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Our Church

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Announcements

Visit Pastor Edward Horkan's website, A Pilgrim and Priest.


If you would like to help provide music for Sunday Masses and other occasions, please call the rectory. Cantors, pianists and organists would be welcomed!

 

Fr. Horkan will give a series of talks on great American Catholics, followed by Confessions, on Wednesdays during Lent, beginning February 17, 2016.

 

Letters for the 2016 Bishop's Lenten Appeal have been mailed. Please generously support Diocesan efforts promoting the works and prayers of the Church to help her people and improve society.

 

If you have not received your 2016 weekly envelopes, please contact Frank Pandolfo. Please do not use the 2015 envelopes.

 

The Ladies Council holds a monthly food drive, Manna Sunday, every second Sunday.

 

Are you considering a vocation as a priest, deacon, brother, sister or religious? Call Fr. J.D. Jaffe at (703) 841-2514, or email him at j.jaffe@arlingtondiocese.org.


Celebrate the Sacrament of Matrimony! February 7-14, 2016, is National Marriage Week.

 

Strengthen your marriage by attending a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend in Herndon, VA, during February 19-21, 2016. Sign-up, (here).

 

Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, is February 10, 2016. It is a day of fast and abstinence.


Mass Schedule

These pages are no longer updated. Visit our new webpages at https://ourladyofthevalleyluray.org/ 


Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church

200 Collins Avenue

Luray, VA  22835

(540) 743-4919


Pastor:  Fr Perez


Mass Schedule: 


Saturday:  Anticipated Mass at 5:00 P.M.


Sunday:  9:00 A.M. and 11:15 A.M.


Weekday:  8:30 A.M.


Holy Day Masses: 


   Vigil Mass:  7:00 P.M.


   Feast Day:  9:00 A.M. and 7:00 P.M.


Our Covenant

Our Lady of The Valley

 

     We, the parish family of Our Lady Of The Valley, do hereby covenant ourselves to God by working to proclaim His word, build His community, celebrate His liturgy and serve His people.  With this covenant and the living witness of Christ as our example, we resolve to: 

     

     Provide an atmosphere of warmth, hospitality and love in which our shared faith in Jesus Christ is manifest in meaningful and life giving liturgical celebrations. 

     

     Provide all members of the community the opportunity for spiritual growth through religious education and formation programs and through sharing the richness of our faith.

 

     Build a bond among members of our community by coming together, establishing personal relationships and helping one another as brothers and sisters in Christ.

 

     Take ownership of this covenant by providing adequate physical surroundings, financial support and our personal commitment. 

 

     We affirm this covenant to you, Father, in unity with the Holy Spirit, through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 

Calendars

Calendar

Web widgets

Google Maps

Photos

Our Church

Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church Luray, VA 22835

Schedules

Rich sticky notes

Organizations

Ladies Council:

 

The Ladies Council meets on the third Wednesday of each month, September through May, for regular meetings, in the shared room of Our Lady of the Valley at 10:00 A.M. 

 

Knights of Columbus: 

 

Msgr. Paul V. Heller Council 8393 meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month in the shared room of Our Lady of the Valley starting at 7:30 P.M.

 

Finance Committee:

 

Meets twice a year

 

Schedules

Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church

200 Collins Avenue

Luray, VA  22835

(540) 743-4919

 

 

Masses: 

 

Saturday:  Anticipated Mass at 5:00 P.M.

 

Sunday:  9:00 A.M. and 11:00 A.M.

 

Weekday:  8:30 A.M. 

 

Holy Day Masses:  

 

Vigil Mass:  7:00 P.M.


Feast Day:  9:00 A.M. and 7:00 P.M.

 

 

 

Confessions: 

 

Saturday:  4:00-4:45 P.M. or by appointment.

 

Other:

 

Holy Communion to the Sick:   Please call the Rectory. 

 

Sacraments

Baptisms:

 

Baptisms are celebrated on Sundays at 1:00 P.M.
Please call the Rectory one week prior to the date you desire to have your baby Baptized.

