Coronavirus all Church' to be Locked ordered by Our Bishop
Friday, March 16, 2020
Coronavirus all Church' to be Locked ordered by Our Bishop
Friday, March 16, 2020
The Bishop has directed that all buildings be locked. Beginning today the church will be locked 24/7. This is so that no one will unknowingly introduce the coronavirus and pass it on to someone else who might come into the church after them. In addition all activities at the church are also cancelled. The Diocese offices are closed as well, except for a few necessary personnel. The office at Our Lady of Grace is also closed. I will be in periodically to go through mail and pay bills, otherwise I will be working at home. Please remember that we have bills to pay at the church. Your continued support with what you would normally put in the collection basket is greatly appreciated. It can be mailed directly to the church.
Below is a message from the Bishop.
A message from Most Rev. Mark Brennan, Bishop of Wheeling-Charleston.
Dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass:
“While no member of the Faithful is bound to attend Mass where impossibility arises, West Virginia borders a number of dioceses in which Masses are still being publicly celebrated, and many of our Faithful are easily able to attend those Masses. Owing to the grave nature of the current public health crisis, and not wishing that any of our flock be compelled to place themselves unnecessarily at risk, I hereby dispense all those who reside within the territory of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston from their obligation to attend Mass. The intention of this dispensation, along with the suspension of public liturgies in the Diocese, is to encourage the Faithful to practice ‘social distancing’ and ‘self-quarantine’ to the extent that their state of life permits, by which we hope to contribute to the containment and end of the current pandemic.”
—Most Rev. Mark Brennan
Below are links to the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston's recorded Sunday Mass and Word on Fire's daily Mass. If you go to dwc.org any updates from the Bishop will also be there.
Fr. Thomas will be offering "Mass without a Congregation" privately for your intentions.
https://dwc.org/home/mass/ Link to the Diocese Sunday Mass
http://ac.wordonfire.org/lt.php?s=f3222657602261f0df65dad5a79a69c1&i=4590A9010A7A1297884 Link to Word on Fire daily Mass
Please pray that this pandemic ends quickly and for all affected by it. Hope to see everyone before too long.
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Mark your calendars. On Saturday, May 30, Phillip Szabo will be ordained a Deacon. This will take place at St. James Church in Charles Town at 11:00 am. We would like everyone who would like to, to be able to attend. We need to find out how many people would like to go, if you will need a ride, or if you can provide a ride for someone else. If necessary we will rent a van or bus to accommodate those who want to attend. There is a sign up sheet in the vestibule. Please use it if you are planning to go.
A letter to Parishioners from Father Thomas
Dear Parishioners in Christ Jesus,
Peace and Bliss of Our Lord Jesus be with you all. I hope all of you stay safe and healthy. I offer Holy Mass every day for you and for all your special intentions and petitions. I hope and pray that we will be able to come together and offer the Holy Mass together as a congregation as soon as possible. Today I would like to share with you the message of Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19):
With the worldwide outbreak of the coronavirus, we are confronted once more with the fragility of our lives, and again we are reminded of our common humanity; that the peoples of this world are our brothers and sisters, that we are all one family under God. God does not abandon us, he goes with us even now in this time of trial and testing. In this moment, it is important for us to anchor our hearts in the hope that we have in Jesus Christ. Now is the time to intensify our prayers and sacrifices for the love of God and the love of our neighbor. Let us draw closer to one another in our love for him, and rediscover the things that truly matter in our lives.
