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Church of the Nativity, Burke VA Third Sunday in Ordinary Time January 21, 2018
"Come after me and I will make you fishers of men"
Mark 1:14-20
My dear parishioners, Fr. Frank Ready, the founding pastor of Nativity, was invited back to celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Fr. Martin Center in the fall of 2014. On that occasion, in his homily, Fr. Ready told us, "Do not be afraid of your future. The Holy Spirit will guide you and be with you. Always trust in the Holy Spirit to inspire and strengthen all that you do." This would be a last will and testament of our founding pastor to the Nativity community, for Fr. Ready would soon return to God after a long life of service to the gospel. The gospel we hear this Sunday is the call of four disciples by the seashore when Jesus personally says to them, "Come follow me." We are told that they dropped their nets and followed immediately. I find that rather amazing because I sometimes have much more hesitation and caution when God calls me. There must have been something so compelling and attractive about Jesus and his message. It stirs within us an idealism of how the world should be. It summons up ideas about "mission" and being part of something greater than ourselves. Jesus needs us for the Kingdom to bring light to the darkness of our world. We are all part of God's plan, an important part of the building of the kingdom of God. We can clutter our lives with lots of noise and activity. We can easily drown out the call. But if we quiet ourselves and give God some space and some time, we can hear that call of Jesus, our Lord and Savior, to follow Him. So, trust in God. He will never leave you. He will give you companions who together work for the kingdom of God which is bringing light into our world.... a light shining in the darkness. Fr. Ready's words at a groundbreaking encourage us. "Do not be afraid of your future. The Holy Spirit will guide you and be with you. Always trust in the Holy Spirit to inspire and strengthen you."
Love and blessings,
Fr. Bob Cilinski Pastor
A Message from our Pastor Fr. Bob Cilinski
During the Month of December, through the Sacrament of Baptism, we joyfully welcomed the
following into our Parish Community:
Gianna Isabella Glorioso
Andre Fernando Apaestegui Camila Lucia Morton-Valencia
Mackenzie Grace Vedder Romah Fernanda Hernandez
Charlize Virginia Miller Sabastian Antony Marcos Annelise Therese Leslie
CONGRATULATIONS!
NATIVITY CATHOLIC CHURCH MISSION STATEMENT
“We, the People of Nativity Catholic Church, by our baptism, are joyful disciples of Jesus Christ. We strive to love God,
love others, and form new disciples. We celebrate Jesus Christ in Word, Sacrament and Service.”
THE 2018 BISHOP’S LENTEN APPEAL BEGINS!
This month many of us will receive a mailing from Bishop Burbidge regarding the 2018 Bishop’s Lenten Appeal (BLA). The theme for the 2018 BLA is:
“Living in Faith ~ Giving in Gratitude”
After reflecting upon the many blessings that God has given you, please prayerfully consider making a pledge to this important appeal that funds many programs and ministries that serve the people in our diocese. Together, through the BLA, let us renew our personal commitment to the Lord’s work in our diocese.
Next week, we will take up the Collection for the Church in Latin America. For many in Latin America and Caribbean, rural terrain and a lack of ministers are obstacles to practicing their faith. Your support to the collection provides lay leadership training, catechesis, priestly and religious formation, as well as other programs to help share our faith with those who long to hear the Good News of Christ.
To learn more, please visit www.usccb.org/latin-america.
Church of the Nativity, Burke VA Third Sunday in Ordinary Time January 21, 2018
Thank You from the Nativity Craft Group
With your generous support of the wonderful Nativity community, the Craft Group was able to donate to charities and support groups in our area. Your contributions and faithful support of our bazaar have made a great difference in the lives of many.
Our raffle winners were Brenda Zepf, Epi Mason, Teresa Harris and Maddy Alvarez, Congratulations!
The Craft Group is always open to new members who enjoy learning new things, great fellowship and a great time creating lovely items. All items produced are sold at the annual Nativity Christmas Bazaar to support the needy in our area. We also accept and appreciate any donation of yarn and fabric used to make the various items for the Bazaar. The group meets every Thursday at 9:30am in the Fr. Ready Room. We invite everyone to visit and/or participate.
