THE MEMORARE - Prayer to the Blessed Mother ~ Offered to the Blog by Fr. Jim

THE MEMORARE

REMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored they help, or sought they intercession was left unaided.  Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful.  O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in they mercy hear and answer me.  Amen.

~ Author Unknown

~ Image Source: Pinterest

Monday's City Council Budget Meeting & RISC ~ Info provided by Cecilia Hull

Monday's City Council Budget Meeting and RISC

Click picture to enlarge

RISC Call-to-Action in April

To make sure that funding is in the Richmond City budget to address the lack of affordable housing and the rise in evictions, please review the following website:

https://www.stelizcc.org/risc-call-to-action-in-april/ 



~ Information provided by Cecilia Hull

Fr. Jim's Jots - Third Sunday of Easter - 4.26.2020

The Road To Emmaus

Third Sunday of Easter

Fr. Jim's Jots

"Eternal God, whose mercy is endless and whose treasure of compassion is inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy on us, so that in the difficult times we may not despair nor become despondent; but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy mercy and love."

Special thanks to those who helped with our successful food drive, those who delivered the food, and those who helped in so many countless ways.  Thank you and may God bless you.

Thanks to those who are helping the parish financially with your online giving; we are fortunate and blessed by your kindness and generosity.

In addition to our Sunday Mass at 10 a.m. via ZOOM, we also are having Mass on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and Fridays at noon.  See below for direct links to those services.

If you know someone who doesn't have access to a computer or laptop, we have the ability to have them call in and listen to Mass on their landline phone:  dial 1-929-436-2866.  Meeting ID: 243 413 539, Password: 877488. Mass - Wednesday, 6:00 p.m., Friday - Noon, Rosary - 7:00 p.m. daily.

For Sunday Mass, dial 301-715-8592.  Meeting ID: 331-794-018.  Password: 946232

Annie McEntee, DRE/Pastoral Associate, has resigned from her ministry at Saint Elizabeth Catholic Church, effective May 5, 2020.  We wish to thank Annie for her six years of ministry and helping to guide our parish in the formation of religious education on all levels.  She will be greatly missed at Saint Elizabeth and we wish her well in the future as she chooses the areas of retreats and spiritual direction. Thank you, Annie and God bless you!

Blessings,

Fr. Jim

Image Source: Pinterest.com

Click to enlarge

ZOOM SCHEDULES! ~ ONLINE SUNDAY MASS ~ WEDNESDAY MASS ~ FRIDAY MASS ~ DAILY ROSARY

ONLINE MASS AND ROSARY SCHEDULE

SUNDAY MASS @ 10:00 a.m.

Click on ZOOM

Meeting ID:  331 794 018

Password:  946232


- If you are dialing on your phone:

One tap mobile US(New York)

1-929-436-2866

Meeting ID: 331794018#

Password: 946232#


- To find your local #:

https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kor3nJMER


- For more information, contact:

Janet Stern: jstern@stelizcc.org or
804-921-3302

Annie McEntee:  almcentee@stelizcc.org or
804-514-1003

**********************************************

WEDNESDAY MASS @ 6:00 p.m.

Click on ZOOM

Meeting ID: 243 413 539

Password:  877488


- If you are dialing on your phone US(New York):

1-929-436-2866

Meeting ID: 243413539#

Password:  877488#

**********************************************

FRIDAY MASS @ 12 Noon

Click on ZOOM

Meeting ID:  243 413 539

Password:  877488


- If you are dialing on your phone US(New York):

1-929-436-2866

Meeting ID: 243413539#

Password:  877488#

*********************************************

DAILY ROSARY @ 7:00 p.m.

Click on ZOOM

Meeting ID:  243 413 539

Password:  877488


- If you are dialing on your phone US(New York):

1-929-436-2866

Meeting ID: 243413539#

Password:  877488#

*********************************************

JUSTICE DEMANDS RISC! ~ RISC Call-to-Action in April ~ Info provided by Cecilia Hull

RISC Call-to-Action in April

To make sure that funding is in the Richmond City budget to address the lack of affordable housing and the rise in evictions, please review the following website:

https://www.stelizcc.org/risc-call-to-action-in-april/ 

You will be provided with information that will allow your voice to be heard.  You will be able to virtually "attend" the meeting of the Richmond City Council to be held on Monday, April 27th at 5 p.m.

