St. Jude Rectory: 6212 Ridge Pond Road, Apt # F, Centreville, 20121

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1 Volume 7 Issue 1 S t. J u d e S y r o - M a l a b a r C h u r c h O f N o r t h e r n V i r g i n i a Page 1 JANUARY 2016 St. Jude Rectory: 6212 Ridge Pond Road, Apt # F, Centreville, Mass Schedule: TUESDAY: 7:30 PM FRIDAY: 7:30 PM SATURDAY: 7:30 AM SUNDAY: 3:00 PM Sunday School : SUNDAY: 1:50 PM MESSAGE FROM JUSTIN ACHAN Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, I do pray and wish a Blessed and Prosperous Year As we are in the Jubilee Year of Mercy, let us look into the Logo, Pope Francis had recognized. Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy Logo represents a summa theologiae of the theme of mercy and the motto which accompanies it. The motto Merciful like the Father (from the Gospel of Luke, 6:36) serves as an invitation to follow the merciful example of the Father who asks us not to judge or condemn but to forgive and to give love and forgiveness without measure. The logo is the work of Father Marko I. Rupnik. It is an image quite important to the early Church: that of the Son having taken upon His shoulders the lost soul, demonstrating that it is Christ s love that brings to completion the mystery of His incarnation culminating in redemption. The logo has been designed in such a way so as to express the profound way in which the Good Shepherd touches the flesh of humanity and does so with a love that has the power to change one s life. One particular feature worthy of note is that while the Good Shepherd, in His great mercy, takes humanity upon Himself, His eyes are merged with those of man. Christ sees with the eyes of Adam, and Adam with the eyes of Christ. Every person discovers in Christ, the new Adam, his or her own humanity and the future that lies ahead. The scene is enclosed in a mandorla, an element typical of ancient and medieval and iconography that recalls the coexistence of the two natures, divine and human, in Christ. The three concentric ovals, with colors progressively lighter as we move outward, suggest the movement of Christ Who carries humanity out of the darkness of sin and death. Conversely, the depth of the darker color suggests the impenetrability of the love of the Father Who forgives all. This year calls us to become the Extended Hands of Jesus by having a merciful eye merged with that of the Crucified Lord. May the mercy of the Lord be identified in us, filled more and let us become the channel of His Mercy for the world. God Bless all justinachan Website : parish@stjudenva.org Mission Director: Fr. Justin Puthussery ( ) Trustees: Jophy Jose ( ) Sujith Abraham ( ) Our Vision is to create a vibrant Syro-Malabar community that nurtures spiritual growth, celebrates the sacraments, and fosters community ties and leadership

2 Volume 7 Issue 1 St. Jude Syro-Malabar Church Of Northern Virginia Page 2 POPE TWEETS AND INTENTIONS Pope December 8, 2015 May the Jubilee of Mercy bring us all closer to God s goodness and love! Pope December 14, 2015 One goal for each day: to convey the tenderness of Christ to those who are most in need. Pope December 24, 2015 God is in love with us. He becomes small to help us love him in return. Pope December 25, 2015 When Christ is your friend, you have joy, serenity, happiness. LET THE CHURCH ALWAYS BE A PLACE OF MERCY AND HOPE, WHERE EVERYONE IS WELCOMED, LOVED AND FORGIVEN. Pope December 26, 2015 Let us pray for Christians suffering persecution, often amid the shameful silence of so many. HOLY FATHER S INTETION FOR JANUARY Please keep the following intentions in your prayers Universal: That sincer e dialogue among men and women of differ ent faiths may produce the fruits of peace and justice. Evangelization: That by means of dialogue and fr ater nal char ity and with the grace of the Holy Spirit, Christians may overcome divisions. CAKE SALE St. Joseph fathers conducted a cake sale as fundraising to support our church. It was a great idea to raise some money with cake sale during the Christmas season. They also put up stalls at Malayalee Association Christmas Programs.

