Thanksgiving Day Mass
There will be only one Mass celebrated on Thanksgiving Day, at 10am in the Church. All attending a requested to bring non-perishable food items to Mass as an offering to be given to Fredericksburg Area Foodbank.
From Our Pastor
Dear Folks,
Viva Christo Rey! and Merry Christmas! At least it is Christmas where I type, because every day in Bethlehem is Christmas! I am sending this along with a few pix from the Holy Land pilgrimage.
I can attest that the folks here have been keeping your prayer intentions in mind, and also on every altar where we have offered Mass! I printed out the intentions you sent me and put my little sister in charge of carrying the full envelope around, and putting it on every altar!
This weekend is the Feast of Christ the King, and it will be the first time that I haven’t been in Virginia to celebrate it. I hope that you remember when I typed “Viva Christo Rey,” that I fully expect you to have responded with a resounding “Viva!” May Christ the Lord reign in our hearts as He rules over the entire universe.
Thanksgiving is coming! I may have to write my annual ten things I am thankful for note next week.
And finally, with next Sunday being the first Sunday of Advent, please remember that our 7pm Mass on Sunday night will be a Candlelight Mass! We will turn down the lights and add more candles and get into the advent mood!
See you soon! Prayers for you from the Holy Land!
Pax,
Father John Mosimann
From Our Pastor
Dear Folks,
A word of thanks to Officer Thomas Worthy. This week marks the 20th Anniversary of him helping and working with us here at St. Mary’s! He retired from the Fredericksburg Sheriff ’s Office a few years ago after 25 years of work in law enforcement, court security, and animal control. However he has continued to work at City Hall and also help us with traffic control, and being a great presence for us on Sundays!
During the pandemic, since there was much less traffic, he asked to help in any way we wanted! Since he is known and loves our community, he helped with welcoming folks at the front door, ushering, and being a constant presence of happiness and joy. One concerned parishioner said, “Did the governor send the police to stop us from having Mass?” I was able to say, “Haha, no! That’s our very own friendly traffic cop, helping keep us safe and doing whatever he can! I am so glad he is here.”
So maybe this weekend you can take an extra second, stop and thank him with a wave and a smile! St. Mary’s is grateful for Officer Worthy’s 20 years of service to our parish family!
Pax,
Father John Mosimann
In Heartfelt Gratitude: A Message from Bishop Burbidge
In Virginia, there are nearly 675,000 veterans. Every day, and especially today, we offer them our profound thanks for their heroic service and sacrifice.
Whenever we encounter veterans, we should be mindful of the great gifts they offer and express our heartfelt gratitude for all they have done and for the outstanding contributions they continue to make.
We acknowledge the considerable sacrifices they offered in service to our country and in protection of our fundamental freedoms. These veterans often have families who also made countless sacrifices. Oftentimes these mothers and fathers were singularly responsible for caring for children and giving them a well-rounded life while their spouse was deployed.
Know that we keep you in our prayers and in our hearts. Your duty of not only supporting the servicemember through the good and the bad, but also doing the work of two people, is one we will not forget.
So today, and every day, we ask God to watch over all our 19 million American veterans. May He bless them with His love and hope in these ever-challenging times. It is because of them we are afforded the privilege of being Americans who can praise and follow God without fear and enjoy the freedoms safeguarded in the United States Constitution.
Thank you, veterans, for everything you do. May God bless you today, tomorrow and always.