We are approaching the Third week of Lent this weekend. How are your commitments to draw closer to Christ going? Some folks change their routines in Lent, like more intentionally participating in Mass. Our routines may still be askew within the pandemic guidelines. Perhaps choose one of the three aspects of Lent (prayer, fasting and almsgiving) and focus on it as we continue through our Lenten journey.
Fr. Fields wishes to inform parishioners that he sent an inquiry today to the Archdiocesan Office of Financial Services regarding audited financial statements in Fiscal Years 2019 and 2020; which can be found HERE. On behalf of St. Mary's parishioners, Fr. Fields is seeking summaries of expenditures, stemming from the designation of net assets without donor restrictions, for the formation of priests, Archdiocesan charitable giving, and continuing ministry activities of the Archbishop Emeritus. Fr. Fields hopes to receive a response from the Archdiocesan Office next week and to share the response with parishioners.
Into the Breach-Men have lost the sense of mission when it comes to family. Your job is to lead your family to Heaven. Men of the parish are invited to join Fr. Fields to learn how Fatherhood and Faith work together at our next
Into the Breach gathering
tomorrow, March 6, at 7:30 AM. First-timers and friends are always welcome. Join us with the Zoom meeting link,
HERE. and password 20852.
Pro-life Rosary and Witness, Saturday, March 6th and every 1st Saturday, 10-11 am, 966 Hungerford Dr., Rockville - We're beginning a monthly ministry of praying for an end to abortion together in front of Potomac Family Planning, an abortion provider. All parish families are welcome to join us as we pray for the protection of unborn children and provide witness to the dignity of all human life as a parish community! We will meet on the sidewalk of Hungerford Dr. at the north end of the development, near the sign for "Jackson Place". Please e-mail [email protected] with any questions.
For our RCIA catechumens and candidates, we will celebrate the Ritual Mass for the
Celebration of the First Scrutiny on Sunday, March 7 at 5 pm Mass. At this Mass, the readings from Year A will be used. They are:
* First Reading: Ezekiel 17: 3-7
* Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 95: 1-2, 6-9
* Second Reading: Romans 5: 1-2, 5-8
* Gospel: John 4: 5-42
Please continue to pray for the catechumens preparing for baptism and the candidates preparing to complete their Christian initiation.
We estimate that over 100 households took part in the recorded
Way of the Cross with Msgr. Amey on YouTube. We invite all households to pray the Stations often throughout the Lenten season. A plenary indulgence may be earned on any day when the faithful call to mind the memory of the Passion and Death of our Lord with the Stations. You may pray the Stations anytime
HERE.
St. Mary's is continuing its practice of praying for Archdiocese of Washington seminarians this Lent with a Virtual Vocations Tree. We invite each household to pray for at least one seminarian daily throughout Lent. You may find out how to participate and print out your seminarian prayer cards HERE.
Confessionsare held on Saturdays from 1:00-2:00 pm and Wednesdays from 5:00-6:00pm throughout Lent. Two priests will be available. You may also make an appointment for confession by calling the parish office during business hours M-F, 9 am to 5pm.
Online Lenten Bible Study, Tuesdays, 7-8:30 pm, Its not too late to join! All adults of St. Mary's are invited to join us for an 8-week Bible study this Lent, "Wisdom: God's Vision for Life"! We'll use weekly videos and discussion on the Bible's wisdom literature to learn how to seek guidance from God in navigating life. We'll meet each week virtually HERE with the password, 20852. Please e-mail [email protected] to RSVP or for any questions. We look forward to growing in faith and wisdom with you this Lent!
The next
Parish Rosary, (virtually) is
Sunday, March 14, at 12:30 pm. Join us in prayer to Our Blessed Mother,
HERE.
Troop 472 Mulch Sale - On Saturday, March 27, Saint Mary's Scout Troops 472 Boys & Girls will hold their annual fund-raising mulch sale. Premium Hardwood Mulch, $5.50 per 3 cubic foot bag (50 – 80 lbs), FREE DELIVERY on all orders of 20 bags or more, $5 delivery charge for orders of less than 20 bags. Delivery provided for those residing within a 8-mile radius of Saint Mary’s. PRESS HERE TO ORDER ONLINE OR PRESS HERE FOR THE FLYER AND PAPER ORDER FORM.
Adult Confirmation Classes-Are you or do you know a Catholic adult who has never been confirmed? We invite you to join us for a six-week class that will prepare you to receive your Confirmation on Pentecost this May! The classes will be held weekly starting on the week of April 5th, either through Zoom video calls or outdoor meetings., to be scheduled at a date and format based on participant availability. To join or ask any questions, please contact Minister of Religious Education, Thomas Patchan, at [email protected] or 301-762-8750.