March 2010

Beloved:

Over the years we have tried to communicate information about church news and events using a variety of means including: The Chimes, weekly bulletin inserts, announcement time at liturgy and through the parish e-mail list. With this mailing, we are trying something different in hopes of getting information about the parish to you in a timelier manner.  The goal is to send a short newsletter highlighting parish news and events on a monthly basis. I hope you find it helpful.   

Fr. John Ball +

Rector

Our annual parish meeting and vestry election is scheduled for Sunday, March 21^st, at 11:45 am.  During that meeting, we will discuss matters pertaining to our parish life, mission and ministries, and we will elect four persons to serve on the vestry.  The following parishioners have been nominated by the nominating committee and have agreed to stand for election:  Cary Braun, Dan Ingersoll, Kevin O’Toole and Barbara Svenson.  Fixings for deli-style sandwiches will be available during the meeting.  Please call the office 301-862-4597, and let us know if you are planning to attend.

As of March 11th, we have received 49 pledge cards totaling $144,084. In order to avoid a budget deficit for 2010, we need your help.  If you have not yet submitted a pledge card for this year, please do it today.  St. Mary’s Parish depends on every member’s pledges of time, talent and money to continue our mission of proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ to the people of St. Mary’s County and beyond. If you need a blank pledge card, please call the office, 301-862-4597, or check with an usher at one of the Sunday services.

·         Palm Sunday – Liturgy of the Palms & Holy Eucharist

o   8 am @ St. Mary’s Chapel           

o   10:30 am & 7 pm @ Trinity Church

·         Tuesday in Holy Week – Tenebrae –

o   7 pm @ Trinity Church

·         Maundy Thursday – Foot Washing & Holy Eucharist –

o    7 pm @ Trinity Church

·         Good Friday –

o   Noon – Stations of the Cross @ Trinity Church

§  To be held outside, weather permitting

o   7 pm – Good Friday Liturgy & Communion from the Pre-Sanctified

§  Note: A small amount of incense will be used at the 7 pm service.

·         Holy Saturday – Quiet Day

o   The church will be open for quiet meditation. People are encouraged to stroll the grounds in quiet meditation if the weather permits.

o   Clergy will be available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation by appointment.

§  Call Fr. John @ 240-925-0752

§  Call Fr. Christopher @ 301-247-2482

·         Easter Sunday –

o   5:30 am @ St. Mary’s Chapel – The Great Vigil & First Eucharist of Easter

o   Buffet Breakfast $10 per person @ Spinnaker’s @ Point Lookout Marina, 16244 Millers Wharf Road, Ridge, MD 20680-3122, Phone (301) 872-5020

§  NOTE: Please make a reservation by calling the office by Sunday, March 28^th, 301-862-4597.

o   10:30 am @ Trinity Church – Festival Eucharist, Coffee Hour & Easter Egg Hunt

§  Note: There is no 7 pm service on Easter Day.