December 7, 2014

A Catholic community
devoted to deep and
abiding friendship
with Jesus Christ
Established 1700
3320 St. Peter’s Drive
Waldorf Maryland 20601
301-843-8916
www.stpeterswaldorf.org
Mission Statement
Saint Peter’s Church is a Catholic community devoted to deep and abiding
friendship with Jesus Christ. We strive to build upon the legacy of faith entrusted
to us by the Catholic pioneers who courageously established Saint Peter’s – an
ethnically and economically diverse community unified through the power of
the Holy Spirit in the truth and love of Jesus Christ. Mindful of this legacy as well
as our need for ongoing conversion amidst new challenges, today, in our fourth
century, we seek friendship with Jesus through our commitments to:
• Understand and proclaim His saving truth revealed in the
Bible in union with the official teaching authority of the
Catholic Church.
• Worship joyfully His living presence in the sacraments,
especially the Eucharist.
• Recognize His face in those we are privileged to serve and
protect, particularly the poor and vulnerable.
• Welcome Him in each other through our fellowship and
unity amidst the rich diversity of our parish community.
• Encounter Him and the beauty of His creation by preserving
our parish as a peaceful and prayerful sanctuary.
• Hear His personal call to holiness and help families embrace it
in all vocations, especially to priesthood or consecrated life.
• Imitate His generous self-giving as a way of life that expresses
our gratitude to Him and our love for God and neighbor.
Mass Schedule/Misa
Monday - Saturday: 8:00 am
Saturday Vigil:
5:00 pm
Sunday:
8:00 am, 10:00 am, 12:00 pm, en Español 1:30 pm
Confession/Confesión
Wednesday:
Saturday:
7:00 pm
3:30 pm
www.stpeterswaldorf.org
Parish Office
Hours: M – F, 8:30 – 4:30
301-843-8916 Fax: 301-843-3163
St. Peter’s School 301-843-1955
Office for Christian Formation
301-843-9583
Rev. Cezary Kozubek
Parochial Vicar
Msgr. J. Wilfrid Parent
Pastor
Deacon Robert Martin
Tom Abell, Parish Facilities Manager
Alice Culbreth, Director of Christian Formation
Sr. Theresa Frere, IHM, Coordinator of Ministry
to the Sick and Homebound
Marianna Hamilton, Coordinator of Christian Formation
Alicia Moore, Parish Secretary
Msgr. Oliver McGready
Msgr. Andrew Cassin
Fran O’Neill, Parish Accountant
Retired
Pastor Emeritus
Cara Tiffin-Johnson, Music Director
J.R. West, Principal, St. Peter’s School
PARISH COUNCILS
PARISH COMMISSIONS
Worship
Parish Life & Service
Christian Formation
When one thinks of the Pro-Life movement, the mind
usually shifts to the anti-abortion stance. However, a
much overlooked aspect of Pro-Life is end of life choices
and decisions. In recent years, this issue has gained
traction in our society. It received a boost when Brittany
Maynard, a 29 year-old woman with terminal brain cancer,
went public about her decision to end her life.
In October, my Facebook feed was flooded with
pictures of a vibrant, young woman with a wide
smile holding a chocolate Labrador. The headline
of the article detailed her plan to end her life.
Since Brittany was given a grim diagnosis and the
promise of a debilitating and painful death, she
took matters in her own hands. She moved to
Oregon where assisted suicide is legal and received
a prescription for medication to cause death.
What I found most perplexing was that she was
being lauded as “brave.” I asked one of my friends,
“Why is this brave?” The replies I got were that it
was brave to face something you’re afraid of.
Another said, “She is going to die anyway, why not
end it now?” I couldn’t help notice the stunning
irony of these statements. I thought bravery
meant facing your fears, not running from them.
My thoughts trailed back to my grandmother who
died in August 2014. She fought cancer and won
three times. But in 2013, she began a gradual
decline. The cancer came back and this time there
was nothing anyone could do. Every time I visited,
her decline was obvious. She wasted away to 100
pounds. But whenever I visited her, she exuded
joy. She was always happy to see me and my
children. Just the sight of us would lift her spirits.
Every visit became harder to bear. No one wants
to see their loved one waste away, so I can see why
Brittany’s family supported her choice. In fact
during the last month of my grandmother’s life, I
found my thoughts wandering into the assisted
suicide mindset. If Granny didn’t want to suffer,
why should she be made to? Who am I, or anyone,
to say that she has to suffer when she’s just going
to die anyway? That mindset came to a screeching
halt on August 22, the day before she died.
