Come Holy Spirit, Fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle them in the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.
Happy Pentecost Sunday! The Holy Spirit has arrived!
The Apostles were no longer afraid as they were filled with the Holy Spirit. Let us go out and do the same with the folks we encounter on our paths each day.
Pray the Rosary with Pope Francis – Saturday, May 30
On Saturday, May 30 2020 at 11:30 a.m. EST (5:30 pm Rome time), Pope Francis will pray the Rosary with Marian Shrines from around the world to pray for the end the COVID-19 pandemic. The Rosary will be broadcast live from the Grotto of Lourdes in the Vatican Gardens. More information can be found HERE.
Yoo-hoo! Calling All Sinners- Confessions offered Saturday, May 30, 4:00-5:00 pm (two priests) and Wednesday, June 3, 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm, (one priest).
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.
St. Mary's Young Adult Small Group is meeting every Wednesday night at 7 pm by Zoom call and all young adults, ages 18-39, are invited to join! The group is currently completing Bishop Barron's study on the New Evangelization, and all materials will be provided to new participants. For information on joining the small group or receiving the young adult newsletter, please e-mail stmarysyagroup@gmail.com.
CCD Teachers Needed: St. Mary's Religious Education Program is searching for a few new CCD teachers for the 2020-21 school year and could use the help of faithful Catholics like you! Teen and adult volunteers are needed for Sunday morning classes from Kindergarten to high school. Please contact Thomas Patchan to volunteer or ask any questions about this exciting opportunity at smrockville@gmail.com or 301-762-8750. Please help us share the gift of Faith with our children!
"Evangelization is the mission of the Church, not just of a few, but my, your, our mission." - Pope Francis
Fr. Fields offers highlights on the parish's preparation to re-open St. Mary's for public MassesHERE.
What to Expect when Public Masses Resume
-As recommended from the Archdiocese of Washington and adapted to
St. Mary’s Church.
When the current restrictions are eased and we are able to gather for Mass again, it is important for all of us to understand that things will not immediately “go back to normal.” Recently, Governor Hogan of Maryland announced the expectation of multiple phases when beginning to ease restrictions occurs. Concurrently, an archdiocesan team has been planning for liturgical celebrations in the future, taking into consideration any new guidelines. While details are still being worked out, the list below are some things we all need to keep in mind when the time comes to worship together again:
1. Social distancing will still be in place. The six feet separation restriction will likely still be required. You will be asked to wear a face covering, as recommended by the CDC. If you are in a vulnerable category (i.e., older adult, 65 years and older; person who is immunocompromised), you may desire to remain home during the initial reopening. Anyone who is ill, or suspects he or she is ill, should refrain from participation in public activities, including Mass. In addition, in light of CDC monitoring recommendations, anyone who arrives at the church and is exhibiting symptoms may be asked not to attend Mass out of an abundance of care and caution for others. When it becomes possible to receive Holy Communion again, St. Mary’s will have procedures for receiving communion that maintains social distancing and other precautions.
2. Attendance at Mass will continue to be limited. It is expected that restrictions for any large gatherings will remain in place. St. Mary’s will respect the guidelines recommended from the State of Maryland and Montgomery County. Mass times will most likely be changed to allow for the sanitation to occur between Masses.
3. Church seating will be limited. Only a certain number of pews will be available for use. Hymnals have been removed. Congregational singing and public devotions will not take place.
4. Dispensation from the Sunday and holy day obligation will remain, due to the limited number of faithful who might be able to attend Mass and gather, and too, recognizing that those in a vulnerable category may choose to remain home. Participating in live streamed Masses from home is recommended.
5. Liturgical changes will remain in effect. For those able to attend Mass, similar practices like those in March will remain in place, e.g., distribution of Holy Communion under one species, no exchanging of the sign of peace, no holy water fonts, etc.
6. Restrooms will be closed before, during and after Masses until further notice so as not to spread any possible infection.
Even though St. Mary’s will take all reasonable precautions, and sanitize as best we can after each liturgical celebration, there will still exist the risk of infection for anyone who attends a public Mass as we move through the various phases of easing restrictions. No one should expect that they will be safer in church than in any other public space. Please keep in mind, we will all experience challenges and frustration as we navigate through these weeks and months ahead. Let us continue to keep those sick and afflicted with the COVID-19; those on the front-lines caring for the sick; those who have died as a result of the virus; and all of our fellow parishioners in our prayers in these days ahead.