Holy Comforter Catholic Church

Holy Comforter 141st Anniversary Potluck and Seminarian Send Off

We missed out on the 140th parish anniversary social event… so let’s make sure to celebrate the 141st anniversary of Holy Comforter! Join us at 4 PM at the Church for a potluck that will lead right into a talk on the meaning of the Mass.

Since public liturgy resumed following the pandemic suspension, we’ve had many blessings, not least of which is our intern William Yearout.

William has been involved in all aspects of parish life for the last year, and we wish him the best of luck on his next step as he enters seminary in a few weeks.

Let’s give him a warm Holy Comforter send off with words and cards of encouragement. We will have a table to place cards, gifts, and spiritual bouquets.

We are also buying a liturgical book set for him from parishioners. If you would like to contribute to this set or would like more information about it, please contact the head of Parish Life, Emily Pierson at eacsalemi@gmail.com.

Be sure to keep William in your prayers too!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c084ea4ae29a7f49-141st

The Meaning of the Mass talks w/ Seminarian William Yearout

Join Seminarian William Yearout for a pair of talks on the meaning of the Holy Mass. Each talk will explore the parts, function, and meaning of the different elements which go into the liturgy. There will be two talks, each covering the two parts of the Mass: The Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

The Liturgy of the Word: Sunday, July 18th at 7pm in the lower level of the church

The Liturgy of the Eucharist: Sunday, July 25th at 7pm in the lower level of the church.

Light refreshments will be available.

All are welcome to attend and learn more about the Sacred Liturgy!

St. John’s Eve; Incense Workshop

Many thanks to all who joined us for our first-ever celebration of the Vigil of St. John the Baptist and a recent incense workshop hosted by the newly ordained Fr. Tom Lawrence.

Check out all the photos of St. John’s Eve at our Facebook album HERE. Fr. Lawrence’s presentation can be viewed HERE

COVID-related notices at Holy Comforter

PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICES

– Vaccinated parishioners do not need to wear a mask at Holy Comforter.

– Those who are not vaccinated should/are advised to wear a mask.

– The parish will not ask for proof of vaccination.

– Social distancing measures will no longer be implemented at most Masses.

– We will continue to offer a Vulnerable Population Mass on Saturday evenings. Masks and distancing will be required.

– No one will be asked to wear a mask at Holy Comforter, except during the Vulnerable Population Mass.

– All attempts to pressure someone to wear (or not wear!) a mask should be avoided. Please exercise Christian charity and patience during this transition period.

LITURGICAL PRACTICES

– The dispensation from attending Mass on Sundays and Holydays is no longer in effect. Make sure to go to Mass!

– The physical sign of peace among those of different households remains suspended.

– Distribution of the Precious Blood to the Faithful remains suspended.

– Holy Communion for the Faithful will continue in the pattern to which we are now accustomed.

– Use of holy water fonts and sprinkling have returned to pre-pandemic normal.

SOCIAL

– Hospitality and socializing after Mass have resumed.

Father Joseph Mary featured in the Catholic Virginian for 40th Anniversary!

Our heartfelt thanks to all who participated in Father Joseph Mary’s 40th Ordination Anniversary celebration earlier in May. Our pastor was featured in a beautiful write-up in the Catholic Virginian discussing his vocation and life as a priest.

“Looking at the life of Christ and being able to identify whatever challenges I receive with him, it gives me joy to see that I am able to serve the people, to find joy in following Christ.”

Read the whole thing HERE

Pray to end the pandemic

Father Joseph Mary urges parishioners to pray the Rosary to ask for the Blessed Mother’s intercession and urge the Lord to act to “end this scourge.”

The Faithful are reminded that when we knock, the door is opened. When we persist in prayer, our Loving Father acts in the world. Our God acts when we repent of our sins, do penance and pray fervently. We must be practical of course, but as people of faith our first recourse ought to be prayer. To ask the Lord for His help in times of distress.

Let us ask the Blessed Virgin Mary to watch over us and those who are afflicted with this and every illness. And during this “most acceptable time” of Lent, let us redouble our prayer and petition to God to ask Him to rescue us as He has delivered His Church so many times before!

Society of St. Vincent de Paul Holy Trinity Conference

A new chapter of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul has begun right here in Charlottesville! This ministry, which began in 1851 here in the United States, is aimed at helping the poor both materially and spiritually. Volunteers go out into the community two by two to help people with rent, electric bills and other necessities… and also to pray with them and bring the Gospel to their homes.

The Holy Trinity Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a joint effort between the three parishes here in Charlottesville: St. Thomas Aquinas, Incarnation and Holy Comforter.

Visit their website HERE.

Contact Chuck McCurdy at cwm@virginia.edu for more information.

Welcome to Holy Comforter Parish!

Holy Comforter 141st Anniversary Potluck and Seminarian Send Off

The Meaning of the Mass talks w/ Seminarian William Yearout

St. John’s Eve; Incense Workshop

Father Joseph Mary featured in the Catholic Virginian for 40th Anniversary!

Pray to end the pandemic

Society of St. Vincent de Paul Holy Trinity Conference

Today’s Readings

This Week at Holy Comforter

Holy Comforter 2020