"Let the Lord enter; He is king of glory." Psalm 24:7 and 10

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Upcoming News and Announcements - 12/25/2025

Fr. Vander Woude has given the families in the parish a book for Christmas, Slowing Down to the Speed of Joy by Matthew Kelly. They are available in the narthex. Please only take one per family as quantities are limited.
 
If you are interested in attending the March for Life with SMOS, please email jonathanr@stmaryofsorrows.org prior to Christmas if you want to join us ….we will be riding with Holy Spirit parish for free on their buses.
 
Help us get ready for Christmas with decorating the church on December 24th after the 9:15am Mass. 
 
Weekday Adoration has started in the Parish Center Chapel.   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.  Sign up online at www.SMOS.weadorehim.com or on the sign-up sheets in the narthex.
 
Adoration will be offered from 7:00am to 3:00pm on Wednesday, December 24th and Friday, December 26th from 7:00am to 7:00pm in the Parish Center Chapel.
 
The Parish Center Office will be closed Christmas Eve, December 24th until Monday, December 29th and on January 1st.
 
SMOS is joining Holy Spirit Parish for the VA March for Life on April 22, 2025. To RSVP, please email jonathanr@stmaryofsorrows.org.
 
The second collection on the weekend of January 11th will benefit the Porto Charities, for the Special Kids/Special Needs program that assists in providing access to diocesan Catholic schools for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
 
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 Adoration is 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. 
  • 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.
  • Patricians meet monthly on the first Monday of the month at 7:00pm in Farrell Hall to discuss Catholic topics.
  • 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 collection is this weekend in the Parish Center foyer.
  • The second collection on the third Sunday of the month is for debt reduction. 
  • Spaghetti and Pancakes will be offered the weekend of January 11th.
  • 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 Table 4th 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:
  • 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.
  • Epiphany Water Blessing will be held on Monday, January 5, 2026 at 6:30pm in the church. Bring a gallon or more of water to be blessed.
  • Bingo will be played on January 17th. Bakers are needed. Bring the family for food and fun!
 
L’Epifania Italian Potluck Dinner Friday, January 9, 2026
 
Parishioners are invited to a Social Community event
sponsored by
     The Italian Heritage Society   
Italian Feast celebrated in Italy to commemorate the visit of the three Wise Men (Magi)
bearing gifts to the infant Jesus.   Celebrating La Befana tradition, too.
Friday, January 9, 2026
St. Mary of Sorrows, Parish Center, Farrell Hall
5222 Sideburn Road
Fairfax, VA 22032
6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
 
Members: please bring your dues for 2026, single $10, family $15.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CLICK ON A TOPIC BELOW:

Moving Foward

The Christmas Mass schedule is as follows:
 
Vigil Masses for December 24th are offered at 5:00pm, 7:00pm and Midnight.
Christmas Day Masses will be celebrated at 5:30am, 7:30am, 9:30am and 11:30am. There will not be a 5:00pm Mass on Christmas Day.
 
January 1st is a Holy Day of Obligation, The Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God and the Mass schedule is as follows:
 
Vigil Masses for December 31st are offered at 5:00pm and Midnight.
Holy Day Masses will be celebrated at 5:30am, 7:30am, 9:30am and 11:30am. There will not be a 5:00pm Mass on January 1st.
 

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