February 1, 2015 - St. Leo the Great Catholic Church | Fairfax, Virginia

ST. LEO THE GREAT CHURCH
FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA
www.stleofairfax.com
Dear Friends,
Pope Francis in his apostolic exhortation,
Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of The Gospel),
speaks powerfully concerning our obligation as
Catholic Christians to love and defend all human
life. Echoing the clear and consistent teaching of
all previous Popes, he states that the choice
between service to the poor and the defense of
the unborn child is a false one.
“213. Among the vulnerable for whom the
Church wishes to care with particular love
and concern are unborn children, the most
defenseless and innocent among us.
Nowadays efforts are made to deny them
their human dignity and to do with them
whatever one pleases, taking their lives and
passing laws preventing anyone from
standing in the way of this. Frequently, as a
way of ridiculing the Church’s effort to
defend their lives, attempts are made to
present her position as ideological,
obscurantist and conservative. Yet this
defense of unborn life is closely linked to the
defense of each and every other human
right. It involves the conviction that a human
being is always sacred and inviolable, in any
situation and at every stage of development.
Human beings are ends in themselves and
never a means of resolving other problems.
Once this conviction disappears, so do solid
and lasting foundations for the defense of
human rights, which would always be subject
to the passing whims of the powers that be.
Reason alone is sufficient to recognize the
inviolable value of each single human life,
but if we also look at the issue from the
standpoint of faith, every violation of the
personal dignity of the human being cries out
in vengeance to God and is an offence
against the creator of the individual”.
214. Precisely because this involves the
internal consistency of our message about
the value of the human person, the Church
cannot be expected to change her position
on this question. I want to be completely
honest in this regard. This is not something
subject to alleged reforms or
February 1, 2015
‘modernizations’. It is not ‘progressive’ to try
to resolve problems by eliminating a human
life. On the other hand, it is also true that we
have done little to adequately accompany
women in very difficult situations, where
abortion appears as a quick solution to their
profound anguish, especially when the life
developing within them is the result of rape
or a situation of extreme poverty. Who can
remain unmoved before such painful
situations?”
We live in a diverse nation comprised of
peoples of various faiths and perhaps even “no
faith”. However true tolerance for others and
respect for diversity is never expressed
authentically by silencing the truth. In Evangelii
Gaudium, Pope Francis speaks also of the
obligation of believers to speak up and to act
based upon their convictions for the good of
society as a whole.
“55. A healthy pluralism, one which genuinely
respects differences and values them as such,
does not entail privatizing religions in an attempt
to reduce them to the quiet obscurity of the
individual’s conscience or to relegate them to the
enclosed precincts of churches, synagogues or
mosques. This would represent, in effect, a new
form of discrimination and authoritarianism. The
respect due to the agnostic or non-believing
minority should not be arbitrarily imposed in a
way that silences the convictions of the believing
majority or ignores the wealth of religious
traditions. In the long run, this would feed
resentment rather than tolerance and peace.”
In Christ,
Rev. David A. Whitestone, Pastor
2015 BISHOP’S LENTEN APPEAL
BEGINS!
This month Bishop
Loverde will send a mailing regarding
the 2015 Bishop’s Lenten Appeal
(BLA). The theme for the 2015 BLA is
“Stewards of Christ Sharing Gospel
Joy!” After reflecting upon the many blessings that God has
given you, please prayerfully consider making a sacrificial
pledge of support to this important appeal that funds many
programs and ministries that serve thousands of people in
our diocese. When we join together as one Body in Christ,
we can do so much for so many!
FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
—Please remember in your prayers the repose of
the souls of the faithful departed, especially:
Jose Chavez, husband of Marilyn Chavez; Phyllis
White, mother of Paulette Donnelly; Sister
Maureen Christopher, IHM; Patricia Smith;
Lilda Lando.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
—We ask you to remember those in need of our daily
prayers.
BLESSING OF THROATS: Tuesday, February 3
is the Feast of Saint Blaise. Blessing of Throats
will take place on Tuesday during daily Mass at
6:15 am and at 9:00 am.
