Mass Times ~ Presider Schedule. Inside This Issue March 15, This Weekend. This Month. Did You Know??

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1 Mass Times ~ Presider Schedule Saturday, March 14 5:30 p.m. ~ Father O Sunday, March 15 7:30 a.m. ~ Father D Silva 9:00 a.m.*~ Father Armstrong 10:30 a.m. ~ Father O (Church) 10:30 a.m. ~ Father D Silva (Gym) 12:30 p.m. ~ Father Ron 5:30 p.m. ~ Father Ron *American Sign Language interpreted Mass 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 March 15, 2015 A Thank You Note From the Disabilities Ministry 3 Remember, The Light is ON for You This Lent 3 The Work of Mary Virginia Merrick 5 Saturday, March 21 ~ Father Justin Sunday, March 22 ~ Father D Silva ~ Father Armstrong ~ Father Ron ~ Father Justin ~ Father O ~ Father D Silva A Thank You Note From Little Sisters of the Poor 6 This Weekend Share in the Hope Food Drive Special bags filled by parishioners with requested items for this archdiocesan Lenten food drive will be collected. Contact: Pat Kavanaugh in the Social Concerns Office, pkavanaugh@blessedsacramentdc.org or This Month 3630 Quesada Street, NW Washington, D.C Phone Fax Blessed Sacrament School 5841 Chevy Chase Parkway, NW Washington, D.C Poor Box Donations Donations collected during the month of March will benefit the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker House, which provides a home for five previously homeless families and also distributes food and clothing. Did You Know?? March is Best Buddies Month a time to commemorate the Best Buddies mission and vision, and to celebrate the friendships, leadership, and job opportunities enjoyed through our global impact. Best Buddies Month brings together active members, community partners, families, and future participants to learn about our mission and engage in inclusive events that promote goals and impact. To learn more go to For more information about how Blessed Sacrament is becoming a more inclusive community, contact Emma Voelzke at evoelzke@blessedsacramentdc.org or

2 Fourth Sunday of Lent Pastoral Staff Rev. Ronald A. Potts, Pastor Rev. Justin Huber, Parochial Vicar Rev. Msgr. Maurice V. O Connell, Retired Priest moconnell@blessedsacramentdc.org Rev. Percival L. D Silva, Retired Priest pdsilva@blessedsacramentdc.org Deacon Donald Mays dmays@blessedsacramentdc.org Assistants on Weekends Rev. Regis Armstrong, OFM Cap, Catholic University Seminarian Deacon David Kruse, Theological College dmgkruse@gmail.com Seminarian Cody Ford, Theological College codycford@gmail.com 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. Therese Recinella, Director of Religious Education , trecinella@blessedsacramentdc.org Ms. Rosalie Days, Sacramental Preparation Coordinator , rdays@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: Father O, moconnell@blessedsacramentdc.org or 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 to Blessed Sacrament! Please register by stopping in at the parish office, located in the Duffy parish center, and filling out a registration form. Forms also available in the pamphlet rack at the Quesada Street entrance to the church and on the parish website. Bulletin Announcements Due 10 a.m. Send announcements to: bulletin@blessedsacramentdc.org. Newsletter Content Send articles, photos and other content to: newsletter@blessedsacramentdc.org. Website Postings Send requests for postings for the Blessed Sacrament Parish website to: 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, 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 In our first reading from the second Book of Chronicles, we understand the logical connection between sin and punishment for sin. God cannot tolerate sin He abhors it. He becomes indignant when He sees it committed, especially by those who have freely entered a covenant with Him and whom He has surrounded with His kind and protective love. God holds back His anger and is always ready to forgive at the first sign of repentance. He does not abandon those who turn their back on Him. In fact, early and often did the Lord send his messengers to them, for he had compassion on his people and his dwelling place. The prophets are sent by God calling His people to conversion but they are ignored and persecuted. The Exile and the destruction of the Temple are seen as punishments from God. During the years of the Exile, He continued to send them prophets; He patiently led them back to their senses and toward a conversion of their hearts. God remained present with His people even though the Temple had been destroyed. The Exile became the opportunity for a renewal of the covenant and a time of punishment, a period of considerable purification of seventy years, from whom God, rich in mercy, never withdrew His love. St. Paul s Letter to the Ephesians speaks