Four big things: Property purchase, Farewell Fr. Kelly, Thanksgiving Fr. Townsend, and a Summer Seminarian!

1: Property. This winter, the opportunity presented itself to purchase that last property in our city block. Yes! Did you know that the parish owns all of the homes in the block where the church and parish offices are located? Houses are used for Catholic Charities, the rectory, the convent, the youth house, storage, and now a center for Adult Education!

We were approached by the family that owned the home after the matriarch of the family moved out. Consultation began quickly and earnestly with
the parish council, finance committee, real-estate professionals, and the diocese. All were in agreement that we should promptly make an offer to the family to purchase the home, and we closed on the property at the end of March!

The St. Joseph House for Adult Education, got its first use in hosting a meeting of the Virginia Catholic Conference last week. Since we had three bishops here, we were able to ask Bishop Burbidge to bless our newest facility! These are the pictures included here in the bulletin.

We have some work to do with fences, which require a permit from the town of Fredericksburg. As soon as we can get that in order, I would love to have an open house one Sunday so that you will be able to see the lovely facility.

A huge shout out of gratitude to Beau Skinner, Joe and Arlene Wilkinson, Dawn and Brien Miller and all the folks who worked so hard to decorate, paint, and furnish the home for parish use! Please read the bulletin note with the pictures for more details.

2. Farewell. Also, next weekend will be Father Kelly’s last here at St. Mary before moving to Leesburg. In addition to helping the parish there, he will begin full time studies for a degree in counseling! Next weekend Fr. K. will be offering the 8:30am and 12:30pm Sunday Masses, a light reception will be held after these Masses so that you may thank him for his ministry.

3. Thanksgiving. Last weekend a one-time St. Mary’s parishioner was ordained to the holy priesthood for our diocese. Father Joseph Townsend was working at Geico after college when he heard the Lord inviting him to seminary. His family has since moved to Front Royal, but we still keep him as one of our own! He asked if he might come back and offer a Mass of Thanksgiving here since we were his home parish for so long! Thus, next Saturday Fr. Townsend will offer the 5pm Mass and on Sunday, the 10:30am Mass here, and all are invited.

4. Welcome to Paul Fischer who will be our summer seminarian this year. More info in next weeks bulletin, and a Hail Mary for all who made it to the end of this long pastor’s note!

pax,

Father John Mosimann