Thursday, May 13, 2021 PASTORAL REFLECTION Msgr Peter J Vaghi
Ascension of the Lord This weekend we celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord. It is a feast of wonderful imagery, mystery and imagination. O what great drama! Imagine the apostles as they saw the Risen Lord "lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight." And God seated Him at his right hand in heaven.
The Parish Respect Life Committee invites you to participate in our annual "Baby Shower." The past years have been overwhelmingly successful due to your extraordinary generosity. The recipients are so grateful and continually send their heartfelt thanks. This year we will be supporting two local centers, Centro Tepeyac Women's Center and Shady Grove Pregnancy Center. During the month of May, we will be collecting donations through our secure online form. Thank you so much for your kind support of these wonderful centers and the mothers in need!
PRAYERS FOR THE DECEASED – Please pray for the repose of the souls of Kathleen Annarella, Michael Bradshaw, Madeleine Brown, Jeremiah Collins, Vincent DeSomma, DDS, Thomas Dimond, Agnes Donahue, William Gildea, Kathleen Kelley, Robert Keyes, Daniel Klug, Beatrice Larson, Christopher Lent, Bonnie Marosy, Deacon John McGinness, Grace Mulvihill, Gale O'Laughlin, Jean Ostmann, Ed Padelford, Shane Potts, John Sweeney, Joan Wells, J. William Whitty.
FOR THE SICK- Please pray for the sick members of our parish and for all who are in need. Keep these and all the intentions of our parish in your prayers.
STEWARDSHIP CORNER
May is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary "Just as Mary surpassed in grace all others on earth, so also in heaven is her glory unique. If eye has not seen or ear heard or the human heart conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him (1 Cor. 2:9), who can express what He has prepared for the woman who gave Him birth and who loved Him more than anyone else?" (St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Doctor of the Church) Saints as Model Stewards – May the saints whose lives we commemorate next week inspire us to use our own God-given talents and opportunities as He would have us do. We pray for their intercession for our special needs. Tuesday - St. John I (d. 526). This pope was sent by King Theodoric on a diplomatic mission to Justin, the emperor of Constantinople, but Theodoric became suspicious of the warm relations that developed between John and Justin and had John thrown into prison, where he died from mistreatment. Thursday - St. Bernardine of Siena (d. 1444). Before becoming a Franciscan, he spent two years caring for those stricken by the plague. He then spent the next 12 years as a contemplative before starting his immensely successful ministry as a preacher. Bernardine accepted this new vocation and used his gifts of energy, enthusiasm and devotion to fulfill it. Friday - St. Christopher Magallanes and his companions, twenty-one priests and three laymen, who were executed in 1927 by officials of the anti-Catholic Mexican government. He had established a seminary and had secretly spread the Gospel among the people Saturday - St. Rita of Cascia (d. 1457) was married against her will at age 12, and for 18 years was treated cruelly by her husband. After he was killed in a brawl and her two sons died, she became a nun. St. Rita became known for her austerities, penances, and concern for others. She is venerated as the saint of desperate causes. Poor Box – Donations during May will go to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul which, in a spirit of justice and charity, seeks to help the "least among us" through direct personal involvement. We are all familiar with the great work done by the Society at the grass-roots level. What should we give? Christ's answer was echoed by St. Vincent de Paul in one word – more. He was referring not only to Treasure but also to our Time and Talents – to do more, more than we thought we could do.
Virtual Spiritual Retreats with Spiritual Direction
During this time of physical separation, Our Lady of Bethesda Retreat Center is providing virtual retreats so that you can connect with others and feed your soul. Currently, these programs are being offered at no cost, and a suggested donation of only $75 per person is greatly appreciated. Click HERE to find more information and upcoming dates.
ONLINE OFFERTORY We appreciate your financial support, especially during Easter. 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 Easter gift online. God bless and many thanks.
GUIDELINES FOR MASS
The Church of the Little Flower is open at reduced capacity for Sunday and weekday Masses.
We are still adhering to important safety measures. The guidelines can be found HERE.
Masks are required to be worn at all times when in church.
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. |