October 7, 2018

Called to be Christ-Like!

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I just returned from attending the Fall Retreat of the priests of the Archdiocese of Washington. It was a great experience. We were a total of 21 priests serving 21 different parishes. We were blessed to have an excellent Retreat Master, Fr. Brett Brannen, Pastor of Blessed Sacrament Church in Savannah, Georgia. His earlier experience as Vocations Director and then as Vice Rector of Mount St. Mary Seminary were invaluable. He had chosen a quotation from the Rite of Ordination to the Priesthood as the retreat title: "May God,

who has begun this good work in you, bring it to fulfillment"

Throughout the retreat, Fr. Brannen used many insightful quotes from some of the greatest saints. I want to focus and expand on only a few of them in the hope that they can help you to reflect and get closer to Our Lord Jesus Christ. The first one that comes to my mind comes from St. John Paul II, “The only success recognized by God is Christ-Likeness.” Our society is obsessed with success such as being on the high school football or track team, being accepted by a renowned school or college, graduating with honors, making much money owning a business or through a good, stable salary, being elected as a politician, etc. All these successes make us feel proud, yet they all are worldly successes, not spiritual successes. This is why St. John Paul II reminds us that the only success recognized by God is Christ-Likeness!

What does it mean to be Christ-like? St. Paul encourages us to be imitators of Christ. When facing a difficult situation and debating what to do, many of us then ask the question: WWJD? What would Jesus do? This is a good approach that reminds us to imitate Christ when facing difficult challenges. We know some of the great human qualities displayed by Jesus as Man: Loving Trust in God the Father, total surrender to God the Father, unconditional love of everyone, having a

merciful and forgiving heart, priority to those most in need (especially those on the margins of society), deep silent prayer to the Father having given his life on the Cross for the salvation of all sinners ...and many more virtues, including the three Theological virtues of Faith, Hope and

Love!

How does one become Christ-like? In Mark's Gospel proclaimed two Sundays ago (Mark 8: 27-35), right after Peter proclaims, “Jesus, you are the Christ!”, Jesus teaches the disciples “…that the Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected…and be killed, and rise after three days", and then shows all of us the Way of Discipleship: “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” This is a powerful request to all of us. This is the best way to become "Christ-like." Denying ourselves means that we consider that we are nothing compared to God. This is humility: HOLY SPIRIT empty my heart from my own self and fill it with Christ, so that one day, I can say with St. Paul,

… “it is no longer I who live in me, but CHRIST.” This is the total union with Christ. This Union implies self-sacrifice/ suffering through the carrying of our cross. This is the mystery of the Christian Cross!

Fr. Brenner gave us a good insight into this paradox of the Cross. He bluntly stated that there are two things that

Christ promised: The Cross and Peace. This may appear as an oversimplification of all the promises Christ made us. However, it is helpful in guiding us how to be Christ-like (the only success that matters to God). For Fr. Brenner, the peace of Christ is nothing more than the

ability to carry our crosses well. In other words, Christ Himself is the one who helps us carry our cross well, but we need to invite Him to do so and not get in His way by trying to impose our own will. St. John Vianney gives all of us much hope: "If you carry your cross well, it will carry you all the

way to heaven!” This is the paradox of the Christian Cross: to be Christ-like, God invites us to accept the suffering of carrying our crosses, and He sends us His Son Jesus to help us carry them well, without complaining, and with love and peace. Accepting such suffering for our Love of Christ will allow us to find peace now on earth. It will carry us all the way to heaven, that eternal peace with God, where there will be no more sufferings. When we accept our sufferings, our crosses, we become less self-centered and have compassion for those around us who suffer too. To be Christ-like is to see Christ in the faces of everyone we encounter. This is especially true for those in most need, helping them carry their crosses. Mary, who was standing at the foot of the cross on Good Friday, can also help us in carrying our crosses. Our on-going consecration to Jesus through Mary helps us to become Christ-Like as we are inspired to imitate her virtues, which in turn lead us to imitate Christ Himself. Think about this when we renew our consecration to Jesus through Mary this Sunday afternoon, October 7. That day we welcome Bishop Dorsonville to our parish on the Feast Day of Our Lady of the Rosary and will venerate the International

Pilgrim Statue of Fatima.

