tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43392373420932260992024-03-14T00:57:17.491-04:00St. Mark REA blog for St. Mark (in Vienna, VA) to help families grow in our Catholic faith and hand it on to their children.Isaac Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02429896254929248674noreply@blogger.comBlogger130125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339237342093226099.post-80216455305914088482012-12-14T15:36:00.002-05:002012-12-14T15:36:36.068-05:00A Prayer To the Holy InnocentsHoly Innocents, you died before you were old enough to know what life means, pray for all children who die young that God may gather them into His loving arms.<br /><br />Holy Innocents, you were killed because one man was filled with hatred, pray for those who hate that God may touch their hearts and fill them with love.<br /><br />Holy Innocents, you experienced a violent death, pray for all who are affected by violence that they may find peace and love.<br /><br />Holy Innocents, your parents grieved for you with deep and lasting sorrow, pray for all parents who have lost young children that God may wrap a warm blanket of comfort around them.<br /><br />Holy Innocents, those around you certainly felt helpless to prevent your deaths, pray for all who feel helpless in their circumstances that they may cling to God for courage and hope.<br /><br />Holy Innocents, you who are now in Heaven, pray for all of us that one day we may join you there to bask in God’s love forever.<br /><br />Amen.Isaac Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02429896254929248674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339237342093226099.post-14843672505248420952012-12-10T19:49:00.002-05:002012-12-10T19:49:18.590-05:00Second Week of Advent - Video ReflectionHere's the second week's video reflection from the University of Notre Dame. The author this time is a student.<br />
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Isaac Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02429896254929248674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339237342093226099.post-52643164471248541492012-12-02T08:49:00.000-05:002012-12-02T08:49:06.485-05:00First Week of Advent - Video ReflectionFor the past few years, the University of Notre Dame has released a series of video reflections to coincide with Advent. Below is the video for the First Week of Advent. May it help us be patient and learn to wait!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/G2ir36Duth4?rel=0" width="560"></iframe></div>
Isaac Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02429896254929248674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339237342093226099.post-8185907287439289292012-11-29T17:34:00.001-05:002012-11-29T17:34:42.935-05:00What's the Advent Wreath about?Check out this two-minute video about the history of the Advent Wreath.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/je4V1Hl4H-E" width="420"></iframe>Isaac Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02429896254929248674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339237342093226099.post-37713275772956832382012-11-28T14:42:00.001-05:002012-11-28T16:51:52.098-05:00Advent at St. Mark, Vienna, VABelow are some Advent events at St. Mark you may be interested in:<br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT: December 2</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Advent</td></tr>
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<li><b>Sunday, December 2</b>: Youth & Family Mass, 6:00pm in the Church</li>
<li><b>Friday, December 7</b>: Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, Vigil Mass; 7:30pm in the Church</li>
<li><b>Saturday, December 8</b>: Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, Masses at 8:00am and 11:00am in the Church.</li>
<li><b>Saturday, December 8</b>: Ticket Distribution for 3:45pm AND 6:00pm Christmas Eve Masses; 10:00am in the Activities Center</li>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT: December 9</span></span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><b>Wednesday, December 12</b>: Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mass at 7:30pm in Church; Fiesta in Activities Center afterward</li>
<li><b>Saturday, December 15</b>: First Penance celebration, 11:00am in the Church</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #660000;">THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT: December 16</span></span></span><br />
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<li><b>Thursday, December 20</b>: Advent Taize Prayer, 7:30pm in the Chapel; Blessing of the Creche afterward</li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT: December 23 </span></span></span><br />
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<li><b>Sunday, December 23</b>: Advent Parish Penance Service, 7:00pm in the Church.</li>
</ul>
<i><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/aharden/332323561/" target="_blank">image credit: aharden on flickr</a></i>Isaac Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02429896254929248674noreply@blogger.com09970 Vale Rd, Vienna, VA 22181, USA38.903655 -77.29229438.9021105 -77.294761499999993 38.9051995 -77.2898265tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339237342093226099.post-6873641065330622982012-11-27T17:58:00.003-05:002012-11-28T15:56:54.117-05:00Four Family Advent IdeasWondering how you can celebrate Advent in your home? Here are four ideas for your <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">family <span style="font-size: small;">to use this Advent.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Use an Advent Calendar</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A custom, non-chocolate Advent calendar</td></tr>