 

Weddings:

 

Couples planning to be married should contact the Rectory at least six months before the planned date. All engaged couples are expected to take the Marriage Preparation Course.

 

 

Devotions

Recitation of the Rosary:  Daily preceding Mass.

Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help: Every Saturday after morning Mass.

 

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: Every First Friday of the month 3:00 to 4:00 P.M.

 

Recitation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet:  Daily following Mass.


The Legion of Mary:  Contact the parish.

Religious Education

CCD:

 

Sundays 9:45 to 10:45 A.M.

 

Confirmation Classes:  Check with the Pastor.

 

 

For more information on the CCD program, please contact the Director of Religious Education.

 

Photos

Photos

Our Lady of the Valley

This portrait was painted by a former parishioner.

Saint Francis of Assisi

Iconography in the Byzantine-style by parishioner and Knight, Mr. Don Evans.

First Holy Communion

Father Christopher Lemme, T.O.R., with First Communicants.

The Sanctuary

The main church holds about 90 participants with additional side seating.

Our Lady

Knights of Columbus

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

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Meetings

Council 8393 meets the first and third Wednesday of the month at 7:30 P.M. in the Common Room of Our Lady of the Valley Church.

 

 

Action

Church Activities: Our council, through its members, supports Our Lady of the Valley parish through contributions of time and money.  We provide ushers for mass and we provide counting teams to assist the pastor with the weekly stewardship.  Often we are called upon for special duties in and around the church.  Our support of our religious, leads us to conduct vocations promotions programs through "Keep Christ in Christmas" and other campaigns.  We promote and sponsor Rosary and prayer services.

 

Family and Youth Activities: To strengthen family ties and build community, the council provides several activities.  We hold numerous "Family Fun Days" which include our Fishing Tournament, the Halloween Party, and other special events.  Contest and competitions are supported and we have had several state-wide winners from our local entries.  We co-sponsor (with the Ladies Club) the parish picnic and the parish Christmas party (with a visit from Santa who is personally contacted by council 8393).

 

Charities: Each council supports numerous charities as well as the State Council's charities. A few of the charities that we have supported are the local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, Council on Domestic Violence (Choices), Page One, Page Pregnancy Center, Boy Scout Eagle projects, KOVAR, vocations to the priesthood and Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church. We also have provided scholarships for local science fairs students and scholarships for our Young Man and our Young Woman of the Year.  Our members contribute to the community through thousands of hours of volunteer service.  Other projects have included promotion of Special Olympics activities, sponsorship to Camp Easter seals for a local resident and donations toward playground equipment for students with special needs.

 

KOVAR: Knights Of Virginia Aid the Retarded. The Knights of Columbus are the largest contributor by a private organization to this charity. Each council distributes Tootsie Roll™ candy and takes up donations one weekend a year. All of the money collected is then redistributed by the State Council's KOVAR board, based on applications made to that board by industry or groups that employ or help the retarded citizens of Virginia.  Locally, ShenPaCo received over $19,000 in 1999 from the KOVAR fund.

Council Activities: Social activity of a council contributes to the enjoyment and edification of the membership. Council 8393 offers such programs as: insurance nights to discuss the benefits of the Knights excellent insurance program with the members, food socials, memorial masses, membership drives, and Knight and Family of the month.

 

Insurance: Beyond the outstanding volunteer and social opportunities, the Knights provide a variety of benefits to members and their families.

Member/Spouse accidental death benefits are provided and are based upon the years of continued membership in the Order.

 

Family fraternal benefits are available for eligible families.  The life insurance, annuity, financial planning and retirement programs are offered exclusively to our members and their families through our local insurance representative, the Jim Ulmer Agency.

 

Structure

"As a fraternal benefit society, the [Knights of Columbus] Order operates in accordance with the laws relating to such groups. These regulations require a representative form of government comprised of a supreme governing or legislative body and subordinate branches.

 

Members are elected, initiated and admitted into the society according to the provisions of its constitution, laws and rules." Application for membership is open to practical Catholic men in union with the Holy See, and who are at least 18 years of age. The Order offers a highly rated insurance program. 

