Father Hathaway’s Column — September 25, 2022

“DO THIS IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME”
STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM

This week you will receive a brochure in the mail introducing our “…Do this in remembrance of Me” stewardship program. Then, next weekend — Commitment Weekend, October 1 and 2 — I invite each of you to participate in this important program and help us respond to God’s great gift of love. I ask that you please review the brochure and prayerfully consider how you and your family can help the Basilica of Saint Mary by financially supporting our ministries, furthering our mission and reinforcing our future. All faithful parishioners will be asked to complete a Commitment Card, which will be included in the brochure you receive. Mail the card back to the church using the pre-addressed envelope included in the mailing; bring your card to Mass October 1 or 2; or visit our parish website by clicking here to complete an electronic Commitment Card.  Thank you for your continued generosity and support of the Basilica of Saint Mary!

FEAST OF THE ARCHANGELS – September 29

September 29 is the feast of the three archangels mentioned in the Bible: Saints Michael (meaning “Who Is like God?”), Gabriel (“God’s Strength”) and Raphael (“God’s Remedy”). The angelic hosts are organized into a sort of Heavenly Court – the archangels occupy the highest domains of this celestial  hierarchy. They are specifically tasked with contemplating God, day and night, glorifying Him incessantly by preserving and protecting His mystery — that includes you and me! Their own names suggest their roles and their nature: All end with “El,” which signifies “God.”

RESPECT LIFE MONTH & LIFE CHAIN

The Catholic Church in the United States celebrates October as Respect Life Month, reinforcing our conviction that every human life is valuable, from the moment of conception to natural death. A good way to put that conviction into action is to gather with other pro-life individuals and families for the Alexandria Life Chain next Sunday, Respect Life Sunday, October 2. I strongly encourage you to be there, participating in a prayerful, peaceful, public witness for life. Click here for more information.

EUCHARISTIC SYMPOSIUM WITH ARCHBISHOP CHAPUT

If you haven’t done so already, be sure to sign up for the Eucharistic Symposium with the Most Reverend Charles Chaput, Archbishop Emeritus of Philadelphia, on Saturday, October 22. Being held at the Cathedral of Saint Thomas More in Arlington, the symposium is part of the Year of the Eucharist, leading up to our Diocesan Golden Jubilee in 2024. Mass at 9 a.m. will be celebrated by Arlington Bishop Burbidge; the homilist will be Archbishop Chaput. There will be a reflection by the Archbishop at 10:30 a.m., followed by Adoration and Benediction. See page 5 for registration information. The seating in the Cathedral is limited, so sign up NOW by clicking here.

SCAM ALERT!

In recent weeks, several ”phishing”/scam e-mails have been sent to some parishioners, allegedly from me and requesting money. Be assured that I, and our other Basilica clergy and staff, will NEVER ask you for money via email! The scammers use fake gmail accounts that appear connected to the Basilica.  Be alert for such misleading messages; disregard and delete them. All legitimate correspondence from the Basilica will originate from an e-mail address that ends in @stmaryoldtown.org. Thank you for your diligence and let’s pray for the conversion of those take advantage of the goodness of others.