Entries by Staff

Annunciation – 2020

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It was a most propitious sign that the ships The Ark and The Dove, transporting the Jesuit, Fr. Andrew White and the first governor of the Maryland Colony, Leonard Calvert et al. landed on the north shore of the Potomac, St. Clement’s Island, March 25 (the Feast of the Annunciation), 1634. The occasion was the fruit of much sacrifice. Over a hundred years of religious persecution, a failed colony in Newfoundland, many rancorous negotiations with the Crown and the Virginia Colony, a three month daring trip across the Atlantic that included surviving storms which separated the ships for weeks, finally the English speaking Catholics would have a place to call “home” in the New World, Maryland. They would be able to build churches and openly receive the sacraments. Various historical circumstances would quickly arrive to challenge this plan, but through a War of Independence, religious freedom would be established in our land.

Homily for Fourth Sunday of Lent

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As sung by Steven Tyler of Aerosmith in the 1993 hit song Livin’ on the Edge, “There’s somethin’ wrong with the world today I don’t know what it is Something’s wrong with our eyes

We’re seein’ things in a different way And God knows it ain’t his It sure ain’t no surprise”

This rock band is not your usual prophetic voice. In fact it is usually a voice of vice. Nevertheless they are on to something. As they say, “Even a blind squirrel finds a nut on occasion.” We have lost sight of the way that God sees things. A personal loving God, as He has revealed Himself, must be saddened by the state of disbelief today. Cardinal Sarah, in his latest book, The Day is Now Far Spent, makes a point from his perspective as a man from Guinea. “African man cannot understand a world without God. The river would no longer have sources, and the houses would be without foundations. A world without God and without morality is like a stillborn infant.

Latest Update on Building Project

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Our efforts to construct a permanent home for St. Katharine Drexel are moving along this fall.  Our meeting with the Diocese of Arlington Building Commission is scheduled for October 28 to gain conceptual approval of our approach, financing, and other aspects.  On December 8, 2019, we plan to hold a get-together between the Masses …

Let’s Build Our Church: DBC Review

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September 2019: An important update from the St. Katharine Drexel Building Committee

The SKD Building Committee has been busy since June 2019 preparing the information needed by the Diocesan Building Commission to gain approval to proceed to the next steps of our project (e.g., design and construction).

Latest News on SKD Building Project

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Progress continues in our efforts to build a new church home for St. Katharine Drexel parishioners. Based on the positive response we received from our fall Capital Campaign (reaching 94% of our campaign goal), this spring was spent moving our church building project forward!

SKD at 94% of Downpayment Goal through Pledges

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The parishioners of St. Katharine Drexel Mission are moving forward on our shared goal of building a permanent home for our Catholic Community. Please read our Annual Building Committee Update from March 1, 2019 for important and exciting news!

Eagle Scout Bridge at the Mission Office

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A big note of thanks to Matthew Lorzing and Eagle Scout Troup #1882. For Matthew’s Eagle Scout project, he and members of his Troop built a bridge on the back property of the St. Katharine Drexel Mission Office to complete the Rosary Walk  positioned around the pond.  What a beautiful and tranquil spot for prayer. Thank you, Matthew!

Our Thanks to the Knights of Columbus

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The community of St. Katharine Drexel wishes to thank the members of the Jon O’Brien Council of the Knights of Columbus for all of their hard work in organizing and staffing the 2nd Annual SKD Fall Festival held on Sunday, September 30 at Four Hills Farm in Catharpin. It was a beautiful day full of fun activities and fellowship!

After Mass on Sunday, September 30, Grand Knight Dennis Corrigan also presented Fr. Murphy with a check from the Knights in support of the SKD Building Fund in the amount of $2,400.

Support the SKD Building Project

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Your contributions are essential to make a permanent church home a reality for the parishioners of St. Katharine Drexel.

Giving is easy, and every contribution matters – so here’s the Top 5 Ways you can contribute!

Building Fund Envelopes (included with your weekly envelopes) – include check or cash
Through the SKD website
Faith Direct: http://www.katharinedrexelcc.org/supporting-stkatharine-drexel/
Mail a check with a note: St. Katharine Drexel Mission, 4100 Mill Creek Road, Haymarket, VA 20169
In any envelope, insert cash, a brief note and drop in the basket during Mass
Thanks for your support!

Knights of Columbus Charter Ceremony

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January 14 marked an important day for the Father Jon O’Brien Council of the Knights of Columbus. With the support of local Knights from other parishes, a special Charter Ceremony signaled the official launch of the Council. Father Murphy served as Ceremony Chaplain and shared his excitement about the establishment of the Father Jon O’Brien Council, named after St. Katharine Drexel’s long-time celebrant instrumental in the growth of the mission.

In a ceremony presided over by Knights of Columbus District Deputy Craig Radcliff, newly appointed Grand Knight Greg Murray was presented with the framed chapter declaration. Thirty-four charter members from the Father Jon O’Brien Council were in attendance for the event.