Thank you for your wonderful support! The Nativity Craft Group
ART AUCTION: SAVE THE DATE!
The Annual Art Auction will be held on April 7th, 2018. The preview begins at 7:00 PM, auction starts at 8:00 PM.
Hors D'oeuvres provided by "A Bit More" Catering. Wine and beer will be served. Cost: $15.00 per person or become a Patron,
$60.00 for 6 tickets. Need more information? Contact Tom Savage at 512.983.5641 or email: [email protected].
SCOUT SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2018
Nativity Parish will celebrate Scout Sunday at the 9:00 am Mass on February 11, 2018. All scouting parishioners (Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, American Heritage Girls, and Camp Fire Youth) are encouraged to attend.
Scout Sunday brings youth together from troops, packs, and units throughout our area to recognize the importance of faith within the scouting program. Scouts that wish to participate should report in uniform to the Fr. Ready Room by 8:40 am to line up for the processional. Scouts will be seated at the front of the church with other scouts from their program and level. Parents should hold on to their scout’s coats at their own seats and plan to meet their scout back at the Fr. Ready Room after the recessional.
Following the Mass, the Knights of Columbus will host a special pancake breakfast in the parish hall for just $5/person or $20/family. Commemorative Scout Sunday patches will be available for purchase. Please contact your scout leaders for more information.
Thank You from the Lepers of Cardinal Leger Hospital in Haiti
In December we collected $2,357.39 in donations for their crocheted Christmas ornaments. All proceeds will benefit the patients and their families greatly. Thank you Nativity Parishioners for your generosity!!
Church of the Nativity, Burke VA Third Sunday in Ordinary Time January 21, 2018
Follow Bishop Burbidge on Twitter
Bishop Burbidge has over 12,200 followers on Twitter! His daily reflections and posts are popular and insightful.
“Building a culture of life isn't something we just do one month of the year, or with one event or initiative - it's essential to who we are. It happens through our daily actions, how we treat one another, and how we live our lives.” Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, Chair, USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities, 2017 Respect Life Month Statement.
Choose Life Today. Choose Life Tomorrow. Pray Always. We Must Do No Less.
Please support the TEPEYAC FAMILY CENTER, 4001 Fair Ridge Drive Suite 304, Fairfax, VA 22033-2917, 703-273-9440, with your prayers and financial resources. Info on this pregnancy resource center can be found at www.tepeyacfamilycenter.com.
Confirmation Retreat for Group 1 — Confirmation candidates must attend this retreat in Nativity’s cafeteria on Saturday, January 27, from 9:00am‑3:00pm.
Confirmation Retreat for Group 2 — Confirmation candidates must attend this retreat in Nativity’s cafeteria on Saturday, February 3, from 9:00am‑3:00pm.
Confirmation Retreat Volunteers are needed on Saturday, January 27, and Saturday, February 3. No teaching is required; please call the Religious Education Office at 703.455.0372 to volunteer. Confirmation retreat volunteers are asked to make every effort to attend an information meeting on Thursday, January 25, at 7:30pm in room 240.
Seventh Grade Students and Parents/Guardians — mark your calendar to attend a very important information meeting on Thursday, February 8, at 7:00pm in the church regarding requirements students need to complete to be eligible for the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation in the Spring of 2019.
First Holy Communion students will receive the sacrament of First Penance on Saturday, February 10 in the church; Group 1 at 10:00am and Group 2 at 12:00pm. The Inclement Weather Policy can be viewed at www.nativityburke.org/nativityccd. The link to the policy is located at the bottom of Current News and Events.
BIBLE STUDY CORNER Tuesday Morning Bible Study
We continue to meet every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. in the Fr. Ready room. We currently use a Liguori Catholic Bible Study (Wisdom Books). We have spent much time on reading, interpreting, and writing Psalms; and then listening to sung Psalms. We discovered that by reading or singing any psalm it becomes a prayer to God. Now we are looking at Proverbs and are constantly surprised by how relevant they remain today. The sayings are meant to guide all of us in our daily lives, and therefore address children, parents, and all adults.
