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Streaming Masses and Announcements for the week of 13 October 2024
Worship Aid for 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Our Parish Offices will be Closed on Monday, 14 October, in observance of the Federal Holiday.
Please join us for our Anniversary Mass for the Dedication of our Church on Monday at 7:30 pm in the Church.
Come to our Saint Bernadette Parish Picnic on Saturday, October 19th, from 1 to 5 pm. Volunteers are also needed! Please call the parish office to sign up to volunteer.
High Schoolers are invited to the Diocesan RALLY on Sunday, October 27th. Join hundreds of other High Schoolers for rides, talks, Mass with the Bishop, and more. The cost is $25. Contact Grace Rihl, our Director of Youth Ministry, to register.
All 6th-8th graders are invited to Middle School Youth Ministry every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month. Join us THIS Wednesday, October 16th, from 6:45-8 pm in the Gym.
Women are still welcome to join the Walking with Purpose Bible Study. See the bulletin for more information.
Join us for our monthly Taizé Prayer Service on Monday, October 21st at 8 pm. Come for a peaceful moment of simple song and prayer for Christian Unity.
Don’t forget to return your baby bottle for the Mary’s Comfort Bottle Drive.
The Bishop has announced that the Diocese will take up a second collection for disaster relief for those affected by Hurricane Helene. Please see the bulletin this weekend for information on how to donate online. Our second collection will occur on November 3rd, but the need is now. These financial resources will be utilized to respond to immediate emergency needs for necessities like water, food, shelter, and medical care and aid in long-term building and recovery efforts. Your generosity is appreciated.
Fr. Don's Weekly Letter ~ 13 October 2024
Dear Good People of Saint Bernadette,
I’ve had a number of requests for a homily I gave a couple weeks ago. Of course, you can always hear the audio of my homilies on our website at https://www.stbernpar.org/welcome/homilies, but I will print as much of it as I am able here.
Sitting the other evening, I imagined the scene in the first reading. First of all, concealed by a cloud, the Lord comes down and talks with Moses. Taking some of the spirit that was “on Moses” he bestowed it on the 70 elders. Moses’ spirit rested on them, and they began to prophesy. Remarkable.
I asked myself if this is some revelation of hierarchy? Did the 70 have the spirit only because it came through Moses? Next comes the answer: No. Eldad and Medad, two of the 72, were absent, still at the camp, and were not there to witness God-in-the-cloud speaking with Moses. But the spirit, obviously not limited by distance, rested on them, too, and they began to prophesy. God’s work was accomplished in them, anyway.
Somebody reports it and Joshua demands that Moses make Eldad and Medad stop. Hear his very interesting response: “Would that all the people of the LORD were prophets! Would that the LORD would bestow his spirit on them all!”
Exclusivity. We are all guilty of it. For centuries we have not wanted to give the benefit of the doubt even to Christians of other camps – let alone people of non-Christian faiths – that their prayers were authentic and that they might be on the same path as we, just at a different humna mile marker on the way.
Again, Pope Francis was misquoted by the media this week: His statement was not that all religions are the same, but that God has provided many paths for people to come to him.
And who would God be, if he only wanted to bestow his spirit on a few? He wouldn’t be God for most.
Can the power of the Spirit be confined to an institution?
He is God of all creation, all peoples, and our human nature is wired to seek him. The same hunger for the mystery of the divine has unfolded in many cultures and contexts. The beliefs might be different, maybe even seemingly contradictory or unsupported by our experience of revelation, but the seeking of the peoples is the same, authentic desire of the human heart for the transcendent God. God does not refuse his spirit to anyone who sincerely seeks him.
This was one of the revelations of Vatican II. Most of Vatican II is a reworking of always-existing Church teaching and Tradition so that it makes more sense in the context of this modern age, rather than medieval times. But this is a new area of theological reflection based in Scripture and Tradition. Listen to Saint Pope Paul VI in his address opening the second convening of Vatican II in September of 1963:
“The Catholic Church looks into the distance, beyond the confines of the Christian horizon; how could she place limits on her love, if this very love is to be that of God the Father who showers his favors upon everyone (cf. Mt 5:45), and who so loved the world that for it he gave his only Son (cf. Jn 3:16)? The world; not me. Look therefore beyond your own sphere and observe those other religions that uphold the meaning and the concept of God as one, Creator, provident, most high and transcendent, that worship God with acts of sincere piety and upon whose beliefs and practices the principles of moral and social life are founded.
