Mass Times ~ Presider Schedule. Inside This Issue November 22, This Weekend. Thanksgiving Week Reminders

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1 Mass Times ~ Presider Schedule Saturday, November 21 5:30 p.m. ~ Father Ron Sunday, November 22 7:30 a.m. ~ Father Ron 9:00 a.m.* ~ Father D Silva 10:30 a.m. ~ Father O (Church) 10:30 a.m. ~ Father Andy (Gym) 12:30 p.m. ~ Father O 5:30 p.m. ~ Father Andy *American Sign Language interpreted Mass Saturday, November 28 ~ Father O Sunday, November 29 ~ Father Andy ~ Father O ~ Father Ron ~ Father D Silva ~ Father Andy ~ Father D Silva Weekday and Saturday Masses Monday - Friday: 6:30 a.m., 8 a.m., 11 a.m., 5:30 p.m. Saturday: 8 a.m., 11 a.m. Filipino Mass in Tagalog every 4th Sunday at 3:30 p.m. Holy Day Masses Eve of the Feast: 5:30 p.m. Day of the Feast: 6:30 a.m., 8 a.m., 11 a.m., 5:30 p.m. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament* Exposition: Monday-Friday, 3-5:15 p.m., in the church Thursday before first Friday of each month, 6-8 p.m., with Holy Hour from 7-8 p.m. *No adoration on federal holidays Inside This Issue November 22, 2015 Christmas Tree Sale Opens Next Weekend 3 Did You Know?? 4 Parish Council and Commissions Reports 5 Advent Wreath Workshop Next Sunday 6 This Weekend Blessed Sacrament s Giving Tree: Hand-Select Your Stars Please stop by the back of the church after Mass to pick up a star and help fulfill the Christmas wishes of a child in need. You can also request a virtual star by sending an to: BSDCGivingTree@gmail.com. Or, if you prefer, you can make a donation or leave a gift card with a volunteer today. Questions? Contact Ann O Brien or Sam Cicotello at BSDCGivingTree@gmail.com. Social Concerns Thanksgiving Meal Donations Due The Social Concerns Office will provide Thanksgiving dinners to low income individuals and families. If you would like to contribute to this effort, please donate grocery gift cards (Giant and Safeway), checks, or cash and deliver to the parish office or place in the collection baskets by this Sunday. All donations/envelopes should contain the notation: Thanksgiving Dinner Donation Quesada Street, NW Washington, D.C Phone Fax Blessed Sacrament School 5841 Chevy Chase Parkway, NW Washington, D.C Reception in the Daystar Gallery Sunday, 2 to 4 p.m. in the main meeting room of the parish center. American Outdoors, photographs by Paul Phillips, is currently on exhibit until December 11. All are welcome! Thanksgiving Week Reminders Masses on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26: 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. only. No adoration hours are scheduled for this Thursday, Thanksgiving Day. The parish office will be closed Thursday and Friday, November 26 and 27.

2 Solemnity of Christ the King Pastoral Staff Rev. Ronald A. Potts, Pastor Rev. Andrew Gonzalo, Parochial Vicar Rev. Msgr. Maurice V. O Connell, Retired Priest moconnell@blessedsacramentdc.org Rev. Percival L. D Silva, Retired Priest pdsilva@blessedsacramentdc.org Deacon Kenneth Angell kenneth.angell@opic.gov Deacon Donald Mays dmays@blessedsacramentdc.org Assistant on Weekends Rev. Regis Armstrong, OFM Cap, Catholic University Duffy Parish Center Main Office (Monday - Saturday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) In an Emergency , Ext (to page priest on duty) Facilities Pius X Library Ray Manning Adult Center Mr. John Navolio, Business Manager , jnavolio@blessedsacramentdc.org Mr. Jay Rader, Director of Liturgy and Music , jayrader@blessedsacramentdc.org Ms. Michelle Balch, Director of Religious Education , mbalch@blessedsacramentdc.org Ms. Rosalie Days, Sacramental Preparation Coordinator , rdays@blessedsacramentdc.org Ms. Casey Armand, Youth Minister , carmand@blessedsacramentdc.org Mrs. Patricia Kavanaugh, Social Concerns Minister , pkavanaugh@blessedsacramentdc.org (Office open Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., and by appointment) Ms. Emma Voelzke, Special Needs Coordinator , evoelzke@blessedsacramentdc.org Ms. Kathy Gillespie, Director of CYO , kgillespie@blessedsacramentdc.org Blessed Sacrament School Mr. Chris Kelly, Principal , ckelly@blessedsacramentdc.org Ms. Nancy Ryan, Director of Admissions , Ext. 6110, nryan@blessedsacramentdc.org Sacraments Baptism Baptismal preparation is required of all parents prior to the baptism of their child. We recommend preparation take place before the child is born. For more info: Michelle Balch, mbalch@blessedsacramentdc.org / Matrimony All couples who are to be married at Blessed Sacrament must complete our parish marriage preparation program. Please contact one of the parish priests six months in advance of your marriage date. Reconciliation Friday and Saturday after the 11 a.m. Mass (if no funeral); Saturday, 4-5 p.m. and after the 5:30 p.m. Mass, or anytime by appointment. Parish Services & Information Care Of The Sick & Homebound If you or someone you know is hospitalized or homebound and would like a priest to visit, contact the parish office at New Parishioners Welcome! Please register by: stopping in at the parish office or using the registration form available online or from the pamphlet rack at the