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Join us for Taizé Prayer Service on Monday, November 17, at 8 pm. Come pray for unity in our community and the world. All are invited.
Please plan to join us for the 42nd Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Prayer Service on Tuesday, November 25 at 7pm. Saint Bernadette will host the event. Interested volunteers are invited to contact the parish office. Details are on page 9 of today’s bulletin.
Keep Christ in Christmas! The Knights of Columbus will be selling Christmas cards in the vestibule after all Masses the weekends of November 22-23 and November 29-30. You may inquire at the office to get more information or arrange another opportunity to view/purchase cards.
There will be only one Mass at 10 am on Thanksgiving Day. To thank God for the many blessings in our lives, please help those experiencing food insecurity by bringing non-perishable food items to Mass, to be brought up to the altar at the offertory procession. All donations will benefit the Catholic Charities St. Lucy Food Project.
All new families who have registered in the parish since September are invited to our first Discover Saint Bernadette Information session on Sunday, November 16 following the 9am Mass. Learn from our Ministry Leaders what makes Saint Bernadette special. A Q and A will follow the brief presentation. Please plan to join us.
All women are invited to an Advent Evening of Reflection on December 7, from 7-9 pm in the school Gym. This event is free, and registrations are not required, but greatly appreciated. Watch the bulletin for more information.
All high school boys are invited to a fun night of trivia this Thursday, November 20th at 7pm in the Youth Room. Please see the bulletin for details.
All young adults ages 18-35 are invited to coffee and conversation on Sunday, November 30th, after the 9am Mass. We will meet at Tous les Jours right after Mass.
+ Mark your calendars for these upcoming dates!
42nd Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Prayer Service, Tuesday, November 25 at 7pm
Thanksgiving Day Mass, Thursday, November 27, please bring non-perishable food items to Mass, 10am"
Advent Day of Reflection, SAVE THE DATE, Saturday, December 6, 2025, 7- 9pm
Breakfast with Santa, Saturday, December 6 at 8am
Parish Bake Sale, December 13 – 14. Contribute baked goods, help with setup and cleanup, or shop!
FAITH FORMATION
Living the Liturgical Year:
On November 21, we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of Mary. St. Joachim and St. Anne had taken her to the temple to consecrate her to God when she was 3 years old. This is in part of thanksgiving to God. Before Mary’s birth, her parents received a message from God that they would bear a child in their old age. We celebrate this feast because it is one of the key events of the life of Mary. It emphasizes the holiness that was given to Mary from the beginning of her life on earth to her childhood and into adulthood when said “yes” to God. You can learn more about the feast at this link: https://fiercelycatholic.com/virgin-mary/presentation-of-mary/
Volunteers for 2025-2026 ~ We are still in need for volunteers (assistant catechists, teen catechists, and hall monitors). If interested, please contact the Religious Education Office or fill out the Volunteer Form on the website https://stbernpar.org/religious-education-volunteers/.
Upcoming Religious Education Activities:
No classes: Nov. 25-26, Dec. 23-24
Regular classes: Nov. 18-19, Dec. 2-3, 9-10, 16-17
SPRED classes: Nov. 22, Dec. 6
Family Faith Formation: Dec. 7
Sunday Donut Social: Dec. 14 after 9am Mass
WOMEN'S MINISTRY
Come and enjoy warm fellowship and great food. No need to RSVP. For more information, please email us at women@stbernpar.org.
NOTE CHANGE IN DAY: Tuesday, November 18 is our next Dinner with Friends at 5pm, at Saratoga Pizzeria, 8050 Rolling Road. This casual meal is one of our normal dinners on the 1st the 3rd Tuesday of every
month.
YOUTH MINISTRY
All High Schoolers are invited to join us for Tuesday Socials every Tuesday from 7-8:30pm! Meet in the youth room (in the parish office) for games, ice cream, and a discussion on the faith.
All high school boys are welcome to attend a fun trivia night on Thursday, November 20th, 7-8:30 pm in the youth room. Please contact JP McLaughlin jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org if you have questions.
Middle School Youth Ministry
All 6th-8th graders are invited for games, snacks, and fun every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month! Meet in the school gym from 6:45-8pm.
To learn more about our middle and high school ministries,
please contact JP McLaughlin jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org, or Grace Mee, gmee@stbernpar.org
Dear Good People of Saint Bernadette,
As you know, I often muse about what sticks in my head from week to week. This week I continue to reflect on a conference I attended this past week at Georgetown University, entitled “Nostra aetate and Muslim-Catholic Relations.” This is what is in my mind.
I’ve written about Nostra aetate before. This was the apostolic constitution that was prepared for the second Vatican Council in the 1960s about the relationship between the Church and people who are unbaptized. It clearly proclaims that we do not reject anything that is consistent with the teachings of Jesus when they are found in other religions, even if they are unaware that this connection exists. All people are made in God’s own image and likeness - not just Catholics - and it is our job to find Jesus in them whether they know him or not, and honor them with reverence. The respect we hold for them as sisters and brothers will bring the healing so badly needed in our world today.
Well, this conference was, for me, a revelation. A professor at Notre Dame, Ebrahim Moosa, gave a talk that might have been the most moving talk I have ever heard. Some of it was hard for my western ears to hear.
He began with the concepts of dignity, justice and peace. He quoted the Qu’ran, surah 2.62: “And the Christians and the Sabians, any who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and work righteousness, shall have their reward, with the Lord: on them shall be no fear, for shall they grieve.”
Allah, by the way, is the all merciful God who, same as the God of Israel, was the author of life and truth.