“The Catholic Church unquestionably, and to its regret, perceives gaps, insufficiencies and errors in many religious expressions as those indicated, yet she cannot fail to turn her thoughts to them as well, to remind them that the Catholic religion upholds in just regard all that which in them is true, good and human. Moreover, in order to preserve religious sentiment and the worship of God in modern culture – the duty and need of a true civilization – she is in the forefront as the most valid supporter of the rights of God over humanity.”
From the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, Lumen gentium, 1964:
“Those who, through no fault of their own, do not know the Gospel of Christ or his Church, but who nevertheless seek God with a sincere heart, and moved by grace, try in their actions to do his will as they know it through the dictates of their conscience – those too may achieve eternal salvation. Nor shall divine providence deny the assistance necessary for salvation to those who, without any fault of theirs have not yet arrived at an explicit knowledge of God, and who, not without grace, strive to lead a good life. Whatever good or truth is found among them is considered by the church to be a preparation for the Gospel and given by him who enlightens all that they may at length have life.”
The Lord be with you,
Fr. Don's Weekly Letter ~ 6 October 2024
Dear Good People of Saint Bernadette,
Do you remember this project? Well, today I have the happy job of telling you there is news about our new Parish Life Center!
Your generosity has weathered through two phases of a capital campaign, and I thank you for all you have given and continue to give with amounts pledged! As you know, we recently hired a new business manager, Linda Patterson, and her good work has helped us to put together a ten-year financial plan for the parish which was our last hurdle toward moving forward. The financial plan exhibits our ability to build and maintain the new building, keep on top of existing facilities and maintenance, and service any debt that
might arise during the construction process.
We demonstrated that our parish is financially very strong and will well withstand unforeseen fluctuations in the offertory or inflation.
We had already received from the county the special addendum approval for the site plan, which gives us permission to move forward on formal development plans, having considered environmental impact and stormwater management. Now, with the green light from the Diocese, we can commence working with our architect, Michael Foster (MTFA), and begin schematic design drawings so we can make tighter estimates of construction costs and stay within budget. Originally approved by the bishop for $7.6M, this step will help us determine how we proceed with design.
Another interesting fact is that the mora-torium which Bishop placed on capital fundraising in parishes last January 1 has been lifted. If you are new to the parish or did not have an opportunity to participate in the Capital Campaign over the past five years, I ask that you consider making a gift or pledge to the Campaign. There will always be inflation and the need for furnishings and finishes that could always be a little nicer if we have the funds at hand. Our second phase of the Campaign was about 10%, or $300K under goal when we
had to stop: we welcome your generosity.
So when do we get out the golden shovel for groundbreaking? As you know, I tend to be optimistic and would like to say we could start at the beginning of the summer. It would save a lot of confusion if we could get the site set up and major groundwork done when there isn’t a carpool twice a day. We will work that out, even if it seems more likely that we will break ground in the fall.
Some of you were starting to ask us if this
plan was even still in the works. Sometimes hopeful silence is better than postponed promises. But I think we are now at a point
where we can really start getting excited about this new space where our family will be able to grow and develop in ministry and outreach to the wider community beyond the limits of our own registration. Now we can surely imagine new possibilities with the knowledge that they are possible!
We’ll keep you informed as things progress. In the meantime, let’s think of parish activities which might add even more to our financial security as a parish and build up our community.
If you are interested in being involved in our ongoing fundraising, please contact Jean Corday in the parish office.
The Lord be with you,
Streaming Masses and Announcements for the week of 6 October 2024
Worship Aid for 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Mary’s Comfort is hosting a Baby Bottle Drive. Please pick up your bottle after Mass and help us by filling it with bills of any denomination or a check made payable to Mary’s Comfort. Bottles can be returned the following weekend. Please visit their table in the vestibule.
