Sr. Cora at All Saints School

From FoxNews.com:

Sr. Cora Marie Billings, deputy director of the Virginia Human Rights Council, dances during a pep rally at All Saints Catholic School in Richmond, VA. Sister Billings has been a nun for 50 years and achieved a first when she was installed as pastoral coordinator of St. Elizabeths, the first African American nun to hold that title.

____________


Our own Sr. Cora, who, we know, loves to do the "Electric Slide"!! Congratulations for making the top Fox Photos for February 26, 2008.

I'm sure most of us have already read the Times-Dispatch story.

Reflection on the Stations of the Cross #3 ~ by Minnie Davis

1st Station: Jesus is condemned to death

Pontius Pilate pleaded with the mob of people. He spoke in favor of Jesus, but then he allowed Jesus to be tortured, beaten and crowned with thorns.

"O Jesus, You were obedient to God's word. I will always have love for You and others."


2nd Station: Jesus carries His cross

Jesus carries the cross on His bleeding and bruised shoulders. He takes the cross upon Himself as He takes upon Himself our sins.

"Jesus, just as You carried the cross; I too, must bear the cross in my daily living."


3rd Station: Jesus falls the first time

By His suffering, Jesus stumbles and falls. He struggles and rises in great pain. He is very weak.


4th Station: Jesus meets His afflicted mother

Jesus' mother was saddened and terrified at all that Jesus had been through. They both were full of grief.

"There is no greater love than Your love, Sweet Jesus. I reach out my hands to Thee!"


5th Station: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus to carry His cross

Jesus said in despair, "My strength is gone. I can no longer bear the cross alone." Simon gave aid to Jesus to help Him carry the cross.

"Lord Jesus, each time we lift a burden from another's back, visit the sick, give clothes to the homeless or help someone along the way through kindness to others, we give to You."


6th Station: Veronica wipes the face of Jesus

Jesus' face is covered with blood and sweat. Veronica wipes His face with her veil and His holy face is imprinted on the cloth.


7th Station: Jesus falls the second time

"Lord Jesus, give us strength when we seem to fail and feel we can't go on. Give us courage."


8th Station: Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem

The women of Jerusalem were in great despair when they saw Jesus. He said to them, "Do not weep for Me, but for yourselves and your children."


9th Station: Jesus falls a third time

Jesus, weakened and exhausted, falls a third time. They tried to make Him walk faster when He hardly had strength to move. His body was motionless. He was drained of strength and collapsed.


10th Station: Jesus is stripped of His clothes

The cross was His deathbed! Jesus has reached Calvary, the place of His execution. The executioners stripped Him of his clothes and reopened His wounds.

"Lord, take away the craving for position and possessions and lead us to the humble place."


11th Station: Jesus is nailed to the cross

Jesus' executioners violently stretched His limbs and fastened them with nails to the cross.

"Dear God, what can we give You in return? You gave Your life for us."


12th Station: Jesus dies on the cross

Jesus is crucified. There was darkness over the whole land. After three hours of agony and pain, He commends His spirit to His Father; He bows His head and dies.


13th Station: The body of Jesus is taken down from the cross

Jesus' lifeless body is taken from the cross by His disciples. They placed Him in the arms of His tearful mother.

"Jesus, You sacrificed Your life for us that we might live."


14th Station: Jesus is laid in the tomb

Jesus is buried. Even though one life ended, another begins.

"May we accept each moment with faith and trust as we live for You."


~ Graphic by Crystal Cloud Graphics

Communal Penance Service ~ March 1st ~ Noon

Don't forget the joint Communal Penance Service at
12 noon on Saturday, March 1, 2008

The place:

St. John Catholic Church

813 W. Nine Mile Road
Highland Springs, VA

NIA-AIDS Awareness Day, March 8th ~ Rosemary Overton

NIA-AIDS AWARENESS MINISTRY

an affiliate of

ST PAUL'S BAPTIST CHURCH


in conjunction with


THE BALM IN GILEAD'S

BLACK CHURCH WEEK OF PRAYER

FOR THE HEALING OF AIDS

Presents

"Coming to the AID of Women"

Join us in this fellowship of healing, fun, food, prayer and prizes to openly discuss the impact of the AIDS pandemic on minority women.