This is what Dr. Moosa spoke: The Catholic document Nostra aetate was the Catholic Church’s badly-needed response to the Shoah, the great holocaust of the Jewish people in World War II which was the result of centuries of antisemitism. The Catholic Church had an obligation not to remain silent in the face of such hatred.
Both Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV have described the current global situation as a series of interconnected, localized conflicts that constitute a single, all-out war.They call it “the third world war fought piecemeal.”
Regional rivalries yield global indifference, he says, even assistance. Think about Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan. Life is lost regardless of nation or creed.
Dr. Moosa continues. This “post-war humanitarianism” allows the rest of the world to change moral obligation into sentimentality. Suffering, into moral spectacle. Prophetic justice into redemptive pity, declaring evil to being limited to the past, not today. “How terrible,” we say, but nothing is done.
Post-war humanitarianism de-politicizes outrage. Justice is reduced to empathy; history, to therapy. Do we consider what structures of power still allow this injustice?
True dialogue, he says, cannot be impersonal politeness. We cannot simply co-exist without compromise.
Dr. Moosa continued with an explanation of the Muslim understanding of God which is different. He said for Christians, God is love. For Muslims, God is mercy. Love follows obedience: love is the fruit of discipline, not the starting point.
When confronted with global migration, economic instability, planetary fragility — the moral force must speak justice, which has inevitable impact on reality.
He ended with a quote of Pope Francis in Fratelli tutti with regard of the state of the world today. Don’t miss the remarkable witness he gives, Muslims in a precarious relationship Jews and antisemitism. Pope Francis says, “Pray for the grace to be ashamed of what we have done.” Do not underestimate the abyss of evil at the heart of war.
This was the seminal message of Vatican II, the role of the Church in the world. People of faith must live the faith. This was the lens of social justice teaching with Pope Leo XIII, probably the reason that our beloved pope took the same name as Leo XIV. Dialogue cannot be marginal nicety. Faith and love are performative. It must be a dialogue of ACTION. In the end, belief and worship are good, but not enough. Our internal conversion must become the light of the world.
The Lord be with you,
Watch this short video to learn more about our Work of Mercy Meal Packing Event November 13-15th. You are invited to support the event with your prayers, your financial support or your gift of time.
Our Rise Against Hunger Meal packing event is FULL! We are looking forward to serving together to feed the least of these.
The Parish Office will be closed on Monday November 11th in observance of Veteran’s Day.
There will be NO Religious Education Classes on Tuesday, November 11. Classes will resume, Wednesday, November 12.
After all Masses this weekend there will be a display of beautiful olivewood handmade carvings from the Holy Land. These carvings are made by the Christians of Bethlehem who use them as their main source of income. Please see today’s bulletin for more information on how we can support our brothers and sisters in Christ who are enduring hardships at due to the volatile situation in their home country.
Join us for Taizé Prayer Service on Monday, November 17, at 8 pm. Come pray for unity in our community and the world. All are invited.
Please plan to join us for the 42nd Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Prayer Service on Tuesday, November 25 at 7pm. Saint Bernadette will host the event. Interested volunteers are invited to contact the parish office. Details are on page 9 of today’s bulletin.
Keep Christ in Christmas! The Knights of Columbus will be selling Christmas cards in the vestibule after all Masses the weekends of November 22-23 and November 29-30. You may inquire at the office to get more information or arrange another opportunity to view/purchase cards.
There will be only one Mass at 10 am on Thanksgiving Day. To thank God for the many blessings in our lives, please help those experiencing food insecurity by bringing non-perishable food items to Mass, to be brought up to the altar at the offertory procession. All donations will benefit the Catholic Charities St. Lucy Food Project.
All new families who have registered in the parish since September are invited to our first Discover Saint Bernadette Information session on Sunday, November 16 following the 9am Mass. Learn from our Ministry Leaders what makes Saint Bernadette special. A Q and A will follow the brief presentation. Please plan to join us.
All women are invited to an Advent Evening of Reflection on December 7, from 7-9 pm in the school Gym. This event is free, and registrations are not required, but greatly appreciated. Watch the bulletin for more information.
+ Mark your calendars for these upcoming dates!
42nd Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Prayer Service, Tuesday, November 25 at 7pm
Thanksgiving Day Mass, Thursday, November 27, please bring non-perishable food items to Mass, 10am"
Advent Day of Reflection, SAVE THE DATE for Saturday, December 6, 2025, 7- 9pm
FAITH FORMATION
Living the Liturgical Year:
Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica. Why this particular basilica? The Lateran Basilica, otherwise known as the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome, is the oldest and highest-ranking basilica in Rome. The Pope is the Bishop of Rome. Each bishop has a cathedral church for his diocese. Like Bishop Burbidge has the Cathedral of St. Thomas More, the Pope has the Lateran Basilica. It is considered the mother church of all of Catholicism, so we celebrate the feast of for the whole Church on November 9. Did you know? There is no Saint named John Lateran... The Laterani family gave the land and their palace to Constantine when Christianity became legal, who in turn gave it to Pope Miltiades in 313 AD, who dedicated it to Christ the Savior, as well as to John the Evangelist, and John the Baptist.
Volunteers for 2025-2026 ~ We are still in need for volunteers (assistant catechists, teen catechists, and hall monitors). If interested, please contact the Religious Education Office or fill out the Volunteer Form on the website https://stbernpar.org/religious-education-volunteers/.
Upcoming Religious Education Activities:
Regular Classes: November 12, 18-19
SPRED Classes: November 8, 22
Family Faith Formation: November 9
Family Mass Learning Weekend, November 8-9 after all Masses
Sunday Donut Social: November 23 after the 9am Mass
WOMEN'S MINISTRY
Come and enjoy warm fellowship and great food. No need to RSVP. For more information, please email us at women@stbernpar.org.
