Around the Parish
Parish Calendar: March 3-12
Friday, March 3, 2023
7:00 p.m............Stations of the Cross
Saturday, March 4, 2023
11:00 a.m........Memorial (Eileen Andrus)
4:00 p.m...................... Lent Mission
Sunday, March 5, 2023
8 & 10 AM...Mission, Coffee & Donuts
5:00 p.m..........................Boy Scouts
Monday, March 6, 2023
7:00 p.m……………........…..Mission
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
9:30 a.m……………...Luncheon Bingo
5:30 p.m………….……. CFF Classes
6:30 p.m..…..……Confirmation Class
6-7 p.m.………………...Confessions
7:00 p.m…...…….....……… Mission
Wednesday, March 8, 2023
7:00 p.m.……………….Music Practice
Friday, March, 10, 2023
7:00 p.m………. Stations of the Cross
Saturday, March, 11, 2023
1-6 p.m.…...........….Fr. Kunkel Display
1-6 p.m.…...........….Fr. Kunkel Display
Sunday, March 12, 2023
8:30 a.m.–12 p.m.….Fr. Kunkel Display
5:00 p.m……………..Boy Scout Mtg.
Notes from Fr. John available through Flocknote. Fr. John is re-starting the practice of a weekly message to the parish. These notes appear in the bulletin and are emailed to those who request them.
Litany of St. Monica and Litany of the Good Shepherd, Friday, RESCHEDULED March 10, 8:15 AM. Please join us to pray for our loved ones and friends who have fallen away from practicing our faith. We pray the Litany of St. Monica and the Litany of the Good Shepherd once a month on the first Friday of the month before we pray the rosary.
St. Monica is the patron saint of wives and abuse victims, having successfully prayed for her son, St. Augustine, to return to the faith during her lifetime (A.D. 331-387). She also successfully prayed for the conversion of her abusive husband and mother-in-law. We will pray for her intercession to bring our prodigal loved ones and friends back to faith in God.
Keepsakes from Fr, Kunkel, Saturday, March 11- 1:00 - 6:00 PM, Sunday March 12 - 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM in the Parish Hall. All members of St. Mary’s parish are invited to choose a keepsake in memory of Fr. Kunkel from among his possessions which will be on display in the Parish Hall on March 11 and 12 at these times: Saturday, 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Sunday, 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. These items, including books, paintings, collectibles, mementoes, and some small pieces of furniture have been graciously donated by Father Kunkel’s sister Karen Ahlstrom to St. Mary’s parishioners. We ask each person to limit their selection to one or two items so that everyone may participate. There will be no limitation on how many items you may take on Sunday, March 12 from 11:00 p.m. – 12:00 p.m. You are welcome to stop by at any of the times listed. No payments or donations are allowed. All items are offered as gifts to those who want to take home a special reminder of Fr. Kunkel’s love for all his parishioners.
Virtus Status for April Chicken Dinner.
Everyone volunteering for the Chicken Dinner must have up-to-date Virtus credentials. Check your status now. Contact Barbara Sadler with any questions.
Upcoming Events
March 15 - Sewing Day
March 17 - Fish Fry & Stations
March 18 - Food Pantry
March 18-19 - Chicken Dinner Sign-up
March 19 - Shroud of Turin talk
March 20 - 1st Eucharist Parents
April 15-16- Chicken Dinner Sign-up
April 29 - Chicken Dinner
Belles Sewing Day, Wednesday, March 15, 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please bring your lunch and your sewing machine. We will furnish drinks and dessert. We have lots of dress kits available if you can’t join us that day. There are jobs for the non-sewers, too.
Collecting Used Eye Glasses. As you are doing spring housecleaning, please remember Dr. Walsh takes used eye glasses on her mission trips. The eye glasses are verified and cleaned prior to her trips. Please drop them off in the church hall. Thank you!!
Please call Sue Pardo if you have questions. 410 456 7882
Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) classes begin soon. If you are interested in the program, please call 410-879-4015 EXT. 24 or email kdietz@stmaryspylesville.org!
Instruments of the Passion
Families, couples and groups bring up the instruments during the Entrance Procession on each Sunday during Lent.
