Of This We Are Witnesses ~ M. A. Allen

After the Resurrection, Jesus appeared several times to His Apostles and other friends. He wished to reassure them that He was really alive and not a ghost. He allowed them to touch Him so they would realize that He was flesh and blood. He proved it again in a different way by requesting food and eating it in front of them. They also recognized Him in the breaking of the bread.

We can guess that the Apostles had been frightened. Just like us, they needed Jesus in their lives. Just like us, they wanted to experience Him again as the Friend, the Healer, the Prophet, the Son of God they had believed in. But these Apostles had also seen Him cruelly crucified and dead and buried. What would happen now?

After Jesus appeared among them and they had touched His wounds and ate with Him, He then "opened their minds to understand the scriptures." They came to know in the depths of their being that He truly was no longer dead, but risen... and they were being called to witness to everyone that Jesus had been raised, not only in the spirit but in the flesh!

We see in the reading from The Acts of the Apostles how Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, declared that though Jesus had been put to death by the people and the elders, all was not lost. In this his first sermon, Peter offered hope to the people. God had raised Jesus Christ just as had been foretold by the prophets. That God would forgive the people as we ourselves can repent and be converted. Our sins washed away because our God loves us so much that He wants to live within us always.

What do we do now? We can't just keep this treasure only amongst ourselves. Anyone who has experienced the presence of God in their lives has to be a witness, just as Peter and the other Apostles were.

We've got to tell somebody!


~ The Third Sunday of Easter ~

Divine Mercy Sunday ~ by Ronnie Archer

The first reading of Acts 4:32-35 tells us of the characterization of the early Christian Community of Jerusalem. Since they were of one mind and heart, they did not consider their own possessions as their own exclusively. Whenever any property was sold, the proceeds were "put at the feet of the Apostles and distributed to each according to need." Following this practice, no one was needy among them.

In today's reading from 1 John 5:1-6, we heard that "everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been begotten by God, and everyone who loves the Father loves also the One begotten by Him."

To be a child of the Father, it is necessary for us to believe in the Divine Sonship of Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, who came to us through not only water (baptism), but by the shedding of His precious blood (death). "Whoever is begotten by God conquers the world... and the victory that conquers the world is our faith. The Spirit is the one that testifies, and the Spirit is truth." Proof of love of God is in keeping His commandments, the second greatest commandment being... love of each other.

Today's Gospel of John, gives the account of the appearance of Jesus before the disciples. Jesus came into the locked room and stood in the midst of them, saying to them "Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so I send you." After He told them that, He "breathed on them, saying, 'Receive the Holy Spirit.' If you forgive others' sins, they are forgiven, and whose sins you retain, they are retained."

Thomas was not with them when Jesus first appeared, so when the other disciples told him about the event, he would not believe until he could see for himself and touch the place where the nail marks were. Jesus appeared to them again eight days later, and gave Thomas the opportunity to "see and touch"... Then he believed.

Jesus said "Blessed are those who have not seen and believe."

Aren't we all like Thomas in many instances? We sometimes need signs and proof in our lives. We are encouraged to align our hearts and minds with others who believe as those early Christians did... having concern and love for, and faith in each other and our God.

May the Risen Christ help us increase our faith and trust.


~ Second Sunday of Easter - Divine Mercy Sunday ~

Congratulations to Our Newly Initiated!

BAPTISM

Laila Sharee Miller
Angela Julia Gilbert
Heather Shawnaree Rapp


CONFIRMATION and EUCHARIST

Harold Braxton
Angela Julia Gilbert
Heather Shawnaree Rapp
Shawn McCall
Christina Danielle Davis
Sabrina Thompson
Venus Glover
Peter Thompson


FIRST EUCHARIST

Lord David


RECOMMITTING HIMSELF TO GOD

Wesley Smith

Easter Vigil 2009 ~ This is the Night!

The powerful images evoked by the rituals of the Easter Vigil help us to realize that through Jesus' Death and Resurrection, God has freed us from sin and elevated us as his sons and daughters. Each year we celebrate again, because this is the night that God passes through our midst.

This is the night of the blessing of the fire. From this fire, the newly prepared Paschal Candle will be lit, symbolizing the Light of Christ rising in glory to dispel the darkness of sin.

This is the night where the darkness of the church comes to light as we pass the flame from one to another as we process into our sanctuary. As the Easter Proclamation is sung, we hear again that this is our passover feast when Christ, the true Lamb is slain for our sins. But by God's power, our sins are overcome as Christ, our Morning Star, is raised from the dead to live forever in glory.

This is the night that we are reminded of how powerfully God saves. In the Exodus reading we hear how God instructed Moses to stretch his hand over the sea and the Lord parted the waters so that His people could march in the midst of the sea to safety.

