Message from Fr. James - October 26, 2025

Dear St. Martin’s Parishioners,

If you have any feedback on the Ministry Fair, please contact me at FangmeyerJ@adw.org or at (301) 990-3203 x 207. I saw and heard that the Pantry, Choirs, Legion of Mary, Sacristans, and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion all received new volunteers. I heard from Sembrando Para Cristo, Virtus, the Catholic Women’s Association, and Programa San Juan Diego that the Fair was a positive opportunity to show themselves to the parish, and to witness the beauty of other ministries around the parish. And that’s not all; I loved seeing the tables and spirit of each group. I want to especially thank our coordinator Naby Vallecios and the volunteers who set up tables, food, and decorations. Additionally, I’ve met many people with a great and beautiful desire to serve. Some of you have not yet received Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, or Matrimony. Let this be your sign and your chance to dedicate yourself first to the sacraments, and then to service in some mission. Talk to a priest today about receiving our Church’s sacraments! In God’s providence, the Ministry Fair at St. Martin’s coincided with World Mission Sunday. Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me, go therefore and make disciples” (Matthew 28:18-19). Our Ministry Fair is part of the Pope’s World Mission Sunday, which is part of Jesus’s great commission. If you have any feedback on the Ministry Fair, please tell me.

I have high hopes for our grand finale Marian Encounter on Monday October 27 at 6:30pm. After participating in candlelight Rosary processions in Lourdes and Fatima, I cannot wait to do the same with all of you here at St. Martin’s. If you can think of something more beautiful, we would do that instead, but I don’t think you will find any devotion more beautiful than a candlelight Rosary procession. Expect it to be a peaceful event full of God’s good graces for you, your family, our parish, and our world. The sisters have guided us so faithfully toward the true meaning of peace in our Marian Encounters this month. You will want to be part of the grand finale!

God bless

Fr. James Fangmeyer