Parish Bulletin:     July 18, 2010

July 19 – July 25
Monday, 7/19		9:00 a.m. Carmelita Galang
Tuesday, 7/20		9:00 a.m. Rev. Luciano A. Caimi
Wednesday, 7/21		9:00 a.m. Vincente Zaragoza
		7:30 p.m. Jack D'Aurora
Thursday, 7/22		9:00 a.m. Rev. Edward P. O'Connell
Friday, 7/23		9:00 a.m. Ruben Mossalonga
Saturday, 7/24		9:00 a.m. Barbara Beall
		5:00 p.m. Rev. Joseph Zalotay
Sunday, 7/25		8:00 a.m. John Sullivan
		9:30 a.m. Mr. & Mrs. J.C. Colling & Family (L)
		11:15 a.m. Jean Fleming
		5:00 p.m. Pro populo

Please pray for the sick…Joan McLoughlin, Jean Paddock, Paul Cardaci, Sofia Lewis, Nancei Radicchi, Millie Bussard, Angel Andrada, Deby Dicello. (Names will remain on this list for four (4) consecutive weeks, but can be repeated by calling the Rectory. Please notify the Parish Office if you or persons whose names you submitted no longer need to be on this prayer list. Thank you for your cooperation.)

The Hospitality of Abraham and Sarah

The occasion of the visit of the three mysterious figures to Abraham and Sarah (our first reading, Genesis 18:1-10) has also been called the “Old Testament Trinity.” In symbolizing the inner nature of God made known to us in Jesus, this scene has become a well-known subject for Eastern Christian iconography. In the ancient world, hospitality to travelers, especially in desert places, was an important obligation. Abraham and Sarah responded readily and generously to the strangers, offering them the shade of their encampment, washing their feet, and preparing a meal for them. Unbeknownst to the couple, they had entertained angels, messengers of God, who brought them the good news that Isaac, the son of the Promise, would be born. You can see how easily this scene forms the backdrop of the hospitality offered by Martha and Mary to Jesus (our Gospel selection). How often do we think of ourselves as recipients of God’s hospitality—sharing with us from his Table—and in this sense, consider Mary feeding upon the words of Jesus at his feet! But God also gives us the opportunity to show our true nature, when we serve God who appears in humble form. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta always saw Jesus in the poor she served. In our summer travels, we place ourselves in dependence on the hospitality of others and in turn may have the opportunity to offer it to friends or relatives. In such encounters, it is possible to come close to God and entertain angels unawares.

~Fr. David

Mid-year Archbishop’s Appeal Update

As of the beginning of July, pledging across the Church of Washington has surpassed last year’s at $12,143,440. On the parish level, we have pledged an impressive $167,166, which is 88% of our goal, with $113,657 having been received so far. The avenues of charitable outreach in the Archdiocese call for a commitment from as many of us as possible. With 27% of our households at St. Francis of Assisi responding, I hope many more of us can chip in during the remainder of the year to help not only reach our goal, but to support the ministries that depend on the Appeal each year. Please call 301-853-4574 to make a pledge. Our participation is needed and sincerely appreciated.

JULY 4TH POTLUCK BREAKFAST – Thank you to everyone who participated in our potluck breakfast after the 9:00 a.m. Mass on the 3rd of July. Special thanks go to Mary O’Sullivan, Joan Treacy, Jean Smith & Nadine Edwards for organizing the annual event.

SCHOOL SUPPLY COLLECTION – St. Francis will be working with INTERFAITHWORKS (Community Ministries of Montgomery County) to help provide school supplies to Montgomery County’s neediest children. School supplies will be collected the weekend of August 7/8. Please see next week’s bulletin insert for a list of items needed.

PATRIOTIC ROSARY - Wednesday, July 21st following the 7:30 p.m. Mass, to be prayed for the Consecration of our Nation.

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS
RCIA - the process by which Adults become Catholic
Can you answer “Yes” to any of these questions?
• Are you interested in learning more about the Catholic Church?
• Are you unbaptized but recognize a need for spirituality in your life?
• Were you baptized Catholic or baptized into another denomination but never received any formal religious education?
• Are you married to a Catholic and attend Mass, but just don’t know what the next step is to become one of the Catholic faithful?
RCIA is the place for you. Every year adults are welcomed into the Catholic Community through RCIA. It is a learning and loving process in which conversion of the heart brings you to Jesus Christ who is our Lord and Savior. Classes will begin in mid-September. For more information, we invite you to call or e-mail Terry Davis (301) 774-0783, e-mail davistj23@gmail.com) or Sara Dean (301) 977-6373, e-mail sgdean129@aol.com). There is no obligation, just information.

