|
This Is Us....
|
The Vision
Written by Reverend Thomas Ryan
Edited by Cyndi Zajic
In 1983 Father Thomas Ryan, Pastor of Holy Family Catholic Church, published a small book explaining the vision of Holy Family and the building of a church on the property. “Dear Parishioners and Friends of Holy Family Parish: For a vibrant Parish, there is probably no more exciting and challenging dream than that of building a new Church to house the worshiping community. The history of Holy Family Church began with simple, humble origins, and has moved steadfastly through the years, with a dedicated, committed congregation, determined to meet changes and growth every step of the way. At this time, our Parish has evolved to a point where our present structures are no longer adequate to accommodate our spiritual, educational and social needs.”
“For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened."
- Matthew 7:8
Written by Reverend Thomas Ryan
Edited by Cyndi Zajic
In 1983 Father Thomas Ryan, Pastor of Holy Family Catholic Church, published a small book explaining the vision of Holy Family and the building of a church on the property. “Dear Parishioners and Friends of Holy Family Parish: For a vibrant Parish, there is probably no more exciting and challenging dream than that of building a new Church to house the worshiping community. The history of Holy Family Church began with simple, humble origins, and has moved steadfastly through the years, with a dedicated, committed congregation, determined to meet changes and growth every step of the way. At this time, our Parish has evolved to a point where our present structures are no longer adequate to accommodate our spiritual, educational and social needs.”
“For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened."
- Matthew 7:8
Survey By 60
Written by Chuck Miller and Deacon Doug Lovejoy, Sr.
The history of Holy Family Church is marked with episodes of heroism and great effort on the part of so many of its parishioners both in its early years and later as it developed into one of the largest parishes in South County.
Perhaps the most telling of these episodes is the effort by members in the 1970’s to make Holy Family its own parish. Sixty members of the church met often to consider how to approach the Archdiocese with the request to become a parish rather than a mission of Our Lady of Sorrows in West River.
So determined were these faithful that they developed their own set of parish boundaries and then divided that area into sixty different sections, assigning a section to each one of them. Then, they literally went door-to-door canvasing the area to see how many Catholics lived within those boundaries. They did not try to “sell” the church to anyone but simply did the survey to determine the number of Catholics. (Many of whom actually were motivated to return to Mass and the sacraments).
With the numbers gained from the survey, the “sixty” then approached the Archdiocese and convinced decision makers there that Holy Family indeed had sufficient numbers to become its own parish. Through their efforts, Holy Family was named an independent mission in 1980 and a parish in 1982.
The power of the Holy Spirit is certainly demonstrated through the efforts of these early founders of the parish. Their efforts are eloquently captured in the words of Saint Paul’s letter to the Ephesians:
So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone. Through him the whole structure is held together and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord; in him you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
Ephesians 1:19-22
Written by Chuck Miller and Deacon Doug Lovejoy, Sr.
The history of Holy Family Church is marked with episodes of heroism and great effort on the part of so many of its parishioners both in its early years and later as it developed into one of the largest parishes in South County.
Perhaps the most telling of these episodes is the effort by members in the 1970’s to make Holy Family its own parish. Sixty members of the church met often to consider how to approach the Archdiocese with the request to become a parish rather than a mission of Our Lady of Sorrows in West River.
So determined were these faithful that they developed their own set of parish boundaries and then divided that area into sixty different sections, assigning a section to each one of them. Then, they literally went door-to-door canvasing the area to see how many Catholics lived within those boundaries. They did not try to “sell” the church to anyone but simply did the survey to determine the number of Catholics. (Many of whom actually were motivated to return to Mass and the sacraments).
With the numbers gained from the survey, the “sixty” then approached the Archdiocese and convinced decision makers there that Holy Family indeed had sufficient numbers to become its own parish. Through their efforts, Holy Family was named an independent mission in 1980 and a parish in 1982.
The power of the Holy Spirit is certainly demonstrated through the efforts of these early founders of the parish. Their efforts are eloquently captured in the words of Saint Paul’s letter to the Ephesians:
So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone. Through him the whole structure is held together and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord; in him you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
Ephesians 1:19-22
The History of Holy Family Catholic Church
Unsure who the author is - this was found in some old files at the church.
Unsure who the author is - this was found in some old files at the church.