Mal 3:1-4; Heb 2:14-18; Lk 2:22-40
Heb 12:1-4; Mk 5:21-43
Heb 12:4-7, 11-15; Mk 6:1-6
Heb 12:18-19, 21-24; Mk 6:7-13
Heb 13:1-8; Mk 6:14-29
Heb 13:15-17, 20-21; Mk 6:30-34
Jb 7:1-4, 6-7; 1 Cor 9:16-19, 22-23;
Mk 1:29-39
MASS INTENTIONS
February 2 through February 8
BLESSING OF PARENTS TODAY, February 1 On the 1st
Sunday of each month, Saint Leo features a blessing for
Expectant and Adopting Parents in support of life & family.
The blessing will take place after the 9am Mass in the church.
Parents in any stage of pregnancy or the adoption process
are invited.
Mini-Retreat/Evening of Recollection for Women at St.
Leo Tuesday, February 3 from 7:30-9:00 pm in the church.
Sponsored by Opus Dei. Two Meditations and confession
available. Deepen your friendship in silence with Our
Lord. For information, please call Peggy, 703-620-4945.
An Evening of Praise, Worship, & Adoration will be held
Saturday, February 7th from 7-8:30 pm at Saint Leo in the
Church. All are welcome for prayer, beautiful music,
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, and Benediction.
Marian Consecration During Lent, renew or make a 33
day total consecration to Jesus through Mary according to
St. Louis deMontfort. The preparation will take place from
February 20 through March 24. Tables will be in the church
vestibule after all Masses the weekends of Jan 31-Feb. 1
and Feb. 7-8 for more information and to sign up. A $2
donation is requested to cover the cost of the book. For
information, please contact Linda Click: 703-309-7533.
Healing From Divorce
Please join us on Saturday,
February 21, 9am-3pm at St. Leo.
We will meet for 9am Mass,
followed by speakers, lunch, and
a healing service. No matter how
you’ve been touched by divorce – your own, your parents,
siblings or friends, you need God’s healing touch. Allow the
Holy Spirit to fill you with joy so that you can discern your
path forward. Guest Speakers: Fr. David Whitestone, Fr.
Dan Leary, Dr. Lianna Bennett. Registration required.
Email:
Beatrice
Barry
at
beabarry06@gmail.com.
Confessions offered through the day.
Mon.:
6:15
9:00
Alvin Wichterman
Lawrence, Magdaline Pinto & Therese D’Souza
Tues.:
6:15
9:00
Louie Wichterman
Lou Frank
Wed.:
6:15
9:00
Henry Budzynski
Henrietta Madison
Thurs.:
6:15
9:00
Nancy A. Perri
Burman Skrable, Sr.
Fri.:
6:15
9:00
Josephine Hillary
Donald Schindler
Sat.:
9:00
5:00
Respect Life
Frank Talana
Sun.:
7:30
9:00
11:00
1:00
5:00
For the Parish
Geraldine Willett
deceased Knights of Columbus
Ramiro Siles
Nassif and Laurice Cannon
In addition to the regular schedule of Masses, Mass has
been offered for the following intentions: John Detweiler,
Natasha Powderly, Dennis Wilson, Helen Urenko, Donald
Joseph Manges, Jacob Tagorda,.
BAPTISM CLASS IS MANDATORY at Saint
Leo. The next class is Tuesday, February 10th at
7:30 pm in the St. Mark room. Please call the
rectory office (703-273-5369) to register.
Low Gluten Hosts are available for those who need them.
Please inform the sacristan before Mass begins.
ST. LEO THE GREAT CHURCH
FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA
www.stleofairfax.com
A VOCATION VIEW
“Let each of you lead the life that the Lord
has assigned, to which God has called
you.” If you are considering a vocation to
the consecrated life or priesthood, call
Father J.D. Jaffe at 703-841-2514 or write:
j.jaffe@arlingtondiocese.org.
Saint Leo the Great Catholic School
Development Committee presents
Live & Silent Auction
featuring 7-night Caribbean Cruise
Buffet Dinner & Beverages
Music
Raffles
Vegas Style Gaming
Please visit the school website www.saintleothegreatschool.org
or event website – stleosch.ejoinme.org/Cruising2015
for more details and to purchase tickets
Saint Leo the Great
Catholic School
invites interested parents to visit the
school and learn what makes us a
National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence
Applications for the current school year are
available in the school office. You may stop by to
pick one up during school hours, 8:00 am-3:00
pm or access forms on our website at:
www.saintleothegreatschool.org/Admissions.