I went to the hospital with Cecilia, my two-month
old baby, to see her. When I arrived, Granny was
wavering in and out of consciousness. Her
breathing was labored. Her entire body struggled
to inhale and exhale. Her skin tone had faded to
a pale yellow. My aunt gently woke her to let her
know that I was there. As soon as she saw Cecilia
and me, her face lit up with joy!
She had lost her ability to speak because she was
too weak to form words. However, she focused
in on Cecilia and Cecilia’s eyes met hers. Both of
them smiled at each other. Cecilia cooed in delight
and Granny kept smiling and stroking her foot
with her fingertips. Neither one of them could
speak, but the love they communicated back and
forth was something I will cherish forever. There
wasn’t a dry eye in the room. God was there with
us and we could feel the love of the Holy Spirit.
When Cecilia is old enough to understand, I will
tell her the joy she gave to her great-grandmother
in her final moments. That was the last time I saw
Granny in a conscious state. She died the
following evening surrounded by her loved ones.
All life is sacred. But to me, life is especially sacred
when it is difficult to live. I wish the circumstances
of Brittney Maynard’s death were different. I wish
she could have experienced joy from her suffering
just as my grandmother did in her final moments.
In the days after my grandmother’s death, this
verse from 2 Corinthians brought me peace and
confirmation that her suffering was not in vain.
Therefore, we are not discouraged; although our outer self is
wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.
For this momentary light affliction is producing for us an
eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. 2 Cor 4:16-17
Kim Cardwell, Sanctity of Life Ministry
Sunday, December 7, Second Sunday of Advent
5:00 p.m.
Della Janssen
8:00 a.m.
Deceased members of the Hawkins,
Chapman and Brooks families
10:00 a.m.
Parishioners of St. Peter’s
12:00 noon
Howard Kanarek
1:30 p.m.
Intentions of the celebrant
Monday, December 8, The Immaculate Conception
of the Blessed Virgin Mary
8:00 a.m.
Intentions of Regina Stalock
9:00 a.m.
- school Mass7:30 p.m.
Parishioners of St. Peter’s
Tuesday, December 9, St. Juan Diego
Cuauhtlatoatzin
8:00 a.m.
Lou Galeano
Wednesday, December 10
8:00 a.m.
Nicole Onley
Thursday, December 11, St. Damasus I, Pope
8:00 a.m.
Marie Mariney
Friday, December12, Our Lady of Guadalupe
8:00 a.m.
Carmen Ramos
Saturday, December 13, St. Lucy
8:00 a.m.
Leo and Violet Montgomery
5:00 p.m. Vigil
Ernest and Ann Middleton
Sunday, December 14, Third Sunday of Advent
8:00 a.m.
George Andrasik
10:00 a.m.
Parishioners of St. Peter’s
12:00 noon
Emily Goldsmith
1:30 p.m.
Intentions of the celebrant
The sanctuary light will burn this week in
honor of Gloria E. Bowman’s birthday.
Second Sunday of Advent
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
Mexico, December 1531. Words of Our
Lady of Guadalupe to St. Juan Diego:
“Know for certain, least of my sons, that I
am the perfect and perpetual Virgin Mary,
Mother of the True God through whom
everything lives, the Lord of all things near
and far, the Master of heaven and earth. It is
my earnest wish that a temple be built here
to my honor. Here I will demonstrate, I
will exhibit, I will give all my love, my
compassion, my help and my protection to
the people. I am your merciful mother, the
merciful mother of all mankind, of all those
who love me, of those who cry to me, of
those who seek me, of those who have
confidence in me. Here I will hear their
weeping, their sorrow, and will remedy and
alleviate all their multiple sufferings,
necessities and misfortunes.”
Queen of the Americas Guild
December 7, 2014
Our Parish Prayer Requests
For those who are ill, especially:
John David Yamnicky
Tina Wagner
Angela Vaira Souder
Peggy Faasen
Mary McGuire
Navy LT Doug Harrington
David Goff
Ellamae Hulsey
Doris Ann Bradburn
Belinda Windsor
Kathy Carrigan
Leo Bradburn
Michael Negbenebor
Angela Catarineau
Evelyn Quijada
Frank Townes
Colleen Brett
Tim Reagan
Stephen Petty
Lemon Moses
Kelly Schwartz
Chuck Gray
Gregg Landhardt
Kathy Breckenridge
•For LCDR Don Manning, U.S. Navy, serving in Afghanistan
•For Sebastian Stoehr, Anthony O’Rourke, Liam Murphy and
Christopher David, Jr. who were baptized on Nov. 30
•For an increase in vocations, especially in our parish and
•For our parish priests
Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Father,
The image of the Virgin is found in your Church.
