Happy Memorial Day weekend, as we pause to give honor and thanks for those Americans who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country. May they rest in the peace of Christ.
In light of the current guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Maryland Department of Health, and the Archdiocese of Washington, the following changes will be made at Saint Mary's this weekend:
* The Main Church will be open at least 30 minutes before the Saturday 5 PM Vigil Mass, from 7 AM until the end of the 11:30 AM Mass on Sunday morning, and at least 30 minutes before the Sunday 5 PM Mass. All doors will be unlocked for entry and exiting.
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The use of masks while gathered indoors is not required for fully vaccinated individuals and is recommended for non-vaccinated individuals.
* Social distancing is still required between individuals from separate households for indoor gatherings. However, the social distancing will be reduced to 3 feet in the pews.
* All pews will be made available for seating.
* The procession at the beginning of Mass and recession at the of Mass is restored.
* The clergy will greet parishioners after Sunday Masses, but must abstain from shaking hands at this time.
On Monday, May 31, we will celebrate the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Since the federal Memorial Day holiday falls on May 31 this year, we will have only one Mass that day at 9 AM in the Main Church. The Parish Office will be closed in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.
We happily announce the re-opening of Our Lady's Chapel for private prayer during the work week. Beginning this Tuesday, June 1, Our Lady's Chapel will be open during regular business hours: 9 AM - 5 PM.
The current Mass and Confession schedule will remain in place. All Daily Masses will continue to be celebrated in the Main Church for the
time being.
We look forward to seeing more parishioners return to our safe, and prayerful in-person Masses.
Confessions are Saturdays from 1:00-2:00 pm and Wednesdays from 5:00 to 6:00 pm. Or call the rectory office during business hours 9 am to 5 pm to request to make an appointment.
Pro-Life Rosary and Witness: Join us to pray for the protection of unborn children and an end to abortion in front of Potomac Family Planning, 966 Hungerford Drive, on
Saturday, June 5, 10:00-11:00am. Contact
[email protected] with any questions.