June 4, 2008
Dear Parishioners,
About a week ago, I checked myself into Saint Francis Medical Center emergency room. There were physical difficulties that I wanted to receive immediate attention.
I am so glad I did that!
In a very quick time, my team of doctors has gotten things under control and, most importantly, I am feeling and doing better than I could ever imagine. In the words of my doctors, they gave me a complete “tune up”. Now we’re working on “fine tuning”. And I feel wonderful as a result!
Right now, and for awhile, I’m resting at home. I would love to jump right back into things, but that would not be the best. Instead, I’m listening to the good advice from many quarters to “take it easy and make a slow re-entry”. So, I won’t be with you right away for the weekend Eucharist. I’m also cutting out meetings and appointments as much as possible.
I’m grateful to all the medical personnel involved – especially Drs. Kevin and Lorena Harvey, who are members of our Saint Gabriel community, and the good doctors, nurses, assistants and volunteers at Saint Francis. They are all the very best for their skills and personal attention!
I could never adequately thank the people of Saint Gabriel. Your outpouring of care, prayer and solidarity has truly been a spiritual medicine. It goes without saying that food is of major importance to me... and so I am so grateful to all those who teamed together to provide every single meal since I returned home. Our staff, of course, has been right there to keep things going smoothly on every level. And, a “medal of honor” must go to Therese Venti, our Operations Manager, for all the coordinating she’s done for me and in so many ways in my absence. Thanks and God’s blessings to every one of you!
I’ll be back with you in full swing before too long. In the meantime, continue to pray for me and to know how much I miss being with all of you, especially at the table of Word and Sacrament for the Eucharist.
“A presto!” – Very soon... I look forward to being back with you very soon!
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May 23, 2008
Re: Sabbath Sundays
Dear Parishioners,
Time. There never seems to be enough time! That complaint is more and more common nowadays. And rightly so.
The more we understand faith, the more we long for quality time in our life.
We need time for ourselves - to slow down, to absorb, to reflect, to pray and simply to unwind and relax. We need time for family, neighbors and friends - to enjoy each other, to listen and be attentive, to know each other better and to strengthen bonds.
At our annual planning sessions this spring, the staff and I discussed how we can help in the quest for more quality time. We made the commitment to keep one Sunday each month, following the last Mass that Sunday, completely clear of any parish work or business events.
We are calling these monthly breaks “Sabbath Sundays”.
Sabbath Sundays involve a covenant between parish leadership and parish members.
As parish leaders, our part is to hold to our promise - and keep these Sunday afternoons and evenings free of church obligations (like GLADS, sacramental prep, FEASTS, meetings, etc).
Your part is to use the free time for enriching activities with friends, neighbors and family members... with some time just for yourself as well. On our part, as well, we will provide you with ideas and assistance in planning those activities.
Our first Sabbath Sunday will be on June 1 - the day of the Parish Picnic. So, our first “family activity” will be to enjoy good food, fun and entertainment - and good time - together as a parish family.
You’ll be hearing more details soon. For now, please join with the staff and me in making a covenant commitment to Sabbath Sundays. It can indeed be - quality time, well spent!
God bless you and many thanks!
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March 17, 2008
Re: Good News for our Knights
As you might know, the cause (or process) for the canonization of Fr. Michael McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus, was presented to the Vatican in 2000.
As chaplain to our local Knights, I am happy to announce that, last weekend, Pope Benedict XVI proclaimed Fr. McGiveny “venerable”. This is the second in a four-stage process to canonization (Servant of God, Venerable, Blessed, Saint).
Fr. McGivney was born in Waterbury, Connecticut in 1852. He established the Knights of Columbus while serving as curate (associate pastor) at Saint Mary Parish in New Haven, Connecticut in 1882. He founded the group primarily to strengthen the faith of the male membership of the parish, and to assist widows and their children.
To this day, the KofC headquarters are in New Haven, serving the more than 1.7 million Knights in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean Islands, the Philippines, Guam and, most recently, Poland.