of the Father s infinite mercy and love as shown to us in Christ Jesus. The Father loves us so much that despite our unfaithfulness, He continually shows us new riches of His love and mercy. With Christ, this revelation reaches its summit. For when we were dead in our transgressions and, through Him, dead and risen for us, salvation has been given by grace, by faith, without any act on our part to merit it. We were dead: God brought us to life with Christ; He created us anew for the works that God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them. We are called to live these good works in our daily life realizing that through baptism we are children of the light no longer enslaved in the darkness of sin. In our passage from John s gospel, we find Jesus speaking to Nicodemus and pointing out, Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. The recalling of the bronze serpent raised up by Moses is very meaningful. The Lord had sent Taken at St Marks Church, Gillingham, venomous serpents to the Hebrews Kent UK, by Mike Young Source of Image: as punishment for sin. Those who had been bitten by them would not die if they looked upon the serpent on the pole. For John, the lifting up of the Son of Man refers to Jesus on the cross. The cross is the supreme sign of the glory of Christ because it marks the hour of the Lord s victory over evil, because at that moment the obedience of the Son, who receives the Spirit from the His Father, shines forth. Therefore, to have life, we must raise our eyes to the Crucified One in order to obtain eternal life through Him. God bless you, Father Ron 2

3 Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament March 15, 2015 Youth Corner Question For The Week The Gospel speaks of following God as coming toward the light. How can you move towards the light in your own life? What is the darkness that needs Jesus healing in your life? (Source: A Thank You Note From the Disabilities Ministry The Blessed Sacrament Disabilities Ministry would like to acknowledge and thank Jim Robertson and his team at Ledo s Pizza at Kenwood Station on River Road in Bethesda. For the past several years, Jim has made a significant donation of pizza to serve to our Special Olympics athletes, their family, and friends at a post basketball exhibition game reception. His continued support of this event is much appreciated by our community. Corbett Café: Coffee and Doughnuts Every Monday Come to the, Apartment 1 of the Chevy Chase Apartments (next to the church) following the 8 a.m. Mass on Mondays. We have a coffee maker to ensure a hot drink to suit your taste and doughnuts and other treats on hand to make you happy. Please come and join us any or every Monday, 8:30 a.m. til the coffee runs out! Celtic Combo on March 17 at the Adult Center Get your Irish up and come and join the 2nd and 4th Monday gang for our Tuesday s with Maury (Father O) session (topic: St. Patrick) followed by our annual St. Patty s Party Irish music, corned beef and cabbage, colcannon, soda bread, green beer, Irish coffee sundaes. Play Reading of The Crucible Rescheduled to Tuesday Meet friends and parishioners this Tuesday, March 17, at 7 p.m. in the parish library for a reading of this classic American drama by Arthur Miller. A discussion led by John Dluhy will explore the emotional power of this play; wine and cheese will follow the reading. Call for more information. Chapel Singers The Chapel Singers are getting back together for their Spring/ Summer season. This a cappella group that entertains local seniors always welcomes new singers. The group will meets on Mondays in the chapel from 7:30-9 p.m. beginning March 30. Contact: Ginny Curtin, gucurtin@gmail.com. Spring Faith Journey to National Shrines of Washington, DC Monday, April 13. Our pastor Father Ron Potts will lead parishioners on a visit to: the Cathedral of St. Matthew, the Mother Church of the Archdiocese of Washington and principal Catholic church in the nation s capital; and to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the nation s largest Catholic Church and home to more than 70 chapels and the largest collection of ecclesiastical art on earth! Approximate cost of $50 includes transportation, all fees, lunch, and gratuities. Reservations are a must; contact Rita Killian, r.killian@verizon.net or Annual Jubilarian Mass Cardinal Donald Wuerl will celebrate the annual Jubilarian Mass honoring couples married 25,30,35,40,45,50 and 51+ years on Sunday, June 21, at 2 p.m. at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. To register, complete the sign-up form, available in the back of the church and in the pamphlet rack at the Quesada entrance to the church and deliver or mail it to the parish office by Monday, April 13. Lenten Activities This Week Wednesday, March 