Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Church of the Nativity, Burke VA Feast of the Holy Family December 30, 2018
“Heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience " - Col 3:12
My dear parishioners, The Christmas message brings incredible hope and joy to the world. The Christmas story continues to happen in our lives. Christ the Savior is born into our families and into each of our hearts. God comes as an unexpected gift, an unexpected child, a holy surprise of God. Christ now wants to be born into all families. This Christ child continues to break down the barriers caused by sin, to bring reconciliation and healing to the world. That first Christmas night, heaven and earth met, and the human family was once again reconciled with God. Peace was announced by the angels. And we can always be at peace with God and one another if only we accept and welcome Christ into our hearts. I am so inspired by the faith and generosity of Nativity Parish. There is lots of love in the community and I see the face of Christ in each family and each person. On behalf of Fr. Vaccaro, Fr. Wilson, Deacon Kelly, Deacon Pardo, Sister Donatella and Sister Mary Attilia, I wish you all my sisters and brothers, a most blessed and grace filled Christmas. Be assured you will all be remembered in the holy sacrifice of the Mass. May the light of Christ shine on all your hearts. Merry Christmas to all our beautiful families! Love and blessings,
Fr. Bob Cilinski Pastor
A Message from our Pastor Fr. Bob Cilinski
Christmas Thanks
Thank you to all who made our Christmas Masses so beautiful!The church was decorated so beautifully, the choirs sang in joyous praise, the Liturgical Ministers, including our altar servers, lectors, ushers, greeters and Eucharistic Ministers who served with love. Many thanks to our Musicians, Sacristans, Parish Staff, Mass Coordinators, our Priests and Deacons who made our Advent and Christmas liturgies so beautiful. Special thanks to our Art and Environmental Chair Melinda Engelbrektsson, our Sacristan Maureen Andersen, the Knights of Columbus, and our choir directors Carole Fischl, Debbie Doyle, Mai Tran and Sara Prince.
APPALACHIA HOME BUILDING NEXT WEEKEND!
The Knights will be speaking at all Masses on the weekend of January 5th and 6th to raise funds to build Nativity's 21st home in the heart of Appalachia. They will be at all exits at the end of Mass to collect donations. Checks may be made payable to Nativity Catholic Church, but please annotate that it is for the Appalachia Home Building. Checks can also be mailed to: Church of the Nativity at 6400 Nativity Lane, Burke, VA 22015. Questions may be referred to Bob Corsi at 703-239-2890, [email protected]. Please help if you can!!
Novena for Life The Novena for Life will start on Wednesday, January 9, 2019
and end on Thursday, January 17, 2019 as a lead-up to the March For Life on Friday, January 18, 2018.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Sister Ernestine
January 1
Church of the Nativity, Burke VA Feast of the Holy Family December 30, 2018
Catholic Charities Presents “Answer Your Call”
in the Nativity School Cafeteria Thursday, January 17th, from 7:00pm-8:30pm
RSVP at [email protected]
Director of Volunteers, Sally O'Dwyer, and Margot Chavez, Program Coordinator for
Volunteers, will discuss what exactly "a call" is, explain Church teaching on our
call, speak practically about what a call might feel or look like in our daily lives,
and to respond. We will talk about how to serve in an effective way that meets your
current ability to give of your time and talent, without fear of being ineffective or
becoming overwhelmed. Understanding our call to serve gives us the courage and
fortitude to persevere even when times are tough, when we are not thanked and when
we cannot see the fruits of our work.
At this workshop, you will: • Understand God's call for YOU • Be inspired and recharge your commitment to serve the "least of these" • Identify your gifts and talents • Understand that God is at work in your daily life • Know that identifying your call is a life journey • Learn what our Church teaches regarding our call • Find out how to remove barriers to serving others • Receive practical tips to get started • Learn how to volunteer effectively, in a way that is meaningful to you,
and truly helpful to others
"Every person is born with abilities that are proportionate to the mission he or she has been entrusted, and
through each person's whole life, the environment, circumstance and everything else will contribute to make it easy and possible for him or her to reach that purpose."
