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410-461-5066 • 240-581-8013​ (C)
3301 S. Rogers Avenue, Ellicott City, MD 21043
Turn between the blue mailbox and guardrail 
and follow our lane to lovely oasis of peace!

www.ourladyscenter.net • email@ourladyscenter.net
"To Jesus through Mary"
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September 2020 Newsletter
We dedicate this month to Our Lady of Sorrows.
The Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows falls on September 15th,
the day after the 
Feast of the Triumph of the Cross.
 
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First Friday Mass 
September 4th, 12:00 Noon

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions will follow Mass. Adoration continues until confessions are finished.
Shop will be open until 6 pm for your convenience. We have not yet resumed Friday evening Masses.

Our Lord's First Friday Promises

First Saturday Mass 
September 5th, 10:30 am  

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, the Holy Rosary & Confessions will follow Mass. Adoration will continue until Confessions are finished.
Shop will be open 11:15 am - 2:00 pm

Our Lady's First Saturday Promises

We will be OPEN on LABOR DAYMonday, Sept. 7th.
The Noon Mass intention will be for the welfare and safety of all our patrons who are employed, underemployed, unemployed and in danger of losing employment.

Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28.
 
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Pray the Rosary at OLC Before Mass
Monday-Friday, 11:30 am
Why pray the Rosary daily? Our Blessed Mother asked us to! Come join us before daily noon Mass in the rear parking lot to pray the rosary together. If you would like to sign up to lead the Rosary on a particular day or to be a back up, contact Board Member Ada Vergne. The Rosary is the weapon for our times, the way by which we can conquer the world, the flesh and the devil. Read more HERE.
 
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Weekday Outdoor Masses 
Monday-Friday, 12:00 Noon
We are now completing three months of outdoor Masses since reopening, and only three times did we move inside due to threat of rain. We have been having excellent turn-out. For the time being, we will continue outdoor Masses, as our numbers have been far above what is allowed in the Chapel under current social distancing directives. However, if conditions outside are far less than ideal, we may make a last-minute decision to move inside, depending on number of attendees. Seating is on a first come basis in that case, and we ask everyone's understanding as we continue to navigate these unusual times. Confessions are held at the picnic table at the back of the rear parking lot following Mass, weather permitting. Eucharistic Adoration takes place in the chapel on Fridays following Mass until as long as the priest can stay.

Call ahead or text us at 240-581-8013 if storms are threatening. Please bring a folding chair, a hat or umbrella, and a face mask. Park in the front parking lot or the right side of the back parking lot (back in). There are parking assistants to guide you and instruct you from there. Please observe all directions for everyone's safety. Also, if you are at risk, consider it probably best to stay home and do a spiritual communion. Know that we will keep you in prayer.

Thank you to all who are helping to support our Center by shopping our Bookstore and Gift Shop and through direct donations. Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude!
 
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Announcing...
Flame of Love Prayer Cenacles to Resume Meeting in Chapel
Beginning Thursday, Sept 3rd
at two times: 10 am and 2 pm

then continuing every Tuesday at 10 am, and every Thursday at 10 am and again at 2 pm.
After over five months of video conferencing, the Flame of Love Cenacles will again be meeting at OLC on their former days and times. Come and experience the power of coming together in prayer. These prayer groups pray for the Flame of Love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, which is Christ Himself, to be enkindled in our hearts and bring about a new Pentecost. There is no denying that this is what our broken and hurting world needs. Learn more about this powerful and growing devotion HERE.  Contact Board Member Ada Vergne for the materials and to sign up.
 
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Mother Mary's Birthday
Tuesday, September 8th, 1:00 pm
Join us as we honor and celebrate the beautiful gift of our sweet Mama Mary on the feast of her nativity with prayer and music. Bring flowers for the Blessed Mother to decorate her outdoor shrine. In lieu of cake, let us all make a gift to her of special acts of kindness and charity on that day in her name.
 
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Defend Life Speaker Series Returns!
Bishop Joseph Coffey:
"My Personal Journey in the Pro-Life Movement"

Friday, September 18th, 1:00 pm
Bishop Joseph Coffey is the Auxilliary Bishop for Military Services and a grass-roots Pro-Life activist. He can be called pro-abundant life, being one of 9 children, the uncle of 46 nephews and nieces, and the spiritual father to countless others. He is the Command Chaplain of the USS Ronald Reagan which has a crew of 5,000. Having studied at the Sorbonne and faithfully served all over the world, he has received military awards too numerous to mention.

