The gift of the Holy Spirit (above, below): Bishop Barry C. Knestout celebrated the first confirmations of the year in our diocese at Sacred Heart, Danville, and St. Anne, Bristol, on Feb. 18 and Feb. 22, respectively. At Sacred Heart, 92 young people from four parishes were confirmed. Twenty teens from five parishes were confirmed at St. Anne. Over the coming months, Bishop Knestout will travel throughout the diocese for confirmations, wrapping up in early June.
St. Anne School celebrating 75th anniversary (below): Winter weather did not stop Bishop Barry C. Knestout from making a trip to visit St. Anne, Bristol, Friday, Feb. 21, where he celebrated Mass at St. Anne School. Father Tom Lawrence, pastor of St. Anne; St. Bernard, Gate City; and St. Patrick, Dungannon, concelebrated and students were altar servers and readers. The school is marking its 75th anniversary this year; in addition to Mass, a Eucharistic procession with the bishop had been scheduled on the school grounds but was cancelled due to the icy conditions. More celebratory events for the 75th anniversary are planned for the weekend of May 3.
Visit from the Vatican (below): The adult faith formation and new evangelization team of St. Patrick, Lexington, sponsored a presentation by the director of the Vatican Observatory, Jesuit Brother Guy Consolmagno. “How Faith and Science Complement Each Other: Answering Cosmic Questions,” on Jan. 31, was part of their speakers series for the National Eucharistic Revival’s Year of Mission. The event, which was open to the public, was held at the Virginia Military Institute’s Gillis Theater to accommodate the large audience.
Scout Sunday (below): More than 50 active Scouts and Scout leaders from various units of Scouting America and Girl Scouts of America attended the Scout Sunday Mass at St. Gregory the Great, Virginia Beach, Feb. 9. Former Scouts and Scoutmasters also attended Mass and a reception. Scouting America religious awards earned during the year by St. Gregory’s Cub Scout Pack 490 include the Pope Paul VI National Catholic Unit Excellence Award.
Throughout the year, many families used a special activity patch series focused on the National Eucharistic Revival. This year, families can earn an activity patch for the Jubilee Year of Hope.
