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Lenten Observances
Fasting: Food equivalent to one regular meal, one small meal – Ash Wed/ Good Friday
Abstinence: No meat – ALL Fridays
Parish Soup Suppers: Fridays in Lent, 6pm
Stations of the Cross: Fridays, 7pm in English, 7:45pm in Spanish, in the church
Lent Confessions: Wednesdays, 6:30-8pm, Saturdays, 3:30-4:30pm (as usual). Please plan confessions early in the season to avoid running out of time.
Parish Penance Service: Tuesday, Mar. 24, 6:30pm
Our monthly Taizé Prayer Service is this Monday evening at 8pm. Please join us for a peaceful moment of simple song, silence and prayer for unity.
Please join us for our Parish Penance Service, Tuesday March 24th beginning at 6:30 PM. We will have 15 visiting priests. There will be limited opportunities leading up to Easter.
We have additional Wednesday evening confessions Wednesdays, Mar 18 and 25, from 6:30-8PM. Lenten Soup Suppers are Fridays at 6:00 PM followed by the Stations of the Cross at 7:00 PM in English and 7:45 PM in Spanish.
Join us Saturday, March 21, 10am-2pm to help spruce up the church in preparation for Easter. Many hands make light work. Please visit the signup opportunities for opportunities https://signup.com/go/BnogGhO
Volunteers are needed to help serve meals and visit with those in our community that are homeless, March 22 through 26 at Saint Mark’s Lutheran Church in Springfield. Food and monetary donations will be accepted. A signup has been created listing specific requests in today’s bulletin.
All women are invited to a Lenten Night of Reflection with a special talk given by Bea Frey. Saturday, March 21st from 6:30-8:30 pm in the Saint Bernadette School Gym. Invite a friend to join us. Registration is not required but helpful at: https://forms.gle/QrkMVJmawkrPXLXCA.
There are two containers of river stones near the altar. Your Lenten assignment is to choose a person you know that has left the Church or is no longer practicing their faith. Invite them to come back and tell them the parish is praying for them. As a sign of your prayer, take a stone and place it near the altar. We will see the field of stones grow over the season of Lent, and will be reminded, all of us, to pray for these people during this powerful season.
FAITH FORMATION
Living the Liturgical Year:
This Sunday marks the 4th Sunday of Lent, we're halfway through to Easter. This week we celebrate two feast days, St. Patrick's Day (March 17) and the Solemnity of St. Joseph (March 19). Though St. Patrick's Day was a religious feast day in Ireland, Irish immigrants transformed it into a secular celebration and holiday in the United States. To teach your children about St. Patrick, focus more on the saint and shamrocks than leprechauns, four leaf clovers, and pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Did you know that St. Patrick used the shamrock to teach the people of Ireland about the Holy Trinity. You can find other activity suggestions here:https://www.reallifeathome.com/5-ways-to-celebrate-st-patricks-day/.
The solemnity of St. Joseph occurs on March 19. It is one of the highest-ranking feast in the liturgical calendar. We honor St. Joseph's role as the spouse of the Virgin Mary and Jesus' foster father. He faithfully fulfilled the duties that was entrusted to him by God to protect and care for the Holy Family and his obedience in God's plan of salvation. St. Joseph, Pray for Us! You can find activities you can do with your children to celebrate the solemnity here: https://thekennedyadventures.com/celebrate-saint-joseph/
Join us next Sunday, March 22, following the 9am Mass for our Sunday Donut Social! Parents, come enjoy coffee and fellowship while your children make liturgical themed crafts with our volunteers!
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 http://stbernpar.org/religious-education-volunteers/.
Upcoming Religious Education Activities
Regular classes: Mar. 17-18, 24-25
SPRED Class: Mar. 21
Sunday Donut Social: Mar. 22
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.
Tuesday, March 17 are our next Dinner with Friends at 5pm, at Saratoga Pizzeria, 8050 Rolling Road. We meet for this casual meal on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays.
Our next monthly meeting will be a Tea Party on Sunday, March 15 at 3pm in the Bradican Rm. Sign up for this special event is required. Go to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0F45A4AB2DA1FB6-62466730-its#/ to reserve your seat or to volunteer to bring goodies. Bring your favorite tea cup and the story that goes with it.
YOUTH MINISTRY
High School Youth Ministry
All high schoolers are invited to attend our Thursday night small group sessions. Guys’ Small Groups will be on 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 7pm in the Youth Room. Girls’ Small Groups will be on 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 7pm in the Youth Room. For any questions, contact JP McLaughlin at jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org.
All 9th-12th graders are invited to join us for a live CLUE night on Saturday, April 11 from 6-8:30pm in the Bradican Room! Just like the board game, visit different rooms, talk to other players, and collect clues. Bring your magnifying glass and notepads! Dinner will be included.
Volunteers for High School Program - We are looking for adults who share a deep passion for their Faith and want to help disciple high school teens. All adult volunteers must be VIRTUS
certified and undergo a background check. If you are interested, contact JP McLaughlin at jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org.
Workcamp - Adult Volunteers Needed! All adults of the parish are invited to consider volunteering for Workcamp. We can find a role for anyone willing to help. We are especially in need of female crew leaders to serve alongside our teens during the week of Workcamp. No construction skills needed; must be 25 or older. Please contact our parish Stakeholder, Matthew Frey, for more information. matthew_c_frey@yahoo.com.
Middle School Youth Ministry - next gathering March 18
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.
