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Sunday School Program

September 8, 2021 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,

Thank you for your interest in educating your child(ren)in the faith. In our religious education classes, your child will learn about being a child of God, Christian discipleship, Catholic doctrine, and how to recognize God’s voice among the many voices in today’s world. We especially want to encourage you to enroll your child if they need to receive the sacraments of Holy Communion and Confirmation. Orientation is Sunday, September 26^th at 10am in front of the rectory. All families are invited. We are still in discussion over how the classes will be held (in-person or via Zoom). Whatever we decide, please know that your child(ren)’s safety is very important to us and we will take all safety precautions into consideration.

If you would like more information on our Sunday school program, please contact me at
202-546-1885 or mre@hcscchurch.org. If you are interested in enrolling your child(ren), please complete the attached (fillable) registration form and return via email to me. We hope to be able to resolve the issue of virtual and in-person classes so that we can also offer adult religious education to our parents while their child(ren) are in class. We will provide all the details at orientation. For your convenience, additional parking is available at the school building (15^th & E. Capitol Streets) in the rear (access through alley). There are no fees for our Sunday school program.

Thank you again for your interest in providing Catholic religious education for your child(ren) and we look forward to serving you and your family this year.

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

Click here for fillable Sunday School Registration form for 2021-22

Welcome Back to Mass

May 16, 2021 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.

As you know, many policies and restrictions have been altered and lifted by public health officials as the vaccination rates have risen. In terms of our own parish life, the guidance of the Archdiocese of Washington and local D.C. health officials means the following norms will be observed here at HCSC:

MASK UPDATE (as of July 21, 2021) – D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser re-instituted the indoor mask mandate. Facial masks or coverings must be worn indoors in the church and rectory buildings. Please keep your mask on while inside the buildings. If you do not have a mask, please ask an usher for one.
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.

Although the re-institution of the mask mandate is a bit of a set-back, we should continue to give thanks to God for what he accomplishes through human research and medical technologies. Thanks be to God and all who have cooperated with him!

We realize that some are still concerned about COVID-19 and the lowering of restrictions may cause additional concerns. Something 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 these Masses for now.

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: 4:30PM (vigil Mass)
Sunday: 8:00AM, 9:30AM; 11:00AM; 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 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. We kindly ask you to wear a face mask/covering when visiting the office. If you forget, we have extras. 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.

Pilgrimage to The Holy Land 2022

May 11, 2021 By admin

Join the Parish of Holy Comforter-St. Cyprian Roman Catholic Church and Msgr. Charles Pope on an 10-day pilgrimage to the Holy Land from November 8-17, 2022. Cost covers roundtrip air from Washington, D.C., select hotels, breakfast & dinner daily, comprehensive sightseeing with a professional English-speaking local guide, entrance fees, porterage, hotel taxes and service charges.

Questions: Contact Debbie Vanzego at 202-277-1823 or dvanzego@cohenmilstein.com.

Click here for Holy Land Pilgrimage 2022 cost and information

Black History … A Continuation for 2021

February 20, 2021 By admin

Although February is celebrated as Black History Month in the United States, our parish community will recognize the importance of this history throughout the 2021 year.

At the beginning of February 2021 and Black History month, Cardinal Gregory made the following statement linking our shared American history:

So, throughout this month and beyond, we will share historical and current information on the history of the African-American through links and other media. Please check back here from time to time throughout this year to learn about the shared American history that is a part of all of us.

Cardinal Gregory’s interview with Al Roker on The Today Show: https://www.today.com/news/america-s-1st-black-cardinal-wilton-gregory-opens-about-experiences-t208418
Cardinal Gregory’s interview on CNN: https://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2021/02/23/cardinal-gregory-prayer-tapper-covid-special-sot-vpx.cnn
The Catholic Standard offers an informative and inspirational collection of interviews with black Catholics located here in our diocese. Click for flyer w/details and link to articles: Catholic Standard Black Voices Series 2021
Origin of Black History Month – learn about Carter G. Woodson and the Association of the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) at https://asalh.org/about-us/about-black-history-month/
Federal Government Web Portal: learn more about the offerings on black history at https://www.africanamericanhistorymonth.gov/

A Prayer from the USCCB

As in all things, we turn to prayer, asking Our Blessed Mother
to intercede on our behalf:

Mary, friend and mother to all,
Through your Son, God has found a way to unite himself to every human being, called to be one people, sisters and brothers to each other.

We ask for your help in calling on your Son, seeking forgiveness for the times when we have failed to love and respect one another.

We ask for your help in obtaining from your Son the grace we need to overcome the evil of racism and to build a just society.

We ask for your help in following your Son, so that prejudice and animosity
will no longer infect our minds or hearts but will be replaced with a love that respects the dignity of each person.

Mother of the Church, the Spirit of your Son Jesus warms our hearts: pray for us.

HCSC Bible Studies

November 13, 2020 By admin

JOIN OUR CLERGY AS THEY HOST OUR WEEKLY BIBLE STUDIES ONLINE ( via Zoom and in-person)

MONDAY EVENING YOUNG ADULT BIBLE STUDY – begins at 7PM 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 6:45pm with light snacks. We kindly ask you to register if you are attending.

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

Due to current COVID-19 pandemic protocols, 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 is ONLY in-person (No Zoom) in the rectory basement. A small social gathering is usually held at 6:45pm 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

June 21, 2019 By admin

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

NOTE: During the Coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic, we will continue to hold a Holy Hour for 100 or less people in the church sanctuary. You are required to wear a mask or face covering. Please practice safe social distancing when seated in the sanctuary. Please DO NOT come to Holy Hour if you feel sick or at high risk. Hand sanitizer is available in the rear of 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.

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