Saturday, March 8, 2008
10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

The Fan Free Clinic
1010 N. Thompson Street
Richmond VA 23230-4911

Round-Trip Bus Cards Available

Please RSVP by Wednesday, March 3, 2008
To Lucene Penny at 804-477-7120

or see Rosemary Overton or Vivian Sullivan for registration forms.

Justice and Peace Day of Recollection ~ Cathy Woodson

The Diocesan Office of Justice and Peace has arranged a Lenten Day of Recollection on Saturday, March 8, 2008 at the Diocesan Pastoral Center.

The day will be dedicated to The Beatitudes: A Spirituality of Service and Justice and is being sponsored by the Richmond Sowers of Justice with Dolores Groat as Facilitator.

The cost will be $15.00 and includes light refreshments and a soup and salad lunch.

Please register for this Day of Recollection by printing out the registration form at the following website:

http://stelizabethcc.org/beatitudes.html

RSVP by Monday, March 3, 2008.

Lenten Faith Formation ~ The Woman at the Well

Patrice Schwermer led us into a fuller appreciation of the Sunday readings by asking us what struck us the most as we were reading the Exodus and Gospel readings. There were many interesting passages that were selected and explained by members of the group.

Patrice asked that we try to discern how we could apply the readings in light of a possible Haitian ministry at St. Elizabeth's. We had spoken some months ago about a possible twinning connection between St. Elizabeth Church and a group in Haiti and this formation period was a continuation of that discernment.

Patrice began by noting that both readings had THIRST as their theme. In the Exodus reading, thirst led the Israelites to the water. At God's direction, Moses struck the rock with his rod and water began to flow. In the Gospel reading, Jesus comes to the well in search of water to drink. Thus, thirst led both Jesus and the Samaritan woman to the well.

We can appreciate this thirst because we also thirst for God in our lives. We come to realize that God also wants us; He thirsts for us...

Since our recent experience of not knowing what would happen to us as a parish family after our sanctuary ceiling crashed to the floor and we received help from all over the country, from old friends and new, to have our beloved sanctuary returned to us, many of us have felt the need to give back... We are looking for a way to quench our thirst...

Through Patrice, our group learned of a small orphanage for the deaf in Haiti that would be a perfect fit for our parish. This orphanage seems an ideal twinning relationship for us. It was agreed that Patrice will present a proposal at the March pastoral council meeting, suggesting that we as a parish community take on this relationship.


NEXT ADULT FAITH FORMATION: Sunday, March 9, 2008 ~ immediately after Sunday Liturgy.

Reflections on our Baptism promises... What do they mean and how do I respond?

Lent is a season of conversion, scrutinizing and recognizing what we need to strengthen in our lives. This session will review the Baptism vows we hear and respond to on Holy Saturday. It will lead us into a reflection on our understanding of the promises and how we live our promises.

~ Christ and Woman of Samaria by Paolo Veronese
~ Art from Free Christ Images

St. E's Stations of the Cross #2 ~ Lent 2008

First Station: Jesus is condemned to death

Jesus prays: Father, in the Garden of Gethsemane, I begged you to let this cup pass from me. But I knew even then that I would accept it and that your will would be my destiny. Pilate has given me over to people who hate me. They cry out for me to be crucified... and I am afraid...


Second Station: Jesus carries his Cross

Jesus prays: Father, help me in this, my final journey. They have crushed a crown of thorns on my head; they have scourged my body; and now they have thrust a heavy cross upon my bleeding back... Father, please give me strength to carry this cross up Calvary Hill. I feel so alone... but I know you are with me. And Father, I forgive them...


Third Station: Jesus falls the first time

Jesus prays: Oh Father, the cross is too heavy. My body is too weak. I can scarcely see what is ahead of me and I have stumbled and fallen. The people are mocking me as they drag me to my feet again... Father, help me...


Fourth Station: Jesus meets his afflicted mother

Jesus and his mother speak: Mother... Mother...
My son, my precious son... If only I could take your place... But I will walk with you... I will never leave you... I love you...


