by Rosemary Murray

by Joan Sheppard 

​I recently returned from an unforgettable 10 day trip to Ireland. It is a breathtakingly beautiful country, and I relished the opportunity to slow down, appreciate the experience, and take it all in. 

On the last few days of my trip, as I contemplated my return to the ‘real world’, I realized what a truly special gift I had been given. For these 10 days, I was transported out of my everyday world. Work and home responsibilities were carrying on without me, and, due to infrequent internet access, I spent far less time and energy on email and Facebook.  I was virtually (and literally) on an island far away from my everyday routine.

I was reminded of a show I used to watch called ‘Clean Sweep’. The premise of the show was that a couple submits a desperate plea for help to overcome extreme clutter in their home. The star of the show, Peter Walsh, an organizer extraordinaire, comes in to save the day – take this excessively overcrowded space and transform it.

The process was this: remove everything from the room (they quite literally took everything outside) and place it on one of three tarps: Keep, Donate and Trash. Only the Keep items were allowed back in the house, and only those that would fit on the tarp. Tough choices had to be made. 

I realized that my Ireland trip was an opportunity to make a Clean Sweep in my life. I spent 10 days free of all my routines and habits and there was no reason I had to resume right where I left off. I could take this chance to look at how I typically spend my days and decide what to Keep, Donate and Trash, making purposeful decisions and not simply falling into old habits. 

Take a look at what you and your family do in a typical day or week. Are there things that feed a chaotic, hectic lifestyle that you can put on the ‘Trash’ tarp? Are there some things you can ‘Donate’ – they’re still good/fun/useful, but no longer need to be a priority in your life? Think of the crowded, busy days of your life, and imagine paring them all down to what fits on one tarp instead of three. Can you picture this peaceful, focused existence?  Mine is a work in progress, but I’m excited about the journey!

by Father Tom Ferguson

by Father Tom Ferguson

by Joan Sheppard

Anointing of the Sick

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is the Church's sacrament for those who are sick and aging, and is a sacred moment when we pray for God's grace to strengthen someone who is suffering from any form of illness. “When the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is given, the hoped-for effect is that, if it be God's will, the person be physically ​

by Miguel DeAngel

Sunday, May 29, was the Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi), and GS parishioners participated in our annual procession. (The procession is in Spanish, with English translations provided.) Parishioners walk from Mount Vernon High School to the church, stopping along the way for reflection, prayer, and singing. The theme for this year's procession was  "The Corporal Works of Mercy."  This blog post is one of the reflections offered during this year's procession.
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Visit the imprisoned

​Not many of us get the to visit the imprisoned. But the men and women who do this work of mercy are doing special work in the Church. The ministry of bringing Christ’s mercy to prisons whether through a simple visit or by bringing the Sacraments to the imprisoned is one way Christ’s mercy reaches for everyone’s heart. The inherent dignity of each person cannot diminish even if we commit the worst of crimes. God’s mercy continues reaching for us always.

by Deacon Tom White

Sunday, May 29, was the Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi), and GS parishioners participated in our annual procession. (The procession is in Spanish, with English translations provided.) Parishioners walk from Mount Vernon High School to the church, stopping along the way for reflection, prayer, and singing. The theme for this year's procession was  "The Corporal Works of Mercy."  This blog post is one of the reflections offered during this year's procession.

Lord, when our first parents - Adam and Eve - sinned against you, sickness of mind, body, and spirit entered your perfect creation.  Then you sent your Son, Jesus, to come into that same world to destroy the power of death and to provide us divine nourishment to feed and heal our souls.  In that same outpouring of love, your Son commanded that those who love Him, love one another.

Claudia Fiebig, Pastoral Associate

This coming Sunday, May 29, is the Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi), and GS parishioners will participate in our annual procession. (The procession is in Spanish, with English translations provided.) Parishioners walk from Mount Vernon High School to the church, stopping along the way for reflection, prayer, and singing. The theme for this year's procession is  "The Corporal Works of Mercy."  This blog post is one of the reflections offered during this year's procession.

​Our initial reading or understanding of ‘feed the hungry’ is obvious, feeding people and meeting their physical need for food. Food sustains our bodies so we may be active and full disciples of Jesus.  People in our parish, community, and the world are hungry; many may be unable to afford food for themselves or families, access to food, or are food deprived because of poor government leadership or oppression. Food is a basic human necessity and our awareness and response to hunger promotes human dignity. ​

by Father Tom Ferguson, Pastor

As we begin to celebrate graduations at all levels of education, I am delighted to share the good news that one among our parish staff, our Director of Faith Formation, Joan Sheppard, has recently received the degree of Master of Science in Church Management from Villanova University!

Not only has Joan earned her degree, but she also received the Bartley Medallion which is given to the outstanding student in her class.
    
Joan’s program included courses in every area of Church management including canon law, risk management, information technology and stewardship.

Already recognized as an outstanding leader in the ministry of faith formation, and in the Cursillo movement, Joan has broadened her knowledge of Church leadership, while she continues to serve as an exemplary role model of missionary discipleship, growing in her love for the Lord and her desire to share gifts of faith, hope and love with others!

Congratulations to all of our 2016 graduates, thank you to all of the members of our wonderful parish staff, and way to make us all proud, Joan!