21371 St. Theresa Lane, Ashburn, Virginia 20147 St. Theresa Catholic Church

Dear Parishioners, As we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, we are reminded that not only human life is sacred -- but family life, as well. This past year, our nation experienced some of the greatest blows to family life and family values -- yet we remain a people of hope and recog-nize that we have been called to witness to the sanctity of family life in the modern world. We pray for all families -- but in a special way we pray for those families who are suffering and struggling. May the Good Lord give them the strength to weather the storms and trials they face each day! Please join us for our monthly Family Holy Hour this afternoon, from 2:30 - 3:30pm. I also want to extend an invitation to join us at the rectory this evening for an open house -- an opportunity to get together with fellow parishioners. The open house will run from 6:30 - 8:30pm. Please park in the church lot, near the yellow gate. The rectory address is 43367 Ice Pond Drive -- first house on the left when you walk around the gate. Friday, January 1, 2016, New Year's Day, is the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God and a holy day of obligation. It is also First Friday. Masses will be offered according to the following schedule: Vigil Mass -- Thursday, December 31, 2015, at 5:30pm; Masses on Friday, January 1, 2016, at 8:00 and 10:00am, Noon, and 7:30pm. Because it is First Friday we will have all night Eucharistic Adoration beginning at the conclusion of the 7:30pm Mass. Adorers who can commit to an hour of prayer in the night should sign up in the back of church, or contact the parish office. Please note -- there is no holy hour this Thursday evening. May God bless you all in the New Year! Sincerely in Christ,

Parish Mass Schedule Saturday: 8:00am

5:30pm Vigil Mass

Sunday: 7:30, 8:45, 10:30am;

12:30 and 5:00pm

Weekdays: 6:15 and 8:30am,

Monday through Friday

Wednesdays: 12:15pm

Holy Days: As announced

(see inside bulletin)

Holy Hour: Thursdays, 8:00pm

Confessions: Saturdays, 4:00 - 4:45 pm;

during Holy Hour;

and by appointment

Clergy Reverend Richard M. Guest, Pastor Reverend Thomas B. Cavanaugh, Parochial Vicar Reverend James C. Hinkle, Parochial Vicar Deacon Paul C. Konold

Please Make Note—There will be no 6:15am Masses

Monday, December 28th through Friday, December 1st.

They will resume on Monday, January 4th, 2016

Saint Theresa Church Ashburn, Virginia December 27, 2015

Youth Education and News

School Year Office Hours: Mondays & Wednesdays: 10am-7:30pm Tuesdays: 10am-6:00pm Thursdays: 9am-4pm Fridays: 9am-Noon

Note: When RE classes are NOT in session, we are open 9am-4pm. Sunday, December 20 through Wednesday December 30 —No RE Classes due to Christmas and New Years Tuesday, January 12th —Mandatory 2nd Grade/First Communicates RE and St. Theresa School Parents Meeting Sunday, January 17th and Monday, January 18th —No RE Classes due to Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday

VIRTUS Update Video Dates: Jan 4 & 6; Feb 1 & 3. All shown at 7pm promptly in the school library.

ymoffice@sainttheresaparish.com

URS—The High School Youth Group (rising 9th graders - 12th grade) meets Sundays 6:00-8:00pm. It is teen led and teen organized, with food, fun, fellowship and faith. Starts in the school cafeteria with snacks and games, then moves to the Upper Room (the choir loft of the church) for prayer and discussion of a Gospel passage lead by peer-mentors. Concludes with a talk by Fr Thomas or another leader, closing prayer, and Pizza and dessert!