3 Volume 7 Issue 1 S t. J u d e S y r o - M a l a b a r C h u r c h O f N o r t h e r n V i r g i n i a Page 3 Holy Jubilee Year of Mercy December 8 December 13, 2015 December 27 January 1, 2016 January January 25,2106 February 2 February 10 February 22 Opening of the Holy Door of St. Peter s Basilica Feast of Immaculate Conception Opening of the Holy Door of the Basilica of St. John Lateran and in the cathedrals of the world Jubilee for the Family in St. Peter s Square Opening of the Holy Door of the Basilica of Maria Maggiore Feast of Mary, Holy Mother of God and World Day for Peace Jubilee for those involved with guiding or organizing pilgrimages and religious tourism Opening of Holy Door of Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls Feast of Conversion of St. Paul Jubilee for Consecrated Life & closing of Year for Consecrated Life. Feast of Presentation of Lord Sending forth the Missionaries of Mercy, St. Peter s Basilica ASH WEDNESDAY Jubilee for the Roman Curia Feast of the Chair of St. Peter March 4 24 Hours for the Lord with a penitential liturgy in St. Peter s Basilica April 3 Jubilee for those who are devoted to the spirituality of Divine Mercy DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY April 24 Jubilee for teens 13 to 16 to profess faith &construct a culture of mercy May June 3 June 12 Jubilee for deacons Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ Jubilee for priest Feast of Sacred Heart of Jesus Jubilee for those who are ill and for persons with disabilities KIDS CORNER: CROSSWORDS AND COLORY ACTIVITY Kids 3rd grade and above solve this Word Search submit it on or before January 31, 2016 to Please provide send completed entry with the name, age and grade of the participant, to stjudenvabulletin@gmail.com. Last date for submission is January 31, Please note entries submitted in any other manner will not be considered. All the school age kids 2nd grade and below are eligible to participate in this activity. July September 4 Jubilee for youth World Youth Day, Krakow Jubilee for workers and volunteers of mercy The vigil of the memorial of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Oct 8-9 Nov 1 Nov 6 Jubilee for catechists Mass celebrated by Pope Francis in memory of the faithful departed. Feast of All Saints Jubilee for prisoners Nov 13 Closing of the Holy Doors in the basilicas of Rome and in the dioceses of the world Nov 20 Closing of the Holy Door of St. Peter s Basilica and the conclusion of the Jubilee of Mercy Feast of Christ the King

4 Volume 7 Issue 1 St. Jude Syro-Malabar Church Of Northern Virginia Page 4 CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

5 Volume 7 Issue 1 St. Jude Syro-Malabar Church Of Northern Virginia Page 5 CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS The Parish celebrated Christmas with time honored traditions while putting our own flavor on the celebrations. As part of the Christmas celebrations, carolers visited Syro-Malabar families in NVA on Dec 19th. All parishioners embraced the sprit of the season and welcomed the carolers into fabulously decorated houses featuring decorated Christmas trees and nativity. Prizes were awarded for the best Christmas tree and crib from each ward. During the Christmas Mass large number of congregants packed the church. The Choir did an astounding service in the true Christmas spirit. Kids performed an angel dance fondling baby Jesus. Unit wise Carol singing and performances added flavor to the celebrations. St. Jude Youth also performed divine Carol. They also did a raffle for the kids, which added fun element to the celebrations. The service was followed by cake and wine distribution. Thank you one and all for making the Christmas Mass a memorable one. A special thanks to everyone who could make it to the New Year Mass on 31st night. There is something pretty special about bringing in the New Year; recognizing that another year has passed, reflecting on the past and looking to the future right from the altar of God with his grace and blessings. It also inspires a fresh new walk with God and a deeper commitment to living the faith. But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

