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March 20 Update

During this unsettling time, many of us are asking ourselves, "What can I do?". In times of uncertainty it is easy to fill our hearts with worry and anxiety. But we are a people of faith, hope, and love.

I offer the following advice. Follow the directives of civil and health authorities, then turn to God in prayer. Join me in praying the Novena Prayer Against the Coronavirus. Stay in touch with St. Mary's by visiting the website, using the MyParish app, and reading our electronic newsletter. We are getting through this TOGETHER, even while we are physically apart.

Fr. Kunkel

Things you can do:

Make an Act of Spiritual Communion. Information is available on the Liturgy page of the St. Mary's website.
Call Elderly or Vulnerable Neighbors. Offer to grocery shop or pick up medications for them.
Maintain Social Distancing - Keep necessary gatherings to less than 10 people and maintain 6 feet of distance from the others in attendance.
Postpone optional social and work events.
Follow Updates from the federal and state governments, CDC, and WHO.
Avoid Fear and Panic. We are a people of trust.

Need Continues

Easter Food Drive

St.Mary's participates in the Easter Food distribution through Mason Dixon Community Services. Please mail monetary contributions to the parish office using the Easter Food Drive envelope or a note indicating the purpose of the contribution. Electronic donations can also be made through the Giving page on the parish website.

Our bills still need to be paid.Please drop off or mail your weekly offering. Consider signing up for electronic giving using this link:

Give to St. Mary's

Novena Against Coronavirus

Fourth Sunday of Lent

Sunday Readings

Reading of the Sunday Gospel

March 22 Sunday Homily

View Mass on www.archbalt.org, on EWTN, or at any of the many sites online. Use the MyParish app to view Mass live from the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen.

Ongoing Activities

Confession Saturday 3:30 - 4:00 PM

Please limit attendance to ten people at one time and observe required social distancing. Wait in the parking lot if necessary to limit occupants in the church.

Private prayer and Eucharistic Adoration:

Sundays, 8 AM to 12 Noon
Monday-Saturday, 8 AM to 10 AM

Please limit attendance to ten people at one time and observe required social distancing. Adoration will be moved to the Parish Hall, while the church is cleaned Monday and Tuesday of next week. Call the office to volunteer to keep Jesus company during Adoration times.

Enjoy the outdoor locations for private prayer on

campus: Outdoor Stations of the Cross, the Prayer Labyrinth, and Mary's Prayer Garden.

Funerals and weddings may proceed with attendance limited to a total of ten people, including clergy. Please check with the parish office for further guidance.

Canceled Events and Activities

The Archbishop has advised the parishes to expect the cancellation of Masses and activities to continue for at least eight weeks. The parish staff, Parish Council, and committees are considering how and whether to re-schedule planned events.

St. Mary's Famous Chicken Dinner in April is canceled.

Both the April Retreat and April 14th class for Confirmation are CANCELED. Sponsors please connect with your Candidate via phone or internet to stay connected and offer encouragement.

The Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation scheduled for May 13 & 14 has been canceled. The Archdiocese of Baltimore will be providing us with information as to when Confirmation will take place. Right now, we believe this will be some time over the summer. As soon as we have that information we will forward it to you.

St. Mary's Website

Please share this newsletter with parishioners who do not have email or access to the internet.

The Parish office operates Monday through Friday,

during regular business hours. Please call or email for assistance. Please limit face-to-face visits at this time. The staff email list is available on the website.

Contact Information

Parish Office: 410 879-4015

410 838-7471

410 452-5166

www.stmaryspylesville.org

1021 St. Mary's Road

Pylesville, MD 21132

CEMETERY GUIDELINES: DURING MOWING SEASON

In the next few weeks we will be removing all flowers from the Christmas Season. There cannot be any planting of flowers or shrubs in the cemetery. Also, no glass containers or ornaments on the ground; only on the head stone and attached securely. During mowing season flowers can only be in vases on the side next to the stone; on the head stone or over the head stone. We will have no choice but to remove the above items if the guidelines are not followed. Thank you.

PARTICIPATE IN CENSUS 2020

The 2020 Census count has begun, and it is very important for everyone in Harford County to participate. The census affects our representation at all levels of government and determines how billions of dollars in federal funds are spent, supporting schools, hospitals, fire companies and other vital services. It also supports agencies when sending support to our county residents in times of emergencies. These funds directly impact the quality of life for everyone. It only take 10 minutes to help shape the future!

Let’s get counted today! www.my2020Census.gov

By phone 1-844-330-2020