Fr. Jim's Jots - Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, January 15, 2023

 The Baptism of Jesus

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

January 15, 2023

FR. JIM'S JOTS

Greetings!

We are back to "the wearing of the Green" also known as Ordinary Time.  Lent starts with Ash Wednesday on February 22nd. Mass for the distribution of Ashes will be at 6 p.m.  Please mark your calendars.

Thanks to those who have volunteered to be a Religious Education teacher/helper.  We are in need of a few more folks to help our young people learn our faith.  This is a very limited time commitment, but the rewards are limitless.  Our children need your help.  Many are from households where English is a second language, so more volunteers are needed to help teach the basics - the "Sign of the Cross, the Hail Mary, and the Our Father".  It is also a great way to meet our new families and some truly wonderful kids eager to learn.

All adults are asked to look on the Catholic Diocese of Richmond or VIRTUS website and sign up for our VIRTUS session for "Protecting God's Children".  To sign up, please visit www.virtusonline.org/virtus.  Click on "First Time Registrant" to register.  For more information, please see this Sunday's Bulletin Insert.

Sadly, another Priest has died - Fr. Stephen McNally, who was assigned to two parishes near Roanoke, VA.  His funeral will be Tuesday, January 17th, at noon at Our Lady of Nazareth in Roanoke.  I will be leaving on Monday, January 16th to spend the day in Blacksburg visiting friends from my former parish.  Please pray for the Catholic Diocese of Richmond and our priests.  This has been a difficult time.

Also, we are having a Parish Council meeting this Thursday, January 19th.  You can always contact your parish council representative to get a new item or topic of concern on the agenda.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim Arsenault

Pastor

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Fr. Jim's Jots - Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 8, 2021

 Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

August 8, 2021

Fr. Jim's Jots

Greetings!

I am thankful for those who are attending Mass in person on Sunday at 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.  Please note: starting Labor Day weekend Sunday, September 5 Masses will be at 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.  The 9:00 a.m. Mass will be both in person and Zoom.  In this time of the Covid-19 VIRUS and the new variant, Delta virus, we need to be more aware that updates and advice are changing.  I am also pleased to see more parishioners attending the 12:00 noon Mass on Wednesday and Friday.

Be safe and protect yourself and your family especially children unable to be vaccinated.

We will continue the Zoom Mass at 10:00 a.m. and starting September 5, the Zoom Mass will be 9:00 a.m.

Mask, regardless of vaccination status when working with population that can't be vaccinated (ages 2-11).

Handwashing, social distancing is encouraged spread out in church.  Stay home when sick.

The CDC recommends masks indoors whenever you are with those outside your household for those two years and above.  This is regardless of vaccine status.

If you have any questions please call me at 804-221-1508 or email at jarsenault@richmonddiocese.org

Blessings,

Fr. Jim

  

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Fr. Jim's Jots - Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 27, 2021

 Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

June 27, 2021

Fr. Jim's Jots

"A Gem" that is what the students, staff and faculty at All Saints Catholic School call Ken Soistman.  Ken is retiring after 51 years of teaching and administration in Catholic Schools.  Ken started his ministry in the Diocese of Orlando in 1970 and moved to Richmond and his working for the school that needed his loving touch in 1996.

All Saints School didn't close but grew and flourished with a steady increase in enrollment and a new building project and a sound financial balance sheet.  Ken is also beloved for being a servant leader often the one to mow the lawn, cook lunches, the endless fundraiser, tour guide showing off a school which he loves.  All students were welcomed and respected; every color, creed and background experienced his unconditional love and sense of humor.

We, at Saint Elizabeth have known Ken as a friend, a member who helps pitch in whenever needed, a jazz festival emergency back-up generator is a timely joke at a parish council meeting.  But mostly, we call Ken, our friend.  Bless you, Ken Soistman, may the Lord hold you in the palm of his hand and may the wind be at your back.  Our prayers are with you and your family and your All Saints family.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim and your Saint E. Family

* The Church office will be closed from July 1st to July 6th.

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Fr. Jim's Jots - Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 14, 2021

 Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

February 14, 2021

Fr. Jim's Jots

As we journey through this important and historic time of Black History Month, we are both inspired and challenged to remember the Black women and men who are on the road to sainthood.  Their stories help us learn from their courage and faith not to give up and give in to sin or racism.  I encourage you all to see the link below and learn about the lives of the following:

Pierre Toussaint, Elizabeth Lange, Henriette DeLille, Augustine Tolton, Julia Greeley, Thea Bowman; all on the way to Sainthood.

I believe and I am sure you do too, that we have modern day saints among us right here at Saint Elizabeth, both past and present.

