Saint James

Catholic Church

Established 1892

905 Park Avenue

Falls Church, VA  22046

703-532-8815

The New Roman Missal

This Sunday, the first Sunday of Advent, brings new changes to our liturgy.  In the making for many years, these new translations (first ordered by Pope John Paul II) are a more faithful rendering of the original Latin text. 

It may take some time, but as Father Posey has commented, "together we will adapt to these changes and move forward on our faith journey."  Like anything different, it may seem awkward at first, since so many of us are used to saying the responses, Creed and prayers by rote.  In the pews will be laminated cards... cheat sheets if you will ... which will help all of us learn the new phrases.

Father Horkan gave two informative talks about the translations earlier this month.  In addition, he composed a thoughtful and inciteful essay detailing the history of liturgical translations and reasons for this new move.

Please click on the attached link for Father Horkan's essay, which appeared in the bulletin:  

The Mass Ever Ancient, Ever New 

Blessing Those Who Preach

This past Sunday we honored all those who preach God's word as lectors.  All lectors were invited to receive a special blessing from Father Horkan as we acknowledge their contribution to this important ministry.

It's not as easy as it looks!  Lectors must prepare the reading before Mass with the knowledge that what they are imparting to the congregation is not a mere collection of words, but God speaking to us through His inspired writers.  It is a worthwhile and vital part of our liturgical celebration. 

If you feel you've been called to this ministry, please contact Sister Joyce Bell at [email protected]   We are in special need of lectors for the daily Noon Mass.

"I am so grateful to all our lectors.  I would like to thank especially Charlie and Nancy McMahon, Jeanne Trott, Marina Martini and Kim Aubry who work with our various lector groups and assist in scheduling," says Sister Joyce.

Thank you to all our lectors:

Adult Lectors: Tara Ajello, Estela Arciaga, Jan Baltrym, Mary Ellen Blodgett, Nancy Brough, John Carey, Janet Chafin, Scott Chafin, Bethany Chirico, Mary Beth Coltharp, Frank D'Aquila, Michael Dickey, Angela Dinkle, Donnamaria Duatschek, Ed Gliot, Fred Haislmaier, Bob Hambleton, Bob Hannan, Barbara Hannigan, Pam Heid, Kathryn Hosford, Joanie Lisbeth, Lucille Maloney, Marina Martini, Jean Matich, Tracey McCormick, Matt McGlade, Nancy McMahon, Charlie McMahon, Melisa Medina, Daniel Peck, Bob Pitera, Teresa Ratledge, Evelyn Seoane, Eileen Smith, Peter Tran, Jeanne Trott, Judy Vanasse, Tom Vega and Debbie Zelten.

Youth Lectors: Christina Aubry, Rachel Barrett, Christian Bean, Abby Clukey, Joshua Conrad, Meghan Dalbec, Ryan Dalbec, Meagan David, Jill Harvey, Jane Husk, Mary Husk, Caroline Kerrigan, Elizabeth Kerrigan, Billy Kilgallin, Brooke Martin, J.J. Mitchell and Emily Winchester.

Park Avenue Profile: Pete Seroskie

As we celebrated Discover Catholic Schools Week this month, what better way to highlight our school than to profile an alumnus turned Rocket Parent

They say you can't go home again.  But for Pete Seroskie, that axiom proves false.  Born and raised in Northern Virginia, Pete and his siblings Lisa and Ned, found a home here at St. James.  Each attended St. James School.  Their parents worked for the State Department (with their mother working part-time occasionally).  Yet anyone who knows the State Department, knows that very often home is where you find your next assignment.

For the Seroskie's, that meant two separate tours in two disparate countries: Nigeria and Italy.

"We moved to Nigeria in 1978," explains Pete.  "We thought it was great.  The people there were fantastic and we were able to see extraordinary places."  Pete recounts how his parents tried to immerse the family in local culture; yet, Pete is quick to add a footnote: "Those were violent times and we [the children] led pretty sheltered lives.  We were na�ve [to the extent of the violence]."  He remembers going to a beach in Nigeria, "a beautiful place, but [in the middle of the beach] was this large post where people were executed."

Still, as a young child his memories retain the wonder that only kids can relate.  Pete waxes nostalgic at the thought of Mohammed Ali's visit to his first grade class. "That was incredible!"  He recalls the heat as well: "It was so hot there; no air conditioning.  We'd have classes from 9 to 12 [in the morning]!"  A fact that I am sure most current students would find very appealing.

After a short period back in the States, the Seroskies decamped to Rome, Italy.  What was to be a regular two-year assignment stretched to four as the family became more and more ingrained to the Italian way of life. "It was one big classroom for us," Pete remembers.  "You can literally put your finger on history."  He credits his time in Italy and his parent's enthusiasm for history with his life long love of the subject.  The only glitch that Pete can remember is the housing situation in Rome.  When the family arrived in Nigeria, a home had already been found for them.  In Rome, they waited for more than a month - living in a hotel which Pete remembers not being a "home" really at all.

Life abroad, though, despite the surroundings, was very "normal" for Pete and his siblings.  They attended the International Schools, played with children from the embassy and the local areas having, as all children should, a carefree existence.  Pete still keeps in touch with classmates from Marymount International and Notre Dame International schools which he attended in Rome.