 

To join the Knight of Columbus

 

If you are a member of Our Lady of the Valley in Luray, VA (or a nearby parish), check with an usher at mass.

 

If you are a member of another parish, check with your Pastor; if you are not in the USA, Canada, Mexico, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Panama, Cuba, Guam, the Virgin Islands, or the Dominican Republic, contact the Supreme Council of the Knights of Columbus.  

 

 

 

 

Introduction

Council 8393 was formed in 1983 to support the parish of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Luray, Virginia. While we remain a small council, we are involved with our community, our families, our parish and our faith. The four guiding principles of the Order are Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism. 

 

The Knights of Columbus today are Catholic men and their families who are dedicated and caring. They serve our Church, our community, our country and their fellowman, working together for a better tomorrow. 

 

If you are a practical Catholic gentleman over the age of 18 and you want to be involved with the good works that our Order promotes, you may wish to join our fellowship.

History

Council #8393 was formed under the guidance of Fr. Eugene Neyer (deceased), who was the pastor of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in 1983.  The council was named after Fr. Neyer's late friend and spiritual advisor, Monsignor Paul V. Heller.  The council has been recognized for its outstanding efforts by the Va. State Council and by local communities.

Since our founding, we have endeavored to follow the five objectives of the Knights of Columbus:  to support the Church; to build fraternal bonds through social, religious, educational and athletic activities; to provide comfort and assistance to the sick, disabled, and needy members and their families; to reach out to meet community needs through programs of charity and service; to provide for the financial security of our members and their families through our fraternal insurance and financial planning program.

 

 

 

 

Calendars

K of C Calendar

Photos

Emblem of Our Order

The emblem consists of a shield mounted upon the Formée cross. The shield is that associated with a medieval knight. The Formée cross is the representation of a traditional artistic design of the cross of Christ through which all graces of redemption were procured for mankind. This then represents the Catholic spirit of the Order. Mounted on the shield are three objects: a fasces (a bundle of rods bound together about an ax with the blade projecting) standing vertically and, crossed behind it, an anchor and a dagger or short sword. The fasces from Roman days, carried before magistrates as an emblem of authority, is symbolic of authority which must exist in any tightly-bonded and efficiently operating organization. The anchor is the mariner's symbol for Columbus, patron of the Order, while the short sword or dagger was the weapon of the Knight when engaged upon an errand of mercy. Thus, the shield expresses Catholic Knighthood in organized merciful action, and with the letters, K of C, it proclaims this specific form of activity

KCIC

Members and friends sign Christmas cards to send to our troops

Pro-Life

Pray the Rosary for an end to abortion.

2012-13 Installation

Officers, dignitaries, and others

Ladies Council

Bookmarks

Women's Interest Bookmarks

Rich sticky notes

Meetings

REGULAR MEETINGS: 

Join the Ladies Council for our regular meetings on the third Wednesday of each month, September through May, at 10:00 A.M. The meetings are held in the Shared Room.

 

Membership and Activities

Every woman in the parish is a member of the Ladies Council!  Some of the many activities the Ladies Council has participated in throughout the years include:

Even if you are unable to attend our meetings, please consider becoming an active member of this lovely group!

Perhaps you would like to assist us in a specific area of our ministry? Or drive someone to Mass, prepare food, or help in another way that interests you? Let us know!

 

 

History of the Ladies Council

"The Altar Society was formed in June of 1951 when Mass was being held in the Rotary Room at the Mimslyn Hotel. Their initial duties included helping with catechism and decorating the altar. They met in the members' homes. When the Church was completed, the Ladies' Club met there and began to raise money by selling aprons and religious articles. In addition, money was raised by a Mrs. Hosey of New York City by hosting card parties at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, benefiting Our Lady of the Valley. Following our incorporation into the new Diocese of Arlington in 1977, the club became part of the National Council of Catholic Women.

