HOLY COMFORTER CATHOLIC CHURCH AUGUST 17, 2014

SAINTS TO REMEMBER

AUGUST 17 – St. Joan of the Cross 18 – St. Clare 19 – St. John Eudes 20 – St. Bernard 21 – St. Pius X 22 – The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary 23 – St. Rose of Lima 24 – St. Bartholomew

MASS INTENTIONS

Saturday, August 16 5 PM – For Deceased Members of the Thibodeau Family (Flo Pritchett)

Sunday, August 17 8:30 AM – Pete Colo (Kay Colo) 11 AM – Members of the Parish.

Saturday, August 23 5 PM – Members of the Parish

Sunday, August 24 8:30 AM – Dominico Nguyen Phuc (Thuy Vu) 11 AM – John Brennan (Marge & Jack Brennan)

THIS WEEK’S CALENDAR

SUNDAY (8/17) 8:30 AM - MASS 11 AM –MASS

MONDAY (8/18) NOON –MASS

TUESDAY (8/19) 10 AM – NOON: Food Pantry NOON – MASS

WEDNESDAY (8/20) 10 AM – NOON: Food Pantry NOON – MASS NOON - AA Meeting 6:30 PM - Medjugorie Rosary Prayer Group

THURSDAY (8/21) NOON – MASS NOON - 1 PM: Soup Kitchen

FRIDAY (8/22) 10 AM – NOON: Food Pantry NOON –MASS NOON - AA Meeting

SATURDAY (8/23) 3:30 - 4:30 PM: Reconciliation 5 PM – Vigil Mass

SUNDAY (8/24) 8:30 AM - MASS 9:45 – 10:45 AM: Christian Formation Classes 11 AM –MASS

Gifts for God Offertory August 9/10 = $4,758 Social Ministries = $2,016 Catholic Virginian = $35 Haiti = $25

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR _____________

PARISHIONERS: Winifred Smith, Frank Pologruto, Al Bracuti, Norman Bednarcyk, Nicholas Sisman, Mary Ann Williams, Rose Bowker, Tom O’Rourke, and Hermann Ortmann.

FRIENDS AND RELATIVES: Josephine Nampijja, Gloria Aberg, Grace Dawn Wicke, Melyssa Dove, Nicole Carpenter, Beth Mauk, Evan Dotas, Dave Halley, Cullen McQuhae, Bill & Marie Jones, Christine Bentéjac, David Rumpf, Mrs. Jessica Viglietta, Pam D. Goines, Charlie Previtali, Jessica Viglietta, Nicole Shaw, Jean Clayton, Rich Hawkins, Grace R. Salvetti, Kimberly Hasenfus Hulick, Kristin Fagan, Merrilee Kubart, June Atherton, Natalie Potter, Harper Grace, J. Sloan, Paul Hillard, Dale Evans, Michael Reisinger, Marie Johnston, Suzanne Lank, Stanley Lank, Diane Schmidt, Earl Scheetz, Shirley O’Rourke, Bob Spann, Joan Hall, and Deborah Bryant.

MILITARY: Brian Fagan, Jamie Torbet, Mike Eiermann, David Alvey, Charles G. Ellison, Eric Emmott, and Matthew Mickiewicz.

PARISH NEWS

NEW PARISHIONERS: Stephen & Regina Grammatico, Jim Brown, Helene & Lawrence Gaffney, Mark Floryan & Maya Kumatawa, Robert & Jean Brandon, Fran & Marshall Slayton, Kay & Patrick Humes, Eileen Foster, Rocky & Patricia Murdough, Andre & Charlie Anne Xavier, Donald & Helen Dudley, and Francis & Marylouise Coolidge.

BAPTISMS: May 24, 2014: Kennedy Elizabeth Hartwell May 31, 2014: Alexander William Griffith June 14, 2014: Lila Cate Juge June 21, 2014: Arlo Anders Markley June 29, 2014: Elina Marie Netland July 27, 2014: Maeve Elizabeth Thomas

WEDDINGS: July 12, 2014: Jessica Ward & Brady Drumheller August 2, 2014: Kara Gorski & Edward Reed August 8, 2014: Meredith Johnson & Sam Dilbert

UPCOMING WEDDINGS: September 20, 2014: Emily Buckley & Michael Dolan October 11, 2014: Tona Boyd & Michael Cartwright October 19, 2014: Alessandra Saucino & Jonathan Keepta

NEXT WEEK'S READINGS

TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

First Reading: Isaiah 22:19-23 This passage refers to the use of authority and indicates the Key as the symbol of authority. The words “open” and “shut” refer to the power that will eventually be given to Peter.

