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 (301) 627-3255
14908 Main Street Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20772
email: rectory@stmarysum.org
Business Hours for the Rectory 10am - 5pm Monday through Friday (301) 627-3255 |
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Download Lenten information booklet (PDF format)
Even now, says the Lord, return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning. Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the Lord, your God. (Joel 2:12-13)  
Lent at St. Mary of the Assumption 2010
Ash Wednesday, February 17 to Palm Sunday, March 28
Cursillo Weekend for Women. Contact Fr. Foley for additional information 301-627-3255 Annual Men’s Retreat, March 5-7 At Loyola Retreat House, Contact Vernon Griffith 301-627– 2177 Why do we receive ashes?
Ashes are an ancient symbol of repentance (sackcloth and ashes). They also remind us of our mortality ("remember that you are dust") and thus of the day when we will stand before God and be judged. To prepare well for the day we die, we must die now to sin and rise to new life in Christ. Being marked with ashes at the beginning of Lent indicates our recognition of the need for deeper conversion of our lives during this season of renewal.
Here at St. Mary’s, the ashes are made by burning the blessed palms that were distributed last year on Palm Sunday; many of you returned your palms from your homes. The burning of the palms will be done after the 11:30a.m. Mass on February 14.
Lent 2010
The key to understanding the meaning of Lent is simple: Baptism! Preparation for baptism and for renewing baptismal commitment lies at the heart of the season. Since the Second Vatican Council, the Church has reemphasized the baptismal character of Lent, especially through the restoration of the Catechumenate (weekly gatherings for those who have made the decision to join the Catholic faith) and its Lenten rituals. Our challenge today is to renew our understanding of this important season of the Church year.
Lent is about conversion, turning our lives more completely over to Christ and His way of life. That always involves giving up sin in some form. The goal is not just to abstain from sin for the duration of Lent but to root sin out of our lives forever. Conversion means leaving behind an old way of living and acting in order to embrace new life in Christ.
Lenten Regulations Fasting: Those 18 years old and not yet 60 years old are obliged to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday: One main meal, two partial meals, and no snacks in between. Abstinence: Those 14 and over are obliged to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent. Please note: Lent is a time for penance and recognition of past sins.
Shrove Tuesday - February 16 St. Mary’s Knights of Columbus will follow the tradition of Shrove Tuesday by serving a pancake dinner on Tuesday, February 16 from 5:30-7:30p.m. at the school. Donations accepted. (for “What is Shrove Tuesday”, see page 4)
Ash Wednesday - February 17 Mass Times: 8a.m.: 10a.m. at the school; 12 Noon; & 7:30p.m. Rosary at 7:40a.m. (Ashes are distributed after the Homily)
This Lent
History of the Mass Tuesdays, February 16 through March 30 Lecture series every Tuesday in Lent 8:30a.m. in church hall & 6:45p.m. at the school.
Eucharistic Adoration with Music by Mark Forrest (see page 8) Friday, March 19, 7:00- 9:00 p.m. in the Church.
Prayer, fasting and almsgiving … Since the early centuries, the Church has suggested we undertake these during Lent. It is for this reason that the Gospel text for Ash Wednesday every year is Jesus’ advice on prayer, fasting and almsgiving. During Lent, let us pray more, fast and help the poor.
Sundays in Lent
Regular Mass Schedule: 7:30a.m.; 9:30a.m.; 11:30a.m.
First Sunday of Lent - February 21 9:30a.m. Mass: Rite of Sending Forth of our catechumen and candidates. See “RCIA” page 7. 3:00p.m. Rite of Election at the Shrine. See “RCIA” page 7
Third, Fourth and Fifth Sundays of Lent - March 7, 14, and 21 9:30a.m Mass: Celebration of the Scrutinies. See “RCIA” page 7.
Palm Sunday, March 28 9:30a.m. and 11:30a.m. Masses: Procession will begin outside the Church with the blessing of palms.
Special Events: Penance Service with Fr. Larry Swink, 5:30 pm, March 7 at the Church (Confirmation and RCIA Candidates & Catechumens’ attendance required.) Seder Meal, at the school, details will be available in future bulletins
What is Shrove Tuesday? Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, past tense of “shrive,” to hear a confession, assign penance, and absolve from sin, a reminder we are entering a season of penance - Lent.
Pancakes and Shrove Tuesday: Historically, as the faithful prepared for the beginning of the 40-day Lenten fasting period and forbidden by the church to consume meat, fat, eggs or dairy products, families had to use up these foods so they would not go bad by the time the fast ended on Easter Sunday. What to do? Solution: use up the milk, butter and eggs no later than Shrove Tuesday (or “Fat Tuesday”). And so, with the addition of a little flour, the solution quickly presented itself in... Pancakes! And lots of them! See page 3.
