Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church

Hello! My name is Father Michael Folmar and I was recently ordained for our Diocese this past June 9^th, the memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, a very significant day for me. For, it was Our Lady and her Immaculate Heart that have guided me throughout my life and, praise God, brought me here to a parish named after Our Lady and her Immaculate Conception. I was born in Pittsburgh (Go Steelers! – you know yinz like them!), where both sides of my family are from, and have lived in various places due to my dad’s job, but have mainly lived in our amazing Diocese in Northern VA. I received a B.S. in Biology at George Mason University while working at Red Hot and Blue next door to it. Shortly after, I became a Franciscan Missionary of the Eternal Word down at EWTN in AL for about six years where tremendous spiritual foundations were laid. Although I was happy as a brother, I realized that as a priest I would not be as happy. For, religious orders specialize in certain areas – down at EWTN it was the media and taking care of the sisters and pilgrims to EWTN. Diocesan (parish) priests are like general practitioners as they do a little of everything, which is more like me. So, my superiors helped me to realize that I could serve God more fully with the gifts He’s given me by being in a parish like this, since I was exhibiting more qualities of a parish priest. Therefore, I transferred back here to our home Diocese a few summers ago and I can’t thank God enough for this blessing. I absolutely love it here. There always was a flame inside of me for our Diocese, even when I went off to be a Franciscan. The time I spent with the order wasn’t a waste of time though because it really prepared me for what I’m doing now and will do in the future. Moreover, I can’t thank the Franciscans enough for all the ways that God formed me there, which was in ways that I never would have been formed if I had not gone there first. Finally, I went to Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, MD, which now brings me to here. A beautiful parish dedicated to my two loves, Our Eucharistic King and Our Lady, as it is filled with wonderful and caring parishioners! Praise God! May Our Lady always protect you with her mantle of protection! God bless, Fr. Folmar

Happy Independence Day!  To celebrate July 4, St Mary’s will be having Mass at 9am, 12pm, and 6pm.  Confessions will still be heard at 6:30pm, but Adoration is canceled on Wednesday.  God Bless America!

July 4 Mass Schedule: 9am, 12noon, & 6pm

Dear Folks,
This week we celebrate the 4th of July.  Our Mass schedule will be a little different, as we will have Masses at 9:00 AM, Noon, and 6:00 PM.  Why 6 PM?  I call it the fireworks Mass, and it is a happy memory from my childhood.
Let me tell you about Father Silk.  Father Silk was the pastor of my childhood parish: St. Mary’s in Rockville Maryland.  When I think of the 4th of July, I almost always think of him.  Why, because every 4th of July he would celebrate the ‘fireworks Mass” = a Mass timed so that you could come to Mass and then walk to the picnic and fireworks at the high school across the street.  Father loved the 4th of July.  It was obvious in his enthusiasm celebrating the Mass, and also in the fact that he wore vestments for Mass that were red white and blue.  (Ok, it was the 70’s, so we have Mass vestments that looked much like a flag …. bingo)!  I remember Mass, and then picnicking and waiting for the fireworks to begin, getting an ice cream from the ice cream truck (which was a special treat) and of course the fireworks which I loved!  Fr. Silk went home to meet the Lord several years ago; may he rest in peace and reap the rewards of the lives he touched.
Now you won’t ever catch me in a star-spangled vestment, but I do love this holiday and give thanks to God for my country, parish, and family.  And if you come dressed for the fireworks Mass in star-spangled picnic splendor, I will give you a big smile and a hug!
God Bless America!
pax,
fr mosimann