Fifth Station: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus to carry his Cross

Simon speaks: The soldiers are pushing me toward the cross and are forcing me to help a man carry it. Will they crucify me too? Oh God, behold the man... I recognize him. Truly, he is now a man of sorrows and familiar with suffering. Jesus, I will help you...


Sixth Station: Veronica wipes the face of Jesus

Veronica speaks: What have they done to my Lord? He is like someone from whom people hide their faces. They despise and reject him. My Lord, let me wipe the blood from your face...


Seventh Station: Jesus falls the second time

Jesus prays: Father, give me courage... people are crowding around me... I can scarcely breathe... I am so tired... I stumble and fall hard on the sharp cobblestones... The soldiers are dragging me to my feet once more, because I have no strength left... They will not let me die here...


Eighth Station: Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem

Jesus speaks: Father, the crowd has gotten larger and among the people are many of the women who used to accompany me. Their tears touch my heart. Despite my anguish, I want to comfort them. Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but for yourselves and for your children.


Ninth Station: Jesus falls a third time

Jesus prays: Father, I cannot go on... I am sick unto death. I have lost too much blood... The way has become steeper because we are climbing Calvary Hill. Again, I slip on the jagged stones and am crushed to the ground by the weight of the cross... I know the end of my journey is near. Your will is hard, Father, but I put my hope and trust in you. There is nothing else...


Tenth Station: Jesus is stripped of his clothes

Jesus prays: Father, I have reached my destination. Here I stand on Calvary Hill. They have taken my clothes and are casting lots for them. They taunt and revile me in my nakedness. I have been led like a lamb to the slaughter. Soon I will be cut off from the land of the living... Stay near me, Father... I need you...


Eleventh Station: Jesus is nailed to the Cross

Jesus prays: Oh my Father, the pain is so great I can hardly bear it. These hands that have healed your people... These hands that have blessed their children... These hands that have broken the bread and blessed the cup... These hands have almost been split apart by the spikes nailed through them. My feet that have walked in your paths, will do so no more in this life. As the cross is raised, my body is now being dragged down by my weight and I am in agony...


Twelfth Station: Jesus dies on the Cross

Jesus speaks and prays his final words:

Father, forgive them, they don't know what they are doing...

Truly, I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise...

Woman, here is your son. John, take care of my mother...

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

I'm so thirsty...

It is finished...

Father, into your hands I commend my spirit...


Thirteenth Station: The body of Jesus is taken down from the Cross

Mary speaks: Be careful... Be gentle with him... John, bring me my son. I want to hold him in my arms one last time... Oh, my precious Jesus...


Fourteenth Station: Jesus is laid in the tomb

Joseph of Arimathea speaks: Mary, I have a tomb already hewn into the rock. We will wrap the body of Jesus in a linen cloth and will lay him there. I will seal the tomb with a large stone so no one can steal his body...


The Father speaks to US: Through his suffering, my servant shall justify many, and their guilt he shall bear. Therefore, I will give him his portion among the great. and he shall divide the spoils with the mighty, because he surrendered himself to death and was counted among the wicked; And he shall take away the sins of many, and win pardon for their offenses. Is 53:11-12

Satisfying a Thirst ~ by Ronnie Archer

In today's readings, we are taught about "satisfying a thirst" ...NOT with ordinary water from an ordinary well, but with water which will forever "quench our thirst" ...living water.

In today's Gospel of John, chapter 4, we hear the story of the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman. Verses 3 & 4 of that chapter tell us that Jesus was tired from his journey from Judea, on His way to Galilee, BUT that He "needed" to go through Samaria.

A Samaritan woman came to draw water, but since the Samaritans were considered to be outcasts by the Jews, this woman was surprised by, and questioned the fact that Jesus, whom she recognized as a Jew, could even speak to her. Even more, to ask HER for a drink of water, because Jews had no dealings with Samaritans.

