Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church

Dear Folks,

Election Day is November 2, and early voting has already begun. Virginia voters will elect a governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and all 100 members of the Virginia House of Delegates. Much is at stake, and it is our sacred duty to form our consciences and vote.

May we join with Catholics across the commonwealth in voting for leaders committed to policy positions that uphold the truth reflected in our Catholic beliefs, most notably the protection of all human life, especially those in greatest need. We begin this process with prayer and reflection, standing upon the fundamental teachings of our Catholic Faith.

These three foundational principles must guide how we vote:

• Many issues are important.
• Not all issues have equal moral weight.
• Protecting life is paramount.

As Catholics, we must protect the sacredness of all human life. The right to life is “the fundamental right that makes all other rights possible” (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, no. 49). It must be “defended with maximum determination” (Saint John Paul II, Christifideles Laici, no. 38). In the United States, the tragically pervasive acceptance of abortion underscores the urgency of this message. There have been more than 62 million abortions since Roe v. Wade. Still, elected officials in Washington and here in Virginia are working to advance an even more radical abortion-driven agenda. Protecting life to the fullest extent possible is of the utmost importance and must be our highest priority.

For side-by-side comparisons of the policy positions of the major-party candidates for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general on issues of importance to Catholics (in their own words), visit www.vacatholic.org.

We are blessed to live in a country where we have the freedom to elect our leaders. At the same time, we know that politics have become more divisive and destructive in our communities and even, at times, within our families. Our unity and peace must be founded in and inspired by the healing power of Jesus Christ. May we bring his truth, peace and unity with us to the ballot box in this election, and always.

Faithfully yours in Christ,

Dear Folks,

Congratulations on Parish Life Weekend. I take full credit for the beautiful weather last weekend! Kidding of course, all thanks and glory to God for all things! Stewardship reports that 250+ people signed-up to serve in various ministries, groups, and projects. This is a great sign of encouragement, as we continually invite folks to serve the Lord, most especially coming out of the pandemic when we have lost so many of our habits of service and generosity to neighbors! I know our lives are overwhelmingly busy, but the rewards are great when we step out in faith.

Let me thank, especially Tom & Pat Fish, Rich & Karen LaRoche, Lynda Retterer, Tuan Nguyen, Furman McCormick (Stewardship), Christina Anderson & Joe Walor (Parish Life), the great help from the St. Mary Youth Group, and the many, many folks who worked to make this happen. These things don’t get pulled off without a lot of work and we all owe them a debt of gratitude. Because I may have failed to mention the names of the so many of you, I will pray a Hail Mary before I finish typing this sentence, as a prayer of gratitude for all your generosity. Done.

Pope Benedict once said, “Volunteers want to be asked, they want to be told: ‘I need you’ – ‘You can do it!’ How good it feels to hear words like these! In their human simplicity, they unwittingly point us toward the God who has called each of us into being and given us a personal task, the God who needs us and awaits our response. Jesus called men and women, and gave them the courage needed to embark on a great undertaking, one to which, by themselves, they would never have dared to aspire. To allow oneself to be called, to make a decision and then to set out on a path – without the usual questions about whether it is useful or profitable – this attitude will naturally bring healing in its wake. The saints have shown us this path by their lives. It is a fascinating and thrilling path, a path of generosity and, nowadays, one which is much needed. To say “yes” to volunteering to help others is a decision which is liberating; it opens our hearts to the needs of others, to the requirements of justice, to the defense of life and the protection of creation. Volunteer work is really about the heart of the Christian image of God and man: love of God and love of neighbor.”

Brothers and Sisters, you are wanted, needed, appreciated and loved!

pax et bonum,

Father John Mosimann

On Friday, October 22, 2021 at 8:00 p.m., Concerts at Saint Mary welcomes the trumpet/organ duo of Chuck Seipp and Randall Sheets, who will perform a program to open the 2021/2022 concert season.

Trumpeter Chuck Seipp and organist Randall Sheets are two performers at the top of their craft. As the Seipp/Sheets Duo, their programs feature a diverse array of classical, virtuoso, lyrical, humorous and patriotic works. The duo’s performances also include audience participation and video presentations, ranging from interactive videos, to patriotic imagery, to silent film. Both are high-profile musicians in their own right. Dr. Sheets is ceremonial organist for Arlington National Cemetery, and Dr. Seipp is a Shenandoah Conservatory professor and Sergeant Major (retired) from The United States Army Band, “Pershing’s Own.” Their reputation for excellence as a duo has grown during the past four seasons, as they have performed more than 50 concerts in 20 states (including Piccolo Spoletto L’Organo, Washington National Cathedral, The Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land, and West Point Cadet Chapel) and produced three recordings. In addition to standard repertoire and arrangements of their own, the Seipp/Sheets Duo regularly commissions new arrangements and compositions.

The program performed by the fantastic duo will include many original arrangements for trumpet and organ of well-known works including Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor, Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, and Bohemian Rhapsody by Freddie Mercury to name a few.  As with all Concert at Saint Mary events, the concert is free and open to the public.  Mark your calendars for an evening that promises to be enjoyable and entertaining.