St. Mary Church St. Michael Church Hagerstown, MD Clear Spring, MD
March 20, 2016 St. Mary 224 W. Washington St. Hagerstown, MD 21740 Phone: 301-739-0390 Fax: 301-739-7082 Email: church@saintmarysonline.org Church website: www.saintmarysonline.org Pastor Rev. J. Collin Poston Associate Pastor Rev. Lawrence Adamczyk Pastor Emeritus Rev. George Limmer ST. MICHAEL, Clear Spring: Sunday Mass at 10:30am Mass Schedule Saturday: 8:30 am and 5:15pm Sunday: 8:00am, 9:30am, 11:00am and 12:50pm (Extraordinary Form) Monday-Friday: 6:30am and 8:30am Holy Days: 7:30pm / 7:30pm vigil CONFESSION: Saturday: 11:30am-12noon and 4-4:45pm ROSARY: Monday-Saturday at 8:00am Sunday at 9:00am NOVENA PRAYERS: Wednesday at 8:30am Mass Lay Corporators Frankie Corsi Dave Moats Palm Sunday Parish Council Officers Rhonda O Malley, President Jeff Ortiz, Vice-President Valerie Ricketts, Rec. Secretary Mary McNeil, Corr. Secretary Parish Staff Danny O Berry, Business Manager Debbie Carbaugh, Bookkeeper Jan McCarter, Religious Ed Coordinator Trevor Rowland, Director of Music & Liturgy Maria Taylor, Youth & Evangelization Paula Bowers, Secretary Maintenance Robert Eves, Supervisor Josh Bowers Support Staff Interns Nick Sungenis Skylar Bowers St. Mary School Office Staff Patricia McDermott, Principal Cheryl Hammond, School Bookkeeper Rachel O Connor, Administrative Assistant Paula Radley RN, School Nurse Phone: 301-733-1184 School website: www.stmarycatholicschool.org
Dear Friends, Brothers and Sisters in Christ- We adore You O Christ, and we praise You: because by Your holy cross, you have redeemed the world - This prayer, these sacred words, summarize the spirit with which we enter these sacred days which begin this Sunday, known as Passion Sunday or Palm Sunday. It is the prayer we pray during each of the Stations of the Cross as we ponder each step Jesus took for our salvation, moving through his Passion toward the cross and his death upon it. It is with a most holy reverence that we approach the cross of Christ this week: and that, by the way, is why our beautiful crucifix (and the other statues and crosses) are cloaked for now and this week. It is a fasting of the eyes for us, but also allows us to focus more deeply on its mystery in prayer and contemplation. It is my hope that you, each and all, family and individuals, dive in this week in prayer and particularly in attendance at our liturgies during Holy Week. Please see the bulletin for our schedule of liturgies and events. May God bless you abundantly in this sacred time, may it truly be a Holy Week for you and yours, as we come in gratitude for the gift of Jesus, God s only Son, who died for our sins in time to give us a salvation and a freedom for eternity- In Jesus Christ Crucified, and Risen- Fr. Collin There is a story about a little boy who once was lost, wandering in a large city. A policeman, noticing this, came up to him to try to help him. He noticed the boy s eyes scanning the skyline, looking around at the horizon, looking for something. Aha! exclaimed the boy, his eyes fixing on something he recognized amidst the buildings and businesses in the city. I ll be okay now! What do you mean? asked the policeman. I see the cross! the boy said, pointing to a cross atop a Church spire that rose above the building several blocks away. I know that if I make it to the cross, I ll find my way home! The words of this little boy are a reminder to us, as we prepare to celebrate Easter: we cannot truly celebrate until we acknowledge the Cross and give thanks from our hearts. Through the Cross, we find our way home, too. Through the Cross, accepting crucifixion, Jesus conquered sin and death: through the Cross, love triumphed and resurrection followed! For the world, a cross is merely an image of an instrument of death. For the Christian, the Cross is an image of life: through it, through Christ s death upon it, we have eternal life! On behalf of our parish staff and council, Fr. Larry and I wish you a blessed Holy