RSVP's are requested. The talk will take place outside following noon Mass, followed by question and answer and, as always, a lively discussion. Water and individually wrapped snacks will be available. If rain threatens, the talk will be moved to the chapel. As Exposition is usually taking place during this time in the chapel, plans may need to be adjusted accordingly, and we ask everyone's understanding as we make necessary adjustments.
 
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SAVE THE DATE!
Author Kevin Wells
Friday, October 16th, 1:00 pm
This will be Kevin's third time visiting us, and we couldn't be more pleased to welcome him back. He is the author of "The Priests We Need to Save the Church." Our regular priests who have read his book have given it glowing reviews. They say it convicted them in their weaknesses, deepened their faith, and reaffirmed their commitment and determination to be holy. Kevin's uncle, Msgr. Thomas Wells, was brutally murdered in Germantown MD 20 years ago.
 
"Prayer Wheels" Now Forming
to pray for the protection of our local law enforcement members & their families
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© Steubenville Press
Can you commit to praying anonymously one day a week for the protection of law enforcement officers and their families? This is not a political but spiritual battle. Praying is a necessary action that must be taken to effectively combat the unseen enemy of Christ who demands violence, chaos, and bloodshed. Those who are commissioned to protect the innocent and maintain order, those who act justly and are wrongly being targeted, need our prayers. Their family members, who are living under heightened fear for theirs and their loved ones' safety, need our prayers as well.

A Prayer Wheel is a group of seven people, each of whom is assigned ONE weekday to pray privately one Rosary and one Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel (the patron saint of police officers). At the end of each week, every day will have been covered in prayer. It is not a difficult commitment as each person has just one weekday on which to remember to pray. The number of prayer wheel groups is unlimited, and we hope the response is huge. There are no meetings, and there is no identifying of those who are praying or those for whom the prayers are being offered. For more information, contact Board Member Diane Andrews.
 
The Local Religious & the Saint Who Fought Racism
It is always the Devil who divides us. The Universal Church is united in Christ and must always work for true and lasting peace. We all continue to join our prayers to the Universal Church for protection of all the innocent and for true justice and God's peace for anyone who has been the victim of racism. Did you know that we have a local connection in the battle? Mother Mary of Jesus was a nun of a Catonsville Dominican congregation dedicated to the Perpetual Rosary. Read about her vision of St. Martin de Porres HERE and what she went on to do. Once again, we see that the rosary is the weapon of choice for true peace.
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IN THE NEWS...
 
Farewell to a Faithful Priest and Friend!
Fr. Matthias Njong was our faithful Thursday noon and Friday evening Mass celebrant for two years. During that time, he traveled to OLC twice a week from his parish, Holy Cross, in the Archdiocese of DC. Friday night Masses began at 7:30 pm, and Benediction would take place at 9 pm. Board member Carolyn Niebauer, who has overseen Friday night Mass and devotions for many years, spoke of how Father would often stay even later, continuing to hear confessions until there were no more in line. That is dedication! He has a strong devotion to the Blessed Mother and his homilies were consistent in both their resounding clarity and theological depth. The collection at his last Mass at OLC was taken up for him. Many patrons also handed him cards and notes separately. Fr. Mathias was literally moved to tears by your generosity, well wishes and prayers. He wanted us to make certain you knew how very grateful he is. He has headed back to Cameroon to continue to minister to the faithful there, having completed his studies in the US. He joins a long line of selfless, dedicated priests who have served here in the 46 years since this family apostolate was founded. He will be greatly missed. Yet, we are confident that the Blessed Mother will continue to lead her sons to us, holy priests who behold and honor her as Christ asked them to, through St. John at the foot of the Cross.
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Personal Shopper at Your Service!
"After a long search for a crucifix to be displayed in our new home, I asked Christine at Our Lady's Center to see if she could locate one for me. Not only did she find a quality one in a catalog and text me photos, but she made it so easy to order from her over the phone. It was delivered just two days later. I couldn't be more pleased with how beautiful it is and how easy the process was. Now Jesus hangs in a most prominent place in our home." - Marlene, PA

We know it is hard to navigate the web and discern sight unseen the quality of items one finds on it or to even determine where the items were manufactured. Photos and descriptions can be very deceiving. We LOVE to do the detective work to help you find the perfect religious article for your home. Just let us know what you are looking for, and we will do our best to find what you need at the highest quality and best price. We have a ton of catalogs and a network of vendors in the industry at our fingertips. We are also members of the Catholic Marketing Network with its hundreds of contacts, so we are rarely stumped. Our suppliers also stand behind their products, so you never need to worry about receiving something less than what you wanted. Looking for a special religious print, statue, plaque or medal? Email Christine, your personal shopper. Start thinking now for Christmas!
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September Special Feasts
2 - St. Stephen
3 - St. Gregory the Great