6 Volume 7 Issue 1 St. Jude Syro-Malabar Church Of Northern Virginia Page 6 SEEK HIS KINGDOM SERIES - Neena Sujith I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST, THE ONLY SON OF GOD (from THE NEW EVANGELIZATION FOR THE TRANSMISSION OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH) The Christian faith is not simply teachings, wise sayings, a code of morality or a tradition. The Christian faith is a true encounter and relationship with Jesus Christ. Since God has first loved us (cf. 1 Jn 4:10), love is now no longer a mere 'command'; it is the response to the gift of love with which God draws near to us. In the Christian faith, the encounter with Christ and the relationship with him take place "in accordance to the Scriptures" (1 Cor 15:3, 4). The Church is formed precisely through the grace of this relationship. This encounter with Jesus, through his Spirit, is the Father's great gift to humanity. We are prepared for this encounter through the action of grace in us. In such an encounter, we feel an attraction which leads to our transformation, causing us to see new dimensions to who we are and making us partakers of divine life (2 Pt 1:4). After this encounter, everything is different as a result of metanoia, that is, the state of conversion strongly urged by Jesus himself (Mk 1:15). In a personal encounter with Jesus Christ, faith takes the form of a relationship with him and in remembrance of him, especially in the Eucharist and the Word of God, and creates in us the mind of Christ, through the Spirit, a mentality which makes us recognize our brothers and sisters, gathered by the Spirit in his Church, and, in turn, see ourselves as witnesses and heralds of this Gospel. This encounter equips us to do new things and witness to the transformation of our lives in the works of conversion as announced by the prophets (cf. Jer 3:6 ff; Ez 36:24-36). "Increase our faith!" (Lk 17:5) is the Apostles' prayer to the Lord Jesus, when they realize that faith, which is a gift from God, is the only way of having a personal relationship with him and fulfilling their vocation as disciples. Transmitting the faith means to create in every place and time the conditions which lead to this encounter between the person and Jesus Christ. We all are called to create the possibility for this encounter, which is, at one and the same time, intimate, personal, public and communal. Pope Benedict XVI stated: "Being Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction. From this loving knowledge of Christ springs the desire to proclaim him, to evangelize, and to lead others to the yes of faith in Jesus Christ. But at the same time the need to know this faith better makes itself felt. From the beginning, the first disciples burned with the desire to proclaim Christ: We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard. And they invite people of every era to enter into the joy of their communion with Christ. In a faithful heart we find, in essence, a Person, the Person of Jesus of Nazareth, the only Son from the Father... who suffered and died for us and who now, after rising, is living with us forever. CEMETERY VISIT CENTER JOY VISITS ASSISTED LIVING On 12/29, JOY visited The Gardens at Fair Oaks, an assisted living center for the elderly. The youth prayed the rosary with the residents and even had a chance to play some chair soccer afterwards! It was a great way to spend time with others and end the 2015 year.