Week and a happy Easter! Thank you for the many ways you have, like Christ, died to self in your prayers, service, and support of our parish family, and all those to whom we bring the love of Jesus. Thank you also for your monetary generosity in your stewardship. All within our parish have received envelopes for both March 24 and for Easter. Thank you for your gifts which are needed and appreciated. Thank you so much! May God bless you, each and all, with many graces and blessings as we celebrate the victory and triumph of Christ the victory which is also our very own- In Jesus Chris, Crucified and Risen- Rev. J. Collin Poston Administrator Rev. Lawrence Adamczyk Associate Pastor
Blessing of Easter Food Baskets Fr. Collin will bless your basket filled with the food for your Easter Meal on Saturday, March 26 at Noon in the church. Unbound Prayer Morning Have you ever longed for freedom but felt unable to receive it? Do past sins, hurts, or memories keep weighing you down? On Saturday morning, March 19 th there will be teams available to provide prayer ministry using the Unbound Model of prayer at the Church of the Resurrection, in Ellicott City. Unbound Prayer is based on 5 simple, Scriptural keys that will help you unlock areas of your life where you feel stuck or that have held you back in your spiritual growth. This Unbound prayer model provides compassionate listening without judgment to help you attain greater freedom in Christ. RESPECT LIFE: THE CHURCH and CONTEMPORARY CULTURE on SEXUAL MORALITY & ABORTION: BRIDGING the GREAT DIVIDE : On Saturday, March 18 at 7:00 p.m. come hear noted speaker FATHER PE- TER RYAN, S.J., recently named Executive Director of the Secretariat of Doctrine and Canonical Affairs of the U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Fr. Ryan has been Director of Spiritual Formation and Professor of Moral Theology at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis, MO since Jan. 2012. Prior to that he was Professor of Moral Theology at Mount St. Mary s Seminary, Emmitsburg, MD 2001-2011, and Assistant Professor of Theology at Loyola College in MD 1994-2001. His brother, Father Bill Ryan, presently a missionary in the West African country of Togo, was the founder of Seminarians for Life. Don t miss this great opportunity to hear such a noted speaker on a vitally important issue we all face in our culture in dealing with family, friends and others. St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 67 Liberty St., Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, 25411. Can call Jim Fritz 304-582-9917 for more information if needed, or Janet at 240-420-0440. Unbound: Freedom in Christ Conference. Friday evening, April 1from 7 to 9:30 pm, and Saturday, April 2 from 8:30 am till 8:30 pm at the Mother of God School Gym, 20501 Goshen Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20879. UNBOUND Ministry empowers people to take hold of the freedom they have been given in Christ. Unbound is a deliverance prayer ministry that focuses on people, not evil spirits. Unbound is a safe, loving, simple, and reproducible model that helps people to respond to the Good News of the Gospel and apply the truth to their lives. Registration includes lunch and dinner on Saturday. Cost: $85, Clergy / Student $75. Register online at www.unboundadw.org. Sponsored by the Archdiocese of Washington D.C. Information: (301) 799-5519. Ministry Team Training Thursday evening, March 31 & Friday morning,