- St. Maximilian Kolbe
Church of the Nativity, Burke VA Feast of the Holy Family December 30, 2018
ECHO Food Collection
The monthly food collection for ECHO will take place NEXT weekend! Please bring non-perishable foods to the entrance of the church. Needed are: flour (2 lbs preferred), Spaghetti sauce, vegetable oil, canned pasta, canned meat, bags (dry) beans, bagged rice (2 lb. size preferred), Jello/pudding, juice (large bottles/cans). Laundry detergent and personal items such as deodorant, razors, shaving cream and shampoo are also needed. All canned food items are welcomed. ECHO also accepts small appliances, but they must be in working order. For more information, call 703-569-9160.
ECHO Center is located at: 7205 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield
The Healing Ministry of the Diocese of Arlington is pleased to announce
that the next healing Mass will take place at the Church of the Nativity on Thursday, January 24, 2019
at 7:30pm. Fr. David Martin will be the celebrant.
In Observance of the New Year’s Holiday, the Nativity Parish Office will be closed
on the following dates:
Monday, December 31, all Day
Tuesday, January 1, all Day
Wednesday, January 2, all Day
The office will reopen again on Thursday, January 3
The 46th Annual MARCH FOR LIFE is Friday, January 18, 2019.
All Americans are called upon to free themselves from the evils of abortion. Busses will depart from Nativity on January 18th at 11:00am and return by 4:30pm. Join your fellow parishioners at this Prayerful, Peaceful, Public, Powerful and Pro-Life event on the National Mall in Washington, DC. Contacts: George Getek at [email protected], Jane Hamilton at [email protected], or Soledad Olivera at [email protected]. Tax-deductible contributions to support March For Life may be made to: March For Life Education and Defense Fund, PO Box 90300, Washington, DC 20090-0300. Visit www.marchforlife.org. Thank You for your continued
Prayers and your Pro-Life Support!
Basketball Free Throw Challenge in the Fr. Martin Center If you are interested or have questions, please contact:
Dave Zivich at [email protected].
Knights of Columbus Open House
Want to learn more about the Knights before you join? Join us at 7:30pm on Thursday, January 3rd in the Nativity Cafeteria for a presentation and a chance for fellowship with Knights from our Nativity Council.
It’s that time of the year once again, when we take a look at our lives and make some resolutions. It’s also a perfect time to take a look at what is necessary to keep our parish viable and growing. For just as the parish has certain obligations concerning the parishioners, we the parishioners, have responsibilities concerning the parish. For example, did you know that when your children turn 18 years old, they are considered adults and should register as such with the parish? Also, are you aware that as your families grow with the birth of children, your parish registration cards need to be updated? It also is very important to update the parish registration cards as your children grow in their faith. And how about changes in address and phone numbers? These items might seem insignificant when compared to other events going on in our lives, and can be easily overlooked, but when it is necessary for the office staff to get in touch with families, current information becomes very important. So as we begin a new year, with its many resolutions and good intentions, let’s make updating our parish information one of them!
The 2019 Parish Altar Flower book is open! Many dates are available. It is a thoughtful way to honor
a loved one, living or deceased. If interested, please call the office at 703-455-2400 or drop by to sign up.
Church of the Nativity, Burke VA Feast of the Holy Family December 30, 2018
Monday, December 31 7:30am † Karen Snee 5:30pm † Melanie Mayo-Rodgers Tuesday, January 1 7:30am † Karen Snee 9:00am † Nimette Yousif 11:00am † Souls in Purgatory 1:00pm † Rosario D. Marinas Wednesday, January 2 7:30am † Karen Snee (Sunrise) 3:00pm † Rita Martin Thursday, January 3 7:30am † Karen Snee 12:00pm † Anne Marie Notorianni Friday, January 4 7:30am † Giovana Patterson (School Mass) 9:00am † Ed Bannon Saturday, January 5 9:00am † Eleanore Glaab 5:00pm † Karen Snee 7:00pm Special Intention for Joshua Tejada Sunday, January 6 7:30am † Karen Snee 9:00am † Giovana Patterson 11:00am † Shirley Wallace 12:45pm † Patti Bradshaw 5:30pm Parishioners
The priest schedule for Masses is found on our webpage: nativityburke.org
In prayer, let us remember the sick and deceased of the parish.
Nativity is a tithing community Giving back a portion of God’s blessings in gratitude.
“Each day with one heart—we are the hands of Jesus”
Nativity Religious Education
May God bless you throughout the New Year!
Christmas Holiday Schedule – There will be NO classes - Sunday, December 23 through Tuesday, January 1st.
