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You are here: Home / Parish News

Season of Lent 2023

March 9, 2023 By admin

The 2023 Lenten season began on
Ash Wednesday (February 22) and ends on
Holy Thursday (April 6) 

What are you doing for Lent?

During Lent, we are asked to devote ourselves to seeking the Lord in PRAYER, to service by giving ALMS, and to sacrifice self-control through FASTING. Many know of the tradition of abstaining from meat on Friday during Lent, but we are also called to practice self-discipline and fast in other ways throughout the season. Contemplate the meaning and origins of the Lenten fasting tradition. In addition, the giving of alms is one way to share God’s gifts–not only through the distribution of money, but through the sharing of our time and talents. As St. John Chrysostom reminds us: “Not only to enable the poor in our goods is to to steal from them and deprive them of life. The goods we possess are not ours, but theirs.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2446).

For Lent, the Church gives us a slogan—Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving—as the three things we need to work on during the season. We have some activities at our parish and provide links to resources that may provide you assistance during this Lenten season:


IT’S A TIME OF PRAYER. Lent is essentially an act of prayer spread out over 40 days. As we pray, we go on a journey, one that hopefully brings us closer to Christ and leaves us changed by the encounter with him. Here are some suggestions to assist with prayer and devotions over the Lenten season:

  • Spend some TIME each DAY in PRAYER.  There are resources available for daily reflections at USCCB.org, EWTN.org, or Catholic Apostolate Center.  Our sanctuary is also open every day from 8am-8pm for you to come and have private prayer.
  • Attend DAILY MASS during Lent. Our parish celebrates Mass daily at 7:00am in the main sanctuary and 8:00am on Saturdays.
  • Attend a EUCHARISTIC HOLY HOUR offered every Friday from 6-7pm in our Church. Come and spend an hour in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament in reflection and prayer.  If you have never done this before, it’s a beautiful opportunity to sit quietly in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament and pray or read the bible or just speak to Jesus in quiet reflection. Confessions are also heard during the Holy Hour.
  • Attend the STATIONS OF THE CROSS offered every Friday at 7pm in our Church. The Stations of the Cross began as the practice of pious pilgrims to Jerusalem who would retrace the final journey of Jesus Christ to Calvary. Later, for the many who wanted to pass along the same route, but could not make the trip to Jerusalem, a practice developed that eventually took the form of the fourteen stations currently found in almost every church. Come and experience the journey with other parishioners.
  • Join Msgr. Pope for a virtual LENTEN BIBLE STUDY every Wednesday at 7:15pm via Zoom. To attend, you will need to create a login at FlockNote (our church’s email communication tool) at https://hcscchurch.flocknote.com/ and then sign-up for the Wednesday Adult Bible Study  to receive the weekly Zoom link. If you already have a login then you only need to make sure you have signed up for the Wednesday Bible Study. The theme for this Lenten bible study is “Learning in Lent” and will focus on some of the more common Catholic teachings that are considered controversial in today’s society. For details on the topics to be discussed and audio recordings of each session, click here:    Lenten Bible Study
  • Attend the YOUNG ADULT BIBLE STUDY every Monday in person at 7:30pm in the rectory basement. The bible study theme during Lent will also be “Learning in Lent”.

IT’S A TIME OF FASTING AND TO WORK ON DISCIPLINE.  With the fasts on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, meatless Fridays, and our personal disciplines interspersed, Lent is the only time many Catholics these days actually fast. And maybe that’s why it gets all the attention.  Fasting is actually a form of penance, which helps us turn away from sin and toward Christ. For members of the Roman Catholic Church, the norms on fasting are obligatory from age 18 until age 59. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal. 

The 40 days of Lent are also a good time to work on personal discipline in general. Instead of giving something up, it can be doing something positive. “I’m going to exercise more. I’m going to pray more. I’m going to be nicer to my family, friends and coworkers.”  Reflect on how you want to fast or work on discipline.


IT’S A TIME FOR ALMSGIVING.  The foundational call of Christians to charity is a frequent theme of the Gospels.  During Lent, we are asked to focus more intently on “almsgiving,” which means donating money or goods to the poor and performing other acts of charity.  As one of the three pillars of Lenten practice, almsgiving is “a witness to fraternal charity” and  “a work of justice pleasing to God.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2462).  Here are some suggestions for charitable giving this Lent:

  • Participate in the LENTEN CANNED FOOD DRIVE. Click here for details: Lenten Food Drive flyer
  • Donate to the POOR BOXES located on the walls of the Church near the exits. The funds from these donations help provide food for our food pantry and other emergency assistance requests.
  • Contact Catholic Charities DC for more opportunities to assist those in need.

