Catholic Schools Week

Special OurParishTimes JANUARY 2011 Sharing Experiences of the Local Catholic Faith Community FREE Catholic Schools: Teaching to Learn and to Love

By Chuck Short

appy New Year! I hope you had H a blessed and joyful Christmas and 2011 brings health and prosperity and success with your new year’s resolutions! One of Chuck Short my resolutions is to be more like Joan Conway, the founder of the Langley Park food pantry, a ministry of St. Camillus parish in Silver Spring. Joan was honored last month by the Washingtonian Magazine as one of its “Washingtonians of the Resurrection pre-schoolers sing for seniors Year” for her work in establishing the pantry to A group of 4-year-old pre-schoolers from Resurrection Church donned reindeer antlers Dec. 20 while singing Christmas carols for residents at Sanctuary collect and distribute healthy food to poor fam- at Holy Cross, a senior living community in Burtonsville. The children sang “Frosty the Snowman,” “Away in a Manger,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” ilies living in Langley Park. Congratulations and “Silent Night.” They also delivered handmade Christmas ornaments to the residents, who greatly appreciated the visit, said Pre-school Director Patty Continued on page 9 Sullivan. Also leading the children in the singing and gift giving were pre-school aides Betty Kibbey, Mary Depenbrock and Wendy Rodriguez. Theology of the When in Rome Body for Teens De Chantal choir’s trip to Vatican experience of a lifetime Members of either blizzards, closed air- international choir of young singers the St. Jane de ports nor mail bombs kept from Catholic schools and parishes Day Retreat Chantal chil- N the St. Jane de Chantal chil- around the world, whose mission is dren’s choir and dren’s choir from making the trip bringing the love of God to others n January 8, 2011 at my parish, St. director Olga of a lifetime and singing before the and encouraging peace through song. Raphael in Rockville, there was a retreat Morales at St. Holy Father at the Vatican on New The choir gathered thousands of chil- O for all high school students in the area Paul’s Cathedral Year’s Day. dren from 35 countries, including the to learn about the Theology of the Body. I in Rome fol- A contingent that included nine de Chantal students, to sing during personally was rather excited to go (I know, a lowing the students, siblings and parents, and the Mass at St. Peter’s on New Year’s teenage girl excited opening Mass the school’s principal, vice principal Day. to learn about chas- for the Pueri and choir director flew to Rome The de Chantal children and their tity?) several of my Cantores gath- on the day after Christmas, despite families got to tour some of the youth group friends ering there. At the major snowstorm that was bear- area’s landmarks, including the cata- were attending so rear is Brother ing down on the East Coast and combs, the Trevi Fountain, the basili- I knew I wouldn’t Tom Flynn, a de the heightened security level in the cas and the Vatican Museum. But the be the only one. Chantal gradu- Italian capital following explosions at highlight was singing for the Holy However, what ate studying in two embassies there. The group made Father. I wasn’t expect- Rome. the trip as part of Pueri Cantores, an Continued on page 28 ing was over 30 high school teens Daniela Zara is a Senior from three differ- at the Academy of the ent parishes in the area (St. Raphael, Holy Cross and an active St. Jude Parishioner Named Teresa Kolf stands St. Patrick, and St. member of St. Raphael by the image of Elizabeth) to turn Ignite Youth Group. her mentor, Our out. Heck, I was Director of Centro Tepeyac Lady of Guadalupe. just surprised that By John Naughton so many teenage guys showed up! The retreat began at 9:30 AM and there were he Shrine of St. Jude is pleased and proud that our parishio- four talks given: “The Original Man” by Brian ner, Teresa Kolf, daughter of Mike and Jane Kolf, was named Werth, “Hope and Redemption in Christ” by T Development Director of the Centro Tepeyac Pregnancy Center in Fr. Charlie Cortinovis, “The Language of the Silver Spring. Teresa takes over from Mary Hamm who has helped build Body” by Molly Powers, and “Dating with the Center into the magnificent mother and baby life-saving force that it Purpose and Purity” by the cutest newlyweds, is today. Mike and Annie McHugh. All the talks were Teresa will be working during an historic time for Centro Tepeyac, uplifting, interesting and full of advice of as the Center will be converting to a medical facility and installing a how to live a life of purity, even in a society sonogram machine to further aid their life saving work. Studies show where the media glorifies impurity. I learned that when women considering abortion see their babies on a sonogram, a lot from these talks. I learned how men and Continued on page 28 Continued on page 5 2 January 2011 Our Parish Times Catholic Business Network www.cbnmc.com Knights Celebrate March for Life Kickoff Rally, Honor Chuck Suraci By John Naughton

n Sunday, January 9, Rosensteel Knights of O Columbus in Silver Spring celebrated their 22nd March for Life Kickoff Rally. As part of the well organized program, which annually includes appropriate music by Vince Perticone and his Musicians for Life, an update on the March from Nellie Gray, Chairman of March For Life and other well known speakers. This year, Austin Ruse, president of the Catholic Family and Human Rights Institute (C-FAM) which monitors and negotiates Catholic and national issues at the United Nations, was Bishop Olivier, Retired Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Washington, Yen the keynote speaker. Blessings were Le, KoC District Deputy, Tom Grenchik, Executive Director of the Secretariat provided by Fr. Joseph Perkins, of Pro-Life Activities at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Peter chaplain of the Council, and Bishop Davio, KoC Maryland State Deputy, Former MD Senator Frank Shore, Chuck Lawrence Olivier, who has attended Suraci, Rosensteel Pro-Life Chairman and Rosensteel Chaplain Fr. Joseph every rally. The Knights provided a Perkins all enjoy the presentation of a service award to Chuck Suraci. complimentary spaghetti dinner with all the trimmings which was enjoyed character and personal commitment However, Mike had a surprise for by everyone. to the word of God: “Thou shalt not Chuck. Rosensteel Council gave an In October 2010 the Rosensteel kill.” Chuck, who has been pro life award to Chuck for his outstanding Council Pro Life Chairman, Charles chairman at Rosensteel for 27 years, pro life work and long service to the (Chuck) Suraci received an award at with the approval of Grand Knight, cause – Rosensteel Council has been Traditional the Peroutka Pro Life Awards Dinner. Mike Miller, dedicated the Bud awarded first place in Maryland for The award was the “Anthony J. Peroutka Award to the Rosensteel its pro life work for many years – (Bud) Peroutka Knight of Columbus Catholic Latin Mass Council where the plaque will have an award which Mike said Chuck Servant Award” in honor of Bud a permanent place of honor. couldn’t give to anyone else. You are Cordially Invited to Attend Peroutka (Past Grand Knight) for OPT Sundays at 8:00 a.m. Traditional Latin Mass Congregation Bethlehem House Adapts PCR Model for New Social Programs Old St. John the Evangelist Church popular social program intellectual and developmental dis- and the full support of our Board, from Potomac Community abilities with homes in Brookland this fits our growth model. We are a 9700 Rosensteel Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910 A Resources for teens and adults and Riverdale, Maryland. This spring small, focused community. We want 1/2 mile west of Georgia Ave., with disabilities is expanding into Bethlehem House will celebrate its to help other communities and put off Forest Glen Rd., Rt. 192 Northeast Washington this month. 25th anniversary. Dolores Wilson, our lessons to good use.” As part of www.tradlatinmass.org Bethlehem House will begin offering BH Director, said “We are grateful their growth model, PRC has helped Brookland Community Resources to PCR for help as a model and men- train volunteers, set up housing and E-mail: [email protected] (BCR), a new program for adults in tor. Now their successful program provided social program with other the Brookland neighborhood near can be available in other parts of our parishes. Riley added, “We are excit- Latin Mass in accordance with the “Motu Proprio” Catholic Univesity. The monthly city. The beauty of these programs ed about new community resourc- of Pope Benedict XVI, issued July 7, 2007 evening events are designed to be is that they give talented individuals es with Bethlehem House and St. creative, social occasions. They will the opportunity to give back and to Anthony’s in the center. It is a plea- include photography, poetry, baking, share their skills.” Stephanie Porto sure professionally and an honor jewelry and crafts. Initially, each will teach the crafts, Sr. Barbara personally to work with Dolores program will be based at Bethlehem Shej will lead the baking, Dolores Wilson and Bethlehem House.” House in Brookland and later at St. Wilson will facilitate poetry jams, “Dolores Wilson and Bethlehem Anthony of Padua Parish Hall. New jewelry and photography. House are an integral part of this sessions will be offered in the spring, Steve Riley, Executive Director of Little Rome community,” said Rev. including gardening and music. PRC, said, “We’re excited about this Frederick J. Close, Pastor of St. Bethlehem House is a Christian new program at Bethlehem House. Anthony of Padua. He added, “We residential program for adults with With the vision of Rev. John Enzler are happy to join this BCR initia- tive and excited about the possibili- ties. We support the PCR model for persons with disabilities and their Index families.” Riley added, “In 2009, Archbishop Blessed Sacrament...... 30 St. Bernadette...... 19 Wuerl challenged PRC, initially a Catholic Business Network...... 2 St. Catherine Labouré...... 7 parish-based organization, to find innovative new ways to include per- Christ the King...... 3 St. Elizabeth...... 21 sons with disabilities into the life of Classifieds...... 35 St. Francis of Assisi...... 13 Holy Cross...... 33 the church. He urged PRC to con- St. Jane de Chantal...... 8 tinue their efforts elsewhere in the Holy Redeemer...... 4 St. John Neumann...... 25 archdiocese.” Mother of God School...... 18 St. John the Baptist...... 20 Riley said, “We are not prescrip- Mary of Nazareth...... 29 St. John the Evangelist...... 14 tive, we help with the how. We’ve Mother Seton...... 32 St. Jude...... 27 learned lessons from our own devel- Our Lady of Lourdes...... 9 St. Martin of Tours...... 26 opment. This is how we want to con- Our Lady of Mercy...... 6 tribute.” In 2008, Archbishop Wuerl St. Mary ...... 10-11 Our Lady Queen of Poland...... 24 became the first and only Honorary Resurrection...... 31 St. Michael...... 16 Life Member of PRC. Riley said, Senior Resources...... 22-23 St. Patrick...... 28 “We are honored to have his patron- Sports...... 34 St. Peter...... 17 age and a public statement of the St. Bartholomew...... 12 St. Raphael...... 15 significance of our efforts.” OPT Christ the King Our Parish Times January 2011 3

Christine Tan Our Unsung Hero Christ the King 2301 Colston Drive Katie Holland, Silver Spring, MD OPT Editor By Katie Holland, parish editor with ing after Mass to pray and prepare 301-495-4812 input from Sr. Dorothy Owen, RSCJ, for the weekend’s Readings. The Pastoral Assistant group also coordinates Prison Pen Rev. José Maria Cortes, FSCB [email protected] Pal program. She served two local Pastor hrist the King parishioner nursing homes as an Extraordinary Christine Tan was awarded Minister of Holy Communion and C the Cardinal’s “Manifesting was this parish’s original editor for the Kingdom” award at the Basilica Our Parish Times. on January 2, 2011. This award was Chris is married to Dr. Annop Tan OUR established to honor those unsung with five children and three grand- ParishTimes parish volunteers who reflect the children. Christ the King was happy Kathleen & light of Christ through valuable ser- to nominate her as a fine example of a Lawrence Hamm publishers vice to the Church. Chris taught Catholic living the Faith. She believes religious education at Christ the the glass and wooden plaque given Danny Gannon King for 12 years while serving her by Archbishop Donald Cardinal Michael Roseleigh distribution the parish on the Council and in the Wuerl is a perfect representation of Religious Education Commission Christine Tan holding her Manifesting Prepress by Electronic Ink the Kingdom award. its purpose in that it allows light for 14 years. to shine through the words as the www. eink.net Seven years ago Chris joined the group and is the facilitator, a group awardee allows the Light of Christ to newly established Faith Sharing Parish Community Services, Inc. which meets every Thursday morn- shine through them. OPT 5212 Goddard Road Bethesda, MD 20814 Phone: 301-706-9684 [email protected]

Wrapping Up the Christmas Season published in alternate months during the school year.

ach year Christ the King provides Christmas cheer to E the less fortunate through its Giving Tree. Volunteers wrapped and sorted the gifts. Our parish was generous as usual and we were able to help twenty-four families cel- ebrate Christmas this year. We also had gifts for seventeen of our neigh- bors at Fox Chase Nursing Home. On Sunday December 12th the parish gathered for its Christmas potluck party. It was a joint effort of our Religious Education and Family The children on stage during the Christmas potluck

Life commissions under the leader- ship of Cheryl Hawkins. The chil- dren sang songs under the leader- ship of our Cantors, Roz Bryne and Megan Elliott. For the first time, Christ the King then held a Christmas night party in the Colonial Room for camaraderie as well as raising funds to refurbish the reception hall itself. The Catechist Mothers who bimonthly hold a luncheon for parishioners headed the event. With such success, we were able to buy 30 new round tables and 10 new rectan- gular ones for parish functions! An ancient liturgical exercise has returned to Christ the King, the Commission members Gloria Patterson and Sue Gordon Continued on page 30

Christ the King’s Annual Mardi Gras Celebration e on the lookout for fun and will “win”). fancy at Christ the King’s This year we will also have a B annual Mardi Gras celebra- rolling 50-50 raffle where you win tion. This year with a “late” Easter, half the hour’s raffle ticket sales! we will have our fundraiser Auction The admittance fee is $20 for adults, on Saturday, March 5, 2011. Always but is free to all school-age children. from 6pm until 10pm, it is held in We even have a table just for the the Msgr. John J. Dressel Colonial youngest of bidders in your family! Room. It is an opportunity for all Again this year, we will be accept- to bid on interesting Mardi Gras ing MasterCard and Visa cards to baskets of extravagance, summer close out your deals and add to our camps and vacation spots, to dance greatest of fundraising events. If for to the music of our parishioner-DJ any reason weather plays a role in and prepare for the start of Lent. Join delaying the event, it is scheduled Christ the King in its feasting; once to be held on Sunday March 6 from you are in the door, everything is 4-7pm (although if last year’s snow covered (except for the bankroll you blizzard didn’t cancel it, nothing need for the numerous items you will!). OPT 4 January 2011 Our Parish Times Holy Redeemer Fairies, Kings And Queens, Oh My! Called to Serve One Another at Holy Redeemer School By Michelle Ardillo With minimal props and costume pieces, the stage reading of an adapta- Buddy Classes Come Together for Unity in the Community n Wednesday, December 15, tion of one of the Bard’s most famous 2010, the Holy Redeemer comedies was an enjoyable combina- By Ann M. Enkiri Father and a Hail Mary for O School Drama Club presented tion of education and entertainment. the needs and intentions n Tuesday of Catholic its third annual winter production 8th graders Anthony Beins, Samantha of Holy Redeemer’s own Schools Week, the of a work by William Shakespeare. Matta and Michael Yao joined with Dyer Family. Kevin Dyer, a students at Holy This year’s production, A Midsummer th O twenty-two-year-old parish- fourteen 7 graders to present this Redeemer School will com- Night’s Dream, Briefly, was written by modern version to the school at an ioner and an alumnus of plete their academic program Lee Karvonen and licensed through afternoon assembly and again later Holy Redeemer School, a bit early. At two o’clock, Herb and Lois Walker’s Scripts for that evening for families and friends. was seriously injured in an after an opening prayer of Schools. The production team for the winter automobile accident in mid- thanksgiving for the bless- production included faculty members December. Now recovering ing of a Catholic education, Michelle Ardillo and Danielle Trotta, at home, Kevin is inspiring younger students in PreK Holy Redeemer Parish and veteran Drama Club member and the Holy Redeemer commu- through Grade 3 will meet 8th grader Maddie Davin as stage nity with his faith-filled atti- 9705 Summit Avenue up with their buddies in Kensington, MD manager. Following the evening per- tude as he enthusiastically Grades 4-8 for Unity in the Buddies Sara Wilkinson (7th), Noelle Polich (PreK), formance, the parents of the cast pro- works through the rehabili- Community. and Caroline Dyer (7th) enjoy recess together. Rev. Mark Hughes vided refreshments for a reception in tation process. With hand- While some student Pastor the Herb Young Auditorium to honor made cards and pictures, buddy groups will be mak- 301-942-2333 the very talented cast and crew. infants served by the Christ Child the children will let Kevin ing Valentine’s door decorations Holy Redeemer’s Drama Club is Society. know of their time spent in prayer Holy Redeemer School for the elderly in assisted-living, now hard at work on their spring musi- Amidst the hum of these and before the Blessed Sacrament— David Lombardi, others will be participating in cal, Disney’s Alice in Wonderland, Jr., other Unity in the Community ser- time they may well share with his Operation Goody Bag-- decorat- Principal with production dates of May 13 and vice projects, the Seventh-graders, mother who is a longtime and daily ing lunch bags in patriotic themes their PreK buddies and their teach- 301-942-3701 14, 2011. OPT ‘regular’ at Adoration. and writing thank-you letters to the ers will quietly slip out of the Holy Redeemer students hope men and women in the U.S. mili- building to pay a very special visit that their offerings of prayer, time tary who are serving our country to church. Buddy pairs will each and service will bring joy and overseas. Meanwhile, upper school take a quiet turn kneeling in adora- blessings to all the recipients of students will be launching a week- tion before the Blessed Sacrament. their service projects. long drive to collect diapers for Together, they will pray an Our OPT Wednesday News Informs and Entertains Student Government Officers Produce Weekly News Program

By Ann M. Enkiri news program to keep students very knowledgeable about school and teachers informed about cur- activities and have reliable sources his fall, Holy Redeemer rent school events and to provide throughout the school community. School’s Student Government some mid-week entertainment. As Eager to share what they know and T leaders initiated a weekly eighth-graders, these leaders are to help promote school spirit, they are achieving both goals with the Wednesday News. Dean Spellman, President, and Shane McGowan, Vice-President, co-anchor the weekly sports report, utilizing HOLY REDEEMER SCHOOL their personal “Where Caring Makes A Difference” network as well as the 9715 Summit Avenue  Kensington, MD 20895 Holy Redeemer Athletic OPEn HOuSE Committee’s website for the Wednesday, February 2, 2011 latest scores 10:00 am – 11:30 am* and team news. Maggie McMahon, Faith Centered Values Curriculum Treasurer, Full Day Pre-K through Eighth Grade Caroline Philbin, Foreign Language Program Secretary, and French & Spanish Beginning in First Grade Maddie Davin, President of the Guidance Counselor  Registered Nurse Religious Life Resource Specialist Committee, St. John’s Students Committed to Service report on school Applications for the 2010-2011 School Year events and New Orleans, Nicaragua, Massachusetts, handle special Being Accepted for features, such Pre-K through Seventh Grades Charleston, Appalachia, Delaware as interview- Call 301-942-3701, ext. 100 ing “Star of the Week” 2607 Military Road, NW, Chevy Chase, DC 20015 *In the case of a cancellation due to inclement weather, faculty and www.stjohns-chs.org 202-363-2316 the Open House will be held on staff members. Wednesday, February 9, 2011 from 10:00 am to 11:30 am. Continued on page 30 Community Our Parish Times January 2011 5 Revised Edition of New American Bible Available in March Churches Respond to MLK’s ‘Letter from he New American Bible, revised edition moment in this process is the diffusion of the accurately as possible, and rendering the result Birmingham Jail’ (NABRE), the first major update to the Bible through the precious work of translation in good contemporary English. In many ways it T New American Bible (NAB) translation in into different languages.” is a more literal translation than the original New hristian Churches Together in 20 years, has been approved for publication. The The new translation also takes into account the American Bible and has attempted to be more the USA (CCT) voiced grati- NABRE will be available in a variety of print, discovery of new and better ancient manuscripts consistent in rendering Hebrew (or Greek) words Ctude for civil rights leaders audio and electronic formats on March 9, Ash so that the best possible textual tradition is fol- and idioms, especially in technical contexts, such in its response to the “Letter from Wednesday. lowed. The NABRE includes the first revised as regulations for sacrifices. In translating the Birmingham Jail” of Rev. Martin The new translation takes into account advanc- translation of the Old Testament since 1970 and Psalter special effort was made to provide a Luther King, Jr. The Christian lead- es in linguistics of the biblical languages, as a complete revision of the Psalter. It retains the smooth, rhythmic translation for easy singing or ers, who gathered in Birmingham, well as changes in vocabulary and the cultural 1986 edition of the New Testament. Work on recitation and to retain the concrete imagery of Alabama, in January to examine the background of English, in order to ensure a more most books of the Old Testament began in 1994 the Hebrew. relationship between poverty and accurate translation. This issue is addressed in and was completed in 2001. The 1991 revision The NABRE is approved for private use and racism, noted that no one has ever the apostolic exhortation of Pope Benedict XVI, of the Psalter was further revised between 2009 study. It will not be used for the Mass, which uses issued a clergy response to King’s Verbum Domini, in which the pope says, “The and 2010. an earlier, modified version of the NAB transla- famous letter, which was an answer inculturation of God’s word is an integral part of The revision aimed at making use of the best tion. to a message from a group of white the Church’s mission in the world, and a decisive manuscript traditions available, translating as OPT Continued on page 32

