The Catholic Parishes of South Washington County

10/12/21 Dear Parishioners,
      I’m happy to say that Fr Angel has recovered from Covid to the point that he is returning to the rectory this week and will celebrate masses this weekend (Oct 17)  at St Joseph!  Please give him a hearty welcome when you see him, and keep him in prayer as he eases back into his regular schedule. I know we are all glad to have him back.
   As for me, I was able to discontinue wearing the cervical collar 10 days ago and now my physical therapy sessions focus on increasing strength and flexibility of my neck.
     The vascular specialist who was treating the injury to the artery in my neck has judged that it has healed to the point that I was able to discontinue blood thinners this past week. I’m very happy about this!
     I have progressed with therapy to improve hand, arm, and shoulder strength to the point that the occupational therapist has discontinued treatment as of today.
   I am walking without the cane a good amount of time at this point, but find I still need it for longer distances or when I’m standing for longer periods.  This is also being addressed by the physical therapist.  The physical therapist has not given me a discharge date yet, and will likely continue for another couple weeks.
    I think in my last update I said that I had hoped to be back to ministry by the last 2 weeks of October; I think now it will more likely be during the first two weeks of November - but definitely soon!
     Please keep me in your prayers, as you are in mine.
 In the Lord, Fr John

Please continue to pray for Pastor Jicha and our priests.

The Catholic Parishes of South Washington County (CPSWC) joins together our three vibrant parishes to be a beacon of Christ's Light in our communities and beyond. Entrusted with this light at baptism, we go forth celebrating the sacraments, proclaiming the gospel, and serving the people of God. CPSWC offers both daily and weekend masses across our three parishes of St. Augustine,
St. James, and St. Joseph. 

Obligation to attend Sunday Mass to be reinstated.

Archbishop Lori has announced that as of the weekend of June 26-27, all social distancing requirements at mass will be lifted and the obligation to attend Saturday/Sunday mass will be reinstated.  So, as of that weekend, the Saturday 4:30 pm 7:00 pm masses, as well as the 10:15 am, and 2:15pm Sunday masses will be held in the church at St. Joseph.  The 8:30am Sunday mass will be held at St. Augustine.  Note: The  St. James 10:30am Sunday mass will return to the newly renovated church on June 20.  It will be a great blessing to worship once again in our churches!

10:30 mass at St. James livestream at YouTube channel: catholicparishesofsouthwashingtoncounty

The following masses are open to the public under Phase II guidelines and  will be livestreamed soon at:
catholicparishesofsouthwashingtoncounty

English Mass:
4:30 p.m.- Saturday 
8:00 a.m.- Monday - Friday

Spanish Mass:
7:00 pm.- Saturday
7:00 p.m.- Tuesday

Will you serve God at the mass?
Lector Training
Thursday, October 28th, 5:30pm
St Joseph Church;  All parishioners interested from all 3 parishes are encouraged to attend.  Those who want more information are welcome to come to the training.    
Altar Server Training
Thursday, October 14th, 5:30pm
St Joseph Church; All parishioners from the Pastorate that are interested are invited to come to the training.  
For more information and/or details, please contact Tina Carder at the following email address:
tcarder15@gmail.com

RCIA Mondays at 6:30 pm; Classes will rotate among the 3 parishes.
Legion of Mary Wednesdays 10 am with zoom option available.
Contact Diane Smith for information regarding both RCIA and Legion of Mary at 240-520-0724

St. James Women's Bible Group at 10 a.m. at St James church hall.  Contact: Mary Ann DePasquale at mdepasq415@earthlink.net or 302-432-7201

Outreach for seniors Caring.com comprehensive information at https://www.caring.com/senior-living/nursing-homes/maryland