The Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
October 18, 2026
9:30 am
The Pope's Prayer Intention for OCTOBER 2026: For mental health ministry. Let us pray that the mental health ministry be established throughout the Church, helping to overcome the stigma and discrimination of persons with mental illnesses.
Respect Life Month Article: Abortion Pills are Dangerous for Mothers and Babies.
More abortions in the United States are now done by taking pills than by surgery in abortion facilities and the rate is increasing. The abortion pill (mifepristone) kills by cutting off an unborn baby’s supply of blood and oxygen. A second pill (misoprostol) induces the mother to push out the baby’s remains.
The abortion pills have been found to cause four times as many complications as surgical abortions. A 2025 study found that 10% of women who take abortion pills need urgent treatment for complications afterwards, such as infections, hemorrhages or incomplete evacuation of a baby’s remains. Yet, The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has removed guardrails around abortion pills, allowing the abortion industry to push pharmaceutical abortion more and more. In 2021, the FDA made the abortion pill available even without an in-person medical visit.
That means that a woman might be taking abortion pills dangerously late in her pregnancy or during a complicated pregnancy when it would be unsafe. Being able to get abortion pills at a local pharmacy or having them mailed to your home means that abortions are now happening everywhere and anywhere. Women can be left suffering through the trauma of delivering their dead babies alone.
Some women who take the first abortion pill may have time to change their minds with an “abortion pill reversal” process, but some states are trying to block access to this last chance for the life of their babies. The abortion industry wants only one choice: abortion. Pray for women who are deceived by the abortion industry.
If you or someone you know has participated in abortion, know that mercy, hope, and healing are available through archdiocesan Project Rachel Ministry. https://adw.org/archdiocesan-offices/project-rachel-ministry/
GABRIEL PROJECT HELP NEEDED. October is Respect Life month. It is a time when you can put your prolife beliefs into action. Women Angel Friends for the Gabriel Project Cluster are needed. Angel friends help struggling pregnant mothers in Montgomery County. They deliver needed items provided by the project, e.g. diapers, clothing, blankets, baby equipment, etc. The time commitment is about 1 hour a month or less. Many of these clients have been told: “No one will help you.” Men are also needed to set up cribs or to pick up donations. Join our volunteer team members so that we can help more needy struggling pregnant moms. 5 mother and daughter teams and 7 husband and wife teams have volunteered. Please visit our Website for more information at http://www.gpmoco.org or contact Deirdre Whitty, whitty7@comcast.net or Sandy Buffalano, sbuffalano@aol.com. Proceeds from the HR Poor Box for October will be split between the Gabriel Project and Centro Tepeyac.
Farm of the Child Benefit Evening
Join Farm of the Child for an inspiring evening in Washington, D.C., with our founder, board members, former missioners, and friends as we share how God continues to transform lives in Honduras, and unveil an exciting new chapter in our mission. The evening will feature live music and a reflection from Fr. Peter Gautsch, O.P., of the Hillbilly Thomists! The event is free, but we ask all those interested in attending to RSVP here: www.farmofthechild.org/events/dc2026
Venue: Father O’Connell Hall, The Catholic University of America
Date & Time: Saturday, November 7 at 6:30 pm
Evening Includes: -Hors d'oeuvres and cocktails -A special live musical performance -Stories of hope and transformation from Farm of the Child
More abortions in the United States are now done by taking pills than by surgery in abortion facilities and the rate is increasing. The abortion pill (mifepristone) kills by cutting off an unborn baby’s supply of blood and oxygen. A second pill (misoprostol) induces the mother to push out the baby’s remains.
The abortion pills have been found to cause four times as many complications as surgical abortions. A 2025 study found that 10% of women who take abortion pills need urgent treatment for complications afterwards, such as infections, hemorrhages or incomplete evacuation of a baby’s remains. Yet, The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has removed guardrails around abortion pills, allowing the abortion industry to push pharmaceutical abortion more and more. In 2021, the FDA made the abortion pill available even without an in-person medical visit.
That means that a woman might be taking abortion pills dangerously late in her pregnancy or during a complicated pregnancy when it would be unsafe. Being able to get abortion pills at a local pharmacy or having them mailed to your home means that abortions are now happening everywhere and anywhere. Women can be left suffering through the trauma of delivering their dead babies alone.
Some women who take the first abortion pill may have time to change their minds with an “abortion pill reversal” process, but some states are trying to block access to this last chance for the life of their babies. The abortion industry wants only one choice: abortion. Pray for women who are deceived by the abortion industry.