Meet Your Legislators at Lobby Night Make Your Voice Heard. Sign Up for Lobby Night on February 21 Creating Communities oin Maryland’s bishops and Where All Can Lead hundreds of fellow Catholics Third Annual J on Presidents’ Day – Monday, February 21, from 3:00 to 8:00 pm – Conference for the 27th annual Catholic Lobby Saturday, March 19 Night in Annapolis and make your Archdiocese of Washington voice heard. on Faith, Tell legislators that we all have a Department of Special Needs Ministries duty to serve the poor and vulnerable, build up the common good and respect Deafness human life and dignity. Registration at Blessed Sacrament Lobby Night is an advocacy event that gives Catholic voters the oppor- and Begins at 8:00 AM tunity to speak in person with their elected officials about issues including Welcome at 8:45 AM abortion clinic regulations, support for Disabilities pregnant women, poverty, immigra- Conference Ends at 5:00 PM tion, Catholic schools, the death pen- alty and marriage. Registration is required so that Workshops we may arrange visits for you with 11:00 AM Mass your lawmakers. Visit www.mdcath- Liturgy con.org/lobbynight or call the Cardinal Wuerl, Principal Celebrant Maryland Catholic Conference at Coffee House with 410-269-1155/301-261-1979 to regis- Tony Melendez ter or for more information. Keynote Speakers Your involvement is needed more Ministry Fair than ever to encourage your elected officials to support public policies that Maryann Barth promote the common good. Make The Deaf Person in the Life of the Church Your Voice Heard in Annapolis at Catholic Lobby Night on February 21. tony Melendez Empowering Hispanic Catholics THEOLOGY Con’t from page 1 who have Disabilities women reveal one another’s purpose in life, I learned that if you live an impure life you can always start over, I learned that women’s brains are Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament active 24/7, while men’s brains can become inactive (no surprises there), 3636 Quesada Street, NW and I learned the best marriages blos- som from good friendships. Washington, DC 20015 The retreat was a lot more fun than I would have expected a retreat about chastity to be. Between the talks, we played group games and Sign Language Interpreted; Wheelchair Accessible went to Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. They gave us practical For more information pure dating ideas and chastity quotes Contact Peg Kolm at 301-853-4560 or at [email protected] to take home. I learned so much on this retreat, and it won’t stop there. Sponsored by I’m signed up to take the Theology of the Body for Teens 13 week session Potomac Community Resources, Inc. (www.pcr-inc.org) and at St. Raphael to keep learning about the Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Institute of Catholic Charities what it takes and means to live a life of holy purity. OPT 6 January 2011 Our Parish Times Our Lady of Mercy

Our Lady of Mercy first grader Haley Summers Prayer at Out Lady of Mercy proudly poses with the Teddy Bear she won By Sheila Scanlan Sabatini at the second grade finding God in the present moment, centering prayer, Catholic Charities auc- mediation without scripture, obstacles to a deeper prayer or many years, those of a certain generation have life, community prayer, Jesus prayer. We were reminded tion. Annually, second used the rote prayers we learned as children from graders forego recess prayer is never perfect, God’s agenda is more important F our parents, teachers and church. For many weeks than ours, and that each person prays differently. time to sell raffle tick- this fall, through a weekly bulletin from our pastor, we ets for the auction. The booklet also gave ideas for examination of con- been introduced to many new types of prayers especially Through donations and science before the sacrament of reconciliation. And forms based on types of meditation and listening to God. raffle ticket sales this spoke about vocal prayer - ACTS (adoration, contrition, On Christmas Day, these bulletin letters were put in a year, the second grade thanksgiving and supplication). Never before have we popular booklet and distributed to everyone. class donated $400.00 been told and encouraged in so many ways to use the The booklet included letters on daily prayer, using to Catholic Charities. Scriptures in our daily prayer life. Additional letters on scripture in prayer, listening to God, Examination of prayer began on January 6, 2011 as we continue our jour- Conscience, prayers of petition, the Silesian Method, ney of growing in our relationship with God. OPT Around the World with Santa Live Video Conference

ur Lady of Mercy K, 1st and 2nd O grade students par- Mercy Reads Around the World in 80 Days ticipated in a live video conference with Santa. ur Lady of Mercy third grade Students dialogued with teacher Mrs. Victoria Padin Santa about different O guides students Charlie Ward continents he visits, with and Ellie Brewer as they choose an emphasis on animals books for this year’s reading initia- indigenous to different tive “Around the World in 80 Days.” areas. After the live video At the kick-off assembly, each stu- conference, students dent in the school received a pass- worked on passports, port stamped with their continent matching continents with of origin. different animals that live Throughout the 80 days of the there. Kitty Shadman, Mercy’s technology coordinator, led the program with program, students received stickers art, library, and primary teachers involved. The program complemented the for books read pertaining to differ- ent continents. Students then placed school-wide reading initiative, Around the World in 80 Days. OPT stickers on continent bulletin boards which were decorated by teachers throughout the school. A culminat- ing surprise assembly which fea- tured Chinese acrobat dancers was a big hit with students. OPT Rita – More than a Century Our Lady of Mercy’s Centenarian

By Sheila Scanlan Sabatini electrical wiring for the planes. After college, their daughter, Alvina mar- iving history is present in Rita ried and moved to Washington and De Lazzari. Born of immigrant her parents joined her for a short L Italian parents, in 1910 in New time.. Giuseppe was ill and moved Haven, CT, she was the fifth daugh- back to Wilmington where Rita cared ter in a family of 6 girls and 1 boy. for him until his death in 1976. Her father worked in a brickyard Rita remained in the Wilmington in New Haven, but when Rita was area for about a year before return- nine years old, they returned to the ing to live with her daughter Alvina family home in Revine in Northern and husband Larry. She became very Italy. Rita attended school for as active in numerous senior groups far as it went—probably fourth or and did a great deal of traveling. She fifth grade. Then she began work as drove a white convertible. She liked a nanny. She also worked in a silk to knit and crochet which she learned factory, where she disliked killing In Italy, and she loved her garden, the male butterflies and saving the reading, babysitting and driving the females. At age 17, she returned to carpool for the Long family. New Haven staying with her married While living in Potomac, Rita sisters and working as a nanny, until continued her correspondence with she began working in a machine Italian friends including Vittorio tool shop. Grava, a childhood friend. He pro- Rita De Lazzari posed to Rita after his wife died. When she arrived in Italy on a visit, Our Lady of Mercy Parish he proposed again. They returned 9200 Kentsdale Drive Hearing of a pretty young lady to the States, to be married at Our Potomac, MD working in New Haven, Giuseppe Lady of Mercy Church by Father De Lazzari (a plastering contrac- Rev. Msgr. William English Gatto in 1982. She spent the next ten tor) came looking for Rita. They years living in Italy. After Vittorio’s Pastor married and lived in New York 301-365-1415 death Rita returned to the States and City where their daughter Mercy moved in with the Longs. Rita has Our Lady of Mercy School Parishioner Alvina Long was born. spent about 35 years living with Ms. Joan Hosmer When World War II began, they Alvina, Larry and their children. She 301-365-3104 moved to Wilmington, Delaware, feels that “working hard and being where Giuseppe built runways for a Gerry Burgess, OPT Editor happy in life” will give you a long military airport and Rita worked for and contented life. 301-330-5676 Bellanca, an aircraft factory doing OPT St. Catherine Labouré Our Parish Times January 2011 7 St. Catherine Labouré Junior High Science Fair Winners – 2010

By Menthy Szabo Honorable Mention – Aden Fikru, Maria Aragon, Dahlia Mata, Chase Meadows, hat time of year again when the junior Donovan Mack, Andres Salas and William high students put their scientific skills Miyashita T together, either solo or with a team, and create their science projects. The students 7th Grade work for hours at home, researching, experi- 1st Place – Dakota Dumire menting and typing up their “conclusions” 2nd Place – Hanna Fantom before bringing them to school for the annual 3rd Place – McCauley Peters and Jordy Diaz science fair. They were not only judged by Fr. Honorable Mention – Winston Geohagan, Salah, Fr. Morrow, and Deacon Chaput, but Jason Brito, Nia Johnson, Austin Yescas and also parishioners and professional “PhD’s” Brenna Ebner from outside organizations. After thorough questioning of the students 6th Grade by two judges each project, they render their decisions: (The top ten scorers will advance to 1st Place – Praneet Aryal county competition) 2nd Place – Emma Rainard and Catherine Estrada 8th Grade 3rd Place – Patrick Diaz, Jonathan Mack and Fernando Cabrera 1st Place – Thomas Weedon Honorable Mention – William Lawson, 2nd Place – Loren Brill and Thomas Jose Portillo- Lopez, Coral Hauser, Nia Whiting Brumme, Sadie Montoya, and Holman Fox 3rd Place – Katrina Choong and Laura First Place winner, Thomas Weeden, with his Science Teacher, Mrs. Nava and Principal Mrs. Beverly Williamson Consilvio OPT

SCL Spanish Community Hosts Annual Parish “Happy St. Catherine Labouré School to Shine New Year” Festivities During Catholic Schools Week By Menthy Szabo t. Catherine Labouré School House, the National Press Club and has much to celebrate as it a variety of local professional and ood food! Good fun! Happy times! Salvador, Fidel S marks Catholic Schools religious group gatherings. and their crew prepare throughout the day for the Week 2011 from Jan. 30 to Feb. 4. Festivities will continue on G big night. Decorations of gold and black balloon Enrollment at the blue-ribbon school Monday as students head to school in centerpieces were placed on each table, sodas and beer is up and all signs point toward a their pajamas to celebrate the day’s lined the bar, the ticket committee was seated at the front bright future as the parish’s 60th theme – community – and partici- door, food was catered by “Los Chorros” restaurant, Dick anniversary approaches. pate in the SCL School’s classroom Clark’s New Year’s Eve ball was being shown from New “We are truly blessed at St. door decorating contest. Each class- York’s Time Square, and the “Time Square Ball” was Catherine Labouré School and we room door will be adorned with being projected on the Big Screen awaiting that final are looking forward to this year’s decorations celebrating this year’s countdown. Families arrived in chic attire and carried Mr. and Mrs. Rivas show their dancing skills as Catholic Schools Week celebration,” Catholic Schools Week theme, “A+ party hats. “HAPPY NEW YEAR - 2011” OPT they welcome 2011 said Principal Beverly Consilvio. for America, Catholic Schools.” The “Our talented teachers and staff, as contest’s grand prize is a classroom well as our incredibly diverse and pizza lunch. accomplished student body, continue On Tuesday, students will arrive “Three Wisemen And A Baby” to make SCL one of the most unique wearing their best “wacky/tacky” schools in this area and we’re proud attire to celebrate “student’s day.” By Menthy Szabo of that tradition. Catholic Schools SCL Parish Pastor Father Mike Salah, Week is the perfect time to celebrate Mrs. Consilvio and Vice Principal irected by the music teacher, our students and our school.” Julie Fox will reward all students Mr. Peter Nygyen, the musi- This year’s celebration will include with ice cream sundaes, a delicious D cal, “Three Wisemen And A an open house on Wednesday, Feb. 2. treat that will be followed by an after- Baby” played by the junior high From 9-11 a.m., all perspective stu- noon bingo party for older students students at St. Catherine Laboure dents and their families are invited to and their younger prayer partners. Catholic School was indeed enter- participate in a discussion about the The bingo event will be hosted by the taining. Three wisemen: Elvis played school’s outstanding facilities, aca- SCL Student Council in conjunction by Gerardo Varella; country cowgirl demic programs, and extracurricular with Roger and Menthy Szabo. played by Jennifer Gonzalves and activities - including such novelties After Wednesday’s open house, soul man played by Chase Meadows The Cast of “Three Wisemen and a Baby” as a state of the art multimedia room, the students will celebrate vocations set out on a journey to find the new an exceptionally challenging curricu- during school/class spirit day. Each baby “Jesus” who was born in a ing star. Musical interludes were eighth grade. lum that includes foreign language grade will wear a different color to stable by following a bright shin- performed by kindergarteners thru OPT classes, a strong spirituality program, school for the day and all will gather and structured before and after care for an afternoon screening of “Toy program with offerings such as after- Story 3.” On Friday, SCL’s students SCL Nominates Richard Meadows as Volunteer of The Year 2010 school karate. Tours of the school will wear their favorite crazy fan will be given by current students, and attire as they cheer in celebration of By Menthy Szabo administrators will be on hand to dis- their teachers, who will be celebrated cuss financial aid or other topics. with a special luncheon hosted by t. Catherine Laboure Catholic St. Catherine Labouré The schools scheduled open house parents. School nominated Mr. Richard 11801 Claridge Road will take place in the middle of what “We are more than colleagues and S Meadows as its 2010 “vol- Wheaton, MD is sure to be a busy and fun week-long students at SCL. We are a diverse unteer of the year” for the Catholic celebration for SCL School’s stu- and wonderful family that finds our Business Network’s annual dinner. Fr. Michael Salah dents and staff. This year’s Catholic strength in each other and through Mr. Meadows, who is a vital part Pastor Schools Week activities kick off at 9 our faith. SCL’s students and staff of the SCL Technology Committee 301-946-3636 a.m. Mass on Jan. 30. Students will work hard all year and it is a true joy and parent of an 8th grader at SCL, wear their uniforms to Mass and read to spend this week celebrating their helped install the “wireless” system St. Catherine Labouré School thank you notes to the parish honor- efforts, as well as the benefits of a throughout the school, installed a new Mrs. Beverly Consilvio ing the church’s generous outpour- Catholic education,” concluded Mrs. server, updated the teachers laptops, ing of support over the years. The Consilvio. 301-946-1717 and installed new desktops as well parish will also enjoy special selec- For more information about SCL’s as laptops in the school library. Mr. tions from the school’s acclaimed Open House on Feb. 2 or to learn Meadows received a beautiful plague Menthy Szabo, Multicultural Choir, a group of select more about admissions for the com- Mr. Richard Meadows receives award OPT Editor for his untiring efforts to advance SCL from SCL Principal Mrs. Beverly singers that has performed for audi- ing school year, please contact the OPT into this busy technology world. Consilvio 301-466-9568 ences at venues such as The White school at 301-946-1717. OPT 8 January 2011 Our Parish Times St. Jane de Chantal A new look online Redesigned De Chantal Website debuts

Celebrating the launch of the new de Chantal Web site are, from left, Principal Elizabeth Hamilton, school business secretary and webmaster

fter months of work, a new section of general information for Web site devoted to St. Jane de visitors interested in learning more A Chantal School and its Home about the school. Features planned and School Association debuted this for the coming months include month. The site is dedicated to bet- online ordering by credit card for ter and clearer communications for spirit wear, hot lunches, and event the De Chantal school community, ticket sales, as well as a subscrip- St. Jane de Chantal’s younger students gave their families a Christmas gift to remember on Dec. 15 during the and is the result of a six-month team tion option to receive the latest annual Christmas pageant. This year’s musical, “Light of the World,” used original songs and familiar carols to tell the Christmas story, and invited those in attendance to deliver Jesus’ light to everyone. effort by the parish council, the HSA announcements. Board, school parents and faculty The Web site debut coincides with and staff. the school’s effort to “go green” and The new site, www.dechantal.org, become increasingly paperless, espe- offers six main areas for the school cially regarding flyers and informa- Guest lecturer discusses sacred music community and those interested in tion that has traditionally been sent learning more about the school: home in students’ backpacks. t. Jane de Chantal guest lec- An emerging composer and proud its experiential and aesthetic influ- admissions, academics, campus life, Among those instrumental to the turer Mark Nowakowski will native of Chicago, Nowakowski ence from the bicultural experience. HSA, CYO and Principal’s Corner. project were HSA Vice President S give a presentation at the completed his formal studies at the Philosophically and spiritually, he The Web site continues to offer Susan Myers, Parish Council commu- church on Feb. 20 at 11 am. He will Cleveland Institute of Music, the is deeply influenced by the long classroom and calendar information, nications chairman Jamie Caulfield, be speaking on sacred music and University of Colorado, and Illinois history of Catholic Mysticism, and but new features include an online school business secretary and new how to develop a Catholic habit of State University, from which he is always seeking the transcendent calendar, a scrolling announcement webmaster Nan Venit, former HSA listening, and the need to develop graduated with honors in both Music elements which must be present in section on the front page, online President and Web site administrator sensitive filters to the music (and Composition and Arts Technology. truly useful art. Principal notes that are password Sandra Johnson, and school princi- noise) that our society bombards The son of Polish immigrants, protected, as well as an expanded pal Elizabeth Hamilton. OPT us with. Mark’s music derives a great deal of OPT

Ensemble Offers Musical ‘Delights’

he Isis Ensemble will present “International Delights” with T flutist Amy Thomas, cellist Marion Baker and pianist Virginia Lum on Sunday, February 6, at 2 pm in St. Jane de Chantal Church. The ensemble will perform Gems of Martinu, Chopin, Bizet and other favorites. The concert is presented as part of St. Jane de Chantal’s Concert and Arts Series and is free and open to the public. A freewill offering will be accepted.

OPT

St. Jane de Chantal Parish 9601 Old Georgetown Road Bethesda, MD

Rev. Msgr. Donald S. Essex Pastor

301-530-1550 St. Jane de Chantal School Mrs. Elizabeth Hamilton 301-530-1221

Sherri Covell, OPT Editor 301-670-0454 Our Lady of Lourdes Our Parish Times January 2011 9 Teacher, Friend, Guide and Supporter Casey Aiken Our Lady of Lourdes Attorney at Law ur Lady of Lourdes School is ites include visiting the home of Parish proud to have Mrs. Patricia Thomas Jefferson at Monticello (and 7500 Pearl Street O Stallsmith as a teacher, friend, of course, stopping at Miche Tavern Bethesda, MD guide and supporter of the Middle for a taste of colonial times), Calvert Msgr. Edward Filardi, School students for the past six years. Cliffs to search for fossils in St. Pastor Often times, when people think of a Mary’s County. If there is an oppor- 301-654-1287 teacher, they first and foremost think tunity to visit the latest exhibits in of all they do for their students in downtown Washington, D.C., we Patricia Kilroy McGann Real Estate Settlements the classroom. Mrs. Stallsmith leads can expect to see her class there. Principal invigorating science and social stud- Although students know that 301-654-5376 Business Incorporation ies lessons each day for the 6th, 7th timeliness is important to Mrs. Estate Planning and 8th grades. Her students treasure Stallsmith, they can expect to hear Lease Review memories of particular lessons and a joke or two thrown out by their games she taught them in order witty teacher on their way in the 11333 Woodglen Drive to prepare for her infamous “Bag door! Mrs. Stallsmith was awarded Ford’s Tests”. Students love this hands-on, the Our Lady of Lourdes Knights of Rockville, MD 20852 Painting & Wallcovering, Inc. visual approach to taking tests. They Columbus Teacher of the year award [email protected] General Contracting reach into a paper bag to pull out an Mrs. Patricia Stallsmith for 2009- 2010. 301-881-4860 object that corresponds to a question Mrs. Stallsmith holds the highest Home Improvements FAX: 301-468-6212 on their exam. expectations for each and every one Interior-Exterior Painting $100 donated to CBN-MC Mary Poppins. She coordinates the for each settlement or will preparation. Students keep organized with Student Council, the Science Fair of her students, and sometimes they Wallpaper Sales & Mrs. Stallmsmith’s grade sheets, and the Geography Bee, and arrang- feel like they are overworked. In the Installation where they learn organization skills es for The Mobile Lab sponsored by end, though, they find out that they Residential & Commercial and keep track of each and every the J. Craig Venter Institute to visit can do much more than they thought It pays to advertise one of their assignments and tests. several times a year. they could! We know one thing for 301-460-2300 At OLOL she is also known as Mrs. Stallsmith is always on the sure, the students of Our Lady of David Ford - Owner in Our Parish Times the director of the knockout school lookout for unique field trip oppor- Lourdes will never forget this dedi- Over 25 Years Experience plays such as Alice and Wonderland, tunities in order to further enrich cated teacher who has taught them The Wizard of Oz and this years’ her students. Some of the favor- so much. OPT

laborate to help each child grow staff, and families as well as students Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School SHORT in mind, spirit and body. Public of Our Lady of Mercy School. The 7500 Pearl Street, Bethesda, MD 20814 Con’t from page 1 schools are achieving greater suc- academic achievement of St Patrick’s Tel: 301-654-5376 www.bethesda-lourdes.org cess today by adopting a similar students on standardized tests, like to Joan and her team of 150 volun- principle, “It takes a village to other parish schools, is superior. teers. Joan saw the suffering face of raise a child”. The measures of Christian develop- OPEN HOUSE Christ among hungry families and While much has been done since ment evidenced through the endur- Individual tours offered; enjoy coffee/pastries; meet our Principal responded with leadership and com- the earthquake to ease the suffer- ing prayers and charitable activities passion to ease their pain. ing of the Haitian people, enduring by these students and their families Tuesday, February 1, 2011 Annually this issue of OPT cel- aid and Christ-inspired compassion for the mission school in Haiti have ebrates Catholic Schools Week and are needed for Haiti to overcome remarkable outcomes: the mission 9:00 – 11:30 AM and 1:00 – 2:30 PM each year I enjoy writing about its challenges and evolve into a school in Montrouis has doubled in the success of Catholic schools. self-sufficient nation. A genera- size and expanded from half to full ▪ Pre-School through Grade 8 However this issue comes one year tion of healthy, educated and hope- day; dug a community well with an ▪ after the catastrophic earthquake in filled children is essential to Haitian electric pump assuring clean water; Catholic Values Haiti. I was conflicted as I began to self-sufficiency. Special thanks to and built a medical wing onto the ▪ Academic Excellence write my column. Certainly we want parishes that have persevered with school. Catholic schools cultivate to celebrate our Catholic schools Haiti for years, assisting with health, sharp minds prepared for global ▪ Spanish & Latin classes and their dedicated faculties, staff, housing and education for Haitian competition with tender hearts eager ▪ Licensed ASC & summer camp pastors, parish leaders, and parents families. It will take a hemisphere to promote a just and loving world. as great blessings to our Catholic to raise Haitian children. Catholic schools: so much for which communities. Yet, with so much Christie Anne’s volunteer work to be proud, grateful and so worthy At Lourdes . . . the door to a suffering continuing in Haiti, I felt with her Haitian school of 500 chil- of our support. Catholic education is always open compelled that the anniversary of dren is supported in many ways by God Bless! this devastating human tragedy not the St Patrick’s students, principal, Chuck Short pass without reflection about the suffering there and our Christian duty to persevere with the Haitian people along their difficult journey Year of Ups and Downs of reconstruction and renewal. A common thread that would help me tie the two reflections together By Christie Anne Short hard at work learning English, came to me while at the dinner table Spanish, and French in addition ith the end of July came to their regular academic subjects. on New Year’s with my daughter, the end of an exciting, Christie Anne, fourth grade teacher Administrators at the school and W yet challenging school Craig Hardesty, our U.S. curricu- at St Patrick’s School in Rockville. year for the children at the lum advisor, have agreed upon When not doing lesson plans and College of Educatif D’Excellence grading papers, she volunteers for a a wonderfully strong and rich (the mission school). curriculum which will provide mission school in Montrouis, Haiti, The school year was extend- traveling to work there several our children with the very best ed through July 30 due to clo- education. times a year. I’ll reflect a bit and sures resulting from the January conclude with an inspiring column As one school year was end- earthquake. Hopefully, this extra ing, another was set to begin Christie Anne did for the mission month of school allowed teachers newsletter. right on its heels. In preparation to squeeze in just a bit more read- for another year, Peggy Moyers Catholic schools have been suc- ing, writing, and arithmetic! cessful in the US for more than and Christie Anne Short arrived This was a year of “firsts” for in Haiti on July 30 to help with a century. Much of their success our children. It was the first year comes from the founding principle report card distribution and begin they attended classes for eight sorting through dozens of boxes that it takes a parish commu- hours each day, whereas most nity to raise a successful Catholic and barrels—each overstuffed students in Haiti are only able with shoes, clothing, school sup- child. Clergy, nuns, parents and to attend class for four hours. grandparents, volunteers, coaches, For the first time, students were Continued on page 35 CYO, scout leaders, youth minis- ters, Catholic business leaders col- 10 January 2011 Our Parish Times St. Mary Mrs. Kelly Sweet and St. Mary’s School Always A+

