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HCSC Bible Studies

September 29, 2022 By admin

JOIN US FOR BIBLE STUDY (on-line and in-person)

MONDAY EVENING YOUNG ADULT BIBLE STUDY – begins at 7:30PM every Monday. This bible study was created for young adults from ages 18 to late 30’s and provides an environment for both catechesis and fellowship of our young adults. This bible study is held in-person in the rectory basement. A brief social gathering is usually held prior to the bible study at 7:00pm with light snacks. Msgr. Pope is the facilitator. We kindly ask you to let us know if you are attending. See below to RSVP.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY – is held via Zoom ONLY and begins at 7:15PM every Wednesday. This is the original weekly bible study created for all ages and is only held online. Msgr. Pope is the facilitator.

Our bible studies are interactive and inspiring. They allow the participant and the facilitator to break open the word of God together at a pace that allows you to absorb and comprehend God’s word and how it works in your every day life. Scripture is vital to our relationship with God and each other. Take the opportunity to tune it and see how God’s will will inspire you. These studies are for those who are either new to bible study or experienced.

HOW DO I PARTICIPATE IN THE BIBLE STUDY?

Our bible studies are offered via Zoom or in-person (for Young Adult Bible Study ONLY).

To participate via Zoom, you will need a computer, tablet or cellphone.

The adult Wednesday Night Bible Study is ONLY online (via Zoom). On the day of the bible study, you will receive via email a Zoom link via Flocknote. In order to receive the Zoom link, you will need to subscribe to the bible study of your choice on Flocknote at hcscchurch.flocknote.com.

The Young Adult Bible Study held on Mondays and is ONLY in-person (No Zoom) in the rectory basement (enter through side door to the right of the rectory building). A small social gathering is usually held at 7:00pm prior to the bible study. We kindly ask you to register to receive notifications via Flocknote by selecting the Young Adult Bible Study when you register.

Flocknote is FREE and allows you to manage what communications you receive from our parish. You can create your login and subscribe to the bible study of your choice. You manage your own account and can unsubscribe or delete your account at any time.

If you still have questions, contact the rectory office at
202-546-1885 or hcscstaff@hcscchurch.org.

First Friday Holy Hour

September 28, 2022 By admin

Every Friday, our parish holds a Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration in the Church.

This is a devotional tradition of spending an hour in Eucharistic adoration in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. Adoration is a sign of devotion to and worship of Jesus Christ, who we believe to be present Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity, under the appearance of the consecrated host. As a devotion, Eucharistic adoration and meditation are more than merely looking at the Blessed Host, but are believed to be a continuation of what was celebrated in the Eucharist.

The inspiration for the Holy Hour is Matthew 26:40. In the Gospel of Matthew, during the agony in the Garden of Gethsemane the night before his crucifixion, Jesus spoke to his disciples, saying “My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me.” (Matthew 26:38) Returning to the disciples after prayer, he found them asleep and in Matthew 26:40 he asked Peter:

“So, could you men not keep watch with me for an hour?”.

All are welcome to come and spend time with the Lord in prayer. Bring your bible or other devotional prayers if you like.

A priest is available during the Holy Hour to hear confessions.

Resources: 12 Reasons to spend a holy hour in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament (Catholic News Agency)

Welcome Back to Mass

September 27, 2022 By admin

“For where two or three gather in my name, there
am I with them.”
Matthew 18:20

PRAISE GOD and WELCOME BACK!
Our church is open for public Mass with unlimited capacity.

Many policies and mandates have been updated by the D.C. government as of March 1, 2022. In regards to our church and under the guidance of the Archdiocese of Washington and local D.C. health officials, our parish will offer the following safety protocols and polices:

NEW MASK MANDATE UPDATE (as of March 1, 2022) – D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has rescinded the local D.C. area indoor mask mandate for most indoor locations. A person attending Mass or other event at our church does not have to wear a mask when attending whether you are fully vaccinated or not. Of course, you are free to wear a mask if you choose.