    Lastly, during Lent it is a good practice to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance) and ask for God’s mercy and grace as you begin your journey.  Confessions are heard 1/2 hour before each Mass on the weekends (excepty Saturday 8am Mass) and each Friday during the Holy Hour from 6-7pm, and by request (call the rectory office to see if clergy is available).

Filed Under: News

Lenten Bible Study

February 24, 2023 By admin

Lent is a time of renewal and conversion, a time to grow in our faith. But the teachings of our faith are under attack as never before and Catholics can too easily become doubtful and cynical about biblical and Catholic teachings on many critical moral topics related to life, marriage, family and sexuality. Consider a fast from all the criticism and give the gift of your time to hear what the Church actually teaches and why.

Our Lenten Bible study will focus on areas of Church teachings that have become controversial over the past decades. We will look to their biblical origins and explain why they remain true for us today and how they make sense.

HOW DO I PARTICIPATE?

We will meet via Zoom (online) each Wednesday of Lent at 7:15pm. If you have not done so, please subscribe to FlockNotes at hcscchurch.flocknote.com and select the Wednesday Bible Study to receive the weekly Zoom link to each session in your email. If you have questions on how to link to the bible study via Zoom, contact the rectory office at 202-546-1885 or hcscstaff@hcscchurch.org.

We will meet via Zoom (online) each Wednesday of Lent at 7:15pm and cover the topics below. If you have not done so, please subscribe to FlockNotes at hcscchurch.flocknote.com and select the Wednesday Bible Study to receive the weekly Zoom link to each session. If you have questions on how to link to the bible study via Zoom, contact the rectory office at 202-546-1885 or kpeaks@hcscchurch.org
NOTE: If you would like to participate via your phone or do not have access to email, call the rectory office at 202-546-1885 NO LATER THAN 4PM for the phone access number.

TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION

March 1st – FOUNDATIONAL PRINCIPALS
Why does the Church care what people do?
The Cross – The way of the Truth is not always easy
The Nature of the Church – A thermostat not a thermometer
Stay Put-Stay Catholic – How politics changes, but the Church teachings stay the same

March 8th – MARRIAGE AND SEXUAL IDENTITY ISSUES
Is the Church Anti-LGBTQ?
Why does the Church not accept Gay Marriage?
What does the Church offer LBGTQ Catholics?
Why does the Church teach against transgenderism?

March 15th – LIFE ISSUES 1
Abortion
Contraception

March 22nd – LIFE ISSUES 2
Physician Assisted Suicide
Capital Punishment

March 29th – VOCATIONAL ISSUES
Why no women priests?
Why do scriptures say that the husband is the head of his wife and family?
Why no divorce and remarriage?
Denial of Communion?

WHAT IF I  MISS A BIBLE STUDY? HOW CAN I HEAR THE AUDIO?

The bible studies are recorded and the audio versions will be made available online after each session. Click on the link or scan the QR code to listen.


LEARNING IN LENT – Session # 1 – Intro/Foundational Principals:

Click here for link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/2kl7kgvez0b983r/Catholic%20Controversies%20Class%201%20March%20%201.mp3?dl=0

Or, scan the QR code:


LEARNING IN LENT – Session #2 – Marriage and Sexual Identity Issues:

Click here for link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/ek8cv9ffeptv3dp/Catholic%20COntroversies%202.mp3?dl=0

Or, scan the QR code::



LEARNING IN LENT – Session #3 – Abortion and Contraception:
 
Click here for link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/uhp1nt8pef6uo6a/Catholic%20Controversies%203.mp3?dl=0
 
Or, scan the QR code:

Filed Under: News

Lenten Food Drive

February 23, 2023 By admin

Join with our parish this Lenten season to restock our churches food pantry in a
CANNED FOOD DRIVE from February 22 – April 9.

You can drop off the food at the church during Mass times or the rectory office during office hours. Or, you can order food from a local store or online (Amazon, Target, Walmart, etc.) for delivery to:

Holy Comforter-St. Cyprian Church
1357 E. Capitol Street, SE
Washington, DC 20003

ATTN: Kim Peaks
202-546-1885


NOTE: Please have local grocery store orders delivered when the office is open: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 11am-5pm.

