Welcome to Holy Comforter!
21st Sunday In Ordinary Time
August 23, 2026
Entrance Antiphon, Cf. Ps 86(85):1-3:
Turn your ear, O Lord, and answer me; save the servant who trust in you, my God. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I cry to you all the day long.
Welcome to all parishioners and visitors of Holy Comforter!
August is dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Our Blessed Mother is a constant model of humility and obedience to God. As we proclaim her queenship, let us recognize her unique role in the kingdom of heaven.
She who humbled herself, was honored by God. Let us ask her to advocate for us before her Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, and provide the motherly intercession we all need.
Pulpit Announcements
Rosary Procession This Weekend
Please join us for a Rosary Procession to honor Our Blessed Mother this Sunday, August 23rd immediately following the 11:00am Mass.
Join the Choir
The music program at Holy Comforter is actively recruiting new singers to join the choirs at the various Masses at the parish. This can be a special way to deepen your participation in the Mass, while contributing to enrich the worship experience of the other parishioners. If you are curious about the opportunities available, please email Querida and Jeremy at music@holycomforterparish.org, or even better, stop by and speak with them after Mass.
IMPACT
The Holy Comforter IMPACT Team will be holding its annual listening sessions in the lower level of the Church the weekend of September 19 and 20 immediately following the 5:00pm and 11:00am Masses. All are invited to hear about the progress IMPACT is making on its affordable housing, improved transit, and neighborhood safety issue campaigns and to share your concerns about social justice issues in our community. Food will be provided. For more information about IMPACT click on action button below. To RSVP contact Suzanne Bailey at 434-326-3166/ slank@ntelos.net.
History of Holy Comforter Parish
Prompted by our country's 250th anniversary, Holy Comforter is compiling its own history as Charlottesville's mother church. If you would like to share your memories or other information you may have about Holy Comforter or if you'd like to be a part of the group that is working on this project, contact Suzanne Bailey 434-326-3166, slank@ntelos.net.
Altar Flowers
Altar Flowers were provided this weekend by Heidi and Brian Hess in honor of their wedding anniversary.
Please make sure your cell phone is silenced, so that we all might better enter into the richness of the Holy Mass.
Parish News
Christian Formation Starts In September!
Children’s and High School Christian Formation AND Sacraments will begin Sunday, September 13, 9:45am -10:45am. Catechists are still needed for two classes;
- K-1 and 3-4th grades, and
- a co-catechist is needed for HS/Confirmation.
All Registration forms (Homeschool as well) are on the RE Table in the Commons and on our website.
Liturgical Notes
Do Catholics still believe in Purgatory? Of course! Things that are true should be believed. Purgatory certainly exists and the souls there need our prayers. I have instructed my children that at my funeral, no one should say, "We know he's in a better place," because assuming I'm in heaven would rob me of the purifying prayers designed by God for members of his Church to assist each other. Let's aim for heaven with our earthly lives! But if we are not perfectly purified when our time here expires, thank God that he created a place for the final purifications to step into His heavenly presence.
Scripture tells us "nothing unclean" can enter heaven. (Rev. 21:27) I have yet to encounter someone who tells me they are without sin, the effects of sin, or the need for a divine cleansing. If someone thinks, "When I die, in one moment, God will purify me all at once," then they already believe in purgatory. From earth, we might call it "a moment," but that "moment" is actually outside of time. So this "moment" can be called purgatory, because it captures the reality that takes place there. Why is it painful and firey though? Next time… Christopher Gilbert, Liturgy Coordinator
Men's Cursillo Weekend - October 1 - 4, 2026
Valley Cursillo is now accepting applications for Men's Cursillo Weekend in October. Contact Garrett Smith, 434-960-7775, for details.
Knights of Columbus
The men of Holy Comforter are urged to join the Knights of Columbus as we continue our tradition of over 140 years of service to God, family, and country. Knights pursue holiness by feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and protecting the widow and orphan. Any interested should visit kofc.org/join and request Council 3670. Vivat Jesus!"
Outreach
Thank you, parishioners, for your support of Outreach through your donations, volunteering, and contributions.
- Your donations of canned vegetables are appreciated during the month of August.
- For September donations of boxed Macaroni and Cheese would be wonderful. God Bless!
The USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and leader.
55+ Sociable Seniors Event
Come join us for Catholic Jeopardy!
- Saturday, August 29th at 6:00pm.
Hope to see you there!
