"If We Live In The Spirit, Let Us Also Follow The Spirit" ~ by Ronnie Archer

Today, we celebrate the great feast of Pentecost, meaning fifty days after Easter. The readings today all tell about the HOLY SPIRIT, which is the ADVOCATE that proceeds from the Father and the Son, that Jesus had promised when He ascended into Heaven.

In Reading 1, Acts 2:1-11, tells us how the Holy Spirit acts upon the apostles; as tongues of fire, which parted, coming to rest on each one of them... preparing them to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. Devout Jews from every nation were staying in Jerusalem. They gathered in a large crowd, but were confused and amazed because each one heard them speaking in his own language. There were some who thought they had too much wine. Peter raised his voice, telling them that it was prophesied that "God's Spirit would be poured upon all flesh."

The second reading from Galatians gives us clear spiritual advice... which is not what those who live in the flesh would want to hear. The flesh and the Spirit are opposed to each other. Among the sins of the flesh are: immorality, impurity, lust, idolatry, hatred, rivalry, jealousy, selfishness and others. If we live in the Spirit, we will have the gifts of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

In the Gospel of John 15:26-27; 16:12-15, we again hear about the "Advocate, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father." John's Gospel tells us that the Spirit of truth will guide us to all truth. He will speak what he hears from the Father and declare it to us.

The Holy Spirit was not only sent for the apostles and early Christians, but for all of us today. We all need the gifts of the Holy Spirit to do whatever we have to do in life.

Do we really follow the church and Jesus Christ? If we are living in the sins of the flesh, then we are living without the Holy Spirit.

Every human has a chance to be transformed. We have to come together. God loves unity and humility. God responds to a person who is humble. We have to pray, and we have to have motivation. We all should examine ourselves, asking ourselves, do we have a longing to be one family in OUR church? Do people experience the gifts of the Holy Spirit in this church? If there is ONE person who is NOT desiring or open to the Holy Spirit, that is enough to keep the Spirit away.

Everyday is a challenge to keep the Holy Spirit living within us. It is OUR responsibility to go and proclaim, to plant a seed of love.

What seed do we really plant? We're encouraged to develop our spiritual gifts for the benefit of ourselves and our community. We really NEED to fulfill this obligation.

Let each of us ask the Lord to fill us with the gifts of the Holy Spirit as Christ desired.

AMEN!

~ Pentecost ~

Graphic from Thomas Pringle.com

Youth Day 2009 ~ by Mildred Green

St. Elizabeth's Youth Day 2009 was held at All Saints School on Saturday, May 16th. It was a great success. The day started with signing in and opening prayer with lighting of the candles. After introductions and the ice-breaker, we got down to the business of FUN - FUN - FUN!

The group of six seems small but they carried a ton of energy the whole day. We did lots of crafts. Like making hats, cards, gift heart pockets, and picture frames. The children celebrated their lives in the Spirit, by putting together a colorful Spirit puzzle of a dove.

Hand games, coloring books, puzzles were set up at different tables for us to move about leisurely. We played hula-hoop, jump-rope and basketball.

Lunch was cooked by Mr. Soistman and we dined on hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, chicken nuggets and drinks, milk and Italian Ices.

Thank you, Mr. Soistman for a delicious lunch. Also, thanks for letting us use the school and your time. Winding down, we read and played knock, knock jokes and riddles. We also learned a new song: "O, How I Love Jesus".

We closed the day by blowing out the candles and saying our closing prayer and good-byes.

Thank you all for coming and to the parents. All wanted to know when we're going to do this again. Hope to see you the next time.

The Joyous Ascension ~ by Betty Alexis

Today's scripture readings leave us with much to think about of the time Jesus spent with the apostles giving them instructions on how we should live. In the first reading we saw that Jesus appeared to the apostles several times before ascending to be with God. Jesus was quick to remind the apostles about the promises the Father made to us all. It is through Jesus and these promises that we can have access to our heavenly home to sit at the right hand of God.

Jesus was quick to tell the apostles that they would receive a very special baptism - that of the Holy Spirit; and that they would become witnesses of Christ throughout the world. He implored the apostles to take this gift He had given them and to use it to proclaim the good news to all on earth. In other words, the apostles would have a "mission" to tell others of the goodness of Christ Jesus.

The second reading talks about some of Christ's gifts that were given to man to continue the work Jesus had begun on earth before the Ascension. However, before we can carry out this mission of Christ, we must first experience Christ before we can even teach others about Him. In order for us to proclaim the good news to others, we must show by example. We must live our lives in a manner that is pleasing to God. In other words, we must exemplify God through our daily lives. Through our lives, others should see that love abounds; that we are humble in spirit; that we are gentle and kind; and that we are patient with our neighbors. It is only when we "know" and experience Christ that we will be able to teach others about Christ.

