St. John Neumann Catholic Church 9000 Warfield Rd., Gaithersburg, MD 20882

MASS SCHEDULE: Saturday Vigil: 5:00 P.M. Sunday: 8:00, 9:30 and 11:15 A.M., 1:30 P.M. In Spanish, 6:00 PM-Mass (Summer) Weekdays: Monday, (Except Holidays), Wednesday & Friday: 6:30 A.M., Advent & Lent: 6:30 AM Monday-Friday Monday: 12 Noon Tuesday - Saturday: 9:00 A.M. Holy Days: As Announced Morning Prayer : Monday: 11:45 A.M. Tuesday - Saturday: 8:45 A.M.

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: Monday: 11:30 - 11:50 A.M. Tuesday thru Friday: 8:30 – 8:50 A.M. Saturday: 9:30 – 10:30 A.M. & 3:30 – 4:30 PM Sunday: 12:30 - 1:15 P.M. In Spanish or English

WELCOME: Our parish family extends a warm welcome to all who are joining us for worship, guidance or instruction. If you are new to the area or coming home, we invite you to register and make St. John Neumann your parish. Registration forms can be obtained in the church lobby, at the rectory or online.

Parish Staff Rev. Joseph Rogers, Pastor Rev. David Wells, Parochial Vicar Rev. Peter Sweeney, In Residence Gene Cummins, Deacon Michael Davy, Deacon Carlo Caraballo, Deacon Mary Lu Hartsell, Director Of Music & Liturgy Robert Kirby, Clerk Luis Marroquin, Spanish Choir Director David Guillen, Youth Group Musician Maureen Joseph, Director Of Religious Formation and Youth Ministry M. Cecilia Dayao, Administrative Assistant , Rel. Form. Coordinator of Youth Ministry, Gina Nino de Nightingale Rebecca Tuban, Business Manager Maria Idoni, Administrative Assistant Maria Ortiz, Census and Sacramental Records Clerk Receptionist AM-Gloria Fernandez Luis Jimenez, Maintenance Technician Beth Smith, Finance Council Chair Officers of the Pastoral Council: Rev. Joseph Rogers, Pastor Parish Council Executive Committee Kristy Burrows Dennis Barnes Cheryl Harskowitch

FIRST FRIDAY: Exposition and Litany following the 9:00 A.M. Mass Divine Mercy Chaplet 3:00 P.M. Perpetual Adoration in the Church all day Reconciliation: 6:30 P.M. - 7:15 P.M. Bi-Lingual Mass: 7:30 P.M. Holy Hour: 8:00 P.M.-9:00 P.M. Benediction: Following Holy Hour NOVENA: Miraculous Medal: Monday after the Noon Mass St. John Neumann: Thursday after the 9:00 A.M. Mass ROSARY: Monday: After the Miraculous Medal Novena Thursday: After the St. John Neumann Novena Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday: After the 9:00 A.M. Mass BENEDICTION: After First Friday's Evening Mass PERPETUAL EUCHARIST ADORATION: 24 hrs. a day–7 days a week in the Adoration Chapel, except 1st Fri. in Main Church. Controlled entry between 9 P.M. and 7 A.M. Contact adoration committee for more info. SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION: For information about receiving the Sacraments of BAPTISM, CONFIRMATION and MARRIAGE, please contact the rectory.

ANOINTING of the SICK and EUCHARIST to the SICK: Parishioners unable to attend Mass on the weekends or who are ill are encouraged to call the rectory to receive these Sacraments. RECTORY OFFICE INFORMATION: Tel: 301-977-5492 • Fax: 301-977-3559 Mailing Address: 8900 Lochaven Drive Gaithersburg, MD 20882-4460 e-mail: [email protected] www.saintjohnneumann.org Hours: Mon - Fri 9:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M. Closed Friday at Noon during June, July and August MUSIC MINISTRY OFFICE: Tel: 301-330-7565-Closed on Friday. RELIGIOUS FORMATION OFFICE: Tel: 301-977-7990 • Fax: 301-330-3235 Hours: Sunday and Monday: Closed Tuesday: 11:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. Wednesday: Noon to 8:00 P.M. Thursday and Friday: 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Saturday: 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. YOUTH MINISTRY OFFICE: Tel: 301-801-9518 • Fax: 301-330-3235 PARISH SCHOOL: Mary of Nazareth School 301-869-0940 INFANT BAPTISM: [email protected]

MISSION STATEMENT: United in the love of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, We commit ourselves as a welcoming Catholic community: To worship God in Word and Sacrament; To learn, live and share our Faith; To serve the vulnerable and the poor among us; And to reconcile ourselves with God and one another. BULLETIN DEADLINE: Two Fridays before published date , EXCEPT holidays.

