(From the issue of 8/14/03)

Oct. 18, 2003

Lord our God,

through the Blessed Virgin Mary

you have shown us the example of a disciple,

who is faithful to the words of life.

The Blessed Virgin opened her heart and her life to Jesus,

the Word made flesh, and gave Him to the world.

She accompanied Him on His earthly mission

as He enlightened believers with the gifts of faith, hope and love.

She bore witness, in silence and suffering, at the foot of the Cross

and received with joy the news of the resurrection.

At the beginning of the Church,

your Mother shared in the gift of the Holy Spirit,

and now, from her place in heaven, she aids us on our earthly pilgrimage:

a model of the Church in the glory to which we are called.

Merciful God,

we ask you, through the prayers of the Virgin Mary,

to look with love upon the faithful of the Church of Arlington.

Open our hearts to receive your saving word

and to imitate the virtues of Mary, your Mother and ours,

so that like her, our lives may bring forth a rich harvest of holiness.

Under the intercession and maternal care of our Blessed Mother,

may we be true disciples of Jesus Christ, eagerly hearing his words

and putting them into practice, that one day, we may be united

in the company of the Blessed Virgin and all the angels and saints

in the light of your eternal glory.

Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.