On this week's episode, Bishop Burbidge:

• Shares his plans to visit the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center to celebrate an annual Mass for the incarcerated, affirming God’s call to minister to those who are alone and may feel forgotten

• Previews two Christmas Eve Masses he will celebrate at the Cathedral of Saint Thomas More at 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. — catch the 10 p.m. Mass on December 24 via livestream at this link

• Highlights the good news tucked inside this year’s Annual Report — now available!
• Invites all to join him at the Opening Mass for the Holy Year 2025 on January 5, at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Thomas More  

• Reminds us to register for Life Fest — a collaborative event of Life is VERY Good with the Sisters of Life and the Knights of Columbus preparing for the annual March of Life — beginning with the Night of Praise on January 23 and a Morning Rally on January 24

He also answers the following question from the faithful:

“I heard at Mass that Pope Francis declared 2025 as a jubilee year for the whole church. I remember the Jubilee in 2000 fondly and traveled to Rome that year on pilgrimage. But I cannot travel overseas this time, and I imagine there are others in my situation. How can I mark the year to come?”

Sacred Scripture invites us every year at this time to rejoice always! But even during the Advent season filled with many blessings we may ask: “how is it possible to rejoice always?” We are aware of war and violence throughout our world. We see division and unrest in our nation. Many people are dealing with emotional and mental health issues, including distress and anxiety. All of us carry some type of burden and cross. So how is it possible to rejoice always? We can rejoice because we know the Lord is in our midst. He is always there to provide us comfort and consolation, and to love, heal, and forgive us, for the One whose birth we celebrate anew is the One alone who can give us the peace for which we long. In him, we have every reason to rejoice!

On this week's episode, Bishop Burbidge: 

• Comments on this weekend’s reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris

• Endorses a new video series on lectio divina led by Fr. Jonathan Smith and Fr. Jesus Muñoz 

• Highlights the Church’s Holy Year 2025 ahead and encourages us not only to be pilgrims but messengers of hope 

• Shares his enthusiasm for the announcement of the 2025 canonizations of Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio 

• Previews Life Fest — a collaborative event of Life is VERY Good with the Sisters of Life and the Knights of Columbus — beginning with the Night of Praise on January 23 and a Morning Rally on January 24

He also answers the following question from the faithful:

“I will be traveling home for Christmas to visit family. I love my family, even though most of them are not practicing their Catholic faith or have become basically atheists. I want to be a good witness during our time together as a family but am unsure how to evangelize without causing family drama or being accused of pushing my beliefs. What should I do?” 

As Christmas approaches we should remember to take a break; specifically, to think less of ourselves and what we want, and more about others. Look out for those you love and know who may be having some difficulties at this time of year, especially those who are may be overwhelmed or alone. Give them what they need most: your time and listening ear. We should also renew our promise to give quality time to the Lord. Be still, quiet, and restful in his presence, the One who longs to embrace us in his love and mercy. Making time for the Lord and others is the perfect way to prepare for the celebration of Christmas!

As we begin the Season of Advent, we are called to be awake, to be ready, and to be vigilant so we may be prepared on the day Jesus returns in glory. So, throughout Advent, slow down; be sincerely prayerful; seek God’s mercy; forgive others; be charitable and help those in need. Keep your priorities in order and draw ever closer to the Lord. Advent also reminds us not to put things off or wait until tomorrow what you can do today. In these ways, you will truly prepare your heart for the celebration of Christmas. 

Thanksgiving Day allows us to gather with family and friends to share a meal and reflect upon the many blessings in our lives. Hopefully your Thanksgiving will be one of true gratitude as you offer thanks to God, the source of all good gifts, including the gifts of life, faith, and freedom. We also remember those who are experiencing challenges or struggles. There are many who may not be able to enjoy a warm meal, or who may have an empty seat at their table. As we give thanks to God for his abundant graces, may we commit in some way to reach out to our brothers and sisters in need and share our time and resources with them. What a perfect way to reflect our Thanksgiving to the Lord for all he has done for us.

 On this week's episode, Bishop Burbidge: 

• Unpacks the recent U.S. elections as well as the annual fall meeting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

• Expands on how the Church serves the poor following the 7th annual World Day of the Poor, observed on the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
  • To serve, contact Catholic Charities, the Arlington Council of St. Vincent de Paul, or your local parish
• Elaborates on the recent letter he and Bishop Knestout issued responding to a Virginia House of Delegates committee action on proposed constitutional amendments on abortion, marriage, and restoration of voting rights 
  • Sign up to receive alerts and news from the Virginia Catholic Conference

• Clarifies the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception as a holy day of obligation – and an opportunity - for the faithful in the Diocese of Arlington

• Shares his Thanksgiving plans—including the tradition of starting the day with Mass

He also answers the following question from the faithful:

• “The holidays, Thanksgiving in particular, can be a contentious time for some families. I’ve even heard stories of families not wanting to talk to each other because of their political affiliations. What is your pastoral guidance for families as we approach the upcoming holidays?”

Sacred Scripture often reminds us of the difference between the foolish and the truly wise. The foolish see only that which is in front of them but the wise see through the eyes of faith. The foolish react, but the wise respond by taking time to reflect and discern before deciding and taking action. The foolish have as their goal immediate results, but the wise are focused on the things that are above. The foolish handle situations by themselves, but the wise depend on the strength that comes from God. The decision is ours: to go it alone, or to entrust to our Lord all that we hope to accomplish and to allow ourselves to be carried by him, the One who makes us “truly wise.”

This week, we remember our military veterans, both living and deceased, we thank them for their service, and we pay tribute to their sacrifice. Throughout American history, our service members have kept us free, protecting and defending our Constitution and our way of life. Their courage, bravery, and fearlessness built a powerful and enduing foundation for our nation. The challenges they faced and defeated around the world have given our citizens confidence during conflict, brought honor to our country, and earned respect for all who have worn the uniform. Our veterans safeguarded our security on sea, land, and air, To be willing to lose your life so others may live theirs is beyond measure. May we, as a grateful nation, pray for our veterans this week, and always.

On this week's episode, Bishop Burbidge:  

• Offers final encouragement on prayer and forming our consciences in advance of Election Day; access voter resources here  

• Highlights one of the special ways the diocese is celebrating National Vocation Awareness Week; watch now: “A Day in the Life of Catholic Priest”   

• Shares how the Gospel of Life is and can be embraced through adoption, especially adopting from foster care; learn more about Catholic Charities’ Waiting Child program   

• Recounts the recent Masses celebrating the Solemnity of All Saints and the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed; watch the homilies from November 1 and November 2   

• Shares his upcoming travels to the Diocese of Raleigh to mark its 100th anniversary, and to Baltimore to confer with his brother bishops from across the United States at their annual fall meeting  

He also answers the following question from the faithful: 

• “It’s football season and I enjoy it when the networks show pre-game locker room shots of the players preparing for the game. You get to see such intensity and focus! What is it like to be a priest or bishop before the liturgy? Do you ever get anxious or nervous? Celebrating Masses every day, how do you get fired up?”