The Chapel Bell
"Ad majorum dei Gloria" imprinted on our Bell in the Chapel Steeple.
Underneath it says:
Holy Family Church
Davidsonville, MD
Feast of the Assumption, August 15, 1929.
Underneath it says:
Holy Family Church
Davidsonville, MD
Feast of the Assumption, August 15, 1929.
In 2019 Chris Gordon, a parishioner, repaired the bell so it is working again.
1991 BALTIMORE SUN ARTICLE ABOUT THE CHAPEL
|
|
Winter Relief
The Winter Relief program is run by the Arundel House of Hope in Glen Burnie and has been in operation since the early 1990s, with the support of churches and synagogues throughout Anne Arundel County. Before beginning Winter Relief at Holy Family, Ron and Dave visited some of the other churches that had been participating in Winter Relief to get an understanding of what resources would be needed and how other church communities prepare themselves to address the needs of guests. After the first five years or so, Ron adjusted his involvement with Winter Relief and Dave moved to the role of Site Coordinator, with Paul Dallavalle as Assistant Site Coordinator.
The Winter Relief program at Holy Family began in December 2010, with Unity Hall serving for one week as overnight accommodations and meal service for women and men who live in Anne Arundel County and lack housing. Ron Van Nest served as the driving force behind the initiation and continuation of this voluntary opportunity for Holy Family parishioners to serve persons in need. Ron was the Site Coordinator for the entire Winter Relief effort during the first several years, with Dave Konschnik serving as his assistant. The program has continued on an annual basis with volunteers and donors providing the needed funds as well as the many hours of service required (1) to serve as hosts to guests, (2) to serve breakfast and dinner each day, (3) to provide fellowship and evening activities and entertainment, (4) to facilitate shower opportunities for guests for several evenings during the week of hosting, (5) to arrange for bus transportation for the majority of guests between Holy Family and the pickup and drop-off location in Glen Burnie, (6) to provide alternative transportation for other guests whose work schedules do not permit them to catch the bus to Holy Family in the evening or from Holy Family in the morning, (7) to provide linens, shampoos, soaps, toothpaste, etc., for guest use during the week of hosting, (8) to provide guests with money and laundry supplies to allow guests to do their laundry during the week with the assistance of Holy Family volunteers, and (9) to provide the necessary laundry services for towels after shower nights and for linens at the end of the week of hosting.
There are usually 30-40 guests each evening—approximately half men and half women. Each year the Winter Relief Holy Family leadership corps and about 250 volunteers devote nearly 1500 total hours of service—with the bulk of the service hours occurring during the week of service but some of the hours attributable to planning both before and after. The program has been warmly received by appreciative guests and generously supported by Holy Family parishioners who find the experience enjoyable, satisfying and educational.
He answering, said: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart and with thy whole soul and with all thy strength and with all thy mind: and thy neighbor as thyself. . .
-Luke 10:27-28
The Winter Relief program is run by the Arundel House of Hope in Glen Burnie and has been in operation since the early 1990s, with the support of churches and synagogues throughout Anne Arundel County. Before beginning Winter Relief at Holy Family, Ron and Dave visited some of the other churches that had been participating in Winter Relief to get an understanding of what resources would be needed and how other church communities prepare themselves to address the needs of guests. After the first five years or so, Ron adjusted his involvement with Winter Relief and Dave moved to the role of Site Coordinator, with Paul Dallavalle as Assistant Site Coordinator.
The Winter Relief program at Holy Family began in December 2010, with Unity Hall serving for one week as overnight accommodations and meal service for women and men who live in Anne Arundel County and lack housing. Ron Van Nest served as the driving force behind the initiation and continuation of this voluntary opportunity for Holy Family parishioners to serve persons in need. Ron was the Site Coordinator for the entire Winter Relief effort during the first several years, with Dave Konschnik serving as his assistant. The program has continued on an annual basis with volunteers and donors providing the needed funds as well as the many hours of service required (1) to serve as hosts to guests, (2) to serve breakfast and dinner each day, (3) to provide fellowship and evening activities and entertainment, (4) to facilitate shower opportunities for guests for several evenings during the week of hosting, (5) to arrange for bus transportation for the majority of guests between Holy Family and the pickup and drop-off location in Glen Burnie, (6) to provide alternative transportation for other guests whose work schedules do not permit them to catch the bus to Holy Family in the evening or from Holy Family in the morning, (7) to provide linens, shampoos, soaps, toothpaste, etc., for guest use during the week of hosting, (8) to provide guests with money and laundry supplies to allow guests to do their laundry during the week with the assistance of Holy Family volunteers, and (9) to provide the necessary laundry services for towels after shower nights and for linens at the end of the week of hosting.
