"Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever." Psalm 72:7

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Upcoming News and Announcements - 11/5/2025

Monday is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary and is a Holy Day of Obligation with Masses offered at 5:00am, 6:30am, 9:15am, 12:00pm, 5:30pm in the main church.
 
Weekday Adoration has started in the Parish Center Chapel because often it happens that we must suspend Exposition and Adoration in the church due to a funeral, wedding rehearsal or wedding.  So that we do not have to interrupt Exposition, a possible solution may be to move Exposition to the chapel in the Parish Center.  After speaking with many people, perhaps we can try Exposition in the chapel which started Monday, December 1st.   The hours for Exposition will be 7am-7pm – 60 hours per week!  Please consider if you and your family can spend an hour each week with our Eucharistic Lord.  A commitment to an hour on a particular day each week can be made online at www.SMOS.weadorehim.com or on the sign-up sheets in the narthex.
 
Christmas tree sales started on Saturday, November 29th at the Historic Church. The tree lot is open during the week from 6:00pm to 9:00pm and on Saturday from 9:00am to 9:00pm and on Sunday from 11:00am to 7:00pm.
 
The Catholic Women’s Group is hosting an Advent Lunch in St. Joseph’s Hall on Wednesday, December 10th. See the bulletin for contact information.
 
Preschool is having a coat drive through December 5th for children through teens coat, gloves, hats. The collection box is in the Parish Center foyer.
 
Deacon Nick will be offering and Advent series, entitled “Celebrating Advent, the Coming of the Messiah” on Tuesday evenings from 7pm to 8pm in St. Joseph’s Hall.
 
House of Mercy is sponsoring a Toy Drive for Kids for Christmas. Donate new unwrapped toys valued at $25 in the box in the Parish Center foyer or see the QR code in the bulletin or narthex or go to www.houseofmercyva.org/Christmas-with-Mercy.
 
“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.
 
Children’s Christmas Party will be held in Farrell Hall on Saturday, December 13th from 12:00pm-2:00pm. Children must be accompanied by a parent.
 
Next weekend the second collection will benefit Catholic Charities’ Christmas collection.
 
Next weekend the Knights are hosting a Spaghetti Dinner after the 5:00pm Mass on Saturday and Pancake Breakfast after the 7:30am and 9:30am Masses in Farrell Hall. Great food and fellowship.
 
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:
  • Starting December 1st, All-day Adoration in the Parish Center Chapel from 7:00am until 7:00pm and on First Friday, all-night Adoration from 7:00pm is available in the church 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. Next coffee and breakfast will be December 7th.
  • Luminaries of Holy Mary will meet on the first Monday of the month in the Conference Room 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. 
  • Diapers, 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.
  • 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:
 
  • Deacon Nick will be offering and Advent series, entitled “Celebrating Advent, the Coming of the Messiah” on Tuesday evenings from 7pm to 8pm in St. Joseph’s Hall.
  • Penance Service will be offered on Monday, December 15th at 4:00pm and Monday, December 22nd at 7:00pm in the church.
  • Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass will be offered at 7:00pm on Friday, December 12th with a reception afterwards in Farrell Hall. See the bulletin for details.
  • Simbang Gabi Mass will be offered at 7:00pm on Friday, December 19th in the church. Come support St. Mary’s Filipino American ministry.
 
  • 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.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CLICK ON A TOPIC BELOW:

Moving Foward

Help us get ready for Christmas with decorating the church on December 23rd after the 9:15am Mass. No experience needed, just a willingness to help.

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

SMoSCaring Community