Last Thursday, our church was packed for the celebration of the Lord's Last Supper: HOLY THURSDAY, the first day of the TRIDUUM of the HOLY WEEK. When I say packed, I mean that we reached the maximum number of people allowed by the current 6-foot distancing. It was great to see so many people back in church. It was music to my ears to hear so many people tell me, "Father, I am so happy to be back." THE JOY OF BEING BACK had begun on PALM SUNDAY. IT IS CONTINUING! PRAISE THE LORD! Let us pray that more and more people will come back to join us to celebrate the Eucharist together as an assembly in our church!
Over 200 people participated in Holy Thursday Mass of the last Supper. The Narthex was packed with about 30 people (maximum allowed currently) and the Father Martin Hall with 60 people. The Altar Guild had done a wonderful job decorating the Father Martin Hall to allow the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at the end of the Mass and until midnight. They had used their spiritual imagination and had decorated the Hall with Palm Trees and Flowers and had renamed the Hall, "THE GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE." The good surprise for all of us was when...
Several parishioners have inquired about how we can help parish families who are still struggling as a result of the pandemic. While it has been a full year hard on everyone in many ways, we would like to give some relief to those families most in need at this time, and we have decided to establish an OLHOC PANDEMIC RELIEF FUND. One of our priorities will be to assist families with children and youth, especially those who have lost income from reduced employment. While the recent stimulus checks are timely, they will be insufficient for most affected families.
We would like to invite all parishioners to consider contributing to this newly established OLHOC Pandemic Relief Fund. In the last 12 months, we have appreciated your continued generous Offertory donations despite the pandemic challenges . Your support is a blessing for our entire parish. Through the first 8 months of this fiscal year, (beginning July 2020), your generosity, coupled with a very cautious spending, has helped us to balance our reduced budget. We are now asking you to stretch your sacrificial support if possible, including those of you who can spare any of your stimulus funds.
In consultation with existing parish councils and committees, (including the Outreach Committee), we will channel your contribution to those parish families most in need. In particular, we like to support families with children attending our Religious Education Program, including partial payment of tuitions, books or special costs for those receiving the sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation in April/May. There is also a special need to support the families with youth attending the many activities of our Youth Ministry, in particular to enable some of our youth to attend our Summer Camp in Georgia this August. Any additional support will be most appreciated. Your contribution could help one of our youth have a special encounter with Christ this summer.
Our Finance Council is reminding you that this year resumes the mandatory IRA distribution for those of retirement age. You can give to OLHOC any amount before tax contribution which leverages up your effective gift. For more details, please contact our Office Manager (Office@olhoc.org) or the Chair of our Finance Council (Potterra28@yahoo.com).
We welcome your comments and suggestions. Your feedback is much appreciated.
We thank God for your continued generosity to OLHOC activities.
May God keep protecting all of you! May you and your families have a most blessed Palm Sunday and Holy Week!
The Sacrament of Confirmation will take place on Friday, April 23rd at 7pm with Bishop Mario Dorsonville celebrating the Mass. Please keep the Confirmation candidates in your prayers!
Due to popular demand, the ADW Office of Youth Ministry is excited to offer additional dates for Joe Dugan’s presentation “Protect Young Eyes” focusing on parent internet safety. Mr. Dugan works for the Maryland Department of State Police ICAC Task Force.
Parents can join virtually the live presentation on Monday, April 26th, and Wednesday, April 28th from 7:00-8:30pm. There is only one Eventbrite link for these dates, parents can see and select a specific date when they register.
Joe Dugan has 37 years of Law Enforcement experience. He has worked as a Homicide Detective in Baltimore City and as a member of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force.
The last 7 years of his career was spent as a Child Abuse/ICAC Detective at the Hartford County Sheriff's Office, Hartford County Child Advocacy Center.
He now works as an Internet Safety Specialist with the Maryland State Police.
Please ensure your child joins us for the following date/time:
3rd Grade – April 25th at
1 PM 4th Grade– April 26th at
7 PM 5th Grade– April 25th at 11:30 AM
6th Grade– April 25th at 2:30 PM
7th Grade– April 11th at
11 AM
8th Grade - Every Wednesday at 7 pm
Our Lady's Little Christians
OLLC gives preschoolers a beginning in their Catholic education. Many families need financial assistance to attend our pre-school. If you are in a position to donate, please make your check payable to Our Lady’s Little Christians Preschool, or for online instructions, send an email to preschool@olhoc.org
please call the parish office 301-645-7112 or send email to office@olhoc.org
Cadena de Oración
Si tiene una solicitud de oración, por favor llame a la oficina parroquial
301-645-7112 o envie un correo electrónico a office@olhoc.org
Please call and share the latest Church news with people that you know do not have internet or e-mail access.
Nuestra línea de información está abierta con noticias actualizadas de la Parroquia. Llame al (301) 645 - 7112 para una grabación de audio en inglés y español. Por favor comparta este número con cualquier feligrés que usted sepa que puede no tener acceso a Internet.
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Remember, O most chaste spouse of the Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who implored your help and sought your intercession were left unassisted. Full of confidence in your power I fly unto you and beg your protection. Despise not O Guardian of the Redeemer my humble supplication, but in your bounty, hear and answer me. Amen