ST. VINCENT DE PAUL CATHOLIC CHURCH

Pastor's Notes

July 16, 2021

Please put in your calendar the following parish activities:

Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 10am-12noon: New and Old Lectors' Workshop at the Church

Sunday, August 22, 2021 at 1pm-4pm: Annual Parish Picnic at Cacapon State Park

August 29, 2021: Installation of New and Old Lectors at Mass on Sunday

Sunday, September 19, 2021: Catechetical Sunday and the Beginning of CCD Class

June 27, 2021

Our parish is in need of the following volunteers:

Lectors
Altar Servers both young and adults
Ushers
Church cleaners

Please call the office for more information. Thank you.

August 3, 2020

It has been a few months already that we have been hit by the pandemic, which in a way has changed our way of worship and even has stopped some to go to church on weekend. But based on our experience this time in our parish, by observing proper protocols, I can say that it is safer to attend the weekend Mass particularly to those who are healthy enough to get around. If you are able to get out of the house and go to malls, grocery stores and parks, maybe you can also go to the church to worship for an hour. Unless you are physically frail, elderly or at the very young age who are so vulnerable to a disease, you can stay at home and attend the online Masses. In short, weekend worship is safer and the church building is disinfected every other Friday, and people during Mass are asked to observe the physical distancing, to wear mask and to sanitize their hands. So, please come back to the Sunday worship...the Lord is waiting for you.

June 5, 2020

Ten years ago, June 5, 2010, I made a promise to embrace the life of priesthood in and of Jesus Christ
at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Wheeling. Indeed, time flies when I don't think of it but how short and quick it is when I reflect of God's eternity, that despite His being God, He allows me, the imperfect, to share in the life of His Son's priestly ministry. Therefore, it is through His daily grace that sustains me in my journey, so I thank my Almighty God for this special gift, in the Priesthood of Jesus Christ the Savior. And to the People of God, thank you very much for your prayers and support.

June 3, 2020

We belong to one race, that is, the human race. What makes this race precious is that it is endowed with intellect and will that no other beings have possessed. As St. Thomas Aquinas said, "Man is the crown of God's creation," which means all of us are equal before the Lord, that our colors, black or white or brown, do not matter. Being a precious race, man is capable of achieving human justice and fairness in his earthly life that reflects the Divine Justice and once this ability to reflect is being put aside human society is in danger, if not, unrest, riots, and violence would take over. The sense of profound reflection into the meaningful nature of human person and his or her dignity must be enabled in one's personal life so as one's character is being led into living or leading a life of order, beauty, peace, and harmony. Bringing back into our consciousness the sense of reality as to why we are precious among the rest of God's creation is a way to help us realize that as "being made in the image and likeness of God" we have an inalienable "birth mark," that is Human Dignity. It is that human dignity that allows us to promote justice and fairness, growth and development, peace and harmony, security and solidarity, and especially equality as we are colorless before the presence of God.

May 31, 2020
What a wonderful weekend for our parish as we baptized our catechumen, Linda Jurgensen, and received into Full Communion into the Catholic Faith, Josh Amos, in the presence of their catechists and godparents and the whole community. Also following was their Confirmation. My sincere gratitude to Bob and Eun Yea Williams for providing spiritual guidance and catechetical instruction to our catechumen and candidate.

May 18, 2020
On May 18th, 2009, eleven years ago, I was ordained to the Order of Deacon. How quick the time, how long the eternity. Please pray for me always. Today also is the birthday of St. Pope John Paul II the Great. Let's pray that he will continue to intercede for us.

May 8, 2020
Welcome to the launching of this new parish website, which I have created overnight and continued to be developed with the intention to reach out to you and to bring hopefully the necessary information coming from your parish. Although this is not the best design, its main purpose is to deliver information of what's going on in our church and our parish. Thank you for your patience.

ANNOUNCEMENT(S)

June 27, 2021

Our parish will conduct a workshop for those who may be interested in becoming a Lector. The theme of this workshop is: "Love and Proclaim: Scripture and Lay Readers at Mass" will be facilitated by Judy McBee, our Ministry of Lectors Committee Chairperson. Such workshop is free of charge, which will be on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 10:00am-12:00pm. Those interested, please call the office.