All Women are invited to join this year’s Walking with Purpose Bible Study on Tuesday mornings beginning October 8th and Thursday evenings starting Oc-tober 12th. Representatives are in the vestibule after Mass.
Everyone is invited to The Lord of Miracles Mass and Procession on Saturday, October 12th. Mass begins at 10 am, followed by a procession at 11:30 am and a food sale in the gym. Come and be a witness to this beautiful tradition.
Come to our Saint Bernadette Parish Picnic on Saturday, October 19th, from 1 to 5 pm. There will be great music, food, and games for the whole family. Check the bulletin to see what food you should bring. Volunteers are also needed! Please call the parish office to sign up to volunteer.
We will celebrate our parish feast with a special Mass on Monday, October 14th, at 7:30 pm. Patronal feasts carry the same solemnity as Christmas and Easter! Please plan to come.
The Bishop has announced that the Diocese will take up a second collection for disaster relief for those affected by Hurricane Helene. Please see the bulletin this weekend for information on how to donate online. Our second collection will occur on November 3rd, but the need is now. These financial resources will be utilized to respond to immediate emergency needs for necessities like water, food, shelter, and medical care and aid in long-term building and recovery efforts. Your generosity is appreciated.
Streaming Masses and Announcements for the week of 29 September 2024
Worship Aid for 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Bishop Burbidge invites you to join him at the final celebration of the Diocese of Arlington's 50th anniversary by participating in the Diocesan Golden Jubilee Pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, October 5th. All are welcome and encouraged to attend this free event. Please call the front office to learn more.
The Knights are hosting its annual fall coat drive. Please drop off your new or gently used coats in the vestibule by September 30th. The coats will be donated to ECHO.
Don’t forget to sign up for the Knights of Columbus 5K Fun Run and Walk at Burke Lake Park on October 5th. Proceeds from this event will benefit our Parish School and KOVAR. Please see the bulletin to register.
If you would like to celebrate your Golden or Silver Anniversary with Bishop Burbidge at the Wedding Anniversaries Mass on Sunday, October 20th, at the Cathedral. Please register with the parish office before the end of September.
Join us on October 3rd at 6:30 pm in the Church for “Kids in Today’s Society,” presented by the Fairfax County Police Department. This awareness program is designed to enlighten parents through a unique learning experience that encompasses insights into trends and indicators of potentially risky behavior. It is important to note that this presentation is for PARENTS ONLY.
Celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi by having your pets blessed! The Blessing of the Animals will occur by the Grotto on October 5th at 11 am.
St. Bernadette will participate in the 37th Annual Life Chain on Sunday, October 6th, from 2:30-3:30 pm in front of Key Middle School. Come and pray in public, witness to the sanctity of human life!
All Women are invited to join this year’s Walking with Purpose Bible Study on Tuesday mornings beginning October 8th and Thursday evenings starting October 12th.
All are invited to our Saint Bernadette Parish Picnic on Saturday, October 19th, from 1-5 p.m. There will be great music, food, and games for the whole family. Please check the bulletin to see what food you should bring. Volunteers are also needed!
Fr. Don's Weekly Letter ~ 29 September 2024
Dear Good People of Saint Bernadette,
You may have noticed a graphic which I had placed on this page for several weeks inviting adults who might be seeking God and interested in finding out more about the Catholic Church. What had been the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is now called the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA).
Although I don’t really understand the obsession with translation (usually only resulting in minor changes which are just enough to throw off those who knew the previous version by heart), it is good to look for the reason why this was important enough to somebody to make the changes. The Mass was re-translated in 2014, I think, then the Rite of Baptism, followed by the Rite of Marriage. Just last year the words of absolution in the sacrament of Reconciliation were re-translated resulting in the change of one word “sent,” to “poured out” with regard to the Holy Spirit. (I’m not sure how long it will take me for this to become second nature after having used the old version for 30 years.) Apparently the Liturgy of the Hours will be next... I find that it is hard to teach this old dog new tricks.