LAMB OF GOD PRAYER MEETING - Join the Lamb of God Prayer Group for worship and the study of Scripture on Tuesday, July 20th, 7:30 p.m., St. Clare’s Chapel in the Rectory. For details, please call Louise, (301) 977-5217.

ROSARY CENACLE OF OUR LADY, QUEEN OF PEACE – 3:00 p.m., Chaplet of Divine Mercy Rosary Cenacle of Our Lady, Queen of Peace to pray for priests, 3:00 p.m. in St. Clare’s Chapel (Rectory) every Sunday. Please join us.

POOR BOX DONATION – The donations for this weekend will go to our Haiti Medical Mission. Thank you for your generosity.

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI PRAYER CHAIN If you have a prayer request, please contact Marianne Bullen, (301) 963-3420 or mariannebu@comcast.net with your requests.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Register Now for the 2010-2011 Religious Education Program!

Religious Education classes will begin the week of September 26. Be sure to register by August 1 to take advantage of the early registration fees. Registration forms can be found in the Gathering Space and/or Parish Offices. Even if you cannot make payment at this time, you can secure registration at the lower rate by returning your registration form with a note indicating you will pay at a later date. (And if payment of registration fees poses a financial hardship, please contact Susan Anderson, Director of Religious Education, to make alternate arrangements.) Completed forms can be returned to the Parish Offices.

Thank you to all families who have already returned their registration form! Look for more information in early September.

Sacramental Preparation
1^st Reconciliation, 1 ^st Eucharist and Confirmation

Sacramental Preparation is in addition to Religious Education Classes and families requesting that their child prepare for sacraments in 2010-2011 are asked to indicate this on their religious education registration form. Families requesting sacraments for a child attending Catholic School are also asked to complete and return a religious education registration form by August 1. Additional information about these programs will be mailed in September to families who have requested sacraments on their registration forms.

If you need more information about Religious Education classes, or sacramental preparation at St. Francis, please call the Office of Religious Education, (301) 258-9193.

Catechists Needed

As we look ahead to the start of classes in September, please consider whether you can serve as a catechist for our children and young people. If you would like to learn more about this important ministry, please contact Susan Anderson, Director of Religious Education, at (301) 258-9193.

SUPPORT THE CHURCH IN LATIN AMERICA Although approximately half of the world’s Catholic population lives in Latin America, the Church in the region is losing members at an alarming rate. They are drawn away from the church by other faiths and often obliged to migrate in pursuit of a better life. These tensions can contribute to the destabilization of families and faith communities. You can keep faith through your support of next weeks’ Collection. Your generosity will support pastoral work that engages parishioners and fosters the faith. The Church in Latin America needs your help.

HOW CAN YOU GROW JUSTICE IN HAITI WITH A MORNING CUP OF COFFEE? It is simple when you drink “Kafe Lespwa" (Coffee of Hope), a Haitian fair-trade plus coffee imported by Just Haiti. Just Haiti was founded in 2007 by parishioners of St. John the Baptist in Silver Spring. Its mission is to support the efforts of Haitians to rise from poverty and free themselves from dependence on the charity of others. Just Haiti works with the Kafe Devlopman Barade (Coffee Development of Baraderes) to bring high-quality, organic, shade-grown coffee to US consumers. Building a sustainable business allows farmers to stabilize their communities economically and environmentally. The collaboration between Just Haiti and KDB allows farmers to receive a fair, sustainable price for their harvest. By drinking Kafe Lespwa and sharing it with others, you can make economic justice an everyday habit rather than a special event. Kafe Lespwa can be purchased as regular (French) roast or an extra-dark roast called "Haitian roast." The coffee comes in whole bean, drip grind and espresso (Haitian roast only). Up to ten 12-ounce bags can be purchased at once at a cost of $9.95 per bag. To learn more about just Haiti visit www.justhaiti.org Coffee can be ordered either online through PayPal at www.justhaiti.org or by emailing Mary Kate Ryner, rynoslp@msn.com, who will arrange to get your order to you. Please feel free to contact Mary Kate Ryner at (301) 807-1355 (cell) with any questions.