Our next section of Liguori will introduce us to Books of Ecclesiastes and the Song of Songs. We will stay within the Wisdom books until the end of this session (end of May/2018) Janet Hamrick
Nativity Rosary Ministry
The Nativity Rosary Ministry will meet on January 29th, Monday at 12:00 noon to 2:00 PM in the Fr Ready Room. This is an opportunity for you to learn to make cord mission rosaries. Even though our group has made over 5000 rosaries for our parish and for the foreign mission we need more help. Once you learn to make the rosary you work at your own pace at home. We furnish all supplies.
We heard from a priest in Kenya who received our rosaries. He is grateful to have rosaries to give to the poor families who cherish this beautiful gift. A priest in Papua, New Guinea asked for 250 rosaries so he could pray the rosary with his congregation. And, Fr. Luke in the Bronx, NY, makes rounds in 2 large hospitals and a hospice house. He was happy to receive 300 rosaries to hand out to the patients.
Please, come and learn. Together we will help spread the devotion to Mary and encourage others to pray. Contact: Diane Fields at 703-569-4631.
Nativity Fall Festival 2018 will take place on: Saturday, September 29th
The 2017 Fall festival was a great success and it’s time to start planning the 2018 Fall Festival.
The 2018 Fall Festival will be bigger and better than ever! We will be bringing back the Games, Climbing Wall, Bouncy House, Obstacle Course, International Food Court, and of course the Beer and Wine Garden.
We are looking for volunteers to help with the planning and coordination of this year’s Fall Festival. If you have ideas for new things, and would like to help plan and coordinate please come to our planning meeting.
The first meeting will be: Wednesday January 24th in the Father Ready Room at 7:00pm
Come on an adventure to awaken God's love and transforming
power in your life. The Love is Given Prayer Group invites you
to attend a “Living Life in the Spirit Seminar“ featuring Fr. Dave Pivanka's video series: “The Wild Goose”
Fr. Ready Room for 6 Thursdays from 2/8-3/15 7:00pm—8:45pm
For more information: email [email protected]
Church of the Nativity, Burke VA Third Sunday in Ordinary Time January 21, 2018
Monday, January 22 7:30am † Robert Goyer Tuesday, January 23 7:30am † Theresa Visceglie Wednesday, January 24 7:30am † Adriana Zarbin (Heatherwood) 10:00am † Suzanne Dubuc Thursday, January 25 7:30am † Thomas Aquin Cho Friday, January 26 7:30am † Mrs. Jennifer Hooper (School Mass) 9:00am † Elvi Sanchez Saturday, January 27 9:00am † Yvonne Brown 5:00pm † Marshall Levitan (Spanish) 7:00pm Spanish Parishioners Sunday, January 28 7:30am † Meta Wilt 9:00am † Daniel Feeley 11:00am † Ted Koslik 12:45pm Parishioners 5:30pm † Peggy Verna
The priest schedule for Masses is found on our webpage: www.nativityburke.org
In prayer, let us remember the sick and deceased of the parish.
ALTAR FLOWERS
Donated with Love by
The Reinhard Family in Loving Memory of
Lloydd and Evelyn M. Reinhard
The Harvey Family In Loving Memory of Tom Harvey Al and Dolores Santarelli in Thanksgiving of their 64th Wedding Anniversary
SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH RECOVERY
If you have a family member or friend, aged 18 years of age or older, with a mental illness we would welcome you to
a National Alliance on Mental Illness of Northern Virginia Family Support Group where we will share strategies and
information to help ourselves and our loved ones. The next monthly meeting will take place in Classroom 242
in the Nativity School, on Wednesday, January 24th, from 7:30 – 9:00 pm. For more information, go to
www.NAMI-NorthernVirginia.org and visit the “Families” page. The group is led by co-facilitators trained by NAMI.
Italian Heritage Society Tuscany Presentation
Dreaming about a trip to Tuscany? Please join us at our next meeting, on January 25, to hear Becky Munson of Live Tuscan who will share a video tour of this beautiful region.
Explore the culture, food, architecture and scenery that makes Tuscany one of the most sought after destinations in the world. Whether you prefer beach or city, art or food, Tuscany has it all. Of course, January's meeting will also feature a social hour with desserts and drinks. Hope to see you in the Nativity School cafeteria, Thursday, January 25 at 7:00 pm. Free for Members and $5 for guests.
