Fr. Jim's Jots ~ Third Sunday in Ordinary Time - 1.27.19

Greetings!

Special thanks to all those who helped us, Monday, January 21st, to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.  We hosted an event in collaboration with the City of Richmond.  It was good to have Mayor Levar Stoney at St. Elizabeth.  Special thanks to those who did service projects on that day and for Deacon Chris Barrett, Annie McEntee and Liz Wiznerowicz, for helping to coordinate this effort.

Yesterday, January 26th, St. Elizabeth and our Greene Park Neighborhood Association had a meeting with Commonwealth Catholic Charities to discuss what the neighborhood community envisions for our site of the former Convent/School.  It's important to get the input of the community and neighbors.

Mark your calendars, join us Friday, February 15th, after the 12 noon Mass for lunch and bingo!  The cost is $5.00 per person and includes a light lunch and 10 games of bingo.  Please sign up on the kiosk in the parish vestibule or call the parish office by Wednesday, February 13th, so we can plan both lunch and the number of cards and supplies needed for bingo.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim

~ Thought of the Day: "If you have an angel on one shoulder and the devil on the other, don't go deaf in the wrong ear."


Sketch from Bible History Online

MLK Jr. Day of Remembrance and Service at St. Elizabeth Church - 1.20.19 (Part 1) ~ Photos and Article by EJCooley

In Pursuit of the Dream

Inspiring Patriotic, Purposeful and Service-Driven Lives

City of Richmond, Virginia, St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, Highland Park, Richmond, VA, January 21, 2019

The program began with an introduction by Paul Manning, Chief Service Officer, for a video entitled, Legacy of Service.  City executives, volunteers and parishioners were welcomed by Rev. James Arsenault, Administrator, St. Elizabeth Church.  An introduction of Mayor Levar Stoney was given by Tahoura Simpson, REAL LIFE, City of Richmond AmeriCorps Member. Sharon Burton, spoke on behalf of the Valentine Museum: "The Impact of MLK, Jr. on Segregation and Integration in Richmond, VA."

Videos provided during the program were of a Bio of Dr. King, The Blueprint and portions of The Mountain speech.  The program ended with an Adjournment from Paul Manning, who asked all present to reach out to your neighbor with a hand-shake.  There were eleven service projects scheduled throughout the city, with one hundred, seventy-seven volunteers.

~ Photos by EJCooley

MLK, Jr. Day of Remembrance and Service - "I have a Dream" (Part 2) ~ Photos by EJCooley

~ Photos by EJCooley

MLK, Jr. Day of Remembrance and Service - 1.20.19 (Part 3) - Parishioners and Friends ~ Photos by EJCooley

~ Photos by EJCooley

Blessing the Children ~ Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, 1. 20. 2019 ~ Photos by Lula Lamb

Children receive a Blessing before going to Christian Ed. Class.

~ Photos by Lula Lamb

Fr. Jim's Jots ~ Second Sunday in Ordinary Time - The Marriage Feast at Cana

Fr. Jim's Jots

Greetings!

Today we celebrate the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time!  Throughout our life we are called to embrace Christ and His Church.

One of the ways to do this is to think about helping our parish even after our death; through estate planning and legacy giving.  We are hosting an Estate & Legacy Planning Seminar on January 27th at 10:30 a.m. in the parish hall.  All are invited.  This informative, free seminar is offered to parishioners at St. Elizabeth.  It is sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Richmond.  Topics include: wills and trust, power of attorney, types of legacy giving, beneficiaries, estate pre-planning and attorneys.  Several other parishes in our diocese have also begun this program and has already proven successful to help secure the future of our parish.  Much like planning for your own individual family, we are called to be wise stewards and plan for the future of our parish family.  Please attend the seminar, January 27th at 10:30 a.m. in the parish hall.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim

Thought for the week - "I asked God, 'Why are you taking me through troubled waters? And he said, because your enemies can't swim!'"

Feast of the Baptism of the Lord - Snow Day in Richmond VA - 1.13.2019 ~ Photos by Janet Stern

These two lovely photos were provided by Janet Stern.  She and about 35 members, as well as Fr. Jim and Deacon Chris attended Mass at St. Elizabeth in the midst of inclement weather.  Our Gospel Choir consisted of Director Kim Ford.