According to Diocesan policy, all new volunteers to the RE and School programs are required to submit the necessary Diocesan pa-perwork prior to volunteering. Pa-perwork should be processed and *cleared* before anyone can begin his or her service in the Church and School. Individuals are not permit-ted to volunteer until these require-ments are met. Also required is the VIRTUS course. Sign up and register at www.virtus.org today!

www.stsashburn.com

“I am not an eagle, but I have an eagle’s eyes and heart.” St. Theresa of Lisieux

Monday, January 4th —School reopens Friday, January 15th —No School, Professional Development Day Monday, January 18th —No School, Martin Luther King Friday, January 22nd —March For Life

Opportunities to Help

Job Seekers & Volunteers Helping those seeking em-ployment with resume writ-ing/editing, job applications, interviewing, and job search-ing. Also seeking volunteers with relevant experience. CAN meets 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month, 7pm-9pm @ St. Theresa School. Contact Raelene

Wagoner 703.724.0683 or can@saintttheresaparish.com. End of Year Giving At this time of year, it’s im-portant to stop and reflect on the many joys and bless-ings that God has given us. It is also a time to be mind-ful that not everyone is as fortunate. While shopping

and planning gatherings with loved ones, please con-sider setting aside part of your budget to support the work of St. Theresa Parish with a tax-deductible chari-table donation. St. Theresa’s, provides a number of services to needy families and individuals in

our community, through our Divine Mercy Outreach Pro-gram. Last year, we provided assistance to many families and individuals; people who wouldn’t have had anywhere else to turn for help without our help. Any amount you are able to share will be greatly appreciated. God bless.

Parents of Students in the 8th Grade

Have you ever considered the benefits of a Catholic High School education for your child? We invite your son/daughter to experience all Paul VI Catholic High School has to offer as Panther for a Day. PVI will be admin-

istering the High School Placement Test on January 9th. Visit www.paulvi.net for more details or contact ehanley@pvipanther.net. WorkCamp Monthly Meeting – For All Teen Attendees The first monthly WorkCamp meeting

will be Thursday, January 14 at 7pm. The meeting will be in the parish con-ference room (closest to the new chapel). The monthly meetings are MANDATORY for all teens who plan on joining us at WorkCamp this year. Please RSVP for the meeting at: workcamp@sainttheresaparish.com.

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Adult Education and Spiritual Enrichment Men's Bible Study

Join us on Tuesday Evenings, 7-9pm. We meet in the new admin. building across from the church. Our mission is "To develop a deeper and more complete understanding of the Word of God in Holy Scripture, and how it applies to the journey of faith in our daily lives. Also, to promote a spirit of fellowship and support in prayer among the men of our parish community." This year, we are studying the Acts of the Apostles via the Great Adventure series produced by Jeff Cavins. Contact Larry at 703.729.3714, or at lbayne@sainttheresaparish.com. EPIC–A Journey Thru Church History

Catholic Church History is the story of our family and our ancestors in the Faith. Knowing this story is crucial to our identity as Catholics. Began Sept. 9th through Dec. 12th, 2016 to be held the second and fourth Wed. from 7:30 to 9:00pm, in the school. Questions/Register contact Andy Johnson, johnson.andrew@verizon.net.

Bible Timeline–The Story of Salvation

The Bible Timeline is a fascinating study that takes participants on a journey through the entire Bible. Us-ing a unique color-coded system, they will learn the major people, places, and events of the Bible and see how they all come together to reveal the remarkable story of our faith. Began Oct. 7th through Nov. 2016 to be held the first and third Wed., 7:30-9pm in room 315 in the school. Questions, contact Linda DiMuzio, lpdimuzio@gmail.com. RCIA Meeting

7:30pm on Wednesday evenings in the Conference Room of the new building. Register online at https://sainttheresaparish.com/activity/rcia/ or come to a meeting. Thursday Morning Women's Discipleship Group

Welcome women of all ages. We meet in the north conference room 9:15-11am with Fr. Thomas. Questions call Jane -703.729.2495 or granp3318@gmail.com.

