FATHER JIM'S JOTS - St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - July 26, 2026 ~ Mass Photo by Sr. Beulah Martin

 St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

July 26, 2026

 

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

In this Sunday's Gospel (Matthew 13:44-52), Jesus reminds us that the Kingdom of Heaven is worth more than any earthly treasure.  Like the person who joyfully sells everything to obtain the hidden treasure or the pearl of great price, we are invited to recognize the priceless gift of God's Kingdom and to invest ourselves in what has lasting value.

That spirit of investing in our children continues through our Education Ministry.  Our summer school program is currentoly serving 34 students, providing individualized instruction in reading, writing, math and English language learning.  Every lesson, every volunteer and every act of encouragement is helping these young people grow in confidence, knowledge and hope.  Thank you for your continued prayers and support for this ministry.

We are also grateful for the many ways our parish continues to invest in Catholic education.  This fall, we expect to have 26 St. Elizabeth students enrolled in All Saints Catholic School, along with 7 students attending Cristo Rey Richmond High School.  Please continue to pray for our students and their families and consider supporting the Education ministry so that every child who desires a Catholic education has the opportunity to receive one.

Although we won't have the Jazz Festival again this year, we are still looking forward to what we hope is a very successful raffle!  Raffle ticket sales will begin in September, so be on the lookout for more information.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

~ Image Source

St. Elizabeth Gospel Choir - Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - July 26, 2026 - Photos by Sr. Beulah Martin

 St. Elizabeth Gospel Choir

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

July 25, 2026

~ Photos by Sr. Beulah Martin

A Sweet Baptism at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Sixteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time - July 19, 2026 ~ Photos by Sr. Beulah Martin

A Sweet Baptism

at

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

July 19, 2026

~ Photos by Sr. Beulah Martin

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

~ Image Source

FATHER JIM'S JOTS - St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - July 12, 2026

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

July 12, 2026

 FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Greetings, 

 In June, the people of Venezuela were hit with devastating twin earthquakes.  Many places, such as Caracas, La Guaira and surrounding regions.  I encourage you all to keep the people of Venezuela in your prayers and commend them to the healing power of Our Lord and the protection of Our Lady of Coromoto, patroness of Venezuela.

If you'd like to send any additional donations, please direct them to the Diocesan Finance Office with a memo citing that they are for the Venezuela Earthquake Relief.

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

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

~ Image Source

FATHER JIM'S JOTS - St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - July 5, 2026

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

July 5, 2026

Father Jim's Jots

Greetings,

I am so happy to be back with my Saint Elizabeth's family this Sunday.  While I enjoyed my trip home, it was, unfortunately, not all about relaxing and seeing family and friends.  While I was there, I had to say the funeral masses for three of my family members and one high school friend of mine.  While it was sad to see them leave this life, I was honored to be the celebrant for the funeral masses.

This Sunday's reading, I feel, is very fitting for celebrating our Nation's 250th Independence Day, as we look at what it means to trust others, share our hardships and have openness.  In the Gospel, Jesus talks to the masses about how our God is there for us, even when it is hard.  He reminds us that we should not and do not , have to carry our heavy burdens alone; and reminds us that wisdom isn't just about who's the smartest in the room or what one person thinks is right.  It's about having a heart, sharing the load like Christ and being open; which I feel is something our Nation as a whole should reflect on this Independence Day weekend.

"Dear Lord, we lift our nation before You and plead for unity among its people.  Remove division, hatred and strife, and replace them with love, understanding and cooperation.  Help us rise above ethnic, political and religious differences.  Let Your Spirit of harmony flow through every citizen, leader and institution.  Teach us to see one another through Your eyes--with compassion and grace.  May our hearts be united in the pursuit of peace, justice and truth for the good of all.  Amen."

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor  

~ Image Source

Misc. Photos from 10 a.m. Mass at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 28, 2026 ~ Photos by Sr. Beulah Martin

 Saint Elizabeth Catholic Church

June 28, 2026

Misc. Photos - 10 a.m. Mass

Msgr. Walter Barrett, Celebrant

~ Photos by Sr.Beulah Martin

 

FATHER JIM'S JOTS - St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - June 28, 2026

 St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

June 28, 2026

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Greetings,

Today we welcome Msgr. Walter Barrett once again while I am away in Michigan until Friday.  I am enjoying getting to see my family, spending time in the great outdoors and catching up with old friends; but I truly miss my Saint Elizabeth's family.  Because of my absence, we will not be having weekday Mass this week.

