ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI, DERWOOD

February 13 - February 19

Monday, 2/13 9:00 a.m. Peter Erskine Tuesday, 2/14 9:00 a.m. Don Smith Wednesday, 2/15 9:00 a.m. Sylvia Ledlum (L) 7:30 p.m. Reverend Matthew Thompson Thursday, 2/16 9:00 a.m. Esther Swartz Friday, 2/17 9:00 a.m. Joseph & Mary Polosky Saturday, 2/18 9:00 a.m. Paolo Cataldo 5:00 p.m. Mary Schichtel Sunday, 2/19 8:00 a.m. George Spellmire 9:30 a.m. Pro populo 11:15 a.m. Vareed & Rosa Nellissery 1:00 p.m. Mr. & Mrs. Gary Bodmer (L) 5:00 p.m. Marge Zack

Scripture Corner

FULFILLING THE LAW

At the baptism of Jesus the Father said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17) In today’s Gospel (Matthew 5:17-37) Christ insists, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.” (5:17)

The Jewish people realized that only God could change the law. That is why the words of the Father at the baptism are so important – Jesus is the Son of God! Christ can fulfill the law; he can make changes in the law.

Jesus’ first example wants his followers to avoid not only murder; they should also avoid anger, which can lead to murder. Our Lord says that you should not “bring your gift to the altar” until you have reconciled with your neighbor.’ (Matthew 5:24)

One must avoid adultery, but also lust. Before Moses men could divorce their wives and later force them to come back. Mosaic legislation stopped that offense against women. Jesus wants an absolute prohibition of divorce unless the marriage is unlawful. Scripture scholars have different interpretations of the phrase, “unless the marriage is unlawful.” (Matthew 5:32) Christ wants his followers to avoid using oaths.

Considering the Old Testament laws and also paying close attention to the fulfillment laws of Jesus, we take very seriously these words of Christ, “whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” ((Matthew 5:19) ~ Fr. Ralph

Please pray for the sick….John McCormick, Bishop William C. Newman, Deacon Wil Pinder, Vincent Price, Alb Alfred, Aisha Dossen, Bob Coyne, Jeni Stepanek, Robert Dax. (Names will remain on this list for four consecutive weeks, but can be repeat-ed by calling the Office.)

Readings for the Week of February 12, 2017 Sunday: Sir 15:15-20/Ps 119:1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34/1 Cor 2:6-10/Mt 5:17-37 Monday: Gn 4:1-15, 25/Ps 50:1, 8, 16-17, 20-21/ Mk 8:11-13 Tuesday: Gn 6:5-8; 7:1-5, 10/Ps 29:1, 2, 3-4, 3b, 9-10/ Mk 8:14-21 Wednesday: Gn 8:6-13, 20-22/Ps 116:12-15, 18-19/ Mk 8:22-26 Thursday: Gn 9:1-13/Ps 102:16-21, 29, 22-23/Mk 8:27-33 Friday: Gn 11:1-9/Ps 33:10-15/Mk 8:34--9:1 Saturday: Heb 11:1-7/Ps 145:2-5, 10-11/Mk 9:2-13 Next Sunday: Lv 19:1-2, 17-18/Ps 103:1-4, 8, 10, 12-13/1 Cor 3:16-23/Mt 5:38-48

ANNUAL PANCAKE SUPPER

Tuesday, February 28, 2017 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

The Breakfast for Dinner Super Pancake Extravaganza is Tues-day, February 28. The event celebrates Shrove Tuesday which marks the end of the liturgical calendar and is the last night be-fore Lent begins. The dinner is breakfast with pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns and too much more breakfast treats too mention.

Breakfast for Dinner begins at 5:00 p.m. and runs to 8:00 p.m.. Adults are $8, kids 6 - 12 are $5. Children under 5 eat for free and a family plan is available for $25. Enjoy a relaxing dinner/ breakfast / meal without having to do any dishes.

If you are interested in flipping pancakes and hanging out in the kitchen, contact Sylvia Jones at 301-762-6564 in the evening to volunteer.

The Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

QUESTION OF THE WEEK Is there a situation in my life calling for a reconciliation that will not happen unless I make the first move? How soon will I do it?

THE MUSINGS OF THE PASTOR

This week I am continuing a series of columns in which I am highlighting several international associations of the faithful of Pontifical Right that are present in this parish.

Today I am featuring the World Wide Marriage Encounter (WWME). Once again I am making use of information available on the website for the Pontifical Council for the Laity listing and describing approved Associations of the Faithful. I have changed spelling to reflect American usage.