There are usually 30-40 guests each evening—approximately half men and half women. Each year the Winter Relief Holy Family leadership corps and about 250 volunteers devote nearly 1500 total hours of service—with the bulk of the service hours occurring during the week of service but some of the hours attributable to planning both before and after. The program has been warmly received by appreciative guests and generously supported by Holy Family parishioners who find the experience enjoyable, satisfying and educational.
He answering, said: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart and with thy whole soul and with all thy strength and with all thy mind: and thy neighbor as thyself. . .
-Luke 10:27-28
Respect For Life at Holy Family
By Chris Hinz
By Chris Hinz
The Respect for Life Committee at Holy Family was started around 2010 by Chris Hintz. Nancy Paltell. the Respect Life (RL) Chair at the Maryland Catholic Conference (MCC), asked Chris Hintz to join the Diocesan Respect for Life Committee. There, Chris came to know Linda Brenegan (2018 Culture of Life Medal of Honor Recipient), Johanna Coughlin (now Director, Office of RL for the Archdiocese of Baltimore), et al. and came to learn more about Project Rachel. Denise Douglas, who was on the RL Committee, led the Rachael’s Vineyard retreats back then. After participating on the Diocesan Committee for a time, God put it on Chris’ heart to do something at Holy Family. She researched other RL Committees, like at St. John Evangelist and St. Mary’s, met with area organizers, and worked with Nancy Paltell, and, of course, Father Barr at Holy Family, and the ministry took shape. Chris hosted an open house with Fr. Barr and Nancy, who spoke to introduce people about how it should work.
It was a small committee—Kay Cole, Christina Scrivener, and Anne Marie Scrivener, Liliana Allessandri were the core team, but others helped at times. A primary mission of the ministry is education. Chris purchased the rack that is in the Respect Life corner between the Narthex and the Social Hall and obtained all the materials for it. Chris and Anne Marie put together the framed stages of fetal development prints that located in the Respect Life corner. Chris and her husband Berny put up the Our Lady of Guadalupe banner in the upper hall, which Rose King donated. Chris also designed and got the banner printed with Our Lady of the Streets. She got national speakers to come, had information sessions, and tried hard to grow the ministry. She brought 40 Days for Life into the picture and started the Mother’s Day Rose Sale having gotten the idea from St. John’s. Chris stepped down as the HF RL coordinator around 2013 because she went back to work full time. Since then, we have had some wonderful RL coordinators supported by a small but committed core team. Coordinators since Chris were Christina Scrivener (2013 - 2014), Judy McCahill (2014 – 2016), and Katherine Miller (2017 – present). Christina, Judy and Katherine continued the ministry activities which also included participating in the DC and Maryland March for Life.
"For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works"
Psalm 139
It was a small committee—Kay Cole, Christina Scrivener, and Anne Marie Scrivener, Liliana Allessandri were the core team, but others helped at times. A primary mission of the ministry is education. Chris purchased the rack that is in the Respect Life corner between the Narthex and the Social Hall and obtained all the materials for it. Chris and Anne Marie put together the framed stages of fetal development prints that located in the Respect Life corner. Chris and her husband Berny put up the Our Lady of Guadalupe banner in the upper hall, which Rose King donated. Chris also designed and got the banner printed with Our Lady of the Streets. She got national speakers to come, had information sessions, and tried hard to grow the ministry. She brought 40 Days for Life into the picture and started the Mother’s Day Rose Sale having gotten the idea from St. John’s. Chris stepped down as the HF RL coordinator around 2013 because she went back to work full time. Since then, we have had some wonderful RL coordinators supported by a small but committed core team. Coordinators since Chris were Christina Scrivener (2013 - 2014), Judy McCahill (2014 – 2016), and Katherine Miller (2017 – present). Christina, Judy and Katherine continued the ministry activities which also included participating in the DC and Maryland March for Life.
