Zoom Mass as seen in Church on screen - Kim providing Hymns for Pentecost ~ Photos by Janet Stern

First Reading by Rita

Responsorial Psalm by Diane

Second Reading by Buzzy

Deacon Chris

Fr. Jim

Kim singing the Meditation song

~ Photos by Janet Stern

First In-Person Mass during Coronavirus Pandemic - Pentecost, 5.31.20 ~ Photos by Janet Stern and Connie Hom

Twenty people attended the first in-person Mass at St. Elizabeth Church on Pentecost Sunday, 5.31.2020 during Phase One (return to normal) of the Corona Virus Pandemic.  Zoom Mass continued online at 10:00 a.m.

Photos by Janet Stern

Photos by Connie Hom

Welcome Back to Mass! Pentecost Sunday, 5.31.2020 @ 8:30 a.m. (Until further notice) ~ Info by EJCooley

Welcome back to Mass!

You are required to arrive 30 minutes in advance!  You are required to wear a mask!  You are required to social distance.  Please follow the instructions you are given in seating during the Mass and in receiving Communion.  

We are all anxious to return to the Table of the Lord and to the community of St. Elizabeth.  Many of us want to be there but cannot be.

Photo by EJCooley

Fr. Jim's Jots - Pentecost Sunday, 5.30.2020

Fr. Jim's Jots!

Happy Pentecost!!!

As we celebrate Pentecost, we are invited and challenged to remember the seven (7) gifts of the Holy Spirit.

I would like to invite everyone to think about in the next month, one or two of the gifts of the Holy Spirit and pray that that particular gift may be deep in your life.

1.  Wisdom - Lord help us to judge what is important and meaningful in life.

2.  Understanding - Lord help us to know something different from truly understanding it.  Give me the kindness to give others the benefit of the doubt.

3.  Counsel - Lord help me to differentiate between right and wrong.

4.  Fortitude - Lord help me to have courage and endurance during these difficult times.

5.  Knowledge - Lord help me to know God deeper through prayer, meditation and contemplation.  May I embrace His will and not mine.

6.  Piety - Lord help me to have proper reverence for God and others; to walk humbly.

7.  Fear of the Lord - Lord help me to rejoice in my own life and have an awe and wonder of God's goodness


Be careful what you pray for; but please consider the next month to pray for the Holy Spirit and these gifts of the Holy Spirit to help guide our steps.


Be safe,

Blessings,

Fr. Jim




Image  Source:  Prophecy News

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Fr. Jim's Jots - The Ascension of the Lord, 5.24, 2020 - Important Information for In-Person Mass Next Week

Commencing Sunday, May 31 at 8:30 a.m., there will be an in-person Mass for those who desire to attend Mass at church, adhering to the guidelines provided/mandated by the Diocese of Richmond.

Please arrive 30 minutes in advance.  We ask that you call the parish office and inform us if you will attend Mass, 804.329.4599, Extension #14.

On Sunday, May 31, 2020, there will be a 10:00 a.m. Zoom Mass for those who choose not to physically return to church.  

The Zoom Mass will continue on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. and Fridays at noon, until further notice.

The Saint Elizabeth Parish Office will reopen, Tuesday, May 26, 2020, thru Friday, May 29, 2020. 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.  Anyone needing to come to the parish office may do so by appointment only.

Be safe.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim

~ Image Source: The Catalog of Good Deeds

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Fr. Jim's Jots! - Every Pastor's Lament during the Coronavirus Pandemic! - 5.24.2020

YOUR PASTOR HAS NEVER PASTORED A CHURCH THROUGH A PANDEMIC BEFORE!

(Copied from social media)

When he opens, people are going to say he should have closed.  When he closes, people are going to say he should have opened.

When he does not shake hands, people are going to say, he needs faith.  When he shakes hands, people are to say he's foolish.

He's going to make some difficult decisions to protect the flock, considering everything from your spiritual growth to legal liabilities that you aren't even thinking about.

Every Pastor believes that they pastor the most amazing group of people.

Remember this:  No one wants things to go well at church as much as you Pastor(s).  Your Pastor needs your prayers and support right now.

