885. This is the best way to ensure your parish receives the support needed for our operating expenses and ministries during the busy summer months. Thank you for your continued support.

TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDIN ARY T IM E

PARISH LIFE Youth Ministry News Nicki Gebrehiwot, Director of Youth Ministry

202-546-1885 ext. 25 (voicemail) youthdirector@hcscchurch.org

SAVE THE DATE: HCSC CHURCH CHOIR 45TH

ANNIVERSARY CONCERT, Oct. 22

nd, “Just a Little

Prayer and Faith.” Tickets will be available starting Sept. 3

rd from any choir member or the rectory office. See flyer in

rear of Church for sponsorship and ad pricing.

PARISH CONNECTIONS: Visit our Parish-related social media links, websites and apps to help spread the word:

Parish Website: www.hcscchurch.org Fr. Pope’s Sermons online: www.frpope.com Fr. Pope’s Blog: http://blog.adw.org NEW!! HCSC App: myParishapp

2017 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: HCSC will host our final 2017 Family Vacation Bible School session on Wed., Aug. 23

rd. Our theme this summer has been Hallelujah is

the Highest Praise: A Study of Soul-Saving Songs. We’ve been studying the biblical roots and teachings of some of the well-known, and lesser known, hymns of the Church. We’re covering topics such as trust, suffering, victory, the end times, heaven, Jesus, and the Church. Sessions have been planned for every age group. Dinner will be served so, if you haven’t done so already, you must register (see flyer in rear of Church to RSVP). Doors at the school will open at 6:30pm. Please join us for our closing session.

S.O.M.E. (So Others Might Eat)—feeds, clothes and shelters the homeless. HCSC participates by preparing lunch every 4

th

Saturday for men, women and children at 71 “O” St., NW. We need your donation of cooked chicken for Sat., Aug. 26

th (see flyer for recipe). Drop your non-frozen

chicken at the rectory no later than COB Fri., Aug. 25th.

Questions? Contact Earlene Capers (301–910-1763).

CONGRATULATIONS—to Aaron and Kimberly Colbert who were joined in the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony at HCSC on Saturday, August 12

th. We pray that their union will be blessed with

love and devotion to both God and each other.

HCSC Young Adult Ministry YAM@hcscchurch.org

YOUNG ADULT BIBLE STUDY meets Mondays at 8pm in the rectory. Join other young adults with Fr. Pope in the discussion of scripture. This is a good opportunity to meet other young adults in the parish.

We’d like to hear from our young adults (age 18 to 40)! Check out the HCSC Young Adults Ministry on Facebook and follow us on Twitter at HCSCYoungAdults!

FAMILY VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: We have special youth sessions titled Mighty Fortress: In Jesus, the Victory is Won! Youth through 8

th grade will learn that God is

their refuge and strength. Friends may fail them. They may not ace their test or make the team, but God promises to be their rock and their salvation—their fortress and sure defense! See flyer for more details.

SAVE THE DATE: 28th

ANNUAL EAST OF THE RIVER FALL REVIVAL, will begin with the Youth Rally, Sat., Sept. 30

th, 10am—3:30pm at Church of the Incarnation,

880 Eastern Ave., NE. Theme: “WHERE THERE IS LIGHT, THERE IS HOPE!” Revivalist, Fr. Roy Lee, is an electrifying, thought provoking and distinguished minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

VACATION NOTE: While on vacation remember to attend Mass wherever you may visit. Go to: www.DiscoverMass.org for Mass times and locations around the country.

RECTORY OFFICE SUMMER HOURS: During the month of August, the Rectory Office will close on Wednesdays at 5pm. Regular Wednesday evening hours will resume on Wed., September 6

th.

HCSC ANNUAL FEAST OF SAINT CYPRIAN CELEBRATION: There will be only ONE morning Mass on Sun., Sept. 17

th

at 10am to celebrate the Feast of Saint Cyprian. We will still celebrate the 4:30pm vigil Mass on Saturday, and the 7pm Mass on Sunday. This is a perfect opportunity to invite

family members and friends to celebrate Mass with you.

DAY OF REFLECTION: Join the HCSC Women’s Ministry, Sat., Sept. 23

rd, and experience the dynamic

speaker, Dr. Francine Dove-Hawkins, at the Franciscan Monastery, 1400 Quincy St., NE. Theme: “He Thought I was Worth Saving.” COST: $25 (includes continental breakfast and lunch). Space is limited. To register, contact June Johnson (301-529-7114).

PRAYING COLLEGE MOMS is a Catholic non-profit organization established to support students and their parents during this critical time at which students experience independence, may be faced with temptations, and are called upon to

make good choices for themselves. For more information and resources, visit www.prayingcollegemoms.org.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS OLIVEWOOD SALE: Because of your generous response to the olivewood crosses, the KOC St. Cyprian Council #10008 has ordered more crosses. Each $10 cross benefits Christians in the Middle East affected by the ISIS’ genocide against Christians and other

religious minorities. Survival of Christians in that region has been increasingly uncertain. Crosses are available for purchase in the Candlelight store in the rear of the Church.

PICNIC PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING—for our Annual Friends & Family Picnic will meet Sun., Aug. 20

th and 27

th at 9:30am in the

rectory. We need your help to make this year’s picnic a huge success on Sat., Sept., 16

th at Watkins Regional Park

in Upper Marlboro, MD. Call Annette Brooks on 202-361-4699 to find out how you can help or just stop by!