THE FOLLOWING POLICIES HAVE NOT CHANGED AND WILL REMAIN IN PLACE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE:
In regards to the distribution of Holy Communion, our ministers of Holy Communion will continue to wear a mask and regularly purify their fingers with alcohol for your safety.
The distribution of the Precious Blood (wine) remains suspended until further notice.
Automatic hand sanitizer units are available at the front entrance of the church.
In the sanctuary, you will notice that every other pew remains roped-off. This will allow for parishioners to continue to social distance at their will. We will open additional pews as necessary to accommodate increasing attendance.
And, if you are feeling ill or have COVID-like symptoms, it is best that you remain at home until you are more certain of your health situation.

We realize that some are still concerned about COVID-19 and the lowering of restrictions may cause additional concerns. One thing to consider is that most of our Masses do not feature a large crowd and there is plenty of room in our spacious church. The 11:00 am Mass is rather full, thanks be to God. However, other Masses such as the 4:30 pm on Saturday, and the 8:00 am, 9:30 am and 7:00 pm Masses on Sunday permit greater space to spread out. If this might lessen your concerns as restrictions drop, please consider attending the Mass that are less attended.

Finally, as is always proper, we must all exhibit mutual charity regarding personal choices to wear masks or not and how to interact with others. We’ve all been through a lot, and patience and understanding go a long way to restoring calm and an experience of safety. Please know of our love and concern for you as well as our desire to see you each Sunday. We pray all will be back soon and rejoice in the weekly reunions already underway. God bless you.

Our regular weekday and weekend Masses are held in the main sanctuary. The schedule is as follows :

Monday-Friday: 7:00am
Saturday: 8:00am
Saturday: 4:30am (vigil Mass)
Sunday: 8:00am, 9:30am; 11:00am; and 7:00pm

Confession will be heard 1/2 hour prior to each Mass in the confessionals.

NOTE: If you feel sick/ill or have a fever, please DO NOT come to Mass for the safety of yourself and others.

TELEVISED/RECORDED MASS

1. Msgr. Charles Pope records his Sunday mass homily (audio) for each week. It is distributed via Flocknote and is available on his website at msgrpope.com. Sign up at FlockNote to receive it automatically via email each week.

2. You are also invited to view the Archdiocese of Washington Sunday Mass on TV (filmed in the Crypt Church of the National Shrine) which airs every Sunday at 10:30AM on WDCW-50:

No cable: Dish or Direct TV subscribes: Ch. 50
Comcast: Ch 23 in Washington, DC and Montgomery County;
Ch. 3 in Prince George’s County and Southern Maryland
RCN: Ch. 15
Verizon: Ch. 3
**************************************************

Thank you and May God bless and keep you safe during these difficult and challenging times in our world. We are so looking forward to welcoming all of you back to the liturgy and to our parish home. We are very grateful for your patience.

HCSC RECTORY OFFICE & ADMINISTRATION

For your safety and the safety of our staff and clergy, our rectory office continues to operate on a limited schedule. Current office hours are:

Monday-Wednesday: 10AM-6PM
Friday: 10AM-6PM

Please contact the office staff for sick calls, funerals, weddings, baptisms and other sacramental needs at 202-546-1885 or hcscstaff@hcscchurch.org.

NOTE: We have votive candles, holy water bottles and other religious items available in the rectory office since our church store has limited availability. We kindly ask you to call us prior to coming so we can prepare your purchase.
Thank you.

TITHING

This is a very difficult time for everyone both spiritually and financially. If you are able to provide your tithes, please know that you can submit it electronically and securely through Faith Direct. Click this link or call 1-866-507-8757 to begin eGiving or to make a one-time donation.

If you are unable to use electronic tithing, you are welcome to mail to:
1357 E. Capitol St., SE, WDC, 20003
or drop off at the rectory office.
We are so grateful for your continued support and generosity.

