FATHER JIM'S JOTS - St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Corpus Christi Sunday - June 7, 2026

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Corpus Christi Sunday

June 7, 2026

  

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Greetings,

I will be traveling back to Michigan this upcoming week.  I have two funerals for members of my family to help with while I am there.  Because of my absence, we will not have weekday Mass on the days when I am not present.  Please see the schedule of Masses below my Jot for which days we will not have Mass.

Fill out the registration form for the picture directory!  (If you already had your picture taken, you filled out this form in person, so you do not need to fill it out online.)  Scan the QR code to fill out the form.  It will take no more than 5 minutes to complete.  If you do not complete this form and you didn't have your photo taken, your name and information will not be included in the directory.  There is a link to the form in the E-Bulletin that is sent to your email and there are a few paper copies in the church that can be returned to the office if you prefer.  The form is due no later than Sunday, June 28th.

Today we celebrate Corpus Christi Sunday.  Also known as the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, this feast honors Jesus Christ, Really, Truly and Substantially Present under the appearances of bread and wine.  This Presence happens through the change which the Church calls transubstantiation ("change of substance"), when at the Consecration of the Mass, the priest says the words which Christ Himself pronounced over the bread and wine, "This is My Body," "This is the chalice of My Blood," "Do this in remembrance of Me."

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

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FATHER JIM'S JOTS - St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity - May 31, 2026

 St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

May  31, 2026

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Greetings,

Today we welcome Msgr. Walter Barrett!  I am in Michigan until Saturday as I am celebrating my birthday with my family and doing a funeral for one of my cousins.  Thank you, Msgr. Barrett, for celebrating our Sunday Masses.

During the month of May, we took photos for the new parish directory with Mary Romanello.  Thank you , Mary, for all of your hard work and your talents!  This week, everyone who did not have their photos taken will receive an online form to fill out.  This form will ask what information you would like to have in the directory.  If you got your photo taken, this form is identical to the card you filled our and you do not need to fill out the online form.  If you did not get your photo taken and did not fill out the online form, your name and information will not be included in the directory.  We expect to have the directory completed over the summer!  Interested in helping with proofing the directory before we print it?  Let us know!  Email:  office@stelizcc.org to let us know you are interested in volunteering.

This summer many families and individuals will travel.  The prayer below is for the safety of all of those who are traveling.

"Lord, we place our loved ones into Your hands as they embark on their travels this summer.  Protect them from accidents, delays and all unforeseen dangers.  Surround them with Your peace and grant them a safe journey.  Help them avoid danger or unnecessary complications.  May Your presence be with them, ensuring a safe, secure and blessed journey.  Amen."

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

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FATHER JIM'S JOTS - St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Pentecost Sunday - May 24, 2026 ~ Photo by Tony Miller

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Pentecost Sunday

May 24, 2026

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Greetings,

Today we celebrate the official groundbreaking of our new Parish Center!  In 2018 our parish started to consider that a new office/classroom space was needed but the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted plans.

Our Church has grown immensely since then!  We now have over one hundred youth under 18 years old.  The new parish center will have offices, classrooms and gathering spaces.  The classroom space will provide our children with a safe and conducive space for learning that does not require crossing 2nd Ave.  The construction blueprints and the draft of what the final outside will look like are on our website and in the lobby by the front doors if you are interested in learning more about what the parish center will look like.

Today we welcome Bishop Barry Knestout and I would like to say a big thank you to the Bishop, Deacon Ron Reger, the Diocesan Office of Worship and the many staff who work with the Bishop for being here and for their work in preparation for this event.  I would also like to say a big thank you to our Parish Office Staff, Kevin Kitrick and Ken Wall for helping with the food for the reception, Connie Hom, Mary Mukiibi, Helena Nelson and everyone else who was involved with set-up, decorations and coordination of our ceremony and reception.

After the groundbreaking ceremony today, I will be leaving for Michigan to see my family and help with a family funeral.  I will not be here for Mass on Sunday, May 31st so Msgr. Tom Miller will be here to celebrate Masses.  While I am away, we will not have weekday Masses on Wednesdays and Fridays.  There is a full schedule in this bulletin and you can see which days we will hold Masses on our website calendar (stelizcc.org/events/).

Per my jot last week, our current Office Manager, Eva Wiznerowitz, has accepted a summer internship opportunity.  Her last day in-person at our office will be on Friday, May 29th and she will return on August 12th.  Our former Religious Education Assistant, Erin Cleary, will be covering for Eva while she is away.  Thank you to Erin and congrats to Eva!