Jesus ignored all of the cultural practices of that time and took this opportunity to "minister" to her. When she questioned Him about having nothing to draw the water with, He told her that "whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but the water that He gives will become in them a spring welling up to everlasting life." The woman asked Jesus for THAT water. When He proceeded to tell her about her past, she recognized that He was a prophet. Jesus later told her that He was the Messiah. She believed and shared that WORD with her villagers and many of the Samaritans began to believe in Jesus because of that; but later THEY also believed because of hearing His word themselves.

We can all identify with the Samaritan woman, searching for God's love in our lives.

Moses cried out to God because of the grumbling of the people against him, because of their thirst. God answered Moses by instructing him in obtaining water.

We all go through "deserts" of life, making us thirsty and tired. We also can cry out to the Lord, casting our burdens onto Him. We have to exercise our faith in God, asking Him for the wisdom and strength that we need in order to keep rising to our challenges. Believing in, and trusting in God, will help us to handle our life's issues, enabling us to understand the deep mysteries of life.

When we cry to the Lord for help, believe that help is on the way. "Believe in God... God believes in us. We have what it takes to make it in life."


~ Third Sunday of Lent ~

~ Christ and the Samaritan Woman at the Well by Henryk Siemiradzki, 1886
~ Image from Free Christ Images

March Birthdays at St. E's ~ by Ethel Cooley

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, EVERYONE!




03/03 ~ Sheryl Smith

03/08 ~ Phyllis Booth

03/10 ~ Kelmern Tunstall

03/15 ~ Devorah Cephas

03/16 ~ Isreal Murray and Clifton Wright

03/19 ~ Marguerite Branch and Joseph Smith

03/22 ~ Stanley Lamb and Akhira Walters

03/23 ~ Ronald Timmons

03/30 ~ Carolyn Baptiste

03/31 ~ Ethel Cooley, Micole Jordan, Chelsea Mahone and Marva Williams


~ Success always occurs in private and failure in full public view. ~
Author Unknown

~ Image by Webweaver

"Lead Us to the Water" Workshop ~ by Phyllis Booth and Joyce Coy

On Thursday, February 21, 2008, the Harcourt Religion Publishers presented a Liturgical Workshop called "Lead Us to the Water" at Our Lady of Lourdes Church. Approximately one hundred and ninety-eight parishioners from throughout the Diocese of Richmond attended. Nine members from St. Elizabeth's were present.

The first workshop presenter was Rita Ferrone. She emphasized or questioned "What Are We Learning?" concerning the Christian Initiation of Adults, commonly known as RCIA in most parishes. The U.S. Bishops in Journey to the Fullness of Life (2000) overwhelmingly affirmed that the RCIA "has the power to transform parishes when implemented as the rite is intended."

The format of the rite uses signs and symbols to introduce the Catechumens to the community. The sponsors and the community play a great role in making the catechumens feel a part of the church while learning about our faith. Ms Ferrone demonstrated a Welcoming Ceremony using the Cross and Hands to bless the newcomers at the door of the church. Sponsor, catechumens, community and priest are participants in this welcoming event.

The second question asked "What forms of blindness keep us from seeing what is good, true and holy?" Among the many answers were such words as self denial, our ego, our habit of judging and perfection. These forms of blindness may be a hindrance to accept a new way of doing and learning about our faith. What do we "see" when we are delivered from our blindness? When blindness is removed, we see God in others, our own faults, the beauty of people, the ability to accept people as they are and the warmth of a community. This workshop included participation of the audience and a Power Point presentation.

After lunch, Tom Kendzia and Monsignor Ray East conducted a musical workshop using the booklet "Lead Us to the Water" (each participant received a copy). Many of the songs were written by Tom Kendzia. They were easy to learn. A symbol used in a different way was the Baptism water. Using song and water, we didn't bless ourselves, but a stranger. Monsignor East used several scripture passages that blended with the songs we learned.

Both workshops were valuable tools to incorporate into the RCIA program and to give new life to those of us that expect the same thing each year when catechumens are presented.

The Harcourt Religion materials ranged from preschool to adults with videos, CD's, a new version of the Catholic Catechism, and posters and games. Also books to help parents and children to learn together about the sacraments.

St. Elizabeth Marriage Celebration ~ 1961

Marriage celebrated at St. Elizabeth Church in 1961. St. E's pastor, Monsignor J. Louis Flaherty officiated.

