FR. JIM'S JOTS ~ St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - July 19, 2026

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

July 19, 2026

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Greetings,

Last Sunday, our parish was able to raise $1,051.35 for our brothers and sisters affected by the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela.  Let us all continue to keep them in our hearts and prayers as they rebuild.

With the wild fires in Canada, we pray for our common home and that the environment will be able to recover quickly.  We also pray for the lives and safety of the brave fire fighters and first responders currently fighting those fires.

Beyond Borders Haiti Twinning Update:  On this third Sunday of the month, we once again take up a second collection to support our Haiti twinning partner, Beyond Borders.  Your generousity continues to support educational initiatives, as well as, resources to lift up the Dorvil family from extreme poverty.  Additionally, St. Elizabeth joins ths U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in strongly advocating for the extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals.  Want to know more about our partnership?  Contact Haiti Ministry chair, Anne Gibbons, at gibbons@lynchburg.edu.

I hope everyone is having a great summer.  Please stay safe and cool!

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

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FATHER JIM'S JOTS - St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Fourth Sunday of Easter - "Good Shepherd Sunday" - April 26, 2026

 St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Fourth Sunday of Easter

April 26, 2026

"Good Shepherd Sunday"

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Greetings,

This Sunday we welcome the members of the St. Teresa Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.  The St. Teresa of Calcutta Conference is made up of members from St. Bridget Catholic Church, Holy Rosary Catholic Church and our parish.  Vincentians work to promote housing stability for low income individuals who live within the three parish boundaries.  The St. Teresa Conference provides payments to landlords for rent and security deposits and to power, water and gas utilities to avert service disconnections.  During the last fiscal year, the conference provided about $70,000 in total direct aid and goods.

If you are interested in learning more or volunteering some time to become a member of the ministry, please see Sister Anns James after Mass or email her at:  anns@stelizcc.org.

I am very happy to announce that we are starting work for our 2026 Picture Directory!  The last time we published a parish directory was in 2021.  Our Parish has changed and grown so much during the time since then, so this seemed like a much-needed project.

Our first photo date will be May 3rd after both Masses.  We will have a few additional dates after that but would prefer to have most photos taken on that Sunday.  Each family will get one photo to be included in the directory.  If you do not want your photo to be included but would still like your contact information published, that is also possible.  Mary Romanello, a St. Elizabeth Parishioner and owner of Romanello Photography, will be working with us for the photography needed for the directory.  We will also need volunteers to help with proofing the directory before it is printed so please let the office know if you would like to help!  Thank you Mary for helping us get started with this wonderful project!

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

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FATHER JIM'S JOTS - Saint Elizabeth Catholic Church - Laetare Sunday - Fourth Sunday of Lent - March 15, 2026

Saint Elizabeth Catholic Church

Fourth Sunday of Lent

Laetare Sunday

March 15, 2026

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

 

Greetings!

Next week, several members from the Catholic Women's Club will visit at our 10 a.m. Mass and they are providing coffee and donuts after the 10 a.m. Mass.  A big thank you to the CWC for their support and presence.

Our progress on the Annual Diocesan Appeal is going very well.  As of this past week, we have reached 96% of our goal with $17,315 from 44 households.  We have $655 left to reach our goal.  Thank you to everyone who has supported this through your financial support and prayers.  I will give our final update next Sunday as the Diocese will update their data and send it our way on Tuesday.

Our Parish is growing and our Faith Formation Ministry is in need of more volunteers.  This ministry is extremely important as it provides our children the foundational knowledge of our faith and prepares them to receive sacraments and to become active participants in our church community.  The children are the future of our Parish.  The time commitment is small, only a few hours on the weekends that you are available.  Catechists, drivers and help with food pick-up are needed.  The only requirements are current VIRTUS Training (which we will help you with if you don't have) and a commitment to serving the children of our parish.  Faith Formation classes start after Easter.  If you would like to serve in this ministry or would like to learn more, please contact our Director of Religious Education, Liz Wiznerowicz, at religioused@stelizcc.org.

The following prayer is an excerpt from St. Patrick's Prayer for Protection.