Quesada Street entrance to the church. Bulletin Announcements Deadline: 10 a.m. Send to: bulletin@blessedsacramentdc.org Newsletter Content newsletter@blessedsacramentdc.org Photo/Video Submissions communications@blessedsacramentdc.org Website Postings website@blessedsacramentdc.org Church Bulletin Boards The parish secretary maintains the church bulletin boards. Please drop off any flyers for posting to Joan Ward in the parish office, located in the Duffy parish center. Inclement Weather Policy The parish center/office follows Montgomery County Schools for delays and closings. All evening activities are cancelled those days the schools are closed. Pastor s Column On this Sunday, our liturgical year comes to its completion. We proclaim and celebrate Christ, King of the Universe, enthroned at the right hand of the Father, as the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end of all things, the unique Savior of all people to whom He brings grace and peace. His kingdom does not belong to this world, for it uses measures that have nothing in common with this world. Our first reading from the Book of Daniel, relates the vision that the author has during a time of great persecution of the Jews by Antiochius Epiphanes. The conviction of the author is simple: God will save His people. God does not have a savior in reserve; He had already enthroned Him at His side and has conferred on Him dominion, glory and kingship that He might reign over all people and nations. Whatever the present trials may be, we must not be disheartened. In spite of appearances to the contrary, the order willed by God is going to be established. In our gospel passage, we find Jesus being questioned by Pontius Pilate, Are you the king of the Jews? Jesus replies, you say that I am a king. For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice. Jesus has not been vested with power by humans; He comes from above. Already in this sense, His kingdom does not belong to this world. Moreover, He came to testify to the truth. But what is truth? To understand what Jesus means, we must refer to the meaning that the Bible, not philosophy or common usage, gives to this word. In biblical language, the truth is a road one can follow with complete trust in order to have life. It is contained in God s law because truth is something to be done ; one must be and walk in truth by conforming one s actions and one s whole life to the will, to the word of God. Jesus was sent by the Father and invested by Him with the mission of testifying to that kind of truth. He taught it by works, by actions and lastly by His death. The truth leads to His kingdom the kingdom of God. Through baptism each one of us is entrusted with proclaiming the gospel throughout the world using the same means Jesus, Himself, used: testimony even to death, if necessary. The Church and the Christian community must be an image of this kingdom where one joyfully becomes Dirck van Baburen, Crowning with Thorns, Detail, c1622 Source of Image: the servant of all, beginning with the weakest, the poor, the lowliest. To follow Christ, King of the Universe, by going against the ways of the world, brings many difficulties. Jesus message is contrary to the world s message, but we are compelled to courageously proclaim the truth even if it means persecution and ridicule. As ambassadors for Christ, we have been given faith, hope and love which have the power to transform our world. We raise our eyes toward Christ, who, His heart opened on the cross, draws everyone to Himself to lead them with Him to His kingdom. God bless you, Father Ron 2

3 Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament November 22, 2015 Question For The Week Youth Corner Today we celebrate Christ the King. How much do you let the Jesus truth rule your life? How difficult is it for you to follow Jesus? (Source: Poor Box Donations Donations collected during the month of November will benefit the Father McKenna Center, which provides services for homeless men through a daytime drop-in center as well as a winter night shelter and meal program. The center also serves men, women, and families through programs that include a food pantry, rental and utility assistance. Christmas Tree Sale Blessed Sacrament s annual Christmas Tree Sale will open next weekend. Any high school boy or girl who would like to be hired to work at the sale should call John Stacks at between 9 and 10 p.m. Monday-Friday or any time Saturday and Sunday. Faith Formation First Reconciliation Saturday, December 12, at 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. in the church. For more information, contact Ms. Rosalie Days, Sacramental Preparation Coordinator, at or rdays@blessedsacramentdc.org. School News Admission to Blessed Sacrament School The process of admission for sibling families and new families to Blessed Sacrament School for September 2016 is now in progress. Visit bsstoday.org for online admissions applications, forms, and information about fees and deadlines. Questions? Contact nryan@blessedsacramentdc.org. Newly Baptized Sunday Readings/Questions For Reflection... from the Faith Formation Commission Daniel 7:13-14: Compare and contrast Jesus kingdom with countries that have powerful political organizations. Think about the objectives of each. How would each define service, ransom, and bloodshed? Also, what things hold power over you in your life? Are they good things or would you like to see them lose some of their hold? Revelation 1:5-8: Christ has made us into a kingdom of priests for his God and Father. The Jerusalem Bible says that in union with Jesus, the messianic priest, we will consecrate the universe to God in a sacrifice of praise. How can you consecrate the universe (make it holy) to God? And, does the universe that we consecrate to God include areas of your life or world that previously you might have considered outside the realm of the holy? John 18:33b-37: Can we understand truth differently at different times? Was there a time when we accepted slavery? And do we now question the death penalty? Should the Church mature in judgment when precepts have lost their meaning, and as we grow in understanding of the truth? In addition, what does testifying to the truth mean? How did Jesus do this? According to Pope Francis homily for Christ the King (Canonization Mass, November 11, 2014), what is one way you can testify to the truth? The starting point of salvation is not the confession of the sovereignty of Christ, but rather the imitation of Jesus works of mercy through which he brought about his kingdom. The one who accomplishes these works shows that he has welcomed Christ s sovereignty, because he has opened his heart to God s charity. In the twilight of life we will be judged on our love for, closeness to and tenderness towards our brothers and sisters. Through his victory, Jesus has opened to us his kingdom. But it is for us to enter into it, beginning with our life now, by being close in concrete ways to our brothers and sisters who ask for bread, clothing, acceptance, solidarity. If we truly love them, we will be willing to share with them what is most precious to us, Jesus himself and his Gospel. (Source: Center for Liturgy at St. Louis University) Elizabeth Frances Brach William Joseph Estrich Rest in Peace Paul Francis Sullivan, Sr. Thought for the Week From Pope Francis Please include our sick in your prayers that they may experience healing and comfort Luis Amiel Alejandro Arce Annielou Bayly Berman William H. Casson Linda Defendeifer Ann Gardiner Kieran Kelley Marian Middendorf Barrie & Elizabeth Montague Fredy H. Ortega Daniel Ortman Richard B. Perry Rev. Barbara Schlachter Nelly Turner Violeta Turner Hope Elena Katz-Zogby God s word is unpredictable in its power. The Gospel speaks of a seed which, once sown, grows by itself, even as the farmer sleeps (Mk 4:26-29). The Church has to accept this unruly freedom of the word, which accomplishes what it wills in ways that surpass our calculations and ways of thinking. (EvangeliiGaudium, 22). Source of Image: walkwithfrancis.org Find us on Facebook Blessed Sacrament DC 3

4 Solemnity of Christ the King Visit Your Parish Library The Uses of Enchantment This book by Bruno Bettelheim, a psychoanalyst who worked with children traumatized by war, claims that when children are confronted with the violent and scary in folk and fairy tales they develop resilience to their own problems. In these stories tasks are boldly faced, poverty is of no consequence, the loathsome is loved a reader said. We re constantly encouraged to read to children and it s tantalizing to search for further reasons to do so. The children s collection in the library contains these books: The Illustrated Book of Fairy Tales, retold by Neil Philip. Fifty stories from all over the world including the familiar Sleeping Beauty, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Cinderella are accompanied by illustrations set into the text. Many background details about the stories origin and context make this book equally interesting for young children and parents. The Owl, the Raven, and the Dove: the Religious Meaning of the Grimms Magic Fairy Tales, by G. Ronald Murphy, S.J. (398.2 M951 O4). The German brothers Wilhelm and Jacobus Grimm collected stories from all traditions, (including French, Chinese, and Norse) and spent forty years in revising them. The first editions ( ) are at Yale. Father Murphy describes the many religious symbols and concepts in the stories, reflecting the brothers own spirituality. He analyzes the most popular stories with fascinating detail, such as the significance of dwarfs, doves, and other frequently recurring animals. The Polar Express, written and illustrated by Chris van Allsburg. Contemporary stories often use the traditions of folk and fairy tales. This fantasy, winner of the Caldecott medal was made into a movie. It begins with a boy s dream: I looked through my wind and saw a train standing perfectly still in front of my house. The beautiful dream-like illustrations run across each double page. This is a perfect Christmas gift for children of all ages. For more information, visit or call the library ( ). Did You Know?? We are in the process of scheduling Spirit Club classes here at Blessed Sacrament. Spirit Club s mission is to create