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October Overview
The month of October is dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary, whose Memorial is celebrated on October 7.
During the month, the Knights of Columbus will be collecting winter coats for Sacred Heart parish (Manchester) and St. Peter's Church.
A Holy Hour in honor of Our Lady of the Rosary will take place on Thursday, October 29 at 6:00 p.m. and will feature Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, biblical readings, and sacred music.
Why go to Mass?
"The Eucharist is a pledge of future glory because it fills us with every grace and heavenly blessing. It fortifies us for our pilgrimage in this life and makes us long for eternal life. It unites us already to Christ seated at the right hand of the Father, to the Church in heaven and to the Blessed Virgin and all the saints" (Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 294).
JOIN US SUNDAY AFTER THE
11:00 A.M. MASS!
Cathedral Bible Study:
Letters from Prison, Part One
Mondays Oct. 26, Nov. 2, Nov. 9, Nov. 16.
7:00–8:00 p.m. | Zoom
Letters from Prison, Part One explores Philippians and Philemon in four sessions, explaining the reason each letter was written and addressing various themes such as joy, unity in Christ, reconciliation, and the close relationship between St. Paul and his communities.
Deacons Chris Malone and Charles Williams will facilitate.
The Memories of Mary:
A Holy Hour in Honor of Our Lady of the Rosary
Thursday, October 29 | 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
In-person and Livestream
This event will include Eucharistic Exposition and Benediction, biblical readings, sacred music, and a special Rosary commemorating the bicentennial jubilee of the Diocese of Richmond. The holy hour will take place in-person at the Cathedral and online via the Cathedral's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/cathedralofthesacredheart/live
Annual Brunswick Stew Sale
The Knights of Columbus will be hosting their annual Brunswick Stew Sale again this year, observing all necessary health precautions. The stew will be prepared outdoors, with all volunteers wearing masks and gloves. A “drive-through” and “walk-up” pickup for orders will be arranged on the sidewalk outside the Parish Hall for one hour after all Masses on November 14 and 15. Orders and payment will be taken by email only this year.
Please click here to download a fillable order form or call
(804) 366-3430 if you need assistance.
OCTOBER COAT DRIVE–UPDATE
Coats for infants, children, and youth are especially needed.
We are extending drop-off to Tuesday (10/27). You can drop the coats at the office on these days. The office is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thank you to the many generous Cathedral parishioners who have supported this collection.
WEEKEND UPDATE
This past weekend, 48 coats were donated: 39 for adults and 9 for children. Overall, we have collected 83 coats: 59 for adults and 24 for children. As the cold weather is beginning, those in need at Sacred Heart and St. Peter’s will appreciate the warmth of the donated coats.
Flower Garden
The Cathedral will plant a garden in the courtyard that will provide flowers for Mass throughout the year. Parishioners are invited to donate plants, new or shared from their own garden. As always, we appreciate your generosity in supporting our Cathedral parish.
***DROP-OFF TIMES HAVE BEEN EXTENDED AND UPDATED*** Drop off will be on Friday, October 23 from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 24 from 1:00-4:00 p.m., and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the side of the church that faces the VCU library (near the trash bins). CALL THE FACILITIES NUMBER WHEN YOU ARRIVE AND ONE OF OUR STAFF WILL MEET YOU THERE: (804) 980-5842.
Bicentennial Indulgences
Pope Francis has granted two plenary indulgences as part of the commemoration of the bicentennial jubilee of the Diocese of Richmond (1820–2020). The first indulgence is attached to the Papal Blessing that Bishop Knestout will impart at the Mass for the Eucharistic Congress on November 7 (which will be livestreamed). The second indulgence is available to those who make a personal pilgrimage to any of three historic churches in the diocese, including the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. For more information about the indulgences, including the provision made for those who are sick or homebound, click here.
A New Podcast: Seven Mile Chats
Deacon Charles Williams was the guest on Seven Mile Chats October 20 episode.
Seven Mile Chats is a podcast where Cathedral parishioner and host, Julia Strukely, discusses a Scripture passage of her guest's choosing each week. Seven Mile Chats is a reference to a Gospel passage in Luke where two friends walk and have a conversation about Jesus during which He appears to them.
