C O N T R I B U TO R S
M r s . L i s a H i l l - S u t t o n , O. P. w w w. l i s a j u l i a p h o t o g r a p h y. c o m Our Lady of Angels P h o t o g r a p h e r / Wr i t e r / P u bl i s h e r M e l i s s a C h av e s Our Lady of Angels Wr i t e r / C o p y E d i t o r Malissa Coy Our Lady of Angels Copy Editor Jo s e p h S u t t o n Our Lady of Angels Copy Editor
Sophie Wheeler Our Lady of Angels Layout Designer Fr. Ke v i n O ’ Ke e f e Pa s t o r - O u r L a d y o f A n g e l s Spiritual Direction Fr. T h o m a s C av a n a u g h Pa r r o c h i a l V i c a r O u r L a d y o f A n g e l s Spiritual Direction Mackenzie Howard and Mary Marcell St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Te e n C o r n e r C o n t r i b u t o rs
Pe g g y L i u z z o St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Wr i t e r
C O N TAC T U S
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P R I N C E W I L L I A M C O U N T Y C AT H O L I C I S A L A B O R O F LOV E W I T H T H E I N T E N T I O N O F D R AW I N G C LO S E R TO G E T H E R O U R LO C A L P R I N C E W I L L I A M C AT H O L I C C O M M U N I T Y. W E B E L I E V E T H AT B R I N G I N G AT T E N T I O N TO O U R N E I G H B O R S I N T H E P E W S , W H O M W E M AY N OT Y E T K N OW O N A P E R S O N A L L E V E L , WILL GIVE OUR READERS AN O P P O RT U N I T Y TO S E E T H E G O O D WO R K S T H AT LO C A L C AT H O L I C S A R E D O I N G I N T H E N A M E O F C H R I S T. W E S E E K TO D E E P E N O U R P R AY E R L I F E , A N D G ROW I N T H E LOV E A N D K N OW L E D G E O F O U R C AT H O L I C FA I T H S O I N T U R N W E C A N B E T T E R S H A R E T H AT LOV E , K N OW L E D G E A N D S U P P O RT W I T H O U R C O M M U N I T Y AT L A R G E .
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TA B L E O F CONTENTS 6 14
D e f e n d e r s o f t h e Fa i t h
Te e n C o r n e r : Re f l e c t i o n o n t h e March for Life
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P r a y Wi t h o u t C e a s i n g
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B l e s s e d Jo r d a n o f S a x o n y
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Cajun Chicken & Andouille Gumbo
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Pa r i s h D i r e c t o r y
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Prince William County Catholic
DEFENDERS OF THE FAITH OUR LADY OF ANGELS MEN’s DISCLIPLESHIP GROUP by C a r l o s C h a v e s
In 2013, the Year of Faith, I was a part of a small group of men that approached Fr. Michael Deusterhaus, at the time the Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Angels Parish (OLA) in Woodbridge with an idea. We wanted to explore the possibility of starting a lay-run parish ministry focused on the spiritual needs of the men of OLA. The parish had hosted men’s groups from time to time in the past; however, there seemed to be a bit of a lull and we wanted to rekindle the Holy Spirit. With that, we decided to do what Catholic men usually do when they want to approach a priest with an idea: We took him out for pizza, beer and fellowship! During the initial gathering, we bounced around various ideas such as organized bible study, monthly Holy Hours, meditations, retreats, and guided discipleship programs. In the end, after two or three-3 more meetings (and countless pizzas), our group decided to sponsor the popular and highly successful men’s discipleship program, Paradisus Dei’s “That Man Is You” (TMIY). From the TMIY
website: “Paradisus Dei (Latin for the Paradise of God) was founded in 2001 by Steve Bollman to help families discover the superabundance of God within their marriage and family life.” After receiving the blessing and approval from our pastor, Fr. Kevin O’Keefe, our core group of OLA men organized, promoted and successfully launched the program on September 12, 2013. We would gather once a week at 7:00pm to share a meal prepared by a member of the core group of men, watch an inspirational video and then participate in guided discussion. The first few weeks saw an average of over 80 men participate in the program! Invitations went out to neighboring parishes and the group flourished. This ministry lasted for the next four years with steady support from the pastor and the parochial vicars who served as unofficial chaplains for the group. After the completion of TMIY, a short hiatus saw the arrival of a new Parochial Vicar to OLA, Fr. Thomas Cavanaugh. Men’s ministry holds a special place in