Today is the last day to submit your photos and information for the 2026 Parish Directory.  Please either use the camera app on your mobile phone to scan the QR code or fill out the form and drop in the directory's mailbox.  Additionally, if you have submitted your photo but didn't fill out an information card, please email your information to the office email (office@stelizcc.org).

This Sunday's Gospel touches on discipleship and what it truly means to be a disciple of God.  It shows that though it might not always be easy, in the end, our reward will be great spiritually and in Heaven.

"Lord, help me to become a better disciple.  Help me to follow you and your teachings, even when it's hard and there are other forces trying to pull me away.  Help me to guide others in my life to discipleship; and I pray that my heart will always be open to your works and mirror yours. Amen."

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

~ Image Source

 

FATHER JIM'S JOTS - St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time - June 21, 2026 ~ Photos by Sr. Beulah Martin

 St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

June 21, 2026

Monsignor Walter Barrett, Celebrant

Father Jim's Jots

Greetings,

I would like to thank Monsignor Walter Barrett for visiting this weekend in my absence.  He will also be celebrating next Sunday as well.  I return to Richmond on July 2nd and will be back for Masses.

This Sunday we also celebrate Father's Day and recognize all the men who have made differences in our lives.  On this day we think of St. Joseph who, as Jesus' foster father, gives an example of how important the role of a father can be.  Let us pray for all of the father figures in our lives.

Heavenly Father, bless all fathers, godfathers, uncles, grandfathers and all father figures with your wisdom, patience and love.  Guide them to be a source of strength and support for their families as they lean on you.  May they be men of integrity whose actions inspire and bless their families.  Fill their hearts with Your peace and joy.  Amen.

Thank you to all for supporting our Haiti Ministry this Sunday, whether through a financial contribution or your prayers.  At the bottom of this bulletin page there is a paragraph that explains what our support does for our brothers and sisters in Haiti.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time - June 21, 2026 - Monsignor Thomas Miller, Celebrant - Photos by Sr. Beulah Martin

 St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

June 21, 2026

FATHER JIM'S JOTS, St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 14, 2026

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

June 14, 2026

FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Greetings,

We have now returned to Ordinary Time!  This liturgical season is called as such because each Sunday is numbered.  The name refers to the ordinal numbers that mark each Sunday; not that this time of year is unremarkable compared to the rest.  In fact, during Ordinary Time we hear about the ministries and life of Christ in the Gospels.  These readings carry important lessons for how we can center Christ in our lives.

At the end of this Sunday's Gospel, we hear:  "Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give."  We can give in many ways.  We give our time, our talents, our ideas, our joys, our sympathy, our kind words and so much more.  Almsgiving and the giving of our material possessions are important acts of charity, but these are not the only ways we can give.  Give someone the gift of your support, your encouragement.  Support someone or something with a talent that you can share.  We can give ourselves by living for Christ and imitating him in all that we do.

St. Paul wrote, "And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, receiving the word in great affliction, with joy from the Holy Spirit, so that you became a model for all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia."  (1 Thessalonians 1:6-7)  This "imitation" that St. Paul speaks of is rooted in his view of solidarity in Christ through sharing in Jesus' cross and in the Spirit of the risen Lord.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor 

~ Image Source

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

~ Image Source

Trinity Sunday with Msgr. Walter Barrett as Celebrant - St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - May 31, 2026 ~ Photos by Sr. Beulah Martin

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church 

Trinity Sunday

May 31, 2026  

Msgr. Walter Barrett, Celebrant

"Let the Children Come" - Children's Liturgy at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Trinity Sunday - May 31, 2026 ~ Photos by Sr. Beulah Martin

"Let the Children Come!"

Children's Liturgy at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Trinity Sunday

May 31, 2026

"May God be with you,

as you leave us,

to listen to God's Word."

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

~ Image Source

 

Groundbreaking for the New Parish Center - St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - Pentecost Sunday - May 24, 2026 ~ Photos by Romanello Photography

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Pentecost Sunday

May 24, 2026

Groundbreaking for the New Parish Center

  

~ Photos by Romanello Photography

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

 ~ Image Source

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

 ~ Image Source

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.

 ~ Image Source

 ~ Mother's Day Image

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church - First Communion Sunday and Crowning Mary, Queen of Peace - May 3, 2026 ~ Photos by Sr. Beulah Martin

 St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

First Communion Sunday

and

Crowning Mary, Queen of Peace

May 3, 2026

 

  

~ Photos by Sr. Beulah Martin