SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

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1 Dear Parishioners, Periodically I run a blank in subject matter for this column. This oftentimes happens when I have to get two or three columns done in one week due to holiday deadlines with the Bulletin Publishing Company. This was the situation for this week s column until I traveled on Southwest flight 2704 from Baltimore, on November 24 th, to visit Mom for her 95 th birthday. As I boarded the flight the attendants couldn t have been more courteous, helping people put bags in the overhead bins and hanging coats, all being done with such a welcoming attitude. They seemed to enjoy making the customers happy. As we were landing the flight attendant thanked us for flying Southwest and ended his remarks with: Have a safe day and be kind to one another. I have traveled to many countries but have never heard any flight attendant remind the customers to have a safe day and be kind to one another. His comment impressed many of the passengers that were seated around me. They paralleled the sentiments I had shared in my Sunday homily the day before. At this time of good cheer, when we wish one another Happy Holidays, some of us can be anything but cheerful. Long lines at the malls, difficult economic times, preparing for holiday visitors, traffic jams, in short, trying to get everything done in the 27 days between Thanksgiving and Christmas can be more a cause for tension than good cheer. Sometimes kindness is all but forgotten during this season. And as these flight attendants proved so well, kindness costs nothing. It can truly change a persons outlook. At this busy, hectic and rushed season, how much good will and kindness will be in our days? I recall the words of the famous actor Lionel Barrymore: The older you get, the more you realize that kindness is synonymous with happiness. Thanks to Southwest Airlines, I got the topic for this weeks column. The following from the book Bits and Pieces might motivate us during these hectic pre-holiday days. Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstandings, mistrust and hostility to evaporate. (O.G. Mandino, writer) Kindness is a language that the deaf can hear and the blind can see. If you are unkind you re the wrong kind. My true religion is kindness. (The Dalai Lama of Tibet) When I was young I admired clever people. Now that I am old I admire kind people. (Abraham Heschel, Theologian, Philossopher) Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless. (Mother Teresa) Have a nice week!

2 HOPE The season of Advent is a time with a two-fold purpose. It is a time when we remember Christ s first coming to us, Christmas, and also a time when that remembrance directs our mind and heart to prepare for Christ s Second Coming which will be at the end of time. And so this season of Advent is filled with devout and joyful expectation, hope and joy. This week we look at Hope. While the first impressions one receives from the readings today are those of comfort, forgiveness and peace, all of these point to the underlying theme which is Hope. As human beings, hope is a very necessary part of our lives. Without it we turn to despair for we feel we have nothing to live for. Did you know that we are the only living beings on this earth who have the ability to think of the future? This ability enables us to move forward and to strive to do and be better. In other words we can have hope in what is to come. In many ways we are like the people of the Old Testament who hoped for many of the same things that we look forward to. The difference is that we KNOW about Christ s birth and we all are called to work in his kingdom NOW to help us prepare for his Second Coming. May your week be one filled with uplifting hope and peace. Mass Intentions Monday, December 8 Feast of the Immaculate Conception Special Intention for JENN HAY... 7:30am...Fr. O Keefe CLAIRE McDONAGHUE..9:00am...Fr. Martin ALICE DUPLIG 7:30pm...Fr. Wilson Tuesday, December 9 GLENN TRIPP...7:30am...Fr. Martin Wednesday, December 10 SANTIAGO HERNANDEZ.7:30am Fr. Martin Thursday, December 11 ALMA MAZZA...7:30am Fr. O Keefe Friday, December 12 Special Intentions for MR. & MRS. GERALD HAY 7:30am...Fr. O Keefe Saturday, December 13 ELIZABETH CORRIGAN... 