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October 12, 2007
Re: Diocesan Pastoral Planning Process
Dear Parishioners,
Our diocese is launching a five-year planning process to address the continuing decline of ordained priests to serve our parishes. The goal is to develop strategies toward inter-parish collaboration.
Groups of parishes are joining to form Local Area Planning Committees. Committee members are the pastor and two representatives from each parish. Our local area - which includes parishes on the south side of Richmond - is Area 13. Bear Bryan and Mike Bryner have agreed to serve as our representatives.
The first meeting of our Local Area Planning Committee will take place on Saturday, November 3, 2007. The committee will review survey responses from parish leadership and will also hear from other parishioners who wish to attend.
If you want to attend the November 3 meeting to give your input - please call the parish office no later than October 26 to sign up and for information on time and place.
Our Local Area Planning Committee will produce a draft of a local plan to present to the Diocesan Pastoral Planning Commission in May 2008. Before it is final, I will bring you the draft for review and further input in March 2008.
This is an extremely critical process for our diocese. In the next 5 years, we project 18-22 fewer diocesan priests. This is typical of a nationwide phenomenon - however, it is coupled in our diocese by a continual increase in Catholic households.
Things will not remain the same - and all of us need to prepare now for the changes that will come.
In the words of Bishop DiLorenzo, “The purpose of this strategic plan is to be proactive and comprehensive as we address the challenge of moving the Diocese of Richmond from a one-pastor-one-parish expectation to new models of inter-parish collaboration”.
Let us pray for one another as we face our future with hope!
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October 5, 2007
Re: Haiti Twinning
Dear Parishioners,
Awhile ago, after asking for parishioner input, the parish began plans to twin with a parish in Haiti. We have since made arrangements to relatewith Saint Andre Parish in Colladere, Haiti.
I am happy to announce that Fr. Banive Peralte, pastor of
Saint Andre Parish in Haiti, will be making
a personal visit to our parish later this month.
Fr. Banive will be with us for all the Masses on the weekend of October 27 & 28 and will be our guest at the FEAST on Sunday, October 28 & Monday, October 29.
We will have a reception for Fr. Banive
on Saturday, October 27 at 6:30 pm in the parish commons.
“Twinning” signifies a peer relationship of mutual outreach When it comes to material resources, the Haitian people are among the poorest of the poor. Yet, as two Catholic communities, we and the people of Saint Andre Parish have a common abundance of spiritual riches to share with one another.
Our relationship will begin by sharing information to get to know one another as sister and brother believers. We will keep each other’s needs alive in personal and liturgical prayer. Eventually, we will learn from one another how we can best serve and assist each other.
Fr. Banive’s visit marks the formal beginnings of our “twinning” relationship. In order to provide a firm financial base to carry out this ministry, we will be taking a special collection on the weekend of October 27 and 29. Please be as generous as you can.
I know you will extend a warm welcome to Fr. Banive. As we welcome him, we also initiate a long-term friendship with the people of Saint Andre in Colladere.
Many thanks to all of you.
There is no greater gift for the people of Saint Andre than you, and the lively faith you already offer so generously to one another as the people of Saint Gabriel.
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August 15, 2007
Dear Parishioners,
I’m writing to ask your attention and assistance with an on ongoing problem with our facilities.
Repeatedly, people have come onto our property or into our buildings and tampered with technical equipment or devices – like breaker boxes, thermostats, sprinkler system, video system and sound system. They don’t seek authorization, and don’t communicate about their action (except - rarely- after the fact, when damage is already done).
For instance, we found circuit breakers for the lights in our parking lots switched off. They weren’t tripped, but moved to the off position. Or, computerized devices, designed to keep running, are unplugged or turned off.
The rare times we get an explanation, it’s often about “saving money”. In reality, tampering only costs us money.
Good intentions aside, it can disengage complicated settings, damage equipment and incur hefty expenses for resetting, repairing and even replacing systems and devices. Tampering is unfair to parishioners in another way as well. It forces us to lock up what could otherwise be accessible to those who have a legitimate need to use certain equipment.
Tampering can also be dangerous. For example – think of the liability and potential for electric shock or fire when someone (not trained and licensed) fools with commercial electrical systems!
