Saint Francis de Sales Catholic Church

Let us run to her, and, as her little children, cast ourselves into her arms with perfect confidence.-St. Francis de Sales

SacramentsConfessions: Friday 10:30am; Saturday 8am and 3:30pm - Confessions are heard in Rooms 107 & 113 in Catholic Education CenterSunday - one half hour before each Mass in the ChapelAnytime by appointment

Matrimony: Parish couples planning to be married must make arrangements with the Office at least six months prior to the intended date of marriage.

Baptism: Baptisms are typically held on the second or third Sunday of the month at 1:30pm. Please note, dates are subject to change. Baptism class is the last Friday of the month at 7pm. Call the office for details.

Anointing of the Sick: We are privileged to bring Holy Communion and administer the Holy Anointing to the sick and homebound upon request. Please call the office to let us know your needs.

Parish Staff Reverend James Gould, PastorReverend John Heisler, Parochial VicarDeacon Larry HammelMrs. Amy Harrison, Business ManagerMrs. Leslie Sheldon, Office ManagerMrs. Kim Livaudais, Director of Religious EducationMrs. Janice Rees, CRE, Sunday Bulletin, WebsiteMs. Emily Glass, Director of Youth MinistryMr. Michael Galdo, Director of MusicMr. Jerry Jones, CustodianMrs. Maria Alvarenga, CustodianMr. Antonio Alvarenga, Custodian

Contact InfoParish Office - 540-338-6381office email - secretary@saintfrancisparish.orgReligious Education Office - 540-338-4497RE email - RE@saintfrancisparish.orgIn case of an emergency - 540-338-6440Fax - 540-338-643137730 St. Francis Court, Purcellville, VA 20132www.SaintFrancisParish.org

Welcome!Please register and become part of our parish community. You may fill out a registration form in the parish office during business hours.

Office Hours - M-F 8:30am-4pm(Office closed between 12noon and 1:15pm daily)

Moving? If you are leaving the parish, please let us know by calling or dropping a note.

Sunday MassesSaturday Vigil - 5pmSunday - 7am, 8:30am, 10:30am, 12:15pm 5pm (Mass with contemporary music)

Daily Masses Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday - 6:30am and 9amThursday - 6:30amFriday - 6:30am & 12 noon Saturday - 9amCheck the bulletin for Holy Days of Obligation

First Sunday of Lent March 1, 2020

Adoration/Benediction Friday - Adoration is held every Friday following the 12 noon Mass through Benediction before the 9am Mass on Saturday morning. The Rosary is prayed at 12:30pm and the Divine Mercy Chaplet is at 3pm.

Sun., March 1 Adult Basketball 8:30pmMon., March 2 Ladies Auxiliary 7:30pm, LibraryTue., March 3 RCIA 7pm, Room 107Wed., March 4 SoulStitch 9:30am, Parish Hall 33 Days to Morning Glory 7pm, Rm 201 TMIY 7pm, Catholic Education Center Romans Bible Study 7pm, Room 206Thu., March 5 Rosary Group 7pm, Church Women’s Bible Study 7pm, Room 202Fri., March 6 Children’s Rosary 10am, Church Padre Pio Cenacle after Noon MassSat., March 7 TMIY 6:30am, Catholic Education Ctr.

Masses for the Week+ deceased Saturday, Feb. 29 Saturday after Ash Wednesday 9:00 am + Lettie and Jim DueppenSaturday, Feb. 29 Vigil: First Sunday of Lent 5:00 pm + Mr. and Mrs. Peitro DeCiccoSunday, March 1 First Sunday of Lent 7:00 am Lina Cahan 8:30 am Beth Creighton 10:30 am The Fitzgerald Family 12:15 pm People of the Parish 5:00 pm + Thomas BrownMonday, March 2 Lenten Weekday 6:30 am Special Intention 9:00 am + Michael DerbyTuesday, March 3 Lenten Weekday 6:30 am + Dee Mikelskas 9:00 am George Kenneth Chun HullWed., March 4 Lenten Weekday 6:30 am Special Intention 9:00 am + Bob WalkerThursday, March 5 Lenten Weekday 6:30 am Special IntentionFriday, March 6 Friday 6:30 am Special Intention 12:00 pm + Zachary MillerSaturday, March 7 Lenten Weekday 9:00 am + Mary BreidingSaturday, March 7 Vigil: Second Sunday of Lent 5:00 pm + Neal BrownSunday, March 8 Second Sunday of Lent 7:00 am Deceased members of the Butts and D’Elia families 8:30 am Ida Santillan 10:30 am + Verona McCarthy 12:15 pm Don and Nancy Baker 5:00 pm People of the Parish

1st Sunday of LentMarch 1, 2020

“The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve.”

