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Nativity Catholic Church, Burke Virginia Third Sunday of Easter May 5, 2019
“Come have breakfast.” - John 21:12
My dear parishioners, The disciples go out in the boat all night, but they don’t have a fish to show for it. This classic fish tale in the New Testament is told many times to underline the notion that the followers of Jesus can’t do anything without Him. They are entirely dependent on Him, even for their daily bread…. or fish.
After their miraculous catch, Jesus had breakfast ready for them on the shore. We receive the food we need for life’s journey from Jesus in the Eucharist each Sunday. He has prepared the meal by the giving of his life for us. How could we ever let anything get in the way of our sharing in this sacred meal with Jesus each Sunday?
The story reminds the church… that’s us… that we are not self-sufficient and that we come to the table the Lord has prepared for us and receive the food we need for life’s journey. We don’t even have to ask “Who are you?” for we know “It is the Lord.”
Congratulations to our children who celebrated their First Communion at Nativity this weekend…. 225 of them. How precious and beautiful a gift.
Love and Easter Blessings,
Fr. Bob Cilinski, Pastor
A Message from our Pastor Fr. Bob Cilinski
FIFTH ANNIVERSARY MEMORIAL
FOR FR. RICHARD MARTIN
OPERATION STARFISH WEEKEND
Today, on the Third Sunday of Easter, we commemorate the fifth anniversary of the return to God of our late Pastor, Fr. Richard Martin.
We remember him this weekend in a way he would love and appreciate – by continuing the parish tradition of taking the annual Operation Starfish collection on the Sunday closest to his anniversary.
Operation Starfish began here at Nativity Catholic Church in 1998. Fr. Martin started this simple program by putting a wicker basket at the entrance to the church during Lent. That tradition has continued for 21 years.
The funds from our second collection today will be used by Food For the Poor to begin development of Nativity Village at Balan, our 12th Nativity Village project in Haiti. When complete, this village will have 70 new homes with solar lighting, sanitation and clean drinking water, an elementary school, soccer field, basketball court, community center and animal husbandry business. For the first time, each new home will have running water. And one of the families in Balan will be living in a new home built with coins collected by our Nativity School students this past Lent. Students attending the new school in Balan will do so with scholarships provided by our Religious Education students here at Nativity.
Our last village, Nativity Village at Despuzeau, which we started in 2017, is completed. 80 Families are living a new life of hope and promise in Despuzeau. They join the more than 1,400 families living in new homes in Nativity Villages throughout Haiti.
Nativity Village at Balan will be built by Operation Starfish with your generosity. Gifts may be placed in the collection basket, dropped off in the church office, or mailed to the church.
Online gifts are accepted through our arrangement with Our Sunday Visitor at: https://www.osvonlinegiving.com/898. Please call the church office at 703-455-2400 if we can help with any questions.
Once again the great generosity of our Nativity parishioners shines as we have received Bishop’s Lenten Appeal pledges and
donations, as of April 25, for $655,091 exceeding our $635,000 dollar goal. Household participation has reached over 20% as more
families and others have graciously donated. Thanks to everyone for "placing our sacrificial gifts at the service of others" throughout the
Lenten season. Your support goes a long way to help the many charities, ministries, and programs throughout the Diocese and so
much here at Nativity. Thank you again and may God bless you for your continuing generosity.
The Importance of Sunday Mass
As the body will die without food, the soul will expire without nourishment. As Catholics, that spiritual nourishment comes at the
Sunday Eucharist. The Lord’s Day is essential for our faith. Make Sunday Mass the heart of your week.