November 11 is our General Meeting at 7pm in the Bradican Room.
NOTE CHANGE IN DAY: Tuesday, November 18 is our next Dinner with Friends at 5pm, at Saratoga Pizzeria, 8050 Rolling Road. This casual meal is one of our normal dinners on the 1st the 3rd Tuesday of every
month.
YOUTH MINISTRY
All High Schoolers are invited to join us for Tuesday Socials every Tuesday from 7-8:30pm! Meet in the youth room (in the parish office) for games, ice cream, and a discussion on the faith.
All high school boys are welcome to attend a fun trivia night on Thursday, November 20th, 7-8:30 pm in the youth room. Please contact JP McLaughlin jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org if you have questions.
All High Schoolers are invited for dinner, games, and fellowship on Saturday, November 8. Meet in the Bradican Room from 6-8:30pm!
Middle School Youth Ministry
All 6th-8th graders are invited for games, snacks, and fun every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month! Meet in the school gym from 6:45-8pm.
To learn more about our middle and high school ministries,
please contact JP McLaughlin jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org, or Grace Mee, gmee@stbernpar.org
Dear Good People of Saint Bernadette,
As you will read on page 9 of this bulletin, those who wish to receive Eucharist under both forms will have the opportunity starting on the First Sunday of Advent, November 30, at the Saturday 5pm Vigil Mass, and the 9am and 11am Masses on Sunday.
Four ministers of the cup will stand in front of the altar at the step facing the assembly. Those who wish to receive the Precious Blood of Christ are asked, from wherever they are seated in the church, to come up the diagonal aisles (where Hosts are offered) so as not to have two-way traffic in the center aisle. Ushers can help with direction.
To make it easier still, if you plan to receive under both forms, please sit in the front pew sections of the church.
It has been a while since we have done this, COVID shut down a lot of things and many were slow to return. We have recently added some new Eucharistic Ministers and I think we can start again. If, for some reason, we do not have enough ministers or we don’t consecrate enough wine for a certain Mass, please be patient. We will figure it out.
For a while we have been thinking this would be a solution for people who are not gluten tolerant, to receive the Precious Blood. As we have thought this through, however, we realize that a gluten intolerant person can’t receive from a cup that has been used by people who have just consumed a Host with gluten.
A word about the hosts we use - they are not gluten free, but are called low gluten. I don’t know how they do it, but they make a host that has a gluten content below 20 parts per million. Very low. Unless you actually have a celiac condition, I am told these should not pose a problem.
The best solution we have come up with is that once the presider of the Mass has distributed Communion to the front two sections of pews nearest the ambo (known in other churches as the pulpit), he will purify his fingers and then distribute low gluten hosts from a separate ciborium and cup at that Communion station. At this time anyone who needs a low gluten host or to receive from the cup can come forward. People will also have the option of receiving from the cup only. One of the other ministers of the cup will come over and assist the priest when available.
You can find more details on page 9.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches, “The Eucharist is a sacrifice of thanksgiving to the Father, a blessing by which the Church expresses her gratitude to God for all his benefits, for all that he has accomplished through creation, redemption and sanctification” (CCC 1360). Catholics actively participate in the Eucharist as the source and summit of their Christian life. This active participation manifests itself by :
• gathering with a community of believers each Sunday and holy day,
• praying together at Mass in word, gesture and song,
• listening together to God’s Word,
• giving thanks and praise to God together for the gifts of creation, and in a special way, for the gift of Jesus – his life, death and resurrection, and
• sharing in and becoming the Body of Christ through reception of Holy Eucharist at Mass.
Catholics believe that through active participation in the Mass and, in a special way, through the reception of Holy Communion at Mass, they become the real presence of Christ, and are therefore sent to be Christ’s presence in the world until he comes again in glory. St. Augustine, bishop of Hippo, put it this way in the 5th century: What you see…is bread and a cup. This is what your eyes report to you. But your faith has need to be taught that the bread is the body of Christ, the cup the blood of Christ…If then, you wish to understand the body of Christ, listen to the Apostle as he says to the faithful, ‘You are the body of Christ and his members’…You reply ‘Amen’ to that which you are, and by replying you consent… Be a member of the body of Christ so that your ‘Amen’ may be true… Be what you see, and receive what you are.”
Special thanks to all our ministers of Holy Communion for their unique service to the Body of Christ, helping us to become begotten sons and daughters by adoption.
The Lord be with you,
Watch this short video to learn more about our Work of Mercy Meal Packing Event November 13-15th. You are invited to support the event with your prayers, your financial support or your gift of time.
All Saints Day: Saturday November 1st is not a Holy Day of obligation this year. Because it is still an important feast, we will add a 10 AM Mass on Saturday morning.
The All-Souls Day Masses on Sunday, November 2 follow our regular Sunday Mass schedule. Our All Souls Novena of Masses envelopes are in the vestibule of the church and the parish office. Please return them by October 31st.
Please plan to join us for on Monday November 3rd for our final Saint Bernadette Dining Night out at our local Springfield restaurants. These dining nights out support our Parish Work of Mercy, Rise Against Hunger. This week, McAllister’s (11/3) is on the menu and they will donate a portion of their proceeds for meals purchased. Remember to mention Saint Bernadette when dining in, ordering delivery or take-out.
This will be the final weekend to purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win Fr. Don’s beautiful, framed prints; Both prints are of Piazza San Marco, #18 and #20 of editions of 50 both from 2002 Watercolors. Raffle tickets are $ 10 each, 3 for $ 25, 6 for $ 50, 9 for $ 75 or 12 for $100 and are available after all Masses. Tickets are sold separately for each print. All proceeds will support Rise Against Hunger.