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Fr. Thomas’ heart and he quickly connected with the core group of TMIY men and began thinking about the next chapter in the spiritual growth of the men of OLA. He began hosting weekly “Theology Non-Tap” sessions where he taught the men the principles, ideas and spirituality behind his “Seven Pillars of Catholic Discipleship.” In the foreword to Fr. Thomas’ book, “How to Win Friends for Christ - One Conversation at a Time, Fr. John Horn, SJ writes: “As Christian disciples on a mission, we need to learn how to identify and surrender to the light of the Holy Spirit so that we can enjoy, in friendship with Jesus, the spiritual inheritance that he has gained for us. The more we learn to live in this friendship and receive the Holy Spirit, the more we will attract others through the contagion of hope. This is the hope that evangelizes the world!” In explaining the Seven Pillars and how they can help us evangelize the world, Fr. Thomas writes: “Evangelization is as important as prayer to the spiritual and human health of the disciple, because each pillar is integral
to the integrity of the structure of intimacy with the Person of Jesus Christ.” Growing in friendship with Christ and evangelizing those around us became the mission for what would become the “Defenders of the Faith” Men’s Discipleship group at OLA. Fr. Thomas graciously agreed to answer some questions about the men’s ministry for this issue of Prince William County Catholic: How did the OLA Defenders of the Faith come about? What was the inspiration? ”Really it started with the men reaching out to me and asking me to help them with this. It started long before I arrived, maybe two or three priests before me. So it’s a long standing tradition in the parish, between the men and the priests of OLA, it is a culture of Defenders of the Faith. So the name really came from just seeing the identity of the men’s discipleship culture of the parish. While I did have men’s groups in my past assignments, this one seems to be the most robust in terms of the longstanding culture for our men here at OLA.” What are the general goals of the group?
EVANGELIZATION IS AS IMPORTANT AS PRAYER...
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”We have seven pillars that we seek to ground our group and our lives on: (1) Christocentrism; (2) the Word of God (both Scripture and Tradition); (3) Sacramental Worship (especially Mass and Confession); (4) Life of Prayer (Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, Eucharistic Adoration); (5) Obedience (Ten Commandments, Virtue, moral teachings of Christ and His Church); (6) Communio (Mens fellowship, intentional family time, and parish communal life); and last but not least (7) Evangelization (works of mercy, inviting others into Faith and the Catholic Church, and joining ministries of outreach in our parish).”
“Growing in devotion to God through these seven pillars is our goal for the group. We are especially trying to grow in pillar 2, the Word of God, as our surveys of the group showed that it was both the weakest pillar and the one the men most desired to grow in.”
who are real leaders in the community. Next, we had them personally invite 3-5 men from the parish or the surrounding area to join. We had two weekends of promotion in the Mass, the first week by general announcement, the second was we chose nine men to promote it by testimony and invitation at the pulpit after Mass on Sunday. We also promoted our first meeting as a night of fellowship, food, and fun! The first night had about 85 men there, a full house! We are planning another push as we start Lent in a few weeks to get our monthly average up to 100 and our weekly average up to 50-plus. It’s a very edifying thing to see so many men there week after week! I wish all parishes had the ‘“Defenders”! It’s probably important to add that our BYOB&B is an important part of our “Defenders” culture. We all bring a Bible and a Beer, calling it a “Scottish Style” Men’s group! We actually have a self-made brew master, OLA parishioner Christopher Howser, who made an official Defenders of the Faith Beer!”