SAINT JOHN NEUMANN CATHOLIC CHURCH

FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK KING OF TRUTH Dear SJN Family, Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, the last Sunday of the liturgical year. The Gospel centers on the dialogue between Jesus and Pilate. TO TESTIFY TO THE TRUTH When asked if he is a king or not, Jesus responds to Pilate, “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” (Jn 18:37). In one of the most profound commentaries on this passage of which I am aware, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI writes: The classic definition [of truth] is “adaequatio intellectus et rei” (conformity between the intellect and reality; Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologiae I, q. 21, a. 2c). If a man’s intellect reflects a thing as it is in itself then he has found truth: but only a small fragment of reality – not the truth in its grandeur and integrity. We come closer to what Jesus meant with another of Saint Thomas’ teachings: . . . God is “ipsa summa et prima veritas” (truth itself, the sovereign and first truth; Summa Theologiae I, q. 16, a. 5c). This formula brings us close to what Jesus means when he speaks of the truth . . . The world is “true” to the extent that it reflects God: the creative logic, the eternal reason that brought it to birth. And it becomes more and more true the closer it draws to God. Man becomes true, he becomes himself, when he grows in God’s likeness. Then he attains to his proper nature. God is the reality that gives being and intelligibility (Benedict XVI, Jesus of Nazareth, Vol. II, p, 192). In sum, truth is what things really are. We are “in the truth” to the extent that our intellect perceives reality as it truly is. The ultimate reality – the ultimate being – is God. We are truthful – filled with the truth – to the extent that we know God and are one with him. Thus, Christ is the truth (cf. Jn 14:6). THE POWER OF POWERLESSNESS Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI continues, “‘Bearing witness to the truth’ means giving priority to God and to his will over against the interests of the world and its powers. In this sense, truth is the real ‘king’ that confers light and greatness upon all things. . . . Truth is outwardly powerless in this world, just as Christ is powerless by the world’s standards: he has no legions; he is crucified. Yet in his very powerlessness, he is powerful: only thus, again and again, does truth become power” (Jesus of Nazareth, Vol. II, pp. 192-194). Bearing witness to the truth in humility and love – from the Cross – allows the truth to speak, touch, heal, forgive, correct, and call. Because the truth binds the conscience of the person in the intimacy of his or her soul, there is no greater power, nothing that can rule more deeply. The only power of the Church then is to proclaim the truth of Christ, His person, mission, and teachings – His kingdom. The Church does not exist to please the world. She exists to serve her king and to love the world as He does (cf. Jn 3:16). At times “bearing OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE

__ __ NOVEMBER 22, 2015 witness to the truth” may be unpopular or uncomfortable; it may require martyrdom; but in the end only the truth can set us free (cf. Jn 8:32), and that is our salvation. In the Heart of Mary, Mother of Christ Our King,

Fr. Joe

Mark Your Calendar!: Huge Sale for the Parish Picnic: December 5/6 after all the Masses in the Parish Center. Religious and Christmas religious items for sale, baked goods for sale, SJN baseball caps (white with gold lettering) for sale, and raffle tickets for sale for a 25" high statue of Our Lady of Fatima. And only after the 11:15 am and 1:30 pm Masses, there will be Hispanic traditional food for sale, hosted by the Hispanic Parishioners. Purchase combo meals of: 2 Pupusas (meat and cheese) with a soda or water for $5, or 2 chicken tamales with a soda or water for $5.

Boy Scouts from Troop 318 will be selling wreaths, Advent candles, and other beautiful evergreen decorations after Mass for the following weekends: Nov 21-22 and Dec 6-7. As a service project for the scouts, we donate and deliver mini trees to the residents of Sunrise. We will be collecting donations to help defray the cost of the trees.

AROUND THE COMMUNITY Schools, Other Parishes and Beyond . . .. St. Matthew’s Parish 175th Anniversary Special Events: * * Sunday, November 22, 7:30 PM-175th Anniversary Concert, featuring the Schola Cantorum and Festival Singers. * Sunday December 13, 7:30 PM-Lessons and Carols, a celebration of the Birth of Christ in word and Song, featuring the Schola Cantorum. (Times subject to change.)

Catholic Business Network of Montgomery County is beginning a search for a new administrator. This is a parttime position averaging about 40 hours per month. Duties include coordination, planning and registration for member events, attendance at 2-3 monthly events (generally early morning or early evening), monitoring the mail and email accounts and responding as appropriate, coordinating website updates, and being the liaison to board members and the general membership. If you know of qualified applicants who are looking for the flexibility of a position like this, contact Barbara Kromer ([email protected]) or Katie Shaffer [email protected]). Hour of Grace-honoring Our Lady on Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 12 noon to 1 p.m. in Our Lady's Chapel, Mother of God Community. Arrive early, as the celebration will begin promptly. Questions, contact Vicky 301-926-7014 or [email protected]

POPE FRANCIS’ INTENTIONS November 2015 - http://www.apostleshipofprayer.org/ Universal: That we may be open to personal encounter and dialogue with all, even those whose convictions differ from our own.

Evangelization: That pastors of the Church, with profound love for their flocks, may accompany them and enliven their hope.