7 Volume 7 Issue 1 S t. J u d e S y r o - M a l a b a r C h u r c h O f N o r t h e r n V i r g i n i a Page 7 ACCOUNT INFORMATION - DECEMBER 2015 Collection December 2015 Church Collection Amount Offertory Charity St. Jude Feast - Presudenthi Snacks Contribution Richmond Share CCD Registration Cake Sale Carol Collection Total 47, Faith Direct Collection Offertory Building Fund Priest Residence Priest Car Christmas Total Let us thank each other for all the financial contributions towards our church. By supporting St. Jude Syro-Malabar Catholic Mission through Faith Direct, both you and our parish can more easily project your future contributions. You can sign up online atwww.faithdirect.net using our church code: VA492 A monthly offering of $150 is recommended. Carol Collection 2015: All Saints Little Flower St. Aloysius St. Alphonsa St. Joseph St. Sebastian Grand Total 56, ST. JUDE PRAYER TIME Rosary: Let us all gather as one and pr ay the Rosary together as a family before the Lord, a Prayer Brigade by CCD group for a Church of our own When: Mondays at 8:00pm Conference number: Pin: Divine Mercy When: Monday through Saturdays Time: 3:00 pm Where: Conference Call # Pin: SAINTS CORNER Night Vigil When : First Friday 7.30 pm - HOLY mass 8.30 pm Adoration, will continue until 12 am am Night Vigil continues Saint Sebastian (died c. 288) was an early Christian saint and martyr. According to Christian belief, he was killed during the Roman emperor Diocletian's persecution of Christians. He is commonly depicted in art and literature tied to a post or tree and shot with arrows. Despite this being the most common artistic depiction of Sebastian, he was, according to legend, rescued and healed by Irene of Rome. Shortly afterwards he went to warn Diocletian about his sins in person and as a result was clubbed to death. He is venerated in the Catholic and Orthodox Churches. The details of Saint Sebastian's martyrdom were first spoken of by 4th-century bishop Ambrose of Milan (Saint Ambrose), in his sermon (number 22) on Psalm 118. Ambrose stated that Sebastian came from Milan and that he was already venerated there at that time. St. Sebastian is the patron saint of soldiers, athletes, and those who desire a saintly death. Feast Day - January 20

8 Volume 7 Issue 1 S t. J u d e S y r o - M a l a b a r C h u r c h O f N o r t h e r n V i r g i n i a Page 8 EVENTS for 2016 Date Time Event Venue 01/22/2016 TBD March For Life TBD 01/23/ /24/2016 TBD 4 Life program TBD 01/26/2016 TBD Republic Day TBD 02/07/2016 TBD Life Sunday (CCD program) TBD 02/08/2016 TBD Ash Monday (Kurishuvara thirunal/noyumbu arambam) TBD 02/27/2016 TBD CCD Annual Day TBD March TBD Retreat TBD 03/20/2016 TBD Palm Sunday/Osana TBD 03/24/2016 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm Maundy Thursday TBD 03/25/2016 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm Good Friday TBD 03/26/2016 TBD Easter TBD 04/02/2016 TBD Family Night TBD 04/03/2016 TBD Divine Mercy Sunday TBD May TBD Vanakkamasam TBD June TBD Holy Communion and confirmation TBD August TBD VBS TBD August TBD St. Jude Soccer TBD 10/29/2016 TBD St. Jude Feast & CCD Annual Day TBD October TBD Month of Rosary TBD November TBD Parish Council Election for 2016 TBD December TBD Carols & Christmas Program TBD

9 Volume 7 Issue 1 S t. J u d e S y r o - M a l a b a r C h u r c h O f N o r t h e r n V i r g i n i a Page 9 MIRACLES CORNER The Invisible Shield Every day while driving to work on a highway or a side street, if we happened to see an accident that occurred recently, it always crosses your mind that it wasn't you. While passing through the accident scene, we always wonder and hope that someone is not hurt. I was also one of them until one day it happened to me. I saw people look at me while driving by, saw their anxious eyes, to see if I am Ok. Me and My husband met with a car accident on a busy highway and was lucky that we walked out with no injuries. Things would have been worse, if the Jeep behind us came into us with little more force. We are really grateful to God that he protected us and brought us back to our families. Many of us live in suburbs and for most of us the average time we spend to get to our work is close to an hour or more. One has to stay focused on the road for that long to get to work or back to home. Everyday most of our family members go different directions either for work or to school. Let us make it a daily routine that, when we leave our house, we pray to God to provide us protection from all dangers, so that we join as a family in the evening. This was passed on to us from our parents when we were young. They made us pray before we left to school. Even though we live in different time zones, they start their day with this prayer everyday asking God to protect them and their kids. It was this prayer as a family that shielded us. We all hear the Eagles Wings song sung by St. Jude Kids choir during communion on Sundays and most of us know or are familiar with the lyrics. It is taken from Psalms 91. It is about Assurance of God s Protection. For me, this song gives me strength and assurance every day, when I face difficulties in my life. It reaffirms God s protection regardless of what I endure. Thank You Lord for protecting me and my family through your Invisible Shield. - Anonymous. THANKSGIVING With Thanksgiving - Amit & Sismi Thanks to Jesus, Mother Mary and St. Jude - Jophy and family