he theme for Catholic Schools a lizard and fish; a post office; a number of developing countries— Week this year is “Catholic listening and writing centers; a wall her favorite being Quito, Ecuador T Schools: A+ for America” of the students’ hopes and dreams; – before declaring the Washington indicating both added value (a plus) a daily responsibility chart and a Metropolitan area “home.” and excellence (A+). This theme class contract signed by all that they Originally, Mrs. Sweet planned could have been conceived after vis- will respect each other. Some of to be a science major, but for a iting St. Mary’s School in Rockville. this is based upon the Responsive variety of reasons switched to Upon entering the school, the first Classroom curriculum embraced by sociology. She spent much of her classroom is the kindergarten room. St. Mary’s; most of it is the work of time at Western Maryland College Mrs. Kelly Sweet has taught – or an educator who is “most comfort- (now McDaniel College) work- “facilitated,” as she prefers – this able anywhere in a classroom with a ing with disadvantaged children in class for ten years. group of kids.” the Baltimore area. As a result, she The most fun aspect of Mrs. Mrs. Sweet was born in Ft. added a minor in education. She was Sweet’s job is to watch children Wayne, Indiana, but had a somewhat also strongly involved in the theol- wonder. She considers herself one nomadic childhood. Her father, a ogy department. of the tools children need to experi- communications satellite engineer, After her marriage, she and her ence and explore on their own. Her was often transferred. Mrs. Sweet husband Mr. Greg Sweet became classroom certainly reflects that – and her six siblings lived in Rome, heavily involved at St. Mary’s, Mrs. Kelly Sweet and St. Mary’s kindergarteners there are turtles and guinea pigs, New York, Springfield, Virginia and where Mr. Sweet had been a life- long parishioner. With three children under the age of 18 months (daugh- ter Sarah and twins Michael and James; their fourth daughter Maeve was born five years later), they spent a lot of time at the parish, and Mrs. Sweet even became prefect of the Sodality for a while. When it was time to send their brood to school, a Catholic education was their choice—they all attended St. Mary’s and Catholic high schools afterwards. Why? While Mrs. Sweet felt the education in Montgomery County Public Schools was very similar, she felt the experience was different. In a Catholic school there are strong role models – there is never a question of whom to fol- low. The students always know right from wrong. Most important, Catholic schools produce thought- provoking people. Mrs. Sweet became the kinder- garten teacher at St. Mary’s when Maeve, now a sophomore at the Academy of the Holy Cross, was in first grade. So what does the future hold for her? Personally, she and her husband have a few more years to enjoy having Maeve at home, to watch Michael and James graduate from their colleges and to spend time with college grad Sarah. Mrs. Sweet would like the challenge of another mini-triathlon, which she does most summers. Professionally, she plans to continue teaching and watching children wonder (she and Sr. Carol Rigali, St. Mary’s principal, have discussed adding a bunny to the enclosed courtyard) and eventually to complete her master’s degree. As someone who has been a parishioner, mother and teacher, Mrs. Sweet’s favorite aspect about St. Mary’s is the strong commu- nity formed by the parents, students, teachers and parish. As a teacher, her favorite aspect is her co-workers. “Everyone is driven to be the best and to form the best educational team for the kids.” This sentiment is echoed by Sr. Carol: “St. Mary’s is very blessed to have such a commu- nity of dedicated teachers and staff.” A+ indeed. OPT

It pays to advertise in Our Parish Times St. Mary Our Parish Times January 2011 11

St. Mary’s Parishioners Provide St. Mary’s Sodality News At Christmastime, local homeless shel- Support for Those in Need ters give ladies of St. Mary’s Sodality names and ages of children staying with them. Here, the ladies filled 76 during 2010 Holiday Season large stocking with toys and tooth- brushes. All new! t. Mary’s parishioners Giving Tree program, and reached out to community ensured that parishioners could By Barbara Williams S again during the 2010 hol- select from hundreds of orna- n December, the St. Mary’s iday season, holding a variety of ments to provide gifts to area Sodality filled over 80 Christmas donation drives. organizations. They includ- I stockings filled with toys and “Monsignor Amey provided ed: Little Sisters of the Poor, gifts for children in area home- his full support for us to do Stepping Stones Shelter, SOME, less shelters. The stockings were everything we could to help Blankets for Veterans, and other delivered to Avery House, Stepping those in need as we approached worthy organizations. Stones, Helping Hands, and the Thanksgiving and Christmas, In December, Anne Biggins National Center for Children & and our parish responded gener- coordinated the first Fair Trade Families the week before Christmas. ously,” said Christopher Kelly, Sale, as parishioners purchased The Sodality thanks so much all social concerns coordinator. over $2,200 in goods created by those who donated items for these “We had a superb foundation disadvantaged artisans from 22 children. in place thanks to the program countries. Thanks to Anne for The first Sodality meeting of 2011 that Mrs. Patty Breen built over this successful event! was held on New Years’ Day, begin- the last six years.” In addition, The Alternative Christmas ning with the Rosary, Mass, and the [email protected] a special “thank-you” to Sister Catalogue returned again this First Saturday devotion. Father David Carol Rigali, St. Mary’s School year. The catalogue afforded Wathen, Director of the Franciscan principal, for her unwavering parishioners the opportunity to Monastery Pilgrimage Office joined support during the holiday sea- make donations to area organi- us and spoke on “Enthroning your son. zations in honor of a loved one home to the Sacred Heart of Jesus St. Mary’s parishioners start- or friend. A special thank-you to and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.” ed the season in November, Anne Ledger for her many years Father Walthen also blessed articles donating to The Gabriel Project coordinating this program. that Sodality members brought from through the highly-successful Due to the St. Mary’s Adopt- home. Baby Bottle Drive. Thanks to A-Family Program, many needy The next Sodality meeting is on Lisa Gannon for overseeing the families in the Rockville area Saturday, February 5, in St. Mary’s campaign. received support in the form of Chapel at 8:30 for Rosary, 9:00 Shortly thereafter Anne and food, toys, clothing, emergency Mass, and first Saturday devotion. Pat Ledger oversaw the efforts heating, shelter and financial The topic of this meeting will be of St. Mary’s Boy Scouts as they assistance. “Healing your heart to grow in held their annual winter clothing The Social Concerns Love.” All are welcome. drive—and delivered a truck- Committee is especially grateful OPT load of clothing to the Interfaith to Mrs. Rose Mary Mazzagila, Clothing Center. who serves on Monsignor Next, St. Mary’s ran a special Amey’s staff. Rose Mary Be who you are and be it well. Thanksgiving Food Drive and worked tirelessly in the fall and -St. Francis de Sales donated hundreds of pounds of contacted numerous community non-perishable goods -- enough organizations on our behalf. to create over 70 complete holi- Thanks to the generosity of day baskets for local families. St. Mary, many in the Rockville Thanks go to Karen Gilroy area had a wonderful holiday who coordinated the Advent season. OPT It’s that time of year again!!!

By Chris Coppula February 24! Visit our website for easy registration! www.stmary- ome join us for an evening in schoolrockville.org and follow the Old World Venice for the St. links to the Gala, or contact the C Mary’s 18th Annual Auction Gala Chairperson, Sara Antonucci, and Awards Gala, “Carnevale di at (301) 762-4179 or at saranooch@ Venezi.” The event takes place on yahoo.com. February 26, 2011 at 6:30pm at the See you there!!! OPT school. St. Mary’s will be trans- formed into the Venice of Vivaldi and Casanova. Stroll the canals, St. Mary’s Parish enjoy some wine and treat yourself 520 Veirs Mill Road to an evening in Europe -- right here Rockville, MD in Rockville. And why not treat yourself to some shopping as well? Place bids on Msgr. Robert Amey, some remarkable items such as trips Pastor to Charleston, Chicago, Memphis, 301-424-5550 A Catholic high school committed and Orlando; tickets to local sport- ing events; dinners; golf packages St. Mary’s School to academic excellence, and much, much more. Sr Carol Rigali, O.S.F., Dinner, dancing and the chance Principal Educating women of faith, to win fabulous prizes can all be 301-762-4179 yours for the price of $80.00 per vision, and purpose since 1799 person (price includes dinner and Brigit Sullivan, open bar), with all proceeds benefit- Parish Editor ing St. Mary’s. Tickets may be purchased through 301-762-0315 1524 Thirty-fifth Street, NW • Washington, DC 20007 • 202-337-3350 • www.visi.org More St. Mary News on page 35 12 January 2011 Our Parish Times St. Bartholomew

Msgr. Beattie Hosts Dinner for Volunteers at St. Bartholomew Parish On Sunday, December 5, more than 200 St. Bartholomew parishioners, staff, and friends gathered to honor St. Bart’s many, many volunteers. The dinner featured fellowship, songs, and great Italian food. Volunteers at St. Bart’s contribute their time and talents to the church, the school, the Hispanic community, the CYO, and many other ministries and organizations within the parish. Msgr. James Beattie thanked the assembled volunteers and told them that “all the things we do here could not be done without you.”

Christmas and Children Go Together at St. Bartholomew Parish Christmastime at St. Bart’s was highlighted by the Christmas Eve Children’s Mass, featuring angels, shepherds, don- St. Bart’s Choral Concert Benefits Mt. Carmel House keys and Msgr. Beattie’s annual On Saturday, December 11, the St. Bartholomew Parish choir presented Handel’s Messiah as a benefit for Christmas homily the Mount Carmel House Transitional Shelter Program for Homeless Women. This annual event, which for the children has become a lovely parish Christmastime tradition at St. Bart’s, featured Carole J. Wysocki, conductor; of the Parish. Jeanne Hisle, soprano; Carol Rollie Flynn, mezzo-soprano; Vin Kelly, tenor; John Martino, baritone; Daniel Villar, baritone; Frank Conlon, organ; a string ensemble with trumpet; and St. Bartholomew Choir.

St. Bart’s Honors Msgr. John Brady for 55 Years of Service Msgr. John Brady is presented with a cake as St. Bartholomew Parish honors him for 55 years of service as a priest. Msgr. Brady is a “retired” priest who lives with his family locally, but can often be found saying Mass and performing other duties at St. Bartholomew Parish. He is also well- known for his work with the Boy Scouts. Msgr. Brady, who is perhaps the ultimate “volunteer” at St. Bart’s, was honored at the annual Parish Volunteer Dinner on December 5. Msgr. James Beattie, pastor of St. Bart’s, read a letter of congratulations Hispanic Community at St. Bartholomew Hosts Christmas “Pastorela” to Msgr. Brady from Cardinal Wuerl and commented, “He is a dedicated Priest who In an annual Christmastime tradition at St. Bartholomew Parish, the Hispanic community performed is always ready to help us when we call on a Pastorela, or shepherds’ play, on December 12 in the church. In the Pastorela the shepherds him. He’s a blessing to our Parish.” travel to the stable in Bethlehem as directed by the angels, while the Devil tries to stop them. Photo by Joann St. Bartholomew School – Catholic Schools Week

very year, St. Bartholomew they love their Catholic School. Week/Honors Mass to celebrate all School celebrates Catholic Sunday, January 31 students will of the accomplishments of the 2nd E Schools Week in several ways. be reading thank you notes to the quarter and also to celebrate our The halls are decorated with writ- parishioners at Masses. Hand writ- Catholic School. The mass will be ings by the children explaining why ten thank you notes will be placed in followed by a Family Lunch where each bulletin so that the parishioners parents can join their children for a will be able to take them home. special lunch. This is a very special Children will also wear their uni- event that parents always look for- St. Bartholomew Parish form to mass. ward to attending. 6900 River Road Monday, we will have a religion Thursday is Teacher appreciation Bethesda, MD 20816 bee. day, where teachers will be treated Tuesday, we will have Student to lunch and fun surprises during Rev. Msgr. James T. Beattie Appreciation day, where students the day. Pastor who wore their uniforms to masses Friday, February 4, there will be 301-229-7933 over the weekend are awarded with an Open House and Registration for free dress. Also, the whole school Prospective Parents from 9:30-11:30 St. Bartholomew School will have no homework. a.m. There are only a few spaces Kathleen Miller Wednesday, February 2, St. available for the school year 2011-12 301-229-5586 Bartholomew School will hold an so please register as soon as pos- It pays to advertise in Open House for current parents. sible. It’s a wonderful week that Frank Maguire, OPT Editor Parents will be welcome to visit the entire community celebrates the the classrooms in the morning and Good News of Catholic Education. Our Parish Times 202-512-8226 attend a special Catholic Schools OPT St. Francis of Assisi Our Parish Times January 2011 13 Homeschooling – An Option for Catholic Education

By Mary Dixon search for friends to accompany off’ in September with a family Catholic homeschoolers, active us on this journey and to share the mass & cookout celebrating the in their local parishes and commu- here is a vibrant commu- planning of field trips, enrichment Blessed Mother’s Birthday. There nity, are focused on the formation nity of Catholic home educa- activities, and academic classes are opportunities throughout the of the Catholic faith in their family. T tors in the Archdiocese of became so much more. A support year to participate in high school While following state regulations, Washington! Are you considering network, family activities, first graduations, American Heritage families have the freedom to teach this option for your family? Ask Friday masses and socials, and Girls & Blue Knights clubs, aca- academics in a variety of ways and your pastor, neighbors, parishio- father-daughter dances are now demic tutoring classes, sports, at the pace appropriate to the child. ners, and friends; they probably regular occurrences. family camping trips, and parents’ Some families ‘school at home’, know someone who educates their The local Traditions of Roman nights out. Cooperative classes, others choose educational opportu- children at home. Catholic Homes (TORCH) chapter field trips, playground activities, nities outside of the home, and still Catholic home education has in Montgomery County is one net- drama and dance classes, and daily others ‘unschool’. A local network increased significantly since our work where families can learn more mass can be regularly occurring of faithful families can help suppo family began homeschooling fif- With Bishop Knestout are Perla Loh about local homeschool activities. in the life of a homeschooling and Medy de Ausen. teen years ago. What began as a The TORCH school year ‘kicks- family. OPT The Annual Flu Why St. Jude Regional Catholic School? Shot Clinic By Donna Zezzo

he annual flu shot clinic was held at St. Francis on Saturday, T October 30. In addition to offering Flu Shots, Glaucoma Testing and Blood Pressure Screening were also available. The Clinic is offered yearly to all parishioners. This event is organized by the St. Francis Health Ministry Committee and spearhead- ed by Perla Loh. The clinic had a surprise visit from Bishop Barry Knestout who happened to be in the neighborhood! OPT

St. Francis Waiting for St. Francis bus to take them to St. St. Francis Bus has provided transportation for 10+ First Day of Seventh Grade for Deiai Launi, Megan Jude are: Caroline Currier, Kelly Foster, Christina years to some of St. Jude students who live in the Lynch, and Giana D’Avella of Assisi Parish DeShayes, Tori Yeakle and Christina Carroll Derwood, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Damascus, and 6701 Muncaster Mill Road Laytonsville areas in Me. It is very exciting and will Derwood, MD By Patty and Bill Lynch make St. Jude different from other of learners. But what we are most We have been blessed by the many schools in the area. Open House at Rev. David W. Beaubien e are parishioners of St. proud of is that St. Jude has also relationships we have made at St. St. Jude will be Tuesday, February 1 Pastor Francis of Assisi and decid- taught our girls the value of respect, Jude, and will continue to have after from 6:30 – 8:00 pm and Wednesday, 301-840-1407 W ed 11 years ago to send our responsibility, honesty and to love our children graduate. February 2 from 9:00 – 11:30 am. I girls to St. Jude Regional Catholic others as Jesus did. This year St. Jude began a encourage any family to visit and Rafael & Maureen Pagán School. Our oldest, Katie graduated The entire family has made won- Leadership Program for the school. meet the St. Jude family. There you OPT Co-Editors from St. Jude last year, and now derful friendships at St. Jude. It is The ideas for this is modeled off of will feel the peace of God and the attends The Academy of the Holy truly a community of caring and giv- the teaching of Stephen R. Covey, 240-372-1574 th warmth of children and teachers. Cross. Megan is in 7 grade and ing people. The school has a tremen- who wrote The 7 Habits and Leader [email protected] Catch our spirit! OPT enjoys literature, religion and her dous amount of friends. Like St. Francis, we feel “at parent involve- home” at St. Jude Regional Catholic ment that fos- School. ters a close-knit Trust the NALLSNALLS with your real estate needs Why did we choose St. Jude? community. We St. Jude has been teaching children spend time with from Start to Finish. since 1956 and has a wonderful tra- other families dition of delivering academic excel- at CYO games, lence within a Catholic community. our hot lunch St. Jude has offered our girls the program, fund- opportunity to learn math, vocabu- raisers, science lary, Spanish, science, art, etc. from fairs, church, outstanding teachers. St. Jude not the school park- only offers strong academics, but a ing lot and each nurturing environment for all types other’s homes. TOM JOHN NALLS NALLS Realtor Attorney at Law Catholic Schools Week 301-237-5170 202-686-0100

n Sunday, January 30, Father David invited parish- Georgetown Gonzaga College ioners who attend Catholic Schools to attend the Preparatory School High School Class of 1978 JOSEPH NALLS Class of 1982 O 11:15 a.m. Mass. Encouraged to wear their uni- Loan Officer forms, this marked the beginning of Catholic Schools (O)240-497-1700 Week for St. Francis, recognizing the importance of the 301-529-8611 continued success of our Catholic Schools. Gonzaga College The right and duty of parents to give education is High School essential, since it is connected with the transmission Class of 1983 of human life; it is original and primary with regard to the education role of others...it is irreplaceable and Tom will Joseph will John will inalienable, and therefore incapable of being entirely delegated to others or usurped by others. Familiaris Find your new home... Finance it... Settle it. Consortio, Pope John Paul II OPT 14 January 2011 Our Parish Times St. John the Evangelist

Meet SJE’s Newest Teacher: Catholic Schools Week Kickoff Honors Mrs. Jessica Love Grandparents and Parish Seniors

By Delaney Muldoon and Patrick t. John the Evangelist kicks dren look forward to celebrating day. Perhaps the kids’ favorite day Newkumet, SJE 8th graders off its annual Catholic Catholic Schools Week and this is the school spirit day/pep rally. S Schools Week festivities year is no exception. It will be a All grades assemble in the gym rs. Jessica Love is the new with a special celebration of litur- week chock full of themed activi- to complete odd numbered grades Physical Education teacher gy followed by a brunch to honor ties that the children embrace with versus even numbered grades M at St. John the Evangelist student’s grandparents and par- gusto! The children will partici- in wildly silly and competitive School. In addition to living just ish seniors on January 30, 2011. pate in a book fair, read-thon, games. a few blocks from school, she has The theme of this year’s Catholic dance-a-thon, pajama day, sports The week comes to an end on three children, one of whom is cur- Schools Week, “A+ for America day and career day (the 8th graders Friday, February 4 with a closing rently enrolled at SJE in the Junior Catholic Schools,” reminds us that get to teach one period). They will liturgy followed by a teacher/staff Kindergarten program. Catholic Schools are an added be served a complimentary riga- appreciation luncheon hosted by value for our nation, making a toni luncheon by their teachers on school families. Thanks to all our Q: Where are you from? positive contribution to our soci- student appreciation day and come volunteers who make this week so A: I am from Columbia, ety. decked out in outlandish get-ups much fun. Maryland. Each year, our SJE school chil- for their beloved wacky-tacky OPT

