On the Road: St. Mary’s, Rockville, MD

We visit here almost every year at Christmastime; my wife and I were married in the tiny chapel next door, the original St. Mary’s, 29 years ago. The new church (a.k.a. The Space Ship) has some stunning stained glass windows, illustrating moments from Mary’s life, and it always feels a little like a homecoming.

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The pastor, Msgr. Robert Amey, preached a very good homily on the challenges facing all different kinds of families today, and praised the practice of Mormons—reportedly, the only denomination showing appreciable growth—of designating one night a week as “family night.”

The Mass was a little quieter than I’m used to; the leader of song announced at the outset that she was suffering from laryngitis, so many of the parts that were usually sung were, instead, spoken. “You are going to be the cantors today,” she said.

There was one unusual element in the sanctuary, something I’ve never seen before: the Advent Wreath was replaced by a wreath of white candles near the ambo.

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Finally, I appreciated very much these holy cards that were placed in the pews. Beneath a prayer for the Year of Mercy, a notation on the back said: “Prodigal Son” stone statue sculpted by Father Harold Buckley at Jesus the Divine Word Parish, Huntingtown, MD. 

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Photos: Deacon Greg Kandra