Jesus left each one of us with a mission as He ascended to be with the Father. It is the duty of every one of us to seek to know the Holy Spirit; and our responsibility to encourage our brothers and sisters to do the same. How then can each one of us ensure that this mission is carried out? In our trials and tribulations, we must remember that God is always with us, suffering when we suffer, and hurting when we hurt. Should we endure, He promised that He would let us see the glory that is waiting for us in heaven. I am looking forward to seeing that glory. Are you?


~ Ascension Thursday Sunday ~

~ Painting by Brian Jekel ~

Women's Day at St. E's - May 17, 2009 ~ by Ronnie Archer

"Women of Faith and Love Washed by the Holy Spirit"



Sr. Cora Marie Billings, RSM was asked to give a reflection for Women's Day.

She told us that there is a custom of the African-American culture that a speaker should get "a permission and a blessing" from an "elder" of the church to speak to the congregation. That person for Sr. Cora today was Mrs. Mary Hill, who joined our parish during Sr. Cora's term as Pastoral Coordinator.

Sr. Cora told us that the theme of Faith and Love in today's readings, carried us through, as a "people". Faith and Love together make us the children of God that we are meant to be. If we are "people of God", we are then inspired to do good deeds and walk in love.

Sr. Cora talked about how the word Love, relates to women and then used an acronym for that word...

"L" is for life...because we are grounded in faith and love of God

"O" is for others...women are about "others" as nurturers

"V" is for virtuous...people of love and faith have virtue

"E" is for everlasting...faith is one that is everlasting

Our challenge is to think of the readings and theme, remembering the life giving love of God that helps us think of others. If we remain in God's love, there is nothing to worry about.

Remain in God's Love.



~ Mrs. Martha Thompson was named Woman of the Year, Posthumous ~

Martha Thompson was a strong woman of faith, filled with the love of God. She is remembered for her tireless works and outstanding dedication and support of the St. Elizabeth's Parish over the years.*


*Taken from the Dedication page of the Women's Day booklet

God Is Love ~ by Ronnie Archer

All of our readings for today, tell us that God's love and promises are for ALL who believe, love and obey God's commandments.

The Roman soldier, Cornelius, was a generous and God-fearing man, who had seen a vision and heard a messenger of God telling him that "because of his generosity and prayers, God had remembered him". He told him to send some men to Joppa and summon Simon Peter. He did as the messenger told him to do, and when Peter entered, Cornelius met him, falling at his feet, paying him homage.

Peter told him to "get up, I am also a human being." When Peter began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the word. God shows no partiality. In every nation whoever fears Him and acts uprightly is acceptable to God.

In 1 John 4, we again hear "let us love one another, because love is of God and everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God." God sent love into the world in the form of His Son, Jesus, so that we might have life through Him.

The Gospel of today, John 15:9-17, continues on from last Sunday's Vine and the Branches; with God, the vine grower and Jesus, the true vine. A branch cannot bear fruit unless it stays on the vine. Jesus says to us: "If you remain in me and my words remain in you... by this is the Father glorified... that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. As the Father loves Me, so I also love you."

Unless we experience God, life is empty. God's love is revealed through us. Sometimes people only know that God exists by the way we live and reveal Him through us.


~ Sixth Sunday of Easter ~

Grafics by Hermano Leon Clipart

Palm Sunday and Easter Vigil Slideshows

The beautiful photographs by Ken Soistman of our Palm Sunday Service and our wonderful Easter Vigil are now online at the St. Elizabeth website. Click HERE and then click the Parish Life link on the left sidebar to view the slide shows of these special services.

If you wish to capture any of the photos, just right-click on the picture you want and then click on the Save Picture As... option in the box that appears. Save the picture to your desktop.

Our thanks to Ken who is always willing to take pictures of our special celebrations.

~ Photo by Ken Soistman ~

Our Lady of Perpetual Help

Have you noticed the lovely statue of Mary that has appeared on the left side in the rear of the church? It is a statue of Our Lady of Perpetual Help and it was borrowed from Charles Furlough, a traditional Catholic who collects old statues such as this one.

And it is indeed old. More than 100 years old is the guess. The statue originally resided in a convent and was sold when it was no longer needed during the period of post-Vatican II renovations. Both Mary and the Child Jesus have real glass eyes. Mary is also wearing a crown covered with jewels. The Child Jesus also has a similar crown but we are not using it because it obscured Mary's face.

You may have noticed that Jesus is losing one of His sandals. It is thought that the Child had run to His Mother in fright and thus had almost lost the sandal.

The statue has been borrowed for the month of May since May has traditionally been the month dedicated to the Blessed Mother.

Unfortunately, we have no photograph of the statue at this time.

God's Love is Precious ~ by Cathy Woodson

Our readings began with Saul trying to share his conversion with the apostles, but they were afraid. This may be very encouraging to us because through prayer and reflection, we may identify our own experiences of being afraid of newness and change that come to us through a conversion. As God dwells in us, we begin to experience a conversion.