Classes resume on January 6th. Dear Parents/Guardians: Most of our office communications and
notices are sent via email. If you have not received an email from us, please contact us to make sure we have an
email address on file for you. [email protected]
Inclement Weather/Emergency Closing Policy
The Religious Education Program follows the Fairfax County Public Schools Weather Policy. A notice will also be
placed on our Parish Website. Visit our website at: www.nativityburke.org or you can also visit the FCPS site.
Note– Classes are NOT CANCELLED when Fairfax County Public Schools OPEN LATE on Monday or Tuesday
due to Inclement Weather. Would you like to volunteer in our program?
Please contact the R.E. office at 703-455-0375 or email: [email protected].
Our prayer for the New Year is that God will rise up more people to protect the life of every human being, born and unborn. A Holy and Happy New Year to All! Start the New Year by reading, rereading and sharing “Living the Gospel of Life: A Challenge to American Catholics” at
http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/abortion/living-the-gospel-of-life.cfm. This document was issued in November, 1998 by the U.S. Bishops and remains powerful in its direction and words. If you are a serious Catholic and have not yet read it, take time to be renewed.
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.
Operation Starfish June Trip to Haiti Interest Meeting
Operation Starfish and its women’s healthcare project, Stella Marina, are traveling to Cap-Haitien, Haiti from
June 3 - June 7, 2019.
An interest meeting will be held on Thursday, January 10, 2019 at 7:00pm in the Art Room of Nativity School. At the meeting we will discuss the prospective itinerary, including potential midwife training, cost, and other logistics for the trip. All persons over the age of 18 are welcome to join us on this mission trip. Any questions prior to the meeting, or if you are unable to attend and are interested, please email Meg Hanrahan at [email protected].
Church of the Nativity, Burke VA Feast of the Holy Family December 30, 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 Ostrowski at [email protected] if you are interested in joining our order or know someone who is. If you want a quick easy alternative way to join the Knights, try Online Membership. In only 5-10 minutes, just go to www.kofc.org/joinus, fill out the needed information, and put Council 7992 as your preferred Council. We’ll do the rest for you to make you a member of our Order and our Nativity Council! Council Meeting: The next council meeting is Thursday, January 3. Rosary starts at 7:15pm and the meeting will start at 7:30pm. This will include an “Open House” to those interested in joining the Knights. Novena for Life: Novena for Life will start on Wednesday, January 9, 2019 and end on Thursday, January 17, 2019 as a lead-up to March For Life on Friday, January 18, 2018. Brothers will receive an email from Council for each of nine days. Vivat Jesus! PGK Brother George, Life Faith In Action Program Director. Two Words: “The Next Adopt-A-Highway is 12 January! Weather permitting, the next date is on Saturday, 12 January 2019. Volunteers will gather at 10:00am in the lower parking lot (Old Keene Mill Road level) and have a brief organizational meeting where vests and bags will be distributed before departing to pick up trash along Old Keene Mill Road between Fairfax County Parkway and Lee Chapel Road. We anticipate completing before 11:30am if we have enough volunteers. If you are able to participate, use signupgenius or email Br George Getek [email protected] : where the first "AWARD-WINNING ELITE EIGHT" VOLUNTEERS will be given priority. Early Sign-ups for veteran “Road Warriors” and others are now open at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080945aaab28a64-adoptahighway11 Fraternal Committee Presentation: The Fraternal Committee will have a 1-hour presentation entitled Emergency Preparedness given by Fairfax County after the 9:00am Mass on Saturday, January 26, 2019 in the Nativity School Cafeteria. It will be presented by the Fairfax County Interfaith Emergency Committee on Emergency Preparedness - do you have a plan or an emergency supply kit if a major snow storm or hurricane confines you or your family to your home for several days? Do you know what to do, where to go or who to contact if your home or part of your home is damaged by fire? KOVAR: You Can Donate to KOVAR through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) and the United Way. KOVAR is a Virginia Knights of Columbus Charity established in 1971 to provide financial assistance through grants and home loans to tax exempt organizations providing training and assistance to citizens with intellectual disabilities. If you participate in the Combined Federal Campaign please consider donating to KOVAR. The CFC number for KOVAR is 42569. You can also contribute to KOVAR if you donate to the United Way. KOVAR’s United Way of the Greater Capital Area number is 8838. If you make a donation to either, please provide the KOVAR Chair, PGK Mark Sawyer at [email protected] with a scan or picture of the form so the donation will be credited to our Council. Opportunities to advance in the degrees of our Order: Admission (1st) Degree: Tuesday, Jan 15, Council 7992, Nativity, Burke, 7:30pm. Tuesday, Jan 15, Council 8600, St Mary of Sorrow Historic Church Hall, Fairfax Station , 8:00pm. Monday, Feb 11, Council 12846, St. Raymond of Peñafort Church, Springfield, 7:00pm. Formation (2nd) Degree: Saturday, Jan 26, Council 6153, St Bernadette School, Springfield. Tuesday, Feb 26, Council 7992, Church of the Nativity School, Burke. Knighthood (3rd) Degree: Saturday, Jan 26, Fairfax Council 6292. 4th Degree: TBD
nativityschool.org
NATIVITY CATHOLIC SCHOOL
A Blue Ribbon School of Excellence
Kick Off Catholic Schools Week ~~ Open House Sunday, January 27, 2019 *10:00 am - 1:00 pm
To RSVP, please contact our Registrar, Shannon Murphy, at [email protected], or 703-455-2300. If you cannot
attend our open house, give us a call to schedule a tour and/or a day for your child to “shadow” here at school.
