On this Fourth of July weekend, the private and public celebrations may be quieter and more limited. However, this allows us to be prayerful and thankful for where we are today. We give thanks to God and our Blessed Mother Mary for the ability to receive the Eucharist; regularly if you so choose.
May your families be safe and in good health.
Let us pray for our country's leaders:
Almighty God,
bless our nation
and make it true
to the ideas of freedom and justice
and brotherhood for all who make it great.
Be close to our president and our statesmen;
give them vision and courage,
as they ponder decisions affecting peace
and the future of the world.
In observance of the Independence Day holiday St. Mary's parish office will be closed on Friday July 3. Daily Masses will occur on Friday as scheduled at 7 am and 12:10 pm in the Main Church.
On Saturday, July 4, the schedule includes 9 am daily Mass, 1 pm Confessions and the 5 pm Vigil Mass.
Check Out Our Lady’s Chapel Renovations– Msgr. Amey approved floor renovations of Our Lady’s Chapel. What began with a generous contribution from an anonymous parishioner, the floors of the Chapel are being redone. The wood floors have been re-stained and the carpet is being replaced. Go to St. Mary’s Facebook HERE or Twitter page HERE to check out the work in progress.
Our Lady’s Chapel will be closed to parishioners indefinitely for the immediate future. Daily Masses are in the Main Church. Eucharistic Adoration is not offered when we are in a State of Emergency. The Chapel will not be available for private prayer. We appreciate your understanding as you continue to make your private devotions at home.
Parish Online Retreat with Seminarian Vincent Vu, Thursday, July 16, 7 pm: All are invited to join us on the Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel as our summer seminarian, Vincent Vu, leads us in discussion, reflection, and prayer centered on the Virgin Mary, our greatest intercessor. The retreat can be joined HERE with the password, 20852.
Food Distribution Volunteers-Join the Catholic Charities Montgomery County staff to prepare food distributions every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Volunteers unload food deliveries, sort food items and help prepare food bags at the Montgomery County Family Center Food Pantry, 12247 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD., 20902. High school students may participate if they are accompanied by an adult and bring a completed Parent Guardian Waiver form. For more information and to sign up HERE.
Quo Vadis Day for High School Boys- The Office of Priest Vocations will hold a Quo Vadis one-day event on Sunday, August 2 from 9:00 am - 7:00 pm at St. John Paul II Seminary in Washington, DC. High-school aged young men who desire to grow in holiness will have an opportunity for Mass, sports, talks, fraternity, and lunch and dinner. The event will be conducted by priests and seminarians of the Archdiocese of Washington, along with other adult chaperones. Most of the day will be spent outdoors (weather permitting), and it will feel much like the longer Quo Vadis Camp. The cost is $25. Register HERE. If you have questions, visit dcpriest.org/quo-vadis-event, call the Office of Priest Vocations at 202-499-1211 or email [email protected].