Our Rise Against Hunger Meal packing event is now OPEN. This meal packing event is free and will require a large contingent of volunteers, please select a shift and job that is right for you. Please visit the Rise Against Hunger link on parish website for job descriptions. Signup to volunteer here. Please join us! We could use a few extra hands at the 8pm shifts Thursday and Friday evenings, and second shift 10:30am Saturday morning.
Please plan to join us for the 42nd Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Prayer Service on Tuesday, November 25 at 7pm. Saint Bernadette will host the event. Interested volunteers are invited to contact the parish office. Details are on page 9 of today’s bulletin.
All new families who have registered in the parish since September are invited to our first Discover Saint Bernadette Information session on Sunday, November 16 following the 9am Mass. Learn from our Ministry Leaders what makes Saint Bernadette special. A Q and A will follow the brief presentation. Please plan to join us.
This week we sent an email invitation to participate in our online giving platform ParishSOFT eGiving (formerly FaithDirect). If you’d like to sign up, you can do so easily clicking here to access our simple, secure online enrollment form. For questions, you can contact ParishSOFT Donor Support at donorsupport@parishsoft.com or call #866-930-4774 option 6 to speak with a representative. For those already enrolled, thank you for your ongoing participation in ParishSOFT Giving! Your commitment ensures that our parish can continue its mission in the most cost-effective way possible.
Next week households who have not yet taken the opportunity to complete this years' annual Commitment Card appeal will receive a reminder letter and card in the mail. Please take a moment to prayerfully discern how you and your family might share your gifts of time, talent and treasure. It's possible, if you have completed a card it may have crossed in the mail, please disregard should you receive a second one. Those who have already submitted your commitments, acknowledgement letters will be forth coming in the coming weeks. Ministry leaders will be provided contact information for existing and new members to their respective ministry groups. Please do not hesitate to reach out them the interim so that you may get involved!
+ Mark your calendars for these upcoming dates!
ECHO Yard Sale, Saturday, November 1
McAlister's Deli Dining Night Out to benefit our RAH Meal Packing Event, Monday, November 3, 4-8pm, mention Saint Bernadette when ordering!
Rise Against Hunger - Work of Mercy, Thursday, November 13 thru Saturday November 15, Please sign up today!
42nd Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Prayer Service, Tuesday, November 25 at 7pm
FAITH FORMATION
Living the Liturgical Year:
Happy November! The month of November is dedicated to the Souls in Purgatory, the Church Suffering. Today, November 2, we commemorate All Souls’ Day and remember those who have died, especially those who have not reached heaven. You can teach your children to honor our beloved dead by praying at Mass for their intention and prayers. A prayer you can recite daily with your family during November is the Traditional prayer used by the Church in the Rite of Christian Burial:
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. All: Amen.
All: May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Volunteers for 2025-2026 ~ We are still in need for volunteers (assistant catechists, teen catechists, and hall monitors). If interested, please contact the Religious Education Office or fill out the Volunteer Form on the website https://stbernpar.org/religious-education-volunteers/.
Upcoming Religious Education Activities:
No Classes: November 4-5, 11
Regular Classes: November 12, 18-19
SPRED Classes: November 8, 22
Family Faith Formation: November 9
Family Mass Learning Weekend, November 8-9 after all Masses
Sunday Donut Social: November 23 after the 9am Mass
WOMEN'S MINISTRY
Come and enjoy warm fellowship and great food. No need to RSVP. For more information, please email us at women@stbernpar.org. NOTE CHANGE IN DAY: Tuesday, November 4 is our next Dinner with Friends at 5pm, at Saratoga Pizzeria, 8050 Rolling Road. This casual meal is one of our normal dinners on the 1st the 3rd Monday of every
month.
YOUTH MINISTRY
All High Schoolers are invited to join us for Tuesday Socials every Tuesday from 7-8:30pm! Meet in the youth room (in the parish office) for games, ice cream, and a discussion on the faith.
All High Schoolers are invited to take advantage of the FCPS student holiday and join us for 9am daily Mass, followed by donuts and fellowship in the youth room until 10:30am.
All High Schoolers are invited for dinner, games, and fellowship on Saturday, November 8. Meet in the Bradican Room from 6-8:30pm!
Middle School Youth Ministry - our next gathering is November 5th
All 6th-8th graders are invited for games, snacks, and fun every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month! Meet in the school gym from 6:45-8pm.
To learn more about our middle and high school ministries,
please contact JP McLaughlin jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org, or Grace Mee, gmee@stbernpar.org
Dear Good People of Saint Bernadette,
The last month has been absolutely nonstop, one big event after another and weekends packed with a crazy number of duties. For any emails I have failed to return or anyone I didn’t get to thank sufficiently (because we can’t do any of this alone), my apologies.
One of the things I haven’t gotten to express sufficiently is how beautifully you sing at Mass recently. Maybe it’s because we are using more piano lately – that organ pumps out a lot of sound to reach the back pews of the church and it is literally six feet behind me – but you sound really good. Some churches, even some Catholic parishes, think of the choir as entertainment, something that is there to enhance the experience of the assembly. We have worked really hard to show that the choir is not there to replace your singing, but to encourage your singing. It seems to be working! Especially that triple, Great Amen at the end of the Eucharistic Prayer which is entirely yours (it isn’t sung by the priest) is beautiful. I’m holding up the hosts and the chalice and sometimes I just have to smile: Your singing is very satisfying and I feel like we’ve done something very right.
