'Our help is from the Lord. who made heaven and earth." Psalm 121:2

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Upcoming News and Announcements - 10/17/2025

The Bishops from our diocese, Arlington and the Richmond diocese have issued a joint letter concerning the election this November, in which the stress, “Protecting life is paramount. Above all else, addressing the tragedy of abortion is the ‘pre-eminent priority because it directly attacks our most vulnerable and voiceless brothers and sisters and destroys more than a million lives per year in our country alone’ (Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, Introductory Note, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2023).” The entire letter can be read by clicking the link https://vacatholic.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/BishopsPreElectionLetter-QR-Code-Final.pdf.
 
“A Walk through of the Mass” lecture series with Deacon Nick will be start this Tuesday, October 14th and continue through November 18th (No lecture on November 11th) from 10:15am to 11:15am in St. Joseph’s Hall. The topic for this week is “An Introduction to the Mass.”
 
Knights of Columbus LogoFinancial Seminar and Social in St. Joseph’s Hall on Wednesday at 7:00pm. Learn the benefits offered to Catholics through the Knights of Columbus. The bulletin has details.
 
“Taste of the World” International Night event is on Saturday, October 18th at 6:30pm in the Parish Center. Come experience foods from around the world!!
 
Homeschooling Group and Youth Ministry will be giving out “Boxes of Joy” for an outreach project for children all over the world this weekend. Details can be found in the bulletin or see the volunteers outside church.
 
The second collection this weekend will be for the reduction of our debt on the church mortgage. World Mission Sunday collection will be taken the weekend of October 26th.
 
Pick up a bulletin before you come into Mass, the hymn numbers are on the front of the bulletin.
 
Join the Italian Heritage Society to celebrate Italian American Heritage Month at our next meeting in Farrell Hall on October 24,2025 from 6:00pm-8:30pm.  Please bring an Italian dish to share (serving 10). The Topic is Italian immigration to the Washington DC area presented in the Italian American Museum of Washington DC next to Holy Rosary Church. We will discuss the many contributions of Italian Americans to the USA.
 
Children’s choir (grades 3-7) has started but if you are interested, please reach out to Seth Jines at sethj@stmaryofsorrows.org.
 
SAVE THE DATE: The following events are coming up. Please make note on your calendar and watch for further information in our bulletin, on our website or in future Flocknotes!!
 
Scheduled Monthly Events:
 
  • All-day and all-night Adoration is available every First Friday with Saturday devotions on the First Saturdays of the month.
  • Young Adults gather for coffee and breakfast the first Sunday of the month after the 9:30am Mass every month. 
  • Luminaries of Holy Mary will meet on the first Monday of the month in the Parish Center Chapel from 5:00pm to 6:30pm to discuss Fatima and pray the Rosary. Join them.
  • Family Adoration is normally offered every third Saturday of the month starting at 10:00am in the new church. Family Adoration will be held on this Saturday, October 18th at 10:00am. Bring the whole family!!!
  • Diaper, Wipes and Formula will be collected during the weekend of the fourth Sunday of the month and donations can be left in the foyer of the Parish Center. 
  • The second collection on the third Sunday of the month is for debt reduction. This weekend, the second collection will benefit the repayment of our loan for the church.
  • Food Pantry donation bags are usually given out the first weekend of the month with the collection through the second Sunday at 1:00pm. 
  • Martha’s Table4th Sunday Sandwich Collection will be on the fourth Sunday, only from 1-3 PM.Drop off at the back of Farrell Hall (Door 4). Full details at tinyurl.com/MTSandwiches.
 
Upcoming Events:
 
  • AOH Ladies Fancy Irish Tea will be held in St. Joseph’s Hall on November 5th from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. $25 fee due at registration. Contact Thelma at 703-978-1163 or Michele at 703-425-1036.
  • The relics of St. Therese are coming to the Washington DC area and click here for the more information.  https://stthereseusa2025.com/.
  • The Boy Scouts are selling ornaments of the new church. They can be purchased at the front office in the Parish Center during normal business hours and at Parish Events.
  • “Wreaths Across America” is December 13, 2025 in the Historic Church Cemetery. If you want to support this event, see the bulletin this week for details.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CLICK ON A TOPIC BELOW:

Moving Foward

St. Mary of Sorrows is fortunate this coming week to host the Knights of Columbus Silver Rose from Monday Oct 20 through Saturday Oct 25. The Silver Rose is a sculpture that represents one of the roses carried by St. Juan Diego, in his cloak, from Tepeyac Hill to Bishop Juan de Zumarraga of Mexico.  Those roses, by the power of our Lady, created the image we see of Our Lady of Guadalupe.  This occasion provides us all an opportunity to pray the Rosary for the respect of life, the spiritual renewal of our own nation and the advancement of the message of Our Lady of Guadalupe.  Please join us during the week and at our special prayer service on Friday night at the church at 7 pm.

Welcome from our Pastor

On behalf of our parish family, welcome to St. Mary of Sorrows parish website! We would love for you to join us on Sunday, and every day!  Please look over our website and if we can be of help to you, please do not hesitate to contact me or a staff member. Our mission/vision statement is listed below to provide you with a deeper sense of our commitment to our Lord Jesus.

In Christ Through Mary,
Rev. Thomas P. Vander Woude, Pastor

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