Woman-to-Woman Workshop ~ by Mildred Green

Theme: "Women of Faith in the Modern World"

The workshop was planned by the Women's Commission in response to the 2006 survey of women in the diocese.

Women from all over the Virginia Region came together at the new Pastoral Center. It was a full day, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Registration got off well until 9:30 a.m.

The morning Spiritual Program was led by Dolores Groat. She is a person who conducts lots of Retreats throughout the diocese and is well qualified. The Prayer Bracelet Kit was given to each woman who came to the workshop. Dolores instructed us how to put the bracelet together.

Part of the morning Spiritual Program was a talk on "Women in the Bible" and was led by Pat Slater, who received lots of feedback.

A lunch break was from 12:30 p.m. to 1:20 p.m.

The afternoon seminars ran concurrently with four sessions repeated. They were:

1. "Women and Depression" ~ Carrie Hartwell of Foster Care for Commonwealth Catholic Charities...

2. "Marital Communication" ~ Lynda Leslie...

3. "Parenting" ~ Kathleen Levenston and Diane Mitchell; both work at Commonwealth Catholic Charities with the Therapeutic Foster Care Program...

4. "Lectio Divina"- Many ways to listen to God ~ Dolores Groat, founder of The Praying Hands Ministry...

Each session was just outstanding. All included time for questions. It was a full day of spiritual growth.

Lent 2008 ~ Adult Faith Formation

There will be two opportunities for Adult Faith Formation during this Lenten period. After Mass next Sunday, February 24th, Patrice Schwermer will lead us into a deeper response to the Sunday readings.

The second session will be held on Sunday, March 9th. More information will be provided at a later time.

The Transfiguration ~ by Ronnie Archer

In today's first reading, we hear how Abram was called by God to move away from his homeland, which he did, by faith, having no idea what was in store for him and his family. He moved on faith in God's promises, and he was blessed.

In St. Paul's second letter to Timothy, he tells us to bear our share of the sufferings for the sake of the Gospel, something not easy at times, but can be done with grace and strength from God.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus took the disciples, Peter, James and John to a mountain and was transfigured before them. Jesus had told the disciples of His sufferings and death to come, but they could not understand, and Peter disputed, saying "this will not happen to You!" Jesus' Transfiguration was just a glimpse of His glory to come. By allowing them to see Him in glory, Jesus was telling us that we have to sometimes suffer to reach our glory.

The persecutors thought they had won, but they did not know that God was on Jesus' side. Defeat is bitter and victory is sweet, but we won't know just how sweet victory is, until we have had defeat.

When Jesus was resurrected, He became more powerful and glorious than before. For every difficulty that we have, we can brace ourselves for action, and emerge stronger.

We should not allow our present conditions to cause us to despair; our future could be much better. When we see a need in our community, we should do what we can do about it. Break new ground in our life, family, community and world at large.

Let us learn from our physical challenges; they will make us wiser, stronger and a better person. Also let us "stand our ground...God is on our side."


~ Second Sunday of Lent: Feast of the Transfiguration ~

~ The Transfiguration by Raphael, 1517 from Free Christ Images

Reflection on the Stations of the Cross ~ by Ronnie Archer

1. JESUS IS CONDEMNED TO DEATH

Lord, forgive me for the many times I too, have condemned You, by not seizing every opportunity to speak about You to someone who might be lost. Help me to be thankful for what You did for me.

2. JESUS IS MADE TO CARRY HIS CROSS

Lord, we all have trials and troubles that sometimes burden us. There are times when I grumble and complain about small stuff. Give me strength to take up my daily cross and carry it graciously.

3. JESUS FALLS THE FIRST TIME

Lord, you fell under the weight of the cross, heavy with the weight of our sins. Please forgive me and help me each day to try to lighten the weight of the cross by living in a way that is pleasing to you.

4. JESUS MEETS HIS MOTHER

Lord, how hard it must have been for You to see Your mother so sad, knowing her Son was in such pain. Forgive me for adding to that pain.

