FROM OUR PASTOR

Dear St. Charles Parishioners:

St. Charles renews its ministries and programs during the month of September. [see Volunteer Fair] Think of ways you want to invest your time, talent and treasure in the outreach of this growing community. A major undertaking for the Fall is the completion of our Capital Campaign. We are over half way toward our goal, three million dollars. A Community Center that will provide more adequately for the activities of our children, youth and various groups is an urgent necessity. Last week, I refereed the use of our space between five competing interests!

WE NEED THE INVOLVEMENT OF ALL OUR MEMBERS! The participation of each person at their unique level of sacrifice and comfort will bring this historic project within our reach. Come to our receptions after Mass the weekend of the 24th and let us know your interest.

Together we will “Build the Spirit!”

PASTORAL COUNSELING SERVICES AVAILABLE

If you ever thought about doing therapy---now is the time. We have two seasoned interns on hand to give us an opportunity to provide more sliding fees and hours. The mix of sound psychology and spirituality makes for God’s healing. Set things straight in the Jubilee Year. Call Jean to talk it over or to set up an appointment with Carl or Anne. Day/Eve or Saturday 703-527-5500x15

USHERS/PROSPECTIVE USHERS

The Parish Liturgy Committee is seeking to formalize the usher network and actively include ushers in the Liturgy planning process. If you are currently an usher or wish to be an usher, please contact the Parish office on 703-527-5500 or call Dottie Slovak, Liturgy Committee Chair, on 704-354-0028 or dslovak@hklaw.com. Usher opportunities are open both men and women.

VOLUNTEER FAIR

“Together in the Spirit” is the theme of this year’s parish Volunteer Fair, Which will be held after all Masses on the weekend of September 30 & October 1, 2000. Make plans now to come by the cafeteria after Mass to explore the many ways you can work together with others to build and nurture the St. Charles parish community. Volunteering can take on many forms, from offering your time to pray for others, to singing in the parish choir, to helping with special Liturgies, to working with parish youth, to delivering meals to the homebound, to driving fellow parishioners to Mass. No matter what talent you have to share, or how much time you have to give, there is a volunteer job for you. Come, join us, and become a part of something very exciting and rewarding… Together in the spirit! If you are interested in providing assistance to the Volunteer Fair Committee, please contact Dottie Slovak at 202-862-5983 or 703-354-0028 or by e-mail to dslovak@hklaw.com.

SPONSOR OF THE WEEK: Our special thanks to Alex Johnson, Nationwide Insurance Agent

This Week's Readings & Mass Intentions

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2000:

7:30 Joseph Clements by George Macdonald

9:00 Parishioners

11:00 Rose & Frank D’Ambrosio by Mario D’Ambrosio

1:00 Manuel & Magnolia Betancur & Freddy Crawford by

Gladis Arboleda

Readings: Isaiah 35:7-7a, James 2:1-5; Mark 7:31-37

Monday, September 11:

9:00 Gwendoline Gradoville by Savery Gradoville

7:30 (at the Arlington Detention Center) for the Inmates

Readings: 1 Corinthians 5:1-8; Luke 6:6-11

Tuesday, September 12:

9:00 Robert Somma by Joe Fruscone

Readings: 1 Corinthians 6:1-11; Luke 6:12-19

Wednesday, September 13:

9:00 Thanksgiving by Savery Gradoville

Readings: 1 Corinthians 7:25-31; Luke 6:20-26

Thursday, September 14: The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

9:00 Romeo Cavasian by Michael & Deborah Urban

Readings: Numbers 21:4b-9; Philippians 2:6-11; John 3:13-17

Friday, September 15:

9:00 Juan Pedro Leon by Maria Navarro

Readings: 1 Corinthians 9:16-19,22b-27; John 19:25-27

Saturday, September 16:

9:00 The Manna family (L) by Sylvia Teem

5:00 Antonio Calogero by Camille Burruto

Readings: 1 Corinthians 10:14-22; Luke 6:43-49

Please remember to keep in your prayers, those who are sick and those who suffer, especially: Kathy & Mike Burke, Gene Biedscheid, Jill Hasty, Ralph Bruno, Eileen Bruno, Glyne Goodridge, Josephine Hilton, Robert Howe, Judy Birt, Keith Fredlake, Mary McLaren, Maria Segarra Hines, Grace Gretzinger, and Manuel Mercado. Let us also pray for those who have died, especially…

BANNS OF MARRIAGE

On November 11, 2000 in Mexico, Adriana Zermeno and Paul Von Hoene will be married.

SOCIAL JUSTICE CORNER

FAITHFUL CITIZENSHIP – In the spirit of Jubilee, as we approach our upcoming elections, let us rededicate ourselves to upholding the Church’s tradition of advocating for the marginalized and vulnerable in our society. Mark your calendars for two upcoming events: Sept. 23 – Faithful Citizenship Conference at Good Shepherd (9 AM to 1 PM) and October 22 – Election 2000 Workshop here at St. Charles (3 PM).