"For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works"
Psalm 139
The Beginning of Welcome
By, Mary Redmiles and Jo Anne Allman
In July 2012, Father Andy asked for volunteers to make personal phone calls to Welcome every single new parishioner within a reasonable time of their registration. He was personally calling them himself, but when there were too many, he could not get to them in a timely manner and so we filled in the gap.
This sub-group in the Welcome Ministry is called the super-callers who call all new parishioners welcoming them to the church. Originally, we offered to meet them at their home and give them a gift, but we now ask them to come to the desk for their gift and get to meet them in person. If they'd like a tour of the building, we do that also. For many years, twice a year, the Holy Family Fellowship Ministry coordinates a New Parishioners Luncheon. Our Welcome Committee assists with this event.
In the summer of 2015, Father Andy wanted to have the actual Welcome Table we have in the Narthex now. Jo Allman volunteered to get that up and going and trained volunteers. Nora Morris was her co-leader for the table. So now, we had 2 Welcome Teams: the phone callers and the desk people, with some overlap. (Some were more comfortable in person and some preferred the telephone interaction.)
Now, Mary Redmiles and Roxanne Fuhrman have taken over the new merged Welcome Committee, incorporating calling team, tours, and desk service. That is where it stands today.
Welcome Everyone!
“Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” Romans 15:7
By, Mary Redmiles and Jo Anne Allman
In July 2012, Father Andy asked for volunteers to make personal phone calls to Welcome every single new parishioner within a reasonable time of their registration. He was personally calling them himself, but when there were too many, he could not get to them in a timely manner and so we filled in the gap.
This sub-group in the Welcome Ministry is called the super-callers who call all new parishioners welcoming them to the church. Originally, we offered to meet them at their home and give them a gift, but we now ask them to come to the desk for their gift and get to meet them in person. If they'd like a tour of the building, we do that also. For many years, twice a year, the Holy Family Fellowship Ministry coordinates a New Parishioners Luncheon. Our Welcome Committee assists with this event.
In the summer of 2015, Father Andy wanted to have the actual Welcome Table we have in the Narthex now. Jo Allman volunteered to get that up and going and trained volunteers. Nora Morris was her co-leader for the table. So now, we had 2 Welcome Teams: the phone callers and the desk people, with some overlap. (Some were more comfortable in person and some preferred the telephone interaction.)
Now, Mary Redmiles and Roxanne Fuhrman have taken over the new merged Welcome Committee, incorporating calling team, tours, and desk service. That is where it stands today.
Welcome Everyone!
“Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” Romans 15:7
SEARS MAIL ORDER
By, Patricia A Holland, Davidsonville Historical Survey Team
A letter from Ms. Holland to Sears Roebuck & Company on January 9, 1988
We have been advised by several oral histories, that our church was purchased from the mail order catalog of Sears and shipped by rail to Hall's Station, Prince George County, Maryland. We have looked through the catalog at the Library of Congress and attempted to gather information by looking for identifying marks on beams and in the crawl space of the structure, from building permits, railroad bills of lading, collectors of houses by mail order catalogs, but all attempts to verify our oral histories has failed.
The Maryland Historical Trust has suggested that you might be able to locate our building in your archive of catalogs.
We are seeking to list our church on the National Register of Historic Buildings and would therefore be most appreciative of any help you can give on identifying the original source. Thank you for your help.
Very truly yours,
Patricia A. Holland.
At this time we can not locate a record of Sear's response. But, it does look like our chapel is part of a registered historical location in Anne Arundel County, Maryland,
By, Patricia A Holland, Davidsonville Historical Survey Team
A letter from Ms. Holland to Sears Roebuck & Company on January 9, 1988
We have been advised by several oral histories, that our church was purchased from the mail order catalog of Sears and shipped by rail to Hall's Station, Prince George County, Maryland. We have looked through the catalog at the Library of Congress and attempted to gather information by looking for identifying marks on beams and in the crawl space of the structure, from building permits, railroad bills of lading, collectors of houses by mail order catalogs, but all attempts to verify our oral histories has failed.
The Maryland Historical Trust has suggested that you might be able to locate our building in your archive of catalogs.
We are seeking to list our church on the National Register of Historic Buildings and would therefore be most appreciative of any help you can give on identifying the original source. Thank you for your help.
Very truly yours,
Patricia A. Holland.
