Must You Give Up Something for Lent?
It’s been a tough 12 months. No visits, no vacations, virtual school and work, Zoom meetings, no movie theaters, no parties…. We have given up so much of our normal lives, the traditional approach to Lent doesn't feel right this year.
So let’s try something different, let’s try something new. Such as:
- Call someone quarantined or isolated at home at least once a week.
- Participate in a retreat or day of reflection – There are lots of options available on the internet or find a book written as a retreat.
- St. Margaret is offering A Morning of Reflection: Franciscan Spirituality, Saturday, February 20th, 9:15 am – noon. Limited in-person attendance at St. Mary Magdalen Mission and virtual (live-streamed on St, Margret YouTube Channel). Registration or questions: contact Michelle Sullivan at mksullivan@stmargaret.org or 410-879-2670 x 126. For more information click here.
- Bon Secours Retreat Center has a variety of offerings during Lent. www.RCCBonSecours.com.
- Commit to sending a get well or sympathy card as soon as you hear that someone is sick or has died.
- Set aside 30-45 minutes each day for quiet prayer and reflection. If you already do this, experiment with a new form of prayer during this time.
- Volunteer for a new or additional ministry at the parish – We need religious education teachers, lectors, cantors, ushers, and help with the food pantry, just to name a few.
- Sign up for and commit to prayer on the Prayer Chain.
- Donate altar flowers or request Masses in memory of your loved ones.
- Take Virtus training so you are able to volunteer for activities as they arise.
You get the point. This year, let’s make Lenten promises that benefit others and help us grow spiritually. These activities are pandemic-proof!
If you still want to give something up for Lent, here are some suggestions.
Around the Parish
Annual Appeal for Catholic Ministries 2021. Next weekend, parishioners at St. Mary and other parishes across the Archdiocese will be asked to pledge support to the 2021 Annual Appeal for Catholic Ministries, Joyful in Hope. In advance of next weekend, please prayerfully consider how you will support the 2021 Annual Appeal for Catholic Ministries.
Making a pledge, which can be paid in monthly installments through December 31, 2021 is a powerful way to maximize your contribution. For more information on the 2021 Annual Appeal for Catholic Ministries, and to make a gift or pledge online, please visit
www.archbalt.org/appeal/. Thank you for your prayers and support.
Save the Date - May 15, 2021.
Save the Date - May 15, 2021.
Archbishop Lori has given Father Kunkel facilities to confirm our students here at St. Mary's until the end of June 2021. We have set a date of Saturday May 15, 2021 @ 10 am to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation. More details as the date gets closer
Faith Formation Class Schedule. Tuesday classes only meet once a month for the remainder of the year. For questions, contact Karen Dietz, Coordinator of Religious Education.
Here is the revised calendar of dates and times for this school year.
February 21: GIFT class, 10-11 AM
February 23: TUES class, 6-7 PM
March 21: GIFT class, 10-11 AM
March 23: TUES class, 6-7 PM
April 18: GIFT class, 10-11 AM
April 13: TUES class, 6-7 PM
Looking for Lectors and Cantors
The pandemic has taken its toll on the cadre of lectors and cantors. If you can help us out as a lector, please contact Jackie Seneschal (jackieseneschal@gmail.com).
If you would like to lead the singing at Mass, please contact Nicholas Zurowski at nzurowski@stmstc.org.
Father's New Email Address. After the adventure with hackers, Father Kunkel has gotten a new email address hkunkel@stmaryspylesville.org
RCIA Lenten Scrutinies During Lent our three Catechumens: Brad, Catie, and Sean, are beginning the period of formal entry in to the Church. The parish becomes better acquainted with the candidates through a series of rituals called scrutinies that take place at the Sunday Masses during Lent.
Outreach
The Food Pantry - Saturday February 21, Snow Date February 27
The pantry is open from 10 am until 11:30 a.m. We are always in need of volunteers for the Food Pantry. Please contact Sue Pardo (parfrm1@verizon.net) if you are interested. It only requires a few hours several Saturdays a year. Volunteers must be Virtus trained. For training information contact Barbara Sadler, ext 22.
Our Daily Bread
Based on Our Daily Bread’s new schedule, St. Mary’s will continue to deliver casseroles once-a-month. We plan to make the pans available on the weekend of March 6th and 7th . The frozen casseroles will need to be placed in the Parish freezer by Sunday March 14th . PLEASE WATCH FOR FURTHER DATES. If you have any questions, contact Bob at crhoopert@zoominternet.net
Respect Life
February – 4th month. The “Little One” posters displayed in the hallway of the Parish Center are of beautiful pre-born children at the various stages of development inside their mothers’ wombs.
Maryland March for Life: Over 250 people gathered in Annapolis on February 4 from 4:30 -6:30 p.m. We listened to speakers like Laura Bogley from Maryland Right to Life and Catherine Glenn Foster from Americans United for Life. Then, we stood in the shadows for the State House and the General Assembly buildings, held our candles and prayed for our representatives to promote policies for a culture of life. May the scales fall from their eyes. Sign up for Action Alerts at www.mdrtl.org.
Let’s Pray: Each week, we’ll pray for a group of elected officials without including titles, states or party affiliation so we remember they are our brothers and sisters, children of God, sinners like us. This week, add these names to your prayers: Mike Braun, Todd C. Young, Joni Ernst, Chuck Grassley, John Barrasso, Cynthia Lummin, Mike Crapo, Jim Risch, Tammy Duckworth, Dick Durbin, Maria Cantwell, Patty Murray, Jeff Merkley, Ron Wyden, and Ronald Harold Johnson. Add also your local and state representatives. Pray they will submit to God’s holy will.
Celebrating Black History Month – And the Winner Is... Last week we asked which saintly candidate you thought might be canonized first. The top three vote-getters at St. Mary's, in order, are:
- Venerable Pierre Toussaint (1776-1853)
- Venerable Henriette Delille (1813-1862)
- Servant of God Mother Mary Elizabeth Lange (1784-1882)
Now we wait to hear the real answer from Rome.
Weddings and Funerals
Masses for weddings and funerals are permitted outside, or inside with limited attendance. Please check with the parish office for further guidance.
Canceled Events and Activities
The parish buildings are still closed to the public except for religious services and education. All public events and most parish activities are canceled or postponed.
Sacraments
- Contact the Parish Office to arrange for Baptisms and the Sacrament of the Sick (Anointing).
- The Sacrament of the Sick for in-patients is available through the hospital chaplains.
Volunteering for the Parish
Volunteers are the backbone of the parish and we welcome new volunteers with open arms. However, in the world today we must do everything we can to protect all people of all ages, the church and also yourself.
If you are ready and willing to give of your time and talent to be a part of one or more of our many ministries, please contact Barbara Sadler, Extension 22 or Barbara_stmarys@yahoo.com for the information and guidance of the required Virtus training. The training will provide insight for the protection of all age groups and the responsibilities. DON’T WORRY!! It is an easy procedure.
The 2021 Our Prayer Book, usually displayed near the altar, is not readily accessible for many parishioners to enter their own prayer intentions. St. Mary's Care Ministry is adding names and dates as you would like them to appear. Please send names and dates to peane13@verizon.net.
The Prayer Chain is a group of parishioners available to pray for your needs. Send intentions to Mary Washburn (410-937-5766 or email marywashburn123@zoominternet.net.
Contact Information
Parish Office: 410 879-4015
410 838-7471
410 452-5166
www.stmaryspylesville.org
1021 St. Mary's Road
Pylesville, MD 21132
Deadline for Submissions:
Thursday 12 Noon
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