Mary had a faith that your Spirit prepared and a love that
never knew sin,
for you kept her sinless from the first moment of
her conception.
Trace in our actions the lines of her love,
in our hearts her readiness of faith.
Prepare once again a world for your Son who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
--- from "Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers "
Masses for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, a holyday of obligation, will be
celebrated on Monday, December 8, at 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m. (school Mass) and 7:30 p.m.
Second Sunday of Advent
December 7, 2014
Pray As You Write and Wrap
With every card you write, gift you wrap and stocking you fill, pray for the person who will
be receiving this from you. Ask God to bless them in such a way that they will use all of their
gifts in ways that honor and glorify God, the giver of all good gifts.
Consider ‘Alternative’ Christmas Gifts
Look for ways to honor your family, friends and God through alternative gifts; make a donation to someone’s
favorite charity (in their name); adopt an animal from the endangered species list (www.worldwildlife.org) ;
give the gift of clean water, farm animals, seeds, etc. to a village in an underdeveloped part of the world
(www.worldvision.org or www.heifer.org); give a gift to Catholic Charities (www.catholicharities.com) or
even make a donation to a loved one’s home church or parish. Check with local social justice agencies for
other ideas for alternative gift giving.
Attend a Lessons and Carols Service
A Festival of Lessons and Carols is a special Advent service celebrating the reason for the
season with readings from Sacred Scripture as well as hymns offered by church choirs/
ensembles and an opportunity to sing along with some of your favorite carols. We are blessed
to have such a service locally this year. Mark December 13, at 7:30p.m. on your calendars and
plan to join groups from the parishes of Charles County here at St. Peter's for this spiritually
uplifting event!
301Catholic Theology on Tap
Wednesday, December 17 @ 7:00pm, 301Catholic Theology on Tap continues at the Greene
Turtle, La Plata, More details on their Facebook page Facebook.com/301Catholic, or contact
the Office for Christian Formation.
Save The Date For FUSION Concert For Life
Friday, January 23, 2015, 7:00 PM– 8:30PM featuring OCP/
spriritandsong.com recording artist, Sarah Hart; open to
the general public. No admission fee. Watch the bulletin for
further details.
FUSION: Where Faith Meets Life!
Fusion: a merging of diverse, distinct or separate elements
into a unified whole.
Let’s put our
Faith into action and show our commitment to the
Unchanging truth that each human life is
Sacred, created in the
Image and likeness of the
One true God & carry this message into the world with
No excuses
Second Sunday of Advent
December 7, 2014
St. Peter’s School Honors Veterans
Students of St. Peter’s school in Waldorf honored
veterans in attendance at the school’s annual Veterans Day
ceremony. Veterans representing most of America’s
armed forces received recognition and appreciation
through cards given to them from Pre-K and Kindergarten
students. “Every year our students make cards for the
veterans visiting our school on this important day,” says
Cheryl Kimm, Kindergarten teacher.
A retired Marine, Lt. Col., J.R. West, principal of St.
Peter’s School puts together a program every year that not
only recognizes and thanks veterans for their service, but
one that teaches students an important lesson as well. “I
want our students to know how important our U.S.
military is,” said Principal West. “It is important for them
to understand that they enjoy the rights and freedoms
they have because of the men and women who defend
them, some of whom lost their lives doing so.” Eighth grade student Georgia Jenkins played taps as all
were called to solemnly remember those fallen soldiers, men and women.
In addition to honoring veterans, Principal West always makes sure to celebrate the birthday of the
U.S. Marine Corps which is November 10th. There were many Marines on hand to help with the
ceremony and the birthday celebration. They posted the colors and wheeled in the birthday cake, all the
while dressed in their impressive uniforms and reminding all present of the tradition and great dignity the
Marine Corps exemplifies.
“We thank the Marines for coming out and taking part in the day’s events,” said Principal West who also
pointed out that they brought with them a decontamination tent that they allowed the students to tour
after the main program concluded.