At this time we can not locate a record of Sear's response. But, it does look like our chapel is part of a registered historical location in Anne Arundel County, Maryland,
Women's Cursillo
By, Tina Delaney
(The Cursillo focuses on showing Christian laypeople how to become effective Christian leaders over the course of a three-day weekend. The weekend includes fifteen talks, called rollos, which are given by priests and by laypeople. The major emphasis of the weekend is to ask participants to take what they have learned back into the world, on what is known as the "fourth day." The method stresses personal spiritual development, as accelerated by weekly group reunions after the initial weekend.)
The Holy Family Women’s Cursillo Friendship Group was formed in August 2018. This group meets once a week, after daily Mass. When a person has experienced a Cursillo weekend, that “Cursillista” is encouraged to meet weekly with a "friendship group" to discuss 3 areas of faith: piety, study and action.
The group formed, as Tina Delaney searched out other Cursillistas in the parish. She discovered that Jean Lovejoy had made her weekend in the 1970’s and was interested in helping to form a women’s group. After an announcement in the parish bulletin that a Cursillo group was to begin meeting, some parishioners came forth, saying that they, too, had been on a weekend and would like to meet.
The group began with 4 or 5 women, and has more than doubled in size, to include some who are interested in experiencing the next Cursillo weekend offered in the Archdiocese. The group has become close in friendship, as the women grow together, sharing their lives of faith. During a time of quarantine, they have met via "Zoom," gone for walks, and met outdoors on the church property, all the while maintaining health safety, wearing face masks and keeping appropriate distances from one another, but staying close in faith.
Let the word of Christ, in all it's richness, find a home with you. Teach each other, and advise each other in all wisdom. With gratitude in your hearts sing psalms and hymns and inspired songs to god.
Colossians 3:1
By, Tina Delaney
(The Cursillo focuses on showing Christian laypeople how to become effective Christian leaders over the course of a three-day weekend. The weekend includes fifteen talks, called rollos, which are given by priests and by laypeople. The major emphasis of the weekend is to ask participants to take what they have learned back into the world, on what is known as the "fourth day." The method stresses personal spiritual development, as accelerated by weekly group reunions after the initial weekend.)
The Holy Family Women’s Cursillo Friendship Group was formed in August 2018. This group meets once a week, after daily Mass. When a person has experienced a Cursillo weekend, that “Cursillista” is encouraged to meet weekly with a "friendship group" to discuss 3 areas of faith: piety, study and action.
The group formed, as Tina Delaney searched out other Cursillistas in the parish. She discovered that Jean Lovejoy had made her weekend in the 1970’s and was interested in helping to form a women’s group. After an announcement in the parish bulletin that a Cursillo group was to begin meeting, some parishioners came forth, saying that they, too, had been on a weekend and would like to meet.
The group began with 4 or 5 women, and has more than doubled in size, to include some who are interested in experiencing the next Cursillo weekend offered in the Archdiocese. The group has become close in friendship, as the women grow together, sharing their lives of faith. During a time of quarantine, they have met via "Zoom," gone for walks, and met outdoors on the church property, all the while maintaining health safety, wearing face masks and keeping appropriate distances from one another, but staying close in faith.
Let the word of Christ, in all it's richness, find a home with you. Teach each other, and advise each other in all wisdom. With gratitude in your hearts sing psalms and hymns and inspired songs to god.
Colossians 3:1
“Sew Time”
By Barbara Harmel and Pam Hines
This ministry began under the guidance of Cindy Beales almost 9 years ago, with 15 “sew angels” eager to share their time and talent to help aid those in the community. They began by asking for donations of fabric, notions and sewing machines and quickly had everything you could possibly imagine to carry out God’s will to help others. It truly is like “fishes and loaves” because whenever there is a need in the community – the storage bins overflow with everything to complete the requested need.
Under the leadership of Barbara Harmel and Pam Hines Sew Time has grown into a multi-parish ministry with over 150 members from both Holy Family and Our Lady of Perpetual Help, as well as others in the community that have heard about our mission. We meet once a month, as well as a few day retreats throughout the year as a group to work on community projects which include: baby hats, walker totes, pillow cases, lap quilts for infusion patients at AAMC and so much more.
