Message from Fr. Murphy

Dear Parishioners of St. Katharine Drexel Mission,

This week we hope to have all events at St. Stephen the Martyr livestreamed. Thanks to a generous and technically connected parishioner, we hope to have this new service just in time for the latest pandemic resurgence.

The governor’s instructions haven’t changed our routine at Four Hills Farm and our venue for Sunday Mass. In addition, St. Stephen’s is still open, and we have Mass and Sacraments at the normally scheduled times. There is no obligation to attend Sunday Mass or feast days. Those who do attend are those who are healthy and those not sharing living space with those suffering from Coronavirus 19. They are expected to wear a mask unless they have medical reasons not to or are not yet five years old. We can sit up to 50% capacity observing social distancing with six feet between groups or individuals. Although I can’t provide an enclosed tent for those who prefer to sit outside, I do plan to have the parish hall wired for video and sound this Sunday.

Please see St. Katharine Drexel Mission 2020 Financial Report from Fr. Murphy on the financial status of our mission.

Building Committee Update

Due to a recent relocation, David O’Flynn recently announced that he is no longer able to serve as chairperson of the St. Katharine Drexel Mission Building Committee. We wish to thank David for all of his efforts in moving our vision of forming a parish forward, and for the time and dedication that he so generously offered to our mission church throughout the years. His contracting knowledge and commitment to serving in this important capacity have moved St. Katharine Drexel Mission forward as we prepare to build our parish church in glory to God.

At this time, we wish to introduce you to the new chairperson of the St. Katharine Drexel Mission Building Committee, Tim Freeman. Below is a message from Tim to our SKDM community:

First, I would like to thank David O’Flynn for his years of dedication. Without his leadership and passion, we would not find ourselves in the position of being so close to our goals.

The generosity of the people of our parish is inspiring. Let me share the following:

  • 45% of families have pledged.
  • Our goal of raising $3M is within reach; we have received or have pledges for $2.9M.
  • We have been meeting with the Diocese of Arlington; they showed up in force at our recent committee meeting and we were highly encouraged by their support and excitement for us.
  • We will be meeting with the County next month and expect to move forward soon.

Fall of 2023 sounds like a long time, that is the date we set as a goal to move in; we hope to move that to the left if possible. In the meantime, I will commit to coming before the parish once a quarter to provide an update on our progress. Thank you for your generosity and pledges, please keep them coming. I also wish to thank Father Murphy for his steady leadership. Please keep Father Murphy and the committee in your prayers that we may bring this vision to reality.