Nativity Catholic Church, Burke Virginia Third Sunday of Easter May 5, 2019
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2019
FIRST COMMUNICANTS
Skylar Abbruscato Davide Abella Rosalie Abella
Alessandro Aguilar Brianna N. Alcazar Marin
Isabella Alsip Diana Alvis Sofia Araujo Everette Arp Colin Barker
Kaylin Baumann Owen Beams
Mia Becerra Nunez Daniel Becker
Charlotte Berret Lucy Bodani Luke Bolton Danica Borie Sarah Bosch
Troy Botelho William Bowman
Clarie Boyce Ethan Brace Rachel Brace Sarah Brace
Alison Brady Samuel Brazie John Brooke
Isabelle Brummund Andrew Bulson
Jimena Bustamante Caroline Campana Genevieve Carter Gavin Casaregola
Quinn Chan Jayden Charters Abigail Chase
Miel Chu Marin Clark
Anne Cleveland Alexander Coles
Hannah Cook Jake Cordova Emily Corner Austin Craig
Caitlin Cugley Madeline Cugley
Anna Davis Xavier Deza
Valentina Diaz Cole Dombrowski
Ryan Dunham Emma Eagle Julian Ensley Ian Fairgrieve Adam Fedok Thomas Feige
Scarlett Ferman Joseph Field
Ella Finerfrock Patrick Fisher Marian Foley David Franco Xavier Freire Ella Fthenos
Ethan Fussell Leandro Garcia Melissa Gensel Xavier Ginyard Patrick Goltry
Alexander Gordon Lucas Gotico Elige Grant
Cecilia Griffith Alexander Hall
Ziana Hansen-King Matthew Haskin
Natalie Hayes Madeline Helm Jacob Hemmick Sabrina Henry
Samantha Henry Kellen Hitchcock
Quinn Hoenle Ryan Holtmann Apollo Hopkins
Emily Horak Sayuri Horio John Howell Olivia Huff
Ava Hurtado Olivia Hutchens Camryn Johnson Francis Johnson
Makenzie Johnson Christopher Khalil
Aubrey King Ava Kort
Emma Kort Benjamin Kosowski
Jake Kucsan Sofia Kunkel
Samuel Kupsky Averly Lachance
Sam Laden Laine Lemley
Alexander Lichtenstein
Anthony Licud Natalie Lineberry
Owen Linker Josephine Listermann
Sofia Llopart Tyson Lopez Juliet Lord
William Lundy Sophia Maguire
Xander Main Brayden Manikas
Noah Manon Martinez Giana Marin
Tessa Marzluff Marcell Masias
Zoe Mason Sullivan Massaro
Danielle Matragrano Elia Mazerolle
Kasen Mazerolle Kelly McAllister Ryan McAllister Trevor McCabe Taylor McCoy Maura McLane
Wyatt Mersinger Ian Meruvia-Careaga
Benjamin Metrocavage Haley Metrocavage Joseph Mickalonis
Charles Miller Sydney Monroe
David Montejano Nichole Monterey Orantes
Marion Monteron Justine Morales
Sonya Moran Colin Morris
Corinne Murphy Dylan Nachman
Ryder Neff Laura Nguyen Liem Nguyen
Kacey Nkwadi Gavin Novitske
Grayson Nye Chloe Oakes Claudia Oddo Megan O'Neill Leandro Ore
Alivia Elise Pace Leonardo Pena Perez
Liam Perez Neil Perry
Colt Pfrommer Kylee Pfrommer Connor Pollock Xavier Raybon Abigail Raymo Arceli Reategui
Elise Rebano Sabrina Reilly
John Roache III Aubrey Rosenberger
Liam Rottkamp Gianna Ryan Jon Sanders
Caroline Scaman Sawyer Schmeck Lourdes Schvind Xavier Searight
Elizabeth Shannon Tyler Shurer
Owen Simpson Adam Sloan
Amelia Smith Alice Soule Karl Stabile
Samuel Stockburger Thomas Stokes Matthew Street
Finnian Stutzman Veronica Supinger
Dylan Tanner Mia Teresinski Kaylee Thomas Grace Thomes Molly Thorne Jordyn Tiffany
Jordan Tran Denzel Valverde Jarquin
Ariel Vargas Liedson Vicente Sharon Vicente
Marco Vita Gabriela Vogele
Michaella Von Bon Roman Vucci Max Warbel
Declan Wawrik Emersyn Wilbur
Adam Woods Matthew Workmeister
Owen Yabes
Nativity Catholic Church, Burke Virginia Third Sunday of Easter May 5, 2019
The Nativity Rosary Ministry Will be meeting on Monday, May 6th
at noon in the Fr. Ready Room.
During the month of May we dedicate our work to Mary, Queen of the Rosary. Come and learn to make cord mission rosaries and rosaries made with just knots.