10 Volume 7 Issue 1 S t. J u d e S y r o - M a l a b a r C h u r c h O f N o r t h e r n V i r g i n i a Page PARISH COUNCIL Fr. Justin Puthussery Mission Director Sujith Abraham Trustee Jophy Jose Trustee Sony Kuruvilla Antony Powathil J Joseph Smitha Tom Tony Thomas Bejoy Thomas Mary James George Chettupuzha Jimmy Jose Nibu Wilson Secretary & (All Saints) (Little Flower) (Little Flower) (St.Aloysius) (St.Sebastian) (St.Alphonsa) (St.Alphonsa) (St.Alphonsa) (St.Joseph) (St.Joseph) NEW TO PARISH We extend a warm welcome to all our new members! Please contact trustees or any council member if you have any questions. Do also reach out to them to understand how to get involved and become active members in the parish. To become a member of our St. Jude Church please complete the registration form and submit it to Fr. Justin Puthussery personally or it to jusput13@gmail.com. The registration forms are available at our church or can be downloaded from our church website: ST. JUDE LIBRARY Elsamma Manalel Woman Representative Preena Robert Woman Representative Renny Joy Woman Representative Gregory Kalarikunnel Nominated Representative Rajesh Alex Nominated Representative Rony Thomas Nominated Representative Jomy Methipara Youth Representative Nissy Varghese Tomy Paul Sajith Thoppil Pious Organization Representative Catechism Representative Land and Building Representative Available materials can be found under: key=0aqawcarly79fdernsjfrd1nzq2ryzufeqnzqrvpfqmc&usp= drive_web#gid=0 If interested to borrow any material or contribute to book bank please send an to stjude-library@googlegroups.com. MINISTRIES Liturgy Coordinator Sergin John Lectors; Altar Angels Rincy Jimmy Cultural Coordinators Chithra Bibson Rexlin Minny Youth Coordinator Jomy Methipara Hospitality Coordinator Jerril Philip Choir Coordinator Shaju Joseph Bulletin Coordinator Sismi Menachery Web Coordinator Rajesh Joy St Jude Library Sismi Menachery Marian girls & boys Giji Sajan Little Flowers Rosslyn Tomy Angels Army Jyothi Varughese, Jissy Felix Charity Wing Sherly Vadakkoot Women s Forum Nissy Varghese St. Jude FC Shajan Paul Couples Ministry Shyla Joseph Altar Servers St. Joseph Fathers (Fathers Ministry) Charismatic Prayer Group Center for Life St. Jude Academy Principal Sergin John Chris Jose George Manalel Tony Augustine Benny Joseph J Joseph Jyothi Varughese & Neena Mathew Dilip Vadakkoot SPECIAL OFFICES Auditor Paul Pottanat Auditor Jojo Mathew Accountant Sojan Alex Legal Advisor Johnson Myalil Sismi Menachery EDITORIAL BOARD Rajesh Joy Deepa Sergin Baiju Thomas Asha Tony Felix Simon Chithra Bibson Minu Leo Sona Boban