Of course, we choose music carefully according to the text and context of the Mass so that they really become a substantial part of the prayers that you pray during the Mass. A couple of weeks ago we sang Dan Schutte’s “These Alone are Enough,” which is based on one of my favorite prayers of St. Ignatius Loyola:
Take my heart, O Lord, take my hopes and dreams.
Take my mind with all its plans and schemes.
Give me nothing more than your love and grace.
These alone, O God, are enough for me.
Take my thoughts, O Lord, and my memory.
Take my tears, my joys, my liberty.
Give me nothing more than your love and grace.
These alone, O God, are enough for me.
I surrender, Lord, all I have and hold.
I return to you your gifts untold.
Give me nothing more than your love and grace.
These alone, O God, are enough for me.
When the darkness falls on my final days,
take the very breath that sang your praise.
Give me nothing more than your love and grace.
These alone, O God, are enough for me.
I find 7am Masses frustrating because with few people spread out to all corners our massive church, it is mostly hard to hear responses to the prayers. It is hard to see who is even in that back row.
Active participation, as you know, was the principal goal of the liturgical reforms of Vatican II. The Mass belonged to the priest and most of “his” prayers were prayed at a level of voice which was not meant to be heard by the assembly, not even the Lord’s Prayer. Imagine the time before microphones! I am so glad that this is no longer the case.
But silence is also important. The Opening Prayer of the Mass is called the “Collect” because when the priest presider says “Let us pray,” there is a pause. This is when you offer your intentions and petitions privately, and after the pause the presider says the prayer that literally collects all of your prayers and presents them to God. In that silence you are still active, perhaps doing a most important part of the Mass, pouring your hearts out to God so he can pour his into you.
Gestures, too, are important. I have been meaning to speak about genuflecting for a long time. It is often forgotten today but it is still an important part of the Tradition. When you genuflect, you touch your right knee on the floor, back straight, as a gesture of reverence to the Presence of Jesus in the tabernacle. This is done before entering the pew at the beginning of Mass, and again as you leave the pew at the end. Many forget to do this, perhaps because they aren’t thinking much about how Jesus is truly present here. You could think of it as a hello coming to Mass, and a goodbye at the end. When you see a friend, you always have a greeting, nobody just ignores a friend. It’s like that.
If you are like me and have knees and feet ready to go bad at any minute, the Church teaches a profound bow may be substituted for genuflecting. This is more than just a bow of the head, it is a bending at the waist. It is an equally good reverence.
Sometimes you see people genuflecting after receiving Communion. This is a misunderstanding. For one thing, Jesus isn’t present in the tabernacle at that moment. He is in you.
The Lord be with you,
Watch this short video to learn more about our Work of Mercy Meal Packing Event November 13-15th. You are invited to support the event with your prayers, your financial support or your gift of time.
All Saints Day: Saturday November 1st is not a Holy Day of obligation this year. Because it is still an important feast, we will add a 10 AM Mass on Saturday morning.
The All-Souls Day Masses on Sunday, November 2 follow our regular Sunday Mass schedule. Our All Souls Novena of Masses envelopes are in the vestibule of the church and the parish office. Please return them by October 31st.
The Knights of Columbus are asking for your support in filling a Box of Joy with presents like small toys, toiletries, and more perfect for children in need. You are also encouraged to mail a $9 check separately for each box to cover international shipping costs. Boxes will be distributed after Mass this weekend and collected for delivery in November 8/9.
Please plan to join us for the next three Mondays (10/28, and 11/03) for Saint Bernadette Dining Nights out at local Springfield restaurants. These dining nights out support our Parish Work of Mercy, Rise Against Hunger. Malek’s Pizza Palace (10/28), and McAllister’s (11/3) will donate a portion of their proceeds for meals purchased. Remember to mention Saint Bernadette when dining in, ordering delivery or take-out.
For the next two weekends we are excited to be raffling a chance to win Fr. Don’s beautiful, framed prints; Both prints are of Piazza San Marco, #18 and #20 of editions of 50 both from 2002 Watercolors. Raffle tickets are $ 10 each, 3 for $ 25, 6 for $ 50, 9 for $ 75 or 12 for $100 and are available after all Masses. Tickets are sold separately for each print. All proceeds will support Rise Against Hunger.
Our Rise Against Hunger Meal packing event is now OPEN. This meal packing event is free and will require a large contingent of volunteers, please select a shift and job that is right for you. Please visit the Rise Against Hunger link on parish website for job descriptions. Signup to volunteer here. Please join us!
You are invited to join Bishop Burbidge in praying and fasting every Friday in October before the Nov. 4 elections that will decide the next governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general, along with all 100 seats in the House of Delegates. For more information regarding election resources please visit the Virginia Catholic Conference 2025 Resource hub at vacatholic.org.
This week we sent an email invitation to participate in our online giving platform ParishSOFT eGiving (formerly FaithDirect). If you’d like to sign up, you can do so easily clicking here to access our simple, secure online enrollment form. For questions, you can contact ParishSOFT Donor Support at donorsupport@parishsoft.com or call #866-930-4774 option 6 to speak with a representative. For those already enrolled, thank you for your ongoing participation in ParishSOFT Giving! Your commitment ensures that our parish can continue its mission in the most cost-effective way possible.
Next week households who have not yet taken the opportunity to complete this years' annual Commitment Card appeal will receive a reminder letter and card in the mail. Please take a moment to prayerfully discern how you and your family might share your gifts of time, talent and treasure. It's possible, if you have completed a card it may have crossed in the mail, please disregard should you receive a second one. Those who have already submitted your commitments, acknowledgement letters will be forth coming in the coming weeks. Ministry leaders will be provided contact information for existing and new members to their respective ministry groups. Please do not hesitate to reach out them the interim so that you may get involved!
