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 Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

National Vocation Awareness Week coincides with the first year of preparation for our diocese’s 50^th anniversary jubilee. This year’s theme, “Do this in memory of me” (Lk 22:19), comes from Jesus’ words at the Last Supper when he instituted the Sacraments of the Eucharist and Holy Orders.

For me, and for all the priests of this great diocese, these words are a reminder that Jesus has called us to follow him as a priest, to re-present his sacrifice daily on the altar, and to feed the faithful with the Bread of Life, our necessary nourishment here on earth as we strive daily for holiness of life.

We know that Christ continues to call men to be ministers of the Church’s sacraments. We are blessed with 49 seminarians who are responding to that call, seeking to give their lives to make Christ present in the Eucharist.

Our diocese is also blessed to have almost 70 men and women in formation with religious orders throughout the world. These men and women, in addition to those already serving in our schools and hospitals and other apostolic works, give their lives in imitation of Christ, pursuing holiness and inspiring those around them to do the same.

In whatever path Our Lord has chosen for us, be it the priesthood, religious life, marriage, consecrated life, diaconate or the single life, we are called to become holy by setting aside time each day to be with Jesus in prayer, listening to him, learning from him and going forth to share his love with others.

Please join me this National Vocation Awareness Week as we pray particularly for priests, consecrated men and women, and married couples, that they remain steadfast in the promises and vows they made to God and to each other. We pray for those currently searching for their calling, that they be generous and courageous in following Christ. We pray for ourselves, that we, like Jesus, Mary and Joseph, give a more fervent “yes” each day to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Finally, we pray for our diocese as we embark upon this Year of the Eucharist in preparation for our Jubilee, that it be marked by an increase in vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life.

May God continue to bless you with abundant graces, as you follow his call in your life now and always.

In the United States, there are an estimated 19 million men and women who once wore the flag of freedom as members of the military. That is 1 in 10 adults! On Veterans Day each year, we honor their courage and service to protect and defend our rights and freedoms. Yet we should not limit such gratitude to that day alone.

Be sure, on Veterans Day and throughout the year, to express your deepest gratitude, prayers and appreciation to the veterans in your life. And ask them how they are doing. Many wounds lay under the surface, and your compassion and attentiveness could be a powerful reminder of Christ’s love for them.

We must also never forget the loving families who stand by their side, comforting them through tough times and painful experiences, and who eagerly awaited their return from overseas deployments. We assure them of our prayers.

Because of our veterans, we have the great privilege of being citizens of the United States of America, worshipping God without fear, and enjoying the freedoms safeguarded in the Constitution. We owe each of them a debt of gratitude. To all our veterans: Thank you.