The Apostleship of Prayer receives monthly prayer intentions from the Holy Father and urges Christians throughout the world to unite in prayer for those intentions. The reflections above seek to illuminate the Holy Father's concerns in the context of the daily readings and feasts. As always, please keep these intentions in your heart as you read and pray.

SAINT JOHN NEUMANN CATHOLIC CHURCH

__ __ NOVEMBER 22, 2015

PARISH HIGHLIGHTS For full Parish Calendar see website: www.saintjohnneumann.org SJN Book Club-Despite what you may have heard, Pope Francis' new encyclical Laudato Si "On Care for our Common Home" is not all about climate change and socialism! Take this for example: "The universe unfolds in God, who fills it completely. Hence, there is a mystical meaning to be found in a leaf, in a mountain trail, in a dewdrop, in a poor person's face. The ideal is not only to pass from the exterior to the interior to discover the action of God in the soul, but also to discover God in all things" (LS, n. 233). This is just the tip of the iceberg! Join the book club for our discussion of Laudato Si Fri., December 4 at 7:30 in rectory basement. All are welcome. Tony Bosnick 301-977-7017 or Mike Duggan 301-947-0706. Consecration Invitation-For those who are doing the 33-day preparation for Total Consecration, you are invited to attend a special ceremony of the Act of Total Consecration that will take place after the 6:30a.m. Mass on December 8. The celebrant priest will lead us in reading the consecration. At the end of the reading, each person will sign his/her consecration and will come forward to place a rose (any color) at the foot of the statutes of Mary and Joseph as a gesture of honor and gratitude to Our Lady for leading us to Jesus together with St. Joseph. One is also free to do the consecration at any Mass on December 8. For more info, contact Vicky by email: [email protected]. Save the Date–Bi-lingual Liturgical Vigil Celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe & Festivity–Fri., December 11th, 7pm Mass. Hi everyone, mark your calendars for the Vigil Celebration Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe where we will have the Holy Mass accompanied by Mariachi, procession of the image with the Knights of Columbus Guard, children offering flowers our Lady of Guadalupe and Juan Diego who will visit us as well. Following the Mass we will process to the Parish Center to enjoy traditional Mexican tamales, breads and refreshment with entertainment from the Mariachi. Come and enjoy as one united community and honor our blessed Mother. For info Yolanda Caraballo 301-977-0972.

St Vincent De Paul Blood drive: Give a meaningful gift this Christmas! Donate Blood: Sat, Dec 19, 9:00 am–2:30 pm in the Parish Center. Register online at: www.redcrossblood.org and enter Sponsor ID: St John Neumann Gaithersburg or call 1-800733-2767 to schedule your life-saving donation! Eligibility concerns, please call the Red Cross at 1-866-236-3276. Additional questions, please contact SVDP or David Hull at 240676-9955 or [email protected], Please remember to bring your photo id or Red Cross donor card, eat iron-rich foods in advance and drink extra water the day before your donation. See bulletin board for more info. Thanks to all those who supported the 50 Plus Club Bake Sale on Nov. 15th both bakers and buyers! The proceeds will be used to help the Seminarians from our Parish. St. Monica's Sodality at SJN is forming. All are invited to spend an hour in silence in front of Jesus in the Eucharist on the First Friday of each month from 2-3 pm with the intention of praying for our family members who have left our holy faith. With St. Monica, under the Mantle of Mary's maternal heart our loved ones will know the peace and joy and love promised by our Beloved Lord who is the Way, the Truth and Life. Purchase JustHaiti fair trade coffee for the holidays. Makes a great stocking stuffer, gift for friends or relatives, and treat for the office! On sale weekend of Nov. 28/29 in the lobby. 12 oz. bags of whole bean or ground $12 per bag. Most important, this is a way to join in solidarity with Haitian farmers earning money to support their families and raise school tuition for their children. For info, visit www.justhaiti.org .

Moving/Change of Address-Please notify the Rectory of changes including, phone #, email, additions, etc...

THIS WEEK’S READINGS AND MASS INTENTIONS NOVEMBER 22-NOVEMBER 29 Sunday

Nov-22 8:00 AM 9:30 AM 11:15 AM

Monday

Nov-23 6:30 AM

Tuesday

Nov-24 6:30 AM W ednesday Nov-25 6:30 AM Thursday Nov-26 9:00 AM Friday Nov-27 6:30 AM Saturday Nov-28 Sunday

9:00 AM Nov-29 8:00 AM 9:30 AM 11:15 AM

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE Souls In Purgatory Henry Kogut Wenting Lee Nicholas Parrotta St. Andrew Dung-Lac & Companions Stephen Ndife Sam & Bonnie Fanning

Dn 7:13-14 / Rev 1:5-8 /Jn 18:33b-37 / Mk 13:24-32 Psalter II 1:30 PM For the People Dn 1:1-6,8-20 / Lk 21:1-4 9:00 AM Fanny Njawala Dn 2:31-45 / Lk 21:5-11 9:00 AM Joseph A. Cox Dn 5:1-6,13-14,16-17,23-28 / Lk 21:12-19 9:00 AM Aimèe Ntumba Dn 6:12-28 / Lk 21:20-28

