Our Lady of the Chesapeake

Live Streamed at 8:30am Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday on our Facebook page.

Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered on Saturdays from 4:00pm to 4:30pm in the Daily Mass Chapel
or at 
Any Time by Appointment

To volunteer with the youth of Our Lady of the Chesapeake, or for more information about the Archdiocese of Baltimore policy on Child and Youth Protection, please click here.

Due to Fr. Steve impending Sabbatical and some staffing changes, the parish offices hours are being updated effective immediately:

Monday - Thursday:  9:00am - 2:00pm
Friday - CLOSED
 

MESSAGE FROM ARCHBISHOP LORI

The Catholic Church throughout the world and the local Church here in the Archdiocese will be participating in a process for preparing for a Synod in 2023 to discuss how to prepare the Church for the 21st Century in light of the many challenges we face.  All will be invited to particpate at the local level in the coming weeks.  In the meantime, here is some information about the Synod.


What is a Synod?
“Synod” is an ancient word in the Tradition of the Church whose meaning indicates the path along which the People of God walk together. It also refers to the Lord Jesus and to the fact that Christians, His followers, were originally called “followers of the way” (cf. Acts 9,2; 19, 9:23; 22,4; 24, 14.22).

What is the current Synod and when does it take place?
The Church of God is convoked in Synod. Pope Francis has called the global Church to conduct an extensive connection and intentional “listening tour” on the parish level and beyond, to get direct feedback and hear from the people who make up the church communities. The path entitled “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission” will solemnly open on October 9 &10 of 2021 in Rome and on October 17, in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. One fundamental stage will be the celebration of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, in October 2023, which will be followed by the implementation phase that will again involve the particular Churches (cf. EC, arts. 19-21).

What is the aim of this Synod?
The aim of the Synod is to discern how we are “living the faith” and how, we as a Church, are achieving this together. A fundamental aspect of the Synodal Process is to listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying to the Church and by answering one fundamental question: “How does this ‘journeying together’ take place today on different levels, allowing the Church to proclaim the Gospel and what steps is the Spirit inviting us to take in order to grow as a synodal Church?”

For more information:
Synod Information
Synod FAQ
Synod Prayer
Synod Preparatory Document
 

FR. RAFF'S OBITUARY

On Christmas Eve evening, Rev. Brian Michael Rafferty, went home to the Lord.  Raff, as he was affectionately known by many, was surrounded by friends, love and prayers at the hour of his death.

Fr. Rafferty will long be remembered for his challenging homilies, his humor, wit, and wisdom.  He was a man of great compassion with a love for the poor and the marginalized.  He loved being a parish priest and found great meaning and purpose in pastoring Our Lady of the Chesapeake.  He was the founding pastor of the Church of the Resurrection in Ellicott City.


MEMORIAL DONATIONS IN MEMORY OF RAFF

As stated in Raff's obituary, memorial donations in his memory may be made to OLC.  If you would like to make a donation through our online giving platform, GiveCentral, please scan this QR code below with your smartphone.  Thank you for your generosity and for remembering Raff.




May Raff rest in peace.  

The Anne Arundel County Health Commissioner has issued an emergency indoor mask mandate for Anne Arundel County.  The Order is in effect through Sunday, 1/30/22, unless extended.  Thank you for your cooperation in wearing a mask that covers your nose and mouth.  Masks are available at OLC if you need one.

PREGNANT, NEED HELP?

Call Gabriel Network at 1-800-ANGEL OK or visit www.gabrielnetwork.org
 


SUFFERING POST-ABORTION STRESS?   Call Rachel’s Vineyard Baltimore at 410-625-8491

Isaiah’s Promise is a ministry for families that have received an adverse prenatal diagnosis.  To learn more about this ministry, visit http://isaiahspromise.net/  or email info@isaiahspromise.net

Holy Innocents is a ministry for families who have lost children due to miscarriage.  The ministry offers spiritual and emotional support and burial of child.  HELPLINE:  410-547-3142; Email:  HOLYINNOCENTS@ArchBalt.org   

TO REPORT SUSPECTED ABUSE BY CLERGY, EMPLOYEES, OR VOLUNTEERS OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF BALTIMORE, CALL:

THE OFFICE OF CHILD & YOUTH PROTECTION AT 410-547-5348
THE VICTIM'S ASSISTANCE HOTLINE AT 1-866-417-7469.
ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY CHILD PROTECTION SERVICES 410-421-8400

Former Pastors of OLC

Father Walter J. Paulits
April 24, 1923 - June 4, 2011

Father Brian "Raff" Rafferty
July 22, 1937 - December 24, 2021