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Saints for Every and All Seasons!

by Fr. Michael S. Murray, OSFS

On January 29, 1967 (the original feast day on the four hundredth anniversary of the birth of St. Francis de Sales), Pope Paul VI issued an apostolic letter entitled, “The Gem of Savoy” in which he extolled the many gifts and virtues of St. Francis de Sales. The Pope wrote:

“No one of the recent Doctors of the Church more than St. Francis de Sales anticipated the deliberations and decisions of the Second Vatican Council with such a keen and progressive insight. He renders his contribution by the example of his life, by the wealth of his true and sound doctrine and by the fact that he has strengthened the spiritual ways of Christian perfection for all states and conditions of life (emphasis added)…Francis de Sales urgently exhorted and aroused all Christinas – regardless of differences of sex, fortune, or condition in life – to cultivate and reap the fruits of devotion.” (Emphasis added.)

Why draw attention to this assertion regarding St. Francis de Sales? Precisely because the very first day of November hosts our common feast day: the Solemnity of All Saints! Pope Paul VI continued:

“Holiness is not the prerogative of one select group or another or of any one person; it is an invitation and command addressed to all those who bear the name Christian. While all are called and bound to ascend the mountain of the Lord, no two people do so on the one and same path.”

Fast forward to December 28, 2022. In an apostolic letter (“Everything Pertains to Love”) issued on the four hundredth anniversary of St. Francis de Sales’ death, Pope Francis observed:

“Devotion is far from being something abstract. Rather, it becomes a style of life, a way of living immersed in our concrete daily existence. It embraces and discovers meaning in the little things: food and dress, work and relaxation, love and parenthood and conscientiousness in the fulfillment of our duties. In a word, devotion sheds light on the vocation of each individual.”

Perhaps Salesian scholar Elisabeth Stopp said it best when she described the advice of St. Francis de Sales as “inspired common sense,” a practical, down-to-earth approach to living Jesus as embodied by the Gospel reading every Solemnity of All Saints: The Beatitudes (Matthew 5: 3 – 11).

With St. Francis de Sales as our mentor, companion, and guide, how might we grow in our efforts to be “saints” in our own day? Put another way, how can we be beatitudes (i.e., blessings) in the lives of one another?

Now that is a devotion that each of us – all of us – can actually achieve! 

November is Black Catholic History Month, a commemoration that may be less well-known than Black History Month, observed in February, but equally significant. While the months of observations share some similarities, these commemorations have distinct focuses and meanings. Understanding their differences can provide valuable insights into Black people's diverse experiences and contributions in America.

Black Catholic History Month was initiated in 1990 by the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus to highlight the unique experiences, contributions, and challenges of Black Catholics in the United States. November was selected to coincide with two other events celebrated this month. The first is the feast day of St. Martin de Porres, the first Black saint of the Americas and patron saint of social justice and racial harmony.

Born in Lima, Peru, to a former enslaved woman and a white father, Martin’s faith journey began at an early age. When he turned 15, Martin asked to join the Dominican Order at the Rosary Convent in Lima. The brothers hesitated due to his mixed race but allowed him into the order as a servant. His hard work, piety, commitment to the poor, and love of God led them to grant him later the status of Brother. After a life of service, Martin passed away in 1579. Despite a lifetime of boundless charity and a history of miracles during and after his lifetime, he was not canonized by the Roman Catholic Church until 1969.

The second significant event in November that influenced its selection in commemorating Black Catholics is the birthday of St. Augustine of Hippo, a renowned theologian from North Africa. He is considered one of the greatest Christian philosophers of antiquity and the most profound thinker in early Christianity, second only to St. Paul. He is formally recognized as a Doctor of the Church in Roman Catholicism. In light of his early years pursuing an intemperance lifestyle before his conversion, he is the patron saint of brewers.

Black Catholic History Month recognizes the rich history of Black Catholics, from the African saints and martyrs of the early Church to the modern-day struggles and triumphs of Black Catholics in America. It's a time devoted to learning about influential Black Catholic figures like Venerable Mother Mary Lange; Fr. Augustus Tolton, Servant of God; Venerable Mother Henriette DeLille; Venerable Pierre Toussaint; Julia Greeley, Servant of God, and Sr. Thea Bowman, Servant of God. Each lived lives of remarkable faith and service and are on the pathway to canonization; one will become the first Black saint for the United States.