Parish Softball Team 2016: St Mary s will be having another Parish Softball Team (whom I have nicknamed the Novenas ) this spring in the Church league that plays at the Fairgrounds. If you are a late-teen, young adult or older, male of female, please consider coming to join the team! I am hoping (this year) to play regularly (or semi-regularly) on the team. If interested, please contact Brian Kenoyer via e-mail at brian.kenoyer@gmail.com. SCHOOL NEWS St. Mary Catholic School Information: Registration for new students for the 2016-2017 school year for Pr e -K through 7 th Grade is now open. Space is limited so do not delay. If you are interested in an information packet and/or a tour, please contact Rachel O Connor at 301-733-1184 in the front office or via email at roconnor@stmarycatholicschool.org.com. Pre-K Story Time will be held on the following dates at Noon. Join Mrs. Stark and Sister Aloysius for a story, activity, and snack. This is a free activity but a parent must accompany the child. SMCS Pre-K Story Time Dates. Call to reserve your space to Rachel O Connor 301-733-1184. 2016 April 13 RSVP by April 11 SMCS Honor Roll 2015-2016 Trimester 2 High Honors 8 th grade Sofia Corsi, Katharine DeVine, Therese Martin, Bridget Nooney, Rory O Hanlon, Alice Poffenberger, Andrew Stine, and Samuel Strama 7 th grade Lauren Aguila, Anne Balog, Emma Beal, Lauren Beck, Luke Clement, Olivia Craver, Caroline Dillard, Emma Flint, Nicholas Kornilow, Morgan McMahon, Joseph Mele, Madelyn Ortiz, Jackson Pentony, Yousuf Qaum, and Stephen Reiter 6 th grade - Ty Ambush, Daniel Duncan, Logan Flanagan, Noah Hall, Gabrielle McCafferty, Amina Pasha, Rayan Shahid, Matthew Stine, and Zachary Zanetti Honors 8 th grade McKenzie Foster, Evan Frantz, Aba Mitchual, and James Sword 7 th grade Lucas Hammer, Havilah Mangalapati, Owen O Connor, and Mason Reed 6 th grade Susan Concordia, Lleyton Foster, Lydia Giannaris, Maxwell Larkin, Krystal Nogales, and Hannah Webster 3/13/2016 St. Mary Attendance Regular Collection $7,754.61 Online Giving 1,791.00 Total $9,545.61 School Support $1,426.50 *Poor Box 217.32 Other 72.00 Amount Needed** $15,239 **This is the amount of weekly collection that would allow St. Mary/St. Michael to break even for fiscal year 2016 *Not used for St. Mary/St. Michael operating expenses The second collections this week are for the Holy Land and Good Friday. Next week s second collection is Embracing Our Mission. Thank you for your continued generosity and support! 3/13/2016 St. Michael Attendance 38 Reg. Collection $528.00 Total $528.00 School Support 50.00 Amount Needed** $749 **This is the amount of weekly collection that would allow St. Mary/St. Michael to break even for fiscal year 2016 *Not used for St. Mary/St. Michael operating expenses
St. Mary Catholic Church Holy Week Schedule March 20, Palm Sunday: normal Masses, 5:15 pm Vigil, 8 am, 9:30 am, 11 am and 12:50 pm March 23: 7:30 pm Tenebrae March 24, Holy Thursday: 8:30 am Morning Prayer; no 6:30 or 8:30 am Mass 7:30 pm Mass of the Lord s Supper (Communion under both forms), followed by Eucharistic Adoration, with 11:45 pm Night Prayer and Benediction March 25, Good Friday: 8:30 am Morning Prayer; no 6:30 or 8:30 am Mass; 3 pm Liturgy with Veneration of the Cross and 7:30 pm Stations of the Cross March 26, Holy Saturday: 8:30 am Morning Prayer; no 8:30 am Mass; no confessions; 7:30 pm Easter Vigil Candlelight Mass March 27: Easter Sunday, normal Sunday Masses, 8 am, 9:30 am, 11 am and 12:50 pm April 3, Divine Mercy Sunday, Chaplet of Divine Mercy sung after the 11 PM Mass. 3 PM Hour of Mercy Celebration of the Feast of the Divine Mercy with Exposition, and singing of the Divine Mercy Chaplet. This is the Hour of great Mercy! Immerse yourself in His Passion. St. Michael Catholic Church Holy Week Schedule March 20, Palm Sunday: 10:30 am Mass March 25, Good Friday: 3 pm Liturgy with Veneration of the Cross and 7 pm Stations of the Cross March 27: Easter Sunday, 10:30 am Mass
Divine Mercy Sunday April 3, 2016 12:00-12:30 Chaplet of Divine Mercy sung (after 11:00 Mass) 12:50 Latin Mass 3:00 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 3:00-6:00 Adoration Confession Chaplet of Divine Mercy at the Hour of Mercy 6:00 Benediction & Veneration of Divine Mercy Image (St. John Paul II blessed), 1 st class relic of St. Faustina and 2 nd class relic of St. John Paul II I desire that the whole world know My infinite Mercy. I desire to grant unimaginable graces to those souls who trust in My Mercy.