- Matthew 4:10

Readings for the Week

This Week

Parish Financial StatusIn-Pew Offertory -February 8/9 $ 10,900 2nd Collection - Parish Center Debt Reduction $ 3,506

In-Pew Offertory -February 15/16 $ 11,708

In-Pew Offertory -February 22/23 $ 12,188 2nd Collection - Maintenance Fund $ 2,273

YEAR TO DATE $ 457,967

2nd Collection this week - Black and Indian Missions 2nd Collection next week - Parish Center Debt Reduction

Please bring your blessed palms from last year to the box in the Narthex during Lent. Sacramentals, such as palms, should be treated with special reverence. Anything that has been blessed should be burned or buried. If you don’t have the ability to burn or bury them, simply drop off your palms to the church during Lent and we will disposeof them properly. Thanks!

Fridays in LentFriday Lenten Fish Fry 4:30pm-7:30pm

Stations of the Cross 7:30pm

Confessions in LentMonday through Friday - 7pm in Chapel

in addition to regularly scheduled Confesisons

Fridays in Lent are obligatory days of abstinence for Catholics. Every person 14 years of age or older must

abstain from meat (and items made with meat).

Monday: Lv 19:1-2, 11-18; Ps 19:8-10, 15; Mt 25:31-46Tuesday: Is 55:10-11; Ps 34:4-7, 16-19; Mt 6:7-15Wednesday: Jon 3:1-10; Ps 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19; Lk 11:29-32Thursday: Est C:12, 14-16, 23-25; Ps 138:1-3, 7c-8; Mt 7:7-12Friday: Ez 18:21-28; Ps 130:1-8; Mt 5:20-26Saturday: Dt 26:16-19; Ps 119:1-2, 4-5, 7-8; Mt 5:43-48Sunday: Gn 12:1-4a; Ps 33:4-5, 18-20, 22; 2 Tm 1:8b-10; Mt 17:1-9

Our Military Members: MAJ Chuck Marshall; Lcpl John Owen Patterson; Sgt. Tim Marshall; 2nd Lt. Patrick Gutierrez, MAJ An-drew Cahan; 1st Lt Matthew Ryan, Capt. Patrick Godfrey, LT Scott Cypher, Capt. Vincent Jovene, Capt. Jamie (Jovene) Liddle, SSgt. Joshua Jovene, 1LT Jared Willard, Joe Pultro, LCpl Paul Cotter, 1stLt Rachel Jovene, GySgt Jose O Ruiz Pedroza, PFC Jorge A Lara Pedroza, Capt.. Ross Mentzer, 2nd LT Ryan Patrick Grady; PFC Stephen G. Beard, Sgt. Ernesto G. Castro, LCpl Frankie ThysonThe Sick: Dominic Corcoran, Jack Lehtonen,Mary Jane Arens, Phyllis Heller, Madeline Gonzalez, Mike O’Brien, Bill Wielic-zko, Sarah Nolan, Liz Keller; Bob Cote, Jerry Pollard, Joanne Harrington, Rebecca Alvarez, Charles WilliamsThe Deceased: Rosemarie Bighouse, John Robinson, Michele Mackey, Margaret Maykrantz, Fr. Edwin Thayer Tewes, Eleanor Szemborski, Zach Miller, Danielle Krill, Carolyn Woodland. Ryan Martin, Kimberly Merline, Valerie Wielic-zko, Thomas Moorcones

Our thoughts and prayers are with ...

Below are the names of people from our parish, along with the date of death, since the time St. Francis de Sales became a parish in 1967. Scrip-ture tells us to pray for the living and the dead.