Mom’s Faith Formation

Join us Thursday mornings, 9:30-10:30. Our mission is to bring togeth-er moms for fellowship and spiritual formation. Gospel readings, book studies, discussion groups and more are planned. Babies and children wel-come. Find us in the new admin. building across from the church. School of Prayer

School of Prayer is postponed and will start up again on Thursday, January the 7th, 6:30pm-7:30pm with 8 weeks of the Unbound series. Keeping our New Year's resolutions could be a battle within. Come start your New Year off on the right path and find out what may be keeping you from suc-ceeding. "So whoever is in Christ is a New Creation: the old things have passed away...." (2 Corinthians 5:17). Sign-up information will be available soon on the website. Contact Lauren Kelley at schoolofprayersttheresa@gmail.com for more information. St. Theresa 2016 Annual Pilgrimage—

In the Footsteps of St. Paul - Father Guest will lead our Parish next year's 12 Days Pilgrimage to Greece and Tur-key, from April 12 - April 23, 2016. For information, contact Anh Wong at wong.anh@gmail.com or 703.723.1308. Three to Get Married Marriage Preparation Weekend

Upcoming weekends: Jan 28-31, Feb 11-14, Mar 31-Apr 3, Apr 28-May 1 Are You Ready?! You’re not just plan-ning a wedding, you’re preparing for a lifetime! Our marriage preparation course is an intensive preparation ex-perience true to the teachings of the Catholic Church. Convenient one-weekend schedule. FOCCUS Invento-ry included! $285 per couple. Regis-tration required. Weekends sell out, so reserve your spot today! Held at Our Lady of Bethesda Retreat Center, Be-thesda, MD.

Spiritual Exercises Weekends

Experience the Person of Christ! Expe-rience the Spiritual Exercises! Our Lady of Bethesda Retreat Center offers silent retreats based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola.

Upcoming Retreats include:

Spiritual Exercises for Women Feb 26-28 (Lent)/3-day/$190 p/p March 3-6 (Lent)/4-day/$275 p/p April 7-10/4-day/$275 p/p

Spiritual Exercises for Men Dec 18-20 (Advent)/3-day/$190 p/p Feb 19-21 (Lent)/3-day/$190 p/p (coincides with Young Men’s retreat, see below. Great opportunity for a Fa-ther/Son retreat experience!)

Spiritual Exercises for Young Men (High School & College) Feb 19-21 (Lent)/3-day/$150 p/p (coincides with Men’s retreat. Great Father/Son opportunity!) Fuel Up Your Marriage! Three to STAY Married Marriage Enrichment Weekend

Upcoming Weekends: March 18-19, 2016; July 15-16, 2016 Whether you’ve been married 6 months or 60 years, it’s a good idea to check the gauges and make sure you are both still headed in the same di-rection! This a two-day program that offers married couples concrete tools to help them deepen their understand-ing of themselves and their relation-ship, and gives them the time to have those vital conversations that help a marriage bloom. PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS NOT AN OVERNIGHT PROGRAM. The format will include a mixture of talks, questionnaires and time for per-sonal reflection ~ individually and with your spouse. Concludes on Sat-urday evening with a Vigil Mass, Re-newal of Vows and dinner. Cost: $230 per couple. Space is limited and weekends fill up, so reserve your spot today! All of these are held at Our Lady of Bethesda Retreat Center, 7007 Brad-ley Blvd., Bethesda, MD 20817. Visit our website to register for these or other upcoming retreats www.ourladyofbethesda.org. Or call 301-365-0612.

Saint Theresa Church Ashburn, Virginia December 27, 2015

Parish Offices Secretary: Peggy Sullivan, 703.729.2287 Accountant: Mike Hoehn, 703.729.2287 Facilities Coordinator: Jason Campiti Outreach Coordinator: Marianne Guidos, 703.729.2334 Website: www.sainttheresaparish.com Email: office@sainttheresaparish.com Fax: 703.729.9036

Religious Education Offices Director: Larry Bayne Youth Activities: Paul Dwyer, 703.729.0426 Secretary: Connie Gilligan, 703.729.3714 Secretary: Myriam Perez, 703.729.3714 Email: reoffice@sainttheresaparish.com Fax: 703.729.9036

School Offices Principal: Carol Krichbaum, 703.729.3577 Secretary: Deena Lanier, 703.729.3577 Secretary: Patty Grywatch, 703.729.3577 Website: www.stsashburn.com Email: schooloffice@stsashburn.com Fax: 703.729.8068

All offices located at 21370 St. Theresa Lane, Ashburn, VA

Sweats for Vets – On January 16, 2016, collected sweats will be delivered to the hospital-ized veterans at the VA Medi-cal Center in Martinsburg,

WV. Thank you so very much for your contributions to this worthwhile event.

