PARISH EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
a message from Bishop Michael Burbidge
Bishop Burbidge has invited all parishes in our Diocese to participate in a special Week of Service this November. Saint Bernadette Church and School will join this effort by partnering with Rise Against Hunger to pack 150,000 meals that will support educational programs around the world—a true Corporal Work of Mercy in action. To make this life-changing event possible, both financial gifts and volunteers are needed. Just the cost of one venti cup of coffee can provide six nutritious meals for a hungry child! Please see this week's bulletin or visit our parish website for more details. Sign-up opportunities will be shared in the coming weeks. It starts with a meal—together, we can make a world of difference.
Fr. Iacona will be visiting our parish next weekend to speak at all the Masses on behalf of Cross Catholic Outreach, which was founded to forge a stronger and more supportive link between parishes in America and the priests and nuns serving the poor in the Caribbean, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Central and South America.
Sunday, October 5 is Respect Life Sunday. Join us as we participate in the 38th annual Life Chain, praying and quietly standing in public witness to the sanctity of human life! Our parish meets at Key Middle School on Franconia Rd., 2pm.
On Saturday, October 4, bring your beloved pets for a special Blessing of the Animals in honor of Saint Francis’ feast day. We will meet at 10am in the front parking lot in front of the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes.
Come as you are - you are welcome here! Walking with Purpose Women’s Bible Study ministry returns October 14 and 16 for a 22 week study. Please see today's bulletin page 7 for more information about the program and this years' theme "Touching the Divine"
Thank you to all who have responded to our request to reduce our parish envelope costs. If you are receiving offertory envelopes but don’t use them or no longer wish to receive them, please contact our parish office so that we can remove that service from your registration file. Remember Second and Special Collections can be done electronically through Faith Direct.
FAITH FORMATION
Living the Liturgical Year:
Please remember that the Confirmation kick-off meetings are this month! It is a mandatory meeting for both parents and children held at the church from 6:15-7:15pm. Confirmation 2027 kick-off will be on September 14 and Confirmation 2026 kick-off will be on September 28.
On September 29, we celebrate the feast day of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. St. Michael is known for fighting Satan and casting him to hell. St. Gabriel for appearing to Mary at the annunciation to tell her that she was going to have baby Jesus. St. Raphael is a known for being a healer. These three archangels have been mentioned in the Bible by name. One fun way to celebrate is to have a feast day feast with Devil’s Food cake, deviled eggs or blackberry pie. You can also pray the St. Michael’s Prayer with your children:
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
Family Donut Social ~ Mark your calendars! Plan to join us Sunday, September 28, in the school cafeteria for fellowship, hospitality, and kids’ activities after the 9am Mass! Come visit with other parish families while you enjoy coffee, juice, and donuts while your children do some fun activities with volunteers!
Volunteers for 2025-2026 ~ As we prepare to plan for the upcoming Religious Education school year, please discern if you would like to help. We are in need of Lead Catechists and aides. If interested, please contact the Religious Education Office or fill out the Volunteer Form on the website. You will also find the QR Code at the bulletin board.
WOMEN'S MINISTRY
Come and enjoy warm fellowship and great food. No need to RSVP. For more information, please email us at women@stbernpar.org. Monday, October 6 is our next Dinner with Friends at 5pm, at Saratoga Pizzeria, 8050 Rolling Road. This casual meal is one of our normal dinners on the 1st the 3rd Monday of every
month.
Our next monthly meeting will be Tuesday, October 14 at 7pm in the Bradican Room. Our theme is month is “Making a Difference.” We will hear from Deb Beard of Catholic Charities Diocese of Arlington and a member of St Bernadette parish. She will provide information about how we can each help make a difference in the many good works of Catholic Charities.YOUTH MINISTRY
High School Socials
All high schoolers are invited to join us for Tuesday Socials every Tuesday from 7-8:30pm! Meet in the youth room (in the parish office) for games, ice cream, and a discussion on the faith.
High School Youth Diocesan Rally - this annual event is an opportunity for the young Church in the Diocese of Arlington to gather each year to for fun, entertainment, prayer, and to celebrate the Catholic faith. RALLY includes Mass with Bishop Burbidge, Eucharistic Adoration, inspirational speakers and entertainers, breakout sessions, inflatable games, music, and more! The cost is $25, and adult volunteers are needed. Contact Grace Mee at gmee@stbernpar.org for information on how to register.
Middle School Youth Ministry - our next gathering is 1 October
All 6th-8th graders are invited for games, snacks, and fun every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month! Meet in the school gym from 6:45-8pm.
To learn more about our middle and high school ministries,
please contact Grace Mee, gmee@stbernpar.org