Dear Folks, Many thanks to all for your prayers during my recent surgery for kidney stones. Once again I join the club of those who have gone to pain levels greater than child delivery… or so it is said. God bless those who were so kind to me at Fauquier Hospital. As in all stresses of life there was an element of humor to the day. When they rolled me in to surgery I mentioned to them that I prayed for all of them that morning and they reminded me that the surgeon was Jewish and the anesthetist was Buddhist. I acknowl-edged the nurse from the parish and asked if there weren’t any pious Protestants in the room. Yes, two Baptists from North Carolina. “Let us begin.” God bless Fr. Heisler for all his good work during my recovery. He is the blessing. Many thanks to Mary Darnell who recently delivered the talks at each Mass for the In-Pew giving for the annual Bishops Lenten Ap-peal. Fr. Heisler said she was fantastic. God bless her too. It is not easy speaking at all the Masses. I am delighted she did so well and implore your kindness to this most important collection. Well done Mary. Lent is upon us. Purple will be the color for the vestments indicat-ing we are in a time of “preparation” in our prayers, penances and almsgiving for the coming of Easter. In addition to the regular weekly confession times we will add a 7pm time slot each weeknight in the chapel. It can be like Chicago politics, where you come early and come often. Please do come. I especially encourage the big fish who haven’t been in a long time. Not to worry, we have the Act of Contri-tion printed up at the kneeler. Of course, please don’t worry about scandalizing the good padre. As I said before, I will give ten dollars if you can give me a sin I have not heard before. It won’t be long till the St. Patrick’s Day party on Saturday March 14th, following the 5:30 Mass. Why Saturday the 14th. Because it counts for a Sunday in Lent where you are not obligated for your Lenten Fast. There is an old Irish song, “Whiskey on Sunday.” www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyByCDRX6gw Come one come all, young and old, and bring your best soda bread for the contest if you have a mind to. The Knights have lined up music and a visiting Irish Dance group. And for the Italians in the crowd. The choir will offer the Vespers of St. Joseph in the church at 5:30pm on March 19th, with a dinner in the Knights of Columbus Hall to follow. Come one and all and don’t forget to wear the orange that night. There is a collegiate question in that one. Please note that 2020 is an election year and that comes with a multiple of dynamics. The buzzword this week is “Super Tuesday.” Alright, it’s two words. Sorry. WTOP has a very good introduction on the topic and I encourage you to read it and how it applies to both political parties. I enclose it here: wtop.com/virginia/2020/02/virginia-2020-presidential-primary-voting-guide-everything-you-need-to-know/ I n addition, please remember that the Democratic and Republican primaries to select candidates for the U.S. House and Senate are set to take place June 9, 2020. The Catholic Conference of Virginia, involving the Dioceses of Arlington and Richmond, has a website to address the current politi-cal issues in the Commonwealth. www.vacatholic.org. It is a heavy duty website addressing many many political topics. I highly recom-mend the section for News and Events with its focus on “Action Alert”, and “Updates.” In the remaining space in this letter I will note some of the Con-firmation questions the Bishop asks the kids for Confirmation. The list will be completed in next week’s letter. God bless one and all. Let us pray for one another.

Questions in Preparation for Confirmation Most Rev. Michael F. Burbidge By the gift of the Holy Spirit poured out in Confirmation the faithful are more fully conformed to Christ and they are strengthened with the power to bear witness to Christ. (Cf. Order of Confirmation, no. 1) 1. What is a Sacrament? A Sacrament is an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace. 2. What is grace? Grace is a supernatural gift from God to make us holy and to unite us with Him now and forever. Each sacrament gives and strength-ens the active presence, life, and love of the Holy Trinity in us. Each sacrament gives its own special graces. 3. When did Jesus institute the Sacrament of Confirmation? Jesus promised to the Apostles that he would ask the Father to send the Holy Spirit to enlighten, strengthen, and guide them. At Pentecost (fifty days after Easter), the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles. Tongues of fire rested upon their heads and the fire of God’s love filled their souls. 4. What are the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit? 1. Wisdom helps us to know God’s will for our lives 2. Understanding enables us to make the faith our own 3. Knowledge allows us to come to know and be in relationship with God 4. Fortitude helps us to be courageous in the defense of our faith 5. Counsel aids us in making right judgments 6. Piety assists us in being prayerful, reverent, and holy 7. Fear of the Lord is a holy awe and reverence for God

Collegiate Answer: Offered in honor of my good friend Fr. David Meng who answered this trivia question without the bat of an eye… a very smart man. The English play, from the early twentieth century, that set the character types for: the Lone Ranger, Batman, and the Green Hornet is known as the Scarlet Pimpernel. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Scarlet_Pimpernel

Collegiate Question: In honor of all the adopted children of the par-ish and their good parents. Who was the youngest medical student to graduate from the University of Virginia Medical School… two months before he was eighteen? He would serve as a military doctor, adopting an Apache child when serving in Arizona. What was the child’s name and what did she do when she grew up? What did the doctor become famous for in his research? Good hunting. This is one of the tougher questions.