January 4, 2016 – Monthly Business Meeting. We will say the Holy Rosary at 7:30 p.m., followed by the meeting beginning at 8:00 p.m., in the St. Lou-is Martin conference room located in the new Administration Addition.

Are you a Knight? If not, contact us at kofc15256@googlegroups.com to learn more about what we do.

Baptisms

Parents desiring Baptism for their child must attend a class, preferably before the child’s birth. After you have attended the class, you may schedule your child for the Sacrament of Baptism (Sundays 1:30 pm). Baptism forms can be found on the Parish web-site under Faith, Sacra-ments, Baptism. Matrimony

The priest must be con-tacted at least six (6) months prior to the wed-ding date. Visit the Parish Website under Faith, Sacraments, Marriage and fill out the

Marriage Preparation Questionnaire prior to con-tacting the Parish Office. A priest will contact you. Sponsor Certificates

Please contact the Parish Office to obtain a sponsor certificate prior to a Bap-tism or Confirmation. RCIA

Adults desiring instruction in the Catholic Faith should visit the website to register for RCIA classes. Hospitalized/Homebound

Please contact the Parish Office to ask for Holy Com-munion or the Anointing of the Sick.

Sacraments

Today’s Readings First Reading — Hannah gives her son Samuel back to the LORD, leav-ing him in the tem-ple at Shiloh: “As long as he lives, he shall be dedicated to the LORD” (1 Samuel 1:20-22, 24-28) or Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14. Psalm — Blessed are they who dwell

in your house, O Lord (Psalm 84) or Psalm 128. Second Reading — We are children of God when we be-lieve in the name of God’s Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another just as he commanded us (1 Jn 3:1-2, 21-24) or Colossians 3:12-21 [12-17]. Gospel — Joseph and Mary find the lost

Jesus in the tem-ple in the midst of the teachers, lis-tening to them and asking questions (Luke 2:41-52). The English translation of the Psalm Responses from the Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, Interna-tional Commission on Eng-lish in the Liturgy Corpora-tion. All rights reserved.

Readings For The Week Monday: 1 Jn 1:5 — 2:2; Ps 124:2-5, 7b-8; Mt 2:13-18 Tuesday: 1 Jn 2:3-11; Ps 96:1-3, 5b-6; Lk 2:22-35 Wednesday: 1 Jn 2:12-17; Ps 96:7-10; Lk 2:36-40 Thursday: 1 Jn 2:18-21; Ps 96:1-2, 11-13; Jn 1:1-18 Friday: Nm 6:22-27; Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8; Gal 4:4-7; Lk 2:16-21 Saturday: 1 Jn 2:22-28; Ps 98:1-4; Jn 1:19-28 Sunday: Is 60:1-6; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13; Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6; Mt 2:1-12

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Mon, Dec 28 8:30— Suresh Ahluwalia+

Tues, Dec 29 8:30— Deceased Members of the Keane & Bianchet Families+

Wed, Dec 30 8:30— David and Lucille Bergeron 12:15— Deacon William Emley+

Thurs, Dec 31 8:30— J.P. Donohue+ 5:30— Bill Kauffeld

Fri, Jan 1 8:00— Parishioners of St. Theresa 10:00— Maria Ngai Nguyen+ 12:00— Elsah Alvarado+ 7:30— Dr. Estela Pena and her husband

Sat, Jan 2 8:00— J.P. Donohue+ 5:30— Jean M. Nudi+

Sun, Jan 3 7:30— Souls in Purgatory+ 8:45— Frank Englert+ 10:30— Lance Berry+ 12:30— Gail, mother of Katy Hartmann+ 5:00— Parishioners of St. Theresa

