ST. LEO THE GREAT CHURCH FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA

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1 Dear Friends, This week marks the 42 nd anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Thursday January 22 has been designated by the bishops as a day of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion, and of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life. Our Holy Father Pope Francis in addressing members of the Association of Italian Catholic Doctors last year stated: Attention to human life, especially when it is most in difficulty, in the case of the sick, the elderly, and children, profoundly involves the mission of the Church. She is also called upon to participate in the debate on human life, presenting her outlook based on the Gospel. In many contexts, quality of life is linked predominantly to economic conditions, 'well-being', beauty and the pleasure of life in a physical sense, forgetting other deeper dimensions relational, spiritual and religious of existence. In reality, in the light of faith and good reason, human life is always sacred and always 'of quality'. There does not exist a human life that is more sacred than another, just as there is no human life qualitatively more significant than another, simply on the basis of greater means, rights, and economic and social opportunities Prevalent thought offers a 'false compassion': that which sees abortion as being in favor of women, procuring euthanasia as an act of dignity, and the 'production' of a child considered as a right instead of being welcomed as a gift as a scientific conquest, as well as using human lives as 'guinea pigs', presumably to save others. Instead, compassion based on the Gospel is that which accompanies in times of need, that of the Good Samaritan, who 'sees', who 'has compassion', who approaches and offers concrete help. Faithfulness to the Gospel of life and the response to it as a gift from God will at times require courageous, counter-current decisions that, in particular circumstances, may lead to conscientious objection, and to the many social consequences that such fidelity leads to. We are living in a time of experimentation with life. But it is a bad form of experimentation. Playing with life is a sin against the Creator: against God the Creator, Who created all things as they are. In an address to members of the Italian Pro- Life Movement, also last year, Pope Francis reminded them that the first and most fundamental right is the right to life: which is not subordinate to any condition, neither qualitative, nor economic, much less ideological.we must therefore reiterate the strongest opposition to any direct attack on life, especially innocent and defenseless life, and the unborn child in the womb is the most concrete example of innocence Let us remember the words of the Second Vatican Council: From the moment of its conception, life must be guarded with the greatest care while abortion and infanticide are unspeakable crimes. (Gaudium et Spes, 51). The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship states [T]o correctly form our consciences, we must recognize the importance of all issues affecting human rights and dignity from the moment of conception until natural death and at every stage in between and appreciate that such issues are not abstractions but rather realities that determine whether families thrive or struggle, whether individuals are respected or exploited, and even whether people live or die. At the same time, the proper formation of conscience also means discerning the differences in moral gravity among various issues. Disregarding the right to life itself- the foundation upon which all other human rights are based and without which no other right could possibly exist is more serious than any other human rights violation. This Wednesday evening, January 21, beginning at 7:30 PM we will have all-night Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament with prayers of reparation and atonement for the offenses against human life, for the healing of those harmed by abortion, and for the conversion of our nation. Exposition will conclude with Benediction at 6AM Monday morning. In Christ, Rev. David A. Whitestone, Pastor