The foreign missions are so appreciative of our rosaries and there is always a great need for more. During the month of May we collect old or broken rosaries -- even rosaries you get in the mail. These rosaries are repaired, restrung or broken down to make prayer bracelets. Please, place your old or broken rosaries in a zip lock marked "donation" and place it in the rosary bin in the church office. Last year we collected over 200 rosaries that were repaired and sent to the foreign missions. Thank you! For any questions please contact: Diane Fields at 703-569-4631 or Soledad Olivera at 703-863-0710. For more information please visit: nativityburke.org/rosary-ministry/.
The purpose of this women’s Bible study is to “enable women to know Jesus Christ personally through Scripture and the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.” This will be the third year that it is offered for the ladies of Nativity. For those who are new, the foundational study is “Opening Your Heart.” Returning women will be studying “Touching the Divine” which delves into John’s Gospel. Look for details coming soon. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at: [email protected].
Diabetes Support Group Nativity's Diabetes Support Group will be meeting this
Thursday, May 9th at 7:30pm in room 242. All who are touched by diabetes are welcome. For more information
contact RoseAnne Zivich, email: [email protected]
Website: www.nativityburke.org Third Sunday of Easter May 5, 2019
Monday, May 6 7:30am † Rigoberto Amas
Tuesday, May 7 7:30am † Nancy Irrig 12:00pm Special Intention for Jennifer No
Wednesday, May 8 7:30am † Rico Robles
Thursday, May 9 7:30am † Leonard Gibson 12:00pm † Banard Henri-Paul Semaan
Friday, May 10 7:30am † Eleanor Hart (School Mass) 9:00am † Kathy Davis
Saturday, May 11 9:00am † Margaret McGrath 5:00pm † Ric Robles 7:00pm Parishioners
Sunday, May 12 7:30am Parishioners 9:00am Mother’s Day Novena 11:00am † Madeline Casazza 12:45pm Mother’s Day Novena 5:30pm Mother’s Day Novena
The priest schedule for Masses is found on our webpage: nativityburke.org
In prayer, let us remember the sick and deceased of the parish.
“Ira Byock, a hospice medical director, illustrates in his book: The 4 Most Important Things how saying ‘I love you,’ ‘I’m sorry,’ ‘I forgive you,’ and ‘Thank you’ can
promote much-needed healing during the dying process. You can help ensure a peaceful transition for your loved one by facilitating opportunities for reconciliation with others and for
mutual expressions of love and gratitude.” USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities, “Caring for Loved Ones at Life’s End,”
www.usccb.org/endoflifecare. The GABRIEL PROJECT supports women who are facing a crisis pregnancy and need help. Contact 1-866-444-3553 or gabrielpro-
[email protected]. You are not alone! (Gabriel Project is a crisis pregnancy program open to all and sponsored by the
Catholic Diocese of Arlington.)
Your Nativity Creation Care Ministry Native Plant Garden
Coming into right relationship with the rest of the living world includes making room on the land we occupy for other creatures to thrive. Faith communities can provide wildlife habitat and demonstrate environmental stewardship on the land around their buildings as public witness to their devotion and care for Creation.
Your Nativity Creation Care Ministry has taken a step to diversify our campus plantings by adding a small native plant garden in the church parking lot area. Plants native to our area provide food for native insects and pollinators, and are critical to the food webs that our birds and local wildlife depend on. In addition, native plants are adapted to local environmental conditions such as soil and climate, and require far less water. They don't need extra chemicals in the form of costly chemical fertilizers and pesticides to grow and thrive.
In his encyclical, Laudato Si, Pope Francis said, “It is not enough… to think of different species merely as potential 'resources' to be exploited, while overlooking the fact that they have value in themselves. Each year sees the disappearance of thousands of plant and animal species which we will never know, which our children will never see, because they have been lost for ever. The great majority become extinct for reasons related to human activity. Because of us, thousands of species will no longer give glory to God by their very existence, nor convey their message to us. We have no such right.”
To learn more about the native plants selected for this garden, please visit https://nativityburke.org/service/creation-care/ or contact [email protected].
MOTHER’S DAY CARDS AND MASSES
A Novena of nine Masses will be said during the month of May for Mothers, living and deceased. Spiritual Bouquet cards may be found in the Church vestibule and Parish office. Mother’s names will be placed on the Altar during the month of May.