You might think that after, essentially six year abroad, the move back to Falls Church would prove difficult.  Yet Pete recalls an "easy transition" back home.  He arrived back at St. James for his 8^th grade year, and went on to Bishop O'Connell for high school.  While at DJO, Pete had a small band (he was the drummer) and began working his sophomore year ("and basically never stopped!" he jokes.  "I wanted a car; my folks said, fine, but you pay for the insurance."  It was this, and many other lessons, that Pete's parents imparted to him:  be independent, work for what you want.  Be faithful.  "I really liked working and I hope I'm passing that on to my kids."

After living around the country, Pete settled back in Northern Virginia working in the construction field.  He is now home with his children, running his Adventures in Your Backyard business.  Remember him if you're having a party!

Pete met his better half, Diane, while working at Dominoes during High School.  "We lost touch for a number of years, reconnecting twelve years ago.  "I eventually came to my senses and asked her to marry me.  We will be celebrating our ten year anniversary this coming April."  He and Diane have three children: Jack (8), Eddie (6) Lexie (4).  His sons are currently enrolled at Saint James.   

"I really pushed for Saint James," explains Pete.  "The one thing we always had as a family, no matter where we were, was our faith."  It is this consistency and tradition that Pete and Diane sought for their growing family.  "Saint James was an easy choice for us.  I think we picked our present home based on how close we were to Saint James."   The academic standards, the religious instruction all contribute to their feelings about the school.  Along with our IHM's this sense of continuity - of generations coming through those doors is what makes St. James unique among other fine parochial schools.  True, there are other schools with similar stories of longevity, but it is St. James, along with St. Mary's in Alexandria, which has, for more than a century, stood for excellence in all manner of education: academic, spiritual and social.   

The Seroskies are another example of the strength of our program.  In and out of Saint James as a young child, Pete and Diane, seek for their children the same defining experience Pete had as a student here.  "We are pleased to continue to be a part of the St. James community and family."   Go Rockets.    

Giving Thanks.... Giving Back

For over  twenty years the Knights of Columbus have provided Thanksgiving dinner to the homeless and homebound of our community.   The St. James family is just one among many that the Knights turn to for assistance.  And each year our generous parents and parishioners answer that call by providing cooked turkeys and volunteering that morning.

Thom and Maryjo Galvin are just two of the organizers and, along with other K of C representatives, were out at the Masses before Thanksgiving soliciting help.  "Thom and Maryjo, and indeed all of the wonderful volunteers at the Knights, are excellent examples of living the Beatitudes," says Father Posey.  "They see hunger and they feed it; they see loneliness and they offer comfort.  I know I can speak for all of us when I say how grateful I am to the Galvins and the Knights for their tremendous support and care for our community."

Check out the video link below from last year for a great spot on ABC News about the Knights: 

 http://www.tbd.com/articles/2010/11/knights-of-columbus-mark-26-years-of-giving-back-on-thanksgiving-34744.html

School Survey Results

Last month we asked our parents and parishioners to take a short survey on our school.  Many of you have seen surveys from the Diocese, as part of our Design for Excellence program.  Additionally, we sent a similar survey back in 2010 as part of our ongoing self-evaluations.

Asked to rate their impression of the school and then to provide explanations for their opinion, respondents gave the school an overwhelming vote of confidence.  Out of the 196 persons who answered the survey, just (24) gave a rating of 6 (average) or below.  The majority gave very positive reviews citing overall academics, community and catechesis as areas in which we excel.

Yet, there were areas in which respondents said we could improve.  In this ever-competitive market, math and science are frequently cited as "hot button" issues for many schools.  We are not immune to this.  We have, in the past year, taken strides to augment our math program, offering Geometry to students who meet Diocesan qualifications in the 8th grade.  

In an effort to address these and other issues, Father Posey and Sister Nancy Kindelan are working with a Steering Committee led by consultants from the National Catholic Educational Association.  This committee is comprised of parishioners and parents --all of whom bring a wide variety of talents and experiences and all of whom are committed to parochial education.  This group met in late October and has been busy determining areas for further study.  After review, seven topics were chosen:

•       Recruitment and Marketing
•       Middle School
•       Faculty and Staff
•       Finances
•       Academics
•       Pre-School Option
•       Communications

Permeating all committees is our Catholic identity. All discussions and ultimate decisions will be made within the framework of our commitment to St. James as a Christ-centered institution. 

We begin our work in earnest December 1^st, meeting monthly until the end of the year at which time we will share our deliberations and a plan to keep St. James among the very best schools in our area.  We would like to thank the following members who are so generously giving of their time:

Caroline Murn (Steering Committee Chair),Matthew Lawlor, Kristen Conklin, Joseph Vorbach, Shirley Quiroga, Joseph Bracken, Connie Donnelly, Kevin McCabe, Terri Singer, Mike McQuillen, Jeanine Musgrove, Wade Lesko, Lori Dimond, Kathy Gallo, Cherylyn LeBon and Chris Fedora.

Superintendent Sr. Bernadette McManigal, Sister Margaret and our Advancement Director Chris Hughes will also work with this committee.

"We are excited to begin this process, which works nicely with our DFE process," says Sister Nancy.  Father Posey is also looking forward to this, "I am very grateful to everyone who has agreed to join in this effort.  From the representatives of the NCEA, to our teachers, parents, parishioners, everyone is committed to maintaining the excellent tradition we already have, and thinking outside the box for an even brighter future for St. James." 

Look for updates from the committee in future newsletters!

Saint James School