5. SIMON HELPS JESUS TO CARRY THE CROSS

Lord, help me to help You carry Your cross by being loving, by helping others to carry theirs.

6. VERONICA WIPES THE FACE OF JESUS

Lord, I thank You for helping me to be bold enough to step out of my comfort zone to wipe Your face, by recognizing Your call to do something that I otherwise would NOT do.

7. JESUS FALLS THE SECOND TIME

Lord, the cross is heavier for You... yet You still drag it on. I thank You Lord for the times that I've fallen and You've helped me up. Help me in turn, to help someone else up from a fall.

8. JESUS MEETS THE WOMEN OF JERUSALEM

Lord, even though You were suffering Yourself, You stopped to offer encouragement to others who needed it. Please help me to follow Your example and do the same.

9. JESUS FALLS A THIRD TIME

Lord, it's a wonder You could go any further... that cross got heavier and heavier. You fell a third time, yet You still went on. Help me to do the same when it seems I can't go any further.

10. JESUS IS STRIPPED OF HIS GARMENTS

Jesus, You were disrespected and stripped of Your garments, by people who did NOT know who You were. Help me remember to always respect the human dignity of everyone, no matter WHO I might THINK they are.

11. JESUS IS NAILED TO THE CROSS

Lord, I as well as they... helped to nail You to that cross by my sins. Help me to always recognize how I add to Your pain when I sin. Help me to repent.

12. JESUS DIES ON THE CROSS

Lord, before you died, You forgave those who crucified You. Help me do likewise. Help me to die to my sinful ways, so that I may live with You.

13. JESUS IS TAKEN DOWN FROM THE CROSS

Lord, You have accomplished what God sent You to do. You endured so much for us. Lord, help me show Your love to others by never taking anyone for granted. Help me show love and tenderness.

14. JESUS IS LAID IN A TOMB

Jesus, You were buried and Your tomb sealed. Give me strength to always live in Your Will, so that I too, may someday be in Heaven with You.


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, Richmond, VA

12th Station of the Cross
Photographed in 1979 by Bill Allen

Lenten Retreat With Fr. Maurice Nutt ~ by Ronnie Archer

Fr. Andrew welcomed all who were in attendance. There were several churches represented: St. Paul's, St. Benedict's, as well as many from St. Elizabeth's.

Cathy read the background on Fr. Maurice, who was born in St. Louis and ordained a priest in 1989. He had pastored several churches before being appointed current pastor of Holy Names of Jesus and Mary Catholic Church in Memphis, Tennessee, where the membership has grown from about 30 families when he arrived about two years ago, to about 100 families currently.

Fr. Maurice told us that Lent means Spring and that "new life" is what the Lenten season is about. We will continue to go through the ups and downs of life, but we have another opportunity to begin fresh.

We were led in song by Fr. Maurice, with "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" and "We have Come into This House".

The first reading from Isaiah 55, and the second reading from St. Paul to the Ephesians were proclaimed by Barbara Williford and Frances Pope, respectively. After the readings, we sang "Victory is Mine".

We were asked by Fr. Maurice to quiet ourselves and bring into our spirit, whatever it is that we might be struggling with... something that we need to let go of, so as to receive God's blessing. After a few moments of silence, we sang "Clean Heart".

The Gospel was from Matthew 15... read by Fr. Maurice. The homily title was "When God Puts You on Hold". Realizing that we, as humans, do not like to wait, the woman in the Gospel had an "encounter" with Jesus. She yelled out to Jesus, addressing Him as "Lord, Son of David, have pity on me". The disciples wanted to "get rid of her"... but there was something about her that was different.

She was from the land of Canaan; she was bold and persistent. She had no knowledge of protocol, but she was respectful to Jesus, telling Him that her daughter was troubled by a demon. Jesus told her that His mission was only to the "lost sheep" of Israel, but she paid Him homage with the plea, "Help Me, Lord". He told her "it is not right to give the food that is meant for the children of Israel, to the dogs."

She replied to Him, "Lord, even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from their masters' table." Jesus then told her "woman, you have great faith and that her wish would be granted." God had "put the woman on hold"...by not even answering her at first. Then her "waiting was rewarded."

