Please see the Church Financial Statement for 2005-2006: click here.

Christian Outreach
Our Donation this week goes to the Maryknoll Sisters of St. Dominic. The Sisters are committed to Gospel values and global mission. Their focus is women's empowerment, community building, and action for justice and peace.

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You
Thank you for your generous support of the LINK Holiday Food basket program. At Thanksgiving and at Christmas, LINK helped needy families with a holiday meal, a week's worth of groceries, AND a gift certificate for perishable items. In addition, coats were distributed at Thanksgiving and toys were given at Christmas. At Christmas, 456 families received holiday baskets at the two LINK sites: Christ the Redeemer and Trinity Presbyterian Churches. A total of 411 families received food at Thanksgiving. Almost 50,000 pounds of food and over $18,000 in food certificates were distributed at both events. The family count includes 4,554 people — 1,953 adults and 2,601 children. These events could not have occurred without the overwhelming support of the CTR parishioners and staff. LINK thanks everyone who helped in any way — by donating food and money, sorting food, setting up the food distribution sites, helping on the food distribution days, opening the buildings for the volunteers, and breaking down the sites. A special thanks to the Loudoun scouts who brought over 26,000 pounds of food to CTR at the Thanksgiving Scouting for Food program and to the Loudoun County schools that donated over 10,000 pounds of food. Thanks also to the businesses and individuals who donated toys, coats, and food for these programs.

Bishop's Lenten Appeal -- Led by the Holy Spirit
Many of you have received Bishop Loverde’s letter requesting your financial support of the 2008 Bishop’s Lenten Appeal. Please consider making a generous pledge to this important annual campaign. BLA funds help to support diocesan offices and ministries that serve tens of thousands of people each year. All parishes benefit from services that are received from the Diocese of Arlington. From encouragement of vocations, to support of seminarians, to continuing education of priests, to training of catechists, the Appeal funds those things that parishes cannot do on their own. Please pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit as you consider your annual pledge to the Bishop’s Lenten Appeal. Make a sacrificial gift in gratitude for the gifts that God has given to you.

Make an Enduring Gift to the Parish
You can express your commitment to the principles of Christian Charity and Stewardship by remembering our church in your Will with the following statement: “I leave to Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church the sum of $______ (or__% of the residue of my estate) for (a specific purpose) or ("its religious, educational and charitable works").” For more info, please contact Sam Mabry, Director of Planned Giving at the Diocese: 703-841-7851.

We Pray For Those Who Have Died
Ed Smith and Mildred Simak.

We Pray For Those Who Are Ill
Marjorie Weaver, Suzanne Kidd, Lillian Chirles, Josephine Hewlett, Esther Tourao, Jay Stephens, Kim Plavcan, Terry DiMurro, Mimi Kairis, Barbara J. Miller, June Simon, and Stephen & Joanne Mergens.

Please call the parish office if you wish to have someone added to our prayer list. Requests will be listed in the bulletin for four weeks. Thank you.

** Opportunities in the Parish **

Choir News
CHILDREN - (Gr. 2 - 6) ) NO REHEARSAL on Monday, January 21.
CORO – Practice on Wednesday, January 23 at 7:30 pm
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS & ADULTS - Next practice on Thursday, January 24, at 7:30 pm.

All of our choirs are always seeking and welcoming new members. Music was-and still is-God’s idea. It is a grand design for us to be able to express ourselves beyond the limitations of words alone!

Please contact Diane Kingsbury at 703-430-0811 with any questions about our Music Ministry.

Religious Education News
Grades K-6: Religious Education Classes will be held this week as scheduled on Tuesday (1/22), Wednesday (1/23), and Thursday (1/24).

Grades 7-12: RE Classes do not meet Sunday, January 20, or Monday, Januaary 21, because of Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday

See our Christian Initiation/Formation News Page for more information and news.

K- 12 EDUCACION RELIGIOSA 2007-2008: Preparacion de Sacramentos 1 Conunion y Confirmacion para Niños, Jovenes y Adultos. Registrarse en la oficina de Lunes a Viernes de 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. Comunicarse con Dora Marroquin 703-430-0811, Ext. 29, para mas informacion.

SNOW, SLEET, FREEZING RAIN? We follow Loudoun County school policy. If classes or afterschool activities are cancelled then religious education classes are also cancelled.

