January 19, 2025 English

I hope you are recovering nicely from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. I feel almost relieved that we are beginning the “Ordinary Time” of the liturgical calendar. Our Christmas celebration was full of joy and grace. The children’s Christmas pageants were fantastic, with angels, donkeys, and, of course, baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and the magi. The Christmas concert was superb. It was also great to welcome so many people who came home to join their loved ones to celebrate Christmas together.
I am grateful to all the parishioners who decorated the church inside and out. Setting up creches around the campus was difficult because of the cold weather and icy winds. On behalf of all the parishioners and those who pass by the church, I say, "Thank you very much!"

St. Paul reminds us today of the various gifts of the Holy Spirit for building up the church, such as wisdom, knowledge, healing, prophecy, discernment, speaking in tongues, etc. Indeed, so many of our parishioners put their gifts to use in various ministries in the parish, teaching our young people about the faith, taking care of the physical plant, offering expert advice in the stewardship of resources, and running our St. Stephen’s Food Pantry, among others. Many parishioners take the initiative to take care of various needs of the parish. All I need to say is, “Go ahead!” I am blessed to have many willing and competent parishioners, which is the pastor’s dream.

The Archdiocese of Washington has designated St. Jude’s one of the “Jubilee Parishes” from January 1, 2025, to December 28, 2025. Our parish will serve as a pilgrimage site where the faithful can visit and participate in the Church's liturgical life, fulfilling the terms of obtaining plenary indulgence. We are encouraged to be open to the public beyond the parish boundaries. We will try to celebrate this Jubilee in partnership with nearby parishes whenever possible.
In the ‘Decree on the Granting of the Indulgence During the Ordinary Jubilee Year 2025’ (DGIJY 2025), the Apostolic Penitentiary stated that “all the  faithful, who are truly repentant and free from any affection for sin, who are moved by a spirit of charity and who, during the Holy Year, purified through the sacrament of penance and refreshed by Holy Communion, pray for the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff, will be able to obtain from the treasury of the Church a plenary indulgence, with remission and forgiveness of all their sins, which can be applied in suffrage to the souls in Purgatory” in different ways including “visiting the Cathedral or other church or sacred place designated by the local Ordinary.”

As a synodal Church, in announcing the Gospel, we “journey together.” How is God speaking to us through the voices that are in our midst? How can the baptized members of your parish participate in the Church's mission to proclaim the Gospel?

As we begin this new year, we have a lot to do. We need positive energy and vision for evangelization of ourselves and the neighborhood. I hope every parishioner will participate in reinvigorating ourselves and our neighbors with the Gospel of mercy and joy. We always welcome new ideas, talents, and resources. May we have a sense of unity and cooperation as we journey together.

Fr. Paul D. Lee

PS: I am so grateful for all the lovely cards and fabulous Christmas and birthday gifts. I may never be able to repay your kindness and love, but you are always in my heart and prayers.