Christ with me, Christ before me,

Christ behind me, Christ in me,

Christ beneath me, Christ above me,

Christ on my right, Christ on my left,

Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise,

Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,

Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,

Christ in every eye that sees me,

Christ in every ear that hears me.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

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FATHER JIM'S JOTS - St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Second Sunday of Lent - March 1, 2026 - The Transfiguration

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Second Sunday of Lent 

March 1, 2026

Feast of the Transfiguration

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

 Greetings,

This week we continue our collections for the Annual Diocesan Appeal.  If you would like to give with cash or check, you can pick up an envelope from one of the ushers or you can give online by scanning the QR code in this bulletin.  I am happy to announce that we are already halfway to our goal of $17,970, having received $9,095 from 17 households.  Thank you to all who have contributed financially and with your prayers.  St. Elizabeth receives lots of support from the Diocese every year and we get back much more than our Annual Appeal Goal.  So far in 2026, we have received $38,000 in grants from the Diocese.  There are a few more grants that we apply for annually that are due later in the year that are not yet part of this total.

Thank you to all who assisted with the Prayer Service and Stations of the Cross with the Diocesan Office for Black Catholics (OBC) this past Friday.  It was wonderful for Fr. Tochi Iwuji, Director of the OBC, to invite us to be part of this event and to host it.

I attended a gathering of Christian clergy at First Baptist Church on February 27th concerning immigration in Richmond.  Fr. Shay Auerbach, pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Southside and myself attended to represent our parishes and Catholics in Richmond.  The statement that was issued during this meeting stated: "To all our fellow Christians: this is a moment that calls for moral seriousness not indifference.  We do not presume that every Christian must respond in the same way.  But are convinced that none of us is permitted to respond with silence, cruelty or apathy."

This meeting of clergy in Richmond continues the efforts asked by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) last year.  Below is an excerpt from the November 12, 2025 statement from the USCCB regardfing the treatment of immigrants in the United States.  I encourage you to read the entire document online or at our link in our E-Bulletin.

"Despite obstacles and prejudices, generations of immigrants have made enormous contributions to the well-being of our nation.  We as Catholic bishops love our country and pray for its peace and prosperity.  For this very reason, we feel compelled now in this environment to raise our voices in defense of God-given human dignity.  Catholic teaching exhorts nations to recognize the fundamental dignity of all persons, including immigrants.  We bishops advocate for a meaningful reform of our nation's immigration laws and procedures.  Human dignity and national security are not in conflict.  Both are possible if people of good will work together."  - USCCB on Immigration (November 12, 2025)

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

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FATHER JIM'S JOTS - St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time - February 15, 2026

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

February 15, 2026

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Greetings,

Today is the last Sunday in Ordinary Time before Lent starts.  During Lent, we seek the Lord in prayer by reading Sacred Scripture; we serve by giving alms and we practice self control through fasting.  We are called not only to abstain from luxuries during Lent, but to a true inner conversion of heart as we seek to follow Christ's will more faithfully.  Ash Wednesday Mass will be at 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. in the church and Adoration will follow the 5 p.m. Mass.

Here are three tips to deepen your relationship with God during the 40 days of Lent. 1) Participate in the sacraments.  2) Help those in need around you.  3) Sacrifice something that's hard for you.

There are three main components of Lent:  Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving.  Making a commitment to do more of these things helps deepen our relationship with God.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has an online database of prayers for different causes and occasions:  www.usccb.org/prayers.  If you need a place to help you get started to add more prayer to your life, I encourage you to go to this website and find some different prayers that are meaningful to you. 

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics.  In addition, Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence.

For Catholics, the norms on fasting are obligatory from age 18 until age 59.  When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as, two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal.  All Catholics aged 14 and up abstain from consuming meat that is not fish or shellfish as abstinence laws consider that meat comes from animals such as chickens, cows, sheep or pigs --- all of which live on land.

By the usher's table are materials for Scripture readings and reflections and Catholic Relief Rice Bowls.  These materials are free and I encourage all households to take one of each for their family.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

~ Information regarding Lent from usccb.org

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FATHER JIM'S JOTS - St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Second Sunday in Ordinary Time - January 18, 2026

Saint Elizabeth Catholic Church

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

January 18, 2026

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Greetings,

I am currently in Michigan making a visit to my sister, but I will be back in Richmond on Tuesday.  I thank Msgr. Richard Mooney for celebrating our Sunday Masses in my absence.

