Welcome

Bishop Burbidge has opened a feasibility study for the possible creation of a Diocesan Vocational Technical School. If implemented, this program will integrate Catholic values with career, technical, and vocational training, preparing students for meaningful careers while deepening their faith. Students will gain hands-on experience while fostering a Christ-centered approach to their vocation.

A survey is being conducted to learn the needs and interests of the members of the diocese. Please respond using one of the links, even if you do not have children you would wish to enroll.

The survey is open until June 11^th.  All responses will remain anonymous.  The survey page is in English, but to change to Spanish, click on the globe in the upper right-hand corner.

Our Knights of Columbus chapter will once again host a Children's Carnival on the last Sunday of June (June 29). This year's event will be held on the large field to the left of the church building.

The event will have carnival games, a cake walk, hot dogs, and a moon bounce. No RSVP is needed, but registering helps us estimate how much food to prepare.

You many also volunteer with the event using the SignupGenius link below.

The Vatican, the Diocese of Arlington, and the USCCB have prepared many materials to help us celebrate this milestone in the Catholic Church.

Dear Friends in Christ,

Peace to you from the Rectory! June is the month for priest transfers in the Diocese of Arlington, so let me tell you about the ones that impact our parish. The most impressive is that our transitional deacon is now a priest – Fr. Jordan Evans was just ordained yesterday! Later this month he will begin his first assignment at Nativity Parish in Burke, VA. We will have the chance to congratulate him next Sunday, June 15, when he celebrates the 10:30 am Mass, followed by a reception in his honor. I do hope you can join Fr. Jordan at Mass, and then get his priestly blessing afterwards.

Another big change involves Fr. Isenberg, our resident priest, who has been named the Dean of Men at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia. This is quite an honor. Already Fr. Isenberg has been involved in priestly formation for over seven years as Vocation Director for the Diocese of Arlington. He will now continue this important work on a higher level as he collaborates in the training of future priests at a major seminary.

In addition to being an excellent priest, Fr. Isenberg is also quite a handyman. His skills have helped us immensely these last few years. Among other projects, Fr. Isenberg was involved in fixing one of my chair lifts, advising us on our office renovation, and installing surveillance cameras in the rectory, church, and school.

In gratitude for his help and priestly service, we will honor Fr. Isenberg on Sunday, June 22, starting with Evening Prayer at 6 pm in the church, followed by heavy hors d'oeuvres and fellowship on the convent lawn. It will be a nice evening to enjoy Fr. Isenberg’s company, to thank him, and to wish him well.

The next change is that we will be getting a new resident priest, Fr. Jamie Workman, the Vicar General for the Diocese of Arlington. As Vicar General he is second in command in the diocese and works closely with Bishop Burbidge. He is also good friends with the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, so it will be nice for them to be together at the same parish.

The last change is John Anthony Buono, one of our diocesan seminarians, who will be joining us for the summer. John Anthony is from St. Agnes Parish in Arlington, VA, and just finished his First Year of Theology at Mt. St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, MD. You will see John Anthony real soon – he starts tomorrow, June 9 – so welcome to you, John Anthony!

While neither of us are being transferred, I nonetheless want to say a few words about Fr. Briggs and myself. First Fr. Briggs: I am very grateful that Fr. Briggs is not being transferred– at least not for another year! Even more, I want everyone to know how very grateful I am to Fr. Briggs for his joyful service to this parish – what a blessing – thank you Fr. Briggs!

About myself: Lately, a minor health problem has curtailed my pastoral activities, so I have not been as visible and active as usual. Hopefully this issue will be resolved soon, at which time I look forward to being back with you at full strength. Until then, thank you so much for your prayers for me – they are greatly appreciated. St. Philip the Apostle – pray for us!

May Christ’s Peace be with you,

Fr. Donahue