Dear Friends of our Pastorate of the Visitation,
This weekend, we return to Ordinary time with the celebration of the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. The theme for this weekend continues to build upon the baptism of the Lord that we celebrated last Sunday. The responsorial Psalm this weekend proclaims: “Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.” Jesus comes to accomplish the will of the Father. As his brothers and sisters through baptism, we ought to have the same desire with our lives – to do the will of God. Although we are not always successful at it, we are nevertheless encouraged to continue trying to surrender our wills to the will of God. Never give up or lose hope that you can do the Father’s will, for we know all things are possible for one who has faith.
The 2026 Annual Appeal for Catholic Ministries has kicked off! The theme for this year’s appeal is “Lift Up Your Hearts.” This theme calls us to “Lift Up Our Hearts to God, Unite in Hope as a faith community, and embrace our shared mission of Service.” Many of you should have received information about the Appeal in the mail. At the parishes, next weekend is our Announcement Weekend and the weekend of January 31–February 1 will be the Weekend of Giving. Our 2026 parish goals are as follows: St. Jane Frances $61,040; and OLC $62,618. I ask you to prayerfully consider your gift to the Annual Appeal for Catholic Ministries with open hearts and generous hands. Thanks.
Shelter Week is rapidly approaching. We will be hosting our guests the week of January 26–February 2 at OLC. We are still in need of volunteers to assist us throughout the week. Shelter Week information and volunteer sign ups can be found on our parishes’ websites. When you have the opportunity, please sign up to help us live out the corporal works of mercy.
This year, our Pastorate is sponsoring a seven-week group study for men and women (and couples) during the Lenten Season. Using Sr. Miriam James Heidland’s new book Restore: A Guided Journal for Prayer and Meditation and its accompanying videos, join fellow parishioners in a group study that will help you turn away from what wounds you and toward God who heals and makes you whole. Two of the weeks are completed individually; the other five weeks in a small group: in-person at one of our churches; in-person at a sponsor-home; or virtually. Additional information can be found on our websites. If you are interested in hosting a small group of your friends in your home, please email PasadenaWWP@gmail.com. Follow the Lord into the depths of your heart this Lent and you will never be the same! Sign up today!
Thank you for keeping our Pastorate of the Visitation—St. Jane Frances de Chantal and Our Lady of the Chesapeake—in your daily prayers!
God Bless,
Father Steve