opportunities for those who may need extra guidance and encouragement to learn to maintain and appreciate a healthy and active lifestyle through fitness and exercise. Many members of the Disabilities Ministry already attend! In the meantime, the Spirit Club Foundation will be holding a kickoff fundraiser on Thursday, December 10, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Montgomery Avenue, Kensington, MD. Sam Smith, trainer, community athlete, and leader will be honored at the event. RSVP s can be sent to sallen@spiritclubfoundation.org. For more information about how Blessed Sacrament is becoming a more inclusive community, contact Emma Voelzke at evoelzke@blessedsacramentdc.org or The Adult Center All parishioners, 39 and holding, are invited to gather in Apt. 1 in the Chevy Chase apartment building next to the church for fellowship after the 11 a.m. weekday Mass. Bring a sandwich and join the activities. For more information or for transportation, call Rita Killian at Monday Thanksgiving Luncheon and Celebration Tuesday Tuesdays with Maury (Father O) Topic: What I am Thankful For Wednesday Watercolor Art Class with Dick Swartz Thursday Closed for Thanksgiving Friday Closed Feast of St. Nicolas Please join the 2nd and 4th Monday group on Monday, December 7, to celebrate the Feast of St. Nicolas with parish pre-schoolers. Reliable sources say that St. Nicolas is going to stop by too. The fun will take place in the Manning Center immediately following the 11 a.m. Mass. All are invited to join in the fun! Chimes Chatter Our Chimes in the 1930 Decade It began with the dream of our founding pastor, Father Thomas Smyth, to install chimes, sweetly ringing the Angelus. By 1935, a fundraising chimes committee consisting of Frederick Altemus, Levin Handy, and Herman Schulteis, obtained funds and pledges in the amount of $11,000 from over 500 parishioners in two-week s time, according to one source. Chicago s John C. Deagan Company delivered Photo by Joe Bozik the chimes components in October 1935, and installation was complete in time for the November 3, 1935 celebratory Mass marking the tenth anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone of the current Blessed Sacrament Church structure. In February 1936, the daily 6 a.m. ringing of the Angelus was changed to 7 a.m. under Father Smyth s direction to placate some neighbors unhappy with the 6 a.m. wake-up ringing. Displeased still, the neighbors filed legal action to silence the chimes only to be overruled in January 1937 by Judge Bailey who added, Well, if the Angelus has been ringing throughout centuries, almost as long as the Catholic Church has been in existence, I see no reason for silencing it now. All through the decade, organist Mrs. John Kieley, guided the choir and played numerous concerts featuring the chimes ringing from the specially installed keyboard on her Packard organ in the balcony. Who knew?: Girl Scout Troop 46 created and presented a pantomime of Why the Chimes Rang to Father Smyth in December Would anyone know of any more details on this pantomime? Chime-in with your story by contacting 1RetroJoe@gmail.com. 4

5 Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament November 22, 2015 Blessed Sacrament Pastoral Council and Commissions Reports November 10, 2015 Pastoral Council The Council welcomed new Director of Religious Education Michelle Balch, who described her educational background and her two years as a missionary in Bolivia. Besides receiving reports from the commissions (see below), the council discussed Blessed Sacrament s response to Pope Francis visit and the upcoming Year of Mercy at some length. The response will include expanded access to the Sacrament of Reconciliation; a Thought for the Week from Pope Francis in the bulletin and on the Facebook page, cooperation with archdiocesan observances, and new initiatives from the Faith Formation Commission. The council also approved a plan for the 2nd Annual Parish Forum, To Lead, To Serve, To Share, scheduled for March 16, At the forum, council and commission leaders will offer where we are/where we re going updates, and there will be multiple opportunities for volunteers to sign up for service in Finally, the council heard a report on draft procedures for start-up ministries that the Executive Committee is considering. In the last two months, parishioners have proposed launching eight new ministries. Administration Commission Patty Myler, Commission Chair, announced that the parish Buildings & Grounds Committee, inactive since 2009, held its first meeting November 2. The members are all experienced professionals competent to advise the commission on the maintenance and improvement of Blessed Sacrament s physical plant. Buildings & Grounds Committee is addressing water infiltration problems on the north side of the church, as well as a range of other maintenance issues. Phase I of the complex Wayfinding Project to upgrade signage on campus is in its final stages. Parishioners will soon see beautiful new directional signs at Chevy Chase Circle and the entrance to the parking lot. We also successfully petitioned the District for a new address for the church