EJCooley

~ Photos by Janet Stern

Fr. Jim's Jots ~ Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

Fr. Jim's Jots

Greetings!

Today we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord.  He who did not need to be baptized was baptized to show how important this first sacrament is to have us be welcomed into God's family.  Throughout our life we are called to embrace Christ and His Church.

One of the ways to do this is to think about helping our parish even after our death; through estate planning and legacy giving.  We are hosting an Estate & Legacy Planning Seminar on January 27th at 10:30 a.m. in the parish hall.  All are invited.  This informative, free seminar is offered to parishioners at St. Elizabeth.  It is sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Richmond.  Topics include: wills and trust, power of attorney, types of legacy giving, beneficiaries, estate pre-planning and attorneys.  Several other parishes in our diocese have also begun this program and has already proven successful to help secure the future of our parish.  Much like planning for your own individual family, we are called to be wise stewards and plan for the future of our parish family.  Please attend the seminar, January 27th at 10:30 a.m. in the parish hall.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim

Thought for the week - "I asked God, 'Why are you taking me through troubled waters? And he said, because your enemies can't swim!'"


~ Painting by Tintoretto

The King's Cake! "Laissez le bon temps rouler!" - Let the good times roll! ~ Photos and info by EJCooley

The King's Cake!  Janet, born and raised in New Orleans, provided a "King's Cake" to the parish office staff!  Janet gave us the history, provided the cake, coffee and beads.  

Sarah "found" the baby, so next year it's her turn to provide the King's Cake!  Others from the Crescent City:  Sharon M., Rosemary O. and Mary B.

The King's Cake!

Sarah found the "baby".

For a history of the King's Cake, check Catholic Culture

~ Photos and info by EJCooley

Feast of the Epiphany, 1.6.2019 ~ Photos by Lula Lamb

A Hymn in Swahili 

David and Sandra come back to visit...

~ Photos by Lula Lamb

Fr. Jim's Jots - Epiphany 2019

Greetings!

Today we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord, the feast commemorating the gifts of the Magi to our Lord.  Each of us is called to give gifts of our time, talent and treasure to help build up the Kingdom of God.  Thank you for your countless acts of generosity and kindness throughout the Advent and Christmas seasons.  We were able to help numerous families have a good Christmas.

Today we will take down our decorations after Mass and start preparing for Ordinary Time.

January is a time for us to reflect on the many blessings we have received and to make New Year's resolutions to be more active in our faith by participating in Mass, the Sacrament of Reconciliation and our numerous catechetical programs being offered.  Please get involved and participate; we need each and every one of you!

Great news!  Nursery service is being offered; January 13th, January 27th, February 3rd and February 17th.  Questions? See Sarah Longfield.

Quote of the week:  "God doesn't call the equipped; he equips the called."

New Year's blessings,

Fr. Jim

January 2019 Birthdays at St. E's - (Belated) ~ Info from EJCooley

01.02 ~ Nora Sturdevant

01.04 ~ Beryl McCarver, Nat Kaine

01.06 ~ Alice Howard, Sharon Morton

01.07 ~ Ryan Sturdevant

01.09 ~ Joy Dawson, Carolyn Spilman

01.10 ~ Almetia Strother

01.13 ~ Rosalie Robinson, Alyssa Krenik

01.14 ~ Petra Thompson, Emmy Gavilan

01.15 ~ Camden Vaughan

01.18 ~ Sallyann Holzgrefe, Ebony Strother, Lucas Cave

01.31 ~ Marian Dolliver


~ Info by EJCooley

The Three Kings arrive at the manger ~ Epiphany Eve, 2019 ~ Photo by Janet Stern

~ Photo by Janet Stern

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at St. E's, First Friday, 1/4/2019 ~ Photo by Janet Stern

~ Photo by Janet Stern

Celebrating our Newest Parishioners! - Holy Family Sunday, 12.30.18 ~ Photos by Lula Lamb

~ Photos by Lula Lamb