18: The Light is ON for You Confessions 6:30 to 8 p.m. To find confession times at other parishes and for additional resources, visit: TheLightIsON.org. Friday, March 20: Stations of the Cross and Pizza Stations begin after the 5:30 p.m. Mass; a pizza social follows on the main level of the parish center. Sunday Readings/Questions For Reflection... from the Faith Formation Commission 2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23: Do you think God continues to send messengers now? What about you personally: does God send messengers early and often, as the reading says? Give an example. What can you do to open your door wider so that all the messengers can get in? In addition, who were some people who were rejected because of the messages they delivered. Ephesians 2:4-10: In Diary of a Country Priest, George Bernanos makes this statement: Grace is everywhere. Can this be true? And, For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God. How would you define grace? Think about three places where the immeasurable riches of his grace are at work in the world or in your life today. John 3:14-21: For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. According to Pope Francis in his homily on the Wednesday in the Domus Sanctae Marthae on April 10, 2013, do you think Jesus is a figure from the past or does he continues now and always to light the way for us? The Lord saves us by His love: not with a letter, nor with a decree, but with his love, a love so great that it led him to send his Son, who, became one of us, walked with us, and this saves us. (Source: Center for Liturgy at St. Louis University) Year-End Contribution Statements To request a year-end contribution statement, contact John Navolio at or jnavolio@blessedsacramentdc.org. Rest in Peace Rosaria Finelli Peter Maher Theresa Peele Robert Fenner Urquhart Please include our sick in your prayers that they may experience healing and comfort Robert Andary Theresa Szot Anderson Al Andreine Marty DePoy Liz Egloff Newly Baptized Jeffrey Christian Thorin Marian Fleming Kieran Kelley Judith Ann Szot Janice Thompson Hope Elena Katz-Zogby 3

4 Fourth Sunday of Lent Visit Your Parish Library St. Patrick s Day Thomas Cahill, telling the story of Ireland from its Celtic roots, writes, Patrick s gift to the Irish was his Christianity..that completely inculturated itself into the Irish scene which transformed Ireland into Something New, something never seen before indeed, the survival of an Irish psychological identity is one of the marvels of the Irish story (How the Irish Saved Civilization, p. 148). We continue to read the Irish story, now spread over many continents. The Granta Book of the Irish Short Story (F A1 E71 G75). A story is a way to say something that can t be said any other way, Flannery O Connor wrote. This anthology includes twentieth century Irish writers, such as Sean O Faolain, Elizabeth Bowen, Joseph O Connor and Mary Lavin among others. They create a world within a few pages. Lyrical, dark, comic <this> collection is the ultimate showcase of Irish literary talent. The Great Hunger, by Cecil Woodham-Smith (920 W662 G721). This moving book chronicles the events which led to the death of two and a half million people over the course of twenty years and was the force behind Irish immigration into the New World. The first part of the book tells of the effect of the Penal Laws, imposed by the English government at the end of the 17th century and not repealed until the early eighteen hundreds. They banned Catholics from holding any civic office, and strictly limited their freedom in every way. The population depended largely on the potato crop which, when attacked by disease, caused famine. Woodham-Smith vividly describes the political tension, the anger and the suffering and starvation of the people. She includes detailed notes about her sources. Seven Secrets of the Celtic Spirit: A Journey to the Soul of Ireland, by William John Fitzgerald ( P576 S82). The author travelled through Ireland seven times in search of the fertile stream that flows under the contemporary scene of secular life. His book is anecdotal, based on personal experience; it begins with an ascent up Croagh Patrick Mountain in County Mayo. He chooses to write about seven insights shoved out of the way by our techno culture and worth rediscovering by the Irish themselves as well as by others. Poems, stories and prayers give this book a unique flavor of Ireland. A selection of books for Lent reading is displayed in the library; for more information, please call From The Community Anointing Mass The Federal Association of the Order of Malta cordially invites the sick, disabled, and elderly of the archdiocese to receive the Sacrament of Anointing at a Lourdes Anointing Mass on Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Potomac, MD. Family, friends, and caregivers are invited. A light luncheon reception will be offered to everyone after Mass in the Parish Hall. There is no charge for the day. Questions? Contact Joan Glasgow, or glasgow778@gmail.com. 