SJN Parish

No Mass-day after a holiday Pauline Nzekeng 1st Sunday of Advent Souls In Purgatory Deceased Staff o f the World Bank (Africa)

Maria Idoni

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE

Dn 7:2-14 / Lk 21:29-33 9:00 AM Souls in Purgatory Dn 7:15-27 / Lk 21:34-36 5:00 PM Souls in Purgatory Jer 33:14-16 / 1Thes 3:12--4:2 / Lk 21:25-28 Psalter I 1:30 PM

For the People

SAINT JOHN NEUMANN CATHOLIC CHURCH

PERPETUAL EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Harald 301.926.7014 Susan 301.926.8335 This Thanksgiving Day, let us remember the words of Pope Benedict XVI: “[F]rom the point of view of the Christian faith, man comes in the profoundest sense to himself not through what he does but through what he accepts. He must wait for the gift of love, and love can only be received as a gift. It cannot be ‘made’ on one’s own, without anyone else; one must wait for it, let it be given to one. And one cannot become wholly man in any other way than by being loved, by letting oneself be loved. That love represents simultaneously both man’s highest possibility and his deepest need, and that this most necessary thing is at the same time the freest and the most unenforceable, means precisely that for his ‘salvation’ man is meant to rely on receiving. If he declines to let himself be presented with the gift, then he destroys himself.” At SJN, we are privileged to have the gift of an Adoration Chapel, open 24/7. Let us bring our thanks, our praises and our needs before Jesus’ loving gaze. Permanent adorers needed for the following hours: Sunday, 5 pm–6 pm, Monday, 7 am – 8 am, Tuesday, 6 am-7 am, Wednesday, 5 pm-6 pm TO VOLUNTEER PLEASE COMPLETE A CARD JOIN US IN PRAYING THE ROSARY FOR ADORATION ON MONDAYS AT 7 PM IN THE PARENTING ROOM

OFFERTORY COLLECTIONS November 14th-November 15th Envelopes, Loose (236)………….………….………..$11,202.00 Average donation: $47.00

Census families: 1611

Currency……………….……………………...………..…..$1,797.83

__ __ NOVEMBER 22, 2015

RELIGIOUS FORMATION Maureen Joseph, 301-977-7990 www.saintjohnneumann.org Curious about becoming Catholic? For info on SJN Religious Formation or our Sacramental Preparation Programs and Events for Children and Adults (R.C.I.C. or R.C.I.A.), visit our website: www.saintjohnneumann.org. Click on Religious Formation. Women At The Well-- A morning catechesis for moms of all ages! Calling all moms, from the brand new to the well experienced! Join us on Friday mornings from 9:30-11:30, for catechesis, fellowship and growth in your faith. Children of all ages welcome! For info, email Kristy Burrows at [email protected]

YOUTH GROUPS Gina Nino de Nightingale 301-801-9518 [email protected] Facebook Group: "SJN Youth Group" Instagram: SJNYG contact Gina to join the email and/or text list for up-to-date information.

EasyFundraising Discount Cards: Support the youth group and save yourself some money this year too! The youth group is selling discount cards with discounts to 18 different local restaurants and businesses including: BGR burger joint, Growlers, Subway, Fuddruckers, Longhorn Steakhouse, Ledo's pizza, Dunkin Donuts, and more! Available for purchase via Religious Ed office, or online at saintjohnneumann.org High School Youth Group-Now through Dec we have a couple nights for our monthly adoration, an issue night on pornography, a girls and guys vocation evening, and a Q & A night. See calendar for details. New teens and friends are always welcome! Parental Note: This week we had our rescheduled night on pornography, and also spoke about Modesty. Glory Revealed Retreat: We are on retreat this weekend! Please pray for us! Coming Up: 11/24 No Youth Group: Happy Thanksgiving! 12/1 Preparing for Advent 12/5 Advent for Families, hosted by the youth group!

Electronic Fund Transfer (average)….....………. $4,890.10 Total…….………………………………………………......$17,889.93

Check out the saintjohnneumann.org for our current permission slips and our google calendar link! (both hsyg & msyg!)

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Middle School Youth Group-Thanks for joining us Friday, as we took a fresh look at the fall and quizzed your knowledge! We meet in the Neumann House typically the 3rd Friday of the month. See our youth ministry calendar for details. Advent for Families: Saturday, December 5th 12:30-2:30pm join us in the Parish Center for activities and crafts to help kids learn about and more fully experience Advent! Families with children 2 to 3rd grade are encouraged to come out! Older children are welcome, but projects and stories are designed with the younger kids in mind. Come as a family and walk through the different stations. Come for part of the time, or the full time. This event is hosted by the youth group and is FREE, but a donation to help cover the cost of materials, and to support the youth group is encouraged.

