Reflections for November 21st - November 28th
Sunday, November 21st
2 Samuel 5: 1-3; Psalm 122; Colossians 1: 12-20; Luke 23: 35-43 "We are used to John’s narrative of Pilate asking Jesus if he were a king, so it might startle us today to see our king hanging helpless on a cross. His enemies mock him: “If you are a king, save yourself.” No one can save oneself. This is not some wretch placating God. This is our leader and lord offering forgiveness and a place in his kin-dom to one who speaks truth… Jesus, remember us, for you have come into your kin-dom! Help us discover your kin-dom within ourselves, throughout the world, and to adore you, our crucified king!" To read these daily reflections from the School Sisters of Notre Dame, please click here.
Homily Helper
First Sunday of Advent, November 28th
Matthew 24:37-44: "...
In Catholic belief, the grace of the Eucharistic liturgy actualizes in us what the gospel proclaims. It would not be good news simply to hear the warning of Jesus about the danger of living in illusion. A warning alone brings more anxiety, not joyful hope. The good news is that today we may receive the gift of the Spirit who enables us to see what's really going on with the eyes of Jesus and to respond to that reality with the courage of Jesus--without illusion and without anxiety." To read the rest of Campion P. Gavaler, OSB's reflection on this reading, please click here.
In this Issue...
Advent Lessons and Carols
Your invitation to the annual
Service of Advent Lessons and Carols
Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff and friends of the Washington Theological Union are invited to come together in celebration of the service of Advent Lessons and Carols on Sunday, December 5, 2010 at 7pm.
This event is one of the largest annual gathering of the WTU community. Your family and friends are also invited to attend this beautiful service of readings and music preparing us for the coming of the Christ! The 2010 Advent, Lessons & Carols service will take place at St. Camillus Parish located at 1600 St. Camillus Drive, Silver Spring, MD, 20903.
Help us plan! - CLICK HERE to let us know that you will be attending.
Art Exhibit Opening at WTU
 HIGH TIDES OF JOYFUL TIDINGS
Paintings by Agnieszka Praxmayer (France)
“Meet the Artist” gathering in WTU lobby.
WTU invites you to the exclusive exhibit opening of Artist Agnieszka Praxmayer's collection on Monday, Nov. 22, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm. View her collections of paintings entitled "High Tides of Joyful Tidings", which explore the beauty of nature in human relations through the dominant theme of sea and wildlife. Her paintings invites us all to a reflection on the renewal of all creation echoing cheers of upcoming Advent and Christmas Seasons. FREE and OPEN to the public. Refreshments will be served.
To learn more about this exhibit, please contact Fr. Jerry Gamrot. To view photos of the Artist's work, CLICK HERE.
Study Pilgrimage to Turkey and Greece on May 16-26, 2011
 Join WTU Professors J. Mindling OFM, CAP, SSD, and J. Wimmer, OSA, STD, for a study pilgrimage, entitled "John, Paul and the Early Church."
The total tour rate (May 16-26, 2011 - Air + Land: $3,590 Per Person in Double Occupancy, including a $100 tax deductible donation to WTU) > $100 per person deposit for the airline due: 12/1/2010.
INCLUDES: All International and Domestic Flights (Out of Washington Dulles-based on LH Economy Class); 4 Nights at 3 star hotels in Turkey; 5 Nights at 2 star hotels in Greece; Dail Open buffet breakfast; and all-9 Dinners at hotels; All sightseeing per the itenerary; English-speaking government licensed tour guides in Turkey and Greece; Transportation by private AC Buses with professional drivers; All Entry fees to the sites and museums; and Service charges and local taxes (includes tips to porters at hotels in Turkey but not in Greece).
[Note: If you would like to receive course credits for this study tour, you are required to register separately --regular tuition charges will assessed.]
To learn more, contact Fr. Joe Wimmer, OSA, STD at wimmer@wtu.edu.
WTU Launches Catholic Leadership in Government Program for Capitol Hill Staffers and Federal Government Employees
Washington Theological Union (WTU) has launched a new program forum where public servants can learn to navigate their Catholic faith in the public square: Catholic Leadership in Government (CLG). This one-year post-graduate faith formation program is for men and women who are committed to their faith and to the service of the public good through government.