Altar Servers Needed
Any boy or girl, 4th grade and up, with interest in serving at the altar, please call Herb DuVall at 703-421-3461 (or use Herb's email here) or Gail Dowling at 703-421-7499 (or use Gail's email here).

Upcoming Blood Drive Dates in 2008
February 23, May 24, August 23, and December 6.

Day Care for Working Parents
For working parents of CTR: If you need a day care provider, or would like your name added to our list of providers, please call Janet Williamson at 703-444-1552.

7 Car Wash
As you get your car washed, help the poor and needy. We receive 10% of what CTR parishioners pay. We regularly donate this income to LINK, S.O.M.E. and the Women's Shelter in Leesburg. As you pay at the carwash, tell them you are from CTR so we receive their donation.

Mass Intentions
If you wish to have a Mass celebrated for someone, why not help out a Mexican parish at the same time. We will be happy to forward your Mass intentions/stipends to Fr. José Alfredo in Mexico City. Arrange the Masses through the parish office.

** Opportunities in the Community **

See Our New Volunteering Opportunities Page

Vietnamese Language Services
A Mass celebrated in Vietnamese will be celebrated on Sundays at 7:00 pm at St. Thomas a Becket Church, 1421 Wiehle Ave, Reston, VA 20190. All are welcome. A Vietnamese Rosary group meets at CTR on Saturday mornings at 9:30 am in the Chapel. Call Nguyen Thi My 703-723-1693 for more information.

Counseling Services
Did you know that Catholic Charities offers professional and confidential counseling to individuals, couples and families here at Christ the Redeemer? For more information call 703-841-2531.

Catholic Charities Children's Services
Whether you are a birth mother seeking pregnancy counseling, a couple seeking to adopt, or a family interested in offering a foster home, Children's Services of Catholic Charities is there for you. Since 1947, Children's Services has provided service to the community. Every person, regardless of age, race, creed or marital status, is guaranteed considerate personal and confidential assistance by Children's Services. With respect for all involved in a crisis pregnancy situation, Children's Services provides services for the woman who chooses to continue her pregnancy and support to those who will be affected by her choice. For more information please call 703-425-0100.

Catholic Charities Adoption Meetings
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington will hold Adoption Information Meetings at 5294 Lyngate Court, Burke, VA 22015. The meetings will be from 6:00-8:30 pm on 2/21, 3/13, 4/17, 5/15, and 6/12. The presentation will cover Catholic Charities Domestic, International, Interstate and Parental Placement Adoption Programs with emphasis on the home study, placement, and supervision of children, as well as resources from which to adopt. We are especially seeking African/American and interracial couples interested in adopting. Registration Fee: $20.00. Please call 703-425-0100 to register. (The meeting will be conducted in English, for information in Spanish, please call the office and ask for the Latina social worker.)

Natural Family Planning (NFP)
Natural Family Planning classes are offered by The Couple to Couple League in Northern Virginia; please check their website for class availability. If you are unable to attend a regularly scheduled class, please call the Office for Family Life at 703-841-2550 for more information about their correspondence classes.

Birthright of Loudoun
Birthright of Loudoun offers free pregnancy tests, clothes, baby clothing, transportation and support throughout pregnancy, they are located at 18 Loudoun St. SE, in Leesburg. For more information, please call 703-777-7272.

** Opportunities for Fellowship **

Youth Free Throw Championship
All boys and girls ages 10-14 are invited to participate in the local level of competition for the 2008 Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship. The local competition will be held Monday, January 21 (Martin Luther King Day) from 12:00-3:00 pm at the St. Joseph Church gym, located on Peachtree St. in Herndon. The gym will be available at 12:00 pm for warm-ups, practice and registration. Competition will take place on a “first-come, first-serve basis” starting at 12:45 pm. For information, contact Jay McCarthy, PGK - Good Samaritan Council #6175 at this email, and please state “Free Throw” in the subject line.

Bishop O'Connell High School Jubilee Gala
Come for an evening of silent and live auctions on January 26, 2008, at the McLean Hilton Hotel starting at 5:30 pm. Better yet, fill a table of ten with your own parish families and receive a discounted ticket price of $125 per person (regular price is $150 per person) and a special sign will be designated as "Christ the Redeemer" table. The evening will include cocktails, silent and live auctions, formal dinner, and dancing. If you would like to reserve a spot or a table of 10, please contact JoAnn Nigro at 703-787-0952 or use her email here. For the latest Gala information, please visit this Bishop O'Connell website, under "support O'Connell”.

