Pro-Life Prayer Rally Thursday Night

From the Desk of Fr. Donahue

St. Philip is holding an outdoor pro-life prayer rally this Thursday, January 28, at 8 pm. While the whole parish is invited, we are pitching this event in particular to those who have never been to the March for Life before, especially teenagers and their parents. 

Presentations include

• Manna Del Cielo, a Hispanic praise and worship ensemble
• Beth Whitehead, a volunteer with MariH Center, an emergency pregnancy service
• Rossnat Rodriguez of Grupo Effetá, speaking (blingual) on life and the sacrifices required by love
• Fr. James Waalkes, whom we knew as Deacon James last year

Pro-life activities have double benefit: First, as a witness to others of the sanctity of life – which is great. Second, as one more defense against the temptation ever to have an abortion or to engage in any other anti-life activity – which in a certain sense is even greater.

For safety sake, the first portion of the rally will be held outdoors, with masks on and physical distancing observed. After an hour of testimonies and music, the outdoor portion will conclude and we will make our way into the church for Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament, once again with masks on and proper distancing. Those not able to participate in the outdoor portion of the evening are certainly welcome to come to the church for indoor Adoration.

Special Food Pantry Distribution on Saturday, January 30

St. Philip's Food Pantry will often an additional distribution in January because there is a fifth Saturday in the month. Food is usually only distributed on the first and third Saturdays of the month. Because of this extra distribution date, we are in need of additional donations. You can help in the following ways:

• Drop off non-perishable goods in the box in the church hallway
• Mail a check to St. Philip and note "Food Pantry" in the memo line or in a note
• Order online via our Amazon Wish List or other online groceries and have the food delivered to St. Philip

Current needs are jelly (plastic bottles; no glass), cooking oil, condensed and hearty soups, Mac 'n Cheese, and cereal. Please note: We appreciate all donations of food, however, we can't accept re-packaged foods, like rice and beans, unless they are vacuum-sealed. Also, we need donations of supermarket grocery bags, however, please don't send bags with holes. Lastly, we will happily accept donations of reusable bags and tote bags. 

Covid-19 Update

January 23, 2021

• Versión en español

It has been two weeks since our last Covid-19 update, and we have good news and bad news: The good news is that those individuals who have fallen sick these last weeks are recovering nicely. The bad news is that we continue to receive reports of Covid-19 infections among our parish households. Please be assured those who have recently gotten sick are not doing too badly, and that these new infections are most likely not traceable to activities at St. Philip Parish.

Modified Meetings Schedule Through February 28

In our efforts to continue to mitigate the spread of infections, and out of an abundance of caution, we will follow the following modified plan for St. Philip Parish activities through February 28:

• Masses, Confessions, Adoration, Funerals, Weddings, and Baptisms will continue as they have these last two weeks. We remain vigilant with our strict safety procedures, which include physical distancing, requiring masks, sanitizing surfaces, and increased ventilation.
• Religious Education classes for children and adults, as well as parent meetings, will resume. These activities will continue to follow the special Covid-19 educational guidelines in effect since classes began in October, which include physical distancing and regular sanitizing.
• Choir practices and music at the 2 pm and 4 pm Hispanic Masses will resume. However, choir practices and music performances at Masses will be limited to 2-3 participants.
• All meetings and gatherings scheduled to take place in smaller spaces (meeting rooms, classrooms, and Hayden Hall) are cancelled.
• The Outdoor Pro-Life Rally on Thursday, Jan. 28, will be held as planned. Participants must maintain social distance and wear masks at all times both inside and outside the church.

Return to Regular Meetings Schedule With Stricter Safety Rules

Once reports of Covid-19 cases have subsided among parish households, and these groups resume, the stricter safety rules mandated by Governor Northam will be required.

These are:

• Meetings and events in these rooms, including prayer and worship gatherings, will be limited to 10 persons.
• Groups with membership larger than 10 persons will be encouraged to rotate the participants weekly, so that all who desire may participate while not going over the 10-person maximum.

Even though reports of infection continue, the parish is doing a good job of maintaining parishioner safety for Masses and other events at St. Philip. We want to maintain this good record. We ask everyone to be even more diligent about wearing masks, physical distancing, and hand washing. And please, if you are ill or have been in contact with anyone who has been exposed to or diagnosed with Covid-19, do not come to any event at St. Philip.

While it is heartbreaking not to be able to have some of our parish activities, it is blessing to continue with Sunday and daily Masses, as well as the other Sacraments. The sacrifices we make now will allow these most important blessings to continue.

Thank you for your support, understanding and prayers as we continue to deal with this pandemic.

Stay Informed and Involved

Sign Up for Virginia Catholic Conference Email Advocacy Network Alerts 

Your voice will be critical as state senators and delegates consider legislation on a wide range of issues impacting life and dignity and the poorest and most vulnerable among us. Visit www.vacatholic.org, click “Join Us!” and sign up for the Virginia Catholic Conference email advocacy network to receive alerts and updates.

Alerts come with pre-drafted messages that make it quick, easy and effective to communicate with your legislators before they vote on important issues. One early-filed bill the VCC supports seeks to abolish Virginia’s death penalty. To receive alerts and updates on this issue and others that are sure to surface in the days and weeks to come, please sign up now!

Other Action Alerts from the Virginia Catholic Conference:

• Urge your Senator to stop taxpayer funded abortion on demand
• Stop abortion on demand in tax-funded programs and private plans
  • Read Bishop Burbidge's update here. 
• Help save conscience protections for adoption agencies
• Oppose Commercialization of Marijuana (SB 1406)
• End Virginia's Death Penalty

Take Note

Celebrate the Year of St. Joseph

Starting this past December 8, Pope Francis decreed the start of a Year of St. Joseph (December 8, 2020-December 8, 2021) "to increase our love for this great saint, to encourage us to implore his intercession and to imitate his virtues and his zeal." (cf., Pope Francis, Patris Corde)cFor more ways to observe the Year of Saint Joseph, including prayers, devotions, and additional resources, visit arlingtondiocese.org/YearofStJoseph or download the information here.

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.

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.