We look forward to meeting you! *************************************
Got Kids? Bring Them Along ~~ Join us for an evening of good information you can use to begin (or to continue) those conversations on using electronic devices
Visit https://impactflow.com/event/9802/checkout/tickets to register for our January 17th screening.
Suggested viewing with children 10+ years old.
Join us at Nativity to see how your child would spend his or
her days here -- learning, praying, sharing, and laughing. We may be just the school for which you´ve been searching!
Contact us at www.nativityschool.org, (703) 455-2300, or [email protected].
************************************* Got An Inquisitive Preschooler? Join Us!!
This Winter, our Preschool class meets Monday through Friday, from 8:30am to NOON, with an OPTIONAL Preschool Afternoon Extension from NOON to 2:30pm. An Extended Care Program is available as well. We’re continuing to accept applications for the 2018-19 School Year. Learn how we spend the rest of our school day! For more information, please contact Mrs. Mazzella, our Early Childhood Education Program Director, at 703-455-2300.
Photo: Our Preschoolers Wishing All of Us a Very Merry Christmas!
nativityburke.org Feast of the Holy Family December 30, 2018
OUTSIDE THE PARISH Consider Judging the 2019 Diocesan Science Fair
The Diocesan Science Fair needs individuals with a science background to help judge 7th and 8th grade students' projects for the 2019 Diocesan Science Fair from 8:00am until noon on Saturday, April 13, 2019 at St. Paul VI High School. Interested? Call Hillary Mildrew at the Office of Catholic Schools (703-841-2519) or email [email protected].
"How To High School" A Readiness Skills Workshop for 7th and 8th Graders
Hosted by the Faculty of Saint John Paul the Great, on Saturday, January 12th from Noon - 4:00pm.
Workshop sessions include "How to Ace the Test," "How to Make the Team," "How to Manage Money," "How to Explore Your Brain," and more! This event includes lunch and is free of
charge. For more information contact us at [email protected].
You can RSVP your child at: tiny.cc/howtohighschool.
An all Senior Cast at Saint John Paul the Great presents:
“The Jeweler's Shop”
A play written by Pope John Paul II on the values of marriage and family. Tickets are $5 and the show starts at 7:00pm on January 12th, 2019. More info at: jpthegreatdrama.org.
Diocese of Arlington Scholarship Foundation Give a child the gift of a Catholic education and receive most
of your donation back in federal and state tax savings!
The Virginia Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credit Program will award a 65% tax credit (on top of a regular
charitable deductions) for donations made to the Diocese of Arlington Scholarship Foundation, which will, in turn, provide scholarships for new students wishing to attend our diocesan
Catholic Schools. You do not have to itemize in order to receive the 65% tax credit! Donations must be preauthorized in
advance. Please call Jeanne Combos at 703-841-2764 or go online to download the preauthorization request form at:
https://www.arlingtondiocese.org/Scholarship-Foundation/
Handy Knights Ministry
Need a hand with minor home repairs or know someone who needs help? If you are unable to perform basic maintenance tasks or small repairs in your home due to health or other factors, there is a ministry within the Knights of Columbus that may be able to assist, the “Handy Knights.” You can reach us at the following email: [email protected] to let us know what your needs are and provide a way to get to contact you. One of our Handy Knights will be in touch to assess your problem and hopefully provide a quick fix – no charge for help, but donations are gratefully accepted to help pay it forward to others. And, although this ministry is willing and able, it is not intended for jobs better suited for (or requiring) a certified professional or contractor. If we can’t fix it, we will help you find someone who can!