Special thanks to Ty'Shell Jones who shared his story today with us on our Zoom Mass.  Thank you for being a member of Saint Elizabeth.  Ty'shell, we need YOU.  I pray for a world where we will love each other.  On this day of St. Valentine, may our hearts be open and our minds be like parachutes, free to love all as Sisters and Brothers.

Blessings and Love,

Fr. Jim

~ Sharing our Story: An Enduring Faith

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Fr. Jim's Jots - Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, January 31, 2021

FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

 

Fr. Jim's Jots

Many thanks for your kind prayers on the death of my Mother, Patricia A. Arsenault who died of the COVID 19 Virus, January 22, 2021.  I am glad she is no longer suffering.  Mom's Memorial Mass will be on ZOOM, Friday, February 5th at 6 p.m. (Friday noon Mass is cancelled). Please use the same ZOOM link as the Sunday Mass. (see data below) "Eternal rest grant to her, O Lord, may she rest in Peace."

Next week we welcome "Black History Month". We will have two reflections after a brief homily from two African-American Men to share their personal experience of being Black in America.

February 7th - George Strother

February 14th - Ty'shell Jones

I am sure we will learn and enjoy their thoughts and reflections.  We thank both George and Ty'shell for helping us as a Parish community learn from their life experiences.  May we pray for an end to the sin of racism.

We also will be starting Lent on Wednesday February 17th, with a 6:00 p.m. ZOOM Mass on the Sunday link.  Start thinking about what and how this Lent 2021 can be a blessing during such a difficult time.  We need each other.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim

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Fr. Jim's Jots ~ Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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THIRTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Fr. Jim's Jots

Dear Friends of Saint Elizabeth Catholic Church, during this time of the COVID virus and all the challenges we are facing, I wanted us to revisit and perhaps cut out and pray daily this special prayer to help us.  You remain in my thoughts and prayers.  If you need any help, please contact the parish office or myself.

USCCB COVID PRAYER

Holy Virgin of Guadalupe, Queen of the Angels and Mother of the Americas. We fly to you today as your beloved children. We ask you to intercede for us with your Son, as you did at the wedding in Cana.

Pray for us, loving Mother, and gain for our nation and world, and for all our families and loved ones, the protection of your holy angels, that we may be spared the worst of this illness.

For those already afflicted, we ask you to obtain the grace of healing and deliverance.  Hear the cries of those who are vulnerable and fearful, wipe away their tears and help them to trust.

In this time of trial and testing, teach all of us in the Church to love one another and to be patient and kind.  Help us to bring the peace of Jesus to our land and to our hearts.

We come to you with confidence, knowing that you truly are our compassionate mother, health of the sick and cause of our joy.  Shelter us under the mantle of your protection, keep us in the embrace of your arms, help us always to know the love of your Son, Jesus.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim

Fr. Jim's Jots - Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time - 9.20.2020

Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

FR. JIM'S JOTS

I am blessed to have your kindness and support this last week while my Mother Pat was in St. Mary's hospital.  She is now in Rehab at Our Lady of Hope and please keep praying that she will be able to return to St. Mary's Woods in the near future.

Wow! ... a Zoom Jazz Festival; what a surprising success!  We raised $25,487.98!  Thanks to all who helped in any way.  Yet again, another example of the love, kindness and generosity of so many good people.  I am blessed to be your priest at Saint Elizabeth!!  Thanks!

We continue the work of the church through our Zoom Masses on Sunday at 10 a.m., Wednesday at 6 p.m. and Friday at 12 noon.  Please join us if your schedule permits.  We also offer an in-person Mass at 8:30 a.m. on Sundays and the Rosary several times throughout the week. Please check our website.

The work on the elevator continues;  it needs a new flex hose which is in the machine room.  This hose will bring our elevator up to Code Requirement A17.3.  The cost of labor and materials is $3,043. The work is being done by Otis Elevator.  The Kitchen in the hall has been painted and now we are working to complete the punch list items on the Community Life Committee's work request.  We hope to get a Double oven stove.  Thank you, Pat Cleary for helping.

Please continue to pray for members of our parish who are in nursing homes, rehab centers and home bound.  If you would like to get a phone call or know someone who would enjoy a phone call or visit, please call me at the parish office, 804-329-4599 and leave a message and we have volunteers who can call folks.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim

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Fr. Jim's Jots ~ Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, 9.6.2020

Fr. Jim's Jots

Special Thanks to all who helped with the Zoom Jazz Festival.  It was a great success.  Next week, we will have a financial update to share with YOU.  We need some time to listen to good music and relax.  With so much stress and troubles around, please take the time to pause and pray, play and be renewed, to see Christ present in ALL.

