We are nearing the completion of the 50 days of Easter. This weekend we celebrate The Feast of the Ascension of our Lord. If you recall the Gospel of John 20:11-18 was proclaimed in the Easter Octave, (during the 8 days following Easter Sunday). Mary Magdalene met Jesus in the garden near the tomb and hadn't recognized Him. Jesus said to her, "Stop holding on to me," for I have not yet ascended to the Father. (Jn 20:17). The Feast of the Ascension is the culmination of Jesus' suffering and death for our sins. It's the completion of His sacrifice for us. Let us pray we will be receptive to the gift of Jesus' sacrifice for us by honoring the Sacraments, doing good works for those less fortunate than ourselves and bringing Christ to all those we meet.
Sinners Welcome! Confessions offered Saturday, May 23, 4:00-5:00 pm (two priests) and Wednesday, May 27, 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm, (one priest).
Parish Rosary Zoom Call- Sunday, May 24th, 11:30 am - Join fellow St. Mary's parishioners and our summer seminarian, Vincent, in a community Rosary prayer as we celebrate the Ascension! The Zoom meeting can be joined HERE, with the password, 20852 when prompted. We plan to lead this community Rosary every other Sunday until public Masses resume at St. Mary's.
Archbishop Wilton Gregory shares a message to the Catholic faithful regarding the transition to reopening our churches and holding Mass HERE.
Father Fields offers a Mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Resurrection of the Lord. The Mass was recorded for St. Mary's School and the youth of the parish. We are sharing it with our parishioners
If you know someone interested in exploring the Catholic faith or receiving Confirmation or First Communion, please email [email protected]or call the rectory, 301-424-5550. We continue to meet with inquirers online and by telephone. It is, as always, a great time to evangelize!
Also, please keep our RCIA elect and candidates in your prayers as they continue to meet together weekly and wait eagerly for the sacraments and their full initiation into the Catholic Church. Your prayerful support for these members of our parish family is invaluable.
Happy Memorial Day Weekend!
May God protect all of our military service men and women serving here in the United States and abroad. May God grant protection and guidance to all fire fighters, police, and emergency response teams. We pray for all who put themselves in harm’s way in the battle against the pandemic, that they return safely to their families at the end of each shift.
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil; May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; And do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who prowl around the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.
Coming next weekend!
Pentecost Zoom Retreat- Sunday, May 31st, 10:30 am- All are invited to celebrate Pentecost together as a community, through prayer, games and reflection on the beginning of the Church this Pentecost Sunday! The retreat will be held by a Zoom meeting HERE , enter the password, 20852. Separate small groups will be held for young families and our teenage Confirmation class as all ages are welcome.
The rectory will be closed on Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day.