St. Thérèse Vocation Society Morning of Reflection
All are invited to join the St. Thérèse Vocation Society for their annual Morning of Reflection on Saturday, February 2 from 8:30am - 12:00pm at St. Rita Catholic Church in Alexandria with Fr. Dort Bigg. The day will include a continental breakfast, spiritual conference, Mass and Holy Hour. There is no cost but please RSVP with the Office of Vocations by January 25 at (703) 841-2514 or [email protected]. The St. Thérèse Vocation Society was formed to pray for and encourage vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life.
nativityburke.org Feast of the Holy Family December 30, 2018
Contact Director: Alison Fram [email protected], cell: 703-577-5329
Find us on the parish website: nativityburke.org
COLLEGE MINISTRY and
YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
Young Adult Ministry Serving people ages 21-39
Facebook Group - “Catholic Life Young Adult Ministry”
Instagram - @nativityyam
Weekly: No Small Group 1/1; Basketball returns 1/3
Serve at Sunrise Senior Living, Burke - Saturday, January 5 from 3:00-4:30pm.
“Joyful Noise” Praise and Worship, Adoration, Confession - Friday, January 11 from 7:30-9:00pm in the Church.
YA Family Ministry (Moms, Dads, kids newborn-PreK) Saturday, January 19 from 9:00-10:30am in the FRR.
Fairfax TOT - Monday, January 21 at 7:30pm at The Auld Shebeen. “Encountering the Poor and Vulnerable from Fairfax to Haiti." Speakers are Alison Fram and Jim McDaniel (Operation Starfish).
See our full list of upcoming events: nativityburke.org/youngadult
COLLEGE MINISTRY
Serving people ages 18 - 21
Follow us on social media!
Facebook Group - Nativity College Ministry
Instagram - @nativitycollege
Interest Meeting for the College Mission Trip to Haiti. Sunday, January 6 from 12:00-1:30pm in the Fr. Ready Room. Trip date is July 8-12, 2019.
College Commitment Talk Part 2. Wednesday, January 9 from 7:00-9:00pm in the Fr. Ready Room. Featuring Fr. Chris Vaccaro, Chaplain at UMW.
College Christmas Retreat! Friday, January 11 from 6:00pm-Midnight. Full details online.
See our full list of upcoming events: nativityburke.org/college
Serving students in Grades 6 thru 12 in a variety of
teen groupings
YOU are wanted and needed to make this ministry strong. Consider making
a difference in the life of a teen -
Leading them closer to Christ!
For Complete Information on what we offer visit Nativity web site - Youth & Family
December 2018 - June 2019
High School - Weekly Sundays - LifeTEEN - 6:30 dinner, 7pm Ministry Wednesdays - Go Deeper - Girls - 7pm Thursdays - Go Deeper Boys - 7pm
Middle School - Grades 6, 7, and 8 Weekly Sundays - EDGE - 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Service Opportunities, Fun Outings & Diocesan Events
offered throughout the year.
One Act Theater Ministry - Fall RALLY - Diocesan Event - Fall Trunk or Treat - Fall (Family Event) Life Is VERY Good - Winter Living Stations - Lent VBC, Work Camp - Summer
Seasonal
One Act Jr. Theater Ministry - Fall Trunk or Treat - Fall (Family Event) BASH - Diocesan Event - Spring VBC, Camp EDGE - Summer
Seasonal
Follow Us nat ivi tycym
Nativity Youth Ministry
Have you heard the call to work with youth? YOU can make a difference in the life of a young person - leading them closer to Christ.
College-Age, Young Adults, Parents, Grandparents, Retirees… all are welcome to share the Catholic faith! Contact Ms. Ingrid to inquire how YOU can help.
Find out what’s going on in Youth Ministry
Get the Weekly CYM UPdate!