building, which for some time has had the same address as the Duffy Parish Center. If you are interested in serving on the Administration Commission or the Buildings & Grounds Committee, please contact Patty at Communications Commission Chair Frank Pellegrino and Jim Townsend recorded the Sanctuary Choir at the All Souls Day Mass to serve as background music for the Welcome Video now in preparation. The commission still needs photos and videos of parish events to complete the project; Frank asks anyone with such materials to send them to him at communications@blessedsacramentdc.org. Frank met with Casey Armand, our new Youth Minister, about setting up a separate Facebook page for the ministry. Meanwhile, Blessed Sacrament s own Facebook page is growing with the addition of more lay leaders with status as Moderators. Check our Facebook page at BlessedSacramentDC. Longer term, the commission is developing a set of guidelines to enable our many ministries to become more visible to the parish community. Community Life Commission The Sodality Holiday Bazaar was a great success; see the photos on the parish Facebook page. Faith in the Marketplace, Blessed Sacrament s men s group, has decided to start That Man Is You next September after hearing a presentation from parishioners at St. Raphel Parish. The DisAbilities Ministry symposium on transitional housing for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities drew about 50 people from Blessed Sacrament and surrounding parishes in the District and Montgomery County. A follow-up meeting is planned for January. Two new organizations, one for young couples and one for young families, are forming, with organizational meetings to be held shortly. For more information, contact Commission Chair Tricia Burke at tbgaughan@gmil.com. Finally, the commission continues to refine a laminated card to be placed in the pews, giving basic information on a variety of our ministries. It may become part of the parish s observance of the Year of Mercy, which opens December 8. Faith Formation Commission Members of the commission met with the council leadership on November 6 to discuss several new ministries currently under consideration. First is ChristLife, which we hope to launch in the coming months; Lisa McKinnon is gathering a prayer group to begin the process. John Mueller is heading up That Man Is You, see the Community Life report above. Meanwhile, Pam Kelly is thinking of beginning a somewhat parallel program called Walking with Purpose, perhaps as soon as Lent Also under consideration are Teams of Our Lady, Be My Witness, Landings, Legion of Mary, Dynamic Catholic, and an expansion of the Lenten Neighborhood Churches program begun last spring. In the next few weeks, the commission will decide which of these programs are most appropriate as a response to the recent papal visit, and will prepare proposals as required for start-up ministries (see foregoing Parish Council report). Outreach Commission The commission discussed social justice and outreach programs in other parishes within our archdiocese and within our neighborhood, to gather information on best practices. Briana Murphy reported on the programs and websites she reviewed in neighboring parishes and in the archdiocese. By reaching out to these other communities, the commission hopes to better implement programs within Blessed Sacrament. At the request of Parish Pastoral Council President, Dave Byers, the commission has undertaken a review of the 33 ministries in its area of responsibility to determine their effectiveness and efficiency. With Mr. Byers assistance, Steve Malphrus has developed a survey, which will be used to assess the scope and effectiveness of our current Outreach ministries. The commission is seeking new members. If interested, please contact Steve Malphrus at stevemalphrus@verizon.net or Bernice Todaro at btodaro@gmail.com. The next meeting of the commission will be held Tuesday, December 1, at 6 p.m. in the main meeting room of the parish center. Worship Commission The Worship Commission is experiencing a change in leadership. The Liturgy Planning Committee, chaired by David Gardiner, will meet to plan for the Advent and Christmas seasons. Visit to sign up. Join Us for the 28th Annual Greg Gannon Canned Food Drive Saturday, December 5 Become a friend of the Greg Gannon Food Drive. All money collected goes to benefit the charitable organizations the Greg Gannon Canned Food Drive supports. Donations may be made online at Questions? Contact Betsy Stabler, stabler.betsy@gmail.com or Amy Dean, amydean01@comcast.net. Find us on Facebook Blessed Sacrament DC 5