Novena Masses
Sunday, May 12 9:00 AM Sunday, May 12 12:45 PM Sunday, May 12 5:30 PM Monday, May 13 7:30 AM Tuesday, May 14 7:30 AM Thursday, May 16 7:30 AM Friday, May 17 7:30 AM Saturday, May 18 5:00 PM Saturday, May 18 7:00 PM
Donut Sunday, this weekend after all Masses in the Fr. Martin Center
Hosted by Operation Starfish
ALTAR FLOWERS Donated with Love by The Vargas Family
In Loving Memory of Maria Angelica Soriano
Nativity Catholic Church, Burke Virginia Third Sunday of Easter May 5, 2019
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 Tuesday, 7 May. Rosary starts at 7:15pm and the meeting will start at 7:30pm.
VA K of C State Convention: Virginia State Knights of Columbus is having its Annual State Convention 3-5 May, and there is a need from our Council for State Convention Support. Please consider signing up on the link below. Each NoVA District is given a block of hours to man our hospitality suite. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0c4faaa82da31-northern The State Convention is close by this year at the Hyatt Dulles (2300 Dulles Corner Blvd, Herndon, VA).
***Attention First Degree Knights! Formation (2nd) Degree 2nd at Nativity
Our Council 7992 will host a Formation Degree ceremony in the School Cafeteria in Burke on 8 May. Start time is 7:30pm. Candidates should arrive at the entrance to the Nativity School at 7:00pm. Attire is coat/tie. Refreshments and fellowship will follow the ceremony. Use link below to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0D4EACAC29A2F58-kofc Any questions can be directed to Deputy Grand Knight John Ostrowski at [email protected]
Wives Appreciation Dinner: Fr. Sikora Council will host its annual Wives' Appreciation Dinner on Sunday, 19 May. Dinner will be at 5:00pm at Milano's Family Restaurant in Springfield. Dinner will be buffet style at a price of approximately $30 per person. This includes the meal and gratuity. The Council will cover the cost of your wife's dinner. Knights pay for their meal plus drinks. This has always been an enjoyable evening of fellowship and friendship. More to follow: Please RSVP below so that we can provide an accurate head count. This is a capped event, so sign up early please. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0A4CACAA28A0F94-wives.
Save the dates, upcoming events: Nativity Golf Tournament May 6th, Council Meeting May 7th, Wives Appreciation Dinner May 19th.
Opportunities to advance in the degrees of our Order: 1st Degree (Admission): Monday, 13 May, 7:00pm, Council 12846, St. Raymond’s, Springfield. Tuesday, 21 May, 8:00pm, Council 11922, Holy Spirit Parish, Annandale. Saturday, 1 June, 9:00am, Council 8600, St. Mary of Sorrows, Fairfax Station. 2nd Degree (Formation): Wednesday, 8 May, 7:30 pm, Council 7992, Nativity Parish, Burke. Tuesday, 21 May, 7:30pm, Council 7365, Dale City. Sunday, 26 May, 7:30pm, Council 6292, St. Leo’s Fairfax. Saturday, 1 June, 11:00am, Council 8600, St. Mary of Sorrows, Fairfax Station. 3rd Degree (Knighthood): Saturday, 22 June, 11:00am, Council 5332, Manassas. 4th Degree (Exemplification): Will be scheduled next fall.
nativityschool.org
NATIVITY CATHOLIC SCHOOL
A Blue Ribbon School of Excellence
This Thursday ~~ OPEN HOUSE ~~ Thursday May 9, 2019 * 9:00-10:30am
We Have a Seat for Your Child ~~ For details, contact Shannon Murphy at (703) 455-2300,
or [email protected]. **************************************
Registration for the 2019-20 School Year Open Now ~~ Preschool Through 8th Grade. Please contact our Registrar, Shannon Murphy, at [email protected], or 703-455-2300, to schedule a tour and a day for your child to “shadow” here at school. 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! Yes, Catholic education is worth the investment! Nativity Catholic School is committed to making Catholic education accessible to those who desire it, and offers financial assistance to make their dream come true.