Another example - it’s not a foolish extravagance to light the parking lots every night. It’s a necessary safety and security measure. It’s protection for those who use the church or offices after dark. But, even when facilities aren’t in use, the lighting provides visibility for police and emergency personnel and deters crime and loitering.
It would be a shame - but could become necessary - to resort to treating tampering as a break-in and vandalism. And, when possible, to pass on the costs of tampering to those responsible.
Instead, I’d rather we start to remedy the problem by reminding each other of two things:
1) parish facilities aren’t the personal property of any individual parishioner
and
2) operating the parish complex is not at all the same as running your home. Then, let’s put these rules of thumb in place for each other:
- If you’re aware of a problem with equipment, etc., or see something in need of repair, report it to the office.
- If you want to offer a talent or skill that can be helpful, let the office know – and be willing to work within organization, structures and schedules that are necessary.
- If you need to come onto the property or into a building – especially after dark or when there is little activity – please be attentive to others who might be there before you arrive. Try to call ahead, or ring a doorbell or announce yourself in some way.
- If you need to borrow something, please ask at the office first and bring it back when agreed.
- Don’t presume that everyone knows what you are doing or why – so, you won’t be offended if someone asks.
- Don’t presume to know the full scope and details of the usage of parish facilities and equipment.
Please realize that we do our utmost to use professional advice, research and services to operate the parish. Also realize, as with any large group, I’m never going to satisfy every individual’s personal preferences or be in accord with every person’s ideas on the best way to do anything.
And – above all – please communicate! It’s the best way to find out what you might not know, and the very best way to get things done properly and efficiently.
Thank you for your help and understanding with this matter.
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July 12, 2007
Dear Parishioners,
I hope you are enjoying some summertime liesure... and surviving the heat!
I’d like to bring a few items to your attention as we move into the heart of the summer.
FINANCIAL REPORTING: Beginning this summer, we will provide each household with monthly giving statements and financial reports. They will come to you following the close of each month. The first set, for July 2007, will come to you in August.
EMAIL ADDRESSES: The most efficient and economical way for me to provide you with information, like financial statements and reports - as well as other news, announcements, etc, is through email.
PLEASE give us a new address anytime it should change!
We now have a page on our website where you can submit a current email address for your household. You can find it on the front page of our site (www.saintgabriel.org) under HOUSEHOLD EMAIL.
Without a current email address, we’ll send more important information through regular mail.
PLAYGROUND GRAND OPENING: Our new playground is slowly emerging “out of the ground”. We will have a “grand opening” after the 10:30 Mass on Sunday, August 5. The playground equipment and fence are a generous gift from one of our parishioners. On the weekend of August 4 & 5 you’ll have the opportunity to contribute toward the cost of installation.
Finally, I want you to know that Eva Hall, our Minister for Liturgy and Pastoral Associate, asked me for an extended summer break. I am happy to give this extra time... especially as Eva marks her 10th anniversary of ministry with the parish. Eva will be back in September.
God bless you and your loved ones with a safe, happy and restful summer!
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April 17, 2007
Re: Virginia Tech Tragedy
Dear Parishioners,
We are all heartbroken over the horrible events at Virginia Tech yesterday. I became tearful many times throughout the day as the full scope of the tragedy unfolded.
Many of our families have daughters or sons at Tech, or are connected with the school in some way. How grateful and relieved we were yesterday as we sought or received word that our young members who attend school there were safe.
At the same time, for those whose children, relatives and friends are victims, the pain is unimaginable. The trauma for all who were involved is beyond comprehension and will remain for an untold time.
I am setting aside our weekday Mass, tomorrow morning (Apr 18) at 8:45 am, to remember the dead, the injured, their loved ones and all who have been struck by this tragedy. It will also be an opportunity to express thanks and join our hearts with our parishioner students who are safe, yet whose lives are critically affected.
We will bring, of course, these terrible events into our Eucharist this weekend as well.
I ask God’s wisdom and peace for us all.
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April 2, 2007
Dear Parishioners,
I am happy to announce that we will eliminate announcements at the end of Mass beginning the weekend after Easter, April 14 & 15, 2007.