November
The consecutive celebration of All Saints Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2) presents the theme for this month: our eternal destiny. Traditionally, it is at this time of year that the Church reflects on the “Last Things”: death, judgment, the resurrection of the body, heaven, hell, and purgatory.
These topics are featured in the readings and prayers for Mass, as the liturgical year comes to a close. Accordingly, the Gospel reading focuses on the end of Jesus’ public ministry. (The account of Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection is proclaimed during Holy Week and Easter.) In Jerusalem, at the end of his public ministry, Jesus speaks about the end of the world and his return in glory (Parousia). This theme segues into Advent—the beginning of the new liturgical year—whose first part focuses on the Second Coming of Christ.
All Saints Day
The weekend of October 31 – November 1 is the Solemnity of All Saints. As the name implies, All Saints Day celebrates all who are in heaven: those who have been officially declared (canonized) and particularly those who have not.
All Souls’ Day
Monday, November 2 is the Commemoration of All the Faithful
Departed, better known as All Souls’ Day. As the name implies, on All Souls’ Day the Church intercedes for all the dead. Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 noon and will be livestreamed: https://www.facebook.com/cathedralofthesacredheart/live
“From the beginning the Church has honored the memory of the dead and offered prayers in suffrage for them, above all the Eucharistic sacrifice, so that, thus purified, they may attain the beatific vision of God. The Church also commends almsgiving, indulgences, and works of penance undertaken on behalf of the dead” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1032).
A Cleansing for Heaven:
Why Purgatory Deserves a Better Reputation
On Thursday, November 12 at 6:00 p.m., Father Tony will offer a presentation on purgatory, the Church’s hopeful doctrine that comes into focus during this month. This session will take place in-person in the church and virtually over zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88059411092
“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” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1030).
Youth Group Kickball
Our middle and high school youth groups had a great time playing kickball together last Sunday against Our Lady of Lourdes. There was one thing missing: YOU! Join middle school (6-8th) or high school (9-12th) youth group today and join in on the fun!
Special Events Coming Up for Children & Youth
- Sunday, November 1 PREK-5th grade @ 1:00 p.m. over Zoom. It’s an All Saints Day Party and you are the saints. Come dressed as your favorite saint!
- Saturday, November 14 @ 10:00 a.m. MS & HS walk to Mt. Calvary with Father Tony. We will start on the steps of the Cathedral and walk to Mt. Calvary Cemetery. We will learn more about praying for the dead. When we come back to church, we will sing "Happy Birthday" to someone special.
Are you trying to cut down on the paper you use?
Is the check you write to our parish one of the few checks that you write anymore?
You can give greener by using our
Online Giving Program.
Simply go to our parish website at www.richmondcathedral.org/donate or Click Here You can set up the amount that you would like to give on a schedule that meets your needs and you never have to worry about writing another check, forgetting your envelope, or having cash in your wallet. Our parish greatly appreciates all those who choose to give in this manner as it helps us maintain a consistent cash flow and pay all of our bills in a timely manner.
NEW QR CODE
YOU WILL NEED AN UPDATED QR CODE TO PARK IN THE PARKING GARAGE ACROSS FROM THE ALTRIA THEATRE ON LAUREL.
SCHEDULE
Masses
Tuesday, Thursday,Friday: 12:05 p.m. (Cathedral Facebook)
(Cathedral open from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
Wednesday: 6:30 p.m.
(Cathedral open from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.)
Saturday: 5:15 p.m. (Cathedral Facebook)
(Cathedral opens at 4:15 p.m.)
Sunday: 9:00 a.m. (no livestream)
(Cathedral opens at 8:00 a.m.)
(Cathedral opens at 10:00 a.m.)
Sunday: 5:15 p.m.
(Cathedral opens at 4:15 p.m.)
Online registration for weekend Masses is greatly appreciated and expedites entry. Those who register online and arrive at least 15 minutes early are guaranteed a seat. Thank you for helping our hard-working Cathedral ushers, who endeavor to have everyone seated before Mass begins.
Confessions
Wednesday: 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Parish Office
Monday–Friday: 9:00 a.m.– 4:30 p.m.
