The parish office will close at 1:00 p.m. today for the Holiday weekend. Have a safe and Happy 4th of July!
July 2, 2020
Dear Cathedral Parishioners,
I hope this message finds you well. I’m writing to explain the reorganization of our excellent parish staff that has taken effect with the beginning of the new fiscal year (July 1).
These changes will help the parish to carry out its work more effectively:
1. Maria Thorsen has asked to focus exclusively on the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). Her new title will be Director of RCIA. I am grateful that Maria will remain on the parish staff.
2. Joy Weir will now oversee all religious education (Pre-K–adult) and sacramental preparation (infant Baptism, First Penance / First Holy Communion, and Confirmation). Her new title will be Director of Evangelization and Catechesis.
“Evangelization” refers to the primary task of the Church: bearing witness to the Gospel of Christ’s death and resurrection. The use of this term in Joy’s title seeks to emphasize that the heart of the parish’s work is to help others meet Jesus Christ and deepen their relationship with him in the Church.
“Catechesis” is the Church’s term for religious instruction. It is derived from the Greek word for “echo,” and gives the sense of the word of God “resounding” in the lives of believers.
3. Lauren Tompkins will continue to be a cantor, and will now oversee all parish communications (website, Facebook, Flocknotes, and bulletin). She will also be responsible for recording all sacraments and sacramentals in the parish registers (Baptism, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, Marriage, and funerals). Lauren’s new title will be Communications and Sacramental Records Specialist.
4. Chris Ferrara will focus exclusively on ensuring that the parish office runs smoothly, and will handle all requests for emergency financial assistance. His new title will be Office Manager.
5. Daniel Sañez continues as Director of Liturgy and Music, with all that this position entails: preparing the music for all Masses and other liturgies, training cantors and choristers, and overseeing liturgical ministries.
6. Janice Guzman continues as Assistant for Worship. Janice coordinates all the weddings at the Cathedral and prepares the program (worship aid) for each Mass celebrated in the parish.
7. Tiffany Baham continues as Business Manager.
8. Lisa Hearl continues as Bookkeeper.
9. Back in January, a member of the Cathedral facilities team resigned; that position has not been filled. Patrick Garrett, John Marike, and Rosie Anderson continue to take care of the parish’s physical plant.
These changes will help the parish staff to be more efficient by eliminating overlapping task. The staff members have been fantastic to work with, and I am grateful to be their co-worker.
I would also like to mention the work of the four Cathedral deacons. In addition to their unique liturgical role and participation in social ministry, they will now be even more involved in catechesis, specifically, adult education (Bible studies, book groups, etc.).
Please be sure to thank the parish staff and deacons for their great work, especially during the pandemic.
I wish you a happy Fourth of July.
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Tony Marques
During the month of July we are celebrating the 200th birthday of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond (July 11, 1820)
Click below to see how you can get involved in our parish as we celebrate this momentous occasion.
First Friday Adoration Cancelled
Due to coronavirus precautions, there will be no Eucharistic Adoration on Friday, July 3, following the 12:05pm Daily Mass.
PHASE TWO SCHEDULE
Masses (Livestream and Public):
ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR WEEKEND MASSES.
Tuesday–Friday: 12:05 p.m. (Cathedral Facebook)
(Cathedral open from 11:30–1:00pm.)
Saturday: 5:15 p.m. (Cathedral Facebook)
(Cathedral opens at 4:00 p.m.; no admittance after Mass begins.)
Sunday: 9:00 a.m. (no livestream)
(Cathedral opens at 8:00 a.m.; no admittance after Mass begins.)
Sunday: 11:00 a.m. (Diocesan Webpage)
(Cathedral opens at 10:00 a.m.; no admittance after Mass begins.)
Confessions:
Wednesday: 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Parish Office:
(Open by appointment only. Must wear a face covering
and answer 'no' to all three screening questions)
Monday– Friday: 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
REMINDERS FOR ALL MASSES:
A face covering must be worn for the duration of the Mass
Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the start of Mass
Thank you for helping to keep yourselves and fellow parishioners safe.
Bicentennial Books for Sale
Shine Like Stars is a book celebrating of the 200th
anniversary of the founding of the Richmond Diocese. It contains extensive and fascinating information about the history of our Diocese, as well as each and every parish church within it - all written by our very own Rector, Father Tony Marques! There are also many pockets inside the book containing beautiful postcards, holy cards, and more.
The cost is $40 if picked up from the parish office or $50 to have them shipped to your door. Please call the parish office to arrange pick-up/delivery: (804) 359-5651.
The Diocesan Chrism Mass will be held on
Friday, July 10 at 6:00 p.m.
The Bicentennial Celebration and Ordination Mass will be held on
Saturday, July 11 at 10:30 a.m.
Join us for both liturgies via livestream at https://richmonddiocese.org/livestream/.