Second Reading: Romans 11:33-36 Paul writes ecstatic and praise-filled words about God’s plan for his people. In him, he writes, “all things are.”

Gospel: Matthew 16:13-20 When Jesus asks his disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter exclaims, “You are the Messiah!” Christ then declares that Peter is the “Rock” upon which he will build his Church, promising him the power “to bind” and “to loose.”

HOLY COMFORTER CATHOLIC CHURCH AUGUST 17, 2014

NEWS FROM HAITI

Anne Knasel (STA): anne@stagebridge.net Ginny Zeller (HC): ginnyannzeller@gmail.com

www.saltadere.org

NEWS FROM ST. MICHEL: We are planning for a visit from Fr. Ilric later in the year. Please keep all our St. Michel brothers & sisters in your prayers. Richard Joseph, Office of Education head for the Hinche Diocese, has given us the good news that 100 % of the St. Michel 6th graders passed the govt. test which advances them to the 7th grade. The schools and parishes are preparing for the start of the new school year on September 8. Your sponsorship support is our main source of funds which we send to help pay teachers’ salaries. With ever increasing enrollment, the need is very great. Improved education is the sustainable way for Saltadere and the country of Haiti to progress. Your help is part of that progress. Thank you. [Mesi anpil.]

BI-PARISH HAITI COMMITTEE: The next meeting will be August 24th at St. Thomas Aquinas at 1 PM in the community room. All are welcome. To learn about the Bi-parish committee, you can e-mail Anne Knasel or Ginny Zeller. Contact us to join our email update list.

TO THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY COMFORTER FAMILY:

FOOD FOR THE POOR wishes to thank you for the welcome you extended to Monsignor McLoughlin on our recent visit to your parish. On behalf of our less fortunate brothers and sisters of Latin America and the Caribbean, we thank you for having shared in their lives. They, and you, are blessed by your generosity. In Christ,

The Food For The Poor Family

JUSTICE & PEACE

PANTRY: Suppose you were working several part time jobs, but there still wasn't quite enough money to pay the rent and buy groceries. What would you do? You could apply for food stamps, and if your income was low enough, you might get some. But there is usually a time lapse between applying for the stamps and actually getting them. You can't put your family's hunger on hold, but you can get help from the Holy Comforter food pantry, nourishing food supplied by the USDA and US- the parishioners of Holy Comforter.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS OF INTEREST

MEDJUGORJE ROSARY PRAYER GROUP: Our Blessed Mother's message of August 2, 2014 -- "Dear children, the reason that I am with you, my mission, is to help you for 'good' to win, even though this does not seem possible to you now. I know that you do not understand many things as I also did not understand everything, everything that my Son explained to me while He was growing up alongside me - but I believed Him and followed Him. I ask this of you also, to believe me and to follow me. However, my children, to follow me means to love my Son above everything, to love Him in every person without making differences." Come pray with us every Wednesday at 6:30 PM in the Chapel. Renew and refresh your love for God in this warm and inviting small prayer group.

FLORAL HELP NEEDED

Floral help is needed on an "as needed" basis - when our floral angels have a conflict. Altar flowers are arranged on Thursday or Friday. Sound like fun? Please call Barbara Battiston at 434-244-0185.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

FATHER LOUIS A. ROWEN COUNCIL 3670

MEETING REMINDER: Knights of Columbus Council 3670 will hold its next meeting Monday night, August 18 at Church of the Incarnation's Stone Chapel. The rosary begins at 7:15 PM.. The meeting starts at 7:30 PM. Food and beverages will be available. All Knights are welcome.

HOLY COMFORTER CALENDAR CHANGES THRU AUGUST 27TH: No 8 AM Saturday Mass - No Sunday Confession at 7 AM - Weekday Masses are at Noon

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: The parish IMPACT team is looking for another member to join the 5 returning HC team members inside the Interfaith Movement for Promoting Action by Congregations Together will be rewarding. Obligations are not heavy. Benefits to church, community, and self are substantial. Please consider joining us. For details contact Chuck McCurdy at 293-3210 or at cwm@virginia.edu.

FOR HEALING AFTER ABORTION: A Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat will be held September 26-28 at Shalom House Retreat Center for anyone who has known regret, sorrow, guilt or shame from abortion. The weekend combines living scripture meditations, spiritual exercises, and discussions in a guided process that leads to the heart of God’s love and compassion. To learn more about this retreat, contact Marty Montgomery-Jennings [804-704-0429], Maggie Carlson [804-432-2589], email RV4hope@gmail.com, or visit www.rachelsvineyard.org. Inquiries, registration and participation are strictly confidential.

