May it be pleasing to you, O Lord, to accept our prayer of petition, intercession, and thanksgiving for all who are and have been in leadership of this nation. On this Presidents’ Day weekend, we give thanks for the forty–five men who have served in the country’s highest office. Each – whether bold or plain, wise or querulous, admirable or flawed – has called us as Americans to an awareness of our part in the equation that is democracy, a democracy not sustained by one office alone, but by the character and participation of each citizen.
So, in faithfulness to you and in stewardship of our responsibility, we lift up our voices to petition you for your blessing upon our present government. Clothe President Trump with your righteousness. Gird him with your truth. Direct the steps he takes in the understanding of the peace that you desire. Grant him a humble spirit, mindful that all authority is entrusted and sustained by you.
Protect him from the arrow–like aim of evil’s influence. Defend him with the sword that only your Spirit can wield with pure and holy effect.
Such are the intercessions we offer – for both the man who holds this office and for all who bear the mantle of responsibility for our nation’s direction. May each strive to ensure that all may live peaceful and quiet lives – lives deemed Godly and honorable in your sight.
In your Sovereign name we pray. Amen.
Ephesians 6:11–18
1 Timothy 2:1–2
If you think of this world as a place simply intended for our happiness, you find it quite intolerable: think of it as a place for training and correction and it's not so bad.
—C.S. Lewis
Join us to pray the Rosary for Congress and the nation – each Friday at 11:30 am in the Interfaith Staff Prayer Room – 467 Cannon – and via Zoom. All are welcome. Rosaries and prayer sheets are provided. For zoom link or more information, contact Karen.Bronson@mail.house.gov Hosted by the Office of the Chaplain
The Interfaith Staff Prayer Room is open for congressional staff to use for personal prayer and meditation. For questions – email StaffPrayerRoom@mail.house.gov
Services at local churches for Ash Wednesday:
(For Catholics – Ash Wednesday is not a holy day of obligation but a meaningful way to begin the season of Lent. It is a day of fasting for those age 18–59 – one full meal is allowed plus 2 smaller ones that don't equal a full meal – and abstinence from meat for those 14 and older.)
St. Peter’s Church on Capitol Hill
313 2nd St SE
Mass: 7:30 a.m.; 12:00 p.m.; 6:30 p.m.
St. Joseph’s on Capitol Hill
313 2nd St NE
Mass: 8:00 a.m.; 12:10 p.m.; 5:30 p.m.
St. Dominic’s
630 E St SW
Mass: 8:00 a.m.; 12:10 p.m.; 7:00 p.m.
St. Vincent De Paul
14 M St SE
Mass: 7:00 a.m., 12:10 p.m.; 6:00 p.m.
The Church of the Resurrection (Anglican)
501 E St SE
Ash Wednesday Service: 7:00 a.m.; 10:00 a.m. (children); 6:30 p.m.
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church on Capitol Hill
301 A St SE
Ash Wednesday Service: 12:00 p.m.; 7:00 p.m.
Christ Church + Washington Parish
620 G St SE
“Ashes to Go”: (9:00 a.m. near Eastern Market Metro)
Ash Wednesday Service: 7:30 a.m.; 4:30 p.m. (children’s service); 7:00 p.m.
Lutheran Church of the Reformation
212 East Capitol St NE
“Ashes to Go”: 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Ash Wednesday Service: 6:30 p.m.
Capitol Hill Presbyterian
201 4th St SE
Ashes to Go: Eastern Market – 7:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Ash Wednesday Service: 7:00 p.m.
Capitol Hill United Methodist Church
401 Seward Square SE
Ashes to go & blessing; 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. on church steps
Ash Wednesday service – 7:00 p.m. at Ebenezer United Methodist Church 400 D St. SE
Capitol Hill – Interfaith Staff Prayer Room (Cannon 467)
Offered by Fr. Chris Kellerman, SJ
Thursdays, March 12, March 19 & March 26
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
If you would prefer to meet with Fr. Kellerman at a different time for the sacrament or for another matter, please email him at jccuoje@jesuits.org
St. Peter’s: 2nd & C St. SE
M–F: 8:00 am & 11:30 am
W: 6:00 pm
Sat: 8:30 am & 4:00 pm
St. Joseph’s: 2nd & C St. NE
M–F: 11:45 am – 12:05 pm
Sat: 4:45 – 5:20 pm
St. Dominic’s: 6th & E St. SW
M–F: 11:45 am – 12:10 pm
Th: 7 – 7:45 pm
Sat: 4:30 – 5:00 pm
Sun: 9:45 – 10:30 am
St. Vincent de Paul: M St. & South Capitol Street SE
M, T, Th, F: 11:40 am – 12:10 pm
Th: 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Sun: 7:30 – 8:00 am, 11:30 am – 12 pm, 6:00 – 7:00 pm