Today the Women's Club continues to be the backbone of our Parish. Annually, they make by hand a beautiful quilt for raffle. The money raised supports their many good works for Our Lady of the Valley including the purchase of altar goods and the maintenance of the altar linens and vestments, provision of food for the needy, teaching and supporting the religious education classes, the organization of our annual Christmas party, parish picnic, and our First Communion and Confirmation classes. Most generously, the Women's Club provides and organizes luncheons for bereaved families following Funeral Masses.

The Women's Club [now called the 'Ladies Council'] of Our Lady of the Valley provides the funds and labor for many of the parish activities. Though their quiet and efficient work is rarely recognized, the fruits of their labor have been enjoyed by all parishioners for 50 years."

 

 

 

 

 

Source:  Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church:  Luray, VA:  "50th Anniversary" Commemorative Booklet.

 

 

 

Photos

Church Picnic

Families gather together to enjoy the annual Church Picnic.

Quilt Raffle

Jackie Cleveland, winner of the 2008 Quilt Raffle, with Barbara Roark.

Annual Church Picnic

Eileen Luckey, and her daughter Joline, join others at the 2010 Church Picnic.

Quilt Raffle

Helen Morton wins the 2010 Ladies' Quilt. Her husband, Paul, purchased her ticket at the Heritage Festival.

Quilt Raffle

Council Ladies react to the 2008 winner of the Quilt Raffle, Jackie Cleveland.

Parish History

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Earliest Church Foundations (Part One)

The history of the Catholic presence in Page County before the mid 1800’s is scarce. Earliest records show Catholic Services were held in private homes, nurtured by the priests of Winchester. When the Norfolk and Western Railroad was being built, Irish laborers tried unsuccessfully to build a Catholic Church. In 1876, Mr. and Mrs. John Cole, Sr. from Rileyville had Mass held regularly in their home.  When mission priests visited Mountain View School, people of all faiths crowded its hall to listen.

By 1912, Valley Catholics made the weekly 50 miles round trip to St. John the Baptist Church in Front Royal, Virginia, for Mass and the Sacraments. Rising as early as 3:00 to 4:00 A.M., they traveled by train, bus, or horse drawn hacks or buggies, prior to automobile use.

The Redemptorist Fathers, at the invitation of Bishop Ireton of Richmond, came to the Valley in 1951 to serve the 36 surveyed Catholics living in the 1,000 square foot miles area covering Luray, Grottoes, and Charlottesville. They founded the Elkton mission, but lacked a church and rectory in Luray. With to minimal finances, the first Masses were held in the Rotary Room, and later Room 1, of the Mimslyn Hotel. By special permission from Bishop Ireton, the Blessed Sacrament was reposed in Room 1, and a Chapel set up. CCD classes were held at the Page Valley Bank Building, and study clubs at parishioner’s homes, including those of John and Louise Vlkojan and Theresa Kopec, future co-founders of today’s Church.

 

Our Founders Speak

+ “Our little church at Luray is named after Our Lady Mary. May our valley remind her of her native hill country of Judea; may she intercede for us that God's love and blessing reach into our hearts and lives.”

 

--Quote from our Church Founders.

 

 

 

Source: Dedication of Our Lady of The Valley program. Luray, VA. October 31, 1954. 

 

Our Church Today (Part Three)

Our church, a mission church of the Elkton parish and the Richmond Diocese, was served by Redemptorist Father Robert Smith, who resided 27 miles south in Elkton and shared duties in both the Luray and Elkton parishes. As our church grew and also hosted many visitors, so did our need for a parish hall. On October 16, 1960, our new hall was dedicated by His Excellency Most Reverend John J. Russell, Bishop of Richmond. Our Church now seated 175 persons; and importantly, it provided a place for CCD, inquiry classes, socials, suppers, a church library and meetings of church organizations as The Holy Name Society, The Catholic Youth Council and The Ladies Altar Society. A kitchen, furnace room, rest rooms, and storage room were also added.