It is an opportunity to sell more books as they will have to be replaced in every church in the United States.
Still, the word “order” is an important one and provides a teaching moment. In the same way we refer to bishops of dioceses as “ordinaries” because they are the ones responsible for order in their local church, the word “order” speaks of a practice that is normative. A rule to be faithfully followed. “Ordinary” doesn’t mean plain and unremarkable, it means normative. There has been a lot of misunderstanding over the word with regard to the Mass. The Mass we celebrate here at Saint Bernadette is referred to as the “ordinary Mass,” the product of Vatican II. The Mass prior to Vatican II is referred as “extraordinary” not because it represents something more excellent or rare. It simply means outside the norm.
The Rites contained within the newly translated Order of Christian Initiation of Adults remain the same with a few words changed here and there. The Rite of Acceptance, for example, is now called the Rite of Entrance. The Rite of Presentation of the Creed or Lord’s Prayer is now the Handing-on. Explanations newly provided for presiders to read will give a clearer understanding to the assembly in places where before they had been left to the presider to do or not. “Optional” texts for the presider are diminished. You may not notice the difference at all, as with most changes. The most obvious are that now at all weddings we are to sing the Gloria, and that The Lord be with you is followed by And with your spirit, something that now is not shared with all other Christians.
The Order of the Mass has changed through-
out the history of the Church. Some elements have always been there: readings from Scripture, preaching, prayers, the sign of peace, processions, consecration, and Communion. This structure is attested to in Scripture and in some of the earliest writing of the post-apostolic period.
But the details changed constantly, each local congregation improvising most of it and developing their own customs. As the monoepiscopal structure emerged there was some uniformity in dioceses, but not as strictly controlled as today—we even have accounts of individual churches celebrating Easter on different days in dioceses like Rome in the third century.
There was some regularization at a universal level once Christianity was legalized with the first ecumenical councils. Local regional synods were far more common and would occasionally regulate liturgical issues. Kneeling was universally forbidden on Sundays and during Easter, for example, and explains why today most of the world Church kneels less than we do. Prayers commemorating the bishop and others in communion with him were developed. As the canon of Scripture was developed, readings were regularized.
With Charlamagne it was first encouraged to use a foreign language (Latin) rather than the vernacular for worship. Also the idea was introduced for the first time that “we should do here what the Romans do,” rather than “when in Rome, do what the Romans do.”
The Lord be with you,
Fr. Don's Weekly Letter ~ 22 September 2024
Dear Good People of Saint Bernadette,
This week is National Migrants and Refugees Week.
Migrants and refugees are so much in the news right now, and the topic of such controversy. Their rejection is the platform for many autocratic governments in the world who are coming to power. How best can we keep them out of our Springfields?
It is a common theme throughout history. More of us means less for each, and change in our society. Suspicion, fear.
Both my mom’s and dad’s families were refugees. For the Irish it was leave home or starve. My German great grandfather, his wife and children left with next to nothing in 1907. Apparently he had a high government job and the Kaiser was already preparing for World War I and they fled for the safety of the family. Grandpa Schmid said when they came to America (he was 7) his parents told his five sisters and him that they were never to speak another word of German, especially due to the hate for Germans once the war started. Of course, the Irish language was suppressed for centuries by the crown many years before the Rooneys left. In Ireland, I learned that my real family name is O’Ruanaidh.
Perhaps selfishly, I’m awfully glad and grateful that my ancestors had the courage to leave and look for survival. In either circumstance, millions did not survive.
In observance of National Migration Week there are several events scheduled across the Diocese in support of the Pope’s message “God walks with His people.”
