Welcome

This Advent Saint Philip Church will have Rorate Caeli Masses Saturdays, Dec. 3, 10, 17 and 24, at 6:30am. These Masses, offered only during Advent, are celebrated in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Traditionally they are celebrated at sunrise and are lit only by candlelight. See more informaiton here.

Two Invitations for the New Year

Dear Friends,

Peace to you from the Rectory! I pray that your Advent is going well. As we look toward the start of the secular year on January 1, I have two invitations for this coming New Year:

The first is to participate in the VA Prolife Day and March for Life on Wednesday, February 1, in Richmond. We are still working out the details of departure and return times. Right now, I ask that you mark your calendar to save the date so you can be a part of this important event.

Many have noted, including Bishop Burbidge, that the reversal of Roe v. Wade is “probably the most significant pro-life victory in the last century.” Because of this reversal, it now rests with states to enact their own laws protecting children in the womb. For this reason, Bishop Burbidge has urged that “politically, legislatively and pastorally, we must do all we can to end the evil of abortion, which ends the life of a precious child and deeply wounds the child’s mother.” Appearing before our state legislators and marching with other citizens of our commonwealth would be a great statement to show that we expect Virginia to protect all children, born and preborn. Details on this Prolife Day will be available real soon. Right now, I ask that you consider participating. It would be great if we could fill a bus to witness to the dignity of life in Richmond on February 1.

The second invitation is to be part of Fr. Mike Schmitz’s podcast community as he does the “Catechism in a Year.” Huge numbers throughout the country – including me and other St. Philip parishioners – have come to understand the Bible like never before because of Fr. Mike’s daily “Bible in a Year“ podcast. That Bible podcast has been so successful that he will now do the same with The Catechism of the Catholic Church starting January 1. St. Philip will support a parish group for the Catechism podcast just like we did for the Bible podcast. Details on this parish group can be found here. I highly recommend you commit to a year of listening with Fr. Mike to become even more familiar with the riches of our Catholic faith in The Catechism of the Catholic Church. St. Philip the Apostle – pray for us! Yours in Christ, Fr. Donahue

Children’s Christmas Pageant Returns

St. Philip presents "Visit to Bethlehem" Sunday, December 18, at 5:30pm on the lawn in front of the convent. Join us for a fun-filled evening of celebration of the true meaning of the season. This event is for kids of all ages. Activities will include Las Posadas, a Children’s Christmas Pageant, a special appearance by St. Nicholas, games, snacks, Christmas caroling and real sheep!

All children are invited to participate in the Children’s Christmas Pageant. We will meet on Saturday, Dec. 17, at 2pm to assign roles, distribute costumes and briefly rehearse. Can’t make the rehearsal? You can still participate at the party! Just come dressed as an angel or shepherd. Contact Suzanne Webb with Questions.

Bishop Burbidge invites you to begin this new liturgical year with renewed focus on preparing for the coming of Christ at Christmas. Continue your Advent journey with this Week 3 meditation led by Sr. Marie Benedict. Accompanied by the faithful of the diocese, may we prepare the way the Lord — climbing the Lord's holy mountain. Find out more about the advent video series at arlingtondiocese.org/preparetheway.