United with our Holy Father Pope Francis, let us pray in solidarity for our brothers and sisters here and around the world who are sick. Let us pray for those who have lost loved ones to this virus. May God console them and grant them peace. We pray also for doctors, nurses, and caregivers, for public health officials and all civic leaders. May God grant them courage and prudence as they seek to respond to this emergency with compassion and in service to the common good. In this time of need, I invite all the faithful to seek together the maternal intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and I share this prayer with you:
Holy Virgin of Guadalupe, Queen of the Angels and Mother of the Americas. We fly to you today as your beloved children. We ask you to intercede for us with your Son, as you did at the wedding in Cana. Pray for us, loving Mother, and gain for our nation and world, and for all our families and loved ones, the protection of your holy grace of healing and deliverance. Hear the cries of those who are vulnerable and fearful, wipe away their tears and help them to trust. In this time of trial and testing, teach all of us in the Church to love one another and to be patient and kind. Help us to bring the peace of Jesus to our land and to our hearts. We come to you with confidence, knowing that you truly are our compassionate mother, health of the sick and cause of our joy. Shelter us under the mantle of our protection, keep us in the embrace of your arms, help us always to know the love of your Son, Jesus. Amen.
I wish you all and all your family members a blessed and peaceful Sunday. May God bless you all. Keep me too in your prayers, they are a great help.
Assuring you of my humble prayers,
Fr. Thomas A. Sebastian
This months Calendar
Come Celebrate With Us
Are You Aware?
The Knights of Columbus are not only responsible for the Fish Fry and the Mother’s Day Breakfast, but also the Church Picnic, the church Dance, the Ping Pong Tournament and the Trivia Dinner
What is Mass
Our Lady Of Grace Mission Statement
If you don't see the information you are looking for, always check the Church Bulletin click here
Books Published by Parishioners
Church Announcements
The West Virginia State Council is holding their annual Seminarian Support Raffle to help assist seminarians from the Diocese of Wheeling Charleston. Proceeds from this raffle go to help defray the educational and living expenses for seminarians. The Knights of Columbus will have tickets available for sale after Mass and during the fish fries. Please help support this worthy cause.
Due to unforeseen circumstances Fr. Gile's talk that is scheduled for this Sunday, March 15 is being postponed until Sunday, April 19.
We are asking for food for Sheila Melzac's funeral on March 21 (main dishes, side dishes, vegetables, salads, desserts, etc). Please take them to the kitchen Saturday morning. Please do not take food in on Friday because they will be having the fish fry. Thank you.
The arrangements for Sheila Melzac are as follows: Funeral and visitation will be on Saturday, March 21 at our Lady of Grace. Visitation will begin at 10:30 am, the funeral will follow at 12:00. Interment will be at Branch Mountain Cemetery, Three Churches. There will be a reception in the church hall after the interment.
Jimmy Hannah passed away yesterday at his home. Please remember him, Lynn and his family in your prayers. We will let you know when arrangements have been made.
Fr. Giles will be presenting the first of his three part series this Sunday, March 15, after Mass. Coffee and tea will be provided. The topic is Mass and the Celebration of the Eucharist.
We still need volunteers for the Vicariate Council. Please contact Fr. Thomas or the office if you are willing to serve, as soon as possible.
Money collected in the poor box in March will go to our Lenten project, the Fisher House.
There will be a penance service Tuesday, March 24 at 6:00 pm. Mass and Stations of the Cross will be cancelled that day.
Annunciation of Our Lord in Ft. Ashby would like to invite parishioners of Our Lady of Grace to join them for their Lenten Mission, given by Fr. Giles on Sunday, March 29; Monday, March 30; and Tuesday, March 31. Mass will be offered at 6:00 pm each evening followed by the Mission. More details will be available in the coming weeks.
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Fast & Abstinence During Lent
Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics. In addition, Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence.
For members of the Latin Catholic Church, the norms on fasting are obligatory from age 18 until age 59. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal. The norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding upon members of the Latin Catholic Church from age 14 onwards.
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Please use the pages in the vestibule to put names on for the new prayer list.
Sunday, March 15, the parish will have the first of what we hope will become a monthly series of presentations offering a deeper knowledge and understanding of our Catholic faith. The first 3 presentations will concern the Mass and the Celebration of the Eucharist. Many, if not most, Catholics do not fully understand the history and meaning of the sacrament, the center of our lives in faith. Because of this, many do not receive the deep and pervasive nourishment which is offered to us.
We can all grow in our understanding of “why Catholics do that.” We all stand to gain and none of us will lose by attending.