Come Holy Spirit, living in Mary - Help us open our hearts to Christ's Peace so that we can carry our daily cross! Come Holy Spirit, living in Mary - Help us carry the crosses of those around us; family members, co-workers, and friends! Come Holy Spirit, living in Mary - Help us consecrate ourselves to Jesus through Mary! Come Holy Spirit - Help us to be CHRIST-LIKE!

May God keep pouring His blessings on each one of us!

One in Christ, Fr. Alain

OUR LADY’S LITTLE CHRISTIANS

Preschool openings (3 and 4 year olds) at OLHOC! Full and half-day programs. We include children’s chapel services and many opportunities for family involvement!

For more information send an email to preschool@olhoc.org or call the office and ask for Nieda, Preschool Director.

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OLHOC Community Outreach

The next Outreach Committee meeting is

Wednesday, October 10 at 7:00 pm in the social hall. New members and ideas are

always welcome! Our next Shepherd’s Table will be on October 18 at Good Shepherd Church on Smallwood Drive.

Autumn has arrived and we are collecting your kind donations of new and gently used winter coats, hats and gloves for Children’s Aid and area shelters. Please place in the BIG box in the social hall.

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www.FaithDirect.net

Faith Direct provides our

parishioners with the ability

to give electronically. To

simplify your Sunday

mornings, visit Faith Direct and consider

enrolling using our parish code: MD614.

Thank you for your kind donations and to all

those already enrolled in this cost effective

measure for our church.

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Religious Education UPDATES:

1. Registration is online. Please register now if you haven’t already

done so.

2. There are some significant changes to the CCD and Sacramental

Prep Calendars this year, so please be sure to get a hardcopy of the

schedule this weekend. Digital copies are online.

Important Dates:

Oct. 7/8 - CCD Classes

Oct. 14/15 - CCD Classes

Oct. 21/22 - CCD Classes

For more information send an email

to dre@olhoc.org or call the office and ask for Therese, Director

of Religious Education.

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FIAT: Children in Elementary

EDGE: Middle School Youth

Life Teen: High School Youth

(Life Teen meets Sundays 5-6:30 pm—October 14, 21, 28)

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Upcoming Event—ADW Middle School Rally

Saturday, November 3 at St. Jerome’s - Join other youth in 6th-8th grade for a day of fellowship, faith, music and

worship! Bishop Campbell will celebrate the closing Vigil Mass. Visit www.olhoc.org/edge

Our Youth Support Team is an integral part of our Youth Ministry

at OLHOC. It consists of different components utilizing diverse

gifts and time commitments of parents and other volunteers from

our parish. These volunteer opportunities can range from assisting

with events or joining the core team working directly with the

youth. VIRTUS compliance is required. Together we can help lead

our youth closer to Christ! For more information please visit the

parish website or talk to Marlen Coles, Director of Youth and

Evangelization.

For most current Youth and Evangelization events,

please see our website: www.olhoc.org.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The Scholastic Book Fair continues

on-line through to Oct. 17.

All purchases benefit our preschool!

http://www.scholastic.com/bf/ollc

The Divine Mercy Ministry invites us all to come and pray the

chaplet each 1st Saturday at 3:00 PM.

Next one is November 3

ADW Publication Catholic Impact 2018

This booklet illustrates the Catholic family is

an indispensable good neighbor that brings

the light of teaching, serves those in need,

cares for the afflicted, and works to mend the

wounds of society.

Available on-line at

adw.org/catholicimpact.

