Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
October 25, 2026
9:30 am
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.
Please fill out and bring to church this coming week so we can remember your loved one's throughout November.
Respect Life Month Article -
Update on Physician Assisted Suicide in Maryland
At the current time, there are 12 states and the District of Columbia that have passed bills allowing Physician Assisted Suicide (PAS) and many more that are trying to implement it in their states. Oregon was the first state to allow PAS in 1994. The term PAS has evolved to "medical aid in dying or "end of life option." Since 1995, Maryland has introduced bills to approve PAS multiple times without success; the last in 2025.
What is PAS? A doctor prescribes a lethal drug cocktail that a person picks up at the local pharmacy, grinds up into a half a cup of water and drinks in less than 2 minutes. The bill introduced in Maryland in 2025 required that patients be free from coercion, of sound mind, with no signs of dementia or depression and have a terminal illness with less than six months to live. The bill would give immunity to physicians who prescribe assisted suicide. The bill requires witnesses, some of whom can be benefactors of the estate, to be present when the patient requests PAS from their doctor. There are no requirements for any witnesses at the time of death so there is no way to know if a patient is depressed or coerced when the drugs are taken. Supporters of PAS believe that it creates an illusion that taking your own life is a dignified way to die.
Catholic teaching holds that life is a sacred gift from God, and the intentional ending of life, even to relieve suffering, contradicts this fundamental belief. The Catholic Church’s position is clear: “human life is sacred because from its beginning it involves the creative action of God and remains forever in a special relationship with the Creator, who is its sole end” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2258). This belief extends to the dying process, where Catholics are called to support those at the end of life with compassion, rather than resorting to measures that hasten death. Please continue to pray that PAS does not get introduced in the Maryland General Assembly again.
GABRIEL PROJECT HELP NEEDED
Cooler weather is here and winter is not far away. Many Gabriel Project Cluster client families have children that are without warm clothing (winter coats especially needed). Clothing for infants and young children is appreciated-new or gently used items. Blankets are also needed because many families do not have adequate heat where they are living. Women volunteers are urgently needed to assist struggling pregnant 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. Husband-and-wife team members are needed. The average time commitment is 30 minutes or less per week.
Please visit our Website for more information at www.gpmoco.org or contact Deirdre Whitty, whitty7@comcast.net or Sandy Buffalano, sbuffalano@aol.com
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
Update on Physician Assisted Suicide in Maryland
At the current time, there are 12 states and the District of Columbia that have passed bills allowing Physician Assisted Suicide (PAS) and many more that are trying to implement it in their states. Oregon was the first state to allow PAS in 1994. The term PAS has evolved to "medical aid in dying or "end of life option." Since 1995, Maryland has introduced bills to approve PAS multiple times without success; the last in 2025.
What is PAS? A doctor prescribes a lethal drug cocktail that a person picks up at the local pharmacy, grinds up into a half a cup of water and drinks in less than 2 minutes. The bill introduced in Maryland in 2025 required that patients be free from coercion, of sound mind, with no signs of dementia or depression and have a terminal illness with less than six months to live. The bill would give immunity to physicians who prescribe assisted suicide. The bill requires witnesses, some of whom can be benefactors of the estate, to be present when the patient requests PAS from their doctor. There are no requirements for any witnesses at the time of death so there is no way to know if a patient is depressed or coerced when the drugs are taken. Supporters of PAS believe that it creates an illusion that taking your own life is a dignified way to die.
Catholic teaching holds that life is a sacred gift from God, and the intentional ending of life, even to relieve suffering, contradicts this fundamental belief. The Catholic Church’s position is clear: “human life is sacred because from its beginning it involves the creative action of God and remains forever in a special relationship with the Creator, who is its sole end” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2258). This belief extends to the dying process, where Catholics are called to support those at the end of life with compassion, rather than resorting to measures that hasten death. Please continue to pray that PAS does not get introduced in the Maryland General Assembly again.
GABRIEL PROJECT HELP NEEDED
Cooler weather is here and winter is not far away. Many Gabriel Project Cluster client families have children that are without warm clothing (winter coats especially needed). Clothing for infants and young children is appreciated-new or gently used items. Blankets are also needed because many families do not have adequate heat where they are living. Women volunteers are urgently needed to assist struggling pregnant 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. Husband-and-wife team members are needed. The average time commitment is 30 minutes or less per week.
Please visit our Website for more information at www.gpmoco.org or contact Deirdre Whitty, whitty7@comcast.net or Sandy Buffalano, sbuffalano@aol.com
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 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.
PROJECT RACHEL MINISTRY
Entering Canaan - Day of Prayer and Healing.
Have you experienced guilt, shame,
regret, or sadness after an abortion? Do you wonder if God can ever forgive you? Project Rachel invites men and women to a Day of Prayer and Healing.
Women: October 10, 2026
Men: November 14, 2026
During this retreat, you will encounter the healing grace of the
Sacraments, hear a witness talk, and be supported by a caring
retreat team in a safe, judgment-free environment. Experience God's mercy, healing, and hope.
For more information or to register, please contact Project Rachel Ministry.
301-982-2008.
Once you register, you will receive the confidential retreat location.
For Women: hope@adw.org
For Men: prmwashington@adw.org
You may also scan the QR code for additional information and registration details.
Sponsored by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington
Entering Canaan - Day of Prayer and Healing.
Have you experienced guilt, shame,
regret, or sadness after an abortion? Do you wonder if God can ever forgive you? Project Rachel invites men and women to a Day of Prayer and Healing.
Women: October 10, 2026
Men: November 14, 2026
During this retreat, you will encounter the healing grace of the
Sacraments, hear a witness talk, and be supported by a caring
retreat team in a safe, judgment-free environment. Experience God's mercy, healing, and hope.
For more information or to register, please contact Project Rachel Ministry.
301-982-2008.
Once you register, you will receive the confidential retreat location.
For Women: hope@adw.org
For Men: prmwashington@adw.org
You may also scan the QR code for additional information and registration details.
Sponsored by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington
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.