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Advent is a season of waiting in joyful, expectant hope. An Advent calendar helps pass on this idea by creating a time of day everyone looks forward to because something that's hidden becomes seen. Many calendars in department stores feature <a href="http://hannahminks.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/chocolateadventcalendaropen.jpg?w=300&h=260" target="_blank">chocolate treats</a> (and everyone looks forward to chocolate treats). There are even wacky, specialized Advent calendars you can buy, like the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Dtoys-and-games&field-keywords=lego+advent+calendar" target="_blank">Lego calendar</a>, for those with a particular interest.<br />
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Another approach is to create your own calendar as a family. Buy a reusable Advent calendar <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_1_2_acs_trend_5?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=advent+calendar+kit&ie=UTF8&qid=1354032360&sr=8-2-acs" target="_blank">online</a> or create one yourself using 24 small containers (one for each day from December 2 to Christmas). Inside the containers, write and place one small activity for your family to do together<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simple Creche</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">Set Up a Creche</span></span></span><br />
At the manger scene, you can gather each night for prayer. An old, but good, custom is to invite your children to place one piece of straw in the cradle for good deeds they or
the family did that day. The more good deeds, the softer the cradle
becomes for Jesus. My family has a tradition of placing baby Jesus in
the cradle when we come back from Christmas Mass on Christmas Eve. Do that, or create your own tradition.<br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Pray with an Advent Wreath</span></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Advent wreath</td></tr>
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Light candles corresponding to the candles lit at Mass on Sundays and pray around the wreath each Sunday (here's a <a href="http://www.osv.com/OSV4MeNav/ChurchSeasons/AdventResources/AdventActivities/FamilyAdventGuide/tabid/8497/Default.aspx" target="_blank">guide for praying with the Advent wreath on Sundays</a>) and/or each day during your normal family prayer time. After you assemble your Advent wreath, say a few words of blessing as a family. Use the family <a href="http://www.loyolapress.com/blessing-an-advent-wreath.htm" target="_blank">Advent wreath blessing from Loyola Press</a> or this <a href="http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/blessings/objects/blessing-of-an-advent-wreath.cfm" target="_blank">blessing from our own US Conference of Catholic Bishops</a>.<br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Make a Jesse Tree</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm1.staticflickr.com/35/73151323_42ac32c958_z.jpg?zz=1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm1.staticflickr.com/35/73151323_42ac32c958_z.jpg?zz=1" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jesse tree in progress</td></tr>
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What is a Jesse tree? The <a href="http://www.eriercd.org/jessetree.htm" target="_blank">Diocese of Eerie</a> explains:<br />
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In the month before Christmas, the church anticipates the coming of Jesus through readings that span from the Old Testament creation story through Jesus’ birth. Jesse, for whom the tree is named, is the first person in the genealogy of Jesus. At the top of this family tree are Mary and Jesus. Depicted in church windows and artwork for hundreds of years, this visual tree of life may even have been a forerunner of today’s Christmas tree. </blockquote>
Simply put, the Jesse tree is sort of like an Advent calendar, except biblical. It's a way to pray through the stories from the Old Testament to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Jesus.<br />
To create a Jesse tree, you can follow the instructions on the <a href="http://www.eriercd.org/jessetree.htm" target="_blank">Diocese of Eerie webpage</a>, or from a blog called <a href="http://www.catholicstyle.net/2009/10/the-jesse-tree-an-advent-tradition.html" target="_blank">Catholic Style</a>. Those links also have instructions for praying with the Jesse tree.<br />
