Parish Office: 301-948-7545

St. Rose of Lima Parish
11701 Clopper Road, Gaithersburg
MD 20878-1024

What times are Mass held?
See Mass Schedule

• Are your facilities wheelchair accessible?
Both of our worship spaces are wheelchair accessible.  Please ask one of our ministers of hospitality to assist you in finding a spot. Please note that there are no restrooms in the Historic Chapel.

• Do you offer Mass in Spanish?
Yes! Mass in Spanish is held on Sunday at 6:00pm.

• Does being divorced mean that I am not able to receive the Sacraments of the Catholic Church? And does an annulment make the children of that marriage illegitimate?
If you are divorced and have not remarried, the Catholic Church recognizes that you are in good standing and you can receive the Sacraments. If you have remarried, you need to have the first marriage annulled in the Catholic Church before receiving the Sacraments. An annulment does not make the children illegitimate. An annulment is a judicial decree which states, that for some reason, the union was not sacramental.

• How can I get my baby baptized at St. Rose?
Call the parish secretary at 301-948-7545 and complete an intake form with her over the phone. She will then mail you information about our process. Please note that the process takes 4-6 months to complete. Parents are encouraged to complete the process prior to the arrival of their child whenever possible.

• I am an adult and am interested in finding out more about becoming a Roman Catholic. What should I do?
Call our parish office at 301-948-7545 and ask to speak with our pastor. He will set up a meeting with you to discuss your interest.


BECOMING A MEMBER

• What is involved in the registration process of becoming a St. Rose member?
The first step is attending a Newcomers' Gathering, a 45-minute session that provides an opportunity for you to get to know more about St. Rose, to meet other newcomers, and for the staff and welcoming committee members to meet you. Newcomers' Gatherings are held on the second Sunday of the month, after the 11:15am Mass. At this session, you will receive a welcome packet, which includes a Census Form. Once you return the completed form to the Parish Office, you will be registered.

• I can still participate in St. Rose without having a registered membership. So, why should I formally register?
Formal membership signifies our commitment to authentic relationship to each other in community. On a practical level, you will receive all our communications which non-registered people do not receive. You will have the opportunity to pledge your time, talent and treasure in support of parish life, and in return know that the community supports you. In addition many parishes require a statement from our pastor confirming registered and active parish membership for anyone being asked to fulfill the role of godparent and/or confirmation sponsor.

• I've been coming to St. Rose for a couple years. Now that I'm ready to join the parish, why should I attend the Newcomers' Gathering?
Yours might be a face that is familiar, but we'll take your picture and work at remembering your name so that we can greet you and introduce you to other parishioners next time we see you. Please take 45 minutes to introduce yourself to us! Newcomers' Gatherings are held on the second Sunday of the month, after the 11:15am Mass.


OUTREACH

• I've heard that St. Rose runs a furniture program. I'd like more information.
St. Rose is proud to offer the only furniture donation/distribution service in Montgomery County!; Our furniture services are provided by referral only. If you are in need of furniture, please have your case worker, social worker, or church pastor call our Furniture Hotline: 301-482-2947.
If you have furniture to donate, or would like to join our volunteer team, please call the Furniture Hotline: 301-482-2947.


RELIGIOUS EDUCATION/YOUTH MINISTRY

• How do I enroll my child(ren) in Religious Education?
Registration forms can be found in the Parish Centre Foyer. Complete and return the form to any St. Rose staff member. We are happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our Religion Education program.
Please Contact Pat Clancy 301-948-7545 x224 | pclancy@strose.com for grades 6-12 and Cheryl Shalgian cshalgian@strose.com for grades PK-5.

• How do I enroll my child(ren) in First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, or Confirmation?
Our Sacramental Preparation process is separate from the Religious Education Program. For program information and how to get started, please contact:

First Reconciliation and First Eucharist
Cheryl Shalgian, 301-948-7545 x245 | cshalgian@strose.com

Confirmation
Pat Clancy, 301-948-7545 x224 | pclancy@strose.com

• How can I get my teenager more involved at St. Rose?
St. Rose has a dozen different programs and ministries for young people! Youth are also encouraged to be involved in the life of the parish by helping with liturgy, service, committees, and Religious Education. Pat Clancy can help get you started with and answer any of your questions about our Youth Ministries, 301-948-7545 x224 | pclancy@strose.com