Those who are raised in the Catholic Faith are baptized before the age of 7 and receive their other two Sacraments of Initiation, First Communion and Confirmation at different times.  Those who are not baptized before the age of 7 are asked to go through the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA).  This is because Canon Law recognizes 7 years old to be the "age of reason".

Code of Canon Law Can. 97 §2: "A minor before the completion of the seventh year is called an infant and is considered not responsible for oneself (non sui compos).  With the completion of the seventh year, however, a minor is presumed to have the use of reason."

This means that those who are 7-years-old and older go through formation in OCIA and receive Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation at the same time.  If you were baptized in a Christian religion but never received First Communion or Confirmation in the Catholic Church or you have never received any Sacraments and you are interested in becoming Catholic, I invite you to join our OCIA classes that start at the end of January.

I will be leading the first several classes when I return from Michigan.  This article from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops explains the steps of OCIA if you are interested in learning more about the process.  You can read it by visiting bit.ly/usccb-ocia online.  Or you can email me or our Director of OCIA, Chris Metzger at ocia@stelizcc.org.

Lastly, next week, January 25th, marks the start of Celebrate Catholic Schools Week!  All Saints Catholic School (ASCS) is just down the road from our Parish on Noble Ave.  ASCS is part of our parish, as we contribute every year for children to pursue their education.  ASCS came into existence in 1982, a mergfer between St. Elizabeth Parish School and St. Paul's Parish School.  The present building was at one time St. Paul's School.  In 2004, St. Patrick's merged into All Saints School.  Van de Vyver school served students for 50+ years from 1910 to 1969.  Some of its families' subsequent generations have gone on to attend All Saints.  See this bulletin for more information about supporting our schools and enrolling your students!

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

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FATHER JIM'S JOTS - St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Feast of the Epiphany - January 4, 2026

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Feast of the Epiphany

January 4, 2026

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Greetings,

Today we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord!  Epiphany has several meanings, including "manifestation" or "sudden insight."  In the context of the feast, it means that the God-man Jesus Christ was manifested to the world, as represented by the Magi and different peoples from whom they came.

On the feast of the Epiphany, many Catholics bless their homes by writing the letters C, M and B and the numbers of the year on the top of their front door frame with chalk.

For example, for the year 2026, it would look like this:  20 + C + M + B + 26.

This combination of letters and numbers holds a special meaning.  The initials have two meanings.  Historically, they refer to the names traditionally attributed to the Magi:  Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar.  Spiritually, they refer to the blessing itself, represented by the Latin prayer:  "Christus, mansionem benedicat" (May Christ Bless this house); the crosses recall our salvation in Christ.

There are many ways to celebrate Epiphany.  There are traditions such as the one above, eating king cakes, special prayers and most importantly, going to Mass.  Click HERE to view the entire prayer for blessing your home and household on Epiphany from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.  In this new year, we pray for peace in our world, safety for youth and children as they return to school and for unity in our communities.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

~ Definition for Epiphany from etwn.com

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FATHER JIM'S JOTS - St Elizabeth Catholic Church - Feast of the Holy Family - December 28, 2025

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Feast of the Holy Family

December 28, 2025

 FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Greetings,

Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family.  The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph should inspire us in our lives and in our interactions with our families.  Throughout the year, we read Gospel stories that show the support that Joseph and Mary offered to each other and Jesus.  As we read about the Flight to Egypt in today's Gospel, let us think of and pray for the refugee families around the world who flee violence and seek safety.

The holiday season can be a stressful time for many, and I know that it is not easy for some to get along with family.  It can be easy to be impatient, quick to anger and worry about not everything being perfect.  Let us remember that the most important part of this season is Jesus Christ, Redeemer and Savior of our world.  Pray that we may be more like the Holy Family.

"Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.  Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."  (Philippians 4:6-7)

"JESUS, Son of God and Son of Mary, bless our family.  Graciously inspire in us the unity, peace and mutual love that you found in your own family in the little town of Nazareth.

MARY, Mother of Jesus and Our Mother, nourish our family with your faith and your love.  Keep us close to your Son, Jesus, in all our sorrows and joys.