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<i>image credits: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/85966598@N00/105016100/" target="_blank">Patrick Q on flickr</a>; <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81653261@N00/4203824850/" target="_blank">Jose M. Vazquez</a>; <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/usedcarspecialist/73151323/" target="_blank">usedcarspecialist on flickr</a></i>; <i><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53581917@N07/6426844389/" target="_blank">Silly Eagle Books on flickr</a></i>Isaac Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02429896254929248674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339237342093226099.post-53754776269378613432012-11-27T10:59:00.001-05:002012-11-27T10:59:12.116-05:00What's Advent About?Advent is the first season in the liturgical year. It's meant to help us focus on Jesus' coming. It's a season of waiting, preparing, hope, praying, and joy. Watch this two-minute video for more information:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/S02KOlw7dlA" width="560"></iframe>Isaac Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02429896254929248674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339237342093226099.post-3566931202015315212012-11-27T10:49:00.002-05:002012-11-27T10:49:53.889-05:00Advent Brings Christmas Into Focus<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7033/6438503855_b660f4ecee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7033/6438503855_b660f4ecee.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Advent brings Christmas into focus</td></tr>
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As November transitions into December, we transition liturgically from Ordinary Time to Advent. Green vestments will be exchanged for violet and rose (AKA pink), the music we sing in Church will take on a different hue, and our liturgical readings change to stories of waiting and preparing for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.<br />
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Advent brings Christmas into focus. The season can help us prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Jesus. It comes at a perfect time of the year. As we're pulled in twenty different directions (shopping, decorating, parties, gift exchanges, baking special treats, making sure everything is "perfect"), we need the still, quiet time to even out and focus on why we're running around and why we're so busy: celebrating the birth of Jesus.<br />
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To help you and your family prepare for Advent and Christmas you'll find a series of blog posts created this week and throughout the month of December.<br />
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May God be with all of us as we start the Advent season!<br />
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<i>image credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57268629@N00/6438503855/" target="_blank">vandinglewop</a> on flickr</i>Isaac Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02429896254929248674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339237342093226099.post-74798560623467813022012-10-31T15:35:00.000-04:002012-10-31T15:42:16.741-04:00Mass Times for All Saints' Day at St. MarkThursday, November 1 is All Saints' Day. St. Mark in Vienna, VA, will have Masses at the following times:<br />
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<li>6:15am</li>
<li>9:15am</li>
<li>5:30pm</li>
<li>7:30pm</li>
</ul>
And from the St. Mark bulletin, a note:<br />
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This Thursday, we rejoice in all
those who have attained the reward of their faith in the
happiness of heaven, as we celebrate the Solemnity of All
Saints. As well as the known and canonized Saints, all who
now enjoy the presence of God are of the Communion of
Saints, to which we aspire. And as a Holy Day of Obligation,
falling upon a week-day, this Solemnity reminds us to be
conscious of the saints’ prayers for us at all times Isaac Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02429896254929248674noreply@blogger.com09970 Vale Rd, Oakton, VA 22181, USA38.903655 -77.29229438.9021105 -77.294761499999993 38.9051995 -77.2898265tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339237342093226099.post-43316085236050262552012-10-31T15:32:00.000-04:002012-10-31T15:32:16.887-04:00All Hallows EveToday is Halloween! What sort of connection do we as Christians have to this day? Watch the video below to hear about Halloween, All Saints' Day, and All Souls' Day from Fr. James Martin, S.J..<br />
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<i>[Video is 8:14 long]
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Isaac Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02429896254929248674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339237342093226099.post-46453986414291683292012-10-29T10:04:00.001-04:002012-10-29T10:04:07.640-04:00No RE on October 29 or 30Due to Hurricane Sandy, there will be no RE today (October 29) or Tuesday (October 30). Please stay safe!Isaac Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02429896254929248674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339237342093226099.post-48255775148879017022012-10-24T10:30:00.002-04:002012-10-24T10:30:27.139-04:00First Penance Parent Meeting: November 8, 2012The First Penance Parent Meeting has been rescheduled to <u><b>Thursday, November 8, 2012 at 7:30pm in the Activities Center</b></u>. All parents of children preparing to receive First Penance should have received an email and letter about this change.Isaac Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02429896254929248674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339237342093226099.post-72645433130530099642012-10-24T10:24:00.001-04:002012-10-24T10:24:21.626-04:00The Year of Faith: there's an app for that<a href="http://www.myyearoffaith.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/myof_logo6.