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The Synod: what we need to ask of ourselves

by Fr. George Corrigan OFM | Feb 19, 2022

In the previous article, we discussed the “nones” - those people who believe but have left organized religion. We asked: “Have the “nones” consciously rejected religion, or have religious institutions failed to involve them and respond to their needs? Do they lack belief in God, or do they no longer see the church as representing the God they believe in? Has a mixture of all of these factors gotten us to where we are today, with both society and the church sharing some responsibility?” If our...

The Synod: Becoming a Listening Community as we Journey Together

by Fr. George Corrigan OFM | Feb 19, 2022

Last week we announced that we are holding listening sessions as part of Pope Francis’ call to be a listening community of faith. It is part of “journeying together” the very meaning of the word “synod.” This Synod is a unique gift for our local Church. It is a gift of time - a chance to take a step back and reconnect with our parish communities. It is an opportunity to invite people not only back to Sunday Mass but also to parish life. This invitation to parish life starts with listening....

Journeying Together: the synod process

by Fr. George Corrigan OFM | Feb 11, 2022

Pope Francis has invited the Catholic Church throughout the world to participate in preparations for the next Synod of Bishops in Rome, in October 2023. What is a synod? Synod comes from the Greek word “to journey together.” This synod is a gathering of bishops called by the Holy Father to reflect and to offer counsel on important pastoral matters in the life of the Church. What are those issues? Certainly some are likely common across the globe, some are international, some local, but all...

Human Trafficking: modern slavery

by Fr. George Corrigan OFM | Feb 6, 2022

The Parish Anti-Human Trafficking (AHT) Committee is a dedicated group of parishioners who actively support and participate in the awareness campaigns of several Prince William and Stafford County (and national) AHT initiatives. Does that surprise you human trafficking is a problem so close to home? Too often we think of human trafficking as a problem overseas - and it is. Or a problem of major metropolitan areas - and it is. Or a problem associated with the sex trade and it is. It is all...

Sunday of the Word of God

by Fr. George Corrigan OFM | Jan 17, 2022

All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work. (2 Tim 3:16–17) The Sunday of the Word of God in the Catholic Church takes place on the third Sunday in Ordinary Time - this coming Sunday. It was established in Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter, issued motu proprio (of his own initiative), Aperuit illis, “to be devoted to the celebration,...

The Immaculate Conception

by Transfer Agent | Dec 3, 2021

It’s important to understand what the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception is and what it is not. Some people think the term refers to Christ’s conception in Mary’s womb without the intervention of a human father; but that is the Virgin Birth. Others think the Immaculate Conception means Mary was conceived “by the power of the Holy Spirit,” in the way Jesus was, but that, too, is incorrect. The Immaculate Conception means that Mary, whose conception was brought about the normal way, was...

Masks

by Fr. John O'Connor OFM | Nov 30, 2021

The news of these last few days has unfortunately, reminded us that COVID is still very much a part of our lives. As of this week, COVID cases are up by 30% in our area. The diocese has not made mask wearing mandatory, but in light of this recent news it would seem that the prudent response would be to wear a mask when in public places, including while attending Mass. Even if vaccinated you can still get COVID. Your case may not be as serious, but you can still get pretty sick. And even if...

St. Cecilia

by Fr. George Corrigan OFM | Nov 21, 2021

November 22nd is the feast day of St. Cecilia, the patron saint of music and musicians. She is one of the most famous of the Roman martyrs with her name being recounted in the Litany of the Saints. She is also a saint, for whom her story was passed on in oral narrative and not compiled until the fifth or sixth centuries. But not is not uncommon given the ongoing persecutions of Chrisitians in the last centuries of the Roman Empire. It is popularly held that Cecilia was a noble woman of Rome,...

Evening Prayer in Our Deanery

by Fr. John O'Connor OFM | Nov 15, 2021

The Arlington Diocese is divided up into seven regions called deaneries. Deanery V includes the parishes of Prince William County and the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park and Fauquier County. Bishop Burbidge has asked that each Deanery celebrate Solemn Evening Prayer (in Latin, Vespers) at a parish in the deanery to mark the beginning of Preparation Year I for the diocesan Jubilee Year in 2024. Preparation Year I begins with the First Sunday of Advent. Parishioners from throughout...

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...