YOUNG ADULTS Group
All Young Adults are invited to once-a-month Sunday night discussions and debates on key topics and mysteries about the Faith. Our next Faith Discussion will be on Sunday, April 19, 6-8pm in the Bradican Rm. For any inquiries, contact JP McLaughlin jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org for any inquiries.
Looking to join the Saint Bernadette’s Young Adults? Scan the QR code to join the Saint Bernadette Young Adults Group Chat.
To learn more about our middle and high school ministries,
please contact Grace Mee, gmee@stbernpar.org
or JP McLaughlin jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org,
Dear Good People of Saint Bernadette,
Like the introductory rites of the Mass (see last week’s bulletin), The “offertory” or Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts is much more than a “halftime” in the Mass where people can zone out. This is one of your most active times of participation. Excerpts from the text follow:
The offering of bread and wine in the Mass has deep roots in Scripture. In addition to being used in the Passover of Jesus’ day and in the Last Supper, bread and wine were offered up regularly in Israel’s sacrificial rites. Consider the symbolism of bread and wine and what it would have meant to offer these gifts to God. In the Bible, bread was not merely a side dish to a meal as it is in most Western societies today. For the ancient Israelites, bread was the most basic type of food, seen as necessary to sustain life. In fact, the expression “to eat bread” describes simply eating in general.
The Israelites were called to give up some of their bread in the regular offerings and sacrifices and in the annual Feast of Weeks ceremony. To part with one’s bread would have been a personal sacrifice, expressing the individual’s giving of himself to God.
Similarly, wine was not just a side beverage but a common part of ancient Israelite meals. It was often consumed with bread and was served at feasts and for guests. Yet like bread, wine was also offered up in Israel’s sacrifices. It was one of the first fruits presented to the Temple as a tithe, and it was poured out as a drink offering (a libation) in Israel’s thanksgiving and atonement sacrifices. Since there was a close connection between the sacrificial gifts and the individual giver, offering bread and wine symbolized the offering of one’s self.
The same is true with the presentation of our gifts in the Mass today. In the bread and wine, we offer back to God the gifts of creation and the result of our labors—or, as the prayer in the Mass calls them, “fruit of the earth and work of human hands.” Ultimately, the rite symbolizes our giving of our entire lives to God in the offering of bread and wine. As one commentator noted, “There is no scrap of bread which does not call to mind the hard work of plowing and sowing, the moist brow of the reaper, the weariness of the arms which have threshed and milled the wheat, and the labor of the baker who kneaded the dough close to the scorching oven.” The same could be said of the wine, which comes from the grapes harvested from vines that had been carefully tended throughout the year.
More Than Money
The practice of giving money (which eventually overshadowed the offering of oil, fruit, and other sundry gifts) can be seen in the same light. Putting money in the basket is not simply a contribution to some good cause. It, too, expresses the giving of our lives to God. Our money embodies hours of our lives and hard work, which we now offer to God during Mass in the presentation of the gifts.
Yet some Christians might wonder, “Why does God need our gifts? He sent his Son to die for our sins. Why does he need our meager sacrifices of bread, wine, and money?” Ultimately, God does not need these things. Lacking nothing, God is God with or without our gifts. But we need to offer these gifts. We need to grow in self-giving love, and this is one reason why he invites us to unite our lives to him in this way. These small offerings help us expand our hearts and grow in sacrificial love. Moreover, though they do not count for much on their own, what gives them immense value is the love we put into them and the fact that we unite our meager gifts with Christ’s perfect sacrifice. In the presentation of the gifts, it is as if we bring our entire lives and all our little sacrifices (which are symbolized by the gifts) to the hands of Jesus himself (who is represented by the priest). The priest then brings our gifts to the altar, which is the place where Christ’s sacrifice is made present, in order to express our union with Christ’s offering to the Father.
From the perspective of Jesus’ Beatitudes, he receives our poverty, our sorrow and grief, our powerlessness, our thirst for justice and righteousness, as well as our purity of heart, our desire to make peace -- even our persecution for his Name’s sake -- and transforms all of it, along with the bread and wine, into the Body of Christ and beatitude (blessing). We sing a song at the offertory procession to unite us in this most important and most basic moment of our human work, liturgia, turning our very selves over to God to consecrate us, and transform us in the sharing of Holy Communion.
The Lord be with you,
Lenten Observances
Fasting: Food equivalent to one regular meal, one small meal – Ash Wed/ Good Friday
Abstinence: No meat – ALL Fridays
Parish Soup Suppers: Fridays in Lent, 6pm
Stations of the Cross: Fridays, 7pm in English, 7:45pm in Spanish, in the church
Lent Confessions: Wednesdays, 6:30-8pm, Saturdays, 3:30-4:30pm (as usual). Please plan confessions early in the season to avoid running out of time.
Parish Penance Service: Tuesday, Mar. 24, 6:30pm
Bishop’s Lenten Appeal. We’re at 71% with 477 pledges. Just drop your pledge envelopes in the basket at Mass or at the office, or visit www.arlingtondiocese.org/BLA Please indicate you are a parishioner here and it will count toward our parish goal of $582,000.
Come one, Come all! Saturday, March 21 10am-2pm. Please come help spruce up the church in preparation for Easter. Many hands make light work. We will be working on pews, floors around the pews, candle areas, altar, and choir loft.
https://signup.com/go/BnogGhO
Additional Wednesday evening confessions during Lent begin this Wednesday from 6:30-8PM.
Lenten Soup Suppers are every Friday in Lent at 6:00 PM followed by the Stations of the Cross at 7:00 PM in English and 7:45 PM in Spanish.