March 5, 2021

I'm inviting all parishioners to please attend every Friday during Lent the Stations of the Cross at 5:30pm preceded by the Sacrament of Confession at 5:00pm. Before the Stations of the Cross, there is a short Lenten Reflection on the Seven Last Words of Jesus on the Cross, which would correspond every Last Word to each Friday leading to the last Friday within the Holy Week. Please make this penitential sacrifice of the Stations of the Cross as part of your act of penance.

Also, here is the schedule during Holy Week/Triduum:

Palm Sunday Masses: Saturday Vigil, March 27: Mass at 5:00pm
Sunday, March 28: Mass at 9:00am
Holy Thursday, April 1: Last Supper Mass/Washing of the Feet at 6:00pm
Vigil at the Altar of Repose 7:00pm-9:00pm
Good Friday, April 2: Veneration of the Cross at 6:00pm
Holy Saturday, April 3: Easter Vigil Mass at 8:00pm
Easter Sunday, April 4: Easter Sunday Mass at 9:00am

January 30, 2021

Ash Wednesday is coming up, which will be on Wednesday, February 17, 2021, and our only Mass that day is at 5:00pm. The imposition of ashes shall be sprinkled only on top of the head; no more marking of ashes on the forehead due to the pandemic. As a way of our penance, fasting, abstinence and alms giving during this day as well as in all Fridays during Lent, including the Good Friday, are highly encouraged. Also, our Stations of the Cross every Friday during Lent is at 5:30pm inside the Church.

December 26, 2020

The schedule of Masses for the Solemnity of the Mother of God (Theotokos) or the New Year are the following:
December 31, 2020: New Year's Eve Mass at 8:00pm
January 1, 2021: New Year's Day Mass at 10:00am

December 16, 2020

Due to the inclement weather today, our Advent Penance Service is CANCELED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. Thank you for understanding.

December 1, 2020

December 8, 2020 is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, a Holy Day of Obligation for all Catholics. Therefore, our Mass that day is at 5:00pm.
Also, the Advent Penance is scheduled on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at 5:30pm. We have a couple of priests helping us out to hear Confession. Please take this opportunity to avail the Holy Sacrament of Confession as we prepare for the coming of the Lord Jesus.

November 23, 2020

The Mass for the Thanksgiving Holiday on Thursday, November 26th, will be at 10:00am. The bulletin said at 9am but it was a typo. Our apology for the error.

October 27, 2020

The Daylight Saving Time will take effect this November 1, 2020. Therefore, the schedule for the entire Winter season for our Saturday Vigil Mass starting this Saturday, November 7, 2020, will be at 4:00pm, while Confession is at 3:30pm. Please be guided accordingly.

September 24, 2020

On behalf of the parish, I would like to extend my heartfelt condolence to Lu Byrne, the wife of the late Dick Byrne. Dick has been our parish bookkeeper for many years. Dick's service to the parish has been tremendous and his love and passion for his faith was beyond question. Surely we will miss him. Let us pray for his repose and for peace and consolation for the Byrne's family.

August 3, 2020

The celebration of the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary falls on Saturday, August 15, 2020. As a result, this feast is not a Holy Day of Obligation, but to honor the Blessed Mother, we are going to celebrate Mass on her feast day at 9:00am. You are all welcome to attend.

July 12, 2020

I have to reiterate that wearing mask inside the church building and the parish office is a must. Holding it with your hand does not constitute proper way of wearing it; you are still not wearing it. In fairness to all, I would like all parishioners at Mass to wear it while the Mass is ongoing and while inside the church building and the office. Also, it is still not allowed to congregate or socialize before and after the Mass at the gathering hall. Please observe this protocol religiously for the safety of all. Thank you.

June 26, 2020

For the fourth time, our parish will be distributing gallons of fresh milk for free to all who want them this coming Saturday, June 27th, at 6:00pm in front of the church. Please stop by and pick up yours. On the other hand, our church has been disinfected this Friday to ensure the safety of our parishioners; we did it every other Friday since the reopening of the church. In a special way, I'm grateful to Mike Stanger for leading the way in this effort.

