St. Mary of the Presentation Catholic Church

Pastor's Corner

A Message from Father Emmanuel:

August 10, 2020

Dearly Beloved,

St Mary’s is a wonderful Catholic Parish Family. We meet as a family of God to celebrate the Word of God and the Sacraments. The Most Holy Eucharist or the Holy Mass is the source and summit of our worship and life. The Eucharist is the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Christ our Lord. The Eucharist is the perfect gift of Jesus Christ that makes us experience in a profound way the goodness and love of God. The Eucharist is therefore our spiritual nourishment and the foundation of the love and charity we radiate among ourselves as God’s people. Our life confirms the saying, “ubi caritas et amor, Deus tibi est” translated as “Where there is charity and love, there is God.”

It is sad that the pandemic has made it impossible to meet as we normally do to celebrate the Eucharist and to enjoy its sacred conviviality. I know you miss our Eucharistic Lord and the parish family, and I miss you too, but it is for our own good to adhere to this “new normal.” By God’s Grace, we will soon come back together. The kindly dispensation of the Bishop for weekend Masses and Holy Days of Obligation is still in place.

As we go through this abnormal time, I encourage you to keep the faith and be steadfast in prayer. Join us during the livestream Masses and frequently visit our parish website and Facebook page for information about what is going on in the parish.

We shall continue calling you on the phone to keep in touch. Do not hesitate to contact the office for any assistance and I will always be available.

At this time also, let us deepen our devotion to Our Lady, our patroness and the Health of the Sick. Let ask her to intercede with her Son for the eradication of the COVID-19 and its debilitating impact in the world. Her intercession has always been sought during stormy times and she has never abandoned her children.

I wish to assure you that St Mary continues to celebrate the Sacraments and offer Pastoral Care. All other programs including maintenance of the Church go on unabated. We would like to appeal to you to continue supporting the Church. I encourage the use of electronic giving which is now available at our website. You may also send your contribution by mailing or drop it at the parish office.

I am aware that some have been severely impacted by the pandemic. I am with you in your difficulties and praying for you and your families.

I entreat all of you to stay safe by strictly observing all the protocols, shunning many out-door events, observing social distancing, and wearing masks.

On behalf of the St Mary’s Finance Council, I would like to thank you for your tremendous support to the parish during these arduous times. Let us remember that it is our deep faith and trust in Jesus that will sail us through these storms.

Be assured of my continuous prayers for you.

With every good wish.

Fr Emmanuel T. Mensah

Congratulations & Thank You!

Happy Retirement!

Donna Riley, long-time volunteer and youth minister at St. Mary's pours her heart into everything she does. For more than 40 years, she has been a dedicated volunteer in the parish, having established and directed a musical folk group, sang in the traditional choir for nearly 30 years, served on parish council and was on the liturgy committee. She was a catechist in children’s faith formation, directed vacation Bible school, choreographed liturgical dances and directed Christmas plays. She became coordinator of youth ministry in 1988. Now she is stepping back from volunteer work and is retiring as the youth minister. Read full article in The Catholic Virginian.

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