This is a difficult moment as your pastor that I must share with you. About a month ago, I received a call from Bishop Michael Fisher, the director of clergy for the Archdiocese of Washington. He asked me to take a new assignment. I told him that this was something I needed to think and pray about. In the end, I told him several days later that I was willing to make the move. For now, the one thing I want to say to all of you is something I have said to many of you personally through the years and I said it this past week to Archbishop Gregory. St. Paul’s is the best assignment I have ever had. I will truly miss you. It is my sincere hope that I will be able to celebrate Mass with you in person before I leave. Until we can all gather again at the altar of the Lord, know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Click the photo of Father Pierce for the full text of his Letter to Parishioners.

We are pleased to welcome you back to Saint Paul for Mass as a community! Beginning Saturday, June 20 we will allow 150 persons in attendance. There is a link to signup to attend weekend Mass so we can remain within the guidelines. The dispensation issued by Archbishop Gregory from the obligation to attend Mass during this time remains in effect. All other meetings/events are still cancelled at this time. Father Pierce and our staff remain available to you remotely. Click the photo for more information.

For those of you who may not have heard, one of our young adults died on April 21, 2020. His death has brought a really intense sadness and grief to many in our parish in particular to our teens and young adults. At his funeral, our parking lot was full while our Church was virtually empty. Such is the state of things in this world created by the pandemic. Yet, even in the wake of this tragedy, in the disjointed way we were able to express our unity, I still can see hope. Click the photo for more information.

Limited attendance can be scheduled for Mass (see above item for details). The parish grounds, paved surfaces, Gospel of Life Garden, Marian grotto and Stations of the Cross prayer path are available for use. Please remember social distancing and safe hygiene practices. The Parish Office is closed, Father and parish staff remain available to you remotely. Father's Live Streamed liturgies are on Facebook (link below). Meetings and other events are still not allowed inside Saint Paul facilities. Vacation Bible School (VBS) info is available, registration due by June 30. Donations are needed. Click the photo for more information.

As with everyone during this difficult time, our parish family is feeling the strain psychologically and financially. I want to tell you though that I remain hopeful. That hope comes from 'rays of hope' that are given by the Good Lord in times of difficulty. The Catholic Standard featured an article highlighting St. Paul "Rays of Hope". Click this photo (our stained glass window) for a link to the Catholic Standard article, to submit your Ray of Hope, and to view those sent in by fellow parishioners.

On behalf of our clergy, ministry leaders and staff, we pray for you. Father Pierce Live Streamed Holy Week and Easter Services which can be replayed at any time, see our Facebook link below and scroll through the postings. The Easter Season continues through Pentecost Sunday, May 31, 2020. We wish you a blessed and joyful Easter season and look forward to gathering with you in Church as soon as we are able. Click the picture for more information.

The Pope, on Friday, 27 March, presided over a moment of prayer on the sagrato of St Peter’s Basilica, the platform at the top of the steps immediately in front of the façade of the Church. “I invite everyone to participate spiritually through the means of communication”. Church grants special indulgence to coronavirus patients and caregivers. The gift of special Indulgences is granted to the faithful suffering from COVID-19 disease, commonly known as Coronavirus, as well as to health care workers, family members and all those who in any capacity, including through prayer, care for them. Click the photo for more information.

A journey through Lent 2020 - Ash Wednesday is February 26, Easter Sunday is April 12, 2020. We anticipate the use of Video Mass for our Holy Week and Easter Services if we are still unable to gather with you in Church due to restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic. For information and resources click on the picture.

Due to coronavirus, Archbishop Gregory has indicated Masses open to the public, in ALL archdiocesan parishes, missions, and campus ministries will not be celebrated starting Saturday, March 14 until further notice. A dispensation has been issued. Click the picture for more information.

Saint Paul Clinic in El Rosario, a small hamlet in the hill side of Tegucigalpa Honduras, provides daily health care by wonderful doctors, a dedicated dentist, and gives medication to all who are in need through the generous donations of Saint Paul Catholic Church and other supporting parishes. We typically provide opportunities to volunteer on mission trips to the clinic twice a year. Click the picture for more information.

There are many ways to share your time and talents with our parish: liturgical ministry, social concerns, music, faith education, office assistance or handle odd jobs. Call us at 301-253-2027 to discuss the opportunities! We appreciate your help! Click the picture for more information.

Fingerprinting and attendance at a one-time mandatory child protection training are required for all Archdiocese of Washington employees and volunteers who have contact with children or vulnerable adults. On January 26, 2020 Safe Hire Solutions will offer fingerprinting from 9:00-12:00 PM. The Archdiocese of Washington Protecting God’s Children for Adults Training will be held from 12:30-3:30 PM. Click the picture for more information.

In honor of the 28th World Day of the Sick (which is February 11, 2020), Saint Paul will have a Mass and Healing Service on First Saturday, February 1 at 9:00 AM in the Norris Chapel. All are invited, especially those who are physically/emotionally ill and those who care/comfort the sick. Click the picture for more information.

We will celebrate Thanksgiving Day Mass at 10:00 AM in Church Thursday November 28, 2019. All are welcome to come and give Thanks to God. Please help local families in need, you can purchase an uncooked dinner or parts of the meal, donate a $25.00 grocery gift certificate, or volunteer to deliver baskets locally. Our turkeys are donated by Chris and Tanya Bohrer of Sho Nuf Turkey Farm in Fulton, MD. Click the picture for more information.

Beginning the Church's liturgical year, Advent is the season encompassing the four Sundays (and weekdays) leading up to the celebration of Christmas. The Advent season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and also to the anniversary of the Lord’s birth on Christmas. Click the picture for more information.

As the first-ever online giving day created to celebrate our Catholic faith, the #IGiveCatholic Giving Day inspires faithful stewards to "Give Catholic" on #Giving Tuesday, a global day of giving. Our #IGiveCatholic donations go to the St. Paul Clinic in Honduras. Our clinic is a Catholic non-profit dedicated to providing health care to the impoverished people of Honduras, funded by Saint Paul Catholic Church in Damascus, MD. Click the picture for more information.

Saint Paul Parish Reconciliation Service will be Wednesday, December 4 at 7:30 PM in the Church. This is a great way to celebrate the Advent Season and prepare for the coming of our Savior into our hearts with the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Click the picture for more information.

This year December 8 will be celebrated as the Second Sunday of Advent, we will follow our regular Sunday Mass schedule. The 5:00 PM Mass will be followed by a Healing Service celebrated by Padre Martin Scott. All are invited. Monday December 9 is not a Holy Day of Obligation this year, however, we will celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary with Mass in Church at 9:00 AM & 5:00 PM. Click the picture for more info.

Our Christmas Pageant is Friday, December 13 at 7:30 PM. On Christmas Eve Tuesday, December 24, Masses celebrated at 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 8:00 PM, Carols at 9:30 PM, and Mass at 10:00 PM. The Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord, Christmas Day Wednesday, December 25, Mass celebrated at 11:00 AM only in the Church. On behalf of Saint Paul clergy and staff, we ask for God's blessing for you in this sacred season. Click the picture for more information.

Our senior and shut-in neighbors could use your help over the winter. Offer to bring their newspaper in or their mail. Check on them if you hear of an impending winter storm - ask if they have their medicine and basic necessities. Find out who shovels their walk and driveway, and if no one, offer to shovel or suggest someone. Let's keep our seniors and shut-ins safe.