‘Dashing’ sacramental preparation: The threat of nasty weather did not prevent Immaculate Conception Parish, Hampton, from holding it Parent-Child Workshop for Reconciliation/First Eucharist scheduled on Saturday, Jan. 22. What became a virtual event was aided by a high school youth group member — identified only as “ICC-Dash” — who, over the two previous days, delivered the workshop packets to the 11 families in Hampton, Newport News and Yorktown who were registered for the Zoom event.
Granted: Three entities in the Diocese of Richmond have received $1,000 for ecological and “Laudato Si’” projects as part of the Victory Noll Sisters’ “small grants” program for which they put up half of the $97,000 that was awarded nationwide. Catholic Climate Covenant announced the recipients on Jan. 20.The Environmental Club at Catholic High School, Virginia Beach, will use its grant to “rewild” an area of school property to restore more sustainable biodiversity. St. Joseph School, Petersburg, is creating a restoration of native plants, trees and flowers that will allow for a healthy population of bumble bees and other native insects to be pollinators for natural habitats. The Roanoke Area Interfaith Stewards of the Earth (RAISE) will promote a local art print with a poster and social media campaign to raise awareness of Pope Francis’ encyclical “Laudato Si’.”