ST. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church

14908 Main Street

Upper Marlboro, Maryland  20772

email:  rectory@stmarysum.org

Business Hours for the Rectory 10am - 5pm Monday through Friday

Dear Parish Family:

  Today the Church gives us the privilege of departing from the ordinary cycle of readings to celebrate the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul! This is among the select number of feasts for which there is a special vigil Mass as well as the Mass on the day. The Scriptures used for these days depict some of the mighty deeds wrought by God through these two pillars of our faith.

  In order to grasp something of the significance of this celebration, it is helpful to recall its origins in the mid-300’s AD. The Church was no longer being persecuted; and, in fact, it adopted many attributes of the Roman Empire, which became the vehicle for its growth. It is only natural that the collective memory of the Church honor the two great pillars of the faith (much like Roman society had done for their Caesars and we Americans do for our founding fathers).

  Saints are typically honored on the anniversaries of their deaths. Both Peter and Paul died for Christ in Rome. Peter was crucified (though upside down) and was buried beneath the basilica that bears his name. Paul was beheaded, as was his due as a citizen of Rome. He was executed outside the city walls and buried beneath a basilica that bears his name. The two saints were similar in their devotion and witness to Christ, but very different personalities. The late theologian Hans Urs von Balthazar used these two and St. John the Evangelist as types for leadership:

1. Petrine – embodies the hierarchic and requires great courage and self-sacrifice if it is not to end in tyranny and self-aggrandizement.

2. Pauline – embodies the preacher, proclaimer and missionary. Paul was that feisty, restless, intellectually curious disciple who engaged the world around him in his pursuit of the truth, who is Christ.

3. Johannine – embodies the mystical, contemplative, and liturgical aspects of the Church. These are artists, poets, dramatists, and spiritual masters; but they often need the tempering (sobering) influence of the teachers and preachers if their gifts are to be most effective.

We have evidence from Scripture that Paul gave deference to the seniority of Peter and the other apostles; but once a decision had been reached, Paul was adamant in its lasting effect. No better example can be found than in Paul’s anger directed towards Peter in the Letter to the Galatians. After having agreed that Gentiles need not adopt Jewish ways to follow Christ, Peter joined those who refused to eat with Gentiles. Remember Eucharist was celebrated in the context of a meal!

  As we give special honor today to the primacy of Peter, we also give thanks for the diverse styles of leadership that continue to enhance the gospel message and make our Church grow!

Yours in Christ,

Father Bill Foley

1-800-MASS-TIMES  Don’t forget to visit www.masstimes.org for Mass times and locations around the country while you are on vacation this summer.

For the week of June 29^th – July 5^th

Sun.     James Roy Butler, Connie Harris, People of the Parish

Mon.   Karen & Steve Showalter (SI)

Tues.   Christine Lange, Mr. Mattingly

Wed.   Sherri Marzano

Thurs. Lawrence A. Windsor

Fri.      People of the Parish

Sat.      Thomas J. Crowley, George H. Savoy, Dorothy Johnson

REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS

The Deceased, Mary Proctor, Deacon Bernard A. Bernier (Brother of Regina Stitcher Grogan) and Msgr James Joy (Uncle of Gregory Joy) – For their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen

The Sick – Your prayers are asked for Victor Size, Andrew Bashore, Mary Pensy, Terry Coates, Deacon Ed Brink, Alice Hawley, Evelyn Fritz,  Dina Hoffman, Lavon Curtis, Robin Wyvill,  Donna Seger, Angela Ryan, Linda Wyvill Hobbs, Mary E. McGettigan, Walter J. Allen, Mary E. Smith, Agnes Barnett,  Deidre Desmon, Sean and Marleen Moran, John Thomas, Gail Blake, Ruth Davidson, George Jenkins, Reggie Evans Jr., Joseph Hawley, Dixie Bowie, Mary Windsor, Maurie Stephens, Sonny DeCesaris, Dorethea Jarvis, Jeremiah Seger, David Gwynn, Barbara Herber, Ida Bond, Raymond Bulvin, Mary Ford, Gloria Belden, Lisa Vallario, David Hobbs, Althea Proctor, Mary Proctor, Quinten Isom, Thomas Hawley, Jennifer Ryan, William Roberts, Alma Wyvill Warren, Sylvia Tickles, Dick Filesky, Martin Oberman, Cassidy O’Connell, Paul K. Martin, Deloras Newman, Anthony Santa Croce, Mary Davey, Bill Huttenloch, Marie Ridgely, Tray Wallace, Elsie Purnell, Monica Piazza Russell, Robert Wilhite, Marion Watkins, Jack Wyvill, Betty J. Rawlings, Atherine Pinkney, Beatrice Jones, Hilda A. Diggs, Pearline Diggs, Maria A. Newman, Margaret Hager & Josephine Robinson