This weekend, we mark and pause and celebrate Labor Day.  We are also getting ready to go back to school on all levels.  It will be a challenge in the light of the COVID-19 virus, so please be safe.  We pray for all students, staff and faculty.  You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Please get ready for Religious Education and enroll your family and all children online with the form and info.  If you have any questions, please see the update below and/or contact Liz Wiznerowicz.  We need to have an update of all children for Sacramental programs and every level of Religious Ed.

We pray for all workers this year and in a special way, those workers who are keeping things going during this Virus.

O Lord, our Creator, you imposed a duty on all human beings to work together to build up the world.  Help us to develop the earth by the work of our hands and with the aid of technology, in order that it may bear fruit and become a dwelling place worthy of the whole human family..  Let us realize that we are obeying Christ's command to place ourselves at the service of others in bringing forth a more human world, through your Son Jesus Christ in the unity of the Holy Spirit.  Amen

Please take the time to thank the workers you meet this week.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim

P.S.  Please sign up to be part of the "Conversation on Racism".  Date:  10/04/2020 from 2 to 4:30 p.m. via Zoom.




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Fr. Jim's Jots - Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 8.9.2020

Fr. Jim's Jots

Special thanks to Eddie Gorman, who several months ago saw several Dominion Energy trucks on our parish grounds doing repairs.  Eddie noticed large ruts in the field from their trucks, so large he was unable to mow the field.  He spoke with one of the Dominion Energy representatives at the site and was advised to put in a claim.  In the meantime Eddie repaired the ruts, added now topsoil and seeded the damaged areas.  Eddie covered the cost of the repair work needed.  This week, St. Elizabeth received a check from Dominion Energy for $1500.00.  Eddie and Donna Gorman didn't want to be reimbursed.  The funds will be used for repairs and maintenance.  Thanks, Eddie.

Thanks you to all our parish volunteers, who during this difficult time are helping in countless ways.  Office workers, Mass helpers, Lectors, Web Cam operators,Counters, Zoom Mass helpers, lawn workers, folks who call the sick and those who bring food to the needy.  We are blessed.

We are starting to have several baptisms, weddings and other parish sacramental events.  The life of the Church continues.

Thank you, also, to the Holtz Painting Co. of Richmond.  They are friends of St. Elizabeth and have painted and repaired both the Rectory-office and our Church, inside and outside.  On Tuesday, we will celebrate the funeral Mass of the Resurrection of Mr. Richard "Dick" Holtz at 11 a.m.  Please keep the Holtz family in your thoughts and prayers.

Blessings and Love,

Fr. Jim Arsenault

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Fr. Jim's Jots ~ 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Fr. Jim's Jots

Mark your calendar and join us for a Zoom On-line JAZZ MUSIC FESTIVAL, Saturday, August 29, 2020 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  We will have great music and an opportunity for our parish and friends to give online to support our Outreach Ministries and ALL Ministries of our community.  Again, the date is Saturday, August 29, 2020. Hope to see you on our Zoom Jazz Festival. Special thanks to all who have worked on this event and the bands that are playing to support our parish mission.

The Catholic Diocese of Richmond is divided into several different Deaneries.  St. Elizabeth is in Deanery 6 and the priests have been meeting weekly since April.  At our meeting this Wednesday, we talked about Zoom classes for all religious education on every level this Fall.  In this effort, special thanks to Liz Wiznerowicz who has been in contact and working with other parishes we may partner with in this effort.  More details to follow.  Our deanery also discussed parishioners dealing with depression, alcohol, drug abuse and other problems related to stress during this difficult time.  If you need help, call Fr. Jim, (cell) 804-221-1508.

Update on the parish hall:  We received a generous donation to update and re-surface the floor of the parish hall,  The Holtz Painting Co., friends of our parish, have done this work.  Holtz Painting Co. has also painted and repaired the parish ceiling, walls and bathrooms.  Please keep the Holtz family in your prayers.  Mrs. Genny Holtz's funeral was July 9th and on July 28th, Mr. Richard Holtz also died.  The Holtz family for several years have donated one or two major painting projects to our parish.

Lord, bless the works of our hands and help us to be kind, patient and loving.  We give thanks for the leadership and example of Rep. John Lewis.  May he and all the Souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.

Blessings and Love,

Fr. Jim Arsenault

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Fr. Jim's Jots - Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - 7.21.2019

Fr. Jim's Jots

Greetings!

