FROM OUR PASTOR

Dear St. Charles Parishioners:

This weekend we celebrate Catechetical Sunday.

We commission our religious education teachers for the next year. We are blessed with generous and skilled volunteers. We especially appreciate the new catechists who have stepped forward to expand the options we present to our families. Remember Religious Education is only an aid to the primary educators, our parents. The grade-based program provides student and family activities that I hope will be used in the home to deepen our children’s grasp of their faith.

Education in faith is a lifelong process. This Fall, St. Charles launches a First Monday’s Adult Education Program. Mark down October 2 at the Church for a presentation on the “CHURCH AND POLITICS”, a reflection on civic responsibility, the elections and Catholic Social Teaching. Fr. Joseph Hacala, S.J. will be the presenter. He has an extensive background in social action, theology, education and housing.

Our Capital Campaign to Build a Community Center urges all of you who are waiting to participate to come to the Cafeteria this coming weekend after the Masses. A minority of our congregation have already given with extraordinary generosity. All we need now is for the remaining majority to participate with ordinary generosity. A burden shared is a burden lightened.

Spread the Word!

PASTORAL COUNSELING 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 703-527-5500 x15.

THEOLOGY ON TAP

Want to learn a little more about your faith and meet some other young adults in the process? Stop by Whitlows on Wilson this Tuesday, September 19 at 7pm for a talk on “Who is God” by Fr. Daniel Maher. Email tot@arlingtondiocese.org for more info. Also pick up a copy of C’YA’s September calendar at the back of the church for more great events.

CITIZENSHIP WORKSHOP

The Spanish Catholic Center is sponsoring a Citizenship workshop to help eligible permanent residents file for U.S. citizenship. If you have had your green card for at least five fears (or three if married to a U.S. citizen) you may be eligible to apply. The workshop will take place on Saturday, October 21, 2000 at the Shrine of Sacred Heart (16th St. and Park Rd., Washington DC). Space is limited and pre - registration is required for admission. To register, or for more information, call the Spanish Catholic Center at (202) 939 – 2422.

This Week's Readings & Mass Intentions

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2000

7:30 Laura Mazanti

9:00 John McQuillan by Marcia Rachy

11:00 Parishioners

1:00 Raul Costas Rios by Marina Soronda

Readings: Isaiah 50:5-9a, James 2:14-18; Mark 8:27-35

Monday, September 18:

9:00 Thanksgiving by Savery Gradoville

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

Readings: 1 Corinthians 11:17-26,33; Luke 7:1-10

Tuesday, September 19:

9:00 Liam Hickie by Sara Hebeler

Readings: 1 Corinthians 12:12-14,27-31a; Luke 7:11-17

Wednesday, September 20:

9:00 Rafael Mutis by Angelina Schor

Readings: 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13; Luke 7:31-35

Thursday, September 21:

9:00 Helen Stnons (L) by Annabelle Ryan

Readings: Ephesians 4:1-7,11-13; Matthews 9:9-13

Friday, September 22:

9:00 Joseph Alfred Blanchotte by SB Macke

Readings: 1 Corinthians 15:12-20; Luke 8:1-3

Saturday, September 23:

9:00 Fr. Edmund Kollar by St. Charles Staff

5:00 John Dwight Evans by Rose Evans

Readings: 1 Corinthians 15:33-37,42-49; Luke 8:4-15

Please remember to keep in your prayers, those who are sick and those who suffer, especially: Andrew Niland, Colleen White, Rodney Barnes, Bert Sweigart, 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 and Manuel Mercado. Let us also pray for those who have died, especially Grace Gretzinger.

SOCIAL JUSTICE CORNER

“Just Consumers?” A 5 – part series on Consumerism in our lives. This fall, St. Charles Social Justice Committee will be sponsoring a 5 – week prayer / study / reflection / action series on the issue of Consumerism. In our frantic, too – busy, consumer – driven and often impersonal culture, we can easily get caught in a cycle of faster – more – faster – more…What does our faith teach us about where our real value lies? What does Jesus have to say to us about how to be in relationship to “things” and to money…? Join us for a chance to reflect, share stories, be inspired and challenged and to pray for guidance on how to lead authentic lives that truly reflect what we profess. Wednesday evenings, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m., in the Parish Library. October 11, 18, 25, and November 1, 8. Contact Micheline Toussaint at 703 – 527 – 5500 x 13 or mc2saint@erols.com to register.

SPONSOR OF THE WEEK: Our Special Thanks to Advent Funeral & Cremation Services for their support.

Ministry

We need to proclaim with our deeds as well as our words that no form of physical dependence can diminish the innate dignity of a human person.

--M. Cathleen Kaveny, “Dying Well, Assisted Suicide, and the Law”

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 Aid 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 Scholarship 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

MONEY NEEDED FOR SCHOOL SUPPLIES

We have many needy families who have still not been able to purchase school supplies and books for the new school year. Can you help? Please make any donations out to St. Charles and mark them Project Lazarus School supplies - Attn. Micheline Toussaint. The children thank you in advance!

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 703-524-6133.

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.

DONATION TO ELIZABETH HOUSE

Elizabeth House is in desperate need of a vacuum cleaner. Any donation of one would be greatly appreciated. Many Thanks, Borromeo Staff

IN OUR PARISH...

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 women 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.

BACK TO “COOL” TIME

It’s not only back to school time, but time to go back to see all the cool additions to the parish web site. Check out www.stcharleschurch.org and you’ll find pictures from this summer’s events, [Neighborhood F picnic, the reception for Carolyn Gretzinger, plus Fr. Mendez's 40th anniversary celebration, community building ministries party, series on "From Violence to Wholeness", and the Web Team's 2nd Anniversary] plus you can learn about upcoming events like a series for moms, a session on this year’s election and lector & EM schedules for the Fall. Log on and discover something new this week. You can reach the Web Team at webteam@stcharleschurch.org

VOLUNTEER FAIR

Tired of limiting your faith – sharing to exchanging the sign of peace at Sunday Mass? Looking for ways to share your faith and special talents in the parish community? Come to St. Charles’ Volunteer Fair after Mass during the weekend of September 30 / October 1, 2000 to explore the unlimited opportunities available to you. Whatever your interest or talent, there is a special place for you. Volunteering is both fun and rewarding! Don’t miss your chance! Come Together in the Spirit!

• Last Week’s Collection: $14,195.50
• Last Week’s Tithe of $1,419.55 was for SOME (So Others Might Eat).
• Last Week’s 2nd Collection of 2,480.00 was for Religious Education.
• This Weeks Tithe is for St. Charles Outreach.
• Next Week’s 2nd Collection is for Catholic University of America.

Revised/reviewed September 13, 2000