Prayer Requests

We are asked to pray for: Chr istine Proctor , Margaret Reeves, Bonnie Croston,

Melody Hudson, Dennis Forgash, Lloyd Coadner, Kurt Coadner, Nikki Lemke, Thomas

Kennane, Joe Albrittain, Lam Family, Darren Williams, Mary Delores Proctor,

Pat Fisher, Antonio Torres, Chris Goldhammer, Trinidad Mercedes Santos, Shirley &

Jerry Barrett, June Swann, Elsy Canare, Martone Family, Maria Mora, Nadia Toledo,

Cielo Quintero, Zynae Green Family, Anthony Rodriguez, James Thompson, Doris

Chesley, David Parady, Linda Bourne, Rebecca “Tess” Franch, Alex Leon,

Wanda Roberts, Scott Anderson, Fr. Kleinstuber, and all our military and civilians

serving in harm’s way. *Names will remain on our list for 3 months. Please call the parish office to re-request a name after 3 months or to remove a name when the per-

son has regained health.

Our deepest OLHOC condolences are extended to the family and friends of Mrs. Ruth Fitzpatrick

and Mr. John Fury.

Mass Intentions this Week

Saturday, October 6, 9:00 AM: Maria Magallanez (+)

Saturday, October 6, 5:00 PM: OLHOC Parishioners

Sunday, October 7, 8:30 AM: Joseph Weingarden, III (+)

Sunday, October 7, 10:00 AM: José and Anna Maria Gonzalez (++)

Sunday, October 7, 11:30 AM: Deacon Richard and Mrs. Regina Dubicki

Sunday, October 7, 1:00 PM: King Family

Sunday, October 7, 7:00 PM: OLHOC Hispanic Latino Community

Monday, October 8, 9:00 AM: Tonye Jeanne Franciose (+)

Tuesday, October 9, 9:00 AM: Joseph Fitzpatrick (+)

Wednesday, October 10, 9:00 AM: Ana Waltrudis Lopez (+)

Wednesday, October 10, 7:00 PM: Tonye Patou (+)

Thursday, October 11, 9:00 AM: Ricky Hernández

Friday, October 12, 9:00 AM: Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Jalbert (++)

Mass Readings for October 14 , 2018

28th Sunday of Ordinary Time

*First Reading

Wisdom 7:7-11

*Second Reading

Hebrews 4:12-13

*Gospel

Mark 10:17-30

www.usccb.org

Your Church; the Lord’s House

Continue to please respect your church, the Lord’s house, and refrain from taking any food or beverage into the

Church. If children need food or beverages, please use the cry room or Social Hall.

We have incurred some pew damage. Please care for your

building investment by not walking on kneelers or using them as foot

rests. X

ANF - America Needs Fatima - Saturday Morning, October 13, 9:45 AM

For the reparation of the Catholic Church and the sins of the world, all are invited to

gather after the 9:00 AM Mass for a Public Square Rosary on St. Charles Parkway and

blessing of the ANF banner.

ADW Fall Workshops in our County

Saturday, October 27

*Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

9:00 am to Noon

*Lector Workshop

1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

At St. Peter’s Church in Waldorf. RSVP by emailing

liturgy@adw.org. A $5 reg-

istration fee can be paid at

the door. Questions? Call

the ADW Worship Office

301-853-4594

Events in the area:

*Saturday, Oct. 13 - Loyola on the Potomac, Night of Honor at the Waldorf Jaycees. Reception, Silent Auction begins at 6:00 PM. Dinner at 7:00 PM. Program recognition begins at 8:00 PM honoring Hugh Gardiner IV, Vincent “Cap” Mona, and JR West. Tix $65. 301-392-0819

*Friday, Oct. 19 - Southern MD Food Bank hosts its first annual “Laying Hunger to Rest” Halloween Dance Fundraiser! Enjoy a night of music, dancing, costume contest, eat some delightfully spooky light fare, raise the dead with our dead-silent auction, 50/50 raffle and much more! All proceeds will go to helping us ease the pain of hunger all over Southern Maryland, as we have been doing for the past 35 years." Questions? Call Theresa, Outreach Coordinator with Catholic Charities.