********************************
Join Us This Monday ~~ Love Golf? We do, too. (Especially Father Bob!). Please join Father Bob for 18 holes of golf. This tournament includes time on the driving range, beverages, and lunch. The tournament benefits the youth of Nativity Parish, Nativity School, Religious Education, Youth Ministry, and CYO Sports! The tournament is Monday, May 6, 2019, Westfields Golf Club, Clifton, Virginia. Can’t join us that day? Please consid-er sponsoring a hole or one of the many other sponsorship opportunities. You can also volunteer to help the day of the tournament. Registration and sponsorship information can be found at: nativityburke.org/golf2019.
******************************** Next Sunday ~~ May 12!
Mothers’ Day Roses For Your Mom! $3 a stem; assorted colors.
Nativity School 8th Grade Fundraiser Right next to 8th Grade Bake Sale;
Sold After All Masses.
********************************
Kindergarten Seats Open 2019-20 School Year
A couple of Kindergarten seats just opened up for next school year - contact Shannon Murphy, at [email protected],
or 703-455-2300, for more information. Join Us!
Photo: Kindergartners getting ‘hands-on’ experience as they study living vs non-living things. In this case, worms -- live worms vs gummy worms -- and then, rather joyfully eating their work. Well, the gummy worms, that is!)
The next Women of Nativity (WON) meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 8th. The social will begin at 7:00pm and the meeting will start at 7:30pm. See you there!
Nativity Catholic Church, Burke Virginia Third Sunday of Easter May 5, 2019
CampEDGE We go out into the community and serve!
Students currently in Grades 5, 6 and 7 Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday
June 25, 26, and 27 Registration opens in May
VOLUNTEER for VBC and CampEDGE! Current 7th—12th graders and Adults 18+
and for those young-at-heart
Vacation Bible CAMP VBC is a welcoming, Catholic ministry for Children currently in Pre-K to Grade 4 Tuesday, June 25 - Friday, June 28 Registration opens May 1
SAVE THE DATE! More info visit: nativityburke.org/cym/
Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School is excited to announce their 2019 SUMMER CAMPS!
Whether you’re looking for an enrichment and leadership experience or a sports program for your child, the John Paul
Summer Camps are full of opportunities for children in grades 2 through 12. Have questions? Contact [email protected] or 703-445-0300. Camp descriptions and registration information
at: www.jpthegreat.org/student-life/summer-activities
Paul VI Boys Soccer Camp 2019 The camp runs from July 29 - Aug 2 from 9:00am to 3:00pm. There are a limited number of spots which means a very good camper-to-instructor ratio. It's a fun and instructive camp for boys of all levels, and if your son is interested in playing at
PVI the exposure to the coaches is invaluable. Please visit us at https://paulvi.jumbula.com/. If you have any
questions, please contact Coach Ed Aponte at [email protected] or call 703-929-9151.
Dementia Caregivers Support Group The next meeting will take place in the Fr. Ready Room from
noon – 1:30pm on Tuesday, May 14th. It exists to offer encouragement, information, and fellowship to those caring for a relative or close friend with any form of dementia. Anyone with
a loved one exhibiting memory loss and changes in cognition and behavior is welcome. Come and learn, share, and grow with others facing similar challenges. Before attending,
contact facilitator Eileen Thompson at 703-451-8626 or [email protected]
TWO WORDS: “EGADS! THE YARD SALE IS NEXT MONTH!” nativityburke.org/nativity-yard-sale/
During your annual spring clean-up and before tossing out your former “treasures”, please consider storing them in a corner of your garage or basement for donation to the Annual Yard Sale.
The Nativity Annual Yard Sale for Charity sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Father Vincent S. Sikora Council 7992, is Saturday, June 22, 2019.
Collections will begin Thursday, June 13, 2019 and continue through Thursday June 20, 2019. Your
donations are tax-deductible and sincerely appreciated!
Children’s Rosary Join us on Saturday, May 11th at 4:00pm at the School Chapel for a Children’s Rosary. Rosaries and prayer books are provided. No prior knowledge of the Rosary is needed. Children of all abilities are welcome. Parents are encouraged to attend in the role of “guardian angels” of the prayer movement.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for SCFB TRANSPORTATION PROGRAMS!