The presentations will be given in the hall immediately after Mass, coffee and tea will be provided. It will last 35-40 minutes. In the interest of time discussion and questions will be deferred until after the presentation concludes. Fr. Giles will be the presenter.
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Every Wednesday during Lent the Romney Christian Ministerial Association offers a simple lunch and presentation at the Romney First United Methodist Church, N High St., which will last about 45 minutes or so. As you know, Our Lady of Grace provides the luncheon and conference on the last of this series “Seven Last Words of Christ”
While many of our parishioners are very faithful in their attendance on that particular luncheon, most do not take advantage of experiencing Lenten reflections of other traditions and denominations. Please consider attending at least some of these luncheons.
P.S. Considering the limited parking it would probably be better to meet at OLOG and carpool. The luncheons begin at 12:00 noon and it is usually a good idea to arrive a little early.
Contact the office... Tuesday or Wednesday
- 304-822-5561
If you would like to register as a parishioner.
If your address, phone number or email address has changed.
If you or a family member is hospitalized so that Fr. Thomas can visit.
If you become homebound so that a Eucharistic Minister can visit and bring you Holy Communion.
Looking to deepen your faith? Join us for the Magnificat Chapter of Morgantown Inspirational Prayer Breakfast, March 14, 2020 at ATRIA’S RESTAUARANT (New Magnificat location). Our inspirational speaker is Columbine shooting survivor, Sister Mary Gianna Thornby, DLJC. Sister Mary will share her story of growing up with little faith and how at 16, her life changed forever after surviving the mass shooting at Columbine High School. Survival led to her conversion to Catholicism and an answer to the calling of religious life.
Magnificat is a ministry to Catholic women aimed at strengthening and sharing our faith.
WHAT: Morgantown Magnificat Inspirational Prayer Breakfast
WHEN: Saturday, March 14, 2020,
9 am to noon (doors open at 8:15am)
WHERE: ATRIA’S RESTAURANT, 1188 Pineview Drive, Morgantown, WV (New location)
GUEST SPEAKER: Columbine shooting survivor Sister Mary Gianna Thornby DLJC
RESERVATIONS: Cost $25. Must register by March 7, 2020. Register online at magnificatmorgantown.org or call Pat at 304-296-8950. No tickets sold at the door.
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The Diocese of Wheeling Charleston is establishing a Diocesan Pastoral Council and a Vicariate Council. Two parishioners from each parish will form the Vicariate Council, one council in each vicariate. We are in the Martinsburg Vicariate. Three people from each Vicariate Council will form the Diocesan Pastoral Council. We will be holding elections in March to elect two parishioners to be on the Vicariate Council. Suitable Candidates need to be a Catholic of proven faith, good morals and outstanding prudence. If you would be willing to serve on the Vicariate Council please contact the office or Fr. Thomas as soon as possible.
Congratulations, we have $10,125.00 pledged, with 35 gifts; that is 112% of our goal. If you haven’t donated, it’s not too late. All of the money donated will still come back to Our Lady of Grace. Thank you to everyone who has contributed. Envelopes are available on the table in the vestibule.
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Baby bottles are available in the foyer to collect your loose change between now and Christmas. The money will support the Knights of Columbus Pro-life ministry. Please take a bottle home, and when filled, place it in the basket at Our Lady’s feet in the sanctuary.
Thank you to the Knights of Columbus for the new flag for our flagpole. The other one was worn and tattered. Thank you also to Dan & Bob for all the work they do around the church and grounds. Your hard work is greatly appreciated.
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A book of redemptive suffering by parishioner Tom Eades
Harley Carriger has written an autobiography. It recounts his growing up experiences and early life. He has donated a copy to our library. If you would like to read Harley’s book please use the sign up sheet in the vestibule. We will circulate the book through the list and then put it in the church library.
Phil Gallery’s newest book is
“Saint Francis and the Animals.”
Books will be available for sale for $18.00.
Below is a prayer for Bishop Brennan that the Lord will strengthen him in his new role as shepherd of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston.