The site will also provide you with information to contact your City Council representative through emails and phone calls to alert them about the importance of this affordable housing lack and the rise in evictions. The site includes examples of letters/emails you can send and phone or voice mail messages you can leave prior to the meeting.

~ The above has been provided by Cecilia Hull, Human Concerns Ministry, St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Daily "Minute Meditations" from Franciscan Media - Sent by EJCooley from Rosemary Overton

For some beautiful daily meditations during this time of coronavirus isolation, you may want to check out this site:

MINUTE MEDITATIONS

from

FRANCISCAN MEDIA

at

https://blog.franciscanmedia.org/minute-meditations/page/1 

Earth Day Prayer Service at St. Elizabeth Church - on Zoom ~ Info Provided by Cecilia Constanzo Hull

Earth Day Prayer Service

Thursday, April 23, 2020

7 p.m.

While you're at home, zoom in for a virtual gathering as St. Elizabeth recognizes Earth Day's 50th Anniversary and commemorates the fifth anniversary of the Pop'e encyclical letter, Laudato Si'.

From pews to polling stations, we as a faith community can step up and take action at all levels.  The prayer service will include a series of readings, reflections, and an important video.

You can join through the free program, Zoom.  Download Zoom on your laptop and/or smartphone.

1) Use this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/

2) If asked, enter the meeting ID and password.

Meeting ID: 331-794-018

Password: 946232

3) Join the meeting.

You can also participate by using your phone.

1) +1-646-876-9923

2) When prompted, enter the Meeting ID 331-794-018

and the Password 946232

Fr. Jim's Jots - Divine Mercy Sunday - 4.19.2020

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY

Fr. Jim's Jots

We pray. "Eternal God, whose mercy is endless and whose treasury of compassion is inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your Holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself."

On Wednesday, April 22, 2020, we, as a global community, mark the 50th Anniversary of "Earth Day." We as Christians are called to care for our common home.  We know how delicate the balance of creation is and what an impact all creation has on all life.  We are called to guide our daily actions and thoughts to become better stewards of the earth, to act responsibly, to care for the earth, and make wise choices every day.

Our Saint Elizabeth Social Justice Ministry would like to invite everyone to a celebration, to include a video, readings, prayers and reflections of the 50th Anniversary of "Earth Day", Thursday, April 23, via ZOOM, 7:00 p.m.

Save this Meeting ID and Password for Thursday:  331-794-018 Password 946232

Prayers and Blessings for All,

Fr. Jim

Spiritual Communion Prayer ~ For Virtual Masses

Spiritual Communion Prayer

My Jesus,

I believe that You

are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.

I love You above all things,

and I desire to receive You into my soul.

Since I

cannot at this moment

receive You sacramentally,

come at least spiritually into my heart.

I embrace You as if You were already there

and unite myself

wholly to You. 

Never permit me to be

separated from You.

~ Image Source

Community Resources ~

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Unemployment Resources

Virginia Employment Commission (VEC)

866-832-2363; Online: http://www.vec.virginia.gov/

Unemployment insurance information:

http://www.vec.virginia.gov/unemployed

For information regarding your VEC local office:

http://www.vec.virginia.gov/find-a-job/vec-local offices

A note from the VEC:

"Beginning with claims effective March 15, 2020, Governor Northam has directed that the one week waiting period and the requirement to conduct a weekly job search both be suspended for those receiving unemployment insurance benefits.

VEC will begin issuing $600 provided for by the CARES Act once we have received guidance from the United States Department of Labor and have modified our system to implement that guidance.  Currently, the online claim filing system is operational but not sending confirmation numbers.  Claims are being received and we are working on fixing the problem."

For more information about Unemployment Insurance benefits and how to file a claim:

http://www.vec.virginia.gov/node/11699

Bank Information

Several banks have set up contact lines to work with individuals impacted by COVID-19. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) have also put out information for bankers and consumers.