Yearly we make a raffle quilt to benefit the feeding program for the children at St. Elizabeth’s of Hungary Parish in Perodin, Haiti and last year we raised over $1,200. In addition, we have a Holiday Sale each November of items made by our sew angels and use the funds ($3,700 last year) to benefit the many community groups we support throughout the year including (Annapolis Birthright, Isaiah’s Promise, St. Ann’s Center for Children, Youth and Families, Little Sisters of the Poor – St. Martin’s Home for the Elderly, St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry and TERPS against Hunger).
This year’s 8th Annual Lenten Challenge (which was baby hats and pillow cases for the patients at Anne Arundel Medical Center) was quickly changed to assist in the recent pandemic by making over 8,000 masks and more than 100 scrub caps to meet the needs of our health care workers, first responders and community - mailing masks to over 23 states, as well as France and Thailand.
We feel truly blessed to be part of this wonderful group and share amazing stories about those lives that we have touched every time we meet.
Acts:9 36-43: the women in Joppa mourn the death of Tabitha, a woman who had been “completely occupied with good deeds and almsgiving.” The weeping women show Peter the tunics and cloaks she had made. After asking the women to leave the room, Peter prays and then restores Tabitha to life.
By Barbara Harmel and Pam Hines
This ministry began under the guidance of Cindy Beales almost 9 years ago, with 15 “sew angels” eager to share their time and talent to help aid those in the community. They began by asking for donations of fabric, notions and sewing machines and quickly had everything you could possibly imagine to carry out God’s will to help others. It truly is like “fishes and loaves” because whenever there is a need in the community – the storage bins overflow with everything to complete the requested need.
Under the leadership of Barbara Harmel and Pam Hines Sew Time has grown into a multi-parish ministry with over 150 members from both Holy Family and Our Lady of Perpetual Help, as well as others in the community that have heard about our mission. We meet once a month, as well as a few day retreats throughout the year as a group to work on community projects which include: baby hats, walker totes, pillow cases, lap quilts for infusion patients at AAMC and so much more.
Yearly we make a raffle quilt to benefit the feeding program for the children at St. Elizabeth’s of Hungary Parish in Perodin, Haiti and last year we raised over $1,200. In addition, we have a Holiday Sale each November of items made by our sew angels and use the funds ($3,700 last year) to benefit the many community groups we support throughout the year including (Annapolis Birthright, Isaiah’s Promise, St. Ann’s Center for Children, Youth and Families, Little Sisters of the Poor – St. Martin’s Home for the Elderly, St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry and TERPS against Hunger).
This year’s 8th Annual Lenten Challenge (which was baby hats and pillow cases for the patients at Anne Arundel Medical Center) was quickly changed to assist in the recent pandemic by making over 8,000 masks and more than 100 scrub caps to meet the needs of our health care workers, first responders and community - mailing masks to over 23 states, as well as France and Thailand.
We feel truly blessed to be part of this wonderful group and share amazing stories about those lives that we have touched every time we meet.
Acts:9 36-43: the women in Joppa mourn the death of Tabitha, a woman who had been “completely occupied with good deeds and almsgiving.” The weeping women show Peter the tunics and cloaks she had made. After asking the women to leave the room, Peter prays and then restores Tabitha to life.
Knights of Columbus South County Council 8251
The Rev Michael J. McGivney founded the Knight of Columbus in 1882 as a mutual benefits society for working class and immigrant families and has grown to have international impact. Our Knights of Columbus Council started in South Anne Arundel County at Our Lady of Sorrows in 1982. Men of Holy Family joined the South County Council in mid-1990’s. The Catholic men of South County Council 8251 have since been striving to strengthen their faith, their families, and their communities as members of the Knights of Columbus.
Presently with 143 members from both parishes, the South County Council provides enhanced direct support to our church activities and annual community services such as the tootsie roll campaign fund raising for the Central Special School. The South County Knight’s Council also demonstrates its fund raising presence through participation in vintage beverage service at the annual Renaissance Festival.
Every Knight makes a difference. Each man brings a unique story, a particular set of skills, and a heart that is ready to serve. Many Knights serve at Holy Family and Our Lady of Sorrows as Eucharistic Ministers, Choir Members, Parish Council and Ushers. Signature projects of the Council are raising funds to support Central Special School and mother in crisis through the Gabriel projects. You can also see our Knights working the picnic, donuts, setting up for Christmas, or cooking bacon in the kitchen at youth events.