Black Catholic History Month also addresses the specific issues and concerns of Black Catholics, such as racial justice, inclusion in the Church, and the development of vibrant Black Catholic communities. It's an opportunity for all Catholics to learn about and appreciate the diverse traditions and experiences within the universal Church.

Black History Month has its roots in Negro History Week, established by historian Carter G. Woodson in 1926. It was expanded to a full month in 1976 to acknowledge the significant roles Black Americans have played in shaping the nation's history, culture, and achievements. This celebration encompasses the vast and varied experiences of all Black people in the United States, regardless of their religious affiliation.

Black History Month recognizes the struggles, triumphs, and ongoing contributions of Black Americans in all fields, from politics and education to the arts and sciences. It's a time to learn about and honor the legacies of prominent figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Langston Hughes, as well as the countless unsung heroes of the Civil Rights Movement and beyond.

While both Black History Month and Black Catholic History Month share the goal of promoting greater understanding, appreciation, and inclusion, they have distinct emphases. Black History Month offers a broader celebration of Black experiences and achievements in all areas of American life. Black Catholic History Month, however, provides a specific focus on the unique history, contributions, and challenges of Black Catholics in the United States.

By observing both commemorations, we can gain a deeper understanding of the diverse experiences and contributions of Black people in America, both in the broader society and within the Catholic Church. Through learning, reflection, and action, we can work toward greater inclusion, justice, and appreciation for Black history and heritage in all its rich and varied forms.



Each year, on November 11, our nation recognizes the men and women who have served in our United States military. This year, I asked four military veterans in our community to share their experience of practicing Catholicism during their military service. I will also take the liberty to briefly add that being Catholic as an Army spouse of 25 years was my anchor–through nine permanent change of stations (PCSes) and five deployments–our Catholic faith was the thread that guided us through every adventure and challenge.

SJN Parishioner, Jason Wright: Many of my most meaningful Catholic experiences have been as a service member under the Archdiocese for the Military Service. As a cadet at West Point, I befriended a Chaplain and Catholic Priest whose pervasive love for Jesus, kindness, and quiet office gave me respite from the chaos around me. He had a passion for serving others that ultimately attracted me to our Catholic faith; while at West Point, I had a year of RCIA before being confirmed at Easter. During my first deployment to Baghdad, Iraq in 2003, I was invited by a friend and became active in a Catholic men’s Bible study group sponsored by a stateside Knights of Columbus Council. We would gather weekly or as we could to study the Word, share our faith, pray, and commune. We also provided support to the Catholic priests in their duties serving Mass to soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen around Baghdad. On a reoccurring basis, I was a 32-year-old uniformed and armed alter server in Baghdad. In subsequent deployments to Afghanistan, Kuwait and Qatar, and in our stateside military communities, Elizabeth and I have always been similarly called to move toward answering the needs of our faith communities. While in the military in 1999, Elizabeth and I were married civilly at our U.S. Embassy in South Korea but had our marriage convalidated by a priest from the military Archdiocese. All three of our children have had one or more of their sacraments through the military Archdiocese. Within military faith communities, we’ve both served as lectors, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, catechists, and parish council members and look forward to continuing to serve our SJN community with that same military “can do” attitude, however we can.  

SJN Parishioners John and Jan Moran: Throughout our careers we were blessed to have access to Catholic services, whether at stateside or overseas duty stations, or on John’s deployment to Diego Garcia. Jan had the privilege, as a Navy Nurse, to work daily with hospital chaplains. I called on the priest a lot, especially at night when the quiet and darkness brought about patients’ sorrows and fears. I’m sure the “direct dial” to God was a running joke but the chaplain was always there to answer my call. I found that when the hospital chaplain/priest took time to listen without judgment, pray even when the patient was not listening, and give hope to the most vulnerable, the faith of many patients became deeper and more spiritual.  When asked to be part of a prayer I found myself deeply moved and questioning how my own faith could be stronger and more giving. I’m pretty sure God had a plan.

Our children were baptized by Navy Chaplains in Philadelphia, Guam, and Virginia Beach. The chaplain at Naval Hospital Philadelphia baptized our first child in our home with family and friends joining in the celebration. Our second child was baptized in Guam. Her Godparents were not able to be there, but very good Navy friends stood in as proxies. I mention this because the military faith community during an overseas tour is family you become close to, and it was a great gift to have them share in this special sacrament.

During our second tour in Guam, we really began not only to profess our faith from the pew but to participate in serving during Mass. We both served at the Naval Station Chapel as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC). John also served as a lector and usher, and our two oldest children became altar servers. 