+ Mark your calendars for these upcoming dates!
Malek's Dining Night Out to benefit our RAH Meal Packing Event, Monday, October 27, 4-9pm, mention Saint Bernadette when ordering!
ECHO Yard Sale, Saturday, November 1
McAllister's Deli Dining Night Out to benefit our RAH Meal Packing Event, Monday, October 20, 5-8pm, mention Saint Bernadette when ordering!
FAITH FORMATION
Living the Liturgical Year:
Did you know that Halloween has its roots in Catholicism? Halloween is also called “All Hallow’s Eve.” The word “hallow” means “holy.” The word Halloween is a contraction word of “hallows” and “e’en” which refers to the evening (vigil) before All Saints’ Day. It is part of three days dedicated to our dead known as Allhallowstide which is All Hallow’s Eve (Halloween, Oct 31), All Saints’ Day (Nov. 1), and All Souls’ Day (Nov.2). Celebrate All Saints’ Eve/Day by having a All Saints’ party, dressing up as saints or visiting the blessed sacrament and praying to a saint. You can find a more Saint Day activities here: https://www.elizabethclareblog.com/16-ways-to-celebrate-all-saints-day/.
Volunteers for 2025-2026 ~ We are still in need for volunteers (assistant catechists, teen catechists, and hall monitors). If interested, please contact the Religious Education Office or fill out the Volunteer Form on the website https://stbernpar.org/religious-education-volunteers/.
Upcoming Religious Education Activities:
Regular Classes: October 21-22, 28-29, November 12, 18-19
Confirmation Mass: October 25,10am
Sunday Donut Social: October 26 after the 9am Mass
WOMEN'S MINISTRY
Come and enjoy warm fellowship and great food. No need to RSVP. For more information, please email us at women@stbernpar.org. NOTE CHANGE IN DAY: Tuesday, November 4 is our next Dinner with Friends at 5pm, at Saratoga Pizzeria, 8050 Rolling Road. This casual meal is one of our normal dinners on the 1st the 3rd Monday of every
month.
YOUTH MINISTRY
All High Schoolers are invited to join us for Tuesday Socials every Tuesday from 7-8:30pm! Meet in the youth room (in the parish office) for games, ice cream, and a discussion on the faith.
High School Youth Diocesan Rally - Sunday, October 26, This annual event is an opportunity for the young Church in the Diocese of Arlington to gather each year to for fun, entertainment, prayer, and to celebrate the Catholic faith. RALLY includes Mass with Bishop Burbidge, Eucharistic Adoration, inspirational speakers and entertainers, breakout sessions, inflatable games, music, and more! The cost is $25, and adult volunteers are needed. Contact Grace Mee at gmee@stbernpar.org for information on how to register.
Middle School Youth Ministry - our next gathering is November 5th
All 6th-8th graders are invited for games, snacks, and fun every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month! Meet in the school gym from 6:45-8pm.
To learn more about our middle and high school ministries,
please contact Grace Mee, gmee@stbernpar.org
Dear Good People of Saint Bernadette,
After our picnic last Saturday I sent a thank you email to our primary leaders/volunteers who made the picnic such a success. It was truly beautiful to see so many people really invested in our community life with their time and hard work.
This is what I wrote to our parish leaders:
“Several people mentioned to me as the carnival features were leaving the parking lot last night how amazing it was to watch so many from so many different ministries come together and make such a beautiful afternoon possible. Thanks, Rick Caporali, for your organization and tireless commitment to building our community, and to all of you who gathered the flock, broke the loaves and fed the 3,000. It was a remarkable, holy gathering. Last evening I was thinking of one of my favorite songs’ third verse says:
All our meals and all our living
make as sacraments of you,
that by caring, helping, giving,
we may be disciples true.
Alleluia, alleluia!
we will serve with faith anew.
I think we can say that this was one of the happiest, most vibrant days that Saint Bernadette has ever seen in building community and witnessing kindness and goodness. Thanks to you.”
But it was also all of you who came with side dishes, and set up games and crafts for the kids, and spent the afternoon building friendships. So much of the logistics and grilling covered by our Knights of Columbus. Our school teachers and staff who came on a non-school day to see all the kids. I do believe it was one of the best things that has ever happened at Saint Bernadette and it is thanks to all of you who came and enjoyed the beautiful afternoon together. There are a few photos on pages 10 and 11 of today’s bulletin.
________
I have been working my way slowly through Pope Leo’s new Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi te (“I have loved you”) and am happy to say he tells things like it is and says it well.
I was asked the difference between and apostolic exhortation and an encyclical so I checked with my new friend A. I. Overview. Here is what he says: An encyclical is a formal, pastoral letter from the pope to the entire Church on matters of faith and morals, while an apostolic exhortation is a papal reflection that urges the faithful to take a specific course of action or address a particular spiritual matter. Encyclicals have greater doctrinal weight, while exhortations are less formal and are often a response to a significant event...
Clearly, however, the Pope has a lot on his mind about the way the poor are being treated in today’s world, and he finds it remarkably troubling. The news seems just to be getting worse, and my resolve for us as a parish to do something about it is much stronger. We need, right now, to be attentive to the situation people are finding themselves in this government shutdown. If SNAP benefits (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) stop being issued, there will be a great need for food. If people are unable to afford health care... I don’t even know what that would look like.
It was very sobering to read in a recent study that, because our nation has stopped providing financial assistance to the poor of the world, by the year 2030 14 million people will die that would not have died otherwise with our assistance.
It is almost too hard to watch. I’m grateful we have Pope Leo and I hope that the leaders of the world are listening, and will experience the personal and spiritual conversion God desires to bring an end to these senseless wars and destruction.