The Novena of Divine Mercy: The Lord instructed St. Faustina to say the Divine Mercy Chaplet for 9 days beginning Good Friday (March 25) and ending before the Feast of Divine Mercy Sunday(April 3). Jesus explained, By this novena, I will grant every possible grace to souls. (796) Please join St. Mary (7:45 AM) and the universal Catholic Church in praying this beautiful novena given to us by our Lord. Enclosed in this week s bulletin is a red pamphlet that explains the Divine Mercy Novena and Chaplet. By praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet, Jesus promises us that we will receive great mercy at the hour of your death and that when it is said in the presence of the dying, Jesus will stand between His Father and the dying person, not as the just Judge but as the merciful Savior? (1541) Jesus told St. Faustina, At the hour of their death, I defend every soul that will say this chaplet as I do My own glory... When the chaplet is said by the bedside of a dying person, God s anger is placated and his unfathomable mercy envelops the soul. (811) Remember, in God s world, there is no space or time; therefore, this chaplet can be said from afar for someone who is dying and he or she will receive the same amazing Promise! Day 1: Today, bring to Me all Mankind, especially all sinners, and immerse them in the ocean of My Mercy. In you will console Me in the bitter grief in which the loss of souls plunges Me. (1210) this way, Day 2: Today, bring to Me the souls of priests and religious, and immerse them in My unfathomable mercy. It was they who gave Me strength to endure My bitter Passion. Through them, as through channels, My Mercy flows out upon Mankind. (1212) Day 3: Today, bring to Me all devout and faithful souls, and immerse them in the ocean of My Mercy. These souls brought Me consolation on the Way of the Cross. They were that drop of consolation in the midst of an ocean of bitterness. (1214) Day 4: Today, bring to Me those who do not believe in God and those who do not yet know Me. I was thinking also of them during My bitter Passion and their future zeal comforted My Heart. Immerse them in the ocean of My Mercy. (1216) Day 5: Today, bring to Me the souls of those who have separated themselves from My Church, and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. During My bitter Passion they tore at My Body and Heart; that is, My Church. As they return to unity with the Church, My wounds heal and in this way they alleviate My Passion. (1218) Day 6: Today, bring to me the meek and humble souls and the souls of little children, and immerse them in My mercy. These souls most closely resemble My Heart. They strengthened Me during My bitter agony. I saw them as earthly Angels, who would keep vigil at My altars. I pour out upon them whole torrents of grace. Only the humble soul is able to receive My grace. I favor humble souls with My confidence. (1220) Day 7: Today, bring to me the souls who especially venerate and glorify My mercy, and immerse them in My Mercy. These souls sorrowed most over My Passion and entered most deeply into My Spirit. They are living images of My Compassionate Heart. These souls will shine with a special brightness in the next life. Not one of them will go into the fire of hell. I shall particularly defend each one of them at the hour of death. (1224) Day 8: Today, bring to Me the souls who are in the prison of Purgatory, and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. Let the torrents of My Blood cool down their scorching flames. All these souls are greatly loved by Me. They are making retribution to My justice. It is in your power to bring them relief. Draw all the indulgences from the treasury of My Church and offer them on their behalf. Oh, if you only knew the torments they suffer, you would continually offer for them the alms of the spirit and pay off their debt to My justice. (1226) Day 9: Today, bring to Me souls who have become lukewarm, and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. These souls wound My Heart most painfully. My soul suffered the most dreadful loathing in the Garden of Olives because of the lukewarm souls. They were the reason I cried out: Father, take this cup away from Me, if it be Your Will. For them, the last hope of salvation is to flee to My mercy. (1228) During this Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy declared by Pope Francis, the Feast of Divine Mercy will be celebrated at St. Mary Catholic Church on Sunday, April 3, 2016. The celebration will begin at 3:00 PM with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and singing of the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Multiple priests will be available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. After Benediction, one can venerate the Divine Mercy Image blessed by St. John Paul II and the1 st class relic of St. Faustina. Please join us for this extraordinary event!!!
