Peace to You From the Rectory and Happy Easter!

Dear Parishioners,

Last week’s Holy Week and Easter liturgies were truly solemn and moving. For such a great blessing, I am very grateful to God and to all the workers who made it happen. In particular, I thank our Music Director, Tim Dusenbury and our cantors for their beautiful chants; Fr. Will and Deacon Cong, for overseeing the servers and lectors; Teresa Morris and her team of sacristans, who arranged everything just right; and lastly, our ushers, for accommodating as many as possible while maintaining all the Covid-19 guidelines. The two outdoor Masses on Easter Sunday increased in-person attendance substantially, thanks to the planning and heavy lifting of Tim Harris, Mike Hayden, Alejandro Gonzales and the many volunteers who set up chairs, tents, the altar and all the other items necessary for Mass. Thank you all for your work: You made our Holy Week and Easter celebrations sacred, memorable and safe! 

Sunday is the Second Sunday of Easter, which is also Divine Mercy Sunday. As we continue to celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection, we focus today on the greatest blessing His Resurrection brings – the forgiveness of our sins in Baptism and Confession. The Divine Mercy messages reminds us that there is no sin so terrible that it cannot be taken away by the love of Jesus. This Good News comes to us through the Divine Mercy.

During the Catholic Church’s Year of St. Joseph, we continue preparing for a parish-wide consecration to St. Joseph, set to take place on May 1, the feast of St. Joseph the Worker. Later that day, our parish festivities will continue with pupusas (a traditional dish from El Salvador) and an outdoor movie in St. Joseph’s honor. Details on these May 1 events are still be worked out, so stay tuned to this bulletin, our parish website and Facebook page in the coming weeks for specifics. St. Joseph the Worker – pray for us! St. Philip the Apostle – pray for us!

Your servant in Christ, Fr. Denis M. Donahue

Overnight Friday Adoration This Friday

Come and spend some time with Our Lord in Adoration! Come let him pour His Grace and Mercy over you as we celebrate the Easter Season and prepare for Divine Mercy Sunday! Adoration begins after the 7:00 pm Mass and continues until 7:30am Saturday morning.

Covid restrictions require social distancing and that everyone wear a mask. As many as 100 people may be present in the church at one time. You do not need to regiser to attend but we do need people who will commit to spending an hour so someone is always present with Our Lord. Sign-Up Here

Consecration to St. Joseph Continues Through May 1

Our devotions to St. Joseph continue with the upcoming 33-day consecration to St. Joseph, which starts Tuesday, March 30, and concludes on the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, May 1.

All the copies of the book "Consecration to St. Joseph" in English and Spanish have arrived; if you have not gotten your copy yet, please contact the rectory office and we will make sure you have it in time to begin the preparation on March 30. I just began reading my copy these last few days and have found it very helpful with its many quotes and anecdotes about St. Joseph, including this from St. Peter Julian Eymard: “When God wishes to raise a soul to greater heights, he unites it to St. Joseph by giving it a strong love for the good saint.”

Readers Needed for Litany of St. Joseph

St. Philip's Knights of Columbus Council is looking for men and women to help read the Litany of St. Joseph before the weekday morning (Mon. - Fri.) Masses through April 30. One reader is needed each day at 7:45 am. More details and sign-up information is available here.

Take Note

Sunday Vespers at St. Philip Beginning April 11

Come and pray the Evening Prayer of the Church with our Deacon candidate Rob Sardegna. Vespers will be offered at St. Philip every Sunday at 6:00 pm beginning April 11. He will explain the "how" and "why" of this official prayer of the Church as we close out Sunday in prayer! Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus and all are welcome.

Youth Work Camp!

Calling all high-schoolers who are willing to give a week of their summer to help in some community service projects during the week of June 20, 2021. It will also be an opportunity to grow in faith and friendships. Please contact Fr. Will or call the office (ext.12) to register ASAP.

Praise and Worship Holy Hour at St. Leo

Local musicians lead praise and worship on Tuesday, April 13th from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church. Father Richard Dyer will lead us in prayer along with musician Mike Tenney. The special intention is for healing and conversion in families. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available. All are welcome! Please bring a friend. Attend in person or virtually. Details here.

Bishop’s Lenten Appeal: Encourage One Another by Word and Deed

The BLA provides an opportunity to unite as a Catholic family and support programs, ministries and services that no single individual or parish could offer by itself. After reflecting upon the many blessings that God has given you, please prayerfully consider making BLA pledge. Every donation is vital to the success of the BLA. You may go online to www.arlingtondiocese.org or text “BLA” to 703-260-9800 to make a donation. Please help our parish reach our BLA goal!

Food Pantry Distribution First and Third Saturdays

St. Philip's Food Pantry distributes food on the first and third Saturdays of the month in the St. Philip parking lot, from 8:30-10am. Please share this information with your friends and neighbors. You can help in the following ways: St. Philip Amazon Wish List. Find it here; Make a financial donation; Drop non-perishable food or personal care items off in the collection bin located inside of the church entryway (to the right, through the double glass doors).

"Formed": Free Catholic Content for the Whole Family

Have you signed up for your free Formed.org account? Formed has movies and videos, online books, podcasts, Bible studies, material for children, all with a Catholic view, in English and Spanish. You can watch it on your computer, phone, or smart TV. Go to Formed.org to sign up for your free account.

Support St. Philip By Supporting Our Bulletin

Pick one up after weekend Masses or read onlinehere (updated online every Friday).

Tax Savings Through a Gift of Stock

Consider a gift of stock as a donation to our parish or diocese. In exchange for a gift of long-term, appreciated securities (stock), you can receive an income tax deduction and avoid capital gains taxes on the gift. Call (703) 841- 3819 or see arlingtondiocese.org for more information.