11 Volume 7 Issue 1 S t. J u d e S y r o - M a l a b a r C h u r c h O f N o r t h e r n V i r g i n i a Page 11 SUNDAY READINGS January 3, 2016 First Reading: Ex 2: 1-10 Second Reading: Is 49: 1 6 Third Reading: 2 Tim 2: Gospel: St. Luke 2: January 10, 2016 First Reading : Ex 3: 1 12 Second Reading : Is 44: 21 45: 4 Third Reading : 2 Tim 3: 1 15 Gospel : St. Luke 4: January 17, 2016 Day Schedule Location Tuesday Friday MASS SCHEDULE 7:00 pm: Adoration 7:30 pm: Holy Mass 8:15 pm: Novena to St. Jude 7:30 pm: Holy Mass 8:30 pm: Adoration Corpus Christi Corpus Christi Saturday 7:50 am: Novena 8:00 am: Holy Mass Corpus Christi Corpus Christi Address: 43130, Amberwood Plaza, Suite 150, South Riding CONFESSION SCHEDULE First Reading : Numbers 10: 29-11: 10 Second Reading : Isaiah 45: Third Reading : Hebrews 3: 1 4: 7 Gospel : St. John 1: 1 28 January 24, 2016 Friday Receive the Holy Spirit. For those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven; for those whose sins you retain, they are retained (John 20:22-23) Friday 8:30pm onwards Corpus Christi PRAYER MEETING SCHEDULE First Reading : Numbers 11: Second Reading : Is 45: 18 46: 4 Third Reading : Hebrews 3: 14 4:10 Gospel : St. John 1: January 31, 2016 First Sunday - St. Alphonsa Second Sunday - St. Joseph/St. Sebastian Third Sunday - Ashburn/South Riding Fourth Sunday - Little Flower CHURCH SETUP HELP SCHEDULE Family Unit Name City Month First Reading : Numbers 11: Second Reading : Is 46: 5 13 Third Reading : Hebrews 7: Gospel : St. John 1: 43 2: 11 Perpetual Help/St. Sebastian/ St. Mary s St. Alphonsa/St. Thomas/St. George Tysons Corner/Falls Church/Alexandria Gainesville/Centreville/ Woodbridge January/July February/August ENGLISH MASS AND YOUTH MEETING There will be mass in English every month lead by the youth and also a youth meeting. For more information please contact Jomy Methipara ( ) PILGRIM STATUE VISITATION We received the Pilgrim Status of Our Lady of Fatima. If interested in spending a week with our Blessed Mother in your home, please contact Gigi Sajan. gigigeorge@yahoo.com All Saints South Riding/Aldie March/September St. Antony/St. Joseph Herndon 1 & 2 April/October St. Aloysius Ashburn/Leesburg May/November Sacred Heart/Little Flower Fairfax/Chantilly June/December MARRIAGE PREPARATION COURSE SCHEDULE THANKSGIVING INSERT If you would like to insert thanksgiving for petitions granted or publish a petition granted please send an to stjudenvabulletin@gmail.com for more information. No marriage preparation courses scheduled.

12 Volume 7 Issue 1 S t. J u d e S y r o - M a l a b a r C h u r c h O f N o r t h e r n V i r g i n i a Page 12 2 Simple, Automatic Ways to Support Our Church. Start Now! Amazon will now donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to St.Jude Syro- Malabar Church when you shop at AmazonSmile, smile.amazon.com What is AmazonSmile? AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to your favorite charitable organization. Can I use my existing Amazon.com account on AmazonSmile? Yes, you use the same account on Amazon.com and AmazonSmile. Your shopping cart, Wish List, wedding or baby registry, and other account settings are also the same Go to smile.amazon.com Login with your Amazon account credentials Search for St. Jude Syro-Malabar Catholic Church. Select our Church and your account will be linked to St. Jude Syro-Malabar Catholic Church. Now visit this site when you purchase from Amazon next time. WIN $2500 FOR ST. JUDE SYRO MALABAR CATHOLIC MISSION This month when you shop at Safeway with your registered Club Card you ll earn and win for St. Jude Syro-Malabar Catholic Church and for yourself too! For more details go to HOW To Register For escrip: Go to registration/index.jsp Enter "St. Jude Syro-Malabar Catholic Mission Va" for Group Name Enter Name, Address, . Enter your Safeway Club Card number Follow the instructions to complete the signup TRAVELLING DURING HOLIDAYS