9:00am...Fr. O Keefe PARISHIONERS.....5:00pm...Fr. Martin Sunday, December 14 GARY HOPKINS...7:30am...Fr. O Keefe HARRY ZALEWSKI..9:00am...Fr. O Keefe BERNARD RUDWICK..11:00am...Fr. Wilson WILLIAM HOLDEN 12:45pm...Fr. Martin ALTAR FLOWERS In Memory of Esther Regan from Pat and Steve Hisler and In Loving Memory of Delores Prozzillo from DeeAnn Best Thought for the Week I love you, Lord, my strength, my rock, my fortress, my Savior. (Ps.18: 1) Confirmation Requirements Deadline All requirements must be completed and turned in to the Religious Education Office by December 7-9. Immaculate Conception Holy Day of Obligation. Monday evening classes (7:00-8:15) only are cancelled on December 8, so that students can fulfill the obligation to attend Mass for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception at 7:00pm with their families. Christmas Holiday classes cancelled December 21, through December 30. Classes resume January 4, 5, and 6. The Legion of Mary is a world-wide organization of the lay apostolate, in which Catholic men and women sanctify themselves through prayer and spiritual work in union with Mary, the Mother of God, under the guidance of a priest. The Legion was founded in 1921 and the members are giving service to the Church on a voluntary basis in almost every country. The Legion sees as its priority the spiritual and social welfare of each individual. The members participate in the life of the parish through visitation of families, nursing homes and teaching CCD. The evening adult group meets in the All Purpose Room on Tuesdays at 7:30pm. The day adult group meets in the All Purpose Room on Fridays at 10:00am. For more information call Sandy Giglio or Jane Hamilton with the Lord a thousand years is like a day. Time passes so quickly in our marriage. One day our spouse will be gone. Have I worked to make our days together the best they can be? The next local Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend is February 27 to March 1, Early registration is highly recommended, as dates fill up quickly. For more information call John and Lorie Scali ( ) or visit

3 Theology Courses at Christendom Graduate School starting in January. Notre Dame Graduate School of Christendom College is accepting registration for the spring term ( Jan. 12 to May 2).In honor of the Jubilee Year of St. Paul, we are offering The Life and Letters of St. Paul in Fredericksburg and The Acts of the Apostles in Alexandria, both on Tuesday evenings. A variety of courses are available. For more information, please visit or call A Faithful Friend Support Line The Holidays are a joyful time for most, but they can also be a very difficult time for those who are lonely, depressed or grieving the loss of a loved one. A Faithful Friend Support Line is available to anyone who may be in need of comfort and support during the holidays. Sometimes you need A Faithful Friend to talk with, to listen, to understand and to help Christ s Light shine through. Call A Faithful Friend for support and comfort during difficult times. Confidential, anonymous, free of charge for more information visit PRO-LIFE CORNER Each child is sent into this world by God with a unique message to deliver, a new song to sing, a personal act of love to bestow. We are rejecting God s gift and destroying His plan by aborting His children. Choose Life Today. Choose Life Tomorrow. Pray Always. We must Do No Less. The GABRIEL PROJECT supports women who are facing a crisis pregnancy and need help. Contact or gabrielproject@arlingtondiocese.org. You are not alone! (Gabriel Project is a crisis pregnancy program open to all and sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. A WOMAN S CHOICE CRISIS PREGNANCY CENTER in Falls Church has a waiting list of 65 babies for cribs. If you are interested in purchasing and delivering a crib to one of our babies, please call Dolores or awclife@vacoxmail.com for more information. Crisis Pregnancy Centers Phone Numbers Catholic Charities National: CARE-002 Catholic Charities Local: A Woman s Choice: Pro-Life Rosary-A prayerful, peaceful and public gathering of friends and neighbors who pray the rosary for one hour takes place on Saturdays at 10:00am on Rolling Road across from Kings Park SC Giant Food. Please call Jane Hamilton, for more info. NIGHT OF MUSIC.The Knights of Columbus and the CYO will co-host the annual night of music on Friday, Dec. 12th at 7:30 pm in the main Church. All of Nativity s choirs will perform in concert and will put on a tremendous night of entertainment. The CYO will sponsor a social at the end of the concert. Put it on your calendar and tell all of your friends...don T MISS IT! Please call Bob Corsi, , if you have any questions. The 22 Nov. Blood drive conducted by the INOVA Blood Donor Services and sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Councils of Nativity and St. Raymond's Parishes resulted in a near record number of blood products being collected. A record number (112) generous parishioners signed in as potential donors but due to colds, low iron and flu mist deferrals a total of 98 units of life saving and critically needed blood products were collected for use of 15 area hospitals in the DC metro