FDIC: https://www.fdic.gov/coronavirus/index.html

NCUA:  https://www.ncua.gov/

Participating Banks

Bank of America: 

https://about.bankofamerica.com/promo/assistance/latest-updates-from-bank-of-america-coronavirus

Capital One:

https://www.capitalone/caronavirus

Chase:

https://www.chase.com/digital/resources/coronavirus

CitiBank:

https://online.citi.com/US/JRS/pands/detail.do?ID=covid19

Discover:

https://www.discover.com/coronavirus

Fifth Third Bank: 

https://www.53.com/content/fifth-third/en/alerts/covid-support.html

PNC: 

https://www.pnc.com/en/customer-service/coronavirus-update.html

TCF Bank:

https://www.tcfbank.com/about-tcf/covid19

Truist:

https://www.truist.com/coronavirus-information

US Bank:

https;//www.usbank.com/splash/covid-19.html

Wells Fargo:

https://newsroom.wf.com/press-release/corporate-social-responsibility/wells-fargo-donates-62.5-million-aid-coronavirus

NOTE:  Virginia banks, credit unions and financial service providers are operating under precautionary measures, with increased focus on mobile, phone and online services.  If you anticipate having trouble making a loan payment, please notify your lender or loan servicing company as soon as possible to discuss your options.  Early and regular communication is important.

In addition, if a business experiences a temporary or permanent layoff, the Commissioner of the Virginia Employment Commission will waive the one-week waiting period to ensure workers can receive benefits as soon as possible.  The Virginia Employment Commission will also give affected workers special consideration on deadlines, mandatory re-employment appointments and work search requirements.  The Office of the Governor has provided a Frequently Asked Questions guide for workers who have been temporarily laid off or discharged during this public health crisis.

To file a nonpayment of wages claim, please visit the Virginia Department of Labor's website:

https://www.doli.virginia.gov/labor-law/payment-of-wage-english/

The Governor's Office will be activating regional workforce teams to support employers that slow or cease operations.  Employers who do slow or cease operations will not be financially penalized for an increase in workers requesting unemployment benefits.

Join us for Mass and Rosary by ZOOM at St. Elizabeth ~ Received from Janet Stern

Rosary Online at 7 p.m. starting Monday, April 13

Join ZOOM Meeting 

Meeting ID - 243 413 539

Password - 877488  One tap mobile +19294362866,,243413539#,,#,877488# US (New York)

+13126266799,,243413539#,,#,877488# US (Chicago) Dial by your location +1 929 436 2866 US (New York) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 301 715 8592 US +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US  Meeting ID: 243 413 539  Password: 877488  Find your local number:  https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kor3nJMER

Contact Janet Stern for more info:  jstern@stelizcc.org or 804-921-3302

***************************************

Attention! MASS! Today, April 15th, at 6 p.m. and Friday, April 17th at Noon, use the above Rosary Instructions and join Fr. Jim for Mass!  Our capacity is now up to 500 attendees!  Hope to see you there! 




Image Source

Easter Greetings from Fr. Jim! - 4.12.2020 - St. E's Easter News

Easter Greetings from Fr. Jim

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!  The Lord is Risen!!! Christ, yesterday and today, the Beginning and the End, the Alpha and the Omega.  All time belongs to Him and all the ages.  To Him be glory and the power through every age and forever. Amen.  

May the Risen Lord watch over us and protect us.

We continue to pray for those who have died, the sick in hospitals and assisted living homes, and our first responders.  We are blessed to have parishioner Dr. Daniel Carey as our Secretary of Health and Human Resources; thank you for your tireless service to help all Virginians.

We thank the parishioners who are driving food to families' homes: Denise Letendre, Lisa Landry family, Dr. Kevin Connelly, Kim Ford, Frank and Marshneil Gratias, Michelle Lelievre, Mary Adingo, Chris and Bing Metzger, and our food pantry helpers: Adrien DeLoach, Ken Wall, Sylvia Fuller, Eddie Gorman and Chris Metzger, and Mary Myers, our translator and facilitator for our Congolese families.  Blessings to Sr. Tiberh and all who are involved in our Social Outreach. The Risen Lord is seen in a visible way through your selfless acts of charity.

******************************************************

In Memoriam:

Fr. Chester Smith

Paul Wright

Food Drive:

Drop off on April 15th between 3 p.m.- 4 p.m. at 1301 Victor St. front porch. Please check last week's article about the Food Drive.

Parishioner Corner:

~ Please pray for Harry Shaia

~ To help Nene Kizenge about to give birth to her third child, contact Anne Gibbons gibbons@lynchburg.edu


St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Easter Greetings! Easter Sunday 2020!