Prayers For The Sick: Gerry Walsh, Eileen Schilling, Victo-ria Babcock, Aaron Quinn, David Whitaker, Pat Dougherty, Audrey D’Armaud, Fabriana Dorsey, John McCurdy, Mark Kulyk, There-sa Birch, Frances Prestinari, Peter Kerney, Trevor Schweig-est, Haley Morris, Theresa and John Baker, Johanna O’Brien, Braydon Ordway, Paul Ulich, Peter Perry, Krista Marting, Johnna Bass, Kathy Bernota, Evan Solomonides, Gerrie Rodriquez, Debora Vaz, Deborah Ferry, Kelly Poplar, Parker Williams, Cynthia Swanson, Troy Compher, Dot-tie Woisard, Angela Williams, Philip Schnibbe, Janice Cooney, Bill McLaine, Marga-ret Bever, Lisa Grealish, Caro-line Divone, Larry Emerson, Robert Slaughter, Eric Hodg-es, Regan Wright, Ryan Theri-ot, Charlene Lawlor, Ryan Diviney, and Christine Krebs.

Prayers For Our Military: Sean Spurr, Jack Hayes, Katherine Bergeron, Christo-pher Martin, Thomas Gleason, Tony Mattice, Megan Jameson, Greg Lee, David Lakey, Jim Murray, Keith Bit-tle, Michael McCurdy, Steven Digangi, Michael J. Pruden, Robert Scheuerer, Meghan E. Fitzgerald, Tom Short, Bill Short, Griffin Spencer, Peter Santini, Eric Curcio, Steven Curcio, Matthew Slaughter, Joseph Alexander, Christo-pher Sheehan, Clayton Wil-liam Abel, Matthew Ervin, David Nelson, Ryan Angelo Molina, Sarah Shaw, Mickey Shaw, Mary Kate Shaw, Heidi Harapko, Steve McGlynn, John Wade, David Seliquini, Brett Farmer, Reid Farmer, Shelley Farmer, John Daniel Wohdford, Neal Corson, Nick Nelson, Christopher Gray. To add a name, call Rosemary Pinney, 703.729.2017.

Learn more, visit www.saintttheresaparish.com

Please note that we are not taking any clothing or furniture until after the New Year! Many thanks to all who have donated throughout the year!

Divine Mercy Prayer Group Thursdays 9:30am. Gospel reflection following prayer. If you would like

more information please call Susan Burns at 703-729-3174 or smburns92046@verizon.net.

Help Divine Mercy Outreach by giv-ing a donation online! Go to the parish website http://www.sainttheresaparish.com and click on Donate Now-Divine Mercy to make a monetary donation!

Get The Latest Outreach News Would you like to help those in need in our community?

Sign up to be placed on our email. You'll learn more about what we do and can respond if able to assist in any way. Contact Marianne Guidos at dmoutreach@sainttheresaparish.com or 571.332.6533(cell) or 703.729.2334(Office) for more info.

Northern Virginia Orthodontics Is excited to present the St. Theresa's community with an exclusive offer during this season of giving. Parish-ioners can enjoy $1,000.00 off full treatment until 12/31/15. Mention

GRATITUDE when you start treat-ment and we'll donate $50.00 to St. Theresa's School in your name! Schedule your complimentary analy-sis today! Dr. Zach Casagrande & Dr. Kristin Nelson can be reached at

703.327.1718 or on the web at ashburnsmiles.com.*

* New patients only. Can't be com-bined with any other discount or pro-motion. Must start treatment by 12/31/15

FAMILY LIFE Family life is sa-cred, but it is not without trial. Perhaps this is the most important message we can glean from today’s read-ings. If Jesus, Mary, and Joseph can trip up some-

times—can disconnect—then we shouldn’t find it surprising when such things happen to us as well. And parents everywhere (children, too) can probably relate to—and take some solace in—the Gospel’s ac-

count of Mary and Joseph after Jesus explained why he stayed behind in the temple. They heard his words, Luke tells us, “But they did not understand what he said to them” (Luke 2:50). Amen! Nevertheless,

Jesus does go back home with them, and continues to thrive under their care.