Here’s what’s new and upcoming in our contemplative programming at the parish:
LITURGY OF THE HOURS GETS A BOOST — To attract more people to either personal or communal experiences of the Liturgy of the Hours, we are establishing the following:
– each Tuesday evening of the week, we will pray Vespers (Evening Prayer) now either at 6:50pm or embedded within the 7pm Eucharist. After a period of time, we’ll see what people prefer. Similarly, on Friday mornings, we will likewise alternate Lauds (Morning Prayer) either right before the 8:30am Mass or within it.
By October 1, we’ll reach a decision and make that our protocol going forward. Morning Masses Mon-Thurs along with Saturday are unaffected by this, and likewise for the evening Masses on Wednesday-Thursday-Friday.
The liturgical books for the Liturgy of the Hours are available for either purchase or free one-time use in the sacristy.
PREPARING FOR BERRYVILLE –– Another group of parishioners is ready to make the 3.5 hour drive to the Trappist monastery of the Holy Cross for a weekend retreat in the Cistercian tradition Sept. 29-Oct. 1. This will be our third parish retreat in the Berryville, VA monastery in the last 22 months.
Meanwhile, planning continues for our Contemplative Elders retreat in April-May 2024. There are still 3 slots open for those who wish to participate in the weeklong event.
DREAMWORK BEGINS IN THE CONTEMPLATIVE ELDERS — Starting August 29, and continuing as long as we have “dreamers,” our contemplative elders group will explore the impactful spiritual dreams of fellow members and, through contemplative method, share the dream among each other and at the same time expand it.
TAKING THE CONTEMPLATIVE MESSAGE ON THE ROAD, BUT NOT FAR: Our pastor will present a talk on Contemplative Practice at the Mt. St. Mary House of Prayer on Tuesday, October 3, from 7-8:30pm. Information here:
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ST. SHARBEL MASS FOR HEALING CONTINUES IN POPULARITY — We had another healthy congregation in August for the monthly St. Sharbel Healing Mass. Our next one is scheduled for Friday, September 22 at 7pm, which also falls in the Season of Creation, so prayers for the healing of Mother Nature will be included in the bilingual Mass.
