May 12, 2024
Dear St. Rita Families,
We are well on our way to St. Rita Catholic Church’s 100th year since her establishment as a parish on September 21, 1924, and as you know, we have many great events planned, including several in the coming weeks! As this year is also the third year of preparation for the Diocese of Arlington’s 50th anniversary (August 13, 2024), we are able to piggy-back on the theme that Bishop Burbidge has chosen for this year: “Renew”.
The idea of renewal suggests that there are embers of faith still burning beneath the ashes that just need a little bit of love and care in order to re-ignite. And that is absolutely true for many people. The malaise of modern society is both soul-sucking and yet still empty, and people are discovering that they are unfulfilled and need something more. People who have preferred to be “spiritual instead of religious” have tapped into new age spirits that are not from God, and that has also proven to be damaging and destructive.
The fallout of sin has left many people desolate, and they may not even realize that there could be faith lurking somewhere deep in their hearts. Many who have become disillusioned because of the sins and failings of the Christian hierarchy and faithful are also becoming disillusioned with sin. And that means that now is our opportunity to bring them both the truth and the joy of the Gospel!
St. Rita is a bustling community of joy-filled, faithful Catholics, and for those who are looking for something real and authentic, it can be very attractive. For that reason, I want to challenge you as we celebrate our centennial. The challenge is very simple: For each of the 100th Anniversary events that you are coming to, I want you to bring 2 friends who are not Catholic.
When Christ sent the Apostles forth to preach to all nations (cf. Mt 28), He didn’t indicate that the message was just for some people. The message of Christ’s Victory is for all people! And how are people going to come to know that message if we are unwilling to share it (cf. Rom 10:14)? If we really believe that what we have been given is worthy of our whole way of life, then we should certainly desire to invite others to experience what we’ve experienced.
It is so important for people who are seeking Christ to meet others who are willing to engage with them, understand them, respond to them, and guide them. Our anniversary events can be fantastic opportunities to do just that. Some of them are low-pressure events, too: the organ recital next Sunday, May 19 will attract those who love sacred music, but it will be good for anyone who loves beauty. The St. Rita Festival on Saturday, May 25 will be food and fun for families and people of all ages. Of course, there are more devotional events too, but why not share the joy of our Eucharistic Procession with friends? It emphasizes our belief that the Lord is truly present – Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity – in the Blessed Sacrament.
Next week, we will celebrate the Solemnity of Pentecost, when the Apostles are “clothed with power from on high” (Lk 24:49) and sent forth to preach the Gospel to the whole world. May the same Spirit fill your souls and make you ever more faithful witnesses to the Resurrection of Jesus Christ!
In Christ,
Fr. Christensen