SPECIAL EDITION Thursday, August 13, 2020 Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Assumption is a Holy Day but not of Obligation this year.
Mass will be celebrated at 12 Noon this Saturday, August 15.
RESUMPTION OF PUBLIC MASS
The Church of the Little Flower has reopened for Sunday and weekday Masses.
Sunday Mass Schedule: 7:30 am, 9 am, 10:30 am and 12 Noon Saturday Vigil: 5 pm Weekdays (Monday-Friday): 8:15 am and 12 Noon
The seriousness of this pandemic, however, dictates that we follow strict guidelines and important safety measures. Please carefully read the guidelines HERE.
Occupancy restrictions are set for a maximum 30 percent of capacity with social distancing. Masks are required to be worn at all times when in church. Please arrive early as seating is first come, first served.
Due to the additional disinfection procedures, the church will now close by 2:30 pm on Monday - Friday. It will still open just before the 8:15 Mass. Dispensation from the Sunday and Holy Day obligation remains in effect. Many options are available for participating in Mass when we cannot be present at the liturgy. View the Archdiocese of Washington list of live-streamed (and recorded) Masses and Prayers. Fr Keith continues his video series from inside the Church
2020-21 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION REGISTRATION PLEASE REGISTER BY AUGUST 17
Preparations are underway for a new year of religious education for children in Grades K- 8. We are planning to open virtually for the first semester on Sunday, September 13th for primary grades and on Wednesday, September 16th for middle school grades. Details will be sent out regarding online class information and the distribution of materials. Please register by August 17 to ensure you receive these important updates. Thank you.
OFFERTORY We appreciate your continued financial support at this time. Our preferred method of giving is through our online provider, Faith Direct. The secure enrollment process is simple and takes less than 3 minutes to complete. Please consider enrolling in Faith Direct or increasing your level of giving. You may also make a safe and secure one-time gift online. If you prefer not to enroll online, please know that we are most grateful for your continued support and we appreciate the efforts many of you are making to mail or drop off your weekly envelope. God bless and many thanks.
STEWARDSHIP CORNER Poor Box Donations – Starting this month through the end of 2020, Little Flower will be donating parishioner Poor Box contributions to Catholic student centers at three local universities. The centers' critical missions are to serve the spiritual needs of Catholic students in secular academic and living environments, most of whom are away from their Catholic families and parishes where they had spiritual support. These centers are at the University of Maryland (donations in July-August), Howard University (September-October) and George Washington University (November-December.) "He has given His angels charge over you to guard you in all your ways" (Ps. 90/91:11) These words should fill you with respect, inspire devotion and instill confidence; respect for the presence of angels, devotion because of their loving service, and confidence because of their protection." (St. Bernard, whose memorial is on Thursday)
Saints as Model Stewards – May the full calendar of saints whom we commemorate next week inspire us to employ our own God-given talents and opportunities as He would have us do. Wednesday - St. John Eudes (d. 1680) selflessly cared for the sick during the plague, was renowned as a preacher, started seminaries, and fostered devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. One of the two religious communities he founded was devoted to the care of women caught up in prostitution. Can we use our gifts to uplift the lives of others? Thursday - St. Bernard (d. 1153) entered a Cistercian monastery accompanied by 30 friends and relatives. His zeal was such that within four years he was named abbot and, before he died, 68 additional monasteries were founded. His words on contemplation: "The first point in contemplation is to marvel at God's majesty; the second, at His judgments; the third, at His benefits: the fourth, at His promises." Friday - St. Pius X, pope, (d. 1914) said, "I was born poor, I have lived in poverty, and I wish to die poor." May we be inspired by this sensitive, pastoral man, and remember that great things happen when we put our lives at the service of God. "Mary is our sure way to Christ." (St. Pius X, whose memorial is on Friday.)
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