Saint Raphael

Listen or watch the 11:30AM Sunday Mass on campus and receive Communion outside.  

During the 11:30AM Sunday livestreamed Mass, you may remain in your car in the parking lot and watch the 11:30 livestream on your phone; and at Communion the Eucharistic Ministers will distribute Holy Eucharist outside the front center doors of the church.

The Solemnity of The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated on Saturday, August 15.

When a holiday falls on a Saturday or a Monday the obligation to attend Mass on that day is removed.

In accordance with Archbishop Wilton Gregory's decision (read the whole letter), on June 9 the church building of St. Raphael reopened and the parish resumed much of its normal schedule. 

The Archdiocese has recently issued an update regarding the second phase of reopening. Phase 2 has begun on June 19,2020 and Montgomery County parishes may resume public Mass at 25-30% capacity.  For St. Raphael this means that a maximum of 240 persons may be present at each Mass.

Sunday and weekday Masses are now celebrated publicly but are also live-streamed daily if you are not yet comfortable attending in person. 

To protect everyone's health during the reopening, in accordance with Archdiocesan guidelines, certain steps will still be necessary, including:

• Everyone is to check their temperature before going to Mass.
• Everyone is to wear a face mask while in the church.
• Everyone is to maintain social distancing (6 feet from anyone not in your household), including not sitting in pews that are so marked.
• Gatherings before or after events are not permitted.
• Respect the maximum of 240 persons per Mass.
• Follow the special procedures for Holy Communion.  
• Please bring your own copy of the Missalette.  You can download it here (or click on the menu under News & Events)

The church building is also open for private prayer (enter through the side door by the St. Joseph statue).  (Other buildings remain closed.)

• Confessions on Tuesday evenings and Saturday afternoons (indoors)
• Eucharistic Adoration on Tuesday evenings and Thursdays (see Parish calendar to reserve a time via Signup Genius)

Please read Fr. Mike's "Welcome Back" letter for all details.

Frequently updated pages during this time:

• Parish Status & Updates
   
• Communications from the Archdiocese of Washington
   
• Online Masses & More

• Ways to Help

• Religious Education 
   
• Adult Faith Formation

As you might know, for months parishioners and staff members have been contacted by con artists masquerading as Fr. Salah. The scam that was originally limited to emails has now spread to text messages. Please be aware that this is a fraud. These emails and text messages are NOT coming from Fr. Mike.  Do not reply to these solicitations to avoid falling victim to these scammers.