PLEASE DONATE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:

  • Canned proteins (tuna, salmon, chicken, sardines)
  • Canned vegetables (green beans, corn, mixed)
  • Breakfast cereal
  • Oatmeal and grits
  • Pancake mix and syrup
  • Canned chunky soups and stews
  • Canned pasta (Spaghettios and Ravioli)
  • Canned fruit
  • Spaghetti sauce (canned or plastic bottle)
  • Spaghetti
  • Canned diced tomatoes

Monetary donations are also accepted. You can drop your donation (cash or check payable to HCSC) in the collection basket or electronically through Faith Direct (donate to Lenten Food Drive). NOTE: Please note that your donation is for the Food Drive on your check or envelope with cash. You can also mail your check to the address above or drop off at the rectory.

Questions? contact the rectory office at 202-546-1885 or hcscstaff@hcscchurch.org. Thank you for your generosity!!

Filed Under: News

Honey Baked Ham Fundraiser

February 22, 2023 By admin

The HCSC Women’s Ministry is sponsoring a Honey Baked Ham fundraiser for Easter Sunday. You can order your ham, turkey, sides, desserts and more. Click here for  ORDER SHEET to see items and prices. Make your selections and return your completed form along with your payment (cash or checks made payable to HCSC – put Honey Baked Ham in the memo) to the rectory office NO LATER THAN March 26th. You can also return your order and payment to a member of the HCSC Women’s Ministry.

PICK-UP: All orders must be picked up on Saturday, April 1st between 12noon and 2pm at the HCSC Rectory at 1357 E. Capitol St., SE.

Sorry, we cannot hold orders after pick-up time since we are unable to provide storage. All orders not picked up will be donated.

For more information, contact:
Shirley Austin (202) 368-7231
Robin Brooks (202) 271-2940
Laura Stanton (301) 326-9467
Bertha Colbert (301) 567-9786
Miriam Townsend-Edelen (301) 219-7986
Wanda Ross (301) 523-1017
Brenda Worthy (202) 355-4075
Linda Simpson (301) 735-6432
June Holton-Johnson (301) 529-7114


Filed Under: News, Uncategorized

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)

Filed Under: News

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.

Filed Under: News, Uncategorized Tagged With: coronavirus, covid-19, pandemic

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.

Filed Under: News

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 (15th & East Capitol Sts, SE) for youth in pre-K through 12th 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. 

Click here for FILLABLE Sunday School Registration Form for 2022_23

Filed Under: News

myParish App for our Church

June 7, 2016 By admin

We invite you to use our myParish App, offering great ways to be connected to our church:

  • Messages – get informed about news and events
  • Calendar – events and meetings at our parish
  • Parish News
  • Daily Mass
  • Links to Msgr. Pope’s Homilies and Blog
  • Readings – Bible readings for the day at your fingertips
  • Available for both Apple & Android Smartphones
  • Many more features — see MyParish App website for details
  • See the introductory videos below

CatholicMom_feature


Introduction Video to myParish App


myParish App Demo

https://vimeo.com/151174113

Filed Under: News, Uncategorized

Protected: Homiletics II

September 9, 2014 By admin Leave a Comment

This content is password protected. To view it please enter your password below:

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Map + Directions

Catholic Answers

Contact Us

1357 East Capitol Street, S.E.
Washington, DC 20003
202.546.1885
hcscstaff@hcscchurch.org

Rev. Msgr. Charles Pope, Pastor
Deacon James "JP" Flagg, II

Sacramental Information

Confessions are heard on Fridays from 6-7pm and 1/2 hour before each weekend Mass (except the Saturday 8am Mass). Confessions are also heard upon request - contact the rectory office to make a request.
Contact the rectory office at the number or email above for sick calls, funerals, weddings, baptisms and other sacramental needs.

Mass Schedule

WEEKENDS:
Saturday: 8:00am and 4:30pm (vigil)
Sunday: 8:00am; 9:30am; 11:00am and 7:00pm

WEEKDAYS:
Mon-Fri: 7:00am

HOLY DAYS OF OBLIGATION:
Mass at 7:00am, 10:00am and 7:00pm

NOTE: All Masses are held in the main sanctuary

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