Q: What high school and college did you attend? A: I went to Long Reach High Mrs. Love with SJE third graders (L School and for college I went to R) Alex Goutier, Ryann Cuddy and Four Scouts Earn Rank of Eagle Scout to Towson University. Mikias Bayeh By Kate Campion and Kate Droege Q: What sports did you participate Q: What was your major in col- oy Scout Troop 466 is proud in during college and high lege and have you always to announce that four of its school? wanted to be a P.E. teacher? scouts have earned the rank A: I played field hockey and A: My major was elementary B of Eagle Scout: Stefan Weston and lacrosse in high school but I education. I started to have Dominic Campion, both graduates of only played field hockey in thoughts about being a P.E. SJE School, Khagi Adhikarimayum, college at Towson. I started teacher in college. I have currently a student at Reed College field hockey my sophomore always wanted to be a coach in Portland, Oregon and Ian Cowhig, year in high school. though. a senior at Winston Churchill High School. Q: What has been your favorite Q: What activities will you add to Less than two percent of all Boy SJE memory so far? our usual P.E. routine here at Scouts ever achieve this rank. Boys A: I love the community, how SJE? must complete 100 hour service close all the families are, and I A: Well, I added field hockey and projects that benefit the community, LOVE working with the IHM plan to add more new sports an organization, or a church, other Sisters. like lacrosse. Also, I want to than the Boy Scouts of America. add a couple of health lessons. I already introduced how to Stefan Weston: Glenwood Scoutmaster Joseph Barone congratulates Eagle Scout Stefan Weston (on right) St. John the Evangelist find your pulse. Recreational Club, Silver Parish Q: What is your favorite move Spring, MD down. chips, tore out disintegrating boards 10103 Georgia Ave. and do your kids like you as a Stefan, a sophomore at Gonzaga Says Stefan,“During the process on the jungle gym and replenished Silver Spring, MD teacher? High School, earned his Eagle Scout of working on my Eagle Project, I the sandbox with clean sand. 301-681-7663 A: My favorite movie is Up and rank on October 15, 2010. His proj- learned a lot about myself and about According to Dominic, “The best Rev. Msgr. John R. Pennington my kids love having me as ect involved painting, washing and what it takes to go through a large part of the project was all the help Pastor their P.E. teacher. building at this neighborhood pool. project from beginning to end. I I received from friends, family and Stefan’s team enlarged French drains believe the most important lesson everyone in the troop. Certainly, St. John the Evangelist School Q: What is the one thing that around the pool deck in order to pre- that I learned was about prioritizing one challenge that stands out is the Sr. Kathleen Lannak, I.H.M., people don’t know about you? vent flooding and provide proper and time management.” difficulty I encountered in securing Principal A: Most people don’t know I have drainage. They repainted both exte- proper funding for the project.” 301-681-7656 Dominic Campion: Christian an identical twin sister. Also, I rior and interior walls of the pool’s Khagi Adhikarimayum – am very excited to be here. Family Montessori School Kate Droege, OPT Editor pump house, snack bar, guard house, Woodend Nature Sanctuary, manager’s office and two bathrooms. Playground, Mt. Ranier, MD [email protected] OPT Chevy Chase, MD The group also power washed and On December 10, 2010, Dominic, stained shingles. These jobs helped a senior at Gonzaga College High Khagi repaired a flagstone path- to improve the pool’s overall appear- School, earned his Eagle Scout rank way and improved the altar area in Inspiring Hearts & Minds ance. They provided the community by helping to fix up a playground the sylvan setting of the Audubon with a properly maintained facility, at the Christian Family Montessori Naturalist Society where many wed- which helps to keep operating costs School. One Saturday in June, he and dings are held. Khagi found that the OPEN HOUSE at a minimum and membership dues Jan. 27, 2011 8:30–11:30 am his team helped spread new wood- experience of securing materials and organizing workers “taught me how Inclement weather date to organize my life better.” It helped Feb. 24, 2011 8:30–11:30 am him better understand the logistics of a project and how to assume lead- Preschool for 3-year olds ership as project manager. He joins his older brother, Tonku, who is also Optional full-day program an Eagle Scout. for 4-year olds Ian Cowhig – Claude Moore Full-day Kindergarten Colonial Farm, McLean, VA Before/after school care Ian attends Winston Churchill High School and will graduate this spring. Ian worked at Claude Moore, Msgr. John Pennington, Pastor • Sr. Kathleen Lannak, IHM, Principal which captures a working farm circa 1771, to replace deteriorating bench- St. John the Evangelist es. He helped build and paint period piece benches which were meant to 10201 Woodland Drive • Silver Spring, MD resemble 18th Century hand-hewn 301.681.7656 www.sjte.org L to R: Dominic Campion, Khagi Adhikarimayum and Stefan Weston at Khagi’s benches. Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony OPT St. Raphael Our Parish Times January 2011 15

St. Raphael’s Parish IT’S GOOD 1513 Dunster Road St. Raphael’s Annual Rockville, MD NEWS! Christmas Luncheon Rev. James Meyers, Pastor ... AND GOOD FOR 301-762-2143 YOUR BUSINESS n Dec.14 the residents of Annalee Moyer, Advertise in Our several DC area shelters Parish Times O attended a Christmas lun- Parish Editor CALL (301) 706-9684 cheon and Mass at St.Raphael. 240-864-2519 For 15 years St.Raphael’s Catholic Church has hosted St Raphael’s homeless shelter residents for their annual Christmas party. It Inaugural Gala…A St. Raphael School: was a wonderful event enjoyed Night at the Oscars! by the residents, parishioners Groundbreaking and students. This year over 100 Ted Tate (on the left) and Eric ur growing elementary school guests attended the luncheon. Schmader slice the apple pie for provides area children with In More Ways Than One The St. Raphael School stu- dessert at the annual St. Raphael O an engaging and inspiring Elementary School dents served each of the guests Christmas luncheon. academic program infused with a feast of ham, turkey, stuffing, ● Grades K-6 strong Christian morals and virtues. ● mashed potatoes, vegetables and apple pie. There were Christmas And growing it is! We are grow- New state-of-art building: ● songs by the piano ing by one grade per year through science lab, art room, media lab, and all the guests Grade 8. On March 12, 2011, St. ● music room, classrooms with joined in with sing- Raphael’s will proudly host its inau- ● Promethean boards and ing and made lots gural gala “A Night at the Oscars” ● document cameras for of song requests. In to benefit St. Raphael School (SRS). ● interactive learning addition to serving Our gala proceeds will help fund ● th Small-group instruction the guests, the 4 and the St Raphael Educational Building ● th Diff erentiated learning 5 graders and St. Fund. The building is part of the ● th Cross-curricular studies Elizabeth School 8 new Parish facility (see below draw- graders sang favor- ing) for the benefit of the entire Nursery School ite carols. The guests St. Raphael community and our ● receive a special gift 3’s, 4’s, 4-Plus Volunteers prepare lunch for the guests. neighbors. This new building will ● of a back pack with Half or full day house the new Parish library and ● St. Raphael School, while provid- Before/after care ● Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl and St. Raphael ing more meeting space for local Enrichment classes students at groundbreaking last April. New organizations and charities as well ● Since 1969 building scheduled to open in March. as more classrooms to foster our Accepting applications for 2011-2012 religious education efforts. Roll out the red carpet for our star studded St Call for a tour: 301-762-2143 Raphael community! OPT 1513 Dunster Road, Rockville, MD 20854 ● www.straphaels.org Ginger Wolf and her granddaugh- St. Raphael school 5th grade stu- dents sang carols at the luncheon. ter Jamie Browning. We’ve invested 1,500 years a hat, socks, soaps, lotions, shampoo, candy and a picture in your son’s future. of the Last Supper. Old Anglers Inn, Normandie Farms and several Potomac residents helped with the cost of the Guests enjoy a sing-a-long to Jingle Bell Rock. luncheon.

Photos by Colleen Heal OPT

Respect for Life Committee Sponsors Fundraising Bazaar A Celebrate Life Bazaar will be held on Super Bowl Weekend, February 6th at St. Raphael Catholic Church between 8 am and 2:30 pm in the Trumpet Room on church grounds located at 1513 Dunster Road, Rockville, MD. The proceeds will be awarded to a life affirming organization to be determined by the Respect for Life Committee in mid-January. Over 100 items will be for sale, silent auction or raffle. There’s something for everyone! Come and admire the creativity of individuals devoted to pre- serving the sanctity of life. Purchase a gift and support a very good cause! Bereavement Group When a person important to you dies, family and friends must deal with a wide variety of emotions including sadness, fear, stress, loneliness and Winter Open House: Sunday, January 30, 1 - 3 p.m. guilt. Although these feelings are natural responses to death, they can be Take the 1,500-year-old Benedictine traditions of education and faith. devastating and overwhelming at times. Death and loss have changed your Combine that with St. Anselm’s 68-year history as one of the area’s leading own life journey. schools for academically gifted young men. What you get is a foundation for Living With Loss is a seven week program that will offer personal sup- lifelong learning grounded in the best of the classical liberal arts tradition. port, practical ideas and a spiritual perspective to help you move through the bereavement process. Open to all 18 and older, no fee, just a commitment New in 2010-2011: Morning Shuttle Bus from Bethesda via Chevy Chase to attend. Pre-Registration Required Spring Session starts February 16, 2011 7:30 pm Roman Catholic School for Young Men, Grades 6-12 • Washington, DC • Brookland/CUA Metro at Saint Raphael Catholic Church 202-269-2379 • www.saintanselms.org • [email protected] To Register: Call Ursula Boesch at 301.762.7134 OPT 16 January 2011 Our Parish Times St. Michael

Children’s Fundraising St. Michael School Student Wins Essay Contest atine Macauley, a seventh Initiative at St. Michael’s grade student at St. Michael N School, has won First Place By Diana Hellinger it throughout the year. Between in Veterans of the Foreign Wars December 10 and 17, students col- (VFW) Post 9862 Patriot’s Pen n December 10, Cristian lected $500. An 8th Grader contrib- Contest. On December 10th, Mora, the Student Council uted his entire large penny jar; kin- she was presented a certificate President of St. Michael the O dergartners poured their piggybank and $200 cash award by the Post Archangel Catholic School, asked contents into a coffee can; beauti- Commander, T. C. Williams. Her to speak in front of his 7th Grade fully designed collection canisters winning essay addressed the topic Homeroom and said, “We should were created by the 3rd and 4th of: “Does Patriotism Still Matter.” start a school-wide fundraising drive Grade teachers. All members of the parish and for St. Michael beginning today. Our students have shown that school community congratulate How about it?” Immediately, stu- they have big hearts. Every class Natine on her exceptional accom- dents emptied their pockets, asked from Kindgertarten through 8th is plishment. Good job! their teacher for a jar, and filled it behind this effort. The generosity The Patriot’s Pen program is Seventh Grader Natine Macauley proudly displays her award with VFW up quickly. of students is overwhelming. A giv- sponsored by the national VFW Post 9862 Commander T.C. Williams (left) and St. Michael’s Language Arts Student Council Officers then ing tree was drawn on a 7th Grade and is open to students in grades teacher Mrs. Diana Hellinger (right). went to each homeroom and asked white board and there are over 100 6-8 who are enrolled in a pub- teachers if they could let their stu- leaves bearing students’ names. lic, private or parochial school of the assigned theme, clarity of will be: “Are You Proud of Your dents know about this new initia- Many students give multiple times a or home study program in the ideas, and theme development. Country?” tive and that they intend to conduct week! From January 3 through 14, United States and its territories. Essays are all between 300 and OPT students have contributed another Scoring is based on knowledge 400 words. The 2011-2012 theme More St. Michael $500. That’s $1000 in a month’s News on page 35 time. Middle Schoolers have cre- ated a giving list by category of St. Michael’s Parish major donors: Saints, Angels and An A+ Educator – In the Spotlight for Catholic Schools Week! Archangels, Patrons, Friends. Some 805 Wayne Avenue of the Saints are Marley Reyna, he theme for Catholic Schools Erika’s students were filled with Silver Spring, MD Dennis Andia, Derrick McNeely, Week 2011 celebrates the fact love and praise. “She teaches us Rev. Msgr. Eddie Tolentino, and Stedman Cook. Students chal- T that Catholic schools are an reading, math, and handwriting,” Pastor lenge each other to give from the added value (“a plus”) for the nation. said Ayanna Bazile. “She likes heart to the school they love. Because of their traditionally high to read to the class and everyone 301-589-1155 It gives us hope that in this day academic standards and high gradu- loves her.” Andres Amaya added, St. Michael’s School and age of where so many write ation rates, all supported by strong “She made me a better student and Charles Eames, Principal about children’s self-absorption and moral values, Catholic schools and she is happy when we earn stars.” 301-585-6873 indulgences, there is this community their graduates make a positive con- Kakidam Kebede proudly boasts, of students at St. Michael that puts tribution to American society. “She taught me the ABC’s and now Joanie Heavey, OPT Editor the needs of its school first. March At St. Michael School, Ms. Erika I can read lots of books!” 301-5891155 ext. 21 on St. Michael’s! OPT Weaver’s Kindergarten students are And if teaching Kindergartners offered a chal- Ms. Erika Weaver isn’t exacting enough, Ms. Weaver lenging start to also sponsors the Middle School’s their academic Drama Club. She is equally success- ing, counting, solving mathematic journey, where ful commanding the respect and get- St. Michael the Archangel School equations, and, of course, praying. expectations are ting results from the older students Children’s artwork adorns the class- high and chil- as she is with our youngest ones. CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK room walls with the caption “I am a dren strive to St. Michael School is blessed st th reflection of God.” By January of January 31 – February 4 , 2011 succeed. Her to have Ms. Erika Weaver as part each year, her students serve as read- classroom is of its educational team and her ers at school masses—proclaiming The theme for Catholic Schools Week 2011 celebrates the fact alive with chil- Kindergarteners are fortunate to the Word of God to the student body dren practicing receive such an excellent academic that Catholic schools are an added value (“a plus”) for the nation. with skill and reverence. phonics, read- foundation! Because of their traditionally high academic standards and high When asked about their teacher, OPT graduation rates, all supported by strong moral values, Catholic schools and their graduates make a positive contribution to American society. Throughout the week, students will be working on creating posters and writing essays to reflect the theme. Older students will research and report on Saints who were influential in creating St Michael the Archangel School News the American Catholic School System. Talent Show – St. Michaels Got Talent There will fun activities, games and dancing. The cost is $3 per student. St. Michael Parish Monday, January 31 — In Our Community You may watch Williamsburg Room. 9:00 a.m. Prayer Service • Kick off school-wide community service the TV show project: Collecting “Gently Loved” stuffed animals for children in crisis America’s Got St. Michael’s Coat/Winter Drive Talent and other situations • Prayer Chain Activity: Students will create a red, white, and The St. Michael’s blue prayer chain of intentions reality shows, but we invite you to family began a coat/winter drive Tuesday, February 1: — In Our School come to the Talent Show-St. Michaels’ on November 15 OPEN HOUSE – 8:30-11:30 a.m. Got Talent featur- through December 3. We were able Wednesday, February 2: – In Our Teachers ing students from K through 8th Grade on Friday, February 4, to make one Teacher Appreciation Day activities 2011 at 7:00 pm. Come enjoy poetry, dance, donation before and singing. There is a $5 donation per fam- Thanksgiving and one at the end of the drive. Thursday, February 3: – In Our Students The donation was made to the Montgomery Student Appreciation Day activities • 1:00 Science Fair ily. St. Michael’s Got Talent will be held in the Williamsburg Room of St. Michael Parish County Child Welfare Services, Foster Care Church. Unit. Overall we collected: Boys: 19 coats, Friday, February 4: – In Our Parents 13 hats, 2 scarves and 6 gloves; Girls: 20 Parent Appreciation Day activities • School Assembly: Winning Essays coats, 14 hats, 7 scarves and 22 gloves. will be read by students; Presentation of academic awards; Alumni We would like to thank our chair, Melinda speaker will address the students on how the lessons learned at St. Bridges. Special thanks to all the families Michael School shaped her life and how she is impacting others who donated. It truly was a giving season for St. Michael. If you would like to make Talent Show – 7:00 p.m. in the Williamsburg Room Prince & Princess Dance a donation to St. Michael, please contact the Join the K-4th graders on Saturday, Principal, Mrs. Fran Scango, at 824 Wayne February 12, 2011 from 6:00pm-9:00pm at Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910 or 805 Wayne Avenue, Silver Spring (301) 589-1155 (301) 585-6873. the St. Michael’s Parish-Williamsburg Room. OPT St. Peter Our Parish Times January 2011 17

St. Peter’s Students Raise Awareness Catholic Schools Week – 2011

ach year St. Peter’s School guides for visitors during our open about the Issue of Homelessness joins with schools from house. E across the country to cele- Wednesday, February 2, 2011: n November St. Peter’s students brate our unique Catholic identity Acknowledging Our Priests and participated in a mini walkath- during Catholic Schools Week. Parish Ministries I on to support the Fannie Mae Our committee is already hard n Students will attend 8:30am Foundation’s Help The Homeless at work preparing for this event. Mass, Feast of St. Blaise. Walkathon. November 2 was cho- Below is an outline of activi- n 2pm Assembly to honor hard sen as the walk day and students ties that will take place during work and sacrifice of heads of raised money for the Shepherd’s Catholic Schools Week 2011. parish departments. Table organization by paying $1 Saturday/Sunday, Jan. 29-30, to dress casually for the walk. To Thursday, February 3, 2011: 2011: Acknowledging Our make the day extra-special, the event Acknowledging Our Volunteers Parish Community was designated as a buddy activity– n 1:30pm Volunteer n Representatives from St. older students paired up with their Appreciation Tea. All our parents Peter’s Student Council will speak younger buddies for the walk. Mr. are invited to attend this formal at each Mass, thanking the parish Haile Gebregziabher, administrative event. Samples of student artwork for supporting our school. office manager for Shepherd’s Table, decorate the tables in the form of n Representatives from Student and Sr. Anne Marean, a regular vol- vases for the flowers and small Council will be stationed at each unteer, visited the students before tokens for souvenir gifts. While exit at the end of Mass to distrib- the walk and spoke with them about St. Peter's studets particpate in Fannie Mae's Help the Homeless Walkathon enjoying a variety of savory and ute a thank-you card/gift to the the issue of homelessness and the sweet treats, guests are provided parishioners. related issue of hunger. lecting sample-sized toiletries, and exercises. Finally everyone was with entertainment by different Mr. Haile and Sr. Anne shared donating pairs of clean white socks ready to go - older students took their Monday, January 31, student groups. Spanish and Music stories about clients who come to for the clients at Shepherd’s Table. younger buddies in hand and left the 2011: Acknowledging Our classes perform; students’ provide Shepherd’s Table for their only meal Students promised they would help. building to begin the walk around Community a demonstration of their ballroom of the day; those who come in to Fifth grade students made sandwich- the school and parish grounds. The n Tag Day for students. Cost dance skills, and members of the take a shower once a week because es in December. Student Council fall day was sunny and brisk; the will be a donation for sandwich- cast of “Annie Get Your Gun”, they have no home; those who need is sponsoring a sock collection in students enjoyed the crisp air and making for Shepherd’s Table or a our spring musical, give guests a donations of warm clothes because March. Additional projects are being the unexpected break in their school donation of toiletries for kits. sneak peek at one of the musical they sleep on the street. Students planned. routine. As they completed the route n During recess student groups numbers from the show. were visibly moved by the stories of When the talk ended, student coun- and re-entered the building students will come to parish hall to make Friday, February 4, 2011: hardship and suffering. When asked, cil president, Cameron Bohlander, were met by the principal and teach- sandwiches and assemble bag Acknowledging Our Students & Mr. Haile and Sr. Anne explained and vice-president, Tara Shepherd, ers who passed out water bottles and lunches and toiletry kits for dona- Faculty that students could help by mak- led the student body through a brief high-fives! tion to Shepherd’s Table. n The administration serves OPT ing and donating sandwiches, col- series of stretching and warm-up Tuesday, February 1, breakfast for teachers 2011: Open House, 9-11am & n In the afternoon a DJ provides 12:30-2pm music for dancing and fun for stu- n Volunteers from the Home dents with their buddies. Students & School Executive Board and will also spend time packing up Fun-Faith-Fitness Witness the School Advisory Board along donated school supplies to send with Student Council volunteers to Afghanistan for distribution to t Peter’s parishioners rev- will serve as greeters and tour children in that region. OPT eled in participating on the S Archdiocese of Washington’s Run for Vocations team at the Marine Corps Marathon and10K in What was for dinner? Washington, D.C. According to run coordinator and parishioner Carol hen Mrs. Natalicchio’s Flannery, “Team members from fifth grade class was around the archdiocese, inclusive W told they would be of seminarians and priests, met dur- learning that owls were third ing the training season for group level consumers, they had no workouts, Masses and meals, happy idea what was in store for them. hours and holy hours and a race day A third level consumer, they party at Ireland’s Four Courts in found out, has nothing to do Arlington, Va. The mission of Run with buying items at the mall. for Vocations is to build a culture of The definition of this kind of vocations and Church community in consumer refers to someone or Students examine owl pellets in 5th grade a spirit of gratitude and support of something that eats. The fifth our priests and future priests. The graders were going to learn th St Peter’s Run for Vocations team gathers for the Marine Corp Marathon 35 annual Marine Corps Marathon about what owls eat – and they food. By examining the pellet, sci- and 10K hosted 42,000 participants were going to find out in an inter- entists can determine what the owl which provided a huge, fun, high for Vocations and the following com- fundraising is an opportunity to wit- esting way – by examining an owl has eaten. Mrs. Natalicchio’s class interest forum for church witness ments ensued: Susie Weisman con- ness my faith. Run for Vocations pellet. became those scientists. and evangelization.” veyed, “I have run two marathons, isn’t just a good metaphor for my Owls eat their prey whole and In a differentiated instruction les- Some faithful parish team mem- two 10K races and all for vocations. spiritual life, it has become part of the soft material is digested. The son, one group of students used bers shared their thoughts on Run I couldn’t imagine completing a my spiritual life.” Irma Murphy who solid pieces (fur, feather, and bones), the computers and visited a website marathon without the awesome team has race walked one marathon and however, form a pellet in the bird’s where they could look at a vir- support that I received from our two 10Ks for vocations expressed, gizzard. The owl then regurgitates tual owl pellet. They were shown coach, nutritionist and experienced “It was another successful Run for the pellet to make room for new examples of various body parts that St. Peter’s Church team members. Each of the runs has Vocations! Great team get-together could be found inside a pellet, 2900 Sandy Spring Road been more than a run, for I’ve made at Ireland’s Four Courts!” such as animal skulls, pelvic Olney, MD incredible friends and strengthened Team Saint Peter’s and Saint bones, and ribs. At another my relationship with God.” Mike Peter’s School team up to sponsor station, the children examined Rev. Thomas Kalita, Pastor Vendetti has run four marathons for an annual Run for Vocations Tag a real owl pellet. They sepa- 301-924-3774 vocations to date and relayed, “I Day when students are invited to rated the materials and matched St. Peter’s School thought of St. Paul’s ‘running the dress out of uniform by offering a them up to the pictures of the Mary Elizabeth Whelan, race’ analogy to the spiritual life. I $1 donation to assist our seminarians animal bones of possible owl prey. Once the materials were Principal thought of the autumn breeze as a financially. In addition, the students identified, the students were 301-774-9112 metaphor for the ‘pneuma’ of the pray for vocations and vocation Holy Spirit. Marathon training time objectives are integrated across the able to tell if their owl had Sheila Pfeifer, Parish Editor is very often prayer time. Joining curriculum. Students write creative, eaten a mole, shrew, or mouse. 301-570-5551 The class was fascinated with racers for events leading to the race supportive and prayerful letters to Students use technology to perform a vir- this hands-on, technology- www.stpetersolney.org is Christian fellowship time. Even the seminarians. tual dissection of owl pellets. OPT resourced activity! OPT 18 January 2011 Our Parish Times Mother of God School Building Lifelong Friendships in Pre-K Program at MoG School

