Catholic Diocese of Arlington
Encourage and teach with patience

February 7^th: 3rd Annual Peace Symposium, "Development is the New Name for Peace"

Taking their cue from Pope Benedict XVI’s recent World Day of Peace message, the Diocese of Arlington’s Peace and Justice Commission will host the 3^rd Annual Peace Symposium, "Development is the New Name for Peace,” at Saint James, Falls Church. The keynote speaker, Fr. Bryan Hehir, Secretary for Health and Human Services for the Archdiocese of Boston and professor of Religion and Public Life at Harvard University, will discuss the importance of economic development as a means to peace. Participants at the symposium will examine the links between poverty, violence and hunger as well as discover practical ways to build peace. This symposium is just one of the initiatives of the Peace and Justice Commission that promotes evangelization, formation and advocacy for true justice and peace by fostering resolute dedication to the sanctity of life and the dignity of every human person.  For more information, visit here.

February 9^th-19^th: Diocesan Pilgrimage to Rome

Celebrating a special year dedicated to the influence and writing of Saint Paul, Bishop Paul S. Loverde and approximately 50 parishioners will travel to Rome to walk in the footsteps of the apostle.  This commemorative pilgrimage includes visits to Saint Paul alla Regole Church, location of the residence of the saint during his two years in Rome; the Mamertine Prison, the last prison where Saint Paul was incarcerated before his martyrdom; and the Abbey of the Three Fountains, the site where the saint was beheaded. Bishop Loverde says, “It is my sincere hope that this pilgrimage will become an opportunity for the faithful of Arlington to grow closer in their relationship with Saint Paul, and therefore the Church and Christ.” For more information, visit here.

February 20^th - Annual Refugee Student Awards and Recognition Banquet - "A Love for Learning"

In recognition of the extraordinary achievements of refugee students during the academic year, Migration and Refugee Services’ Virginia Refugee Student Achievement Project (VRSAP) will host its 3^rd annual banquet at the Cathedral of Saint Thomas More, Arlington.  The Refugee Student Banquet will recognize the efforts of 430 students who have come from countries such as Sudan, Ethiopia, Iraq and Afghanistan. In order to "catch up" to their American counterparts, students often must learn years of information in only a few months. Awards include: Outstanding Student Athlete, Rising Star, Student Leader, Academic Excellence, and the Refugee Student of the Year, who exemplifies the American dream through his or her school work.  VRSAP has assisted refugee students in target areas (Fairfax County, Alexandria City, Falls Church City, Fredericksburg City and Stafford County) since 2006 with academic tutoring, social and emotional adjustment and family orientation to the American school system. For more information, visit here.

February 21^st: Bishop Loverde Celebrates Mass for the Sick

Bishop Paul S. Loverde will celebrate a Mass for all those who are sick or who suffer from disabilities in recognition and compassion for the daily challenges that ill and ailing parishioners face.  The Mass and a special Blessing of the Sick will be held at Saint Charles Borromeo, Arlington. Bishop Loverde reminds the suffering, “None of us choose to be sick or to suffer, it is a cross which is given to us…ask the Lord to help you and unite your sufferings with those of Jesus.” The Mass is sponsored by the Virginia Knights and Dames of the Federal Association of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.

February 25^th: Ash Wednesday

Bishop Paul S. Loverde will celebrate Mass on Ash Wednesday at 12:05 p.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Thomas More, Arlington.  During this Mass, ashes are placed on the foreheads of the congregation, reminding each person of his or her mortality and the need for repentance and conversion. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the liturgical season of Lent - 40 days of preparing for the resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday. 

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