#PrayforyourPastor #Prayforyourchurch #Prayforyourcommunity

Fifth Anniversary of Pope Francis' Environmental Encyclical, Laudato Si ~ Information provided by Cecilia Hull

This week marks the fifth anniversary of an important encyclical from Pope Francis - Laudato Si.  The encyclical starts off with the words of St. Francis, patron saint of those who promote ecology.  When he released the letter on May 24, 2015, Pope Francis opened up the conversation about caring for Creation as a moral issue.  Watch this beautiful video for a message of hope that speaks loud and clear even today.

The Pope's encyclical opened with the words of St. Francis in his beautiful prayer titled: "The Canticle of Creatures".  Hear the complete prayer in this video. Who better to say the prayer than Franciscan Friars from around the world?

In his homily on Sunday, Deacon Chris said he is trying to reduce the amount of meat he eats.  Changes like this going meatless on Mondays are a small step towards a bigger action to protect God's creation.

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Fr. Jim's Jots - Sixth Sunday of Easter - 5.17.2020

FR. JIM'S JOTS

Next week* with the grace of God and the help of modern technology, we have contacted Comcast and will resume our Mass at 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m..There will be an email sent out with details.  We also are inviting those who wish to venture out with social distancing rules in place to attend Mass, live, in person, at church.  All state and Center for Disease Control regulations will be in place and we will follow the Catholic Diocese of Richmond directives for attending Mass.  The Bishop is allowed to continue a dispensation for those who feel at risk and wish to attend Mass via Zoom; please be safe.

Special thanks to Eddie Gorman for building new steps to our food pantry area.

If you are ambitious and looking for some outside projects, please consider helping out at St. Elizabeth parish grounds.  We could use someone to power wash the front steps, pick up all papers and trash around the perimeter and all properties, weed and hoe around our garden by the Blessed Mother outside, clean outside windows, wash and clean front porch furniture, door and mailbox of the parish office or anything else you see that needs to be done.  Your time and volunteer efforts will make a difference.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim

* Postponed in the Richmond area til the following week, 5.31.2020.

~ Image Source: Clipart

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Jason's 7th Birthday Drive-by! A Sweet Surprise He Won't Forget! 5.14.2020 ~ Photos by EJCooley

~ Photos by EJCooley

Fr. Jim's Jots -Fifth Sunday of Easter - MOTHER'S DAY, 5.10.2020

FR. JIM'S JOTS

Happy Mother's Day!!!!

This perhaps is the most difficult Mother's Day any of us have experienced; yet it is a pause and cause to remember and celebrate, to love all our mothers, those living or deceased.

It has been difficult not being able to travel or to even see my mother via Zoom or FaceTime during this pandemic.  I know she misses visits from family members.  Her daily routine has changed and, being in an assisted living home, she is at high risk like so many others.  Phone calls and visits are not the same, but help.  My mother often speaks about praying the Rosary 3 to 5 times a day.

As I write this, I am planning a funeral for a mother of five, with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who died of the virus.  How sad it is that a funeral Mass cannot be celebrated with the gathering of family and friends.  I think of so many women and men who have died alone in hospitals or nursing homes.

Therefore, I ask all of us throughout this month of May to continue to pray to Mary, Mother of God.  Our help of Christians, pray the Rosary and remember the gift of love.  May all of our families feel surrounded by the presence of Christ's peace through the intercession of the most Blessed Virgin Mary, our Mother, too.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim

~ Image Source: Candle

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Fill Our Pantry! Date of the Next Drop Off Day! ~ Information Provided by Cecila Hull

Sister Tiberh checked the food pantry and here is what is missing from our shelves.

1. Laundry powdered detergent
2. Cleaning supplies
3. Personal hygiene products for men and women

When you're shopping this week (in-store or online), grab one of these items for our parishioners who are in need.  You can drop them off at the rectory.  Drop off day is Thursday, May 14th from 3-4:30 p.m.

Or you can drop off or mail a donation (Payable to St. Elizabeth Social Outreach). Sister will use your donation to buy necessary items for our families.  You can drop off or mail your donation to: 

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

1301 Victor St.

Richmond VA 23222

Mother's Day with Pope Francis ~ Information Provided by Cecilia Hull

"In today's fragmented world, where we risk losing our bearings, a Mother's embrace is essential.  How much dispersion and solitude there is all around us! The world is completely connected, yet seems increasingly disjointed.  We need to entrust ourselves to our Mother."