ST. FRANCIS FOOTBALL – Sign-ups for St. Francis Fall Youth Tackle Football will take place in the Gathering Space after each Mass for boys and girls, ages 5-14 years old. Come play and have fun with our fellow parishioners and learn about football! Call Brian Karem with questions or for additional information (301) 442-1622.

MERCY CLINIC NEEDS YOU – Wednesday, July 21st, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (lunch is provided) at Mercy Health Clinic, 7-1 Metropolitan Court, Gaithersburg. Workers are needed to file charts. If you are willing to help this one time, please call Sally Heaney, (301) 330-6498.

PILGRIMAGE FOR THE FEAST OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES: FEBRUARY 9-17 2011 – Join Fr. David Wathen, OFM, from the Franciscan Monastery in Washington, on a Pilgrimage to Lourdes, Paris, Nevers and Lisieux. Pilgrims will join in the celebrations for the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, will visit the places associated with the life of St. Bernadette, visit Paris and also Lisieux, the home of St. Therese, “The Little Flower.” For detailed information contact Fr. David at e-mail dwfm1400@hotmail.com or Elizabeth Grinder (301) 740-9332.

“OH TASTE AND SEE THAT THE LORD IS GOOD” (Ps 34;9) – A day retreat with Fr. Clement Machado, S.O.L.T. Sunday, August 8th, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. followed by Mass at Georgetown Prep School, North Bethesda. Cost is $30. Pre-registration is required. Fr. Machado promotes healing of the whole person, body, mind, heart, & soul through intercessory prayer & ministry of the Sacramentals and the Sacraments—particularly the Sacraments of the Holy Eucharist & Confession. For more information, call Ellen Zsebedics, (301) 440-2507 or (240) 345-6775. You can also visit their web page: http://georgetownretreat.com.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: DIRECTOR OF ATHLETIC MINISTRY - The Athletic Director oversees the Saint Peter’s Athletic Association, which is part of St. Peter’s Parish in Olney youth ministry programs. Working with the Pastor, his priest-delegate, in conjunction with the Director of Youth Ministry, and with the assistance of the Advisory Board, works to ensure that the parish athletic ministry is striving to fulfill its mission. The Director of Saint Peter’s Athletic Association will strive to administer an athletic program which allows young people to continue to grow in their faith, knowing that they welcomed and supported by the adults of the Parish community. This is a part time position of no more than 50 hours per month. Persons wishing to apply for the position of Athletic Director of Saint Peter’s Athletic Association should write a letter of interest to Father Patrick Riffle at Patrick.riffle@stpetersolney.org by August 1st. This letter should include information of the applicant’s previous involvement in any work with young people, as well as reasons why the parish should consider this application.

CATHOLIC STANDARD – Become a new subscriber to the Catholic Standard and get a pair of tickets free to see the 2010 Washington Nationals. To subscribe call (202) 281-2407, Code: WN 2010 or mail your check (payable to Catholic Standard): Catholic Standard Circulation, P.O. Box 4464, Washington DC 20017. Hurry – offer only good while supplies last! Help St. Francis of Assisi Church and become a new subscriber. Your subscription helps our parish to save money.

135th ANNUAL CHICKEN DINNER & FAIR – St. Mary’s Parish in Barnesville invites all to join in their 135th Annual Chicken Dinner on Saturday, July 31st, 12:00 Noon – 7:00 p.m. Full course dinners served inside - $12 Adults, Children 12 and under are free in the dining room. Carryout is available. There will be a Jousting Tournament, craft booths, children’s games, baked good stand, a white elephant and other games of chance. St. Mary’s is located at 18230 Barnesville Road in upper Montgomery County. For more information call (301) 972-8660.

BINGO TEAM #1 under the leadership of Kathy Cornwell, (301) 948-4027, and ENTRANCE TEAM 3 under the leadership of Chris Mantua, (301) 924-0442, will meet on Friday, July 23rd, 6:30 p.m. Early bird starts at 7:00 p.m. with regular games starting at 7:30 p.m.