The Church of the Ascension
A Parish of the Anglican Catholic Church
in the Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic States
13941 Braddock Road
Centreville, VA 20120
(703) 830-3176
A First Millenium Faith
For Third Millenium Lives ©
Orthodox Faith
Catholic Order
Anglican Worship ©
E-Bulletin: The Fourth Sunday in Lent
Dear Friends,
This week the mood and color of the season of Lent has changed, albeit temporarily, from the deep violet of penance to the lighter and more hopeful rose. And as such our lessons this week showed that hope, especially in the Gospel lesson highlighting the feeding of the 5,000 with five barley loves and two small fish. We too receive the miracle of spiritual nourishment each week from our Lord, not in the form of barley loaves and fish, but in His Body and His Blood. We mustnt forget that the reception of the Body and Blood of Christ in His Holy Eucharist is our obligation every week. We occasionally may miss a Sunday here and there due to illness or travel, but we mustnt miss for any other reason, because each communion missed is “a grave loss to the soul.”
Sacrament of Penance
During the Lenten season (as always), if anyone would like to receive the Sacrament of Penance (Confession), please see me (or call or E-mail) and we can setup a private time for that. Remember the old Anglican position with regard to the Sacrament of Penance “All may, none must, some should.” (But I might add, in Lent especially all should consider.) If you have any questions in regards to this Sacrament, please feel free to ask.
Parish Clean-up Day
On March 31th, the parish will hold a day to do some necessary work and cleaning around the parish. The day will start, as all should, with worship (Morning Prayer) at 10am. If you can, please try to plan some time to help out because many hands make for less and quicker work! Please let our Junior Warden (Dale Springer) know if you will be able to lend a hand on the 31st.
New Candlesticks
The parishs Altar Guild has expressed the need to replace the current candlesticks used on the altar with new candlesticks. Rather than just purchase the candlesticks we will first reach out for directed donations from our members to the Altar Guild Fund which will be used to purchase the new candlesticks and any other items needed by the Altar Guild. We ask that these donations be in addition to your normal tithe and not a replacement of it (if possible). We will provide forms for those donating to make this a memorial gift or a gift to the Glory of God which will be displayed on a plaque in a prominent place in the parish hall. The candlesticks will cost approximately $150 each and we will be purchasing eight (8).
Lenten Soup Suppers
Our Lenten Soup Suppers continue this week with Mass for the Feast of the Annunciation at 7pm. Please consider adding this as an additional part to your Lenten preparation.
Bible Study
Bible Study will continue this week with its review of the Acts of the Apostles this Wednesday beginning with Evening Prayer at 7pm.
Adult Study Class
The adult study class will meet again this week following Mass.
Lenten Blessings,
Father Michael