Sometimes, God will make us wait, because we might not be ready to receive whatever it is that we have asked of Him. He knows that there are many other things that we might need to do before we can receive what we ask Him for. We need to be able to bare our hearts and confess what we need to confess to God, before He grants our wishes. We might need to forgive someone. We cannot have one hand outstretched to God, asking for a blessing, with the other hand in a clinched fist of unforgiveness.

The wonderful thing about Jesus is that "he might put us on hold", but He doesn't keep us on hold. We cannot be stuck in a place; we have to move on. The woman in the Gospel was bold enough to take Jesus on. She got what she wanted, her daughter's healing.

We can all get up and begin again.

Personal testimonies were shared at the end of the retreat and both priests invited participants to come to reconciliation.

Fr. Maurice reminded us of his revival at Holy Rosary Parish on Monday and Tuesday nights at 7:00 p.m.


~ Graphic by Hermano Leon Clipart

Is Temptation Good or Bad? ~ by Thelma Neal

Since the first sin was committed in the Garden of Eden, we have convinced ourselves to do wrong by misinterpretation, or justifying circumstances. In the first reading from Genesis, Eve was tempted to eat of the forbidden tree of knowedge with the temptation, "your eyes will be opened and you will be like gods." Even though God had told both Adam and Eve, "you shall not touch or eat lest you shall die."

In the Gospel of Matthew, the spirit led Jesus into the desert for forty days. Satan tempted Jesus over and over again. Jesus was able to resist temptation.

It is our free will to resist sin, though there are obstacles put in our way everyday. Whatever our weakest point; sin borders the temptation. The stronger the weakness, the more temptation; therefore the harder we must pray.

Temptation is good! Satan would not continually seek us out if we were available for him. Temptation makes us pray more and lets us know that we are loved by God.

We must continue to pray and ask God to be with us during our weakest times.


~ First Sunday of Lent ~

Pusey-McClellan Wedding ~ August 6, 1928 ~ St. Elizabeth Rectory

Joyce Pusey Clement sent this lovely hand tinted photograph, the wedding picture of her parents, Alice Virginia McClellan and Samuel Alfred Pusey. They were married in St. Elizabeth Catholic Church Rectory on August 6, 1928.

Joyce Pusey Clement is a member of St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church and a contributor to St. Elizabeth's re-building of the Sanctuary in honor of her mother, who with her family, was a member of St. Elizabeth's.

We thank you, not only for your contribution in honor of your mother; but also for this beautiful picture that adds to the history of our beloved parish.

Ash Wednesday 2008 at St. Elizabeth's

We had a large turnout for our Ash Wednesday Liturgy tonight. It was so gratifying to see the church almost filled. Our people came together as a family ready to begin their Lenten Journey.

We were reminded that Ash Wednesday is the only time that the Church tells us that we are going to die. Those ashes placed in the form of a cross on our foreheads, tell us that only through the purification of death will we meet God.

The readings tonight had many things to say to us about God's loving concern for us. In the Joel reading, we learn that God willingly and patiently waits for us. He wants us to come back to Him.

Even though we may think we can live without God, we learn that God cannot live without us, His most precious creation. He continually invites us to come and be part of His family.

Thus, we gathered today to repent and be converted again. We must become holy for the sake of others, so that we can be a model for them as we bring them back into God's family.

We ask God to create in us a clean heart; and to renew a steadfast spirit within us so that we can proclaim His praises for all He has done for us.

Our journey through Lent requires three weapons. The first is prayer, which prepares us to meet Christ. The second is fasting; especially, by not seeming to fast. God doesn't want us to appear to others to be fasting because then we will have already received our reward. The third weapon is almsgiving, where we help others materially or spiritually. But we are again reminded not to let our left hand know what our right hand is doing.

The most important thing about prayer, fasting and almsgiving is God's wish that we do these things in secret. Only then can God Himself be the one who will repay us.

As Matthew says at the close of this Gospel reading, "...your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you." And God's payment will surely be, eternal life with Him forever.

