Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,,

In the words of St. Francis, “May the Lord give you peace!” Thank you, Father Jeb, for this opportunity to express my gratitude to the people of St. Philip for the joy of serving with you these past five years. We are Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, and the Greek-origin word Eucharistia means “thanksgiving”!

As I prayed about a theme for this letter, the word “Communion” came to mind. Another name for the Eucharist is Holy Communion. Under the appearance of bread and wine, we receive the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ and enjoy union (communion) with him and all those who participate in the Eucharist. This union is why we call both the Eucharist and the Church the “Body of Christ.” We also call the Church, including the souls in purgatory and those in heaven, the “Communion of Saints.” The desire for this kind of union, to be brother or sister to all, is part of what led me to respond to my religious vocation.

Although participating in the Eucharist allows us to be in “full communion” with the Catholic Church, other ways of union include communal prayer, listening to God’s Word, and works of mercy (or charity). We have an abundance of such opportunities here at St. Philip. To name a few memories: cultivating the land of our parish campus; our “Race for Seminarians,” “Cookie Visitation,” Stations of the Cross at Brightview Senior Living, and Guadalupe Day retreats; regular reflection on God’s Word with our Women of the Word, Faithful Fridays, and Knights of St. Philip groups; participation in diocesan gatherings such as high school RALLY, middle school BASH, Life is VERY Good, WorkCamp, and Diocesan Kings Dominion Day; service in our food pantry and at parish events; and witnessing to the dignity of each human person at the annual March for Life. I have also appreciated sharing life with you through performances, games, graduations, meals, and your prayer intentions. What an honor to collaborate with our wonderful priests, staff, and volunteers!

Communion does not mean we are all the same. Our differences, including our unique gifts, allow for deeper union as many parts of one Body. I give thanks for the cultures, heritages, and creativity present at St. Philip. You are each and all “my people”! In particular, I thank our Hispanic/Latino community for embracing me and for your support and encouragement in my efforts to communicate in Spanish. Now everyone can pray for me as I learn Italian!

In response to my news, some of our teens asked, “But who will take us to the basilicas and churches?” What a beautiful desire! Thanks be to God, we already have a strong community of volunteers journeying with our young parishioners, so many of our regular gatherings can continue. However, we see that God is calling forth new life at St. Philip. Please reach out to Father Jeb to share your desires and availability to grow in faith and accompany others.

My new mission with the Catholic Cultural Collaboration Committee at the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity provides an opportunity to foster communion among Christians, particularly with our Orthodox brothers and sisters who are not yet in full communion with Rome. This invitation took our Community by surprise, which helps us trust that God is leading us. The Lord knows that I have been praying for the unity of all Christians as part of my morning offering for over 20 years and that I became especially passionate about the reunion of the Orthodox and Catholic Churches when Father Jeb and I were at the University of Virginia together. We trust God to continue guiding us into deeper communion with Him and one another in Falls Church, Rome, and everywhere! I am praying for you; please pray for me!

In Communion,

Sister Marie Benedict