We’re still planning our Burke/Springfield Interfaith Thanksgiving Service and have chosen the title “Kindness is our path forward.” We can’t let such division and negativity pull us apart at the seams in our community. May we stay attentive to what we know to be true and commit to making our world grow in goodness and beauty through acts of kindness and forgiveness, extending the good will of our picnic into the days ahead.
The Lord be with you,
Watch this short video to learn more about our Work of Mercy Meal Packing Event November 13-15th. You are invited to support the event with your prayers, your financial support or your gift of time.
All Saints Day: Saturday November 1st is not a Holy Day of obligation this year. Because it is still an important feast, we will add a 10 AM Mass on Saturday morning.
The All-Souls Day Masses on Sunday, November 2 follow our regular Sunday Mass schedule. Our All Souls Novena of Masses envelopes are in the vestibule of the church and the parish office. Please return them by October 31st.
The Knights of Columbus are asking for your support in filling a Box of Joy with presents like small toys, toiletries, and more perfect for children in need. You are also encouraged to mail a $9 check separately for each box to cover international shipping costs. Boxes will be distributed after Mass this weekend and collected for delivery in November 8/9.
Please plan to join us for the next three Mondays (10/28 and 11/03) for Saint Bernadette Dining Nights out at local Springfield restaurants. These dining nights out support our Parish Work of Mercy, Rise Against Hunger. Malek’s Pizza Palace (10/28), and McAllister’s (11/3) will donate a portion of their proceeds for meals purchased. Remember to mention Saint Bernadette when dining in, ordering delivery or take-out.
For the next two weekends we are excited to be raffling a chance to win Fr. Don’s beautiful, framed prints; Both prints are of Piazza San Marco, #18 and #20 of editions of 50 both from 2002 Watercolors. Raffle tickets are $ 10 each, 3 for $ 25, 6 for $ 50, 9 for $ 75 or 12 for $100 and are available after all Masses. Tickets are sold separately for each print. All proceeds will support Rise Against Hunger.
Our Rise Against Hunger Meal packing event is now OPEN. This meal packing event is free and will require a large contingent of volunteers, please select a shift and job that is right for you. Please visit the Rise Against Hunger link on parish website for job descriptions. Signup to volunteer here. Please join us!
You are invited to join Bishop Burbidge in praying and fasting every Friday in October before the Nov. 4 elections that will decide the next governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general, along with all 100 seats in the House of Delegates. For more information regarding election resources please visit the Virginia Catholic Conference 2025 Resource hub at vacatholic.org.
This week we sent an email invitation to participate in our online giving platform ParishSOFT eGiving (formerly FaithDirect). If you’d like to sign up, you can do so easily clicking here to access our simple, secure online enrollment form. For questions, you can contact ParishSOFT Donor Support at donorsupport@parishsoft.com or call #866-930-4774 option 6 to speak with a representative. For those already enrolled, thank you for your ongoing participation in ParishSOFT Giving! Your commitment ensures that our parish can continue its mission in the most cost-effective way possible.
Next week households who have not yet taken the opportunity to complete this years' annual Commitment Card appeal will receive a reminder letter and card in the mail. Please take a moment to prayerfully discern how you and your family might share your gifts of time, talent and treasure. It's possible, if you have completed a card it may have crossed in the mail, please disregard should you receive a second one. Those who have already submitted your commitments, acknowledgement letters will be forth coming in the coming weeks. Ministry leaders will be provided contact information for existing and new members to their respective ministry groups. Please do not hesitate to reach out them the interim so that you may get involved!
+ Mark your calendars for these upcoming dates!
Malek's Dining Night Out to benefit our RAH Meal Packing Event, Monday, October 27, 4-9pm, mention Saint Bernadette when ordering!
ECHO Yard Sale, Saturday, November 1
McAllister's Deli Dining Night Out to benefit our RAH Meal Packing Event, Monday, October 20, 5-8pm, mention Saint Bernadette when ordering!
FAITH FORMATION
Living the Liturgical Year:
On October 22, we celebrate the Feast Day of Pope St. John Paul II. He was known for his warmth, wisdom, and deep love for humanity. He encouraged the laity to “Be Saints in the World,” to “Open Wide the Doors to Christ,” and to become agents of Christian Unity and interreligious dialogue. He was an inspirational Pope who sought to bring his papacy to the laity, especially the young people. Help your children get to know St. Pope John Paul II by watching this link: https://youtu.be/y9lYvkmY874. Celebrate his feast day with a Polish feast with pierogis and polish sausages.
Volunteers for 2025-2026 ~ We are still in need for volunteers (assistant catechists, teen catechists, and hall monitors). If interested, please contact the Religious Education Office or fill out the Volunteer Form on the website https://stbernpar.org/religious-education-volunteers/.
Upcoming Religious Education Activities:
Regular Classes: October 21-22, 28-29
Confirmation Mass: October 25,10am
Sunday Donut Social: October 26 after 9am Mass
WOMEN'S MINISTRY
Come and enjoy warm fellowship and great food. No need to RSVP. For more information, please email us at women@stbernpar.org. NOTE CHANGE IN DAY: Tuesday, October 21 is our next Dinner with Friends at 5pm, at Saratoga Pizzeria, 8050 Rolling Road. This casual meal is one of our normal dinners on the 1st the 3rd Monday of every
month.
YOUTH MINISTRY
All High Schoolers are invited to join us for Tuesday Socials every Tuesday from 7-8:30pm! Meet in the youth room (in the parish office) for games, ice cream, and a discussion on the faith.