LIGHTHOUSE MEDIA CD'S AND BOOKS: Have you stopped by the Lighthouse Media display lately? There are many new arrivals. They are perfect to listen to while you drive to the beach or to work or to dinner. Have you made your summer confession? Pick up Dr. Scott Hahn's "The Healing Power of Confession". Dr. Scott Hahn presents the historical and biblical origins of the Sacrament of Penance (Reconciliation). He provides an important guide for new Catholics, a source of renewal for "old hands", and a challenge to all of us to deepen our relationship with Christ through regular use of the Sacrament of Penance.

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND: “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” We only need to call on Jesus to help us have the best Sacrament of Marriage. The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend is Oct 10-12 in Norfolk. For more information or to apply, visit our website at www.renewmarriage-vasouth.org or contact us at applications@renewmarriage-vasouth.org or 757-483-3209.

MEN’S CURSILLO RETREAT WEEKEND OCTOBER 16-19, 2014 AT CAMP OVERLOOK: Catholic men, mark your calendars. For information and downloadable applications, call Rob & Ann Michel at 978-3954 or visit valleycursillo.com. Applications must be received by October 3, 2014.

HOLY COMFORTER CATHOLIC CHURCH AUGUST 17, 2014

FROM THE PASTOR

THE BEAUTY OF THE HOLY SACRIFICE OF MASS

A Christian friend from another church came into my office and was interested in becoming Catholic. He had attended Mass a Sunday

before and he wanted to ask some questions about the way we Catholics act in church. “Father,” he observed, “the thing that is most

different between my former church and your church is that you Catholics always seem to know what is going to happen next! In my

church we sit and listen and sing now and then, but in the Catholic liturgy you have to know what to do.”

He had a good point: We Catholics do “know what is going to happen next.” One of the basic, distinctive marks of our way of praying

is ritual: We do things over and over. When the priest says, “The Lord be with you,” without any thought or hesitation the congregation

responds, “And with your spirit.” The priest says, “Let us pray,” and the congregation stands up.

Our daily lives have their rituals also: There are set ways of shaking hands, eating with a fork, responding to a letter. And when we are

accustomed to a certain way of doing things we seldom ask why we do it that way. In the Eucharist, too, we have many ritual actions

which we perform without asking why.

Let us step by step “walk-through” Mass. I think this step by step explanations will be helpful for the great numbers of Catholics who

attend Mass regularly but don’t always remember the reasons behind the various actions of the Mass. They may be especially helpful

for catechumens (those preparing to enter the Catholic Church) and visitors from other churches who are not familiar with the Catholic

Church.

What is the Mass?

A good way to describe the Mass is to say that it is Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday made present today in ritual. It is

not merely a meal which reminds us of the Last Supper, or a Passion Play which helps recall Good Friday, or a Sunrise Service which

celebrates the Lord’s Resurrection. It is Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

The bishops at the Second Vatican Council brought together these three mysteries in a multifaceted description of the Mass: “At the

Last Supper, on the night when he was betrayed, our Savior instituted the eucharistic sacrifice of his body and blood. He did this in

order to perpetuate the sacrifice of the Cross throughout the centuries until he should come again and in this way to entrust to his

beloved Bride, the Church, a memorial of his death and resurrection: a sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a paschal

banquet ‘in which Christ is eaten, the heart is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us” ” (Constitution on the Sacred

Liturgy, #42).

The basic “shape” of the ritual of the Mass can be described as a meal. This is not to say it is “just another meal” or that we are ignoring

the Mass as sacrifice. Not at all. The point is, the shape of the Mass, even when viewed as sacrifice, is that of a meal. For our purposes,

we can be greatly helped in our “walk through” the Mass if we remember this basic “meal shape.”

When friends gather for a meal, they sit and talk: Eventually they move to the table, say grace, pass the food and eat and drink, and

finally take their leave and go home. On our walk through the Mass we will follow this same map: we will see ritual acts of 1) gathering,

2) storytelling, 3) meal sharing and 4) commissioning. TO BE CONTINUED

HOLY COMFORTER CATHOLIC CHURCH AUGUST 17, 2014

A New School Year Here at Holy Comforter!

First Day of Student Formation Classes

August 24th 9:45 a.m.

The year kicks off with a welcome back prayer service and orientation

for our children and parents downstairs before the students break out into individual classes.

Parents encouraged to attend!

Six Class Levels

Pre-K (3 and 4 year olds) Kindergarten/First Grade

Second Grade/Third Grade Fourth Grade/Fifth Grade

Middle School High School

Registration fees: $45 for one child, $55 for two children, $65 for three or more children.

Registration Forms and Calendars available on the Christian Formation table in the commons. For more information contact Dawn Aberg, DRE

dawnaberg@gmail.com/434.295.6559