By Michael Flach
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 3/18/04)

Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde (at right) helped the Catholic Business Network of Northern Virginia (CBN-NV) last week inaugurate its new venue at the Dominican Retreat House in McLean for its monthly breakfast meetings.

The bishop said his hope for CBN-NV members was that they will "grow in holiness" in their businesses and families. "Every pastoral initiative needs to be linked to holiness," he said. "I see you (the CBN) as the yeast in the diocese and beyond."

During his spiritual reflection on the Lenten season, the bishop briefly focused on Mel Gibson’s highly successful movie "The Passion of the Christ." He said the movie, which has surpassed all box office expectations, provides deeper insights into Christ’s love for us, as well as deeper insights into the horror of sin. But he cautioned the audience not to let the film become "the Gospel according to Gibson."

Bishop Loverde then focused on the three falls of Jesus during His passion. The scourging and crown of thorns weakened Christ as he attempted to carry His cross to Calvary, he said. "We, too, are weak. That is why we sin. We do get discouraged.

"God’s grace comes to the rescue if we let Him," the bishop said. "His love never ends, no matter what we do. He will be forever faithful. He says to us, ‘Try again. I will never abandon you.’

"Somewhere in our lives there will be the last temptation, the last fall," Bishop Loverde said. "Even though we grow weary and discouraged, we need to keep our eyes on Jesus. That’s the secret — to get up one more time than we fall. When all seems lost, He is close."

The bishop said the ultimate result for Christ was not death, but triumph on the cross. "Salvation is our final goal," he said.

In addition to its monthly breakfast meetings, the CBN-NV will sponsor its ninth annual Catholic Schools/Business Partnership Awards Banquet May 2 at the McLean Hilton at Tysons Corner. Sponsorship opportunities and silent auction donations are available.

The organization also will host its second annual Lenten Retreat on March 24 from 7-9 p.m. at the Dominican Retreat House. Its next monthly breakfast will be April 9.

For information about any of the group’s upcoming events, visit the Web site at www.cbnnv.org or call President Marie Pelletier at 703/494-4008.

Father Matthew Zuberbueler, parochial vicar at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More, is the group’s chaplain. Other officers this year include: Mike Zorio, past president; Elaine Sullivan, secretary; Cecilia Kuhn, treasurer; Thomas Solak, communications; Valerie Brown, education; Jim Bertine, membership; Shelly Biechman, programs; and Michael Grace, spiritual development.