Emily Glass Director of Youth Ministry

540-338-6381 or e.glass@saintfrancisparish.org

Religious Education CalendarWEEK OF MARCH 1 and MARCH 8Sunday Grades K-8th Session 1 - 8:45am Grades K-8th Session 2 - 10:30amMonday Grades K-8th - 4:45pm RCIT - 6:30pmWednesday Grades K-8th - 4:45pm

A SPECIAL REQUEST…We are looking for a few new or gently used large (8 x 10 or larger) rugs to warm up our classrooms. We enjoy having the smaller children gather as a group to share a story, sing songs or teach a special catechism lesson and the tables are not always conducive to these activities. Please call Janice or Kim if you can help.

CONFIRMATION RETREATS… are scheduled for March 21 or 28 from 4pm to 11pm. Please email the RE office as soon as possible with your preferred date.

CONFIRMATION PAPERWORK… Please remember that the Confirmation Sponsor Eligibility Form must be turned in to the Office of Religious Education no later than Wednesday, March 4. If the Confirmation sponsor is a registered member of Saint Francis de Sales, and meets the qualifications for sponsorship, you will need to bring the completed form to the parish office for either of the priests to sign and stamp the parish seal. Sponsors who are members and regularly attend Mass at other parishes will need to have their pastor sign and seal the form. Forms are available on the parish website if you misplaced yours.

CONFIRMATION INTERVIEWS…with Father Gould or Father Heisler will be held the week beginning March 16. Parents are reminded to check your email for details and to register soon. At least one parent must attend the interview with their child.

TUITION BALANCES ARE DUE Please remember to settle your Religious Education Tuition balance this month if you have not yet done so. $55 fee for Confirmation is due by March 1 and $30 fee for First Holy Communion fees is due by April 1. Call the RE office if you have any questions regarding your balance.

VBS Mark Your Calendars!This summer’s VBS will take us on an exciting adventure with Moses, and God’s people, the Israelites. Mark your calendars for July 6-10, 9am-12noon. We hope all of our ‘veteran’ volunteers will return, and we welcome new Adult and Youth volunteers! Please contact the RE office at re@saintfrancisparish.org for more information. Youth volunteer positions fill up fast so start planning on it! If you are a returning volunteer and would like the same spot as last year or would like to try a new one, be sure to let us know so we can save your spot! Camper registration begins May 1.

Quo Vadis and FIAT Camps Registration LotteryQuo Vadis Days and FIAT Camps are great opportunities for Catholic high school students (rising freshmen through rising se-niors) to have fun while deepening their faith and exploring their vocations. Quo Vadis (for boys) is staffed by Arlington seminar-ians, priests and religious, and runs July 12-16. FIAT (for girls) is staffed by religious sisters runs July 19-23. Both are held at Mount St. Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg, MD. The registration lottery will be open March 3-31. See the videos and photos from last year, get more information and register for the lottery at ArlingtonDiocese.org/QuoVadis or ArlingtonDiocese.org/FIAT.

SPRING RETREAT – March 13 – 15 is the Spring Retreat: If You Want to Walk on Water, You Have to Get Out of the Boat. Come explore God’s voice in your life and how He’s inviting you to walk on water. All high schoolers are invited. Spend a weekend with friends and Jesus in the mountains! Sign up by e-mailing e.glass@saintfrancisparish.org

MANDATORY TEEN WORKCAMP MEETING – March 22 after the 5pm Mass until 8:00 PM in the old parish hall (church basement.) Please note that attendance is required for the Teen Workcamp Meetings, even for teens who have been to Workcamp for multiple summers.

SIGN UP FOR WORKCAMP – Interested in coming to Workcamp, June 21 - 27 in Wrightsville, PA? E-mail e.glass@saintfrancisparish.org to get your name on our list. Pay your non-refundable deposit of $150 to secure your spot as soon as possible! All current 8th – 12th graders are eligible!

ADULTS FOR WORKCAMP – Calling any adults over 21 who have a passion for Jesus and working with youth! Workcamp is only possible with the adult volunteers who generously spend the week working and worshiping alongside our teens. E-mail e.glass@saintfrancisparish.org for more information.