Send Email to Ms. Ingrid [email protected] -Include Child’s Name, School, Grade and Birthdate, Cell -Parent/Guardian names, cell numbers, emails UPdate goes out Wednesdays
nativityburke.org Feast of the Holy Family December 30, 2018
Fiesta de la Sagrada Familia, Ciclo C. Sobre la familia Autor : P. Raniero Cantalamessa, ofmcap Sitio Web: P. Raniero Cantalamessa, ofmcap I Samuel 1, 20-22.24-28; I Juan 3, 1-2.21-24; Lucas 2, 41-52 Sobre la familia «Hijo, ¿por qué nos has tratado así? Mira que tu padre y yo te buscábamos angustiados». En estas palabras de María vemos mencionados los tres componentes esenciales de una familia: el padre, la madre, el hijo. No podemos este año hablar de la familia sin tocar el problema que en estos momentos más agita a la socie-dad y preocupa a la Iglesia: los debates parlamen- tarios sobre el reconocimiento de las parejas de hecho.
No se puede impedir que el Estado busque dar respuesta a situ-aciones nuevas presentes en la sociedad, reconociendo al- gunos derechos civiles a personas también del mismo sexo que han de-cidido vivir juntas sus propias vidas. Lo que importa a la Iglesia –y debería importar a todas las personas interesadas en el bien futuro de la sociedad- es que esto no se traduzca en un debilita-miento de la institución familiar, ya muy amenazada en la cultura moderna.
Se sabe que la forma más efectiva de agotar una realidad o una palabra es la de dilatarla y banalizarla, haciendo que abrace cosas diferentes y entre sí contradictorias. Esto ocurre si se equipara la pareja homosexual al matrimonio entre el hombre y la mujer. El sentido mismo de la palabra «matrimonio» -del latín, función de la madre (matris)- revela la insensatez de tal proyecto.
No se ve, sobre todo, el motivo de esta equiparación, pudiéndose salvaguardar los derechos civiles en cuestión también de otras maneras. No veo por qué esto deberá sonar a un límite y ofensa a la dignidad de las personas homosexuales, hacia quienes todos sentimos el deber de respetar y amar, y de quienes, en algunos casos, conozco personalmente su rectitud y sufrimiento.
Lo que estamos diciendo vale con mayor razón para el problema de la adopción de niños por parte de parejas homosexuales. La adopción por parte de éstas es inaceptable porque es una adop-ción en exclusivo beneficio de los adoptantes, no del niño, que bien podría ser adoptado por parejas normales de padre y madre. Hay muchas que esperan hacerlo desde hace años.
Las mujeres homosexuales también tienen, se hace observar, el instinto de la maternidad y desean satisfacerlo adoptando a un niño; los hombres homosexuales experimentan la necesidad de ver crecer una joven vida junto a ellos y quieren satisfac- erla adoptando a un niño. Pero ¿qué atención se presta a las nece-sidades y a los sentimientos del niño en estos casos? Se en- con-trará con que tiene dos madres o dos padres -en lugar de un padre y una madre-, con todas las complicaciones psicológi- cas y de identidad que ello comporta, dentro y fuera de casa. ¿Cómo vi-virá el niño, en el colegio, esta situación que le hace tan diferente de sus compañeros?
La adopción es trastornada en su significado más profundo: ya no es dar algo, sino buscar algo. El verdadero amor, dice Pablo, «no busca el propio interés». Es verdad que también en las adop-ciones normales los progenitores adoptantes buscan, a veces, su bien: tener alguien en quien volcar su amor recíproco, un here-dero de sus esfuerzos. Pero en este caso el bien de los adoptantes coincide con el bien del adoptado, no se opone a él. Dar en adop-ción un niño a una pareja homosexual, cuan- do sería posible darlo a una pareja de padres normales, no es, objetivamente hablando, hacer su bien, sino su mal.