Capital Campaign………………………………….…….$5,635.00 Faith Direct weekly average…………..……………..$1,388.40 Total…………………..………………………….…………..$7,023.40

Second Collections Coming Up: December 6– Maintenance Fund December 8-Immaculate Conception December 13–Poor Box

We thank you for your generosity! High School Placement Test (HSPT) Saint John’s Catholic Prep, Saturday, December 5th 8:30 AM Doors Open, 9:00 AM Testing $40 Testing Fee 301-662-4210 **Online Preregistration Required** Saint John’s Catholic Prep is a Catholic, coeducational college preparatory high school located at 3989 Buckeystown Pike in Buckeystown, Maryland. Pre-registration is required for this test. Visit https://stsusers.com/stsusers/registration/static/ baltimore.php by December 3rd to register. Students currently enrolled in the 8th grade at an Archdiocese of Arlington or Washington school take the high school placement test at their middle school. Students do not need to take both tests. All other interested 8th grade students are required to take this placement test. Prospective students can visit Saint John’s online at www.saintjohnsprep.org or call the school.

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE

RELIC OF ST. JOHN NEUMANN 11/22 Paul & Kathryn Layer 11/29 Pauline Zekeng 12/6 Seconde Nkundizanye 12/13 Seconde Nkundizanye Return the relic to the Sacristy by 11:00 am the following Sunday morning. Pick-up by the next recipient is by noon on the same day. If you would like to have the relic in your home, the Sign-up sheet can be found in the foyer of the church.

SAINT JOHN NEUMANN CATHOLIC CHURCH

PRO-LIFE NEWS Committee Chair–Laura Quigley 301-947-0842 Grace Morrison-(Contact) 240-997-5403 WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE? Consider joining the Shady Grove Pregnancy Center’s Sonogram Program. We are seeking a licensed RDMS ultrasonographer with OB experience to volunteer at our clinic for 3 hours per month. Clinic hours are Wednesday evenings. Interest piqued? Contact Jackie Stippich, Director at 301.963.6223 Project Rachel Ministry, sponsored by the Archdiocese of Washington, is hosting support groups for women who have feelings of shame, guilt, sadness and other difficult emotions, over their abortion experience. The support groups are forming in various locations. Info, Julia Shelava 301-853-4565. [email protected] All contacts are confidential. Late-Term Abortion Clinic - Join SJN parishioners on Mondays from 8-10 AM on Wisteria Drive in Germantown to pray. Over 200 babies have been saved by the Lord’s grace and many prayers. For directions and to view the movie trailer documenting this pro-life effort go to: www.PrayForGermantown.com Mass Near Abortion Clinic-On most Saturday mornings, when a priest is available, Mass is celebrated in the office next to the abortion clinic in Germantown with confident faith that the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist must have a profound effect. If you would like to be an email list to receive notice about when Mass is scheduled, please send email to Mary Beth de Ribeaux, [email protected]. "It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish." ~ Blessed Teresa of Calcutta ***************************************************** KoC Scholarship Program–The Maryland State Council of the Knights of Columbus in partnership with the Knights of Columbus Insurance Advisors is the Sponsor of several High School Scholarships for its members and for Catholic students in general. 1) The Frederick M. Grossman Memorial High School Scholarship And 2) The William J. O’Brien Jr. Memorial Catholic High School Scholarship Application Period is open to February 1, 2016. All applications must be received no later than February 1, 2016. See Bulletin Board for more details. More info at: www.kofc-md.org Click on Scholarship Opportunities. *****************************************************************************************

Monthly Reflections for Men and Women: The Christian Difference (www.ourladyofbethesda.org) 301365-0612. For Men: Dec 2. Take time out of your busy schedule and find something different. Sessions include: Mass, guided meditations related to the theme for the year, opportunity for confession and a delicious meal. No reservations required. Suggested donations: $10 per person. Reflections for Men are offered on the first Wednesday of each month, 7-9:30 PM. Reflections for Women offered twice on the fourth Wed.: Morning session: 9:45-12:30 pm/Evening session: 7-9:45 pm (some months are not 4th Wednesday, see website for info).

