St. Elizabeth Members are Award Winners of The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities ~ Information and Photos Provided by Connie Hom

We are so proud of our parishioners, Anne Holton and Ken Soistman!  Out of 5 people who received awards from the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, 2 are St. Elizabeth members!  Anne Holton received the  Distinguished Virginian Award and Ken Soistman, a Humanitarian Award!

Distinguished Virginian Anne Holton

Humanitarian Ken Soistman

Ken Soistman and Sister Cora Marie

Black Catholic Retreat ~ Our Church, Our Story - Black Catholic Identity and Culture, November 5th - 7th, 2021

 

"Our Church, Our Story:  Black Catholic Identity and Culture" is a retreat and conference that will be held November 5th, starting at 5 p.m. through November 7th, ending at 11 a.m.  The virtual program will be on Saturday, November 6th from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  The retreat includes Mass and dinner with Bishop Knestout here at St. Elizabeth that Saturday, November 6th at 5 p.m. .  There is no need to register for the Mass but for all of the other activities, go to the Diocesan website, https://richmonddiocese.org/office/office-for-black-catholics/ to reserve your spot. 

There will be a reception after the Mass on November 6th in our parish hall.  All are welcome!

Fr. Jim's Jots - Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 24, 2021

 Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

October 24, 2021

Healing of Bartimaeus

Fr. Jim's Jots

You are invited to "Our Church, Our Story," a special retreat to share and learn about Black Catholic Identity and Culture.  The retreat and conference will be held in-person and simulcast on Zoom.  The retreat begins Friday, November 5th at 5 p.m. and ends Sunday, November 7th at 11 a.m. There will be a Mass celebrated with Bishop Knestout here at 5 p.m. with our Choir on Saturday, November 6th.  Special thanks to the following folks from St. Elizabeth who have helped to plan and work on this retreat":  Cheryl Curbeam, Deacon Chris, Sister Tiberh, Cathy Woodson and Sister Cora Marie.  Also a big thank you to Lucy Thompson and the community life ladies for helping with the reception on Saturday.  St. Elizabeth is blessed with your leadership.

Thank you for your kindness and generosity.  St. Elizabeth received a wonderful letter from the Camboni Missionary Sisters thanking us for their annual raffle.  You bought $1,105.00 worth of tickets.

Are you thinking of becoming Catholic or have questions about the Catholic faith?  Contact Chris or Beng Metzger at:  metzger.christopher@gmail.com  It is a great way to learn about our faith and also make new friends.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim

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Fr. Jim's Jots - Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 17, 2021

Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

October 17, 2021

 

Fr. Jim's Jots

Thank you to all who participated in the National Public Square Rosary to Fatima.  Yesterday at noon, Saint Elizabeth Catholic Church parishioners gathered on the steps of the church and prayed the Joyful Mysteries for peace, along with thousands of Catholic churches across the country.  This powerful way of praying the rosary celebrates the 104th anniversary of Our Lady's appearance at Fatima.  Noon is near the time the miracle took place in Fatima 1917.

Thanks go out to readers of the Joyful Mysteries:  Beverley Bryant, Susan Gidley, Karen Yesolitis, Rosemary Overton, Maria Barrow, with program assistance from Chris Metzger, Connie Hom and Bob Cohen.

The rosary is a contemplative prayer and thoughtful meditation centered on the lives of Jesus and Mary.  Praying the rosary with the rhythmic repetition of the words is simple, profound and brings peace to the soul.  Join us in prayer.  St. Elizabeth prays the rosary every evening on ZOOM at 7 p.m.  Check the website for the ZOOM link.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim

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Praying the Rosary for America, October 16, 2021 ~ Photos provided by Connie Hom

National Rosary for Fatima, October 16, 2021

Rosemary's Granddaughter, Someone to Be Proud of! ~ Information Provided by Shenetta Malkia

 

Shenetta Malkia

Rosemary Overton is very proud of her granddaughter, Shenetta Malkia, a graduate of Bowie State University with a BS degree in Business Administration. Her interests had previously led her to attend AIU (American Intercontinental University) to study Fashion Merchandizing and Film Production.  She has interest in many fields: real estate, entertainment, film and is a mental health advocate.  Shenetta is the current International Ms. USA 2021 and has held several other titles. 