By Angelica James & Siena Braun part to our Pre-K Program. There coming to school! They work hard are currently three classrooms for and play hard, too. The children uring a time when Catholic the Pre-K students. This includes actively participate in a variety of schools are facing a decline three and four year olds. The first activities each day which help to D in enrollment Mother of God thing you will notice as you talk to build basic skills and prepare them School is experiencing a steady the children is how much they love for success in the years ahead. increase in enrollment due in a large Along with the regular Pre-K curriculum, our students attend classes such as Religion, Physical Edu- cation, Music, Above, Pre-K Teachers & Aides – Ms. Coffman, Mrs. Krull, Mrs. Braun, Mrs. Art and Library. James, Mrs. Clagett, Mrs. Davy, & Mrs. Codd Religion class is Below, Pre-K sings their hearts out at the Christmas Pageant a favorite time of day when chil- dren are able to sing songs and participate in skits and hands on activities that help them learn Bible stories. There is great emphasis on building good relationships among the stu- dents. The chil- dren are encour- the rest of the student body. Each lenge them enough to experience suc- aged to honor student is assigned a buddy from cess and build self esteem.” each other, and Kindergarten–8th grade and they par- The Pre-K program has added to work out ticipate in many events and activities a lot of joy and life to Mother of conflicts and to together. God School and we look forward see Jesus in one Mrs. Coffman the Pre-K 3 and to growing and helping to shape the another. 4 teacher says, “Some important minds and hearts both spiritually Another as- aspects of our program are helping and academically of these precious pect Pre-K stu- the students to be aware of the choic- little ones. dents greatly es they make throughout the day, by “Let the Little Children come to enjoy is their helping them with communication me...” relationship with skills, conflict resolution, and to chal- Matthew 19:14 OPT Hands-on Learning and Curriculum Integration in the Classroom

By Elise Schafer and Meave Duggan

ince the begin- ning of the school S year Middle School teachers at Mother of God School have been meeting on a regular basis to inte- grate more hands-on learn- Established 2003 ing into the curriculum and encourage the students to acquire and utilize 21st Century skills. Through Joseph’s DNA regular team meetings, the faculty has been able to counter-top project which included a consid- discuss student interests eration of the materials needed and the cost of and abilities and create these materials. unique teaching and learn- Sixth graders are introduced to the idea of ing experiences which inflation and practiced their understanding enhance the curriculum. Continued on page 27 A C A D E M I C MASCULINE CHEERFUL Integration happens Traditional Liberal Arts Program • Advanced Placement (AP) & Honor Courses within a particular subject Boys, Grades 2 through 12 • Small Classes • Advanced Math/Latin area or through collabora- Mother of God School tion with different teachers 20501 Goshen Road Core Curriculum • Interscholastic Sports • Dress Code • Transportation on larger projects. On an individual basis, teachers Gaithersburg, MD 20879 Welcomed to the Open House strive to develop critical- Small School Thurs., Feb. 17 & 24 Fernando Andre Leyva, Ph.D., Archdiocesan family of schools thinking or problem-solv- School President Big Opportunities July 2010 Fri., Mar. 4 & 11 ing skills applicable in the 9:15 - 10:30 a.m. real world. For example, Mary Reinhard, School Principal 301-963-8022 in studying the surface area 301-990-2088 200 W. Diamond Ave., Gaithersburg, MD 20877 of objects and ratios within www.mogschool.com www.avalonschools.org mathematics, the students constructed model book- Kevin Hainsworth, Photographer The Avalon School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin. cases and completed a St. Bernadette Our Parish Times January 2011 19 St. Bernadette Parishioner Recipient of Manifesting the Kingdom Award

t. Bernadette Parish is proud to count as one Immaculate Conception and presented the award of its own, Norma Thomas, recipient of the to 201 “unsung heroes” from the Archdiocese. The S Manifesting the Kingdom Award. On January award is presented for outstanding and dedicated 2, 2011, Feast of the Epiphany, Cardinal Donald service to the local Church. Ms. Thomas, when uerl celebrated Mass at the National Shrine of the asked about the ceremony said that it was “rather overwhelming.” As a 50 year parishioner of St. Bernadette, Ms. Thomas prefers to serve the parish “behind the scenes”. She is the parish sacristan and volunteers Saint Bernadette 8th graders Rose Shelley, Katie Hatcher, Alan Hoang, Thomas in the rectory most days helping with paperwork. Bishop and Noelle Mason enjoy singing Christmas carols with Father Sweeney Sacristan is derived from the Latin sacristanu which and some residents of Grace House in Olney. means custodian of sacred objects. As such, Ms. Thomas tends to the Church linens and vestments, th church furnishings, and liturgical vessels and other St. Bernadette’s 8 Grade Class Christmas things necessary for worship. For a number of years she was a second grade Religious Education teacher Visit to Grace House Assisted Living and she currently coordinates homebound visits, often attending them herself. Ms. Thomas commented that By Meg Deschriver she was extremely grateful for the award but noted St. Bernadette Parish n December 15, 2010, 8th grade that “there are so many that could be recognized,” Recipient of the Manifesting the Kingdom Award, Norma students from St. Bernadette’s 70 University Blvd., East and that she is a “firm believer that every parishio- Thomas pictured with Monsignor K. Bartholomew Smith visited Grace House Assisted ner needs the opportunity to serve, particularly the O Silver Spring, MD (l) and Cardinal Donald Wuerl (r) at the Shrine of the Living, located in Silver Spring, younger generation.” Many thanks and our congratu- Immaculate Conception. Photo by Norma Thomas MD. The students attended Mass Rev. Msgr. K. Bartholomew Smith lations go out to Ms. Thomas! OPT with the residents and then sang Pastor Christmas carols for the residents. Father Sweeney from Our Lady of 301-593-0357 Grace Parish officiated the Mass and St. Bernadette School St. Bernadette Tuesday Club Thriving then Father Sweeney and several he St. Bernadette Tuesday of the residents joined the students Mrs. Wood, Principal Club, a parish ministry for in the singing. It was a wonderful 301-593-5611 T those 55 and older, is alive and experience for all and the young well. Established in 1972, by Mrs. students brought a lot of Christmas Beth Fricke, OPT Editor Doris Poole and Mrs. Rita Lyons joy to the elderly residents at Grace 301-408-1267 (still active members), the Tuesday House. OPT Clubs meets on the first Tuesday of every month and plays a major role in parish life for those out of child- rearing age. St. Bernadette Tuesday Club enjoys monthly birthday celebrations with home- Recent endeavors include, col- made cakes. Left to right: Irena DeCarlantonio, Hilda Giampetroni, Edward lecting $172 at one meeting to Loss, Miriam Pace, Tony Pace, Mary Placanica, Patricia Reynolds, Grace Slavin donate to St. Anne’s Infant and Childrens’ Home, and Upcoming trips for 2011 monthly prayers for the include a Cherry Blossom sick. Every month mem- Cruise on the Odyssey and bers of the club celebrate a trip to the Allenberry birthdays with homemade Playhouse to see Sisters of miniature cakes baked fresh Swing. A “surprise” July by Mrs. Carmen Mendez. trip is scheduled for July. In December they hosted On this annual trip Tuesday their annual tea, which Club members are not was held at the Inn at informed of their destina- Brookeville Farm this year tion; the brave parishioners and drew 71 attendees and just climb on the travel bus their annual Christmas and away they go. Last lunch which drew 94 mem- year, the destination was bers plus guests Monsignor the C&O Canal for a tour K. Bartholomew Smith, Tuesday Club Christmas 7th Annual Christmas Tea; left to and luncheon. We look for- Father Nick Zientarski, and right: Hilda Giampetroni, Tea Founder, Theresa Duggan, ward to a report on this trip and Aline Morin Father Vincent DeRosa. in July. OPT

St. Bernadette Student to Participate in Scripps Regional Spelling Bee hearty congratulation dressed in her bee costume to goes out to 6th grader show support for the contes- A Harrison Hodgkins tants. Father Vincent DeRosa who won the St. Bernadette presided as announcer and school wide spelling bee. began the assembly with an This achievement qualifies apropos Bible verse: In the him to participate in the Beginning was the Word, and Scripps Regional Spelling the Word was with God John Bee which will be held March 1:1. The panel of judges 5, in Bethesda, Maryland. consisted of Cathy Spencer, The mood was quiet and Assistant Superintendent of serious as 36 students, from Curriculum, Archdiocese 3rd through 8th grades par- of Washington; Jack Speer, ticipated in the spelling bee Newscaster with National on Friday, January 14, 2011. Public Radio, and father of Students were encouraged to 7th Grader, Annie Speer; and dress in gold and black and Principal, Mrs. Cheri Wood, dresses as a bee to show Patty Millar, a teacher and Mrs. Cheri Wood, Principal, support for her students. Continued on page 26 20 January 2011 Our Parish Times St. John the Baptist

Adult Faith Formation The Haitian Spirit: Remembrance & Resilience

By L.J. Milone transformation into Christ. Thus, a t. John the John’s faith community whole array of programs at SJB is Baptist Catholic and their sister parish, dult faith formation is essen- aimed at education, prayer, retreats, tial to the vitality of a parish. S Community held St. Pierre in Baraderes, lectures, action, and contemplation. a Prayer Service for Haiti. During the service, A It is not just about educa- Our vision of Adult Faith Haiti on Wednesday, prayers were prayed and tion, it is about forming everyday Formation for St. John’s centers on January 12, 2011 – the sung in Haitian Creole Christians into the image of Christ. the fact that all we are and do as Anniversary of the and English. A special It is about helping parishioners fol- church is a reminder that God has Earthquake in Haiti in feature of the prayer low Jesus into a personal relation- made us to enjoy divine life. We 2010. service was “The Voice ship with God. This is the work of are here to celebrate the wondrous Deacon John Cermak of the Haitian People” the Spirit, one in which adult faith fact that God is in love with us. In led the service and deliv- a series of quotes from formation participates. The goal response to God’s love, Adult Faith ered a homily reflec- Haitians about their of all adult faith formation is not Formation creates space for people tion on readings from experiences during the simply a better-informed Catholic to open wide in prayer – to praise Habakkuk 1:2-3, 3:2-4. Earthquake and the sub- or even one that regularly attends God and to be caught up in the These selections speak sequent year after the Mass. The goal is nothing less than mystery of God – and offers oppor- Prayer Service with Haitian Choir of two different feelings event. The quotes were oneness with God and, through God, tunities for people to develop their the Israelites expressed. woven into the service oneness with all people and all cre- spiritual life, support one another, One asked why God does not as continuing Kyrie with the ation. In short, the end goal of adult and allow their lives to become answer them and the other people’s usual responses (Lord faith formation is the community’s united with God. talks of the Lord answering have mercy...etc.) Our programs include “Living those who are patient. Deacon After the prayer service the Faith,” a weekly Sunday School Cermak explained that, in spite parish Haiti Committee met More St. John the Baptist for adults - an opportunity to deep- of the utter chaos, death, and to plan their annual Medical on page 32 en one’s spiritual life. “Days of destruction that happened last Mission to Baradares and talk Contemplation,” where participants year, many of the Haitian peo- about ways to help their sister are welcome to practice various ple have relied heavily on their parish of St. Pierre. Baraderes prayer forms, participate in group St. John faith in God. They continue has had a large influx of peo- sharing, reflection, and fellowship. the Baptist Parish to have incredible faith and ple who have returned to rela- “Directed Retreats” enables on 12319 New Hampshire Ave. patience in the face of the slow tives from Port au Prince after to make a retreat in the midst of Silver Spring, MD moving aid and the rebuilding the Earthquake, according to daily living. Retreatants pray using of their country. St. Pierre’s pastor, Fr. Yves Rev. Msgr. Francis G. Kazista scripture, reflect upon and journal About 53 people gathered to Gattereau, who visited with their experience, and meet privately Pastor pray to remember those who our parish this past October. with an assigned, trained, spiritual 301-622-1122 died, to celebrate the resilience St. John the Baptist has had a director. Marianne Moore, Principal of the Haitian spirit, to pray long- term relationship of 16 Should you want details on for the continuing needs of the years with their sister parish, St. 301-622-3076 any of our programs, please call Haitian people and celebrate the Pierre. For further information, Mary McDyer, OPT Editor 301-622-1122 or send an email to St. Pierre Parish special relationship between St. visit: www.Baraderes.org OPT 301-312-9949 [email protected]. OPT Volunteers Fill Critical Need at St. georgetown John the Baptist Catholic School By Madison Smith, 7th grade reporter

olunteering is a major part of any school’s success. Recently, PREP V 7th student reporter Madison Georgetown Prep, an independent, Smith, assisted by Ana Clyde, Jesuit college-preparatory school Alexandra Rundlett and Campbell Schmucker, interviewed 30 parent for young men in grades 9-12, volunteers. They discovered volun- is part of a rich tradition of Catholic teers donate their time for many education in America since 1634 and is reasons. Kathy Young, one parent/ volunteer, says, “You get it back, the oldest Jesuit secondary school in the seeing that you’ve made your kid’s country. Prep’s 90-acre campus world a better place.” Dan Errigo, Mind an SJB dad, said he felt an obliga- features state-of-the-art academic, tion to give back to his community. athletic and student centers, small classes Volunteering is an easy and enjoy- and a rigorous curriculum that has helped able way to practice our Christian call to serve. graduates earn admission to the world’s There are a variety of ways to Parent Guides Cooking Class best colleges and universities . help. During the regular school day, volunteers assist with many classes we served 800 guests. Parents serve and activities. They coordinate the For information about Georgetown Prep, on school boards, as school liaisons Body Creative Writing Contest, Scholastic to the parish, in athletic programs go to www.gprep.org/admissions. Book Fair and Field Trip Calendar. and as scout leaders. Volunteer time Anyone can volunteer, includ- commitment varies from a weekly, ing grandparents and older alumni regular assignment to a one-time siblings. Families often volunteer effort after an activity. One of SJB’s We are the together. Each year approximately newest events, St. John the Jogger 28 volunteers sign up to help make 5K, raises funds for tuition scholar- Hot Lunch Thursdays a special day. ships, involving approximately 65 Additionally, the Home School volunteers annually. Association hosts events to raise Over 85% of school families vol- Spirit funds for special needs. Volunteers Hoyas unteer in some capacity during the organize, prepare food, create cos- year. Volunteers are a valued part Forming men for others since 1789 tumes/props, set up and clean up. It of the school community and are takes over 150 volunteers to bring us greatly appreciated by teachers and Breakfast with Santa, SJB’s largest    staff. Volunteering is an invitation 10900 Rockville Pike North Bethesda, MD 20852 301-493-5000 www.gprep.org community-building event. This year Continued on page 32 St. Elizabeth Our Parish Times January 2011 21

St. Elizabeth Parish Congratulations, Monsignor Macfarlane 917 Montrose Road Ford’s Painting & Wallcovering, Inc. Rockville, MD pring 2011 marks the 45thAnni- dergarten and up-to-date classrooms General Contracting versary of Monsignor John F. for use by the school, religious edu- Rev. Msgr. John Macfarlane Home Improvements S Macfarlane’s ordination to cation, youth ministry and adult Pastor Interior-Exterior Painting the priesthood. On April 2nd, a education programs all attest to the 301-881-1380 Wallpaper Sales & 45th Anniversary Gala Tribute will vision and dedication Monsignor Installation be held in Monsignor’s honor at Macfarlane continues to bring to the St. Elizabeth School Principal Residential & Commercial St. Elizabeth Parish, where he has parish and school. Vincent P. Spadoni served as pastor for the past 19 Monsignor Macfarlane’s dream 301-881-1824 301-460-2300 years. Parishioners, school, reli- has been to create a Monsignor David Ford - Owner gious education and youth ministry Macfarlane Educational Legacy Gerry Moore, Over 25 Years Experience parents plan to salute and thank to ensure for many years contin- OPT Editor Monsignor Macfarlane for the vision ued strong, affordable education in 202-887-6475 and energy he has brought to every the school, religious education and area of parish and school life during youth ministry programs. All pro- his tenure as pastor. ceeds from the Gala will, therefore, Hundreds of volunteers validate honor him by benefitting this Legacy. Monsignor’s leadership by assum- Direct contributions to the Legacy Saint Elizabeth School ing leadership roles in a variety of Monsignor John F. Macfarlane are also being welcomed. For Rich in Faith, Scholarship, Service and Tradition pastoral, educational and outreach further information, please contact State-of-the-art Playground and Full Size Athletic Field programs. A beautifully transformed offices, bell tower, parking lots, an Mrs. Barbara Murray at bmur- campus with a renovated church, educational center doubled in size [email protected]. Preschool Program 3’s & 4’s Integrated Technology Program a new Commons, rectory, parish and offering a new pre-school, kin- OPT Challenging Academic Curriculum K-8 Extracurricular & Athletic Programs French and Spanish Structured Before & After Care Program The Young Voices of Haiti

By James McKenna my friends.” “I love my brother. When I see my hen Larry Couch and brother, I smile. I can say that I love my I arrived at Port-au- brother very much.” W Prince in November, Some revealed that family life is not we found that the fear of a chol- always a bed of roses. era outbreak following Hurricane “My brother is ridiculous. He doesn’t Tomas in October had resulted want to eat his carrots, his fennel and OPEN HOUSES in the forced closure of northern- his cereal.” February 1-2, 2011 - 9:00am - 11:30am most Haiti, the area around Cap “My mother and my father had an Hatien, the very area we had argument. My mother said, ‘I will March 7, 14, 21, 28, 2011 - 9:00am - 11:30am intended to visit. St. Elizabeth’s vote.’ ‘My father said, ‘I don’t want to 917 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD 20852 301-881-1824 www.stelizabethschoolmd.org sister parishes at Labadie and vote. I don’t like Magagnosse are near the Cap, to vote.’” (Haitians and we had hoped to be the eyes voted Nov. 28 in and ears there for our parish and a general elec- convey its love and concern to tion, the outcome We lead. We serve. We excel. our sister parishes. However, of which remains the roadblocks, all local flights undecided.) north canceled and the U.S. Despite the shaky Embassy’s prohibition against state of Haitian poli- American citizens traveling tics, many of our stu- north pinned us down in Port- dents want some day au-Prince for the duration of to be its President: our trip. “I will put order in Still hopeful at the time that my country. Pave and we might eventually reach clean all the streets.” A Catholic, independent, college-preparatory our intended destination, we “I will do some found lodgings at the Catholic things for my peo- school for young women, grades 6 through 12 hostel, Matthew 25 House in ple. Construct roads, the Haitian capital, and, at the hospitals and public Celebrates request of the acting manager at schools. I will be the hostel, since she knew Larry able to do all kinds and I both speak French, we of things.” volunteered as temporary teach- “I promise not to lie Catholic School Week ers at the school set up next door. to my people.” The students range from age 7 to 20 “I will go to the and are residents of tent cities set up U.S. to buy fruit for for families displaced by last year’s my people.” earthquake. Matthew 25 had set up “When I am the school to provide a replacement President, I will help for schools lost in the quake. build towns, roads, Our assignment was to conduct tall buildings. I will a Creative Writing class. From our find new sources of observations and the writings of our energy and reforest • College-Preparatory Curriculum students, we learned firsthand about the mountainsides.” the dignity, courage and tenacity, A recurrent theme • Consortium of Independent Schools underpinned by an unwavering Catholic faith, of these was the Almighty, and the students • AP and Honors Courses desperately poor but wonderfully optimistic people. readily expressed their love of God • The Connelly Program For the week we taught, the two theses we challenged and His importance in their lives. • Independent School League Athletics our students with were: “The World According to Me” and One even had a special request, one “When I Am President.” that, I am sure, most Haitians silently • International Network of Holy Child Schools Those writing about their world showed how tightly pray for, as well: • New Artificial Turf Field knit it is: “As for me, I think of God. May “I have a little, little sister and a little brother, too. My God protect me each day. I thank Him 9029 Bradley Boulevard • Potomac, Maryland 20854 • 301.365.0955 mother is very happy with me.” for this week and for letting things go “I love my father and my teachers and I love my school, well. And, God, please do something www.holychild.org too. I don’t like bad people. I like to sing a lot, and I love special for us next week.” OPT 22 January 2011 Our Parish Times Senior Resources

