Migrants are often victims of criminal human smuggling and human trafficking.
Among other causes, this happens because of corruption on the part of people willing to do anything for financial gain.
The money from their dirty, underhanded business is blood money. I’m not exaggerating: it’s blood money.
We pray that the cries of our migrant brothers and sisters, victims of criminal human smuggling and human trafficking, may be heard and considered.
-Pope Francis, February, 2020
Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the funeral scheduled for Noon this upcoming Monday, the Women's Book Group will meet at 9:30 a.m. instead of 12:15 p.m.
My black Catholic church was closed in the name of integration
Read Deacon Charles William's article, published in America Magazine here:
Thank you to the many people who have supported the cathedral's newest ministry. Every 3rd Friday of the month, we assemble bagged lunches for CARITAS and deliver them to the Healing Place here in RVA. We are always in need of food donations and help with the lunch assembly. Please click the link below to sign-up. Questions? Contact Maria at mthorsen@richmondcathedral.org
Girl Scout Cookies on sale
THIS Sunday, February 16
following the 9 and 11 a.m. Masses.
The Girl Scouts thank you for your support!
Shrove Tuesday
Before commencing the penitential discipline of Lent, there is a longstanding Catholic custom to celebrate the day before Ash Wednesday. In the English-speaking world, this day came to be known as Shrove Tuesday (this year, February 25). The word “shrove” is the past tense of the verb “shrive,” which means, “to confess one’s sins.” In England, it was customary to eat pancakes on Shrove Tuesday, since this practice consumed foods—eggs, sugar, and milk—that were not used during the Lenten fast. Shrove Tuesday is the English-speaking equivalent of the French-speaking Mardi Gras (“Fat Tuesday”) and the Brazilian Carnaval (carnival).
THINK Gift Shop! When looking for a special Valentine gift, think of the Cathedral Gift Shop. Celebrate the one you love and gift cathedral ministries with your purchase.
Save the Date!
Vacation Bible School
July 6 - 10 | 8:45 a.m. to Noon
Climb aboard for mountains of fun at Rocky Railway! On this faith-filled adventure, kids discover that trusting Jesus pulls them through life’s ups and downs. We have games, music, fun songs, snacks, Bible stories and more. Campers are PREK- 5th grade. Youth helpers are rising 6th grade to High School students. Adult helpers are ALWAYS needed too! Save the date now and registration will be available soon!
Save the Date!
Diocesan Middle School Camp
July 20-24, 2020 | Fit for a King
More details to follow on this fun camp for rising 6th, 7th & 8th Middle School students. Rising Sophomores and up and adult chaperone volunteer opportunities!
Bingo Night is Back!
Saturday, February 22nd
Following the 5:15 Mass (time change)
The Knights of Columbus are hosting their annual bingo night fundraiser immediately after the 5:15pm Mass on Saturday, February 22. The entry fee will be $20 for an individual, $40 for families of 2-4, and $50 for families of 5+. The entry fee will cover gaming, food, and drinks. Great door prizes and raffle items will be available. Come join your fellow Cathedral Parishioners for an evening of great food, fellowship, and fun.
Donations accepted in lieu of attendance.
Ash Wednesday
February 26 is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. The purpose of this holy season is to prepare us, through penance and conversion, to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ at Easter. Masses on Ash Wednesday will be at 12:00 N and 6:00 p.m. Bishop Knestout will celebrate the 6:00 p.m. Mass.
On Ash Wednesday, Catholics ages 14 and above are required to abstain from eating meat (Code of Canon Law, canons 1251–1252). Animal flesh is not consumed out of respect for Christ’s flesh, which was crucified for our salvation.
Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59 are required to fast from the normal amount of food (canons 1252–1253; U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Complementary Norm to canon 1253 [1983]). When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal; two smaller meals may also be taken, but should not equal a full meal.
First Penance
and First Holy Communion
Thank you to those that have registered your child for Sacramental Preparation. We look forward to being with you!
Our first class is THIS Sunday, February 16th from Noon to 2pm starting in the Parish Hall.
We will be contacting you to let you know what type of item to bring for the potluck (main dish, side or dessert). If you have not completed your registration form or have questions. Please contact Joy Weir jweir@richmondcathedral.org.
Lenten Preparation Activities
Lent is approaching! Join us for our Lenten Preparation Activities on Saturday, February 22 from 10:00am to Noon. There will be crafts and preparation activities for all ages, a special Stations of the Cross for children and the ingredients and materials to create a “Lenten Soup in a Jar” for an easy meatless meal on a Lenten Friday! We look forward to being with you.
Stations of the Cross, Confessions, and Supper
The Stations of the Cross will be prayed on the Fridays of Lent at 6:45 p.m. Confessions will be heard and a light supper will be served beforehand at 6:00 p.m. in the church and Parish Hall, respectively.
Why does your parish need your gift?
None of us likes to give a gift that is not needed. That is why we spend so many hours shopping for just the perfect gift. So it is understandable that you might question, “Does the parish need my gift? Does my weekly financial contribution make a difference?” Here are some of the ways your gift is needed and does make a difference. Your contributions to the Cathedral help:
- Pay staff salaries so that the ordained clergy have more time to visit the sick and comfort those who truly need to feel Jesus in their lives at this time.
- Pay the utility bills that keep the lights on and the rooms warm (or cool) for all those who gather here for prayer, education or social ministry. Last month those utility bills amounted to $28,527
- Purchase the many supplies that are needed for our liturgies and sacraments, including hosts, wine, candles, prayer books and hymnals.
- Landscape our grounds, maintain our facilities, so that we always present a welcoming image to all who may pass by this House of God.
Bicentennial Book & Coaster Deal
Save $10 when you purchase a copy of Shine Like Stars with a Cathedral coaster at our Gift Shop! For $60, you will receive this incredible book, written in part by Fr. Tony, along with a coaster made from original 1906 Cathedral wood. Coasters can also be purchased separately for $20, and make an excellent gift with significant historical value. Our gift shop is open before and after weekend Masses.
Our music and movement program for infants to PREK and their caregivers meets weekly on Tuesdays from 10:00am to 11:00am in the large classroom in the basement. It is a wonderful time for fellowship and fun! Join us!
It's not too late to join!
Bring
out
your
palms!
Collecting Palms
Palms that were blessed last year on Palm Sunday are now being collected in preparation for the beginning of Lent. After the palms are burnt, the ashes imposed on the forehead on Ash Wednesday, February 26. Please deposit the palms in the baskets that have been placed in the vestibule.
The connection between Palm Sunday and Ash Wednesday highlights an important truth: We undertake penance knowing that Christ has already conquered sin by his Passion, Death, and Resurrection. The Lord’s victory is meant to be ours as well. The palm is a symbol of Christ’s victory, as we read in the Book of Revelation: “After this I had a vision of a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation, race, people, and tongue. They stood before the throne and before the Lamb, wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice: ‘Salvation comes from our God, who is seated on the throne, and from the Lamb.’” (7:9–10).
Please visit the Cathedral website to review the Adult Faith Formation programs for 2019-2020
www.richmondcathedral.org
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
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 and the reward is everlasting!
If you can commit to spending a few moments once a month, taking 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, taking 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:
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