St. Vincent de Paul Society, Holy Trinity Conference
During the month of August, Ragged Mountain Running and Walking Shop has assigned SvdP-HT as the recipient of the proceeds of their Sneakers4Good program. Used sneakers/running shoes given to the shop are donated monthly to Sneakers for good. Do you have used sneakers/running shoes to donate? Every pair donated this month helps St Vincent de Paul -Holy Trinity. Ragged Mountain Running and Walking Shop is located at 3 Elliewood Ave in Charlottesville. Free parking is behind the building. Thank you! For more information about your conference, or to donate, visit www.svdp-ht.org or email info@svdp-ht.org.
PARISH SUPPORT
OFFERTORY CONTRIBUTIONS
Week Ending August 16, 2026
Offertory Contributions
Below Weekly Budget ($2,236)
Offertory Contributions
- In Pew and By Mail $5,662
- Online Giving $2,102
Below Weekly Budget ($2,236)
WEEKLY OFFERTORY BUDGET
“How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good He has done for me?” - Psalm 116:12
Our parish operating budget for the current fiscal year is $520,000 which requires us to receive offertory contributions of $10,000 per week. In order to meet our obligations, it is necessary for our 224 registered and active families to contribute $2,322 per year, or about $45 per week. Thank you for your support!
SECOND COLLECTIONS FOR AUGUST
ALL MONTH Christian Formation + Haiti + Justice and Peace
8/09/2026 Outreach
8/15/2026 Assumption of Mary
8/23/2026 Maintenance Fund
ALL MONTH Christian Formation + Haiti + Justice and Peace
8/09/2026 Outreach
8/15/2026 Assumption of Mary
8/23/2026 Maintenance Fund
MONEY MINUTE
Looking for ways to simplify your busy Back-To-School schedule? Try Online Giving. It’s a secure and easy way to tithe and make other contributions. You can even set up automatic payments that will occur periodically, so you don’t have to worry about remembering when to give. Please scan the QR code below, or visit https://holycomforterparish.org/online-giving/ for the Online Giving link.
Looking for ways to simplify your busy Back-To-School schedule? Try Online Giving. It’s a secure and easy way to tithe and make other contributions. You can even set up automatic payments that will occur periodically, so you don’t have to worry about remembering when to give. Please scan the QR code below, or visit https://holycomforterparish.org/online-giving/ for the Online Giving link.
News From Around Town
Discover Charlottesville Catholic School!
Join the CCS family, where faith, friendship, and academic excellence come together. We're accepting applications for Junior Kindergarten–8th Grade for the 2026–2027 school year. To learn more or schedule a tour, contact admissions@cvillecatholic.org.
Annual CCS Golf Tournament
Mark your calendar for Monday, September 28 at The Club at Glenmore!
Registration is now open for individual golfers and foursomes. Early Bird Rate: $200 per player through July 31 ($250 after). Sponsorship opportunities are also available—a great way to support CCS while reaching over 100 golfers! For registration or sponsorship information, contact Ms. Kowalski at a.kowalski@cvillecatholic.org.
Update From The HAITI Ministry
- Auction Items Needed For The Dinner/auction at STAUVA!
Dr. August Sanusi is seeking auction items of local interest, art, handcrafted pieces, vacations, timeshares, etc. - Spring (2027) Golf Tournament.
Volunteers are also needed! Our spring Golf Tournament is seeking a new coordinator. Contact Bob Fromm (bobfromm@usairforce.vet) and he will connect you with Dan Wassilchalk, who will gladly mentor you. - St. Michel Clinic in Saltadère remains open and fully staffed. National improvements directly reinforce the clinic’s daily work and improve care throughout the region. Your generosity at the DinnerAuction helps sustain these efforts and brings lasting hope to our mission community.
News From Our Diocese
Vocations
"You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church." - Matthew 16:18
God does not call the perfect or extraordinary. Like Peter, ordinary men and women are invited to play extraordinary roles in His plan through priesthood, consecrated life, or holy matrimony. Whatever your gifts or weaknesses, God can use you to build His Church and bring His love to the world. Talk to your priest or reach out to the Vocation Office at 804-359-5661 or via email: vocations@richmonddiocese.org
God does not call the perfect or extraordinary. Like Peter, ordinary men and women are invited to play extraordinary roles in His plan through priesthood, consecrated life, or holy matrimony. Whatever your gifts or weaknesses, God can use you to build His Church and bring His love to the world. Talk to your priest or reach out to the Vocation Office at 804-359-5661 or via email: vocations@richmonddiocese.org
August 23, 2026
Employment Opportunities
The Catholic Diocese of Richmond has a variety of rewarding employment opportunities. Click on the image above to find positions within our Deanery and other locations.
