February 9, 2025 - Lenten Journey In Jubilee Year
Lent is always a time to repent, a time to convert turning toward God, a time to forgive, a time to fast, a time to share our spiritual and material riches with those in need through spiritual and corporal works of mercy. In this Jubilee Year 2025 it will also be a time to Hope, a time to expect a special encounter with our Lord Jesus Christ, a time to be transformed by opening our hearts to the Holy Spirit, a time to Rejoice, a time to Love and a time to have Inner Peace.
We plan to have all Lenten activities and beyond with a Jubilee Focus:
1. We will have a pre-Lenten parish retreat on Saturday March 1st from 9 AM through 3 PM focusing on...
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday Readings
Reading 1: Isaiah 6:1-8
Responsorial Psalm:138:1-5, 7-8
Reading 2: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Gospel: Luke 5:1-11
Although separated by customs, language, politics and more, Catholics around the world celebrate many of the same God-inspired devotional acts, practices and rituals handed down through the centuries by Holy Mother Church. Such a devotion is the optional memorial celebrating St. Blaise and the blessing of throats every Feb. 3 in the Western Church.
St Blaise, also known as Saint Blasius, was a physician and bishop in the early Christian Church, believed to have lived in the 3rd century Hailing from Sebastea, now modern-day Turkey, he dedicated his life to serving both the physical and spiritual needs of his community.
Saint Blaise is widely venerated as the patron saint of throat ailments, thanks to a legendary event where he miraculously cured a boy choking on a fishbone. His compassion and healing abilities made him a revered figure, and over time, he became one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, a group of saints believed to intercede in times of trouble.
Devotions like walking the Stations of the Cross during Lent, receiving ashes on Ash Wednesday, kissing the cross on Good Friday and getting our throats blessed on St. Blaise day are essential parts of our Catholic lineage. Each ceremony or ritual excites us, elevates our hearts; we come away refreshed and with a sense that something beyond the ordinary has just happened, not just to us but to thousands of the faithful that same day in every corner of the world. We can’t help but know that it’s good to be Catholic.
By: D.D. Emmons, Simply Catholic
Podcasts and apps you might find interesting:
Thanks to Michelle K. for this list!
- Bible In A Year - Father Mike Schmitz and Ascension Press. Only takes about 20 minutes a day. The commentary is excellent, and every few months a Gospel is read within the Old Testament readings. This podcast really ties Christ to Salvation History. I've listened to Bible In A Year three times, and decided to do it yet again this year ;o) a GREAT way to grow during this Jubilee year.
- Rosary In A Year - Father Mark Mary and Ascension Press. This one just started this year, and is lovely! Right now they are discussing one line in the prayers. It's just beautiful!
- Catechism In A Year - Yep, Ascension Press. This one is meaty! But if you've never read the Catechism Of The Catholic Church, it's an excellent way to do it in manageable chunks.
- Pray As You Go - This free app has daily prayers, reflections and examens.
- iBreviary - An app with Liturgy Of The Hours. If you are interested in this beautiful prayer of the Church, but don't wish to invest in a breviary yet, this is a great resource!
- Discerning Hearts - Another free app. Church history, apologetics, audio books, prayers, lectio divina. There's a ton in this older app.
- Relevant Radio - The free app for this Catholic Radio Show.
- Catholic Answers - A website but they also have a free app. Catholic Answers is apologetics. Books, live radio shows with call in question/answers (YouTube). They are my go to for quality, correct answers to questions. On their website they have a search box. Each of their apologists has their own podcast; each a little different. Check them out in your favorite podcast platform, too!
- Laudate - A free app for android or iOS with many awesome resources such as an interactive Rosary, Chaplet of Divine Mercy, Daily Readings, the Liturgy of the Hours, the Roman Missal....
We are looking for volunteers to come on Sunday mornings and help Sister in the office. She does an amazing job with everything that goes into our CCD program. Come to the office, or call to speak to Sister.
Please continue to pray for our students and Catechists.
Please check your email for CCD Class information.