For membership information contact Phyllis Giasson or see our website at nativityburke.org/nihcs. Please respond to volunteer opportunities in your email each month. You can join at meetings or with Phyllis Giasson.
Appalachia Home Building—Special Collection.
Thanks to all who contributed. After the collection weekend, we are at $35,000 towards our goal of $55,000. Contributions are
still needed to support Nativity's and the Knights 20th home building effort in the heart of Appalachia. Checks should be made out to Nativity Parish, but annotate that it is for Appalachia Home
Building, and include your parish envelope number. Checks may be mailed to Church of the Nativity, 6400 Nativity Lane, Burke, VA, 22015 or placed in a separate envelop in the collection basket. Donations may also be made electronically. Contact Bob Corsi, [email protected], or call 703-239-2890
if you have any questions.
PLEASE HELP IF YOU CAN!
Church of the Nativity, Burke VA Third Sunday in Ordinary Time January 21, 2018
Join the Knights! Do you want to make a difference as a Catholic Gentleman? Then join the Knights of Columbus! Please contact DGK John Landy at navyy8@yahoo if you are interested or know someone who is.
Join the Knights! Interested in growing as a Catholic gentleman? Then join the Knights of Columbus and learn how to do so through the principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism. Contact DGK John Landy at [email protected] for more information. Annual Car Raffle Envelope Stuffing: Calling all Brothers to come and join us on Tuesday, 6 February at 7:00pm to stuff envelopes and enjoy a free pizza dinner. We need 40 Brothers! Please save the date and come and help. Contact PGK Sam Morthland 703-455-2186. Estate Planning 101 Fraternal Benefits Night: Your Knights of Columbus field agent, Thom Harrington, and Seidl Law Offices, PC are sponsoring an Estate, Tax, Business, and Retirement Planning Workshop Thursday, January 25, 2018, 7:00-9:00 PM, presented by Attorney James P. Seidl and his associate, Sonia Rustici, JD. The workshop will be held in the new Manassas insurance office at 9705 Liberia Ave, Suite 252, in Manassas. ALL NATIVITY PARISHIONERS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND. Seating is limited. The presenter for this workshop is Sonia Rustici, JD an associate of Jim Seidl. Because space is limited, your RSVP for the date you wish to attend is essential. Email [email protected] or call 703-810-3200. February newsletter inputs: Are due by Wednesday, 24 January. Early submissions are welcome….and encouraged! Contact Br. Jeremy Smith with any questions at [email protected] Council Meeting: The Next council meeting is Tuesday, 20 February. Rosary starts at 7:15pm and the meeting will start at 7:30. We will meet Tuesday 6 February for our Annual Car Raffle Envelope Stuffing at 7:00 pm. The following are nearby opportunities to advance in the degrees of our Order: 2nd Degree (Formation): Tuesday, 30 January at 7:30 pm, Council 8600 St. Mary of Sorrow Historic Church Hall, Fairfax. 3rd Degree (Exemplification): Saturday, 27 January, Time TBD, Fairfax Council 6292. 4th Degree (Exemplification): Saturday, April 21 at 9:00 am, Charlottesville.
Please contact DGK John Landy at [email protected] if you'd like to participate in these ceremonies so that we
can coordinate with the host Councils.
~~ Start Celebrating! ~~
Next Sunday, January 28th, at 9:00 a.m. for
Mass and our Open House
As we celebrate Catholic Schools Week!
Join us next Sunday, January 28th - we’ll kick off a week of fun, faith, and fellowship, at 9:00 am Mass followed by our
Open House (10:00 am to 1:00 pm)! We invite you to join us -- come see all we have to
offer you and your family! *************************************
Can’t make it next Sunday? CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK OPEN HOUSES January 28, 2018 10:00am - 1:00pm January 31, 2018 9:00am - 11:00am January 31, 2018 5:30pm - 7:00pm February 1, 2018 9:00am - 11:00am
Come tour our campus, meet our principal, talk with our students and teachers.
See our flyer in this bulletin or contact Shannon Murphy at [email protected], or (703)455-2300,
for more details. We look forward to meeting you!