Shepherd's Center of Fairfax-Burke serves those 50+ who no longer drive through its transportation support programs. Volunteer Drivers are needed for trips to medical appoint-ments (Monday - Friday) and companion shopping (Tuesday, Friday) within the Fairfax-Burke area and to medical appointments (Monday- Friday) in the South County area. Office volunteers are also needed to schedule rides. Bilingual volunteers (English and Spanish) are especially needed as drivers and office volunteers. If you can volunteer your time, please email Shavaun Wall at [email protected] or call the office at 703-323-4788.
OUTSIDE THE PARISH
Website: www.nativityburke.org Third Sunday of Easter May 5, 2019
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: Tuesdays 7:30pm - Small Group Thursdays 8:30pm - Basketball
Joyful Noise w/ Adoration and Confession Friday, May 10, 7:30-9:00pm
YA Family Ministry Clothing Swap! Saturday, May 18, 9:00-10:30am
Fairfax TOT at The Auld Shebeen Monday, May 20, 7:30pm
YA Conference “Known” Saturday, May 25, an all-day retreat hosted at All Saints.
Single or married, all are welcome! More details on the website.
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
See our full list of upcoming events: nativityburke.org/college
Join us Saturday, May 18, for a Late-Night Garden Prayer. You, college friends, Fr. Vaccaro, and outdoor Adoration in
our Grotto. Followed by an ice cream party.
*UPDATE* Our College Mission Trip this summer will be in Kingston, Jamaica, July 8-12. We weren’t able to travel to Haiti so
instead we look forward to a new adventure and a new country to encounter Christ in the poor.
Spots are still available and applications are online! Visit nativityburke.org/collegemission2019
Serving students in Grades 6 thru 12
For Complete Information nativityburke.org/cym
May - June 2019 High School (HS) - Weekly - Sundays LifeTEEN - 6:30pm dinner, 7:00pm Ministry - Thursdays Boys Small Group - 7:00pm
Middle School (MS) - Grades 6, 7, and 8 Sundays - EDGE - 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Seasonal -One Act Theater Ministry - Winter - MS& HS
-RALLY - Diocesan HS Event - Fall
-BASH - Diocesan MS Event - Spring
-Trunk or Treat - Fall (Family Event)
-Life Is VERY Good - Diocesan HS Event -Winter
-Living Stations of the Cross - 8th and HS - Lent
Summer of Service - HS Summer Mission July 21-28 (registration closed)
- Vacation Bible Camp - June 25-28, 2019
CampEDGE - Grades 5, 6 and 7, June 25-27. 2019
- Volunteers Grades 8-12 and ages 18-99
Find out what’s going on in Youth Ministry
Get the Weekly CYM Instant UPdate!
Send Email to Ms. Ingrid [email protected] -Include Child’s Name, School, Grade and Birthdate, Cell -Parent/Guardian names, cell numbers, emails
Follow Us nativi tycym
CampEDGE June 25, 26, 27 Current Grades 5-6-7
VBC June 25, 26, 27, 28 Current Grades PreK-4
Visit: nativityburke.org/cym/summercamps/ On Line Registration Opens May 1
Website: www.nativityburke.org Third Sunday of Easter May 5, 2019
Ciclo C: III Domingo de Pascua Pedro Guillén Goñi, C.M. La escena que nos presenta este III domingo de Pascua transcurre en el lago de Galilea. Jesús, en ese mismo lugar, tres años antes, invitó a unos pescadores a que le acompa-ñaran en la instauración del Reino. Ellos, dejándolo todo, le siguieron. Ahora, en el mismo lago de Galilea, y después de la experi-encia de la resurrección, Jesús se volvió a acercar a esos pescadores-discípulos, les quitó el miedo, las dudas, el desamparo que los atenazaba, los colmó de paz y serenidad, les emocion con otra “pesca milagrosa” y les volvi a recordar que serán “pescadores de hombres”. La “pesca” es la imagen y el símbolo de la misión, de la ur-gente necesidad de todo cristiano bautizado de ser testigo de la verdad y de la vida de Cristo resucitado. Todos los discípulos sienten necesidad de anunciar el Reino, de no quedarse en la orilla sino llevar la palabra del Señor a todos los hombres. La misión hay que realizarla según los criterios