Catholic Diocese of Richmond

Search Parishes

WP_Query Object
(
    [query] => Array
        (
            [post_type] => post
            [post_status] => publish
            [posts_per_page] => -1
            [paged] => 1
            [orderby] => date
            [order] => DESC
            [category__in] => Array
                (
                    [0] => 28
                )

        )

    [query_vars] => Array
        (
            [post_type] => post
            [post_status] => publish
            [posts_per_page] => -1
            [paged] => 1
            [orderby] => date
            [order] => DESC
            [category__in] => Array
                (
                    [0] => 28
                )

            [error] => 
            [m] => 
            [p] => 0
            [post_parent] => 
            [subpost] => 
            [subpost_id] => 
            [attachment] => 
            [attachment_id] => 0
            [name] => 
            [pagename] => 
            [page_id] => 0
            [second] => 
            [minute] => 
            [hour] => 
            [day] => 0
            [monthnum] => 0
            [year] => 0
            [w] => 0
            [category_name] => bishop-statements
            [tag] => 
            [cat] => 28
            [tag_id] => 
            [author] => 
            [author_name] => 
            [feed] => 
            [tb] => 
            [meta_key] => 
            [meta_value] => 
            [preview] => 
            [s] => 
            [sentence] => 
            [title] => 
            [fields] => 
            [menu_order] => 
            [embed] => 
            [category__not_in] => Array
                (
                )

            [category__and] => Array
                (
                )

            [post__in] => Array
                (
                )

            [post__not_in] => Array
                (
                )

            [post_name__in] => Array
                (
                )

            [tag__in] => Array
                (
                )

            [tag__not_in] => Array
                (
                )

            [tag__and] => Array
                (
                )

            [tag_slug__in] => Array
                (
                )

            [tag_slug__and] => Array
                (
                )

            [post_parent__in] => Array
                (
                )

            [post_parent__not_in] => Array
                (
                )

            [author__in] => Array
                (
                )

            [author__not_in] => Array
                (
                )

            [search_columns] => Array
                (
                )

            [ignore_sticky_posts] => 
            [suppress_filters] => 
            [cache_results] => 1
            [update_post_term_cache] => 1
            [update_menu_item_cache] => 
            [lazy_load_term_meta] => 1
            [update_post_meta_cache] => 1
            [nopaging] => 1
            [comments_per_page] => 50
            [no_found_rows] => 
        )

    [tax_query] => WP_Tax_Query Object
        (
            [queries] => Array
                (
                    [0] => Array
                        (
                            [taxonomy] => category
                            [terms] => Array
                                (
                                    [0] => 28
                                )

                            [field] => term_id
                            [operator] => IN
                            [include_children] => 
                        )

                )

            [relation] => AND
            [table_aliases:protected] => Array
                (
                    [0] => wp_term_relationships
                )

            [queried_terms] => Array
                (
                    [category] => Array
                        (
                            [terms] => Array
                                (
                                    [0] => 28
                                )

                            [field] => term_id
                        )

                )

            [primary_table] => wp_posts
            [primary_id_column] => ID
        )

    [meta_query] => WP_Meta_Query Object
        (
            [queries] => Array
                (
                )

            [relation] => 
            [meta_table] => 
            [meta_id_column] => 
            [primary_table] => 
            [primary_id_column] => 
            [table_aliases:protected] => Array
                (
                )

            [clauses:protected] => Array
                (
                )

            [has_or_relation:protected] => 
        )

    [date_query] => 
    [request] => SELECT   wp_posts.*
					 FROM wp_posts  LEFT JOIN wp_term_relationships ON (wp_posts.ID = wp_term_relationships.object_id)
					 WHERE 1=1  AND ( 
  wp_term_relationships.term_taxonomy_id IN (28)
) AND wp_posts.post_type = 'post' AND ((wp_posts.post_status = 'publish')) AND wp_posts.ID NOT IN (103237) 
					 GROUP BY wp_posts.ID
					 ORDER BY wp_posts.post_date DESC
					 
    [posts] => Array
        (
            [0] => WP_Post Object
                (
                    [ID] => 139533
                    [post_author] => 112
                    [post_date] => 2025-01-21 15:53:06
                    [post_date_gmt] => 2025-01-21 20:53:06
                    [post_content] => January 21, 2025

Throughout our Commonwealth, many have been following closely the intense and rapidly moving debates on resolutions proposing to amend Virginia’s constitution by adding an extreme and deadly “right to abortion” amendment (HJ 1/SJ 247), repealing the one-man/one-woman marriage provision approved by Virginia voters in 2006 (HJ 9/SJ 249), and guaranteeing the restoration of voting rights to all who have completed their sentences (HJ 2/SJ 248). These resolutions are the first step in the two-year process required to amend our state’s constitution.

Last week, the House passed all three resolutions. Earlier today, the Senate passed each of them as well. In our previous statement in November on the unusual fast-track actions the House Privileges and Elections Committee took on these measures, we accentuated our opposition to the abortion expansion and marriage redefinition amendments. We conveyed our support of the voting rights amendment.

Of utmost priority, we once again express our alarm and dismay at the aggressive pursuit of enshrining a “right” to abortion in Virginia’s constitution by majorities in the House and Senate. This resolution is extreme, radical, deadly, and tragically misguided. It would expand our Commonwealth’s already very permissive abortion laws and allow virtually unlimited abortion at any stage of pregnancy. We again implore all lawmakers to work instead for policies that affirm the life and dignity of every mother and every child.

Through the Virginia Catholic Conference email advocacy network, thousands of Catholics across Virginia sent messages to their legislators asking them to vote against the abortion expansion and marriage redefinition measures, and in favor of restoring voting rights. Thank you for being faithful citizens. Your voices are vital and will be needed at every stage in this long-term fight for the values we cherish and the lives these measures impact, especially the lives of those who have no voice but ours.

 

###

[post_title] => Statement by Bishop Burbidge and Bishop Knestout on House and Senate Floor Votes on Proposed Constitutional Amendments [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => statement-by-bishop-burbidge-and-bishop-knestout-on-house-and-senate-floor-votes-on-proposed-constitutional-amendments [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-01-23 08:39:15 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-01-23 13:39:15 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=139533 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [1] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 139115 [post_author] => 112 [post_date] => 2024-11-13 15:04:34 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-11-13 20:04:34 [post_content] => November 13, 2023 Today, the House Privileges and Elections Committee took the unusual step of fast-tracking three proposals to amend Virginia’s constitution. The committee voted to advance an extreme “right to abortion” amendment, an amendment to repeal the one-man/one-woman marriage provision, and an amendment to restore voting rights. These actions send the measures to the House floor for votes at or near the beginning of the 2025 General Assembly session. Adding a “right” to abortion in Virginia’s constitution would enshrine a fundamental tragedy, not a fundamental right. Alarmingly, this proposed policy appears to allow virtually unlimited abortion at any stage of pregnancy. We are especially concerned that this measure could quite possibly endanger Virginia’s parental consent law and its prohibition against partial-birth abortion, and may very well foreclose the possibility of any future measure to protect babies from abortion. Rather than further expanding our Commonwealth’s already very permissive abortion laws, we urge all lawmakers to work instead for policies that affirm the life and dignity of every mother and every child. We also oppose the effort to remove the constitutional provision regarding marriage that Virginia voters approved in 2006. We affirm the dignity of every person, and we affirm too that marriage is exclusively the union of one man and one woman. Marriage was created by God with an original design and purpose that each of us is called to preserve and that predates any nation, religion or law. We continue our consistent support of the initiative to ensure that all people who have completed their sentences will have their voting rights restored. This is currently the policy in the vast majority of states. Moreover, it reflects the teaching of faithful citizenship that each person should participate fully in the political process. The process to amend Virginia’s constitution is multi-year and involves numerous steps. We must all be vigilant about the actions that are taking place now and those we anticipate may occur in the future. Though the election season has ended, our deep engagement in decisions that go to the heart of who we are and what we value must continue with determination and zeal.

###

  Read the statement on the Virginia Catholic Conference website [post_title] => Statement by Bishop Burbidge and Bishop Knestout on Actions by House Privileges and Elections Committee [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => statement-by-bishop-burbidge-and-bishop-knestout-on-actions-by-house-privileges-and-elections-committee [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-11-13 15:05:30 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-11-13 20:05:30 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=139115 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [2] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 139075 [post_author] => 112 [post_date] => 2024-11-07 14:46:04 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-11-07 19:46:04 [post_content] => November 7, 2024 As has been noted in Catholic media, for some months, the USCCB has been in a process for revising and updating the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. Some might ask, why is a revision to the Charter even necessary? Does this make any real difference? Hasn’t the initial charter been effective in overcoming the concerns of abuse by clergy and others in the Church - or not? If so, why make any changes to it? Isn’t it good as it is? But much has occurred since 2002, when the Charter was first promulgated, and the Church has had to sadly revisit the crisis on a number of occasions, as we did in 2018. What has become clearer is that the problem of the abuse of minors and the vulnerable is a much greater one than just among the clergy in the U.S. There are problems in many cultures, and nations, worldwide. There has long been a crisis of the abuse of minors in the secular world, in athletic and scouting organizations, in schools and in families, as much as there has been in the Church. The Church has set in place infrastructure, policies, codes of conduct, review boards, and audits to ensure that our youth ministry programs, and catechetical ministries are safe and trustworthy. Some even point out that the Church has made enormous progress in strengthening the environment for the protection of minors and young people, much more than many other institutions have elsewhere. [caption id="attachment_139123" align="alignright" width="400"] Bishop Barry Knestout delivers his homily at the Mass for Hope and Healing[/caption] At the same time, the nature of abuse, and the vulnerability of youth, is such that we can never become complacent or be assured the problem is addressed. There is always more that can be done. Vigilance is needed to ensure that the policies and practices in place are observed. So, it makes sense, after 20 years, that the charter should be reviewed and updated to take into consideration all that has been experienced and learned over recent years, to ensure that this matter does not fade from our attention or concern. Our readings today remind us of additional ecclesial and ministerial reasons for remaining vigilant. First, we are in communion with one another as a Church. We are one body, many members. This ecclesial communion means that whatever affects the least among us affects us all. It may seem that things that affect a few people distant from our experience have little to do with us. It is easy to believe that it is another’s concern, especially those in leadership or administration, but not ours. But, we know that there is a profound connection between all of us in the body of Christ. This spiritual connection means that none of us can be complacent or dismissive. When the least among us are injured, we are all affected and saddened. The whole Church is injured and all our good work in ministry and evangelization is jeopardized. All of us as a Church have a role in supporting the efforts of God’s People to remain holy, honorable, and dedicated in all our actions and ministries. The best approach is what St. Paul indicates in the Letter to the Romans, that we each approach our life as disciples, with co-responsibility, working toward the good and wellbeing of the Church and all its members. We do so with a sober seriousness, with honesty, and a realistic readiness to admit faults, to guard against weakness and sin, to seek grace, and to strive for holiness and perfection in all we do, most especially in our relationships with the young and vulnerable. In this way, we become those who speak and foster peace. The Psalm response says that the “Lord speaks of peace to His people.” He does so in the Scripture and through the life of the Church, because so many are not at peace, but suffer anxiety and fear from the experience of abuse, causing injury. So many are burdened by the experience of injury and injustice. It is even more shameful and offensive if this peace is disrupted by those within the community of faith. The Church is a place that is called to be the voice of God bringing peace to hearts and comfort to the ill and wounded, not be the cause of injustice or injury. The Gospel reminds us of the great commandment. Here Jesus plumbs the depths of the “Shema Israel,” the daily, repeated prayer of God’s people, to love God with all their heart, mind, soul, and strength, and to love our neighbor as our selves. Jesus, in His Paschal Mystery, is the fulfillment and perfection of this commandment, He lays down His life for His friends. Even more profoundly, He lays down His life for sinners and even those who are our enemies. The Gospel makes clear that the root of this communion of love, is readiness to sacrifice everything for the good of the other. This is the communication of love. God shares His life with us. He calls us into intimate union with Him, firstly, in the sacraments, in the life of the Church, and perfectly for all eternity in the life of beatitude in heaven. This intimacy and peace in the Spirit, is the fruit of justice, truth, and the trust that is built from the evidence of sacrificial love. Abuse breaks these goods. It deceives, it hides from and avoids the truth, it violates intimacy, it breaks trust. The remedy is always available to us. We experience the remedy by returning to these goods, with gentleness and persistence. What seems impossible for us, is always possible for God. So, we turn firmly toward the Lord. We ask His forgiveness for our faults, and the ways we have failed to live the love to which we are called. We ask God’s grace to begin again, with firm purpose and amendment, with commitment in word and action. We do so with a readiness to constantly show our commitment and determination, in acts of charity and justice, for the young and all our vulnerable or wounded brothers and sisters, all who are united with us as children of God.  

###

[post_title] => Bishop Barry C. Knestout’s Homily at the Mass for Hope and Healing - 11/06/24 [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => bishop-barry-c-knestouts-homily-at-the-mass-for-hope-and-healing-11-06-24 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-11-13 16:12:28 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-11-13 21:12:28 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=139075 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [3] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 139036 [post_author] => 112 [post_date] => 2024-11-04 10:54:11 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-11-04 15:54:11 [post_content] => November 1, 2024
WASHINGTON – Earlier this week, the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors released its first Annual Report on Church Policies and Procedures for SafeguardingBishop Barry C. Knestout of Richmond, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on the Protection of Children and Young People, issued a statement welcoming the information highlighted in the report. “The Commission’s report underscores the importance that our Holy Father has placed on fighting the scourge of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church globally. I am grateful to the work of the Commission in its call for the Church to be in solidarity with survivors as we continue to build a culture of accountability, prevention, reconciliation and healing. The work of the Commission has been enriched through the leadership of its president, Cardinal Seán O’Malley who has brought his pastoral experience and insight in responding to the sexual abuse crisis in the Church in the United States. “The painful experiences and the betrayal of trust suffered by survivors of abuse continuously calls us to fight the grave sin of sexual abuse and create and enforce effective policies to keep young people and vulnerable adults safe in the life and activity of the Church. Here in the United States, the Catholic Church has had a comprehensive set of child protection standards that dioceses and eparchies have committed to follow since 2002. But we are keenly aware that even one instance of sexual abuse is too many, and the Church’s commitment to transparency and accountability as emphasized in the report is central in our commitment to accompany survivors of abuse in their healing journey. “May the survivors of clergy abuse, their families, and all those who accompany them in the path towards healing experience Christ’s profound love and healing grace.”   Read Catholic News Service’s story on the safeguarding report here.

###

Media Contact:
202-541-3200
[post_title] => Bishop Knestout Welcomes Report on Safeguarding from Vatican’s Commission for the Protection of Minors [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => bishop-knestout-welcomes-report-on-safeguarding-from-vaticans-commission-for-the-protection-of-minors [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-11-04 10:56:12 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-11-04 15:56:12 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=139036 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [4] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 138784 [post_author] => 112 [post_date] => 2024-10-02 16:34:37 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-10-02 20:34:37 [post_content] => October 2, 2024 RICHMOND, VA. - Many of you have watched, as I have, the heartbreaking images of the effects of Hurricane Helene as it made landfall in Florida and tore a wide path of destruction across the Southeast U.S., including in our neighboring dioceses of Charlotte and Knoxville, and our own diocesan areas in Southwest Virginia. These images tell a potent story of the devastating and mighty power of nature. As officials continue to assess the true extent of the losses, I encourage you to pray for those who lost their lives, as well as their families who are grieving. I commend them to the healing power of Our Lord. For those whose lives have otherwise been upended by the storm, please pray for their comfort and peace. In times of tragedy and hardship, I firmly believe that the Church and its faithful lead by example, and those in need rely on our generosity of spirit, of contribution, and of prayer. I encourage our Catholic community to reflect on how each of us can extend a hand to our brothers and sisters. As the long, difficult process of healing and recovery begins, please be assured of my prayers for everyone suffering the effects of the storm.  

###

[post_title] => Statement from Bishop Barry C. Knestout on Hurricane Helene Aftermath [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => statement-from-bishop-barry-c-knestout-on-hurricane-helene-aftermath [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-10-02 16:34:37 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-10-02 20:34:37 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=138784 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [5] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 138367 [post_author] => 112 [post_date] => 2024-08-08 10:53:25 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-08-08 14:53:25 [post_content] =>

August 7, 2024

RICHMOND, Va. – “As Chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on the Protection of Children and Young People, I want to offer my congratulations to Cardinal Seán O’Malley on his retirement. I also wish to express my deep gratitude for his many years of generous, humble and dedicated service to the Church.  

  As a trusted advisor to Pope Francis in matters of child protection, Cardinal O’Malley has championed effective policies to keep young people and vulnerable adults safe in the life and activity of the Church, helping to advance the essential restoration of trust.     As a leader in the Church’s and USCCB’s response to the child abuse crises in 2002 and 2018, Cardinal O’Malley brought wisdom and charity to those who were impacted. He has been a model of personal integrity, simplicity of life and holiness, and my prayers are with him upon his retirement.   

###

[post_title] => Statement from Bishop Barry C. Knestout on the Retirement of Cardinal Seán Patrick O'Malley [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => statement-from-bishop-barry-c-knestout-on-the-retirement-of-cardinal-sean-patrick-omalley [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-08-08 10:53:56 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-08-08 14:53:56 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=138367 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [6] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 138225 [post_author] => 112 [post_date] => 2024-07-16 08:47:12 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-07-16 12:47:12 [post_content] =>

For Immediate Release: July 16, 2024

"I join my brother bishops in the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in condemning political violence, and in praying for former President Trump and the victims of this senseless and deeply saddening shooting.

This tragic event, an assassination attempt against a candidate for high office, comes in the backdrop of a profoundly polarized time in our nation – one rooted all too often in distrust and cynicism. I applaud those in our national discourse calling for peace, reason, and national unity, and I echo their sentiments. 

I implore our parishes to call for prayers, not only for the victims of this shooting and their families, but also for civility in our discourse, peaceful interaction during this election cycle, and for unity and healing in our nation."

###

[post_title] => Bishop Barry C. Knestout Calls for Peace, Reason, and National Unity after the Assassination Attempt on Former President Trump [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => statement-from-most-reverend-barry-c-knestout-bishop-of-richmond [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-08-01 11:42:01 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-08-01 15:42:01 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=138225 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [7] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 137855 [post_author] => 112 [post_date] => 2024-06-12 13:58:16 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-06-12 17:58:16 [post_content] => June 12, 2024 (RICHMOND, Va.) – The Catholic Diocese of Richmond has concluded its investigation at St. John the Apostle. Bishop Barry C. Knestout expresses his sorrow and compassion to the victims and their families affected by this tragic situation and applauds the courage it took to come forward. Bishop Knestout has determined that St. John the Apostle parish would benefit from new pastoral leadership. Fr. Rob Cole will no longer serve as pastor effective June 12, 2024. Bishop Knestout appreciates Fr. Cole’s dedication and service as the pastor to this community for more than 15 years. While this decision and transition will be difficult, the bishop appreciates the patience and support of the community. Fr. Esteban De Leon, V.F., pastor of Star of the Sea Catholic Church, will continue to serve as St. John’s temporary administrator until a new pastor is assigned in the near future.  

###

[post_title] => Catholic Diocese of Richmond Concludes Investigation at St. John the Apostle in Virginia Beach [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => catholic-diocese-of-richmond-concludes-investigation-at-st-john-the-apostle-in-virginia-beach [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-08-05 13:13:09 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-08-05 17:13:09 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=137855 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [8] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 137605 [post_author] => 112 [post_date] => 2024-05-20 11:31:14 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-05-20 15:31:14 [post_content] =>

May 17, 2024

We are pleased that Governor Youngkin has vetoed SB 237/HB 609 and SB 238/HB 819. These bills threatened to compel organizations to provide and pay for contraceptives and even some abortion-inducing drugs and devices against their deeply and sincerely held beliefs. In SB 237/HB 609, the asserted “right” to contraception was alarmingly broad: It would have applied even to minors seeking sterilization procedures – in direct conflict with Virginia’s parental consent law.

 

These two sets of coercive, expansive, and extremely harmful bills were rightfully rejected for many reasons, including those that previously led Hobby Lobby and the Little Sisters of the Poor all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. We are grateful to Governor Youngkin for protecting life, liberty, and parental rights. We also thank the more than 2,000 people who used the Virginia Catholic Conference’s action alert regarding this legislation to provide vital input to the Governor’s office. Your participation matters and your voices were valued.

###

  Read the statement on the Virginia Catholic Conference website. [post_title] => Statement by Bishop Burbidge and Bishop Knestout on Governor Youngkin’s Vetoes of Coercive Contraceptive Bills [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => statement-by-bishop-burbidge-and-bishop-knestout-on-governor-youngkins-vetoes-of-coercive-contraceptive-bills [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-08-05 13:34:21 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-08-05 17:34:21 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=137605 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [9] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 137594 [post_author] => 106 [post_date] => 2024-05-17 16:20:01 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-05-17 20:20:01 [post_content] => May 17, 2024 The Catholic Diocese of Richmond recently learned of allegations of sexual abuse committed against students of St. John the Apostle School by an adult (now deceased). The appropriate civil authorities and law enforcement agencies are involved. The Diocese is also investigating to confirm whether the Diocese’s Safe Environment regulations or other policies were properly followed.  The protection of our children is of the upmost importance to the Diocese.  Fr. Rob Cole, Pastor of St. John the Apostle parish, is on temporary leave from the parish while this matter is investigated. The Diocese will not reach any conclusions until the investigation is completed. Know, however, that the Diocese is committed to ensuring that our institutions provide an environment where our children are safe and thrive.  During this time, Bishop Barry Knestout has appointed the Very Reverend Esteban De Leon, VF, pastor of Star of the Sea Catholic Church, as temporary administrator of the parish. Similarly, the Office of Catholic Schools will provide additional support to the school administration.  Please keep all involved in your prayers. 

###

[post_title] => Announcement Concerning St. John the Apostle, Va. Beach [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => announcement [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-08-05 13:16:28 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-08-05 17:16:28 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=137594 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [10] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 137358 [post_author] => 112 [post_date] => 2024-04-29 10:32:59 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-04-29 14:32:59 [post_content] => April 29, 2024 RICHMOND, Va. – The Diocese of Richmond‘s Office of Catholic Schools honored educators from throughout the diocese at its annual Excellence in Catholic Education Awards Thursday, April 25, 2024. Earlier this spring, teachers representing each of the 23 diocesan schools were nominated for their dedication to Catholic education, their witness to the Catholic faith, their instructional expertise and selfless work in service to students, families, and the overall school community. Teaching professionals gathered at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, Glen Allen, to honor and celebrate their colleagues for their exceptional work in Catholic education. Before the awards reception, Bishop Barry C. Knestout celebrated Mass with Catholic educators. “There is a great practicality to Catholic education and the work you do each day…you’re struggling with day-to-day trials: temperaments, personalities, gifts and abilities, and the whole range of human experiences,” said Bishop Knestout. “There’s something so beautiful and so good about Catholic education. People are drawn towards it, and it’s a beautiful mission with a great impact.” One educator from each of the diocese’s 23 schools was selected for their demonstration of excellence in and outside the classroom. Each winner was carefully reviewed and chosen by a committee. Three teachers received a Diocesan Award for Excellence in Catholic Education and a fourth received the esteemed Elizabeth Ann Seton Award. The award’s namesake, Elizabeth Ann Seton, was the first United Sates-born canonized saint. She is the patron saint of Catholic schools and teachers. [caption id="attachment_137360" align="alignright" width="400"] Left to Right: Bishop Knestout, Emily Pauler, Dr. Mike Riley Dr. Laura Clift, Dr. Jennifer Bigelow[/caption] The Elizabeth Ann Seton Award* Emily Pauler |Theology and Physical Education |Portsmouth Catholic Regional School “It was definitely an unexpected surprise. It’s been a nice change from my previous teaching experience to come back to the Catholic schools, it’s a different setting and more of a family. It’s nice to be recognized for the countless hours that you forget that you have put into it,” said Emily Pauler, shortly after receiving her award. *This award is granted to one teacher in the Diocese of Richmond each year for their exemplary behavior and selfless work in serving Christ, their dedication to Catholic education, instructional expertise, and demonstration of faith by spreading Christ to their students and school communities. Diocesan Award Winners for Excellence in Catholic Education* Kristin Baxley |Roanoke Catholic School “Catholic education means students who not only know the basic tenets of the faith, but who also genuinely embrace the love of Christ and neighbor and live it out, even under the scrutiny of their peers.” Jenni Gray | Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic School “I truly desire that my students know that science and faith work together and help us develop a greater love for God.” Kristin Patterson | Catholic High School “I encourage students to be the hands and feet of Jesus by helping others in times of need.” *Diocesan Award winners represent their entire vicariate and are selected for their commitment to excellence in the classroom and demonstration of faith in their school communities.    Recipients of the 2024 Excellence in Catholic Education Award: Angela Rasmussen, All Saints Catholic School Kristin Patterson, Catholic High School Michael Bruscia, Charlottesville Catholic School Amanda Owens, Christ the King Catholic School Charlotte Jenkins, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School Jenni Gray, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic School Peggy Rogala, Peninsula Catholic High School Emily Pauler, Portsmouth Catholic School Kristin Baxley, Roanoke Catholic School Kitzya Ramirez Leon, Sacred Heart Catholic School Anne Johnson, St. Anne Catholic School Erin Herrity, Saint Benedict Catholic School Teresa Ross McBarron, Saint Bridget Catholic School Magdalena F. Cox, St. Edward-Epiphany Catholic School Lorri Lin Griffin, Saint Gregory the Great Catholic School Eileen M. Mayette, St. John the Apostle Catholic School Renee Fraine, St. Joseph Catholic School Denise O. Reardon, Saint Mary’s Catholic School Sr. Mary Aquinas Halbmaier, O.P., Saint Mary Star of the Sea Catholic School Michelle Powell, St. Matthew’s Catholic School Emily Danovich, St. Pius X Catholic School Annette J. Martinez, Star of the Sea Catholic School Meg Anderson, The Blessed Sacrament Huguenot School   For more information on the Catholic Diocese of Richmond’s Office of Catholic Schools, visit the Catholic Schools website.

###

[post_title] => Diocese of Richmond Honors Educators at the 2024 Excellence in Catholic Education Awards [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => diocese-of-richmond-honors-educators-at-the-2024-excellence-in-catholic-education-awards [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-08-05 16:46:51 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-08-05 20:46:51 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=137358 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [11] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 137201 [post_author] => 106 [post_date] => 2024-04-11 18:06:57 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-04-11 22:06:57 [post_content] => April 11, 2024

Bishop Knestout Reaffirms Pope Francis’ Words During Child Abuse Prevention Month

National Child Abuse Prevention Month is observed in April

(RICHMOND, Va.) – In addressing the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors at the Plenary Assembly March 2024 in Rome, Pope Francis recognized the commission’s important work and its continued focus to make the Church an “increasingly safe place for minors and vulnerable adults.”

He said, “In confronting the scandal of abuse and the suffering of victims, we might well grow discouraged, since the challenge of restoring the fabric of broken lives and of healing pain is enormous and complex. Yet, our commitment must not wane; indeed, I encourage you to move forward, so that the Church will be, always and everywhere, a place where everyone can feel at home…”

In the Catholic Diocese of Richmond, the Office of Safe Environment (OSE) continues to move forward through efforts to protect minors, the vulnerable and to listen to the voices of victims.

[caption id="attachment_119225" align="alignright" width="400"] Bishop Knestout greets Pope Francis during his "ad limina" visit to Rome, Dec. 3, 2019. (Photo/Vatican Media)[/caption]

“The Church uses this month as an opportunity to recognize our past weakness and sins, in failing to protect the innocent. We bear within us, as a Church, grief for injuries committed, and regret for our failures and neglect,” said Bishop Barry C. Knestout. “As the Holy Father noted, much of our service in accompanying victims and survivors is carried out confidentially. But there are visible signs of our assistance, of our vigilance and the measures taken to safeguard minors.”

The action we have taken and the services we provide are published in an annual report by the Office of Safe Environment. During April, OSE will host multiple events at the Pastoral Center in observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month. They are:

  • A Mass for Victims of Child Abuse livestreamed on Tuesday, April 16, at 12 p.m.
  • A Rosary for Children and Families recited Thursday, April 18, at 10 a.m. Students from Saint Bridget Catholic School, Richmond, will join Bishop Knestout in praying the rosary for those in need of healing.
  • Day of Service for Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Thursday, April 25, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The Pastoral Center staff will partner with Sleep in Heavenly Peace to build beds and collect bedding for children in need.
 

For more information on the efforts of the Diocese of Richmond to protect children and the vulnerable, visit the Office of Safe Environment.

###

[post_title] => "Our Commitment Must Not Wane" [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => our-commitment-must-not-wane [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-08-05 13:17:22 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-08-05 17:17:22 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=137201 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [12] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 137191 [post_author] => 112 [post_date] => 2024-04-10 15:45:35 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-04-10 19:45:35 [post_content] => April 5, 2024

Statement by Bishop Burbidge and Bishop Knestout on Governor Youngkin’s Vetoes of Abortion Shield Legislation

We welcome and are very grateful for Governor Youngkin’s vetoes of SB 15, SB 716, HB 519, and HB 1539. These bills would have given abortion providers who violate other states’ pro-life laws an unprecedented safe harbor in Virginia. The Governor’s rejection of these bills respects decisions other states have made to protect life. Of particular importance, the Governor’s action prevents abortion providers in Virginia from prescribing and mailing chemical abortion drugs to women and girls in other states without being subject to consequences for violating those states’ laws. Chemical abortions are now the most common form of abortion in the United States. As Governor Youngkin’s vetoes have made clear, it would be dangerous and wrong to give abortion and those who provide it an elevated protected status in Virginia law. We urge the General Assembly to reverse the extremely harmful path it chose this year. Instead of attempting to make Virginia a preferred destination for abortion, its focus in future sessions should be to enact policies that would protect mothers and their children from the tragedy of abortion, and that provide pregnant women and new mothers and families the support they need.

###

  View statement on the Virginia Catholic Conference Website. [post_title] => Statement by Bishop Burbidge and Bishop Knestout on Governor Youngkin’s Vetoes of Abortion Shield Legislation [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => statement-by-bishop-burbidge-and-bishop-knestout-on-governor-youngkins-vetoes-of-abortion-shield-legislation [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-08-05 13:17:48 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-08-05 17:17:48 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=137191 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [13] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 136871 [post_author] => 112 [post_date] => 2024-03-20 14:07:23 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-03-20 18:07:23 [post_content] => For Immediate Release: March 20, 2024 RICHMOND, Va. – Following a nationwide search, Bishop Barry C. Knestout announces the appointment of Dr. Michael Riley as superintendent of schools for the Catholic Diocese of Richmond, effective July 1, 2024. He replaces the current Interim Superintendent, Dr. Jennifer Bigelow, who will conclude her time as interim superintendent on June 30, 2024. “My experiences in Catholic education, from teaching to leading as a principal, have been deeply personal and enriching,” said Dr. Michael Riley. “They taught me the importance of understanding the challenges and joys that come with each role. As superintendent, I want to use this firsthand knowledge to support our principals in providing the best possible environment for both teachers and students. I believe that by nurturing our educators and providing them with the tools they need, we can create a space where students thrive academically and spiritually, shaping them into individuals who make a positive impact in our society." For the past two years, Dr. Riley has served as associate superintendent of school operations for the diocese. He brings 25 years of Catholic education experience to his new role. Prior to serving in diocesan administration, he was Charlottesville Catholic School’s principal for ten years, where the school received two National Blue Ribbon awards for academic excellence. Additionally, Dr. Riley has served in several administrative and teaching roles in Catholic education. Dr. Riley graduated from Barton College with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education degree. He received his Master of Education and Doctor of Education in Educational Policy, Planning and Leadership from the College of William and Mary. Dr. Riley and his wife have two children who have both attended Catholic schools in the diocese. “Each school has its own unique story, its own traditions, and its own challenges. I'm eager to celebrate those differences and work collaboratively to address the specific needs of each community,” said Dr. Riley. With the assumption of his new role, Dr. Riley will serve on the Bishop’s Cabinet and work in partnership with the Diocesan Advisory School Board, a consultative board to the bishop of Richmond and superintendent of schools. The Diocese of Richmond has more than 9,400 total enrolled students in 30 elementary, middle and high schools throughout the diocese.

###

[post_title] => Superintendent of Schools Appointed for Catholic Diocese of Richmond [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => superintendent-of-schools-appointed-for-catholic-diocese-of-richmond [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-08-05 13:18:30 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-08-05 17:18:30 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=136871 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [14] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 136786 [post_author] => 112 [post_date] => 2024-03-14 15:02:49 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-03-14 19:02:49 [post_content] =>
For Immediate Release: March 14, 2024

Deceased Priest Added to Catholic Diocese of Richmond’s Clergy List

(RICHMOND, Va.) – On Mar. 14, 2024, the Catholic Diocese of Richmond added a deceased priest, Father Paul Jenkins, to the diocesan list of clergy against whom a credible and substantiated claim of sexual abuse involving a minor has been made. The name was added after a review was completed in consultation with the diocesan Office of Safe Environment and the Diocesan Review Board. Father Jenkins, a diocesan priest, was ordained in 1959 and died in 1997. He served at the following parishes: Church of St. Thérèse of Lisieux,** Portsmouth; St. Paul, Richmond; Church of the Holy Angels, Portsmouth; St. James, Hopewell; and Assumption parish in Keyser, W.Va. The clergy list was first published in Feb. 2019 after a comprehensive review of clergy files. Since then, the list has been updated when necessary. The list can be found on the Richmond Diocese website at the following link: https://richmonddiocese.org/list/. In keeping with its pledge to help victim survivors in their healing, the Catholic Diocese of Richmond remains committed to respecting the privacy of all victim survivors. As with the diocese’s previous announcements regarding its list, the diocese will not release specific details regarding the victim survivor or the abuse. Any individual who has been sexually abused by a priest, deacon, religious, lay employee or volunteer of the diocese is urged to report abuse directly to law enforcement, including Child Protective Services (CPS) at 1-800- 552-7096. Individuals are also encouraged to contact the 24-hour confidential diocesan Victim Assistance Reporting (VAC) number at 1-877-887-9603 or email [email protected].

###

**Note: Church of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, originally founded in Portsmouth, is currently located in the city of Chesapeake as Church of St. Thérèse.
[post_title] => Deceased Priest Added to Catholic Diocese of Richmond’s Clergy List [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => deceased-priest-added-to-catholic-diocese-of-richmonds-clergy-list [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-08-05 13:19:14 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-08-05 17:19:14 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=136786 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [15] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 136574 [post_author] => 106 [post_date] => 2024-02-24 02:20:06 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-02-24 07:20:06 [post_content] =>

For Immediate Release: February 23, 2024

It is the desire of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond, the Office of Catholic Schools, and our school communities to work with students and their families when special circumstances arise. This is and remains an ongoing, collaborative effort with the Bromley family as they are part of our Catholic community. We all agree the most important goal is for Logan Bromley to be set up for academic success, so he can complete the remainder of his senior year and ensure all necessary safety precautions are in place through an agreed upon action plan that best supports Logan.

We all want Logan to participate in extracurricular activities and events at Catholic High School and Logan is welcome to be present on diocesan school property.  All of us want to ensure that there is appropriate family and school support for Logan at on-campus extracurricular activities and other school events to create a safe environment for him under the guidance of his doctors. Thanks to the diligence and commitment of Logan’s parents, Catholic High School and the diocesan Office(s) of Catholic Schools and Human Resources, we have partnered to develop a mutually agreeable plan for Logan’s continued education and participation in school sponsored events.

Bishop Knestout understands the importance of a student’s senior year. Equally important, he appreciates the need for a student to continue their relationship with God, experience the sacraments, and achieve the academic success that a Catholic education provides. It is his desire Logan Bromley be allowed this opportunity under the mutual plan put in place.

Like any student in our Catholic schools, our wish is each and every student continues to flourish in a safe, productive and Christ centered environment.

###

[post_title] => Joint Statement from The Diocesan Office of Catholic Schools and The Bromley Family [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => joint-statement-from-the-diocesan-office-of-catholic-schools-and-the-bromley-family [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-08-05 13:19:49 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-08-05 17:19:49 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=136574 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [16] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 136395 [post_author] => 112 [post_date] => 2024-02-05 10:44:48 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-02-05 15:44:48 [post_content] => February 5, 2024 Legislation to legalize physician assisted suicide is moving rapidly in this year’s Virginia General Assembly session. The Senate and House have both taken steps to advance this lethal measure. Within the next week, floor debates in one or both chambers are likely to occur. We are alarmed and deeply saddened by this development. Human life is sacred and must never be abandoned or discarded. At this critical moment, we implore the faithful across our two dioceses: Please contact your state Senator and Delegate. Urge them to reject assisted suicide legislation, using the alert provided by the Virginia Catholic Conference. To access the alert, click here. Every suicide is a tragedy. Assisted suicide facilitates tragedies and makes the most vulnerable even more vulnerable. Legalizing it would place the lives of people with disabilities, people with mental illnesses, the elderly, and those unable to afford healthcare – among others – at heightened risk of deadly harm. In the few states where assisted suicide is legal, this troubling reality has already taken root. For example, insurance companies have denied coverage for cancer treatment and other life-saving procedures but offered to pay for cheaper suicide drugs instead. And in Oregon, only 3.3% of the patients who died by assisted suicide since its legalization in 1998 were referred for psychiatric evaluation. People facing the end of life are in great need, and must be accompanied with great care and attentiveness. To address each of their needs and alleviate their suffering, patients deserve high quality medical, palliative, and hospice care – not suicide drugs. Please tell the members of the Virginia General Assembly who represent you not to bring assisted suicide to our Commonwealth.  

###

  Read the statement on Virginia Catholic Conference's Website. [post_title] => Statement and Call to Action by Bishop Burbidge and Bishop Knestout on Assisted Suicide Legislation [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => statement-and-call-to-action-by-bishop-burbidge-and-bishop-knestout-on-assisted-suicide-legislation [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-08-05 13:20:29 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-08-05 17:20:29 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=136395 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [17] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 136253 [post_author] => 112 [post_date] => 2024-01-22 13:20:17 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-01-22 18:20:17 [post_content] => January 22, 2024 Note: Bishop Barry C. Knestout worked with Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville, 63, for almost 25 years when they both served the Church as priests and auxiliary bishops for the Archdiocese of Washington. Bishop Knestout was ordained a bishop in 2008. Bishop Dorsonville was ordained a bishop in 2015. (RICHMOND, VA.)  “I’m saddened to learn the news of Bishop Mario Dorsonville's untimely death. I offer my prayers for his family, his friends, and the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. “As priestly colleagues and in our episcopal ministries in the archdiocese, we worked together on a number of projects for the pastoral care of the people of Washington. I knew him as a good friend, a faithful priest, a capable past director of the Spanish Catholic Center and Vice President for Mission of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington. He was a dedicated auxiliary bishop of the Church of Washington. “He is remembered with affection and his passing is a significant loss for the Church. He will be dearly missed. “I ask all in the Diocese of Richmond to offer prayers for fellow Catholics in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux that Christ and Our Lady will sustain them and provide divine consolation during this time. May he rest in peace!”  

###

[post_title] => Bishop Barry C. Knestout Offers Condolences to the Faithful of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux following the Death of Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => bishop-barry-c-knestout-offers-condolences-to-the-faithful-of-the-diocese-of-houma-thibodaux-following-the-death-of-bishop-mario-e-dorsonville [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-08-05 13:21:52 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-08-05 17:21:52 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=136253 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [18] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 136053 [post_author] => 112 [post_date] => 2023-12-23 12:30:50 [post_date_gmt] => 2023-12-23 17:30:50 [post_content] => December 23, 2023 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: I hope you are celebrating a blessed, joy-filled and peaceful Christmas season! The mention of peace is prevalent this season. We read it in cards, sing it in hymns and hear it in Scripture and homilies. Given the uncertainty that comes with terrorism, unrest and war, it might be difficult to align what we read, sing and hear about peace with what we are witnessing in the world. We struggle with the nature of conflict and war and wonder how we can solve it. Yet, in readying our hearts throughout Advent to welcome the Prince of Peace, and by continuing that welcome during this Christmas season, we can act upon our desire for peace – especially this time of year. No one of us has an answer that would be universally accepted. What we do have, however, is the capability to touch the hearts of those closest to us – our families, friends, colleagues and neighbors. Each of us can look at people in our own lives with whom reconciliation is needed and then act upon it. It might be with someone at work or with a relative you will see at a family get-together. Is there a way you can move at least one step in that direction – even a small step that will lead toward healing? Consider how you prepared yourself for Christmas by making room for Christ in your heart. The next step is to share that peace with family members and others. Although it might seem cliché, charity begins at home. If we are in conflict interiorly or among family and friends, that is where we must look first. Through this reconciliation, we can have an impact. As we share in Christ’s Paschal Mystery, which is at the root of reconciliation, peace and unity, ask for the grace to be a resolver of conflict, to be a peacemaker. By our attitudes and hopefulness, this is who we are called to be – even when the world in which we live might discourage and disparage them. Let us hold in our hearts Jesus’ words at the Last Supper: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. [Emphasis added] Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid” (Jn 14:27). May 2024 be a year in which your heart is filled with peace, and in which together we work for the peace that Jesus taught and exemplified. With kindest personal regards, Most Rev. Barry C. Knestout Bishop of Richmond

###

Lea la traducción al español de la carta de Navidad del obispo Knestout.

[post_title] => "Prince of Peace calls us to healing, reconciliation." Bishop Knestout's Christmas Letter - 2023 [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => prince-of-peace-calls-us-to-healing-reconciliation-bishop-knestouts-christmas-letter-2023 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-08-05 13:22:18 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-08-05 17:22:18 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=136053 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [19] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 135951 [post_author] => 112 [post_date] => 2023-12-04 16:13:26 [post_date_gmt] => 2023-12-04 21:13:26 [post_content] => December 4, 2023

Roanoke Catholic Community Celebrates Historic Elevation of Parish to Minor Basilica

Basilica of Saint Andrew celebrates its official designation; Bishop Knestout blesses Basilica markers

ROANOKE, Va. – As the Roman Catholic Church entered the Advent Season, the Catholic faithful of Roanoke gathered, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, to celebrate the blessing and recognition of the parish as a minor basilica by the Vatican. After receiving special approval from the Vatican’s Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments, Sept. 6, 2023, Bishop Barry C. Knestout returned to Roanoke to officially bless the insignia and signs representing a basilica and its connection to the Holy See. A Mass was celebrated with more than 400 Catholics in attendance. “St. Andrew Basilica is a beacon of prayer and faith in the Roanoke Valley. We can come and see where Jesus lives, hear his words, and find the answers to our deepest spiritual longings and needs,” said Bishop Knestout. “As a former architect, I appreciate the beauty and dignity of this space as it has become a place of pilgrimage for Catholics and non-Catholics who visit the city. May God continue to bless this parish community and may this new basilica continue to be a light to all who visit.” The Basilica of St. Andrew becomes the 93rd basilica in the United States. With this designation, the Diocese of Richmond has two minor basilicas and a total of three in Virginia. The other basilica is the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Norfolk, which received the elevation in 1991. The third basilica is located in the Diocese of Arlington. In seeking designation as a minor basilica, a parish needs to demonstrate uniqueness in its architecture, history or pastoral outreach. St. Andrew Church has strong features in each of those areas. St. Andrew’s Catholic Church was first established in 1882. The newly designated basilica sits on one of the highest hills in Roanoke and overlooks the city. “We are greatly honored by this distinction. There are too many people to acknowledge but a heartfelt thanks to all the parishioners and staff at the Basilica of St. Andrew whose prayerful support and faithful service provided over all these years is what has made the church worthy of this distinction,” said the Rector of the Basilica of St. Andrew, Fr. Kevin Segerblom. “A building is just a building without a strong community of faith. So, I pray that God may continue to bless us and use this community and basilica to bring more people to Christ, just as St. Andrew did.” During the Mass, the official Vatican decree was read and the physical marks of the basilica were blessed. The Basilica of Saint Andrew currently has more than 1,500 registered families and two years ago completed a restoration of its interior and exterior. More information about the basilica, its symbols, and this special designation can be found on the parish’s website. For media inquiries, contact Claire Bebermeyer, communications specialist, at [email protected].  

###

[post_title] => Roanoke Catholic Community Celebrates Historic Elevation of Parish to Minor Basilica [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => roanoke-catholic-community-celebrates-historic-elevation-of-parish-to-minor-basilic [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-08-05 13:22:57 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-08-05 17:22:57 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=135951 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [20] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 135585 [post_author] => 112 [post_date] => 2023-10-12 16:19:41 [post_date_gmt] => 2023-10-12 20:19:41 [post_content] =>
October 12, 2923 RICHMOND, Va. – Bishop Barry C. Knestout announces Saint Andrew Catholic Church in Roanoke has been granted the title of minor basilica by the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of Sacraments in a letter dated Sept. 6, 2023. The special designation by the Holy Father, Pope Francis, makes St. Andrew the only named minor basilica in the western part of Virginia and the second in our diocese to be raised to this status by the Roman Catholic Church. The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception in downtown Norfolk received the title on Dec. 8, 1991. Bishop Knestout will be the main celebrant during a Mass Dec. 3, 2023, at the Basilica of Saint Andrew, where he will read the official Vatican decree and bless the physical symbols signifying the church’s elevation to this status. “The history and architectural beauty of Saint Andrew’s make it a beacon of faith to all in the Western Vicariate of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond, but, especially to the faithful of the Roanoke Valley and the surrounding region,” said Bishop Knestout. “With this decree, I hope more individuals will be drawn to visit this special treasure, and in doing so, will draw more to inquire about our faith. It’s not every day a recognition of this extent occurs. I am grateful for the hard work of so many to bring this to fruition, as we continue in a multiyear effort to bring attention to the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. May this basilica continue to be a place of personal encounter with Christ, a place of robust faith formation and through its beauty externally and in the liturgy - elevate the hearts and minds of all who attend Mass here.” The Rector of the Basilica of Saint Andrew, Father Kevin Segerblom, announced the designation to parishioners during Masses on the weekend of Oct. 7 and 8. He is available to speak to the media regarding the historic and significant elevation of the church in the Diocese of Richmond.
Symbols of a basilica The symbols include: the ombrellino (umbrella); the tintinnabulum (bell); and papal cross keys. The ombrellino is a distinctive symbol used in basilicas throughout the world and is designed with stripes of yellow and red - traditional papal colors. The silk canopy is a symbol of a basilica’s special connection with the Holy Father, while the crossed keys are the sign of papal authority. History of the Basilica of Saint Andrew Saint Andrew Catholic parish was established in Roanoke in 1882. In 1902, the current twin-steepled, high Victorian Gothic church was dedicated. It sits on one of the highest hills within Roanoke overlooking the city. The Basilica of Saint Andrew currently has 1,502 registered families and has in recent years undergone a complete restoration of its interior and exterior. More information about the basilica and this special designation will be shared online in the weeks to come.

###

[post_title] => Saint Andrew Named a Minor Basilica: Vatican Approves Special Designation [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => saint-andrew-named-a-minor-basilica-vatican-approves-special-designation [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-08-05 13:24:47 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-08-05 17:24:47 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=135585 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [21] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 135481 [post_author] => 112 [post_date] => 2023-09-27 16:53:10 [post_date_gmt] => 2023-09-27 20:53:10 [post_content] => September 27, 2023 RICHMOND, Va. – What was once a place where people kept earthly riches will be transferred into a house of worship for Catholics to celebrate their spiritual riches. On Sept. 25, Our Lady of the Rosary Mission and the Catholic Diocese of Richmond finalized the purchase of the former Bank of America building in downtown Crozet for $1.72 million. The building and one-acre lot is the first permanent location and building owned by this Catholic community. Following the purchase, members of Our Lady of the Rosary began minor renovations on parts of the building. Bishop Barry C. Knestout plans to celebrate the first Mass at the location on the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary, Oct. 7, pending approval by Albemarle County. The community is a mission of the Church of the Incarnation in Charlottesville. “The Church of Richmond gives thanks that the Mission of Our Lady of the Rosary can look to the future with the hope of something new and have an environment in which the community can gather and strengthen the life of the Spirit among them” said Bishop Barry C. Knestout. “From the point of view of a bishop, it’s very rewarding. I am grateful that we can further the growth of this community and expand the ability of the Church to spread its mission.” In 2016, Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo officially decreed the community as a mission congregation. On Oct. 4, 2020, Bishop Knestout officially named the Catholic community Our Lady of the Rosary, announcing the mission’s name under the patronage and dedication of the Blessed Mother. This marks the first time since his installation as bishop of Richmond in 2018 that Bishop Knestout has established and named a mission within the diocese. “This purchase gives the community a real chance to grow,” said Msgr. Timothy Keeney, pastor of Church of the Incarnation. “We hope with a new space that is our own and a morning Sunday Mass time, the enthusiasm will continue, and progress will be renewed.” This development has been a goal for the Catholic community for more than 10 years after the community celebrated its first Mass at the former Field School in 2014. Despite the complexities of COVID and the hurdles of an extensive property search, the purchase remains a historic milestone in the life of the Catholic faithful and the Diocese of Richmond. “It’s been tough for everybody because we wanted to move faster but we had a couple of false starts. For one reason or another, we couldn’t find suitable locations,” continued Msgr. Keeney. “This [bank location] is out of the box in terms of finding a location, but the Crozet Catholic community is happy about the location. We have a space where we can start to celebrate liturgies. We can have a daily Mass, scheduled confessions, space for parish events and formations. But most of all to have the reserved Eucharist for prayer and worship.  All were impossible before the purchase of this building.” On Saturday, Sept. 30, Our Lady of the Rosary will hold an open house for its community of approximately 300 families to view the new property.

###

[post_title] => Former Bank Now Home for Our Lady of the Rosary Mission in Crozet [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => former-bank-now-home-for-our-lady-of-the-rosary-mission-in-crozet [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-08-05 13:26:11 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-08-05 17:26:11 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=135481 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [22] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 135455 [post_author] => 112 [post_date] => 2023-09-22 20:00:30 [post_date_gmt] => 2023-09-23 00:00:30 [post_content] => September 22, 2023 RICHMOND, Va. – Charlottesville Catholic School, Charlottesville, and Saint Gregory the Great Catholic School, Virginia Beach, are two of ten Virginia schools awarded the coveted National Blue Ribbon School Award in 2023. The awards were announced Sept. 19 by U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona’s Office. Charlottesville Catholic and St. Gregory were recognized for academic excellence under the Exemplary High-Performing School category. They are the only Virginia Catholic schools to receive the award this year. “The quality of education our schools provide is only one of many threads in the fabric of our Catholic schools,” said Bishop Barry C. Knestout. “Our schools remind students to develop and use their God-given skills and talents for their own good and for the good of society. This recognition elevates the awareness of the value of a good, Catholic education and the quality that we are able to offer in our Catholic schools. I congratulate St. Gregory and Charlottesville Catholic Schools for all the work involved on this achievement as a Blue Ribbon School.” In all, the U.S. Department of Education recognized more than 350 schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2023. This award is granted based on each school’s progress in closing achievement gaps among students on assessments and overall academic performance. “I am grateful to God for this wonderful opportunity,” said Kika Glass, interim principal at St. Gregory. “Our school is recognized for high standards in education, as well as, for the fact that our families, communities, instructors, administrative and support staff, all work together toward common goals. SGGS now serves as a model of effective and innovative teaching for our entire state and schools throughout the nation.” For Charlottesville Catholic, this is the third Blue Ribbon Award. Previously, the school received the recognition in 2005 and 2014. “We are beyond excited that Charlottesville Catholic School has been awarded a National Blue Ribbon Award for academic excellence,” said Vada G. Fallica, principal of Charlottesville Catholic School. “This award is a testament to the commitment and dedication of our students, staff, faculty, parents, and all members of the CCS community.” Interim Superintendent of Schools Jennifer Bigelow added that every year “a select group of private schools are awarded the Blue Ribbon in the Exemplary High-Performing School category.” She continued, “National Blue Ribbon schools recognize non-public schools as “Exemplary High Performing” if the student achievement in English and Mathematics is among the highest in the country (top 15%) measured by nationally normed tests.” Recipients of the award represent the diversity of strengths in Virginia schools while also demonstrating core strengths of each school. A National Blue Ribbon School flag is flown at awarded schools to serve as a symbol of exceptional teaching and learning. Since the first National Blue Ribbon award in 1982, the U.S. Department of Education has granted 10,000 awards to over 9,700 schools.

###

[post_title] => Two Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Richmond Designated 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools by U.S. Department of Education [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => two-catholic-schools-in-the-diocese-of-richmond-designated-2023-national-blue-ribbon-schools-by-u-s-department-of-education [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-08-05 13:27:39 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-08-05 17:27:39 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=135455 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [23] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 135386 [post_author] => 112 [post_date] => 2023-09-11 15:45:18 [post_date_gmt] => 2023-09-11 19:45:18 [post_content] => For Immediate Release: September 11, 2023  

Catholic Diocese of Richmond Statement Following Charges Against a Former Catholic School Teacher

 

(RICHMOND) - On Sept. 11, 2023, Daro Ing, a former third-grade teacher at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School (OLOL) was indicted on multiple counts of taking indecent liberties with a child and aggravated sexual battery.

On May 2, 2023, the school administration was made aware of an accusation against Mr. Ing and immediately removed him from the classroom, placed him on administrative leave, and contacted the authorities. OLOL leadership cooperated fully with the Henrico Police Department and Child Protective Services investigations. The diocese and OLOL will not be able to comment on or answer any questions regarding this case while the legal process continues to move forward.

Mr. Ing was hired in January 2022. He underwent a background screening, fingerprinting, and reference check, and he completed child safety VIRTUS® training, as mandated by the Diocese of Richmond.

Bishop Knestout recognizes the courage it took for the children and families to come forward. He is deeply saddened that this has occurred anywhere, especially in one of our schools. Understanding the suffering this has caused, the diocese will make resources available to support these children and other OLOL families and students.

These charges serve as a reminder that we must remain vigilant in the area of child protection. Bishop Knestout thanks the OLOL staff for their quick action in response and the professional way this case has been handled by law enforcement.

The diocese encourages anyone who has been a victim of abuse by clergy, religious, lay church personnel or volunteer of the diocese and has not yet reported it is encouraged to do so. Please call law enforcement first, including Child Protective Services (CPS) at 1-800-552-7096. Individuals are also encouraged to contact the 24-hour confidential Victim’s Assistance reporting number at 1-877-887-9603 or email [email protected].

###

[post_title] => Catholic Diocese of Richmond Statement Following Charges Against a Former Catholic School Teacher [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => catholic-diocese-of-richmond-statement-following-charges-against-a-former-catholic-school-teacher [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-08-05 13:28:37 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-08-05 17:28:37 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=135386 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [24] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 134646 [post_author] => 106 [post_date] => 2023-07-01 11:09:32 [post_date_gmt] => 2023-07-01 15:09:32 [post_content] =>

For Immediate Release: July 1, 2023

Catholic Diocese of Richmond Received Allegation Against Retired Priest

(RICHMOND, Va.) - The Catholic Diocese of Richmond has received a recent report of alleged child sexual abuse against Fr. Walter Lewis. The allegation reports that the abuse took place in the 1980’s while Fr. Lewis was serving as pastor of St. Anne Catholic Church, Bristol. The allegation has been reported to law enforcement.

Fr. Lewis denies the allegation.

As a result, Bishop Knestout has immediately prohibited Fr. Lewis from any public ministry in the diocese while the investigation is underway. The diocese will not reach any conclusions regarding this allegation until the investigation concludes.

Fr. Lewis was ordained a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond in 1979. During his tenure, he served as pastor or parochial vicar at the following parishes: Holy Spirit, Virginia Beach; St. Andrew, Roanoke; St. Anne, Bristol; St. Mary, Richmond; St. Bridget, Richmond; St. John Neumann, Powhatan; and Good Samaritan, Amelia. Fr. Lewis recently retired from active ministry. His retirement was publicly announced in May 2023.

Bishop Knestout acknowledges it takes great courage to come forward to report allegations of this nature and offers his prayers for the ongoing healing of victims.

As always, the Catholic Diocese of Richmond encourages individuals who have been sexually abused by a priest, deacon, religious, lay employee or volunteer of the diocese to report abuse directly to law enforcement first, including Child Protective Services (CPS) at 1-800-552-7096. Individuals are also encouraged to contact the 24-hour confidential Victim’s Assistance Reporting number at 1-877-887-9603 or email [email protected].

###

[post_title] => Catholic Diocese of Richmond Received Allegation Against Retired Priest [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => catholic-diocese-of-richmond-received-allegation-against-retired-priest [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-08-05 13:31:13 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-08-05 17:31:13 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=134646 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [25] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 134264 [post_author] => 15 [post_date] => 2023-06-07 10:58:43 [post_date_gmt] => 2023-06-07 14:58:43 [post_content] =>

For Immediate Release: June 7, 2023

Bishop Knestout Statement on Deadly Shooting Following Richmond High School Graduation

“Yesterday a violent shooting occurred, this time following a Richmond public high school graduation, resulting in the loss of life and multiple injuries. “Seven months after an act of gun violence took the lives of three University of Virginia college students, we, in our diocese, are faced with another wrenching act of violence. “This callous act and subsequent chaotic, terrorizing scene occurred just yards away from our Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, causing fear and pandemonium for so many leaving the ceremony. What should have been a day of celebration for families and of student achievements – instead is marred by gun violence. “Words fail to fully express the trauma so many experienced yesterday, and the lives crushed because of it. However, I am immensely grateful for our law enforcement community who, despite the chaos, were there to respond swiftly and bring order to a confusing scene. “In this month of June, in which we celebrate the Sacred Heart of Jesus, may our Lord bring consolation and healing to the lives affected and suffering because of yesterday’s violence. May he hold their broken hearts in his.”

###

    [post_title] => Bishop Knestout Statement on Deadly Shooting
Following Richmond High School Graduation [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => bishop-knestout-statement-on-deadly-shooting-following-richmond-high-school-graduation [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2023-06-07 15:10:20 [post_modified_gmt] => 2023-06-07 19:10:20 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=134264 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [26] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 132345 [post_author] => 101 [post_date] => 2022-11-08 09:23:32 [post_date_gmt] => 2022-11-08 14:23:32 [post_content] => October 25, 2022 Dear Brothers and Sisters, On July 16, 2021, Pope Francis issued the Apostolic Letter motu proprioTraditionis Custodes, issuing new norms governing the celebration of the Mass according to the Missal of 1962. At the time of the motu proprio and the subsequent release of the Responsa ad Dubia, published by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments on December 18, 2021, I instructed the priests presently celebrating the antecedent liturgy that they were free to continue supporting the communities utilizing this form of the Mass, after requesting permission from me personally. At that time, I relayed to the communities that a time of study and reflection would commence in order to determine the most appropriate course of action to remain faithful to the Holy Father's directives. In June 2022, I requested permission for several parishes to continue the celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass in their parish churches. Following a response on July 6, 2022, from the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, I am implementing the motu proprio in the Diocese of Richmond. The Very Reverend Brian W. Capuano, J.C.L., Vicar for Vocations and Interim Director of the Office of Worship has been delegated to care for the communities attached to the Missal of 1962 and will assist these communities and the priests designated to assist them in the proper ordering of the Mass in fidelity to the directives issued by the Holy Father in Traditionis Custodes. While I recognize that these new directives will result in some changes to the liturgical life in a few of our parishes, I invite the faithful to a robust adherence to the Gospel and the teaching of the Church. May we pray together for the grace of the Holy Spirit to enliven our faith through the sacred liturgy as we seek a unity in liturgical practice and fidelity to the Church. Sincerely in Christ, Most Reverend Barry C. Knestout Bishop of Richmond *To read the full decree, please visit the Office of Worship website or click here  **For any questions, please direct them to [email protected]  [post_title] => Bishop Knestout Statement on motu proprio, Traditionis Custodes [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => bishop-knestout-statement-on-motu-proprio-traditionis-custodes [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2022-11-08 09:42:13 [post_modified_gmt] => 2022-11-08 14:42:13 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=132345 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [27] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 127532 [post_author] => 15 [post_date] => 2021-06-02 10:01:02 [post_date_gmt] => 2021-06-02 14:01:02 [post_content] => [post_title] => Lifting the General Dispensation from the Obligation to Attend Mass [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => lifting-the-general-dispensation-from-the-obligation-to-attend-mass [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2021-06-02 10:01:02 [post_modified_gmt] => 2021-06-02 14:01:02 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=127532 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [28] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 126520 [post_author] => 45 [post_date] => 2021-03-12 14:57:30 [post_date_gmt] => 2021-03-12 19:57:30 [post_content] => Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington and Bishop Barry C. Knestout of the Diocese of Richmond issued the following statement on Governor Northam’s signature of legislation that drastically expands abortion coverage in Virginia: “Governor Northam has crossed yet another tragic threshold by inserting abortion without limits into Virginia’s health benefits exchange. We decry the enactment of this deplorable policy, which is built on the destructive lie that abortion is healthcare. We are saddened when we contemplate the increased number of unborn lives likely to be lost as a result. “The exchange is a virtual marketplace created under the federal Affordable Care Act, through which an estimated 240,000 Virginians access their health plans. Under state law for the past decade, plans participating in Virginia’s health exchange were prohibited from covering most abortions. This fundamentally pro-life provision undoubtedly saved many lives. Starting July 1 of this year, however, that provision will be eradicated from our law. Consequently, and tragically, health plans in the exchange will be allowed to cover abortions for any reason. “In many cases, people receive public subsidies to purchase these plans. Beginning July 1, even these taxpayer-funded plans can cover abortions without limitation. This means that taxpayers will be forced to fund plans that cover abortion on demand. “Without despair, and with maximum determination, we will continue our advocacy for the preeminent priority of protecting unborn children from this threat. So many lives, who have no voice except ours, depend on it.”

###

The Diocese of Richmond

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Richmond is under the leadership and pastoral care of Bishop Barry C. Knestout. With 220,000 Catholics, 149 parishes and 29 schools, the diocese is a diverse faith community that comprises the entire Commonwealth of Virginia with the exception of 21 counties to the north. The Diocese of Richmond encourages Catholics across our diocese to live an active life of faith through the many opportunities offered within our diocesan boundaries. Our local Church works to support our diverse parishes and schools and welcomes all to live and practice the Gospel with faith and charity. Want to know more about us? Visit: www.richmonddiocese.org.  [post_title] => Statement by Bishop Burbidge and Bishop Knestout on Governor Northam’s Signature of Abortion Expansion Legislation [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => statement-by-bishop-burbidge-and-bishop-knestout-on-governor-northams-signature-of-abortion-expansion-legislation [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2021-03-12 14:57:30 [post_modified_gmt] => 2021-03-12 19:57:30 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=126520 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [29] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 126289 [post_author] => 45 [post_date] => 2021-03-02 10:40:06 [post_date_gmt] => 2021-03-02 15:40:06 [post_content] => For Immediate Release: March 2, 2021 The Most Reverend Barry C. Knestout has released the following statement: “In October 2019, the Little Sisters of the Poor announced that they had made the difficult decision to withdraw from St. Joseph Home in Henrico. Mother Jeanne Mary promised that the sisters would not leave until everything had been fully handed over to a suitable buyer. “Today, the sisters have announced that that day has come. “The special charisms of the Little Sisters of the Poor – the spirit of being a family and creating a home for those in need – will be deeply missed in the Diocese of Richmond, but we fully support the sisters as they discern how their community can provide the best care possible for those to whom they minister. “I offer prayers of gratitude for all the Little Sisters who have served at St. Joseph Home, and I pray that they will find a welcoming family atmosphere wherever they are assigned. I continue to pray for increased vocations to the Little Sisters and to other consecrated religious communities so that their missions may be strengthened in the years to come.” To read the full press release from the Little Sisters of the Poor, click here.

###

[post_title] => Bishop Barry C. Knestout Statement on Little Sisters of the Poor Announcing a Buyer for St. Joseph’s Home in Henrico County [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => bishop-barry-c-knestout-statement-on-little-sisters-of-the-poor-announcing-a-buyer-for-st-josephs-home-in-henrico-county [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2021-03-02 10:44:47 [post_modified_gmt] => 2021-03-02 15:44:47 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=126289 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [30] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 126073 [post_author] => 45 [post_date] => 2021-02-11 12:49:59 [post_date_gmt] => 2021-02-11 17:49:59 [post_content] => February 11, 2021

Bishop Knestout's Message for World Day of the Sick 2021

“On this World Day of the Sick, we are called to pray for many of our brothers and sisters. "We pray for those who are physically ill. We not only place before our Lord those who have COVID, but we pray for all who are undergoing treatment for illnesses that affect their bodies. “We remember the elderly, the weak and the vulnerable, that they receive care that provides them with the healing they seek while respecting their human dignity. “We hold up in prayer the terminally ill, that they no longer see illness and death as a tragic end, but as a heroic passage from this life to eternal life with our loving and merciful God. “We know that illness, like the inevitability of death, challenges our faith like no other experience. Long illness accompanied by extended periods of suffering or pain can produce anger, resentment, despair and isolation. It is a grace of our faith and the presence of God in our lives if we can experience such trial, but come through it with faith, peace, thanksgiving and hope. “We pray for those who suffer from mental illness, especially PTSD and addictions of any kind. May they accept the treatment necessary for them to learn how to live a fruitful life despite their illnesses. “We pray for family members of the sick and for their caregivers. In bringing comfort to those in need, they are following the example of Jesus. May they know that God is always with them and that the Holy Spirit will guide them in the decisions they make and the service they provide. “Finally, we continually offer prayers of thanksgiving for our health care personnel, volunteers, support staff, priests, men and women religious who, as Pope Francis notes 'have helped, treated, comforted and served so many of the sick and their families with professionalism, self-giving, responsibility and love of neighbor… they chose not to look the other way but to share the suffering of patients, whom they saw as neighbors and members of our one human family.'

“As our Church marks this World Day of the Sick, our Holy Father reminds us that we must match our words with actions in reaching out to the sick, that we must personally be the presence of Christ to them.”

###

[post_title] => Bishop Knestout's Message for World Day of the Sick 2021 [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => bishop-knestout-message-for-world-day-of-the-sick-2021 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2021-02-11 12:55:36 [post_modified_gmt] => 2021-02-11 17:55:36 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=126073 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [31] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 124713 [post_author] => 45 [post_date] => 2020-11-10 12:55:14 [post_date_gmt] => 2020-11-10 17:55:14 [post_content] => For Immediate Release: November 10, 2020 (RICHMOND, Va.) – Earlier today, the Vatican published an extensive report following an investigation of Theodore McCarrick, former cardinal of the Catholic Church (1930-2017). In response, Bishop Barry C. Knestout has issued the following statement: “I express my deepest gratitude to our Holy Father, Pope Francis, for ordering the thorough review and investigation concerning the career of Theodore E. McCarrick, former bishop and cardinal. More importantly, I wish to convey my deepest appreciation to victim survivors and the Catholic faithful for their patience as they waited for the release of this unprecedented and significant document. You can find it here. “A report of this magnitude will require thoughtful prayer and consideration. Reading it will be painful, but let us do it together. Reflection and prayer are necessary for the healing our Church community seeks and needs. It is my hope that the publication of this information will be another step in healing our wounded Church and that it will serve as an opportunity for reform and renewal.”

###

To access information about the diocese’s Office of Child Protection and Safe Environment, click here. To learn more about the actions Bishop Knestout and the diocese have taken to provide accountability in our local Church, click here. [post_title] => Statement from Bishop Knestout in Response to Today’s Released Vatican Report Regarding Theodore E. McCarrick [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => bishop-knestout-statement [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2020-11-10 16:25:51 [post_modified_gmt] => 2020-11-10 21:25:51 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=124713 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [32] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 124514 [post_author] => 45 [post_date] => 2020-10-26 15:01:07 [post_date_gmt] => 2020-10-26 19:01:07 [post_content] => October 26, 2020 I offer warm congratulations to Cardinal-designate Wilton D. Gregory, Archbishop of Washington, on his elevation to the College of Cardinals. Through this appointment, the Holy Father has named the first African American a cardinal, which is a significant event in the life of the universal Church. I am praying for the continued leadership of Cardinal-designate Gregory’s ministry during this joyous time and beyond.

###

[post_title] => Statement from Bishop Knestout on the Appointment of Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory to the College of Cardinals [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => statement-from-bishop-knestout-on-the-appointment-of-archbishop-wilton-d-gregory-to-the-college-of-cardinals [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2020-10-26 15:04:29 [post_modified_gmt] => 2020-10-26 19:04:29 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=124514 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [33] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 122112 [post_author] => 15 [post_date] => 2020-06-08 14:30:02 [post_date_gmt] => 2020-06-08 18:30:02 [post_content] =>
For immediate release June 8, 2020

Catholic Diocese of Richmond Begins Review into Allegations Against Four Retired or Inactive Priests

(RICHMOND, Va.) - The Catholic Diocese of Richmond announced today (June 8), it has begun a review into allegations of child sexual abuse involving four retired or inactive priests. None of the accused priests are currently serving in active ministry, nor have they recently served in ministry for the diocese. The diocese has not reached any conclusions regarding these allegations, rather this statement serves to announce the beginning of its inquiry into the allegations. Until this inquiry concludes, the accused are not deemed to have committed the acts alleged. At the same time, Bishop Knestout acknowledges it takes great courage to come forward to report allegations of this nature. “While the alleged incidents are from the past, we recognize the pain is still a deep and present reality for victim survivors of abuse and for their loved ones,” said Bishop Barry C. Knestout. “We continue to pray for their healing and for their loved ones who support them.” Bishop Knestout has prohibited all of the named diocesan clergy from any public ministry in the diocese while the allegations are being reviewed. As part of the Church process into the allegations, the Diocesan Review Board will make recommendations to Bishop Knestout. Based upon its findings, the Diocesan Review Board’s recommendations will assist Bishop Knestout with an appropriate response to the allegations. Then, Bishop Knestout will make a final determination. The Diocese has also notified the civil authorities.   Fr. William Dinga, Jr. | Status: Retired Without Priestly Faculties Allegations of child sexual abuse have been made against Fr. William Dinga, Jr. while serving at Christ the King Catholic Church, Norfolk in 1986. Fr. Dinga adamantly denies the allegations. He was ordained a priest for the Catholic Diocese of Richmond in 1975 and served as a pastor or associate pastor at the following parishes: Christ the King, Norfolk; Saint Andrew, Roanoke; Holy Cross, Lynchburg; Saint Jerome, Newport News; Saint Vincent de Paul, Newport News; and Saint Peter, Richmond. Fr. Dinga retired in 1990. Prior to this recent allegation, Fr. Dinga did not have permission to exercise any public priestly ministry. His priestly faculties remain suspended.   Fr. Joseph Slowik | Status: Retired without Priestly Faculties Allegations of child sexual abuse have been made against Fr. Joseph Slowik while serving at St. Paul’s in Portsmouth in the early 1990’s.  The diocese has been unable to ascertain Fr. Slowik’s response to the allegations. The Church process will proceed based on the assumption that Fr. Slowik denies the allegations. Incardinated as a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond in 1979, he served as a pastor and/or associate pastor at the following parishes: St. John, Petersburg, St. Paul, Portsmouth and Church of Saint Therese, Gloucester. He was removed from public ministry in 2006. Fr. Slowik’s priestly faculties remain suspended.   Fr. Thomas L. Long, Jr. | Suspended from Priestly Ministry Allegations of child sexual abuse have been made against Fr. Thomas L. Long, Jr. while serving at Christ the King Catholic School in Norfolk in 1986.  The diocese has been unable to ascertain Fr. Long’s response to the allegations. The Church process will proceed based on the assumption that Fr. Long denies the allegations. Fr. Long, ordained a priest of the diocese in 1981, was assigned to St. Joseph in Petersburg and Christ the King in Norfolk. He took a leave of absence in 1988 and has not served in priestly ministry within the Diocese of Richmond since that time. Prior to these allegations, Fr. Long’s priestly faculties were already suspended. His faculties remain suspended.   Fr. Eugene Daigle | Religious Order Priest Allegations of child sexual abuse have been made against Fr. Eugene Daigle, a religious order priest, while serving at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea in Fort Monroe in the late 1970’s. Fr. Daigle was ordained a Redemptorist, or member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (C.Ss.R), a religious community of Roman Catholic priests and brothers, before working in ministry in the diocese. The Catholic Diocese of Richmond has informed the provincial superior of the Redemptorists of the Baltimore Province, to whom Fr. Daigle reports to, of the allegations.  Currently, Fr. Daigle is no longer active in priestly ministry.* The diocese has been unable to ascertain Fr. Daigle’s response to the allegations. The Church process will proceed based on the assumption that Fr. Daigle denies the allegation. As always, the Catholic Diocese of Richmond encourages individuals who have been sexually abused by a priest, deacon, religious, lay employee or volunteer of the diocese to report abuse directly to law enforcement first, including Child Protective Services (CPS) at 1-800-552-7096, and by calling the Virginia Clergy Abuse Hotline at 1-833-454-9064 or (VirginiaClergyHotline.com). Individuals are also encouraged to contact the 24-hour confidential Victim’s Assistance Reporting number at 1-877-887-9603 or email [email protected]. The Diocesan Child Protection Policy can be viewed online at: https://richmonddiocese.org/diocesan-policies/  

###

  *Media Note: Any further information regarding Fr. Eugene Daigle’s date of ordination and previous assignments will have to be obtained from the Redemptorists. The Redemptorists can be reached by contacting [email protected].   [post_title] => Catholic Diocese of Richmond Begins Review into Allegations Against Four Retired or Inactive Priests [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => catholic-diocese-of-richmond-begins-review-into-allegations-against-four-retired-or-inactive-priests [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2020-06-08 14:26:27 [post_modified_gmt] => 2020-06-08 18:26:27 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=122112 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [34] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 121806 [post_author] => 15 [post_date] => 2020-05-15 14:52:53 [post_date_gmt] => 2020-05-15 18:52:53 [post_content] => Información actualizada El 14 de mayo de 2020, los líderes locales de la ciudad de Richmond y del condado de Accomack solicitaron una demora de dos semanas para entrar en la primera fase, el Gobernador Northam enmendó la Orden Ejecutiva 62 para retrasar la reapertura de estas jurisdicciones hasta el viernes 29 de mayo de 2020. Como resultado de esta nueva información y para la seguridad de todos, el obispo Knestout está ordenando a todas las parroquias localizadas en la ciudad de Richmond y el condado de Accomack que retrasen el paso a la fase 1 de reapertura hasta la misa de vigilia del domingo, el sábado 30 de mayo de 2020.  Esto incluye retrasar el ofrecimiento de misas públicas.   La celebración de misas públicas se reanuda en la diócesi de Richmond Las misas comienzan el 23 de mayo en la vigilia del domingo de la Fiesta de la Ascensión   (RICHMOND, Va.) - Los católicos de la diócesis de Richmond volverán a celebrar la misa en sus parroquias el fin de semana del 23 de mayo. La celebración de las fue suspendida a partir del 22 de marzo de 2020 en la diócesis debido a la crisis de salud de COVID-19. "Hemos estado en la diócesis planeando por algún tiempo para encontrar maneras de proveer los sacramentos y las misas, pero con limitaciones para mantener la seguridad y el bienestar de todos. Esperamos una apertura gradual debido al tamaño y a la diversidad de nuestras parroquias dentro de cada localidad y dadas las circunstancias individuales de las parroquias", dice el Obispo Barry C. Knestout. "Nuestras directrices han sido desarrolladas en base a protocolos de salud pública y estatales y en base a las circunstancias actuales, por lo que los protocolos pueden cambiar con el tiempo". Las directrices enviadas a los sacerdotes el 13 de mayo por la oficina de Preparación de la diócesis detallan las instrucciones y la orientación a las parroquias, incluyendo el distanciamiento social de seis pies y el uso de cubrirse la cara por parte de todos los parroquianos reunidos de 3 años en adelante. Para más directrices y pautas específicas, véase "Directrices para volver a la misa". Lo que necesitas saber". La reapertura sigue la orden ejecutiva 61 del gobernador Ralph Northam, que permite que los lugares de culto tengan servicios de hasta el 50% de la ocupación del área más baja del culto en el templo y otras directrices recomendadas. Durante este tiempo, el obispo Knestout continúa dispensando a los católicos de la obligación de asistir a misa los domingos y días festivos. La dispensación es debida al límite de capacidad para las liturgias reduciendo el número de feligreses y reconociendo a los individuos que se definen como "vulnerables". La dispensación está en vigor hasta nuevo aviso. "Esperamos el día en que todos nos reunamos de nuevo, en que la distancia física no nos limite y podamos alegrarnos de la fuerza y la gracia que se nos ofrece en la Eucaristía", dice el obispo Knestout. "Sepan de mi profunda gratitud por su paciencia, apoyo y cooperación mientras trabajamos juntos como una comunidad católica durante este tiempo". Las parroquias continuarán abiertas durante sus horarios regulares. Se les anima a que continúen con lo siguiente: misas en vivo, programar la celebración de misas públicas con tiempo adicional entre una y otra para permitir que el espacio de culto se limpie y desinfecte, y publicar las homilías y las grabaciones de las misas en el sitio web de la parroquia. Los católicos que tengan preguntas sobre la reapertura de las iglesias deben contactar con sus parroquias o [email protected] [post_title] => La celebración de misas públicas se reanuda en la diócesi de Richmond [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => la-celebracion-de-misas-publicas-se-reanuda-en-la-diocesi-de-richmond [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2020-05-15 17:51:06 [post_modified_gmt] => 2020-05-15 21:51:06 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=121806 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [35] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 120362 [post_author] => 45 [post_date] => 2020-03-16 14:32:08 [post_date_gmt] => 2020-03-16 18:32:08 [post_content] => UPDATED March 17, 2020 Bishop Barry C. Knestout has prohibited gatherings of more than 10 people for any ministry within the Catholic Diocese of Richmond. This is an updated directive from the March 16 press release issued by the diocese in light of Governor Ralph Northam’s press conference on Tuesday, March 17, in which he announced that gatherings of 10 or more people will be banned within the commonwealth.  

(en español)

March 16, 2020

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As anxiety and concerns about the possible spread of COVID-19 takes root throughout this land and so much of the world, the Lord is speaking to us, calling us to a deeper relationship with him. This age may seem to be a time of fear and isolation, but we have an opportunity to see it in a new light, as a retreat into the desert with Our Lord and to encounter God in solitude and prayer. As Psalm 91 says:

“You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the plague that prowls in the darkness, nor the scourge that lays waste at noon. A thousand may fall at our side, ten thousand fall at your right, you it will never approach; his faithfulness is buckler and shield.”

Given the necessary restrictions to public gatherings in the Commonwealth of Virginia, to ensure the common good, to provide for public health and safety, and yet to maintain the mission of the Church allowing access to the sacraments, to Church teaching and to works of charity in a way appropriate to the circumstances of our age, as well as to renew our spiritual vitality as a diocese during a time of Jubilee, I am instructing the following to take place within our diocese. As a suspension of all public celebrations of Mass, on Sundays, holy days and weekdays in the Diocese of Richmond takes place, and as the days grow longer and the light of spring begins to shine, opening our eyes to the goodness of God, I invite all the faithful in their homes and in the solitude of their hearts to draw close to Christ our light in prayer and interior desire for the Lord who dwells within our hearts – asking for the grace of forgiveness, recovery of our spiritual sight and of an awakening of desire for God to be strengthened within us. This weekend, during a private celebration of Mass at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart and in the midst of our Jubilee year, I will celebrate Mass without a congregation, asking God’s grace and forgiveness, consecrating our diocese to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. So that you may join me in this moment, it will be streamed live for the faithful. Each priest is to celebrate his daily Mass in private in the church or a chapel on behalf of the intentions of his parish and for the universal Church to assist all those affected by COVID-19. For the time being, I am instructing that during the daylight hours all of our parish churches are to keep their doors open for the possibility of private prayer or devotion. As the People of God of necessity go to the grocery store for food, they can also drop by their parish church to sustain their spiritual lives. If quarantines or greater public restrictions are put in place limiting to a greater degree public movement and gatherings, or if more than 50 people recommended by the CDC gather in the church building, it will be closed to further access from outside. While open, a porter, assigned by the pastor, is to be stationed during the daylight hours at the one unlocked door of the church so that no more than 50 people at any one time may be in the Church. Individually, and always keeping an appropriate social distance from one another, parishioners are free, during a time of fear and uncertainty, to come at their discretion during the day for personal devotion, communion by desire, to pray the rosary or the Stations of the Cross. I am also asking at this time that the Blessed Sacrament be move to the center of the large or main body of the church. Our Lord is to be reserved and secured in the tabernacle, clearly visible in the larger main body of the church throughout daylight hours especially Saturday and Sunday - so that during private devotion and prayer, appropriate social distancing can be maintained, which is impossible in the smaller adoration chapels. Priests are to be available for personal confessions at specific times of the day in a large adjacent room that would allow security, limited access and provide at least six feet of space between them and any penitent. Pastoral care by the priest to the sick is of utmost importance during this time.  If a priest is unable to visit the sick for whatever reason or concerned with visiting sick because he fits one of the vulnerable categories, he will contact his dean. Communion will not normally be brought to any other parishioner who is homebound or who cannot attend Mass. Prayers for communion by desire will be widely available in the church and the parish website. Communion, if requested, will be brought to those who are near death when administering Viaticum. Lay volunteers  will not be visiting the sick in any official capacity.  Deacons may visit the sick using their discretion, taking into consideration their age or immunocompromised status. Essential charitable efforts to the poor and vulnerable will continue with some adaptations. Restrictions will be in place for no more than 25 people in a building at a time. It will be recommended that only individuals who are not within vulnerable groups or immunocompromised be the ones to assist the poor. Hot food service or seated food service in soup kitchens will be discontinued and replaced by grab-and-go options. All surfaces, including restrooms, must be sanitized frequently. Drop-off locations for donations should be outside the main facility thus limiting those who may be exposed to larger groups. With these provisions in place, we will continue with the Church’s mission: teaching the faith, celebrating the sacraments as needed in this age, and care for the poor, even as we support the common good and assure the health and well-being of our neighbor. As the world responds to this emergency, we turn our attention to the Holy Spirit to give us strength and courage in times of trial and suffering. We offer our prayers to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and ask the intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. May we know the depths of the Lord’s merciful love and may Our Lady keep us in the mantle of her protection to intercede for us in our time of need. With the assurance of prayers for you and all affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, I am,

Sincerely in Christ,

Most Reverend Barry C. Knestout Bishop of Richmond

  [post_title] => Bishop Knestout Writes Letter to the Faithful in Regard to COVID-19 [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => bishop-knestout-writes-letter-to-the-faithful-in-regard-to-covid-19 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2020-03-17 15:05:59 [post_modified_gmt] => 2020-03-17 19:05:59 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=120362 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [36] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 119664 [post_author] => 45 [post_date] => 2020-01-31 09:07:56 [post_date_gmt] => 2020-01-31 14:07:56 [post_content] => January 29, 2020   Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington and Bishop Barry C. Knestout of the Diocese of Richmond issued the following statement on the passage of companion abortion bills yesterday and today by the Virginia House of Delegates (HB 980) and the Virginia Senate (SB 733) respectively: We ask all Catholics to step into the public square and to be witnesses of the Gospel on which our faith is founded. Because we believe that all life is a sacred gift from God, it is imperative for all people of faith to continue to speak and act on behalf of the unborn, especially those who will die if this legislation is enacted. We are saddened and deeply disappointed that a majority of Virginia’s elected leaders have chosen to pass bills that strip Virginia law of many longstanding provisions that protect unborn children and the health and safety of women. A just society respects life from the moment of conception until natural death, and we continue to call upon the Virginia General Assembly to reject any legislation that increases abortion access. Let us pray that members of the General Assembly will be guided by the love of God in opposing legislation that will result in the death of innocent human life. At the same time, we ask for all to pray for the mothers of these children that they will give them life and that we will support them in their needs. As the Senate now takes up consideration of HB 980 and the House takes up consideration of SB 733, the Virginia Catholic Conference urges pro-life Virginians to continue to voice their strong opposition to these bills. Voices of truth must be heard by our elected officials. This year’s Virginia March for Life is extraordinarily important, and we urge people throughout both the Arlington and Richmond Catholic Dioceses to join us on February 13 to show that Virginians are pro-life and expect their legislators to vote that way.

###

[post_title] => Statement by Bishop Burbidge and Bishop Knestout on Passage of Abortion Bills [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => statement-by-bishop-burbidge-and-bishop-knestout-on-passage-of-abortion-bills [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2020-01-31 09:07:56 [post_modified_gmt] => 2020-01-31 14:07:56 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=119664 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [37] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 119449 [post_author] => 45 [post_date] => 2020-01-17 12:00:29 [post_date_gmt] => 2020-01-17 17:00:29 [post_content] => January 17, 2020 It is with great sadness that I have received a letter from Bishop-Elect Susan Haynes stating that, due to the controversy of the proposed use of St. Bede Catholic Church for her consecration as the bishop for the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia, she has decided to find another location for the ceremony to take place. In granting permission for this ordination to be held at St. Bede, we were welcoming, as the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council encouraged, those who have in common with us “the written Word of God; the life of grace; faith, hope and charity, with the other interior gifts of the Holy Spirit” (Decree on Ecumenism, 3). We were following the example of St. John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis who enthusiastically engaged in ecumenical outreach and hospitality. We look forward to continuing our ecumenical dialogue with the Episcopal community, and to working with Bishop-Elect Haynes in fortifying the long standing, cordial relationship between our communities and our joint service to the poor. As I assure Bishop-Elect Haynes of my prayers for her and the community she leads, I ask our Catholic faithful to pray for them, too, and to pray that the fruits of the Holy Spirit, along with humility, kindness, gentleness and joy, be expressed and strengthened in all our faith communities. You can read the statement from the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia by clicking here. [post_title] => Bishop Knestout Statement Following the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia’s Decision to Change Consecration Location [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => bishop-knestout-statement-following-the-episcopal-diocese-of-southern-virginias-decision-to-change-consecration-location [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2020-01-17 12:00:29 [post_modified_gmt] => 2020-01-17 17:00:29 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=119449 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [38] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 119331 [post_author] => 45 [post_date] => 2020-01-02 14:42:04 [post_date_gmt] => 2020-01-02 19:42:04 [post_content] => January 2, 2020 Bishop Knestout has released a letter detailing his final decision on the closing of Holy Cross Regional Catholic School following a Dec. 19 meeting with Holy Cross constituents. In part, Bishop writes, “Given all the facts, and having received the input from the pastors, school administrative staff and school advisory board members, as well as the advice of my staff and others, the decision stands to close Holy Cross at the end of this school year.” You can read Bishop’s full statement by clicking here.  [post_title] => Bishop Knestout Releases Statement on Holy Cross Regional Catholic School [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => bishop-knestout-releases-statement-on-holy-cross-regional-catholic-school [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2020-01-02 14:42:04 [post_modified_gmt] => 2020-01-02 19:42:04 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=119331 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [39] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 118898 [post_author] => 3 [post_date] => 2019-10-30 10:01:43 [post_date_gmt] => 2019-10-30 14:01:43 [post_content] => “For more than a century, the Little Sisters of the Poor have been faithful servants and true examples of Christ’s loving care and unwavering, tender devotion for the poor, sick, elderly and dying within our diocese,” said the Most Rev. Barry C. Knestout, bishop of Richmond. “I am deeply saddened to see them leave our region as their departure will leave a profound void within our community that is irreplaceable. Yet, I am immensely grateful for the decades of humble service, selfless work, great love and devotion they have provided to the most vulnerable in our community. On a personal note, I have a very fond affection for the Little Sisters, as I witnessed firsthand their compassion and accompaniment of the dying when they lovingly cared for Cardinal James Hickey until his death in 2004 at the Jeanne Jugan Residence in Washington, D.C. While not a diocesan entity, I understand the impact such a difficult decision will have as this transition process moves forward and the current challenges the Little Sisters face as they work to continue to fulfill their mission around the world. I know our Catholic community holds the Little Sisters in high regard and I ask the faithful to keep them in your prayers in the weeks and months to come. Be assured of my continued prayers for them as well. Through the intercession of Saint Jeanne Jugan, and our Blessed Mother, Mary, may the Little Sisters continue to be guided in their work as they seek to make Jesus Christ present in the world.”

###

The Little Sisters have served continuously in the Diocese of Richmond since 1874. For more information about the Little Sisters of the Poor, visit www.littlesistersofthepoorvirginia.org     [post_title] => Bishop Barry C. Knestout’s Statement on the Little Sisters of the Poor Departing from St. Joseph’s Home [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => bishops-statement103019 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2019-10-30 10:28:57 [post_modified_gmt] => 2019-10-30 14:28:57 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=118898 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [40] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 117436 [post_author] => 45 [post_date] => 2019-07-23 12:03:54 [post_date_gmt] => 2019-07-23 16:03:54 [post_content] => For Immediate Release: July 23, 2019

Bishop Barry C. Knestout Statement Following the Holy Father’s Appointment of the Most Reverend Mark Brennan as Bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston

I offer my congratulations and best wishes to Bishop Mark Brennan on his appointment by Pope Francis as shepherd of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston.  Having known Bishop Brennan for more than 40 years, I am certain that he will guide and serve the people of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston with great pastoral care and dedication. He is a pastor’s pastor, one who is prayerful, modest and lives a simple life with an attitude of service to God and to the mission of his Church and people.  Throughout my life, my path has crossed with Bishop Brennan’s many times. As a teenager, he served as parochial vicar at my home parish in Bowie, Saint Pius X. During my college years, he helped me discern my call to the priesthood and continued to offer me spiritual guidance in the years that followed. In my last year of seminary, Bishop Brennan became vocations director for the Archdiocese of Washington and was the one who provided the final recommendation to Cardinal Hickey to ordain me as a priest. I know Bishop Brennan will be a skillful administrator and provide gentle, careful and competent oversight for the financial and pastoral needs of the Wheeling-Charleston Diocese.  The clergy, consecrated religious and lay faithful of the diocese will benefit greatly from his wisdom, counsel and great pastoral care. I look forward to working alongside him in the Baltimore province in the years to come. I assure Bishop Brennan of my prayers for him and that the people of our diocese will keep him in prayer as he is called to this new leadership role.

###


USCCB statement on the appointment of the Most Reverend Mark Brennen as Bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston:  

Pope Francis Appoints the Most Reverend Mark Brennan as Bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston

July 23, 2019
WASHINGTON—Pope Francis has appointed the Most Reverend Mark Brennan as Bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston. The appointment was publicized in Washington, DC, on July 23, 2019 by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States. Bishop Brennan was born on February 6, 1947 in Boston, MA. He holds a bachelor of arts from Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, 1969; and pursued seminary studies at Christ the King Seminary in Albany, New York, 1969-1970. In 1972 he received a licentiate in sacred theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, 1972; he also pursued a graduate degree at the Gregorian, 1974. He was ordained a priest in the Archdiocese of Washington on May 15, 1976. Pope Francis appointed Bishop Brennan as auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Baltimore in December of 2016, and he was consecrated a bishop on January 19, 2017. Assignments after ordination include: parochial vicar, Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Potomac, Maryland, 1976-1981, and Saint Pius X Parish, Bowie, Maryland, 1981-1985; parochial vicar, Saint Bartholomew Parish, Bethesda, Maryland, 1986-1988, pastoral care to Hispanic community, 1988-1989; director of vocations and priest programs, 1988-1998; pastor, Saint Thomas the Apostle parish, Washington, DC, 1998-2003, Saint Martin of Tours Parish, Gaithersburg, Maryland, 2003-2016. Other assignments include: member, priest council, 1978-1981, 2009-2015; member, College of Consultors, 1998-2001, 2011-2016; vicar forane, 2002-2005; advocate, Metropolitan Tribunal, 2006. The Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston is comprised of 24,282 square miles and has a total population of 1,844,128 of which 77,874 or 4 percent, are Catholic.

###

[post_title] => Bishop Barry C. Knestout Statement Following the Holy Father’s Appointment of the Most Reverend Mark Brennan as Bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => bishop-barry-c-knestout-statement-following-the-holy-fathers-appointment-of-the-most-reverend-mark-brennan-as-bishop-of-the-diocese-of-wheeling-charleston [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2019-07-23 12:23:52 [post_modified_gmt] => 2019-07-23 16:23:52 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=117436 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [41] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 116911 [post_author] => 45 [post_date] => 2019-07-01 12:38:36 [post_date_gmt] => 2019-07-01 16:38:36 [post_content] => Bishop Barry C. Knestout has announced the implementation of EthicsPoint, an independent, third-party ethics reporting system within the Diocese of Richmond. EthicsPoint provides a completely confidential platform that allows any employee, parishioner, clergy or volunteer of the diocese to anonymously submit concerns about suspected unethical behavior, misuse of resources or financial misconduct. The EthicsPoint hotline is NOT intended to receive information about sexual abuse allegations. Abuse allegations should be reported immediately to your local law enforcement and the Attorney General’s Clergy Abuse Hotline at 1-833-454-9064. Bishop Knestout has prepared communications for the faithful about the EthicsPoint platform that further explain the ways this new tool will benefit parishes, schools and the entire diocese. View Bishop’s Video. Read Bishop’s Letter. Read the Press Release.  [post_title] => Diocese of Richmond Implements Confidential EthicsPoint Reporting [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => diocese-of-richmond-implements-confidential-ethicspoint-reporting [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2019-11-22 06:25:07 [post_modified_gmt] => 2019-11-22 11:25:07 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=116911 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [42] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 116822 [post_author] => 3 [post_date] => 2019-06-27 09:55:18 [post_date_gmt] => 2019-06-27 13:55:18 [post_content] =>

En español

June 27, 2019 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, In recent years, the Church has become vividly aware of the sorrow and suffering associated with child sexual abuse perpetrated by some clergy. In response, I have taken a number of steps to support the survivors who have suffered abuse and help them on their path toward healing. In addition to strengthening our child protection policies, practices, and codes of conduct as well as continuing to provide counseling to survivors of abuse, the Diocese of Richmond earlier this year published a list of clergy against whom there are credible and substantiated claims of child sexual abuse. Overcoming the tragedy of abuse is not just about holding accountable those who have committed abuses, it is also about seriously examining the role and complex legacies of individuals who should have done more to address the crisis in real time. The continued honorific recognition of those individuals provides a barrier to healing for our survivors, and we want survivors to know that we welcome and support them in our Diocese. For this reason, effective today I am instructing that an additional step take place. As a policy, all diocesan institutions, its schools, and parish buildings are to be named after one of the saints, the mysteries of the faith, titles of Our Lord and of Our Lady, or the place where the ministry has been established.  They are no longer to be named after a pastor, founder, or individual. Any proposed change that varies from this policy would require the review and approval of the bishop. This policy does not apply to rooms or wings in existing buildings or institutions.  Neither does it apply to the listing of historic figures who held an office in the institution or plaques or signs recognizing donors. I am asking local administrators to exercise prudential judgment before making any changes as deemed appropriate.  All other Catholic institutions may determine a policy for themselves according to their own statutes and bylaws. With this in mind, effective today, Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School will return to its former name of Catholic High School. From a practical perspective, I am allowing for a period of transition over the next year to complete all that is necessary to accomplish this name change. It is my hope and prayer the policy change is another way to continue to assist survivors of abuse in their healing, especially those who have, in any way, experienced the failure of Church leadership to adequately address their needs and concerns. Asking for the intercession of Our Lady and the grace of the Holy Spirit, I remain Sincerely in Christ, Most Reverend Barry C. Knestout Bishop of Richmond

Printable Letter From Bishop Knestout

[post_title] => Bishop Knestout's Letter on Policy of Naming Institutions [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => bishop-knestouts-letter-on-policy-of-naming-institutions [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2019-06-28 16:17:13 [post_modified_gmt] => 2019-06-28 20:17:13 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=116822 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [43] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 116825 [post_author] => 3 [post_date] => 2019-06-27 09:55:01 [post_date_gmt] => 2019-06-27 13:55:01 [post_content] =>

In English

27 de junio de 2019 Queridos hermanos y hermanas en Cristo, En los últimos años, la Iglesia se ha dado cuenta de la tristeza y el sufrimiento asociados con el abuso sexual infantil perpetrado por algunos clérigos. En respuesta, he tomado una serie de pasos para apoyar a los sobrevivientes que han sufrido abusos y ayudarlos en su camino hacia la sanación. Además de fortalecer nuestras pólizas, prácticas y códigos de conducta para la protección infantil y el asesoramiento continuo a los sobrevivientes de abuso, la Diócesis de Richmond publicó una lista de clérigos quienes tienen denuncias en su contra de abuso sexual infantil creíbles y verificadas. Superar la tragedia del abuso no se trata solo de hacer responsable a quienes cometieron los abusos, sino también de examinar seriamente el rol y los legados complejos de las personas que deberían haber hecho más para abordar la crisis. El reconocimiento honorífico continuo de estos individuos proporciona una barrera para la sanación de nuestros sobrevivientes, y queremos que los sobrevivientes sepan que les damos la bienvenida y los apoyamos en nuestra Diócesis. Por esta razón, de inmediato, les pido que se lleve a cabo un paso adicional. Como póliza, todas las instituciones diocesanas, sus escuelas y edificios parroquiales, deben ser nombrados por uno de los santos, los misterios de la fe, los títulos de Nuestro Señor y de Nuestra Señora, o el lugar donde el ministerio ha sido establecido. Ya no deben ser nombrados después de un pastor, fundador o individuo. Cualquier cambio propuesto que varíe de esta póliza requerirá la revisión y aprobación del obispo. Esta póliza no se aplica a las habitaciones o alas de los edificios o instituciones existentes. Tampoco se aplica a la lista de figuras históricas que ocuparon una oficina en la institución o placas que reconocen a donantes. Estoy pidiendo a los administradores locales que sean prudentes antes de hacer cualquier cambio que se considere apropiado. Todas las demás instituciones católicas pueden determinar una póliza por sí mismas de acuerdo con sus propios estatutos. Con esto en mente, de inmediato, Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School se volverá a llamar Catholic High School. Desde una perspectiva práctica, estoy permitiendo, el próximo año, un período de transición para completar todo lo necesario y lograr este cambio de nombre. Es mi esperanza y oración que el cambio de póliza sea otra manera de continuar ayudando a los sobrevivientes de abusos en su sanación, especialmente a aquellos que, de alguna manera, han experimentado el fracaso del liderazgo de la Iglesia para abordar adecuadamente sus necesidades y preocupaciones. Pidiendo la intercesión de Nuestra Señora y la gracia del Espíritu Santo, permanezco Sinceramente en Cristo, Reverendísimo Barry C. Knestout Obispo de Richmond Carta del Obispo Knestout en española [post_title] => Carta del Obispo Knestout sobre el nombramiento de instituciones [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => carta-del-obispo-knestout-sobre-el-nombramiento-de-instituciones [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2019-06-28 16:25:00 [post_modified_gmt] => 2019-06-28 20:25:00 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=116825 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [44] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 116413 [post_author] => 106 [post_date] => 2019-05-31 20:01:43 [post_date_gmt] => 2019-06-01 00:01:43 [post_content] => June 6, 2019 The Holy Father has offered his condolences to the community of Virginia Beach. Bishop Knestout thanked Pope Francis for his prayers and sympathies on behalf of the faithful.
Letter From Pope Francis Bishop Knestout's Response
 
Updated & For Immediate Release:  June 2, 2019

Bishop Knestout Visits and Celebrates Mass with Two Virginia Beach Parishes Sunday June 2, 2019

“As you mourn the loss of friends, neighbors or family, I mourn with you and want to assure you of the sympathy and solidarity of all the people of the Diocese of Richmond. We join you in prayer and by being present with you to grieve the loss of the 12 souls who died and others injured in Friday’s violent shooting at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center. I hope in some small way this prayer and support brings comfort to you and to the Virginia Beach community. This is your home and I know words fall short in easing the pain of this time, but offer them to you in the hope that in being united with you in thought and prayer, we might also help you carry the burden of this loss. We feel sadness in our hearts, especially for those whom the sting of this loss is so much greater, for those who have lost a loved one. We know there is grief, and possibly also anger at the injustice of this senseless loss of innocent life. Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Ascension which normally is an occasion of joy and thanksgiving. But it’s difficult to celebrate when we know members within our diocese are hurting and in pain following such violent loss. It is in this time of loss that we turn to our Heavenly Father in prayer. To ease our grief – it is God who provides the strength and peace to sustain us in times of loss and distress. I invite all the faithful of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond to join me in prayer on the Feast of the Ascension for the people of Virginia Beach. We hold in prayer the many who are hurting as a result of this tragedy. We pray for the families who lost a loved one, for the injured recovering in the hospital, for the medical personnel working to comfort and care for the suffering, for our law enforcement community who so valiantly faced the danger at the Municipal Center. We pray for the co-workers mourning the loss of a friend and most especially for those who died: • Laquita Brown • Tara Gallagher • Mary Louise Gayle • Alexander Gusev • Katherine Nixon • Richard Nettleton • Christopher Rapp • Ryan Cox • Joshua Hardy • Michelle “Missy” Langer • Robert “Bobby” Williams • Herbert “Bert” Snelling May God grant them eternal rest and may the Virginia Beach community remain steadfast in their support of one another. Be assured of a continued remembrance in our prayers in the days and weeks to come.

###

For Immediate Release: May 31, 2019 Bishop Knestout issued a statement following multiple deaths from a shooting at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center Complex, Friday, May 31, 2019: “As we await more information from law enforcement regarding the devastating news late this afternoon confirming 11 individuals have lost their lives in Virginia Beach, my prayers and thoughts are with the people of Virginia Beach and the community of Hampton Roads. Tonight, I will continue to pray for those who lost their lives, those who are injured, the medical personnel and first responders who are assisting the victims, families and all affected. I would ask all the faithful to pray with me during this time.” ~Bishop Barry C. Knestout [post_title] => Diocesan News on the May 31 Shooting in Virginia Beach [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => bishop-knestout-statement-following-shooting-at-virginia-beach-municipal-center [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2019-06-06 09:20:36 [post_modified_gmt] => 2019-06-06 13:20:36 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=116413 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [45] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 116159 [post_author] => 45 [post_date] => 2019-05-10 13:51:32 [post_date_gmt] => 2019-05-10 17:51:32 [post_content] => May 10, 2019 I welcome Pope Francis’ recent apostolic letter "Vos estis lux mundi," issued Motu proprio, regarding the crime of sexual abuse. It further expresses his firm commitment to protecting children, young adults and the vulnerable from being sexually abused by church personnel, and it reiterates his expectation that care for victims and their families will always be a priority for Church leaders. Two additional points in the statement are worth noting: the pope’s delineation of accountability by the bishops in dealing with cases of sexual abuse by church personnel, and the expediency with which our Holy Father expects these matters to be addressed. These are concerns that have repeatedly been expressed by victims and other members of the faithful. We are encouraged that our Holy Father has specifically addressed them in this apostolic letter. I am grateful that Pope Francis has stated, “a continuous and profound conversion of hearts is needed, attested by concrete and effective actions that involve everyone in the Church, so that personal sanctity and moral commitment can contribute to promoting the full credibility of the Gospel message and the effectiveness of the Church’s mission.” We will strive for that conversion and take the action it requires for us — victims and the entire church — to continue healing from the sins of the abusers.

###

[post_title] => Bishop Knestout Statement on Pope Francis' Apostolic Letter [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => bishop-knestout-statement-on-pope-francis-apostolic-letter [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2019-05-13 11:20:47 [post_modified_gmt] => 2019-05-13 15:20:47 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=116159 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [46] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 115705 [post_author] => 45 [post_date] => 2019-04-04 09:19:46 [post_date_gmt] => 2019-04-04 13:19:46 [post_content] => For Immediate Release: April 4, 2019 “I congratulate and assure Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory of my prayers as he becomes Archbishop of Washington. Archbishop Gregory has exemplified the role of bishop as a shepherd in the Diocese of Belleville, Ill., and Archdiocese of Atlanta. As president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops from 2001-2004, he led the process in addressing the clergy sexual abuse crisis in the United States. That process resulted in the adoption and implementation of “The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young Adults” in 2002. Archbishop Gregory’s recognition and understanding of the abundant gifts found in the diverse Catholic community will serve the Archdiocese of Washington well. I continue to keep him and the people of the Archdiocese in my prayers.”

###


Statement from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Pope Francis Names Archbishop Wilton Gregory of Atlanta as New Archbishop of Washington April 4, 2019 WASHINGTON—Pope Francis has named the Most Reverend Wilton D. Gregory as the new Archbishop of Washington. The appointment was publicized in Washington, DC, on April 4, 2019 by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States. Archbishop Wilton Gregory, 71, was born on December 7, 1947 in Chicago, Illinois. He attended the University of Saint Mary at  Mundelein Seminary, and completed his doctorate in sacred liturgy in 1980 at the Pontifical Liturgical Institute (Sant’ Anselmo) in Rome. He was ordained as a priest for the Archdiocese of Chicago on May 9, 1973. On December 13, 1983, he was ordained an auxiliary bishop of Chicago. He was then installed as bishop of the Diocese of Belleville, IL on February 10, 1994. Pope John Paull II appointed him as the sixth archbishop of the Archdiocese of Atlanta. He was installed on January 17, 2005. Archbishop Gregory served as president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops from Nov. 2001 to 2004, following three years as USCCB vice president. Under his leadership, the USCCB implemented the “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.” He also previously served on other committees including the Committee on Doctrine, Liturgy, Administrative, and International Policy and also as Chairman of the Bishops’ Committees on Personnel and the Third Millennium/Jubilee Year 2000. On October 12, 2018, Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Cardinal Donald Wuerl, 78, from the pastoral governance of the Archdiocese of Washington. Cardinal Wuerl had presented his resignation almost three years ago, when he reached the retirement age for bishops of 75.  Upon acceptance of his resignation, Pope Francis named Cardinal Wuerl as apostolic administrator to oversee the archdiocese until a successor was named. Cardinal Wuerl served as archbishop of Washington from 2006 to 2018. The Archdiocese of Washington is comprised of 2,104 square miles and has a total population of 2,994,625 of which 658,818 or 22 percent, are Catholic.

###


El Papa Francisco Nombra al Reverendísimo Wilton Gregory como Nuevo Arzobispo de Washington 4 de abril de 2019 WASHINGTON—El Papa Francisco nombró al Reverendísimo Wilton D. Gregory como nuevo Arzobispo de Washington. La designación fue publicada en Washington, DC, hoy jueves 4 de abril de 2019 por el Arzobispo Christophe Pierre, Nuncio Apostólico en Estados Unidos. El Arzobispo Wilton Gregory, de 71 años, nació el 7 de diciembre de 1947 en Chicago, Illinois. Estudió en la Universidad de Santa María en el Seminario de Mundelein, y completó su doctorado en liturgia sagrada en 1980 en el Instituto Pontificio Litúrgico (Sant ’Anselmo) en Roma. El Reverendísimo Gregory fue ordenado sacerdote en la Arquidiócesis de Chicago el 9 de mayo de 1973. El 13 de diciembre de 1983, fue ordenado Obispo Auxiliar de Chicago. Luego fue instalado como Obispo de la Diócesis de Belleville, IL. El 10 de febrero de 1994, el Papa Juan Pablo II lo nombró como el sexto Arzobispo de la Arquidiócesis de Atlanta. Fue instalado el 17 de enero de 2005. El Arzobispo Gregory sirvió como Presidente de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos desde noviembre del 2001 hasta el 2004, luego de tres años como Vicepresidente de USCCB. Bajo su liderazgo, la USCCB implementó la Carta para la Protección de Niños y Jóvenes  (Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People). Previamente, el Arzobispo Gregory sirvió en otros comités incluyendo los de Doctrina, Liturgia, Administrativo y Política Internacional, al igual que ejerció como presidente de los comités de Personal y Tercer Milenio/Jubileo Año 2000. El 12 de octubre de 2018, el Papa Francisco aceptó la renuncia del Cardenal Donald Wuerl, de 78 años, del gobierno pastoral de la Arquidiócesis de Washington. El Cardenal Wuerl había presentado su renuncia hace casi tres años, cuando alcanzó la edad de jubilación para los obispos de 75. Al aceptar su renuncia, el Papa Francisco nombró al Cardenal Wuerl como administrador apostólico para supervisar la Arquidiócesis hasta que se nombrara un sucesor. El Cardenal Wuerl sirvió como arzobispo de Washington desde 2006 hasta 2018. La Arquidiócesis de Washington está conformada por 2.104 millas cuadradas y tiene una población total de 2.994.625 personas de las cuales 658.818, equivalente al 22 por ciento, son católicas.

###

[post_title] => Bishop Barry C. Knestout Statement on the Announcement of Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory to the Archdiocese of Washington [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => bishop-barry-c-knestout-statement-on-the-announcement-of-archbishop-gregory-d-wilton-to-the-archdiocese-of-washington [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2019-04-04 15:34:13 [post_modified_gmt] => 2019-04-04 19:34:13 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=115705 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [47] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 115059 [post_author] => 45 [post_date] => 2019-02-26 08:50:39 [post_date_gmt] => 2019-02-26 13:50:39 [post_content] => The following is a Virginia Catholic Conference (VCC) statement regarding the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. February 25, 2019 We are deeply dismayed and astounded that the U.S. Senate has failed to pass the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act (S. 311). It is a matter of common sense and basic human decency to require, as S. 311 would have, that any health care practitioner present when a child is born alive following an abortion give the same degree of care to preserve the life and health of the child as would be given to any other newborn. That this bill did not pass unanimously – let alone even pass at all – is appalling and beyond comprehension. We are dismayed and outraged that Virginia’s U.S. Senators Warner and Kaine voted against this critical lifesaving legislation. We urge the Senate to reconsider its decision as soon as possible. This joint statement has been issued by Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of Arlington, and Most Reverend Barry C. Knestout, Bishop of Richmond. The VCC statement is available here.   -----------Translation----------- Estamos profundamente consternados y atónitos que el Senado haya fallado en contra de la ley de Protección a los Sobrevivientes del Aborto Nacidos Vivos (S. 311). Requerir esto es una cuestión de sentido común y dignidad humana tal como el S. 311 lo habría hecho, que cualquier profesional de salud que esta presente cuando el infante nace vivo depuse del aborto, este proporcionaría la misma atención que haría a cualquier recién nacido para preservar la vida y la salud. Que el fallo de esta ley no fue unánime – y peor aun que hayan fallado a favor - es terrible e incomprensible. Nos quedamos consternados e indignados que los Senadores de Virginia, Warner y Kaine, votaran en contra de esta legislación critica de salvaguardar la vida. Instamos al Senado a reconsiderar esta decisión lo antes posible. [post_title] => Virginia Bishops’ Statement on U.S. Senate’s Failure to Pass the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => virginia-bishops-statement-on-u-s-senates-failure-to-pass-the-born-alive-abortion-survivors-protection-act [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2019-02-28 11:37:17 [post_modified_gmt] => 2019-02-28 16:37:17 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=115059 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [48] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 114911 [post_author] => 45 [post_date] => 2019-02-17 12:19:08 [post_date_gmt] => 2019-02-17 17:19:08 [post_content] => For Immediate Release: February 17, 2019 “The Holy See’s announcement, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019, is a clear indicator that sexual abuse against a child or adult by those even at the highest level in the Church is intolerable. I pray this action by the Holy Father is one step to help victims of abuse move forward from the hurt and pain they have experienced. My personal affection for the people of the Archdiocese of Washington goes hand in hand with my concern for victims and survivors, my shame and disappointment in the failures of church leadership and my commitment to restoring the trust of the faithful in the Diocese of Richmond. As I mentioned in my most recent letter to the faithful in our diocese earlier this week, “be assured I will do all in my power to restore your trust and to make our Church an authentic witness to the Gospel…..” I ask you to pray for the healing of all victims and their families and to the victims who suffered abuse by Theodore McCarrick. I ask you also to keep in your prayers our Church and to continually ask God’s grace upon the clergy in our diocese who are serving with dignity, grace and integrity. May we all heal and work unceasingly to answer the call for spiritual renewal in our Church.”

###

[post_title] => Statement from Bishop Knestout Regarding Holy See Judgement on Theodore McCarrick [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => statement-from-bishop-knestout-regarding-holy-see-judgement-on-theodore-mccarrick [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2019-02-19 09:20:43 [post_modified_gmt] => 2019-02-19 14:20:43 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=114911 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [49] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 114256 [post_author] => 45 [post_date] => 2019-01-31 14:48:12 [post_date_gmt] => 2019-01-31 19:48:12 [post_content] => For Immediate Release: January 31, 2019 Horrific. Outrageous. Vicious. Those words were in my heart as I heard about the proposed legislation that would enable expanding the brutal practice of abortion. There is no place in a civil society for this sort of thought and action. Equally disheartening and reprehensible are the comments made by Virginia’s Governor and the legislator who proposed such a bill. The discussion a mother and doctor should have is in the best interest of the child as to how we can preserve and not destroy life. We should not be legislating in favor of abortion, let alone third trimester abortions at all. All our actions and decisions should be life-giving. “Each human being has value and is not a means to an end. Each human being is loved by God, and equally treasured.” Less than two weeks ago, I spoke those words in my homily at the closing of the Vigil for Life Mass in Washington D.C, just prior to the March for Life. I joined hundreds from our Diocese who marched in unison with thousands of others from across this nation to bear witness to the value and dignity of all human life from conception to natural death. We must give thanks to God for the gift of human life and be unwavering in protecting this gift in all its stages from conception to natural death. As Catholics in the United States, we do this through prayer but also through our advocacy efforts on the national, state and local levels. We see these efforts visibly through the March for Life, but also by using our voices when public policy threatens the dignity of human life. Now more than ever, it’s important to raise our voices when we see such threats and injustices on the most vulnerable in our society. I encourage you, if you haven’t already done so, to visit the Virginia Catholic Conference (VCC) and sign up for the Conference’s advocacy network. There you will receive information regarding these matters and how you can advocate best on behalf of the most vulnerable. I pray that through using our voices in the public square we will help end such immoral legislation that threatens human life.

###

For more about the latest measures the VCC advocated against click this link: https://vacatholic.org/action-center/ For more about the VCC and how to use your voice in matters of public policy, click this link: https://vacatholic.org [post_title] => Statement from Bishop Knestout Regarding Recent and Extreme Abortion Legislation in Virginia [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => statement-from-bishop-knestout-regarding-recent-and-extreme-abortion-legislation-in-virginia [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2019-02-01 10:02:52 [post_modified_gmt] => 2019-02-01 15:02:52 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=114256 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [50] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 113288 [post_author] => 45 [post_date] => 2018-11-19 13:22:46 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-11-19 18:22:46 [post_content] => For Immediate Release: November 19, 2018 [caption id="attachment_113161" align="alignright" width="400"] Bishop Barry C. Knestout attends the USCCB 2018 Fall General Assembly, Nov. 12-14, in Baltimore. (CNS photo/Bob Roller)[/caption] “The Church has no greater charge than the protection of children. I am hopeful that, despite our not acting upon specific measures related to the abuse scandal, the discussions which took place during the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops about bishops’ accountability regarding clergy sexual abuse will be the foundation for concrete action — not only for the Church in the United States, but for the Church universal. Child protection is not only a parish, diocesan and national concern in our Church, but it is a concern for the Church throughout the world. So, when our Holy Father meets with the presidents of bishops’ conferences in February, they will be looking at protecting ALL children and making ALL bishops accountable for what they do in this regard. Be assured we are continuing to move forward with the commitment I made to the faithful of our diocese in September:
  • to make public the names of those priests from our diocese who received credible and substantiated allegations of abuse;
  • to have a full, extensive audit of clergy files by an independent entity, with oversight from the Diocesan Review Board, which will hold us accountable; and
  • to establish an abuse victims’ assistance fund for counseling aid to those who have experienced abuse from clergy.
Please continue to pray for victims of abuse and for our Church as we heal and work unceasingly to answer the call for reform and renewal and to prevent such a scourge from ever occurring again.” Read the President of the U.S.C.C.B Statement Following the Close of the Fall General Session in Baltimore Nov. 12-14.

###

[post_title] => Bishop Barry C. Knestout Statement Following the Close of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Public Sessions at the 2018 Fall General Assembly in Baltimore [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => bishop-barry-c-knestout-statement-following-the-close-of-the-u-s-conference-of-catholic-bishops-public-sessions-at-the-2018-fall-general-assembly-in-baltimore [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-11-26 13:16:25 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-11-26 18:16:25 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=113288 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [51] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 112791 [post_author] => 45 [post_date] => 2018-10-12 11:50:31 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-10-12 15:50:31 [post_content] => October 12, 2018 “Today, Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Cardinal Donald Wuerl as archbishop of Washington. Having assisted Cardinal Wuerl for nearly a decade with the many events of the Archdiocese, including coordinating the Archdiocesan Synod and 75th Anniversary celebration, implementing programs for the New Evangelization, and as co-chair of the committees to coordinate two papal visits, I know him to be a dedicated bishop who is devoted to and fully focused on ministering to the people of God. My experience with him in Washington was as an effective teacher, as one who fostered the unity of the Church, love for the sacraments especially the Eucharist and as one who provided careful oversight for charitable works of the Archdiocese. As I said on the day of my announcement as Bishop of Richmond: Cardinal Wuerl has taught me the importance of seeking the best from myself and the people around me who serve the mission of the Church, to proclaim the faith, to celebrate the sacraments and to serve in charity. For this, I am profoundly grateful. I have great love and affection for the Archdiocese of Washington, for the faithful, and for those I’ve worked with and encountered there. I ask everyone to pray for the people of the archdiocese and for Cardinal Wuerl during this time of transition. May the Holy Spirit continue to guide, inspire, and assist our beloved Church during this time.”

###

[post_title] => Bishop Knestout’s Statement Regarding Pope Francis Acceptance of Cardinal Wuerl’s Resignation [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => bishop-knestouts-statement-regarding-pope-francis-acceptance-of-cardinal-wuerls-resignation [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-10-12 11:51:10 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-10-12 15:51:10 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=112791 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [52] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 111276 [post_author] => 15 [post_date] => 2018-08-15 16:08:06 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-08-15 20:08:06 [post_content] => Bishop Knestout will celebrate nine regional Masses of Atonement with the faithful. The Masses begin at 7:30 P.M. at the locations and times provided below except where otherwise noted. All are welcome.
  • Christ the King, Abingdon--Thursday, October 4
  • Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Salem--Friday, October 5
  • Resurrection, Moneta--Saturday, October 6 **
  • Church of the Redeemer, Mechanicsville--Tuesday, October 9
  • Saint Stephen Martyr, Chesapeake--Thursday, October 11
  • Star of the Sea, Virginia Beach--Friday, October 12
  • Saint Francis of Assisi, Staunton--Thursday, October 18
  • Saint Jerome, Newport News--Tuesday, October 23
  • Saint Joseph, Petersburg--Wednesday, October 24
**This Mass will start at Noon  _______________________________________________________________________________________ If you were unable to be with us for the Mass of Atonement on September 14, you can now view the full mass by clicking here: Mass of Atonement Video _______________________________________________________________________________________

Mass of Atonement

"If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it." (1 Corinthians 12:26) Friday, September 14, at 7:00 p.m., Bishop Knestout will preside at the Mass of Atonement for victims of abuse held on the Feast of the Exultation of the Holy Cross. The celebration of the Mass is the first of several steps Bishop Knestout is taking in response to the present crisis facing the Church. “Prayer must accompany us through every stage of our actions or responses to the present crisis…” wrote Bishop Knestout in a Pastoral Letter written to the Clergy and Lay Faithful of the Diocese. To read his entire pastoral letter and the the additional steps called for by Bishop, click the link: https://bit.ly/2xb7Y0R As part of the Mass of Atonement, Bishop will remove the symbols of his office and prostrate himself before the cross and altar during the service. The prostration, similar to the prostration at the Good Friday liturgy, signifies contrition, humility, reverence, deep anguish for the suffering Christ, and too, the grief and sorrow of the Church. For more on the Mass, please click on the worship booklet below. If you are unable to join us for The Mass of Atonement at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond, you can watch the Mass while it's live streamed here and on our YouTube Channel.                          Worship Aid                                      A Prayer for Healing for Victims of Abuse _______________________________________________________________________________________ For Immediate Release: August 15, 2018 I am profoundly aware of the hurt and anger the Catholic faithful and the community at large are feeling in light of the recent report of abuse by Church leadership and now with the release of the Pennsylvania Grand Jury report on abuse in the Church. Those revelations further erode trust in Church leaders and in the Church as a whole. I am praying for all who have been abused. Our Church — especially its bishops — must continually seek forgiveness for our failures from those who have suffered as a result of those failures. To open ourselves to the grace we need to overcome this scourge upon our Church, we must prayerfully seek healing and reconciliation with all who have been hurt. As a step in this process, I am inviting the faithful to come and pray with me for all victims of abuse at a Mass of Atonement, Friday, Sept. 14, 7 p.m., at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Richmond. We will pray for all victims of abuse, express sorrow for the failure of Church leaders, seek forgiveness for our sins, and ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the ongoing healing of the People of God. During the seven months I have been bishop, I have asked for a review of the process and procedures currently in place for reporting and responding to all abuse. I am encouraged by the work of our Diocesan Review Board, a committee of lay and clergy members who have assisted our diocese for the last 16 years, in assessing accusations of child abuse and the suitability for ministry of the accused. I am firmly committed, as Bishop of the Richmond Diocese, to addressing accusations of abuse quickly and transparently. Be assured, we will continue to make protection of the most vulnerable a priority in our parishes, schools and throughout our diocese.

###

[post_title] => Mass of Atonement for Victims of Abuse [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => bishop-barry-c-knestouts-invitation-to-mass-of-atonement-for-victims-of-abuse [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2019-11-22 06:21:57 [post_modified_gmt] => 2019-11-22 11:21:57 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=111276 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [53] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 111243 [post_author] => 15 [post_date] => 2018-08-09 13:11:35 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-08-09 17:11:35 [post_content] => A year following the violence that took place in Charlottesville as a result of protests and counter-protests, the Most Rev. Barry C. Knestout offers the following statement: "As we draw closer to the weekend and the one-year mark of Aug. 12th which will once again draw national and local attention, I pray that it will not be approached with provocative rhetoric but provide an opportunity for prayer and dialogue about racism, and the action needed to overcome it.” “Racism is a sin. As the U.S. Bishops wrote in 1979 – ‘a sin that divides the human family.’ Prayer -- individually and as a faith community -- is a start in addressing racism and to help heal from the effects of racism, but it cannot be an occasional act and it shouldn’t be confined to one day.” “It is my sincere hope that all remain safe in these coming days and throughout the weekend, and may the Holy Spirit be a source of strength and comfort for the families and friends who continue to mourn the loss of a loved one.” “I pray that during this time when we are challenged by divisions that we commit to praying, listening, learning, thinking and working for peace, justice and an end to racism." “I ask all the faithful of the diocese to join me in asking for the intercession of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Patroness of the United States, to pray with me for unity and peace in our communities.”

                                                                                   ###

En Español: Declaración de Su Excmo. y Rvdmo. Sr. Barry C Knestout sobre Charlottesville: Un año más tarde Un año después de la violencia en Charlottesville debido a las protestas y contra-protestas Mons. Knestout ofrece lo siguiente: “A medida que se acerca el fin de semana y el primer aniversario del 12 de agosto que nos llamará atención local y nacional, ruego que este día no sea una ocasión de retórica provocativa sino una oportunidad para oración y dialogo sobre racismo y la acción necesaria para superarlo.” “El Racismo es un pecado. Como dijeron los obispos de EE. UU. en 1979, ‘es un pecado de divide la familia humana’. La oración – por individuos y por la comunidad de fe- es un comienzo en tratar el problema de racismo, pero no debería ser algo ocasional o solamente un día particular.” “Es mi sincero deseo que todos se quedan seguros en estos días y por todo el fin de semana, y que el Espíritu Santo sea una fuente de fortaleza y consuelo para todas las familias y todos los amigos que lloren la perdida de sus seres queridos.” “Ruego que, en este tiempo en que nos sentimos interpelados por la división, nos comprometamos a orar, escuchar, aprender, pensar, y luchar por la paz, la justica, y el fin de racismo.” “Pido a todos los fieles de la Diócesis de Richmond que se unan conmigo y por la intercesión de Nuestra Sra. de la inmaculada Concepción, Patrona de los Estados Unidos, que oremos por la unidad y la paz en nuestras comunidades.”

 ###

  [post_title] => Bishop Barry C. Knestout Statement on Charlottesville: A Year Later [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => bishop-barry-c-knestout-statement-on-charlottesville-a-year-later [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2020-11-06 09:58:29 [post_modified_gmt] => 2020-11-06 14:58:29 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=111243 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [54] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 111314 [post_author] => 15 [post_date] => 2018-07-30 08:49:54 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-07-30 12:49:54 [post_content] => [post_title] => Letter to the Clergy and Faithful of the Diocese [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => letter-to-the-clergy-and-faithful-of-the-diocese [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-08-17 08:56:53 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-08-17 12:56:53 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=111314 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [55] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 109534 [post_author] => 15 [post_date] => 2018-04-18 10:45:21 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-04-18 14:45:21 [post_content] => Richmond, Va. – The following is a statement from The Most Reverend Barry C. Knestout, Bishop of Richmond, where Bishop Emeritus David E. Foley served as Auxiliary Bishop from 1986-1994 before his appointment as Bishop of the Diocese of Birmingham. “I met Bishop Foley a number of years ago when he served as a priest in the Archdiocese of Washington. I was a teenager during the same years that my father was Director of the Office of the Permanent Diaconate in the Archdiocese of Washington. Since that time, I had met or encountered him on numerous occasions in my capacity as Vicar General and later Auxiliary Bishop in Washington. I remember Bishop Foley as a man of great kindness and gentle disposition. Yet, I know he also provided pastoral care as Auxiliary Bishop here in the Diocese of Richmond and later as the Bishop of Birmingham with a firm and competent hand. It is with sorrow that I heard of his passing and join with all the clergy, religious, and people of the Diocese of Richmond, in our common hope in the Resurrection, offering the assurance of prayers, to Bishop Foley’s family, friends and to the people of the Church of Birmingham.”

###

[post_title] => Statement from His Excellency, The Most Reverend Barry C. Knestout, on the Death of Bishop Emeritus David E. Foley [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => statement-from-his-excellency-the-most-reverend-barry-c-knestout-on-the-death-of-bishop-emeritus-david-e-foley [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-04-19 08:42:03 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-04-19 12:42:03 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=109534 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [56] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 108045 [post_author] => 3 [post_date] => 2017-12-05 12:05:13 [post_date_gmt] => 2017-12-05 17:05:13 [post_content] => RICHMOND, Va. – Within hours of being announced as the 13th Bishop for the Catholic Diocese of Richmond, Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017, the Most Reverend Barry C. Knestout, 55, Auxiliary Bishop of Washington, celebrated Mass with Pastoral Center staff for the first time in the diocese he will soon oversee. Earlier, he held a press conference where he was introduced to staff and media.

“I thank our Holy Father, Pope Francis, for his trust in naming me Bishop of Richmond. I am honored to serve the Church in Richmond, which has a long and revered history of faith, and I will be blessed to serve the faithful across the beautiful and richly diverse Commonwealth of Virginia,” said Bishop-designate Knestout. “For 197 years the diocese has been led by men of happy memory who served with faith-filled wisdom and skill. I recognize especially Bishop Frank DiLorenzo, may God rest him, who served this diocese with devotion, steadfastness and a pastor’s heart.”

Bishop-designate Knestout succeeds the Most Rev. Francis X. DiLorenzo, 12th Bishop of Richmond, who died Aug. 17, 2017, at the age of 75.   Background A native of Maryland, Bishop-designate Barry Knestout, was born in Cheverly, MD, and ordained a priest in 1989 after completing his seminary studies at Mount St. Mary’s. He was named Monsignor by Pope John Paul II in 1999, and ordained an auxiliary bishop December 29, 2008 in the Archdiocese of Washington. Bishop-designate Knestout will take possession of the Diocese of Richmond during a Mass of Installation which is scheduled for Jan. 12, 2018, at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond. For more information about the newly named Richmond bishop and to watch the complete video of the press conference, go to www.richmonddiocese.org/livestream. The Diocese of Richmond spans 33,000 square miles and 74 counties across the central and southern portion of Virginia, stretching from the Eastern Shore to Southwest Virginia, and as far north as Harrisonburg in the Shenandoah Valley.

###

Download PDF Press Release Here [post_title] => Pope Francis Names Washington Auxiliary Bishop to Lead Richmond Diocese [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => pope-francis-names-washington-auxiliary-bishop-to-lead-richmond-diocese [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2017-12-05 12:19:49 [post_modified_gmt] => 2017-12-05 17:19:49 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=108045 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [57] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 107146 [post_author] => 15 [post_date] => 2017-10-02 15:10:19 [post_date_gmt] => 2017-10-02 19:10:19 [post_content] => We mourn for all who lost their lives or were injured in the horrific actions that took place in Las Vegas. We lift our voices in prayer on this Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels whom we ask to watch over us, to guide us, and bring consolation to all who are grieving. We pray for the victims, their families and the repose of their souls. Let the holy angels be with us and bring us comfort during these uncertain times.   Guardian Angel Prayer: Angel of God, my guardian dear, To whom God's love commits me here, Ever this day, be at my side, To light and guard, Rule and guide. Amen. [post_title] => Diocesan Administrator Very Reverend Monsignor Mark Richard Lane Statement on Las Vegas Shooting [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => diocesan-administrator-very-reverend-monsignor-mark-richard-lane-statement-on-las-vegas-shooting [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2017-10-02 15:10:19 [post_modified_gmt] => 2017-10-02 19:10:19 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=107146 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [58] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 106371 [post_author] => 3 [post_date] => 2017-08-14 16:39:50 [post_date_gmt] => 2017-08-14 20:39:50 [post_content] => (Richmond, Va.) – Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo issued the following statement: “I remain deeply saddened about the devastating events in Charlottesville over the weekend, most especially I mourn the loss of lives and the injuries of many more. Hatred, and its manifestations of racism, neo-Nazism and white supremacy, are sins against God and profoundly wound the children of God. I am grateful for the many people, including clergy and people of faith, who bravely stood against hate, whether in prayer or in person. I also thank and pray for the men and women from law enforcement and emergency services who protect us. I continue to join my brother priests and bishops, the lay faithful and people of all faiths as we turn to God in prayer. We ask his mercy, pardon and wisdom as we root out these long-standing evils, strands of which, tragically, remain woven within the fabric of our society.” “In the coming days, our Diocese is exploring how we can address the issues highlighted in Charlottesville through prayer and action. As we prepare to celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we ask our Blessed Mother to intervene on our behalf. O Mary, Queen of Peace-pray for us.”

# # #

Download PDF Statement Here [post_title] => Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo Statement On Diocesan Response Following Aftermath in Charlottesville [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => bishop-francis-x-dilorenzo-statement-on-diocesan-response-following-aftermath-in-charlottesville [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2017-08-14 16:39:50 [post_modified_gmt] => 2017-08-14 20:39:50 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=106371 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [59] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 106351 [post_author] => 3 [post_date] => 2017-08-12 22:36:33 [post_date_gmt] => 2017-08-13 02:36:33 [post_content] => (Richmond, Va.)  – Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo issued the following statement on the actions taking place in Charlottesville: “In the last 24 hours, hatred and violence have been on display in the City of Charlottesville. I earnestly pray for peace. I invoke the prayer of St. Francis who prayed “Lord make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon.”  I pray that those men and women on both sides can talk and seek solutions to their differences respectfully. The love of Jesus Christ is the most powerful weapon against hatred. Only the light of Christ can quench the torches of hatred and violence.  Let us pray for peace.”

# # #

  Download PDF Statement Here [post_title] => Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo Statement on Events Occurring in Charlottesville [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => bishop-francis-x-dilorenzo-statement-on-events-occurring-in-charlottesville [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2017-08-12 22:39:52 [post_modified_gmt] => 2017-08-13 02:39:52 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=106351 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [60] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 103205 [post_author] => 45 [post_date] => 2017-02-21 16:29:10 [post_date_gmt] => 2017-02-21 21:29:10 [post_content] => February 21, 2017 Virginia Catholic Bishops Statement on Governor McAuliffe's Veto of Bill Defunding Planned Parenthood Richmond, VA - For the second consecutive year, Gov. Terry McAuliffe has demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the nation's largest abortion provider - at the expense of comprehensive health care for women. This morning, Gov. McAuliffe vetoed HB 2264, which would have redirected state tax dollars away from Planned Parenthood and the abortion industry, and toward community health centers that provide primary care to women and their families. This legislation had been introduced by Del. Ben Cline, R- Rockbridge. Surrounded by Planned Parenthood supporters at a veto ceremony outside the Governor's Mansion this morning, Gov. McAuliffe said his actions protected the rights and dignity of Virginia women - when, in fact, his actions harm the dignity of the women deceived by the multi-billion dollar abortion industry as well as the tiniest females, those still in the womb whose lives are brutally eliminated by abortion. Despite its deceptive talking points about caring for women's health, Planned Parenthood performs less than 2% of women's cancer screenings nationwide, and provides no mammograms whatsoever. It offers, instead, the opposite of health care - conducting almost 17 times more abortions than birth-oriented services and aborting 160 children for every 1 child it refers for adoption. Planned Parenthood is responsible for nearly 900 abortions every day, a third of all abortions in the U.S. And yet, despite the fact that most Americans don't want their tax dollars to pay for other people's abortions, Planned Parenthood received half-a-billion dollars in taxpayer funding in its most recently reported fiscal year. It received this money despite extensive evidence that it illegally profited from the transfer of fetal tissue harvested during abortions. The Virginia Catholic Conference upholds the timeless truth that every human being, born and unborn, has an equal right to life. The Conference finds Gov. McAuliffe's pride in protecting an organization that destroys life and harms women and their families deeply offensive.  We will continue to fight for the day when Virginia law protects all human life, at every stage of development, from conception until natural death. The Virginia Catholic Conference represents the public policy interests of Virginia's Catholic bishops and their two dioceses. [post_title] => Virginia Bishops Issue Statement about Governor's Veto [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => virginia-bishops-issue-statement-about-governors-veto [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2017-02-21 16:29:23 [post_modified_gmt] => 2017-02-21 21:29:23 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=103205 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [61] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 102987 [post_author] => 45 [post_date] => 2017-01-31 11:13:46 [post_date_gmt] => 2017-01-31 16:13:46 [post_content] => January 31, 2017 Richmond, Va. – Today, Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo released the following statement: “Today, I stand in union with my brother bishops who have spoken out about the recent executive order on the new refugee admissions policy. Recently, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) issued statements on the matter. I encourage our faithful in the Diocese of Richmond to read the announcements and act to make your voice known to your elected representative through the following action alert. Let us pray for our country, for peace in our world, and for the dignity of all.” Joint Statement from USCCB President, Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo & USCCB Vice-President Archbishop José H. Gomez: http://www.usccb.org/news/2017/17-027.cfm Chairman of the USCCB Committee on Migration, Bishop Joe S. Vásquez: http://www.usccb.org/news/2017/17-026.cfm You can take action - http://justiceforimmigrants.org/take-action/action-alerts/ [post_title] => Bishop DiLorenzo Issues Statement on Refugee Policy [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => bishop-dilorenzo-issues-statement-on-the-2017-march-for-life-2 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2017-02-03 11:22:37 [post_modified_gmt] => 2017-02-03 16:22:37 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/bishop-dilorenzo-issues-statement-on-the-2017-march-for-life-2/ [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [62] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 102834 [post_author] => 45 [post_date] => 2017-01-30 08:39:33 [post_date_gmt] => 2017-01-30 13:39:33 [post_content] =>
January 26, 2017
Richmond, VA. - Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo issued the following statement on the 2017 March for Life. “I send my blessings and prayers to the many faithful who plan to participate in the 2017 March for Life. I am always encouraged and it fills me with great joy when I witness the number of Catholics from our Diocese, to include the youth and young adults, who prepare to stand in solidarity and voice their support for the protection of all life. I look forward to celebrating Mass with our young people prior to their attendance at the March for Life. Their presence and commitment assures me that our younger generations will continue to be the voice for the most vulnerable of our society.” “May God bless you and may the Holy Spirit move all to see the value in life from conception until natural death.” [post_title] => Bishop DiLorenzo Issues Statement on the 2017 March for Life [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => bishop-dilorenzo-issues-statement-on-the-2017-march-for-life [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2017-02-03 11:56:35 [post_modified_gmt] => 2017-02-03 16:56:35 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=102834 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [63] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 102445 [post_author] => 45 [post_date] => 2017-01-19 15:58:32 [post_date_gmt] => 2017-01-19 20:58:32 [post_content] => Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo and Bishop Michael Burbidge issued the following statement today about Virginia’s continued use of the death penalty: Read here. [post_title] => Bishops' Statement on Death Penalty [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => bishops-statement-on-death-penalty [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2017-01-30 15:00:44 [post_modified_gmt] => 2017-01-30 20:00:44 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=102445 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [64] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 101193 [post_author] => 45 [post_date] => 2016-10-13 15:21:28 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-10-13 15:21:28 [post_content] =>

Today, I ask the good people of this diocese to open their hearts to our brothers and sisters to the south of us who are still experiencing the devastating effects of Hurricane Matthew.

Severe flooding brought on by swollen rivers continues to cause problems here in parts of the United States. Many people, even in inland communities, have been forced out of their homes and at least 20 people have lost their lives. The island nation of Haiti once again faces hardship, disease and untold loss of life. More than a million Haitians are desperate for humanitarian help which now includes warnings of a cholera crisis. Our Office of Social Ministry is in close contact with our Haitian partners and monitoring developments carefully, especially in the Diocese of Hinche, our sister diocese.

I have invited all parishes to hold a special second collection to help with relief efforts in the U.S. and in Haiti within the next few weeks. Your contributions will be divided, with 75 percent going to Catholic Relief Services for humanitarian aid to Haiti and 25 percent assisting relief efforts in our country through Catholic Charities USA.

Please join me in praying for all those who have lost their lives or are coping with the loss of loved ones and homes, and for our emergency responders working to assist all in rescue and recovery efforts. Let us ask for the intercession of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, the Patron Saint of Haiti, to strengthen and protect those most in need.

# # #
Download PDF version  here. [post_title] => Bishop's Statement on Aid to Those Affected by Hurricane Matthew [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => bishops-statement-on-aid-to-those-affected-by-hurricane-matthew [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2017-01-30 15:04:53 [post_modified_gmt] => 2017-01-30 20:04:53 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=101193 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [65] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 101576 [post_author] => 3 [post_date] => 2016-07-22 16:19:41 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-07-22 16:19:41 [post_content] => The Catholic Church makes its position very clear as it pertains to the protection of human life, social justice initiatives, and the importance of family life. From the very beginning, Catholic teaching informs us that every human life is sacred from conception until natural death. The right to life is a fundamental, human right for the unborn and any law denying the unborn the right to life is unequivocally unjust. Legislative issues pertaining to these matters are advocated on behalf of myself and Bishop Loverde, of the Diocese of Arlington, before the Virginia General Assembly, U.S. Congress, and with state and federal agencies and administrations through the Virginia Catholic Conference, a public policy advocacy organization. Through this organization, elected officials in Virginia are aware of the Church’s positions on such important issues. We continue to maintain an open communication with public officials who make on-going decisions impacting critical, moral and social issues. This is a responsibility I take seriously, along with my brother bishops, to reach out to public leaders to explain Catholic principles and encourage them to protect human life and dignity in all decisions they make. We always pray for our Catholic leaders that they make the right choice, act in the best judgment and in good conscience, knowing the values and teachings of the Catholic Church. It is the duty of all Catholics, no matter their profession, to decide through an upright and informed conscience as to their worthiness to receive the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist.

###

Contact: Deborah Cox [email protected] or (804) 622-5161.

See the statement in pdf here.

[post_title] => Bishop's statement regarding Catholics in public office [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => bishops-statement-regarding-catholics-in-public-office [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2017-01-04 09:11:59 [post_modified_gmt] => 2017-01-04 14:11:59 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=101576 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [66] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 101586 [post_author] => 3 [post_date] => 2016-07-08 16:41:49 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-07-08 16:41:49 [post_content] =>

Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo appeals for peace, offers prayers

 in wake of shootings in Dallas, Minnesota and Louisiana

 "With great sadness I learned of the heartbreaking violence that occurred last night in Dallas when multiple law enforcement officers were shot, five of them fatally, in the last minutes of what had been a peaceful protest march. I pray for those officers, who sacrificed their lives to protect the peace, their families, and for the city of Dallas. Yesterday, I appealed to the people of our Diocese to turn our hearts and minds to Jesus Christ for strength, compassion and mercy in the wake of deep concern about two shootings in Louisiana and Minnesota. Today I once again urge all to pray continually for peace throughout all the communities in our great nation. Let us pray that future demonstrations are peaceful and we continue to work as a people toward mutual respect, dignity and justice. May God comfort the brokenhearted, and let peace prevail! I invite all to consider this 800-year-old prayer of St. Francis, which is fitting today.

Saint Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace, Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy;

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

###

Contact: Deborah Cox: [email protected] or (804) 622-5161

[post_title] => Bishop calls for continued prayer after Dallas shootings [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => bishop-calls-for-continued-prayer-after-dallas-shootings [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2017-01-04 09:11:51 [post_modified_gmt] => 2017-01-04 14:11:51 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=101586 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [67] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 101588 [post_author] => 3 [post_date] => 2016-07-07 16:43:05 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-07-07 16:43:05 [post_content] =>

Statement by Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo for Peace and Unity Following Deaths in Louisiana & Minnesota

Richmond, VA - Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo issued the following statement: "Today, I would like to express my deep sorrow and sadness for the loss of life that has occurred in Louisiana and Minnesota. During these difficult times, let us turn our hearts and minds to Jesus Christ for strength, compassion and mercy. It is through Him that we will find hope and peace.” “In this Year of Mercy, may we all continually pray for peace in our country. It is my hope that the demonstrations across our nation remain peaceful and they encourage mutual respect and dignity for all. May God comfort all the individuals, their families and communities affected by these recent events and that a fair, just and peaceful resolution is found." See the pdf here.

###

Contact: Deborah Cox: [email protected] or (804) 622-5161

[post_title] => Bishop calls for peace and unity following MN, LA deaths [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => bishop-calls-for-peace-and-unity-following-mn-la-deaths [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2017-01-04 09:11:43 [post_modified_gmt] => 2017-01-04 14:11:43 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=101588 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [68] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 101592 [post_author] => 3 [post_date] => 2016-05-18 16:46:53 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-05-18 16:46:53 [post_content] =>

Diocese hires Cemetery Management Company,

Announces New Office of Cemeteries

Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo has authorized the Diocese of Richmond to hire Catholic Management Services, a strategic planning and professional services firm, to restore, maintain and make financially viable almost 60 cemeteries, mausoleum and columbaria within the Diocese of Richmond. CMS, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Pleasanton, Calif. specializing in providing business planning services to revitalize cemetery operations. After successfully revitalizing the Diocese of Oakland cemeteries, CMS was hired by other dioceses to share its expertise in cemetery management. It serves the Dioceses of Sacramento, Spokane, Detroit and Saginaw, among others, and has recently expanded operations by opening an office to service the eastern region of the United States. Under the new arrangement, CMS’s first order of business will be to hire a director for the Diocese’s newly created Office of Cemeteries to manage and maintain its burial sites and to work with parishes to raise awareness of this ministry of consolation. See the job posting here. The Diocese’s new initiative will represent a paradigm shift, bringing into focus the role of cemeteries and other burial sites as sacred places of Catholic outreach, education and evangelization. At the same time, the initiative is designed to restore cemeteries to fiscal health, many of which are financially struggling. “We believe that providing well-maintained, financially sound cemeteries and other burial sites will better enable our Diocese to evangelize what we as Catholics believe about the care and respect we show to our deceased loved ones,” said Bishop DiLorenzo. “CMS and our new Office of Cemeteries will serve as a vital resource to our parishes and parishioners in this important time. In addition, financially sound cemeteries will bring in additional resources to support this ministry.” The Catholic Church teaches that the human body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. The Canon law of the Church defines cemeteries and other sites as sacred places of repose for the body until the final resurrection. Because of this belief, the Church requires its dioceses and parishes to maintain cemeteries, mausoleums, and columbaria in virtual perpetuity. Church buildings and grounds, however, are fluid: closures, remodeling and expansions occur due to the changing demographics and pastoral needs of the parish. In response, the Diocese implemented a new policy, endorsed by the diocesan Priests Council in January of this year, prohibiting new construction of cemeteries, etc. within close proximity of church buildings. In 2014 CMS began an extensive assessment, including visits, to nearly all 24 parish and regional cemeteries, 33 columbaria and 3 mausoleums located throughout the Diocese. The assessment showed inconsistencies in policies, procedures, pricing and maintenance of cemeteries and columbaria and indicated these parishes would benefit from guidance and recommendations for best practices to better address the challenges they face today. Some of these locations present financial liability issues because they have inadequate endowment funds to provide for their perpetual care. The assessment also revealed pastoral concerns about how and where cemeteries and columbaria are being located, as well as an opportunity to educate families about the rich liturgical tradition of the Catholic Church and Christian burial. The results of this assessment was presented to the Priests Council upon its completion. Earlier this year, pastors and parish staff were invited to presentations at three locations throughout the Diocese to discuss the role of the new Office of Cemeteries and the Diocese’s hiring of Catholic Management Services.

###

See the announcementin pdf.

[post_title] => Diocese establishes new Office of Cemeteries, hires cemetery management company [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => diocese-establishes-new-office-of-cemeteries-hires-cemetery-management-company [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-02-28 14:30:04 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-02-28 19:30:04 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=101592 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [69] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 101219 [post_author] => 3 [post_date] => 2012-10-01 18:33:49 [post_date_gmt] => 2012-10-01 18:33:49 [post_content] => My Dear Friends, As we prepare to enter into a Year of Faith in observance of the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council and the 20th anniversary of the publication of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, all Catholics are called by our Holy Father to reflect on the richness of our Catholic faith and “to rediscover the gift of Baptismal faith and that task of giving witness.” This Year of Faith is intended to awaken Catholics around the world to deepen our relationship with God and live as joyful witnesses to the Gospel. From October 11, 2012 to November 24, 2013, we are called to deepen our life of prayer, study, outreach and evangelization. One way for Catholics to exercise this call is through a more focused approach to our prayer life. Prayer helps us form a more “vital and personal relationship with the living and true God” (CCC 2558). We also have an opportunity to learn more about those whose witness has been forever lifted up as an example to others. By rediscovering the faith of our saints, including those from North American, Catholics in the United States will gain insights into their personal witness to the dignity of every human person, to religious liberty and to our Catholic faith. These are times of enormous challenge and opportunity for the Catholic Church. Trends in the United States suggest that only 30% of Americans who were raised Catholic are still participating; a full 10% of all adults in the U.S. are ex-Catholics; and the number of marriages celebrated in the Church decreased by nearly 60 % between 1972 and 2010. If the Church is to reverse these trends,  the evangelizers must first be evangelized – in other words, Catholics in the pew must make a conscious choice to know and follow Jesus before they can draw others to him. There are a number of excellent resources available through the internet and the many Catholic publishers of which you are already familiar to help achieve this. The staff at the Diocesan Pastoral Center is ready and able to assist you.   Throughout this Year of Faith, we pray in thanksgiving for the gift of our Catholic faith. Faith is God’s gift to us, God’s invitation to a relationship so that we may live out the call of discipleship to be joyful witnesses to Jesus Christ. God bless each of you during this Year of Faith.   Sincerely yours in Our Lord, Most Rev. Francis X. DiLorenzo Bishop of Richmond October 2012  
To Download PDF copy of letter, click here. [post_title] => Bishop Speaks on Year of Faith [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => bishop-speaks-on-year-of-faith [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2016-11-16 19:00:32 [post_modified_gmt] => 2016-11-16 19:00:32 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=101219 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [70] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 101223 [post_author] => 3 [post_date] => 2012-05-01 18:39:06 [post_date_gmt] => 2012-05-01 18:39:06 [post_content] => Download Bishop's Letter here. [post_title] => Bishop's Letter on Fortnight for Freedom [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => bishops-letter-on-fortnight-for-freedom [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2016-11-16 18:44:22 [post_modified_gmt] => 2016-11-16 18:44:22 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=101223 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [71] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 101225 [post_author] => 3 [post_date] => 2012-01-26 18:44:24 [post_date_gmt] => 2012-01-26 18:44:24 [post_content] => Download Bishop's Letter on the U.S.S Department of Health & Human Services here. [post_title] => U.S Department of Health and Human Services [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => u-s-department-of-health-and-human-services [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-01-27 10:58:58 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-01-27 15:58:58 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=101225 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) ) [post_count] => 72 [current_post] => -1 [before_loop] => 1 [in_the_loop] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 139533 [post_author] => 112 [post_date] => 2025-01-21 15:53:06 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-01-21 20:53:06 [post_content] => January 21, 2025 Throughout our Commonwealth, many have been following closely the intense and rapidly moving debates on resolutions proposing to amend Virginia’s constitution by adding an extreme and deadly “right to abortion” amendment (HJ 1/SJ 247), repealing the one-man/one-woman marriage provision approved by Virginia voters in 2006 (HJ 9/SJ 249), and guaranteeing the restoration of voting rights to all who have completed their sentences (HJ 2/SJ 248). These resolutions are the first step in the two-year process required to amend our state’s constitution. Last week, the House passed all three resolutions. Earlier today, the Senate passed each of them as well. In our previous statement in November on the unusual fast-track actions the House Privileges and Elections Committee took on these measures, we accentuated our opposition to the abortion expansion and marriage redefinition amendments. We conveyed our support of the voting rights amendment. Of utmost priority, we once again express our alarm and dismay at the aggressive pursuit of enshrining a “right” to abortion in Virginia’s constitution by majorities in the House and Senate. This resolution is extreme, radical, deadly, and tragically misguided. It would expand our Commonwealth’s already very permissive abortion laws and allow virtually unlimited abortion at any stage of pregnancy. We again implore all lawmakers to work instead for policies that affirm the life and dignity of every mother and every child. Through the Virginia Catholic Conference email advocacy network, thousands of Catholics across Virginia sent messages to their legislators asking them to vote against the abortion expansion and marriage redefinition measures, and in favor of restoring voting rights. Thank you for being faithful citizens. Your voices are vital and will be needed at every stage in this long-term fight for the values we cherish and the lives these measures impact, especially the lives of those who have no voice but ours.  

###

[post_title] => Statement by Bishop Burbidge and Bishop Knestout on House and Senate Floor Votes on Proposed Constitutional Amendments [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => statement-by-bishop-burbidge-and-bishop-knestout-on-house-and-senate-floor-votes-on-proposed-constitutional-amendments [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-01-23 08:39:15 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-01-23 13:39:15 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://richmonddiocese.org/?p=139533 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [comment_count] => 0 [current_comment] => -1 [found_posts] => 72 [max_num_pages] => 0 [max_num_comment_pages] => 0 [is_single] => [is_preview] => [is_page] => [is_archive] => 1 [is_date] => [is_year] => [is_month] => [is_day] => [is_time] => [is_author] => [is_category] => 1 [is_tag] => [is_tax] => [is_search] => [is_feed] => [is_comment_feed] => [is_trackback] => [is_home] => [is_privacy_policy] => [is_404] => [is_embed] => [is_paged] => [is_admin] => [is_attachment] => [is_singular] => [is_robots] => [is_favicon] => [is_posts_page] => [is_post_type_archive] => [query_vars_hash:WP_Query:private] => 78160eba8c51495d9d22a99aa0adf1ac [query_vars_changed:WP_Query:private] => [thumbnails_cached] => [allow_query_attachment_by_filename:protected] => [stopwords:WP_Query:private] => [compat_fields:WP_Query:private] => Array ( [0] => query_vars_hash [1] => query_vars_changed ) [compat_methods:WP_Query:private] => Array ( [0] => init_query_flags [1] => parse_tax_query ) )

Office > Bishop

The Most Reverend Barry C. Knestout, D.D.

Most Reverend Barry C. Knestout is the 13th Bishop of the Diocese of Richmond. Appointed by Pope Francis on December 5, 2017, he was installed January 12, 2018, at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond.

Growing up in Bowie, Maryland, Bishop Knestout attended both Catholic and public schools and graduated from Bowie High School in 1980. After entering the University of Maryland, he was accepted into the School of Architecture and earned a bachelor’s degree in 1984.

The following year, he began seminary studies at Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary and received a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts in Moral Theology. He was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Washington by Cardinal James A. Hickey on June 24, 1989, at St. Matthew Cathedral in Washington, D.C.

For five years, Father Knestout served as a parochial vicar at two parishes in the Archdiocese of Washington. In 1994, he was named priest-secretary to Cardinal Hickey and continued to serve in that capacity until His Eminence’s death in 2004. It was during his tenure with Cardinal Hickey that in 1999 he received the Papal Honor of Chaplain to His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, with the title of Monsignor.

In 2004 Monsignor Knestout was appointed Pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Silver Spring, Maryland, where he served for nearly two years.

In October 2006 Monsignor Knestout was named Secretary for Pastoral Ministry and Social Concerns and was appointed Moderator of the Curia and Vicar for Administration of the Archdiocese of Washington in April 2007. In both roles, Monsignor Knestout helped in management and oversight of Archdiocesan Administration.

Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Washington and Titular Bishop of Leavenworth on Nov. 18, 2008.  His Episcopal Ordination took place on Dec. 29, 2008, selecting “Christ Our Hope” as his episcopal motto.

Bishop Knestout serves on several national Catholic boards and committees.  In November 2023 Bishop Knestout assumed the duties of Chair for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee for the Protection of Children and Young People.

He also serves on the Episcopal Advisory Committee for the Catholic Leadership Roundtable Board, an organization of religious leaders within the Catholic community working to elevate best practices in management and leadership in the U.S. Church.

As an alumnus of Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary, he serves on the Seminary Board of Directors and is Chairman of the Seminary Finance Board.

Bishop Knestout is a member of the Board of Directors for the Holy Family of Bethlehem Hospital Foundation, whose mission is to provide exceptional healthcare to women and children in the Holy Land regardless of their ability to pay, their religion, or nationality.

Previously, Bishop Knestout served as regional chairman for the bishops of Region IV from 2020 until 2023. During that time, he was also as a member of the U.S.C.C.B. Subcommittee on the Church in Africa, and Subcommittee on African American Affairs.

He served as the Episcopal Moderator for the Diocesan Fiscal Management Conference (DFMC) from 2016 to 2024.

Bishop Knestout is a Fourth-Degree member of the Knights of Columbus; a member of the Order of Malta; and of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.

###