Lord, our God, You have chosen Bishop Brennan as a successor to the Apostles, to be a shepherd to Your flock in the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston; grant him, we pray, a spirit of counsel and fortitude, a spirit of knowledge and piety, so that by faithfully governing the people entrusted to him, he may help build Your Church as a sign of salvation for the world.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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If you did not sign up to get your house blessed but would like to have it blessed, Fr. Thomas will continue to do blessings on Tuesdays. Contact Margaret or the office if you would like your house blessed.
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There are copies of “Letter to a Suffering Church” on the bookshelf at the back of the church. This book is by Bishop Robert Barron, the founder of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
From the Author’s Preface:
Why Stay Catholic with So Much Scandal?
“This book is a cry from the heart. I am a lifelong Catholic, and I’ve been a priest for thirty-three years and a bishop for four years. I have dedicated my life to the Church. The sexual abuse scandal has been for me, for millions of other Catholics, and especially for the victim-survivors, lacerating.
I have written this book for my fellow Catholics who feel, understandably, demoralized, scandalized, angry beyond words, and ready to quit.
What I finally urge my brothers and sisters in the Church to do is to stay and fight-and to do so on behalf of themselves and their families, but especially on behalf of those who have suffered so grievously at the hands of wicked men.”
You may take a copy home to read. Please return it when you are done so someone else can read it also.
A Message from
Fr. Thomas Anatharackal CST
Our Lady of Grace
Administrator
3//2020
3rd Sunday of Lent
What is the point of Jesus' exchange with the Samaritan woman about water? (John 4:5-42) Water in the arid land was scarce. Jacob's well was located in a strategic fork of the road between Samaria and Galilee. One can live without food for several days, but not without water. Water is a source of life and growth for all living things. When rain came to the desert, the water transformed the wasteland into a fertile field. The kind of water which Jesus spoke about was living, running, fresh, pure water. Fresh water from a cool running stream was always preferred to the still water one might find in a pool or reservoir. When the Israelites complained about lack of water in the wilderness, God instructed Moses to strike the rock and a stream of fresh living water gushed out. (Exodus17:6)
The image of "living water" is used throughout the scriptures as a symbol of God's wisdom, a wisdom that imparts life and blessing to all who receive it. "The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life." (Proverbs 13:14) "Living water" was also a symbol for the Jews of thirst of the soul for God. The water which Jesus spoke of symbolized the Holy Spirit and His work of recreating us in God's image and sustaining in us the new life which comes from God. The life which the Holy Spirit produces in us makes us a "new creation" in Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17) Do we thirst for God and for the life of the Holy Spirit within us? Let us pray: Lord Jesus, my soul thirsts for You. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I may always find joy in Your presence and take delight in doing Your will.
Have a Blessed and Joyful Week
Please Pray For
Kevin Adrian, John & Francine Ahrens, Tom Alicandro, Erica Bailey, Rieke Baize, Bill Batton, Julie Beavers, Dann Biser, Robin Brass, Christine & Dan Brown, Betty Carriger, Harley Carriger, Casey Carriger, Sandra Carriger, Eric Chapman, Ray Chapman, Paul Clower, Diana Cooper, Shirley Craver, Irene DelGallo, DeVan Family, Anna Dodson, Londa Dodson, Cassie Downey, John Downey, Ruth Ganoe, JoAnn Drahos Hooker, Jim Dunethan, Tom Eades, Danny Edwards, Tory Gallery, Nabal & Zinnia Giron, Ginny Hajash, Steve Hajash, Mary Hall, Jimmy & Lynn Hannah, Cheryl Hockman, Grace Jackson, , Mike Kastre, Ronnie Keiter, Lance LeVasseur, Mike Lippold & children, Norma Llewellyn, Bill Ludholtz, Andy Mason, Sheila Melzac, Sheila McChesney, Ellen Owens, Diane Parker, Eileen Passauer, Lyn Petrucceli, Tyrique Powell, Gary Reddick, Eugene Saville, Sue Stimak, Dominick Tarinelli, David Wagoner, Debbie Webb, Rose Whetzel, Pat Whitfield, Jim Wysopal, Benny Young
(To add or remove a name, contact the office or put a note in the collection basket. A new list will be printed every three months.)