************************************************ Can’t make the Open Houses, schedule a day to "shadow" here at Nativity, to see how your child would spend his or her days with us -- learning, praying, sharing, and laughing. To start the
process, please contact our Registrar, Shannon Murphy, at [email protected], or 703-455-2300.
Nativity Catholic School is committed to making Catholic education accessible to those who desire it, and offers financial assistance to make their dream come true.
Yes, Catholic education is worth the investment! **************************************
Want to Test Your Trivia? Have a lot of Laughs? Join Us February 10!
Doors Open at 6:30 pm; Trivia starts at 7:00 pm.
Form your 8—person team, $20 per table (tables hold up to 8 players). Bring your own food and drink. Decorate your
table and dress in theme. Limited seating! Register your team at HTTP://bit.ly/nativitytrivia.
Questions? Email [email protected].
http://www.nativityschool.org
NATIVITY CATHOLIC SCHOOL
A Blue Ribbon School of Excellence
Website: www.nativityburke.org Third Sunday in Ordinary Time January 21, 2018
UPCOMING VOCATIONS EVENTS Whole month of March: Signups for FIAT and Quo Vadis Camps
March 23-25 Men’s Discernment Retreat (Palm Sunday Weekend) April 7 Quo Vadis Mass & Ropes Course event April 13 St. Timothy’s April 27 St. Mary, Fredericksburg - St. Andrew Dinners and Holy Hours April 21 FIAT Mass & Ropes Course event June 15-17 Women’s Discernment Retreat Weekend (Nashville Dominicans Retreat Masters) July 8-12 FIAT Summer Camp (registration runs the month of March) July 29-Aug. 2 Quo Vadis Summer Camp (registration runs the month of March)
Basketball Free Throw Challenge
This fun event will be held on January 27 from 6:30 - 8:30 PM in the Father Martin Center and is open to boys and girls ages
9-14. If you are interested contact Dave Zivich at [email protected]
ONLY 3 WEEKS TO HELP THE PEOPLE OF PUERTO RICO -- DEADLINE TO ORDER IS FEB 14
Several items -- most $3 - $13 -- still needed!
With only 3 weeks left, there are still many inexpensive items that have not been purchased. For example, onesies, for babies ($8.98); diapers ($10.99); tooth brushes, 12-pack ($6.59); Advil, 50 packets ($9.98); boys’ jersey shorts ($11.70); hair brush ($3.88), and so much more.
Our Sixth Grade is asking for your help, especially during the last 3 weeks of the “Amazon Giving and Prayer Drive for Puerto Rico” relief effort. Both Nativity Catholic School students and Nativity’s Religious Education students are asking for your support and prayers as we seek to help our sister parish, Santa Rosa de Lima, in Puerto Rico.
Please use the following Amazon registration link to find a list of items that you can purchase to go directly to those affected by the devastating hurricane or give directly through PayPal on our online giving option. Our goal is to help 500 families or a total of $5,000. Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/wedding/share/NativityCatholic Catholic Direct Online Giving: http://www.nativityburke.org/nativityschool/support-nativity/on-linegiving/
*************************************************** Please join us -- together we can truly make a difference. Thank You -- and God Bless you!
A Few Openings Still Available ~~ Wait Till You See What’s Going On In Middle School Science! If you enjoy Science and have a few hours to donate to our Nativity Middle School Science Fair, we would love to include you as part of our team of 30 judges! [Sorry, the parents of current 7th & 8th grade Nativity students are ineligible.]
When: Thursday, February 15 12:00pm - 2:30pm Where: Father Martin Center
Lunch and orientation will be provided for all judges. If you are interested in helping, please email Rich Godwin at [email protected]. Yes, Catholic education is worth the investment!
SAVE THE DATE: Nativity Fall Festival 2018 Saturday, September 29th
Website: www.nativityburke.org Third Sunday in Ordinary Time January 21, 2018
Get our weekly CYM Update—Get on our list!