Liturgical Ministers Schedule
Parish Lenten Mission. March 4-7, Far from the Way of Fear, the Spirituality of St. Therese of Lisieux. St. Therese of Lisieux has been called “the greatest saint of modern times,” and her life and writings have led millions of people all over the world to Jesus Christ. Fr. Michael Rubeling will explore the life of St. Therese through the lens of her struggle with fear and anxiety. Towards the end of her life, Therese was able to say with holy confidence, “I am far from being on the way of fear.” Our hope is that all of us will be able to share that confidence in the love of Jesus Christ. All are invited, especially families, to this three-day parish mission (March 5-7) as we encounter St. Therese as Beloved Daughter, Carmelite Sister, and Missionary.
March 4 & 5: All Weekend Masses – Therese as Beloved Daughter: After All Sunday Masses, we will also have coffee & donuts in the parish hall.
March 6: 7-8pm (Church) Eucharist Holy Hour – Therese as Carmelite Sister: After the Holy Hour, all are invited for fellowship & light snacks in the Youth Room.
March 7: 7-8pm (Church) Eucharist Holy Hour – Therese as Missionary: After the Holy Hour, all are invited for fellowship & light snacks in the Parish Hall.
Youth Ministry Volunteer Opportunities Teens 14 and over who are Worthy of the Call Trained we have some upcoming opportunities for you all to volunteer!
Knights of Columbus Fish Fry, March 17, 3 pm - 7:30 pm. We need 7 Teens to help each night. Please let Mrs. Rachel know if you can help.
Teen-Led Stations of the Cross March 17 @ 7pm. Meet in the Church @ 6 pm to practice. I need teens to read a brief reflection for each Station. Please let me know if you can help
Spring Clean Up Love our Parish Day!! April 1, 9-11:30 am. Help clean up sticks and debris to tidy up for Chicken Dinner
Easter Egg Hunt, April 8, 10:45 am Help us hide the Easter Eggs and help the children. Hunt kicks off at 12 pm
Youth Ministry Teen Connect Events for Middle and High School Teens
Movie Night, March 17, 8-10 pm, in Youth Room after Teen Stations, Popcorn and snacks. Invite a friend
Help Stuff Easter Eggs for Easter Egg Hunt, March 26, 11:15 - 1 pm in the Youth Room
Outreach Ministries
Prevention and Recovery Ministry
Research has demonstrated that harm reduction saves lives, prevents dangerous disease outbreaks, and can lead folks to seek treatment.
Unfortunately, the practice of harm reduction remains underfunded and partially outlawed in many states. Harm reduction does not seek to cut people off from drug use. Instead, it aims to give them tools (including clean syringes, fentanyl test strips, and Narcan) to use drugs in a safer manner. The article shows what a young mother in Iowa does in her efforts to help keep folks alive.
Our Daily Bread
Casserole pans will be distributed on March 11-12, 2023. If you have any questions, please contact Bob at crhoopert@zoominternet.net.
Food Pantry Update.
Our cupboard is getting a little low.
Donations of laundry and dish detergent, as well as paper goods are welcome. We also are in need of monetary donations to shop for other items.
The food pantry will be open on Saturday, March 18, from 10 to 11:00 a.m. Snow date is Saturday, March 25.
Sue Pardo and the Pantry Volunteers
410 456-7882
Holiday Food Easter: Funds to help offset the cost of the food vouchers given out to the families to purchase perishable food for Easter. The families also receive food baskets with non-perishable food for their holiday meal. This “Special envelope” can be placed in the regular offertory collection along with your weekly offering envelope.
Respect Life
Fifth Month (size: about 12 inches)
This month marks the half-way point to birth, and the baby is very active. Sleep habits develop and his mother can feel him move and stretch, particularly when she is resting. He is big and strong enough to kick hard against the outside uterine wall and dent it. Up to now, although he swam with ease in his watery world, he was too small for her to detect because the outside wall of the uterus has no feeling. Babies born at this age have survived.
This month marks the half-way point to birth, and the baby is very active. Sleep habits develop and his mother can feel him move and stretch, particularly when she is resting. He is big and strong enough to kick hard against the outside uterine wall and dent it. Up to now, although he swam with ease in his watery world, he was too small for her to detect because the outside wall of the uterus has no feeling. Babies born at this age have survived.