The Knights of Columbus Springfield Council 6153 is hosting a Spaghetti Dinner/Trivia Contest Saturday, March 14 in the school cafeteria. Dinner is from 6–7:30pm followed by trivia until 9pm.
All women are invited to a Lenten Night of Reflection with a special talk given by Bea Frey. Saturday, March 21st from 6:30-8:30 pm in the Saint Bernadette School Gym. Invite a friend to join us. Registration is not required but helpful at: https://forms.gle/QrkMVJmawkrPXLXCA.
There are two containers of river stones near the altar. Your Lenten assignment is to choose a person you know that has left the Church or is no longer practicing their faith. Invite them to come back and tell them the parish is praying for them. As a sign of your prayer, take a stone and place it near the altar. We will see the field of stones grow over the season of Lent, and will be reminded, all of us, to pray for these people during this powerful season.
FAITH FORMATION
Living the Liturgical Year:
This Sunday is the 3rd Sunday of Lent. During Lent, we are asked to pray, fast, and give (almsgiving). Almsgiving is defined as giving your time, talent or treasure for those in need as an act of charity and justice for the love of Christ. Such acts include the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. You can find examples of the three marks of Lent here: https://www.looktohimandberadiant.com/2025/02/using-corporal-spiritual-works-of-mercy.html. There are also suggestions of Works of Mercy here: https://www.looktohimandberadiant.com/2016/02/from-kids-for-kids-practical-ideas-for.html
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 http://stbernpar.org/religious-education-volunteers/.
Upcoming Religious Education Activities
Family Mass Learning: Mar. 7 - 8
Regular classes: every week in March
SPRED Class: Mar. 21
Family Mass Learning: Mar. 8
Sunday Donut Social: Mar. 22
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.
Tuesday, March 3 & 17 are our next Dinner with Friends at 5pm, at Saratoga Pizzeria, 8050 Rolling Road. We meet for this casual meal on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays.
Our next monthly meeting will be a Tea Party on Sunday, March 15 at 3pm in the Bradican Rm. Sign up for this special event is required. Go to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0F45A4AB2DA1FB6-62466730-its#/ to reserve your seat or to volunteer to bring goodies. Bring your favorite tea cup and the story that goes with it.
YOUTH MINISTRY
High School Youth Ministry
All high schoolers are invited to attend our Thursday night small group sessions. Guys’ Small Groups will be on 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 7pm in the Youth Room. Girls’ Small Groups will be on 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 7pm in the Youth Room. For any questions, contact JP McLaughlin at jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org.
Volunteers for High School Program - We are looking for adults who share a deep passion for their Faith and want to help disciple high school teens. All adult volunteers must be VIRTUS
certified and undergo a background check. If you are interested, contact JP McLaughlin at jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org.
Workcamp - Adult Volunteers Needed! All adults of the parish are invited to consider volunteering for Workcamp. We can find a role for anyone willing to help. We are especially in need of female crew leaders to serve alongside our teens during the week of Workcamp. No construction skills needed; must be 25 or older. Please contact our parish Stakeholder, Matthew Frey, for more information. matthew_c_frey@yahoo.com.
Middle School Youth Ministry - next gathering March 18
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.
YOUNG ADULTS Group
All Young Adults are invited to once-a-month Sunday night discussions and debates on key topics and mysteries about the Faith. Our next Faith Discussion will be on Sunday, April 19, 6-8pm in the Bradican Rm. For any inquiries, contact JP McLaughlin jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org for any inquiries.
Looking to join the Saint Bernadette’s Young Adults? Scan the QR code to join the Saint Bernadette Young Adults Group Chat.
To learn more about our middle and high school ministries,
please contact Grace Mee, gmee@stbernpar.org
or JP McLaughlin jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org,
Dear Good People of Saint Bernadette,
Our Lenten small group/self study continues this week using Session Three, The Liturgy of the Word, from A Biblical Walk through the Mass by Edward Sri.
How do you hear Sacred Scripture? Are they texts about God, or is God actually speaking to you? The Liturgy of the Word is more than a Bible study, it’s a personal encounter. Divine listening is not about learning, or even just hearing something new. It’s about encountering. It requires some preparation actively engaging in the Introductory Rites (see last week). The lector lends his voice.
This is what is unique about the Judeo-Christian legacy. In only these religions does God speak – we can hear him, we reply – God hears us, and responds to our words.
Synagogue worship developed out of this unique, active conversation. Communication is like communion. Even in Jesus’ time, there is evidence of a three-year cycle of readings.
God speaks first in the Old Testament (First Reading). We respond with “Thanks,” and a Psalm (should be sung when possible) also from the Old Testament. God speaks again, this time from the New Testament. We respond with “Thanks” and a Gospel verse and acclamation (alleluia! if not Lent). Then we hear the definitive revelation of Jesus in Gospel. The homily explains the Gospel. “I believe,” our profession of faith is the answer, and we entrust our needs to God in the Prayers of the Faithful.
The sacred hymns that are the Psalms are often referred to as “Jesus’ prayerbook.” He prays them often, especially when he cries out to the Father.
The New Testament did not suddenly appear out of nowhere. It is growth, informed by the past, moving forward with the breath of the Holy Spirit. Like the Easter Vigil when in seven First Readings we hear the story of salvation from Genesis to Jesus, there is a “historic” movement forward. Reaching its pinnacle in the Gospel, we hear the Words of God himself in Christ, we stand (the posture of deep reverence), we process with the Book of the Gospels, when we have enough servers, we use candles at the altar of the Word, the ambo, like we do at the altar of Jesus’ offering of himself to the Father. The proclamation of the Gospel, therefore, makes Jesus himself present to us in a profound way.
