Kings Dominion Trip Permission Slip
All Middle and High Schoolers are invited to attend the Diocesan Kings Dominion Day on July 23 from 9am-8pm. Please fill out and return the attached permission to the main office no later than July 12.
From Our Pastor
Dear Folks,
A Blessed Pentecost Sunday to you!
Fr. Kelly moving to Leesburg
On June 24, per the Bishop’s appointment Fr. Kelly will be moving to Leesburg for assignment to both St. John the Apostle, and further studies at Divine Mercy University in Sterling. Yep. He is so good that he gets two assignments!
I have greatly appreciated his presence and wisdom in the rectory. Every answer is well thought out and insightful. The entire parish has benefited from his ability to teach concisely and precisely. He will be greatly missed, even if he never could get on my ‘orange train.’ God Bless the Irishman!
Fr. Phillip Cozzi will be coming from Front Royal to replace him, thank you for welcoming him.
Priest moves always present a moment of sadness and necessity. As we close out the Easter season, we recall Jesus leaving so that He could send us the Spirit in power and might on Pentecost Sunday! He loves and sanctifies us in millions of ways every day from Baptism to the grave. The coming and going of priests is a concrete reminder to all of the faithful that we must love Jesus first, not the men who serve Him.
Masks and Social distancing?
Recently Governor Northam noted that “CDC guidelines state that fully-vaccinated individuals do not have to wear masks in most indoor settings, except on public transit, in health care facilities, and in congregate settings” Having consulted with diocesan lawyers, it is unclear if “congregate settings” include religious services. Additionally we understand that many parishioners will interpret this announcement to mean they can attend Mass without wearing a face covering. We do not desire to inhibit vaccinated folks from worshiping and nor do we wish to inquire about anyone’s vaccination status.
Next weekend the social distancing and capacity requirement in the church will be eliminated. If you desire a little more controlled environment, we intend to keep the PLC open for socially distanced seating.
Additionally, the 8:30 am Mass at HCA (that was added for the pandemic) will remain “Masks-required” and “Social Distanced Seating.” This is being done for our most vulnerable parishioners so that they can have an option with which they are comfortable.
Above all we encourage charity, understanding and patience with one another. And that is this year’s theme: “Love one Another, especially during a pandemic.”
pax et bonum,
fr mosimann
fr mosimann
Scam Emails and Texts
There is another round of scam emails and texts going around asking for gifts and money and pretending to be parishioners. Once again, Father will never randomly text out of the blue and ask for money or gift cards. Please be vigilant.
Priest Transfer
As many of you heard at Sunday Mass, the Bishop announced priest transfers last week, and sadly our own Father Michael Kelly is being transferred to St John the Apostle in Leesburg, with part-time studies at Divine Mercy University in Sterling.
As sad as we are to lose Father Kelly, who has served the people of St Mary tirelessly and with compassion and grace for the past 5 years, we are excited to welcome Father Phillip Cozzi from St John the Baptist in Front Royal.
More information on Father Kelly’s goodbye will be announced in the coming weeks. Please keep Father Kelly and Father Cozzi in your prayers!
Please see the link HERE for the full list of clergy transfers in the diocese.