HISTORY Marriage Encounter traces its roots to Spain. In working with young people in the parish, the Diocesan Laborer priest Gabriel Calvo realized how important it is for the growth and upbringing of children for parents to live in harmony. He designed an instrument that would facilitate and deepen dialogue between the husband and wife to strengthen the “I

will” that they bear in their hearts. This was presented as a weekend retreat in Spain in 1962. In 1967, the experience reached the United States through the Christian Family Movement. In New York the “marriage encounter week-ends” were standardized and enriched by a number of mar-ried couples and the Jesuit priest Father Chuck Gallagher. Soon these weekends were being presented in the ten most

Catholic cities in the United States. The New York branch became known as Worldwide Marriage Encounter after the international expansion began in 1972.

IDENTITY The movement exists to help married couples live their rela-tionship intimately and responsibly and to understand and

better their role in the Church. The foundational experience is the Worldwide Marriage Encounter retreat animated by the testimony of three married couples and a priest who deal with various aspects of daily living. Participants learn to communicate at a deeper level using the technique of dia-logue. Priests and religious who wish to live authentically

their own vocation may also participate. There is communi-ty support to continue the dialoguing lifestyle and to provide further formation. The movement fosters the integration of married couples and families into parishes, encourages them to use their sacramental love for service in the Church and in the world.

ORGANIZATION WWME is governed at every level (local, diocesan, region-al, national) by Ecclesial Teams made up of a priest and a married couple. At the worldwide level, the movement is coordinated by the international Ecclesial Team, assisted by six Ecclesial Teams who represent the existing Secretariats for Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America and the Pacific.

Continued in the column to the left….

THE MUSINGS OF THE PASTOR (continued)

MEMBERSHIP Worldwide Marriage Encounter is present in ninety countries as follows: Africa (15), Asia (13), Europe (26), North Ameri-

ca (12), Pacific (4), and Latin America (20).

LOCALLY This weekend experience is for married Christian couples who value their relationship and desire a richer, fuller life together. Participating couples get together on a monthly basis. Coordi-

nator: Lenny and Betty Baklarz, (301), 412-1909. For more information, you can check out this website: https://welovematrimony.org.

Until next week, Fr. John Dillon Pastor

REDISCOVER JESUS SMALL GROUPS SEEKING PARTICIPANTS, HOSTS & FACILITATORS

It’s not too late to sign up for one of the Rediscover Jesus Small Groups forming this month to reflect about the solemn season of Lent with your fellow parishioners. As one of the key Lenten activities at St. Francis, the small groups will ena-ble parishioners to join with families they know, people they volunteer with or individuals they’ve just met to reflect on Matthew Kelly’s book, Rediscover Jesus, over a five-week period. The book features daily meditations that can also be used in the family. The small groups will be discussing the readings from the previous week and sharing insights from the meditations. All meetings will be held either in a group mem-ber’s home, at church, or another location of the group’s choosing.

Participants have options for joining a small group, with gath-erings scheduled to occur at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday evenings. Groups are also

planning to meet at 9:45 a.m. on Tuesday and Saturday morn-ings. You may also create your own group at another time. To sign up, please stop by the Information Desk in the Gathering Space this weekend or e-mail Social Concerns Ministry Coor-dinator Anthony Bosnick at abosnick@sfadw.org. We are also seeking facilitators and hosts for each group.

February 12, 2017

POOR BOX DONATION – The donations for next weekend will go to UMAN (Upper Montgomery Assistance Network). Thank you for your generosity.

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI PRAYER CHAIN If you have a prayer request, please contact Marianne Bullen, (301) 963-3420 or mariannebu@comcast.net with your requests.

ROSARY FOR PRIESTS Every Wednesday evening at 6:45 p.m. we pray the rosary for our priests before the 7:30 p.m. Mass.

ROSARY CENACLE OF OUR LADY, QUEEN OF PEACE Cenacle of Our Lady, Queen of Peace to pray for priests and vo-cations, 3:00-5:00 p.m. in the St. Clare’s Chapel (Rectory) every Sunday. Please join us.

HOLY HOUR FOR THE DYING On Thursday evenings in the St. Clare Chapel in the Rectory a prayer group meets at 7:00 p.m. to pray for the dying. This is a Holy Hour Devotion for the Dying. As a central work of our Catholic faith, we are called to pray for the dying, especially for those who may die suddenly, unprepared to face God. For addi-tional information, please call the Parish Office, (301) 840-1407.