Presently with 143 members from both parishes, the South County Council provides enhanced direct support to our church activities and annual community services such as the tootsie roll campaign fund raising for the Central Special School. The South County Knight’s Council also demonstrates its fund raising presence through participation in vintage beverage service at the annual Renaissance Festival.
Every Knight makes a difference. Each man brings a unique story, a particular set of skills, and a heart that is ready to serve. Many Knights serve at Holy Family and Our Lady of Sorrows as Eucharistic Ministers, Choir Members, Parish Council and Ushers. Signature projects of the Council are raising funds to support Central Special School and mother in crisis through the Gabriel projects. You can also see our Knights working the picnic, donuts, setting up for Christmas, or cooking bacon in the kitchen at youth events.
True Devotion to Mary at Holy Family By, Teresa Fritz
In the year 2000 Holy family laid the foundation for the spirituality of True Devotion by St. Louis de Montfort to be offered to the parish. It was a ministry which fostered a life rooted in living in the will of God with the help of our Blessed Mother. We started out with one cenacle (prayer group) and expanded over the years into 7 groups. We studied the True Devotion book for nine months with prayers and dependence on the Holy Spirit to guide us in truth. Each year after our preparation a Mass was celebrated on a feast day where we publicly made a profession of faith. We also hosted retreat days open to the parish. Through these prayer groups Christ brought true conversions and developed lifelong friendships.
Bereavement Ministry By Dave Konschnik and Tessie Ballard
Prior to 2012, a Bereavement Ministry existed at various times and likely in different forms. Anne Butta and Don Rakoskie, who were part of the ministry during the formative years of the current six-week program, had also previously been involved in Holy Family’s earlier activities addressing grieving persons in the Parish Community.
The current format of the Holy Family Bereavement Ministry began in early 2012, when the first of the six-week annual programs started. Planning sessions were held during the Fall of 2011 and early 2012 and Ministry Members (Tessie Ballard, Betty Ryon, Suzanne Podrazik, Anne Butta, Don Rakoskie and Dave Konschnik), working in consultation with, and in conjunction with, Father Andy Aaron, decided to use the book, Understanding Your Grief, by Dr. Alan Wolfelt, as the Centerpiece for bereavement meeting discussions.
The general format for each weekly meeting during a six-week session was, and remains, an opening prayer, an introduction of specific Chapters or Touchstones of the book by a Ministry Team Member, followed by small group (or large group) discussions by participants—with the size of these group discussions being determined according to the number of attendees, a reconvening of the entire group, if needed, and then a closing prayer. The first weekly session also includes a video about grief. There is no requirement that a participant or attendee be a parishioner of Holy Family or be a Catholic.
Within a few years, it became clear that there was a need for more than six weekly sessions each year and so the decision was made to follow up those weekly gatherings with monthly meetings (at first during the Summer only and subsequently throughout the year). While initially intended as a less structured continuation of the six-week program for persons who had attended a prior program, the monthly gatherings were and are open to new participants who are invited to “drop in” at any time during the year.
The current format of the Holy Family Bereavement Ministry began in early 2012, when the first of the six-week annual programs started. Planning sessions were held during the Fall of 2011 and early 2012 and Ministry Members (Tessie Ballard, Betty Ryon, Suzanne Podrazik, Anne Butta, Don Rakoskie and Dave Konschnik), working in consultation with, and in conjunction with, Father Andy Aaron, decided to use the book, Understanding Your Grief, by Dr. Alan Wolfelt, as the Centerpiece for bereavement meeting discussions.
The general format for each weekly meeting during a six-week session was, and remains, an opening prayer, an introduction of specific Chapters or Touchstones of the book by a Ministry Team Member, followed by small group (or large group) discussions by participants—with the size of these group discussions being determined according to the number of attendees, a reconvening of the entire group, if needed, and then a closing prayer. The first weekly session also includes a video about grief. There is no requirement that a participant or attendee be a parishioner of Holy Family or be a Catholic.
Within a few years, it became clear that there was a need for more than six weekly sessions each year and so the decision was made to follow up those weekly gatherings with monthly meetings (at first during the Summer only and subsequently throughout the year). While initially intended as a less structured continuation of the six-week program for persons who had attended a prior program, the monthly gatherings were and are open to new participants who are invited to “drop in” at any time during the year.
