A Little Early History of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Rev. Thomas Edward Mitchell, Third Pastor Of St. Elizabeth's ~ Letter provided by Fr. Jim

 

 

July 27, 2025

Dear Fr. Arsenault,

Although I reside in Northern Virginia, I receive St. Elizabeth's bulletin by email weekly and enjoy reading of parish activities.  That interest accrues from the fact that my maternal uncle, Thomas Edward Mitchell, was the third pastor of the church from 1947 until his death in 1950.  Before that assignment, he was the first Dean of Social Work at the Catholic University of America, Director of Catholic Charities of the Richmond Diocese, Parochial Vicar in several Virginia parishes and a seminarian at St. Mary's in Baltimore and the North American College in Rome.  He was ordained at St. John Lateran's Church in Rome in 1927.  I am  attaching several articles from "The Catholic Virginian" written about him at the time of his death.

When he was on the faculty at Catholic University, "Uncle Tom" became an important presence in my life during my growing up in Staunton and Washington.  I admired him greatly.  I am writing a short account of his priestly life, that includes a brief but productive time at St. Elizabeth's, when he reopened the parochial school.  Research for that work will take me to Richmond in the coming months, at which time I hope to make your acquaintance.

(Final paragraph omitted since not relevant to the history of St. Elizabeth)

I join Uncle Tom in asking God's blessings upon you and your parishioners of St. Elizabeth of Hungary.

(Mr.) Ashley L. Hawken

 

A Joyful Day! - Milandu "Nene" Kizenge, Parishioner of St. Elizabeth Gains Citizenship! - June 4, 2025 ~ Photo and Commentary by Anne Gibbons and Deacon Chris Barrett

 St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

June 4, 2025

Welcoming a New Citizen

On June 4, 2025, parishioner Milandu "Nene" Kizenge became a U.S. Citizen.  Originally from the Republic of the Congo, Nene came with her two sons through a refugee resettlement program in South Africa five years ago.  She has since been joined by her husband Denis and now has a third son.

We are so proud of Nene and all our African families who work so hard to make a new life for themselves.  Joining her for the happy occasion were (left to right) Leslie Saul, Anne Gibbons, Nene, Nancy and Joe Kunkel.

 

CPR/First Aid/AED Training at St. E's - July 12, 2025 ~ Photos and Commentary by Eva Wiznerowicz

 St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

CPR/First Aid/AED Training

July 12, 2025

On July 12th, 10 parishioners volunteered to receive Adult and Pediatric CPR/First Aid/AED training from the American Red Cross.  The training took place in the Parish Hall.  The cost of the training and the purchase of the AED was covered by the Diocesan Home Mission Grant.  St. Elizabeth Catholic Church applies for this grant every year and this year's application for the AED and training was approved.

The AED has been installed by the statue of St. Joseph in the Church.

~ Photos and Commentary by Eva Wicznerowicz

FATHER JIM'S JOTS - St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - July 20, 2025

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

July 20, 2025

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Greetings!

Today is the third Sunday of July which means we are holding a second collection to support our Haiti Ministry and twining partner, Beyond Borders, that works toward overcoming poverty, preventing violence and developing local leadership in Haiti.  Thank you for your ongoing support, prayers and generosity!

I'm sure you noticed the construction on site and that Commonwealth Catholic Charities (CCC) has started moving ground for the affordable housing development.  Note that our parking lot which is half on CCC's property will be used.  We will, however, regain parking spots once the building project is completed.

The official ground breaking ceremony for CCC will take place on Sunday, August 24 at about 9:10 a.m. in between our 8:30 a.m. Mass and 10 a.m. Masses.  Msgr. Walter Barrett will be here on that Sunday, as well as, Bishop Barry Knestout at the 10 a.m. Mass.  I will be at Saint Michaels in Glen Allen selling raffle tickets and the priest celebrant at all 5 Masses.  This date was planned before the date of the Bishop coming for CCC's groundbreaking.  I am sorry to miss the groundbreaking, but Fr. Dan at St. Mike's made plans to be away and we need the raffle funds.

Please see the info in the bulletin about the pilgrimage to the Basilica of St. Mary the Immaculate Conception on Tuesday, September 16th departing St. Elizabeth at 8 a.m. and returning about 5 p.m.  The cost is $50 if you want to go.  But if the cost is too expensive, see Fr. Jim.  Seats are limited.  The signup has already started.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

~ Image Source 

 

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - RISC Ministry Celebration at 2nd Baptist Church - June 2, 2025 ~ Photo and Commentary by Anne Gibbons

 St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

RISC Ministry Celebration

2nd Baptist Church

June 2, 2025

RISC - Richmonders Involved to Strengthen Our Communities, an organization made up of congregations from throughout Richmond, Henrico and Chesterfield.  RISC uses the power of large numbers of organized people to solve critical community problems.

Members of St. Elizabeth RISC joined in the annual Justice Ministry Celebration held on Monday, June 2nd at Second Baptist Church where we celebrated the accomplishments of the past year.

St. Elizabeth members from left to right are David Liggan, Joan Izzo, Sister Tsega, Cheryl Mayo, Anne Gibbons, Sister Mary, Larry Williford, Connie Hom  and Bob Cohn.

 

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Pentecost Witness for Justice and a Moral Budget - June 10, 2025 ~ Photos and Commentary by Anne Gibbons

 St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Pentecost Witness for Justice and a Moral Budget

Washington, DC

June 10, 2025

Pentecost Witness for Justice and a Moral Budget was a public event held at the U.S. Capitol on June 10th, after Pentecost Sunday, to advocate for the needs of vulnerable populations and a more just budget.

Christians from a variety of denominations, including several Catholic organizations, held a procession, vigil and had opportunities for faith leaders and congregants to meet with senators.  Anne Gibbons was one of St. E's attendees at this witness.