JOSEPH, Foster father to Jesus, guardian and spouse of Mary, keep our family safe from harm.  Help us in all times of discouragement or anxiety.

HOLY FAMILY OF NAZARETH, make our family one with you.  Help us to be instruments of peace.  Grant that love, strengthened by grace, may prove mightier than all the weaknesses and trials through which our families sometimes pass.  May we always have God at the center of our hearts and homes until we are all one family, happy and at peace in our true home with you.  Amen."

Lastly, we will have Mass for the Vigil of the Solemnity of Mary and for peace in the new year on Wednesday, December 31st at 5 p.m.  We will have a potluck following the Mass and you can sign up to bring a dish by scanning the QR code or visiting the link in this bulletin.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

~ Prayer from the Missionaries of ther Holy Family

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FATHER JIM'S JOTS - St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Fourth Sunday of Advent - December 21, 2025

Saint Elizabeth Catholic Church

Fourth Sunday of Advent

December 21, 2025

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Greetings,

Today, we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Advent!  We are only a few days away from Christmas!  I encourage everyone to come to the children's program at 5 p.m. before Chrisatmas Eve Mass.  All of our young children have been rehearsing for many weeks now and your support would mean so much to them.  The program will consist of four short scenes with narrators and actors.  Inbetween scenes and before Mass starts we will be singing Christmas carols and hymns with the choir.  Mass will start at 6 p.m.

Our Christmas Mass Schedule is the following:

Christmas Eve - Wednesday, December 24th:  Reconciliation Service from 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.

Christmas Eve - Wednesday, December 24th:  Children's Program at 5 p.m., Vigil Mass at 6 p.m.

Christmas Day - Thursday, December 25th:  Mass at 9 a.m.

New Year's Eve - December 31st:  Mass for Peace and Vigil of the Solemnity of Mary. Mass at 5 p.m. (Potluck afterwards!  Sign-up today!)

Our annual raffle was a great success this year!  The net total (after all expenses) was $22,339.19.  All funds raised will go to the general operating fund of the church.  This is our biggest annual fundraiser and will make a big impact in the coming year.  Thank you  to everyone who participated!  With the delays in the construction of our new parish center, we will most likely need to wait another year to hold our Jazz Festival, but we will hold the raffle again in 2026.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

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FATHER JIM'S JOTS - St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Third Sunday of Advent - Gaudete Sunday - December 14, 2025

 St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Third Sunday of Advent

Gaudete Sunday

December 14, 2025

 FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Greetings,

Today, we celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent!  This Sunday is also known as Gaudete Sunday (Gaudete - the Latin word for "Rejoice").  If you attend 8:30 a.m. Mass, you will hear this Sunday's Entrance Antiphon:  "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say rejoice.  Indeed, the Lord is near."  The Entrance Antiphon comes from the Missal, and we speak it before the 8:30 a.m. Mass if there is no opening hymn.

We are 10 days away before we celebrate the Birth of Christ.  This Sunday, we rejoice that "the Lord is near" and for the next 10 days we should continue to prepare our hearts, minds and souls for the Christmas season.  For one or a few days, I encourage you to join the online Rosary group that meets every day at 7 p.m. (Zoom link is on our website).  We will hold Confessions from 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. on December 24th.

Our Christmas Mass Schedule is the following:

Christmas Eve - Wednesday, December 24th:  Reconciliation Service from 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.

Christmas Eve - Wednesday, December 24th:  Children's Program at 5 p.m., Vigil Mass at 6 p.m.

Christmas Day - Thursday, December 25th:  Mass at 9 a.m.

New Years' Eve - December 31st:  Mass for Peace and Vigil of the Solemnity of Mary:  Mass at 5 p.m.

I would like to say congratulations to the winners of our Annual Raffle that was drawn on Homecoming Sunday.  The prizes went to friends of the Parish and parishioners, The Meyrieux Family, Delores Thompson and Ray Murray.

Lastly, I would like to say thank you to everyone who participated in the Christmas Giving Tree!  It means so much to our parish and community families that children will have presents for Christmas.  There has also been a tremendous response to our Parish Food Pantry.  Thank you for all of your support!  If you would like to learn more about contributin to our food pantry, please speak to Sister Mary Mwangi on Sundays or email her at mmwangi@stelizcc.org.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

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FATHER JIM'S JOTS - St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time - September 28, 2025

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

September 28, 2025

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Greetings!

