Religious Education - Children
Catechist BlogCompassion and Peace
The American historian Howard Zinn offers this insight on what we can learn from the study of history: “To be hopeful in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty, but also of compassion,...
Afghan Arrival Help
Dear Parishioners, As you are probably aware, some 5 thousand Afghan refugees will be placed at Quantico Marine Corps Base. There has been a “call” for help in the way of, diapers, wipes, etc. (please see full list below). We plan to do our part as a parish and will...
Come and See
We all have our blinders and prejudices. The first disciples were no exception. So, when Philip told Nathanael that Jesus from Nazareth was the one foretold in the Scripture, Nathanael found this claim hard to believe: “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” In...
We Give Thanks…
Today we begin to read from 1 Thessalonians, the earliest writing in the New Testament. The Gospels were not written until the 70’s & 80’s. Paul wrote his letters in the 50’s and Thessalonians is the first letter that he wrote. Paul had recently founded the...
Wherever You Go
Love and faithfulness…that is all God requires. Both readings today give us insight into the meaning of this requirement. A Jewish scholar of the Law asks Jesus which commandment is the greatest, the most important. This question is legitimate since the Bible is...
Here I am Lord. I come to do your will.
Many are invited but few are chosen. When I reflect on the Gospel reading from today, I imagine a beautiful handwritten envelope among the mail I usually get. It is not just any envelope. This one stands out, and I cannot wait to open it. At last, it is something...
Parish Voter Registration Drive – 2021
Calling all Faithful Citizens! New to Virginia and haven’t had time to register? Moved within Virginia and need to update your voter registration address? Turning 18 on or before November 2, 2021? St. Francis VOICE will be holding a non-partisan voter registration...
Gratitude not Jealousy
One year, when Valentine’s Day fell on a Sunday, the pastor of a small parish had an idea to mark the occasion. As couples came into church, ushers would present each wife with a rose. During Mass, a special intention for couples would be included as part of the...
COVID Vaccine
I received a number of positive comments on my recent article in the weekly parish newsletter, challenging the thinking of those who refuse to receive a COVID vaccine, based on the argument that “the government cannot tell me what to do with my body”. I also received...
Eye of the Needle
In today’s Gospel we have the famous expression: “Amen, I say to you, it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of heaven. Again, I say to you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of...