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

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FATHER JIM'S JOTS - St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Feast of the Ascension of the Lord - May 17, 2026

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Feast of the Ascension

May 17, 2026

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Greetings,

As many of you know, it has been a considered possibility that the current Parish Office be converted to a convent after the parish center is complete.  Sr. Mary Mwangi, our Social Outreach Coordinator, is a sister of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Tarbes. After speaking with our Parish and Finance Councils, a letter was sent to Bishop Barry Knestout to ask him regarding this matter.  Included in this Bulletin is the letter his office sent in early May and on the other side my letter in reply.

Our Office Manager, Eva Wiznerowicz, will be away from our Parish Office this summer.  Eva accepted a summer internship position in her field of study and since the position is full-time and outside of Richmond, she will not be working in the Parish Office this summer.  She will be away from June 1st to August 1st.  Our former Religious Education Assistant, Erin Cleary, will be filling in for her position over the summer.  Congrats to Eva on this amazing opportunity and a big thank you to Erin for her help.

Next week is the Parish Center Groundbreaking Ceremony!! It will also be Pentecost Sunday.  I encourage everyone to wear red - the liturgical color for that Sunday.  Bishop Barry Knestout will be celebrating our 10 a.m. Mass and the groundbreaking ceremony will be held outside after Mass.  Following the groundbreaking ceremony, we will have a wonderful reception afterwards.  Special thanks to all who have been involved in preparing for the Mass, ceremony and reception.

Please see the info for the full schedule for the groundbreaking.

Easter Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

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FATHER JIM'S JOTS - St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Sixth Sunday of Easter - Mother's Day - May 10, 2026

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Sixth Sunday of Easter

May 10, 2026

MOTHER'S DAY

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Greetings,

Happy Mother's Day!  It is quite fitting that the month we honor Mary, Mother of God, is also when we honor mothers and the women in our lives.

Mary has many titles.  Last week, I wrote about praying for her intentions as Mary, the Queen of Peace.  Holy Mother of God, the Blessed Mother, Mother of Perpetual Help, Mother of Sorrows, Mother of Divine Grace are just a handful of the many titles of Mary pertaining to her motherhood.

"Mary's spiritual motherhood springs from her physical motherhood of the Son of God.  By physically bearing Christ through her free, believing acceptance of that mission - Mary also, in faith, gave birth to all Christians who are members of the Mystical Body of Christ.  In other words, she gave birth to the total Christ: head and members."

Mary's spiritual motherhood is grounded in the fact that she is the Mother of God and her motherhood is extended to Christ's disciples and even to all human beings.  In this respect, Mary's cooperation is singular and distinct from the cooperation of all 'other creatures.'  Her intercession does not have the characteristic of priestly mediation (such as Christ's), but is instead situated in the order and analogy of motherhood.  By association Mary's intercession with Christ's work, the gifts given to us by the Lord are presented with a maternal aspect, imbued with the tenderness and closeness of the Mother whom Jesus wanted to share with us (cf. Jn 19:27)." *

Today we honor all mothers, who exemplify the virtues of Mary, those who nuture and support their families and sacrifice for their children.  We honor mothers who grieve the loss of their children and navigate the challenges of infertility.  We also honor our spiritual mothers, religious sisters, godmothers, teachers and all the women who have impacted our lives - who inspire us to walk with Christ and follow his teachings.

Also please see the information below my jot regarding our groundbreaking ceremony with Bishop Knestout on May 24th.  We will have a reception afterwards and ask for volunteers to help.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

* Excerpts from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith: Mater Populi Fidelis - Doctrinal Note on Some Marian Titles Regarding Mary's Cooperation in the Work of Salvation.

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FATHER JIM'S JOTS - St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Fifth Sunday of Easter - May 3, 2026

 St Elizabeth Catholic Church

Fifth Sunday of Easter

May 3, 2026

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Greetings,

Congratulations to our First Communicants this weekend!  This Sunday, Lucy, Bobbi, Zeezee, Leona, Mwenebatu, Jaselia and Jonalise received their next Sacrament of Initiation, the Holy Eucharist.  Congratulations to all of them on this big milestone!

