St. Louis Roman Catholic Church, Clarksville MD

09/14/2026

✝️ The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Today, September 14th, we lift our hearts to the Cross of Christ—the powerful sign of God’s love, mercy, and victory.

The feast commemorates the recovery of the True Cross, which had been preserved in Jerusalem after being discovered by St. Helena. After the relic was taken by the Persian king Chosroas, Emperor Heraclius recovered it and returned it to Jerusalem in 629.

May we never forget that what once appeared to be an instrument of suffering became, through Christ, the sign of our salvation. “We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You, because by Your holy Cross You have redeemed the world.” ✝️

09/13/2026

A beautiful opportunity to encounter the faith of St. Bernadette of Lourdes is coming this September! The relics of St. Bernadette will visit several locations throughout the Archdiocese of Baltimore, offering the faithful an opportunity for prayer and veneration.
📍 September 22–23: National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, Emmitsburg
📍 September 24–26: St. Bernadette Church, Severn
📍 September 26–27: Cathedral of Mary Our Queen, Baltimore

✨ Come and pray. Come and encounter. Come and draw closer to Christ through the witness of St. Bernadette and Our Lady of Lourdes.

Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Baltimore will receive their second opportunity in less than five years to encounter, venerate and pray with the relics of a saint who has led countless Catholics to Christ through the Blessed Mother.A reliquary of St. Bernadette will make visits to three site...

09/13/2026

How many times should I forgive?

In today’s Gospel, Peter asks Jesus how often he must forgive someone who sins against him. Jesus’ answer—“not seven times but seventy-seven times”—reminds us that Christian forgiveness is not about keeping score.

Through the parable of the unforgiving servant, Jesus calls us to recognize the incredible mercy God has shown us and to extend that same mercy to others. ❤️

Is there someone God is inviting you to forgive today? Ask Him for the grace to let go of resentment and choose mercy. “Lord, if my brother sins against me,
how often must I forgive?” — Matthew 18:21

09/12/2026

✨ What if inviting someone to explore the Catholic faith could be the beginning of something life-changing?

You’re invited to accompany a friend, family member, neighbor, or colleague through Discovering Christ, a welcoming 7-week experience where we’ll explore Jesus and the Catholic faith through Scripture, Church teachings, fellowship, video teaching, sharing, and dinner together.

Come to the table! Jesus is knocking at your door. 🚪✝️
👉 Learn more and register: stlouisparish.org/discovering-christ

📅 Thursdays, October 8–November 19
⏰ 6:45–9:00 PM
📍 St. Louis Pastoral Center
🎟️ Free • Open to ages 18+

09/12/2026

💙 September 12 is the Optional Memorial of the Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The name of Mary has echoed through the hearts of Christians for centuries as a name of tenderness, hope, and motherly love. From the moment the Blessed Mother said her humble “yes” to God, she became the loving Mother of our Savior and, through Him, our spiritual Mother as well.

The feast honoring the Holy Name of Mary began in Spain in 1513 and was later extended throughout the Church. It reminds us of the powerful intercession of the Blessed Mother and the countless times the faithful have turned to her with confidence, entrusting their joys, sorrows, fears, and hopes to her loving care.

🙏 Most Holy Name of Mary, pray for us.

09/11/2026

✨🙏 Please keep the women of our pastorate on their ACTS retreat this weekend in your prayers.

Lord Jesus, draw each woman into a deeper encounter with You. Heal what needs healing, strengthen what feels weak, and awaken within them a renewed love for Your Church and Your Word. Let their conversations be filled with honesty and encouragement. Let their prayer be sincere. Let their joy be contagious. 🕊️💜
stlouisparish.org/acts/

09/11/2026

Today is the anniversary of the tragic events that occurred at the World Trade Center in 2001. Americans are encouraged to observe a moment of silence at 8:46 AM (EDT).

In remembrance we pray:
• For all victims of violence and terrorism around the world, and for their families, that they may find comfort and peace, we pray to the Lord…

• For the safety of our service men and women abroad, for first responders and civil servants who protect us and keep us safe, and for all who live with war and violence, we pray to the Lord…

• For our leaders and for the leaders of nations, that they may work together to address the problems that provide fertile ground for the growth of terrorism, we pray to the Lord...

• For the ability to forgive and for an end to all hatred, beginning in our own hearts, we pray to the Lord…

09/10/2026

🌱 Serve and make a difference. Join us for a Service Like Francis Outdoor Service Event on Saturday, September 26 at Little Portion Farm.

Volunteer to plant, w**d, harvest, wash, or pack fresh food for neighbors in need. Choose a morning shift (10 AM–12 PM) or afternoon shift (1–3 PM), and stay for a community gathering and lunch from 12–1 PM. 🥬🍅

More info and sign up: signupgenius.com/go/60B0E4BACAC2BA3FE3-65612689-outdoor #/

09/09/2026

Today, is the Memorial of St. Peter Claver, a Jesuit priest who devoted his life to serving black slaves. For thirty-three years he ministered to slaves, caring for the sick and dying, and instructing the slaves through catechists.

Known as the “slave of the slaves forever,” St. Peter Claver reminds us that true love for Christ is expressed through compassionate service to others—especially those who are forgotten, suffering, or in need.

May we ask his intercession for hearts that see Christ in every person and hands ready to serve with love. ❤️

🙏 St. Peter Claver, pray for us!

09/08/2026

The Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary celebrates the first dawning of redemption with the appearance in the world of the Savior's mother, Mary.

The Blessed Virgin occupies a unique place in the history of salvation, and she has the highest mission ever commended to any creature. We rejoice that the Mother of God is our Mother, too.

Let us often call upon the Blessed Virgin as "Cause of our joy", one of the most beautiful titles in her litany.