Updated: 9/28/2012
QUESTIONS: (See answers below)
*My relative has gone to the hospital; how do I get a priest to see him/her?
*My relative is a parishioner and is in danger of dying at home,
whom should I call to have his/her spiritual needs met?
*My relative is a parishioner at St. Mary's and is homebound. He/she would
like to receive Holy Communion each week, what do I do?
*What are the parish offices regular business hours?
*I need to drop off an item or pick up an item but I work and can't come
during regular business hours?
*Where is the parish office?
*May I drop by the Rectory to see a priest?
*I want to leave a message for the pastor? What do I do?
*Do our priests have a day off?
*How do I register at St. Mary's?
*I would like to receive envelopes. What do I do?
*I was receiving envelopes now I don't. Do you know why?
*I would rather make a cash donation. Will you record this for tax purposes?
*I don't want envelopes. Can I put a check in the collection basket instead?
*I would like to have my donation automatically withdrawn from my checking
account each week. How do I sign up?
*My address and/or e-mail address has changed. What do I do?
*Why are e-mail addresses important?
*I heard you are taking parishioner's pictures. Why?
*I am no longer attending St. Mary's Church. Should I notify you?
*I need financial help, can you help me?
*I don't live in your geographical area but I need assistance, what can I do?
*My relative is buried in your cemetery. How can I make sure?
*How far back to your sacramental records go at St. Mary's?
*Can I see your records?
*I would like to get a Mass card. How does that work?
*I would like to have my child baptized at St. Mary's.
What are the requirements?
*I would like to get married at St. Mary's Church. What are the
fees/customary donations?
*Where can I take Marriage Prep classes?
*I would like to have a funeral Mass at St. Mary's Church.
What are the fees/customary donations?
*I would like to purchase a cemetery site at St. Mary's for myself.
What are the costs?
*Do you rent out your parish hall?
*Do you know where I can rent a hall for special events?
*Where can I go to find a Mass in Latin?
*What are the guidelines on photography during the Mass?
*I would like to advertise in your bulletin, how do I go about it?
*I would like to go on a field trip with my child; how do I get "Child Protected"?
*I get asked this question, quite often: What can I get Father David
for a gift? What about Father Dan?
ANSWERS TO THE ABOVE QUESTIONS:
My relative has gone to the hospital; how do I get a priest to see him/her?
If your relatives agrees, upon arrival you want to contact the hospital chaplain. He can provide the fastest assistance. If your relative is seriously sick, heading for surgery or in danger of dying, with the permission of your relative, you should ask that your relative receive the Anointing of the Sick. Also, you want to contact our parish office so your relative can be added to the Prayer list, the Prayer of the Faithful and the Bulletin (please get their permission if possible) and keep us informed (with your relative's permission) of your relative's situation.
My relative is a parishioner at St. Mary's and is in danger of dying at home, whom should I call to have his/her spiritual needs met?
If your relative wants to see a priest, please call the parish emergency line (301) 292-6904 (used if a parishioner is being rushed to the hospital or in danger of dying) for a priest. Please only call in the case of an emergency. Other calls should be directed to the parish office during regular office hours or questions may be answered here at our website.
My relative is a parishioner at St. Mary's and is homebound. He/she would like to receive Holy Communion each week, what do I do?
Have your relative contact the parish office during regular business hours. We will gladly come out each week and bring him/her Holy Communion.
What are the parish offices regular business hours?
Monday 10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Tuesday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Lunch (Monday-Friday) 12:00-1:00 p.m.
*The office may open late on Holy Days of Obligation as we will be attending Mass.
I need to drop off an item or pick up an item but I work and can't come during regular business hours?
Please call the office and let them know you need to drop off or pick up an item outside of regular office hours and they will assist you.
Where is the parish office?
St. Mary's is one-way! Please enter at Our Lady's Chapel. Take a left turn at the corner (by Cathy's Garden) where you will proceed past the Main Church on the left and the Rectory on the right. Continue around the school hall to the front of the school building (please proceed slowly and watch for children) continue to the school parking lot. Park in the far parish parking lot; the building is marked "Parish Office". Walk around the building. The office door is marked "Parish Office".
May I drop by the Rectory to see a priest?
The Rectory is a private residence. If you need to see a priest, please call the office during regular hours (301) 292-0527, unless you have an emergency (emergency hospital visit or the death of a parishioner) if so call the emergency line at (301) 292-6904.
I want to leave a message for the pastor? What do I do?
If it is an emergency (emergency hospital visit or the death of a parishioner) please call (301) 292-6904. For a normal situation, please call the parish office during regular hours (301) 292-0527 and either leave a message with Susan Ritchie, the parish secretary, or on our answering machine (after hours or during lunch break) or you can send an e-mail to parish@stmaryspiscataway.org
Can I fax an item to you?
Sure, no solicitations please! (301) 292-8786.
Does Father Baer have a day off?
Father Baer takes off one day per week. Father Baer's day off is on Wednesday . All the rest of the week he is busy serving the parish and its parishioners.
How do I register at St. Mary's?
First of all, welcome! Please introduce yourself after Mass to Father Timothy Baer so he can properly greet you.