Also special thanks to Mary Romanello for assisting us with our 2026 Parish Directory project and coordinating the photography this Sunday.  I am extremely pleased to announce that we will be holding the groundbreaking ceremony for our new parish center Sunday, May 24th.  We have been waiting for this day for quite some time now and it is the next big step in our construction project.  On this Sunday, Bishop Barry Knestout will be celebrating our 10 a.m. Mass.  Afterwards, we will have the groundbreaking ceremony held outside.  Following the ceremony, we will have a reception and fellowship in our Parish Hall.  All are welcome and invited!  Many thanks to all of those who contributed to our capital campaign to make this project possible whether through financial donations or your much needed prayers.

May is the month of Mary, the Mother of God.  During this month we make a conscious effort to pray to Mary, asking for her intercession for the things we pray for.  One of the many titles for Mary is Queen of Peace.  I encourage you to pray the following prayer for peace in our world and in our lives.

Heavenly Father, you sent your only Son to bring peace to our world.

Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary ever Virgin, Queen of Peace,

hear our earnest prayer;

Grant that our times may be tranquil,

That violence may be settled with peaceful dialogue,

and that we may seek to understand and love our neighbor,

so that we may live in peace as one family.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you.

Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

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FATHER JIM'S JOTS - St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Third Sunday of Easter - April 19, 2026

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Third Sunday of Easter

April 19, 2026

Emmaus Sunday

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Greetings,

I am very happy to announce that we are starting work for our new 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 on May 3rd after both Masses.  We will have a few additional dates after that but would prefer to have most photos done 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!

Below is a prayer for peace shared by Pope Leo XIV during the Rosary for Peace that was held last Saturday:

Lord Jesus,

you conquered death without weapons or violence;

you shattered its power with the strength of peace.

Grant us your peace,

as you did to the women filled with doubt on Easter morning,

as you did to the disciples who were hiding in fear.

Send forth your Spirit,

the breath that gives life and reconciles,

that turns adversaries and enemies into brothers and sisters.

Inspire in us to trust in Mary, your mother,

who stood at the foot of your cross with a broken heart,

firm in the faith that you would rise again.

May the madness of war cease

and the Earth be cared for and cultivated by those who still

know how to bring forth, protect and love life.

Hear us, Lord of life!

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

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FATHER JIM'S JOTS - St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Second Sunday of Easter - Divine Mercy Sunday - April 12, 2026

 St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Second Sunday of Easter

Divine Mercy Sunday

April 12, 2026

 

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Today we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday.  This special celebration takes place on the Second Sunday of Easter every year.  This is an important feast in the Catholic Church that originates in the 1930's when Jesus revealed himself to St. Faustina of Poland.  He asked on numerous occasions that a feast day be dedicated to the Divine Mercy and that this feast be celebrated on the Sunday after Easter.  This Feast, which had already been granted to the nation of Poland and been celebrated within Vatican City, was granted to the Universal Church by Pope John Paul II on the occasion of the canonization of Sr. Faustina on 30 April 2000.

On this Sunday, I encourage you to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet using the Rosary:

(Repeat 3 times) O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of jesus as a fountain of Mercy for us, I trust in You!

Pray the Our Father, Hail Mary and the Apostle's Creed

For each of the five decades 

(On each "Our Father" bead of the rosary, pray):

Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your Dearly Beloved Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

(On each of the 10 "Hail Mary" beads, pray):

For the sake of his sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Concluding prayer (Repeat 3 times) Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Pope Leo XIV has reminded us of God's mercy and care for us through his beloved Son.

"All of us are alive today thanks to a relationship, a free and freeing relationship of human kindness and mutual care.  That human kindness is sometimes betrayed.  As for example, whenever freedom is invoked not to give life, but to take it away, not to help, but to hurt.  Yet even in the face of the evil that opposes and takes life, Jesus continues to pray to the Father for us.  His prayer acts as a balm for our wounds; it speaks to us of forgiveness and reconciliation."

-- Pope Leo XIV, Homily, Jubilee of Families, Children, Grandparents & the Elderly, June 1, 2025

Easter Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

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FATHER JIM'S JOTS - St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Palm Sunday - March 29, 2026

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Palm Sunday

March 29, 2026

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Greetings,

Today is Palm Sunday and the start of Holy Week.  Please see the other page of this bulletin for the complete Holy Week Schedule.  Please note that we will hold Stations of the Cross at 12 p.m. in the church and that on Holy Saturday, Easter Vigil Mass will start at 8 p.m., later than the other services this week.  I encourage you to arrive early to Easter Vigil for parking and seating.  Our Easter Vigil Mass is a wonderful experience and when our fellow Parishioners, Billie-Jeanne Buster and Jessica Agosta, will receive the last of their Sacraments of Initiation and enter into Full Communion with the Catholic Church, I encourage you to attend to support them.

