From the Pastor's Desk - February 1, 2026

Dear St. Martin’s Parishioners,

I hope that everyone is coming out on the other side of this snow/ice storm without any major issues. Now it’s the frigid cold we deal with, hoping that we don’t have another storm on top of it this weekend!

This weekend, we begin the promotion of the Annual Archdiocesan Appeal. Once a year, our Archbishop reaches out to his flock to ask for their financial support for the educational and charitable works of our local church. As a Catholic parish, we know that we exist as part of a universal Church. We exist as a parish not as an independent entity, but within the Archdiocese of Washington. It is extremely important to be aware of the needs of our Archdiocesan church and to contribute as best we can to support our mission. That mission touches our spiritual lives and the bolsters the work of our parish.

The greatest part of Annual Appeal’s funds goes towards the education and formation of our seminarians. This year I have the privilege of helping as a spiritual director at our Archdiocesan seminary, Pope St. John Paul II. Your financial contribution supports a very healthy and holy seminary environment, where dozens of men are discerning giving their life to the service of the Lord and this local church. Thank you for supporting them through the Appeal. Your contributions also fund the salaries of two crucial chaplains that serve within our parish boundaries, Fr. Jean-Marie Vincent at Shady Grove Hospital and Fr. Val Keaveney at Asbury Methodist Village. I encourage you to read over the pamphlets given out at all the Masses this weekend describing the other important works supported by the Appeal as you discern making your contribution.

I contribute more to the Annual Archdiocesan Appeal than I do to any other cause or organization. That is because I know how vital the Appeal is to the life of the church in Washington. Thank you for your prayerful discernment to participate generously in the Annual Appeal Commitment process which takes place next weekend.

In Christ,

Fr. Dave