I would like to invite everyone to the concert that our Gospel Choir is holding to celebrate their 47th Anniversary!  It will be later today in the church at 4 p.m.  There will also be music performed by our Swahili Umoja Choir, the choirs of Holy Rosary and St. Bridget Catholic Churches, and The Chapel.  There will be a light reception in the Parish Hall afterwards.  Congrats to the Choir!

I am encouraging everyone who is interested to sign up for the Catholic Funeral Planning Seminar next Sunday.  We need to estimate how many people are planning on attending to make sure there will be enough materials and refreshments for everyone.  To sign up, call Eva in the Parish Office (804-329-4599 ext.10) or send her an email (evabalkarli@stelizcc.org).  This is a free seminar and lead by Maggie Keenan, Director of Planned Giving for Catholic Community Foundation of the Diocese of Richmond.  The information provided in the seminar will be helpful for Wills, Trusts, Catholic Advanced Medical Directives, Catholic Funeral Mass & Burial Planning and Guardianship.  I encourage you to attend and sign-up today!

Lastly, I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the Haiti collection last Sunday.  The total collected was $788.00.  These funds will be used to support our twinning partner organization, Beyond Borders.  Thank you for your prayers and financial support!

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

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FATHER JIM'S JOTS - St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time - September 7, 2025

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

September 7, 2025

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Greetings,

Commonwealth Catholic Charities is celebrating their groundbreaking for their affordable housing project that is taking shape behind our Parish on our former school grounds on September 21st.

Because of this, our 8:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday, September 21st will be short as the groundbreaking ceremony will start at 9 a.m.  All are invited to stay after 8:30 Mass or come at 9 a.m. to attend.  Bishop Barry Knestout will be present for the groundbreaking and he will also be celebrating our 10 a.m. Mass.

If you are not planning to attend the 9 a.m. groundbreaking, but will be attending 10 a.m. Mass, please plan to arrive early to account for parking as we expect to have many people here for the event at 9 a.m. who will stay for the 10 a.m. Mass.  After 10 a.m. Mass, there will be a light reception provided by Commonwealth Catholic Charities of sweet breads, pastries and coffee.  All are welcome to attend.

On October 5th after the 10 a.m. Mass, we will hold a Catholic Funeral Planning presentation led by Catholic Community Foundation of Richmond.  They will provide information and resources on how to prepare in advance for a Catholic funeral and your last wishes after your passing.  They will also be able to answer any questions you may have about this process.  This information can be extremely valuable to families after a loved one passes as it makes the process of planning the funeral and celebrating their loved one's life very easy and manageable.  Light refreshments will be served during the meeting.  Please see the bulletin or the flyer on the kiosk by the church front doors for more information!

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor  

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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

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FATHER JIM'S JOTS - St. Elizabeth Church - First Sunday of Lent - March 9, 2025

St. Elizabeth Church

First Sunday of Lent

March 9, 2025

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

This week's jot is about almsgiving.  This Sunday, we are going to have a letter read at Mass about the wonderful success of our Capital Campaign - Our Campaign for Tomorrow.  We will be building a new parish center to meet our needs of a safe space for classrooms, parish offices and meeting spaces.  The building will be handicap accessible with an elevator.  We will continue to need your faithful payments on your pledge.  To help with this effort we will be providing special "Capital Campaign Envelopes".  They will be available soon and the ushers will have them in the back of church.  Please take them home and return with your check towards your pledge.  Please make sure you indicate in the Memo line of your check, "Capital Campaign" in order for your payment to be recorded correctly.  The letter read at today's Mass is included here and is also on the kiosk and website with our most current building renderings!

Soon we will also start once a month Envelopes for our Haiti Ministry and partner, Beyond Borders.  As a parish community we have chosen to help Beyond Borders and have been making a donation of $750 per month for this effort.  The funds that are being used come from our designated Haiti checking account.  Currently we have a balance of $3,557.81 and this amount will cover about four more months.  We will have a second collection for Haiti once a month starting after Easter. The Haiti Beyond Borders envelopes will also be available in the back of church.