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 Stronger Seniors: Strength & Balance Exercises Tuesday Tuesdays with Maury (Father O) St. Patrick s Day Celebration Wednesday Watercolor Art Class with Dick Swartz Thursday Bridge for Bridge Lovers Friday Closed Chimes Chatter Can the chimes go green? Are Leprechauns spotted in bell towers? Well, with St. Patrick s Day on Tuesday, about the closest that our Deagan Company chimes comes to going green, Photo by Joe Bozik is that Deagan is of Irish origin. Company President, John Calhoun Deagan, was born on November 6, 1853, in Hector, NY, son of Michael and Mary (Megher) Deagan, both natives of Ireland. Deagan is one of several spellings of an English rendition of surname O Duibhghinn (pronounced as O Dwigan). In Irish, O Duibhghinn means descendants of (O ) the black (dubh) headed one (ghinn or ceann). On a more serious note, Chimes Committee volunteers have actually practiced going green even before it came to be such a prominent theme in today s daily living. To be sure, going green means being good stewards of resources, practicing environmentally friendly and responsible decisions to help protect our environment and sustain nature s creation. Volunteers have been frugal in use and re-use of materials, from hand-stamping leather straps of scrap leather to protect cables suspending chimes tubes, to rewinding new relay coils from recycled copper wire on hand-made jigs assembled from leftover lumber. Another responsible outcome is the care and maintenance given to the pealing components, extending their life-span through proper and regular lubrication, minimizing the need for replacement, and thereby conserving resources. One active going-green-initiative undertaken by the Chimes Committee has been installation of diodes next to relays, specifically to absorb energies released as sparking and arcing (see column article two weeks ago). Sparking apparently creates so much heat that one by-product may be a type of ozone, potentially harmful to the atmosphere, and definitely adding severe wear on copper components. With diodes, less ozone is released and life-span of sacrificial copper parts is significantly extended. Have a chimes story? Contact 1RetroJoe@gmail.com. 4

5 Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament March 15, 2015 Faith Formation School of Religion Sacramental Preparation First Eucharist Teaching Mass has been rescheduled to March 22 at 1:45 p.m. in the church. Adult Confirmation Preparation: Register by March 26 Preparation for adult Confirmation at The Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle on Pentecost Sunday will take place after Easter: April 12, 19, and 26; 10:30 a.m. to noon in the parish library in the parish center. Registration deadline is March 26. Contact: Therese Recinella at RCIA: The Three Scrutinies for the Elect Sundays, March 8, 15, and 22, we will celebrate the three Scrutinies for our Elect at the 10:30 a.m. Mass in the church. The Scrutinies take place after the homily and are meant to uncover, then heal all that is weak, defective or sinful in the heart of the Elect; to bring out, then strengthen all that is upright, strong, and good. Adult Formation Opportunities Next Faith on Tap: Tuesday, March 24 Father Michael Paris will present From Despair to Trust: How God Works All Things to the Good. Father Paris is parochial vicar of St. Patrick in Rockville and was ordained a priest in Presentation from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the parish center on the main level. Contact: Therese Recinella, or trecinella@blessedsacramentdc.org. Rescheduled Faith on Tap Presentation Life on the Rocks: Discussing the Life Issues Without Getting into an Argument (or Political Debate) Now on Tuesday, April 21, 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the parish center on the main level. Presenter: Ms. Lopiccolo, Executive Director of the Department of Life Issues, who has been working for the Archdiocese of Washington for almost nine years. For more information, contact Therese Recinella: or trecinella@blessedsacramentdc.org. Save the Date for the Monsignor Corbett Memorial Lecture Sunday, April 19, 2 p.m. in the school gym. Professor Helen Alvaré, JD, will present Catholic Teaching on Complementarity: What We Know and What Is Developing. For more information, contact Therese Recinella at or trecinella@blessedsacramentdc.org. From The Community To the Parish Community of Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament Church: The love