• Send an email to Ms. Ingrid to • [email protected] • Include Child’s Name, School, Grade and Birthdate • Parent/Guardian names, cell numbers
Contact Director: Alison Fram [email protected], cell: 703-577-5329
Find us on the parish website
COLLEGE MINISTRY and
YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
Young Adult Ministry Serving people ages 21-39
Weekly: -Every Tuesday- Small Group from 7:30-9:00pm in the Youth Room -Every Thursday- Basketball from 8:30-10:30pm in the Gym at Nativity
New small group discussion
on Tuesday evenings*- A conversation on St. John Paul II’s
Encyclical, “Fides et Ratio” ~
“Faith and Reason.”
We’ll discuss Chapter 4 this week… new
people are always welcome!
Saturday, 2/3- Trip to DC to visit religious exhibits. Contact Alison Fram for more info. Saturday, 2/10- Volunteer with Missionaries of Charity in DC, 8:00-11:30am. Contact Alison Fram for more info. Friday, 2/9- “Joyful Noise” Praise and Worship/ Adoration - 7:30-9:00pm Church. Start the New Year off by spending some time face to face with Jesus in the Eucharist. Saturday, 2/10- YA Family Ministry, 9:00-10:30am Cafeteria. This Family Ministry is for Dads and/or Moms with children 4 years old and under. Join us for fellowship, free coffee, and conversation. Bring the kids- we have plenty of toys to share!
COLLEGE MINISTRY
Serving people ages 18-21 Our goal is to help you re-connect with your parish,
with your faith, and with friends.
If you’d like more information about this
opportunity, send an email to [email protected]
Nativity Youth Ministry Sunday Nights Schedule
EDGE Middle School Ministry Grades 6, 7, 8 3:30 pm — 5:00 pm
GLORY High School Ministry 6:30 pm Meal 7:00 pm Ministry 8:30-9:00 pm M-Hang Out
Bring a Friend and an Open Heart!
Visit our web site and social media
@nativi tycathol icyouthminist ry
@nativi tyCYM
www.nat ivi tyburkecym.org
THANK YOU for the GLORY DAYS RECEIPTS! Place itemized receipts in the collection baskets at Mass.
Thank you for Supporting Youth Ministry!
For new and continuing ministry with our parish teens. If you have felt the call to work with youth—give us a call—we’ll help you answer.
College Age Students, Young Adults, Parents, and Grandparents, Retirees….all are welcome to share the faith! Volunteering is a great way to meet new peers and be involved in the Nativity-Family!! Contact Ms. Ingrid to talk.
Website: www.nativityburke.org Third Sunday in Ordinary Time January 21, 2018
III Domingo Ordinario - B Evangelio de la Misa: Mc 1,14-20 En el tiempo presente
Se comienza hoy la lectura y proclamación del Evan-gelio de San Marcos, que continúa a lo largo del Tiem-po Ordinario de este año o ciclo B. Después de hablar de Juan Bautista y su encuentro con Jesús, a quien también bautiza, el narración evan-gélica de Marcos introduce a Jesús en el desierto. To-do ello como preparación para lo que va a considerar como el ministerio público de Jesús en Galilea. Lo que Jesús pudo decir en sus comienzos de predicación, el evangelista lo resume en este primer capítulo, que se va a ir leyendo estos próximos domingos.
______________________________________
¡Con que frescura y claridad, Señor, te presentaste públicamente en tu tierra y entre tus paisanos y famil-iares! Quiero “saborear” tus primeras palabras con las que invitabas a tu seguimiento, para calar en ellas, y no olvidarlas jamás, y así sentirme siempre interpelado por ellas: “El tiempo se ha cumplido, y está cerca el reino de Dios; haced penitencia y creed en el Evan-gelio”. Ciertamente, Señor, me considero en el tiempo opor-tuno, en el “kairos” de tu salvacin, ya que es hoy y ahora cuando me tengo que santificar; y es en mi lu-gar y con mis circunstancias vocacionales, profesionales y sociales, donde tengo que amarte, y como me tengo que santificar, y a la vez como tengo que ser apóstol cristiano y ciudadano de tu Reino de amor y de gracia. Que no caiga en la tentación de la “mística hojalatera” aorando y ansiando otras realidades mejores, que “ojalá” se den, pero que nunca se me van a ofrecer, ni tampoco sería necesario, ya que claramente me enseñas que es en la realidad más inmediata donde me tengo que santificar y donde tengo que ser apóstol. Por eso hago míos estos consejos: “Propsito firme, lgica consecuencia: en cada instante de cada día trataré de cumplir con generosidad la voluntad de Dios” (Cam. 776). “No es otra la razn del malestar en el mundo. Persevera en tu lugar, hijo mío; desde ahí ¡cuánto po-drás trabajar por el reinado efectivo de Nuestro Seor” (Cam. 832). “Quietud. Paz. Vida intensa dentro de ti. Sin galopar, sin la locura de cambiar de sitio, desde el lugar que en la vida te corresponda, como una poderosa máquina de electricidad espiritual, ¡a cuántos darás luz y ener-gía! … Sin perder tu vigor y tu luz” (Cam. 837). Señor, que mi conversión no divague por utopías o deseos inalcanzables, sino que se materialice en el arrepenti-miento, hoy y ahora, de mis pecados, y en la búsqueda de tu perdón en la Confesión frecuente, y en la fidelidad a tu Evangelio, hecho vida en el pequeño deber de cada momento, y en las circunstan-cias más triviales de mi existencia.