If you have an outstanding balance for the 2023-2024 year, please click here to pay. Speak to Sister if there are any concerns.
To pay in person, please come to the office. To pay online, click below www.olhoc.org/ccdpayment2324
If you would like to volunteer with CCD as catechist, please visit the link: www.olhoc.org/revolunteer
Adult Volunteers (ages 18+) who have substantial contact with minors (under 18) or vulnerable adults are required to undergo Child Protection Training and get fingerprinted.
if you haven’t paid your confirmation fees, please click the link for online payment: https://olhoc.com/ccdpayment2324
Please check your email and the link below for the most updated information.
Contact Deacon Bill for questions
and upcoming events.
All are welcome!
Weekly Events
OCIA & CATHOLICISM FOR ADULTS
The Order of Christian Initiation is designed for adults who seek to know about God and desire to enter the Christian faith. Please see Deacon Rich after Mass, or call the office.
Acompañanos
Cada viernes a las
7:30 PM para la reunion con el Grupo de Oracion!
La Hora Santa
sera cada segundo
viernes del mes a las 7:30 PM!
Prayer Chain
Please prayerfully consider being part of the OLHOC Prayer Chain ministry.
Members pray for each other, parishioners, intentions, for the living and the deceased. Pray at your own convenience and use the prayer/prayers you wish.
For more info or to sign-up please e-mail Jeannie Jacobs at office@olhoc.org
Prayers for the Faithful Departed
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let Your perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.
Parish Registration
If you are moving into our parish, welcome, we are so glad you are here!
Forms to register and more information are on our website: https://olhoc.com/parish-registration
If you are moving out of the parish, we have enjoyed you worshiping with us and hope you will come back and visit.
Please notify the office if you are moving out of the parish (301)645-7112
For information & to stay updated on the latest bills
please visit Maryland Right To Life.
please visit Maryland Right To Life.
Assistance for Expectant Mothers and Families
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington provides housing, medical care and counseling to expectant mothers as well as direct assistance to families in need.
Pregnancy Resource Center in Waldorf
Catherine Foundation's mission is to help men and women make informed decisions regarding pregnancy, sexual health, and family. We strongly believe our services should be given out of love, with no judgement and provided to our clients confidentially and free of charge.
Project Rachel Ministry
Project Rachel continues to grow its local and regional ministries that encourage spiritual and emotional healing after abortion. Project Rachel offers reflection opportunities, support groups, and referrals to mental health counseling throughout the Archdiocese of Washington.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline
(800) 799 –SAFE (7233)
The Catholic Faith on Demand FREE, click below!
(thousands of books, audio talks, movies, documentaries, and studies... )
Guadalupe Radio Network -WMET 1160 AM
Radio for the Soul
We are here to serve the Church and we endeavor to lead souls back to Jesus Christ through His holy Catholic Church, through the use of the powerful medium of radio.
The GRN now operates 39 radio stations and reaches a population of 24,000,000 potential listeners. We are the only Catholic radio organization establishing Catholic radio stations in both English and Spanish in the same markets.
Are you a lost sheep?
Flocknotes is an online tool we use to communicate with our parishioners. You can read Father Alain’s weekly column, find out Mass times, or any current events happening in our parish. The information is always up-to-date.
Flocknotes comes directly to your email inbox by Friday. Never miss any more news at OLHOC! If you know someone who is not receiving Flocknote please let them know how they can sign up.
Conoces alguien que no recibe los auncios de la parroquia?
Para manternese informado de los horarios de Misa y otros eventos, los invitamos a registrarse a un sistema gratuito de mensajes de texto
Anointing of the Sick, Questions for the Clergy
Clergy is available for calls to the sick—with all precautions observed. Urgent confessions can be said with a home visit. If you have a question for clergy, you can leave a message by phone (301-645-7112) or email (office@olhoc.org) for Fr. Alain, Fr. Jan or Fr. Carlos.
If you are traveling, don't miss out on Mass,
find a Catholic Church nearby.
https://catholicmasstime.org or https://masstimes.org