Registration forms can be found in the gathering space of either church, at the parish office or on-line at this website. Please fill out the registration form (remember to fill-in your e-mail address if you have one) and return it via the collection basket, return it to the parish office or return it by mail. It may also be left in our parish mailbox (right outside the parish door).
I would like to receive envelopes. What do I do?
If you are registering, that information is on our registration form. If you are a current parishioner, please contact the parish office and they will assist you (301) 292-0527. Envelopes usually take several weeks to arrive. In the meantime, any check with your name and address on it will be recorded for tax purposes and you will receive a tax statement around the 2-3 week in January.
I was receiving envelopes now I don't. Do you know why?
Yes, they may have been lost in the mail or misplaced. Also, in order to use our parishioner's donations wisely if envelopes have not been used for several months we will discontinue their use. If you plan to make regular donations and would like your envelopes reinstated, please contact Susan Ritchie at the parish office.
I would rather make a cash donation. Will you record this for tax purposes?
Cash must be placed in a visitor's envelope found in the gathering space of either church. Please remember to legibly print your name and address on the envelope. This will alllow us to send a tax statement to you at the end of the year. (You can use a regular envelope too, just put your name, and address on the envelope.)
I don't want envelopes. Can I put a check in the collection basket instead?
Yes, checks are recorded as long as we have a name and address. A statement will be sent to you at the end of the year for tax purposes.
I would like to have my donation automatically withdrawn from my checking/savings account each week. How do I sign up?
We now have registration right online...see "Donate" on the left side bar on our Home Page. Or you can pick up an automatic withdrawal form in theathering space of the church or print in from this web site. Please fill out the form and return it to the parish office, in the collection basket or mail it to the parish office. If you need further assistance, our bookkeeper Lydia Vicente will gladly assist you.
My address and/or e-mail address has changed. What do I do?
Please contact the parish office with your new information via a phone call, by mail, by placing a note in the collection basket or by leaving a note in our parish mailbox. Also, you can fill out a registration form (please circle Updatie/Correction) and return it as above.
Why are e-mail addresses important?
We are more and more frequently using e-mail addresses to contact our parishioners regarding important events. When the Pope died, we were able to contact everyone immediately on a special memorial Mass the following day. Bill Keimig has started sending out a monthly udate with a wealth of information. Please keep your address up-to-date so you are not missing out!
I heard you are taking parishioner's pictures. Why?
Sometimes we, at the office, only meet folks a few times and we remember the face but not the name. Having your picture on our database helps us to identify you and; therefore better serve you! Pictures are used for internal use only.
I am no longer attending St. Mary's Church. Should I notify you?
Yes, please notify us. We are assessed according to the number of parishioners so this is very important!
I need financial help, can you help me?
St. Mary's has a food pantry available for those requiring assistance in our general geographical area. Please call the office (301) 292-0527 during regular business hours and we will assist you. Food is usually picked up from our food pantry on Tuesday mornings.
The State of Maryland has a new assistance line "211". Please call this line and they will refer you to the government agency set up to assist you.
I don't live in your geographical area but I need assistance, what can I do?
Please contact the parish closest to your home address. If you need a phone number, our office can assist you during regular business hours.
My relative is buried in your cemetery. How can I make sure?
Go to the website "Find A Grave". Search for St. Mary's Cemetery in Piscataway. Search for your relative. Many thanks to a kind gentleman that put all this information on this site!
How far back to your sacramental records go at St. Mary's?
Our records go back to the late 1800's.
Can I see your records?
Due to privacy laws that is not possible. However, our secretary can search for information, after office hours, if you are patient and let her know what you are looking to find.
I would like to get a Mass card. How does that work?
Mass cards are a wonderful way to remember someone's birthday, anniversary, date of death or just to show your love. Please contact the parish office to order your Mass card. Please let her know if you would like a particular date (first come/first serve basis) or if you would like the next available date. Also, she will need the person's name and whether the person is living or deceased. She will take your name and number in case we need to contact you (such as if the Mass needs to be moved). The customary donation is $10 which goes to the priest who celebrates the Mass. Checks can be mailed, can be brought to the parish office, can be left in the parish mailbox or can be placed in the collection basket (please mark your envelopes Attention: Susan-Mass Intention). If you desire a card, please make arrangements to pick it up either at the parish office during regular business hours or in our parish mailbox after hours.
I would like to have my child baptized at St. Mary's. What are the requirements?
Please see our web page on Baptism which explains everything.
Click here to link to this page.
Catholic Etiquette: It is customary to make a personal offering to the priest or the deacon performing the baptism. The Customary offering for the church is $100; Clergy is $25.
I would like to get married at St. Mary's Church. What are the fees/customary donations?
All prices are subject to change.
The fee for *Our Lady's Chapel or the Main Church range from $200 to $500 (please check with Susan Ritchie, the parish secretary, for further clarification). Please make checks out to St. Mary's Church.
Catholic Etiquette: If altar servers are required, a customary offering is made to the servers. It is also customary to make a personal offering to the priest and deacon assisting with the wedding. Customary offering for the clergy is $100.