The readings from Scripture also correspond to the various seasons and feasts of the Church. On one level, the Church walks us through the life and mission of Jesus through the seasons of the liturgical year. In the four weeks of Advent, we recall the Old Testament period of humanity’s longing for the Savior. In the Christmas season, we rejoice in the birth of the Son of God who came to dwell among us. In the forty days of Lent, we participate in Jesus’ prayer and fasting in the desert as we prepare to enter Christ’s passion in Holy Week. In the fifty days of the Easter season, we celebrate Jesus’ triumphant resurrection and ascension into heaven, culminating on the fiftieth day with his sending of the Spirit on Pentecost. The rest of the liturgical year—known as Ordinary Time—focuses our attention on the public ministry of Jesus.
Because we are human and cannot fully grasp the entire mystery of Christ at once, it unfolds for us throughout the year. This is one reason why the Church marks off special days to give attention, thanks, and praise for a particular Mystery of Jesus’ life or a specific doctrine of the Catholic Faith.
The word homily means “explanation” in Greek, and its purpose is to help the assembly understand more fully the readings we have heard. In the early Church, the bishop typically was the one who celebrated Sunday Mass and gave the homily. Sometimes people use the word “sermon,” which means simply a talk that might be on any subject the speaker chooses. The liturgical reforms of Vatican II declared that the homily must be in service to the Gospel which has just been proclaimed.
After all of this our response is a powerful reaffirmation of our faith in this God who has revealed himself to us in his own words, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Nicene Creed, whose 1,700th anniversary we observed last year, is the universal faith of the Church, and touches on all the points which we must believe and embrace as Christians. It is a renewal of our baptismal identity, said together in community, a sign of our faith and unity in the Trinity. All is tied together nicely as we include in the Creed “in accordance with the Scriptures,” and “who has spoken through the prophets.” The new is the fulfillment of what came before.
The Lord be with you,
Lenten Observances
Fasting: Food equivalent to one regular meal, one small meal – Ash Wed/ Good Friday
Abstinence: No meat – ALL Fridays
Parish Soup Suppers: Fridays in Lent, 6pm
Stations of the Cross: Fridays, 7pm in English, 7:45pm in Spanish, in the church
Lent Confessions: Wednesdays, 6:30-8pm, Saturdays, 3:30-4:30pm (as usual). Please plan confessions early in the season to avoid running out of time.
Parish Penance Service: Tuesday, Mar. 24, 6:30pm
40 Hours and Parish Lenten Mission
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Sunday–Tuesday, March 1-3. Begins with 5pm Mass Sunday followed by adoration and mission talks by Christopher White, American journalist and analyst, known for his extensive coverage of the Vatican and Catholic Church Life at 6:15pm. Additional Masses on Monday and Tuesday evening at 6:30pm followed by Lenten Mission talks at 7:30pm. Close of 40 Hours with Benediction, Tuesday night after the talk.
Bishop’s Lenten Appeal. We’re at 69% with 448 pledges. Just drop your pledge envelopes in the basket at Mass or at the office, or visit www.arlingtondiocese.org/BLA Please indicate you are a parishioner here and it will count toward our parish goal of $582,000.
Our 40 hours Eucharistic Adoration begins this Sunday. Two people are needed for adoration round the clock from Sunday evening through Tuesday evening. The sign-in-sheet for Adoration is in the vestibule. Parish mission talks will follow the 5 PM Sunday Mass and after additional Masses at 6:30 PM on Monday and Tuesday. See the bulletin for details.
Additional Wednesday evening confessions during Lent begin this Wednesday from 6:30-8PM.
Lenten Soup Suppers are every Friday in Lent at 6:00 PM followed by the Stations of the Cross at 7:00 PM in English and 7:45 PM in Spanish.
The Knights of Columbus Springfield Council 6153 is hosting a Spaghetti Dinner/Trivia Contest Saturday, March 14 in the school cafeteria. Dinner is from 6–7:30pm followed by trivia until 9pm.
All women are invited to a Lenten Night of Reflection with a special talk given by Bea Frey. Saturday, March 21st from 6:30-8:30 pm in the Saint Bernadette School Gym. Invite a friend to join us. Registration is not required but helpful at: https://forms.gle/QrkMVJmawkrPXLXCA.
There are two containers of river stones near the altar. Your Lenten assignment is to choose a person you know that has left the Church or is no longer practicing their faith. Invite them to come back and tell them the parish is praying for them. As a sign of your prayer, take a stone and place it near the altar. We will see the field of stones grow over the season of Lent, and will be reminded, all of us, to pray for these people during this powerful season.
FAITH FORMATION
Living the Liturgical Year:
This Sunday’s Gospel reading is about The Transfiguration of Jesus. It is the very moment when Jesus reveals his divine glory to his disciples; Peter, James and John. His face became bright and his clothes dazzling white and he was in conversation with Moses and Elijah. You can watch the story with your children here: https://youtu.be/KfT5mInsr9A. You can find tips with explaining the Transfiguration here: https://youtu.be/ynMjc2bMzLY.
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 http://stbernpar.org/religious-education-volunteers/.
Upcoming Religious Education Activities
Family Faith Formation: Mar. 1
Regular classes: every week in March
SPRED Classes: Mar. 7 & 21
Family Mass Learning: Mar. 8
Sunday Donut Social: Mar. 22
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.