To kick off the week’s events, a workshop on “Naturalization and Citizenship” will be offered at Saint John Neumann Catholic Church in Reston on Saturday, September 21 at 10am. On Tuesday, September 24, from 10am–Noon an additional workshop titled “Understanding Immigration Law and the Church’s Ministry to Newcomers” will be presented by Stacy Jones, Director of Hogar Immigration Services, and David Spicer, Senior Policy Advisor from the office of Migration and Refugee Services with the USCCB will be available virtually (pre-registration is required). On Thursday evening, September 26, from 5:30–7 pm, Dr. Julia Young from the Catholic University of America will offer a lecture on “Catholic History of Migration” at Burke Hall, Cathedral of Saint Thomas More (pre-registration is required). Our Diocesan observance of National Migration week will conclude by celebrating a Mass in observance of the World Day of Migrants and Refugees on Sunday, September 29, right here at Saint Bernadette Church, with Bishop Michael Burbidge as our celebrant at the 11 am Mass. A short reception will follow the Mass in the church vestibule.
To support Newcomers in our Diocese, the Catholic Charities office has shared an Amazon Wishlist that can support their good work in providing families basic needs as they embark on a new journey here in the local area. Please visit https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/G0EPWH86L6MC/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex. Your thoughtful generosity is much needed and appreciated. Registration information can be found here: https://www.ccda.net/nationalmigrationweek/.
The Pope’s Message can be viewed here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5lyibguPRE. In this message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees 2024, Pope Francis reminds us that all of us, God’s people, are migrants on this earth, on our way to the “true homeland.” For this reason, the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development is inviting all people of goodwill to organize initiatives with migrants, refugees, and vulnerable people...
As Fr. Fabio Baggio, undersecretary of the DPIHD, suggests in the video, the idea is to walk a piece of the road together with our community, parish, and diocese, also involving all the inhabitants of the “existential peripheries” that Pope Francis encourages us to welcome. Read the message and download the material: bit.lyWDMR2024.
“Welcoming the stranger” among us doesn’t land on the lists of corporal or spiritual works of mercy, which might seem strange. In fact, to welcome the stranger involves all 14 works of mercy. It is called Christianity.
The Lord be with you,
Streaming Masses and Announcements for the week of 22 September 2024
Worship Aid for 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Bishop Burbidge invites you to join him at the final celebration of the Diocese of Arlington's 50th anniversary by participating in the Diocesan Golden Jubilee Pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, October 5th. All are welcome and encouraged to attend this free event. Please call the front office to learn more.
Would you like to fellowship with families who support each other in living out the faith? Bring the kids and join us for the Trinity House Community Gathering on Saturday, September 28, at 6 pm. We'll meet in the cafeteria for dinner, followed by a presentation for parents and activities for the kids. Please bring a drink or dessert to share.
The Knights are hosting its annual fall coat drive. Please drop off your new or gently used coats in the vestibule by September 30th. The coats will be donated to ECHO.
Don’t forget to sign up for the Knights of Columbus 5K Fun Run and Walk at Burke Lake Park on October 5th. Proceeds from this event will benefit our Parish School and KOVAR. Please see the bulletin to register.
If you would like to celebrate your Golden or Silver Anniversary with Bishop Burbidge at the Wedding Anniversaries Mass on Sunday, October 20th, at the Cathedral. Please register with the parish office before the end of September.
Boy Scout Troop 995 will have a car wash out in front next Saturday, September 28, from 9 am to 1 pm. Remember, dirt is not a color.
Join us on October 3rd at 6:30 pm in the Church for “Kids in Today’s Society,” presented by the Fairfax County Police Department. This awareness program is designed to enlighten parents through a unique learning experience that encompasses insights into trends and indicators of potentially risky behavior. It is important to note that this presentation is for PARENTS ONLY.
Celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi by having your pets blessed! The Blessing of the Animals will occur by the Grotto on October 5th at 11 am.
St. Bernadette will participate in the 37th Annual Life Chain on Sunday, October 6th, from 2:30-3:30 pm in front of Key Middle School. Come and pray in public, witness to the sanctity of human life!
Streaming Masses and Announcements for the week of 15 September 2024
Worship Aid for 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Join us for Taizé Prayer on Monday, September 16th at 8 pm. Come pray for unity in our community and in the world. All are warmly invited; invite your friends.