area. Our parishioners are indeed to be congratulated!. The next blood drive will take place on 31 January at the Nativity Parish. Hall. The Institute of Catholic Culture present Fr. Paul Scalia on The Virgin Mary: The New Eve, Advent Reflections. The talks will take place at St. John the Beloved, 6420 Linway Terr., McLean, VA on Sunday December 7th, 14th and 21st at 7:30 pm. For more information: or (703) Dominican Retreat House Retreat for all men...january 23-25, Retreat Director, Rev. Greg Salamone, O.P. Reservations/Information, Call Paul Allard ( ) or the Retreat House ( ). Tuesday, Dec. 9th...Advent Day of Prayer-Forgiveness and Reconciliation. A day of reflection and prayer for men and women; 9:30am to 3:00pm; directed by Fr. Greg Solomone, O.P. Christmas Market-Preview Days Monday, Dec. 15th: Noon to 2:00pm Tuesday, Dec. 16th: 2:00pm to 4:00pm Stop by, browse and shop for Christmas gifts! Christmas Open House-Sunday, Dec. 21, :00 to 4:00 pm...join us for a fun filled afternoon with great food, crafts and gift baskets. There will be story telling, a sing-a-long and a visit from Santa. For more information about these events call the Dominican Retreat House at or visit our website

4 Parent s Day Out Shopping!!!! The teens of Nativity CYO Workcamp will take care of your children from 1:00PM to 5:00PM on Saturday December 13th. Your children will be supervised, entertained and given a healthy snack while you shop! Pick up is just in time for the 5:00 Mass. The fee is $5.00 per hour per child. Money will be used to fund Workcamp Adult supervision of teens is provided. Please pre-register as space will be limited. Ages 2-12 welcome. Contact Colleen Jarvis at and leave a message or bilcoljarv@verizon.net. (your message should include number and ages of children, how long you would like them to stay and any special need they may have. Please include contact information.) The Nativity Craft Group will be having their annual Holiday Bazaar Saturday, December 6th from 9:00am to 1:00pm and Sunday, December 7th after all Masses. After the last Mass on December 7th we will announce the winner of the quilt raffle. Handcrafted items and baked goods will be available. All proceeds will go to local charities. The first great gift we can bestow on others is a good example. Morell RESOURCES FOR SENIORS: Catholic Charities Elderly Services invites seniors to take advantage of Virginia s new Easy Access website: This easy-to-use website links seniors, adults with disabilities and care-givers to agencies that can provide assistance. The website lists information about services and resources available in different areas of the state. For more information about this service, call Catholic Charities Elderly Services at Wreath and Holiday Greenery orders made through Boy Scout Troop 1100 will be available for pick up after all Masses on November 29th and 30th and on December 6th and 7th. A limited number of items will be available for purchase in the event you didn t preorder, or would like to purchase additional items. The Boy Scouts of Nativity Parish thank you for your support. Sunday, December 7 Advent Giving Tree Collection BSA Wreath Delivery 9:00 am...christmas Craft Bazaar (APR) 2:00, 4:00, 6:00 pm...ccd Classes (S,GR,CV,PH) 2:00 pm...baptism (CH) 5:00 pm...cyo Meeting (APR) Monday, December 8 7:30 am...mass, Feast of the Immaculate Conception (CH) 9:00 am...mass, Feast of the Immaculate Conception (CH) 4:00 pm...ccd (S, GR, APR) 7:00 pm...rcia (GR) 7:00 pm...rcic (PH) 7:30 pm...mass, Feast of the Immaculate Conception (CH) 8:00 pm...aa Meeting (APR) Tuesday, December 9 9:30 am...bible Study (APR) 4:30 pm...ccd Classes (S, APR) 7:15 pm...knights of Columbus (PH) 7:30 pm...legion of Mary (APR) Wednesday, December 10 10:00 am...mom & Me (APR) 7:00 pm...hispanic Prayer Group (SC) 7:30 pm...evening Bible Study (Rm. 9) 7:30 pm...won Meeting (APR)) 7:30 pm...bsa Troop 1100 (PH) Thursday, December 11 9:30 am...craft Group Meeting (APR) 7:30 pm...prayer Group (APR) 7:30 pm...venture Crew (Rm. 4) Friday, December 12 10:00 am...legion of Mary 5:00 pm...koc Nativity Night of Music (CH/CV) 7:00 pm...family Fellowship Group (PH) Saturday, December 13 Advent Giving Tree Collection 10:00 am...dog Obedience Class (PL) 10:00 am...esl Classes (Rm. 4,5,6,7) 5:00 pm...hispanic CCD (S) 7:00 pm...spanish Mass (CH) EWTN CHRISTMAS PROGRAMMING Join EWTN Global Catholic Network in celebrating the Birth of the Christ Child. EWTN is proud to bring you live Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Masses from Rome and the Basilica of the National Shrine in Washington, DC, as well as inspiring musical performances, animated features, specials for children and teens. Watch EWTN on Channel 161 or check your local listing.