This is the night that we are reminded in Paul's Letter to the Romans, that if we are baptized into Christ, it means we are also baptized into His death. Just as Christ was raised from the dead, we too might live in newness of life.

This is the night of the empty tomb. We know why the tomb was empty, just as the women did who discovered it that Resurrection morning. Through faith, they believed that their crucified Lord had indeed risen and they rushed off to spread the Good News.

Their faith, hope and joy are an example for us that our own longing to meet this Christ can be fulfilled. His Resurrection brings a new dimension into our lives. It brings meaning; without which we live our lives in darkness. It also brings hope and a renewal of faith that God will show Himself to us if we really want Him. That is what happens this night...



~ Photograph by Mildred Green ~
~ Easter Vigil, April 11, 2009 ~

Good Friday 2009 ~ How Marvelous the Cross We Bear ~ by Betty Alexis

In the first reading, Isaiah talks about the fact that God's servant was destined to suffer for the sins of the world, but would eventually have victory over sin and darkness. We get the feeling of sadness and joy simultaneously. Sadness - because God's servant endured extreme suffering at the hands of his oppressors; and joy - because, had it not been for this suffering, we would not be able to look forward today for everlasting life.

The prophet Isaiah discusses the price God's servant has to pay for the sins of mankind - mine and yours! The sins we have committed, and those we are yet to commit! It is normal for us to feel sad when we think of the degrading way God's servant was treated, and for no valid reason! But silently, Isaiah tells of God's servant enduring his "conviction" in order that we all would have life. O' the Cross we must bear!

The Cross we must bear becomes more real in the second reading. Good Friday should have a profound significance in the lives of all Christians, as we relive the path of Jesus each year, suffering and triumphing with Him. The author of Hebrews implores us to be mindful of the "Cross" we carry, and beseeches us to carry it with grace and humility.

We know that Jesus suffered unbearably because when He thought He could bear no more, He "cried out" to the Father. However, the writer tells us that Jesus learned obedience to the Father through the suffering He endured. We too should take pattern from Jesus and use our sorrows, pains, heartaches and sufferings to learn to be more obedient to the law that has been laid down for us to follow. In other words, we need to bear our "Cross" with grace. O' the Cross we must bear!

While we heed the call to bear the "Cross," we must continue to keep our eyes on the real prize - salvation, everlasting life and the resurrection. Re-living the passion of Jesus Christ was rather touching and brought to mind how utterly fragile is the human life. The message was a reminder of how thankful we should be that Jesus in the flesh was stricken and "chose" to die for your sins and mine.

Although very solemn, the Good Friday service held a world of promise as we, individually and collectively, recommitted our lives to Jesus Christ and look forward to our lives with Him in eternity. Let us bear our "Cross" with passion and conviction!


~ Good Friday, April 10, 2009 ~

The Twelve From Among Us... Holy Thursday 2009

During this year's Holy Thursday service, our priest washed the feet of twelve parishioners who had been selected to represent the Twelve Apostles. Those receiving the honor this year are the following:

Clifton Wright ~ St. Andrew
Shelton Jones ~ St. Jude
Thomas Williams ~ St. Thomas
Wesley Smith ~ St. John
Traven Carter ~ St. Philip
Kariin Timmons ~ St. Peter
Rosemary Overton ~ St. Simon the Zealot
Treshawn McCall ~ St. Matthew
Vivian Sullivan ~ St. Bartholomew
Mieko Timmons ~ St. James the Greater
Betty Alexis ~ St. James the Lesser
Jacqueline Hall ~ St. Matthias

Holy Thursday 2009 ~ Do This in Memory of Me ~ by Ronnie Archer

The Mass of the Lord's Supper began with the procession of the celebrant, along with the "Twelve Apostles" of our parish, who were then seated behind the altar.

The first and second readings were proclaimed by Betty Alexis and Rosemary Overton. The Responsorial Psalm was sung by Diane Neylan, and the Gospel proclaimed by our priest.

The Homily: "DO THIS IN MEMORY OF ME!"

The reason that we assemble year after year on this night is found in the first reading of 1 Corinthians 11:24-25... "Do this in memory of Me." We will do this year after year until the Lord is manifested again!

Jesus knew that all His Glory would be taken away for a time, but not forever. He had hope that it would return. Jesus knew what was going to happen to Him. He wanted to teach the apostles and leave us a symbol of service to each other, so He wrapped a towel around his waist and began to wash the apostles' feet. The towel is a symbol of service to each other and the priest's stole is a symbol of serving God. We are called to experience the Real Body and Blood in our lives. We have to examine ourselves... Do we really receive or do we merely come to be coming?