New Opportunity for Charitable Works
During the Month of July
Congratulations to our newest members of the Church, who received the Sacraments of Initiation and made their Profession of Faith this past Sunday at 5:15 p.m. It was a beautiful Liturgy celebrating these RCIA members' journey into the faith.
Last Thursday, Cathedral youth received the Sacrament of Confirmation after a delay caused by Covid-19. It was a joyous occasion for the youth, their families, and our parish community. Congratulations Confirmands!
Congratulations Liam McLaughlin on his First Holy Communion!
Cathedral Book Club
Our next book club will be on Racial Justice and the Catholic Church by Fr. Bryan N. Massingale with Deacon Charles Williams and Deacon Chris Malone as facilitators.
The group will meet on Wednesday:
July 29
Aug 5
Aug 12
and Aug 19
from 7:00–8:00 p.m. over Zoom.
Get your book now from Amazon or any other online book retailer. Read the book and join the conversation.
Register Today:
The Next TOT is Monday, July 6
The next scheduled Young Adult Event is Theology on Tap Online, hosted by the Richmond TOT committee, will be on Monday, July 6 for a talk by Father Joseph Anthony about the True, Good, & Beautiful in Pop Culture! 7:20pm virtual doors open, 7:30pm talk begins. Join us at: bit.ly/OnlineTOT.
Tuesdays Together Resumes in August
Our Tuesdays Together program for children ages 0 to 5 years old is going on vacation in July. We plan to resume in August. If you would like to join us for future gatherings - please email Joy Weir at jweir@richmoncathedral.org
Poor & Needy Fund
Thank you to all that have donated to the poor and needy fund this year. A portion of the money donated (50%) goes to helping people in need of emergency assistance, the remaining portion (50%) goes for small grants that support and promote human well being.
This year we have awarded grants to medical services, such as The Virginia Home and Crossover Healthcare. Homeless services/housing support, such as HomeAgain Richmond, Commonwealth Catholic Charities, and CARITAS. Youth services/education related, such as Sacred Heart Center, Greater Richmond SCAN, and Richmond Hill. Older adult services, such as Circle Center Adult Day Services and St. Francis Home, SOAR365 (disabled individuals), and post conviction services/substance abuse education, such as Drive to Work and VADP.
The grand total amount that was awarded for these grants is $22,000. Without your support, we would not be able to make a contribution to our community. Thank you.
Calling All High School Students:
Fiat Days & Quo Vadis Discernment Retreats
July 14-16, 2020 | Presented over Zoom & Regionally In-Person
Save the date! The goal of Fiat Days and Quo Vadis is to gather high school-aged women and men, respectively, who desire to grow in faithful discipleship and personal holiness to be better able to discover their own vocation from the Lord, with a special focus on the call to religious life or the priesthood. If you have a teen who might be interested in a summer discernment retreat, make sure to pass the date along to them! This year, these retreats will be held virtually over zoom (morning and afternoon sessions with a break), with one in-person day held in each region of our diocese. Contact Joy Weir at jweir@richmondcathedral.org to receive additional information.
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 a time of prayer, study, reflection, faith sharing, on-going discernment and participation in the life of the parish. This process is for those who have never been baptized, and those who were baptized in another faith tradition, and those who were baptized Catholic and wish full initiation.
To learn more about RCIA please contact Maria Thorsen or come to one of the scheduled Inquiry Sessions: mthorsen@richmondcathedral.org
To learn more about RCIA please contact Maria Thorsen or come to one of the scheduled Inquiry Sessions: mthorsen@richmondcathedral.org
RCIA Inquiry Sessions
Are you interested in exploring the possibility of becoming Catholic? We welcome you to come with your questions and share in conversation about what it means to live the Christian life in the Catholic tradition. The inquiry sessions are intended to help each person discern whether you want to consider fuller participation in the Catholic faith community.
July 14 - 5:30 pm | August 11 - 5:30 pm
Please contact Maria Thorsen if you would like to join us: mthorsen@richmondcathedral.org
Giving
Thank you for your support!
The prayer and work of our beloved parish continues. While some may not be in the position to give as before, for those who can, we hope that you will consider offering your support as you are able.
Every gift, no matter the size, makes a tremendous difference. During these uncertain times, we are sadly aware that many people will suffer financial hardship. We continue to pray for everyone and reach out to those who are suffering.
Thank you for keeping your financial stewardship active during this challenging time, as we continue to serve our parish 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. The Finance Council meets weekly with Father Tony to monitor this. We will be here throughout this time of crisis. We are keeping you all in our prayers.
Join our deacons and fellow parishioners
Each Wednesday Morning at 7:30 a.m.
for Lauds (Morning Prayer).
Click the link to join:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87256516889
Meeting ID: 872 5651 6889
Meeting ID: 872 5651 6889