5 - St. Teresa of Calcutta
8 - Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
9 - St. Peter Claver
12 - The Most Holy Name of Mary

13 - St. John Chrysostom
14 - Exultation of the Holy Cross
15 - Our Lady of Sorrows
17 - St. Hildegard of Bingen
18 - St. Joseph Cupertino
19 - Our Lady of La Salette

21 - St. Matthew
23 - St. Pio of Pietrelcina
26 - Sts. Cosmo & Damian
27 - St. Vincent de Paul
28 - St. Wenceslaus
29 - Sts. Michael, Gabriel an Raphael
30 - St. Jerome

IN THE BOOKSTORE*
*We are a non-profit. All sales go towards supporting the Shrine! 

 
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Every Domestic Church should have a Home Altar and an Outdoor Shrine
We'll help you find what you need! To begin with, come see our army of Marys! We have statues of Our Lady of Grace in stock up to 36" as well as many other Blessed Virgin Marys, St. Joseph, Angels, Saints, Lambs and more. Come find the perfect one for your outdoor garden or grotto. 
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Lourdes Water finally back in stock!
We have been out since March. This is water imported directly from the healing spring of Lourdes, France. Don't wait to reserve yours.
 
New Flameless LED Devotional Candles with 6 hour timers!
We love this line! They flicker like real candles. Safe for hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and anyone who likes to fall asleep by candlelight. Takes two AA batteries. Also Motion Activated plug-in LED Night Lights!
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2021 16-Month Saints Spiral-Bound Planners & Wall Calendars
The Spiral Planners begin this month September and are hugely useful. Always a top seller...and never need charging. The 2021 Wall Calendars come in three styles and are loaded with beautiful works of sacred art to gaze upon throughout the coming year.
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NEW Books & Booklets Arriving Daily
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Another excellent book by popular Catholic author Peter Kreeft discussing the great transcendentals.
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Reveals atheistic communism’s fixation on Satan and the occult and explains how and why the roots of evil empires remain.
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With all the confusion and identity politics out there, this handy guide helps Catholics inform our conscience before casting our votes.

SEPTEMBER NO-CLIP COUPON:

OUTDOOR GARDEN STATUES
15% OFF

 
No coupon necessary. Valid on in-stock statues only. Previously purchased and discounted items excluded. Cannot be combined with other coupons or discounts.
Expires 09/30/2020
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Ways to Help Support OLC:
Through the last 46 years, countless patrons have paid it forward to help this little family apostolate grow and thrive, ensuring that countless lives and hearts would be touched by the gentle hand of Mary through our efforts. If you are so moved, please consider helping us continue this beautiful legacy which is needed perhaps now more than ever. Help us continue our mission to bring people to Christ through Mary. We are registered 501 (c)3 non-profit. Thank you, and God bless you!
  1. Set up a Monthly Electronic Donation. Any amount will help! Contact us for details.
     
  2. Purchase a Gift Certificate to use in the future. We'll mail it to you or to a loved one anytime.
     
  3. Make a donation through PAYPAL anytime.

SPREAD THE WORD!
Tell your friends about OLC. They can sign up for the newsletter HERE
Like us on Facebook for the most up to date info!
 
Our Lady's Center Marian Shrine

3301 Rogers Ave

Ellicott City, MD 21043

(410) 461-5066

https://www.ourladyscenter.net
Store Hours
Monday - Thursday: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm*
Friday: 10:00 am - 7:30 pm*
First Saturday: 10:00 am -10:30 am; 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
*Please note that the store is always closed during the noon Mass
Holy Sacrifice of the Mass
Monday-Friday: 12:00pm
1st Saturdays: 10:30 am

Confessions Follow all Masses

Adoration Friday: 12:30 - 2:00 pm
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Our Lady's Center Marian Shrine is a 501(c)3 non-profit Catholic lay apostolate within the Archdiocese of Baltimore located outside of Baltimore, Maryland in Ellicott City. We offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and confessions upstairs in our chapel each weekday and on first Saturdays. Downstairs in our beautiful store, we carry a large selection of Catholic books and religious articles to meet every need. We have many monthly events and activities.