First Sunday of Lent
February 21, 2021
“This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” (Mt. 1:15)
In this edition:
Lenten highlights, Black History Month celebrations, Cathedral Music & Book Club
Cardinal Gregory on the Today Show!
St. Mark in Sunday's Gospel tells us that, before heading for Galilee to proclaim the kingdom of God, Jesus spends forty days in the desert among 'wild beasts' and angels. Our own struggles―both interior and exterior―may seem similarly intense. So let's start close in this Lent, with prayer―the primary means of our relationship-building with God, and the subject of our first Lenten talk this Tuesday, February 23.

In your prayers this week, please remember all the sick of the parish, including Gloria Harrington and Bill Largess who have asked for our prayers, and pray for the repose of the souls of Paul Griffin and Alfonso Aybar.
Sunday Masses

7am (English) | 10am (English) 
1pm (Spanish) | *5:30pm (English)
*5:30pm Mass interpreted for the deaf
All Masses are open to the public, with maximum capacity of 150 persons.
Reservations not taken
Online Offertory options:
Livestreamed Masses
10am (English) 
Msgr. Jameson, celebrant

1pm (Spanish)
Fr. John Benson, celebrant
Lenten Highlights

In addition to the upcoming special Lenten offerings below (click on the images for more information), Confession is available by appointment (and on several Sundays of Lent after the 1pm Spanish Mass). You also are invited to pray for a seminarian this Lent - visit the Archdiocese of Washington Virtual Vocations Tree sponsored by St. John Neumann Parish, choose a seminarian, and download his prayer card (cards are in English and Spanish). Make it a Lenten offering to pray for the men called by God to serve the Church of Washington.

Check out Lenten webpage for a full listing of Lenten events in in English and in Spanish.
Black History Month

The Black Family. In honor of Black History Month, our parish will cohost with St. Augustine Catholic Church a virtual celebration of the Resilience of the Black Family, and the Importance of Art in Spirituality, on Sunday, February 21 at 2:30pm. The featured speaker is Dr. Akili R. Anderson, a local African American artist and professor of visual art at Howard University. Contact Lydia Clegg for details.

The Road to Sainthood. Join St. Matthew's Hospitality Committee online on Sunday, February 28 at 11:30am for a lively, one-hour discussion and sharing on the lives of Black saints and those on the road to sainthood. Check our website for details, available shortly. View the flier.
Great Organ Music
David Lang on the Great Organ. Join us on Sunday, February 21 at 3:30pm for an afternoon recital by David Lang, free and open to the public, and livestreamed on the Cathedral YouTube channel. Featured composers include Johann Sebastian Bach, Pietro Yon, Felix Mendelssohn, Ralph Vaughan Williams, William Mathias, Maurice Duruflé, and Louis Vierne. Social distancing and face coverings are required in the Cathedral. Contact Thomas Stehle, Pastoral Associate for Liturgy and Director of Music Ministries, for more information.
"To Heaven and Back" with the Book Club
Fr. Jack Hurley leads a discussion of the work of nonfiction, "To Heaven and Back," by Mary C. Neal, MD, on Thursday, February 25 from 7 to 8pm via Zoom. Email Fr. Hurley for the Zoom link. This book is sub-titled “A Doctor’s Extraordinary Account of Her Death, Heaven, Angels, and Life Again.” While there are similar works describing similar occurrences, "To Heaven and Back" presents a unique narrative of her background, the experience, and follow-up by one with both a religious and medical background.
Quick Links for the Week
Msgr. Jameson sprinkles ashes on Cardinal Gregory at the 12:10pm Ash Wednesday Mass. Click above for more photos of that Mass.

On Monday, February 15, Cardinal Gregory was interviewed by Al Roker for the Today Show, speaking about his experiences of racism and his faith and ministry. Watch the interview. Read more.