and support that you gave the Little Sisters of the Poor was a sign of your genuine Charity. The collection amounted to $9, Your gifts are truly a sign of God s loving and caring Providence, which will help us provide the best possible care for many elderly in need who come to make their home with us. Thank you all! Our Residents join with us in promising you our daily prayers for all your many intentions. God bless each and every one of you! The Little Sisters of the Poor and Residents of the Jeanne Jugan Residence Washington, DC Mary Virginia Merrick Her Work The Christ Child Society was officially started in 1887 in Washington, DC. As word of Mary Virginia Merrick s accomplishments and zeal spread quickly, people in other cities across the united states wanted to establish Christ Child chapters in their cities, to provide services to children in need in their own communities. Today there are 42 Chapters operating across the country with just over 6,000 members, all serving children in need in their communities. Mary used to say the Christ Child Society was set in motion by love, and love is a mighty impetus. She was a pioneer in lay social action and specifically in lay social action by Catholic women, at a time when women had few opportunities and rarely held lay leadership positions in either the church or in society. She often said much can be accomplished when God is by your side. Miss Mary was very progressive for her time, as the Society served children in need regardless of race or creed during a time of segregation in America. Not content to serve only those seeking assistance, she sent her friendly visitors out into the neighborhoods to see first-hand what the needs were and then, motivated by her personal motto to see a need is to fill it, she found the means to mitigate those needs. In her lifetime she founded fresh air camps for inner city children, libraries in jails and reform schools, settlements houses, boys & girls clubs, summer camps, free dental clinics, legal services for immigrants, and a Convalescent Home for children with illnesses or special needs, one of the first in the country. Mary had a vision for a national organization from the very beginning and as the work of the society began to increase and spread she realized the need for solidarity in the organization. In 1916 Mary took action to have the branches that had begun in other cities federated into a national organization. She served as the organization s National President and did so until poor health forced her to resign in She remained the president of the Washington Chapter until her death in Under her direction the Society remained true to its Motto Laborare Est Orare, to labor is to love as well as its unofficial motto To see a need is to fill it. Although Mary was bedridden or confined to a wheelchair for most of her life, she had an inner fire, a drive that led her to accomplish much, disabled, yes Frail, no! She was a strong willed, independent woman who was driven to see her Society succeed and serve children in need. Yes she often struggled with her pain and physical limitations, but she did not let them stop her, she depended on her God, and in turn, He allowed her to accomplish great things in His own and only Son s name. This is the final article in a series written by Patty Myler, a member of the Christ Child Society s Canonization Advisory Committee, about Ms. Merrick. 5

6 In prayer today thank God for the beauty of Creation. Reflect on Psalm 148 and share with someone what you learned. I believe that I shall see the bounty of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord with courage; be stouthearted and wait for the Lord. (Psalm 27:13-14) Fourth Sunday of Lent Outreach Lenten Caring for Creation Stewardship Calendar For Remainder of Lent March/April 2015 Copies of the full calendar available at: SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY Embrace the Begin spring Many people Are you Carry in. When heating Pick up silence today gardening by 16 9 are working recycling Carry out water on the some litter Turn off everything unnecessary. going organic. to protect Creation. everything you can? when visiting a stove, use a when you are Reflect on Grow your lawn and Take the St. Francis Refresh your memory park or the wilds. pot with a lid to walking and dispose God s glory in Creation: garden without toxic Pledge. Learn what today on what items Get your family conserve energy. of it properly. Always The heavens are telling chemicals. Leave the Franciscans you are allowed for outside more often, pick up pet waste the glory of God; and the grass clippings on are doing at www. curbside recycling. visit parks and and put in trash. firmament proclaims his the lawn and cut franciscanaction.org. gardens to view handiwork. (Psalm 