Dear brothers and sisters,
Praised be Jesus Christ!
First, Fr. Paul Henry sends a blessing and a bright hello to all of you! I’ve been blessed to know Fr. Paul for years, and he’s served my family in many ways. My dad, Fr. Greg Rapisarda, is moving in to Mercy Ridge. What a joy it was, when we went to his new place, to see that Fr. Paul is in the apartment right across the hall! I got to visit with him, and he smiled broadly when talking about St. Mary’s and Fr. Kunkel. He is praying for us, and asks for our prayers. I am blessed by the connection.
Second, we’re having a Christmas Display contest! The Grand Opening is on Friday, Dec. 8, after the 6:30pm Mass and Tree Lighting. Every Saturday from Dec. 9 to Jan. 6, from 5pm-9pm, the Displays will be open for walk through enjoyment and voting for the best. The Grand Prize is $300! For those who want to enter a Display, please contact Karen Dietz at kdietz@stmaryspylesville.org. This event is being sponsored by the Bethany Team, who brought us the summer Food Truck nights.
I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. May our hearts be grateful for the many ways we are shown love by God and those around us. I’m grateful for you all, and blessed to be your pastor. Let us pray for each other!
Peace,
Fr. John
Dear brothers and sisters,
Praised be Jesus Christ! We continue to be blessed here at St. Mary’s. Below are some words of thanks, some updates to a couple small changes at Mass, and a note about our parish stewardship appeal.
Many thanks to our Care Ministry for the Afternoon Tea this past Sunday. The women who were served were truly told “you are loved” by word and action. Those were served did so with the love of Christ. I was amazed by the art and talent that went into the food, as well.
Many thanks to our Knights of Columbus for our successful Turkey Shoot. It was a great community event, with many parishioners and guests. I’m impressed by the skill, professionalism, and safety, of all involved. The food was also excellent – our Knights do many things well, both spiritual and practical, and their pit beef really is top notch.
With our Sunday Masses – there are two small changes I’d like to highlight as we prepare for the new liturgical year. This doesn’t mean that we’ve been doing the “wrong thing” – just a few things to simplify and have a common practice not only for our own parish, but with most of the surrounding parishes (this is good for guests and new parishioners!).
First, after the Gospel response – The Gospel of the Lord, Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ – the congregation will simply be seated for the homily. We started this last weekend.
Second, at the Preparation of the Gifts: the priest will wash his hands, then invite the congregation to stand for the exchange “Pray brothers and sisters, that my sacrifice and yours…”We’ll start this next weekend (Nov. 18-19).
Again, this doesn’t mean we’ve been doing something wrong, or that there’s any deep liturgical principle involved. It just streamlines things a little more in the ritual itself. There may be a few liturgically awkward moments as we get used to it, but that’s fine and expected. I’m grateful to our liturgy committee and others for their input along the way.
Finally, our parish stewardship appeal, entitled A Community United in Stewardship will this weekend.Thank you so much to all who contribute financially to our parish. It is a toned-down version of what we’ve had in the past. No letters have been sent out, but we do have materials with some helpful information, some inspiration, and a prayer. They’ll simply be in the pews and the entrance to the church for the next few weeks for you to consider.
We’re in this together, and it takes time, talent, and treasure to continue to flourish as a parish family. I’m increasing my monthly giving, and I invite you to do the same. It doesn’t need to be a lot, but an intentional commitment boost from all of us goes a long way.
With a grateful heart, you are all in my prayers, and I ask your prayers for me, as well.
Peace,
Fr. John
Adorers Needed at the Basilica - Every week over 280 people go to the Basilica to pray a Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament at the Basilica’s Pope Saint John Paul II Eucharistic Adoration Chapel. 24/7 adorers are praying for our Church and our City. The Basilica is asking Archdiocese of Baltimore parishioners to pray a weekly Holy Hour. They hope to have two adorers for every hour – that’s 336 adorers. Hours are available for anyone’s schedule – DAYTIME for our retired community, NIGHTTIME for night owls, WEEKEND and, EARLY MORNING for those who work during the week. Watch this video to learn more about adoration at the Basilica: https://vimeo.com/500538414. To sign up contact Ana Farias at ana.farias@baltimorebasilica.org.
IN NEED OF ADORERS FOR THE FOLLOWING TIMES:
· Wednesday: 2 a.m.
· Sunday: 2 a.m. and 7 p.m.
· Other daytime and evening hours are available.