Several months before we left Guam, Jan came to Reston for a nursing conference. She inquired about a church to attend Mass, and the hotel concierge suggested St. John Neumann. When Jan returned to Guam, she was excited to have found such a wonderful church. That was 30 years ago, and God’s plan was in place. St. John Neumann was and is today a place where all are welcome, and I felt that same spiritual warmth 30 years ago as I do today. 

Upon our return from Guam, Jan began serving as a catechist at SJN and later, John teamed up with her as a co-catechist for 7th grade RE for many years. 

Jan now serves as an EMHC, and John is active with the Knights of Columbus. The K of C council at SJN has many former and retired military members who have a bond shaped by their shared experiences in military faith communities around the world.

SJN Parishioner Tim Lepsch:

I graduated high school in 1987 and was working as a mechanic while waiting to hear back from the University of Wisconsin for their Engineering program. The shop I worked at was a full-service gas station and one day a Marine recruiter stopped in to fill up his car. That is when my Marine Corps adventure started.

This adventure actually shaped my Catholic faith. I had faded away from the Church in middle school and remained away until I was deployed to Iraq in 2004 after serving in the Marines for 16 years. The Marine Corps is a tight brother and sisterhood but more so when you are greatly dependent on each other in a combat situation. This tour with all that happened around me opened my eyes and reminded me that I was not in control and brought me back to my faith.



The resurgence of my Catholic faith was the underpinning of my leadership style from this point forward. Now with my family, the values of the Marine Corps, and God’s transformative will, I have come to give more of myself to the growth of our youth by giving back to SJN youth ministries to help build, guide, and be witness to God’s love.

These are just a few reflections of the many SJN parishioners who are military veterans. To each of you, we extend our debt of gratitude for your honorable and selfless service to our nation. Happy Veterans Day!

Gratitude is a virtue, which is a special grace given by God for our souls. It is in essence the effect that the Holy Spirit has upon our character. A virtue is something given freely by God, not earned through effort. Gratitude is necessary for a healthy spiritual life and can lead to other virtues. We can cultivate gratitude in ourselves and our families by regularly expressing our thankful appreciation for people and things to each other. It’s as easy as saying “thank you” often for the little things that people do for you. Some people make a list in November of one thing they are thankful for every day. Our family has the tradition of saying what they are thankful for around the Thanksgiving table.

I spent time with SJN staff/clergy and volunteers and asked them what they are grateful for this season. I attended a middle school girls group meeting and talked about gratitude being a virtue and asked them what they are grateful for. I visited a 2nd grade faith formation class and explained that God gives us a special happiness in our hearts for when we see the good in our lives, and I asked them what they were thankful for. Finally, I talked to some students in our 4-year-old Preschool class explaining that thankfulness is a happy feeling we have when we think of good things that are given to us. Every single person I asked almost immediately was able to express gratitude for something in their lives. Here are the expressions of gratitude shared with me:

SJN Staff/clergy/volunteers:

“I am grateful for second chances.”

“I am grateful for my family and for my faith.”

“I am grateful for the family that God has given me and for serving our faith community.”

“I am grateful for the love of my family, for my health, and for our parishioners, especially the children.”

“I am grateful for my life.”

“I am grateful for the time I got to spend with my mother as she was dying – it was such a blessing.”

“I am grateful for our volunteers whether they are musicians or serving in a non-musical role. We are rich in the time given to us by them.”

“I am grateful for my work family who are always supportive of my life changes.”

“I am grateful for my priestly vocation.”

SJN Middle School Students:

“I am grateful for the community of our church because it makes me more motivated to try my best.”

“I am grateful for my house because some people are not as fortunate.”

“I am grateful for girls’ group so that we can grow in our faith.”

“I am grateful for a working body so I can run, see, hear, and talk.”

“I am grateful for my sister who is always there for me no matter what.”

SJN 2nd grade students:

“I am thankful for food and water.”

“I am thankful for the earth.”

“I am thankful for my family.”

“I am thankful for God.”

“I am thankful for my house.”

“I am thankful for all the things my Mommy and Daddy buy for me.”

“I am thankful for Jesus.”

“I am thankful for the Holy Trinity.”

“I am thankful for my family who loves me.”

“I am thankful for my life.”

SJN Preschool students (age 4):

“I am thankful for everything God gave me.”

“I am thankful for my dragon diary.”

“I am thankful for my brother because he plays with me.”