*Sunday, Oct. 21 - St. Joseph’s in Pomfret annual Bull & Oyster Roast 2:00 –5:00 PM. Catered by Thompson’s Seafood. Call St. Joseph’s office 301-539-3903 for tix, $30 adult, $18 for children 10 yrs and under.

ADW Family Life Office

Saturday, October 27

10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Please consider attending the Separated and Divorced Catho-

lics (SDC) day of Spiritual Recollection at the Shrine of the

Blessed Sacrament. There is no cost for the event. Break-

fast & lunch will be provided with payment by donation.

Small and large group

discussions on topics related to being separated or

divorced in the Church. Carpools are being formed in

Southern MD to attend the

event. Please call Mary

Pearson 301-922-0084 if you

are interested in

attending.

maryp@yahoo.com

Begins Saturday morning, October 20, 2018, 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM (includes

breakfast) OR Tuesday, October 23, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM (includes dinner)

The GIFT - a Life in the Spirit course

Prayerfully consider making this course part of your

journey of faith in our Year of the Holy Spirit!

Two session times available to choose from for this

six-week course. Come join us!

This year of the Holy Spirit, receive the GIFT - An inspiring and practical series aimed at people of all ages to

help them encounter the Holy Spirit. Presented by well known international speakers, the teach-

ings are relaxed, personal and informative, rooted in the Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic

Church. The cost of the series is $10. Sign up on-line on the church website or by contacting

Deacon Rich at: deacon@olhoc.org or call the office 301-645-7112. There is also a sign-up sheet

available in the Narthex.

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of the faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love!”

... on the Horizon Protecting God’s Children: VIRTUS Compliance

Upcoming Southern MD Workshops - Save the Dates!

Oct. 11, 6:00 PM - Our Lady Star of the Sea, Solomon's Island, MD

Oct. 22, 6:00 PM - St. John Francis Regis, Hollywood, MD

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Marriage Preparation Course in Spanish - Curso de Preparación Matrimonial en Español

Se anticipa este Octubre empezar este curso de 5 clases en los lunes

Espera las fechas y horario pronto!

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OLHOC Healing Mass with Fr. Martin Scott

Saturday, November 3

Begins with 4:00 PM Confessions followed by 5:00 PM Mass

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Hispanic Advent Retreat

Saturday, November 17 - 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM

Joseph in the history of Salvation: “It was really for the sake of saving lives that God sent me ahead of you.”

“Dios me envió delante de vosotros para salvar sus vidas.”

Free babysitting will be available

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Baby Bottle Boomerang

To support the Waldorf Catherine Foundation

Bottle banks will be distributed soon!

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Friday Faith and Fellowship Group

Join the group every 2nd Friday of the month for Movie Night,

and for bible study and music each 3rd, 4th, and occasional 5th Friday. 7:00 PM

ST. MARY CHURCH NEWPORT - GOOD SHEPHERD FOOD PANTRY - In need of food? Come visit this Good Shepherd Food Pantry and one of their food pantry volunteers will assist you in gathering food for you and your family. St. Mary’s food pantry is open the 3rd Saturday of each month 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. For more information, call 301-934-8825.

GOOD STUFF THRIFT SHOP - Waldorf nonprofit organization created to support quality medical & dental services for the uninsured and underinsured in So. Maryland is looking for volunteers! Remember how much fun it was to play store? Can you or someone you know spare 3 hours a month? Please contact Sandy McGraw at Sandymcgraw@comcast.net or 301-645-2973 to volunteer, donate or just learn more. Located at 3070 Crain Highway. Health Partners, Inc. receives 100% of profits from

Good Stuff operations. donategoodstuff@gmail.com