June 8, 2020

Once again, our parish will distribute the 4,000 gallons of fresh milk to anyone who wants it this Saturday, June 13th, at 6pm in front of the church. I would like to thank Dawn Ropper and Skipper Price for helping in distribution, and for Dawn to secure the apples for distribution as well.

June 4, 2020

According to Deacon Dave, the fresh milk will arrive at our parish this Saturday, June 6, 2020, between 9am-11am. If you want, feel free to come and take it for free.

June 3, 2020

Deacon Dave Galvin from St. James Parish in Charles Town, WV is bringing to our parish either Friday or Saturday 4,000 gallons of fresh milk to be distributed to people in our area and if you need milk you can also pick it up. We might be doing this throughout the month of June this year depending on the supplier. For more information, please call the office during office hours.

May 31, 2020

Due to a few number of attendance at Saturday Vigil Mass at 7:00pm and Sunday at 12noon Mass, I have decided to eliminate the same schedule of Masses starting this weekend of June 6-7, 2020. Our normal schedule now is back to Saturday Vigil Mass at 5:00pm and Sunday Mass at 9:00am. On the side note, I cannot emphasize enough that we are REQUIRED UNTIL LIFTED to wear mask at all times during Mass, sanitize our hands upon entry, record our names and contact number upon entry, maintain social distancing, and wipe the area of the pew where you sat on after Mass with disinfecting wet wipes. Thank you for compliance.

May 28, 2020

Because of Covid-19, the CCD Class for our children for the remainder of this year shall be cancelled. It is my pastoral duty to put our children to safety. Although they may miss their Sunday school, parents catechetically speaking are the first and primary teachers of faith. Undoubtedly, parents will continue doing this role at home especially in this time of pandemic. But if you need some help as to the materials for catechetical instruction, don't hesitate to call the office or call directly our DRE for guidance.
On the other hand, the Nazareth House will reopen Tuesday, June 2, from 10:00am-2:00pm, Tuesday and Friday.

May 22, 2020

The Rite of Baptism for the Elect and the Reception of Candidate into Full Communion into the Catholic Church for the Candidate shall be administered on Pentecost Sunday, May 31, 2020, at 9am Mass. Wearing mask and social distancing shall strictly be observed.

May 21, 2020

The group of volunteers will be at the church on Friday, May 22, to clean and to help disinfect the church and offices to get ready for the reopening of public Sunday Masses this weekend. If you can help, please be there at 8:30am. With regard to the north side parking lot of the church, half of which shall be used by the County Farmer's Market. As you park, please park your car facing the courthouse so that spaces can accommodate more cars, and please park properly.

May 18, 2020

For your benefit, here are the "opening days" for Sunday Masses in our neighboring dioceses:

Archdiocese of Baltimore: May 30-31, 2020 "at the pastor's discretion"
Archdiocese of Washington: May 30-31
Diocese of Arlington: May 16-17 (outside of Northern Virginia), while in Northern Virginia, not before May 30.
Diocese of Richmond: May 23-24 except the City of Richmond
Diocese of Pittsburgh: June 6-7
Diocese of Greensburg: no date set yet; June likely.

Bishop Brennan said: "As a sign of our Catholic faith in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist and especially in thanksgiving for our people being able to receive the Lord in that sacrament again after being deprived of it for an extended period of time, I would strongly urge all of our parishes to have a public Eucharistic procession on Corpus Christi Sunday, June 13-14. Social distancing would have to be maintained and masks worn but it is a beautiful way to express our faith in the Lord's promise to "remain with you always, even to the end of the world" and would perhaps be another way to lift the spirits of our people."

May 14, 2020

With the pandemic that we are all facing and for the safety of all, the monthly Filipino or Tagalog Mass is Cancelled until further notice.

May 13, 2020

Tom Merhaut of the Merhaut Religious Supply has picked up today the tabernacle. It will be sent to a repair company in Chicago that does a very fine job in fixing religious materials such as the tabernacle. I am thankful to our anonymous parishioner who sponsored for its repair. As to when it shall be sent back to us, that we have to monitor from time to time.

May 11, 2020

Notable Directives on the Guidelines to Resume Public Celebration of Mass as per Bishop's Directives

1. Public Sunday Masses are scheduled to begin with the Masses of May 23-24, 2020. New schedule of Masses are indicated under the services tub of this website.

