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Afghan Refugees – an update from Fr. John

by Fr. John O'Connor OFM | Nov 5, 2021

I want to thank the parish for its tremendous response and outreach to our Afghan refugee sisters and brothers. I have visited the facilities and the people – and while I am not allowed to give details because of security precautions, it is a huge effort. An effort that is the work of the US Marine Corp, federal agencies (DHS), and the US Catholic Conference of Bishops (USSCB) – the only Church related organization that is part of the on-site relief efforts. We can all also be proud of the...

All Souls – Bless their hearts

by Fr. George Corrigan OFM | Nov 1, 2021

It is at the wake and funeral that we glimpse into best part of the now faithful departed. These stories reveal that within each of us is the work of God, even if perhaps unfinished. Stories which reveal the love of God poured into the world through everyday people. I have heard stories of deep, abiding love, holiness, and sacrifice that are akin to the lives of the Saints. All these good words are more than our social convention not to speak ill of the dead. Stories of the best of days paint...

All Saints Day

by Fr. George Corrigan OFM | Oct 26, 2021

During the first 300 year of the Christian church, the people of God endured periods of peace, but also extended periods of persecution. Especially in the local churches, each generation remembered the martyrs and the leaders who exemplified the faith. By the fourth century these women and men were honored in liturgies that commemorated their passing into God’s bright glory. In time, churches were named to honor their memory, sometimes even built on their tombs. And in time relics were...

World Mission Sunday 2021

by Fr. George Corrigan OFM | Oct 23, 2021

MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS FOR WORLD MISSION DAY 2021 “We cannot but speak about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20) Dear Brothers and Sisters, Once we experience the power of God’s love, and recognize his fatherly presence in our personal and community life, we cannot help but proclaim and share what we have seen and heard. Jesus’ relationship with his disciples and his humanity, as revealed to us in the mystery of his Incarnation, Gospel and Paschal Mystery, shows us the...

Parish Business Manager Job Opening

by Fr. John O'Connor OFM | Oct 18, 2021

Long-time staff member, Ed Knapp has retired - congratulations to him - enjoy the new life! St. Francis is a DYNAMIC GROWING Roman Catholic parish in Prince William County, Virginia seeking candidates for its full-time Business Manager position. Position Description: Supports the pastor Provides oversight and guidance to the parish and school staff Fulfills financial, facilities, maintenance, and administrative responsibilities Requirements: College degree required, with major in business...

Remembering Freedom

by Fr. George Corrigan OFM | Jun 27, 2021

OK, pop quiz time. Who were the “Freedom Riders?” My random (and quite small) sample yielded some interesting answers. The most common was a speculation that it was an organized motorcycle ride akin to the “Rolling Thunder” ride in Washington D.C. around Memorial Day. As it turns out the initial “Rolling Thunder” ride was officially titled “Ride for Freedom.” These rides are a way to bring full accountability for prisoners of war (POWs) and missing in action (MIA) service members of all U.S....

Come Back to Mass!

by Fr. George Corrigan OFM | Jun 21, 2021

Bishop Robert Barron / Word on Fire: The past fifteen months have been a time of crisis and deep challenge for our country, and they have been a particular trial for the Catholics. During this terrible COVID period, many of us have been compelled to fast from attendance at Mass and the reception of the Eucharist. To be sure, numerous Masses and Eucharistic para-liturgies have been made available online, and thank God for these. But Catholics know in their bones that such virtual presentations...

VOICE-flyer-2021

by Fr. George Corrigan OFM | Jun 20, 2021

On Prince William County’s Public Defender Office

by Fr. George Corrigan OFM | Jun 15, 2021

Originally appearing in the Washington Post (May 29, 2020) || Opinion by the Editorial Board “If you could change anything about the criminal justice system, if you had a magic wand, where would you start?” Community organizers in Prince William County posed that question to hundreds of prison inmates, ex-offenders and their families. Most said the same thing: They would start with legal representation. “Many of them were indigent defendants who had court-appointed attorneys,” explained the...

Thank You from the Sister Parish Ministry

by Fr. George Corrigan OFM | Jun 14, 2021

SISTER PARISH ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP DRAWS TO A CLOSE Thank you so much for your continued generosity to our brothers and sisters at Santa Ana parish, located in the outskirts of Lima, Peru. All the children who were in need of scholarships have been sponsored. Do you still want to help? The needs of the school and parish are so great that any amount you would like to donate to help them deal with the many issues they are facing because of COVID-19 would be most welcome. Just send a check made...