March 21 March 27, 2016 Holy Mass Intentions Day Date Mass Mass Intention Monday 3/21 6:30 Special Intentions of John Angelo, Ann Margaret, and Andi 8:30 Bud Corrigan Tuesday 3/22 6:30 Special Intentions of John Angelo, Ann Margaret, and Andi 8:30 Special Intentions of Ted & Maria Axline Wednesday 3/23 6:30 Robert L. Grimsley 8:30 Special Intentions of Cindy Menk Thursday 3/24 6:30 Poor Souls 8:30 Bill Hudson Friday 3/25 6:30 In Honor of the Immaculate Conception 8:30 Special Intentions of James Ortiz Saturday 3/26 8:30 Special Intentions of Jeff Neeguaye 5:15 Special Intentions of Catherine Hudson and husband Bill (deceased) Sunday 3/27 8:00 Richard Quentin Buhrman 9:30 Special Intentions of Irene Little 11:00 Special Intentions of Pauline Allison Latin Mass 12:50 NO MASS St. Michael 10:30 Parish Members & Benefactors Readings for March 20 27, 2016 Sunday 3/20 PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD Luke 19:28-40 / Isaiah 50:4-7 / Philippians 2:6-11 / Luke 22:14 23:56 Monday 3/21 Isaiah 42:1-7 / John 12:1-11 Tuesday 3/22 Isaiah 49:1-6 / John 13:21-33, 36-38 Wednesday 3/23 Isaiah 50:4-9 / Matthew 26:14-25 Thursday 3/24 Holy Thursday Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14 / Corinthians 11:23-26 / John 13:1-15 Friday 3/25 Good Friday, The Passion of the Lord Isaiah 52:13 53:12 / Hebrew 4:14-16, 5:7-9 / John 18:1 19:42 Saturday 3/26 Holy Saturday Easter Vigil: Genesis 1:1 2:2 / Exodus 14:15 15:1 / Isaiah 55:11 Sunday 3/27 Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord Acts 10:34a, 37-43 / Colossians 3:1-4 / John 20:1-9 St. Vincent de Paul Reflections: This Sunday we begin the holiest of Christian weeks, and we carry palms in procession with the atmosphere charged with both expectation and contradiction, with joy and soberness. For most of us Holy Week unfolds like many other weeks; we still contend with work, school, preparing meals, doing laundry, cranky folks, the usual triumphs and set backs. The readings for Palm Sunday invite us to make this an extraordinary week a week that concentrates in a few days the ultimate meaning of our whole lives. We must slow down and make choices so that this week doesn t go by without our taking the time to enter into its meaning. The real pity of this Holy Week would be that we miss the opportunity to empty ourselves, take up our own cross, and follow Jesus through death to new life. (Living Liturgy, p.94) Anyone suffering through a hardship is encouraged to contact the Saint Vincent de Paul Society for assistance. Phone 301-739-0390 ext 124.
