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Prayer to Our Lady of Lourdes
O ever-Immaculate Virgin, Mother of Mercy, health of the sick, refuge of sinners, comforter of the afflicted, you know my wants, my troubles, my sufferings; look with mercy on me.  By appearing in the Grotto of Lourdes, you were pleased to make it a privileged sanctuary, whence you dispense your favors; and already many sufferers have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and corporal.

I come, therefore, with complete confidence to implore your maternal intercession.
Obtain, O loving Mother, the grant of my requests. Through gratitude for your favors, I will endeavor to imitate your virtues, that I may one day share your glory. Amen.

Vocations: “Everyone is searching for you.”

If your search for the Lord is leading you to a vocation to the priesthood or consecrated life, call Father Brian Bashista at (703) 841-2514 or email him at b.bashista@arlingtondiocese.org.

Special Alert

Parishioners have informed us that individuals are approaching them after Mass for cash and rides to different destinations. There have been several painful experiences where our parishioners, in the kindness of their hearts, have brought people to places and money demands are made before they’ll leave the car. Solicitation is never allowed on our property. We have worked with the police in the past and the present to address this dangerous problem. Please avoid all persons you do not know who make these requests. If necessary, call the police. If you have information and descriptions or pictures, please inform the rectory so we can forward this to our police department. These requests pose true danger to yourself. As a practice, we never distribute cash in our parish, but assist through the direct payment of medical bills or the like. A social worker from Catholic Charities also advises us in the distribution of our charitable care. Please be aware of this alert. May God Bless You, Father Avella

Papal Blessings

The Catholic Church offers blessings from the Holy Father for special occasions such as Baptisms, Confirmations, marriages, and anniversaries. These blessings come in the form of certificates with the name(s) inscribed. Many people treasure these certificates as important symbols of sacraments and special occasions. For information on how to request a Papal Blessing, including the available options and cost of the certificates, please visit the diocesan website at www.arlingtondiocese.org/worship/papal_blessings.php. Be aware that the process may take three months or more.

Sacrament of Confession

“Sin is...an offense against God” and “damages communion with the Church” (CCC 1440). Have you been distanced from the Lord and Church? Don’t forget the Sacrament of Confession is available at Our Lady of Lourdes Church on Tuesdays and Thursdays immediately following the 12 Noon Mass, Saturdays at 4:00 p.m., and privately by appointment. Our Lord is offering you healing, forgiveness, and grace. Will you come to meet Him?

What is a First Friday Devotion?

When Jesus appeared to St. Margaret Mary he spoke to her about his Sacred Heart. On one of those occasions he told her, "In the excess of the mercy of my Heart, I promise you that my all powerful love will grant to all those who will receive Communion on the First Fridays, for nine consecutive months, the grace of final repentance: they will not die in my displeasure, nor without receiving the sacraments; and my Heart will be their secure refuge in that last hour.” Many people today continue to receive Communion on First Fridays, along with other devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Our Lady of Lourdes Church offers a Holy Hour of Adoration every First Friday of the month from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the church. All are invited to come. Many graces await!

Mass Intentions

Would you like to have a Mass offered up for the intention of a loved one or for the repose of the soul of a departed one? If so, contact the parish office in person, by phone(703-684-9261), or by email (olol@comcast.net). Any parishioner can schedule a daily Mass. An offering of $10 is usually given, but any amount is appreciated.

Eucharistic Adoration Options

Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is held at St. Agnes Parish (1910 N Randolph St, Arlington, VA). Eucharistic Adoration is also held at St. Rita Church (3815 Russell Rd, Alexandria, VA) every Wednesday from 7:30 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., with a break for the school Mass from 10:15-11:15 a.m.

Implementation of the New Translation of the Roman Missal in the Diocese of Arlington On November 27, 2011, the First Sunday of Advent, the Catholic Church in the United States began to use the Third Edition of the Roman Missal. Parishioners are encouraged to learn and prepare by reading resources, attending workshops and praying for our universal Church. The Diocese of Arlington has a special webpage at http://www.arlingtondiocese.org/worship/new_missal.php focused specifically on the New Translation of the Roman Missal.

Mark 1:29-39 On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon's mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them. When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. The whole town was gathered at the door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him. Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. Simon and those who were with him pursued him and on finding him said, "Everyone is looking for you." He told them, "Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come." So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.

Altar and Tabernacle Flowers Would you like to sponsor the altar and tabernacle flowers for an upcoming Sunday? Your sponsorship in honor of a special event or person (e.g., anniversary, baptism, person living or deceased) will be noted in the Bulletin. Please contact Cynthia at the parish office (703-684-9261) if you are interested in becoming a sponsor. The requested donation is $50 to cover the actual cost of flowers. There are weekends available between January 29 and February 19.

Confessions During Lent This Lenten season, each Catholic parish—including Our Lady of Lourdes Church—in the Diocese of Arlington and the Archdiocese of Washington will have Confessions available every Wednesday evening (except for Ash Wednesday) from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. If you have been reluctant to come to the Sacrament or have been away for some time, this is a wonderful opportunity to re-connect with Christ and His Church. Learn more at www.the-light-is-on.org.

Arlington Catholic Herald Subscriptions Stay up-to-date on what’s happening in our Diocese at home and in the Catholic Church worldwide by subscribing to our Diocesan newspaper—the Arlington Catholic Herald. You can get your subscription at a discounted price simply by using the envelope for the Second Collection on February 4/5. The cost per subscription is $22. If you do not receive offering envelopes, there will be some available in the front entrance of the church. If you make contributions electronically (credit or debit), you can subscribe by giving to the Arlington Catholic Herald collection listed in your Faith-Direct account online. Did you know: the parish pays an annual assessment to the Diocese on behalf of all parishioners to maintain the operation of our Diocesan newspaper. You can help us out by donating to the Second Collection next weekend.

Rectory Office Contact Information

Phone Number : (703) 684-9261

Email : olol@comcast.net