Padre Segismundo Fernandez Rodríguez
El acto penitenial y la misa Papa Francisco: Para ser perdonado uno tiene que humillarse y reconocer verdaderamente sus errores Por: Redacción | Fuente: ACI Prensa/ 03 de Enero 2018 En la Audiencia General de este miércoles, el Papa Francisco habló en su catequesis del acto penitencial de la Misa y afirmó que para ser perdonado uno tiene que humillarse y reconocer verdaderamente sus errores. Así, el acto penitencial, “en su sobriedad, favorece la actitud con la que disponerse a celebrar dignamente los santos misterios, reconociendo ante Dios y los hermanos nuestros pecados”, ex-plicó. Francisco recordó que “todos somos pecadores” y recordó que el que es “presuntuoso” es “incapaz de recibir perdón”. “Quien es consciente de las propias miserias y abaja los ojos con humildad, siente posarse sobre él la mirada misericordiosa de Dios”. “Sabemos por experiencia que solo quien sabe reconocer los er-rores y pedir excusa recibe la comprensión y el perdón de los otros”. Por eso, “escuchar en silencio la voz de la conciencia permite reconocer que nuestros pensamientos son distantes de los pensamientos divinos, que nuestras palabras y nuestras acciones son a menudo mundanas” y están “guiadas por decisiones con-trarias al Evangelio”. “Por eso, al inicio de la Misa, hacemos de forma comunitaria el acto penitencial mediante una fórmula de confesión general, pro-nunciada en la primera persona del singular”. Cada uno “confiesa a Dios y a los hermanos que 'he pecado mucho de pensamiento, palabra, obra y omisión'”. El Papa se detuvo sobre esto último y dijo que a veces “nos sentimos buenos porque ‘no hemos hecho mal a ninguno’”. “En realidad, no basta con no hacer mal al prójimo, sino elegir hacer el bien aprovechando las oportunidades para dar buen testi-monio de que somos discípulos de Jesús”. “Las palabras que decimos con la boca son acompañadas del gesto de dar unos golpes en el pecho, reconociendo que he pecado por mi culpa, y no por la de los otros. Sucede a menudo que, por miedo o vergüenza, apuntamos con el dedo para acusar a los otros”, indicó. El Santo Padre concluyó explicando que “después de esta con-fesión, suplicamos a la Virgen María, a los ángeles y a los santos que intercedan ante el Señor por nosotros. Su interce-sión nos sostiene en nuestro camino hacia la plena comunión con Dios”. “El acto penitencial concluye con la absolución del sacerdote, en la que se pide a Dios que derrame su misericordia sobre nosotros. Esta absolución no tiene el mismo valor que la del sacramento de la penitencia, pues hay pecados graves, que llamamos mortales, que sólo pueden ser perdonados con la confesión sacramental”, dijo en la catequesis.
Website: www.nativityburke.org Third Sunday in Ordinary Time January 21, 2018
¡COMIENZA LA PETICIÓN CUARESMAL DEL OBISPO DE 2018!
