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Below is the most recent email.
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Diocesan Week of Service
A Week for Serving Others
Thursday, November 6, 2025
Dear Friends in Christ,
Every so often it’s good to set aside specific time to focus on something we should be doing all the time. Lent, for example, is the time to be more focused and intentional about prayer, fasting, almsgiving…which we should also do year-round.
That’s the thinking behind the Diocesan Week of Service. In Bishop Burbidge’s Diocesan Strategic Plan, Point 7 is to hold an annual diocesan service day to unify the faithful in service and to promote the importance of Christian service. Well, in implementing this point it became not just a day but a week – next week, November 9-16. For that week, every parish and school in the Diocese of Arlington has committed to one or more various works of charity.
Point is, next week is a time for more intentional and focused service of others – to heighten the importance of doing these works year-round.
At Saint James we have put together a strong week of service that addresses different needs in our area and involves diverse groups in our parish. I’m incredibly grateful to the working group that has put this together. I ask you to take a look to see if there are still volunteer opportunities available.
We will have prayer cards available after all Masses this weekend. So, if you cannot help out with the corporal works of mercy you can still assist with that spiritual work of mercy. I also ask that those who come for Eucharistic Adoration on Wednesday and Thursday also keep this intention in their prayers.
Updates…
First Friday Vigil begins this Friday at 7:30pm with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and the praying of Vespers. Adoration continues throughout the night, concluding before 8:30am Mass on Saturday. We are still in need of adorers. Come spend time with our Lord in adoration.
Catholic Trivia Night is back – Friday, November 21st, doors open at 6pm. It’s time again to show your knowledge of all things Catholic. Impress your family…amaze your friends…and support the important work of Catholic Charities! Faith, Fun, Fellowship, and Helping Others! Go here for more details and to register your team.
Was Pope Leo XIII a Social Justice Warrior? Well, no. Not exactly. But he did have a lot to teach us about social justice. Come hear Tom Shakely, Director of Communications for the Diocese of Arlington speak on The Cure of Nations: Leo XIII’s Vision for the Church and our Political Happiness. Monday, November 17th at 7pm in Monsignor Heller Hall.
ParishSOFT is the new vender for our parish online giving. It will be replacing Faith Direct. The change will go into effect on Wednesday, November 12. This is a week later than we were initially informed. Thank you for your patience as we transition to our new online giving platform. If you have any questions, call or email Kathleen Anderson at (703) 532-8815 x223 or [email protected]
Finishing the Race is a three-part series on the proper Catholic approach to end-of-life issues. The third and final seminar is Saturday, November 22nd, 9am-Noon in Monsignor Heller Hall. Please note that registration is required for this event. Visit our page for more information and how to register.
Reach More is a program developed by Evangelical Catholic to guide lay people in discipleship and apostolate in their everyday life. The habit-based program helps people to cultivate a life of prayer so that they can witness to Christ more confidently and effectively. If interested in learning more, contact Amy Bigart.
Blue Humor
I just found out I’m colorblind. The news came out of the purple!
Through the intercession of our Lady and Saint James, may the Lord bless and keep you.
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Scalia