If you or someone you know has participated in abortion, know that mercy, hope, and healing are available through archdiocesan Project Rachel Ministry. https://adw.org/archdiocesan-offices/project-rachel-ministry/
GABRIEL PROJECT HELP NEEDED. October is Respect Life month. It is a time when you can put your prolife beliefs into action. Women Angel Friends for the Gabriel Project Cluster are needed. Angel friends help struggling pregnant mothers in Montgomery County. They deliver needed items provided by the project, e.g. diapers, clothing, blankets, baby equipment, etc. The time commitment is about 1 hour a month or less. Many of these clients have been told: “No one will help you.” Men are also needed to set up cribs or to pick up donations. Join our volunteer team members so that we can help more needy struggling pregnant moms. 5 mother and daughter teams and 7 husband and wife teams have volunteered. Please visit our Website for more information at http://www.gpmoco.org or contact Deirdre Whitty, whitty7@comcast.net or Sandy Buffalano, sbuffalano@aol.com. Proceeds from the HR Poor Box for October will be split between the Gabriel Project and Centro Tepeyac.
Farm of the Child Benefit Evening
Join Farm of the Child for an inspiring evening in Washington, D.C., with our founder, board members, former missioners, and friends as we share how God continues to transform lives in Honduras, and unveil an exciting new chapter in our mission. The evening will feature live music and a reflection from Fr. Peter Gautsch, O.P., of the Hillbilly Thomists! The event is free, but we ask all those interested in attending to RSVP here: www.farmofthechild.org/events/dc2026
Venue: Father O’Connell Hall, The Catholic University of America
Date & Time: Saturday, November 7 at 6:30 pm
Evening Includes: -Hors d'oeuvres and cocktails -A special live musical performance -Stories of hope and transformation from Farm of the Child
Holy Redeemer Bible Study
The HR Thursday Morning Bible Study meets weekly from 9:45 am -11:00 am in the Community Room in the church basement. This fall's program began on October 1, 2026. We will be studying The Bible Timeline: The Story of Salvation from Ascension Press, guided by Jeff Cavins. The Bible Timeline is a powerful journey through scripture from creation to the establishment of the Church. The program is filmed in breathtaking locations across the Holy Land, Egypt, Rome and beyond. There are 24 videos - we will watch one every week followed by discussion. There is a workbook available from Ascension Press but not required. All are welcome. For additional information, please contact Catherine Tolnay at cmtolnay@hotmail.com.
Accessing the Formed.org Platform:
Formed.org is an internet platform for the delivery of award-winning, Catholic bible and catechesis programs, movies, audio talks, e-books and more, including programming for children and youths.
Dive into the beauty of the Catholic faith at home or on the go from any internet connected device.
Discover small group bible studies, inspiring children’s shows, sacramental preparation resources, family-friendly movies, and more!
There is something for every member of the family and our Catholic community to help grow closer to Christ and his Church. All of this is available for free to Holy Redeemer parishioners under our parish subscription.
Parishioners who already have accounts can access the Formed.org internet platform by signing in with your email ID. [“Sign In” tab is in upper right part of the web page.] An access link will be sent to your email account [no passwords].
In conjunction with the 75th Anniversary of Holy Redeemer School, we will honor the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati (SCC) at the 9:00 am Mass on Friday, November 6, 2026. After Mass, we will present a plaque, naming all the Sisters who served at Holy Redeemer School and Parish from 1951 to 1984, to Sr. Joan Cook, SC, an alumna of HRS and a Sister of Charity. The Sisters taught generations of HRS children their academic subjects while educating them in the Faith. The Sisters gave of themselves, dedicating their lives to providing HRS children and families with an excellent education.
The plaque will be installed at the front of the school to acknowledge the invaluable work of the Sisters who taught at Holy Redeemer School. We invite all Holy Redeemer Alumnae to join us on November 6 at the church for the 9:00 am Mass and afterwards in front of the school for the dedication of the plaque
The HR Men's Group started on September 12th from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. in the school auditorium, and all men are invited to attend
Aftercare Staff (Part-Time, 2026-2027) Holy Redeemer Catholic School – Kensington, MD
Holy Redeemer Catholic School seeks a part-time Aftercare Teacher for Pre-K through 5th-grade students (ages 3+). Key Responsibilities: • Supervise students to ensure a safe, nurturing environment.
• Assist with snack time, facilitate play, and help with homework. Ideal Qualifications:
• Experience working with children or families. • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• High level of discretion, trustworthiness, and teamwork. To Apply: Send your resume and cover letter to Principal Tommy Corrigan (t.corrigan@hrs-ken.org) and Aftercare Director Kim O’Neill (k.oneill@hrs-ken.org).
