Dear Cathedral Parishioners,
Greetings from The Fan. Here is today’s update:
1. I celebrated Mass for the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. The Mass was offered for the repose of the soul of Barbara Adam.
Here is a link to the readings: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/032520.cfm.
The Annunciation is exactly nine months before Christmas. There is more information on that point in the homily, which is attached. I’ve also attached a photograph of the beautiful Annunciation window in the Cathedral, which I also mention in the homily.
2. I joined together in reciting the Lord’s Prayer with Pope Francis and Christians around the world, asking for an end to the pandemic.
4. More news from Rome: On Friday, March 27, Pope Francis will impart a special Urbi et Orbi blessing (literally, “to the city [Rome] and to world”) at 1:00 p.m. (6:00 p.m. Roman time.) Normally, the Urbi et Orbi blessing is given only on Christmas and Easter.
5. The liturgies for Holy Week (Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday, April 5–12), will be celebrated with only a few people present (out of health concerns), and will be livestreamed from the Cathedral.
The schedule will be as follows:
- Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord (April 5): 10:00 a.m.
More information will be forthcoming about the distribution of blessed palms.
- Holy Thursday: Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper (April 9): 6:00 p.m.
The church will be open after Mass for those who would like to visit the Blessed Sacrament, observing the health precautions currently in place.
- Good Friday: Celebration of the Passion of the Lord (April 10): 3:00 p.m.
The church will be open after the liturgy for those who would like to adore the Cross, observing the health precautions currently in place.
More information will be forthcoming about confessions on Good Friday.
- Holy Saturday: Easter Vigil in the Holy Night (April 11): 8:00 p.m.
- Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord (April 12): Mass at 10:00 a.m.
6. Please remember that we need your financial support to continue the ongoing ministries at the Cathedral (in some cases virtual). Online giving is especially helpful because it ensures that we have enough cash in the bank to pay our bills. We’re in a difficult time, as many parishioners are. I have stopped all discretionary spending to ease the situation, but we have ongoing costs. If you can give, please do, and do so online. If you can’t give, please don’t. Information about online giving appears at the bottom of this message.
Please remain safe and be constant in prayer.
Sincerely in Christ,
Father Tony Marques
The Cathedral's Extended Hours for
Individual Prayer
Monday through Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 3:00–6:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 N – 6:00 p.m.
Hours for Confession
(Penance or Reconciliation)
Wednesday: 5:00–6:00 p.m.
Friday: 5:00–6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 4:00–6:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 N – 2:00 p.m.
Giving
Many people have asked how they can continue to financially support the Cathedral parish while public Masses are suspended. As you may know, the Cathedral operating budget is 100% dependent on Offertory contributions throughout the year. About 18% of our donations come through electronic giving. The balance of the giving comes through the regular Sunday collection (82%). With the suspension of public Masses, we will lose about half of our income.
It is also true that during this crisis, many people will suffer financial hardship through the temporary loss of employment, a reduction in investment-based retirement income, or the need to support other family members. Keeping in mind both of these realities, we ask that you consider the following, remembering that no one is expected to financially endanger themselves or their family:
Please continue to support the Cathedral parish through your donations:
- Mail in your usual donation amount by check to 823 Cathedral Place, Richmond, VA 23220
- Use Vanco, our online giving platform (Click Here). You can set up one-time or recurring donations using your bank account or credit card. If you previously have not set up your account in Vanco, you can do so easily. Remember, you have total control over your giving using Vanco.
- You can text the amount you wish to donate to (804) 315-0903.
At this time, the Cathedral parish has suspended all discretionary spending. We are focused on carefully stewarding the donations of our parishioners so that the essential work of the Church can continue. We will be here throughout this time of crisis. We are here for you! Please help us maintain that presence as you are able.
You are in our prayers; please keep us in yours.