Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church

Do you have any old files and paperwork taking up space at your home or office?  Plan to join us on Saturday, November 13 from 10am to 1pm for our Shred Event, to dispose of your confidential documents.

Recycling is an essential part of any commitment to sustainability, and we here at St. Mary are responding by offering this community-wide event, which will be open to all in the parish, small businesses, non-profits and area residents.  Deliver materials to the back parking lot behind our Parish Life Center where you will be assisted with unloading your vehicle.  There is a 5 box limit per vehicle, and we will continue to accept materials until the truck is full or 1pm, whichever occurs first.  There is no charge, but we are most grateful for any free-will donations.

We will accept all office-based paper materials, and small metal fasteners such as paper clips and staples. NO ring binders, books, newspapers, magazines, plastic or metal objects and electronics or electronic media such as CDs and DVDs.

If you have any questions, contact Elaine Stanislawski at estanislawski@stmaryfred.org, or call the parish office at 540-373-6491.

Dear Folks,

It has been two years since we pulled out the stops so that you can meet and greet the folks in the parish who coordinate the approximately 80 ministries we have here at St. Mary. Obviously because of the pandemic, but there is so much that we have accomplished despite all odds, and lockdowns! If you are reading this over a cup of coffee at a diner, thank you for stopping by and visiting with the ministries (and for all of you who read the bulletin during Mass …. you have no excuse for not stopping on the way out of Mass).

As has become a tradition, purely for your entertainment, and with no intention to move into full time comedy, here are this year’s TOP TEN EXCUSES given for not signing up for at least one parish ministry:

“I am waiting for the orange sock ministry.” “I can’t hear you through the mask.”

“I am vaccinated against helping.”

“I do all my ministry on Instagram.”

“I see a squirrel…look at that!”

“I am keeping socially distanced from sign-ups.”

“I am busy because Seinfeld just showed up on Netflix”

“I want the Masked Singer to sing in church.”

“I prefer to pick a church where I won’t be asked to help.”

“I only do what my spouse signs me up for.”

With a smile,

Father John Mosimann

October 14, 2021

( en español )

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As you may know, the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops gathers in Rome in October 2023 entitled “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission.”  In preparation for the synod, the Holy See asks that every diocese undertake its own synodal process of local consultations.  I have asked Reverend Donald Planty, Pastor of Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, to coordinate this process and he will be assisted by a “synodal team.”  This effort will focus on consultations with parishes and other local institutions during the late fall and winter and the results will be gathered into a report that I will present to Rome.

This phase of the Synod begins world-wide with Masses in diocesan cathedrals this Sunday, October 17.  I will celebrate the Mass of the Diocesan Opening of the 2023 Synod of Bishops at 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Thomas More on that day.

Also, I encourage all the faithful of our Diocese to pray for the success of our diocesan consultations, using the attached prayer.  With the grace of God, I look forward to seeing the fruits of our common efforts as a diocesan church, in union with the Church throughout the world

Please be assured of my prayers for you.  Through the intercession of Mary our Mother and Saint Joseph, may Our Lord Jesus bless you and fill you with his peace.

ADSUMUS, SANCTE SPIRITUS PRAYER

Sincerely in Christ,

Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge
Bishop of Arlington