How many men are participating so far?
What would you want the public to know about your ministry?
”We have about a hundred men on our list but it’s an average of 30-40 each week. But because we have a meeting every week we have about 75-80 different men each month.”
”Men need men to grow in their spiritual life. The wives love this ministry, because the men are more and more becoming the spiritual leaders that they always wanted them to be. The children are being provided for, protected and learning the truths of the faith from their fathers, a tradition and necessity that was lost on a century of families after two world wars and other sources of generations
What are your goals for the group?
What is the group doing to expand and promote this ministry? ”We have had waves of promotion. We started by gathering 15-20 men
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of men lost and spiritual-compromised by our common enemies--the world, the flesh, and the devil.” How are meetings structured? ”We start with prayer, centered on the Trinity through Jesus and Mary. We open the Word of God (both Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition, using the Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church), and after reading, I do a 20-30 minute dialogue-style teach-
ing on the passage. We first did three weeks learning Saint Paul’s letter to the Romans, then Galatians. Now we are on Ephesians and will do more Saint John and the Gospel of Mark then back to Saint Paul by the end of the month of May to end our year of meetings. The second half of the meeting is fellowship, or Communio (Pillar 6!) as we call it. It’s a very important thing for us as men to structure time to share our battles and our victories and encourage each other in our pilgrimage of Catholic faith.”
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Is this something you see growing to other parishes? ”We do not have a plan for it, but perhaps with this article, other priests and other men will be inspired. I know over a dozen other priests and parishes with men who do similar models of men’s fellowship or discipleship in their parishes. We really like ours, the BYOB&B is a really fun aspect. But I think any men’s discipleship group is going to have all the basic elements. We actually
spent a lot of time looking at models from other parishes in the diocese and had some intense debates about how to make ours the best it could be. I know, for example, that Father Rich Dyer had about 60 men in his parish at St. Charles Borromeo in Arlington and they used the same seven pillars model, and two parts to the meeting (1) teaching or testimony, and then (2) fellowship, or faith sharing. It’s pretty basic, and anyone can do it without some big, complicated, or expensive program. There’s
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lots of parish and men doing this everywhere. We just believe that we can get better each time, each month, each year! The difference between the men and the boys in discipleship groups is that the men actually do it and the boys just talk about it. The men of OLA are not all talk and no action. These men are doers! The enemy wants to pick off men with lies and distractions. We need to fight for this sacred time of prayer, Word, and fellowship. It’s producing abundant fruit! And we are certainly not the only parish doing it, which to me is extremely encouraging. Perhaps we are even on the brink of a new renaissance of Catholic culture, led by holy lay men of God!” At OLA, we are fortunate to have such a group of lay men, and even more fortunate to have someone like Fr. Thomas as our spiritual leader. For me, it’s been an incredible journey that has strengthened my faith and deepened my friendship with Christ. Commu-
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nity, and communal life (pillar 6!) has always been important to me and my family. In today’s crazy world where living as a faithful Catholic seems so counter-cultural, the bonds formed between Catholic men of faith and their families cannot be understated. St. Thomas Aquinas once wrote, “There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship.” I am thankful for the group of men I have forged a friendship with and very much look forward to establishing new friendships within our parish community. For more information on OLA’s Defenders of the Faith Men’s Discipleship, or how to start a group in your own parish, please contact or visit the OLA Parish Office, 13752 Mary’s Way, Woodbridge VA, 22191. For more information on TMIY, please visit www. paradisusdei.org/that-man-is-you/ .