Items for the Bulletin
We're always happy to receive notices and news for our weekly bulletin. If you wish to have information
appear in a particular week, please be sure to send your item at least ten days before the date of the bulletin to
[email protected]. Questions? Call Alicia Moore on 301-843-8916, especially if you have a
tight deadline for your event.
Second Sunday of Advent
December 7, 2014
National Collection Next Weekend: Retirement Fund for the Religious
Next weekend we will collect for the retirement fund for Religious who have invested
their lives in faith and in the future. Many are frail, elderly and in need of assistance,
and this annual appeal helps their institutions plan and provide long-term retirement
strategies. Please place your contribution in the regular collection basket.
Food Pantry Serves 158 Families!
Volunteers were busy all morning at the Food Pantry on November 15. Thanks
to the generosity of St. Peter’s parishioners, school children, Family Program and
scouts, there was plenty of food for everyone. Including deliveries to folks who
cannot get out, 158 people received turkeys along with a fixin box, bakery items,
canned vegetables, meats and fresh produce! Thanks to everyone who made it all
possible for these people to have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Don Hayes and Bob Moore, co-chairmen
Lessons and Carols Next Saturday
A Festival of Lessons and Carols will be held at St. Peter’s Church on Saturday,
December 13th, at 7:30 p.m. Come enjoy a celebration of Advent with readings
and music performed by music ministries from St. Peter's Church, St. Joseph’s
Church and St. Ignatius Church. St Peter's Youth Group will be closing the
celebration with a Living Nativity. Join us as we all prepare for the coming of
our Lord.
Our Lady of Guadalupe FEAST
You are invited to honor our mother Our Lady of Guadalupe on
December 14. Come and share with the Hispanic Community
of Saint Peter’s Church a special celebration: Procession, Mass
with Mariachis, and Community Fellowship (potluck) after Mass.
1:30 Procession at the Sank Auditorium and Mass at Church. After
Mass, you are invited to a reception at the Sank Auditorium,
Hispanic food and mariachi band.
La Comunidad Hispana invita a la Celebración de la Virgen de
Gudalupe el 14 de Diciembre, iniciando con la procesión antes
de la Misa en el Auditorio Sank hacia la iglesia. Después de la
Misa todos están invitados a una convivencia en el Auditorio
Sank, habrá comida hispana y mariachi.
Second Sunday of Advent
December 7, 2014
Parish Penance Services
Sunday, December 14 at 5pm - St. Joseph’s in Pomfret
Monday, December 15 at 7pm at St. Mary’s in Newport
Tuesday, December 16 at 7pm - St. Ignatius Chapel Point
Wednesday, December 17 at 7pm - Sacred Heart in La Plata
Wednesday, December 17 at 7pm - St. Mary’s in Bryantown
Sunday, December 21 at 4pm - St. Peter’s
Designated Charity: St. Vincent de Paul Society
This week the Designated Charity is the St. Vincent de Paul Society. They will
receive at least 1% of the regular Sunday offering. You may use the envelopes
available at the entrances to church. Please put your envelope in the regular
collection basket. The Designated Charity next week will be the Catherine
Foundation.
Safe Nights
From December 21 – 28, St. Peter’s will provide home-cooked
meals, hot showers, and a warm, safe place to sleep to those in
need of shelter. Help is needed with laundry, meals, day and
night monitors as well as other tasks. For more information,
please email Joe or Jennifer Tersero [email protected] or
call them at 301-848-9061.
Christmas Flowers for the Altar
Honor or memorialize a loved one through a Christmas flower donation. Envelopes
are available at the entrances to church for those who wish to designate an altar
flower in someone’s name. Please print clearly and place your envelope in the
regular collection basket. Gifts of $10 or more will be acknowledged in the bulletin.
Calendars for 2015
Calendars for 2015 are available at the entrances of the Church
this weekend. Please, only one calendar per registered family.
Parish news and information in our weekly bulletin can also be
found in color on the Parish website at www.stpeterswaldorf.org.
Second Sunday of Advent
December 7, 2014
Cuando uno piensa en el movimiento Pro-Vida, la mente se
desplaza generalmente a la postura contra el aborto. Sin
embargo, un aspecto muy alto de Pro-Vida es fin de vida
opciones y decisiones. En los últimos años, este asunto ha
ganado fuerza en nuestra sociedad. Recibió un impulso cuando
Brittany Maynard, una mujer de 29 años de edad con cáncer
cerebral terminal, hizo pública su decisión de acabar con su
vida.