These words were said by Pope Francis at the 52nd World Day of Peace on January 1, 2019. Here we are in 2020, feeling much the same.  For Mother's Day, read the Pope's message from 2019 about mothers and Mary.  You might find a sentence that reminds you of the important person in your life who loved you like a son/daughter.

Happy Mother's Day to the members of our parish!

"And in the journey of life, let us allow ourselves to be taken by the hand.  Mothers take their children by the hand and lovingly introduce them to life."

http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2019/documents/papa-francesco_20190101_omelia-giornatamondiale-pace.html

The 2020 Census - Get Counted! ~ Information Provided by Cecilia Hull

Get Counted!

Have you filled out your census form?  Forms were mailed to households in March and a second mailing in April.  If you can't find your form, you can fill one out online or by phone.
The link: https://my2020census.gov/

Starting in May 2020, census takers will visit homes that haven't responded. (Census takers must show a photo ID with the U.S. Department of Commerce seal and expiration date.) You can help social distancing by completing the census online/phone so a census taker doesn't have to come to your house.

The census provides important information to lawmakers and government officials (some are parishioners of St. Elizabeth's!).  They use the census to determine funding for important services such as schools, roads, and libraries.

Video featuring Rodney Robinson, RPS teacher & the 2019 National Teacher of the Year:  https://2020census.gov/en/what-is-2020-census/focus/story/rodney.html 




Photo Source: 2020 Census

RISC Calendar: Addressing Gun Violence ~ Information Provided by Cecilia Hull

Addressing Gun Violence

RISC is also tackling the topic of violence in our community.  You are invited to learn about a proven intervention program out of John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York, called Group Violence Intervention (GVI). Louisa Aviles, from the National Network for Safe Communities, will attend.


NEXT STEPS:  Virtual meeting via Zoom on Thursday, May 14th, 7:00 p.m.  Email emily@riscrichmond.org for meeting ID and password.

LEARN more about RISC at https://www.riscrichmond.org

The RISC Calendar - Addressing the City's Housing Crisis ~ Information provided by Cecilia Hull

RISC members talked to City Council and they listened!  St. Elizabeth joined other congregations who advocated for affordable housing.  In normal times, Richmond's eviction rate is the second highest rate of any like-sized city in the country.  The rate will only get worse due to record high jobless claims and the economic strain on families who are suffering in the pandemic.

RISC is determined to take action to help Richmond's families.  There is hope.  After RISC members presented their resolution for a solution, Councilwoman Robertson said that she  will "patron" RISC's resolution for dedicated funding.


NEXT STEPS:  Virtual meeting via Zoom on Monday, May 11 at 5:30 p.m.  Email emily@riscrichmond.org for meeting ID and password.

LEARN more about RISC at https://www.riscrichmond.org

Prayer for May - Catholic Relief Services ~ Information Provided by Cecilia Hull

The Missionary Prayer

Catholic Relief Services offers up this prayer for May.  It is simply called "The Missionary Prayer" with the beautiful response of "enkindle in them the fire of your love." 

You will find The Missionary Prayer here.




Image source: Catholic Relief Services

Fr. Jim's Jots ~ Good Shepherd Sunday, 5.3.2020

FR. JIM'S JOTS

Throughout the month of May, we are invited and challenged as a Catholic people to pray to the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God.

In a very special way during this time of great need, this coronavirus pandemic, we turn to the Blessed Mother, our help and our hope.

The Rosary is prayed daily in the evening at 7:00 p.m.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/243413539, Meeting ID 243 413 539, Password 877488

This may be the time to dust off all prayers, memorize them and have them be part of our treasure of prayers to the Blessed Mother.  Below are two prayers I'd like you to consider learning and praying daily; The Memorare and Hail, Holy Queen.  They invite us to ask the Blessed Mother for her assistance and her grace, especially when we feel most troubled in our daily lives.

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

HAIL HOLY QUEEN, Mother of mercy, hail our life, our sweetness and our hope.  To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears.  Turn then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus, O merciful, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary!  Amen.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim

~ Image Source: The Good Shepherd

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