Tuesday, March 3 is our next Dinner with Friends at 5pm, at Saratoga Pizzeria, 8050 Rolling Road. We meet for this casual meal on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays.
Our next monthly meeting will be a Tea Party on Sunday, March 15 at 3pm in the Bradican Rm. Sign up for this special event is required. Go to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0F45A4AB2DA1FB6-62466730-its#/ to reserve your seat or to volunteer to bring goodies. Bring your favorite tea cup and the story that goes with it.
YOUTH MINISTRY
High School Youth Ministry
All high schoolers are invited to attend our Thursday night small group sessions. Guys’ Small Groups will be on 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 7pm in the Youth Room. Girls’ Small Groups will be on 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 7pm in the Youth Room. For any questions, contact JP McLaughlin at jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org.
All High schoolers are invited for dinner, games, fellowship, and adoration with praise and worship on Saturday, February 21. Meet in the Bradican Room from 6-8:30pm!
Volunteers for High School Program - We are looking for adults who share a deep passion for their Faith and want to help disciple high school teens. All adult volunteers must be VIRTUS
certified and undergo a background check. If you are interested, contact JP McLaughlin at jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org.
Workcamp - Adult Volunteers Needed! All adults of the parish are invited to consider volunteering for Workcamp. We can find a role for anyone willing to help. We are especially in need of female crew leaders to serve alongside our teens during the week of Workcamp. No construction skills needed; must be 25 or older. Please contact our parish Stakeholder, Matthew Frey, for more information. matthew_c_frey@yahoo.com.
Middle School Youth Ministry - next gathering March 4
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.
YOUNG ADULTS Group
All Young Adults are invited to once-a-month Sunday night discussions and debates on key topics and mysteries about the Faith. Our next Faith Discussion will be on Sunday, March 8, 6-8pm in the Bradican Rm. For any inquiries, contact JP McLaughlin jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org for any inquiries.
Looking to join the Saint Bernadette’s Young Adults? Scan the QR code to join the Saint Bernadette Young Adults Group Chat.
To learn more about our middle and high school ministries,
please contact Grace Mee, gmee@stbernpar.org
or JP McLaughlin jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org,
Dear Good People of Saint Bernadette,
Our Lenten small group/self study begins this week using Session Two, The Introductory Rites, from A Biblical Walk through the Mass by Edward Sri.
Of course, the two major movements of the Mass are the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. They are preceded with introductory rites as well as followed by concluding rites.
The first thing I want to say is that, although they are not as vital as the two central parts of the Mass, they are still vital and should be emphasized because they matter. If we don’t understand them, people will continue to come late and leave early because they think these rites don’t matter. It is striking, and troubling, how most people come to Mass late, and leave early -- not only in our parish.
In Session Two, Edward Sri has some interesting insights into Old Testament origins for many of these gestures, listed at the left. I thought I would share with you what I think are the most important takeaways.
First, what he doesn’t mention. An integral part of the introductory rites, though more of an element that evolved over the centuries (like the penitential rite itself), is the gathering hymn or song. Imagine a time when people walked to their neighborhood church. As they gathered, they sang. Procession is always an outward sign of community. They would come together at the door of the church, and the Mass would begin with the greeting and the collect. Ministers of the Mass process, and the assembly sings.
The sign of the cross. The book makes some reference to Old Testament types (Ezekiel 8), but I think the most important reflection is personal. Before the start of the Mass, you have already signed yourself with holy water “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” The baptismal water reminds us of our baptismal identity, and we literally announce ourselves as we enter the sacred space of the church. Sri says we call upon God’s name at this moment, which may be central to his spirituality, but at the moment of my baptism the priest didn’t say to me, “I baptize you in the name of Don.” Rather, my name is literally Father, Son and Holy Spirit. At the moment the Mass begins, we all say it together, a powerful sign of unity and our identity which is found in God.
Then we call to mind our sins. We reflect in a silent examination of conscience in order to prepare for the coming rites in which we listen to God’s Word and receive his Holy Communion with pure hearts. The “I confess” is an act of contrition, like you do in the sacrament of reconciliation. The Church teaches us that venial sins may be forgiven by an act of contrition or an act of charity. So this is how we prepare for Communion: if you are conscious of mortal sin, you must first go to confession, receive absolution, and do the penance prescribed. Do you see why it is so important that everyone be present for this introductory rite?
I have been told that former versions of the Mass had a lot in common with Eastern Rite churches in the multiplication of elements. For example in the former Latin Mass the priest made the sign of the cross 52 times. It is common in the East to say Lord, have mercy seven times, seven times (real fast). Edward Sri applies a trinitarian interpretation to the three times we say it. That may be so, but I like his explanation of mercy (hesed) better. Mercy is not something that a higher, more important person bestows on a lower. It is the covenantal love with which one embraces another out of unconditional commitment.
We suddenly turn from our sorrow for sin to the joy of the gloria. Glory to God in the highest! We sing with the angels who used these words at the birth Jesus, now looking ahead to his coming at Mass, as well as the “Hosanna in the highest, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord,” the words of praise as Jesus enters the holy city on Palm Sunday. The sacrifice is near... It is a striking juxtaposition of events in our story of salvation, placed here as a foreshadowing of the Mystery about to come.
Finally, the introductory rites end with the opening prayer of the Mass, called the Collect. Here is how this is supposed to work. The priest calls us to prayer: “Let us pray.” There is a pause. This is when you call to mind your intentions for this Mass. Who do you wish to lift up to God? What do you ask on their behalf? What is it you ask of God on behalf of our broken world, the great suffering of peoples, the great need? You include your intentions in silence, and the priest then collects all of them, wrapping them up in the thematic prayer of the day.