5 NEW TO THE AREA? Are you a young adult in your 20 s or 30 s, married or single, who would like to get connected with other young adults? Sign up for the Young Adult Ministry s information-packed and up-to-date enewsletters on our homepage: We keep you informed of parish events, local retreats, educational series, dances, hikes, canoe trips, festivals, picnics, and our very own Theology on Tap program. For more information, contact the Young Adult Ministry coordinator at or yam@arlingtondiocese.org. Young Adults Faith Discussion Apologetics Group HIGH SCHOOL NEWS Paul VI Catholic High School presents a CHRISTMAS MUSICAL CELEBRATION on Thursday Dec. 11th at 7pm with pre concert music by the PVI Jazz Ensemble. For information and tickets contact: pvimusicboosters@yahoo.com. Admission is $1 for students, $2 per adult and $5 per family. Alumni are free. The Bishop Ireton High School Music Boosters would like to invite your congregation to the upcoming Christmas concert at Bishop Ireton High School. The Bishop Ireton student body is drawn from across the Diocese. All young adults between are welcome to come to a faith discussion group that meets EVERY Tuesday evening from 6:30-7:45pm in the Holy Spirit School Library. This group is for anyone who wishes to have a more comprehensive understanding of WHY we believe what we do as Catholics. Why can t women be priests? Why is contraception morally wrong? Why get married in a Church ceremony and how to go about it? What are the historical and theological differences between the Catholic faith, Islam and other Christian religions? These are just a sample of the topics that are discussed at the group. This is not a presentation style seminar, but interactive discussion with examinations of the topics from various points of view. If you have any questions, please contact Father Vaccaro at FAMILY FELLOWSHIP GROUP will meet Friday, Dec. 12th at 7:00 pm in the Parish Hall. This group provides fellowship, shares faith, and provides service to the local Ronald McDonald House. For more information contact Courtney & Dzul Scherber at nativityfamilyfellowship@yahoo.com. If you need additional information, please contact the Bishop Ireton Music Department at Thank you for your assistance. Are You 50 or Better? Come to the Lunch N Life sponsored by the Shepherd s Center of Fairfax-Burke on Thursday, January 15, 2009 (12:00-2:00 p.m.) at Jubilee Christian Center, 4650 Shirley Gate Rd., Fairfax. The program Secrets Behind the Lincoln Memorial will be presented by the National Park Service. Seating is limited. For reservations, call Faye Quesenberry (703) , by January 8. The cost is $8.00; checks payable to SCFB. If transportation is needed, call the SCFB office (703) NOTICE: SCFB urgently needs more volunteer drivers to take older folks in our area who are no longer able to drive to medical, dental and therapy appointments. To volunteer, or to utilize this service or our new Friendly Caller service, please call the SCFB office. Award Winning Nativity Pianist, Bobby Jasinski, will give a Benefit Concert sponsored by Catholic Charities in Leesburg on Dec. 12th at 7:30 pm. The musical celebration is to assist the economically challenged and presently unemployed of Loudon County. Attendees are asked to donate $10 in non-perishable food items for those most in need in Loudon County. For more information contact Dawn Dumas at Mass on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, December 12, 2008 at Queen of Apostles Catholic Church, 4329 Sano St., PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY The next daytime meeting will be on Monday, December 15th at 9:30 am in the APR. The evening meeting will be Wednesday, December 17th at 7:00 pm in the APR. Come and bring a project to work on or learn how to make a prayer shawl for the seriously ill of our parish. For more information call Toni Rausch ( ); Flo Grike ( ) or Joanne Dezzutti ( ). Alexandria, will be celebrated at 5:30 am. According to tradition, the blessed Mother appeared to St. Juan Diego at sunrise, and thus it is a popular Mexican custom to celebrate the feast day Mass at sunrise. The Little Angel Gift Shop has a full array of Christmas gifts. Christmas cards, Crèches, Ornaments, Medals, Rosaries, Books, CD s and much more. Stop by after Mass and see what we have to offer. The Gift Shop is open after all Masses on the weekend and after the 7:30am Mass during the week. Remember to KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS!