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June 13, 2021
June 6, 2021
May 30, 2021












 

Our Archbishop and Cardinal-designate Wilton Gregory asked us, pastors, to share his message with each of you after the Report on Ex-Cardinal and former priest Theodore McCarrick was released. Let us pray for all the victims of abuse, our archdiocese and the whole church.
Stay safe and God bless,

Fr. Andy

Statement from Cardinal-designate Gregory
As Archbishop of Washington I naturally began reading the long and difficult report on the Vatican’s investigation of Theodore McCarrick with a keen personal interest in how our beleaguered Archdiocese would be portrayed. Almost immediately, though, as anxious as I had been to learn what might be revealed about this local Church I have come to love so much, I realized this was exactly the wrong approach. 
In the end, this tragic chronicle is not primarily about individual dioceses. It is about unconscionable human violation and the pain that too many people endured at the hands of a deceitful man who only pretended to want what was best for them in order to get what he wanted for himself. Further, it is about leaders – Catholic leaders – who upon their ordination promised our Heavenly Father that they would always put His precious people first; yet, through failures of competence, communication and culture, they seem to have completely mismanaged what they came to know about this devious man. 
The Vatican’s report demands to be viewed through the eyes of the survivors and their loved ones without prejudice to where they may have first encountered Theodore McCarrick or where they may be today. As has happened too often in recent history, it revealed to me and to you dark corners of our Church of which I am deeply ashamed and profoundly angry - again. It pushed into sunlight a culture that has too often served not to build up our cherished Catholic Church – Jesus Christ’s greatest Gift to us – but to undermine it, far beyond the amoral ecclesiastical tenure of a single fallen cleric. Those of us in leadership have too often failed to understand, to acknowledge, to respond to, and to prevent the damage done to our innocent faithful – minors and adults.
In the report there were mercifully no revelations of sexual abuse alleged to have been perpetrated in this Archdiocese, and while I am of course grateful for that, it provides little comfort. I promise you with all my heart that our vigilance in the Archdiocese of Washington will continue – we will support the healing of those who have been harmed, our protocols for reporting and responding to these crimes will continue unabated and with renewed vigor, our safe environment efforts on behalf of those of every age will reflect the very best practices available. 
Even so, as I read the Vatican text I felt such deep sorrow for those who should have been able to rely on the ministers of Christ’s Church to protect and respect them. Instead they found themselves abused by a man who may have been outwardly charming and gregarious, but who allowed himself to be motivated by his own sinful gratification rather than the diametrically opposite Gospel call to go and make disciples for Jesus Christ. For a priest of His Church there can be no greater failing, except possibly to be aware of such incongruity and, in response, do nothing.
Persons who communicated anonymously about McCarrick’s behavior must have feared retribution from the structures and persons that shielded him. When harm is being done in the Name of the Holy Catholic Church, one must never again feel constrained to come forward and speak out. Pope Francis has already put into place procedures designed to uncover the truth in such cases of clerical and hierarchical wrongdoing.
The Church has taken a step forward, albeit much delayed, in looking honestly at both this particular case and at the future of ecclesial accountability. How large and how enduring a step remains to be proven to the countless people we have disappointed. There are challenges to our integrity that must be overcome before we can move forward, and yet paradoxically it seems we can’t move meaningfully forward until that integrity is restored. This will require time and transparency, contrition and commitment, prayer and reconciliation, authenticity and humility. I humbly beg for God’s Mercy for myself and for my brothers in the episcopacy. I implore our Heavenly Father to shower His Grace upon all whose faith has been tested too often by what we have done and what we have failed to do.
Oh my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because of Thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen.

I am sincerely yours in Christ, 
Wilton Cardinal-designate Gregory
Archbishop of Washington

 

Dear St. Vincent’s Family,

I pray that you are all doing well. It is with great joy that I bring you this following update...
 
Below is the updated Covid-19 Liturgical Guidelines that we received from the archdiocese.

The following revisions modify the “Public Celebration of Mass and Holy Communion Outside of Mass” guidelines issued May 14, 2020 and revised October 15, 2020. These modifications take into account the following:

  *  The increasing percentage of residents who have received the vaccination, particularly those in the age demographic who are at highest risk of contracting Covid-19;

  *  The low positivity rate and declining hospitalization rates locally;

  *  The recent Executive Orders by Maryland Governor Larry Hogan on March 9, 2021 lifting capacity restrictions in houses of worship along with his May 14, 2021 Order revising the State mandate regarding wearing masks indoors; and the corresponding Executive Order by District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser, dated May 17, 2021;

  *  The recent guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding the cleaning and disinfection of public spaces, the recommended social distancing of 3 feet in K-12 schools, and the lifting of certain restrictions for fully vaccinated people;

  *  The continuing guidance and orders from State and local health departments regarding masking, cleaning, and social distancing.

Based upon the above, below are the updated revisions to the “Public Celebration of Mass and Holy Communion Outside of Mass” guidelines. Please note that these guidelines are also applicable to other parish liturgical events such as weddings, funerals and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

Health and Hygiene Considerations

  *  Liturgical celebrations no longer need to abide by capacity restrictions, except for Montgomery County where a 75% capacity restriction is in place (which is set to expire on May 28 when the county will follow the other jurisdictions).

  *  The use of masks while gathered indoors is not required for fully vaccinated individuals and is recommended for non-vaccinated individuals, except for: (1) Prince George’s County, which still requires masks to be worn indoors by vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals; and (2) Montgomery County, which requires masks to be worn indoors by non-vaccinated individuals (which is set to expire on May 28 when the county will follow the other jurisdictions). There is no requirement to check vaccination status.

  *  The use of masks by ordinary and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion while distributing Holy Communion, vaccinated and non-vaccinated, is still required during the distribution.

  *  Social distancing is still required between individuals from separate households for indoor gatherings. However, pastors are permitted to reduce this social distancing to 3 feet for indoor celebrations (which may allow the use of all rows) if they feel it would be beneficial. Pastors may choose to set aside a section of the church that maintains 6-foot distancing for those who wish to maintain more social distancing. Please note that Montgomery County still maintains a 6-foot social distancing mandate between individuals from different households, which is set to expire on May 28.

  *  Parishes are to continue to have hand sanitizer available at all of the entrance of churches.

  *  Cleaning and disinfecting after every liturgical celebration is no longer required unless a person with a confirmed or suspected Covid-19 case is known to have been in an indoor space, per CDC guidelines, cleaning with ordinary soap and water once per day is sufficient to remove viruses that may be on surfaces and help maintain a healthy facility. However, such shared indoor spaces must be disinfected at least once a week in addition to being cleaned once a day. If a person with a positive Covid-19 case is known to have been in an indoor space, cleaning and disinfection must occur immediately.

Preparation of Ministers

Musical accompaniment at Mass or other liturgical celebrations may employ a cantor and organist or pianist, or even a small musical ensemble of no more than 4 singers. However, the decision on whether to use a small ensemble must factor in the need for enhanced social distancing (greater than 3 feet) from each other and as separate as possible from the congregation. If the ensemble and/or cantor is located in front of the congregation, enhanced social distancing must be observed and/or the use of plastic barriers. Hymns and sung Mass parts are allowed.

Preparation of the Church

  *  Baptismal fonts and Holy Water stoups may be used. Hand sanitizer must be available in close proximity to permit the cleansing of hands. Fonts and stoups are to be cleaned regularly, following proper protocols for handling Holy Water.

  *  Hard copy bulletins and other printed liturgical materials may be used.

Guidance for the Celebration of Mass

  *  Procession at the beginning of Mass and recession at the end of Mass may be restored.

  *  The celebrant is welcome to greet the parishioners after Mass, but shaking hands should be avoided.

  *  The offertory Procession of the Gifts may be restored.

  *  The Sign of Peace should be restored with the use of a gesture, such as a bow or wave, but shaking of hands should be avoided.

  *  The distribution of the Precious Blood remains suspended until further notice.

  *  The use of masks while distributing Holy Communion is still required (as noted earlier), as is the requirement to sanitize one’s hands prior to the distribution of Holy Communion and if one’s hand touches the hand of the communicant. Holy Communion on the tongue continues to be discouraged, but pastors may make provisions for those who would like to receive on the tongue (the use of separate lines, receiving at the end of the communion line, etc.). If a minister distributes Holy Communion on the tongue, he or she should still sanitize his or her hands after the distribution to each individual on the tongue.

Please note: The Bishops of the region will be meeting to discuss additional modifications that will be communicated to you within the next week.

For further information, please visit the Archdiocesan website at the link below:
 adw.org/coronavirus 
 
Please be patient with us and with each other as we work together to implement this plan. Understand that we will make any changes deemed necessary to assure the safety of those attending, while doing our best to make the sacraments available and reverent.
 
May the peace of God dwell richly in your homes and neighborhoods.
 
Stay safe and God bless you all,
 
Fr. Andy

Easter 2021

Dear Parishioners, Visitors and Friends,
God’s peace and blessings be upon you as we celebrate this Easter. May the Risen Lord strengthen your faith, renew your hope and fill your heart with love.

All throughout the year and especially during the Lenten season that just ended, we certainly were all praying and hoping that the pandemic will finally end and that we could freely gather together as family and as a community around the altar to celebrate the Holy Triduum and especially Easter without any restrictions or fears of the coronavirus. Alas, it still lingers and we don’t know when it will finally end.

Despite of everything, and especially on this Easter day, we need to focus on what doesn’t change, that is, God never stops loving us. He will never stop to help and give us strength. Therefore, we are being called to boldly rise to this challenge of keeping our faith and community alive, and drawing others to faith, in light of all that is happening around us. I personally believe that every crisis in our lives and in our world is an open door to show God’s love and mercy. While the current environment around us is one of fear, let us trust that God is in control. Now, more than ever, is an opportunity for us all believers in the Risen Lord to outshine the darkness.

On this Easter Sunday, we therefore shout with joy and celebrate even within the confines of our homes with our families, thanking Him for the gift of our salvation. We also praise Him for his protection and for the gift of life he has given us. We pray for all our brothers and sisters who are sick and are having difficulties; those who are grieving for the loss of a loved one. And we pray for the repose of the souls of those who have gone before us.  In joy, in sorrow and in pain, the Risen Lord is with us, tightly embracing us.

In closing, I am sincerely and deeply grateful for your generosity and all your support for our parish. Even and despite of all your difficulties, you continue to send your contributions. May our Lord reward you a hundredfold. For those who are able to come back and worship with us in person, I thank you so much. For those who are still hesitant and are feeling uncomfortable, we understand and respect you and know that you are united with us in prayers and in spirit.

Happy Easter to all of you and may He bless you now and forever.

Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Andy

Christmas 2020

Dear Parishioners and Friends,
 
“In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways… In these last days, he has spoken to us through the Son” (Hebrews 1:1-2).

Christmas provides a unique opportunity each year for us all to re-focus. Not only are we reminded of the awe-inspiring, world-changing, life-altering gift that is Jesus; but we are also reminded of our need for this Jesus to heal us in our brokenness. That is indeed why he came, wasn’t it?

With deep joy and gratitude, I extend to you my prayerful best wishes for a holy and blessed Christmas. During this Advent Season, it has been my prayer that each of you would find opportunities to reflect on your own faith and relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and His Church. Whatever it is that our hearts and souls desire, whether we realize it or not, our ultimate desire is Jesus Himself, for this reason, we are filled with joy and consolation at Christmas to know that all that we hoped for has been fulfilled in the person of the Christ Child.

As we are all aware, the global spread of the coronavirus, COVID-19, has become a central topic of discussion and concern for many of us this 2020. It has caused us to think about the things we take for granted and to rethink how we go about the practices of our daily lives. In the church, this pandemic has caused us to consider new ways to approach what have been longstanding practices and traditions.
COVID-19 does not appear to be ending soon, even with the vaccine now approved. Be careful. Be cautious. Be wise and practical in what you do. But do not live in fear. What I fear, more than COVID-19, is that we will forget who we are and to whom we belong. We need to step back and stay centered and remember and remind each other that we belong to Christ.

In the midst of all our current challenges and concerns, the love of God the Father is made manifest to us in the wonderful gift of His Son, Jesus, the Emmanuel, the God-with-us. With the angels in Bethlehem, our faith moves us to sing: “Glory to God in the highest and peace to His people on earth!”

With sincere gratitude for all you have been and done and will continue to be to grace St. Vincent de Paul parish, I hold you in my heart and in my prayer this Christmas season, asking God to bless you and your family with peace, joy, hope and love. Together, may we grow in strength and grace to know and celebrate together God’s presence in our lives and His dominion over all things of this world. Let this pandemic not lead us to forget what is essential in our lives.

May our Lord Jesus Christ, born in Bethlehem, bless you, your families and loved ones at this blessed time of hope and grace. May Mary, the Mother of the Child Jesus and our Mother, watch over you and our beloved parish family always. God bless you now and forever.

A Blessed Christmas and a Hope-filled New Year!

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Andy Gonzalo


Thanksgiving 2020

Dear Parish Family,

Happy Thanksgiving! "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever" (Psalm 136:1).
Today is the day we set aside to express thanks for all that is in our lives. Even when things aren’t going so well, there’s so much to be thankful for. Yes, there is so much bad news arriving daily from around the world and right here in our home; there is this Covid-19 pandemic that have destabilize our lives, but even in the midst of all this bad news, we can give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!  Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.  Let us pray for our country, pray for our church and civil leaders, pray for peace in the streets, pray for the doctors, nurses, hospital aids, pray for the workers in grocery stores, delivery personnel and those who serve and protect us both at home and abroad, pray for our families and friends; but in our prayers, let us not neglect to give thanks to the God from whom all blessings flow.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).
We have so much to be thankful for. This world may be scary at times, but God has promised to never leave us nor forsake us.  He said, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9). After all, he is our King as we have just celebrated last Sunday. In a recent general audience our Holy Father emphasized the virtue of hope, “in the face of the pandemic and its social consequences, many risk losing hope. In this time of uncertainty and anguish, I invite everyone to welcome the gift of hope that comes from Christ. It is he who helps us navigate the tumultuous waters of sickness, death and injustice, which do not have the last word over our final destination.”
This Thanksgiving, I am thankful to God for each of you!  It is a joy and a privilege to be your pastor, and most especially to be your brother in Christ and serve alongside of you in the name of Christ. Together, may our service to the Lord "overflow in many thanksgivings to God"              (2 Corinthians 9:12)!
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Stay safe always and God bless you and your family. Respectfully yours in Christ,

Fr. Andy Gonzalo


May 1, 2020

Dear St. Vincent de Paul Parish Family,
Happy Easter!
During this time of uncertainty and anxiety, I pray that you and your loved ones are safe and healthy. This crisis challenges us to act responsibly by following the social isolation guidelines while striving to stay close emotionally and spiritually to our families, our friends and our communities. Please join me in praying for those affected by COVID-19, as well as our first responders, health care workers and individuals who have lost income due to precautionary closures.
I also want to take a moment to thank you for your past generosity to our St. Vincent de Paul Parish. We could not operate without your support.  
With Masses across the Archdiocese canceled, our traditional manner for collecting offertory is not available to us. However, the costs of running the parish continue and planning for renewed activities once we re-unite in person goes on. 
I prayerfully ask you to consider continuing your support for our parish and the good works of our faith. Online giving for both the weekly offertory and other important collections is quick and easy by visiting our website.  You can also send checks and/or your weekly envelopes directly to St. Vincent de Paul Church at 14 M St. SE, Washington, DC 20003 and I want to express my sincere gratitude to those who are already doing.
As a community, we stand together and are there for each other during this time of need. Thank you for your continued generosity to further the mission of our faith!
Please continue to pray for each other, as I continue to pray for you. I live stream my daily mass from Monday to Friday at 12:10PM and my Sunday mass at 10:00AM. You can participate by going to Facebook https://www.facebook.com/andygonzalo.
 
Sincerely in Christ,
 
Fr. Andy Gonzalo

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Thank you to all our generous donors for supporting the tiling of the Sanctuary. The Sanctuary tiling has been completed, and we are now resuming our masses back in the main Church upstairs. The Church is in continued need for additional improvements, so we humbly welcome your support and donations to help our parish, with opportunities linked below. 

St Vincent de Paul is continuing its process of doing much needed repairs and upgrades.  Our decades-old carpet needs replacing.  We can replace the carpet with tile which will last a lifetime but we need your help. For $225 you can have your name, family’s, or someone else’s memorialized on our giving tree.  You can donate via check with marking it for the tile or online at https://stvincentdepauldc.org/give.  You can fill out your leaf on this form.  Thank you and God bless.
 

Update: 12/8/2018: For years, there had been no statue of our Patron Saint in our church until we got one from Fr. Pawel Sass last year. Today, we finally got our own thanks much to the generosity of our donors. Many thanks too to Gardiner Hall and Associates who found this for us.Our parish depends on the generosity of all of you as we try to repair and restore our church.May St. Vincent de Paul pray for all of us.