WORKCAMP TEXT UPDATES – Sign up to receive free Remind.com text message updates and announcements for Workcamp 2020 by texting @sfdswc2020 to the number 81010

YOUTH NIGHT – Join us on Sundays from 6:00-8:00 PM in room 213 for fellowship, food, and fun. Bring a friend!! All high schoolers are wel-come! Come to grow in friendship with Christ and one another.

YOUTH GROUP ANNOUNCEMENTS – If you would like to receive text message announcements about time changes, event cancellations, etc., you can go to this link: remind.com/join/eglass16 and enter your informa-tion to be added to the recipient list! Also, follow the Youth Ministry Insta-gram account St.FrancisYouth for event updates and announcements.

HOLY FATHER’S PRAYER INTENTIONS - MARCH 2020

Catholics in ChinaWe pray that the Church in China may persevere in its faithful-ness to the Gospel and grow in unity.

Parish Homeless MinistryWe, the Homeless Ministry, plan to join Scott Gri-mard and the Knights on Share Sunday weekends, after masses. We will be in the Narthex collecting milk and egg money, for Catholic Charities in Leesburg. Two important proteins as these run out fast. Apparently, many of the grocery stores in our area have a commitment to donate their milk and eggs to Loudoun Hunger Relief, but even so quantities are not guaranteed. A little help from our friends! • Thursday, February 27, we will serve dinner at Leesburg Homeless Shelter, also know as Transitional Housing.• We were given the most wonderful, handmade cards by the students of the St. Francis Catholic Homeschool Ministry. It is hard to know which made us the happiest, the misspelled words, the scriptures or the green frog holding a heart! We plan to share them at our Thursday meal in Leesburg, also with our friends in Anacostia Soup Kitchen. No doubt they will make them happy too. Thank you all so much for your loving and caring gifts. Please call or email us if you would like to receive emails for our SignUp Genius to donate foods or time:Mark Ippoliti - 571-748-8584 mark.ippoliti@gmail.comTracy Ippoliti- 703-727-4125 tracy.ippoliti@gmail.com

Annual Men's ConferenceAll men are invited to the 2020 Annual Men's Confer-ence- Noble and Bold: Taking a Cue from St. Joseph. Join us on Saturday, March 7 for the Men's Confer-ence at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Herndon from 9am-2:30pm. Speakers include Father Roger Landry, Catholic columnist, author and papal attaché at the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations. Also, Dr. Mark Miravalle, renowned mariologist, professor at the Franciscan University of Steubenville and author. Mass will be celebrated by the Most Rev. Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of Arling-ton. To register, go to www.arlingtondiocese.org/men.

Annual Women's ConferenceAll women are invited to the 2020 Annual Women's Conference - Known and Loved From All Eter-nity. Join us on Saturday, March 14 for the annual Women's Conference at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Herndon from 9am-2pm Speakers are Colleen Carroll Campbell, author, print and broadcast journalist, and former presidential speechwriter, along with Sr. Gaudia Skass, Our Lady of Mercy, from the St. John Paul II National Shrine and internationally acclaimed speaker.

Continuing Catholic Adult Formation - Wednesday Mornings, 10am Beginning March 11, Room 206Have you been longing to love our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament? Would you like to have a better understanding of this “source and sum-mit” of our Catholic faith? Is your child receiving communion this year and you want to be better informed to help them understand this great gift we receive each week?“The Mystery Of The Eucharist” is an 8-week study beginning soon! Come meet and enjoy the company of other parishioners who desire the same strengthening of faith. Please contact Jeanne at jeannelamana@gmail.com to register and for any questions about the study.

Lenten Friday Nite Fish FryStarts February 28, 4:30-7:30pm

Pre-orders can be emailed (use form on saintfrancisparish.org/friday-night-fish-frys/ or

phone in at 540-338-6381 by 3:30pm on Friday

• Fried Fish Sandwich or Fish Platter - $11choice of coleslaw and baked potato

(russet or sweet) or french fries• Grilled Cheese Sandwich - $4

applesauce and cookie• Extra Fries or Baked Potato (russet or sweet) - $2

• Mozzarella Sticks w/ marinara sauce - $6• Cannoli - $2

• water, lemonade, sweet tea – free• Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite - $1

• Beer (Miller Lite, Yuengling) - $3• Wine - $4

CHECKS ACCEPTED (make check out to St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church)

All proceeds benefit the Parish Center Debt Reduction

Steadfast in Faith and Joyful in HopeThe Bishop’s Lenten Appeal is critical to our dioc-esan needs and we are asking every household in our parish to support this appeal to the extent that they are able. The BLA funds many programs, ser-vices and ministries that serve people in need and furthers the Gospel mission of Jesus Christ in our diocese. Let us join together to do the Lord’s work - works that touch the lives and souls of thousands of people. Thank you!

