Statement Bishop Burbidge Ahead of Dobbs v. Jackson Ruling

As our nation awaits the landmark ruling of the Supreme Court of the United States on Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, we are reminded of the Catholic Church's teaching on the profound value and dignity of every human life, which begins at conception. This teaching leads us to advocate for and defend the most vulnerable life in society: the child in the womb. 

In union with our efforts to protect the unborn is our constant and unwavering support of women and couples facing unexpected or difficult pregnancies. The Catholic Church is deeply committed to ensuring that those who courageously choose life are provided the practical, emotional and spiritual resources they need to welcome their child into this world.

Here are a few of the ways our Diocese and parishes offer support: 

• Prayer opportunities - Mass for Respect Life, monthly Holy Hours, rosaries and spiritual adoption plan
• Catholic Charities - offering housing, medical care and counseling to expectant mothers as well as direct assistance to families in need
• Gabriel Project - confidential helpline, mentorship, and practical support for expectant mothers
• Walking with Moms - initiative by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops for parish-based efforts and developing local pregnancy resources
• Project Rachel - ministry and support for those dealing with the emotional pain and aftermath of abortion

For more information about how to participate or offer support, please contact your parish's Respect Life Leader or the diocesan Office of Respect Life.  

Adjustment to Mass Schedule

Change Starts Weekend of July 2/3

Dear Parishioners,

Peace to you from the Rectory. As the pandemic subsides and our parish continues to settle into a new normal, I need to make an adjustment to our Mass schedule.

Because of the sacredness of the Mass, priests are actually limited to offering no more than two Masses each Sunday, except under special circumstances. Before Covid-19, we had three priests at the parish to cover our present Mass schedule. With Fr. Tarsicio’s retirement and subsequent move to the Priests Retirement Villa, we dropped down to only two priests. But with the onset of Covid-19, I decided it was necessary to continue to have six Sunday Masses so we could allow for social distancing while accommodating as many parishioners as possible. 

For most Sundays each month since, either Fr. Will or I have needed to offer three Sunday Masses. We have had some help from Fr. Isenberg, who moved into the residence this past August, but his diocesan duties keep him very busy and his schedule won’t allow him to commit to offering a Mass for us every Sunday.

Now that the special circumstances that required social distancing have come to an end — Thanks be to God for that! — we can once again set our schedule based on the number of priests available to offer the Masses.

After much consideration, I have come up with the following revised schedule:
Saturday (no change): 4pm Confessions – Bilingual; 5:30pm Mass – English
Sunday: 8am Mass (English); 11am Mass (English)*; 12:30 pm Confession (Bilingual); 1pm Mass(Spanish)*; 5:30pm Mass (Bilingual)
*Masses live-streamed on Facebook.

A benefit of having one less Mass is that we will be drawn closer together as a parish at the remaining five Masses. One less Mass will also give us a substantial time slot on Sunday afternoons for community-building activities. 

Please consider this revision and send me your comments, if you like, to frdonahue@gmail.com by May 27. I promise to take your feedback into account as I continue to reflect on the best way maintain the proper reverence for the Mass, accommodate the priests’ schedule, and benefit the greatest number of parishioners. 

I anticipate starting the new scheduled the weekend of July 2/3. 

Change is never easy but it is sometimes necessary. I ask for your prayers, your input and your cooperation. St. Philip the Apostle – pray for us!

Yours in Christ, Fr. Donahue

Take Note

Watch and Discuss Bishop Barron's "The Mass" Series at St. Philip

Come watch and discuss together Bishop Robert Barron's video series "The Mass" at 6pm on Tuesdays starting May 17 and through June 21. We will be finished in time to attend the 7pm Mass! For more information, contact Fr. Will. You can watch a preview here.

Supper with the Saints May 22

Join us Sunday, May 22, at 6 pm for Supper with the Saints! St. Philip youth participating in WorkCamp invite you to join us for Evening Prayer (in the church) followed by “Supper with the Saints” (in Hayden Hall). We will provide a pasta dinner and entertainment and will be accepting donations. Thank you for your support! Please RSVP here or email youth@stphilipsparish.com to let us know you are coming. 

Athletes for Christ

St. Philip summer camp 2022 will be held on June 27 through July 1, 9 am-12 pm in the parish field. Rising 2nd -8th graders are invited to participate in a week of sports, games, virtuous competition, water games and more. Rising 9th -12th graders are needed as camp counselors. Flyer and registration form are available here and outside the RE Office. For questions contact the RE Office at RE@stphilipsparish.com, or 703-573-1899.

Food Pantry Needs

Thanks to the generosity of the St. Philip Community, our shelves are mostly stocked. However we are in desperate need of the following: oil, chunky & condensed soups, oatmeal, jelly (plastic jars). Again, thank you for you continued support. Pick up extras next time you go shopping or see and order from our Amazon Wish List. As a reminder, the Food Pantry is open for food distribution on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month starting at 8:30 am. Email eac2427@gmail.com for more information.