9:30 am

Thanks to all who picked a card from the “Vocations Tree.” Please keep up the daily prayers for seminarians throughout Lent—and beyond, if you wish. By the way, did you notice each seminarian’s card lists his stage of formation? Did you wonder what it means? Archdiocesan seminarians go through many years of formation before ordination. A seminarian who has just begun his formation journey spends at least a year of further discernment and preparation (Propaedeutic Stage) before starting more rigorous studies. Then he enters the Discipleship Stage while earning a bachelor’s degree in philosophy (First College, Second College, Third College, Fourth College). If he already has a bachelor’s degree, then he enters the Discipleship Stage while studying philosophy in a pre-theology program (First Pre-Theology, Second Pre-Theology). After the Discipleship Stage, a seminarian advances to the Configuration Stage while studying graduate-level theology for 3.5 to 5 years (First Theology, Second Theology, and so forth.). At any stage in his formation, a seminarian may spend a year at a parish (Pastoral Year). After being ordained a transitional deacon, but before being ordained a priest, a seminarian will complete the 6- to 12-month Vocational Synthesis Stage. If you picked a deacon, pray for him in a special way: He is preparing for ordination in June, God willing!

The Class of 1965 from Holy Redeemer School, Kensington, MD is holding a 60th year reunion on October 25, 2025.  Any member of the class of 1965 can contact Mike English at mfe0825@yahoo.com, Lois Veith-Boylan at boylan2@msn.com, Mary Dee Rosenberg-Prunchak at mprunchak@aol.com, and Tony Chite at tonycdeb@verizon.com for additional information.

The Rock Creek Council of the Knights of Columbus is sponsoring a youth chess tournament on Sunday afternoon, 30 March, for players in grades K through 8.  Registration is from 11:30 am to 12 pm, games are played from 12:15 to 2:45 followed by an awards ceremony.  The event will be held at 5417 West Cedar Lane in Bethesda.  The cost is $15 which will be donated to a local charity.  Players must register in advance.  Food and refreshments will be available.  Please sign up by emailing your information (name, grade, and school name) to the tournament coordinator at mhoulihan.kofcrockcreekchess@gmail.com.  All players at any skill level are welcome.

You are cordially invited to join us for Nativity Church’s “Healing Mass,” on Thursday, April 10th, 7:00pm.

All are welcome!!

A “Healing Mass represents a special request for God’s healing power…which can be reflected in songs, prayers, and spiritual readings.

A “Healing Mass” focuses on praying for healing..not just for physical issues but also for emotional and spiritual well-being.  It involves symbolic actions like laying of hands and anointing with oil.  

Going to a “Healing Mass” is an excellent opportunity to  experience the profound love, compassion, mercy, and healing of Jesus Christ, through the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit.

Serving as celebrant and con-celebrants are:

* Very Rev Fr. Pawel Sass

* Msgr Raymond East

* Very Rev Fr. Cornelius Ejiogu

* Fr. Ebuka Mbanude

* Fr. Shawn Foggo

* Fr. Mario Majano

After Mass, in the church lounge, there will be time to meet and share your thoughts with others.

The social is hosted by the Knights of Columbus, who will also assist during the “Healing Mass” and will provide rosaries for all.  

Come and receive God’s love.

Peace and blessings.  

We were shocked to learn via EWTN that 50% of struggling pregnant mothers that have abortions are in their 20's and that 60% of those having abortions have one or more children.  We can help these struggling mothers make the right decision by supplying them with the items they so desperately need. Please visit our Website for more information about the items needed. Women volunteers are urgently needed to assist these mothers. This includes keeping in touch with them via text, phone, or e-mail during their pregnancy; bringing them needed items, such as diapers, baby clothes, formula, etc., that are provided by the project; and praying for them. The average time commitment is 15 minutes or less per week. Men are also needed to set up cribs or to pick up donations once or twice per month. Join our volunteer team members so that we can help the more than 370 struggling moms and their families now being assisted. Please visit our Website for more information at www.gpmoco.org or contact Deirdre Whitty, whitty7@comcast.net or Sandy Buffalano, sbuffalano@aol.com.  

Mark your calendar……….

Tuesday, May 13^th.  This date is a two in one fellowship!

Our annual Memorial Mass (usually in June at Holy Redeemer) will be at 11.00 a.m. at Our Lady of Grace.  Father Mark Hughes will be our celebrant.  Before Mass you may write the name(s) of your loved ones in our Memorial book.

After Mass we will have a delicious buffet meal ($25) in the parish center with an Asian theme to it …