The Knights of Columbus extend an open invitation to the Aquia Field Mass on Saturday, October 10, 2009, in the historic Brent Family Cemetery near St. William of York Catholic Church in Stafford, Virginia. The annual field Mass commemorates all the faithful departed, especially the Brents, the first Catholic settlers in Virginia. We will begin at 10:30 AM with a wreath laying ceremony at the roadside Crucifix Memorial on U.S. Route 1 just north of Aquia Creek (see directions below). The Catholic Woman’s Club of Richmond erected the Crucifix Memorial in 1930. Mass will follow at 11:00 AM in the Brent Family Cemetery. Father Geronimo A. (Jerome) Magat, Parochial Vicar of St. William of York Parish, has graciously agreed to celebrate the Mass this year. In the event of inclement weather, Mass will be celebrated in St. William of York Church. We’ll conclude with a luncheon reception in the St. William of York Church Center after the Mass.
George Brent Council #5332, Father Widmer Council #7877, Father Vincent Capodanno Council #11958, Potomac Council #9259, Father Veger Council #7771, Holy Trinity Assembly #2520, and Bishop J. Louis Flaherty Assembly #1678 Knights of Columbus, and the Catholic Woman’s Club of Richmond jointly sponsor the Aquia Mass. All fourth degree knights with regalia are encouraged to assemble at the Crucifix Memorial by 10:15 AM to form the honor guard and rehearse.
Brother Knights and their families are encouraged to participate and to spread the word to interested community members as well. As in years past, the Fourth Degree Color Corps and Honor Guard, Ladies Auxiliaries, Columbian Squires and Squire Roses, and the Catholic Woman’s Club will play key roles in making this day special. It promises to be a Saturday morning well spent.
DIRECTIONS: Follow Interstate 95 to Exit 143-A. Take U.S. Route 1 north and proceed about one mile, passing St. William of York Church and over Aquia Creek, to the Crucifix Memorial on the right. After the 10:30 wreath laying, we will drive to the cemetery, which is located off Telegraph Road about a quarter mile east of the Crucifix.
WORK PARTY: On Saturday, September 26th from 8:00 AM until Noon there will be a work party to get the cemetery and Crucifix grounds ready for the ceremonies. If you can help please notify one of the contacts listed below. Work party rain date will be October 3rd.
LUNCHEON: Mary O’Neill is preparing the luncheon this year with the assistance of the Squire Roses and their counselor Mary Lewandowski and the generous support of the Catholic Woman’s Club and parishioners of St. William of York Church. Please contact Mary at (703) 369-4305 or email: fjoneill@comcast.net if you can help.
POINTS OF CONTACT:
Brother Jim Reynolds, Brent Council, Manassas at (703) 368-4326, e-mail: Reynolds-tribe@msn.com
Or Brother Bill Emond, DGK Widmer Council, Stafford at (540) 903-0245, e-mail: AMM1802@comcast.net
Tags: aquia field mass, Knights Needed
