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Below is the most recent email.
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Happy Sunday
From the Camino of Saint James
Sunday, September 7, 2025
Dear Friends in Christ,
Happy Sunday to you from the Camino of Saint James! Our pilgrimage group is at the halfway point of our trek to Santiago. We’ve had some rain along the Camino as well as some beautiful days. There have been a few illnesses and injuries here and there, and plenty of achy limbs, but nothing dire.
But most importantly we’ve had great opportunities for prayer. The Camino has many little chapels and crosses where you can turn aside for prayer. There is a reverent silence among all the hikers that affords plenty of time for reflection and conversation with God. At the same time, there’s still the opportunity for good conversations with fellow travelers. We have three more days of hiking, arriving in Santiago on Tuesday the 9th.
Be assured of my continued prayers for all of you and your intentions. Buen Camino!
Updates…
Saint James Gabriel Project is supporting a young mom who courageously chose life and is also trying to finish high school. She has four classes to finish. If you are able to help with some basic material items, please click here. In addition, gently used size 3m-9m boy fall and winter clothing are needed.
We are also looking for volunteers to help with babysitting her son for the months of September – January. He is 2 months old now and they live in the area around Mclean Little League in Mclean. The time commitment is from 7am – 1 pm on school days. We are looking to create a schedule of volunteers who can commit to one day per week or biweekly. Alternatively, if you know someone who would be interested in taking this as a short-term paid position, we would love to hear from you as well. To donate clothes or to learn more about providing short-term babysitting services, please contact Anne at [email protected]. Thank you in advance for your generosity!
Parish Picnic Volunteers Needed
Mark your calendars and join us for our annual fall parish picnic on Saturday, October 4th, from 12:00 Noon to 3:00pm. This wonderful event draws 700 parishioners and requires a lot of volunteers for setup, service, and cleanup. If you would like to volunteer to help before, during, or after the picnic, we would greatly appreciate your time to ensure its success. Click here to see how to volunteer.
Speaking of October 4th…
Our Social Outreach Committee is hosting a Food Drive for the St. Lucy Project on October 4th in front of the church, from 10am-2pm. Drive up, pop your trunk, and they’ll do the rest! A list of food items are posted on the parish website (please use the list). Any questions, please email Kate Altemeyer. Empty St. Lucy Bags will be distributed after several Masses the weekend of September 27-28 in case you’d like to use those to bring back on October 4th. Thank you for your generosity in alleviating food insecurity in our area.
WorkCamp is a yearlong youth ministry program culminating in a week-long overnight camp providing the teens of Saint James with an opportunity to encounter Christ through service, faith, and fellowship. It’s only possible through the contribution of time from adult volunteers! We are limited in the number of youth we can send to WorkCamp by the number of adult volunteers, especially men, willing to spend the week with our youth as they worship and provide service to the less fortunate. If you are willing to be an adult volunteer for WorkCamp, please reach out to [email protected].
Senior Fall Prevention Program
On Thursday, September 18th, 5pm-7pm in Monsignor Heller Hall, Dr. Sara Pappa from Marymount Center for Optimal Aging will lead a lively interactive discussion and Q&A with local experts on fall prevention! The Seniors Young at Heart are presenting this event which is open to Saint James parishioners who may be a senior or have a senior parent/loved one who could benefit from this presentation. Due to space limitations, attendees must RSVP by September 15th, for the dinner and/or presentation to Kathleen McPhilomy at [email protected].
Undetected Humor
Nurse: “Doctor, a man in the lobby claims that he is invisible.”
Doctor: “Tell him that I can’t see him.”
Through the intercession of our Lady and Saint James, may the Lord bless and keep you.
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Scalia