Religious Education - Children
Catechist BlogFrancis of Assisi – the Young Man
The first article of the series about St. Francis essentially proposed that what most people think they know about St. Francis of Assisi is a very limited and romanticized version of the “poor man from Assisi.” Such versions often emphasize the Francis who loves...
Francis of Assisi – An Introduction
Every year – or so it seems – very good biographies of St. Francis of Assisi are published. The ones published in the last 10 years all share some great qualities: readable and increasingly historical – introducing the “real” St Francis of Assisi to the world. You...
Memorial of St. Hildegard of Bingen
Today is the Memorial of St. Hildegard of Bingen. From the first reading from the Book of Wisdom we hear Set me as a seal on your heart, as a seal on your arm; For stern as death is love, relentless as the nether world is devotion; its flames are a blazing fire. Deep...
Love and Forgiveness
“So, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; hence, she has shown great love.” Love does not earn forgiveness, rather the experience of forgiveness leads to love. Jesus teaches this message in today’s Gospel. Today’s Gospel has had a history of...
To Be Compassionate like Mary
Today is Our Lady of Sorrows feast day. According to Tradition, Mary suffered seven sorrows in her life: 1) the prophecy of Simeon, 2) the flight into Egypt, 3) the loss of the child Jesus in the Temple, 4) the encounter with Jesus carrying the Cross, 5) the standing...
Adult Faith Programs – Sept 2021
Adult Faith Program - September 2021 St. Francis of Assisi Parish has a host of programs specifically for Adult faith - to help you become a life-long learner. Consider the list of all the program offerings. Take your next step on the journey of Faith. Deepen your...
Exaltation and Love
Today is the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. We are used to making the sign of the cross or seeing the cross displayed in our churches and homes. The prominence of the cross may lead us to forget that the cross was a sign of shame and a crucified messiah...
The Feast of St. John Chrysostom
Today is the Memorial of St. John Chrysostom (“golden tongue”), known for his oratory skills. John gained popularity because of the eloquence of his public speaking at the Golden Church, Antioch's cathedral, especially his insightful expositions of Bible passages and...
Critical Receiving Units – An Update
Advocacy works! As a result of the efforts of VOICE, and others, the Prince William County Board of Supervisors is moving along in their plans to evaluate, design and build Critical Receiving Units (formerly called Crisis Stabilization Units) in the county! The unit...
Lord Make me an Instrument of Your Peace
There is a chapter of the TV show the “Simpsons” in which Bart befriends a Muslim boy and Homero, Bart’s father, conditioned by the prejudices of society is suspect of the Middle East Muslim family because of their migrant status. In short, the episode highlights the...