Bishop Burbidge Responds to Supreme Court Abortion Ruling

• Monseñor Burbidge responde al fallo de la Corte Suprema sobre el aborto

For nearly 50 years, our nation has suffered under the enormous weight of a wrongly reasoned Supreme Court decision. Roe v. Wade imposed legalized abortion on all 50 states, effectively denying the electorate the freedom and power to debate and decide the controversial issue. Since that decision, more than 63 million babies have died from the horrible brutality of abortion.

The Supreme Court today has overturned that destructive and profoundly unjust decision and restored to the people the power to enact life-affirming laws in their states and in Congress.

We thank God for this welcome decision. At the same time, we also know that the work of protecting unborn children and their parents from the tragedy of abortion is far from finished. This is one, key moment in what I pray will be a long line of subsequent life-affirming victories. There is much work to do to create laws and policies in Virginia and beyond that recognize the sanctity of every human life and that provide women and their babies the protection, care and resources necessary to flourish.

Through our diocesan and parish ministries and Catholic Charities, the Church of the Diocese of Arlington will continue to accompany mothers experiencing crisis pregnancies, and to provide pregnancy and adoption support, medical and emergency financial assistance, and care for those who have experienced abortion. We seek to remind these mothers-and fathers: You are not alone! We are here and ready to accompany you every step of the way.

To the women, men and young people throughout our diocese and nation who, through prayer and action, have tirelessly defended life in the womb and assisted mothers in their pregnancies, I express my sincere appreciation for all you have done. Now I urge you to remain committed to the long yet hope-filled work ahead to build a culture of life. We must remain engaged with our elected officials, urging them to support the dignity and sanctity of every life from conception until natural death. Your prayers, service and advocacy are vitally needed to make abortion in Virginia unthinkable.

• The Catholic Response to Women in Crisis Pregnancies: Diocesan-Affiliated Pregnancy Resources in Virginia

To all who have endured the pain of abortion, I assure you, Our Lord desires to bring you comfort and peace. Through his mercy, you can experience his healing and forgiveness and come to know God's abiding presence in your life. The Catholic Church stands ready to walk with you on that journey. 

May Our Lord, in his mercy, usher in more pro-life victories throughout our country. As a nation that prides itself on standing as “one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all,” may we always give first priority to protecting the most vulnerable among us. 

Religious Freedom Week June 22-29: Life and Dignity for All

The Catholic Church in the United States, and here in our diocese, will observe Religious Freedom Week June 22-29.

Religious freedom allows the Church, and all religious communities, to live out their faith in public and to serve the good of all. Beginning June 22, the feast of Sts. Thomas More and John Fisher, the USCCB invites Catholics to pray, reflect, and act to promote religious freedom.

"Each year, during Religious Freedom Week, millions of Catholics across America join in taking a stand for the freedom on which this country was founded: the freedom to live out our faith publicly. This freedom includes the right to serve the common good, as our faith compels us, through various religious charities and ministries. All Americans, regardless of faith, enjoy countless blessings made possible by this freedom," Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, Diocese of Arlington.

July Events to Meet Our New Parochial Vicar

Father Philip Briggs will be joining the flock! To welcome him, we will be having a quick get-together in the breezeway after each mass the weekend of July 2/3. And on Sunday, July 10, join us for a potluck dinner in Hayden Hall where Father Briggs will get the opportunity to share his faith journey that has lead him to St Philip! We'll start with 6pm prayers in the church then head to Hayden Hall for dinner. If possible, please plan on bringing a dish to share.

Father Will's "Thank You" Party This Sunday

Come join the St. Philip community in thanking Father Will for three amazing years of service!

We'll start the evening at 6pm in the church with prayer and then move to Hayden Hall for a barbeque dinner. St. Philip will supply the hamburgers and hot dogs; please sign up to bring a drink, side or dessert. Volunteers are also needed.

• RSVP not necessary but helps us plan. Sign up to bring something or volunteer here.

Donations, Volunteers Needed for White Elephant Sale

Start gathering your donations for the St. Philip White Elephant sale, Saturday, July 23, from 8am to 1pm.

This year we are separating our usual White Elephant sale from the September Parish Festival so we need your donations now instead of in September. Donations are being accepted through July 22 in the festival shed behind the convent. Please remember that donations should be high-quality, gently used or new items that might be purchased for $5 or more. Larger items such as bicycles and furniture are also greatly appreciated. Contact Suzanne Webb with questions or to arrange pick-up of large items. More details on volunteer opportunities coming soon.

Take Note

Athletes for Christ Starts Monday

St. Philip's 2022 "Athletes for Christ" summer camp is June 27 through July 1. Sessions are 9 am to 12 pm and activities will be held on the parish field. Rising 2nd-8th graders are invited to participate in a week of sports, games, virtuous competition, water games and more. Flyer and registration form are available here and outside the RE Office. Contact the RE Office at RE@stphilipsparish.com, or 703-573-1899.

Help Wanted at St. Philip

Job Title: Facilities Manager Assistant (Maintenance Coordinator)
Part-time but could lead to full-time position; Hourly rate based on experience; Work schedule includes weekends and evenings; on-call rotations. Schedule determined at discretion of the Facility Manager. Job Description: Assists Facility Manager in maintaining the cleanliness and upkeep of the physical plant and grounds of St. Philip Parish. Basic knowledge of plumbing and electrical a plus. Background check required. See full job description here.