In 1968, with declined vocations, the Redemptorists were granted the requested relief of their duties in our area. Father Robert O. Hickman was appointed Pastor. Our Church’s open portico was enclosed in 1972, becoming today's vestibule. On November 25, 1973, our parish mortgage was retired. In 1974, our parish became part of the newly formed Arlington Diocese. Father Charles A. Ryan, who was serving the Elkton and Luray parishes, was appointed first resident pastor in 1976, as Luray became an independent parish. Father Ryan took residency in a newly built rectory on October 4, 1977. During the 1970’s, Father Ryan founded Page-One, an ecumenical outreach to the area’s needy.

We celebrated our Silver Jubilee in 1979, and since 1992, Franciscan Friars of the Third Order Regular have pastored our parish.  Many structural upgrades were done from 1996 to 1998. Our roof’s cross was moved to behind the statue of Mary, where a parishioner-made bench was added, inviting rest and prayer. Mounted atop our roof now was a white steeple with a cross. With great joy, we hailed our Fiftieth Anniversary year in 2004. Where now? In the same spirit and faith of our founders, we honor their legacy as we place our trust in Holy Church and Mary’s intercession.

 

Our Church is Dedicated (Part Two)

Starting in the 1950’s, Sisters of various Orders, assisted our parish, taught CCD, and conducted Religious Summer School. Two Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity first came in 1952, starting bonds of friendship and service which endured through the 1990’s. The Trinitarian Sisters of Philadelphia, and the Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary of Immaculata, Pennsylvania, also shared their efforts to further God’s work. Outreach missions were held from a trailer in Stanley by the Richmond Trailer Chapel Priests. Our numbers expanded to 186 Baptized Catholics, and determined, devoted parishioners were intent on having our own Church in Luray.

Church members began to seek property, and in 1953, with the help of Miss Theresa Kopec, ten acres of land was purchased from Maurice Waters of Luray. On June 3, 1954, Father Eugene Walsh, pastor of St. John’s in Waynesboro, blessed the site and turned the first dirt, and construction commenced immediately. Our Lady of The Valley was dedicated on October 31, 1954, presided over by His Excellency, the Most Reverend Peter L. Ireton, Bishop of Richmond, who also placed the cornerstone. Some 300 persons attended the Church Blessing, followed by the Missa Cantata, and a luncheon for 150 persons at the Mimslyn Hotel, coordinated by the Ladies Altar Society. The statue of our Patroness Mary, located in the churchyard, would be later blessed on December 8, 1954, by Father Eugene Walsh.

 

Our Founders Deeply Embraced Mary

Our Lady of the Valley…the name hints at a love for Mary. Indeed, our church has a strong foundational link to Marian devotion, which began under the title of Our Mother of Perpetual Help. We still pray for Mary's intercession under this title each Saturday after morning Mass.

The Redemptorists were entrusted in 1866 by Pope Pius IX with the Icon of Mary, Our Mother of Perpetual Help, and the commission to “make her known.” The Redemptorist Madonna was indeed made known here. In the words of our founders:

When men and women and children pray to the little Jewish maiden, the mother of Jesus--the mother of God, wonderful things happen. Cold hearts grow warm in love with God. They find His Commands easier to keep.

 

 

Historical Highlights

   33 - The Catholic Church is started by Jesus Christ the Lord, with St. Peter chosen as the first Pope.

 

1876 - Mass is held regularly in the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Cole, Sr. in Rileyville.

 

1912 - Valley Catholics travel by train, bus or buggies to Mass at St. John’s in Front Royal, VA.

 

1951- Redemptorist Fathers, at Bishop Ireton’s invitation, come to Valley and found the Elkton mission.

 

1951 - Mass held at Mimslyn Hotel, first in Rotary Room, then in Room1, and a Chapel started. Ladies’ Altar Society formed June 1951.

 

1952 - Sisters of various Orders assist the parish, some until the 1990's.

 

1953 - The “Trailer Chapel” priests hold outreach missions through 1955.

 

1953 - Ten acres of land is purchased to build new Church.

 

1954 - On June 3, 1954, Fr. Eugene Walsh turned the first dirt and construction begins.

 

1954 - Bishop Peter L. Ireton, Bishop of Richmond, dedicates Our Lady of The Valley on October 31, 1954, and places the cornerstone.