LAMB OF GOD PRAYER MEETING The Lamb of God Prayer Group will NOT meet on Tuesday, February 14. For de-tails, please call Louise, (301) 977-5217.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS - COUNCIL 2323 The Knights of Columbus are actively pursuing new members. Our council incorporates members from St. Francis, St. Mary's and St. Martin's. Though best known for our many charitable pro-jects, we also have a lot of fun with dinners, fund raisers, family nights and many other fraternal social occasions. If interested in learning more, please contact Gary Palmer, (301) 412-1237 or e-mail gtdbpalmer@verizon.net.

BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING Please stop by the St. Clare Room after Mass this weekend to have your blood pressure checked. (Saturday, 5:00 p.m., Sunday, 8:00, 9:30, 11:15 a.m. Masses)

STEWARDSHIP REPORT

Offertory: February 5, 2017 $19,223 Weekly Budget Estimate $17,308

Thank you for your continued support!

BUS TO CATHOLICS IN ANNAPOLIS Wednesday, February 15

“Catholics in Annapolis” is Wednesday, February 15 from 3-8 p.m. This annual lobbying opportunity organized by the Mary-land Catholic Conference is for Catholics to meet with our State Delegates and Senator to discuss issues of importance to Catho-lics and the Church in Maryland. This year our main legislative issues are likely to be: 1) opposition to Physician Assisted Sui-cide, 2) support for scholarship assistance to needy students to attend a nonpublic school in Maryland (BOOST), and 3) support for expanded sick leave for low-income workers. All are wel-come, but you must register to attend. For more information and to register www.MdCatholic.org/LobbyNight If you would like bus to Annapolis, there will be a bus leaving from St. Martin’s in Gaithersburg around 1:00 p.m. Cost is estimated to be $20. For more information call Tony Bosnick at 301-840-1407, Ext. 11.

Photographers Greatly Needed to Take, Share Photos on Church Web site

Calling all photographers! The St. Francis Communications Min-istry needs your photographic expertise. With a web site redesign underway and the impending installation of the Information Mon-itor, St. Francis needs parishioners’ high quality, high resolution photos of church activities and events to use on these digital channels. Currently, church staff is working to develop a photo release for use.

If you have any high quality photos you’d like to share, please e-mail Communications Ministry Coordinator Melissa Egan at Melissa.egan74@verizon.net, so you can be invited to access the church Drop box address. The name of the St. Francis account is SFADerwood Media.

Child Care Ministry Still in Need of Volunteers The St. Francis Child Care Ministry provides child care during adult faith formation events to allow parents with children to at-tend the events while their children are cared for in a safe envi-ronment. Some events where child care is provided include the Lenten Parish Mission on March 24 and 25; the New Parishioner Welcome Receptions; and the Discovering Christ sessions.

If you are interested in serving in this vital ministry that helps families with children participate in ongoing faith formation, then contact Ministry Coordinator Georgana Finn at

dfinn98798@gmail.com.

FR. STACK PLAQUE Thank you to everyone who contributed to the plaque. The plaque should be here within the next 6-8 weeks.

OLD PALMS – We will be collecting old palms starting next weekend through Sunday, February 26. Please place your palms in the Palm Collection Box in the Gathering Space.

BUILD UP OUR CHURCH

ST. FRANCIS YOUTH MINISTRY Upcoming Events

FRED FEBRUARY - High School 11/12 Youth Bake Sale 12 FRED 16 Service @ Our Lord’s Table 19 FRED 26 FRED 28 Pancake Supper MARCH - High School 3 First Friday Mass & Adoration 5 FRED—The Drive of Your Life 11 Confirmation Retreat 11/12 Youth Bake Sale 12 FRED 16 Service @ Our Lord’s Table 19 FRED 24-25 Parish Mission 31-4/1 FRED Food Fast for CRS

FRED JR. FEBRUARY - Middle School 11/12 Youth Bake Sale 16 Service @ Our Lord’s Table 27/28 FRED Jr. 28 Pancake Supper MARCH - Middle School 3 First Friday Mass & Adoration 11 Confirmation Retreat 11/12 Youth Bake Sale 16 Service @ Our Lord’s Table 19 24-25 Parish Mission 31-4/1 FRED Food Fast for CRS

GET SOCIAL

*Instagram “SFASusie” *FRED group on FACEBOOK: friend “Susan FRED Lea” *”St. Francs of Assisi Catholic Church” page on Facebook

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS/EVENTS YOUTH MINISTRY NEWS/EVENTS

CATECHESIS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Our parish offers monthly catechetical sessions specifically de-signed for children and youth with special needs and their fami-lies. Our next session is today, Sunday, February 12 from 3:30-4:30 pm in the St. Clare Room. If you would like to learn more about these sessions, or if you are interested in serving as a cate-chist or aide for children with special needs, please call Susan Anderson, Director of Religious Education, at 301-258-9193.