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Prince William County Catholic
TEEN CORNER:
REFLECTIONS ON THE MARCH FOR LIFE by Mackenzie Howard and Mary Marcell
Going to the March for Life was an astounding experience. Being able to see the masses of people marching to Capitol Hill was empowering and inspiring; it left us feeling inspired as well as sad for the lives that are lost. This was our second March. Our first experience going to the March we didn’t know how to take it. It was intense and challenging to speak about, but this time around, we felt more empowered, and we began to realize the enormity of the cause and the vast amount of people who believe in it as well. For us, teens seeing beyond social media and pop culture sometimes seems impossible. In public school, being pro-life is negative. People brutally bash you for not being pro-choice, and some even will stop being your friends. In a world like high school, it seems everyone is pro-choice, and so going to this March we realized how that isn’t true. We saw people from all walks of life and religions that believe in this cause as well. It was an eye-opening experience that we
wish more of our generation could see. Since attending the March, we have been trying to figure out ways to make an impact on this cause more often. We feel we all need to do more to get this cause attention, especially with the youth. If we want abortions to stop, one day a year is not enough to fix the significant loss of life that happens each year due to it. Statistics show that a third of our generation has been lost due to this epidemic. That is a hole that is not possible to fill--people we will never meet and impacts those children will never be able to make. The things those children would have accomplished in their lifetimes will forever be unknown. The only thing we can do now is to keep showing up and to keep pushing for what is right. And we must continually show our support for this cause, not just one day a year but in whatever ways available to us. The March for Life shows the importance of this cause. So we must continue the work in hopes that one day all of our youth will be saved!
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Prince William County Catholic
PRAY WITHOUT CEASING by Lisa Howard and Mother of Joy Prayer Group
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The Mother of Joy Prayer Group (MOJ), a very active prayer and healing ministry that’s been in existence at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church (SEAS) in Lake Ridge more than 21 years, demonstrates in a beautiful way Luke 11:33: “No one lights a lamp and puts it under a bushel basket where it will be hidden. Instead they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light.” Leah Davis, a Mother of Joy (MOJ) Leader relates: “The mission of our group is to make known and introduce the person of the Holy Spirit, to teach about the gifts of the Holy Spirit that are available to us, and how to use them for building the body of Christ, our Church.” The MOJ members are comprised of lay people from SEAS and Our Lady of Angels (OLA), as well as other parishes in the diocese. The doors are open to all ages and all denominations, with no exceptions. We meet every Wednesday at 7:00pm in the bottom floor of SEAS’ Parish Hall. MOJ is a beautiful group of lay people who spend time in prayer with the Holy Spirit daily. Our weekly meetings are filled with praise and worship of the Holy Spirit, full of music and prayers, traditional and charismatic. Once a month we hold a Holy Hour for our Church community. Members also give their time, talent, and treasure through commu-
nity outreach service opportunities. Renee Cantave, a MOJ member, started in the group 16 years ago. She describes her experience and transformation with the group: (“Be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” [Romans 12:2]) “My prayer life and spiritual faith was transformed by the Life in the Spirit Seminar. My brothers and sisters of the Mother of Joy prayer group prayed with me and taught me what it’s like to experience the joy of the Holy Spirit. I once told a co-worker about my experience in the prayer group and invited him to a meeting. He absolutely loved it, came to a seminar and visited many times. He lives in Pennsylvania and works three days a week at Ft. Belvoir. The Mother of Joy prayer group is truly a life-changing experience.” Life-changing experiences sometimes take courage to step out of our comfort zones. Christa Owen, a MOJ Leader, describes how stepping out of her comfort zone through the Holy Spirit has strengthened her relationship with the Trinity: (“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” [Philippians 4:13]) “I had been a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parish for only one year in 2012 when someone asked me to drive them to the ‘Life in the Spirit Seminar’
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the Mother of Joy prayer group was hosting that Lent. I attended with her but I was quite resistant. The leaders of the seminar were giving testimony on the Holy Spirit in their lives and there was a lot of singing. It was strange and increased my apprehension. It almost didn’t seem Catholic to me. The only reason I didn’t immediately leave was because Father David Meng, who was our Pastor at the time, was very orthodox and strong in faith and I knew he would never allow anything in our parish that was not authentically Catholic.
comfort zone. I’ve learned to praise Jesus in song, not just with my voice but with my whole heart, body and mind. Many times in the past seven years, people have commented that they can sense the Holy Spirit moving in and through me. I credit this to the things I have learned and experienced in the Mother of Joy prayer group. If you feel curious or drawn to the Holy Spirit, I encourage you to follow that prompting. It might just be that the Holy Spirit is calling you to a deeper relationship with the God of the universe.”