“I am thankful for my friends.”

“I am thankful for my mom.”

“I am thankful for my big brother.”

“I am thankful for my doggie.”

“I am thankful for my brother who does silly things.”

Quotes from Saints:

“Gratitude is the memory of the heart.” – St. Mary Euphrasia

“Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” – St. Paul, Philippians 4:6-7.



“Marvel at God’s goodness: how good God has been to you, on your behalf! Lord, how rich is your heart in mercy and how generous is your good will. My soul, let us always recall the many graces he has shown to us”

– St. Francis de Sales

Gratitude is a virtue that thrives in each of us. As we celebrate Thanksgiving this month, may we all give thanks to God for his bounty of blessings. Happy Thanksgiving!



When my husband and I had our very first adoption meeting in early 2009, we simply did not know what we didn’t know. At that time, either few people were discussing the uncomfortable parts of adoption, or those voices were not being heard. In 2009, social media was in somewhat early stages of its evolution and nowhere near the communication platform it is today; today, social media has given many people who were adopted an opportunity to share their experiences and raise awareness about adoption. When I was growing up, I did not know anyone who had experienced adoption—not because adoptions were not happening, but because they simply were not discussed—often, even within the families and with the child who was adopted. (In fact, just within the last ten years I learned that my aunt gave birth to a baby who was adopted before I was born, meaning my cousins had a brother they were never aware even existed. This secret was kept for nearly 50 years.) This was a time when adoption was often viewed as a secret, sometimes shrouded in shame, or at best viewed in negative light. I am the fifth of six siblings, and I assure you more than once I heard from one of my older siblings: “...that’s because you were adopted.” (I was not.) In the 70s and 80s when I was growing up, this was considered an insult. Today, we understand so much more because people are sharing their experiences and perspectives, and when we choose to listen, we learn. I could never write in just an article what I have learned from our family’s adoption journey of the last 15 years, but I will touch on the parts that have made me more aware and quite frankly, a better person.

It is estimated that five to seven million Americans are adoptees, and each year around 150,000 adoptions are finalized. According to the Virginia Department of Social Services, “The purpose of adoption is to place children who have been permanently and legally separated from their birth parents with a new family. It is a social and legal process which gives new parent(s) the same rights and obligations as biological parents. When you adopt, you expand your family by taking a child (or children) into your home as your own family member(s) and then care for and nurture them to adulthood and beyond.”  The website “Adoption & Beyond” builds upon this definition to say, “Adoption is more than a legal procedure; it is a profound emotional journey. It represents embracing a child into one’s family and providing a loving and nurturing environment.” In my experience, adoption is the hardest journey to the greatest reward—much like parenting—it is a surprising journey of love and challenges that requires steadfast trust in God. However, parenting a child that experienced adoption requires unique understanding and dedication to healing.

There are different types of adoption: stepparent adoption, kinship adoption, international adoption, domestic adoption, and foster care adoption. Our initial adoption meeting was with Catholic Charities in Seattle to learn more about international adoption. We left that meeting unsettled—for many reasons and decided that was not the path for us. Shortly after that, my husband left for a deployment. In that year, a friend of mine suggested foster care adoption; for whatever reason, we had not even considered that option. In 2010 we moved to Tampa, Florida, and immediately began the months-long certification process to adopt from foster care. Through many required hours of often gut-wrenching classes, we learned about the importance of understanding trauma and life-affirming language in adoption.

Before adopting, I had formed my adult perspective of adoption somewhat from the media. This is often what is referred to as the “rainbows and ponies” version of adoption—a place where only the beauty is showcased. It often does a disservice to the people who experience adoption, which is why there is so much work being done to educate people on trauma and importantly, the understanding of what our bodies remember even if we don’t. The book “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel Van der Kolk, M.D. has been revolutionary in shifting our understanding of trauma. Our son doesn’t remember life before us, but his body does. We now understand so much more about in-utero brain development and attachment. Essentially, we connect to our mothers before we are even born—and when that attachment is broken, there is loss. Quite simply, adoption always follows a loss—loss is one of the most inherent human traumas. Recognizing and understanding trauma is the key to healing. Studies have found that the suicide rate of adoptees is four times greater than the suicide rate of non-adoptees. (Risk of Suicide Attempt in Adopted and Non-Adopted Offspring, Pediatrics Online, Keyes, M. A.). There are “three reasons for the disproportionately high percentage of adoptee suicides: 1) Adoption—or more precisely the separation from one’s mother—is a trauma. 2) Adoptees lack a complete, accurate, and up-to-date medical history, which may include depression or even suicide. 3) Adoptees may not want to upset their adoptive parents with concerns about depression or anything that could be seen as ingratitude, including normal and healthy curiosity about their roots.” (Toward Preventing Adoption-Related Suicide, Huffington Post, Riben).

