Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church

Dear Folks,

Married Couples RetreatYou may know the old saying, “the couple that prays together, stays together.” But what does that practically mean in our busy lives? Some families are committed to praying the rosary together – wonderful! The Sacrament of Marriage is a man and a woman growing every day deeper in love by giving their lives to one another. This is an incredibly enriching gift, because in giving our self away we discover a love beyond imagining.

To that purpose, each winter I offer a retreat for a group dedicated to formation and spiritual growth of married couples: Teams of Our Lady. The format of the retreat includes short talks, lectio divina, and discussions that provide an opportunity for couples to pray together and deepen their mutual understanding. ALL married couples are invited to spend a day together with your spouse, your pastor and our parish family in prayer.

Married Couples Retreat

Saturday February 29@ St. Mary IC

Begins with 9am Mass in the Church.

Will end by 5pm at the latest, and usually earlier!

Please bring a brown-bag lunch and a bible.If you would like to participate, please email Elena Doyle to register (edoyle@stmaryfred.org).

pax et bonum,

Fr. Mosimann

Dear Folks,

It is with great joy and enthusiasm that I wish to inform you that Tatiana Beltran has accepted the promotion to be our Youth Director.  She has capably served as the Assistant Youth Director, and generously assisted while the search was being conducted for this job.  Happily, our best candidate is she whom we already know and treasure!

Congratulations Tatiana! Because of the great value of youth ministry, we are now searching for a replacement for the assistant job as best fits Tatiana’s vision and needs.

Catholic Schools Week!!!
I want to thank Dr. Fry and all of our school staff for their hard work and generosity in teaching and serving the children of our parish.

This weekend, at all Masses, we are having children from the school speak after communion to express gratitude for all who support the school, and to give witness to the many graces received in this most important ministry.  Teaching and living our faith is at the heart of the mission of the parish, and the school is often on the front line of this work for so many parish families.

I recall one time asking a pre-schooler what she had learned.  Without hesitation, she looked up and said, “I learned that Jesus can never stop loving me.  His grace is His love in my heart.”  I was stunned with the depth of what she said.  And that is why we make sacrifices and try to educate as many of our children in possible where this truth will shape their lives.

pax,
fr mosimann

Dear Folks,

The National March for Life is coming this Friday to Washington DC.  We have 4 busses going.  Wonderful. But also insufficient.

Next month, on February 13th we will have our Virginia March for life in Richmond, and would again like to organize folks to go.  This coming year may be particularly dispiriting for people of good will in Virginia.  Last falls elections have left our state legislature in the hands of a political majority who have promised to undermine the sanctity of life.  Of course they don’t speak that way, but make no mistake, that is what they want to accomplish.

This weekend we have the Virginia Catholic Conference (VCC) here to speak and offer you the opportunity to be informed about the workings in Richmond that will directly impact the safety of unborn children.

As one of our parish lawyers told me this week, “expect many votes this session to be scheduled at the last minute and at times that are difficult for people to get there and speak up.  This is a known and effective tactic to push through radical legislation.”

The VCC mail lists are a means of keeping you informed, so that we can speak up in defense of those who can not defend themselves.

Who among us thinks we would have been the ones sticking our necks out for change in Nazi Germany?  We are not 1930’s Germans, but we are 2020’s Virginians.  Speaking up will not cost us our lives.  It may cost a few drives to Richmond, status on social media, friendships or even our jobs.

May the Lord give us wisdom to see what to do, and courage to do it.

pax,
fr mosimann