Mondays in Lent
Regular Mass Schedule: 8a.m. and 12 Noon (Rosary 7:40a.m.)
Special Events: Monday, March 31, Chrism Mass at Cathedral of St. Matthew 7p.m. Arrive early
Tuesdays in Lent
Regular Mass Schedule: 8a.m. and 7:30p.m. (Rosary 7:40a.m. & 6:55p.m.)
CCD Class: 6:30p.m.-7:45p.m. (at the school) Held every Tuesday in Lent except March 30 and April 6.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: 8:30a.m., Rosary at 6:55pm, with Benediction at 7:20p.m.
Confessions: 6:30p.m.-7:15p.m
Special Events: “History of the Mass” , February 16 through March 30 Lecture Series every Tuesday in Lent twice a day 8:30a.m. at the church hall AND 6:45p.m. at the school
Healing Mass on February 16 and March 9: Preceded by Adoration until 7:20p.m., Rosary at 6:55p.m. and Benediction at 7:20p.m.
Wednesdays in Lent (except Ash Wednesday)
Regular Mass Schedule: 8a.m. and 12 Noon (Rosary 7:40a.m.)
Special Events: “Light Is On For You” Confessions: Every Wednesday in Lent 6:30-8:00p.m., with Exposition at 6:25p.m. and Benediction at 8:00p.m. Tenebrae Service, Wednesday, March 31, after Benediction
Thursdays in Lent
Regular Mass Schedule: 8a.m. and 12 Noon (Rosary 7:40a.m.)
RCIA Class- 7:15pm.-8:45p.m. church hall, Every Thursday Except April 1
What is Tenebrae Service? Tenebrae - meaning darkness or shadow devotion dates back to 7th or 8th century - is characterized by Scripture readings and successive extinguishing of candles as the service progresses. Following the opening prayer, the service is divided into three Nocturns, each with three Psalms and each preceded and concluded by an appropriate antiphon. After the third Nocturn the service concludes with Psalm 51 and removal of the Christ Candle for a time, symbolizing Our Lords death and burial. The strepitus is heard, a harsh noise, indicating the closing of the tomb. The Christ Candle is then returned to its place in anticipation of Our Lords Resurrection. (March 31)
Fridays in Lent
Regular Mass Schedule: 8a.m. and 12 Noon in church (Rosary 7:40a.m.) 8:45a.m. at school (no school Mass on Friday February 19 or Friday March12)
First Friday Devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus: March 5 after 8a.m. Mass & April 2 is Good Friday-no Mass
Stations of the Cross: (All Stations will be held at the church during Lent, except Good Friday at noon to be held outside) February 19 @ 1:00p.m. and 7:30p.m. (Rosary at 7p.m.) February 26 @ 1:00p.m. and 7:30p.m. “ “ March 5 @ 1:00p.m. and 7:30p.m. ‘’ ‘’ March 12 @ 1:00p.m. and 7:30pm “ “ March 19 @ 1:00p.m. -none at 7:30pm- see special event below March 26 @ 1:00p.m. and 7:30p.m. “ “ Note: After the Stations of the Cross, there will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, short scripture meditation, ending with Benediction.
Soup and Salad: (except March 19) Every Friday, 6:00p.m.-7:15p.m. - Soup & Salad will be served in the parish hall before the evening Stations of the Cross. If you haven’t come in the past, please consider coming – enjoy a good meal and fellowship!! No charge.
Special Event : Eucharistic Adoration with Music and Meditation by Mark Forrest, Int’l Tenor!! Friday March 19, in the Church 7:00–9:00 p.m. All are welcome! Confirmation and RCIA candidates and catechumen’s attendance required. (See page 8)
Saturdays in Lent
Regular Mass Schedule: Saturday Daily Mass 8a.m. (Rosary 7:40a.m.) Saturday Vigil Masses 5:00p.m and 7:00p.m.
Regular Confession Schedule: 3:45-4:45 pm
First Saturdays, March 6 and April 3: Fatima Devotions at 7:30a.m. Mass at 8a.m. followed by confessions
Fourth Saturdays February 27 and March 27: Prayer Pilgrimage to Abortion Mill In Berwyn Heights. Carpools form outside of church at 8:30p.m. For other days and times to pray at the mill during Lent, see “40 Days for Life” on page 8. Great idea for your Lenten fasting and prayer
Why do we cover the statues on the Fifth Sunday of Lent?
