Dear Friends of our Pastorate,
This weekend, we celebrate the 8th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Our readings this weekend challenge us to reflect on our lives and see how well we are putting our faith into practice. Sometimes we want to be quick to react and respond to others, to “help” them see the errors of their ways while at the same time believing we “know” everything. But when we are guided by the Holy Spirit, then God’s Wisdom is active within us, assisting us to speak only the words that are necessary, therefore producing good fruit for the Lord. How much fruit have you produced this week? There is still time to become more productive!
This week, we begin our annual Lenten Journey on March 5th with Ash Wednesday. The distribution of Ashes will be offered at all Pastorate Masses. Our Mass schedule for Ash Wednesday is 8:30am (both churches), 12:00pm (OLC) and 7:00pm (both churches). Stations of the Cross will be held at both Churches on Fridays during Lent. Stations at OLC will be at 12:00pm and at St. Jane Frances at 7:00pm. Please plan to join us!
BUT…before we begin the Season of Lent, we are celebrating Mardi Gras on March 4th! Please join us for a family friendly Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner at St. Jane Frances Parish Hall from 4:30pm–7:00pm. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for kids 3-12, and include games, raffles, and fun activities. We will also be celebrating Mardi Gras at the Rumor Meal on Mountain Road. Stop by from 4pm–9pm and order dinner and a drink from the “Guest Bartender.” Bring a copy of the flyer when you order your meal, and some of the proceeds will be donated back to the pastorate (dine in and carry out only). All Mardi Gras proceeds from both events will benefit our Pastorate Youth Ministry Summer Workcamps.
I would like to thank everyone who has made a pledge or donation to the 2025 Annual Appeal for Catholic Ministries “Go Forward with God’s Mission.” The Annual Appeal supports a wide range of ministries throughout the Archdiocese including Catholic Charities, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Vocations and College Campus Ministry, Hospital and Prison Chaplaincies, Hispanic Ministry, Tuition Assistance, and our parishes. As of 2/13/25, St Jane Frances has received 55 gifts totally $17,425 toward our goal of $57,782. OLC has received 42 gifts totally $18,330 toward our goal of $60,379. If you haven’t done so yet, please make your pledge today to the Annual Appeal. Thank you for your prayers and your support for the Annual Appeal for Catholic Ministries!
Finally, the St. Patrick’s Day Bazaar is around the corner—Friday, March 14th. Be sure to purchase your raffle tickets as well as drop off your donations at the parish office. More information can be found on St. Jane Frances’ website. The next planning meeting is Tuesday, March 4th at 7:00pm in Room 106 in the school. Contact Teresa Sparklin at 443-623-3564 for more information or to volunteer.
Thank you for keeping St. Jane Frances and Our Lady of the Chesapeake—our Pastorate of the Visitation—in your daily prayers!
God Bless,
Father Steve
