Catechists 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.

Christ is our teacher

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.

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.

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.

YouthMassBand at this weekend's 11:45AM Mass

The following is a public service announcement:

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.

See you at Mass!

Solemnity: Assumption of Mary

This is a little late, but here is the schedule for the remaining Masses at St. Mark in Vienna, VA for the Assumption of Mary:

• 5:30PM
• 7:30PM

Hope to see you there!

RE Registrations -- in the mail!

Registration packets for Religious Education classes at St. Mark starting in September of 2012 were mailed out to all families with children registered at the end of April 2012.  You should receive them in the mail soon.

If you're a new family, you can pick up registration materials at the information desk in the narthex after all weekend Masses or by visiting the RE/parish office.

Thank you for your patience!

Vacation Bible School: Day 4

Apollo the Caterpillar

In our penultimate VBS day we learned that no matter what happens, we can trust in God!

In the morning we learned the verse for the day: "I am convinced that [nothing] will be able to separate us from the love of God."  This passage (maybe familiar because it was featured in yesterday's post in the music paragraph) is from Romans 8:38-39.

During the Bible story, we got to carry a real wooden cross as we learned about the crucifixion and the resurrection (Matthew 27:32-28:20).  Jesus trusted in God even in the midst of his very real pain and questioning.  We can do the very same!

Musically, we learned "We Can Trust Him" (track 10 or you can listen to a bit by pressing the play button next to the tittle).  This song, based on Psalm 33:43 reminds us that we can trust in God and in God's works.

Due to Friday's busy clean up, there will be no blog.  But check back next week for a final blog wrap-up piece.

Vacation Bible School: Day 3

Scout the Bald Eagle

Day 3 of Sky VBS saw us exploring how no matter what people do, we can trust in God!

In the morning, we learned the key verse (along with hand motions) taken from Isaiah 40:31 -- "But those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles."

We began our two-day trek into the Paschal Mystery as we journeyed into the Garden of Gethsemane in search of Jesus and heard about his arrest and trial (Matthew 26:36-27:31). This story reminds us that Jesus faced betrayal and still trusted in God in the end.

Music brought out a slower song, "Nothing Could Keep Me From You," (track #4; or press the play button next to the song here) which is based on Romans 8:38-39.  This song and verse remind us that God's love breaks through all potentially divisive powers of the universe.

Come back tomorrow for installment #4 VBS blogging.

Vacation Bible School: Day 2

Orville the Flying Pig

During day 2 of Sky VBS, we learned that no matter how we feel, we can trust in God!

Our key verse for the day was taken from the Gospel of John, Chapter 14, verse 1 -- "Do not let your hearts be troubled, believe in God."

In our Amazing Blue Bible Adventures, we learned about the raising of Lazarus (John 11).  Even when we feel our worst (and who hasn't said "I feel dead!"), we can trust in God to bring us new life.

During music, we learned yet another catchy song, "Counting on God."  Listen to it on CD track 7 or click on the play button next to the song here.  No matter what's going on in our life, we can count on God to be there for us.

Check back tomorrow for more VBS fun!