19:1) grass higher. God s creation. The works Purchase Celebrate Visit the Dispose of Join Saint of charity and justice as well as the promotion of solidarity, justice, peace... and stewardship of creation build up the Kingdom of God. (Disciples Called to Witness, USCCB) more thoughtfully, question your need before buying. Use alternative gift giving that benefits creation and the poor. Google CRS Gift Catalog. Spring! Plant a native tree, shrub, flower or grasses or support tree-planting in other places. USCCB website and learn about the Environmental Justice Program which educates and motivates Catholics to a deeper reverence and respect for God s creation. unneeded medications in the trash or at the pharmacy. Do not flush them, which overwhelms the filtering system and contaminates drinking water. Francis of Assisi in prayer: We praise you, Lord, for Sister Earth, who sustains us with her fruits, colored flowers, and herbs. ( Canticle of the Sun ) When driving Place an Minimize April Holy Good Holy obey the speed limit. Every 10 mph in speed reduces fuel economy by 4 mpg. insulating cover over your electric water heater. If you have an oil or gas water heater, you may need a plumber to install it. disposables at work. Use a mug for coffee and water. Carry lunch in reusable food containers. 5 Easter Sunday This is the invitation which I address to everyone: Let us accept the grace of Christ s Resurrection!... Peace to the whole world, torn apart by violence linked to drug trafficking and by the iniquitous exploitation of natural resources! Peace to this our Earth! May the risen Jesus bring comfort to the victims of natural disasters and make us responsible guardians of creation. (Pope Francis, Urbi et Orbi, Easter 2013) Thursday: Reflect on Pope Benedict XVI s message for the World Day of Peace, If You Want to Cultivate Peace, Protect Creation. Google the title. Friday: Meditate on the mystery of love: Behold the wood of the cross, on which hung the Savior of the world. Come, let us worship. Saturday: Remember your Baptism and the wonder of water. Thank God for this gift and ask him to help you be a good steward of his gifts, which reveal his love. Take some time today to reflect on all of the activities that you have performed during Lent, and how they have brought you into greater harmony with God s plan for Creation and all life. Share what you learned with others. Dig deeper. Read Ten Commandments for the Environment. Pope Benedict XVI Speaks out for Creation and Justice. Google the title. Nutritious Meals & Budget-Stretching Values From SHARE Blessed Sacrament, the parish food co-op, hints of the coming spring with an array of food packages, including a spiral ham as your Easter dinner centerpiece, at value prices. For a detailed list of this month s packages or to place an order, visit Ordering deadline is Monday, March 16, at 5 p.m. Food distribution is Friday afternoon, March 27 (ham distribution is Wednesday, April 1, 3-5 p.m.). For more information, leave a message in the Blessed Sacrament SHARE voice mailbox, , or send an to SHARE@blessedsacramentdc.org. Volunteers Needed For Monthly Outreach Collection Volunteers are needed to help take up the Outreach collection at the doors of the church at Masses on the first weekend of the month. It requires only a small commitment of time minutes a month but provides a great benefit to those in need. The collection pays for the meal Blessed Sacrament parishioners prepare and serve at a soup kitchen each Monday morning, as well as other parish outreach efforts to feed the hungry of our city. If you would be willing to help either on a regular basis or as a substitute, please contact Ann O Connor Cooper at or oconnorann@verizon.net. SHARE 6 An Easter Request Blessed Sacrament is planning to provide Easter hams to the folks in need who receive our monthly food packages. If you can donate the cost of a ham ($29), we can make their Easter dinners more festive. Thank you for considering this donation request. Donations may be sent to Blessed Sacrament, 3630 Quesada Street, NW, Washington, DC Or, visit to make a donation online. Empty Bowl Supper Next Tuesday, March 24, 6 to 8 p.m. Our parish will host a SOME (So Others May Eat) Empty Bowls Soup Supper in the school auditorium. Parishioners and guests select and take home a beautiful handmade bowl crafted by local artists and enjoy a supper of soup, bread and dessert donated by local restaurants. Questions? Contact Pat Kavanaugh in the Social Concerns Office, pkavanaugh@blessedsacramentdc.org, Seventh Annual Rock Creek Extreme Cleanup: April 11 Join members of our Environmental Action Ministry 9 a.m. to noon for this caring for creation event. School service hours may be earned. For more info, contact Jon Foley: jfoley5east@gmail.com.