What is Purgatory?
November is dedicated to the holy souls in Purgatory. Purgatory is best understood as a process of purification, rather than a place. We read in the Catechism of the Catholic Church: “All who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven. The Church gives the name Purgatory to this final purification of the elect, which is entirely different from the punishment of the damned” (nos. 1030–1031).
According to Pope-Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI, we can conceive of Purgatory as the very love of God that draws us to himself: “His gaze, the touch of his heart heals us through an undeniably painful transformation ‘as through fire’ [1 Corinthians 3:15]. But it is a blessed pain, in which the holy power of his love sears through us like a flame, enabling us to become totally ourselves and thus totally of God” (Spe salvi, no. 47).
[Virgil to Dante]: …“This mountain’s of such sort that climbing it is hardest at the start; but as we rise, the slope grows less unkind. Therefore, when this slope seems to you so gentle that climbing farther up will be as restful as traveling downstream by boat, you will be where this pathway ends, and there you can expect to put your weariness to rest.” (Purg. IV, 88-95)
-Dante Alighieri's Divina Commedia
NO DAILY MASS TOMORROW
Due to filming in the church, daily Mass will not take place and the church will be closed on Friday, November 8.
Brunswick Stew Sale
Nov. 9&10
Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus
Don't let yours get away!
Pick up your Pre-Orders after Mass
THIS WEEKEND
Poor & Needy Fund
Cathedral of the Sacred Heart partners with ACTS to provide rent and utility assistance to many families in need throughout the Greater Richmond Area. Through your generosity, we have assisted 10–15 families per quarter for the past four years, many of whom were on the verge of homelessness. There has been a significant increase in calls for assistance over the last two years. In order to help us meet this increased need, please consider donating to the Cathedral's Poor & Needy fund. This fund is used entirely to help families pay for rent and utilities in order to prevent eviction and homelessness.
'Tis a Gift ...
to Give to Your Cathedral
Gift Shop
Unable to support the parish monetarily? Looking for ways to get involved at the cathedral? Give the gift of your time by volunteering to help with the parish Gift Shop. Whether it be one Mass a month or more, the parish needs your help in keeping this wonderful ministry thriving.
Email Jody Taylor for more information at:
myzooty1@gmail.com
Presentation of the
O Antiphons
Sunday, November 24
Following 9:00am Mass | Parish Hall
All are welcome to this beautiful presentation of the
O Antiphons sung by Cathedral Cantor Lauren Tompkins and explained by Mary Alice Teller. The Roman Church has been singing the O Antiphons since at least the eighth century. Their repeated use of the imperative "Come!" embodies the longing of all for the Divine Messiah. Come hear the beautiful sung presentation and enjoy fellowship with parishioners as we all prepare for Advent!
Father Tony will offer a presentation on a cathedral’s role in serving the Church as a model of worship on Sunday, November 17 12:30 pm. This will be an opportunity to learn and ask questions about the Mass and the significance of the rites, gestures, and prayers used in the celebration, according to Vatican Council II.
Pastoral Council
The parish pastoral council will resume meeting on Thursday, February 6, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. This group is a consultative body to the pastor. Members “give their help in fostering pastoral activity” (Code of Canon Law, canon 536 §1).
Advent Activities &
Pot-Luck Brunch
Saturday, November 23 10:00am to noon | Parish Hall
All are welcome to this family friendly event to help us all prepare for Advent. Create an Advent Wreath, win a door prize, play Advent Bingo, learn about home prayer tables and O Antiphons, create crafts and learn about St. Lucy. Bring a pot-luck breakfast item to share. Questions: Contact Joy Weir at jweir@richmondcathedral.org
The Cathedral is excited to continue a Children’s Choir for the 2019-2020 year. The choir will consist of children in Grades 1-8. The choir will be directed by Mrs. Amy Hruska, a Cathedral member who has taught music in the Richmond community for thirty-seven years and conducted the Children’s Choir for the last three years. She is excited to work with your children and wants to ensure their success through communication and cooperation.