CLG is a theological and practical program which will focus on Catholic thought, teaching, and practice. This opportunity is open to adults, from across the political spectrum, who have successfully secured a position as a staff member on Capitol Hill or within the federal government. The CLG program includes onsite housing at WTU, monthly education sessions, retreat and prayer experiences, and community life.
To learn more, contact CLG's Program Director, Mary J. Novak, J.D. or CLICK HERE.
Upcoming Community Events
Check out the following upcoming events in the Washington, DC area:
The Franciscan Sisters of Washington, are sponsoring a Advent Retreat, entitled "“Who Do You Say I Am? Exploring the Mystery of God in Advent”, on December 11, 2010. The day will include Eucharistic Liturgy, two conferences given by Sr. Ilia Delio, OSF and a time for reflection and prayer. CLICK HERE to learn more and/or register.
St Paul's College is sponsoring a ten week meditation and yoga series entitled "PRAYER OF HEART AND BODY." Ten Tuesdays, from January 11 to March 15, 6:30 - 8:15 pm, at St. Paul’s College, 3015 4th St NE, Washington, DC, 20017. This series will be taught in a Christian context with an eye towards helping participants realize a positive integration of these practices into their Christian prayer life and spirituality. No experience required. Wear light, comfortable clothing. If you have a mat, bring it; if not, there are mats available. Instructor: Fr. Thomas Ryan, CSP, a certified yoga instructor and author of Prayer of Heart and Body: Meditation and Yoga as Christian Spiritual Practice, and the DVD Yoga Prayer. Cost: $100. To register: Send name, telephone number, postal and email addresses + $50 deposit (make check out to Paulist Ecumenical Relations) and mail to Ecumenical Relations Office at the St Paul's College address above by January 1. |
Upcoming Events
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Mass
12noon/Connelly Chapel
Art Exhibit Opening at WTU 11:30am-12:30pm/WTU Foyer |
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Mid-Day Prayer
12noon/Connelly Chapel |
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Mass
12noon/Connelly Chapel |
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School Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday
WTU WISHES YOU AND YOUR FAMILY A HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! |
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Advent Lessons & Carols
7:00 pm
St. Camillus Parish
(1600St. Camillus Drive, Silver Spring, MD, 20903)
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Review: Lecture Series at WTU
 On Wednesday, November 17, over sixty students, guests, staff and faculty gathered together for WTU's annual Franciscan lecture entitled "Holy Church and Holy Writ: Bonaventure's Contribution to the Debate Over the Meaning of Tradition", presented by C.Colt Anderson, Ph.D., WTU's Academic Dean.
Earlier that afternoon, Rev. Leopold Glueckert, O.Carm., Ph.D. gave a  lecture, entitled, "Does Dan Brown Get the Last Word on the Templars?", as part of WTU's monthly Nourishment for Ministry free lecture series.
To view photos from these events or others at WTU, please visit WTU's Flickr photo album here.
Feeding the Flames of Ministry 2010 Annual Appeal
 We continue to need your help as WTU works to provide tomorrow's priests, pastoral ministers, and church leaders with the excellent theological and spiritual formation the Union provides. CLICK HERE to view our brochure.
Student/Alumni Class Notes
Michael J. Castrilli, OSFS, "Recruit, Retain, Develop your team like Jesus did - servant leadership in pastoral ministry," in Ministry and Liturgy. Volume 37, No 9 (November 2010): 11-13.
Clare McGrath-Merkle, OCDS, '95, has written an article that will appear online in November for the Journal Religion and Health entitled “Gregory the Great’s Metaphor of the Physician of the Heart as a Model for Pastoral Identity.”
>>> Want to know what your classmates are up to? Visit the Alumni Class Notes webpage today!
>>> If you have professional or personal news such as an ordination, wedding, birth, or jubilee to share, please submit a Class Note to alumni@wtu.edu.
WTU Faculty are on the Move!
WTU faculty are routinely invited to speak at various events across the nation. Check our website or watch this space for their latest engagements!:
Sr. Carol Ries, SNJM - Dec. 5, 2010, "Advent Day of Prayer"
Location: Bon Secours Spiritual Center, Marriotsville, MD
Be Published!
If you have an insight into next Sunday's Gospel: Publish it!
If you sponsor an event: Publicize it!
If you know a great story: Submit it!
Please send your submission by Wednesday evening to: kturner@wtu.edu
Links
Washington Theological Union is now on Facebook, Flickr and YouTube. Stay updated on the latest news from WTU - join us today!
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