Workcamp 2027
From Our Pastor
Dear Folks,
It is a sign of maturity that one comes to realize how hard one’s parents worked and sacrificed to give their children a happy family life. And yes, it can be a source of wounding to see where they fell short. I remember marveling, as I grew up, at how much preparation and sacrifice went even into our family week at the beach!
But I also sometimes say that the average parishioner has no idea how hard the staff of this parish works. Like our parents, it is taken for granted until folks want something immediately. I say this to encourage you to pause and be grateful for the amazing generous staff that serves you in this parish. Our staff is marked by generous flexibility in trying to solve problems and help one another to make this parish a welcoming, faithful home.
And now this week, after 30 years, Elaine Stanislawski is retiring. Since my arrival, I have prayed that she could continue to serve as bookkeeper, budget analyst, Mass intention reconciler, payroll specialist, HR certifier, collection reviewer, electronic giving problem solver, and I could go on and on. She will be greatly missed and the work that she has done will take several people to keep moving!
Please thank her and say a prayer for her in retirement. She has stored up a treasure in heaven, working beyond the call of duty. For Elaine it was never an obligation of duty, but a service of love for the Lord and His church. Thank you Elaine, you will be greatly missed. And if you see staff crying this week, you now know why.
Peter Lilly came onto staff this summer as the new Business Manager, and learning by sitting at Elaine’s side to keep this parish moving and thriving! I am confident that he will be able to continue the generous and detailed service that we have come to presume from our Staff!
Also, Elena Doyle is reducing her hours. She has served as my executive assistant, outreach director, bulletin content editor, community liaison, and again I could go on and on. Given that her brother is a priest (and now bishop), she was particularly well disposed to work with me in a way that has made this parish feel like family. She is not going away (yet), but I want to thank her as she hands off some of her duties.
And Maryanne Harring also came onto staff this summer is taking up the mantle of some of those duties, while also providing transition and support to Peter Lilly. She is very capable, and brings a wealth of HR and administrative experience.
Welcome to the St. Mary’s team Peter and Maryanne! We have had the luxury of onboarding both of them and learning their skillset. I am confident in the ability of all of our staff to generously serve the life and ministry of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception!
pax et bonum,
fr mosimann
Bishop Michael F. Burbidge Calls All Catholics to Prayer and Fasting Throughout October
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I am asking you to take some specific actions throughout October to defeat two radically unjust ballot initiatives now before all Virginia voters.
Our Catholics Vote No campaign is rooted in prayer and fasting.
Therefore, On Fridays, I ask that you pray the Stations of the Cross. And fast—which means eating only one full meal and no meat.
On Sundays, I ask that you pray the Rosary and fast from social media for at least a few hours—especially before and after Mass.
It would be a powerful force if all in the Diocese of Arlington were united in these efforts. We entrust them to the Lord’s amazing grace, so all that is just, right, and true will be done in this election.
May God bless you and your families.
Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge
Bishop of Arlington
From Our Pastor
Dear Folks,
Bishop Says & Expanded Adoration Hours.
Bishop Burbidge says:
I am asking you to take some specific actions throughout October to defeat two radically unjust ballot initiatives now before all Virginia voters.
Our Catholics Vote No campaign is rooted in prayer and fasting.
Therefore, On Fridays, I ask that you pray the Stations of the Cross. And fast—which means eating only one full meal and no meat.
On Sundays, I ask that you pray the Rosary and fast from social media for at least a few hours—especially before and after Mass.
It would be a powerful force if all in the Diocese of Arlington were united in these efforts. We entrust them to the Lord’s amazing grace, so all that is just, right, and true will be done in this election.
May God bless you and your families.
What does it mean when the bishop asks us to do something specific?? Well, ask yourself: what does it mean when my mother or father asks me to do something specific?
Yes, the bishop has authority to make particular laws for the diocese, with authority conferred by Jesus: “What you hold bound on earth is bound in heaven…” and, probably to your surprise, the pastor likewise can, in limited cases.
In this instance, the bishop is “asking,” so I don’t think it has the binding force of law on all Catholics in the diocese. However, that does not make the request less solemn.
Will you, during October, pray the Stations of the Cross on Fridays, the Rosary on Sundays, and fast from social media for a few hours on Sundays? The changing of hearts requires lots of prayer and fasting!
Expanded Adoration Hours: We were successful in getting volunteers last weekend, partly because several priests volunteered to take the difficult late-night hours that were the last to fill! Thank you, Fathers!
Thus, Solemn Adoration with expanded hours in the new Divine Mercy Adoration Chapel will begin tomorrow, Monday, October 5th, which is the feast of Saint Faustina! What a lovely sign of divine blessing and providence!
The Adoration Chapel should be open whenever the church is open…. (except for the mystery person who has been turning off the lights and locking the door… who are you?? Please don’t lock the chapel without Father’s permission!)
Thus, our Solemn Adoration will now run from Monday morning to Friday morning!! That is 100 hours of Adoration a week!!!
Let the blessings fall upon us as we spend time with the Lord and enter into the Fullness of Joy in His Presence.
Pax,
Fr. Mosimann