 

1954 - The statue of Mary, our Patroness, located in the churchyard and anonymously given to us by a New York donor, is blessed December 8, 1954, by Fr. Eugene Walsh.

 

1960 - New Parish Hall dedicated October 16, 1960. Other facilities also added. Parish hosts many visitors.

 

1968 - Redemptorists withdraw from the Valley. Parish is now run by Richmond Diocese.

 

1973 - Mortgage is retired November 25, 1973.

 

1974 - New Diocese of Arlington formed August 13, 1974. Bishop Thomas Jerome Welsh is installed as its first Bishop.

 

1976 - Fr. Charles A. Ryan becomes resident pastor of a now independent Luray parish.

          

1976 - Parish now has daily Mass, a Saturday Vigil and two Sunday Masses. Stained glass windows with Old and New Testament symbols installed.

 

1977 - Parish rectory built August 1977. Fr. Ryan founds Page-One, ecumenical outreach to the poor, in the 1970’s.

 

1979 - Silver Jubilee is celebrated October 31, 1979.

 

1983 - Knights of Columbus Council #8393 is formed under guidance of Fr. Eugene Neyer.

 

1992 - Parish now pastored by Franciscan Friars, Third Order Regular.

 

1996 - Many structural upgrades made to Church building from 1996 to 1998.

 

1999 - Father Christopher Lemme, T.O.R., named Pastor.

 

2004 - Fiftieth Anniversary celebrated October 31, 2004, presided over by Most Reverend Paul S. Loverde, Bishop of Arlington.

 

 

 

Major Sources for Parish History

1)  Dedication of Our Lady of The Valley program. October

31, 1954.

 

2)  Dedication of the Parish Hall program. October 16, 1960.

 

3)  Our Lady of the Valley Retirement of Mortgage program.

November 25, 1973.

 

4)  Our Lady of The Valley Silver Jubilee program. 1954-1979.

 

5)  History of Our Lady of The Valley by Fr. Andrew Draper, T.O.R. 1998.

 

6)  Our Lady of the Valley 50tthAnniversary program. 1954-

2004.

 

7)  “‘Our Lady of The Valley’ Brings Many to Luray.” Page

News and Courier. 11/5/1954.

 

8)  “New Catholic Hall To Be Blessed.” Page News and

Courier. 10/13/1960.

 

9)  “Strong Family Spirit Flourishes at Our Lady of the Valley.” Arlington Catholic Herald. 9/2/1993. (Parish Profiles)

 

10) “Our Lady of the Valley Has Very Involved Parishioners.” Arlington Catholic Herald. 5/30/2002. (Parish Profiles)

 

11) “Luray Catholics Mark 50 Years of Parish Life in the Valley.” Arlington Catholic Herald. 9/4/2004.

 

12) “Our Lady of the Valley marks 50 years.” Page News and Courier. 11/11/2004.

 

13) “Souvenir Folder: Our Lady of The Valley Catholic Church.” Pastor: Fr. Eugene Neyer.

 

 

Parish History Note

If any parishioner has pertinent information that may not have been considered for this parish history, please contact us. Thanks!

Photos

Our Lady of the Valley Parishioners

A group of parishioners gather for a picture near the side of the Church. (The photo is stamped "August 56".)

Fr. Clancy with Two Church Founders

Fr. James Clancy with two of Our Lady of the Valley's founders, Evelyn "Louise" and John W. Vlkojan. (The picture is dated 1958-60.)

Christmas Pageant

A full cast of children perform in the parish Christmas pageant. Our Lady of the Valley continues to have an annual pageant. (The picture's date is unknown.)

Fr. Lawrence Murphy

Fr. Lawrence Murphy, C.SS.R., who served Our Lady of the Valley from 1951-1953 and 1967-1968, stands in front of the Church with one of the Sisters who also assisted the parish. (The photo's date is 1952.)

Christmas Pageant

The children of Our Lady of the Valley perform a Christmas pageant. (The date of the picture in unknown.)

More News

Rich sticky notes

Diocesan Vocations Prayer

Heavenly Father, Lord of the harvest, call forth 
   vocations to the priesthood and consecrated 
   life from our diocese and our families. 