Lastly, we are challenged again to participate in the Catholic Diocese of Richmond Annual Appeal.  Many of you have already received a mailing and we will be handing our Annual Appeal envelopes this Sunday and next Sunday.  As your priest, I don't like talking about money but I wanted to thank you and bring you up to date.  Thank you for your prayers and generosity.

Lenten Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

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FATHER JIM'S JOTS - Feast of the Presentation of the Lord - St. Elizabeth Church - February 2, 2025

St. Elizabeth Church

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

February 2, 2025

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

We wish to thank Kim Bragg who has been out parish council president for the past several years.  Kim is stepping down from this leadership role but will remain an active member of our parish.  Tinka Amouzouvi-McIntosh has agreed to be our New Parish Council President.  We also wish to thank Joe Kunkel who has been a member of the parish council and is stepping down.  We are looking for several new members to join our Parish Council.  If you wish to be a member, please contact Tinka at tinika.mcintosh@gmail.com.

We are pleased to offer the R.C.I.A. class on Sundays after the 10 a.m. Mass for adults who wish to learn more about becoming Catholic or who would like to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Please contact Chris and Beng Metzger at metzger.christopher@gmail.com.

Also, if you have been attending Mass and have not registered, please take a Registration Form on the bulletin board behind the Kiosk and return the form in the collection basket or mail to the parish office.

We are ending the public phase of the Capital Campaign.  Packets are available in the back of church.  Please turn in you Capital Campaign Pledge Card and return via the provided envelope in the Sunday collection basket or mail to the parish office at 1301 Victor Street, Richmond VA 23222.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim

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FATHER JIM'S JOTS - Feast of the Baptism of the Lord - January 12, 2025

 St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

The Baptism of the Lord

January 12, 2025

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Today we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord!  If your child, under the age of 8, needs to be baptized, please contact the Parish Office so that we may meet with you and schedule their baptism.  If you or your child who is over the age of 8 needs to be baptized, please see the contact information on the other page of this bulletin to get started.

If you have attended one of the Capital Campaign House Meetings that took place over December and January, please turn in your pledge card if you have not done so.  You can turn this in by mailing it to the Parish Office or via the collection on Sunday.  Please make sure that your pledge card is attached to your first initial contribution so that we can add it to our records.

If you were not able to attend one of our house meetings that took place in December or that will take place later this week, please join us for this meeting on January 19th after both Masses in the Parish Hall.  We will share the most recent status of Our Campaign For Tomorrow as well as have your pledge card ready to pick up, if you have not already done so.  For more information, please contact the Parish Office or see the other page of this bulletin.  There will be coffee and doughnuts!!

Our Capital Campaign will be coming to end come March as Lent gets started.

2025 marks the start of the Jubilee Year as well as the third year of the National Eucharistic Revival.  For more resources on these two events, please see this bulletin.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

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 St. Elizabeth Catholic Church 

Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord

January 5, 2025

 

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Happy Epiphany!  This week marks the end of our Christmas Celebrations and we return to Ordinary Time.  I would also want to wish everyone a Happy New Year!  Our parish has grown so much.

We now have 206 registered families and 530 registered individuals!

In 2024, we gained 17 new households.  This past year we had 16 Baptisms, 17 First Communions, 6 Confirmations, 2 Catechumens go thru RCIA and 66 newborns of our families were born.

After next week, the quiet phase of our Capital Campaign will be coming to an end and we will be starting the next phase.  If  you were not able to attend one of the house meetings that took place in December or that will take place later this week, please join us for this meeting on January 19th after both Masses in the Parish Hall.  We will share the most recent status of Our Campaign for Tomorrow as well as have your pledge card ready to pick up, if you have not already done so.  For more information, please contact the Parish Office or see this bulletin.

2025 marks the start of the Jubilee Year as well as the third year of the National Eucharistic Revival.  For more resources on these two events, please see this bulletin.