Summer Vacation!!! On Monday, July 22nd, I leave for vacation.  I will be on a Danube cruise starting in Budapest, Hungary celebrating Mass.  I hope to learn more about Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, the patron saint of our parish while in Budapest.  I also plan to celebrate Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Stephen's while in Austria.  I will return early Friday evening, August 2nd from Munich Germany so that I will be able to celebrate at our jazz festival, Saturday, August 3rd.

I have been looking forward to this trip for over a year and I am excited to visit so many historical religious sites.  As a college student at Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit, I was a history major and I enjoy and visiting these historical sites.

Please pray for safe travels for all those who are on vacations near or far.  May the Lord guide our steps and give us a sense of his peace and presence.  May we be renewed as we relax and enjoy the summer days.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim Arsenault

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Fr. Jim's Jots - 2.24.2018 ~ Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Special thanks to all who have participated and celebrated Black History Month.  Last week's presentation of our children who honored black saints throughout our Catholic faith was truly an uplifting and wonderful example of the gift of faith and love.  Special thanks to all the children who participated under the direction of Mrs. Liz Wiznerowicz.

Bingo last week, was a huge success. The big winner was Sandra Williams, who won the grand prize and quickly gave it away.  Thank you for your kindness, Sandra! Mark your calendars for our next lunch ($5) and Bingo, held the 3rd Friday, March 15, after the 12 noon Mass! Please sign up by calling the parish office or at the kiosk in the vestibule of the church.

Don't forget March 1st is First Friday. We will be having Mass at 12 noon, followed by Benediction and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, concluding with the Rosary at 2 p.m. Confessions are also available.  Ash Wednesday is March 6.  Please join us for Mass at 6 p.m. with a distribution of ashes.  All are welcome.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim

Thought of the day: "To avoid sin's tragedy, learn Satan's strategy."


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Harper Marie's Baptism at St. E's ~ 1.10.2016 ~ Feast of the Baptism of the Lord ~ Photos by Lula Lamb

~ Photos by Lula Lamb

Feast of Christ the King ~ Last Sunday of Ordinary Time ~ 11/24/2013

We sing praises to our king,

For He is the King of Kings.

We sing praises to our king,

For He's the King of Kings.

Give Him glory,

For He's the King of Kings,

Give Him Glory,

For He's the King of Kings.

All hail, King Jesus!

All hail, Emmanuel!

He reigns forever!

He reigns forever!

Forever more!

All hail, King Jesus!

Shekinah Choir: "We sing praises..."

Lord, teach me Humility ~ A Reflection on the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)

Sir 35:12-14, 16-18

Ps 34:2-3, 17-18, 19, 23

2 Tim 4:6-8, 16-18

Lk 18:9-14

In Luke's Gospel, we see a true example of humility.  As we read the story of the two men at prayer in the temple, we are repulsed by the prayer of the Pharisee, whose whole demeanor tells us that he has no conception of how to pray.  All we hear are his words of praise of himself and his belittling words about the tax collector who is standing farther away from him in the temple.  There is no notion of humility in the Pharisee's prayer.  Despite his standing in the Jewish community and his adherence to the Law, this Pharisee has not learned anything about how to approach the Lord in prayer.

On the other hand, the despised tax collector, recognizing that he is a sinful man, dares not even look up.  All he can do is to beat his breast and ask for forgiveness.  "O Lord, be merciful to me a sinner."

Jesus tells us that the tax collector went home feeling justified.  Forgiveness had been granted to him; whereas, the Pharisee was left with nothing but his pride.

C. S. Lewis has a fine quote about humility.  He writes: "Humility does not mean thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less."  If only we could do that!

Our God is a saving God.  As the psalmist writes, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves."  Our humble prayer is one of trust that our God will take care of us, no matter what.  Paul writes to Timothy and tells him that "the Lord stood by me and gave me strength" during all the trials that he had to undergo.  Paul understood that he could do nothing without the Lord and he lifted up his prayer of praise:  "To him be glory forever and ever."

Amen!  



Image Source: Testify Blog

Persistence ~ Reflection on the Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)

Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)

Ex 17:8-13

Ps 121:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8

2 Tim 3:14-4:2

Lk 18:1-8

The readings this week teach us one thing; and that is not to give up.  To be persistent in prayer... To be persistent in expressing our needs... To keep on keeping on!

Look at what happened in the Exodus reading:  An enemy was waging war against Israel.  As long as Moses raised up the staff of God in his hands, Israel's army was able to prevail against their enemy.  However, soon enough Moses' arms got tired and he could no longer stay in that position... Israel's enemies began to crush them.

But all was not lost, as we see that Aaron and Hur understood the situation and made sure that Moses could continue to keep his arms raised with the staff in his hands.  They brought him a rock to sit on and they supported his arms so the staff remained raised!  Their persistence paid off and Israel won the war.