2 SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Please remember in your prayers the repose of the souls of the faithful departed, especially: Edna Steinkamp sister of Mary Ann Chezem; Elmer Alan Guseman, husband of Mary Sue Guseman. We ask you to remember those in need of our daily prayers, especially: Richard Centracchio. HOLIDAY CLOSING: The parish office will be closed on Monday, January 19 th for the Martin Luther King Holiday. Would you like to go to the March for Life but don t want to hassle with traffic or the metro? Join Father David Dufresne on a rented bus! If you are interested, please him at: StLeoMarch4Life@gmail.com or call the parish office at We will depart after the Thursday, January 22 nd 9:00am Mass and return by 3:00pm. Spots will fill up quickly, so reserve yours today! 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: Friday, January 23: join us for CAAAAAA (Confession, Adoration, and Amphora! Confessions available 7:00-8:00pm, then join us for adoration from 8:00-9:00pm. After that, we will head over to Amphora for some delicious food! 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! FrassatiFairfax/ For more Info, contact us at: FrassatiFairfax@gmail.com Follow us on Father Diamond Scholarship Council 6292 will award a 4 year $500 scholarship to a Catholic student entering 9 th grade in a Catholic HS starting in the Fall The application is on the council website: in the News Headlines section. Contact Tim Tilson at or via at HMSLYDIA@msn.com 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! Monday Heb 5:1-10; Mk 2:18-22 Tuesday Heb 6:10-20; Mk 2:23-28 Wednesday Heb 7:1-3, 15-17; Mk 3:1-6 Thursday Heb 7:25 8:6; Mk 3:7-12 Friday Heb 8:6-13; Mk 3:13-19 Saturday Heb 9:2-3, 11-14; Mk 3:20-21 Sunday Jon 3:1-5, 10; 1 Cor 7:29-31; Mk 1:14-20 MASS INTENTIONS January 19 through January 25 Mon.: 6:15 Donald Ramroth 9:00 Judith Ross Tues.: 6:15 Kathryn Cotner 9:00 Albert Savoli Wed.: 6:15 Natalie Moser 9:00 Aubrey Brewer Thurs.: 6:15 Donald Ramroth 9:00 Respect Life Fri.: 6:15 Catherine LaCroix 9:00 Rose Karmazin Sat.: 9:00 Stephen Pepin (anniv.) 5:00 Marion Quinlan Sun.: 7:30 For the Parish 9:00 Marion T. Quinlan 11:00 Alan David Castro 1:00 Marcolina Rivera 5:00 Flynn Family In addition to the regular schedule of Masses, Mass has been offered for the following intentions: Celine Bortnichak, Patricia Suppes, Allen Dobey, Allen Dobey. BAPTISM CLASS IS MANDATORY at Saint Leo. The next class is Tuesday, February 10 th at 7:30 pm in the St. Mark room. Please call the rectory office ( ) to register. Low Gluten Hosts are available for those who need them. Please inform the sacristan before Mass begins. The second collection next weekend benefits the Church in Latin America. Please be generous.

3 A VOCATION VIEW Behold the Lamb of God. Could it be that you are being called to point out the Lord to others as a priest, deacon or in the consecrated life? Call Father J.D. Jaffe at 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 - 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: Applications for the 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 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. ADULT FAITH FORMATION Faith & Food at P.J. Skidoos Please join us on Monday, February 2 nd 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, 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, ALL inclusive price is $3, 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) or (508) You can also register online at You can see an online brochure at For more information, please contact Carolyn at carolynsmith.stleos@gmail.com or All Saints Catholic Church presents The Westminster Concert Bell Choir from Rider University s Westminster Choir College in Princeton, N.J. on Friday, Jan. 23, 7:30 pm at All Saints Catholic Church (9300 Stonewall Rd., Manassas. This unique ensemble of talented students are hailed for their virtuosity and perform a wide variety of repertoire on the largest set of handbells in the world. Admission is free, with a free-will offering taken. All are welcome. For more information, please call or visit Busy Couple s 7-Day Online Retreat with Bishop Loverde In honor of National Marriage Week 2015, Bishop Loverde will lead an online retreat for couples beginning on World Marriage Feb. 8 through Feb. 14. Each day, Bishop Loverde will offer reflections and practical steps for growing closer to Jesus and to your spouse. The retreat will conclude at 10 am on St. Valentine s Day, Feb. 14, with a live reflection, exposition and Holy Mass led by Bishop Loverde at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More, in Arlington. To learn more about the retreat, visit:

4 SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Religious Education News There will be no classes on Monday, January 19 because of the Martin Luther King Holiday. 8 th 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: 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: 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 women for registration and additional information. Father Diamond Council Events & Calendar Meetings 2 nd and 4 th Tuesdays 8:00 PM Providence Hall 1/18 Family Breakfast - after 7:30 & 9:00 AM Masses 1/22 March for Life Downtown, DC KofC Bus Leaves from St Leo at 10:30 1/27 7:00 Rosary, 8:00 PM - 2 nd Degree -Providence Hall followed by meeting 1/31 3 rd gym candidates arrive 10:15 Degree begins at 11:00 lunch served after degree - Giant, Shoppers Food Warehouse & Safeway Food Cards for sale at Parish Hall every weekday at 3:00 PM or call Larry Novak Join the Knights Contact Pat McGuire HIGH SCHOOL: NO HSYN TONIGHT! Enjoy the holiday weekend with your families!! Join us next week in gym a er the 5:00pm Mass, for dinner, games, and friends, 6:00pm- 8:00pm. Fr. David Dufresne will be sharing his story about his journey to the Priesthood! 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 Erik at stleosyouth@gmail.com Registra ons for sacramental prep classes now available! NO Girls CLC is this week! Join us next week, Monday, January 26. 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 Benne at stleosgirlsclc@gmail.com NO Boys CLC is this week! Join us next week, Wednesday, January 28. 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 NO "Thursday Takeovers" this week due to the March for Life! Join us next week, January from 3:30-5:00pm. 6 th -8 th graders are invited to come for snacks, games, and ul mate frisbee. We will meet in the Youth Room. Our next "On Fire!" is Saturday, February 7, 5:00-8:00 pm. We will meet for Mass, followed by a free dinner in the gym, games,a brief talk, giveaways, and a bonfire with s'mores. "On Fire!" is a once month, large group event. This year's theme is "Living a Life of Virtue." 6 th -8 th 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 Protec on of Children/Young People. We need volunteers for both our High School and Middle School Youth Ministry Programs. Questions? Erik or Melissa at: stleosyouth@gmail.com. We are here. Putting smiles on faces. Showing our brothers and sisters what love looks like. Feeding the hungry. Helping to restore lives and picking up the pieces. Looking out for the less fortunate. Sharing stories of God's goodness. "It's not about how much you're giving. It's about the heart you are giving it with...if you can bring anything, that amount will help somebody somewhere." Volunteer Opportunities: 703/

5 St. Leo Mom's Group Welcoming all mothers for faith-filled fellowship. We have monthly bible studies, outings with the children, mom's night out and meals for new moms. For more info, contact Michele Healy: or Lisa Harsh: Éste es el Cordero de Dios. Podría ser que estás siendo llamado a señalar el Señor a los demás como un sacerdote, diácono o en la vida consagrada? llama al Padre J.D. Jaffe al (703) o escribele a: j.jaffe@arlingtondiocese.org. Gabriel Project Pregnant? Need Help? The Gabriel Project is a Pro-Life movement offering parishbased pastoral care to women in a crisis pregnancy or expectant mothers simply in need of support. St. Leo the Great is an active participant in this ministry with volunteer Angels willing and able to help. For volunteer information on Gabriel Project contact stleogabrielproject@gmail.com or for help call Español: Inglés: Horarios e Información Santas Misas: 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: RCIA Para Adultos: Domingos 11:00am-12:15pm, Salón Juan en el Centro Parroquial. Para información, llamar al Diácono José López, 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 Catequesis Para Niños y Jóvenes: domingos 11 12:30. Llamar a: Sacramentos para Estudiantes de Secundaria: llamar a la Oficina de Jovenes al teléfono , ó 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 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. No Habra clases el Domingo 25 de Enero. COMIENZA LA PETICIÓN CUARESMAL DEL OBISPO DE 2015! Este mes, Monseñor Loverde enviará correspondencia sobre la Petición Cuaresmal del Obispo (PCO) de 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! Coro de San Leo: El coro está en busca de participantes. Si tiene interés y desea formar parte, venga a la práctica los miércoles a las 7:30pm en el salón San Juan y los comingos a las 12:00pm en el salón St. Cecilia. Para mayor información enviar a nsolares4@gmail.com. Se ofrece clases de inglés Caridades Catolicas Hogar Hispano ofrece clases de inglés en la Iglesia San Leo Magno los sábados de 10 am a 12 pm. Ofrecemos varios niveles de clase. Llame a 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 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 7:30-9:00pm 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 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:

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