As a reminder:

- Our Campaign for Tomorrow will be running until the start of Lent; all information regarding the campaign will be updated on our website here:  stelizcc.org/our-campaign-for-tomorrow/

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

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FATHER JIM'S JOTS - St. Elizabeth Church - Feast of the Holy Family - December 29, 2024

 St. Elizabeth Church

Feast of the Holy Family

December 29, 2024

 

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

This past week, we all celebrated Christmas!  I hope that your celebrations with your family and friends were wonderful!  Our Christmas services at the church were wonderful and I would like to say a special thanks to all involved with our liturgical ministries!  I would also like to congratulate all of the children on their performance of the Nativity.  They memorized all of their lines and worked very hard, rehearsing many times in preparation.  Also, a big thank you to Liz Wiznerowicz, our Director of Religious Education, for directing this production and all of those who worked to assist with the play and get the children to their rehearsals.

Please note that we have a Vigil Mass on December 31st at 5 p.m. for the Solemnity of Mary.  For more information and to sign up for the potluck please see the other page of this bulletin.

This year we had over 15 Baptisms...  Wow!!  If your child needs to be baptized, please contact me or the parish office!  The Children's OCIA (formerly known as RCIA) program has started and has now met a few times.  The Adult OCIA program will start soon.  If you are interested in becoming Catholic or have not received all of your Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, First Communion, or Confirmation) please see the information on our website or in the print bulletin to get in contact with our program director.

As a reminder:

- Our Campaign for Tomorrow will be running until the start of Lent, all information regarding the campaign will be updated on our website here:  stelizcc.org/our-campaign-for-tomorrow/

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

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FATHER JIM'S JOTS - Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - July 21, 2024

St. Elizabeth Church 

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

July 21, 2024

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Greetings!!

Every week we are getting closer to our Jazz Festival.  This Sunday, I am swapping places with Fr. Dan Brady from St. Mike's.  I will be celebrating all 5 weekend Masses at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Glen Allen to assist with selling raffle tickets for the Jazz Fest.  Fr. Dan Brady will be here for our 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. Masses. I want to say 1 big thank you to Fr. Dan and all our friends at St. Mike's for this wonderful partnership between our parishes.  Special thanks to Karen Yesolitis and Eva Wiznerowicz who are coordinating the raffle sales after all 5 Masses and to all of the volunteers assisting. 

Your help is needed for our Jazz Festival!!! Our festival is our largest and sometimes sole fundraiser for the year, so we need all hands on deck to make it happen!  We need volunteers for the day of the festival.  Please see the second page of this bulletin on where we need assistance and to sign up!

The lineup for the music is now out and the flyer can be found on the kiosk by the front doors and in the E-Bulletin!  Lastly, please pray for good weather for the Jazz Festival!

Schedule update:  We will have NO noon Mass on Wednesday, July 24th.  Please mark your calendars for the Feast of the Assumption.  We will have a Vigil Mass on August 14th at 6 p.m., but no noon Mass that day.

Blessings to you and yours,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

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FATHER' JIM'S JOTS - Fifth Sunday of Easter - April 28, 2024

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church 

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

April 28, 2024

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Greetings!!

Thank you to all who helped with the "Earth Day" celebration last Sunday.  It was a great Success.  The event was led and coordinated by our newly formed Creation Care Team.  If you enjoyed Sunday's celebrations, there will be another event hosted by them in May.  For more information, please see the flyer in the bulletin.

This Friday, May 3rd is the first Friday of May,  After 12 noon Mass, we will have an hour of Exposition and Adoration.  Please consider joining us for this experience of prayer and meditation.

Update on the Commonwealth Catholic Charities Housing Project on our former school grounds:  Commonwealth Catholic Charities is planning on celebrating their groundbreaking around the beginning of August.  This has been delayed due to permits from the City of Richmond.  It should not affect our 2024 Jazz Festival which is Saturday, August 3rd.

Updates on the Planning Committee and potential building plans for our parish:  On March 28th, the Parish Council, Finance Council  and Planning Committee met in the Parish Hall. It was voted on and we moved forward to hire an architect from a Richmond firm, McAllister and Foltz Architecture.  With this first step and the advice and permission of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond, we will get a rendering of the proposed building.  This rendering will give us an idea of what a new parish center will look like and an estimated cost.  Once we get the rendering and cost estimate, we will have a parish town hall to bring everyone up to date and move forward if the parish wishes.  More info to be shared soon.

Easter Blessings to you and yours,

 Fr. Jim, Pastor

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