Families and friends of our parish, mobilized by our parishioner, Helena Nelson, reached out Saturday to residents of the Caritas Shelter and Healing Place for Women with a delicious dinner.  More than sixty women enjoyed Sunday dinner sharing how much they were delighted to enjoy a real home-cooked meal that offered a welcome break from their daily staple.  They were also impressed by our children's politeness and cheerful service.  It was consoling to bring smiles to the faces of women who have clearly been through much physical and emotional pain.  We pray our Lenten almsgiving may teach us to be sensitive to the needs of others and to help alleviate their suffering.,  Thank you, Helena and team, for making this outreach happen.

On Sunday, St. Elizabeth was proud to host a screening of No Other Land, an Oscar-winning documentary of the struggle of Palestinian communities in Masafer Yatta as they seek to remain in their land, despite violent attempts of the Israeli government and settlers to remove them.  After the film, the community engaged in a thoughtful discussion about the film, led by parishioner Matthew Haddad and VCU professor, Faedah Totah.  We thank Richmonders for Peace in Palestine for engaging with our Justice Ministry to help bring this event to St. Elizabeth.  Please join me in praying for peace for all of God's children in the Holy Land and beyond.

 If you are interested in further discussion or want to know more about how to get engaged, please reach out to Matt (matthadd@verizon.net) or Anne Gibbons (Gibbons@lynchburg.edu) directly.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

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FATHER JIM'S JOTS - St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Fifth Sunday of Lent - March 22, 2026

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Fifth Sunday of Lent

March 22, 2026

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Greetings,

This is the last Sunday that you will see the purple liturgical colors of Lent in the bulletin and on vestments and the altar.  Next Sunday is Palm Sunday and the start of Holy Week.  During Holy Week we commemorate many events that are vital to our faith, including the Institution of the Eucharist, the Passion of Jesus and His Resurrection from the dead.  You will see in this bulletin our schedule for Holy Week Masses, Services and Stations of the Cross.  Stations of the Cross on Good Friday will be held at 12 p.m. in the church.

I would like to say thank you to the Catholic Women's Club for visiting us today during our 10 a.m. Mass and for bringing donuts to share after the 10 a.m. Mass.  Thank you!

As of this Sunday, we have reached 123% of our Annual Diocesan Appeal Goal!  More details are in this bulletin but thank you to everyone who contributed through financial support or prayers.

Lastly, I would like to invite you to attend our Church Clean up on Saturday, March 28th from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.  We will be doing some light cleaning to get the church ready for Holy Week and Easter.  The work is not difficult; you can choose what you would like to work on and you are not required to stay for the entire two hours.  Some of the tasks include organizing the hymnals in the pews, cleaning windows, sweeping, vacuuming and polishing.  There will be some tasks that can be done sitting down at a table as well.  I encourage everyone to attend and help out for even a little bit!  The more people that come, the lighter the work and the more we can accomplish.  If you are a student (at any grade level) and want to record community service hours for attending, please let our Parish Office know.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

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FATHER JIM'S JOTS - St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Third Sunday of Lent - March 8, 2026

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Third Sunday of Lent

March 8, 2026

 

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Greetings,

I am happy to announce that we are already 66% of the way to our Annual Appeal goal of $17,970, having received $11,915 from 30 households.  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.  Thank you to all who have contributed financially and with your prayers.

March is a busy month for us!  As we move through these weeks of Lent, we are getting closer to Holy Week and Easter.  Please see the Holy Week/Easter schedule in this bulletin and save the dates to your calendar!

We will have a Lenten Retreat led by Deacon Chris on Saturday, March 21st prior to the Communal Reconciliation Service.  Lent is about preparing our hearts, minds and souls for the Resurrection of Christ and the Easter season.  Attending a retreat is an excellent way to enrich our spritual lives.  See the flyer in the bulletin for the details and the information for the RSVP.  We ask that you sign up so we can ensure there are enough materials for all participants.  I encourage you to attend!

Save the date for our annual Community Church Clean-up on March 28th from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.  This is the Saturday before Palm Sunday and Holy Week.  Join us to tidy up the church in preparation for our Masses and services that week.  Work often includes vacuuming, dusting, organizing hymnals, polishing and sweeping.  We need as many people as we can get to come and help us as long as they can.  Many hands make light work!

