Fr. Jim's Jots - Feast of the Baptism of the Lord - January 9, 2022

 Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

January 9, 2022

Artist: Davezelenka

Fr. Jim's Jots

With the start of a New Year and the first snow storm, it sure is winter!  Stay warm and safe.  Wow, what a traffic jam on I-95 this week with our own Senator Tim Kaine stuck between Richmond and the U.S. Capitol.  I was impressed (and not surprised) that Senator Kaine chose not to have any special treatment.  Rather, he endured this weather nightmare with his fellow travelers.  He is an example of being one with the people.  Throughout the years, Anne and Tim have always been one with us.

* Our Social Justice, Parish Council and Finance Council have met or plan to meet.  We are off and running into the New Year.

* I understand the concern and about the last rise in COVID cases.  You are welcome to attend Mass via ZOOM Sunday at 9 a.m. if you or anyone in your household has health issues.  We will miss you in person, but please, your health and well-being must come first.

* Special thanks to all who helped for the celebration Mass last Sunday when Bishop Barry Knestout officially installed me as your pastor.  I pray that I will be able to do a good job and help our parish.

Blessings for the New Year,

+Fr. Jim

~ Image source

Fr. Jim's Jots ~ Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, January 10 2021

 The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

Fr. Jim's Jots

During this challenging and difficult time, we need your help to run the Zoom Mass from Church on Sundays.  The following help is needed:

We need someone to unlock the church at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday and turn on the lights.

We need someone to help with the Zoom Mass at 10:00 a.m. This includes turning on 3 laptops, log all 3 unto Zoom and turn on the balcony camera and projector next to the piano.

During the Mass, stand by the piano laptop and unmute when Mass starts.  Shut down all equipment after Mass and turn off lights and lock Church.

This person can coordinate with Connie to determine a schedule and emergency backup plan.

Your help is needed.

Blessings and Thanks,

Fr. Jim

 

~ Image Source

Fr. Jim's Jots - The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, 1.12.2020

Baptism of the Lord!

Mark your calendars: you are invited to a concert with several choirs to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Friday, January 17th at 7 p.m. here at Saint Elizabeth Catholic Church.  The choirs included are All Saints Catholic School Choir, Saint Luke Lutheran Church Choir, Trinity Baptist Church Choir and our own Saint Elizabeth Gospel Choir.  All are invited.  I hope you can attend.  A reception will follow.

On January 17th, we will celebrate 12 noon Mass.  I'm hoping that the attendance of our 12 noon Mass will increase.  Following Mass, we will have a light lunch, with homemade pea/ham soup made by your own priest, Rev. Jim Arsenault.  Bingo will follow after lunch.

Now is the time to consider a Mass Intention to be put on our parish calendar for the New Year.  If you have a loved one who has died and you wish to have a Mass offered in their name, in remembrances of their birth or death, please contact the parish office and schedule a Mass Intention.  The Mass Intention will be put in our parish bulletin and placed on the Altar and their name will be recited during the Mass for their intention.

Special thanks for all those who are working so hard to have our church be more "green friendly" and care for our environment and coming home. In this effort we invite you to continue to try using our drinking fountain with a renewable/reusable beverage container.

Also, thank you to those who have picked up your 2020 donation envelope boxes.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim



~ Image Source: Emerging Scholars

First Baptism of the New Year - Baby Ellie Frances is Baptized at St. Elizabeth, 1.12.2020 ~ Photos by EJCooley

Deacon Chris blesses the water!

Look at that sweet smile!

~ Photos by EJCooley

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