SPECIAL EDITION
Thursday, August 20, 2020
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.
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2020-21 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION REGISTRATION
PLEASE REGISTER TODAY! Spaces still available
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. If you have not already done so, please register today to ensure you receive these important updates. Thank you.
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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.
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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.)
Saints as Model Stewards – May the saints whom we commemorate next week inspire us to employ our own God-given talents and opportunities as He would have us do. There is no single characteristic that makes one a saint. The only thing saints have in common is their love of the Lord and their willingness to use their gifts in His service.
Monday – St. Bartholomew the Apostle, who may have preached as far away as India and been martyred in Armenia. As St. John Chrysostom writes, "How could 12 uneducated men (from insignificant villages) get the idea for such an immense enterprise?" We pray that we too may answer, when Christ calls us, with the generous use of our time and talents in His service.
Tuesday - St. Louis (d. 1270), king of France for 44 years, was devout, deeply loyal to the Church, and greatly loved by his people. In one letter to his son, he wrote, "Be kind-hearted to the poor, the unfortunate and the afflicted." This good man heeded the admonition that those to whom much is given, much is expected.
Thursday - St. Monica (d. 387) could be the patron saint of parents who are concerned about their children's lifestyles and choices. As mother of the young and wayward Augustine, she never despaired, while fasting and praying for his conversion. Her personal vocation was to be a good steward of the relationship that God entrusted to her. God has similarly entrusted us with special personal relationships.
Friday - St. Augustine (d. 430), one of the greatest of the Church fathers and a prolific writer of letters and scholarly treatises. Before his conversion (at age 33), he studied the pagan classics and lived a dissolute life. This dramatic turnaround should be an inspiration and a sign of hope for us all.
"You say 'I believe.' Well then, do what you say, that is faith."
(St Augustine, whose memorial is on Friday)
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Blessed Sacrament Bereavement Support Group
The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament at 3630 Quesada Street, NW Washington, DC, will offer an eight-week bereavement support group series for adults who have experienced the death of a parent, spouse, child, sibling or significant other. The series will begin Tuesday, September 29, 2020 and continue for eight consecutive Tuesdays through November 17, 2020 from 7:00-8:30 PM. These will be Zoom meetings where the participants meet online virtually. The experience this program has had with virtual meetings has been excellent. There is no fee, but REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. For more information contact Jim Hoffman at hoffmanlpc@gmail.com or call: 202- 577-2213.
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Take a Personal "Retreat" Day
August 28 | September 18
Are your days overcrowded, jam-packed, and busy, busy, busy? Jesus tells you to "Come away with me..." to Our Lady of Bethesda Retreat Center where your very own personal retreat awaits. During your personal retreat from, 8:30am-4pm, an experienced retreat director will guide you to a place of rest with Christ. The retreat schedule allows for one-on-one spiritual direction, quiet reflection, Mass, Confessions and Eucharistic Adoration, plus continental breakfast and lunch. Cost is $120 per person. Advance Registration is required, visit our website to register and find more dates www.ourladyofbethesda.org or call 301-365-0612.