Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of our Lord. He is the light who came into this world to dispel sin and darkness. For this reason, traditionally at least since the seventh century, candles have been blessed at Mass this day which will be used throughout the year, hence the former name of “Candlemas Day.” As we consider the Feast of the Presentation, we remember that we were presented at church for our baptism. We received a lit candle from the Easter (paschal) candle, as the priest said, “You have been enlightened by Christ. Walk always as a child of the light and keep the flame of faith alive in your heart. When the Lord comes, may you go out to meet Him with all the saints in the heavenly kingdom.” Therefore, light for the world, each of us must bear witness to Our Lord. We must be the beacon that guides others to Christ. Also, we must realize that we, too, will be “a sign that will be opposed,” especially on issues of marriage, the family and the sanctity of human life.
Thank you to Sandy Minihan and Steve Hemler for coordinating the two buses that went to the annual March for Life. The turnout was amazing in Washington, D.C. with tens of thousands of peaceful marchers. Our buses were nearly full with over 100 people representing Precious Blood.
There will be an Open House at Epiphany on Sunday, February 2, from 9:30 AM till 11:30 AM. This is a great opportunity to meet the teachers and tour the school to determine the right place for your children. Open registration begins February 1. Registrations forms will be available at the school and the parish rectory office.
Also, on Sunday, February 9 at 3 PM we will have people with laptops in the Parish Hall to help fill out the online FACTS application for scholarships in either English or Spanish, as well as enrollment forms. This current year many families were able to receive scholarships from the Diocese (often with the help of the Virginia State Tuition Tax Credit program), and we were also able to offer some limited parish scholarships.
Our First Reconciliation celebration will be Saturday, February 8 at 11 AM. Please pray for our children as they prepare to receive this grace. We will have additional priests available to hear confessions for all who attend.
The Epiphany Gala will be held on Saturday, February 15. This is the school’s largest fundraising event. This year’s theme is Red Carpet Premiere at Tuscany Hall,
located on 21125 Kettle club Rd in Culpeper. A Cocktail/ social hour will begin at 5 PM followed by dinner at 7 PM which will be provided by Luigi's Italian Restaurant. Dancing will continue until Midnight. For more information visit: http://www.epiphanycatholicschool.org/gala
On Saturday, February 22, at 6:45 PM (so I have time to eat something after the 5 PM Mass) we will have a meeting in the Parish Hall to look at the possibility of putting a crucifix in the sanctuary. I know there are various opinions on this, so I wanted everyone to be able to express them.
We continue to fund-raise for our third parish/ school activity bus. Every day it brings 14 children to and from our school who would otherwise not be able to attend. It is great to be able to offer transportation for our community, not only for attending school, but also for Mass attendance and outreach activities such as field trips and visits to assisted living facilities. So far, we have raised $8016, so we have $41,984, left to raise. Thank you for your support for our school, and this future generation for the world and the Church which our school educates.
The 2020 Bishop’s Lenten Appeal (BLA) has been mailed to all homes registered in our diocese. After reflecting upon the blessings that God has given you, please prayerfully consider making a pledge to this important appeal that funds many programs and ministries that serves thousands of people in our diocese. Together, through the BLA, let us renew our personal commitment to furthering the Lord's work in our diocese.
And, congratulations is in order for ELIZABETH DODSON who achieved honor roll status the second quarter at St. Paul VI High School.
Shalom,
Fr. Kevin
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