6 Solemnity of Christ the King Outreach Volunteers Needed to Cut Fresh Greens for Advent Wreaths In preparation for the November 29 Advent Wreath Workshop, volunteers are needed to cut Advent greens. All materials will be provided. The cutting will take place from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. this Tuesday, November 24. Service hours are available for student volunteers. For more info or to volunteer, contact Pat Kavanaugh, pkavanaugh@blessedsacramentdc.org/ Advent Wreath Workshop Next Sunday Sunday, November 29, after the 10:30 Masses in the school auditorium. This is a great family event and also great for the creative at heart. The cost is $30 per wreath. Preregistration is recommended and may be done on the Blessed Sacrament website: Payment must be included when you sign up online. Sign-up sheets are also available in the school and parish offices and at the entrances to the church. Please return forms along with payments to designated baskets located in the offices or drop them in collections baskets at Masses (indicate the notation Advent Wreath Workshop on envelopes/checks). If you are unable to attend the workshop you may register online and pick up a wreath package, details to follow. Community service hours will be offered to student volunteers the day of the event (hours: 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.). For more information or to sign up to volunteer, please contact Suzanne Pierron, gilmore150@hotmail.com or Pat Kavanaugh, pkavanaugh@blessedsacramentdc.org. Christian Family Movement Ministry A Prayer for Help in Ending Violence In the District homicides totaled 143 as of November 15, up from 90 at this time in In Baltimore, the number killed has reached 300, nearly 100 more than last year. Let us pray: Loving and faithful God, through the years the people of our archdiocese have prayed in times of war, disaster and illness. We come to you Father and ask you to help us in the battle of today against violence, murder and racism. We implore you to give us your wisdom that we may build a community founded on the values of Jesus, which give respect to the life and dignity of all people. Bless parents that they may form their children in faith. Bless and protect our youth that they may be the peacemakers of our time. Give consolation to those who have lost loved ones through violence. Hear our prayer and give us the perseverance to be a voice for life and human dignity in our community. We ask you this through Christ our Lord. Special Deadlines For Bulletin Announcements Publication Date Deadline December 27 Tuesday, December 15 January 3 Monday, December 21 From The Archdiocese Theology on Tap for Young Adults This Tuesday All young adults (21-late 30s) are invited to Buffalo Billiards in Dupont Circle on Tuesday November 24. The topic is: Thomas Merton and Capacity for Dialogue; the speaker will be: Abbot James Wiseman OSB, who is a monk of St. Anselm s Abbey in Washington, DC, where he has been serving as abbot since June, He was also a full-time member of the theology faculty at The Catholic University of America from 1985 to 2011, primarily teaching courses in Christian spirituality but occasionally ones in interreligious dialogue as well as issues in science and religion. Long active in interreligious dialogue, he served for 12 years as editor of the Bulletin of Monastic Interreligious Dialogue and has participated in such dialogue in many parts of the world, including India, Japan, and the three well-known Buddhist-Christian encounters held at the Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky. For recreation he enjoys backpacking, especially in the mountains of the American West. Meet other young adult Catholics and invite friends for Happy Hour specials from 6-7 p.m. with the talk and Q/A to follow from 7-8 p.m. Learn more at: or contact Jonathan Lewis at DCCatholic@adw.org. From The Community Upcoming Bethesda Retreat House Monthly Reflections for Men and Women: for Men, December 2, 7-9:30 p.m.; for Women, December 16, 9:45 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. or 7-9:45 p.m. The Newlywed Program: December 5, 7:30-9:30 p.m. For more information on these and other programs: Christmas Day Meals for the Less Fortunate The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception will provide meals for hundreds of poor, homeless, elderly, and needy individuals living in the District of Columbia and surrounding areas on Christmas Day. If you know of individuals who cannot get out and would like a Christmas dinner delivered to their home on Christmas Day, please contact the Basilica of the National Shrine by Monday, December 14. Please type your list and give us names, addresses with apartment numbers, city, state, zip code, and the telephone numbers. You can fax requests for meals to be delivered to , Attention: Christmas Dinner, or your requests to eak@bnsic.org. Volunteers are always needed to fill many different positions. Those interested in signing up should visit christmasdinner. Women s Business Attire Donations Needed Mt. Carmel House is a supportive housing program located in Washington, DC, that provides housing and intensive case management to homeless women. There is an on-site job center that assists residents in obtaining employment. Donations of business attire clothing are desperately needed. Mt. Carmel House is a majority self-funded program under Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington. Please contact Stefan Hagerup at hagerups@pcaobus.org or by December 23 if you have any clothes to donate. Sponsor of the Week We would like to thank Macon Bistro & Larder for placing an ad in our weekly bulletin. 6