 She is the CEO of her real estate company, The PMs Of The City.  Her interest in the film and entertainment fields has led her to be Production Assistant for America's Got Talent and the production of her first music video, "Baby Freestyle," as well as roles in other productions.

Perhaps her finest achievement has been in the area of mental health.  She is the founding president of Empowerment Essence, a Maryland charitable organization that works on eradicating bullying and suicides among youth and young adults.  If you would like to help, you can find information at www.EmpowermentEssence.org

Shenetta's motto is Give God Glory!

Connie Has Something to Share About National Fatima Rosary Day!

 

NATIONAL FATIMA ROSARY DAY

Saturday, October 16, 2021

On Saturday, October 16th starting at NOON, St. Elizabeth Parish will say the Rosary in front of the church with thousands of churches across the country. 

Connie has something to share about the Rosary:

Click Here

You can learn more about Our Lady of the Rosary HERE 

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Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Fr. Jim's Jots

Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time 

October 10, 2021

Fr. Jim's Jots

Greetings!

I want to give a big Congratulations to our parishioner Larry Williford!  On October 1, 2021, Larry was inducted into the Virginia Union University Sports Hall of Fame!  Larry attended VUU and graduated in 1977.  In 1973, the team won the CIAA Football Championship, the first championship in 50 years!  Larry and his wife Barbara have been members of the parish for many years now.  We are so blessed to have Larry sing in our Gospel Choir.

Please pray for the priests of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond who will be away next week for our Convocation in Harrisonburg, VA.  There will be NO daily Mass next week or the following week: Oct. 13, 15, 20 and 22.  

After Mass on Sunday, Oct. 17, I am traveling to Michigan for a few days and will return on Friday, Oct. 22, 2021.

If you are a parent of a child, please make sure you're signed up for Religious Education.  To sign up, you can email Liz at lizw.rva@gmail.com, call the parish office, or see the registration forms in the back of Church.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim

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HANDS FOR PRAYER - Adult Faith Formation ~ Information Provided by Rita Hatchett

 

You are invited to join our monthly "Family of Faith" Prayer Series Adult Faith Formation!

Our Prayer Series begins October 20th over Zoom from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.  You don't need any materials, though you may wish to take notes.  The sessions are open to all adults at St. Elizabeth.

Monthly Topics and Dates for the Prayer Series, Wednesdays at 6 p.m. are the following:

October 20 - What is Prayer and Prayer in Salvation History

November 17 - Jesus Teaches us How to Pray and Our Father: The Summary of the Whole Gospel

December 15 - The Our Father - first 3 petitions

January 19 ~ The Our Father - last 4 petitions and the Holy Spirit and Prayer

February 16 - Praying to the Virgin Mary and Expressions of Prayer

March 16 - Praying with Scripture and Forms of Prayer

April 13 - The Battle of Prayer and the Communion of Saints

To Enroll:  Contact Rita at Rhatchett1@verizon.net or call her at 804-229-1999.

Use the link below to join us for the first session at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, October 20th!

https://uso2web.zoom.us/j/9280346977

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Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

October 3, 2021

Fr. Jim's Jots

Greetings!

Congratulations to two of our St. Elizabeth parishioners who were honored at the October 25th, 2021 Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities Awards.  The Mission of VCIC is to "Achieve success through inclusion."  The Virginia Center for inclusive Communities works with schools, businesses and communities to achieve success by addressing prejudices in all forms in order to improve academic achievements, increase workplace productivity, and enhance local trust.

The VCIC has awarded Anne B. Holton the Distinguished Virginian Award and to Ken W. Soistman the Humanitarian Award!  These honors are presented to individuals that have demonstrated a commitment to the promotion of respect and understanding among people of diverse races, ethnic and religious backgrounds.  Congratulations to Anne and Ken!  We at St. Elizabeth are blessed to have you members of our parish.

Also Overby-Sheppard Elementary School thanked St. Elizabeth for the box of headphones and school supplies.  Thanks you to all who have helped in any way!

Fall Blessings,

Fr. Jim  

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