OCTOBER 08, 2017 TWENTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Sun Oct 8 Youth Faith Formation, 9:30 AM, CC Sun Oct 8 Parent Meeting – All grades YFF, 9:45AM Sun Oct 8 Catechist Meeting, 12:00 PM, CC Sun Oct 8 Youth Group Family Lunch, 12:00 PM, CC Sun Oct 8 9th gr. Confirmation Class, 3:30pm, CC Wed Oct 11 Cantor/Choir Rehearsals, 6:30/7 PM, C Fri Oct 13 Scripture Study, 10:00 AM, CC Sat Oct 14 Rosary Devotion, 4:30 PM, C Sun Oct 15 Youth Faith Formation, 9:30 AM, CC Sun Oct 15 Parish Family Picnic,12:30 PM,Cecil Park

Tue Oct 10 9:00 am Winnifred Norris Wed Oct 11 9:00 am Angie Bailey Thu Oct 12 9:00 am Florence Whitten Fri Oct 13 9:00 am Olive Gagliano Sat Oct 14 5:00 pm Charles F. Norris Sun Oct 15 8:30 am Parishioners Sun Oct 15 11:00 am James Robinson

Flowers for the altar openings are Nov. 4/5, 11/12, and Nov. 18/19. Please call the church office if you wish to reserve a date. (301-994-0607) Note: All masses during the month of November are for remembrance of the Faithful Departed.

FEAST DAYS THIS WEEK Mon Oct 9 St. Denis and Companions St. John Leonardi Wed Oct 11 St. John XXIII Sat Oct 14 St. Callistus

WEEKDAYS LITURGICAL MINISTERS

Daily Lector: J.Blackwell; M.Goldsmith; C.Galli; C.Galli Meals-on-wheels: P.Keen; K.Owens; G.Crawford Altar Preparation: L. Dean

DECEASED Please pray for the soul of Ruby Goddard, mother of parishioner Tom Goddard. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Notice to E-Givers: The parish has now printed recyclable giving cards for you to place in the collection basket. You are welcome to pick some up and use these if you wish to cancel the ones the company sends you. E-Giving cards can be found in the small wooden rack across from the Calming Room.

Thank you for your faithful parish support. The Take-away message(s) in Sunday’s readings: One of St. Paul’s favorite topics was prayer, and today’s reading from his letter to the Philippians is no exception to that. He says, “Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.” For Paul all topics are appropriate for prayer because we need to share and consult with the Lord about everything.

God knows what is on our minds already, of course, but He also desires that we make a conscious effort to communicate with Him on these subjects. In addition, Paul points out that our prayers need to be infused with thanksgiving. We should not just petition the Lord and make requests. It is equally important that we think about, identify, and acknowledge our blessings.

We have often pointed out that stewardship is a life of gratitude, a way of living which encourages us to focus on gifts, not on problems and challenges all the time. If we strive to have grateful hearts, our prayers come much more easily, and we tend to be much happier and more upbeat in our lives.

The noted author, philosopher, journalist, and theologian G. K. Chesterton is well known in Catholic circles because he converted to Catholicism during his life, and was an excellent conveyor of the faith. In terms of living grateful lives he said, “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that

10/1/2017 10/2/2016

Gen. Collection $4010.00 $4009.00

+$233.00E-Giving (Weekly) $912.00 $1694.00

E-Giving (Monthly) $1015.00

Identifiable Gifts 144 132 +12

Maintenance $1686.00 $1667.00+149.00

E-Giving (Maint.) $460.00 $330.00

Poor Box $183.00 $66.00 +117.00

Donations $550.00 $700.00 -$150.00

PARISH CALENDAR

MASS INTENTIONS

REMEMBER IN OUR PRAYERS

Please remember the sick of our parish, and all in need of our prayers, especially those who serve our country and their families, and all who are listed in our Parish Book of Intentions.

STEWARDSHIP — FINANCIAL BLESSINGS

OCTOBER 08, 2017 TWENTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIMEgratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” That includes thanks to God.

That is our challenge, to love others in such a way that we become lovable as well. Christ told us over and over that the secret to being His disciple and the secret to being a good steward is to “Love your neighbor.” That is how to be the kind of person Paul calls us to be as well.

