Walk Humbly

Also, Bishop Burbidge appoints a new Catholic Charities CEO/President

In this week’s episode of the Walk Humbly Podcast:

• Bishop Burbidge shares his message for Thanksgiving
• Two well-known and well-loved priests passed away last week: Msgr. Robert Avella and Fr. Michael Dobbins
• A new Catholic Charities CEO/President has been announced
• Bishop Burbidge offers additional thoughts on what he learned from the “McCarrick Report”
• Catholic Charities launches a second Mother of Mercy Clinic
• The “Just One Yes” campaign is back! What’s your “yes?”

Bishop Burbidge answers this question from the audience:

• Our diocese was formed out of the Diocese of Richmond. What goes into the decision to create a new diocese out of an older one?

This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. In the midst of our current challenges it is my fervent hope that this week we all look for—and find—those gifts for which we can be most grateful. Our faith, our family, our friends. We give thanks to all those who continue to stand on the front lines in combating a pandemic, for all who have extended a hand in providing food for the poor and homeless, for those assisting the newly unemployed, for all those who put their lives on the line to defend the defenseless, and for those who are committed to the education of their children and our students no matter the model or the hurdles. For all these people we are so grateful. Above all, may we express our gratitude to God for his many gifts by sharing them and our resources with those in most need. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving next week, many adult children will return home to the loving embrace of parents. In these challenging times, parents undoubtedly worry about their sons and daughters, especially those who live far away from home. Some, for one reason or another, may have even wandered away from the faith upon which they were raised. Parents, if your child does not appear to have the religious convictions and faith you want for them, do not become discouraged. Rather, keep planting the seeds of faith. Never tire of asking God for the grace for your children to return to their spiritual home. Look for the opportunity for discussion, continue to love and encourage them, and perhaps extend an invitation to join you at church. But know this: If they see your love for them, they will know the doorway of faith is always open.

In this week’s episode of the Walk Humbly Podcast:

• Bishop Burbidge discusses the results of the 2020 Election and how Catholics should respond
• The “McCarrick Report” has been released. Bishop Burbidge discusses what this means and how we can comfort victims at this time.

This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. This week marks the culmination of months of campaigning for national, state, and local offices, all of which are sure to affect our lives in ways big and small. Some will celebrate and feel relief. Others will feel frustrated and disappointed. Dear brothers and sisters, let us not revel or wallow over the results. Instead let us remember that our great nation should be unified in serving God, the King of all Kings. No matter the outcome, we should vow that this is the time to show unity, respect, and civility for our fellow citizens, as well as for those that are elected into office. Our country needs to heal. In order to move forward as a people and as a community, we must be committed to showing that despite our differences we remain now, and always will be, “One Nation Under God.”

This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. As our nation counts down the days to the election, we are reminded that it is our constitutional right, privilege, and sacred duty to vote, especially with so much at stake. But we must do so asinformedcitizens who know the issues and the positions of the candidates. In addition, we must be faithful citizens who bring our beliefs and moral convictions into the public arena. Our vote is not the only decision we must make. We must also decide how we will contribute to the work of peace, after the election is over. Each of us can participate in unifying our fractured nation and contributing to the common good. Lastly, we must pray for our elected leaders, that God will give them sound judgment and the courage to do what is right in service to our great nation.  

In this week’s episode of the Walk Humbly Podcast:

• Uplift Arlington is back with the theme “One Nation, Under God” on Oct. 28
• The Archbishop of Washington DC will be named a Cardinal by Pope Francis
• Pope Francis’ comments on civil unions
• Father Michael McGivney, the founder of the Knights of Columbus, to be beatified on Oct. 31
• National Vocations Awareness Week, Nov. 1-7 – what you need to know!

Bishop Burbidge answers these questions from the audience:

• How was the Diocese able to reopen schools when public schools chose to remain closed?
• What factors will you consider when you decide to lift the dispensation from attending Sunday Mass?

This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. So many individuals, including some in our families and communities, sadly, suffer from addiction and substance abuse. For some it all started with prescription drugs after a surgery or procedure. For others it may have been an escape from the harsh realities we deal with in life. God wants you to experience his healing love so you can leave behind the darkness of addiction and find new freedom. He has gifted us with the tools to overcome that darkness: professionals with expertise, hotlines, and addiction resources. Please know that if you have a substance abuse problem or you are a loved one of an individual with a substance abuse issue, you do not walk alone. God is there to accompany you through your trials and difficult times. Help awaits, both nearby and from above, and asking for that help is the first step to recovery.  

On this episode of The Walk Humbly Podcast:

• What Bishop Burbidge learned by visiting our high schools
• What role should abortion play in our vote?
• Pope Francis’ new encyclical asks us to pause and reflect on concrete actions we can take to improve fraternal love and social friendship

Questions from the faithful:

• How does an individual maintain optimism while trying to uphold one’s Catholic values in today’s political climate?
• Do pastors and parochial vicars receive training in financial and business matters?

This is Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. In life, we all have regrets and worries. We regret things we did yesterday or in the past: the poor decisions, the failures, and the disappointment we have caused others. Our worries, however, are often rooted in days that have not yet come: the apprehension, the fear, and the unease about tomorrow and the future. Dear friends, when you sense sadness about something you cannot change, or anxiety over what has yet to occur, I invite you to remember the words of St. Alphonsus Liguori: “The past is no longer yours; the future is not yet in your power. You have only the present wherein to do good.” May we embrace this day as God’s gift to us and let nothing from the past or anything in the future take away from the blessings, peace and joy he wishes to give us at this present moment.