St. John Neumann Catholic Community
Staffed by Oblates of St. Francis de Sales
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Current Mass Times
Saturday: 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 7:30am, 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2:00 p.m. (español), 5:00pm
Monday-Friday: 9:00 a.m.
(The 12:10pm Mass has gone on summer break. It returns on Wednesday, September 7)
Confession
Saturday: 10:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. (English)
Sunday: 3:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. (español)
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Pastor's Perspective
Farewell From Mickie Abatemarco
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As I begin to prepare for my leave from St. John Neumann, I can’t help but think of the Apostles on Pentecost; they had to face their fears and trust that the Holy Spirit would lead them. Leaving SJN is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do, but I am doing my best to trust the Holy Spirit to guide me as I move on.
There is no question that he led me here. In 1985, I came to Reston for a weekend conference at the Sheraton Hotel. That Sunday, I attended Mass at SJN, and the journey began. I knew immediately that there was something special about the Religious Order that staffed the parish, and I wanted to know more about them. I tucked the information away and thought, “If I ever move to Reston, Virginia, that is where I would worship.” The chances of this New York girl moving to Reston made me laugh, but God knew better. Leap forward to 2012, and we moved to Falls Church and were looking for a parish. I remembered my experience, so my husband and I drove to Reston, and the rest is history. The Holy Spirit knew that I needed to find my way here, and I am blessed every day.
The Oblates have gifted me the opportunity to be a partner in ministry. As a woman in the Church, that is not taken for granted. St. Francis DeSales tells us, “Be who you are and be that well.” They have encouraged, supported me in all aspects of my ministry, and have given me the opportunity to use the voice that God has given me.
Every morning, I walk into my office knowing that our team is filled with ideas, compassion, faith, and openness to wherever the day will lead us. Some days the road is a straight one, most days, it is filled with twists and turns, but we can accomplish anything together. We have become family, all with our different personalities and gifts, which makes who we are unstoppable!
This ministry has allowed me to enter into the faith lives of many. There is no greater joy than walking with families through the Sacraments. I’ve also had the privilege to journey with adults as they explore their faith and share their lives, that trust I do not take for granted. I know that this is where the Holy Spirit has called me to use my gifts, and I am forever grateful.
So, I go back to where I began. Leaving is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. But, I know I still have more of my story to write and live. So, I’m doing my best to trust the Holy Spirit as I recalibrate my life, not retire. I am forever grateful that I spent part of my journey at SJN. It has been the greatest gift in my ministry. I will carry all of you in my heart and prayers.
Peace and Blessings,
Mickie
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Catechetical Corner
Praying With Young Children
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By Angela Davis
Prayer can be challenging even for adults. Our family is called to be our “domestic church” but teaching children to pray can be challenging. Take a moment to think about how you learned to pray during your younger years. Did your family pray together? How did that look? How did it feel? In what ways did it build a foundation for a life of prayer? How do you want your children to answer these questions once they are adults? Here are three suggested areas to focus on if you’d like to increase the prayer in your Domestic Church. Every family / domestic church is different, but these practices have worked well in my family during this season of life.
Focus Area #1: Live a Life of Visible Prayer
Prayer should permeate our entire lives, and children learn best by following our example. So the first step is to model a life of prayer by living a life of prayer ourselves. Most of us could use some work in this area. Fortunately, accompanying my children in their prayer lives has helped elevate my own, but it takes intentional effort.
Wherever we are on our personal journeys, we need to make sure our prayer lives are visible to our children. There is great value in finding quiet times away for prayer without children using your body as a jungle gym, but it shouldn't stop there. Our children need to be able to see and hear us pray. Personally, I find myself good at quick prayers, and I do it so regularly that I'm not always fully aware, but I've made an effort to say these prayers aloud more often, especially when my children are near. "God, thank You for this time with my kids. I'm really enjoying it." "Lord, we're running late; please help us stay calm and move quickly." "Jesus, I love you." Let your kids witness some of these moments, even your quiet, silent prayers. Let them see you pray with your spouse and witness you engaged in the Rosary, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, or Centering Prayer. Sometimes, invite them to join you and help them understand that prayer is something that you need and prioritize.
Focus Area #2: Frequent Prayer Interjections
It's important to expose kids to various forms of prayer from a young age. I'll talk about creating formal family prayer routines in a moment. Still, spontaneous, frequent, relatively unplanned, and unstructured prayer helps to remind us that God is with us always and should be a part of everything we do.
Consider trying some of these times with your children throughout the day. Encourage them to add to the prayers and speak to God directly…
- When leaving or entering the home, give thanks for your house, and pray for those who are homeless. Consider adding a holy water font to your entryway.
- When starting the car, give thanks for your access to transportation. Be sure to pray for the safety of your family and the other vehicles on the road.
- When you hear a siren or see an ambulance or fire truck, pray for the people who may be in danger or sick right now, and pray for the first responders in your community who help to keep people safe.
- When frustrations and tempers run high in your home, pray for forgiveness, and ask for patience and understanding.
- When things are going well, sing in Thanksgiving.
- When cleaning or doing housework together, thank God for your able bodies and teamwork.
- When struggling to learn something new or make a family decision, ask God for guidance.
- Consider praying St. Francis de Sales' Direction of Intention when transitioning to new activities.
Focus Area #3: Creating Consistent Family Prayer Routines
Some periods of the day lend themselves well to formal prayer times. The most common are probably before meals and before bed. If you don't already, consider adding a morning prayer when you first wake up. These more formal prayer times are great opportunities to have various family members take turns leading the prayer. Try giving everyone a chance to speak about what they are thankful for, what they need help with, and who they want to pray for. These are also great times to teach essential Catholic prayers like the Sign of the Cross, the Our Father, and the Hail Mary.
What are you already doing for prayer that is working well in your family?
How will you increase the prayer in your Domestic Church?
Until next time, may the peace of Christ be with you and those you accompany in His name! Please pray for me. I will pray for all of you!
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Volunteer Spotlight
Maria Costantino
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What do you do here at SJN, and how does your skillset help our parish?
Maria works in our Faith Formation Department. She helps organize materials, do an inventory of supplies, and do other tasks to keep the office humming along. "We are all a team, and we work so well together." "Maria's our right arm and left leg. We couldn't live without her," clarified Mickie Abatemarco, the director of Faith Formation. "She's a real 'Jack(Jill)-of-all-Trades," chimed in Betsy Puzzanghero, the Faith Formation Office Coordinator.
Why Do You Like Working in the Faith Formation Department?
"I have been volunteering here for three years. I like working here because, in a small way, we are like the Good Shepherd. We gather all the people together so that they can better understand God's word, and if someone needs extra help or 'strays' off the path, then we can help bring them back."
Who is your favorite Saint, and Why?
"St. Francis of Assisi. Because of his love for people, the earth, and animals. He taught us forgiveness, love, and peace."
What do you like most about SJN?
"It's family. This office, and this parish, are really my second home."
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“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and every one that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit.”
John 15:1-2
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