We will have a short window of rehearsals, so it is important for the participating children to be present at all rehearsals. The rehearsals are:
Sun. Nov. 24 10:05 - 10:55 am second floor, church office
Sun. Dec 8 10:05 - 10:55 am second floor, church office
Sun. Dec 15 10:05 - 10:55 am second floor, church office
Sun. Dec 22 12:00 - 12:45 pm in the church
Tue. Dec 24 3:15 pm call for 4:00 Mass in the church
We will have a short window of rehearsals, so it is important for the participating children to be present at all rehearsals. The rehearsals are:
Sun. Nov. 24 10:05 - 10:55 am second floor, church office
Sun. Dec 8 10:05 - 10:55 am second floor, church office
Sun. Dec 15 10:05 - 10:55 am second floor, church office
Sun. Dec 22 12:00 - 12:45 pm in the church
Tue. Dec 24 3:15 pm call for 4:00 Mass in the church
Register by filling out a registration form found in the Parish Hall,
email Amy Hruska aghruska@verizon.net, or click below.
TIME TO REGISTER!
February 7-9th | Diocesan Youth Conference
This is a special fun and faith filled weekend for the youth in all the Richmond Diocese and is conveniently located right here in downtown Richmond. Great concerts, speakers, break out sessions and Mass with the Bishop! 8th grade - HS.
Special Early Bird Pricing is $140 per person!
Deadline for discount is November 19!
Complete the form and email to Joy Weir at jweir@richmondcathedral.org
Diocesan Youth Conference
February 7-9th
The Diocesan Youth Conference registration will be opening soon. If you are in 8th grade - High School, save the date on your calendar now. This is a special fun and faith filled weekend for the youth in all the Richmond Diocese and is conveniently located right here in downtown Richmond. More details will be shared soon!
We meet weekly on Tuesdays from 10am-11am in the large downstairs classroom. Join us for a fun and relaxed music and movement program for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and their parent/caregiver (and older homeschool children are welcome to come)
If you would like to provide dinner for a Tuesday night RCIA Session please email Maria Thorsen at
R.C.I.A. MEAL MINISTRY
Cathedral parishioners have always been so welcoming to the members in the RCIA process. Our parish community supports those seeking full membership in the Catholic faith through. As a Eucharistic people, we come together to know and understand each other by sharing a meal. The faith of the RCIA community is strengthened by your generous gift of a meal.
Have you registered, or
recently moved?
If you have not yet registered as a parishioner of the Cathedral, please visit richmondcathedral.org, scroll down to "Join" and select "Online Registration." This can be completed in under five minutes, and will be necessary for such things as our upcoming Cathedral Christmas card!
If your address has changed since registering, please contact Tiffany Baham at
tbaham@ richmondcathedral.org and provide your updated address.
RCIA is a process of conversion and spiritual formation for individuals who are interested in living the Christian life in the Catholic tradition. It is time of prayer, study, reflection, faith sharing, on-going discernment and participation in parish life.
For further information please contact Maria Thorsen - mthorsen@richmondcathedral.org
Please visit the Cathedral website to review the Adult Faith Formation programs for 2019-2020
www.richmondcathedral.org
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
RCIA SPONSORS 2019-2020
Our Cathedral community supports the RCIA community each year with prayer and hospitality. RCIA members always express how thankful they are to our parish community. If you would like to join the RCIA ministry as a Sponsor please email Maria Thorsen: mthorsen@richmondcathedral.org
Eucharistic Ministers to the Sick and Homebound
This is a wonderful ministry whereby you will meet some of the nicest and most grateful people imaginable. The time commitment is minimal but the reward is everlasting!
If you can commit to spending a few moments once a month, bringing the Eucharist to those who would otherwise not receive it, contact the Eucharistic Minister Coordinator.