“I thought I would stay just for a while to see what this group was all about, but I wound up staying for the entire multiday seminar. I’ve been a member of the prayer group ever since. I fell in love with the third person of the Holy Trinity in this group and I grew in relationship with Jesus and learned to accept the Father’s love in ways I had never known before. I learned about the supernatural gifts the Holy Spirit gave me at my Confirmation and I opened myself to the movement of the Holy Spirit in my life. I grew to be bold in my walk with Jesus and really fell in love with my Catholic faith. It’s the Holy Spirit who moves in me and prompts me and encourages me. I recognize His voice and I move when I’m called to step out in faith and trust I’m covered in God’s grace to do something outside of my
Sometimes we don’t always know where to turn when the Holy Spirit calls or gently tugs on our hearts to move towards Him and sometimes He sends people into our lives that encourage us to take a step in His direction. (“Ask and you will receive; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.” [Matthew 7:7]). Lisa Howard, MOJ’s newest member, reflects: “I was searching for something more in my prayer life. At certain times, my prayer life has been deeper and at other times it has felt dry. I love the Rosary, but I was looking to add more prayers to my daily routine. I was experiencing a growing desire in my heart to learn about my faith and grow in a deeper way with the Holy Spirit to give back generously in service. I stewed in that desire for a while not sure what di-
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rection to take or where to turn. When one day, I received an invitation from my dear friend, Annette Williams, also a member of MOJ and I chose to accept. Just by saying, “yes,” to that invitation, it has changed and elevated my spiritual life. When I first walked into Mother of Joy, I was greeted with such warmth and love! When they pray over me; I open myself to the Holy Spirit’s wisdom, compassion, and healing. I have grown in the Holy Spirit’s spiritual gifts and I have experienced at times an overflowing heart of joyful gratefulness. My faith has grown stronger and my heart is ignited with a burning desire to give generously and more faithfully. Thank you to all MOJ members for your warm welcome and making me feel that I belong immediately. That loving acceptance provides me with the courage to come back again and again. Your support has been positively life altering!”
my yoke is easy and my burden light.” [Matthew 11:28-30]). Veronica, one of our MOJ leaders, explains: “Finding the Mother of Joy Prayer Group has made a huge difference in my life. Shortly after moving to Woodbridge in 2003, I started to attend the weekly meetings. This is where I learned how much God really loves me, just what Jesus did for me, and how the Holy Spirit will help and guide me. The prayer group is my emotional support companion. The members help one another through the good times and the bad. This was never so real to me as it was in 2009 when my brother was killed in an accident. When the rug gets pulled out you need help, support, companionship, and prayers. To not just know people are praying but to feel and see the power of those prayers help to bring peace and consolation during challenging times. I have met so many wonderful people who help me to be a better person and As well as good times; we also expe- to desire a deeper knowledge of my rience bad times in our faith journey. faith. There is so much more to learn!“ When we experience life-altering tragedy; we need the support from friends The MOJ members, along with praisin Christ that share our same values ing God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit; also and beliefs to uplift us through diffi- reach out to the community through cult times. (“Come to me, all you that evangelical service opportunities. are weary and are carrying heavy bur- Members design these services through dens, and I will give you rest. Take my the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Jim yoke upon you, and learn from me; for Davis, one of our MOJ leaders, was inI am gentle and humble in heart; and spired by the Spirit to hold a prayer tent you will find rest for your souls. For at the Occoquan Crafts Fair this past
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Fall. People are hungry for prayer and our members are joyfully received. Everyone needs prayer no matter who we are. Our members didn’t just stay under the tent but courageously, through the grace of God, walked down the street reaching out to the vendors as well as the participants inviting people to prayer. (“So we confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?’” [Hebrews 13:6]).