FOOD, FAMILY, FUN Our PARISH Picnic — SUNDAY, OCT. 15, 2017

12:30PM – 3:30PM at Cecil Park, Valley Lee Music, Magic Show, Softball game, children playground

Food: steamed shrimps, burger, hotdog, fried chicken, and more. Please bring your favorite sides, salad, or desert to

share.

Please sign-up at entrances of the vestibule

St. George Biennial Christmas Bazaar

Saturday, November 25 Community Center

Interested in donating a basket for the raffle? Please let us know the theme of

your basket by Sun., Oct. 15. Gift certificate donations for Mystery Raffle are also welcome. White Elephant (gently used items for resale) may also be donated – should be received by 11/19. All craft donations must be at Church by November 16. Please call the parish office at (301) 994-0607 or email bazaar@stgeorgercc.org

Parish Pilgrimage to the National Shrine of St. John Paul II, and Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

—————————————————— Save the Date: December 9th, the Parish along with the Knights of Columbus are sponsoring a Pilgrimage to the John Paul II Shrine in Washington DC. This Advent Pilgrimage is open to all, so save the Date and join Father Paul on this Pilgrimage. See Flyer for more details.

The members of Serra Club of Southern Maryland invite you to attend a Mass and talk at St. George Community Center, Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at 7:00 PM. Celebrant will be Father Paul Nguyen. Speaker: Ms Carla Tomaszewski, Topic: “A Man for All Seasons--St. John Paul II”. Refreshments to follow Mass. Info: Bob and Marie Goldsmith, 301-994-0235 or St. George Church office, 301-994-0607. Please note: Mass is in the Community Center, not the Church.

The next session for THE LANDINGS program begins Thursday, October 19. For information please contact Colleen Galli, SGCLand ings@StGeorgeRCC.org or

240-538-4617.

Youth’s Faith Formation (YFF) - Sunday Mornings 9:30AM - 10:45AM in Community Center

Confirmation Class meets Sundays, 3:30-4:45 PM until Confirmation, Sunday, October 29, 2017

Confirmation Mass 11:00AM Sunday 10/29/2017

OUR PARISH NEWS

OUR PARISH FAITH FORMATION

Help us keep our parish records up to date. If you are new to the parish or have recently changed your mailing address, e-mail address, phone number, or plan to be away temporarily, please use the on-line census by going to our website (www.StGeorgeRCC.org) and following the links to update your information.

Altar Server Training: Deacon Joel will offer training for those wishing to become Altar Servers at St. George. Potential servers should be in grade 4 and over. Training will take place as follows:

Saturday, October 14, 9-10:30am Saturday, October 21, 9 – 11am, followed by a Pizza Party in the Community Center

Current servers must attend the October 14 and October 21 workshops.

Those wishing to become servers are expected to attend all four.

Please email or call the parish office to confirm your a t t endance : Deacon .Joe l@s tgeo rge rcc .o rg , 301-994-0607.

If you wish to serve, but have conflicts, please contact Deacon Joel any way to see when he is available.

SAVE YOUR USED WINTER COATS

As you buy new fall/winter coats, please save your used fall/winter coats for the St. George Coat Drive to be held

the weekend November 4/5, 2017. (POC Dennis Hackathorn 301-994- 9673).

BIBLE STUDY begins FRIDAY, OCT. 13, 2017 We will be study THE BIBLE & MARY, on this 100th anniversary of Fatima. See flyer for more details.

OCTOBER 08, 2017 TWENTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Youth Group meets 12:00PM TOAY for Family event Mr. Adam Dean, Youth Ministry Coordinator

Mark your calendars! On October 8, following the 11am Mass, the Youth Group will host a family lunch and a variety of Minute to Win It activities. All families with youth, grades 6 and up are invited to participate.

Youth vs. Parents! Who will win?

LITTLE FLOWER SCHOOL Bingo - Every Wednesday, doors open at 5:30 pm; early bird special starts at 6:45pm. Cash prizes! Food and drink will also be for sale.

Are you on social media? Don’t forget to “like” us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/littleflowercatholic) and “follow” us on Twitter and Instagram (@LFSpatriots)!

Box Tops and Campbell’s Soup labels are always needed and appreciated - used for extra supplies.

Interested in learning more about Little Flower School? Email (LFSoffice@littleflowercatholic.org)or or call (301)994-0404 today to schedule a tour. N

Fr. Sebastien De Rose Council # 13091 Grand Knight: Christopher A. Wilcox

CWILCOX@MD.METROCAST.NET _________________

Happy Columbus Day. In 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaimed Columbus Day a national holiday, largely as a result of intense lobbying by the Knights of Columbus, an influential Catholic fraternal benefits organization. Originally observed every October 12, it was fixed to the second Monday in October in 1971.