de Jesús, guiarse por su Espíritu, estar abiertos a sus inspiraciones desde la unidad, los signos de los tiempos y las disposiciones eclesiales. En este ambiente de intimidad y de diálogo sincero, Jesús pregunta a Pedro, hasta tres veces, si lo ama. Pedro responde afirmativamente con humildad y reconocimiento y así repara las negaciones de la pasión y el Señor le confía el cuidado de sus seguidores en la tierra. Esta misma pregunta nos la hace hoy el Señor a cada uno de nosotros. No podemos re-sponderle con un evasivo “sí” de rutina y de comodidad, sin exigencia ninguna. La fidelidad, la disponibilidad en la mis-ión, la aplicación en nuestra vida de los valores del evan-gelio serán criterios, entre otros, que garanticen la firmeza de nuestra convicción en el amor al Señor al responder a su pregunta y llamada. El Papa Francisco, en el inicio de su Pontificado, nos urge a impulsar con fe ardiente, la tarea evangelizadora especial-mente entre los más alejados y pobres. La narración de “la pesca milagrosa”, el entorno que la envuelve y el fin exhor-tativo que Jesús inculca a sus discípulos, nos debe motivar a anunciar el Reino de Dios con mayor convicción y firmeza. Fuente: Somos.vicencianos.org (con permiso)
III DOMINGO DE PASCUA - C Evangelio de la Misa: Jn 21,1-19 Unidos al Papa Parece que al evangelista Juan se le van agolpando de repente y precipitadamente los recuerdos de las apariciones de Cristo, después de resucitado. Con un gran realismo fotográfico y literario sitúa los ac-ontecimientos en los lugares apropiados, y parece repro-ducir bastantes frases, que provablemente salieron de la boca del Maestro. Quien ha tenido la suerte de pasear por aquellas riberas del lago de Genesaret, le resulta muy fácil ubicar estos acontecimientos. Pesca en lago, noches claras, amane-ceres frescos, la lumbre y los peces recién asados, que esperan a los pescadores en la costa, y todos ansiosos de seguir escuchando al Maestro el gran mensaje salva-dor. _______________________________________ Señor, Jesús, me agrada recordarte en tus andanzas por aquellos alrededores de Genesaret, y en los recor-ridos por aquellas aldeas de Palestina, testigos mudos, pero muy elocuentes, de tu vida y predicación, y que por eso llamamos a la Tierra Santa el quinto evangelio. Yo también quiero, ahora, situarme en aquellas escenas, para contemplarte, oírte y aprender de Ti. Con humildad y sencillez quiero seguir acompañándote y captar esas maravillosas enseñanzas para hacerlas vida en mi ex-istencia: confianza contigo, trato habitual de amigo íntimo y de hijo predilecto, colaboración y empeño para echarte una mano en esa pesca maravillosa del apostolado cristiano con el testimonio de mi vida ordinaria y profesional, y con la ayuda y servicio caritativo y social con todos. Pero hoy te veo en el Evangelio también como el gran Maestro, y al mismo tiempo como el Redentor de todos los hombres. Te haces presente por la gracia en nuestros corazones -¡que nunca pierda la gracia de Dios por el pecado mor-tal!- pero también nos acompañas siempre en las per-sonas que tu consagraste para ser tus ministros o repre-sentantes en la tierra: los apóstoles primero y ahora los obispos y sacerdotes. Y además nos has garantizado te presencia y cercanía de Padre universal en la persona del Obispo de Roma, el Papa, en este momento Benedicto XVI. ¡Gracias, Señor, por este don del Pontificado en el suce-sor de Pedro, que tanto nos ayuda para mantenernos unidos en la Verdad y en el Amor. Te pido, Señor, por su santidad y su bien hacer magiste-rial. Quiero ayudarle con mi oración, cariño y fidelidad a sus enseñanzas. Te pido por todos los cristianos, para que seamos con-scientes de que solo seremos buenos y fieles cristianos, santos y apostólicos, y verdaderamente católicos, si estamos unidos y somos fieles al Santo Padre, el Pa-pa, ahora Benedicto XVI. Padre Segismundo Fernandez Rodríguez
Website: www.nativityburke.org Third Sunday of Easter May 5, 2019