CATHOLIC DAUGHTER S PRE-EASTER BAKE SALE The Catholic Daughters of Court Hagerstown are celebrating 100 years of service for St. Mary Parish! Their annual Pre-Easter BAKE SALE will be held on Saturday, March 19 and Sunday, March 20 after all the Masses. Come to choose from a large variety of candies, pies, cakes, soups, breads and more! Thank you for your support of our charitable projects. QUARTER AUCTION Mark your calendars to enjoy a fun afternoon at the first Quarter Auction at St. Mary's Catholic Church on Saturday, April 23, 2016. Location for the event is in the school cafeteria. Doors open to the public at 11:30 a.m. and the auction begins at 1 p.m. Food and drinks will be available for purchase courtesy of Catholic Daughters team. Admission tickets are $5.00 each which includes 2 bidding paddles that you will receive the day of the event. Additional paddles will be available to purchase. Tickets will be sold at the door and advance tickets will be available for purchase beginning March 1 in the Parish Office. Bring a roll or two of quarters to place your bids on items from numerous vendors and donations received specifically for the auction. Donations are being accepted until April 16 to be auctioned off. Any questions/comments, call Beth Cosey at 301-733-5680 or Vicky Stouffer at 301-988-3185. Marriage Encounter Weekend Are we also like Peter and deny Christ over and over? Christ calls us to be all we can in our Marriage Sacrament. The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend is April 22-24, 2016 in Gaithersburg, MD. For more information and to apply online visit moments4marriage.org, or call 301-541-7007, or email at applica- Knights of Columbus Corner New council website for keeping informed of council news: www.kofc1365.org Every practical Catholic man over the age of 18 should become a Knight. We need your help. Speak with a Knight about joining our order. Brotherhood Council Meetings 2nd & 4th Thursdays at 8pm in the Council Hall. Our Worthy Past Grand Knight for 2014-2015 is Cel Shannon. For information, please contact Cel Shannon at cel_s67@hotmail.com. Bingo Bingo Bingo. Every Tuesday at the Knights of Columbus Hall (20340 Leitersburg Pike, Hagerstown, MD 21742) Starting at 6:45 pm we conduct 34 bingo games for the public. All Bingo Tuesdays will be HALF PRICE on regular games during the month of February! Please join us and have fun. Attention Ladies! Would you like to promote Catholic fellowship, participate in charitable activities & support the works for the Knights? The Ladies Auxiliary wants you. For membership information, contact Darlene Shannon at 301-797-0324.
Father, Why are the statues covered? ASK THE PRIEST The Roman Missal, the book we use to celebrate Mass has this to say, In Dioceses of the United States, the practice of covering crosses and images throughout the church from this Sunday [i.e. the fifth Sunday of Lent] may be observed. Crosses remain covered until the end of the celebration of the Lord s Passion on Good Friday, but images remain covered until the beginning of the Easter Vigil. The Church s liturgy is meant to be didactic it is supposed to teach the truths of the faith. Lent is a time of penance and abstinence. In the days when most people were illiterate, the veiling of the statues was a way to signal the coming of the Sacred Triduum. Veiling statues is a way to visually enter into the abandonment that Jesus suffered on the Cross. My God, My God, why have you abandoned me. (Matt. 27:46) Fr. John Zuhlsdorf (wdtprs.com) explains it this way, We lose things during Lent. We are being pruned through the liturgy. Holy Church experiences liturgical death before the feast of the Resurrection. The Alleluia. Music and flowers go on Ash Wednesday. Today, statues and images are draped in purple. The pruning cuts more deeply as we march into the Triduum. After the Mass on Holy Thursday the Blessed Sacrament is removed from the main altar, which itself is stripped and bells are replaced with wooden noise makers. On Good Friday there isn t even a Mass. At the beginning of the Vigil we are deprived of light itself! It is as if the Church herself were completely dead with the Lord in His tomb. This liturgical death of the Church reveals how Christ emptied Himself of His glory in order to save us from our sins and to teach us who we are. Ask The Priest is a continuing feature of the Bulletin. If you have a question regarding the Catholic faith, please place your question in the box on the back table. Used Stamps are going to be collected again! Look for a box in the Cry Room to place them. HOSPICE Volunteers Needed The following services through Hospice need volunteers: Haircut Volunteers, Massage Therapy Volunteers, Music Volunteers, Pet Therapy Volunteers, Patient Care Volunteers, and Volunteers for Vet-Vet Program. For more information, call Lindsay Anderson at 301-791-6360. The next volunteer training session will be held at 747 Northern Ave. on April 18, 21, 27, 5:00-9:00pm. REACH Shelter Volunteers Needed! St. Mary s is the host church at REACH from March 18 -March 20, 2016. Volunteers are needed to man the check-in desk, security check point, laundry, kitchen, and hospitality. Remember, your kindness during our week at REACH cannot be quantified. Those we help are truly the neediest souls in our community. Contact Katie Leatherman (leatherman.katie@gmail.com or 240-291-2932) to participate. You may complete all volunteer paperwork online this year (even if you have volunteered in the past, you must do so again each year) via this link: http://reachofwc.org/volunteer-application/