Solemnidad de María Santísima, Madre de Dios, Ciclo C. María meditaba en su corazón todas estas palabras Autor: P. Raniero Cantalamessa, ofmcap Sitio Web: P. Raniero Cantalamessa, ofmcap Números 6, 22-27; Gálatas 4, 4-7; Lucas 2, 16-21 María meditaba en su corazón todas estas palabras El Concilio nos ha enseñado a mirar a María como la «figura» de la Iglesia, esto es, su ejemplo perfecto y su primicia. Pero ¿puede María servir de modelo a la Iglesia también en su título de «Madre de Dios» con el que es honrada este día? ¿Podemos llegar a ser madres de Cristo? Ello no sólo es posible, sino que algunos Padres de la Iglesia han llegado a decir que, sin esta imitación, el título de María sería inútil para uno: «¿De qué me sirve -decían- que Cristo haya nacido una vez de María en Belén, si no nace también por fe en mi alma?». Jesús mismo inició esta aplica- ción a la Iglesia del título «Madre de Cristo», cuando declaró: «Mi madre y mis hermanos son los que escuchan la palabra de Dios y la ponen en práctica» (Lc 8, 21). La liturgia del día nos presenta a María como la primera de quienes se convierten en madres de Cristo mediante la escucha atenta de su palabra. Ha elegido, de hecho, para esta Solemnidad, el pasaje evangélico donde está escrito que «María, por su parte, conservaba todas estas palabras, meditándolas en su corazón». Cómo es posible transformarse, en concreto, en madre de Cris-to, lo explica el mismo Jesús: escuchando la Palabra y pon-iéndola en práctica. Hay dos maternidades incompletas o dos tipos de interrupción de una maternidad. Una es la antigua y conocida del aborto. Tiene lugar cuando se concibe una vida pero no se da a luz porque, entretanto, por causas naturales o por el pecado de los hombres, el feto ha muerto. Hasta hace poco, éste era el único caso que se conocía de maternidad in- completa. Hoy se conoce otro que consiste, al contrario, en dar a luz un hijo sin haberlo concebido. Así ocurre con los niños concebidos en probetas e implantados, en un segundo momen- to, en el seno de la mujer, y en el caso desolador y triste del útero dado en préstamo para albergar, a veces bajo pago, vidas humanas concebidas en otro lugar. En este caso a quien la mu- jer da a luz no viene de ella, no es concebido «antes en el cora- zón que en el cuerpo». Lamentablemente, también en el plano espiritual exis- ten estas dos tristes posibilidades. Concibe a Jesús, sin darle a luz, quien acoge la Palabra sin ponerla en práctica, quien con- tinúa practicando un aborto espiritual tras otro, formulando propósitos de conversión que luego son sistemáticamente olvidados y abandonados a medio camino; quien se comporta hacia la Palabra como el observador apresurado que mira su rostro en el espejo y luego se marcha olvidando de inmediato
El pasaje del Evangelio de la festividad termina con una escena de vida familiar que permite entrever toda la vida de Jesús desde los doce a los treinta años: «Él bajó con ellos a Nazaret y siguió bajo su autoridad. Su madre iba guardando todas es- tas cosas en su corazón. Y Jesús iba creciendo en sabiduría, en edad y en gracia ante Dios y los hombres». Que la Virgen ob-tenga a todos los niños del mundo el don de poder, también ellos, crecer en edad y gracia rodeados del afecto de un padre y de una madre. Rezar el rosario por la paz mundial.
nativityburke.org Feast of the Holy Family December 30, 2018
APRENDE TU FE
Navidad la alegría de saberse amado La Navidad es un misterio de amor. Un misterio en el que sólo podemos pene-trar con un corazón sencillo y abierto. El amor que Cristo nos trajo tenemos que hacerlo presente en el trato con las personas que nos rodean.