Here is the new policy, and procedures to accompany it:
• No announcements or presentations will take place following the Prayer after Communion and before the Concluding Rites.
• The offertory collection will come after the Prayers of the Faithful; the collection will be brought forward in the procession at the Preparation of the Gifts.
• When food is brought for the poor, it will be brought forward before the offertory collection begins.
To facilitate this policy:
• Every week, we will send an email alert that the current bulletin has been posted on our website. It will include a direct link to the bulletin for that week and the previous week.
• We will continue to distribute the weekly bulletin after Mass.
• A regularly updated video of schedules and events will play in the Commons.
• Bulletin boards will be in the Commons listing after-Mass events to take place in the Commons.
• The “Welcome Table” in the Commons will be converted to an “Information Booth” where a “receptionist” will be available before and after Mass.
• We will expand the use of email to provide reminders, information, event announcements, etc. and we will continue to make regular updates to our website, and to the parish calendar that is available there.
• As needed, a brief statement will be made before Mass to direct parishioners to the bulletin and other communication tools.
I’ve called for this policy to further enhance the ritual flow and overall reverence of our weekly Sunday Eucharist. Following the Communion Rite, the liturgy of the Mass moves naturally toward a “sending forth” with the Concluding Rites.
It’s my hope that this policy will support that movement from Communion to service in the world. It will require the cooperation of all, and a willingness to adopt new methods to inform and stay informed.
To foster new communication methods, please make sure we have a current email address for your household. For those who do not use email, we will continue to send major communications through postal mail.
With my thanks and blessings for the Easter season!
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October 26, 2006
Dear Parishioners,
We are finally there!
Our new offices and teen center are up a running!
We’ve waited long and patiently to have these two terrific improvements to parish life:
1) Administrative facilities on site…and not in the next county!
2) A space dedicated to our teens…to further affirm their value!
No longer do you have to pack lunch and a sleeping bag to do business with the parish…to get a Mass card or sacramental certificate, to drop off a form or pick up a list, to use our library or meet with a staff person. It’s all right here!
No longer do our teens have to be relegated to a corner, or worry about disturbing a meeting or be without a safe and monitored place to “hang out” at church. It’s all right here!
Also, some have expressed the mistaken idea that these facilities are temporary, or rented or leased (?). Nothing of the kind!
These are OUR buildings! They might not last as long as the Coliseum in Rome, but they are permanent structures. God willing, as we go to further phases with our building plans, we might put them to different use, but they are staying right here! (Actually, we sold the wheels that got them here).
Please consider a special gift to defray the cost of constructing the buildings and furnishing the teen center.
Use the enclosed envelope for your gift and place it in the collection at church. Your gift will go toward the loan for this project, and so we’ll credit it as a contribution to debt reduction.
Many thanks for you help!
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September 3, 2006
Dear Parishioners,
I want to call your attention to a voter registration campaign that our Social Concerns team is initiating in the parish this month.
Of course, a primary way to practice faithful citizenship is to vote in national, state and local elections. Faithful citizens don’t reserve voting for special occasions or for addressing selective issues. For all elections, we look to all the aspects of every issue as they relate to our values as believers.
Voter registration weekend
On the weekend of September 23 and 24 , our Social Concerns term will have a “voter registration booth” in the parish commons. Voter registration forms and absentee ballot forms will be available.
This is an especially important service with so many parishioners moving here from other states or from other localities in Virginia. You can take the forms home and get them to a registrar, or fill them out in the commons and leave them for the team to submit for you.
Information and educational materials on faithful citizenship will also be made available to all in the parish. There will also be special bulletin announcements in anticipation of “Voter Registration Weekend”
We also have several links on our parish website that can provide additional information and materials…particularly the “VOTE: Faithful Citizenship” link and the “Virginia Catholic Conference” link, both of which also link to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Faithful and ongoing
This is an ongoing commitment by the Social Concerns team. They will continue to make other opportunities and services available to you in relation to faithful citizenship. Please take advantage!
Many thanks !
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