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!

by Rosie Driscoll, Coordinator of MS and HS FF

Last Sunday (May 15), on the Feast of Pentecost, over 120 teen Confirmation Candidates displayed their Pentecost Projects for parishioners and visitors to view after Masses. If you missed the exhibit, you may wonder, “What’s a Pentecost Project?” ​

If you have been away from the Sacrament of Reconciliation for awhile, still feel uncomfortable when you go, or want to talk about it with your kids, this video is a great place to start!
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by Father Tom Ferguson, Pastor

​‘Au revoir,’ Deacon Chris!

Since his ordination on January 14, 2012, Deacon Chris Ryan has faithfully served as a member of our parish staff at Good Shepherd Church.

In his ministry at the altar, at Mass and at holy hours of Eucharistic adoration, Deacon Chris has given us a wonderful example of reverence for the Eucharist and a love of the Church’s liturgy.

In helping couples prepare for and celebrate their marriages, and in helping families prepare for and celebrate the baptism of their children, Deacon Chris has shared the Good News of Jesus and the teaching and Tradition of our Church.

In often unseen, but in truly grace-filled ways, in his feeding the hungry at Christ House and in visiting those detained in the Alexandria City Jail, Deacon Chris fulfilled the deacon’s calling to be a minister of Christ’s charity.

As Deacon Chris and his family prepare to move to California, we wish him many blessings, and we offer our profound thanks for his generous service and loving presence in our midst!

God bless you always, Deacon Chris!

Introducing our new blog: The Shepherd's Watch!
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by Father Tom Ferguson, Pastor

by Father Tom Ferguson, Pastor

"Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy …”
    
These familiar words take on a deeper meaning in this Jubilee of Mercy.
    
As a gift that only God can give to humanity, Jesus’ mercy finds its origins in his divine nature.