Dear Cathedral Parishioners,
Here is today’s update:
1. I celebrated Mass privately again. There was no scheduled intention, so I offered the Mass for the deceased husband of a parishioner, and for her consolation.
Here is a link to the readings: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/032720.cfm. A brief homily is attached.
2. I was moved by the beautiful Urbi et Orbi blessing that Pope Francis imparted this afternoon from Rome. (The first link we provided to the blessing was to the Italian feed—I could only make out a few words here and there—but then we found the feed with the English interpretation, which we emailed to you.)
3. The Fridays of Lent are the traditional time for praying the Stations of the Cross. Here is a link to online versions: http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/prayers-and-devotions/stations-of-the-cross/index.cfm.
4. Tomorrow, Saturday morning, two children will be baptized, and then a couple will be wed in the afternoon. All of the necessary health precautions will be observed. Please pray for the children, the couple, and their families. These extraordinary celebrations, amid the pandemic, underscore the importance of the sacraments in our lives.
5. On Sunday, I will once again concelebrate a livestreamed Mass with Bishop Knestout at the Cathedral at 10:00 a.m. Here is the link: https://richmonddiocese.org/livestream/. I hope that you will be able to participate in the Mass via livestream.
6. The diocesan Office of Worship has many excellent resources for prayer, including ones for families, on its website: http://www.cdrworship.org/familyresources.
7. The bulletin for this weekend is attached.
8. Beginning on Monday, March 30, blessed palms will be available for pick-up in the church. You can stop by the church during the new hours to take a palm in preparation for Palm Sunday, April 5. Blessed palms will be mailed to parishioners who are sick or homebound.
9. The Cathedral’s financial situation, like of an increasing number of people, is difficult. I have been in regular contact with the parish finance council so that we can navigate this rough terrain. With their assistance, I will be publishing a notice on the financial state of the parish next week.
10. For now, please remember that we need your financial support to continue the ongoing ministries at the Cathedral (in some cases virtual). Online giving is especially helpful because it ensures that we have enough cash in the bank to pay our bills. We’re in a difficult spot, as many parishioners are. I have stopped all discretionary spending to ease the situation, but we have ongoing costs. If you can give, please do, and do so online. If you can’t give, please don’t. Information about online giving appears at the bottom of this message.
Please know that I am grateful for your prayers and for your kind words of support.
Sincerely in Christ,
Father Tony Marques
(CNS photo/Guglielmo Mangiapane, pool via Reuters)
Read the Pope's Urbi et Orbi Address Here:
The liturgies for Holy Week (Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday, April 5–12), will be celebrated with only a few people present (out of health concerns), and will be livestreamed from the Cathedral.
Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord (April 5): 10:00 a.m.
Palms will be available for pickup from Monday-Saturday during the Cathedral's open hours (listed below).
Holy Thursday: Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper (April 9): 6:00 p.m.
The church will be open after the liturgy from 7:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. for those who would like to visit the Blessed Sacrament.
Good Friday: Celebration of the Passion of the Lord (April 10): 3:00 p.m.
The Cathedral will be open after the liturgy from4:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m. for adoration of the cross. Confessions will be heard from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Holy Saturday: Easter Vigil in the Holy Night (April 11): 8:00 p.m.
Lauds (Morning Prayer) livestreamed at 9:00 a.m.
Confessions from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Confessions from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord (April 12): Mass at 10:00 a.m.
Cathedral open from 12:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Giving
Many people have asked how they can continue to financially support the Cathedral parish while public Masses are suspended. As you may know, the Cathedral operating budget is 100% dependent on Offertory contributions throughout the year. About 18% of our donations come through electronic giving. The balance of the giving comes through the regular Sunday collection (82%). With the suspension of public Masses, we will lose about half of our income.
It is also true that during this crisis, many people will suffer financial hardship through the temporary loss of employment, a reduction in investment-based retirement income, or the need to support other family members. Keeping in mind both of these realities, we ask that you consider the following, remembering that no one is expected to financially endanger themselves or their family:
Please continue to support the Cathedral parish through your donations:
- Mail in your usual donation amount by check to 823 Cathedral Place, Richmond, VA 23220
- Use Vanco, our online giving platform (Click Here). You can set up one-time or recurring donations using your bank account or credit card. If you previously have not set up your account in Vanco, you can do so easily. Remember, you have total control over your giving using Vanco.
- You can text the amount you wish to donate to (804) 315-0903.
At this time, the Cathedral parish has suspended all discretionary spending. We are focused on carefully stewarding the donations of our parishioners so that the essential work of the Church can continue. We will be here throughout this time of crisis. We are here for you! Please help us maintain that presence as you are able.
You are in our prayers; please keep us in yours.
The Cathedral's Extended Hours for
Individual Prayer
Monday through Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 3:00–6:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 N – 6:00 p.m.
Hours for Confession
(Penance or Reconciliation)
Wednesday: 5:00–6:00 p.m.
Friday: 5:00–6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 4:00–6:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 N – 2:00 p.m.