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.myyearoffaith.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/myof_logo6.png" /></a>As mentioned in previous posts, we are in the middle of a "Year of Faith." Similar to the <a href="http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0703717.htm" target="_blank">"Year of Paul"</a> and <a href="http://www.vatican.va/special/anno_sac/index_en.html" target="_blank">Year for Priest</a>, the Year of Faith is a time to focus on a particular aspect of our Catholic faith that the Pope and Bishops think Catholics around the world need to draw their attention to. While Paul and Priests represent a segment of our faith, this year, we're asked to look at our faith as a whole, to examine our relationship to Jesus and grow in knowledge of our faith.<br />
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The <a href="http://www.diocesefwsb.org/" target="_blank">Diocese of Ft. Wayne-South Bend</a> commissioned a <a href="http://www.myyearoffaith.org/" target="_blank">website</a> and companion <a href="http://littleiapps.com/myof/" target="_blank">smartphone app</a> to help Catholics in Northern Indiana and across the world grow in their faith. The website and app update daily with new posts designed to "help you learn your Catholic faith, love it more deeply and live it with passion." So far, topics of posts include the <a href="http://www.myyearoffaith.com/2012/10/23/new-american-saints/" target="_blank">newest American saints</a>, <a href="http://www.myyearoffaith.com/2012/10/21/a-modern-missionary/" target="_blank">a missionary in Nicaragua</a>, and <a href="http://www.myyearoffaith.com/2012/10/17/praying-the-angelus-with-the-pope-5/" target="_blank">how to see the Pope when in Rome</a>.<br />
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You can purchase the MyYearOfFaith app for your <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/my-year-of-faith/id566937848?mt=8" target="_blank">iOS</a> or <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.littleiapps.myyearoffaith" target="_blank">Andriod </a>device for $.99.Isaac Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02429896254929248674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339237342093226099.post-34540491825118445192012-10-12T15:45:00.001-04:002012-10-12T15:45:11.255-04:00Vatican II -- 50th AnniversaryYesterday marked the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council, which is partially the reason why we're celebrating a "Year of Faith" this year. While the blog will feature articles throughout the year on Vatican II, here's a little known gem straight from the Bl. Pope John 23's heart, spoken on the night of October 11, 1962:<br />
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If your Italian isn't what it used to be, see the translation below (<i><a href="http://whispersintheloggia.blogspot.com/2012/10/quote-of-day-night-and-half-century.html" target="_blank">HT to Whispers in the Loggia</a></i>)<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Dear sons and daughters,<br />
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I feel your voices! Mine is just one lone voice, but it sums up the voice of the whole world.<br />
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And here, in fact, all the world is represented here tonight. It could even be said that even the moon hastens close tonight, that from above, it might watch this spectacle that not even St Peter's Basilica, over its four centuries of history, has ever been able to witness.<br />
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We ask for a great day of peace. Yes, of peace! 'Glory to God, and peace to men of goodwill.'' If I asked you, if I could ask of each one of you: where are you from? The children of Rome, especially represented here, would respond: ah, we are the closest of children, and you're our bishop. Well, then, sons and daughters of Rome, always remember that you represent 'Roma, caput mundi' ['Rome, the capital of the world'] which through the design of Providence it has been called to be across the centuries.<br />
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My own person counts for nothing -- it's a brother who speaks to you, become a father by the will of our Lord, but all together, fatherhood and brotherhood and God's grace, give honor to the impressions of this night, which are always our feelings, which now we express before heaven and earth: faith, hope, love -- love of God, love of brother, all aided along the way in the Lord's holy peace for the work of the good. And so, let us continue to love each other, to look out for each other along the way: to welcome whoever comes close to us, and set aside whatever difficulty it might bring.<br />
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When you head home, find your children. Hug and kiss your children and tell them: 'This is the hug and kiss of the Pope.' And when you find them with tears to dry, give them a good word. Give anyone who suffers a word of comfort. Tell them 'The Pope is with us especially in our times of sadness and bitterness.'<br />
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And then, all together, may we always come alive -- whether to sing, to breathe, or to cry, but always full of trust in Christ, who helps us and hears us, let us continue along our path.</blockquote>