SUMMER FAITH ENRICHMENT PROGRAM  Join Fr. White for in-depth study of St. Paul’s letter to the Romans.  Ages 14 and up.  Monday evenings until July 28.  7:30 - 8:45 p.m. at St. Mary’s School on Largo Rd.  (No class on July 7.)

PARISH PILGRIMAGE TO ITALY  Fr. White will lead a parish pilgrimage to visit the holy sites of Assisi and Rome this fall, November 15-22.  Space is still available.  Open to all parishioners, family members, and friends.  $1,999 if deposit is paid by Aug. 7.  See Fr. White for a brochure.

1^ST  FRIDAY AND 1^ST  SATURDAY

Friday of this week is the 1^st Friday of the month; devotions to the Sacred Heart will follow the Masses on Friday.  You can say the prayers at home if you can’t get to Church.

Saturday is the 1^st Saturday.  The Fatima devotions will be said before the 8 a.m. Mass, starting about 7:30.

This week at St. Mary of the Assumption

Sunday, June 29, 2008

10:30am Trad. Choir Prac.+

Monday, June 30, 2008

7:45am Rosary+          

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

7:45am Rosary +                                  12:00Noon AA Meeting*

6:45–7:15pm Confessions+      7:30pm Mass+

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

7:45am Rosary +                      8:30am-9:00pm Adoration for Vocations+

12:00 Noon AA Meeting*                    7:00pm

Thursday, July 3, 2008

7:45am Rosary+                                   12 Noon AA Meeting*

7:10pm Early Bird Bingo**       7:25pm Bingo**          

Friday, July 4, 2008

First Friday

10:00am Mass

Saturday, July 5, 2008

First Saturday

4-5pm Confessions+

Locations: +Church, ++Rectory,*Hall, **School

See front of bulletin for our regular schedule and Please Note from June 16^th through September 2^nd there will be NO noon Mass with the exception of Friday August 15^th the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a holy day of obligation.

BULLETIN DEADLINE:  The deadline for having notices published in the coming week’s Bulletin is Monday, 12 noon

WEDNESDAY ADORATION 

“Could you not watch one hour with me?”  This is what Christ asked His apostles some 2000 years ago.  He asks the same question of you and me today:  Eucharistic Adoration is here every Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.*Adoration on the first Wednesday of the month will be offered for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life & for our priests Fr. Foley & Fr. White.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS:  Thanks to the generosity of Fr. Mark Hughes, pastor of Holy Redeemer Parish, and the hard work of the Knights of Columbus, we are the recipient of a set of outdoor Stations.  They have been erected in the green space to the west of the church.  There is a box on a nearby tree with prayer booklets in it for your use.  Please take the opportunity to experience this prayer in the outdoors.  This might be a new experience for children and a great teaching moment.

RCIA  If you know anyone who would like to learn more about the Catholic church;  If you would be willing to join the RCIA team of Fr. Foley, Fr. White, Vernon Griffith, Geena White, Mary Ellen Gwynn and Charlie Long to share the faith with those inquiring;  If you would be willing to serve as a sponsor for someone in the program to walk the journey with them;  Please call the rectory at 301-627-3255.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION:  If you would like information regarding our religious education program for students not attending a Catholic school, please call Charlie Long at 301-627-4542 or email at crlong2566@aol.com.

CHRISTIAN SERVICE OPPORTUNITY:  Area churches participate in a food bank that operates out of Trinity Episcopal Church, located across from the 7-11 in the town of Upper Marlboro. You can contribute food only on the first weekend of each month.  Volunteers are needed on the second Friday morning of each month at 8:00a.m. to help pack the food for distribution.  Just show up.  Over 125 bags are packed and distributed each month.