SOAR Spring Program Study ties blood protein to

The Montgomery County Tour of Amish Sites In ries of early to mid-nineteenth cen- Alzheimer’s brain abnormalities Department of Recreation has and Around Lancaster, tury farm life on the Eastern Shore, released its Spring 2011 Senior Pennsylvania where Harriet Tubman was born Blood test in symptom-free volunteers links levels Outdoor Adventures in Recreation and worked as a young slave girl. of specific protein with beta amyloid deposits (SOAR) travel program for active Trip No. 295409 Sites include Bucktown, Brodess, adults age 55 and over. Registration Thursday, April 14 Plantation, Church Creek, and begins Monday, February 7 at Enjoy a professionally guided rid- Madison. See the historic courthouse cientists are seeking much sooner.” 8:30AM. If you have questions about ing tour of Amish farmlands and where trades bought and sold slaves. ways to detect the earli- Researchers found the amount the registration process, please call countryside. View an “experiential Follow the flight to freedom of run- S est stages of Alzheimer’s of a specific protein called apo- 240-777-6840. If you have ques- theater” film that tells the story of away slaves – through Secretary, disease, since harmful changes lipoprotein E, or ApoE, in blood tions or require more information an Amish family from Europe to East New Market and Preston. See may be taking place in the brain samples was strongly associated about a specific trip, call the SOAR America. A family style meal at the sites made famous by Harriet years before symptoms appear. with the level of beta amyloid in Coordinator at 240-777-4926. Plain & Fancy, included, features Tubman in her 13 attempts to rescue Now, research- the brain. Those a sampling of local specialties. An friends and family. Lunch, included, ers report that with high blood Cherry Blossom Cruise and autographed Amish Cookbook is at a local restaurant. a blood test levels of the Lunch, plus the Newseum included as a souvenir. Fee: $65 detecting a spe- protein had Fee: $75 cific protein in significantly Trip No. 295406 Leave 7:30 am, Return 6:30 pm Leave 7:15 am, Return 6:30 pm blood samples greater depos- Thursday, March 31 The Second Civil War from cogni- its of amyloid Cruise along the Potomac River Spies of Washington Tour Battle of Manassas tively normal in the medial and enjoy a relaxing lunch (includ- with Gary Powers, Jr. older people temporal lobe, ed) on the Spirit Cruise Line as you Guided by Ed Bearrs, Acclaimed may reflect the the region of enjoy the sights of Washington with Trip No. 295411 Historian levels of beta-amyloid protein the brain important to memory the Cherry Blossoms in bloom. Then Thursday, April 21 Trip No. 295415 in the brain—a hallmark of the function. tour the Newseum, which blends Visit many of the locations in Tuesday, May 3 disease. Supported in part by the “These results are especially five centuries of news history with and around Washington that have Trip No. 295416 National Institutes of Health, the intriguing as this protein is made up-to-the-second technology and been associated with intelligence Wednesday, May 5 findings may eventually lead to by the APOE gene, the most hands-on exhibits. and counter intelligence activities. Trip No. 295417 a blood test that helps predict robust genetic risk factor for late- Fee: $90 Gary Powers, Jr. will give a brief- Tuesday, May 10 risk for Alzheimer’s disease and onset Alzheimer’s,” Thambisetty Leave 10:15 am; Return 6:15 pm ing on the cold war and the U-2 A New Tour! On August 28-30, who may be a good candidate said. Late-onset Alzheimer’s is incident (his father was the downed 1862, Union and Confederate armies Guided Tour of James for participating in clinical trials. the most common form of the pilot). Carol Bessette, a renowned returned to the plains of Manassas The study appears in the Dec. disease and occurs around age Madison’s Montpelier Estate tour guide and retired Air Force thirteen months after the 1st Battle 20, 2010, issue of the Journal of 65 or later. Intelligence Officer, will narrate the Trip No. 295407 of Bull Run. The Confederates, led Alzheimer’s Disease. He now plans to test these find- tour as it passes spy drops and Wednesday, April 6 by General Robert E. Lee, again “Recent advances in imaging ings in serial blood samples col- homes of notorious players in the Be guided through the mansion defeated a Union Army led by and biomarkers that help track lected every year in BLSA volun- spy business. Lunch (on own) at a that has been newly restored to General John Pope. Stops include the onset and progression of teers to determine how changing local restaurant. the way it looked when James and Stuarts Hill, Brunners Farm, Stone Alzheimer’s disease show prom- blood levels of ApoE protein may Fee: $49 Dolley Madison lived in it. Stand in House, Deep Cut and Chin House. ise for early detection of the relate to pathological changes in Leave 8:30 am, Return 4:30 pm the library where Madison first envi- Be mesmerized as you hear a stirring disease process, and for tracking the brain over time. “If the results sioned the Constitution. Walk in the narrative by someone who knows the effectiveness of early inter- are equally positive, we may be Eastern Shore Underground was intimately as a wounded Marine woods where he contemplated rep- RR and Harriet Tubman ventions,” said Richard J. Hodes, able to develop a blood test that resentative democracy. Lunch (on Corps veteran of the WWII battles M.D., Director of the National provides a less invasive, inexpen- own) in cafeteria on the grounds. Riding Tour of Guadalcanal and New Britain. Institute on Aging (NIH). “This sive method that helps to detect Lunch, included, at a local restau- Fee: $50 Trip No. 295412 is critically important in stream- the early pathological changes of rant. Leave 7:00 am, Return 5:00 pm Wednesday, April 27 lining and conducting trials more Alzheimer’s disease,” he said. Fee: $59 Trip No. 295413 efficiently so that we can find Leave 7:45 am, Return 5:00 pm Thursday, April 28 out about possible therapies that OPT A New Tour! Guide relates sto- OPT

It pays to advertise in Our Parish Times Senior Resources Our Parish Times January 2011 23 Stay Sharp: Online Games for Seniors Maryland Senior Emergency Preparedness Olympics AARP Games and Puzzles Daily Sudoko http://games.aarp.org/ www.dailysudoku.co.uk/sudoku/ Step One: Awareness he Maryland Senior Word puzzles, trivia, Sudoko, and more. Play online or download/print to Olympics will have a play Sudoko. T big day in Annapolis Online Games for Seniors e are all part of a large Alert Montgomery. This is your A Game a Day community. Never is personal connection to updates, February 8. MSO athletes and www.onlinegamesforseniors.com/ administrators will visit the W that more evident than instructions on where to go, what Brainteasers, memory exercises, www.agameaday.com/ during an emergency. Alert to do, or what not to do, who State House to meet legislators focus games, logic games, and much Word games, brain teasers, and and garner support for MSO Montgomery is a notification to contact and other important more. memory games with a game featured system administered by the information. games. All MSO athletes are for each day. welcomed and encouraged to Babble Montgomery County Office of Sign up to get emergency alerts attend. The meetings will be PopCap PC Online Games Emergency Management and from Montgomery County sent held 10 a.m.-1 p.m. www.playbabble.com/ Homeland Security to contact directly to your e-mail or cell Co-sponsored by Ways and Online word games. www.popcap.com/allgames. citizens and organizations dur- phone. php?p=online ing a major crisis, emergency or Means Committee Chairperson Crossword Puzzles Visit: https://alert.mont- Sheila Hixson (D-District 20) Play games online like Bejeweled, severe weather event. gomerycountymd.gov/index. and Sen. Edward Kasemeyer www.refdesk.com/crosswrd.html Bookworm, and Chuzzle. When an incident or emer- php?CCheck=1 and click on (D-District 12), chairman Puzzles from various websites and gency occurs, authorized senders of the Senate Budget and newspapers, including The New York Source: Montgomery County notify registered residents using Continued on page 30 Taxation Committee, the event Times. Public Libraries is designed to connect athletes with state senators and dele- gates from their home districts. Following a 10 a.m. rally in the House Office Building and meeting with Del. Hixson, athletes will have individual meetings with their respective legislators. “Our goal is to elevate the profile of the Maryland Senior Olympics with the state govern- ment,” said Ted Wroth, MSO executive director. “Maryland has long been a leader not only in our state and national senior games, but senior fitness and wellness. This meeting allows state officials to place a name and face on an athlete from their home district when they set a record, win a national championship or participate in the Maryland games.” The hope of the meeting is to open channels for state funding for MSO; currently, there is no money for the games in Gov. Martin O’Malley’s budget. After meeting with legislators, MSO officials and athletes will convene in conference room 180 for a brown bag lunch to report on their talks and discuss strategies for fund- ing the 2011 Maryland Senior Olympics, and beyond. For more information, email MSO at info@mdseniorolym- pics.org or call 240-777-8080. MSO Receives $4,000 Donation Maryland Senior Olympics is the recipient of a $4,000 donation from AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals to support its educational outreach pro- grams. A worldwide health- care company, AstraZeneca targeted MSO for the donation after the City of Rockville declared Nov. 7 as Celebrate Senior Health Day. That was the date MSO held its 10k road race in conjunction with the 35th annual Rockville 10k. The contribution will assist Maryland Senior Olympics Day in Annapolis on Feb. 8 and support other athlete edu- cation and/or training oppor- tunities in 2011. OPT 24 January 2011 Our Parish Times Our Lady Queen of Poland

From the Pastor: Wishes for the New Year 2011 (transl. from Polish, Zyczenia na Nowy Rok”, Bozenna Buda, ed.)

nce again, on the first day of the year we cel- O ebrate the World Day of Peace. Children from the Polish Saturday School dressed as shepherds and kings for Polish Saturday School children dressed as angels, king, and krakowianki with At the outset, I wish all of the annual Polish School play, Jaselka, presented for parents and guests at the Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus for the Christmas play at the school, at the manger you PEACE –peace within us, school on Dec. 18, 2010. constructed and decorated by parents and teachers, on Dec. 18, 2010. peace between us, peace in our land, and peace in the whole world. Peace does not mean an absence of conflict, but rather the ability to resolve it. It does not mean having the same point of view, but rather the capacity to acknowledge and to accept another’s differ- ences. It is the ability to find that which is good in another person. I wish all of us wisdom, so that we can differentiate the immutable essence from that which is amenable to change-- even if the change is challenging. Perhaps the change will result in a greater Eva Chlebowska, Director of the OLQP Polish Saturday School, presented the Rev. Jan Fiedurek (standing) welcomed everyone to the annual parish Christmas good? I also wish everyone schoolchildren who reenacted the Christmas play, Jaselka, for parishioners at dinner, Oplatek, and led the singing of the Christmas carols, Koledy, at Our the courage to defend that Our Lady Queen of Poland Parish, on Jan. 9, 2011. The Lechliter sisters played Lady Queen of Poland Parish Hall on Jan. 9, 2011. Tomek Smok, who accom- which is important, so long the violin. panied us on his guitar, and Parish Council President, Sylvia Korzan, are seated as we remember that the end behind Fr. Fiedurek. does not justify the means. Peace, then, requires responsibilty for ourselves, for others, and for the world around us. My wish is that we will be aware of others and that we will want to work for the common good, as our talents and energies allow. Finally, I wish that God will help us to realize, at least in some measure, these wishes in the New Year. Rev. Jan Fiedurek, S.Chr.

Our Lady Queen of Poland Polish School teachers (with bouquets) and parents. The teachers are Wieslawa Wisniewska, Jola Noska, Agata Jankowska, Dorota Our Lady Among those at the Jan. 9, 2011, OLQP Parish Oplatek, was our distinguished, Ponikiewska, Laura Migasiuk, and Director Eva Chlebowska (3rd from right). Queen of Poland almost centenarian, Walter Zachariasiewicz (center); as well as the Deputy In Fall 2010, Mrs. Chlebowska observed her 20th anniversary teaching at the Chief of Mission from The Embassy of the Republic of Poland, Maciej Pisarski, Polish School, the last 10 years as director. Rev. Jan Fiedurek teaches religion in both the OLQP and the Polish Embassy-sponsored Polish schools, and pre- 9700 Rosensteel Avenue with his wife and son; Marek Michalski; and Bozenna Buda. pares children for First Communion and Confirmation. Silver Spring, MD

Rev. Jan Fiedurek, S. Chr. Pastor 301-589-1857 Holy Child Senior Chosen for Bojenna Buda, OPT Editor All-State Women’s Chorus 301-495-3377 [email protected] aria Leyva, a member of the Class of 2011 at Holy Child and a parishioner at Mother of God in Gaithersburg, has been chosen Ford’s M for the All-State Women’s Chorus. Choral students all over the Painting & Wallcovering, Inc. state of Maryland are recommended by their music teachers to compete General Contracting for a position in the 200-voice All-State Mixed Voice Chorus and the 120-voice All-State Women’s Chorus. This year, the Maryland Music Home Improvements Educators Association selected students from an audition pool of 1,500. Interior-Exterior Painting Leyva, who lives in Montgomery Village, is a member of Holy Wallpaper Sales & Child’s two select groups — the Vocal Jazz Ensemble and the Connelly Installation Camerata — as well as the Upper School Chorus and the Upper School Residential & Commercial Instrumental Ensemble, in which she plays violin. She is planning to 301-460-2300 pursue music as her college major. David Ford - Owner OPT Over 25 Years Experience St. John Neumann Our Parish Times January 2011 25 St. John Neumann Parishioners Honored 50+ Club Flourishes at Shrine of Immaculate Conception By Rus Wester

ongratulations to Alice and Bill Garvey who received the C “Manifesting the Kingdom” award from Cardinal Donald Wuerl as he celebrated the Feast of the Epiphany and his own 25th anni- versary of ordination as bishop on Monthly luncheons at area restaurants, outings to Atlantic seaboard attractions January 2nd at the Shrine of the and religious pilgrimages provide 50+ Club members with enjoyable times Immaculate Conception. together as they get to know fellow St. John Neumann parishioners. Over 200 recipients from around the Archdiocese of Washington were honored with the Manifesting By Father William Brailsford, Since then visits to some very the Kingdom Award for their dedi- SJN Parochial Vicar fine restaurants have continued the cated service to the local church. legacy that promises each time that good time doesn’t have to be Each award was an etched glass a good time will be had by all. Cardinal Donald Wuerl presenting “Manifesting the Kingdom” award to wasted on youth. In fact, the plaque at the center of which is the SJN Parishioners, Alice and Bill Garvey, on the Feast of the Epiphany at the Future events include more A older you get the more fun retreats, speakers on various practi- Star of Bethlehem that points the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Photo by Paul Fetters you can have, because you have a way to Christ. cal and unusual subjects, several wealth of good experiences from Cardinal Wuerl described the more excellent lunches, and a wealth Appeal. But as I started to read the Columbus and serving at the altar past times to remember and tell oth- honorees as those who have made of good, clean memories. letter, I had to hand it to Bill. The as Sacristans.” ers about over and again. “a living effort to manifest the Yet the key to the success is that Cardinal’s invitation to join him Bill Garvey’s strongest expres- Such glad memories are being kingdom of God” by their service no-one is excluded at these festive and others from the Archdiocese sion of thanksgiving came with made every month as the 50+ Club to the Church. “Each of you has gatherings. Young people are also at a special Mass at the Shrine was “You know, if it had not been for at St. John Neumann Parish met for offered your rich gifts: your talents, invited! A few folks in their forties totally unexpected.” our Eucharistic Adoration Chapel, fine fellowship and a hearty meal. your time, your energy and, above have been reported to attend, and “Cardinal Wuerl reminded all at Alice and I might not have received No one leaves disappointed. all else, your love” so that Christ they were treated with dignity and the Mass that everyone is called to the Cardinal’s recognition at all. These past several months have can become more visible in our respect despite their young years. serve the Church and one another. Long before our marriage, we spent seen an average of fifty folks joining Church. This dispels the old adage that you We’re blessed to have found a com- many hours praying there and were together for a luncheon conversa- When asked how she and her can never trust (or have fun with) fortable parish home at St. John eventually brought together as hus- tion and other events. Each month husband learned of the Cardinal anyone under fifty. Neumann and are involved with band and wife, to work and serve a new venue is chosen. Last Fall OPT honoring them, Alice Garvey the St. Vincent de Paul Society, together in His service. Our prayers set the tone for the group as they remembered “When I opened the the Gabriel Project, Arimatheans, are that we’ll be shown how the had a mini retreat at the Church envelope from the Archdiocese, St. John Neumann Parish Eucharistic Adoration, Knights of Lord wants us to continue.” with a Mass, followed by a talk on I thought it was the Cardinal’s OPT 9000 Warfield Road St. Philip Neri, a largely unknown Saint but an enigmatic man who Gaithersburg, MD 20892 transformed the Church during the Counter Reformation. Fr. William Brailsford, Farewell Deacon Bob and Sue Allen On another occasion, the group met Parochial Vicar By Rus Wester serving the church. “When I think from the parish of St. John Neumann, at the Holiday Inn in Gaithersburg, a back,” recalls Bob, “after my 1997 he will be greatly missed in the par- landmark building due to its size Fr. Thomas Hood ow do you say goodbye to a ordination, Cardinal Hickey assigned ish and, in fact, in the Gaithersburg and roadside welcome into town. Pastor much-loved Deacon and his me to St. John Neumann. I’ve bap- community at large. I can only speak Little did the group know that the H spouse? Well, you can’t. All tized somewhere around 265 children, in the highest praises of him, and will hotel had a fascinating history all its Parish Editor you can hope to do is hold back the married over 30 couples, done wakes always be pleased and privileged to own. They heard about the various Rus Wester water from rolling down your cheeks, for another 30 to 40 parishioners.” count him as my friend and brother in celebrities who had stayed there in 301-330-0047 offer a hug and smile as you send the magnificent Presidential suite on From the beginning, Deacon Bob Christ.” Ditto for the Parish, Deacon [email protected] them on their way. has been 24/7 for the parish and 24/7 Gene! OPT the penthouse floor. That pretty well describes the for the Archdiocese of Washington, feelings of most SJN parishioners, working as master of ceremonies for especially fellow SJN Deacon, Gene the bishops during Confirmations. Cummins: “I’ve known Bob Allen Bob has taught for the Archdiocese for over 30 years. We were in the and parish RCIA, participated in litur- Navy together. After retirement from gies and helped so many folks become the service, our life-pursuits took us Catholics. “You get to see a lot of par- all over. Here we end up as deacons ish life as a deacon and it has been a at the same parish since 2005. I have marvelous time,” said Bob. learned from Bob’s incredible work The Allens plan to devote more ethic and benefitted from his pastoral time to long-time interests. A golfer counsel and his tireless efforts as our for 62 years, Bob had his first hole- parish business manager.” in-one at age 8, with two more since Deacon Bob Allen and wife Sue then. A former scratch golfer, Bob’s are retiring and moving to Palmyra, not satisfied with his current USGA Virginia where Bob wants to continue 10 handicap. “I’ll be working on my game in the golfing months come Spring” said Bob. He also wants to spend some of his new-found leisure time learning to cook, play the piano and he and Sue want to do some traveling. Sue Allen was teaching in Japan when she and Bob first met. Sue’s last nine years have been spent teaching ESOL at a local school. “She also has enjoyed being a member of the SJN Choir and Bell Choir,” said Bob. “She won’t have trouble transferring these skills and interests to our new life.” In the words of Deacon Gene Cummins: “After the retirement and Deacon Bob and Sue Allen – serving departure of Rev. Mr. Robert Allen SJN Parish since 1997 26 January 2011 Our Parish Times St. Martin of Tours

St. Martin’s students March for Life Rally enjoy a game By Catherine Cooksey was born without arms and plays the of chess guitar with his feet, shared his music after school. n January 23, nearly 500 teen- and inspiration with the teens. Charles agers gathered in the gymna- The next morning, the teenagers McBride and sium of St. Martin’s School to th O and fellow St. Martin’s parishioners 4 grader, prepare and rally for the next day’s boarded buses to travel to DC to Jordan March for Life. Many of the teenag- participate in the mass at the Verizon Marry, orga- ers attending the rally had traveled Center and the March for Life. nize the St. to Gaithersburg from parishes across The event was organized by a Martin’s the US. The evening included a Chess Club. Parish team consisting of teens, col- youth mass, Eucharistic adoration, lege students, parents, priests, the confessions, dinner, and a concert by youth ministry director, and Pro-Life Tony Melendez. Mr. Melendez, who committee members. OPT

St. Martin’s School News and Notes

By Catherine Cooksey will be available to answer questions. January 6, 2010 – Students cel- Testing for incom- ebrated the Feast Day of St. Andre ing students will be Bessette during the school’s monthly held on February mass. Brother Bessette, a member of 11, 2010. For more the Holy Cross Congregation, was information, please canonized in October 2010 by Pope contact the school at Benedict XVI. [email protected] or 301-990-2441. January 25 and February 1, 2011 – Are you looking for a Christ- January 31 – These two message boards are located between St. Martin’s Church and the centered environment where your February 4, 2011 – Parish Office. They were installed in July 2010 as part of Will Redmond’s child can grow emotionally and St. Martin’s School Eagle Scout Project. intellectually? Then, come visit St. celebrates Catholic Martin’s School during our Open th Schools Week with a House. From 9 am to1 pm, 7 and variety of fun activi- th New Message Boards Part 8 grade students will lead tours ties. On Monday, of the school. The principal, Sr. there will be an open- Sharon Mihm, and current parents ing prayer service. of Eagle Scout Project Wednesday will be By Catherine Cooksey St. Martin’s. Redmond also dug up Student Appreciation St. Martin of Tours a median in the church’s parking lot Day. The students ongratulations to Will and planted it with ground cover. Parish will have fun play- Redmond, a Boy Scout in Over twenty Scouts, friends, and 201 South Frederick Ave. ing bingo in the C Troop 926, who recently parents helped with the project. Gaithersburg, MD morning. Thursday A St. Martin’s student reads during a Mass for the achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in Troop 926 is one of the oldest will be a volleyball Celebration of St. Andre Bessette’s Feast Day. December 2010. Eagle Scout is the Rev. Msgr. Mark E. Brennan th Boy Scout Units in Montgomery game pitting the 8 highest rank attainable in the Boy County. The troop usually meets Pastor ...... 301-990-3203 graders against the held in the school’s gymnasium and Scouting program. His Eagle Scout Monday nights in the basement of teachers, and Friday will be Teacher St. Martin School cafeteria. It includes a silent and live Project consisted of designing, build- St. Martin’s Church. Boys from 6th Appreciation Day, which includes a Sister Sharon Mihm, C.S.C. auction, dinner buffet, and music. To ing, and installing two new mes- grade and above who are interested sit-down lunch for the teachers. Principal . . . . . 301-990-2441 donate items for the auction or buy sage boards outside of St. Martin’s in participating can seek more infor- tickets for the event, please contact Church. These are used to post infor- mation through the troop website at March 12, 2011 – Join us for Catherine Cooksey the school at [email protected] or mation about events and groups at http://troop926.org/. an evening of fun and camaraderie OPT Parish Editor . . .240-477-8706 301-990-2441. at the annual St Patrick’s Dinner, www.smsmd.org Dance, and Auction. The event is OPT During Advent, a St. Martin’s Kindergartener stands by the school’s Jesse Tree. In addition to their homemade ornaments, students also adorned the tree with hats, mittens, and scarves, which were later donated to families in need.

