Reflections for December 5 - December 12th
Homily Helper
Second Sunday of Advent, December 5th
Matthew 3:1-12: "...Today's gospel urges us to make room in our hearts for the love of God, not as a theoretical fact or on someone else's word, but in our own experience. The Eucharist reminds us every Sunday that God loves us and has given his only Son to die for us. This means that we are very precious in God's sight. This also means that God is more than ready to enter our hearts and to lead us to true repentance."
Third Sunday of Advent, December 12th
Matthew 11:2-11: "...
Jesus realized that only the humble power of God's love can vanquish the reign of evil and bring about a new kingdom of justice and peace. Love must actualize itself in defending and promoting the God-given rights of every human being--the fundamental right to live and the right to participate with dignity in the life of the community. Love, which seems most weak, most impractical, most foolish in the face of evil, is the only force that can change the human heart."
To read the rest of Demetrius R. Dumm, O.S.B and Campion P. Gavaler, OSB's reflections on these readings, please click here.
In this Issue...
REMINDER: Advent Lessons and Carols
Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff and friends of the Washington Theological Union are invited to come together for 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! Our 2010 Advent, Lessons & Carols service will take place at St. Camillus Parish located at 1600 St. Camillus Drive, Silver Spring, MD, 20903.
It's not too late! - CLICK HERE to let us know that you will be attending.
Parish Management Workshop Series - Join us on Saturday, January 8, 2011, 9:00 AM
Improved Decision Making - Cost Benefit Analysis for Church
 In these harsh economic times, many parishes are dealing with decreasing finances. Our Parish Management Workshop will teach you how to create and execute a budget, and how to calculate and evaluate return on investment for a variety of decisions that need to be made when running a parish. You don’t want to miss this series!
Presented by: Michael J. Castrilli, OSFS, management consultant with Booz Allen Hamilton and the Corporate Executive Board, and WTU student. CLICK HERE to learn more or to register contact Sr. Katherine Kandefer, BVM.
In the Footsteps of St. Ignatius of Loyola - June 14-23, 2011
Join Dr. Edward McCormack and Rev. James Wallace C.S.s.R on a trip “In the Footsteps of St. Ignatius of Loyola”. This June 14-23, 2011 journey starts in Madrid, and takes you through Loyola, San Sebastian, Pamplona, Javier, Manresa, Montserrat and Barcelona.
Optional trip to Lourdes and a hiking experience through the Pyrenees are offered. Stay in 4 star hotels, be cared for by local  tour guides, listen to Dr. McCormack’s insights, and participate in liturgy with Rev. Wallace at some of Spain’s holiest sites. Priced from $2900.00 per person, the trip is limited to 40 participants. Registration form will be on-line soon. For more information or to reserve space, call or email Joan Knetemann at jknetemann@wtu.edu or 202-541-5239.
To learn more, CLICK HERE.
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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Advent Lessons & Carols
7:00 pm
St. Camillus Parish
(1600St. Camillus Drive, Silver Spring, MD, 20903) |
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Mass
12noon/Connelly Chapel |
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Mid-Day Prayer
12noon/Connelly Chapel
Exam Period Begins |
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Mass
12noon/Connelly Chapel
Feast of the Immaculate Conception |
Review: Exhibit Opening at WTU
WTU hosted the exhibit opening of Artist Agnieszka Praxmayer's collections of paintings, entitled "High Tides of Joyful Tidings", on Nov. 22. The collection explores the beauty of nature in human relations through the dominant theme of sea and wildlife.
To view photos from this event 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.
Job Opportunity
Our Lady, Queen of Peace, Arlington, VA, a vibrant and diverse Roman Catholic parish, deeply committed to living out the Catholic Social Teaching through an active engagement in peace and justice related issues, is seeking a full time social justice outreach minister. For a full description of the position, and necessary qualifications please CLICK HERE or contact: office@ourladyqueenofpeace.org Deadline for application is December 23, 2010. (No phone calls, please.)
Student/Alumni Class Notices
Kevin O'Neill's, C.Ss.R, STD, (Associate Professor, Moral Theology) mother, MargaretO'Neil, passed away on Thanksgiving evening at 89 years old. Let us pray for Margaret's eternal rest and for Kevin and the family during this time.
Dennis Pierce, M.T.S., ‘2009, recently gave a talk on the virtue of piety for the Senior Boys Retreat at Paul VI High School. PVI is located in Fairfax VA. The Senior Boys Retreat is an annual event at PVI.
>>> If you have professional or personal news such as a prayer request, ordination, wedding, birth, or jubilee to share, please submit a Class Notes 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!:
Fr.Joseph Mindling OFM, CAP, SSD - Dec. 13, 2010, "History Talk: Qumran and the Dead Sea Scrolls"
Location: Arlington Public Library, Arlington, VA
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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