Applications for the 2015-2016 school
year are available. Join us for an
Open House on any of the following
dates: Jan. 25, 12:00pm; Feb. 26,
10am, or call the school office to make
an appointment for a tour 703-273-1211.
In case of inclement weather please check the website or call
the school office.
Financial Aid packets available upon request.
PLEASE NOTE: Saint Leo parishioners receive preferential
status in Pre-School through eighth grade applications.
In-parish families must be registered.
February 1, 2015
ADULT FAITH FORMATION
Faith & Food at P.J. Skidoos
Please join us on Monday, February 2nd at
7:00 pm, for an evening of fellowship and
lively discussion over dinner (appetizers on
us!). Be sure to bring your friends! All ages are
welcome! To suggest topics or submit questions you
would like answered, please contact Carolyn:
carolynsmith.stleos@gmail.com, 703-273-7277.
Pilgrimage to Italy sponsored by St.
Leo the Great's Adult Faith Formation
Travel with Fr. Matthew DeForest and
Carolyn Smith to Rome, Tuscany,
Florence,
Siena,
Orvieto,
Milan,
Sordevolo, and Turin. See the Holy Shroud in Turin
which will not be on display again until 2025! The trip
will be from June 3 – 13, 2015. ALL inclusive price is
$3,999.00. This includes airfare, all hotels, breakfasts,
dinners (including red and white wine), tips, entrances,
and private guide. Mass will be celebrated daily. To
register, please contact Proximo Travel at (855) 8428001 or (508) 340-9370. You can also register online
at www.proximotravel.com. You can see an online
brochure at www.stleofairfax.com.
For more information, please contact Carolyn at
carolynsmith.stleos@gmail.com or 703-273-5369.
FRASSATI FAIRFAX Under the patronage
of Bl. Giorgio Frassati, we are a
community of young adults (20's-30's,
singles and couples) who are striving to
deepen our faith, serve the community,
and evangelize the culture, all while
enjoying coffee and outdoors-y activities.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Monday, February 2: Join us for Faith and Food at PJ
Skidoos at 7:00 pm! We will have a couple tables reserved
for the young adults! This is a parish event!
Saturday, February 7: join us for 9:00am Mass, Holy Half
Hour and Coffee! See our Facebook page for more details!
Find us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/
FrassatiFairfax/
For more Info, contact us at: FrassatiFairfax@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter: @FrassatiFairfax
FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Religious Education News
8th Grade Religious Education classes continue with the
Bible Study “Encounter”. We look forward to seeing your
child on Mondays, 7:00 -8:15 pm.
Religious Education Office:
703-273-4868
Overcoming Sin & Evil at this Year’s Men’s Conference
on March 7 All men of the parish are invited to the sixth
annual diocesan Men’s Conference on March 7. This year’s
conference –Victory Over the Common Enemy– will feature
Fr. Larry Richards and author Neal Lozano exploring the
presence of sin and evil in our lives and how to overcome
them. Breakfast, lunch, and Mass with Bishop Loverde are
included. New Conference location: Foxchase Manor,
Manassas. Visit: www.arlingtondiocese.org/men for more
details or to register.
Kerri Caviezel & Kathleen Wilson to speak at the
2015 Women’s Conference on March 28
All women of the Diocese are encouraged to
attend the annual Women’s Conference at
Foxchase Manor in Manassas on March 28
with Kerri Caviezel, and the founder of
Mary’s Shelter, Kathleen Wilson. The
conference will focus on Transforming
Suffering into Joy. It will begin with Mass
celebrated by Bishop Loverde at 8:45
am. Confessions offered from 7 -8:45
am. Register Online. No registration at the
door. Please visit www.arlingtondiocese.org/
women for registration and information.