Joy Prayer Group this past year. Attending the weekly praise and glory meetings has brought me closer to the Holy Spirit. The members are the friendliest group of people you would ever want to meet. They made me feel welcome from day one. We are most fortunate to have gifted spiritual leaders Jim, Leah, and Veronica leading our group every Wednesday evening. I learn something every week at our prayer meetings. I have grown closer to God this past Prayer is a lifeline of faith, hope, and year than I have my entire life!” (“This love. (“Whatever you ask for in prayer is the day the Lord has made, let us with faith, you will receive.” [Matthew be glad and rejoice.” [Psalm 118:24]). 21:22]). Aida Hernandez, a MOJ member, describes how the group has been a Annette Williams, MOJ Member, gives lifeline to her: “Lifelines are often seen us words of wisdom and encourageas a physical thing that help us survive. ment: “Let us all continue to have At times this may be the case; howev- faith, hope, and love, and live, not die, er, the Mother of Joy prayer group has and declare the wondrous works of helped me with Spiritual lifelines. I en- the Lord. Also, pray without ceasing.” joy their wisdom, their kindness, and their prayers. I come back to the group All the MOJ leaders and members time and time again because I learn so invite all to praise God and pray much and my spirit is in such peace with us on Wednesday nights. (“Rewhen I am around them. These are joice always, pray without ceasing, gentle souls doing the work of the Holy give thanks in all circumstances, for Spirit. They are indeed my lifeline.” this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” [1Thessalonians 5:16-18]). A lifeline of support and good works through the guidance of the Holy Spirit; MOJ leaders guide our group in prayer and the teachings of the Holy Spirit. Frank McDonough a new MOJ member, also relates: “I joined the Mother of
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Courtesy photo Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia www.nashvilledominican.org
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Blessed Jordan of Saxony Feast Day - February 13th by Guy Hurst
It may come as a surprise to most of you, but this obscure 13th-century saint is actually considered an important and valuable figure to a specific group of Catholics here in Prince William County (PWC), and now is as good a time as any to key you in to it. The Church has various religious orders, and one of those is the Order of Preachers, also known as the Order of St. Dominic. Now it just so happens that there are a number of members of this order right here in PWC, mainly sisters and laity. And that is why this saint is known to them--because he was an early Dominican friar. But more than that, he was St. Dominic’s successor as Master of the Order, and he wrote one of the best and most accurate histories of St. Dominic and the beginnings of the Order of Preachers. This is important because there generally aren’t any writings by St. Dominic himself.
He was also a very persuasive preacher, drawing in more than 1000 young men from the universities to the Order. Most notably, he brought St. Albert the Great into the order, who was the teacher of St. Thomas Aquinas. For these reasons he is patron for Dominican vocations. Ok, sure, he may be well known among Dominican friars and nuns and sisters and laity, but what does Blessed Jordan of Saxony have to do with Catholics in PWC today? Quite simply, he is a great example of spiritual friendship and enlightened guidance. Among the various stories of his interactions with others given long ago are some pertaining to him giving guidance in situations involving prayer. I chose a couple of brief examples that pertain to temptations against prayer we have to deal with today, given our culture. Have you noticed a temptation
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to approach prayer, and religion in general, as a tiresome burden that weighs us down? Has anyone been tempted to second-guess whether praying is worth our while?