Prayer for Peace:

Almighty God, I pray for peace in our world, where they is often conflict and strife.  Bring an end to violence and injustice.  Inspire leaders to work towards the well-being of all people.  May your love and compassion prevail, uniting nations in a common pursuit of peace.  Let your kingdom of peace reign on earth as it is in heaven.  In the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, I pray.  Amen

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

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FATHER JIM'S JOTS - St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - First Sunday of Lent - February 22, 2026

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

The Temptation of Jesus

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Greetings,

May we as a Catholic people embrace this special time of 40 days of prayer, fasting and almsgiving.  Please see the Lenten calendar that is included in this bulletin and join us this Friday for the Black History Month Stations of the Cross and Prayer Service with Bishop Barry Knestout at 5:30.  We will share a light meal in the Parish Hall afterwards and all are welcome to bring a meatless dish to share.

We still have rice bowls available for you to pickup and drop your change in.  The funds collected in the rice bowls help the poor through Catholic Relief Services.  Keep the rice bowls until Easter and return them the two Sundays following Easter Sunday.

This week we kick off the Catholic Diocese Annual Appeal.  Saint Elizabeth has a goal this year of $17,970.  I hope and pray that you can help by contributing to this Diocesan Annual Appeal.  As a parish, we get back from the Diocese than our goal.  We have received the following grants in 2026 from the Diocese:

Fuel and Hunger Grant:  $24,000

Respect Life Grant:  $14,000

Black and Indian Grant:  $2,000

Total:  $40,000

Please give to the Annual Appeal.  It sure is a great blessing to our parish.

A very special thanks to our parishioners who spoke at Mass during Black History Month.  Thank you Charles Curbeam, Tinika Amouzouvi-McIntosh and Shelley Anderson - Great job!  It was so wonderful to hear your stories of being Black, Catholic and members of St. Elizabeth.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

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FATHER JIM'S JOTS - St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time - February 8, 2026

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

February 8, 2026

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Greetings, 

I want to say thank you to the children who participated in our rescheduled celebrations of Catholic Schools Week.  We had originally planned to do this on Jan. 25th but we cancelled due to the snow.  We have over 20 children in our parish who attend Catholic schools in Richmond.  Are you interested in enrolling your child in a Catholic school?  Our parish partners with All Saints Catholic School and Cristo Rey Richmond High School, please visit their websites or speak to our Religious Education Director, Liz Wiznerowitz (religioused@stelizcc.org).

Lent starts on Wednesday, February 18th with Ash Wednesday.  Please see the Lent callendar that is in this bulletin to stay up to date with all of the events our Parish has planned.  There is Stations of the Cross every Friday (except Feb. 27th and Good Friday); and throughout the 40 days leading up to Easter, Confessions, Adoration and more!  You can also visit our website at stelizcc.org/events/ to see our live calendar.

We have a variety of Black History Month events planned for the month of February.  If you did not get the flyer in last Sunday's bulletin, please see the flyer on the kiosk by the front doors or in th E-bulletin.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

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FATHER JIM'S JOTS - St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time - February 1, 2026

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

February 1, 2026

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Greetings,

We will have Mass at the usual times this Sunday:  8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.  I hope everyone was able to stay safe during the past week due to the weather conditions.

This Sunday we read the story of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount from Matthew's Gospel.  Below is an excerpt from Pope Francis' 2020 General Audience regarding the Beatitudes.  This is a wonderful breakdown on the meaning of the Beatitudes and how as Christians, we should apply them to our daily lives.  I recommend you read the entire message online if you are able, but these excerpts touch on the core of the message.

This passage, which starts the "Sermon on the Mount", illuminated the lives of the believers and also that of many non-believers.  It is difficult not to be touched by these words of Jesus and the desire to understand them and welcome them ever more fully is righteous.  The Beatitudes provide the "identity card" of Christians - this is our identity card - because they outline the face of Jesus himself, his style of living.

...the "mount" recalls Sinai, where God gave Moses the Commandments.  Jesus begins to teach a new law:  to be poor, to be meek, to be merciful...  These "new commandments" are much more than a set of rules.  Indeed, Jesus does not impose anything but reveals the way of happiness - his way - by repeating the word "blessed" eight times.