For our experience, there is another layer to the complexity of adoption and trauma: we are a transracial family. There is a stark difference between raising our white children and raising our Black son. In situations where a white child can be viewed positively a Black child can be seen as a threat; situations that are safe for a white child, may not be safe for a Black child—navigating these means settling into discomfort during many difficult dinner discussions. Giving him safe spaces to talk about his adoption and identity experiences is among the most important things we can do for him.

Becoming comfortable with the uncomfortable is key to making us all better people. Our Catholic Social Teaching proclaims, “...the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society.” Continuing to say, “How we organize our society—in economics and politics, in law and policy—directly affects human dignity and the capacity of individuals to grow in community.” An article in The Washington Post published just last week, “Thousands of Children Adopted by Americans Are Without Citizenship. Congress is Unwilling to Act,” (October 25, 2024) highlights the thousands of adoptees, many from South Korea, but also from Ethiopia, Romania, Belize, and dozens of other countries, whose U.S. citizenship paperwork was never properly filed by American adoptive families. “South Korea has struggled to track the citizenship of children placed in U.S. homes, and the status of more than 17,550 remains unconfirmed, according to government data AP obtained. The Adoptee Rights Campaign used Korean figures to estimate up to 75,000 adoptees from all over the world could lack citizenship. But groups like the National Council for Adoption put the number somewhere between 15,000 and 18,000.” One person interviewed (under an alias due to fear of deportation) said, “Adoption tells you: You’re an American, this is your home. But the United States doesn’t see me as an American.” With nearly daily threats of mass deportation dependent upon results of this week's presidential election, this is just another level of trauma saddled on people who have already been burdened with too much.

Our words matter—we have the choice to perpetuate stigmatized language or respect human dignity with language that is inclusive and empowering. You can honor a person who was adopted by being cognizant of the words you use—they are not defined by adoption alone. According to Adoption & Beyond, “The words and phrases used in adoption have a profound impact on the experiences and emotions of everyone involved. They can foster a respectful and supportive environment or perpetuate misunderstandings and stereotypes. Using the correct and sensitive terminology is an essential step in creating a positive adoption experience.”

Reframing our language around adoption changes the narrative. Saying “a child was given up for adoption" or was from an “unwanted pregnancy” is not uplifting. Personally, I use the rule, that if I wouldn’t use the word biological in place of adoptive, I am saying it wrong. For example: if I would not introduce myself as a biological mom, then I shouldn’t say “adoptive mom.” Same for him, if I am not saying, “This is my biological son,” why would I say, “This is my adoptive son.” I am a mom, and he is my child—the rest of the story is private. We also never say, “real parents.” We are all real, but we are not his “first” or “birth” parents (or his “original” parents, as our son says)—but it is not uncommon for people to ask, “What happened to his real parents?” Which brings up another important topic on the language of adoption: Only the adoptee has the right to tell their story. Even as I write this, I am intensely aware of my responsibility to protect his story.

February 24, 2012: The day our adoption was finalized.

There is room for the dignity of everyone that makes up the triad of adoption. I recognize that his birth mom carried and gave birth to him—she chose life, and I praise God for this. I also pray for peace for her loss that is certainly woven into the fabric of who she is and the trauma she carries. Rather than judging another person’s choice, thank God that you never found yourself in the situation where you had to make a choice. I do realize that this is not the shiny, happy perspective of adoption that might be expected. Let me just punctuate by saying: How we choose to be part of the adoption journey matters, and our awareness can only help to write the happy endings.

November 23 is National Adoption Day. Many families will finalize adoptions as a celebration of that day. In Virginia, there are approximately 5000 children awaiting adoption and in Fairfax County, there are around 200 children. The need will always be there for those called to adopt. On Saturday, November 23, before and after the 5 p.m. Vigil Mass, the SJN Pro-Life Ministry will provide adoption awareness information in the narthex.



The Pope's Intention for Prayer and Action

for November

For anyone who has lost a child

We pray that all parents who mourn the loss of a son or daughter find support in their community and receive peace and consolation from the Holy Spirit.