"We Are Going The Distance With Jesus"

That's the theme of the Diocesan Celebration for the National Day of Prayer for the African American Family 2007 that will be held on Sunday, February 4, 2007 at Holy Rosary Church. The time is 2 p.m. Don't miss out on this event because you will have the opportunity to hear Ms Carol Dufresne preach. She is the Campus Minister at Hampton and Norfolk State Universities.

And if you didn't get enough of the St. Elizabeth's Gospel Choir's voices during Mass that morning, you will have another opportunity to hear us sing. We've practiced hard for this event. You won't be disappointed.

And, in case you have Super Bowl plans, the timing of this program is perfect. You'll be back home in plenty of time to enjoy the game.

Where Two or Three Are Gathered in My Name...

Fr. Andrew gave us some words to ponder yesterday. He reminded us that one emphasis of Vatican II was to encourage the formation of small groups within the larger parish. These smaller groups would make possible a closeness among the participants who gathered together for prayer or the sharing of scripture insights.

He also reminded us that we were already that "smaller group." That if our God wants us to remain together as a parish, he will see to it that we do; despite our concerns about finances and the cost to repair of our church building.

I am also reminded that several weeks ago, Fr. Andrew related an incident where a pastor of a large church asked him why we would even bother to fix the church. That with such a small congregation, why didn't we just disband and join other parishes. Fr. Andrew asked the pastor how many of his church members actually showed up for Mass. Obviously, the percentage of actual churchgoers in that large parish was not near the number of actual church members. At that, Andrew replied that ALL of his parishioners came to Mass! I had to chuckle about that when he said it; and I have thought about it more than once since.

And don't you know, we've known and have cared about each other for many a year; and we come together to celebrate our God with joyous song. Which reminds me: from my vantage point with the choir, I have noticed that people are singing out as never before, along with the choir. And this is so even with no hymnbooks! It is so encouraging to see the congregation singing also.

Here's the Good News!

This morning, Mary Walker reported the newest totals on monies raised to fix our church. Here they are. As of last Sunday, we have raised $76,469.02! Fantastic!

The breakdown is $37,615.34 in Pledges; $17,896.68 from Donations; and $20,957.00 from the Insurance Reimbursement. Mary encouraged us to continue our pledges and reminded us that outside donations that were sent to us in response to the articles in the Richmond Times-Dispatch and the Catholic Virginian will probably drop off soon. Those folks who may now be able to pledge should do so.

In the meantime, work has begun to repair the ceiling. There is some concern about the piano and it will be moved elsewhere so that the ceiling particles and dust from the repairs do not damage it.

As for our worship space downstairs, it is certainly adequate and I feel certain, everyone is extremely happy to be back home again! Hopefully, our ancient piano will soon be tuned so that our celebration will be enhanced by its sweet tones.