Isaac Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02429896254929248674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339237342093226099.post-39886161232385496112012-10-11T14:53:00.000-04:002012-10-11T14:53:02.579-04:00Prayer for the Year of FaithAn excellent prayer to pray during the Year of Faith (taken from the <a href="http://yearoffaith.arlingtondiocese.org/parish-toolkit/prayer/" target="_blank">Diocese of Arlington Year of Faith website</a>):<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Heavenly Father,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Pour forth your Holy Spirit to inspire me with these words from Holy Scripture.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Stir in my soul the desire to renew my faith and deepen my relationship with your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, so that I might truly believe in and live the Good News. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Open my heart to hear the Gospel and grant me the confidence to proclaim the Good News to others.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Pour out your Spirit, so that I might be strengthened to go forth and witness to the Gospel in my everyday life through my words and actions. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">In moments of hesitation, remind me:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">If not me, then who will proclaim the Gospel?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">If not now, then when will the Gospel be proclaimed?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">If not the truth of the Gospel, then what shall I proclaim?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">God, our Father, I pray that through the Holy Spirit I might hear the call of the New Evangelization to deepen my faith, grow in confidence to proclaim the Gospel and boldly witness to the saving grace of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Amen</span><br />
<br />Isaac Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02429896254929248674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339237342093226099.post-89319466414687607142012-10-11T10:56:00.000-04:002012-10-11T10:56:10.513-04:00The Year of Faith<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>To enter the door of faith is to begin a journey that lasts a lifetime -- Pope Benedict XVI</i></div>
<a href="http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/new-evangelization/year-of-faith/upload/year-of-faith-logo-english.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/new-evangelization/year-of-faith/upload/year-of-faith-logo-english.jpg" width="226" /></a><br />
Today, October 11, 2012, marks the opening of the Year of Faith, a 13-month long opportunity to deepen our faith in Jesus. To help us all enter the Year of Faith, the Arlington Diocese has created a <a href="http://yearoffaith.arlingtondiocese.org/" target="_blank">website</a> designed to inspire and invite us to grow in faith.<br />
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At the national level, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) also has a <a href="http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/new-evangelization/year-of-faith/index.cfm" target="_blank">website</a> designed to help us take a deeper look at our faith. There's a <a href="http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/new-evangelization/year-of-faith/videos.cfm" target="_blank">collection of videos</a> from the website, including an <a href="http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/new-evangelization/year-of-faith/videos.cfm?bcpid=1684416334001&bckey=AQ~~,AAAAdgye3dk~,p0Zv3iru3vJAg0KbYUxrrxgI5aaCl_mB&bclid=1684263542001&bctid=1817062424001" target="_blank">introduction to the Year of Faith</a>, a <a href="http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/new-evangelization/year-of-faith/saints-for-the-year-of-faith.cfm" target="_blank">saint for each of the 13 months</a>, and a <a href="http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/new-evangelization/year-of-faith/year-of-faith-questions-answers.cfm" target="_blank">Q&A about the Year of Faith</a>. The Bishops also offer a simple <a href="http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/prayers/family-prayer-for-the-year-of-faith.cfm" target="_blank">family prayer</a> to pray this year.<br />
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Globally, the <a href="http://www.annusfidei.va/content/novaevangelizatio/en.html" target="_blank">Vatican's English Year of Faith website</a> provides us with a wider view of our faith, more focused on what the Pope and other Church officials offer us during this year. For example, below is the video produced with Pope Benedict announcing the Year of Faith:<br />
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With the proliferation of these Year of Faith websites, the Church recognizes the need to be present where people work and live part of their lives: the digital realm. Throughout the year, you can join us here at the blog as we highlight the best of what the Diocese, USCCB, and Vatican have to offer us during this Year of Faith.<br />