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE

__ __ NOVEMBER 22, 2015

LITURGY AND MUSIC Mary Lu Hartsell, 301-330-7565 [email protected] Ah, Rome! The Eternal City. I’m sitting in my hotel room, having just returned from Mass in the Grotto at St. Peter’s and thinking about what to write to you. So much to tell and share. The choir has been amazing throughout the trip; they are singing extremely well. And the couple of organs that I’ve played have been magnificent examples of organ building. More about both the choir and the organs later, because I must thank Mark Charlton and Anita Chernovitz for subbing for me at the organ while I’ve been gone and Mark for playing the two weddings and directing that portion of the choir that stayed at home. I understand you and the cantors did a really fine job and that I’ll have to work hard to keep up once I’m back home. We arrived Venice last Wednesday and did a tour of Padua before retiring for the night. The relics of St. Anthony are amazing, and the Basilica is a wonder. A sense of history and the weight of time lend themselves to the spiritual atmosphere. Evening Mass celebrated in Italian in a small chapel at San Marco in Venice the next day was a wonderful experience. We had so many questions about the liturgy, as we always do when singing for a liturgy in a new and different location, but we received a warm welcome and a helping hand by the priest and by the music director. The choir sang particularly well in spite of having warmed up in the cold and dark plaza outside the Cathedral. After a morning tour of Venice, lunch had been on our own, so several of us had found a small off-the-beaten-track restaurant and had had a fantastically delicious 3-hour meal without seeing another tourist! In Florence we were scheduled to sing evening Mass at Santa Croce, the Franciscan Church, but when we arrived there was another celebration going on and we were not permitted to enter. It seems that one priest had scheduled the American choir to sing Mass, but another had scheduled a Dante Celebration. The Dante Celebration won out and “they” forgot to tell us. We were offered a 10-minute slot for Mass late in the evening, but decided to rest and put our energy into Mass the next morning. When we arrived at San Marco, the Dominican Church, the next morning we were given an incredibly warm welcome. Father was greeted, the choir was acknowledged, and the organ was turned on. An amazing Mass! And the organ was lovely. It was a nice 3manual instrument with the traditional sweet, silvery tone quality associated with the early Italian organ. When I expressed my delight in playing the instrument, I was immediately invited to remain and play as long as I wished – and I stayed another hour to play. The museum next door had been the convent, and it housed the Fra Angelico frescos, one in each cell. This museum in not so popular as the Uffizi, but it is a gem, and the visit was an extremely spiritual and gratifying experience, making the Uffizi seem like an after-thought. And now we’re in Rome. Last evening we sang Mass at the Chair Altar in St. Peter’s Basilica and this morning we sang Mass in the Grotto. The rest of the group is off touring the Vatican Museums and the Basilica, but I’ve done that so decided to write this article. We’re returning Thursday, just in time for St. Cecilia’s Day, Sunday, November 22. See you Sunday!!

SAINT JOHN NEUMANN CATHOLIC CHURCH

VOCATIONS St. John Paul the Great Vocations Society Mary Beth de Ribeaux, [email protected]

ISO: Bare-branch Artificial Tree-The Vocations Committee is looking for a large (5- to 6-foot range) barebranch/twig artificial tree (not a fir tree) with a stand to use for the annual “Vocations Tree” during Lent. These trees can be found this time of year, as some people use them for holiday decorating. Maybe you have one that you’d like to replace or get rid of? Perhaps the lights no longer work? No problem! We’ll take it! Or maybe you’re inspired to donate one? Wonderful! Please send email to [email protected] if you would like a picture of what we’re looking for or if you’d like to donate a tree. Thanks! Worthy of Priesthood?-Are you -- or is someone you know -- thinking of the priesthood, but feeling unworthy? When Fr. John Jay Hughes was asked for some advice from his vantage point of 59 years as a priest, he began with a story about Archbishop Robert Carlson of St. Louis: “Decades ago, when he was Vocation Director in his home diocese of St. Paul, a young man considering the seminary told Fr. Carlson that he needed to go home first and pray about whether he was good enough to be a priest. ‘I’ll save you some time,’ Fr. Carlson said. ‘You’re not good enough.’ He was right, of course. God doesn’t call us because we’re good enough. No one is good enough to be a priest of Jesus Christ: not the Cure of Ars, not Padre Pio, not even the Pope. The Lord doesn’t call us because we’re good enough; He calls us because He loves us. Never forget that…. The desire for priesthood which is in your heart has been put there by the One who is love (see 1 John 4:8). He wants you to be a messenger of that love to others.” (first published in The Priest, Aug. 2013.) Come and See! A Vocation Retreat-The Daughters of St. Paul will be hosting a vocation discernment retreat at their convent in Alexandria, Friday, Nov. 27, 6pm – Sunday, Nov. 29, 6pm. Single women, ages 18-35 years old who would like to learn more about religious life are invited. Contact Sr. Margaret Michael at 703-549-3806 or email [email protected]. Young people of the world, hear the voice of Christ! Hear His voice and follow Him!” ~ Pope Saint John Paul

MARRIAGE AND FAMILY LIFE

__ __ NOVEMBER 22, 2015

SOCIAL CONCERNS The Pantry at St. Martin’s–With your help, we provided food to 226 families in the week ending 9 November. Thank you for all your help to your neighbors in this time of continued near record need! If you are donating food, bring it to one of the weekend Masses so it can be taken to the pantry that weekend. Do not bring food during the week! Once again-NO PERISHABLE food. Thank you. THE COUNTY BAG TAX cuts bag donations. Any passed on to us will reduce the amount we have to buy keep up the distribution! Are you donating food in the bags? Please double both plastic and paper bags to keep them from tearing, so that we can reuse them for distribution. St. Vincent de Paul Society (SVDP) a Catholic lay organization that follows the spirit of our patron St. Vincent de Paul to serve Christ through serving those living in poverty. Assistance or info: 301-525-3909. For further info contact Alice at 301-448-8113 or [email protected] “Today as we celebrate Christ the King, may we open the door of our heart so wide that we may listen to the voice of Jesus calling us to help build His kingdom here on earth. As we approach Advent please remember the poor in your St Vincent de Paul envelope! Thank you and God Bless You!