BEE replied, “None of the words were Con’t from page 19 challenging because [he] studied hard.” The 2nd place winner was 5th rd th th grader Ciara Collins and 3 place mother of 8 grader Emma and 6 went to 6th grader Neil Johnson. It grader Graham. was said afterward that all 36 par- After a difficult contest, Harrison st ticipants did an excellent job and won 1 place with the word “aller- were very supportive of one another gy.” When asked what word he in their endeavor. Best of luck in the found most difficult to spell Harrison Regionals St. Bernadette! Shrine of St. Jude Our Parish Times January 2011 27 Catholic Schools Week 2011: A+ For America

By Maureen Martin evening open house on Tuesday. Admissions information will be St Jude BINGO! t. Jude Regional Catholic available at both times. St. Jude Come out to play! School will celebrate Regional Catholic School serves S Catholic Schools Week 2011 students in Pre-Kindergarten BINGO - every Sunday Jan. 29-Feb. 4. Activities have through 8th grades of all religious, been planned throughout the week racial, ethnic, and income back- Doors open 3:30 pm that express the Catholic Schools grounds. The school offers school Week 2011 bus service to and from St. Francis Early Birds begin at 5:00pm theme of “A+ of Assisi parish in Derwood for Regular Program begins at 5:30pm for America,” our upcounty families. For those including a unable to attend the Open House, Program ends at 8:30pm dance, com- the school will open its doors munity ser- St. Jude sixth graders showing their love for every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 11 Admission price includes a sandwich, chips vice projects, each other and their school! Front row, left a.m. for a tour of both the lower and drink. For information or questions call family lunch, Open House, and to right, Christina DeShayes, Moira Greaney, school and the middle school and Student and Teacher Appreciation Kylie Alvarez, and Annie Martin. Back the opportunity to ask questions Kathy Royster (301) 461-3560 days. The Open House will allow row, from left, Brigid Kilner, Nate Knight, and see our school in action. prospective students, their fami- Stephanie Raimundo, Ranya Brown, and For information on the curricu- Proceeds benefit St. Jude Regional School lies, and the community to learn Natalie Barahona. Very back row, Nick Duran. lum, admissions policies and reg- about the school and its mission to istration, contact the school office provide high-quality, values-based Wednesday, Feb. 2 from 9-11:30 at 301-946-7888 or visit www. education. It will be held on Tuesday, a.m. Teachers will be available to stjuderockville.org for a “video Feb. 1, from 6-8 p.m. as well as speak to prospective families at the visit” to the school. OPT

Sister Liadore Celebrates 60 Years as Bernadine Franciscan Sister By Christina Kilmer and Jack Posluszny, ter; she wanted to serve God. She 7th Grade Students at St. Jude Regional simply told others that she wanted Catholic School to be a dietitian. When she entered the convent, it was supposed to be ister Liadore, a sister in resi- a two-week trial. Those two weeks dence at the Shrine of St. Jude, turned into 60 years. She laugh- Holy Cross sCHool S is celebrating sixty years as ingly acknowledges that those two a Bernadine Franciscan Sister. She weeks became the longest weeks of open House Dates: is often seen among the halls at St. her life. Her favorite memory is her Sunday, January 30, 2011 from 1 to 3pm Jude Regional Catholic School visit- first vows. One reason she became Tuesday, February 1, 2011 from 9 to 11am ing the children and faculty alike. a sister was because she loved the She is always in good spirits and has consecration of the Eucharist. She • Teacher-student ratio of 1:13 • High school preparation focus • Co-ed, pre-kindergarten – 8th grade • New multi-purpose gym, cafeteria & a great sense of humor. notes that she has been fortunate to Sr. Liadore, one of six daugh- • Resource & learning skills programs auditorium travel to the Shrine to our Lady of • Accelerated placement programs • Flexible onsite before & aftercare ters, grew up in the Boston area st Fatima in Portugal. and started attending church in 1 In addition to serving God, Sister Holy Cross School is fully accredited by the Middle States grade. She would walk to the church Liadore has taught 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Association of Elementary Schools, is convenient to I-495 and is minutes from the Grosvenor Metro Station. alone because nobody else in her grades in Boston, Virginia, and plac- family attended Mass. She went to es in between. She loves to bake and public school. When she was in was once a chef for six weeks! Contact our school office at301-949-1699 or Students Christina Kilmer and Jack high school, she started a novena Sister Liadore is St. Jude Parish’s [email protected] for more information! Posluszny are pictured with Sister on Wednesdays. Though she kept special treasure. When asked when quiet about her calling as a young Liadore following their discussions she was called to her vocation, she 4900 Strathmore Avenue • Garrett Park, MD 20896 • Pastor: Rev. Msgr. R. Cary Hill • Principal: Lisa M. Kane and interview. girl, she always wanted to be a sis- replies, “Knee high to grasshopper.” Calling All St. Jude LEARNING HCS_ParishTimes.indd 1 1/13/11 9:35 AM Catholic School Alumni Con’t from page 18 and calculations using decimals to find By Maureen Martin be sure to pass this on to out the amount a loved one might now your fellow classmates. In spend when showered with all the gifts t. Jude Catholic School addition, if you would like to in the traditional song the Twelve Days is updating its alumni nominate yourself or a class- of Christmas. In other content areas, S database and wants to mate as a potential speaker students create artifacts from ancient make sure we haven’t forgot- for the St. Jude Catholic civilizations and dress up like early ten you. Visit the school Web School Distinguished Alumni explorers to give presentations or do site — www.stjuderockville. Speaker Series, please e-mail interviews. In this way learning about org — click on “Alumni” and the person’s name, SJCS the ancient Egyptians in Social Studies register your name and con- class year, contact infor- can contribute greatly to a discussion tact information. And please mation, and area of of Moses and the Exodus in Religion expertise to the main class. office at mainoffice@ Middle School Teachers – Mrs. Madaras, Mrs. Prouty, Mrs. Duggan, Ms. Meagher, & Shrine of St. Jude Parish Seventh graders used Glo-germ and stjuderockville.org. Mrs. Schafer 12701 Veirs Mill Road a black light to evaluate different hand- Past Distinguished washing techniques in the midst of flu Rockville, MD Alumni Speakers The collaboration between Middle dents are learning how to navigate the season to begin a unit on bacteria, virus- Rev. J. William Hines, include author Nancy School teachers allows for the sharing Internet, evaluate websites and identify es, and immunity. Later they construct- Pastor Mayer-Whittington, of insights and the monitoring of stu- key information. Research projects come ed models of DNA and did a simulation John Berry, for- dent progress. This teamwork allows alive at Mother of God School and cross 301-946-8200 discussing the pros and cons of genetic mer Director of the teachers to incorporate more creative, disciplinary lines as teachers in all the technology and the moral choices we St. Jude School National Zoo and now hands-on exploration and challenges the subject areas join together to reinforce make while considering human dignity Mary Ellen Jordan Director of the Office students to reach beyond mere memo- strong communication skills, highlight and the respect for all life. The gener- 301-946-7888 of Personnel Man- rization and recall to apply content to the contributions of science and technol- ous donation of time and materials from agement for the Obama real-world situations. ogy, and develop criteria for formulating a parent allowed for the construction of Mary Beahn, OPT Editor Administration, and Our Middle School has adopted the questions and conducting research. These a particle accelerator/fragmentation box 301-977-8765 Pulitzer Prize winning Quest model of Internet inquiry to help skills prepare our students for success in which enabled 8th graders to be nuclear [email protected] writer Diana Sugg. students develop 21st Century literacy high school and beyond. OPT physicists for a day. skills. Throughout the school year, stu- OPT 28 January 2011 Our Parish Times St. Patrick

Teens Get Extensive Can Sunday Mass Occur on a Tuesday or Friday?

or some Catholics, Mass is Menu at St Patrick not really a Sunday obliga- F tion! HOW SO? These per- busy array of activities, sons are the mobile-restricted resi- mixing group fun with dents of Layhill Nursing Center A spiritual enrichment, and Aspenwood Senior Living now awaits the youth of St Community who are unable to Patrick throughout the year. travel or leave their beds. However, once every month, There is the Fun Part a priest from St Patrick goes to Group events such as bowl- each of these two facilities in ing, kickball, laser tag, canoe order to bring morning Mass to trip, miniature golf, ice skat- them. Normally it’s a Tuesday ing, and more could all be at Aspenwood Community on found on the program of the Homecrest Road and a Friday past twelve months in order to around the corner at nearby Layhill engage the interest of teenag- Nursing Center on Bel Pre Road. At center in black, Mary Cook, a Eucharistic Minister of St Patrick, con- Teens attend an evening liturgy of Eucharistic This past December, in addition verses with two of the residents at Layhill Nursing Center after Mass. In ers. Add a sculpting contest, a Adoration at a recent weekend retreat. scavenger hunt by Metrorail, to the liturgical celebrations, hun- the rear, celebrant Father Joe Rogers, still vested, meets with residents in games of “melon madness”, dreds of Christmas cards, pre- the Activity Room, where Mass was held. calendar of events. pared by the students of St Patrick and a maze for “doubting Thomases” And on-going program known as for even more inviting attractions to School, were distributed to the “Adopt-A-Grandparent” provides an Mary Cook of Saint Patrick has leading role in this multi-faceted youthful exercises. Nevertheless, it residents at each community. opportunity not only to meet with been serving in this ministry to and mostly un-noticed pastoral is not all fun and games. Eucharistic ministers from elderly residents of a nursing/senior the parish also distribute Holy the elderly and infirm for nearly work on Tuesdays and Fridays of Spiritual Nourishment Gets community on a monthly basis, but Communion on Sunday mornings twenty years. During the past year, each month. OPT Into the Mix also to acquire service hours for at the residences. A senior herself, the Legion of Mary has assumed a school credit. Also getting started Weekly dinner or snack meet- at this writing is a 12-week course ings involve guest presentations on known as Theology of the Body For Cold weather of many topics ranging from Lenten Teens. This program stems from a mid-January does practices to pro-life to tithing. Craft consolidation of teachings by the not deter the Work: rosary-making with colored late Blessed Pope John Paul II about pro-life march- twine has evolved into a fund-rais- sexuality for Catholics. It’s a popu- ers of St Patrick ing effort. lar curriculum in use throughout the as they gather to A summer pilgrimage to the diocese. board the bus for Grotto of Lourdes and Shrine of St the annual rally Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg Staying Tuned on the Mall in also appeared on the 2010 schedule. Watch the columns of “Youth Washington and And, of course, there’s a tradition- Ministry” in the weekly editions of the subsequent al agenda of semi-annual weekend the parish bulletin to stay in touch National March retreats, plus special youth litur- with the activities under the direc- For Life to the gies of hymns and Benediction, plus tion of Mike McHugh (see accom- United States some distinctive prayer sessions, all panying article). Supreme Court. of which are sprinkled among the OPT

“Activity” is his Name – Youth is his Game! If it’s noon Meet Michael McHugh on the first Thursday of the e is the 24-year-old month, it must Director of Youth be dinner time H Ministry who has in the Parish created a whirlwind of Center for the activities especially suited gray-haired set for middle and high school- of St Patrick. ers, ever since he arrived Here, Msgr. at St Patrick a year ago Hart advances in January 2010. Mike had through the buf- just finished teaching a fet line to join semester of Religion class- with sixty other es at St Mary’s Ryken High ‘clubbers” at a School in Leonardtown MD recent meeting. before joining the staff at Michael McHugh St Patrick. Before that, he taught at St Joseph Prep School, a Jesuit institution Congress: ‘Deus Caritas Est (God St. Patrick’s Parish and his alma mater near his parental ROME is Love).’ ” DIRECTOR 4101 Norbeck Road home in Philadelphia. Con’t from page 1 Choir director Olga Morales, who Con’t from page 1 Rockville, MD It was at Catholic University once sang at the Vatican as a child where Mike earned his BA degree Principal Elizabeth Hamilton herself, told the children after Mass, approximately 80% decide to keep Rev. Msgr. Kevin T. Hart and other credentials in 2008, and recounted the moment when the “My hope for you is that you wake their babies. Pastor also met his sweetheart, Annalee children first saw the pope, dur- each morning and always remember The Knights of Columbus has 301-924-2284 Moyer, whom he married just a few ing opening ceremonies: “All of the this special day.” She called the very generously purchased a sono- months ago in the CU chapel. It just children gathered in Paul VI Center trip “a big blessing. I am glad we gram machine for the Center, but the St. Patrick’s School so happens that Annie also serves as and the Swiss Guard stood at atten- did it.” paper work, permits and required Ms. Susan Milloy, Principal a Director of Youth Ministry a few tion as Pope Benedict XVI came “This small group of children approvals will extend the time peri- 301-929-9672 miles away at the nearby parish of down the center aisle and passed all represented all of de Chantal, and od until it becomes a medical facility St Raphael. Therefore, it’s no coin- of us. Our children were up front, we are very proud of them. Mrs. with the sonogram fully operational. Richard Beiter, Parish Editor cidence that husband and wife share, for this and for the (Jan. 1) Mass at Morales was the energy behind this, Please keep this lifesaving project in 301-460-3971 • plan, and run some joint programs St. Peter’s. All of the children from and she and the children worked your prayers as it moves through the Fax: 301-603-8784 for their respective parishes. around the world sang in unison hard preparing for this special day,” implementation phase! the song that was the theme of the said Mrs. Hamilton. [email protected] OPT OPT OPT Mary of Nazareth Our Parish Times January 2011 29 MoN Students Mary of Nazareth School Lowers Student Ratio s our mission statement declares, Mary Deliver Hope of Nazareth School prepares academic A program rooted in the faith and teach- he students of Mary of Nazareth School ings of the Roman Catholic Church, as pro- took the spirit of giving seriously this fessed in the Creed, celebrated in the sacra- T Advent by participating in the U.S. ments, lived in Christian virtue and affirmed Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. in prayer. Cub Scout Pack 76 organized the collection of Although faith is the heart of Mary of toys, which launched at our annual Breakfast Nazareth School, quality education is our with St. Nicholas. primary focus. We believe that smaller work Several U.S. Marines attended the Pack 76 groups and more individualized time with December meeting where they were presented students help to realize our mission. with many overflowing boxes of unwrapped The year, we are excited to add Mrs. Moira toys. After their initial greeting, the Marines Seminara and Mrs. Anne Peterson as the two assistants for the second and third grades performed a formal uniform inspection of the Barbara Cosentino, one of two reading spe- classes. Their job is to assist with reading Scouts. The boys stood tall anxiously awaiting cialists at Mary of Nazareth School, gives more their stamp of approval. and math lessons, breaking the students into individualized attention to students. All toys collected were distributed to chil- smaller workgroups. This lowers our student dren in the Montgomery County area. Mary ratio in both subjects and in turn, increases of Nazareth School was proud to join the U.S. student understanding. The assistants also Mary of Nazareth Roman Catholic Marine Corps Reserve in delivering a message provide administrative and testing support Elem. School within the classroom. of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will 14131 Seneca Road, Darnestown, The Mary of Nazareth School Board of assist them in becoming responsible, produc- Paul Carvajal stands at attention during his Maryland 20874 tive, patriotic citizens. inspection. Directors is devoted to using resources to OPT reduce the teacher to student ratios. Currently, Principal: Mr. Michael J. Friel reading instruction for Kindergarten through Assistant Principal: grade three is conducted in classes of twenty, Mrs. Rosemary Adams creating a 1:10 teacher to student ratio. Mary 301-869-0940 (tel) of Nazareth School has also invested an addi- 301-869-0942 (fax) tional reading instructor in grades four and Mary of Nazareth five which has reduced reading class size to OPT Editor: Christine Priznar, fifteen students per class. Additionally, three 301-869-0940 ext. 6 groups of math are taught simultaneously in Website: grades four through eight reducing class size www.maryofnazareth.org and therefore better meeting student needs. The administration, faculty, and staff of Affiliated with the following parishes: Mary of Nazareth feel strongly that the suc- Mother Seton, Germantown; St. John Neumann, cess we can quantify in math and reading is Gaithersburg; St. Mary’s Shrine, Barnesville; St. Rose of Lima, Gaithersburg; St. Paul, Damascus; closely linked to our efforts of lowering our Our Lady of the Presentation, Poolesville; Our Lady student teacher ratio. OPT of the Visitation, Darnestown.

December Virtue of the Month – Commitment

Congratulations to the recipients of our December Virtue of the Month Award. Kindergarten Charlie Scherer and Rachel Alleva First grade Kiley Rutland and Matthew Magtibay Second grade Jacqueline Albero and Jackie Gilmore Third grade Paige McNeal and Rebecca Shen Fourth grade Ann Kelly and Christina Vo Fifth grade Maggie Koch and Anita Deonarine Sixth grade Teddy Joseph and Brian Truppo Seventh grade: Colleen Carver and Caroline Stiger Eighth grade Christy Brodrick and Kara Lerche

See You on the Slopes!

ki Club is a long standing tradition for middle school S students at Mary of Nazareth School. It is a well celebrated milestone and is often captured as their favorite memory in the year- book. The energy in the halls the weeks of ski club is contagious! One hundred and fifteen stu- dents, along with an abundance of chaperones, load their equipment into three buses for the trip to Ski Liberty Mountain. After an hour These 6th grade ski club members’ smiles say it all! and a half of singing, cheering and chanting, the buses are unloaded Of course there is the occasional forget- and everyone is off to hit the slopes. ting of a pass or misplacing a glove. But Ski Club is also a great way for our overall, the children rise to the occasion children to grow and show their maturity. and help each other in the lodge and on They become responsible for remembering the slopes. The program also provides a their passes, gathering their belongings great bonding experience for their middle and reporting back to the bus on time. school years. These ski club students do not disappoint. OPT 30 January 2011 Our Parish Times Blessed Sacrament

During basketball season for Special Olympics Montgomery County, elementary athletes and unified partners gath- er on Saturdays at the gym of Our Lady Lourdes School. The group has fun learning basketball skills, techniques, and playing the game. Blessed Sacrament’s own Saint Nicholas (aka “Fr. O’”) visits and hands out gold coins to the seniors’ group at the 2nd & 4th Monday Club, Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament at their annual St. Nicholas party. What a treat! 7th Annual Special Olympics Basketball Santo Nino, or Holy Child. This year SEASON Christ the King hosted Fr. Angel Exhibition Game Con’t from page 3 Quitalig who celebrated the Mass in Tagalog and the Homily said in n Saturday, February 26 at Proclamation of Epiphany. Sung by English. He reminded parishioners 10:00am, athletes, volunteers, our Deacon Stephen Mitchell, The that this was a truly Filipino and O and fans will come together Proclamation of the Date of Easter Vatican authorized devotion, for the for the 7th Annual Special Olympics on Epiphany, as it is formally known, Child Jesus to teach of His Father Basketball Exhibition Game at relays the proper dates for Holy that is what the image is revealing to Blessed Sacrament School. The Thursday, Easter, Ash Wednesday, us. He said that we ask Santo Nino program demonstrates the athletic Ascension, Pentecost, and the First to help us to understand the real skills of elementary and high school Sunday of Advent and dates back meaning to have a reason to dance students with special needs. It has to a time when calendars were not a and sing, that the meaning is in our become a heartwarming tradition household item as they now are. heart not just to be there without for the community and continues to We then were treated to the annual knowing why. grow in attendance every year. Filipino tradition of the Mass for the OPT OPT

Madison McGovern, working participant in the Greg Gannon Food Drive, stands their classroom lcd-projectors and next to the sign proclaiming the success of this annual drive to help fill area NEWS white boards to play the Wednesday food banks. Con’t from page 4 The Shrine of the Most program at lunchtime for their stu- dents. Blessed Sacrament Challenging faculty and staff with The eighth-grade news team wel- 3630 Quesada St., NW Greg Gannon Canned Food trivia questions is a favorite with comes two new additions this sec- Washington, DC 20015 the student audience who revel in ond semester: seventh-graders Matt Msgr. John Enzler, Drive Nets Over 61,000 Cans! watching a teacher try to retrieve Bonfiglio and Nick Welsh, who are Pastor that one correct answer! taking over editing and distributing 202-966-6575 lessed Sacrament was a bevy Greg Gannon, high school teach- Just like today’s professional the program. With their added sup- of activity on December 4 as er and community leader, passed reporters, the HRS news team has port, the program will be utilizing Blessed Sacrament School B parishioners geared up to col- away from brain cancer in 2006. to do it all: line up interviews, movie-maker so that music and spe- Mr. Chris Kelly, lect the thousands of brown paper His brother Rick has been at the research stories, gather facts, video- cial effects can enliven the weekly Principal bags that were distributed to area helm ever since. Says Rick, “Many record each segment, then edit and reports. All of the participating 202-966-6682 households the week before. people tell me that they find this to assemble the program for weekly students are appreciative of the guidance and support they receive Joan Ward, The annual event, held at Blessed be the best family tradition during distribution to the classrooms. Sacrament every year, is named for the holidays. It’s a great way to kick from the Student Government mod- OPT Editor Using a flip camera and software, Greg Gannon who began, with his off the season, by helping to meet the student producers save each erator, Ms. Sharon Rampersaud and 202-966-6575 wife “Mo,” this tradition of out- the tremendous need in our com- week’s program to a file accessible the technology teacher, Mrs. Mary standing service to the community. munity.” OPT to all teachers. Teachers utilize DelBianco. OPT

n Facebook: Add “Montgomery EMERGENCY County MD Office of Con’t from page 23 Emergency Management and Homeland Security” in “New User” to begin your registra- friends tion! n Text MONTGOMERY to Alert Montgomery can deliver 411911 important alerts, notifications and If you do not register for other updates to you on all of your devices optional groups on the Alert net- at once: work, you will receive only the most n e-mail account (work, home, urgent alerts (e.g. water main break, other) tornado warning). n cell phone Signing up for Alert Montgomery n text pager is free of charge; however, your wireless carrier may charge you a n BlackBerry fee to receive text messages. Please n wireless PDA check the FAQ link on the Alert n XM Radio Channel 214 Montgomery registration website n Twitter: Add “Montgomery and review your wireless service County MD” in find people agreement to learn your carrier’s pricing scheme. n Facebook: Add “Montgomery County MD” in friends OPT Resurrection Our Parish Times January 2011 31