PLEASE CALL THE PARISH OFFICE 301-627-3255 and let us know when prayers are needed for the sick or when a name can be removed.  Also, if someone is homebound and would like to receive the Sacraments, please call the Rectory.

IS YOUR MARRIAGE IN TROUBLE?  If your relationship has grown cold and distant, if you are separated or thinking about separation or divorce, we believe that Retrouvaille (French for Rediscovery and pronounced Re-tro-vi) can help.  Retrouvaille is a Catholic program designed to help hurting couples mend and heal their brokenness.  Our next weekend is September 12-14, 2008.  All calls and inquiries are confidential.  For more information please call 410-647-0350 or 301-648-6764 or you can visit our web site at www.HelpOurMarriage.com or email TomnCarol@comcast.net.

ST. MARY’S SCHOOL NEWS

SCHOOL OFFICE During the month of July someone will be in the office to take calls Monday through Friday between the hours of 9a.m. – 12p.m.  Please call 301-627-4170.

PRE KINDERGARTEN:  There are openings for our 4 year old, full day program.  Children enjoy daily math, language arts, science and religion lessons.  There is time for creative play, music & technology exploration.  Contact Steve Showalter 301-627-4170.

LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD STUDENTS/FAMILIES…..  A few spaces remain open for the 2008-2009 school year  in grades Pre-K through 2.  Please visit our website www.stmarysum.org to download an application.  If you know of any families searching for a school offering a quality Catholic education, please share the word.

SCRIP PROGRAM - THANK YOU to all of the families that participated in the Scrip Program this year. We were able to raise more than $10,000 for our school, because of you!!! Remember, many of your favorite cards will still be available during the summer months in the gift shop after each weekend mass. For access to our entire inventory of cards, please visit the rectory during business hours at 301-627-3255.

GARY LEE RYON JR MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP  Congratulations to Eddie Garcia this year’s recipient of $4000 to be applied to his high school tuition over four years.  If you would like more information please visit the website www.garyryonmemorial.org

GIFT SHOP  For a limited time, all books over $5 in the gift shop are 15% off the sticker price, with the exception of Bibles and missals. Stop by and peruse the new catechisms and supplements and the new Father's Day selections.  Lots of titles would make great summer beach or poolside reading.  New Bibles are on order and should arrive shortly.

ST. ANTHONY’S BRIDAL is a local non-profit organization which offers free use of wedding dress, veil, slip, bridesmaids gowns, tuxes tablecloths, etc., and other bridal goods. Please see www.stanthonysbridal.com for more information.  Brides, donors and volunteers please contact us at SusanAnnSFO@verizon.net or call 240-744-2690.

ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY NEWS  If you wonder what your parish SVDP conference is doing since reactivating this past month, we are busy assisting persons from Upper Marlboro and the larger Prince Georges County community.  Requests for rent, mortgage and utility help is a large and growing part of what we are seeing.  Please continue to support the work of St. Mary’s SVDP conference by giving generously through Poor Box donations and SVDP designated assistance in our collections.  SVDP meetings will be held every 2^nd & 4^th Wednesday in the PCR Building.

HOW DO WE BEGIN STUDYING THEOLOGY: What is the meaning of the Creed which Catholics recite at Sunday Mass?  EPS, which educates Catholics to understand, live and Share their faith will offer the opportunity to begin addressing these questions with This We Believe, a study of the creed and introduction to the study of theology, Tuesdays and Thursdays, July 15, 17, 22 & 24, between 9:30-11:30 a.m.  Rev.  Michael Gallagher will be the instructor.  The course is offered on the campus of Trinity University, 125 Michigan Ave., NE, Washington, DC  Contact Ann Kitterman at 202-884-9030 or kittermana@trinitydc.edu or see web site at www.eps.trinitydc.edu.

He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter said in reply, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus said to him in reply, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father."

Mt 16:15-17

BINGO every Thursday evening at the School.  Early bird games begin at 7:10, regular games at 7:25.  As always, the Jackpot is worth $1,000 within the progressive number**Please Note:  Bingo is cancelled on July 3^rd*

Send mail to webmaster@stmarysum.org with questions or comments about this web site.