Maryland General Assembly: These are 4 dangerous bills making their way through the legislature:
- HB705/SB798 Declaration of Rights – Right to Reproductive Freedom (abortion amendment)
- HB477/SB341 Public Higher Education Institutions – Reproductive Health Services Plans - Requirements
- HB119/SB199 Primary and Secondary Education – Comprehensive Health Education Framework –-- Mandates
- HB933/SB845 End of Life Options Act (Assisted Suicide)
Take Action: On Tuesday, March 7, HB933/SB845 End of Life Options Act (Assisted Suicide) will be discussed in the Judicial Proceedings Committee of the Senate. Go to the Maryland Right to Life website, https://www.mdrtl.org/takeaction.html, scroll down and click on OPPOSE Assisted Suicide to send an email to your legislators. Take the next step and call your legislators to express your opposition to this bill.
Go to https://mgaleg.maryland.gov, click on MEMBERS and Find My Representatives to obtain member information and send an email or letter and call their office.
The best way to defeat legislation is to stop it in committee. Contact your representatives now and encourage other Marylanders to do the same. Informational flyers under the RESOURCES tab at www.mdrtl.org can provide helpful information for your calls and emails.
As always, pray that God blesses your efforts and pray for the members of the Maryland General Assembly that they will submit to God’s will and protect human life.
Heal the wounds of abortion. Contact Project Rachel Baltimore at 410-625-8491 or email at projectrachel@archbalt.org.
Join the Respect Life Ministry. If you are interested in joining the St. Mary’s Respect Life ministry, please email Deborah Brocato at debbrocato@aol.com.
News from the Archdiocese of Baltimore
Miracle Healing Service with Dr. Bob Sawyer and Ministry Team, Tuesday, March 7, 7-9 pm. St Margaret's Catholic Church,141 N Hickory Ave, Bel Air, MD 21014. Personal physical healing or witnessing another's healing frequently leads to deep spiritual changes and the realization that Jesus IS alive. No cost, no collection. · Information: 410-308-8962. website http://www.miracle-healing-ministry.org/events.html.
Catholic Connection
Fasting Can Change You Forever
During Lent we are encouraged to fast. In this video, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about strengthening our will and showing our love for God through some small sacrifice.
Sacraments, Funerals, and Contact Information
Urgent for all Liturgical Ministers. There are calendars placed in the vestibule of the church for sign-ups for the month of April, most importantly Holy Week. Please sign up when you are available. Any questions please contact Sharon Alasandro. (443-243-6317).
St. Mary's Food Pantry
Blessing of Expectant Parents, Saturday & Sunday, January 7&8, All Masses
Food Pantry, Saturday, February 18, 10-11 AM. Snow date is Saturday, February 25.
Weddings and Funerals
Masses for weddings and funerals are arranged through the parish office. Contact the parish staff for further guidance.
Other Sacraments
Contact the Parish Office to arrange for Baptisms and the Sacrament of the Sick (Anointing).
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 bsadler@stmaryspylesville.org 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.
Flocknote Help: Problems receiving St. Mary's newsletter emails? Contact Flocknote help@flocknote.com or reach out to Jackie Seneschal (jackieseneschal@gmail.com)
Contact Information
Parish Office: 410 879-4015
410 838-7471
410 452-5166
www.stmaryspylesville.org
1021 St. Mary's Road
Pylesville, MD 21132
Email Addresses for Parish Staff
Parish Administrator,
Fr. John Rapisarda JRapisarda@archbalt.org
Deacon Phil Seneschal
pseneschal@aol.com
Administrative Assistant
Diana Weidner
dweidner@stmaryspylesville.org
Business Manager
Barbara Sadler
bsadler@stmaryspylesville.org
Coordinator of Religious Education Karen Dietz kdietz@stmaryspylesville.org
Youth Ministry/Confirmation
Rachel Bittner rbittner@stmaryspylesville.org
Music Director
Nicholas Zurowski
nzurowski@sjpray.org
Submission Deadline: Thursday 12 noon