The second reading reminds us that conversion is recognized through our deeds and truth, not by speech or word. Therefore, it is not in proclaiming ourselves to be, but by the truth we live and by our conduct.

By allowing God's love to dwell in us, we live our mission. We are called to bear fruit and give life to others through unity and love. As the Gospel tells us so beautifully, we cannot bear fruit unless we allow God's love to live in us. And through our lives, we may show others the joy and peace that is for us through His love.


~ Fifth Sunday of Easter ~

May Birthdays at St. Elizabeth's ~ Ethel Cooley

Happy Birthday, everyone!





05/01 ~ Minnie Davis and Sabrina Thompson
05/03 ~ Samuel Walker
05/07 ~ Shawn McCall
05/08 ~ Chansay and Kenise Ford
05/09 ~ Betty Alexis and Yolanda Dandridge-James
05/11 ~ Robert Fitzgerald, Sr. and Annella Kaine
05/14 ~ Angela Stuart
05/17 ~ Ya-Sin Miller and Gwenolyn Woodruff
05/18 ~ Sr. Maureen Carroll and Tyler Jones
05/19 ~ Anitra Green and Jacqueline Hall
05/20 ~ Maeola Strother
05/22 ~ Phil Barbato
05/23 ~ Danielle Smith
05/26 ~ Robert Fitzgerald, Jr.
05/29 ~ Timothy Lamb


~ The best "academy" is a Mother's knee. ~
Anonymous

What Love The Father Has For Us! ~ by Ronnie Archer

All three readings of this Fourth Sunday of Easter are reminding us that Salvation comes to us only through God's Son, Jesus Christ.

In the reading of Acts 4, after being questioned by the angry leaders and elders who wanted to know by what power or name they had healed, Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, told them "all of you and the people of Israel should know that it was in the name of Jesus Christ, whom you crucified, and whom God raised from the dead."

The second reading, which comes from 1 John 3:1-2, tells of how God loved us so much that He adopted us into His family, we are the children of God. The reason the world doesn't recognize us is that it didn't recognize the Father in the Son. What we will be has not been revealed, but when the divine revelation occurs, "we shall be like Him, because we will see Him as He is."

This Sunday's Gospel from John gives us the story about the Good Shepherd. The role of a shepherd is to guide and protect his flock. One who is merely a hired hand, not a shepherd, shows concern only for himself in danger.

Jesus is our Good Shepherd. He laid down His life for the love of us. No one took His life from Him; He gave it up freely. From the Father, He received the power to lay it down and take it up again.

We are privileged to be the children of God. Reflect on the importance of the role of the Good Shepherd. We are also called to be a Shepherd. Everyone who is responsible is called to be a Shepherd.

Put His Word into your life... and put it into action, going forward in the role of a Good Shepherd.

Fill us Holy Spirit, so we can witness the presence of God in our lives.


~ Fourth Sunday of Easter ~

Graphics by Hermano Leon Clipart

Pastor Kenold's Day Trip to Washington, D.C. ~ by Mildred Green

On Saturday, April 25, 2009, three members of the Haiti committee, Mary Ann Allen, Mieko Timmons and Mildred Green with Pastor Kenold, met at the Amtrak Train Station for an early departure for Washington, D.C. We got off in Alexandria and experienced the Metro to the Smithsonian Station. (Pastor Kenold's first ride on a subway!)

In Washington, D.C., Pastor Kenold's desire was to see a museum. Well, the Smithsonian is the largest museum complex in the world... made up of 19 museums. We went into a number of them, the typical tourist (smile) trying to see everything. He was fascinated by the dinosaurs at the Museum of Natural History. Pastor Kenold was thrilled! We could not have asked for a better day. Perfect weather, a little hot at times.

Taking in the Sculpture Garden, with the flowers in bloom, was picturesque. We walked the National Mall, went to the Capitol, the Washington Monument, the White House and the Museum of African Art. We had lunch at The Castle Cafe in the Smithsonian Castle, which gave us a chance to energise, cool off and outline the rest of the day.

Picture taking was ongoing. Pastor Kenold has some memorable shots to take back to Haiti. One of the pictures: on the street was a life size cutout of President Barack Obama. Well, Pastor Kenold was so excited to see this. We took a picture of him with his arm on the shoulders of the stand up of President Obama and he gave a big smile. He said all the people in Haiti love the President and danced with joy when he won.

It was a spectacular day and enjoyed by all. We had a late snack, recapped the day and headed back to Alexandria, VA. We arrived back in Richmond safe, tired and exhausted. I am sure that Pastor Kenold has a lot to talk about when he gets home. As we moved about so freely, think about him walking for 6 hours one way to get to a location in Haiti. It is difficult to imagine the effort it takes to get anything done in Mirebalais, Haiti. We pray for Pastor Kenold and all of the children at New Jerusalem Orphanage.

We hope to have a Sunday after Mass to show all the pictures taken on this day trip to our Nation's Capital.