Mary, Mother of God

What is the Solemnity of Mary

On January 1, Catholics celebrate the Solemnity of Mary. Normally, this is a Holy Day of Obligation, but this year it is not.
What is the Solemnity of Mary, and why is it on New Year’s Day?

The Solemnity of Mary is the day we honor Mary as the Mother of Jesus. Jesus is one Person with two natures (in a “hypostatic“union). Therefore, Mary is “Theotokos,” Mother of God, and due the respect that accompanies that reality. Honoring Mary as Mother of God is the highest honor we can give her, celebrating her Divine Maternity. The declaration of this title can be traced back to the Council of Ephesus in 431.

January 1 is the Octave of Christmas. Only Christmas and Easter still enjoy the privilege of an octave, which is an eight day extension of the feast. In 1968, Pope Paul VI also established January 1 as The World Day of Peace. Therefore, it is appropriate on this day to ask Mary, the Mother of Peace to bring us closer throughout the year, to her Divine Son, the Prince of Peace!

Feast Day of the Assumption of Mary

Legion of Mary

Come, grow in your spiritual development and advance the Reign of Christ through Our Lady.

The St. Katharine Drexel Legion of Mary meets every Monday at 3:00 PM in the Mission Office located at 14535 John Marshall Highway, Suite 210 in Gainesville, VA.

If you would like to learn more, please contact Jackie Lorzing at jackie.lorzing2011@gmail.com.

 

Knights of Columbus Council named after Fr. Jon O'Brien

Knights of Columbus Council

The newly formed Father Jon O’Brien Knights of Columbus Council is seeking new members. The Knights of Columbus is one of the largest fraternal charitable service organization with more than 1.9 million members in over a dozen countries. Members are Catholic men who come together through faith to support their Church and local, national and worldwide causes through charitable action.

The Saint Katharine Drexel Knights of Columbus Council meets on the third Thursday of the month at 7:00 PM at the Mission Office, 14535 John Marshall Hwy, #10 in Gainesville, VA. All Catholic males 18 and over are welcome!

Faith Direct online giving

Join Faith Direct eGiving

Donating to St. Katherine Drexel has never been easier now that we’ve partnered with Faith Direct, a secure electronic giving platform. You can make all of your contributions to St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Mission via automatic payment, making it a great way to simplify your giving … READ MORE ABOUT FAITH DIRECT