En octubre, mi feed de Facebook fue inundada con
fotos de una mujer joven y vibrante con una amplia
sonrisa sosteniendo un Labrador chocolate. El titular
del artículo detalla su plan para acabar con su vida.
Desde que Bretaña la fue dado un diagnóstico sombrío
y la promesa de una muerte dolorosa y debilitante,
tomó los asuntos en sus propias manos. Se mudó a
Oregon, donde el suicidio asistido es legal y recibió una
receta para obtener medicamentos para causar la
muerte.
Lo que encontré más desconcertante fue que ella
estaba siendo elogiada como “valiente”. Le pregunté a
uno de mis amigos, “¿Por qué es valiente?” Tengo las
respuestas que era valiente para enfrentarse a algo que
temes. Otro dijo: “Ella va a morir de todos modos,
¿por qué no terminar ahora?” No pude evitar notar la
impresionante ironía de estas declaraciones. Pensé
valentía frente a sus miedos, no huir de ellos.
Mis pensamientos siguió a mi abuela, que murió en
agosto de 2014. Cáncer luchó y ganó tres veces. Pero
en 2013, comenzó un paulatino descenso. El cáncer
regresó y esta vez no había nada que se pudiera hacer.
Cada vez que la habia visitado, era evidente su declive.
Ella se fue consumiendo a 100 libras. Pero cada vez
que la visitaba, ella emanaba alegría. Siempre estaba
feliz de ver a mis hijos y a mí. Sólo la vista nos
levantaría nuestros espíritus.
Cada visita se hizo más difícil de soportar. Nadie
quiere ver a un ser querido sufriendo, así que puedo
ver por qué la familia de Bretaña apoyó su decisión.
De hecho, durante el último mes de vida de mi abuela,
encontré mis pensamientos errantes en la mentalidad
del suicidio asistido. Si Granny no quería sufrir, ¿por
qué debería ella hacerse a sufrir? ¿Quién soy yo, ni
nadie, para decir que tiene que sufrir cuando ella va a
morir de todos modos? Esa mentalidad llegó a un alto
el 22 de agosto, el día antes de morir.
Fui al hospital con Cecilia, mi bebé de dos meses de
edad, a verla. Cuando llegué, Granny fue vacilante
dentro y fuera de la conciencia. Su respiración era
dificultosa. Su cuerpo entero luchó para inhalar y
exhalar. Su tono de piel se había desvanecido a un
amarillo pálido. Mi tía le despertó suavemente para
hacerle saber que yo estaba allí. Tan pronto como vio
a Cecilia y a mi, su rostro se iluminó con alegría!
Había perdido su capacidad de hablar porque ella era
demasiado débil para formar palabras. Sin embargo, se
centró en Cecilia y los ojos de Cecilia conocido los
suyos. Ambos sonrieron el uno al otro. Cecilia
arrullaba en el placer y Granny siguía sonriendo y
acariciando su pie con sus dedos. Ni uno de ellos podía
hablar, pero el amor que se comunicaban y atrás era
algo que recordaré por siempre. En la habitación no
había un ojo seco. Dios estaba allí con nosotros y
podíamos sentir el amor del Espíritu Santo. Cuando
Cecilia tenga edad suficiente para entender, le diré la
alegría que le dio a su bisabuela en sus últimos
momentos. Fue la última vez que vi a la abuela en un
estado de conciencia. Murió la noche siguiente
rodeada de sus seres queridos.
Toda la vida es sagrada. Pero para mí, la vida es
especialmente sagrado cuando es difícil vivir. Ojalá que
las circunstancias de la muerte de Brittany Maynard
fuera diferente. Me gustaría que ella pudiese haber
experimentado el gozo de su sufrimiento como hizo
mi abuela en sus últimos momentos. En los días
después de la muerte de mi abuela, este verso de 2
Corintios me trajo paz y confirmación de que su
sufrimiento no fue en vano.
Por lo tanto, no estamos desanimados; aunque nuestro exterior
se está consumiendo, nuestro ser interior está siendo renovado día
a día. Para esta aflicción luz momentánea está produciendo para
nosotros un eterno peso de gloria que sobrepasa toda
comparación. 2 Corintios 4: 16-17
Kim Cardwell, Santidad de Vida Ministerio
Segundo Domingo de Adviento
07 de diciembre 2014