LOCAL RETREATS Our Lady of Bethesda Retreat Center: 7007 Bradley Blvd., Beth., MD 20817. Info 301-365-0612. www.ourladyofbethesda.org Spiritual Exercises Weekends-Experience the Person of Christ! Experience Spiritual Exercises! Register. Spiritual Exercises for Men: Dec 18-20 / 3-day retreat/ Price $190 per person Feb 19-21, 2016 / 3-day retreat/ Price $190 per person Spiritual Exercises for Women: Dec 4-6 / 3-day retreat/ Price $190 per person The Newlywed Program is a fun and informative monthly series designed for couples in the first three years of marriage. Offers practical and spiritual tools to help make their marriages GREAT! Dec. 5 / 7:30-9:30 PM. Join us on first Sat. of each month, thru March. Listen to entertaining and inspirational speakers. This month’s topic:“Are Your In-Laws Out-Lawed? How to Have Happy & Healthy Relationship With Your Spouse’s Family” with popular and entertaining Fr. John Hopkins, LC. $20 per couple per session meet us in the Stone House located behind the Retreat Center. Advance registration is appreciated: www.ourladyofbethesda.org or 301-365-0612.

For the Domestic Church

Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend-Jesus came into the world to testify to the truth. If we belong to the truth we will listen to His voice. Are you listening to His voice and letting Him lead and guide you in all areas of your life? The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend on April 22-24 in Rock., MD. Info/apply: welovematrimony.org, or 301-541-7007, or [email protected]. OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCIL #12127 Manny Dayao, Grand Knight [email protected] Now-12/13(or until gone)-Once again the Knights of Columbus are selling Christmas Cards at the wholesale price for the benefit Shady Grove Pregnancy Center. All profit and proceeds go to the Shady Grove Pregnancy Center. Cards to be sold in the Church Lobby after all English Masses.

SAINT JOHN NEUMANN CATHOLIC CHURCH

FELLOWSHIP AND GROUPS The 50+ Club-meets the 3rd Wednesday of the month from March to December at 11 AM. New members are always welcome to join in fellowship, charitable works, and recreational activities. Info-Rose Acuff, 301-963-1457 or [email protected].

All Africans of SJN are invited for fellowship and prayer. Info: Aimée Ntumba 240-463-3895; [email protected] SJN Book Club-Tony Bosnick 301-977-7017 or Mike Duggan 301-947-0706.

Bereavement Group-First Wednesday of the month after 9AM Mass in the Parish Center. Contact Rosemarie [email protected] Blessed Margaret of Costello Special Needs Ministry at SJNwelcomes persons with disabilities and their families fully into the life of our spiritual community and to provide spiritual and social programs that will promote that goal by offering new opportunities for people with and without disabilities to come together to worship, learn and enjoy themselves. Contact: Jeanne and Tom Dwyer 301-367-4419.

Coffee Social-Held the 2nd Thursday every month from Sept. to May, in the "Parish Center" following 9 AM Mass. All ages invited to meet and greet while partaking of various beverages and refreshments. No cost or obligation to attend. Join us & meet other members of the Parish. Questions? Jane Young 301-208-3550. Ladies Prayer & Fellowship—Please call for info. Linda Boyle C: 301-785-2616 H: 301-963-2166. The Legion of Mary-association of lay people who, in the Spirit of Our Blessed Mother Mary, seek to bring people closer to Our Lord Jesus Christ and increase the faith and holiness of her members. Meetings: Blue Room, every Sunday 9:15 AM. All welcome. Info:www.legionofmary.com

**Lighthouse CD/Media-Do you like the Lighthouse CDs? You can get these and more as an inexpensive MP-3 download for phone or iPad or computer. Go to www.lighthousecatholicmedia.org and use the parish promo code 101861. These CDs and more are available in MP3 version. Go to: www.lighthousecatholicmedia.org Use the promo code 101861 to support the parish with this ministry. Marion Devotion: Maria Rosa Mystica-devotion for families, the priesthood & consecrated life by way of enthroning the pilgrim statue in the homes of the parishioners (English, Spanish and French speaking) as per their request. Sign-up sheet is available in the lobby.

Men's Fellowship Meetings-Calling all men of the parish! "THAT MAN IS YOU!" Visit: www.SJNTMIY.com for info. SVdP Bin-emptied on Friday between 10-noon. If Friday is a holiday then Thurs. Spiritual mothers for vocations meet immediately after Sunday Mass in front of the altar to pray a short prayer together. All women (of any age or state in life) who have a heart for vocations are welcome to join us! Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration prayer group meets Monday nights at 7PM in the Parenting Room. Pray For Priests group meets Saturday mornings at 8AM in the Parenting Room.