Pilgrimage to Italy March 25-April 6, 2008
Join Fr. John Adams for a 13-day Easter/Spring Pilgrimage and Tour to Italy, beginning with visiting Rome, including the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel. Tour also includes Assisi, Sorrento, Pompeii, Capri, Naples, Monte Cassino, Venice, Padua and Stresa. For more information, pick up a flyer on the credenza in the Commons Area or contact Adriatic Pilgrimages at their website or call 800-262-1718 or contact Fr. John at 202-797-8806 ext. 1017.

Model Railroad Club for Kids
A new club for boys and girls who are interested in model railroading has been formed. Kids ages 8 to 18 are welcome to join the Northern Virginia chapter of Youth in Model Railroading (a national organization based in Colorado). Club events will include visiting train museums, local model railroad layouts, and local hobby shops; learning about how to build layouts and scenery; learning how to operate and maintain model trains; and other hands-on activities. We will also take field trips to ride actual trains whenever possible. Cost is $24 annually. For information contact Robert Reid at 703-404-2061 or use this email.

Singles for Christ (SFC)
SFC would like to invite single men and women to their Christian Life Program. SFC provides a positive and encouraging environment of fellowship, worship, and community service by sharing their time and talents. This group is for young professionals who are in the process of finding direction in their life. Singles for Christ is a ministry of Couples for Christ (CFC). CFC is a movement intended for the renewal and strengthening of Christian family life. For more information, please contact Jet Sevilla at 703-937-7968, Michael Chupeco at 571-216-2218 or Sienna So at 571-426-2721 or click to the SFC website here.

CTR Senior Group
The CTR Senior Group meets Fridays at 11:30 am in Atonement Hall for “Bring Your Lunch” meetings or at a local restaurant on the second Friday of the month. Parishioners 55+ are invited to join. For more information, call Claude Gianino at 703-858-0641.

CTR Bridge League
A friendly group of bridge players meets once a month, September through May, and welcomes anyone who is interested to join. Please call Andy or Monica Light at 703-444-7324.

** Opportunities to Put Your Faith into Action **

Vocations
“By this everyone will know that you are My disciples.” How will you manifest your discipleship? Consider living the Lord's new commandment of love as a priest, deacon, or in the consecrated life. Call Father Brian Bashista at 703-841-2514, or write using this email.

Advance Medical Directive (AMD)
The Arlington Diocese Advanced Medical Directive (AMD) is now available online. This document will help you make morally correct decisions concerning your medical welfare if you become incapacitated. The AMD is a simple two-part document including an optional organ donation authorization that can be filled out for use by all Catholics - whether young or old, healthy or dying. The AMD is a legal instrument authorized by, and meeting the requirements of, the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The AMD can also be ordered through the Office for Family Life by calling 703-841-2550.

Catholic Advocacy Day
Join Virginia Catholics to meet with state legislators on Catholic social justice issues on Monday, January 28, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Richmond. Register by January 10 and the Virginia Catholic Conference will schedule appointments for you with our legislators. If you prefer to schedule your own meetings, please notify Conference staff at 804-225-8565 of any arrangements you make. Appointments will be on January 28 between 10:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. More information is available at this website. An information flyer and registration form and a Diocese of Arlington bus information form are available at left and also on the table in Atonement Commons. Parishioners Bob and Joan Ashdown will be participating. You may contact them at 703-437-7786 or use this email for more information.

Immigration Reform Legislation
A bipartisan group of Senators and Congressmen has introduced legislation, The Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act of 2005, to reform our immigration system. Bishop Gerald R. Barnes, Chairman of the Committee on Migration, US Catholic Conference of Bishops, expressed support for the draft legislation. He believes that it best reflects principles for immigration reform set forth by the US bishops. It would create legal avenues for migrant workers to enter the US in a safe and orderly manner, provide an opportunity for immigrants already here to work toward permanent residency, and provide additional visas for families to be reunited. You can add your voice to that of our bishops by encouraging your elected representatives to support the proposed legislation (S. 1033 in the Senate and H 2330 in the House).

SALT Update
Social Action Linking Together (SALT): By joining your voice with others from the diocese you are really “making a difference.” Remember: “As you did it for the least of these who are members of my family, you did it for me.” (Matthew 25:40) For more information contact John Horejsi at his email and visit the SALT Website.