The Lord be with you,
Lenten Observances
Fasting: Food equivalent to one regular meal, one small meal – Ash Wed/ Good Friday
Abstinence: No meat – ALL Fridays
Parish Soup Suppers: Fridays in Lent, 6pm
Stations of the Cross: Fridays, 7pm in English, 7:45pm in Spanish, in the church
Lent Confessions: Wednesdays, 6:30-8pm, Saturdays, 3:30-4:30pm (as usual). Please plan confessions early in the season to avoid running out of time.
Parish Penance Service: Tuesday, Mar. 24, 6:30pm
40 Hours and Parish Lenten Mission
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Sunday–Tuesday, March 1-3. Begins with 5pm Mass Sunday followed by adoration and mission talks by Christopher White, American journalist and analyst, known for his extensive coverage of the Vatican and Catholic Church Life at 6:15pm. Additional Masses on Monday and Tuesday evening at 6:30pm followed by Lenten Mission talks at 7:30pm. Close of 40 Hours with Benediction, Tuesday night after the talk.
Bishop’s Lenten Appeal. We’re at 69% with 448 pledges. Just drop your pledge envelopes in the basket at Mass or at the office, or visit www.arlingtondiocese.org/BLA Please indicate you are a parishioner here and it will count toward our parish goal of $582,000.
Our 40 hours Eucharistic Adoration begins next Sunday. Two people are needed for adoration round the clock from Sunday evening through Tuesday evening. The sign-in-sheet for Adoration is in the vestibule. Parish mission talks will follow the 5 PM Sunday Mass and after additional Masses at 6:30 PM on Monday and Tuesday. See the bulletin for details.
Additional Wednesday evening confessions during Lent begin this Wednesday from 6:30-8PM.
Lenten Soup Suppers are every Friday in Lent at 6:00 PM followed by the Stations of the Cross at 7:00 PM in English and 7:45 PM in Spanish.
All women are invited to a Lenten Night of Reflection with a special talk given by Bea Fry. Saturday, March 21st from 6:30-8:30 pm in the Saint Bernadette School Gym. Invite a friend to join us. See next week’s bulletin for more information.
This weekend there are two containers of river stones near the altar. Your Lenten assignment is to choose a person you know that has left the Church or is no longer practicing their faith. Invite them to come back and tell them the parish is praying for them. As a sign of your prayer, take a stone and place it near the altar. We will see the field of stones grow over the season of Lent, and will be reminded, all of us, to pray for these people during this powerful season.
FAITH FORMATION
Living the Liturgical Year:
This Sunday marks the First Sunday of Lent. A good way to teach your children the true meaning of Lent is by praying or attending the Stations of the Cross at St. Bernadette. They can walk with Jesus from His condemnation by Pilate, through his suffering and sacrifice. This can help them understand that every Sunday Mass is a “mini-Easter” with Jesus’ sacrifice and his true presence in the Eucharist. You can find the Stations of the Cross activities here: https://www.catholicicing.com/stations-of-the-cross-for-kids/ or Lent activities here: https://www.looktohimandberadiant.com/2025/02/allllllll-all-about-lent-holy-week.html
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 http://stbernpar.org/religious-education-volunteers/.
Join us this Sunday, February 22, following the 9am Mass for our Sunday Donut Social! Parents, come enjoy coffee and fellowship while your children make liturgical themed crafts with our volunteers!
Upcoming Religious Education Activities
SPRED Classes: Feb. 21, Mar. 7 & 21
No RE Class: Feb. 17/18
Regular classes: Feb. 24/25, Mar. 3/4, 10/11
Family Faith Formation: Mar. 1
Family Mass Learning: Mar. 8
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.
Tuesday, March 3 is our next Dinner with Friends at 5pm, at Saratoga Pizzeria, 8050 Rolling Road. We meet for this casual meal on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays.
YOUTH MINISTRY
High School Youth Ministry
All high schoolers are invited to attend our Thursday night small group sessions. Guys’ Small Groups will be on 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 7pm in the Youth Room. Girls’ Small Groups will be on 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 7pm in the Youth Room. For any questions, contact JP McLaughlin at jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org.
All High schoolers are invited for dinner, games, fellowship, and adoration with praise and worship on Saturday, February 21. Meet in the Bradican Room from 6-8:30pm!
Volunteers for High School Program - We are looking for adults who share a deep passion for their Faith and want to help disciple high school teens. All adult volunteers must be VIRTUS
certified and undergo a background check. If you are interested, contact JP McLaughlin at jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org.
Work Camp 2026 registration is open: Please visit our website to register for Work Camp. Contact Matthew Frey matthew_c_frey@yahoo.com or JP McLaughlin at jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org for any inquiries.
NEW DATE / Registration has re-opened: All highschoolers are welcome to an overnight retreat at Summit Lake in Emmitsburg, MD, March 13-Sunday, March 15. We are in collaboration with the youth ministries of St. Leo’s and Our Lady of Good Counsel. Registration has opened. Please visit our website to register for the retreat.
Middle School Youth Ministry - next gathering March 4
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.
YOUNG ADULTS Group
All Young Adults are invited to once-a-month Sunday night discussions and debates on key topics and mysteries about the Faith. Our next Faith Discussion will be on Sunday, March 8, 6-8pm in the Bradican Room. For any inquiries, contact JP McLaughlin jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org for any inquiries.