Inspire men to imitate Christ the Eternal High
   Priest in sacrificial service to Your Church.

Move the hearts of men and women to offer
   themselves wholly to You in poverty, chastity, 
   and obedience.

Send them as laborers for Your harvest. Inspire
   the faithful to support them with prayer and
   sacrifice.

Raise up holy families who foster openness 
   to Your call. We ask this through Christ, Our 
   Lord. Amen.

Mary Immaculate, pray for us. 
St. Thomas More, pray for us. 
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, pray for us.


Monthly Food Drive

The Ladies Council sponsors a monthly food collection, "Manna Sunday," to benefit Page One, on every Second Sunday. Please bring non-perishable items and place them in the Vestibule and the Annex bins. Thanks for your support!


Pope Francis' Prayer for the Jubilee

Lord Jesus Christ,

you have taught us to be merciful like the heavenly Father,

and have told us that whoever sees you sees Him.

Show us your face and we will be saved.

Your loving gaze freed Zacchaeus and Matthew from being enslaved by money;

the adulteress and Magdalene from seeking happiness only in created things;

made Peter weep after his betrayal,

and assured Paradise to the repentant thief.

Let us hear, as if addressed to each one of us, the words that you spoke to the Samaritan woman:

“If you knew the gift of God!”

 

You are the visible face of the invisible Father,

of the God who manifests his power above all by forgiveness and mercy:

let the Church be your visible face in the world, its Lord risen and glorified.

You willed that your ministers would also be clothed in weakness

in order that they may feel compassion for those in ignorance and error:

let everyone who approaches them feel sought after, loved, and forgiven by God.

 

Send your Spirit and consecrate every one of us with its anointing,

so that the Jubilee of Mercy may be a year of grace from the Lord,

and your Church, with renewed enthusiasm, may bring good news to the poor,

proclaim liberty to captives and the oppressed,

and restore sight to the blind.  

 

We ask this of you, Lord Jesus, through the intercession of Mary, Mother of

Mercy; you who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and

ever. Amen.


Photos

Rediscover the Sacrament of Reconciliation

During Lenten Wednesdays, Fr. Horkan will give talks on great American Catholics, from 6:30-7:15 P.M.; followed by Confessions from 7:15-8:00 P.M. See also, The Light is On for you at: www.thelightison.org

Links

Bookmarks

Catholic News Sources

Diocesan, USCCB and the Vatican

Prayers and Devotions

Pro-Life Resources

Catechetical Resources

Catholic Apps

Family Interests

Apostolates and Blogs

Older Youth/Young Adults

Women's Interest

Religious Liberty

Men's Interest

Loaves & Fishes

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The Backpack Program

Isn't Friday great?  For those of us who labor through the work week, it is a time to unwind and gear up for the weekend and Sunday worship.  

Imagine though that you are one of the more than 100 Luray Elementary students who don't know if there will be any one home to fix food for the weekend or even if there will be any food in the house.  

The Loaves and Fishes Backpack program is an interfaith outreach designed to provide nourishment to those needy children.  Parishioners from several of the local churches including Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church are helping to provide for these children.

It will cost about $180 to give a child food for the weekend for the school year.  You can get involved by donating to this program.  Give whatever you can give.  Place your donation, made out to "Loaves and Fishes," in the Sunday collection.  

 


Acknowledgements

Thanks to the many parishioners who have already donated to the backpacks program. Almost 20% of our parishioners have given or pledged to give money to the cause. Others have volunteered to pack and still others offer prayers for our success.  Thank you all.

 


 

Contacts

For more information, to get involved, or to donate, contact:

Burrous Snellings

540-778-2616

 

or, Hollie Vile

446 Westlu Dr.

Luray VA  22835

540-860-1435

Photos

Starting Line-up

Mrs. Dean gets the ball rolling in the assembly process at our first night of packing.

Clean-up

Lots of recycling to do!

First Packing

Finishing Touches

Making sure every pack has the proper number of items, Hollie and June put the finishing touches to the backpacks.