Christ elevated all people. Priests are usually allowed to say Mass once a day alone, but not on Holy Thursday. There has to be a gathering of His people.

We have to walk in the footsteps of Jesus and do what He did. We were saved by His Precious Blood. We have to return to God because that is where we originated.

After the homily, our priest, assisted by Larry Williford, washed the feet of the "apostles." Led by the choir, the congregation sang "I Surrender All."

Each of the "apostles" were given a certificate, as well as a beautiful crucifix. Our priest told them that during the coming months, he would like for them, as well as himself, to go into the neighboring community to invite people to share our Liturgical celebrations.

Cathy then introduced Wesley Smith to the congregation. Wesley has always been a Catholic, but he recommitted himself to the Lord and the Catholic Church. He was presented with a crucifix also.

During the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the Holy Oils that were blessed this past Monday evening at the Cathedral, were brought up by three of our young people, Robert Fitzgerald, Stanley Glover and Kiyoko Timmons.

As the oils were presented, Ethel Cooley gave a description of the oils and what each is used for. After which the choir and congregation sang two verses of "Balm in Gilead."

After the distribution of Holy Communion and the prayer afterwards, the Blessed Sacrament was transposed to the place of reposition in the rear of the church... in procession with Fr. Andrew, the candle bearers, followed by the congregation.

We were invited to spend some quiet time in prayer with the Blessed Sacrament. Then we departed in silence.


~ Holy Thursday, April 9, 2009 ~

Catholic Virginian Article Features St. Elizabeth Parish Family

The April 6, 2009 issue of The Catholic Virginian features our parish this week. Don't miss this fine article by Steve Neill. Click HERE to read the article.


~ Photo by Steve Neill , Editor of the Catholic Virginian ~

The Spirit is Willing, But the Flesh is Weak ~ by Ronnie Archer

Palm Sunday 2009 began with the congregation gathering outside, to the rear of the church, for the blessing of the palms. We processed back inside, led by the choir singing, "Soon and Very Soon" and "Jerusalem."

The first reading was from Isaiah 50:4-7, the Third Song of the Suffering Servant. It tells us of accepting suffering because of the love of God or others and in obedience to God.

The second reading from Philippians 2:6-11, speaks of the humility of Jesus... "Though He was in the form of God, He did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, emptying Himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; humbled Himself, becoming obedient to His death, even death on the cross. Because of this, God greatly exalted Him." Humility is sometimes another form of suffering.

The Passion of Our Lord today speaks strongly of the character of our Jesus. We are called to take the mission of Jesus Christ, and we should reflect on our own feelings about pain and suffering.

"Hosanna...Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!" Jesus was welcomed into Jerusalem. He came to us as a Glorious King. Are we going to welcome Him as our King only for a day? ...for life? ...or will we forget? Will we try to "save" our own lives by continuing to live of, and for the things of this world, satisfying our own desires?

Judas wanted to save the lives of the people, so he betrayed Jesus. Peter wanted to save his life, so he denied knowing Jesus. If you want to SAVE your life, you have to serve Jesus Christ.

We humans have a longing in our hearts... for a love that no one on earth can fill. It can only be filled by the love of Jesus. He gave up His dignity to love us.













Let the palms that we received today be a reminder to us that we have chosen Christ as our King.

God offers us a covenant out of love for us. Are we prepared to die and be raised with Jesus Christ?

Jesus is someone who loves us enough to lose His life for us. He gave up His dignity and accepted humiliation because of His love for us.

Accept His cleansing of everything in you. To be strong in the flesh, we need the SPIRIT!
















~ Photographs by Mildred Green ~
~ Palm Sunday 2009 ~

Holy Week Schedule at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

April 5, 2009 ~ Palm Sunday Mass - 8:30 a.m.

April 6, 2009 ~ (Monday) Chrism Mass - Cathedral - 6 p.m.

April 8, 2009 ~ Reconciliation - 6 - 7 p.m. (No Wednesday Mass)

April 9, 2009 ~ Holy Thursday - 7 p.m.

April 10, 2009 ~ Good Friday - 7 p.m.

April 11, 2009 ~ Holy Saturday, Easter Vigil - 8 p.m.

April 12, 2009 ~ Easter Sunday - 8:30 a.m.

April Birthdays at St. Elizabeth's ~ Ethel Cooley

Happy Birthday Everyone!





04/01 ~ Carleen Scott

04/08 ~ Michelle Jordan and Doris Taylor

04/09 ~ Peggy Beverly

04/15 ~ Grace Alexis

04/18 ~ Kenneth Ford

04/23 ~ Rosemary Overton

04/27 ~ Jay Schwermer

04/29 ~ Katie Stell



~ "A day without prayer is a day without a blessing" ~
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