NO RE CLASSES NEXT WEEK In observance of the Presidents’ Day holiday, there are NO Reli-gious Education classes on Sunday, February 19, Monday, Febru-ary 20, and Tuesday, February 21.

CONFIRMATION CANDIDATE SESSION: TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21

Confirmation candidates will meet on Tuesday, February 21, for Confirmation class from 6:45-8:30 p.m. in the Parish Center.

CATECHISTS AND AIDES NEEDED Additional volunteers are welcome! Please consider whether you can serve as a catechist or classroom aide for our children and young people. We especially need catechists for the 6th grade on Monday and Tuesday evenings, from 6:45-8:00 p.m.. If you would like to learn more about this important ministry, please contact Susan Anderson, Director of Religious Education, at 301-258-9193.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION SNOW CANCELLATION POLICY

If Montgomery County Public Schools are closed, and if schools are dismissed early, Religious Education classes, including FRED, are also cancelled. This applies to Sunday classes as well if Montgomery County Public Schools announces cancellation of weekend school activities.

Cancellation announcements will be recorded on the Religious Education Office phone (301-258-9193) and posted on the St. Francis Parish Facebook page (“St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church”).

Whenever in doubt, please use your own judgment about local weather and driving conditions, and err on the side of safety when making decisions about bringing your child to class.

MORNING OF REFLECTION The Mother Teresa Vocation Society (MTVS) of the Archdiocese of Washington is offering a free "Morning of Reflection" on Sat-urday, February 25, 2017, at St. Peter's Church, located at 2900 Olney-Sandy Spring Rd. Father Pawel Sass, a gifted homilist, will speak on the topic of "Great Polish Saints". All are welcome! You do not need to be a member of MTVS to attend. The day's activities will include light refreshments (9:15-9:45 a.m.), fol-lowed by Father's talk (9:45-10:30 a.m.), and ending with Adora-tion and Confession (10:30-11:30 a.m.). Morning Mass is offered at 8:30 a.m. for those who would like to attend. For more infor-mation on how to become a member of MTVS, please visit www.DCPriest.org or contact Maris Moriarty at 202-636-9020 or moriartym@adw.org. MTVS prayerfully supports vocations to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Washington.

CALLING ALL 2017 HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES! The Catholic Student Center at the University of Maryland is hosting graduating seniors for Mass, lunch and a college campus ministry info session. This is a great opportunity to gain insight on strengthening faith during the next phase of life. We will begin with Mass at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, April 2nd, followed by lunch and a discussion with campus ministers and college stu-dents from 11:00-12:00 Noon.

IN/OUT OF FLU SEASON: No one is ever under an obliga-tion to shake hands during the Sign of Peace (a statement of peace, bow or other gesture is appropriate) or to receive from the chalice. Christ is fully present in each species when the bread and wine have been consecrated into His Body and Blood. Anyone who is ill, or suspects he or she is ill, should refrain from receiv-ing from the chalice out of good will. Also, he or she may wish to receive the host in the hand rather than by the mouth. Common sense dictates that you remain at home, if feeling unwell.

YOUNG ADULTS Upcoming Events

FEBRUARY: Theology on Tap - 270Catholic presents Theolo-gy on Tap at The Barking Dog in Bethesda (4723 Elm Street, Bethesda, MD 20814). All young adults (20s and 30s) are invited for Happy Hour from 6-7 p.m. with a dynamic talk and Q/A to follow from 7-8 p.m.. APRIL: Rebuilding Together - program in which parishioners help restore homes of those in need in Montgomery County April 8: 7 Church Walk in DC - DCCatholic invites all young adults to the 14th Annual 7 Church Walk! Join young adults (20s and 30s) for our annual Lenten pilgrimage as we continue a Ro-man tradition in DC! Come on pilgrimage without leaving the city as we will visit seven churches in downtown DC, praying together at each station. Look for the Facebook Event. Find out more! On Facebook Like St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 270Catholic, DCCatholic. E-mail Deela Dicello at Deela@270Catholic.org

33 Days Event St. Francis Young Adults - Deepen your relationship with God by Spending your Lent with Mary. Join is in a Young adult small group for an extraordinary 33-day journey to Marian consecra-tion. Meetings are on Wednesday evenings from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. starting on February 22, 2017@ St Francis of Assisi Parish, Derwood. Cost $25 Please Register by contacting Susan Lea @ SFAYouth@sfaw.org or 301-948-9167.