...the reason behind the Beatitudes is not a current situation, but rather, the new condition that the blessed receive as a gift from God:  because "theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven", because "they shall be comforted", because "they shall inherit the earth" and so on.

But what does the word "blessed" mean?  Because each of the eight Beatitudes begins with the word "blessed".  The original term does not mean one with a full belly or one who is doing well, but rather, it is a person who is in a condition of grace, who progresses in God's grace and progresses on God's path:  patience, poverty, service to others, comfort...  Those who advance in these things are happy and shall be blessed.

In order to give himself to us, God often chooses unthinkable paths, perhaps the path of our limitations, of our tears, of our defeats.

The Beatitudes always bring you to joy.  They are the paths to reach joy.  It will do us good to take Matthew's Gospel today, chapter 5, verses 1-11, and to read the Beatitudes - perhaps a few more times throughout the week - in order to understand this very beautiful path, so sure of the happiness the Lord offers us.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

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FATHER JIM'S JOTS - St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Third Sunday in Ordinary Time - January 25, 2026

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

January 25, 2026

 FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Greetings,

As you know, we are closed this Sunday due to winter weather.  There will be no Mass this Sunday, in person or online, as unsafe travel conditions are grounds for dispensation from the Sunday Mass Obligation.  Please stay home, stay warm and stay safe!

Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed 2026 as a special Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi.  This special year will take place from January 10th, 2026 to January 10th, 2027; the later date being the 800th Anniversary of St. Francis' death.  The life of the Poor Man of Assisi shows that God's mercy works in history also through people who have opened their hearts to his actions.

Therefore, the jubilee is an opportunity for the faithful to rekindle their faith, strengthen their relationship with God and with the community of the Church.

You can click here to read the full letter from Pope Leo XIV to the Ministers General of the Conference of the Franciscan family.  A significant element of the document is the care shown for the sick and the elderly who cannot leave their homes; they may unite themselves spiritually to the celebration of the Year of Saint Francis by offering to God their prayers, sufferings and daily difficulties of life and by committing themselves to fulfilling the usual conditions as soon as this becomes possible.

In the document of the Apostolic Penitentiary, we read these words:  "This Year of Saint Francis should encourage all of us, each according to his or her own possibilities, to imitate the Poor Man of Assisi."  What message does the life of Saint Francis offer to modern man?

For today's person, living in a world of consumerism, this is an extremely timely invitation to moderation, responsible use of goods and placing God and neighbor above material possessions:  it is a matter of "being" more than "having."

Not least, St. Francis also shows that peace is born from a converted heart, not from self-interested declarations or compromises without truth.  In a world marked by conflicts, social violence and insecurity, his life is a call to build peace based on the Gospel of Christ, the only Redeemer of humanity!

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

(Notes on the Jubilee Year of St. Francis adapted from vaticannews.va)

 

 

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FATHER JIM'S JOTS - St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Feast of the Baptism of the Lord - January 11, 2026

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

The Baptism of the Lord

January 11, 2026

 FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Greetings,

Today we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord!  It is also the First Sunday in Ordinary Time.  During this time of year, we acknowledge Christ manifested in our world with feasts such as Christmas, Epiphany and the one we celebrate today.  Because of this, we continue with white and gold liturgical colors this Sunday and will move to the green of Ordinary Time next week.  We will be in Ordinary Time for a few weeks before Lent starts on Ash Wednesday, February 18th.  Our Lent schedule will be shared soon so please keep a look out for that.

I would like to share how our Parish has grown since last year.  We now have 212 registered households and 542 members.  Of our registered members, 122 are children ages 0 to 17.  Sacraments in 2025:  Baptisms: 17, First Communions:  8, Confirmation:  3, OCIA: 5, Marriage:  2.

We have more than 20 children enrolled at different Catholic Schools, including All Saints Catholic School, Cristo Rey Richmond and Saint Gertrude High School!

Our Parish continues to grow!  If you are a new family to the Parish and would like to register, we have forms on the bulletin board by the front doors or visit stelizcc.org/join-our-parish

I encourage everyone to visit the Vatican News website and to add it to your regular news rotation.  We hear constantly of terrible things happening in our country from our news sources, so I encourage you to refresh and read something different.  The Vatican covers global news but also all the important things happening in our Church.  Visit:  www.vaticannews.va

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

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FATHER JIM'S JOTS - St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Second Sunday of Advent - December 7, 2025

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Second Sunday of Advent

December 7, 2025

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Greetings,

Mass for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception will be tomorrow at 12 p.m.