novenas? After giving it some thought, Blessed Jordan directed him to do what most stirs his heart toward the love of God. [ This reminds me of the scripture where Jesus told the Samaritan woman that God wishes to be worshipped in The following short anec- spirit and in truth. (John 4:21-24). Also, dotes address such issues simply. I have heard that the point of prayer is love, and should lead to charity, and On one occasion, during a visit to a that we should find out the best forms, monastery under his charge, a funny times, and conditions for us to pray in occurrence happened in the chapel manner that fulfills that point. No need during prayers. The novices burst out to second-guess how we are doing it.] in laughter. This disrupted the flow of prayers, and they were chided by an Blessed Jordan exemplified a balance of older friar for goofing off. But Blessed lightheartedness and profound prayerJordan countered him and encouraged fulness. It is my understanding that this the novices to laugh freely and be hap- is what inspired confidence in others to py, noting that since they have broken join him in his service to God. from the shackles of the devil and were freed from his slavery, they had good Let us do the same in our parishes here reason to be lighthearted. [ This re- in PWC with our brothers and sisters. minds me of the scripture where Jesus said to let the little ones come to him. (Matt 19:13-14). Also, I have heard that Guy Hurst is a parishioner of prayer is an exercise of hope that sets us All Saints in Manassas and on the path of joy. This clearly oppos- the Formation Director for the Sacred es the general temptation of dreading Heart Chapter of Lay Dominicans. prayer time.] www.laydominicans.org On another occasion, a brother inquired about the best way to pray-Lectio Divina? Devotions? Litanies?
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CAJUN CHICKEN AND ANDOUILLE GUMBO by Colleen Rooney www.celebratecatholiclife.com
INGREDIENTS 1 large onion (chopped) 1 large green bell pepper (chopped) 1 rib of celery (chopped) 4 stalks green onion (chopped) Tony Chacherie seasoning (if you have it), or salt, red pepper and garlic powder 1 Whole chicken 1 pound Andouille Sausage (smoked beef also works) ¾ cup flour 1 cup vegetable oil (or butter) – (NO Margarine or other kind of oil) DIRECTIONS 1. Chicken Stock In a pot (at least 5 quart), heat 2 or 3 quarts of water to a boil and add seasoning (salt, red pepper and garlic powder) and boil the chicken until you can remove the meat from the bones (keep the liquid as your stock). Remove the meat and place the meat back into the stock. (Discard skin and bones). Return the stock to a slow boil. 2. Chop all ingredients before you begin making the roux. (The roux must be stirred constantly so no free hands to chop ingredients) While the chicken is boiling, prepare the roux 3. In a skillet, heat the oil until a pinch of flour tossed in sizzles. 4. Gradually add the flour and stir constantly (use a wooden spoon). Continue to stir until it is a dark caramel color. 5. Turn off the heat and add the chopped onion, bell pepper and celery (save the green onions for later). Stir thoroughly for a few minutes. (This cooks the seasonings and cools the roux). Then set aside. 6. Slice the Andouille sausage in thin circles and brown in a skillet for a few minutes (some people prefer to not brown it and just add to the stock after slicing, either way is good). Add to the chicken stock. 7. Add roux mixture and green onions and stir thoroughly and cook for 25 minutes. (The longer you cook a gumbo, the better it tastes – the time given here is a minimum.) 8. Serve over rice and sprinkle with file’ (if you have it). ENJOY!
COUNTY PARISH DIRECTORY
OUR LADY OF ANGELS 13752 Marys Way, Woodbridge, VA 22191 (703) 494-2444
ST. FRANCIS 18825 Fuller Heights Rd, Triangle, VA 22172 (703) 221-4044
SACRED HEART 12975 Purcell Rd, Manassas, VA 20112 (703) 590-0030
HOLY FAMILY 14160 Ferndale Rd, Woodbridge, VA 22193 (703) 670-8161
ST. ELIZABETH ANN SETON 12805 Valleywood Dr, Lake Ridge, VA 22192 (703) 494-4008
HOLY TRINITY 8213 Linton Hall Rd, Gainesville, VA 20155 (703) 753-6700
ALL SAINTS 9300 Stonewall Rd, Manassas, VA 20110 (703) 368-4500
This issue brought to you by the generosity of R e n o v a S m i l e s w w w. r e n o v a s m i l e s . c o m a n d B l u e S t o c k i n g C o m m u n i c a t i o n w w w. b l u e s t o c k i n g c o m m u n i c a t i o n . c o m
