Bishop celebrates Mass for Hope and Healing (above): On the evening of Nov. 6 at St. Ann, Ashland, Bishop Barry C. Knestout offered the annual Mass for Hope and Healing, offering special prayers for the victim-survivors of clergy sex abuse and their families.
“We are in communion with one another as a Church. We are one body, many members,” Bishop Knestout said in his homily. “This ecclesial communion means that whatever affects the least among us affects us all.”
“So many are burdened by the experience of injury and injustice. It is even more shameful and offensive if this peace is disrupted by those within the community of faith,” Bishop Knestout continued. “The Church is a place that is called to be the voice of God, bringing peace to hearts and comfort to the ill and wounded, not be the cause of injustice or injury.”
In November 2023, Bishop Knestout was elected Chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on the Protection of Children and Young People.
The bishop noted that the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, first promulgated in 2002, is currently being updated and revised by the USCCB.
Seeking a remedy for abuse, said the bishop, “We turn firmly toward the Lord… We ask God’s grace to begin again, with firm purpose and amendment, with commitment in word and action.”
“We do so with a readiness to constantly show our commitment and determination, in acts of charity and justice, for the young and all our vulnerable or wounded brothers and sisters, all who are united with us as children of God,” Bishop Knestout concluded.
From the moon to Charlottesville (right): Charlottesville Catholic School has a little piece of space! The school was chosen to receive “Moon Tree” seedlings that flew around the surface of the moon on NASA’s Artemis I mission in 2022. NASA made its selections from hundreds of applications, based on the suitability of caring for the various tree species. Middle school science teacher, Mr. Mike Bruscia, led the efforts to apply for the seedlings and then plant them.
Igniting possibilities for women (below): Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia (CCEVA) partnered with United Way of South Hampton Roads, Women United, and ForKids on Oct. 27 to celebrate their Aspire and Strive mentoring programs for women. During the networking event, “Igniting Possibilities,” women in the programs had the chance to talk with professionals in their chosen fields and participate in a discussion that empowers them to transition into the workforce.
CCEVA provided participants with career-enhancing opportunities, including a résumé clinic, mock interviews, and professional headshots for their LinkedIn profiles.
Winter warm-up (right): Commonwealth Catholic Charities (CCC) worked with Catholic Charities of Arlington to keep thousands of people warm this winter. Catholic Charities of Arlington and Holy Spirit parish in Annandale hosted a coat drive recently that collected over 7,000 coats. They sent 200 brand new coats to CCC; many of the coats have already been distributed to those in need and will be a huge blessing this winter.