Legion of Mary Group to start at St. Francis de SalesGreat news! We are starting a Legion of Mary group at St. Francis de Sales. The object of the Legion of Mary is the glory of God through the holiness of its members developed by prayer and active cooperation in Mary’s and the Church’s work. Everyone in the Parish is welcome to join the Legion of Mary – Our Lady of Victory Praesidium. Please join us for Rosary/Prayer, scriptural readings and evangelization works in our Par-ish. There will be an informational meeting on Monday, March 9 at 7pm, Room # to be announced.Come join us and learn more about the Legion. For more information contact: peppiattc@gmail.com

UPCOMING LADIES AUXILIARY EVENTS:Our next business meeting will be Monday March 2nd. Join us at 7pm to say the Rosary in the Chapel. We will begin the meeting at 7:30pm in the Parish Education Library.

Saturday March 14 from 6-11pm, along with the Knights of Columbus, we will be hosting a Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration!! An evening of good food, live entertainment, dancing, door prizes and an Irish Soda Bread Contest will be held in OLVH. Tickets are now on sale after every Mass in the Narthex (cash or check). We are looking forward a fun celebration for the whole family and hope you will join us! A sign up genius with more information will be coming out. See bulletin for additional information.

If you would like to help our parish and community please feel free to email us. Or better yet, come to a meeting! ladiesauxsfds@gmail.com (please note new address)

Senior Health & Resource FairSponsored by the Mac Brownell Adult Day Center to be held at the Carver Senior Center on Friday, March 27, 1-3pm. Free!Come and learn about important health topics and local services available for you. Light refreshements and door prizes.

Volunteers Needed!Saint Francis de Sales is opening a gift shop this Lenten season! Our goal is to serve our families. We will begin by selling items for Baptism, Communion and Confession. We will initially be open after the 8:30, 10:30 and 12:15 Masses in the narthex. We need volun-teers who enjoy working with people and sales. If you might be interested, please contact Robin Mentzer at 703-431-1564 (call or text) ot rshmentzer@gmail.com

St. Patrick Day \Parish CelebrationSATURDAY, MARCH 14 !!

On March 14th , 6:30 pm to 11:00 pm in Our Lady of Victory Hall Parish Center the Knights of Columbus and the Ladies Auxiliary are sponsoring an evening of fun from the Emerald Isle, Bring the whole family to socialize and dance with music from our own Belle Notte DJ family. Irish dancers, Corn beef and cabbage, potatoes and carrots, hot dogs for the kids, and salad. Fabulous Door prizes!! And a 50/50 raffle to go towards the “Angel Project.” We will also have a free Irish Soda bread contest open to everyone!! Bring your best homemade receipt (sign up with your RSVP )we will have judges to select the best.....Plus a very special contestant that everyone knows ... Father Gould!Purchase tickets in advance after Masses (CASH AND CHECKS ONLY) Visit the website to signup saintfrancisparish.org/saint-pat-rick-parish-celebration-march-14/. You can also pay at the door the day of event. Tickets are $15 Single, $20 Couple, $25 Family. Beer and wine $5 at the event.

NURSING MINISTRY AT ST. FRANCIS DE SALESOur parish is going to revive the Nursing Ministry and we would love to get your help if you are willing to volunteer your time and you have healthcare experience. Whether you have a certification in First Aid and CPR or are an MD, we'd love to hear from you if you want to join the Nurs-ing Ministry. Helen Mautner will be able to answer any questions you may have about the services that will be provided to parishioners.Please email Helen at ladiesauxsfds@gmail.com with your name, phone number and she'll get back to you.

DIVINE MERCY SAID: “My daughter, write that involuntary offenses of souls do not hinder My love for them or prevent Me from uniting Myself with them. But voluntary offenses, even the smallest, obstruct My graces, and I cannot lavish My gifts on such souls.” (St. Faustina Diary, 1641)

St. John the Apostle ESL Spring session starts March 3rd and will con-tinue until May 21st. Tuesday and Thursday morning class meet from 10 - 11:30am and Tuesday and Wednesday evening classes meet from 7 - 8:30pm. Classes cost $60. For registration information please call Nancy at 703-777-1317 x 105 (habla espanol).