BENEFIT DINNER HONORING MEMORY OF FR. DONALD P. WORCH

Father Don was a long-time board member and supporter of Poto-mac Community Resources, Inc. (PCR), an award-winning non-profit organization that encourages and supports full inclusion of persons with intellectual and development differences into all aspects of community life. PCR’s primary funding mechanism is its annual benefit dinner. In honor of his memory and life of ser-vice to the community, PCR will award Father Don, posthumous-ly, the Patricia Sullivan Leadership Award, and has designated the “Friends of Father Don” as honorary benefit chairs for this year’s dinner, which will be held on April 1, 2017 at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel. Information on tickets or making donations in Father Don’s memory, can be obtained at PCR’s website, www.pcr-inc.org .

PAX CHRISTI PEACE QUOTE The future of humanity does not lie solely in the hands of great leaders, the great powers and the elites. It is fundamentally in the hands of peoples and in their ability to organize. It is in their hands, which can guide with humility and conviction this process of change. I am with you. Each of us, let repeat from the heart: no family without lodging, no rural worker without land, no la-borer without rights, no people without sovereignty, no individual without dignity, no child without childhood, no young person

without a future, no elderly person without a venerable old age."

From the USCCB website: Pope Francis, Address at the World

Meeting of Popular Movements, Bolivia

Spotlight on St. Jude Regional Catholic School Catch our Spirit

www.StJudeRockville.org http://www.facebook.com/stjuderockvillemd

Catch Our Spirit! Register Now for Fall 2017! Applications for fall enrollment are now being accepted on a first come basis for our Pre-k 3 year old program to our 7th grades. For information on the curriculum, admissions policies and regis-tration, contact Ellen Donnelly in the school office at 301-946-7888 or register your student online at www.StJudeRockville.org.

The Fourth Annual Elementary School Principals’ Association Job Fair

Teachers, teaching assistants, counselors, office staff, nurses, bring your resumes and join us on Saturday March 4th from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the Academy of the Holy Cross. Representa-tives from elementary schools across the Archdiocese of Wash-ington will be present to discuss openings in their schools and to accept resumes. The Academy of the Holy Cross is located at 4920 Strathmore Avenue, Kensington, MD adjacent to the Grosvenor Metro station. Please contact Patricia McGann at 301-654-5376 with questions. SAVE THE DATE for the 1st Annual Sham Rock’n Roll on March 17th! This is an adult only event. More information on registration will be posted in the next few weeks.

Upcoming Events: February 24 - 3rd Grade Presidents Presentation March 8- SJRCS National Junior Honor Society Induction Cere-mony March 9 - Faculty & Parent/ Student Basketball game March 20 – 24 Book Fair March 21 6-7:30 Family Reading Night

SURGE IN PRAYER COURSE “For a Surge in Prayer” a six session course for parishioners, family members and friends beginning March 8, presented by members of the Secular Carmelite Community in Frederick. En-counter Our Risen Lord through the Gospel, the Catechism, Pray-er of Recollection, the teachings of St. Teresa of Avila. Will pro-vide a fresh understanding of an active prayer life, create an in-creased awareness of the necessity for prayer and an increased involvement in the mission of the Parish and the Church. Evenings: Wednesday March 8, 15, Thursday 23, Wednesday 29, April 5, 12 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Cost: $15, includes complete course materials. Location: Saint Patrick's Catholic Church 4101 Norbeck Rd, Rockville, MD 20853. To register, contact Melanie Baker, Director of Adult Faith For-mation, 301-924-2285 x317 Email: stpatrickadultfaithformation@gmail.com

HOLY FAMILY CELEBRATION: A DOMESTIC CHURCH DAY EVENT

Join fellow Catholic couples and families for a Holy Family Cele-bration on Saturday, February 18, 12:30 - 6:30 p.m. at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine. This half-day celebration will fea-ture inspired talks, opportunities for Confession and Eucharistic Adoration, and Holy Mass celebrated by Cardinal Donald Wuerl. The day will conclude with a family style meal. The cost of at-tendance is $10 per couple and $20 for a family or three or more. For more details and information or to register please visit www.holyfamilycelebration.eventbrite.com. The event is spon-sored by the Archdiocese of Washington, the DC State Council of the Knights of Columbus, and the Saint John Paul II National Shrine.