Statement of Bishop Burbidge on Pope Francis's Words Regarding “civil unions”

Parishioners of the Diocese of Arlington have shared their concerns and questions regarding reports of the Holy Father's comments in a recent documentary.

Contrary to some reports, Pope Francis did not endorse “gay marriage” or in any way change the Church's constant teaching on human sexuality. Marriage is the permanent, exclusive, and fruitful union between one man and one woman. Human sexuality is designed only for the chaste union of man and woman in marriage. These are unchanging and unchangeable truths of the human person known to us by both natural law and divine revelation. The Pope did not and would not teach otherwise. Indeed, he has repeatedly affirmed these truths throughout his pontificate.

Again, contrary to how they have been depicted, the Holy Father's comments in a documentary do not constitute a change in the Church's teaching. Nor should any reference to civil unions be understood as the Church accepting homosexual behavior as morally licit. Pope Francis' clear concern is that those with same-sex attractions be treated with respect, compassion, and sensitivity.

May we be renewed in our commitment to pray daily for the Holy Father, who bears the extraordinary burden of caring for the universal Church during these difficult times.

Bishop Burbidge Celebrating All Saints' Mass at St. Philip

Dear Parishioners, Peace to you from the rectory.

Here is some good news from Bishop Burbidge – he will be joining us next Sunday, November 1 for the 12 Noon Mass! Although I would like to invite the whole parish to attend this special All Saints’ Day Mass, I simply cannot, due to Covid-19 limitations. To accommodate congregation overflow, however, we will set up chairs in the breezeway so we can seat as many of you as possible. For those not able to come in person, our English livestreamed Mass that day will be at 12 Noon, rather at 10 am.

Some may recall that Bishop Burbidge was scheduled to do Confirmation for us this past March but did not because of the pandemic. Since then, we have had the chance to see him many times on social media, and we certainly benefited from his leadership from afar during this challenging time. It will be great to have him with us in person next week as we celebrate all the saints in heaven on All Saints’ Day.

Preparing for the Election

We are now a little over a week away from November 3, General Election Day. As that date draws ever closer, there is one last piece of advice I have for you as you get ready to vote: make a good Confession. This is a good practice whenever we are faced with a big decision, especially if the decision cuts close to our emotions. The gift of having our sins forgiven clears away the confusion of sin, calms emotions, and clarifies thoughts, so we can choose in accord with justice and truth.

I close by reminding you of the various voting aids available in the church vestibule and on the parish website that will be of assistance as you make your final preparations to vote: The Pre-Election Letter of the two Bishops of Virginia; The Presidential Candidate Comparison; and, Prayers for Before and After an Election. Please know that throughout this election season, Fr. Will and I have kept you and our nation in our prayers. St. Philip the Apostle – pray for us!

Your servant in Christ, Fr Donahue

Two Candlelit All Souls Masses November 2

Reserve Your Candles Online, in the Office, or After Sunday Masses 

St. Philip will again be offering two All Souls Masses on Monday evening, November 2. The beautiful candlelit Masses will be at 7pm in English and 8:30pm in Spanish. We have added the second Mass to allow more people to attend while still maintaining social distancing requirements. 

If you would like to reserve a candle for a loved one, they are available for a $10 donation. Come to the Parish Office during business hours (cash and checks accepted.) Or you can order online at: stphilipsparish.com/AllSoulsCandles.

Covid-19 Precautions Review

Covid-19 Precautions Review It has been four months since we returned to having public Eucharist; so far things have gone well, with no reports of infection caused by Mass attendance. To keep this up, please continue following these special precautions: 

Steps for Receiving Holy Communion 

1. Follow usher instructions to get in line
2. Say "Amen" at tape on floor
3. Remove mask
4. Step up with hands out (preferred)
5. Receive Host in hand; or receive on tongue and replace mask
6. If in hand, step aside and place Host in mouth. Replace mask.

Ministers of Holy Communion

1. Ministers disinfect their hands before distributing Holy Communion
2. Ministers wear masks while distribution Holy Communion
3. Whenever a Minister gives Holy Communion on the tongue, the Minister will immediately disinfect the fingers
4. Whenever a Minister touches a communicant, the Minister will immediately disinfect the fingers.

After Mass

1. Those seated on window side - exit using side aisle
2. Those seated on choir side - exit using center aisle
3. When talking outside
   1. Keep masks on
   2. Maintain appropriate physical distance

October Prayer Opportunities

40 Days for Life and October Rosary Campaign

40 Days for Life, runs through November 1 and focuses on the Falls Church facility at 900 S. Washington St. in Falls Church. Through public witness, prayer and fasting, the 40 Days for Life movement has saved over 17,000 children from abortion, helped over 200 abortion workers quit, and closed down over 100 hundred abortion facilities around the world in the last 13 years. By conducting this same public witness here in Falls Church, we hope to bring about similar blessings.

Abortion is undoubtedly one of the chief problems facing this country. Like slavery in previous centuries, it has infected every aspect of our society, impacting all of us, whether we know it or not. 40 Days for Life offers hope that we can do better. Please consider signig up to spend time in front of the facility in witness and prayer. A sign-up sheet is in the church vestibule and also available at 40daysforlife.com/fallschurch. 

Take Note

Knights of Columbus Membership

The Knights of Columbus - the largest lay men's organization in the Church - invites you to join our council. Although we are living through tough times, the Knights have streamlined the membership process and have scheduled virtual ceremonies to welcome you to our order. Meetings (both virtual and in real) are on the 3rd Monday of the month at 8pm. For further information, please email Terence J Smith, Grand Knight, at tjmorrill@hotmail.com.

Scam Alert! Parishioners Receiving Fake Emails and Texts

Parishioners are once again reporting receiving text, calls and emails from someone pretending to be St. Philip priests, staff or volunteers. The scammers will initiate a casual conversation and then ask for gift cards or credit card information to assist the church. Don't fall for it! These scams have been reported at churches across the diocese as well as at churches and businesses across the country.

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 Our Church By Supporting Our Bulletin

Please pick up a print version of the new Bulletin in the vestibule or read it online here (updated every Friday). If you or your business would like to be part of this new publication and get noticed in our bulletin, now is the time to reserve your space. Contact our bulletin representative, Marsha Haney, at 941-445-0778 (direct) or mhaney@jppc.net to be part of the new and improved publication. And don't forget to support the local businesses that support St. Philip by advertising in our Bulletin, and let them know where you saw their ad!