Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I am happy to let you know that Bishop Burbidge has given us final approval to put the crucifix on our sanctuary wall. I would like to thank those who generously covered the total cost of $7356 so that we did not have to take any funds from our operating budget during the pandemic. We hope that the crucifix will be delivered next week, and then our carpenter-parishioner will construct a cross for it. We are hopeful that it will be mounted by Ash Wednesday. I would like to thank all the parishioners for their time, talent, and treasure put towards the completion of this project, especially Michael O’Brien and his wife, Teresa, who helped to coordinate meetings and other details for this project.
The March for Life this year will be held on Friday, January 29. We are not sure if we are chartering a bus for this occasion. We would like to get a pre-reservation list of those parishioners who would like to attend by bus so I encourage all of you to contact the rectory office if you would like to go. IF we do decide to go we will leave at 9:30 AM and hope to return by 6 PM. This is a practical way to show our support for recognizing the dignity and beauty of every human being from the moment of conception to the moment of natural death and every moment in between.
Our youth minister, Kelly, will be hosting a prayer service the night before: LIFE IS VERY GOOD via livestream from the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington. The evening will include: Adoration with Bishop Burbidge; a talk by Ennie Hickman; and music by Steve Angrisano. Join our parish at 6:30pm for dinner then the service in the parish hall.
Another way we show our respect for the dignity of every human being is with the local Heat Shelter. The week that our parish sponsors is from January 24 to 31. The shelter is operating differently this year so please refer to the bulletin for details on how to volunteer and support our sponsor week via the CareCalendar sign up!
This month the mailing for the 2021 Bishop's Lenten Appeal (BLA) was sent to all registered diocesan households. The theme this year is “Encourage One Another by Word and Deed.” After reflecting upon the blessings that God has given you, please prayerfully consider making a pledge to this important annual appeal that funds many programs and ministries that serve thousands of people in our diocese. Together, through the BLA, let us renew our personal commitment to furthering the Mission of our Lord Jesus throughout our diocese. You may go online to make a donation at: www.arlingtondiocese.org.
We need some people who can help with counting the Sunday collection. If you can assist the parish with the this, please call the rectory office at 540-827-4400.
We are grateful to our parishioners who are able to continue to support the parish during this time of covid as giving has gone down. We would like to encourage you to sign up for FaithDirect, by going to: https:// membership.faithdirect.net/enroll/va226 Thank you for your continued generosity.
Shalom,
Fr. Kevin