Paul also understood about persistence.  In his second Letter to Timothy, Paul urged him to "... proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient..." In this way, the Word of God would be spread all over the world and salvation through faith in Jesus Christ would be brought to the people.

And then we come to the epitome of persistence:  the parable of the widow and the unjust judge.  The widow was certainly in a dire situation because she had no one to take her side against her adversary.  The unjust judge didn't feel like fulfilling the obligation of his office to render a verdict for the woman who just kept on coming back to the court again and again with the same complaint.  The widow was so persistent that finally the judge became afraid that perhaps the widow would cause him harm if he didn't do as she was asking; so he finally gave her a just decision.

Our persistence in prayer is not heard by an unjust judge.  No, just as the psalmist knew, we know our help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.  He watches over us... He guards us from all evil...  He knows our coming and our going.

He loves us!



Image Source:  Claver Jesuit Ministry

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In All Circumstances, Give Thanks ~ A Reflection on the Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)

Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

2 Kings 5:14-17

Ps 98:1, 2-3, 3-4

2 Tm 2:8-13

Lk 17:11-19

Luke's Gospel, as well as the First Reading from the second Book of Kings, present us with two lepers who have been cleansed of their leprosy.  Both of these men were outside of the mainstream of the Jewish community of their time.  Naaman was a foreign general who had heard of the miracles that the prophet Elisha had performed in God's name and came to him for healing.

The leper in the Gospel story was another outsider, a Samaritan, who was already ostracized by the Jewish community because he belonged to a group of peoples who practiced a form of Judaism that was not considered authentic.

These two men realized that their healing had come through the power of God and so they wished to give thanks.  Naaman offered Elisha a gift but the prophet refused, so Naaman asked that he be given two mule-loads of earth to take back to his own country so that he could offer sacrifice to the Lord on this little bit of earth after returning home.

The ten cured lepers in the Gospel story hurried to the temple to show themselves to the priests as the law required, but only one remembered who it was who had healed them.  This leper believed that the power of God was in Jesus and knew he needed to return and give thanks.

Where are the other nine lepers?  After showing themselves to the priests, they would be declared clean and then could return to their families and their community.  There would be joy in their return home.  Were they so caught up in daily life and routine that they forgot to thank God for their healing?

How do we stand among these ten lepers?  Think of all that the Lord has done for us.  Every day... every breath we take...  every move we make...  How often do we forget to say, "Thank you, Lord."

Don't you think we are all guilty of this forgetfulness?  But this very moment, we can stop what we are doing and remember how grateful we are that God never forgets us.  That His Spirit guides us along the right paths.  That His love and care overshadows us no matter what our circumstances.

The Gospel Acclamation says it all:  "In all circumstances, give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus."

1 Thess 5:18  



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Behold the Mustard Seed ~ A Reflection on the Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)

Hb 1:2-3; 2:2-4

Ps 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9

2 Tm 1:6-8, 13-14

Lk 17:5-10

In today's Gospel reading from Luke, we find the apostles asking Jesus to increase their faith.  Even though they had been around Jesus throughout his ministry, the apostles thought that something was still lacking in themselves.  They had seen his mighty works, his miracles. They believed him to be the Son of God and the promised Messiah, and yet, they recognized that their faith in him might not be strong enough for whatever the future might bring.  They were not blind to the jealousy and hatred the religious leaders and their followers showed for Jesus.  What did the future hold for them?

Jesus simply responded to their request by pointing out that even with faith as tiny as a mustard seed, you could move mountains (or a mulberry tree in Luke's version).

Take a mustard seed, or any seed for that matter.  A seed holds promise.  If that seed is planted and nurtured, it will take root and grow and bear whatever fruit it is supposed to bear.

How do we nurture and increase the faith in God that we have been given?  Through prayer and the reading of Scripture, through the Sacraments, by attendance at Mass, through sacrifice and by living our lives serving the needs of others.  God's grace fills our lives and through his nurturing grace, our faith increases...

St. Paul, in his second Letter to Timothy, speaks to him about the faith that Timothy needs to protect in himself.  "Guard this rich trust with the help of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us."  You see, we are not alone in keeping the faith.  The Holy Spirit is there with us, to help us and guide us along the way.    



Image Source ~ Prepare for Mass

Meditation on the Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time ~ The Rich Man and Lazarus

"... between us and you a great chasm is established to prevent anyone from crossing who might wish to go from our side to yours or from your side to ours."

Luke 16:19-31



Image Source: Catholic.org

Meditation for the Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (C) ~ God vs Money

... and despise the other...