Looking to join the Saint Bernadette’s Young Adults? Scan the QR code to join the Saint Bernadette Young Adults Group Chat.
To learn more about our middle and high school ministries,
please contact Grace Mee, gmee@stbernpar.org
or JP McLaughlin jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org,
Dear Good People of Saint Bernadette,
Our Lenten small group/self study begins this week using Session One from A Biblical Walk through the Mass by Edward Sri.
His first session on the Mass has to do with the historical and religious underpinnings of Judaism. You can’t really look at the New Testament if you don’t use a filter of the Hebrew Scriptures, because the New Testament world and their understanding of God didn’t suddenly just appear; they grew out of a rich context of a long, often troubled relationship of a people with their God. If you don’t recognize the sacred significance of ritual sacrifice and ritual meal in the time before Jesus, you will not grasp the literal and deliberate actions he took and what they meant.
He gave a thorough catechesis to his disciples and followers to prepare them for what was to come. At the time it often seems like people weren’t paying attention, but looking back from our time we can see the methodical way in which Jesus was preparing his followers for the unfolding of his passion, death and resurrection.
His bread of life discourse is, even for us today, a lot to take in, and would have been absolutely unacceptable at the time of Jesus. If you do not eat the flesh (literally, gnaw on) of the Son of Man and drink his blood you will not have life in you ... my flesh is real food and my blood, real drink. It says that after that, most of Jesus followers couldn’t continue following him. The message was that important, that this is his real presence.
In account after account in the Old Testament, the strict instructions/laws given to Moses by God about the Passover were to be followed to the letter. God’s instructions. On the night that the tenth and final plague was to happen and the first born male of every family and stable was to be struck down, there was only one way that the angel of death would pass over their houses. A strict ritual was to be followed in sacrificing a lamb without blemish, its blood was to be reserved and painted on the posts and lintel of their doorways. This was the sign by which the angel of death would pass over. Inside, the Passover meal was being eaten with care: certain ingredients which signified various aspects of their history and covenant with God. The Passover meal at every house was exactly the same, and eaten with your boots on and your staff in hand, as if you were a people ready to flee at a moment’s notice.
That moment at Jesus’ Last Supper was a confluence of everything that came before and after. First of all he, God, was the author of Passover. He chose this moment to reveal the purpose of his suffering and crucifixion the following day.
Could the author of the Passover have forgotten the lamb of sacrifice? There was no lamb. Do you think the apostles were troubled by this? At the point of the meal when the lamb is offered around the table, Jesus says take this and eat it: this is my Body, which will be given up for you. And, likewise, this is the cup of my Blood, the Blood of the new and eternal (not just everlasting) covenant, so that sins may be forgiven.
A new covenant is ratified by the ritual meal intended, as was the Passover, to be an unending observance. Jesus said, do this in memory of me. One of the powers of your soul, memory (the others being intellect and free will), has the active ability to make the past present. The Greek word is anamnesis.
Anamnesis is the word used to describe the fact that, at Mass, we aren’t just remembering what happened at the Last Supper. In the liturgy, Christ’s sacrifice is presented to us in a way that goes above and beyond “remembering.” I have heard it said that his sacrifice is being re-presented. How that is written is important. It isn’t a typo. The dash in “re-presented” assures that we aren’t saying that it is, somehow, a representation of what happened at the Last Supper. Instead, Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is offered upon the altar, and we have access to the eternal moment of Calvery, God in time. Jesus, who offered himself up for our sins, is being made present to us. Body, blood, soul, and divinity, Jesus is present in the Eucharist. The Church has always taught that Christ is not re-sacrificed at each Mass, but that we enter into that one moment in history when he was scourged for our offenses and wounded for our sin. Jesus’ death defeated evil’s strongest consequence, death. The new Passover.
“Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world” (John the Baptist)
The Lord be with you,
Lenten Observances
Fasting:Food equivalent to one regular meal, one small meal – Ash Wed/ Good Friday
Abstinence:No meat – ALL Fridays
Parish Soup Suppers:Fridays in Lent, 6pm
Stations of the Cross:Fridays, 7pm in English, 7:45pm in Spanish, in the church
Lent Confessions:Wednesdays, 6:30-8pm, Saturdays, 3:30-4:30pm (as usual). Please plan confessions early in the season to avoid running out of time.
Parish Penance Service:Tuesday, Mar. 24, 6:30pm
40 Hours and Parish Lenten Mission
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Sunday–Tuesday, March 1-3. Begins with 5pm Mass Sunday followed by adoration and mission talks by Christopher White, American journalist and analyst, known for his extensive coverage of the Vatican and Catholic Church Life at 6:15pm. Additional Masses on Monday and Tuesday evening at 6:30pm followed by Lenten Mission talks at 7:30pm. Close of 40 Hours with Benediction, Tuesday night after the talk.
Bishop Burbidge has asked us to have a Holy Hour For Peace; we will have ours this Sunday after the 5PM Mass. Please join us.
2025 year-end Contribution Statements will be mailed this week and next. Due to the inclement weather, delivery to your mailbox may be delayed. Please contact the parish office if you have any questions.
The 2026 Bishop’s Lenten Appeal mailing was recently sent to parishioners. The 2026 theme is ““In Christ We Are One”, which reminds us of this great theological virtue that is rooted in Jesus Christ and the victory he won for us. The in-pew pledge weekend is next weekend, February 7/8, or you can make a gift at: www.arlingtondiocese.org/BLA. Please indicate you are a parishioner here and it will count toward our parish goal of $582,000.