Sun., Oct. 8 All You Can Eat Breakfast, 2nd Dist VFD&RS, Drayden Road, Valley Lee, 8am-11am. Adults $9 child 6-12 yrs $5, 5 & under, FREE. Scrambled Eggs, Home Fried Potatoes, Pancakes, French Toast, Sausage Links, Ham, Bacon, Creamed Chipped Beef, Sausage Gray, Spiced Applesauce, Grits, Hot Biscuits, Assorted Juices, Milk and Coffee; For more information call 301-994-9999.

Sun., Oct. 8 Annual Blessing of the Fleet, St. Clement’s Island. Mass at 3:00 PM. Transportation provided from St. Clement’s Island Museum at Colton’s Point. Info: 301-481-2801.

Sun., Oct. 8 10th annual Apple Festival, Our Lady of the Wayside, Chaptico, MD, Noon to 5 pm. Food, apple desserts, apples for sale, and much more.

Fri., Oct 13 Fatima Centenary. Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the final apparition of Our Lady of Fatima, St. Aloysius Church, Leonardtown, 7:PM. Mass, consecration of St. Mary’s County to Jesus through Mary, and a Eucharistic procession through Leonardtown square. {see bulletin board notice]

Sun., Oct. 15 Camp St. Charles, Rock Point, MD, Open House, 11am-3pm. Learn about this Boys and Girls Over-night Summer Camp fully accredited with the American Camp Assoc and certified by the State of MD. Info: www.campstcharles.org.; 301-934-8799..

Mon., Oct. 16 Monthly Mass with Eucharistic Adoration and Healing Prayers, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Lexington Park. Confessions: 6:30 PM; Mass, 7:00 PM. Info 301-863-8144.

Wed., Oct. 18 Mass & Talk, hosted by Serra Club of Southern Maryland, St. George Church, 7:00 PM. [See notice below]

Fri., Oct. 20 Rhythm & Riches, the Archangel Scholarship Foundation, supporting St. Michael's School, Ridge, MD, at the Hollywood Fire Department. Music, games, cash prizes and more. Tickets and info www.rhythmandriches.com or by calling 240-587-7111.

Oct. 27-29 Men’s Annual Retreat, Loyola on the Potomac, Faulkner, MD. To reserve your space contact Dan Ichniowski at djichniowski@yahoo.com or (301)-994-1310 or register on-line at www.loyolaonthepotomac.com.

Sat., Oct. 28 Spaghetti Dinner, 2nd Dist VFD&RS, Drayden Road, Valley Lee, 5pm-7pm. Adults $10; Child 6-12, $5; 5 &under, free. Info: 301-994-9999.

Sun., Oct. 29 Men’s Discernment Mass and Dinner, St. Peter’s on Capitol Hill, 4:00-7:30 PM. For college–aged through 40’s. RSVP required. Please visit www.dcpriest.org

Sat., Nov. 4 Craft Fair, 2nd Dist VFD&RS, Drayden Road, Valley Lee, 9am-2pm. Reserved space, $25.

For more information / reserve a space (preferred by 29th of Oct.) call Darlene at 240-434-1095 after 4:00 p.m. – Attend and enjoy a stuffed ham sandwich and find that different Christmas gift.

Community Forum #1 2nd Dist. Volunteer Fire Dept. & Rescue Squad

Valley Lee, MD Monday, October 16, 7:00 PM

Please join us to discuss the 2nd & 9th District Proposed Tax Increase

ROMAN CATHOLIC MASS ON ST. CLEMENTS ISLAND All are welcome to join in a special celebration Catholic Mass on the site of Maryland's first colonial landing in 1634, the birthplace of religious freedom in America. This event will be held on Sunday, October 8th with the Mass beginning at 3:00 PM. This Mass will be celebrated by Reverend Anthony Lickteig, Pastor of Holy Angels Catholic Church and Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Free boat rides to St. Clements Island and free admission into St. Clements Island Museum. Blessing of the Fleet Admission $10.00 (12 and under: Free).