Ministry

The deepest ethical principle restraining the physician’s power is not the autonomy or freedom of the patient; neither is it his own compassion or good intention. Rather, it is the dignity and mysterious power of human life itself.

-Dr. Leon Kass, “Neither for love nor money: why doctors must not kill,” in The Public Interest

SCHOOL NEWS

Dear Friends In Christ,

Again this year, I appeal to your generosity for Sr. B’s Special Children who are in need of Financial Aide toward their Catholic Education. With your help, they won’t be deprived. No amount of money is too large or too small. Please make checks payable to St. Charles School Scholarships Fund. Tuition for one child is $2,340.00 for the school year. Thank you so much for your participation. Because of you we continue to CELEBRATE CATHOLIC EDUCATION.

In Him Always,

Sister Benedict

MARRIED COUPLES

Does “Back-to-School” bring back memories of rediscovering old friends, a fresh start, and a chance to gain knowledge and understanding? A Marriage Encounter Weekend can do the same for your marriage. Sign up for a weekend this fall by contacting Ed and Leanne Hanson at (703) 781-8446. Weekend dates for this fall are Sept. 22-24, Oct. 27-29, and Dec. 1-3. See yellow brochures at church entrances for more details.

HELP STOP HUNGER

Get some exercise and enjoy a beautiful fall morning while helping to eliminate hunger! Join the 2000 Arlington CropWalk, which will be held on Saturday, October 21st. CropWalk is a 10K stroll through North Arlington to raise funds for Church World Services’ global local hunger relief efforts. 25% of the money raised is given to the Arlington Food Assistance Center; the remaining 75% are used for global hunger relief projects. Can’t walk? Consider sponsoring a walker! Look for the colorful T-shirt by the CropWalk table in the cafeteria after the 9:00am and 11:00 am Masses and register to walk. For more information, call Carol Brown on 524-6133.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS OPEN HOUSE

WHERE: Knights of Columbus, 5115 Little Falls Road, Arlington, VA 22205.

WHO: All Parishioners Invited.

WHY: To inform parishioners of the benefits of membership, to build a better relationship with each parish, and have a great time! Plus, prospective members get a free breakfast. A classic car show will also be held from 11 AM to 6 PM. Come join us. For more information, call Kenny Goss at 703-354-8428.

IN OUR PARISH...

WEB MEETING TUESDAY AND SURVEY RESULTS

Attention Web team members and those of you thinking about helping with the parish website: our next meeting is Tuesday, September 12 at 7:30 p.m. in the memorial room of the church. All are welcome. Next time you’re online, visit us at www.stcharleschurch.org to see our latest additions: the lector and Eucharistic minister schedules. We made those additions because of your suggestions in our survey. We’ve also added new information about the upcoming Volunteer Fair. What would you like to see on our site? Email webteam@stcharleschurch.org this week to let us know!

MOTHERS SHARING MINISTRY

Do you sometimes think of motherhood as a “job” filled with stress and dirty laundry?? Mothers’ face many difficult challenges daily, and there is no “job” MORE important. We invite you to join us for a new and fresh perspective on Motherhood! Mothers Sharing Ministry is an opportunity to view your role as “Mother” as a true ministry. Each day we “Minister” to our families. This 8-week program will explore the positive and spiritual view of being a Mother. Women have many demands on their time and energy. Give yourself the gift of 2 hours per week as you experience the support of other woman and experience the depth of your own spirituality. The topics will include:

• Self-Esteem and Acceptance
• Stress, Worries and Anxiety
• Everyday Spirituality
• Feelings
• Personal Growth
• Values in Friendships
• Celebration Dinner Celebrating “New Beginnings ”

The program will begin Wednesday, September 20, from 7:30-9:30 in the Parish Library. And will continue on Thursday nights at 7:30 for the next 7 weeks. Call Rosa Flores 703-243-5073 or Lisa Michaels 703-237-1895 for more information and to register.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

St. Charles Parish Office is looking for a mature individual for part-time Front Desk Reception work. The individual must possess good public relations skills as well as computer skills (MSOffice) and be available to work on weekends and evenings. Bilingual a plus. Please send qualifications to the Parish Office c/o Tricia Clark. Thank you.

Church Support

• Last Week’s Collection: $14,715.00
• Last Week’s Tithe of $1,471.50 was for our sister parishes in Cavaillon & Gros Marin, Haiti.
• This Week’s Tithe is for SOME (So Others Might Eat).
• This Week’s 2nd Collection is for Religious Education.
• Next Week’s Tithe is for St. Charles Outreach.

Revised/reviewed September 7, 2000