If you can commit to spending a few moments once a month, bringing the Eucharist to those who would otherwise not receive it, contact the Eucharistic Minister Coordinator.
John Aune
jraune@outlook.com | (217) 649-5566
Updated Weekend Bulletin
Give with Vanco
You can give:
• online through QR code or visit
www.richmondcathedral.org/give/
• through Mobile App by downloading the
‘GivePlus Church’
• or by texting the amount you wish to give to 804-315-0903. You will have to enter your credit card or bank account number the first time you give. For more information please call the church office 804-212-3898
Parking Voucher
The parking vouchers for the VCU Decks have been updated. Please use this QR code to vacate the decks and avoid paying for parking.
Bulletin Update!
Please check out our weekly bulletin for more in-depth information regarding events at your Cathedral!
Bulletin Update
More events and information found here:
Wednesday, August 15, is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and is a Holy Day of Obligation. Please join us for a Solemn Mass at 12:00 Noon with special music sung by the Cathedral Schola Cantorum or a sung Mass at 6:00p.
"When speaking of families, often the image of a treasure comes to my mind.
Today's rhythm of life, stress, pressure at work, and also the little attention paid by institutions, could put them in danger.
It's not enough to talk about their importance: it's necessary to promote concrete means and to develop their role in society with a good family policy.
Today's rhythm of life, stress, pressure at work, and also the little attention paid by institutions, could put them in danger.
It's not enough to talk about their importance: it's necessary to promote concrete means and to develop their role in society with a good family policy.
Together, let us ask Jesus that any far-reaching decisions of economists and politicians may protect the family as one of the treasures of humanity."
-Pope Francis
HOLY SMOKES!
PREK-Middle School Open House
Sunday, Sept. 9 | 10:00 - 11:00 am
Join us in our new church offices on the first floor to learn about our wonderful year of children’s formation and middle school youth group. You will get a chance to meet your child’s catechist or group leader. Coming from the church, go past the bathrooms through the hall and two sets of doors to reach the new office. Coming from the street, you can enter directly through the double doors at 823 S. Cathedral Place.
High School and Confirmation Open House
Sunday, September 9 |12:00-1:00pm
Join us in our new church offices on the first floor to learn about our high school youth group meetings and the chance for service hours. If you are in your sophmore year or older and would like information on the Sacrament of Confirmation, please attend this open house. Coming from the church, go past the bathrooms through the hall and two sets of doors to reach the new office. Coming from the street, you can enter directly through the double doors at 823 S. Cathedral Place.
Bible Timeline: A Story of Salvation History
*Now Mondays* 7:00p - 8:30p | Parish Hall (New Location)
Dates: September 17th, September 24th, and October 1st
“To fall in love with God is the greatest of all romances; to seek Him, the greatest adventure…” St. Augustine. The Bible Timeline is a Catholic approach to Scripture that invites us into a transformative encounter with Jesus Christ.
Everyone is invited. Please attend and bring a friend!
Please note temporary change of location:
The Nursery will be located in the large classroom on the lower level for about 4 weeks. All nursery supplies have been stored as the rooms are cleaned and painted, so we are asking that you bring a bag of toys that the children can share each week. Please have diapers available, if needed.If you have any questions please email:
mthorsen@richmondcathedral.org
Women's Book Group
Fridays at 10am | Parish Hall
Sept 28, Oct 5, Oct 12, and Oct 19
“Through her unique gift for
storytelling, combined with profound
spiritual insight, Sr. Bridget
Haase's Doors to the Sacred will invite
readers to open the door to the room of
daily experience, stand under its
ceiling of providence, walk the floors of
faith, and explore its nooks and
crannies of divine surprises and
disguises. By so doing, they will
discover that each event of life is holy,
saturated with God, and filled with
hope.” – Paraclete Press
“Shine like stars in the world, as you hold fast to the word of life” (Phil. 2:15–16)