Dear Our Lady of Lourdes parish family,

Severe winter conditions are expected to hit our area at around 11:00 PM tonight (January 24).   I encourage everyone to attend tonight’s 5:30 PM Vigil Mass if possible.  

On Sunday (January 25), we will have our usual full Mass schedule at 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM in Spanish for those who wish to come and can safely get to Mass.  I have arranged for our snow removal contractor to plow the parking lot and put ice-melt on all the walkways and sidewalks on the perimeter of the church property.

That said, Bishop Burbidge has dispensed with the Sunday obligation to attend Mass for reasons of safety.  The Governor of Virginia has declared a state of emergency and encourages people to stay off roads on Sunday.  Please note the full text of the bishop’s message here:

Due to the impending winter storm, which is predicted to be severe, and noting that the Governor of Virginia has declared a state of emergency beginning Saturday, January 24, if it is not possible for parishioners to attend Mass due to road and travel conditions that jeopardize safety, they are dispensed from the obligation to attend Mass on Sunday, January 25. For those who cannot attend Mass, then time should be spent reading the Word of God or in prayer to mark the Lord’s Day.

If parishioners reasonably foresee that they will not be able to attend Mass on Sunday, parishioners should consider attending a Saturday Vigil Mass wherever possible.

The “Bread and Brews” young adult gathering at McNamara’s is CANCELLED for Sunday January 25th.

Here are our other announcements for this weekend:

ANNOUNCEMENTS for SUNDAY, JANUARY 25^TH

·      The Bishop’s Lenten Appeal (BLA) has begun.  Please make a pledge here to support our diocesan ministries for evangelization and to support the needy in our area.  Click here to learn more about what the BLA supports. 

·      Join us for brunch after the 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM Masses on next Sunday, prepared by The Knights of Columbus.

·      St. Paul says to “Rejoice always and pray without ceasing.” Forty Hours Devotionis an opportunity to spend time with Jesus in silent prayer and meditation on the Gospel.  It begins on Thursday, February 5th with Mass at 7:00 PM.   The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed for prayer and meditation all day on February 6^th & 7^th.  See “You’re Invited” on our website to sign up for one or more 30-minute prayer slots.   All are encouraged to take time alone in meditation before the Blessed Sacrament. 

·      RSVP for our Dinner Party celebrating the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes after the 5:30 Vigil Mass, Saturday, February 7^th.  See “You’re Invited” on our website to RSVP online.

·      Ash Wednesday is on February 18^th.  And our first Lenten Fish Fry, by the Knights of Columbus, is on Friday, February 20^th at 5:30 PM, before our 7:00 PM Confessions and 7:30 PM Stations of the Cross.   See “You’re Invited” on our website for our full Ash Wednesday and Lent schedule. 

God bless….and stay safe and warm!    

In Christ,  Fr. Edlefsen