This practice is dependent upon the decision of the bishops' conference of a given country. However, the covering is not done throughout all of Lent. The crosses (crucifixes) and statues are covered only from the Fifth Sunday of Lent and removed before the Easter Vigil.
The purpose of covering the crosses is to emphasize it being revealed on Good Friday. The purpose of covering other images is to take the focus off the images and focus the attention of the people on the central mysteries of our faith — the death and resurrection of Jesus. Vigil candles are also removed.
LENT AND RCIA
FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT - FEBRUARY 21 This day marks the end of the RCIA period called the Catechumenate and the beginning of the Purification period. Two related rituals will take place on this day. At the 9:30a.m. Mass, the catechumens and candidates will be addressed, prayed over, and asked to enroll their names in the Book of the Elect. Sponsors and Team members will be involved in the rite. This is a formal statement of their intent to enter the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil.
At 3p.m., the candidates and catechumens will gather at the National Shrine along with persons from all over the Archdiocese. They will once again publicly declare their intentions to enter the Church. They will be received and prayed over by the Archbishop.
RITE OF DISMISSAL: At the 9:30 a.m. and 11:30a.m. Masses on the Sundays of Lent (see schedule below), the catechumens and candidates will be dismissed after the Liturgy of the Word. They will spend the remainder of the Mass time reflecting on the readings with the help of the RCIA Team members.
SCRUTINIES: In addition to being dismissed, on the 3rd, 4th & 5th Sundays of Lent, we will celebrate what are called the Scrutinies. These rituals focus on life, freedom, and salvation. They include prayers and the imposition of hands. The readings for these weeks focus on water, light and new life. We will all be praying that whatever makes us weak and sinful will be rooted out of our lives as we move toward the great celebration of Easter.
Schedule for Dismissals and Scrutinies February 21 9:30a.m Mass - Rite of Sending Forth February 28 11:30a.m. Mass - Dismissal March 7 11:30a.m. Mass - 1st Scrutiny and Dismissal March 14 9:30a.m. Mass - 2nd Scrutiny and Dismissal March 21 11:30a.m. Mass - 3rd Scrutiny and Dismissal March 28 9:30a.m. Mass - Dismissal (Palm Sunday)
RECEPTION INTO THE CHURCH - Easter Vigil, April 4, 8p.m. At the Easter Vigil, the catechumens will be baptized, confirmed and receive the Eucharist for the first time. Some are adult Catholics receiving Confirmation only. The candidates will profess their faith and be joined in full communion with the Church. They are confirmed and receive the Eucharist for the first time. Please pray for our catechumens and candidates: (See pictures in back of the Church.)
THIS LENT EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Friday, March 19, 7-9 p.m. in St. Mary’s Church With amazing Music and Meditations by Mark Forrest, World Famous Irish Tenor!
Join us for a night of Adoration that you will not forget as we praise and glorify Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament through the gift of music, meditation, and prayer. Suggested Donation: $10-20 per family
301-627-6131 or Parish Office 301-627-3255 Light refreshments to follow
Confirmation and RCIA Candidates and Catechumen’ attendance required.
Light Refreshments to Follow
THE LIGHT IS ON FOR YOU!  Wednesdays in Lent - 6:30-8p.m.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation – or Confession – “is the story of God’s love that never turns away from us. Like the father in the parable of the prodigal son, God waits, watches and hopes for our return every time we walk away. Like the son in the parable, all we need do to return to our Father is to recognize our wrong and seek God’s love. He offers us reconciliation if we ask for it.” Archbishop Donald Wuerl
During Lent, from February 17 - March 30, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is available every Wednesday at St. Mary’s from 6:30p.m.-8p.m. (in addition to our other scheduled Confession times). (See page 5) Come and experience God’s mercy and forgiveness.
This Lent … “40 Days for Life” February 17 – March 28
Calling all St. Mary’s Parishioners, School Families, and Friends!!
What role is St. Mary’s playing in “40 Days for Life”?: To join other local church and religious groups this Lent for 40 days of prayer and fasting to end abortion and for the closure of the: Metropolitan Family Planning Abortion Mill; 5915 Greenbelt Rd., Berwyn Heights, MD.
What are we asking from you?: Please sign up for at least one hour from Feb. 17 through March 28 from 6a.m.-9p.m. to pray at the Berwyn Heights abortion mill. Sign up by going to http://www.vigilcalendar.com/berwynheights/schedule/weekly/1266127200. (It may only allow you to enter two names in a time slot, but bring as many as you would like!) Consider making this part of your Lenten sacrifice and prayer!
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