Father Diamond Council
Events & Calendar
Meetings – 2nd and 4th Tuesdays
8:00 PM
Providence Hall
2/1
2/3
2/8
2/15
Scout Breakfast –school gym after 9:00 AM mass
Officers Meeting Providence Hall – 7:30 PM
Corporate Communion – 11:00 AM Mass
Seats reserved for Knights and families
Family Breakfast
——————-
Giant, Shoppers Food Warehouse & Safeway Food Cards for
sale – at Parish Hall every weekday at 3:00 PM or call Larry
Novak - 703-978-6137
——————-
Join the Knights – Contact Vince Wilson – 703-218-3432
HIGH SCHOOL:
NO HSYN TONIGHT! However, join us NEXT
SUNDAY, February 8th from 6-8 pm, for our 3rd
annual COFFEE HOUSE AND ART SHOW! St Leo youth
ministry is sponsoring "An Evening in the Arts" with visual art,
musical performances, and a one act play. Teens and adults
will have art on display, as well as chance to share their
talents in music and performance. This night will also premier
our one act play, "Gossip," before the casts par+cipates in the
Diocesan One Act Play Fes+val hosted by Upper Room
Theater Ministries on February 14th.
Our annual Ski and Snowboarding trip is Feb 16th! Presidents
Day! Join us for a fun filled day on the slopes. We will take a
bus and heading to Roundtop Pennsylvania for the day. Open
to youth 7th-12th grade. Email us for registra+on forms:
stleosyouth@gmail.com.
RCIT (Rite of Chris+an Ini+a+on for Teens) If you are in high
school and are looking to receive, Bap+sm, First communion,
or Confirma+on please email Erik at stleosyouth@gmail.com.
Registra+ons for sacramental prep classes available!
Girls CLC is this week, Monday, February 2. Each week we
break open the Gospels and reflect on scripture. Having tea
par+es and ea+ng cupcakes are part of the weekly fun!
Interested? Contact Laura BenneB: stleosgirlsclc@gmail.com
Boys CLC is this week! Join us Wednesday, February 4 . Each
week we break open the Gospels and reflect on
scripture. Playing ul+mate frisbee, board games, or jamming
out are part of the weekly fun! Interested? Contact Erik Teter
at stleosyouth@gmail.com
Middle School
"Thursday Takeovers" this week, February 5 from 3:305:00pm. 6th-8th graders are invited to come for snacks, games,
and ul+mate frisbee. We meet in the Youth Room.
Our next "On Fire!" is Saturday, February 7, 5:00-8:00pm.
We will meet for Mass, followed by a free dinner in the
Guadalupe Room, games, a brief talk, giveaways, & a bonfire
with s'mores. "On Fire!" is a once month, large group event.
This year's theme is "Living a Life of Virtue." 6th-8th graders
welcome!
Volunteer! Do you have a heart for youth ministry? We
are looking for YOU! We need adult volunteers with
hearts on fire for Christ! Must be at least 21 years of age,
and be fully compliant with the requirements of the
Diocesan Office for the ProtecBon of Children/Young
People. We need volunteers for both our High School and
Middle School Youth Ministry Programs.
Questions? Email Erik or Melissa at: stleosyouth@gmail.com.
ST. LEO THE GREAT CHURCH
FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA
www.stleofairfax.com
Arlington TOT returns February 9
nd
TOT is held on the 2 Monday of each month at
O'Sullivan's Irish Pub (3207 Washington Blvd., Arlington)
Talk begins at 7:30 pm and ends with Q&A at 8:30 pm. All
adults (ages 21-39) single & married of all faith
backgrounds are invited
Mass to Pray for Healing of Victims/Survivors of
Sexual Abuse In 2004, Bishop Loverde began a series of
diocesan-sponsored Masses to pray for healing for victims/
survivors of sexual abuse. The Masses are followed by a
reception. The next Mass will be on Wednesday,
February 4 at 7:30pm at St. Mary of Sorrows (5222
Sideburn Rd., Fairfax). Bishop Paul S. Loverde will preside.
All are welcome to join us as a community to pray for
healing for victims/survivors of sexual abuse.
Horarios e Información
Santas Misas:
Español:
Inglés:
domingos a la 1:00 pm
sábados–5 pm (Vigilia),
domingos–7:30, 9, 11:00, 5pm
Confesiones en español: Los domingos desde las 12:00pm
a 12:50pm.