Por: Pablo Aguilar Bernal | Fuente: Virtudes y valores En una noche de diciembre, antes de las fiestas navi- deñas, Car-litos y su mamá caminaban de la mano, dentro de una iglesia ilu-minada y acogedora. Su mamá lo llevó hasta donde estaban las figurillas del nacimiento e inclinándose le dijo al oído: “Ella es mamá Virgen, mira sus ojos tan bellos y tiernos, y mira a san José que siempre cuida de Ella”. Carlitos preguntó: “¿por qué están aquí?” “Porque están espe- rando a Dios” –respondió su mamá-. “¿Va a venir Dios? ¿Y por qué no preparan su casa, así como tú lo haces cuando vienen mis abuelos?” “Porque no tienen casa, están en una cueva que les pre-staron”. “Pero aquí no puede venir Dios -dijo Carlitos extrañado-, en medio de una vaca y de un burro y entre paja y tierra… ¿Y cómo va a venir?”. “Va a nacer el día de Navidad, y va a ser un bebé como cuando naciste tú”. “¿Dios va a ser igual de pequeñito que yo? ¿Y no va a tener frío en las noches? Porque aquí no hay ventanas, ni cama, ni cobijas”. Y sin pensarlo se quitó el sué- ter y lo puso junto a la figura de María. “Para que cobije a Dios y no se enferme”, dijo con voz inocente. Su madre guardó silencio mien-tras los ojos se le llenaron de lágrimas. La Navidad es un misterio que sólo los de corazón sencillo pue- den aceptar y comprender. Un misterio que no puede dejar in-diferente nuestro corazón, un misterio de amor, amor de Dios, amor grande, amor infinito, amor desinteresado, amor y dolor, amor sincero y duradero. Navidad es gozo, es alegría y paz, es confianza y esperanza, es seguridad. Navidad es fuerza en la debilidad, consuelo en la amargura, calor en las horas de frío, es respiro y aliento. La Navidad se celebra cada año sin falta porque cada año se nos da una nueva oportunidad para amar. Cada año recordamos el mayor don, el mayor amor. Cada año se renueva el compromiso de
En cumplimiento de las fiesta de Año Nuevo, la oficina parroquial de la Natividad
permanecerá cerrada en las siguientes fechas:
Lunes, 31 de Diciembre, todo el día Martes, 1 de Enero, todo el día Miércoles, 2 de Enero, todo el día
La oficina volverá a abrir de Nuevo el Jueves, 3 de enero a las 8:00AM
FELIZ AÑO NUEVO!!
24). En resumen, quien tiene la fe, pero no tiene las obras. Al contrario, da a luz a Cristo sin haberle concebido quien realiza muchas obras, a veces también buenas, pero que no proceden del corazón, de amor por Dios y de recta in- tención, sino más bien de la costumbre, de la hipocresía, de la búsqueda de la propia gloria y del propio interés, o sencilla- mente de la satisfacción que da actuar. En suma, quien tiene las obras, pero no tiene la fe. Estos son los casos negativos, de una maternidad in- completa. San Francisco de Asís nos describe el caso positivo de una verdadera y completa maternidad que nos asemeja a Ma- ría: «Somos madres de Cristo -escribe- cuando lo llevamos en el cora-zón y en nuestro cuerpo por medio del divino amor y de la con-ciencia pura y sincera; lo generamos a través de las obras santas, ¡que deben brillar ante los demás para ejemplo!». No- sotros –viene a decir el santo- concebimos a Cristo cuando le amamos con sinceridad de corazón y con rectitud de conciencia, y le damos a luz cuando realizamos obras santas que lo manifi- estan al mundo
amistad y de entre- ga eterna. Cada año se nos recuerda que las puertas están abiertas, que esta vida aún no comienza. Jesús nació en un establo. El silencio de la noche lo arrullaba. Que el silencio de nuestra alma sea también la música de su sueño, pues donde no hay silencio, no hay Navidad. No es un silencio de mudez, sino de paz, de calma y de oración. Mira que Jesús quiere nacer en ti, déjale un espacio en tu interior. No te pide mucho, un rincón para él es suficiente. Carlitos dejó su suéter. ¿Yo que le voy a ofrecer? Si en la no-che del 24, la Virgen María y San José tocaran el timbre de tu casa, ¿qué ha- rías por ellos? Llorarías de alegría y los pasarías dentro, donde no golpea el frío. Les ofrecerías una manta, un té caliente y un lugar para su descanso y estarías muy cerca de ellos esperando la llegada de Dios. Este próximo 24, debemos estar atentos. “Mira que estoy a la puerta y llamo”(Ap 3,20). Jesús tocará la puerta de tu corazón buscando un lugar donde nacer. Puede venir de muchas maneras: En la Eucaristía, en tu oración, en tus hijos, en tu esposa o esposo, en tu vecino, en tu amigo o enemigo, en el vagabundo, en el enfermo, en el pecador, en el triste y el enfer-mo, en el solitario, en el amargado o desesperado, en la tristeza y en al alegría. Pero sobre todo, Jesús viene en la Eucaristía y pide un poco de calor en este mundo de invierno y al mismo tiempo Él es Calor que nace en el corazón de quien ama. Jesucristo, como un sol en el pesebre, nos interpela con la elo- cuencia de su inocencia y pone en boca de San Juan: “En esto consiste el amor: no en que nosotros hayamos amado a Dios, sino en que él nos amó y nos envió a su Hijo como propici-ación por nuestros pecados” (1Jn 4,10).