Annual Christmas Concert Draws 450 at Resurrection

erhaps because of pent-up enthusiasm generated by P last year’s cancelled con- cert, some 450 music lovers turned out for Resurrection Church annu- al Christmas concert Dec. 19. A blizzard had forced cancellation of the 2009 event. Annick Kanter-Saint Hubert, who has been leading the Christmas concert and the par- ish music program for nearly two decades, said this year’s audience appeared to have been one of the Mary Shawhan, winner of the “Keep Christ in Christmas” poster contest at largest ever. “We’re glad we didn’t Annick Kanter-Saint Hubert directs the Resurrection Youth Choir at the Resurrection Church, received a rosary and Borders gift card from Grand have an early white Christmas like annual Christmas concert. Knight Michael Stempihar. last year,” she said. The concert included perfor- The singing of “O Holy Night,” clear rendition of the popular mances of many traditional and featuring a solo by tenor Brendan hymn was superior to those of the Second-Grader Wins Knights a few unusual carols by the par- Sliger of the Adult Choir, was more famous recording stars. ish’s Youth Choir, Women’s Choir, especially popular with the big The concert also featured the Adult Choir and Handbell Choir. crowd. work of parish organist William of Columbus Poster Contest The Resurrec- Wisnom, and brass and woodwind tion version of “O instrumentalists, all of whom are ary Shawhan, a second- for her winning entry,” Stempihar Holy Night” was or were parishioners. The same grader in the Resurrection said of the Resurrection contest. later on display basic brass quintet, directed by M religious education pro- “Keeping Christ in Christmas is on YouTube on David Kanter, has been playing at gram, is the winner of the “Keep keeping the very heart and meaning the Internet, com- Resurrection for 13 years. Christ in Christmas” parish-wide of the Christmas celebration alive.” peting for atten- For the past 15 years, nearby poster contest sponsored by the Mary Shawhan is the daughter tion with perfor- Paint Branch High School has Knights of Columbus. of Julia and Peter Shawhan. She mances by Celine loaned its timpani to Resurrection Shawhan’s winning poster fea- attends Galway Elementary School Dion, Charlotte for the parish’s Christmas and tured Jesus, Mary and Joseph in in Silver Spring. OPT Church and Easter performances. a crib scene with halos over their Celtic Woman. Concert goers also joined in heads and two angels under a large From left to right, Melanie Hobbs, Alexandra Eyoum, star surrounded by many smaller According to singing “Silent Night” and other Church of the Heather Veli and Bethany Hamson sing in the Youth some viewers, hymns while holding lighted can- stars. Choir at the Christmas concert. Michael Stempihar, Grand Knight Resurrection Parish Sliger’s strong, dles. OPT of the Bishop Lyons Council #9808 at Resurrection, presented Shawhan 3315 Greencastle Road with a rosary and a gift card for Burtonsville, MD Borders bookstore at a ceremony Dec. 19. The winning poster was Rev. Robert F. Keffer displayed in the parish commons area for several weeks during the Pastor Christmas season. 301-236-5200 Each year, the Knights of Columbus conduct a campaign to Parish Editor remind people that Christmas is John Small above all a holy day celebrating the [email protected] From left, Kathy Hinkle, Chris Alex and Maureen Jane Aylward and Kathleen Plunkett sing in birth of Christ. 301-318-4247 Quebedeaux ring their bells for the Resurrection the Women’s Choir during Christmas concert at “We congratulate and thank Mary Handbell Choir at the Christmas concert. Resurrection. Bill Hamm’s Car Care Center 7406 Westmore Road Off Gude Road in Rockville FREE PICKUP AND DELIVERY 301-294-9155 from Home or Office • Brakes • Tires • Wheel Balancing & Alignment Complete Automotive Repair Service • All Services Completed by Certified Mechanics QUESTION Foreign And Domestic Cars or Trucks and Guaranteed for 1 Full Year

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Losing It for Mother Seton St. John the Baptist ll are welcome to join our “Losing it for Mother Seton” A campaign. Participants are trying to get healthier by losing St. John’s Knights of some of their excess pounds, while donating to the church in amounts ranging from $2 to $20 per pound. Columbus Always There Total pledges so far could net the any know our Knights of awestruck by the ritual. parish as much as $1,700. Columbus through the During Advent, the Knights sell Want to participate or make a M wonderful breakfasts they Christmas cards to support their pro- donation? Send an email to: los- serve on Sundays and, of course, on grams, hold an Advent Pro Life [email protected]. For more Community Saturdays and Sundays Baby Shower to collect baby food, information, contact Paul Vater, where they offer coffee, donuts, and diapers, and clothing that are distrib- 301-602-8881. OPT juices after the Masses. uted through the St. Camillus Food Mother Seton Gala March 5 However, they do so much more Pantry , and sponsor a “Keep Christ for SJB’s parish life. In December, in Christmas” poster contest . Gala Celebration of the 35th for instance, the Knights presented Keep your eye on the church Anniversary of the Canonization of rosary beads to the Fourth Grade Bulletin for all the wonderful things St. Elizabeth Ann Seton CCD students. They did so with the Knights have planned for the a ceremony explaining the history remainder of the year ahead. And lease mark your calendars and founding of the Knights and the if you’re interested in joining the and reserve the evening of evolution of the rosary as a prayer Knights or want to learn of ways in P Saturday, March 5, for Mother devotion. As each child went for- which you can be involved, contact Seton’s first-ever Gala. Everyone is ward to receive a rosary, they passed Membership Director Don Lazas. invited to this fund-raising event for under the arch of the color corps’ our parish in the Msgr. Wells Parish drawn swords. The children were OPT Center Dinner. The evening will feature dinner, dancing, and a silent auction. OPT help?” Volunteers make it possible VOLUNTEERS for our small school to provide many Con’t from page 20 Mother Seton Parish extras. 19951 Fr. Hurley Boulevard SJB’s Blue Ribbon School Open Germantown, MD to a faith community, it’s never a House is Tuesday, February 1, 2011, mandatory obligation - people give 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. New families are Fr. Carlos Benitez what they can- usually more than always welcome to come and be a Pastor what is expected. Marianne Moore, part of our vibrant academic and 301-924-3838 school principal agrees. The parents faith community. Patrick Ezigbo, OPT Editor of SJB are quick to ask “How can I OPT 301-718-5995 [email protected] S Y l O B R o O F L o O O H C S h SJB Parents Assist Students with Thanksgiving Food Drive Y A D c T N E D S N E P E D s N I t N A h g i 2 1

– Hot Lunch Mothers 3 e S E

D Bishop Joe S. Vasquez of Austin, A LETTER a member of the CCT steering com- R www.heights.edu

G Con’t from page 5 mittee, represented the Committee H I College preparatory; liberal arts curriculum on Cultural Diversity of the United clergy in Birmingham in 1963. States Conference of Catholic

9 I Small class size Bishops (USCCB) at the meeting. 6 In their one-page letter, the church 9 I “During the struggles of the civil e 1 Championship sports leaders remember with gratitude the rights movement, Birmingham was D I sacrifices of the leaders of the civil E Award winning fine arts program one of the most segregated and vio-

D rights movement, who demonstrated

N I lent cities in America. Today, the city h Religious program for students the power of Christian, nonviolent U of Birmingham is filled with monu-

O action. They also express repentance F who are Catholic that “some of us have not progressed ments, places of worship, and home T far enough beyond the initial mes- to the Civil Rights Institute,” Bishop 1 0 4 0 0 S e v e n L o c k s R o a d I Po t o m a c , M a r y l a n d 2 0 8 5 4 I 301.3 6 5 . 4 3 0 0 sage from the Birmingham clergy.” Vasquez said. “I had the opportunity Continued on page 35 Holy Cross Our Parish Times January 2011 33 Jim Behrends Receives A Watershed Experience at Holy Cross Well-Deserved Recognition id you know that the Chesapeake Bay is North ardinal Donald Wuerl cele- ish was among those recognized. DAmerica’s largest estuary and brated the 25th anniversary With his wife, Jeanne, he joined the world’s third largest? The word C of his ordination as bishop Holy Cross in 1963. Over the years, Chesapeake comes from the Native on the Feast of the Epiphany at Mr. Behrends has been a dedicated American word “Tschiswapeki,” the Basilica of the National Shrine member of our parish community which loosely translated means of the Immaculate Conception by serving with the Boy Scouts, as “great shellfish bay.” The fourth honoring those who have dedicated an Extraordinary Minister, and as grade class at Holy Cross learned their lives in service to the church. a volunteer with the Merchandise this and a great deal more when they Recipients of the Manifesting the Certificate program. He is known for visited the Arthur Sherwood Study Kingdom Award were nominated by his quiet, selfless and untiring sup- Center located along Meredith Creek their pastors, religious communities port of Holy Cross, helping wher- just north of Annapolis. The trip was or other organizations reflecting the ever and whenever he is needed. The made possible by a grant from the light of Christ through valuable ser- community is blessed with the gift Chesapeake Bay Foundation which vice to our Church. of Mr. Behrends! sponsors environmental education OPT Jim Behrends of Holy Cross par- programs for children and adults. Enthusiasm for the newly-formed Fourth-grade student Christina Stavish meets a well-known resident of the Environmental Club prompted fac- Chesapeake Bay. Happy Birthday, Dear Sister Vivian! ulty to develop more hands-on edu- cational opportunities for students tributary to the Chesapeake. Full of dirt and uncaring people. In October, the focusing on water quality, ecology, Upon returning to the classroom, Now I am forgotten. entire Holy Cross wildlife habitat, and horticulture. students also used the experience People only stop to throw trash, School commu- The Chesapeake Bay Foundation as inspiration to write poetry about point and sigh. nity tiptoed silently provided a perfect venue for this the interconnectedness of life along My waters, full of boats and ani- into Lewis Hall goal. Hands on activities allowed the Chesapeake Bay. Some of the mals, like the malaclemys terrapin. for a surprise cel- Holy Cross students to study vari- poems expressed concern about The waters shrink and are full of ebration of Sister ous organisms and plants that live in pollution, several highlighted the algae. Vivian’s eightieth Meredith Creek and the Chesapeake magnificence and fragility of the The night comes. birthday. Yet, enthu- Bay, to explore the tidal salt marshes ecosystem, while others captured I wait for my day of light. siastic voices raised a bit of watershed whimsy. The along the creek, and to evaluate A Day By the Bay to the rooftop when water quality. The activities helped poems reflect students’ hope for a our dear Sister M. Postorino demonstrate how all parts of the Chesapeake Bay that, once restored, Vivian entered the ecosystem are connected, and how lives up to its name “great shellfish Oh how I love the Chesapeake Bay. room, as students, people can impact it positively or bay.” I can play there all day. friends, and faculty negatively. Students came away My River of Words The days are warm and sunny. with a greater appreciation of the The nights are cool and my nose M.C. Paxton wonders of the watershed, and a gets runny. sang Happy heightened awareness of our civic Words, flowing out (of) my mouth I like to crab and fish. Birthday. Buzzing in my ears These both make for a tasty dish. Students responsibility to care for it. Going down the Chesapeake, YUMMY! presented With a greater understanding of Down from New York Oh how I love to play by the bay Sister how our choices affect the water- Through the watershed and watch the seagulls fly away! Vivian shed, students will install, maintain Passing through people’s lives and with cards, and monitor rain barrels in key areas minds PB&J banners, of the school campus in a two-fold S. Henry-Tartaglia flowers effort to decrease storm water pollu- As I long to call to them. and gifts to tion, and to decrease the use of pota- Alas, a voice snuffs my joyful cry Jellyfish, mark her ble water for grounds maintenance. Full of sorrow, sternness. My sister ate ya. special day. Students will also participate in a My voice is forgotten She grabbed the peanut butter and you. clean-up of the Kensington Heights Like a breeze in a story Now you’re gone and she is sick. Branch of Rock Creek, a nearby My life is broken Farewell my poor, little Jellyfish! Tracy Colliton Named SDB Fellow s. Tracy Colliton, the “Tracy is an outstanding 5th grade teacher at and passionate educator. She M Holy Cross School has the ability to energize was recently named recipi- her students and challenge ent of the Sarah D. Barder them to excel in everything (SDB) Fellowship, class of they undertake. The SDB 2010. The SDB Fellowship Fellowship is an incredible Summer Sports Camps was created in 1988 as a honor for Tracy and I am Girls, Grades 1-9 vehicle to recognize remark- extremely proud of her. We able educators. The Center are truly blessed to have so week 1: June 20-24 • week 2: June 27-July 1 • week 3: July 4-8 for Talented Youth (CTY) at many talented and caring OPT Johns Hopkins University teachers here at Holy Cross.” provides oversight man- In late February, Ms. BaSketBall • Crew • Field HoCkey • laCroSSe agement of the recognition Colliton will attend the SDB SoCCer • SoFtBall • VolleyBall program. Nominations are Annual Conference in Palo submitted by students who Alto, California. A ceremony participate in the CTY cur- will take place during the riculum. Nominated teachers conference to induct new are then requested to apply fellows. Ms. Colliton will for the SDB Fellowship by receive a certificate and a completing an application stipend to be used at her dis- and essay. A panel of CTY cretion in her classroom or educators makes the final school. The entire Holy Cross determination by selecting community congratulates Ms. fellowship recipients. Colliton for this significant 301.929.6446 • [email protected] Lisa Maio Kane, Principal accomplishment! of Holy Cross School states, OPT 4920 Strathmore avenue • kensington, Maryland 34 January 2011 Our Parish Times Sports Holy Child Hosts 4th Annual CYO Invitational Basketball Tournament

ixteen local teams vied for the the consolation final, losing only big trophy, but this year, Holy to a talented Lanham, Maryland, S Redeemer of Kensington, squad, St. Matthias. St. Joseph, a Maryland, hustled through four com- new entry from Herndon, Virginia, petitive games to beat rival Our Lady made a strong showing in the tour- of Mercy (Potomac) and walked off ney, coming within two points of with the championship. Mercy gave toppling Holy Redeemer in the third a good fight throughout the bracket, round; another new team, St. Louis in round three beating a strong Holy of Alexandria, also showed solid Family team from Hillcrest Heights, play. Maryland, that looked to take it all. Rounding out the bracket, and Enthusiastic crowds packed the gym providing a wide range of excit- to cheer on their favorites through- ing competition over the three out the holiday weekend during the days, were Blessed Sacrament of 4th Annual CYO Invitational for Washington (Chevy Chase); from 7th- and 8th-grade girls. Virginia, St. Ann (Arlington) and Rockville’s St. Jude, defending St. Michael (Annandale); and from champion from the last two tour- Maryland, St. Bernadette (Silver naments, made it all the way to Spring), Holy Cross (Garrett Park),

Tournament Champions Holy Redeemer of Kensington

St. Jane de Chantal and Little Flower The MVPs and All-Tournament Child website at www.holychild. (Bethesda), St. Mary (Rockville), team are listed below. For the final org. and St. Peter (Olney). bracket and details, visit the Holy OPT

Jim Kuzma • Painting Holy Child CYO Invitational Basketball Tournament 2011 301-608-0988 2326 Montgomery Street Tournament MVP Katie Robey, #14 Holy Redeemer Joanne Unite, #5 Holy Redeemer Silver Spring, MD 20910 Runner-Up MVP Lilly Paro, #51 Our Lady of Mercy Carolyn Oare, #4 St. Joseph email:[email protected] Member St. Jude’s Parish Grace Drahozaal, #20 St. Joseph All-Tournament Team Courtney Hogan, #22 St. Jude Hayley Brown, #2 Blessed Sacrament Delia Launi, #42 St. Jude Sarah Overcash, #4 Blessed Sacrament Tierra Cochraham, #25 St. Louis Christine Allaire, #24 Holy Cross Kendall Bresee, #3 St. Mary Danielle Johnson, #15 Holy Family Mikiyah Croskey, #41 St. Matthias

Blessed Sacrament Junior Varsity Wins Prep Tournament

he Blessed Sacrament Junior Varsity tournament team coached by Joe Maier Billy Silk John Williams and Tom Roginski won the Georgetown Prep tourna- Plumbing Repairs and Remodeling • Drain Cleaning T ment over the Martin Luther King Day weekend. The team beat Holy Redeemer in stirring comeback fashion in the championship game. After Water Heaters • Hot Water and Steam Heat being down by as many as 12 points in the second half, the team got key baskets and foul shots from several players to take the game by 4 points. Master Plumbing Their first lead in the second half came in the last 30 seconds. The members of the team are Alexander Hagerup,Cullen Magner, Curtis Mitchell, Jimmy & Mechanical Inc. Molloy,Joey Murphy,Dennis O’Brien, Easton Packard, Patrick Williams, Ryan Ebel and Jack Myers. It was a great win for the Blessed Sacrament 301-650-9100 basketball program! OPT Serving the parish community in Montgomery County since 1986 Senior citizen discount • Gas company financing Licensed - Bonded - Insured It pays to advertise in Our Parish Times CBN/MC Members in MD and DC #878 Community Our Parish Times January 2011 35

St. Mary St. Michael “Unsung Heroes” Receive Award By Nancie Kenney

he Saint Mary’s Church and School community has reason to celebrate! T On January 2, 2011, over 200 reli- gious and lay people were honored for their outstanding service to the Church and its people, which Cardinal Wuerl states “is a living effort to manifest the kingdom of God.” In our community, Sister Carol Rigali, OSF, principal of Saint Mary’s School, was nominated by the United States Provincial Team of the School Sisters of St. Francis, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Monsignor Robert G. Amey, pastor of Saint Mary’s Church, nominated George and Margaret Griffin, long-time parishioners and active volun- History through Harmony teers in our community. Congratulations to Sister Carol and the Griffins for being among an exceptional group of honorees to at St. Michael School George and Margaret Griffin receive the Manifesting the Kingdom award win the Manifesting the Kingdom Award in from Cardinal Donald Wuerl. he curriculum at St. Michael lessons. The five male singers of its inaugural year. OPT School is enriched by pro- Reverb took students on an a cappel- T grams such as the Washington la musical journey through African- Performing Arts Society’s Concerts American history, focusing on the in Schools. WPAS provides a diverse social issues of 1619, 1866, the Concert Chorus and Advanced Band Perform roster of experienced musicians, 1960s, and today. Students partici- dancers, storytellers, and visual art- pated by answering and asking ques- at National Christmas Tree ists who visit schools and create tions, dancing, singing, and playing interactive educational experiences hand-held percussion instruments. he St. Mary’s School Concert Chorus and Advanced for children. Reverb’s repertoire engages students Band performed at the Washington National St. Michael’s students were and provides insight into issues that T Christmas Tree on Wednesday, December 15. thrilled by the smooth sounds of are still thought-provoking today. This was their second year performing at the National “Reverb” as they learned important OPT Christmas tree. With the temperatures in the mid-20s, fully bundled-up with hats, gloves, scarves, the warm- est of clothes, the advanced band and chorus bravely own personal safety to bring about performed on the Ellipse in front of friends, family and LETTER equality and justice. Their non-vio- many admirers. Con’t from page 32 lent efforts to confront racism are The advanced band, comprised of students’ grades deeply rooted in Gospel values that 5-8, performed holiday selections such as Up on the all men and women, regardless of Housetop, We Wish you a Merry Christmas and Rudolph to visit these places; however, most color, are created in the likeness and the Red Nosed Reindeer. The Concert chorus, also com- Mid-20s isn’t cold when you bundle-up with hats, gloves, significant to me were the stories and image of God and, therefore, worthy prised of students’ grades 5-8 has 69 members. The cho- and scarves personal testimony given by those of respect and dignity.” ral program included multicultural selections such as An who suffered the injustices of racism Full text of the letter can be found African Wish (Peace Love and Unity) and A Caribbean and segregation. These individuals was very cool and an honor to sing there. I enjoyed the at: www.ChristianChurchesTogether. Gloria. Other holiday favorites were features such as were filled with prophetic courage, chance to sing in front of such a beautiful and historic org God Rest You Merry Gentlemen, Beboppin’ Santa Claus even to the point of sacrificing their tree.” OPT and a gentleman’s feature –Bruce Springsteen’s Santa The National Park Service’s National Christmas Tree Claus is Comin to Town. Program at Presidents Park offers musical entertainment First-time chorus member and fifth grader Aileen for visitors throughout the entire month of December. Hannan said of the performance, “It was really bright and The performers come from all over the Tri-State area. really cold. But, my favorite part of the performance was Continental Movers This was St. Mary’s second year performing at the when everyone clapped their hands and no one heard it National Christmas Tree. There is hope for another per- Local-Long Distance because of the gloves they were wearing.” Eighth grade formance next year. student and four year member, Jack Blackwell said, “It OPT $80.00 per hour for two men 202 438-1489 301-340-0602 knowing we were there to share. up! The roars of laughter and the www.continentalmovers.net UPS AND DOWNS The gratitude was screaming from screams of excitement could not [email protected] Con’t from page 9 their hearts, and so many grabbed have made for a more heartwarming at our hands to show appreciation. experience. Insured Bonded Family Owned plies, hygiene products, and under- Others tried to hug us as we contin- Additionally, because of gener- clothes for the children. This annual ued to quickly distribute what we ous donations, Peggy and Christie shoe and clothes giveaway is such could before continuing on. Nothing Anne assembled bags of rice and an important and exciting event. sounded sweeter than a little child beans and bottles of oil to distribute Classifieds Each child left with one pair of yelling “Meci” or “Thank you Blan” to 45 families. These families lost shoes and an arm full of clothes and (a term of endearment for a white their homes in recent flooding in Affordable Housing Corrados’ Inc. person). This reminded us that the the community of Montrouis. Over underclothes. These were exhaust- Furniture • Interiors ing but exhilarating days! great cost of shipping and the hours 380 people are currently living in VICTORY HOUSING of the Fabrics & Trimming • Fine Furniture • Wall When all was over the teach- spent packing is worth it—just to see tents just one block from the mis- Archdiocese of Washington seeks Coverings • Carpet • Window Treatment • ers and their families, as well as those smiles. sion house. Many had only hours land or multifamily buildings within Upholstery • Interior Design the Archdiocese for the development each child at our school (500+) was Peggy and Christie Anne also to gather their things and move to of affordable housing. Please Bethesda 301-951-5545 given necessities to keep them clean found great happiness when over higher ground. Rains that came in contact Jim Brow n at 301-493-5506 Robert Corrado - St. Catherine Labouré and happy in the upcoming months. 75 children attended a party at the mid-July did not let up and washed or [email protected]. Amazingly enough, there was more mission house. After introducing the away much of the river banks, taking to share! The group traveled through- great American games of “Duck- with it anything in its path, includ- out the community and found other Duck Goose” and “Steal the Bacon,” ing many of the mud, leaf, or stone Mark C. Wimsatt It pays to adults and children in need. Words the children feasted on a wonderful constructed homes. Painting: Interior & Exterior cannot possibly describe the smiles dinner. The children were invited With mixed emotions the group advertise in Free Estimates • Top References to attend the party because of their distributed all they could. Although on the faces and the feelings we Serving Mont. County over 30 years Our Parish had as children and grown adults excellent success in school. They happy to provide, they simply knew Lic. 10165 • Insured • Bonded came running to the mission truck brought their siblings and cousins, it wouldn’t be enough. OPT St. Jude Parishioner • 301-871-1223 Times and even the neighbors showed 36 January 2011 Our Parish Times March for Life 2011

Thousands of people converged on Washington on January 24 for the annual March for Life. In spite of sub-freezing temperatures, concerned citizens from all over the country voiced their support for the right to life of all humans from conception to natural death. Photos by John Hamm