FATHER JIM'S JOTS - St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - August 9, 2026

 ST. ELIZABETH CATHOLIC CHURCH

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

August 9, 2026

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Greetings,

As the summer starts to come to a close, I'd like to ask the congregation to keep all those in our parish who are about to start back at school in the following weeks, in their prayers.  We pray for the teachers, that they are guided by God so they may have patience, strength and wisdom as they teach their students and continue to support and care for the minds of our youth,  We also pray for the students, that they may find focus, wisdom and peace as they continue on in their journey for knowledge.

We'd also like to give special mention to those who will be attending our local Catholic Schools:

All Saints

JK - Ruti, Gabby, Blaize

K - Little Uwase, Bahati, Serenity

1 - Jacob, Eva, Bethlehem

2 - Licia

3 - Nadege, Joy

4 - Kingsley, Essenam, Jerusalem

5 - Sela

6 - Grace, Kara Hope

7 - Big Uwase, Kit, Nati

8 - Mariamu

Our Lady of Lourdes

6 - Harper

7 - Lucas

Cristo Rey

9 - Benjamin, Sandrine, Cherish

10 - Arianne, Ignacio

12 - Mandeleni

St. Gertrude's

12 - Heather

Liz is going to Africa August 10th - September 15th.  We will miss her dearly, but we wish her safe travels and many blessings on her trip!

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

 

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FATHER JIM'S JOTS - St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - August 2, 2026

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church 

18th Sunday in Ordinaqry Time

August 2, 2026

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Greetings,

I wanted to take a moment to shine the spotlight on our Tusome Summer Program.  This week was the last week for the program before school starts and once again, it was an absolute success!  We'd like to give a special thanks to all the volunteers that helped, almost 60 volunteers, as well as All Saints Catholic School for hosting!

As you can see, our new building is coming along nicely.  This past week, the framing went up and the crew is now working on walls.  Thank you to all of those who have donated to our Capital Campaign and if you haven't fullfilled your promise yet, please consider doing so!

Liz will be going to Africa August 10th - September 15th.  We will miss her dearly; but we wish her safe travels and many blessings on her trip.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

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FATHER JIM'S JOTS - St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - July 26, 2026 ~ Mass Photo by Sr. Beulah Martin

 St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

July 26, 2026

 

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

In this Sunday's Gospel (Matthew 13:44-52), Jesus reminds us that the Kingdom of Heaven is worth more than any earthly treasure.  Like the person who joyfully sells everything to obtain the hidden treasure or the pearl of great price, we are invited to recognize the priceless gift of God's Kingdom and to invest ourselves in what has lasting value.

That spirit of investing in our children continues through our Education Ministry.  Our summer school program is currentoly serving 34 students, providing individualized instruction in reading, writing, math and English language learning.  Every lesson, every volunteer and every act of encouragement is helping these young people grow in confidence, knowledge and hope.  Thank you for your continued prayers and support for this ministry.

We are also grateful for the many ways our parish continues to invest in Catholic education.  This fall, we expect to have 26 St. Elizabeth students enrolled in All Saints Catholic School, along with 7 students attending Cristo Rey Richmond High School.  Please continue to pray for our students and their families and consider supporting the Education ministry so that every child who desires a Catholic education has the opportunity to receive one.

Although we won't have the Jazz Festival again this year, we are still looking forward to what we hope is a very successful raffle!  Raffle ticket sales will begin in September, so be on the lookout for more information.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

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St. Elizabeth Gospel Choir - Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - July 26, 2026 - Photos by Sr. Beulah Martin

 St. Elizabeth Gospel Choir

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

July 25, 2026

~ Photos by Sr. Beulah Martin

A Sweet Baptism at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Sixteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time - July 19, 2026 ~ Photos by Sr. Beulah Martin

A Sweet Baptism

at

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

July 19, 2026

~ Photos by Sr. Beulah Martin

FR. JIM'S JOTS ~ St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - July 19, 2026

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

July 19, 2026

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Greetings,

Last Sunday, our parish was able to raise $1,051.35 for our brothers and sisters affected by the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela.  Let us all continue to keep them in our hearts and prayers as they rebuild.

