"The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most igh!" Psalm 46:5
Upcoming News and Announcements - 10/31/2025
Food Pantry is collecting donations this weekend through Sunday at 1:00pm in the Parish Center foyer.The Preschool is collecting items for the Soldier Recovery Unit. See the complete description below in the Moving Forward section.
“A Walk through of the Mass” lecture series with Deacon Nick will pause this week. Next week, November 18th, the topic will be “The Concluding Rite” from 10:15am to 11:15am in Farrell Hall.
The Parish Center Office will be closed on Tuesday, November 11th in observance of Veteran’s Day.Please note the date for the Solemnity Mass for the Dedication of our church is Saturday, November 15th at the 9:15am Mass. (day correction).
This weekend is the Spaghetti Dinner after the Saturday evening Mass and Pancake Breakfast is after the 7:30am and 9:30am Masses in Farrell Hall. The Boy Scouts will be selling ornaments of the new church!!
The second collection this weekend will be for the Archdiocese of the Military (again). 
Marian Homes is sponsoring a shredding event on Saturday, November 8th from 10:00am to 12:00pm in the Parish Center Parking Lot.
KOVAR fundraiser for the Knights will be held on the weekend of November 8th.Open House for the Atrium on Saturday, November 8th from 6:30pm -7:30pm and Sunday, November 9th from 9:00am – 11:30am. It is in the Parish Center upstairs behind Farrell Hall (the former Apartment). See the bulletin and look for the signs guiding your way.
The Holiday Express is coming the weekend of November 15th-16th. Our Boutique Ladies have been busy making crafts and sweets and jams for your holiday shopping. Bakers and chili makers are welcome to contribute. See the bulletin for details.
“The Grace of Waiting” is a talk for a pre-Advent recollection on Sunday, November 16th from 3:00pm to 5:00pm in St, Joseph’s Hall given by Fr. Seh.
Pick up a bulletin before you come into Mass, the hymn numbers are on the front of the bulletin.
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. First Friday All Day and All Night Adoration is Friday, November 7th.
- 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. The next Family Adoration is November 15, 2025. Everyone is invited to come!!
- 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.
- Food Pantry donation bags are usually given out the first weekend of the month with the collection through the second Sunday at 1:00pm. Blue bags will be collected this weekend.
- 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 attinyurl.com/MTSandwiches.
Upcoming Events:
- The Family Ministry invites all parishioners to Line Dancing in St. Joseph’s Hall on Thursday, November 20th from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
- “The Chosen” will be shown on Saturday, November 22rd in the Parish Center, with dinner starting after 5:00pm Mass. Season 5, episode 3 will be shown with dinner before and conversation after!
- Inova Blood Drive is coming to St. Mary’s on Sunday, November 23rd from 8:30am to 1:00pm in Farrell Hall. Information on registering is in the bulletin.
- The Preschool will be holding a Kids Coat Drive from November 30th through December 5th. Donations can be left in the Parish Center foyer.
- 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
In honor of Veteran’s Day and all those who have served in the military, St. Mary’s Preschool is having a collection drive for the Soldier Recovery Unit. We would appreciate any of the following items that can be dropped off at the Parish Center Foyer by Friday, November 14th.
–Hygiene/Toiletry Items
Non-hotel soap, shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste,
–Sanitizing Wipes
–Disinfectant Spray
–Linens – Full size sheet sets, towels, wash cloths
— Blankets (full size, lap blankets (60″x72″), Comforters, or the “One size fits all” blanket hoodies)
— Laundry soap
— Stain remover
–Fabric softener/sheets
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