Bautizos: Preparación- llamar a Carlos Cea: 703-8362139.
RCIA Para Adultos: Domingos 11:00am-12:15pm, Salón Juan
en el Centro Parroquial. Para información, llamar al Diácono
José López, 703-222-7704.
Matrimonio: Todo Católico que desee contraer matrimonio
debe contactar la parroquia por lo menos seis meses antes del
evento. Para mayor información comunicarse con Diacono
Jose Lopez 703-222-7704.
Catequesis Para Niños y Jóvenes: domingos 11– 12:30.
Llamar a: 703-273-4868.
Sacramentos para Estudiantes de Secundaria: llamar
a la Oficina de Jovenes al teléfono 703-591-6089, ó email a
youth@stleos.com.
Legion de Maria: sabado 5:00—6:30 pm ó domingo 11
am—12:30 pm.
Información: Virginia Pierson —vpierson@stleofairfax.com
Para mas información, llamar al Diacono José López 703222-7704.
GED: Los domingos de 2:30 a 4:00pm en el salón Guadalupe.
Alfabetización: Los domingos de 2:30 a 4:00pm en el Centro
Parroquial.
February 1, 2015
“Que cada uno de ustedes lleve la vida que el
Señor les ha asignado, a la que Dios les ha
llamado”. Si estás considerando la vocación al
sacerdocio o la vida consagrada, llama al
Padre J.D. Jaffe al (703) 841-2514 o escribele
a: j.jaffe@arlingtondiocese.org
¡COMIENZA LA PETICIÓN CUARESMAL DEL OBISPO
DE 2015! Este mes, Monseñor Loverde enviará
correspondencia sobre la Petición Cuaresmal del Obispo
(PCO) de 2015. El tema de esta PCO es ¡Servidores de
Cristo que comparten la alegría del Evangelio! Después de
reflexionar sobre las muchas bendiciones recibidas de
Dios, les ruego que en espíritu de oración y sacrificio
consideren la posibilidad de hacer na promesa de
contribución para apoyar este importante llamamiento que
permite financiar muchos programas y ministerios al
servicio de miles de personas de nuestra Diócesis. Cuando
nos unimos como un cuerpo en Cristo, ¡podemos hacer
tanto para ayudar a tantas personas!
¡Aprenda inglés! Clases son los sábados de 10am a
12pm. Las clases cuestan $50 por el semestre de 12
semanas. ¡Inscríbase sábado en Parish Hall! Para más
información, llame a Catholic Charities- Hogar Immigrant
Services al 571-208-1572.
Grupo Divina Misericordia y Compasión ¿Conoce a
alguien que se encuentre solo y enfermo? ¿Sabe de
alguien que necesite de la palabra de Dios y de la
compañía de miembros de su iglesia? Un grupo de
personas de nuestra parroquia visita a los miembros de la
comunidad que se encuentran enfermos en los hospitales ó
en sus casas. Se brinda oraciones y compañía a todas
aquellas personas delicadas de salud. Tambien un ministro
le puede traer comunión ó puede pedir que un sacerdote le
visite para recibir los sacramentos. Por favor llamen a
Gilma Orozco al 571-238-6634.
Estudio Bíblico: Gálatas- Liberados para Vivir una Vida
Plena El grupo de estudio bíblico se volverá a reunir a
partir de viernes, 23 de enero, todos los viernes de 7:309:00pm en el salón San Juan. Estamos comenzando un
nuevo estudio sobre la Carta a los Gálatas. Personas que
no estuvieron en la sesión anterior que deseen integrarse
lo pueden hacer, el costo de material es $10. Para mayor
información contactar a Gustavo y Sandra Solares 703-346
-0409.
Hora Santa: Jesus nos dijo ¿No puedes acompañarme por
una hora? El grupo de oración de la parroquia los invita a
una Hora de Adoración delante del Santísimo normalmente
todos lo últimos sábados del més. La próxima hora santa
será el 31 de enero.
Grupo de Oración Sábados 6-8:30pm, Salon de Nuestra Sra
de La Guadalupe. Información: Jose Ferrufino: 703-250-1343.
FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
ST. LEO THE GREAT CHURCH
FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA
www.stleofairfax.com
February 1, 2015