COMMUNICATION AT OUR PARISH

Check this website frequently for updates and stay in touch via our parish social media (MyParishApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & YouTube).

Our parish has a mobile app called MyParishApp which is an easy way to send you notifications on your mobile device. Visit your app store (available for android & Apple phones) and download it to your mobile device. Make sure you turn on your notifications after you download so you can receive updates.

Our parish is also using an online communication tool called FLOCKNOTE to send email messages to those who subscribe. Flocknote allows you to choose the news you want, and direct access to manage your FREE subscription. Text HCSC to 84576 or visit https://hcscchurch.flocknote.com/ to receive emails with updates from the parish. If you have not done so, subscribe and stay connected.

Adult Catechetical Program 2022

September 26, 2022 By admin

Are you or a family member or friend interested in becoming Catholic?
Did you or a family member or friend miss receiving the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation or Holy Communion?
Are you searching for a greater knowledge and appreciation of your Catholic faith?
Are you a returning Catholic who has been away from the church and would like to re-establish your knowledge of the faith?

Then, you should consider attending our adult faith formation classes (also called RCIA which stand for the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) which will begin in the Fall!

Our parish offers these weekly classes on the fundamental teachings of the Catholic faith on Sunday’s at 9:30am in the rectory beginning September 25th. These classes are especially designed for non-Catholics who are considering becoming Catholic. But, they are also a wonderful opportunity for adult Catholics who have missed receiving one of the sacraments or who may be returning to the Church after a long absence. These classes are also open to adult Catholics who are looking for a way to enrich their faith.

If you are interested, or you know of someone who is, contact us at rciahcsc@gmail.com or call the rectory office at 202-546-1885. Let us know if you have questions or are not certain how this will work for you. There is no commitment for seeking information. We are available to help you in your journey.

Sunday School Program

September 21, 2022 By admin

(We highly suggest that ALL children of the parish who are not in Catholic school should be enrolled in a religious education class)

Dear Parents/Guardians,

We are pleased and excited to offer to you our Catholic education catechism classes from
9:30-10:45am every Sunday, except summer months, at the school building (15^th & East Capitol Sts, SE) for youth in pre-K through 12^th grade. Youth who are preparing to receive the sacraments (First Communion, Reconciliation and Confirmation) are required to attend Sunday school in preparation for these important milestones in their spiritual journey as a Catholic. Although Sunday school began on Sept. 25th, you can still register your youth.

Your child’s safety is important to us and we will take safety precautions into consideration. Masks are optional for our Sunday school but feel free to send your youth with a mask if you feel comfortable. Everyone will be notified if a positive Covid-19 case is reported in the classroom. We will provide hand sanitizer, masks (upon request) and practice safety protocols.

If you are interested, complete the FILLABLE registration form below, print or save a copy and drop off at the rectory office; email to mre@hcscchurch.org, or mail to the church address (ATTN: Shirley Austin) on our home page. NOTE: Families that have completed a registration form in the past two years DO NOT have to complete another one. We will contact you over the next week to verify your current information.

We also invite you to participate in our Adult Sunday School Program that is led by our clergy and catechists. We had great participation in the past and want to continue this year so that our parents can learn about their faith along with their children. The Adult Sunday School Program is held the same time as your child’s class so it is convenient for everyone.

Our Sunday school teachers are outstanding in their support and dedication in answering God’s call to serve the people of God, especially our children. We look forward to another year of great things here at HCSC. Thank you to the parents who supply nourishment for our families and we invite all our parents to assist with this very important part of the overall success of our Sunday school. Like Christ, we must not only feed the soul we must also feed the body. Let us know if you are able to assist with the food and coffee service during Sunday school.

If you have questions regarding our Sunday school program, contact Shirley Austin at 202-368-7231 or mre@hcscchurch.org.

Shirley Austin
Minister of Religious Education
Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Catholic Church
202-546-1885 ◊ mre@hcscchurch.org.