January 29, 2023
Dear Friends in Christ,
In the professional world, most roles come with guidelines on how to do a good job. As we seek to live as good Catholic Christians, the Beatitudes found in today’s Gospel Reading from Matthew 5:1-12a give us examples of how Christians should live – and it shouldn’t surprise us that the characteristics Jesus Christ names at the Sermon on the Mount run counter to the values our contemporary culture and world often espouse.
Where our culture calls us to embrace wealth and material belongings, Christ extolled the poor in spirit.
Where we are taught to emit constant happiness and strength, Christ called blessed those who mourn and are meek.
Where we have grown immune to people’s suffering and the need for forgiveness, Christ praised those who seek justice and show mercy.
Where we may have become jaded and disillusioned, Christ loved those who remain innocent and pure.
Where we seek out war and strife, Christ taught us to work first for peace.
Where we might struggle to do the right thing and suffer because of our Christian beliefs, Christ reminded us that we will receive our heavenly reward.
In our world where 30 percent of Americans claim no religious affiliation – the ‘nones’ – Christ and the Church call us to continue living in a distinctively Christian way. This is, by no means, an easy path to tread. It requires faith in our identity, daily prayerful reflection, a commitment to ministry service, and the constant support of all members of our faith community. Let us remain focused on living and growing our Catholic faith in the world.
I wish you all a blessed and wonderful week. Happy National Catholic Schools Week from January 29-February 4 to all our students, administrators and teachers in Catholic schools!
Yours in Christ,
Fr. John
Sunday, January 29:
- Morning Prayer at 7:30 am. Hosted by parishioner Lois James.
- Mass at 8 am in the church. Celebrated by Fr. Grzegorz Okulewicz. Mass Readings.
- Mass at 9:30 am in the church. Celebrated by Fr. William Brailsford. Mass Readings.
- Mass at 11:15 am in the church. Celebrated by Fr. John Dillon. Mass Readings.
- Mass in Spanish at 1 pm in the church. Celebrated by Fr. Roberto Amoruso. Mass Readings.
- Mass at 5 pm in the church. Celebrated by Fr. John Dillon. Mass Readings.
- Youth Group gathering from 6:15-8 pm in the Parish Center.
- Fifth Rosary at 7 pm in the church. Led by Fr. John Dillon.
- Evening Prayer at 7:30 pm. Hosted by parishioner Lois James.
Monday, January 30:
- Morning Prayer at 7:30 am. Hosted by parishioner Lois James.
- Mass at 9 am in church. Celebrated by Fr. John Dillon.
- Virtual parish Rosary at 4 pm. Led by a member of the Rosary group.
- Evening Prayer at 7:30 pm. Hosted by Lois James.
Tuesday, January 31:
- Morning Prayer at 7:30 am. Hosted by parishioner Lois James.
- Mass at 9 am in church. Celebrated by Fr. John Dillon.
- Evening Prayer at 7:30 pm. Hosted by parishioner Lois James.
Parish Resources:
St. Martin Food Pantry Needs
The St. Martin Food Pantry has an urgent need for the following items:
- Dry unsweetened cereal
- Canned fruit
- Pasta
- Macaroni and cheese
- Pasta sauce
- Dry rice/beans
- Canned beans
- Stew, canned pasta, and chili
- Canned soup
- Diapers in sizes 2, 4, and 5
- Ensure for adults and adult unisex pullups in sizes small, medium, and large
- Plastic grocery bags and plastic newspaper bags
Please place all donations in the St. Martin Food Pantry box in the Gathering Space or in the bin on the Rectory porch. Thanks for your support!
Youth Group Returns!
The St. Francis Youth Group will be resuming for the 2023 year starting this Sunday, January 29. We will meet from 6:15-8 pm in the basement of the church where Religious Education classes are held. This week, we will be planning our food drive in conjunction with the "The Souper Bowl of Caring," as well as other events.
All new and returning youth in grades 6-12 are welcome. Please join us for food and fellowship and help us plan events that you would like to see happen.
Knights Selling Tickets for Spaghetti Dinner after Masses This Weekend
Please support members of the Knights of Columbus Council 2323, who will be selling tickets after all Masses this weekend for their spaghetti dinner to benefit the Haiti Medical Mission. The spaghetti dinner will take place from 3-7 pm Sunday, February 5, at the Knights of Columbus Father Cuddy Hall, 17001 Overhill Road in Derwood. The cost is $12 for persons 14 and older; $8 for children ages 7 to 13; and free for children under six. There will be a $40 maximum paid per family. Thanks for your support to the Knights and our brothers and sisters in Haiti! RSVP for the event.
