Good Shepherd Gathers - LEARN & LIVE (Adults)
July 2020
We invite you to reflect upon God's command to keep the Lord's Day holy, devoting ourselves each Sunday to worship, rest, prayer, and solidarity.
During our Summer Social Justice Series, we pray in a special way for the life and dignity of the human person - the foundational principle of all of Catholic Social Teaching. |
Sunday, July 26 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read the Sunday readings Dig deeper: Opening the Word. Today's Scriptures focus on comparing God's Word, law, commands, and will with earthly goods and riches. Psalm 119 tells us that while gold and silver are valuable, God's wisdom is even more valuable. |
Meet the Saints!
Check out this Saint of the Day Calendar from Franciscan Media to learn more about the saints with feast in July.
Check out this Saint of the Day Calendar from Franciscan Media to learn more about the saints with feast in July.
SUMMER SOCIAL JUSTICE SERIES Join us for a seven-week series exploring the 7 Pillars of Catholic Social Teaching. We invite you each week to listen to Father Tom's introduction to the Pillar of the Week, learn more from Catholic Relief Services, and put your faith in action. Week of July 26:
Option for the Poor and Vulnerable Watch Father Tom introduce the Fourth Pillar of Catholic Social Teaching.
Learn more from Catholic Relief Services about the Option for the Poor and Vulnerable. |
LIVING OUR FAITH: The Two Feet of Love in Action
There are two different, but complimentary, ways that we can act in response to God’s love. We call these the “Two Feet of Love in Action.” These two feet, “Social Justice” and “Charitable Works,” allow us to walk the path of love, or caritas. This pilgrimage of love is an ongoing, lifelong journey of growth. Just as our faith leads to action, our loving actions lead to new spiritual growth. This action is not taken alone, but together with others. In this way, we work to make God's Kingdom present on earth.
There are two different, but complimentary, ways that we can act in response to God’s love. We call these the “Two Feet of Love in Action.” These two feet, “Social Justice” and “Charitable Works,” allow us to walk the path of love, or caritas. This pilgrimage of love is an ongoing, lifelong journey of growth. Just as our faith leads to action, our loving actions lead to new spiritual growth. This action is not taken alone, but together with others. In this way, we work to make God's Kingdom present on earth.
Justice: Remove root causes and improve structures
There are many advocacy groups within the Church for the poor and vulnerable that you can learn about by visiting their websites. You can also sign up to receive email alerts to participate in advocacy efforts on social justice issues.
Open Hearts: Resources to Combat Racism. Visit our parish web page for resources to learn more about the sin of racism and systemic racism in the U.S. Discern how God is calling you to work for racial justice and peace.
There are many advocacy groups within the Church for the poor and vulnerable that you can learn about by visiting their websites. You can also sign up to receive email alerts to participate in advocacy efforts on social justice issues.
- Virginia Catholic Conference
- Justice for Immigrants – United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
- Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement: VOICE. Join our GS VOICE Team to advocate for justice in our community.
Open Hearts: Resources to Combat Racism. Visit our parish web page for resources to learn more about the sin of racism and systemic racism in the U.S. Discern how God is calling you to work for racial justice and peace.
7/2020 Advocate for a Pause in Evictions during Covid-19 VOICE is asking Governor Northam to offer eviction relief during the Covid-19 crisis. In this ARTICLE, click on the link to VOICE to find a letter to send to the governor. (Feel free to add or use your own wording in the letter.)
8/1/2020 Prayer Service: Requiem for Black Children of God Join Bishop Michael Burbidge at 10:30am in praying for the victims of racism, injustice and brutality. (At the Cathedral of St. Thomas More. Hosted by Black Catholic Ministries and the Office of Multicultural Ministries, Diocese of Arlington.)
8/1/2020 Prayer Service: Requiem for Black Children of God Join Bishop Michael Burbidge at 10:30am in praying for the victims of racism, injustice and brutality. (At the Cathedral of St. Thomas More. Hosted by Black Catholic Ministries and the Office of Multicultural Ministries, Diocese of Arlington.)
Charity: Meet basic needs and aid individuals
- Drive-Thru Food Drive. Friday, September 4, 2020 10am - 2pm. Bring donations to Good Shepherd parking lot (use plastic bags, please - not cloth bags); stay in your car; drop bags into special collection box. Thanks for your generosity!
- The MaRih Center. The MaRiH Center (pronounced “Ma-rye-ah”) is a confidential, judgment-free, no pressure, open-hearted place for emergency pregnancy service for women in crisis. All services are free. They need donations to continue to operate and provide needed baby items… see the Amazon wish list, volunteer opportunities or donation options. How to help – The MaRiH Center
- Food donations. United Community needs donations of non-perishable food. CEREAL & PASTA are most needed for United Community’s neighborhood distribution. Please leave donations in the Sharing Sunday bin in the Commons.
- Christ House. Help feed the hungry at Christ House by providing provide ready-made bagged lunches. You can prepare these in your own home, from items you already have on hand, and deliver them to Good Shepherd. Sign Up HERE.
Video Messages from Father Tom on the Pillars of Catholic Social Teaching:
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