With the wild fires in Canada, we pray for our common home and that the environment will be able to recover quickly.  We also pray for the lives and safety of the brave fire fighters and first responders currently fighting those fires.

Beyond Borders Haiti Twinning Update:  On this third Sunday of the month, we once again take up a second collection to support our Haiti twinning partner, Beyond Borders.  Your generousity continues to support educational initiatives, as well as, resources to lift up the Dorvil family from extreme poverty.  Additionally, St. Elizabeth joins ths U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in strongly advocating for the extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals.  Want to know more about our partnership?  Contact Haiti Ministry chair, Anne Gibbons, at gibbons@lynchburg.edu.

I hope everyone is having a great summer.  Please stay safe and cool!

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

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FATHER JIM'S JOTS - St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - July 12, 2026

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

July 12, 2026

 FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Greetings, 

 In June, the people of Venezuela were hit with devastating twin earthquakes.  Many places, such as Caracas, La Guaira and surrounding regions.  I encourage you all to keep the people of Venezuela in your prayers and commend them to the healing power of Our Lord and the protection of Our Lady of Coromoto, patroness of Venezuela.

If you'd like to send any additional donations, please direct them to the Diocesan Finance Office with a memo citing that they are for the Venezuela Earthquake Relief.

I hope everyone is having a great summer.  Please stay safe and cool!

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

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FATHER JIM'S JOTS - St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - July 5, 2026

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

July 5, 2026

Father Jim's Jots

Greetings,

I am so happy to be back with my Saint Elizabeth's family this Sunday.  While I enjoyed my trip home, it was, unfortunately, not all about relaxing and seeing family and friends.  While I was there, I had to say the funeral masses for three of my family members and one high school friend of mine.  While it was sad to see them leave this life, I was honored to be the celebrant for the funeral masses.

This Sunday's reading, I feel, is very fitting for celebrating our Nation's 250th Independence Day, as we look at what it means to trust others, share our hardships and have openness.  In the Gospel, Jesus talks to the masses about how our God is there for us, even when it is hard.  He reminds us that we should not and do not , have to carry our heavy burdens alone; and reminds us that wisdom isn't just about who's the smartest in the room or what one person thinks is right.  It's about having a heart, sharing the load like Christ and being open; which I feel is something our Nation as a whole should reflect on this Independence Day weekend.

"Dear Lord, we lift our nation before You and plead for unity among its people.  Remove division, hatred and strife, and replace them with love, understanding and cooperation.  Help us rise above ethnic, political and religious differences.  Let Your Spirit of harmony flow through every citizen, leader and institution.  Teach us to see one another through Your eyes--with compassion and grace.  May our hearts be united in the pursuit of peace, justice and truth for the good of all.  Amen."

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor  

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Misc. Photos from 10 a.m. Mass at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 28, 2026 ~ Photos by Sr. Beulah Martin

 Saint Elizabeth Catholic Church

June 28, 2026

Misc. Photos - 10 a.m. Mass

Msgr. Walter Barrett, Celebrant

~ Photos by Sr.Beulah Martin

 

FATHER JIM'S JOTS - St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - June 28, 2026

 St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

June 28, 2026

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Greetings,

Today we welcome Msgr. Walter Barrett once again while I am away in Michigan until Friday.  I am enjoying getting to see my family, spending time in the great outdoors and catching up with old friends; but I truly miss my Saint Elizabeth's family.  Because of my absence, we will not be having weekday Mass this week.

Today is the last day to submit your photos and information for the 2026 Parish Directory.  Please either use the camera app on your mobile phone to scan the QR code or fill out the form and drop in the directory's mailbox.  Additionally, if you have submitted your photo but didn't fill out an information card, please email your information to the office email (office@stelizcc.org).

This Sunday's Gospel touches on discipleship and what it truly means to be a disciple of God.  It shows that though it might not always be easy, in the end, our reward will be great spiritually and in Heaven.

"Lord, help me to become a better disciple.  Help me to follow you and your teachings, even when it's hard and there are other forces trying to pull me away.  Help me to guide others in my life to discipleship; and I pray that my heart will always be open to your works and mirror yours. Amen."

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

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