Quiero orar mejor, pero ¿cómo? Orar es dejar que el amor hable, es un lenguaje aparte y especial Por: Dr. Fabián Ortiz Leitón | Fuente: Catholic.net Existen ocasiones en las que podemos expresar nuestro aprecio o cariño hacia otra persona con pequeños detalles, como puede ser un regalo. Existen épocas importantes donde estos detalles representan el gran amor que le tenemos a otras personas. Posterior a ese detalle que recibimos, nos toca agradecer por el gesto que tuvo esa persona con no-sotros. Sin embargo, a veces nos confundimos y pensamos que todos los regalos tienen que ser materiales y eso es una equivocación porque nosotros podemos ser regaladores de felicidad y amor a un bajo costo. En el caso de Dios sucede lo mismo. Existen métodos o prácticas que podemos realizar a lo largo de nuestra vida para agradecerle y ofrecerle nuestros regalos. Usa las herramientas Un método que podemos utilizar es la alabanza. Esta es la oración más perfecta y certera. También es espontánea. No hay formalismos o guías para seguir una alabanza. Alabamos a Dios con total desinterés porque se lo merece; no por obligación o porque hemos recibido favores. Su misericordia es eterna y es lo que vamos a agradecer. La alabanza no necesita más motivos: reconocemos la belleza de Dios y la celebramos. Es un don que Dios da a las almas humildes para reconocer y elevar el Espíritu, reconociendo su grandeza, fuerza y su honor. Con ella ponemos nuestra mirada y nuestro corazón en Dios, para que sea Él quien reine en nuestro ser y se haga Su voluntad. ¡Que hable el amor! Otro método muy importante y bueno que tenemos a disposición es la oración. Orar es dejar que el amor hable, es un lenguaje aparte y especial. Es un lenguaje que solamente entienden los que aman; basta un gesto, una mirada o una simple sonrisa en el momento adec-uado. Tenemos que dejar que el amor actúe en nosotros para nosotros hablar del amor, y poder hacer que ese amor llegue a todas las personas a nuestro alrededor. Dejémonos conducir por el Espíritu Santo, porque el Espíritu Santo mismo es ese amor fraternal recíproco, es decir, el amor del Padre al Hijo y del Hijo al Padre. Tengamos ese corazón dispuesto a amar sin esperar algo a cambio. Entre más sencillo, mejor. Es la sencillez la que logra un mejor estado de unión con nuestro Señor. Es más puro y transparente cuando se hace sencillo y sin complicaciones. Dejé-monos llevar por ese amor fraterno y démosle ese regalo diariamente, para que veamos su mano en todo lo que hagamos y crezca nues-tra relación con Él. Con esto no solo mejoramos nuestra relación, sino que empezamos a tener más fe y vamos entendiendo la voluntad de Dios. ¿Cómo podemos otorgar a Dios estos regalos? 1- Alabanza y oración: Tanto la alabanza como la oración pueden hacerse en cualquier momento. Escojamos un momento adecuado del día para hacerla. 2- Escoge un buen lugar: Ojalá que este lugar sea silencioso o apartado del día a día. Puede ser una pequeña caminata o la ida a un parque. En nuestra universidad u oficina podemos buscar un lugar con poca gente y acorde. 3- Agradece: Empieza agradeciendo por todo lo que tienes, lo más mínimo que sea. Sólo el hecho de estar vivo y respirando ese día es una gran ben-dición. 4- Establece recordatorios: Pon una alarma o un recordatorio en tu escritorio, el teléfono o en la computadora. Este será tu mejor aliado para no olvidar hacerlo. Estos pueden ser esos regalos que le hacemos a Dios diariamente, y Él lo va agradecer en lo más profundo de su ser. Tenemos tanto que agradecer sólo con el hecho de respirar, de saber que tenemos una familia, que podemos ir a estudiar y trabajar. Dios no nos pide regalos extravagantes o altos en precio, Él sólo quiere que lo tengamos presente en nuestras vidas y que le demos un buen campo en ella. Que confiemos en Él, que tengamos la certeza de recurrir a Él cuando estamos tristes y cuando queremos que algo nos salga de la mejor manera posible. Porque Él siempre va estar ahí cuando más lo necesitemos.
