We are entering our fifth decade! We are no longer a baby. HAPPY 41st OLHOC!!! We are getting up in age. But we remain one of the youngest parishes of the Archdiocese. MAY GOD CONTINUE BLESSING our parish and all our parishioners! May we keep the pioneering spirit of our founders!
When Cardinal Hickey established our parish, he put us under the "double" protection of OUR BLESSED MOTHER. First, he chose her as our patron saint. Our name will always remain "OUR LADY HELP OF CHRISTIANS”. Second, he also chose the Feast Day of OUR LADY OF SORROWS, SEPTEMBER 15, to be the day of our birth.
If you have not been to our Eucharistic Adoration in the past few years, you are missing out! The entire church is dark, as if in a cave. The only light comes to the 40 candles adorning the Blessed Sacrament. Most of the 40 hours are silent, we will pray various prayers throughout the day (see schedule below). A booklet will be available for you to follow along with the prayers.
Friday and Saturday Masses will be in the Father Martin Hall so as not to disturb people praying in front of the Blessed Sacrament. We have security at night.
We have an Adoration Chapel at OLHOC that provides a place for people to spend time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. The chapel is open Monday– Friday from 10 am– noon. Please sign up online: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040a44a4a723a2fa7-adoration40
We also have Adoration Thursdays from 9 pm-10 pm in the church. Please come!
General Dispensation from the Obligation to Attend Mass has been lifted
COME BACK TO CHURCH
The dispensation of the Sunday and Holy Day obligation has been lifted. The reinstatement of the obligation to attend Mass at church began the end of June.
This does not apply to those who are ill, have reason to believe they have been exposed recently to the coronavirus, or any other serious or contagious illness. Anyone confined to a hospital, home or nursing facility, or anyone having a serious underlying health condition will continue to have dispensation.
Please consult with Father Alain if you have questions regarding your obligation to attend Mass.
We implemented and have regularly adjusted a conservative COVID protocol for OLHOC constantly referencing guidance from CDC, MD state government, Charles County, and Archdiocese of Washington.*
(*These may change as situation dictates)
Mass protocol
Masks are required inside our church and building for everyone over the age of five. This applies if you are vaccinated or unvaccinated.
All pew rows are open seating.
Please maintain 3’ social distance between families.
We continue to use the offertory box in the Narthex. Thank you for your donations.
If you are feeling ill, please stay home and watch Mass on OLHOC YouTube Channel.
OLHOC offers Mass intentions for the deceased, the sick, to give thanks, in celebration of a special event, or for someone who may need extra prayer. Dates and times of Masses are on a first come, first served request. A stipend for clergy is usually offered with a Mass intention. The Archdiocese recommends that it be $10.00. However, the decision is left to the requester of the intention. To request a Mass intention, please come by the office.
Classes Start September 19th!
CCD Registration for 2021-2022
We are now accepting enrollment for the 2021-2022 Religious Education school year.
Pre-k/Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 7th & 8th grades will be in class every Sunday (9:45-11:15 am). Special needs classes are held Mondays (5:30-6:30), RCIC classes will be every Monday from 7-8 pm.
3rd, 4th, 5th & 6th grades will be blended/hybrid classes. Hybrid classes have the option of attending every other Sunday (9:3011:15), or Monday (6:45-8:10 pm).
Wednesday was the first day for some children who have not have been away from their parents, as well as the “seasoned” veterans who were here last year. There were lots of smiles, and of course some tears as some of the children left their moms for the first time! We have 18 children this year, both Pre-k, and Kindergarten.
Please keep in your prayers Our Lady’s Little Christians, as well as their teachers.
OLLC gives preschoolers a beginning in their Catholic education. Many families need financial assistance to attend our OLLC Early Learning Center. If you are in a position to donate, please make your check payable to Our Lady’s Little Christians Early Learning Center or for online instructions, send an email to ollc@olhoc.org
who have already been confirmed, to assist with the Children's Faith Formation (CCD) as Aides. If you would like to assist, please click here or contact Sr Rosario sister@olhoc.org
Youth Pilgrimage Fund
Check out this video by Deacon Bill with some information on Tri-Challenge '21
Select “OLHOC Youth Pilgrimage Fund” in the drop down menu.
Confirmation Year 1 & Year 2
Sacramental Preparation for Confirmation will begin on Sunday, October 17th. This is the parish sacramental preparation for Confirmation for students (who are in catholic school, public school or homeschooled), parent(s), and mentors, (sponsors are always welcome).
The workshop will be from 1-2:30 pm followed by 2:30 pm Mass and All Youth Night activities from 3:30 - 5pm. More details coming soon!
As we enjoy these warm days of August it is also time to think ahead about the cooler months to come and those who will be in need of warm coats, hats, gloves, etc.
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
Parish Registration
We know summer is the time of year when families are moving around.
If you are moving into our parish, welcome! If you are moving out of the parish, we have enjoyed you worshiping with us and hope you will come back and visit.
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
Flocknotes is an online tool we use to communicate with our parishioners. You can read Father Alain’s weekly column, find out Mass times, or any current events happening in our parish. The information is always up-to-date.
Flocknotes comes directly to your email inbox by Friday. Never miss any more news at OLHOC!
Sign up on our webpage (just look for the lamb) www.olhoc.com or call the office and someone will assist you to get the latest information.
Anointing of the Sick, Questions for the Clergy
Clergy is available for calls to the sick—with all precautions observed. Urgent confessions can be said with a home visit. If you have a question for clergy, you can leave a message by phone (301-645-7112) or email (office@olhoc.org) for Fr. Alain or Fr. Jan
SAVE THE DATE:
Participate in the TENTH Anniversary of OLHOC Spanish community with Bishop Dorsonville on Sunday, OCTOBER 3rd, including 6 pm Rosary and Eucharistic Procession preceding 7 pm Mass.
More details coming soon!
Domestic Violence
You don’t deserve to be abused. Violence at home hurts! You are not alone. During the past difficult year many families suffered more abuse as unemployment increased, alcohol and drug use worsened and the world shrunk to the confines of the home. Now is the time to protect yourself and those who count on you for safety. If you experience any form of abuse, please know that there is help. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline 1 (800) 799-7233. To learn more about domestic violence visit: www.catholiccharitiesdc.org/familypeace.
Catholic families deserve to be safe and loved at home. Yet one out of 4 women, 1 out of 7 men have experienced severe physical violence in an intimate relationship: being kicked, beaten, choked, burned, having a weapon used against them.
Families suffering abuse can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline 1 (800) 799- 7233.
Since last year, OLHOC cut back on many of the services we use to pay for. Due to financial restraints, the lawn maintenance is all done by volunteers, we no longer have a staff person to help out with the facilities, and we cut back on our cleaning services to once a week. Please do your part in helping to keep our church clean.
AYUDA A MANTENER LIMPIA
NUESTRA IGLESIA
Desde el año pasado, nuestra iglesia redujo muchos los servicios que usamos y pagamos. Debido a las restricciones financieras, el mantenimiento del césped es hecho por voluntarios, ya no tenemos personal de mantenimiento para ayudar con las instalaciones, y recortamos nuestros servicios de limpieza a una vez por semana. Por favor haga su parte en ayudar a mantener nuestra iglesia limpia.