Discover the Beauty and Riches of the Mass Saint Bernadette Lenten Study 2026. Join us for a 5-week study this Lent, as we learn to better understand the celebration of the Mass. See the bulletin for more information.
Inclement Weather Delays and Closures : Saint Bernadette Parish and School follows the Fairfax County School System regarding closings for snow and other inclement weather. If public schools are closed, our school is closed and all activities on the campus for that day and evening are canceled. Please take this policy into account when scheduling use of Parish facilities during winter months.
FAITH FORMATION
Living the Liturgical Year:
This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. During Lent, we are called to repent. We are also called to focus on prayer, fasting and almsgiving. You can watch this video with your children about the meaning of Lent. https://youtu.be/P8rAp7Jc4CQ. Don’t forget to go to Mass to receive ashes!
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 http://stbernpar.org/religious-education-volunteers/.
Join us next Sunday, February 22, following the 9am Mass for our Sunday Donut Social! Parents, come enjoy coffee and fellowship while your children make liturgical themed crafts with our volunteers!
Upcoming Religious Education Activities
No Religious Education Classes: Feb. 17/18
Regular classes: Feb. 24/25
SPRED Class: Feb. 21
Sunday Doughnut Social: Feb. 22
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.
Tuesday, February 17 is our next Dinner with Friends at 5pm, at Saratoga Pizzeria, 8050 Rolling Road. We meet for this casual meal on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays.
YOUTH MINISTRY
High School 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.
We are starting High School Small Groups. All high schoolers are welcome to attend. Guys’ Small Groups will be on 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 7pm in the Youth Room. Girls’ Small Groups will be on 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 7pm in the Youth Room. For any questions, contact JP McLaughlin at jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org.
All High schoolers are invited for dinner, games, fellowship, and adoration with praise and worship on Saturday, February 21. Meet in the Bradican Room from 6-8:30pm!
Volunteers for High School Program - We are looking for adults who share a deep passion for their Faith and want to help disciple high school teens. All adult volunteers must be VIRTUS
certified and undergo a background check. If you are interested, contact JP McLaughlin at jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org.
Work Camp 2026 registration is open: Please visit our website to register for Work Camp. Contact Matthew Frey matthew_c_frey@yahoo.com or JP McLaughlin at jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org for any inquiries.
NEW DATE / Registration has re-opened: All highschoolers are welcome to an overnight retreat at Summit Lake in Emmitsburg, MD, March 13-Sunday, March 15. We are in collaboration with the youth ministries of St. Leo’s and Our Lady of Good Counsel. Registration has opened. Please visit our website to register for the retreat. For any inquiries, contact JP McLaughlin at jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org.
Middle School Youth Ministry - next gathering February 18
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.
YOUNG ADULTS Group
All Young Adults are invited to once-a-month Sunday night discussions and debates on key topics and mysteries about the Faith. Our next Faith Discussion will be on Sunday, February 15, 6-8pm in the Bradican Room. For any inquiries, contact JP McLaughlin, jpmclaughlin@stbernpar.org.
Looking to join the Saint Bernadette’s Young Adults? Scan the QR code to join the Saint Bernadette Young Adults Group Chat.
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 I write this I have just returned from attending the monks’ Walk for Peace program this afternoon at National Cathedral. I represented Bishop Burbidge at their arrival last evening at Marymount University in Arlington. 2,300 miles and today the 108th day in their journey, the lead monk who gave the talks, Venerable Bhikkhu Paññākāra, never imagined this kind of outcome. Along roadways lined with cheering crowds, hand-made signs, and police escorts guiding the way, the Walk for Peace transformed from a modest journey launched in Fort Worth, Texas, into a movement followed by millions of people across the country who greeted them with great affection and gratitude.
His message was remarkably simple. That peace isn’t something that comes from outside of you. But the reality of today’s world with its endless distractions which constantly confront us and cause our “monkey minds” to jump here and there makes the possibility of inner peace more difficult than it ever was. Peace must come from within; it is work, it is practice. “You cannot wait for peace to walk to you. You must walk it.”
He gave a beautiful, simple teaching on the practice of mindfulness. This is not Buddhist ritual or meditation. It is our ability to truly focus on the thing at hand. He asked everyone to place their hands over their heart and find the heartbeat. Focus on it. Enter into it and realize that it is your core. In that heart is everything in the past, and the present moment. Consider it mindfully, and you will know yourself better and not be jumping from one impulse to another. You will find peace. But with smartphones today, he said, this is nearly impossible.
When you wake up in the morning, he said, do not look at your phone. Go about your normal morning routine. DO NOT look at your phone. Look into the mirror. Wipe the mirror clean - even if it is already - and leave the past in the past. Take a piece of paper and a pen and write, “Today will be my peaceful day.” Write it again. Read it out loud. Again. The tangible writing, seeing, hearing, speaking of it will reset your day and help you to be mindful of yourself and not be blown around so easily by developments. This is where you find peace.
He said that he practiced mindfulness, aware of every breath, every step along the roads from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, DC. Their intention was to bring this witness of true peace. The suffering, struggle, injury, sacrifice that these monks have made is a testimony that such challenges in life do not have to steal your peace. But if they do, you can reset tomorrow.
I watched with fascination as thousands of people, all religions, from all cutures, celebrated the presence of these monks. What were they looking for? That kind of deep peace that so many people are being successful in stealing from us on a daily basis. Not only in this country but in the whole world. It is up to you, he said, whether you let it affect you or not.
The Lord be with you,