The event aimed to address cuts to healthcare, nutrition programs and other vital social services that impact marginalized communities.

FATHER JIM'S JOTS - St. Elizabeth Church - Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - July 13, 2025

St. Elizabeth Church

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

July 13, 2025

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Greetings!

I am sure you have noticed that Commonwealth Catholic Charities Affordable Housing site work started on the former St. Elizabeth School and Convent grounds.  I am sorry we have lost a number of our parking spots due to this construction, but we will regain the same number of parking spaces once construction is finished. This will be in effect until the project is completed.  Because of the limited number of spaces in the parking lot, please make every effort to use street parking near the Church to provide closer and accessible parking in the lot for those who need it, but don't park illegally blocking driveways or alleys.

Liz has kicked off her special summer school Tusome Pamoja ("Let's Learn Together" in Swahili) with a great number of students and volunteers.  The volunteers are high school students who help students with reading, English and math.  Special thanks to all!!

Because of the construction on our parish site we are NOT having a Jazz Festival but we need your help!  I am asking each household to please take 3 books of Raffle tickets.  Each book is worth $20.00.  Please consider selling or purchasing $60.00 worth of Raffle tickets.  This is our once-a-year major fund raiser.  

Also I hope you noticed last week's regular offertory collection of $8,354.  Thank you for your generosity!  We have begun our new fiscal year, please consider an increase in your regular offertory.  May the Lord reward you for your prayers, kindness and generosity.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor 

~ Image Source

St. Elizabeth Church - Scripture Class End of Season Get Together - Saturday, June 28, 2025 ~ Photos and Commentary by Shelley Allmond

 St. Elizabeth Church

Scripture Class End of Season Get Together

Saturday, June 28, 2025

Northside Grill

St. E. Family,

What a wonderful time we had this afternoon!  The food was great, our waitress was sweet and fellowship as always, AWESOME!

We all appreciate the opportunity to be with each other to celebrate Rita and thank her for her dedication to our scripture class.  So, once again:  Thank you Rita!!

Those who could not be with us, know you were Missed!!

Come September, we'll read about Job's (Jab's) blessings and restoration.  His story isn't over and neither is ours.

What an awesome God we serve.

 

FATHER JIM'S JOTS - St. Elizabeth Church - Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - July 6, 2025

St. Elizabeth Church

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

July 6, 2025

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

 Greetings!!

As you may have noticed in the vestments, altar cloths and even the colors in the bulletin, we have returned to the greens of Ordinary Time.  Ordinary Time begins on the Monday after the Sunday following January 6 and continues until the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.  It begins again on the Monday after Pentecost and ends before the First Sunday of Advent.  Today is the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time.  We have been in Ordinary Time since June 9th; but since there are so many feast days that take place on a Sunday after Pentecost, today marks the first Sunday since the beginning of March that green is the Liturgical color.

When we see the word 'ordinary' we might think of the words plain, unremarkable, common, etc.... but in terms of the Liturgical Season, Ordinary is derived from the Latin word Ordinalis, meaning ordinal or numbered.  This Liturgical Season focuses on Christ and His public ministry.  As we hear about the ordinary life of Christ in the Scriptures, let us find, cherish and uplift the ordinary moments in our lives in which we can find Christ and the Father's many blessings.  Many times in my homilies you hear me reference "Ora et Labora" (Pray and work).  During this Ordinary Time, let us commit to not just thoughtful prayer and reflection on the Holy Scriptures but to also put our faith into action through the teachings of Christ.

Your help is needed.  This week starts the beginning of the New Fiscal Year.  We are growing as a parish community.  Our income needs to meet our expectations.  We have submitted our annual budget to the Catholic Diocese of Richmond.  Our yearly budget is $365,000.00 and the need for our weekly offertory is $7,019.00.  You will see all this information, the weekly offering amount and how much of our budget had been met in "Our Parish" section of the bulletin with the collection information starting next week.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

 ~ Image Source

A Trip to Virginia Beach for the Children - St. Elizabeth Church - Umoja Family Ministry - June 28, 2025 ~ Photos by Liz Wiznerowicz

 St. Elizabeth Church

Umoja Family Ministry

Children's Trip to Virginia Beach

June 28, 2025

 

FATHER JIM'S JOTS - Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul - June 29, 2025

 St. Elizabeth Church

Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul

June 29, 2025

 

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Greetings!!

Today we celebrate and remember Saints Peter and Paul, the Apostles who gave witness to Christ and continue to inspire Christians throughout the centuries.  

St. Peter is the patron saint of the City of Rome, fishermen, net makers and shipbuilders.

St. Paul is one of the many patron saints of missionaries, evangelists, writers and public workers.  Please pray for the modern day Catholic Missionary who sacrifices so much to spread the Gospel and our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV who is the successor of Saint Peter.  

Saints Peter and Paul were both martyred, so we use red liturgical colors this Sunday to honor them.  Next week you will see on the altar, vestments and in the bulletin the return to the greens of Ordinary Time.

This weekend, we welcome Msgr. Walter Barrett who will be the celebrant at our Sunday Masses.  It is always a delight to have Msgr. Walter at St. Elizabeth.  This weekend I am away doing the Diocesan Mission Appeal.  I have been asked to be at Saint John the Apostle Catholic Church in Virginia Beach.  St. John's is a big and busy parish in the Sandbridge part of VA Beach.  They have four Masses and confessions so it will be a full weekend.  Pray that the parish is generous and they help our parish of St. Elizabeth.

Starting next week with the start of the new fiscal year, please notice in both the printed and emailed versions of the bulletin, we will give more info on our yearly budget and our weekly collections.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor  

~ Image Source