The **standard organist fee is $250, w/rehearsal $350 and the standard Cantor fee is $150. Please contact Dr. Terry at (301) 292-0527 to discuss your musical options. Payments are required in advance. A CD with the musical selections can be checked out at the parish office during regular business hours but must be returned.
*Our Lady's Chapel (this is a historical building; therefore there are no restrooms. During regular business hours, the parish office may be used.)
**Additional fees may apply if you would like additional selections/services.
*Where can I take Marriage Prep classes?
Click HERE for the latest schedule.
I would like to have a funeral Mass at St. Mary's Church. What are the fees/customary donations?
*Our Lady's Chapel or Main Church, Suggested Donation: $250 Please make checks out to St. Mary's Church.
Catholic Etiquette: If altar servers are required, a customary offering is made to the servers. It is also customary to make a personal offering to the priest and deacon assisting with the funeral services. Customary offering for the clergy is $100. Please make checks out to St. Mary's Church.
The **standard organist fee is $200 and the standard Cantor fee is $125. Please contact Dr. Terry at (301) 292-0527 to discuss your musical options.
Click here for selections of Music for the Mass of Christian Burial.
Payments are required in advance.
*Due to the historical nature our chapel has no bathroom facilities.
**Additional fees may apply if you would like additional selections/services.
I would like to purchase a cemetery site at St. Mary's for myself. What are the costs?
The Archdiocese of Washington has a contract with Catholic Cemeteries to handle the selling of its cemetery sites. Their phone number is (301) 932-1766. You should ask for John or Julie (they are all really nice!) They will gladly assist you and answer all your questions.
The cost of a cemetery site at St. Mary's is as follows (these prices are subject to change):
Parishioner rate $1000 per site (A parishioner attends Mass at St. Mary's every Sunday and is actively involved in supporting our parish)
Non-Parishioner rate $1400 per site
Cremation Site $500 per site
Catholic Cemeteries will be able to answer any further questions. Sites can be sold on a pre-need basis.
Do you rent out your parish hall?
Our parish hall is used almost exclusively for our school/parish events.
Do you know where I can rent a hall for special events?
Sure! Here are some suggestions:
1. Knights of Columbus (Accokeek) (301) 292-5896
2. Accokeek Firehouse (Accokee) (301) 283-4456
3. St. Joseph's (Pomfret) (301) 870-3041
4. Izaak Walton League (Waldorf) (301) 932-9949
5. Middletown Hall (Waldorf) (301) 932-8100
6. Port Tobacco Courthouse (Port Tobacco) (301) 934-4313
7. American Legion (Waldorf) (301) 932-5071
8. Colony South (Clinton) (301) 856-4500
9. Jaycees (Waldorf) (301) 645-4546
Where can I go to find a Mass in Latin?
From the Archdiocese of Washington’s site:
Latin - Novus Ordo
Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle
Washington, DC
St. Mary of the Mills
Laurel, MD
Latin - Tridentine Mass (according to the 1962 Roman Missal)
Our Lady Queen of Poland and St. Maximillian Kolbe
Silver Spring, MD
Cathedral of St. Matthew
Benedict, MD
St. Mary, Mother of God
Washington, DC
What are the guidelines for Photography in the Church?
Periodically, the Office of Communications receives inquiries from parishes about photography in church, particularly during Mass or weddings. Below are simple guidelines used by the archdiocese for photographers at major events. These are being provided to assist parishes in developing their own guidelines as they balance the desire for documentation of liturgies with reverence for the liturgy.
- Overall rule of thumb: photographers should be respectful of the parishioners and not block their views nor interfere with the liturgy.
- Photographer do’s: shoot from the side or rear of the church. If a particular moment calls for a photo from the front, stay low (e.g., kneel) and out of the center aisle to avoid blocking the view of parishioners and becoming the center of attention.
- Photographer don’ts: walk across the front of the church; stand in the front blocking pews (especially with a tripod); shoot from the center aisle (except from the back of the church) or from within the sanctuary; or set up a tripod in the center aisle, in pews, in front of pews where they will block the view of parishioners or in side aisles during the distribution of the Eucharist, processional or recessional.
- The low lighting in many of our churches means flash often is necessary, but it should be used judiciously.
If you have questions, please contact Susan Gibbs, Office of Communications, at 301-853-4516 or sgibbs@adw.org.
*I would like to advertise in your bulletin, how do I go about it?
Please contact our Advertising Sales Representative, Claude Gironde at 1-800-888-4574 X3414 or Cgironde@4Lpi.com at Liturgical Publications Inc.
*I would like to go on a field trip with my child; how do I get "Child Protected"?
Go to http://www.virtusonline.org/virtus/ and follow the instructions to register. You will need to register online; choose a class to attend; fill out a registration form, and turn that into the office; read a pamphlet, and return the back page signed that you have read the pamphlet; and be fingerprinted.
Please contact Peter Catama at the parish office if you need further assistance (301) 292-0527.
*I get asked this question, quite often: What can I get Father Baer for a gift?
Father Baer is a history buff. He also enjoys bird watching. He loves his coffee (no decaf). Nina likes things she can eat!
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