High School Youth Diocesan Rally - Sunday, October 26, This annual event is an opportunity for the young Church in the Diocese of Arlington to gather each year to for fun, entertainment, prayer, and to celebrate the Catholic faith. RALLY includes Mass with Bishop Burbidge, Eucharistic Adoration, inspirational speakers and entertainers, breakout sessions, inflatable games, music, and more! The cost is $25, and adult volunteers are needed. Contact Grace Mee at gmee@stbernpar.org for information on how to register.
Middle School Youth Ministry - our next gathering is November 5th
All 6th-8th graders are invited for games, snacks, and fun every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month! Meet in the school gym from 6:45-8pm.
To learn more about our middle and high school ministries,
please contact Grace Mee, gmee@stbernpar.org
Watch this short video to learn more about our Work of Mercy Meal Packing Event November 13-15th. You are invited to support the event with your prayers, your financial support or your gift of time.
All Saints Day: Saturday November 1st is not a Holy Day of obligation this year. Because it is still an important feast, we will add a 10 AM Mass on Saturday morning.
The All-Souls Day Masses on Sunday, November 2 follow our regular Sunday Mass schedule. Our All Souls Novena of Masses envelopes are in the vestibule of the church and the parish office. Please return them by October 31st.
The Knights of Columbus are asking for your support in filling a Box of Joy with presents like small toys, toiletries, and more perfect for children in need. You are also encouraged to mail a $9 check separately for each box to cover international shipping costs. Boxes will be distributed after Mass next weekend and collected for delivery in November 8/9.
Please plan to join us for the next three Mondays (10/20, 10/28, and 11/03) for Saint Bernadette Dining Nights out at local Springfield restaurants. These dining nights out support our Parish Work of Mercy, Rise Against Hunger. Silver Diner (10/20), Malek’s Pizza Palace (10/28), and McAllister’s (11/3) will donate a portion of their proceeds for meals purchased. Remember to mention Saint Bernadette when dining in, ordering delivery or take-out.
For the next two weekends we are excited to be raffling a chance to win Fr. Don’s beautiful, framed prints; Both prints are of Piazza San Marco, #18 and #20 of editions of 50 both from 2002 Watercolors. Raffle tickets are $ 10 each or 6 for $ 50 and are available after all Masses. Tickets are sold separately for each print. All proceeds will support Rise Against Hunger.
Our Rise Against Hunger Meal packing event opens this weekend. This meal packing event is free and will require a large contingent of volunteers, please select a shift and job that is right for you. Please visit the Rise Against Hunger link on parish website for job descriptions. Please join us!
You are invited to join Bishop Burbidge in praying and fasting every Friday in October before the Nov. 4 elections that will decide the next governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general, along with all 100 seats in the House of Delegates. For more information regarding election resources please visit the Virginia Catholic Conference 2025 Resource hub at vacatholic.org.
+ Mark your calendars for these upcoming dates!
Taizé Ecumenical Prayer, October 20
Silver Diner Dining Night Out to benefit our RAH Meal Packing Event, Monday, October 20, 5-8pm, mention Saint Bernadette when ordering!
Malek's Dining Night Out to benefit our RAH Meal Packing Event, Monday, October 27, 4-9pm, mention Saint Bernadette when ordering!
ECHO Yard Sale, Saturday, November 1
McAllister's Deli Dining Night Out to benefit our RAH Meal Packing Event, Monday, October 20, 5-8pm, mention Saint Bernadette when ordering!
FAITH FORMATION
Living the Liturgical Year:
On October 22, we celebrate the Feast Day of Pope St. John Paul II. He was known for his warmth, wisdom, and deep love for humanity. He encouraged the laity to “Be Saints in the World,” to “Open Wide the Doors to Christ,” and to become agents of Christian Unity and interreligious dialogue. He was an inspirational Pope who sought to bring his papacy to the laity, especially the young people. Help your children get to know St. Pope John Paul II by watching this link: https://youtu.be/y9lYvkmY874. Celebrate his feast day with a Polish feast with pierogis and polish sausages.
Volunteers for 2025-2026 ~ We are still in need for volunteers (assistant catechists, teen catechists, and hall monitors). If interested, please contact the Religious Education Office or fill out the Volunteer Form on the website https://stbernpar.org/religious-education-volunteers/.
Upcoming Religious Education Activities:
Regular Classes: October 21-22, 28-29
Confirmation Mass: October 25,10am
Sunday Donut Social: October 26 after 9am Mass
WOMEN'S MINISTRY
Come and enjoy warm fellowship and great food. No need to RSVP. For more information, please email us at women@stbernpar.org. Monday, October 20 is our next Dinner with Friends at 5pm, at Saratoga Pizzeria, 8050 Rolling Road. This casual meal is one of our normal dinners on the 1st the 3rd Monday of every
month.
YOUTH MINISTRY
All High Schoolers are invited to join us for Tuesday Socials every Tuesday from 7-8:30pm! Meet in the youth room (in the parish office) for games, ice cream, and a discussion on the faith.
High School Youth Diocesan Rally - Sunday, October 26, This annual event is an opportunity for the young Church in the Diocese of Arlington to gather each year to for fun, entertainment, prayer, and to celebrate the Catholic faith. RALLY includes Mass with Bishop Burbidge, Eucharistic Adoration, inspirational speakers and entertainers, breakout sessions, inflatable games, music, and more! The cost is $25, and adult volunteers are needed. Contact Grace Mee at gmee@stbernpar.org for information on how to register.
Middle School Youth Ministry - our next gathering is November 5th
All 6th-8th graders are invited for games, snacks, and fun every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month! Meet in the school gym from 6:45-8pm.
To learn more about our middle and high school ministries,
please contact Grace Mee, gmee@stbernpar.org