Wednesday 12:00 Mass the Perpetual Novena
in Honor Of
Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal
will be said
Special Occassions
Holy Days of obligations
times are coming
Sacrament of Reconciliation:
Weekday Mass's
Half Hour
before and after
1/2 hour before Saturday or Sunday Mass
or by appointment
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OLG's Seminarian
PHILLIP SZABO'S MAILING ADDRESS
Mount Saint Mary's Seminary
16300 Old Emmitsburg Road
Emmitsburg MD 21727-7797
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Other Local Options
Saturday evening Masses:
4:00 PM Keyser,
4:30 PM Fort Ashby,
5:30 PM Winchester,
6:00 PM Moorefield
Sunday early Masses:
8:30 AM Moorefield,
9:00 AM Keyser,
9:00 AM Fort Ashby,
7:30 and 9:15 AM Winchester
Sunday evening Mass
5:30 PM Winchester
Sacrament of Marriage
Please contact our office at least 6 months in advance of the desired date
Sacrament of Baptism
please call the office to set up an appointment
Office Hours:
Tuesdays & Thursdays
9:00 am—3:00 pm
Please use office door
Our
Pastor
Fr.Thomas Anatharackal CST
Father Thomas comes from India and has been a Priest for 29Years.
Our
Deacon
Larry Hammel
Bishop Schmidt assigned Deacon Larry Hammel to our parish in the Summer of 2002 as they have a small "get away" place in Romney.
Larry was ordained to the Permanent Diaconate in 1984 for the Diocese of Rockville Centre, NY. He had a career in transportation planning, retired in1992, spent a year in chaplaincy training and then worked for seven years in two Catholic hospitals in New York, having been certified as a chaplain by the US bishops. He and Marianne, his wife, relocated to Virginia in 2000, as most of their family is in that metropolitan area. Larry is also currently assigned to St. Francis de Sales in Purcellville, VA and splits his time between that parish and ours.
Larry is one of the on-call chaplains at INOVA Loudoun Hospital and also leads a spirituality group in the hospital’s Mental Health Facility. He is the coordinator of Prison Ministry at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center, Leesburg, VA for Catholic Charities and does prison ministry here in West Virginia at the Potomac Highlands Regional Jail.
Liturgical Ministers
March 22
Greeters: Rodriguezes
Lectors: Adams
EMHC: Deacon/Hammel/Gallery
March 29
Greeters: Knights of Columbus
Lectors: Kennedy
EMHC: Rodriguez/Shanholtzer/
Szabo
Weekly Offering
March 8, 2020
General: $ 1,244.00
Poor Box: $ 145.00
Black & Indian Missions: $ 351.00
Attendance: 73
Money in the poor box in March will go for our Lenten project—Fisher House.
The Romney Food Pantry is running low on food. Additional donations of non-perishable food would be greatly appreciated. There are baskets in the vestibule to put the food in.
Catholic Charities collects and distributes personal care items to the needy. This month they need soap, shampoo and conditioner
Please Pray
for the Sick listed at
Our Lady of Grace
online Prayer Chapel
click to visit
Mass Intentions
Offer a Mass for your loved ones, living or deceased. We will try to schedule the Mass on your requested date (birthday, wedding anniversary, death anniversary, special event etc.) or as close to it as possible. Please send requests at least three weeks ahead of the date you would like. The amount set by the diocese for Mass intentions is $10 for weekday and $20 for weekend Masses, but any amount, more or less, will be accepted. Mass Intention envelopes are in the vestibule.
Due to having fewer Masses, it is more difficult to schedule Mass intentions on a requested date. If you would like a Mass said on a particular date, please send the request in at least 4 months before that date. Mass intention envelopes are on the table in the vestibule. Contact the office with any questions.