Pastoral Nomination Forms Due March 1, 2008 ~ by Barbara Vaughan

Week Three: The nomination process for Pastoral Council has begun. The nomination and election process takes about ten weeks. It has been a while since we have gone through this process but we have the support and encouragement of Monsignor Barrett, Father Andrew, and guidance from Dawn Crutchfield.

During the next few weeks, please reflect over your experiences in our parish. If you feel that you have time and talents, nominate yourself. If you know someone in the parish that you feel displays the requirements listed, please nominate that person. Click this link: List of Requirements and Nomination Form for information you will need.

We ask that all nomination forms be returned by March 1, 2008. A letter of notification will be sent to all nominees inviting them to attend the Day of Discernment scheduled for Saturday, April 5, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Dawn Crutchfield will be our facilitator. Let's have some really good news for Bishop when he comes to visit on March 30, 2008!

Blessings,

Barbara Vaughan, Chairperson
St. Elizabeth Pastoral Council

Preparing for Our New Parish Pastoral Council

During the next several weeks, our parish family at St. Elizabeth's will be nominating fellow parishioners to serve on a new parish pastoral council. The nomination requirements are as follows:




1 A fully-initiated Catholic in good standing.

2 Already active in church ministry

3 A good listener, attuned to the needs of all parishioners

4 Respects and values diversity

5 Willing and able to offer particular skills and gifts to the parish

6 Demonstrates the capacity to be a visionary and help set the future course for our parish

7 Demonstrates mutual respect and an acknowledgement of others' gifts

8 Able and willing to participate in consensus building

9 Is not a current member of the Finance Council

10 Willing and able to attend monthly evening meetings for up to three years


A copy of the Nomination Form can be found here. You can print the page or copy it to your WordPad and then print. There will also be copies of the form at church and a box where you can place your nominations. You may also place your nominations in the collection basket.

From this nominated group of people, our new parish council will emerge. We have parishioners with many gifts and talents, so prayerfully consider what you believe our parish needs are at this time and which parishioners can fill those needs.

Called to be Humble, Faithful and Holy ~ by Mary Baker

All we have to do is confess our sins to God and he will put them in another place.

In today's Gospel of Matthew, we learn that God placed in Jesus' heart what he should teach his disciples. How they were to gain wisdom to experience and do the good works of God, because they were to carry on from generation to generation.

By seeking the Lord and observing his laws, Jesus became a martyr for us so we could become God's temples.

God is calling us today to be humble, faithful and holy. He wants us to keep Christ's presence in our lives at all times. So let us practice on keeping a clean heart, so we can better serve him.

There are many distractions in our lives today. Through history, God has placed a holy remnant in our midst so we can become more spiritual and depend totally on him.

God is the reason we are in Christ Jesus. Jesus made himself humble, poor in spirit and meek for the sake of all.

Let us have that great desire to serve him. Consider your calling. This is a sobering thought; that preaching is easy, but practicing is better.


~ Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time ~

~ Image by Hermano Leon Clipart

Dates to Mark on Your Calendar

GO RED SUNDAYS

Sunday, February 3, launches "Go Red" Sundays, when church members across Richmond are wearing red to show their support and sharing life-saving information about your heart with their congregations and communities.

Go Red Events:

02/01 ~ St. Francis Medical Center, 11:00 a.m.
02/06 ~ Press Event ~ University of Richmond, Weinstein Center, 5:00 p.m.
~ Go Red Luncheon ~ Downtown Marriott, featuring Daphne Maxwell-Reid
02/23 ~ Day of Dance for Heart Health, at RIR, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

For more information, call 1-888-MY-HEART or visit www.GoRedForWomen.org

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AFRICAN-AMERICAN MEN'S HEALTH FORUM 2008

Saturday, February 16, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Downtown Marriott, Richmond, VA
Free Health Screenings and Lunch
Keynote Speaker: Dr. John Kinney, Dean of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology, VUU

To register, visit www.cancerhealthforums.org or call 804-527-3795

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The Black Church Week of Prayer for healing of AIDS will be March 2-8, 2008

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March 3, 2008 ~ HIV/AIDS Conference at St. Paul Baptist Church, 700 E. Belt Blvd, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.