Our Sister in Christ, Rose Costanzo, passed from this life the last week in November.  She was a parishioner for many years and a beloved member of our community.  Her Funeral Mass will be on Saturday, December 13th at 1 p.m.  All are invited to come.  There are now updated plans for the retreat and Reconciliation Service on the same day.  Our Annual Advent Retreat will be on December 13th from 8:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.  More information can be found on the other page of this bulletin and we are asking that if you are planning on attending you email Sister Anns James (anns@stelizcc.org) so that materials can be provided for everyone.

The Communal Reconciliation Service will be from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.  The Liturgy/prayer service will start at 11 a.m. and will be followed by individual confessions until 11:45 a.m.  We will have additional priests from different parishes in the Richmond Diocese visiting to hear confessions.

I would like to thank everyone who helped with Homecoming on November 23rd.  We had a wonderful Mass, reception and raffle drawing thanks to so many ministry members and volunteers.

The Christmas schedule is on the other page of this bulletin.  Please write these dates in your calendar to save the date!

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor 

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FATHER JIM'S JOTS - Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time - November 16, 2025

ST. ELIZABETH CATHOLIC CHURCH

Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

November 16, 2025

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Greetings,

Special Thanks to all who helped with extra food and funds for our Thanksgiving baskets.

Next Sunday, we as a parish celebrate our annual Homecoming.  Our parish Homecoming is an opportunity to welcome old and new members of our community.  Please extend a welcome for friends, family and former members to attend both the 8:30 or 10:00 am Mass.  All are welcome.  A reception will be held after both Masses and we will need help with set-up and clean-up.  If you are interested in helping with setting up, please arrive before 8:30 am Mass.

 I will be away for my family's Thanksgiving in Michigan and will be departing after Homecoming.  This is my annual opportunity to be with my family where we celebrate three holidays:  Thanksgiving, Hanukkah (which is 8 days of celebration starting on Dec. 14 to Dec. 22) and Christmas.  I have not been able to be home, so I celebrate Christmas at Church with You.

Wishing all a safe and happy Thanksgiving and if you're traveling, safe travels.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

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FATHER JIM'S JOTS - St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica - November 9, 2025

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

November 9, 2025

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Greetings,

Today we celebrate the feast day of the "Dedication of St. John, the Lateran Basilica".  The Basilica of St. John Lateran is celebrated annually on November 9th.  It commemorates the dedication of the Cathedral Church of Rome, which is the official seat of the Pope by Pope Sylvester in 324 AD.  The land was given by Emperor Constantine when the Church was no longer persecuted.  It is the oldest church in Rome and the "Mother Church of all Churches".

We are called to be the Church of living stones to all our brothers and sisters.  Your help is needed.  We need help with Thanksgiving food baskets.  The parish of Our Lady of Lourdes is providing Thanksgiving baskets for 10 families and we are grateful, but we have been receiving calls and need more help.  We need 5 more turkeys and the following items:  hams, stuffing or dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry sauce, green beans, sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie or any dessert.  Please drop off all items in the parish office, 1301 Victor St. on Wednesdays, November 12th or 19th, or Friday, November 14th from 1 to 4 p.m.  Thanks for your help.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

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FATHER JIM'S JOTS - St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - The Commemoration Of All The Faithful Departed - November 2, 2025

 St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

The Commemoration Of All The Faithful Departed

All Souls Day

November 2, 2025

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Greetings,

This Sunday, November 2nd, we commemorate All the Faithful Departed "All Souls Day".  You are invited to write the name of deceased loved ones in our Book of the Dead which is in front of church near the crucifix.  We will have this Book of the Dead available throughout the month of November.  May the Souls of all the Faithful departed rest in peace.

Mark your calendar for our parish Homecoming on November 23, 2025.  We will be hosting a reception after both the 8:30 and 10:00 o'clock Masses.  If you wish to help and bring cookies or a breakfast bread, it would be greatly appreciated.  Please invite former members and family members to this Homecoming.

We are looking forward to the start of our construction of our new parish center.  We are waiting for the final permits from the City of Richmond; then we can start construction.

Have you ever thought of becoming Catholic or are you in need of the Sacrament of Confirmation?  Please contact Chris Metzger at ocia@stelizcc.org.  What a great way to start the New Year by joining the OCIA and learning more about our Catholic Faith.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

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