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<br />Isaac Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02429896254929248674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339237342093226099.post-51665528489242549182012-10-02T19:40:00.001-04:002012-10-02T19:41:53.133-04:00No RE on October 7, 8, and 9We will not have Religious Education classes on October 7, 8, or 9 due to the Columbus Day holiday. Classes will resume on October 14, 15, and 16.Isaac Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02429896254929248674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339237342093226099.post-46608650414259451792012-09-28T11:02:00.002-04:002012-09-28T11:07:21.214-04:00Turn! Turn! Turn!<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>There is an appointed time for everything, </i></div>
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<i>and a time for every affair under the heavens. – Ecclesiastes 3:1 </i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For the leaves, a time to die.</td></tr>
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Popularized by the Byrds in 1965 with their song “Turn! Turn! Turn!” this Bible verse is one of the most recognized from the Hebrew Scripture (Old Testament). In a strange twist, the underlying current of the Scripture passage is easy to lose amid the familiarity and popularity of the words. As the passage continues to tell us there’s a “time to be born, and a time to die” and “a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant,” a basic quality of knowing the “appointed time” screams to be recognized: discernment. Without proper time, space, and silence for discernment, it is difficult to know whether it’s “a time to keep,” or “a time to cast away;” whether it’s “a time to be silent” or “a time to speak.” In a world that places a premium on what’s now (see: the series of commercials saying “that was so 15 seconds ago”), on knowing the latest news (“did you hear about the NFL refs?”), and on having the latest gadgets (iPhone 5!), I have to work to carve out a part of my life to discern the “appointed time.” No clock, no calendar, can tell me the time or the season. Only in conversation with God and those who love me can I properly discern the time.</div>
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<i>Image Credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30201239@N00/3058197366/" target="_blank">joiseyshowaa on Flickr</a></i></div>
Isaac Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02429896254929248674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339237342093226099.post-65475326368480830692012-09-28T06:00:00.000-04:002012-09-28T06:00:05.250-04:00Fall Festival this Sunday!The St. Mark fall festival is this Sunday, September 30 from 1pm to 4pm. And you're invited! Check out the flyer below for the details.<br />
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<iframe height="480" src="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B1aoss3AqqKdWUhEdGM3aWh0bnM/preview" width="640"></iframe>Isaac Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02429896254929248674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339237342093226099.post-12464884056276675472012-09-27T17:32:00.001-04:002012-09-27T17:32:57.161-04:00Junior High kick off Friday, September 28All 7th and 8th graders are invited to the Junior High kickoff on Friday, September 28! Watch the video below (or get your youth to watch it). It looks like it'll be a ton of fun!<br />
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Contact <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/stmarkym/stmarkjrhighyouthministry" target="_blank">Angie Pometto</a> in the youth office for more info on the Jr. High kickoff or other youth ministry offerings.Isaac Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02429896254929248674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339237342093226099.post-50759188694955518322012-09-25T18:21:00.000-04:002012-09-25T18:24:11.685-04:00CYO Basketball - 2012-13<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Registration
Deadline: </span><b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">October 1, 2012 </b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">CYO Basketball Representative: Mark M. | <a href="http://www.blogger.com/stmarkbball@gmail.com">stmarkbball@gmail.com</a><br />
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St. Mark CYO basketball is back once again, and stronger than ever (more than
250 players and 25 teams total last year)! Come join the long tradition
of fun and success in our CYO basketball program. Our goal is to have at
least two teams (boy and girl) for 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grades.<br />
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<b>Participation Fee(s):</b> <b>$70.00*</b><br />
Participation fees will NOT be collected during registration. Coaches will
collect registration fees, once teams are assembled.<br />
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<b><i>*Discount: </i></b>For your first child, the fee is $70.00; take $10 off
for each additional child. For example, if you have three children registering:
$70 (1st child) + $60 (2nd child) + $50 (3rd child) = $180 registration fee.<br />
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<b>Participation Requirement:</b> All children from St. Mark Parish are welcome
to participate. Children MUST<span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span>attend either
St. Mark Religious Education or St. Mark Catholic School.<br />
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<b>Registration Form:</b> There is a new registration process this year. ALL