Le Invita A Usted Y A Su Familia Y Amigos Al Retorno De Su! Misa En Espanol Coming this Lent!! We invite you, your family and friends to the re-turn of the Spanish Mass at St. Francis de Sales. Masses will be at 7pm on Saturday evenings. The date of the first Mass will be announced shortly!

St. Francis Council 11136 News

NEXT COUNCIL MEETING: will be on Monday March 9, at 7:30 pm. Rosary in the Church at 7pm, all parishioners are welcome to attend the Rosary!!

NEXT PANCAKE BREAKFAST: will be on March 1st after the 7 am, 8:30 am and 10:30 am Mass.

ST PATRICK’S DAY PARISH CELEBRATION!!!: March 14th in Our Lady of Victory Hall at 6:30pm until 11pm. The Knights of Columbus and the Ladies Auxiliary will be hosting the St. Patrick’s Day Parish Celebra-tion!!! SEE BLURB IN BULLETIN FOR TICKET INFO

ON TO STATES FOR OUR ST FRANCIS FREE THROW CHAMPIONS!!:The following parishioners won their respective age groups at the District Championship and will advance to the State Finals in Richmond. Vanessa Vangjeli, Jordan Phillips, Madeline Pabon, Lucas Hrutkey and Timothy Sweeney.

SHARE SUNDAY (ANOTHER OPTION TO DONATE): Please see blurb in bulletin about the chance to help the Catholic Charities Food bank in Leesburg obtain milk and eggs

FYI, 2020 MEMBERSHIP DUES HAVE BEEN MAILED: Please help us continue to help the Parish, community and our Faith!!! If you have been away awhile and not paid dues, please send me an email and we can work with you. Don’t let that be the reason you are not an active Knight!!

WHY ARE YOU A KNIGHT? Be more than a Knight in name only. Con-tact GK Scott Grimard and tell me what it would take for you to come help your church and community. Be active again.

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/knights11136/

Have You Ever Considered Becoming a Knight and Helping Others in Your Parish and Community? Find out how you can be a part of the larg-est Catholic men’s organization in the world. Discover how the Knights can support you, your family, your faith and your community. Contact GK Scott Grimard or Chancellor Rae Edmonson (raedmons@gmail.com) or look for any man wearing a Knights of Columbus name badge. Let your Light Shine.

May God bless you!Scott Grimard, Grand Knight

St. Francis Council #11136 Knights11136@gmail.com

Our American Heritage Girls VATroop 0962 will again be selling delicious Cooke Tavern Soups after all Masses on March 6th & 7th in the Narthex. Prices are $8 each, or consider purchasing a cost sav-ing bundle of 4 for $30. Cash or Checks are accepted after Masses. The soups may also be purchased at the Fish Fry Fridays Mar 13th and 20th. You may also place orders through individual Troop mem-bers. Thanks for supporting our Troop, and our Parish!

SHARE SUNDAY (ANOTHER OPTION TO DONATE)Your Knights of Columbus Council will be teaming with the Parish Homeless Ministry, to continue each month (the first weekend) when passing out our dona-tion bags we will also be collecting cash, checks ( made out to St Francis Council 11136) and “Food Lion” gift cards to provide to the food bank so they can buy milk and eggs. Unfortunately, the food bank can only accept “Food Lion” gift cards. Also please continue to provide donated food items the second weekend of the month. The food bank continues to need every-one’s support!! Thank you again for your generosity!!

Project Rachel Post Abortion Healing Ministry: 888-456-HOPE or visit: www.helpafterabortion.org.

Gabriel Project Pregnancy Assistance Ministry: 866-444-3553 or info@helpfor pregnantwomen.org

NEXT Week is

Share SundayWe serve

Catholic Charities

Post-Abortion Healing Retreats for Women An Entering Canaan Day of Prayer & Healing for women who have experi-enced abortion will be held in English on Saturday, March 21 and in Spanish on Saturday, March 28. Come begin your healing journey and experience God's hope and mercy. You are not alone. There is hope. There is healing. For more info and confidential registration, please contact Project Rachel Ministry, see info below.