Prayer Network– To join or to have someone placed on the Network. Contact Carmine & Mary Castellano 301987-6615 or [email protected] Vocations committee meeting- 2nd Sunday of the month. Youth Groups–Info under Rel. Ed. Heading. Yarn Angels–1st Wed. from Oct-May, in PC. Knit/ crochet hats for ladies undergoing chemotherapy at Mont. General and Georgetown Hospitals / various other places. Barbara Oliveri Rizzo at 301-963-4640.

Young Families Ministry-We meet September-May in the Neumann House on the last Sunday of each month, following the 930am mass. Come for discussion, prayer, babysitting, and fun and creative ways to teach the faith to young children. This month come out on 11/29! And join us on 1st Fridays for Family Adoration hour 11am to 12pm. Contact Betsy at [email protected] for more info or join our Facebook group "SJN Young Families." OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE

__ __ NOVEMBER 22, 2015

PRAY FOR THE SICK To have a name added to/removed from our Sick List, call the rectory. Tom Potter Angela Murphy Jean Buck Greg Dillon*1/16

Magdalena Horvath Vincent DiMarzio Maureen Kimber Steven Selthoffer Adrianne Hope Joe Szymusiak Gabe Singer William Morris Jeanette White Robin Field Chuck Connolly Elise Connolly *

6/12

Viviane Hannah Burrows

Don Geddes Mario Escobar

Theresa McKinney Leo Blair 9/30

James Franklin Allen Bob Dimes Philip Calder Anthony McShea Della Kogut Janet Kogut Amal Cicatelli Bella Cicatelli Pat Ruppert Ian Perez Robert Studley Jackson Gilmore Elijah Sanchez Sarah Parrocha Alfreda Eli Athiogbey Eugene Lobo

Fr. Francis Martin Lyn Albrecht Jim Childs

Judy Rogers Rufus Rogers

August Hanshew Jack Rush Norbert Pawlak Patricia London Elizabeth Rodas Linda May

Ruth Finn Charles Arian Fr. Gellert Ailer Melba Osorio Irma Carpenter Joseph Elhallal Greg Hu Joan Dean Stephen Martino Patricia Lanzano Catherine Oyarzo 8/3/15 Dee McClure Bill Kushner Joyce Bladen Mary Scanlon Jennifer Rodgers Michael May Robert Schribuer Sr. Mary Frassati Gregory Czajkowski Sandy Wester Judy Virnelson Vanessa Nino-Mills Michael Dean Kellie Robertson Marlon Carvajal 9/22

Individuals will remain on the Sick list for two months, unless the Rectory is contacted for the name to be re-listed or if name needs to be removed. Please remember to notify the rectory when you or a family member is admitted to the hospital. We can then include the person’s name on our sick list. Any elderly or homebound parishioners who would like to receive communion or Anointing of the Sick, call the rectory and leave your name, address and phone number.

PRAY FOR THE MEN OF OUR PARISH IN FORMATION FOR THE PRIESTHOOD Br. Antonio Diez de Medina, CFR–Fourth Theology, St. Joseph’s Seminary (NY)

James Morrison–First Theology, North American College (Rome) Mark Dwyer–Second Pre-Theology, St. John Paul II Seminary (DC) Stephen Castellano–First Pre-Theology, St. John Paul II Seminary (DC) Nicholas Morrison–Third College, St. John Paul II Seminary (DC) Peter Mlynarczyk–Second College, St. John Paul II Seminary (DC) God our Father, thank you for calling these young men to prepare for priesthood. Grant them the grace to grow closer to You through daily prayer. Bless them while they study Your word and the teachings of the Church, and give them a generous heart to serve Your people. We ask this through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our great High Priest. Amen

PRAY FOR OUR SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN O Prince of Peace, we humbly ask your protection for all our men and women in military service. Give them unflinching courage to defend with honor, dignity and devotion the rights of all who are imperiled by injustice and evil. Amen.

Deployed Parishioners SPC Mark Collins USA Christopher Jensen, USAF PVT 1stCL Stone Koffi USMC Michael Osborne, USAF

PRAY THE ROSARY DAILY FOR PEACE

Family of Parishioners SSG Jeremy Brown US Sean Ryan Cannizzo USAF 2LT Patrick Durkin USMC LT Shane Durkin USN Cpt. Paul Dwyer, USA SGT Peter Hafer, USA Lt Cdr Erik Kenny USN PVT 1 cl Edwin A. Kent USMC CPL Jared McGowan USMC ENS Blake Rademaker USN Joshua Rivera USN LT COL Ralph Skeba USA SGT Stephen Spalding USA

CPL Hunter Ward USMC Maj. Benjamin Jackman

Please let us know if any other parishioners or family members have been deployed or when they come home!

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