registration will be completed online. I will send you an email to confirm I
have received your completed registration form. If you do not hear back from me
within 3 days of your registration submission, contact me at <a href="http://www.blogger.com/stmarkbball@gmail.com">stmarkbball@gmail.com</a>.<br />
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Click or enter the URL to register: <u><span style="color: #67a8e4;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dDZ2TGxLSXJSdDR6ZzZmT1NWN1NnZlE6MQ">https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dDZ2TGxLSXJSdDR6ZzZmT1NWN1NnZlE6MQ</a><br />
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</span></u>Any basketball or registration related questions should be directed
to <a href="http://www.blogger.com/stmarkbball@gmail.com">stmarkbball@gmail.com</a>.<br />
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Looking forward to another successful season of St Mark Hoops!</span></div>
Isaac Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02429896254929248674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339237342093226099.post-41791232273447561902012-09-20T15:46:00.003-04:002012-09-20T15:47:41.273-04:00Parent Handbook (2012-2013)Just in case you missed the Parent Orientation, below is the updated parent handbook for this 2012-2013 RE year:<br />
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<iframe height="480" src="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B1aoss3AqqKdRlk4amZjbzkzUGM/preview" width="540"></iframe>Isaac Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02429896254929248674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339237342093226099.post-73142078712042853882012-09-18T15:30:00.003-04:002012-09-18T15:30:52.395-04:00Reminder: we follow FCPS on school closingsWith the potential of severe weather today, we follow the lead of the Fairfax County Public Schools for closings and cancellations. If afternoon or evening activities are canceled for FCPS, we will not hold classes on that afternoon and evening. If Sunday activities are canceled, we will not hold classes on Sunday.<br />
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To find out the latest, check the <a href="http://www.fcps.edu/index.shtml" target="_blank">Fairfax County Public School</a> website or their <a href="https://twitter.com/fcpsnews" target="_blank">twitter</a>.Isaac Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02429896254929248674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339237342093226099.post-64169263393096799302012-08-23T17:51:00.000-04:002012-08-23T17:51:15.173-04:00Catechists Needed: is God calling you?Each year, Fr. Pat makes a plea for catechists during August and September. And each year through the generosity of parishioners young and old, God provides catechists who hear and answer the call to hand on our Catholic faith to children who seek to know God and the Good News of Jesus Christ.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christ is our teacher</td></tr>
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During the plea, I stand in the narthex ready to talk to anyone interested in learning more about being a catechist. Sometimes parishioners approach me after Mass and say, “I don’t know why I’m saying yes, but I feel like this is the year I need to come forward.” Their subtle hesitation is found in many of us who hesitate from further involvement with children and youth: “I don’t know what to say;” “I’m too young/old;” “You wouldn’t believe my schedule;” “I’m afraid.” These concerns are valid and we can only decide the right time to say yes to God through honest, prayerful discernment with ourselves and our families.<br /></div>
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But over 2500 years ago, the prophet Jeremiah had a similar response to God’s call: “I do not know how to speak. I am too young!” (Jer 1:6). Reading into Jeremiah’s deeper hesitancy, God answers: “To whomever I send you, you shall go; whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you.” (Jer 1:7f). These powerful words are meant not merely to pacify Jeremiah into saying yes to God, but to reassure Jeremiah of God’s presence and guidance on what would be a rocky road ahead – imminent death at speaking God’s word to powerful people.<br /></div>
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Although catechists do not face the same circumstances, their work can be prophetic to a generation in need of people to energize and criticize; to inspire and teach; to lead them to encounter Christ, the ultimate aim of all catechists.</div>
Isaac Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02429896254929248674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4339237342093226099.post-29109592576867508552012-08-16T08:30:00.000-04:002012-08-16T08:30:03.424-04:00YouthMassBand at this weekend's 11:45AM MassThe following is a public service announcement:<br />
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This Sunday, August 19, the 11:45AM Mass will feature the YouthMassBand. This group provides the music for the 6:00PM youth and family Mass, typically held on the first Sunday of the month from October to May. Their style is praise & worship/contemporary.<br />
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See you at Mass!Isaac Garciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02429896254929248674noreply@blogger.com0