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE - 2020 - ST. ELIZABETH CHURCH

Holy Week Schedule

St. Elizabeth Church

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/6823624976

Palm Sunday, April 5...............10 am Mass

........................................5:30 p.m. Vespers

Monday, April 6.....................5:30 p.m. Vespers

Tuesday, April 7....................5:30 p.m. Vespers

Wednesday, April 8................5:30 p.m. Vespers

Holy Thursday, April 9.............5:30 p.m. Vespers

Good Friday, April 10..............12 -3 p.m. Open Church
to distribute Blessed Palms

........................................5:30 p.m. Vespers

Holy Saturday, April 11............5:30 p.m. Vespers

Easter Sunday, April 12..........10 a.m. Mass

ID. 331794018

Bishop at the Cathedral

https://richmonddiocese.org/livestream/

Palm Sunday, April 5..............10 a.m. Mass

Monday, April 6.......................6:30-8:30 p.m. Mission

Tuesday, April 7......................6:30-8:30 p.m. Mission

Wednesday, April 8............... .6:30-8:30 p.m. Mission

Holy Thursday, April 9............ 6 p.m. The Lord's Supper

Good Friday, April 10............. 3 p.m.

Holy Saturday, April 11........... 8 p.m.

Easter Sunday, April 12.......... 10 a.m.

A Prayer to St. Corona in Times of Epidemics ~ Provided by EJCooley

ST. CORONA

ST. CORONA: The pandemic caused by the Corona virus has boosted interest in St. Corona herself, who is widely venerated in Northern Italy, Austria, and Southern Germany during times of pestilence, epidemics and violent storms.  There are many churches and chapels dedicated to St. Corona in these regions.

 A PRAYER TO ST. CORONA IN TIMES OF EPIDEMICS

Lord Jesus Christ, you came into this world for our salvation.  Look kindly on us now, we pray, that we, and all those who serve You, might be kept safe from this epidemic.

Heal those who are sick, comfort the suffering, bring back those who have gone astray, and above all, increase our faith, O Lord.

Give us the grace to follow You and like the martyr St. Corona, who gave her life for love of You, to take up our crosses daily without fear or hesitation.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

St. Corona, Patroness of Victims of Epidemics, PRAY FOR US.

~ Provided by EJCooley

GOD WILL PROVIDE - Food Pantry Needs ~ Provided by Cecilia Hull

"GOD WILL PROVIDE"  Three simple words from Genesis.  You can put these words into action.  Check your kitchen cabinets.  Can you spare one or two cans of food and share with the community?  St. Elizabeth's Social Ministry and Justice Committees have a small Food Pantry.  Sister Tiberh asks your help to make sure our pantry is stocked for families as we near the end of the month; our first full month of sheltering in place.

Scan the list below and see what you can share with others.

You can drop them off at the parish office on the front porch on April 15 from 3-4 p.m.

To make other arrangements to drop off your food, message on Facebook.

CANNED & DRIED FOODS
rice
kidney beans
canned green beans
canned chickpeas
sugar
spaghetti
spaghetti sauce

FRESH VEGETABLES & FRUIT
potatoes
cabbage
bananas
oranges

REFRIGERATED FOODS
eggs
milk
meats

CLEANING SUPPLIES
dish detergent
laundry detergent
body soap
Clorox
paper towels
toilet paper

* In addition, the Stoney Administration launched www.RVAstrong.org, a website that shares resources for those who have been impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and need services.  On the site, you identify a need, such as, "I need housing support," or "I need income support,"and be directed toward nonprofit, city and individual efforts to meet those needs.


~ Provided by Cecilia Hull

A Prayer Resource - Pray More Novenas ~ Suggested by Rosann Bocciarelli

The Link for the Novena Website:  Pray More Novenas

~ Suggested by Rosann Bocciarelli

A Message from Fr. Jim - Palm Sunday Mass Information

A Message from Fr. Jim:

"We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.  Because so many are carrying crosses at this time, let us pray for all who have died, the sick, and all first responders."

Gather with your parishioners as we pray together online for Holy Week.

You may have heard of Zoom.  It is a program that you can use on any device (laptop, smartphone, tablet). When you do, you connect with the other people who joined the meeting.  Many parishes are using Zoom for their services.  Now, it's St. Elizabeth's turn to try on Sunday!!

Fr. Jim will hold Mass for Palm Sunday, April 5 at 10 a.m.

At 10 a.m. on Palm Sunday, go to this website:

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/331794018

Enter in our Meeting ID: 331 794 018

Select if you would like to connect audio and/or video and click Join

If you do not have a device, you can join using your telephone.

