SPECIAL EDITION Thursday, September 24, 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. Safety precautions being utilized in the church and school.
FIRST THURSDAY TALK Thursday, October 1
Msgr. Vaghi begins a new series of theological reflections (not the Rectory Meeting Room). There is no 6:30 am Mass
Series Theme: "The Eternal Word in a Covid-19 World"
Watch Fr. Keith's video Rosary for Life
PASTORAL REFLECTION
Deacon Jim Shanahan Pope Francis explains in "Evangelli Gaudium" that "the word 'solidarity' is a little worn and at times poorly understood, but it refers to something more than a few sporadic acts of generosity. It presumes the creation of a new mindset which thinks in terms of community and the priority of the life of all over the appropriation of goods by a few.
RCIA- Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Are you interested in becoming a member of our great Catholic Faith? Do you know anyone who may be interested in learning more about becoming a Catholic? Our annual Parish Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults Process (RCIA) is being held by remote meetings on Thursday evenings. For more information, please contact Deacon Don Longano at deacondonlongano@gmail.com.
2020-21 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Last call for Registration!
Virtual CCD classes began this week. If you have not already done so, please register today. As a reminder, children enrolled in private Catholic school should register for Little Flower's Religious Ed program, as sacramental preparation is done by our parish. Thank you.
STEWARDSHIP CORNER Poor Box Donations – 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. Contributions during September and October will go to Howard University Catholic Center, where Fr. Robert Boxie serves as chaplain. Fr. Boxie formerly lived and served at Little Flower. For more information, please visit huccm.com. "Life holds only one tragedy, ultimately: not to have become a saint." (French essayist and poet Charles Peguy)
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. Monday – St. Lawrence Ruiz, the first canonized Filipino who, rather than renounce his faith, was tortured and executed with his companions in Japan in 1637. Also on Monday - "Good King Wenceslaus (d. 929)," who became King of Bohemia when he was only 15, then spent his reign helping the poor, feeding the hungry and offering hospitality to travelers. Tuesday - Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael – archangels! These pure spirits also use their gifts and talents for the Lord. St Gregory the Great wrote, "Some angels are given proper names to denote the service they are empowered to perform among us. Michael means 'Who is like God,' Gabriel is 'The Strength of God;' and Raphael is 'God's Remedy.'" Lord, may those who serve You constantly in heaven keep our lives safe from all harm on earth. Wednesday - St. Jerome (d. 420), Doctor of the Church, who used his fine intellect and gift for languages to translate the Old Testament from Hebrew. Two days before we commemorate our guardian angels, a quotation from St. Jerome is quite appropriate: "So valuable to heaven is the dignity of the human soul that every member of the human race has a guardian angel from the moment the person begins to be." Thursday is the solemnity of our parish's patron saint, St. Therese of the Child Jesus (1873-1897). What an impact she had - incredible considering her short life! One biographer wrote, "She gives witness to two outstanding virtues that are needed by all devout Christians: a radical humility that makes us aware of our weakness and our total dependence on God and, secondly, complete surrender to the infinite mercy of God in an act of perfect love." Friday - Our Guardian Angels. "He has given his angels charge over [us] to guard [us] in all of our ways," Scripture says. Along with the saints, our guardian angels are our "travel companions" in life. Stay in touch with these wonderful friends and intercessors!
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. God bless and many thanks.
LITTLE FLOWER GOLF OUTING - OCTOBER 23
Where: Bretton Woods Country Club When: Friday, October 23 - 11 am to 6 pmRegistration will begin at 11 am followed by a 12:30 "shotgun" start Registration cost: $150 per person. Includes box lunch, post awards reception, and voucher for future round of 18 holes at Bretton Woods. Please also consider sponsoring a golf hole. The cost is $300 for a family sponsorship and $500 for a business sponsorship.
As part of the United States bishops' program Walking with Moms in Need: A Year of Service the Respect Life Committee would like to share this prayer which features a monthly prayer intention for September, a short reflection, some suggested actions, and more. It focuses on the needs of pregnant and parenting moms of young children in our parishes and our neighborhoods. |