New Requests
Pray for our homebound parishioners and our falling away Brothers and Sisters
Below are recommendations from the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, Office of Worship & Sacraments regarding Mass participation in times of illness.
“During the cold and flu season, we ask that everyone be mindful of others when attending Mass. If you are sick and believe you are contagious, stay home. The obligation to attend Mass is not required if you are ill. If you do have cold or flu like symptoms, do not feel that you have to exchange the Sign of Peace with others. Simply wave or nod your head to your neighbors. If your parish has a custom of holding hands during the Lord’s Prayer, parishioners who are ill may fold their hands in a prayerful posture. While it is the norm in the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston to receive the Eucharist under both sacred species, refrain from drinking from the chalice if you feel ill. You are still receiving the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of the Lord.”
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The main door into the church will now be locked from 5:00 pm to 7:00 am. When the time changes in the spring we will post new times.
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Catholic Charities is in need of a dresser for a client. If you have one you would like to donate, please contact Teresa Reddick at Catholic Charities Romney office, 304-822-5414 or Terry McGee at the church office, 304-822-5561.
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Harley & Betty Carriger have asked for prayers. They have both been sick. Harley is improving but Betty is still weak and not feeling well. Please also pray for Dick DeVan, he had surgery this past week. Please also remember all those on the prayer list and any other sick or shut ins in the parish.
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Lent begins on February 26th. We usually have an outreach project during that time. If you have a suggestion for a project please fill out one of the request forms on the table in the vestibule. Return it to Fr. Giles or the office, or contact either if you have any questions.
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We need someone to take over the Lighthouse Catholic Media ministry. It would involve checking the inventory of cds, ordering new ones when needed, and reporting the money taken in monthly. Contact Terry or the office if you are interested.
The Knights of Columbus Council #10011 meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 7:00 pm in Quinn Hall
DO YOU KNOW OF ANYONE INTERESTED IN BECOMING CATHOLIC OR LEARNING MORE ABOUT THE CATHOLIC FAITH?
Registration forms for classes are in the church vestibule. Sessions begin at the end of September. If anyone has any questions, please call or e-mail me. I am glad to meet with you beforehand. We want to provide classes for the following:
1. Unbaptized adults who are considering to join the Catholic Church
2. Baptized non-Catholic adults who want to join the Catholic Church
3. Baptized Catholic adults who have not received the Sacrament of Confirmation
4. Catholics and non-Catholics alike who want to know more about the Catholic Faith
Do you know of anyone who wants to find out more about the Catholic Faith? Please invite them to these sessions.
Our Lady Of Grace
Mission Statement
We the members of Our Lady of Grace Parish are a Catholic Christian, ecumenical community under the auspices of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston.
We are dedicated to providing an environment for ourselves and for others in which we can grow in a spirit of thanksgiving , worship, and love. We wish to deepen our individual and collective faith in God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, in the Sacraments of the Church, Particularly the Eucharist, and in Mary, Mother of Grace.
W e gather together as a community of Faith, based on love, acceptance, interdependence, compassion, and service.
Our purpose as a parish family is to promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ by word and example. We use our God-given talents to bring ourselves and others close to God. We accept our Baptismal call to make the faith of the Church known to all people by taking our personal part in evangelization.
Trafficking is not just an issue that happens to people in other countries. The United States is a source and transit country and is also considered on of the top destination points for victims of child trafficking and exploitation. Are you aware of any trafficked children in your area and services available for them? U.S. Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking (sistersagainsttrafficking.org)
Check out FaithInWV.org
The of Wheeling-Charleston has rolled out #FaithInWV, and it is all presented online through a new website - FaithInWV.org. It is an online pathway to stories, photos, and videos of how our people in West Virginia are following Christ by actions and choices.
#FaithInWV is giving hope, rising above the odds, being a blessing, and leading by example. It is choosing to find the good in others, and letting others see Christ in you. Ultimately it is having faith in God the Father above all.
Learn how our brothers and sisters in Christ are doing His work. Let’s imitate their love, joy, strength, and resilience through the website.