Este mes, muchos de nosotros recibiremos correspondencia de Monseñor Burbidge sobre la Petición Cuares-mal del Obispo de 2018. El tema de La Petición Cuaresmal Del Obispo de este año es “Vivir en la fe ~ Dar por gratitud”. Después de reflexionar sobre las muchas bendiciones que Dios les ha dado, se les ruega que,
en espíritu de oración, consideren la posibilidad de hacer una promesa de contribución a esta importante peti-ción que financia muchos programas y ministerios al servicio de la población de nuestra Diócesis. Juntos, por medio de La Petición Cuaresmal Del Obispo, renovemos nuestro compromiso personal con la obra del Señor
en nuestra Diócesis.
CICLO B TIEMPO ORDINARIO III DOMINGO Después del bautismo en el Jordán y enterado de que habían arrestado a Juan, Jesús decidió salir para Galilea y, con la fuerza del Espíritu, comenzó a predicar diciendo: “Convertíos, porque está cerca el reino de Dios” (Evangelio). Galilea era conocida como "Galilea de las Naciones" o "Galilea de los Gentiles", por el gran número de gentiles o paganos que vivían allí. Cuando Marcos en el Evangelio de hoy se refiere al “Evangelio de Dios” no sólo quiere decir que Dios es su autor, sino también que el poder de Dios se manifiesta en él. La palabra “evangelio” está vinculada directamente con el Reino de Dios. Jesús anuncia el Evangelio del Reino de Dios, que tiene como tema su cercanía. El Reino de Dios es el Reinado de Dios. Y las palabras sobre su cercanía hay que entenderlas como que el Reino ha llegado ya. Es la Buena Nueva del Reino que llega y que ha comenzado ya. Es el bien de la salvación que ha preparado Dios para los hombres. El Evangelio es el mensaje de salvación. Y la Buena Noticia que nos trae Cristo es que, en Él mismo, Dios se ha hecho cercano a nosotros. El anuncio del Reino de Dios define toda la misión de Jesús: "para esto he sido enviado" (Lc 4, 43). Cristo se aplica a sí mismo las palabras del profeta Isaías: "El Espíritu del Señor está sobre mí, porque me ungió para evangelizar a los pobres" (Lc 4,18). El Reino de Dios no es una cuestión de honores y de apariencias, sino "justicia y paz y gozo en el Espíritu Santo" (Rm 14, 17). Entra-rá en el Reino de los cielos no el que dice “Señor, Señor”, sino “el que hace la voluntad de mi Padre (Mt 7, 21). El Reino de Dios y la salvación son un don de la misericordia y de la gracia de Dios, pero también hay que conquistarlo mediante un cambio total y profundo de vida. Es la conversión de la que habla hoy el Evangelio. Convertirse significa abandonar “la mala vida” (primera lectura); convertirse es seguir a Jesús, como los pescadores del Evangelio, haciendo que sus palabras sean la guía de nuestra existencia. Viviendo, según la voluntad de Dios, todas las realidades de nuestra vida: penas y alegrías, el matrimonio y la familia, la riqueza y la pobreza (segunda lectura). Jesús a todos sus discípulos nos ha mandado: “Id al mundo entero y proclamad el Evangelio” (Mc 16,15). En primer lugar, mediante el testimonio: dando “frutos de buenas obras” (oraciñn colecta) Todos los cristianos estamos llamados a dar este testimonio y así podemos ser verdaderos evangelizadores. Un testimonio sin palabras. San Francisco de Asís decía a sus hermanos: “predicad el Evangelio y, si fuese necesario, también con las palabras. Predicar con la vida”. Y el Papa Pablo VI nos recordaba que “evangelizar es, ante todo, dar testimonio, de una manera sencilla y directa, de Dios revelado por Jesucristo mediante el Espíritu Santo”. Nuestro testimonio debe ser también un testimonio irradiante. Como Cristo: “Yo soy la luz del mundo. El que me sigue no camina en tinieblas, sino que tendrá la luz de la vida” (Jn 8, 12). Pero –señalaba Juan Pablo II- “no todos ven la luz de Cristo. Nosotros tenemos el maravilloso y exigente cometido de ser su “reflejo”. Como la luna.
MARIANO ESTEBAN CARO