Fatima Centenary Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the final apparition of Our Lady of Fatima on Friday, October 13 at 7:00 PM at St. Aloysius Church. The commemoration will include Mass, a consecration of St. Mary’s County to Jesus through Mary, and a Eucharistic procession through Leonardtown square.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS NEWS

NEWS IN OUR AREA & AROUND

YOUTH GROUP NEWS

OUR REGIONAL CATHOLIC SCHOOL

OCTOBER 08, 2017 TWENTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME* Check out what’s new on FORMED.ORG

WORLD MISSION SUNDAY – OCTOBER 14/15 During the weekend of October 14-15, the Archdiocese of Washington will celebrate World Mission Sunday, which reminds us of Our Lord's Great Commission to the Church to go into the whole world to proclaim the faith (Matthew 28:19). The World Mission Sunday collection is unique in that it is a global effort for the entire Church. It is a moment each year to provide for the building up of over one thousand local churches in Asia and Africa, the Pacific Islands, and parts of Latin America and Europe, an area that covers more than half the territory of the globe. Through the work of these churches, and their witness to Christ, the poor receive practical help and experience God’s love and mercy that renews hope and peace. For more information, contact Jenean Jones (301-853-4527) or Sr. Crucified (301-853-4528) in the archdiocesan Office of Missions. Thank you for your generosity!

IS 5: 1-7; PS 80: 9, 12-16, 19-20; PHIL 4: 6-9; MT 21: 33-43

The prophet Isaiah proclaims in the first verse of our First Reading, “Let me now sing of my friend, my friend’s song concerning his vineyard.” Isaiah’s writings were beautiful and poetic, and we are familiar with his many prophecies relating to the Messiah and to Christ. The theme of a vineyard was a favorite of his and in fact is often used throughout Holy Scripture. A number of Christ’s parables involve vineyards.

Vines and vineyards were common in the agricultural economy of Israel and of Jesus’ world. Vines grew readily and wine was historically part of a family meal. Thus, vineyards were an important point of reference to those of that time. Many of the references, as in this instance, are metaphorical. Isaiah states outright that the vineyard for him was Israel. In today’s reading he says, “The vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the people of Judah are his cherished plant.” Christ takes that reference to another level as to Him the vineyard is more than just Israel; it is all of us.

Most of us are aware of Christ’s statement, “I am the vine, and you are the branches.” There is even a strong stewardship reference made in relation to v ineyards. In the Old Testament Book of Deuteronomy God tells us, “When you harvest the grapes in your vineyard, do not go over the vines again. Leave what remains for the alien, the fatherless, and the widow.” We need to understand the significance of this relationship to vineyards.

St. Paul, in our Second Reading from his letter to the Philippians, speaks of our relationship to God. Keep in mind that Paul went to Philippi as part of his second missionary journey. It is well documented in the Book of Acts. He may have visited again on his j o u r n e y f r o m E p h e s u s t o M a c e d o n i a . Communications from the Philippians to Paul and his letters back are also acknowledged. This letter, which was most likely written during Paul’s imprisonment in Rome, is one that does not have any particular logical plan. It is filled with love and gratitude, feelings to which he makes reference in today’s reading.

The overall theme of the letter is one of thanks and gratitude, and in today’s reading in particular Paul advises us that we need to take this gratitude and offer it to God. Paul speaks of the peace that comes to us from God. In urging us to pray, Paul says, “Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Paul does not mean that God’s peace is impossible for us to understand, but he feels it is something that we need to experience in order to appreciate it completely, and that can only be accomplished through prayer. Prayer is, of course, one of our Four Pillars of Stewardship, and a regular and consistent prayer life is important to us both as individuals and as a community.

As referenced previously in this reflection, Jesus was fond of using a vineyard as a setting, especially for His parables. Today’s parable, popularly called The Parable of the Wicked Servants, has the same connection to Israel as that indicated by Isaiah in our First Reading. Our Lord is speaking of judgment, judgment for our actions, for what we do and what we fail to do. Jesus is speaking to leaders, and He is making it clear to them that God expects fruit from their leadership, but is finding little.

Jesus also warns them (and us) the consequences of rejecting Him. “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” We will be judged, and we will be judged if we reject the Lord. Jesus is not on trial. We are, each and every day and in every way. If we focus on the Lord, and if we live God-centered lives, our chances of redemption are much greater. The idea that we must be “broken” is difficult to endure, but either we humbly accept the Lord as our guide and master, or we might be “broken” in judgment. The choice is ours.

REFLECTION ON SUNDAY’S READINGS