Dial in at 1 301 715 8592 US

Enter to our Meeting ID:  331 794 018

See you Sunday!

For Your Information! - Saturday, April 4, 2020 ~ by EJCooley

From EJCooley, Office Manager:

Our members are being called by Ministry Chairs, Staff, Fr. Jim.  Please know it is not our desire to overwhelm you; we desire to "touch base" with all of our members, because we care about you and miss you.

They may also ask you to update your contact information.  You may also send us an email to  ejcooley@stelizcc.org or jstern@stelizcc.org or call 804-329-4599 and leave a message on our voicemail!  Thank you to everyone who has given us updated information.  We hope to see you soon!

Blessing of the Palms - Holy Week 2020 ~ During the Pandemic ~ Photos by Janet Stern

Blessing of the Palms during Times of Pandemic

Saturday, 4.4.2020

Palms will be distributed on Good Friday at St. Elizabeth Church from Noon to 3 p.m.  Those who may not wish to come into the church, will be able to drive by and pick them up.

~ Photos by Janet Stern

A Message from Fr. Jim - 4.3.2020

May the peace of Christ be with you and your loved ones!

The priority of St. Elizabeth Church is to care for our families and minister to all in every way we can.

The Diocese of Richmond has suspended all public Masses until further notice. Bishop Knestout will be updating us regularly. You can check the diocesan website for these updates at https://richmonddiocese.org/coronavirus.

Through all of this, St. Elizabeth Parish will remain a community of faith, hope and trust in the Lord and continue to share His blessings with each other. We are moving forward with new ways to minister to our parish families, including:

1. Email: If you are not receiving e-mails but you do have an Email address, please send that Email address to stelizcc@verizon.net so we can add you to our distribution list.

2. Celebrating Masses: Live Sunday Mass will be celebrated on Zoom. We will send an email with the time and the link to join. We also plan to add Masses at 6 PM Wednesdays and Noon on Friday as well as a nightly Rosary after Easter.

3. Utilizing our parish’s website, and blog: Please visit us there for the latest parish news, photos and other resources we are providing.

4. Facebook: This is also the best place to check in with each other, share prayer requests and continue to live as a community.

5. Phone tree: We are working on a parish wide phone tree in order to make personal contact with each household weekly. If you have not gotten a call this past week, please call Janet Stern at 804-921-3302 or email your contact information to jstern@stelizcc.org.

We are committed to making the most of this time and to help draw families closer to Christ. In times of crisis, people look to Christ and his Church. St. Elizabeth will be here to serve.

There are three things that I’m asking you to do right now, today:

1. Pray. Remember God does not abandon his children. Please join me in praying for the following:

• All the sick and suffering around the world, and families affected by the coronavirus
• Those who are struggling financially because of this crisis.
• First responders, medical personal and all government leaders.
• Our parish, your pastor, bishop and the Holy Father in Rome.

2. Follow us on:

Our website https://www.stelizcc.org/

On our blog http://stelizabethcc.blogspot.com/

On Facebook Go to https://m.facebook.com/StElizabethCatholicChurch/ . “Follow” us and “like” our page. You will be connected to posts and information about Masses online and be able to interact with our community.

3. Continue to support our parish. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the continued financial stewardship of parishioners and friends during this difficult time. With public Masses suspended, and our parish closed, I am asking every family, if you are financially able, to either

A. Mail stewardship contributions to St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, 1301 Victor St., Richmond VA 23222

B. Or consider moving your financial support online:

1. On our website https://stelizcc.churchgiving.com/ Please consider setting up a recurring gift to help our parish for the future.

2. You can also find giving options online https://offertory.richmonddiocese.org/ . On the giving page, choose St. Elizabeth Richmond, parish #509, in the drop-down list.

If you need assistance with online giving, please contact Janet Stern 804-921-3302 jstern@stelizcc.org . Your gifts will support our human concerns ministry and our ongoing operations. God bless you for your generosity!

I will continue to provide updates, primarily through our Email, on our website, our blog, Facebook and occasionally through email.

If you are not receiving e-mails but you do have an Email address, please send that Email address to stelizcc@verizon.net so we can add you to our distribution list.

Please know that you are in my prayers. Have faith! Let us rally together behind what is most important in our lives – God, family, and our St. Elizabeth community.

In Christ

Blessings and be well,

Fr Jim Arsenault

PS feel free to email jarsenault@stelizcc.org or call 804-921-3302