Bishop Burbidge invites you to join him at the final celebration of the Diocese of Arlington's 50th anniversary by participating in the Diocesan Golden Jubilee Pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, October 5th. All are welcome and encouraged to attend this free event. Please call the front office to learn more.
All 6th-8th graders – come to Middle School youth ministry this Wednesday from 6:45-8 pm in the school gym.
Would you like to fellowship with families who support each other in living out the faith? Bring the kids and join us for the Trinity House Community Gathering on Saturday, September 28, at 6 pm. We'll meet in the cafeteria for dinner, followed by a presentation for parents and activities for the kids. Please bring a drink or dessert to share.
The Knights are hosting its annual fall coat drive. Please drop off your new or gently used coats in the vestibule by September 30th. The coats will be donated to ECHO.
Don’t forget to sign up for the Knights of Columbus 5K Fun Run and Walk at Burke Lake Park on October 5th. Proceeds from this event will benefit our Parish School and KOVAR. Please see the bulletin to register.
If you would like to celebrate your Golden or Silver Anniversary with Bishop Burbidge at the Wedding Anniversaries Mass on Sunday, October 20th, at the Cathedral. Please register before the end of September with the parish office.
Fr. Don's Weekly Letter ~ 15 September 2024
Dear Good People of Saint Bernadette,
You may have seen some Buddhists on the campus this past weekend. For the third time, we have hosted the Tibetan Buddhist community for a weekend of activities. This weekend, they had a retreat with an emphasis on living compassion.
I had plenty to do that day, or I would have attended the talks. Loving-kindness and compassion are central to Buddhist teaching but not exclusive. If you read the core scriptures of all world religions, you will find these same central teachings. Love one another. It is more than just treating others as you would want to be treated; it is an embrace that is greater than tolerance.
It was palpable at the Unity Walk last weekend in Washington, DC, too. If we could only focus on the far greater things we share in our difference. Diversity does not have to mean division, and the only way we learn this is by really getting to know one another. Our parish is such a beautiful expression of the diversity of God’s creation, one creation. I think we have enough interest to start again a parish ecumenical and interreligious commission. Anyone interested? Please talk to me.
_________
Be sure to see pages 11 and 13 of the bulletin for details about two of our “signature” parish events coming up in October. October 19 is our famous Parish Picnic, when the Knights grill burgers, hot dogs, and brats (brat summer sausages?), and you all bring something – a side dish, a dessert, or a snack, according to your last name alphabetically. There is live music, games, crafts, inflatables, a cakewalk in the gym, and so much more. Rumor has it the beer truck will make another appearance this year. Last year, we were back to welcoming more than a couple thousand family members to the event. There is no cost.
Carpool as much as you can, but if parking is tight, we will have a shuttle to cross Old Keene Mill Speedway from the commuter parking along Hunter Mill Rd in Daventry.
Figure out what you will bring and pray for good weather!
Our other event, one that has been considered more of a Spanish-speaking parishioner event in the past, the beautiful celebration of El Senor de los Milagros, will be the Saturday before the Picnic on October 12. Sponsored by the Hermandad, or Brotherhood of The Lord of the Miracles, all the parish is invited to participate in whatever language you speak! Founder, parishioner, and current President of our Hermandad chapter, Nilda Norris, wanted everyone to know that this is a celebration for everyone. We begin with Mass at 10 am, and at 11:30am, a lengthy procession makes its way around the parking lot, ultimately coming to the gym around 1:45 pm. The procession stops numerous times, as the 36 men and women required to carry the anda, or bier with the sacred icon of Jesus on the cross, take turns. I’ve done it every year I’ve been here and it is an experience like no other. You are transported to Latin America in a beautiful homage to the Lord. You will have the opportunity to help carry the anda in what is, for me, a beautiful meditation of Jesus carrying the cross.
Then, the meal! Traditional dancers from various countries will dance while a meal is served from 2 - 4:30 pm in the gym. The
price of the meal will be donated very generously to the building fund for our new Parish Hall by our friends at Huascaran Peruvian restaurant in Arlington.
_________
Time together is the best time, and we look forward to being together for good times with you at our parish celebrations.
The Lord be with you,
