PARISH EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Please plan to join us for our El Señor de los Milagros/ Lord of the Miracles celebration Saturday, October 11 beginning with Mass at 10am,
followed by the procession of the icon and a festive dinner celebration.
Don’t forget, if you haven’t, to return your commitment card for parish ministry – Pray, serve and give, for the coming year. Please drop it in the mail or bring it by the office.
Saint Bernadette Church is partnering with Rise Against Hunger in response to Bishop Burbidge’s invitation for all parishes to perform a corporal Work of Mercy. With your support, we will host a meal packing event at Saint Bernadette November 13-15, 2025. Our parish goal is to raise $75,000 to purchase the raw ingredients to pack 150,000 life-changing meals. Please support our parish’s effort to fight global hunger, with prayer, financial support or volunteer service. It starts with a meal. In collaboration with Saint Bernadette School, this act of solidarity reflects the Gospel’s call to “feed the hungry” and serves as a visible witness of the Church’s mission in action.
Next weekends' second collection will be for our corporal Work of Mercy ~ Rise Against Hunger. Please be generous.
Parish Offices will be Closed on Monday October 14 in observance of the Federal Holiday
Please join us for our Anniversary Mass for the Dedication of our Church on Tuesday, October 14 at 7:30pm in the Church.
All are invited to our Saint Bernadette Parish Picnic on Saturday, October 18th, from 1-5 p.m. There will be great music, food, and games for the whole family. Please check the bulletin to see what food you should bring. Volunteers are also needed!
All Saints Day (not a Holyday of obligation): No Vigil Mass October 31. On Saturday, November 1, an additional Mass will be celebrated at 10am.
The All Souls’ Day Mass schedule follows our regular Sunday Mass schedule for all our deceased. Remembrance envelopes, in which you may include the names of your deceased family or friends, are in the vestibule of the church and parish office. Please return them by October 31.
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.
You are invited to join Bishop Burbidge in praying and fasting every Friday in October before the Nov. 4 elections that will decide the next governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general, along with all 100 seats in the House of Delegates. For more information regarding election resources please visit the Virginia Catholic Conference 2025 Resource hub at vacatholic.org.
+ Mark your calendars for these upcoming dates!
Parish Family Picnic, Saturday, October 18
Silver Diner Dining Night Out to benefit our RAH Meal Packing Event, Monday, October 20, 5-8pm, mention Saint Bernadette when ordering!
Malek's Dining Night Out to benefit our RAH Meal Packing Event, Monday, October 27, 4-9pm, mention Saint Bernadette when ordering!
ECHO Yard Sale, Saturday, November 1
FAITH FORMATION
Living the Liturgical Year:
On October 13, we celebrate the anniversary of The Miracle of the Spinning Sun. In 1917, thousands of people witnessed the miracle of the dancing sun. This was the sign that Our Lady of Fatima had promised the shepherd children (Saints Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta) to confirm the authenticity of her apparitions. Witnesses had seen the sun spinning in the sky, changing its size and color, and evoking feelings of warmth and joy. One fun activity you can do with your kids is making a Miracle of the Sun Spinner. You can find instructions here: https://www.catholicicing.com/fatima-craft-miracle-of-sun-spinner/
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.
Upcoming Religious Education Activities:
Regular Classes: October 7-8,14-15,21-22,28-29
Saturday SPRED Class: October 18
Confirmation 2025 Confessions: October 16 6:30pm
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. 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 Saint Bernadette parish. She will provide information about how we can each help make a difference in the many good works of Catholic Charities.
Monday, October 20 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.
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 - Sunday October 26, 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 15 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