2. The dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass remains in effect until further notice. Sick persons and those more susceptible to infection--the elderly, those already in frail health--are urged to remain at home and participate in televised or online Masses. Anyone who fears being infected by attending Mass should stay home.

3. Social distancing will be required at Mass. This is not optional as we cannot see our common enemy. Those who live in the same household may sit together; otherwise, there must be six feet of separation between persons. Every effort will be made to accommodate the faithful who come but once the reduced seating capacity of the church is reached, no others may enter the church.

4. The faithful are to wear masks during Mass, except in the moment of receiving Holy Communion. If you choose to receive by the hands, make sure you extend your hands; the same as you received Holy Communion by your tongue, make sure you extend your tongue.

5. The use of hymnals, song books, and novena prayer aid have to be removed from the pews. Holding hands at the Our Father is refrained, the Sign of Peace, and the offering of the Precious Blood of Christ to the faithful will be omitted. Hugging and embracing as a way of greeting each other shall be omitted.

6. With multiple Masses, the church will have to be sanitized between Masses, as well as before the first and after the last. Faithful are advised to wipe their respective seat in the pews using the wet wipes being placed on the same pews. Hand sanitizers shall be placed at the entrance doors of the church and before entering the main worship area the faithful are asked to sanitize their hands; the same applies as they exit the doors.

7. There are to be no social gatherings before or after Mass. Based on the seating arrangement inside the church, the persons who sit in front shall be the last persons to exit the church. As the Bible says, "The first will be the last..."

8. Children below 2 years old cannot wear mask for medical reason. Therefore, it is advisable to stay home.

9. Money counters must wear masks and put on their hand gloves. Social distancing is strictly observed.

10. For Confession, a penitent has to wear mask by kneeling or sitting behind the partition wall maintaining social distancing; face to face is discouraged.

11. The Lector shall read only the First and the Second Readings and leave the Prayers of the Faithful to the priest. The Lector is responsible to sanitize the pulpit after the Mass by using the wet wipes being provided. No announcement shall be made prior to Mass by a layperson; the priest shall do this part.

Note: Additional information shall be announced at the beginning of every Mass.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Diaconate Ordination: A Message from Seminarian Phillip Szabo

Dear Parishioners of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church,
I miss you all very much and I hope that you are doing well.
Thanks to God’s grace and your prayers, I will be ordained as a transitional deacon on Saturday, May 30th at St. James the Greater Catholic Church! God is good! After five years of seminary formation, I can hardly wait to begin my service to God’s Church as a deacon.
I wish that I could invite you all to come to the ordination in person, but, as you can imagine, the COVID-19 restrictions have significantly limited the number of guests that are allowed to attend. However, the ordination ceremony will be broadcasted live on the diocesan website and on their Facebook page for those who would like to view the ordination in the safety of their homes.
Lastly, I promise to come visit you some weekend as soon as I am able. If I am really good, maybe Fr. Mike will even let me preach!
Thank you again for all of the prayers and support that you have given me over the past 5 years. Your work has paid off! Now, I look forward to serving the Catholic Church in West Virginia for the rest of my life!
May God bless you all!
Phillip Szabo
Phillip’s ordination will be broadcasted live on Saturday, May 30th at 11:00 AM on either of the following websites:
Diocesan Website - http://www.dwc.org
Facebook at https - http://www.facebook.com/DioceseofWheelingCharleston

We have a Catholic Radio Station serving our area. To listen, please tune in to www.soundcloud.com/wdtf1079

How can I use my talents for my parish community?

There are so many ways in which you can help our parish. Are you called to become a lector, an altar server, an usher or usherette, and an extraordinary minister of communion? Or, would you like to join the choir, join the volunteer group that cleans the church or to help cut the grass or beautify our church surrounding? How about assisting at the local nursing home every Wednesday when the Holy Eucharist is celebrated for its residents? Our parish has offered various ministries for men and women where each one can contribute in helping to build the kingdom of God in our midst. If you feel you have this calling to share, please call the office and be counted.

"Figure out what will please Christ, and then do it" Ephesians 5:10