The Holy Redeemer Arimatheans are seeking new volunteers. The Arimatheans is a ministry where volunteers serve as acolytes (altar servers) at funeral and memorial Masses, providing assistance to the priest celebrant. This work can be considered a corporal act of mercy, as we participate in the process of respectfully burying the dead by supporting the Masses. All adults are welcome; no experience is needed. If you are interested in this ministry or would like more information, please contact Peter Burgess at 301-502-2866.
Engaged or Married Couples: Are you married or engaged and interested in learning about Natural Family Planning? Join us for an overview of the science and spirituality of Fertility Awareness Based Methods (FABM) to help you choose a method that will work for you. We invite you to attend our next virtual Introduction to NFP class on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 10:00 am – 12:30 pm via Teams. Click here to view our schedule and to register for a class. Following this introductory class, couples choose a method and learn from a trainer certified by Couple to Couple League , BOMA USA, Creighton Method, or the Marquette Method. For more information, contact the Office for Family Life at 301-853-4499 or flm@adw.org.
The 34th International Week of Prayer and Fasting coalition, in collaboration with the Legion of Mary, Marian Fathers, Defend Life, and others are asking members of parishes to unite for nine days of prayer and fasting from November 14 – 22, 2026.
The Opening Day of Prayer for the 34th International Week of Prayer and Fasting will be held on Saturday, November 14th, from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, DC, with Mass at noon, Eucharistic Adoration, the Rosary, Confessions, and speakers. Please register at www.iwopf.org or
call 703-707-0799. This is a FREE event; however, online DONATIONS are welcomed to help support our ministry.
This Year’s theme is: “God’s Influencers”
Saint Francis of Assisi - 800th Anniversary of his death in 1226 & Saint Carlo Acutis
The Official Relic of Saint Carlo Acutis Heart will be available for veneration.
Confirmed speakers on the 14th include: Bishop Emeritus Robert J. Baker; Very Rev. Chris Alar, MIC; Monsignor Anthony Figueiredo, and Ted Flynn.
The Virtual Conference on Nov. 16, 17, & 18 will feature additional speakers, please visit our website www.IWOPF.org for details. Talks are FREE during the actual day of the presentation, or are available for purchase online for future viewing. For more information and to register, please go to www.iwopf.org or call 888-478-PRAY, or 703-707-0799.
The Opening Day of Prayer for the 34th International Week of Prayer and Fasting will be held on Saturday, November 14th, from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, DC, with Mass at noon, Eucharistic Adoration, the Rosary, Confessions, and speakers. Please register at www.iwopf.org or
call 703-707-0799. This is a FREE event; however, online DONATIONS are welcomed to help support our ministry.
This Year’s theme is: “God’s Influencers”
Saint Francis of Assisi - 800th Anniversary of his death in 1226 & Saint Carlo Acutis
The Official Relic of Saint Carlo Acutis Heart will be available for veneration.
Confirmed speakers on the 14th include: Bishop Emeritus Robert J. Baker; Very Rev. Chris Alar, MIC; Monsignor Anthony Figueiredo, and Ted Flynn.
The Virtual Conference on Nov. 16, 17, & 18 will feature additional speakers, please visit our website www.IWOPF.org for details. Talks are FREE during the actual day of the presentation, or are available for purchase online for future viewing. For more information and to register, please go to www.iwopf.org or call 888-478-PRAY, or 703-707-0799.
November 7, 2026 – Father & Son Day
A morning for fathers and their sons grades 5 through 8 at St. Bernadette School, 80 University Blvd. East, Silver Spring, from 8:30am – 1:00pm. This workshop empowers the father-son relationship, to help dads and their sons work, play, and pray together through adolescence and beyond. We will explore how boys are created in God’s image and likeness and equipped with gifts to help them become the faithful, caring men God created them to be. Lunch is included. $30.00 per father & son pair. $10 per additional son. Register by Sunday, November 1, 2026, using this form. For more information, please see the flier or contact the Office of Family Life at flm@adw.org or 301-853-4546.
A morning for fathers and their sons grades 5 through 8 at St. Bernadette School, 80 University Blvd. East, Silver Spring, from 8:30am – 1:00pm. This workshop empowers the father-son relationship, to help dads and their sons work, play, and pray together through adolescence and beyond. We will explore how boys are created in God’s image and likeness and equipped with gifts to help them become the faithful, caring men God created them to be. Lunch is included. $30.00 per father & son pair. $10 per additional son. Register by Sunday, November 1, 2026, using this form. For more information, please see the flier or contact the Office of Family Life at flm@adw.org or 301-853-4546.
