Dear Friends of our Pastorate of the Visitation,
This weekend, we celebrate the Second Sunday of Lent. Our Gospel reading for this Sunday is the Transfiguration of Jesus. You will recall that Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up the mountain and was transfigured before them. The scriptures say his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. Also appearing with him are Moses and Elijah, representative of the law and the prophets. In the transfiguration, Jesus is offering us a glimpse into the glorification of the body that comes from the resurrection. He is trying to strengthen the faith of his apostles whose faith will be shaken after the crucifixion. This offers us encouragement as well, knowing that just as with Jesus, our earthly death will ultimately lead to resurrected glory, for we, too, will experience this transfiguration of the body on the last day.
Thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate Mardi Gras a couple of weeks ago at one of our two fundraisers. The proceeds from both fundraisers will go to support our youth ministry programs. Our Pancake Dinner at St. Jane Frances raised about $700, and our Rumor Meal event raised $1,175. Special thanks to all who helped to make these fundraisers successful, especially the “chefs” at St. Jane Frances and Terri and Carl at the Rumor Meal. Our next fundraiser will be at Brian Boru on Thursday, March 26th, so mark your calendars!
Ministry Opportunities
We have some wonderful liturgical ministry opportunities available for you, especially at St. Jane Frances. We are in need of volunteers to assist us at Mass as lectors, extraordinary ministers, and altar servers. Our needs are greatest for the 5:00pm, 10:00am, and 10:45am Masses. If you would like to volunteer, please reach out to either myself or Fr. John.
Stations of the Cross
As we continue our Lenten journey, don’t forget to join us for Stations of the Cross on Fridays at 12:00pm at OLC and 7:00pm at SJF. The Knight of Columbus host the Lenten Fish Frys at St. Jane’s on Fridays from 4pm to 7pm in the parish hall. Our Lenten Mission is March 16–18 entitled “Restored in Christ – Sacraments of Healing.” In addition to a talk on the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick, we also will have adoration, confessions, and a Mass of Healing, so please plan to join us!
Organ Rebuild Project
The organ rebuild project at St. Jane Frances is proceeding smoothly. We are anticipating the re-installation of the organ in May. Thank you to everyone who has made a donation to the project. To date, we have raised $24,580 toward our total cost of $106,000.
Thank you to everyone who has participated in the 2026 Annual Appeal for Catholic Ministries. 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.” Please offer what you can to assist our Church in our corporal works of mercy by making a gift to the Annual Appeal for Catholic Ministries. Thanks!
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