Do you know an exceptional Catholic in West Virginia, someone or a group who is a shining example of #FaithInWV? Email Bibey your feature idea to jbibey@dwc.org.
Congratulations, we have $10,125.00 pledged, with 35 gifts; that is 112% of our goal. If you haven’t donated, it’s not too late. All of the money donated will still come back to Our Lady of Grace. Thank you to everyone who has contributed. Envelopes are available on the table in the vestibule.
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Did You Know?
If you make a donation to the church in memory of a loved one it is exempt from the 9% assessed by the Diocese on regular donations.
What is the
Sacrifice of the Holy Mass
Perhaps the best way to describe this connection is to say that in the Mass we re-link ourselves to Calvary. In the Mass, Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary is perpetuated by the priest, who offers it anew to the Father. St. Paul told his converts in Corinth, "Every time, then, you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes" (1 Corinthians 11:26).
It is not a new sacrifice, but rather the same sacrifice that Jesus offered on the cross 2,000 years ago. The Eucharist is not a matter of "repeating" that action but of reestablishing our bond with it. The difference, however, is that Jesus no longer dies at each Mass, but is simply re-offered to the Father. It is a “bloody” sacrifice only in the sense that it contains the Body and Blood of Christ. But it is “unbloody” in the sense that it is offered only in a sacramental fashion under the appearances of bread and wine.
In other words, in the Mass, we re-present -- or mystically renew -- the Sacrifice of Calvary. In other words, we offer Jesus’ sacrifice to God the Father on the altar during Eucharistic celebration for the remission of our sins, using signs and symbols. This means that, once again, we offer Christ to the Father, saying: "Father, look upon the Lamb that was slain for our sake." By the words of consecration, Christ is made present again through the “transubstantiation" of the bread and wine into Christ's Body and Blood.
Coming to Our Lady of Grace regularly but not a member? Contributing but not receiving a tax credit for charitable donations from Our Lady of Grace? Joining the parish is easy! Registration forms are in the vestibule. Drop off the completed form at the parish office or put it in the collection basket.
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One of the CD’s available on the display in the vestibule:
Sister Bethany Madonna, vocations’ director for the Sisters of Life, shares how God not only wants us to know Him, but also to give us the desires of our heart and gifts that bring purpose, meaning, and hope. She makes it clear that “receiving is the gift that we give” to the Lord and that He wants to be invited into every aspect of our lives. Speaking from her own life experience, Sister Bethany shows the importance of asking in order to receive all the Lord has in mind for us.
Parishioner Comments
I was really impacted by how accessible the Lord makes Himself to us, if only we will ask. Tim - Fort Meade, MD
We need to hear more like this: ‘God is our Father in a way that none of our fathers can be.’ He said, ‘I will not leave you orphans.’ Donna - College Station, TX
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December 31 Solemnity of Mary 6:00 pm
January 1 Solemnity of Mary 11:00 am
The Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston is committed to the protection of its children and young people. The Diocese complies with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People by maintaining an Office of Safe Environment. To report an incidence of suspected child sexual abuse, please contact your local law enforcement agency, or you may confidentially contact the West Virginia Bureau for Children and Families/Child Protective Services by calling the Child Abuse Hotline at 800.352.6513. To report suspected cases of sexual abuse by personnel of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston to the Diocese, please contact one of the Bishop’s designees at 888.434.6237 (toll free) or 304.233.0880: Sister Ellen Dunn, ext. 264; Mr. Bryan Minor, ext. 263; Msgr. Frederick Annie, ext. 267, or Msgr. Anthony Cincinnati, 270. For more information on the Diocese’s Office of Safe Environment, please go to www.dwc.org, then click the “Diocese” tab, then click “Office of Safe Environment” under the “Offices” menu. To learn more about the Catholic Church’s efforts in preventing sexual abuse of children in the United States, please visit http://www.usccb.org. Under “Issues and Action,” click “Child and Youth Protection” from the drop down menu.
