Southern Maryland Region Gathers for Mass and Reception

Top Row: John Butler, regional hospitaller; Grace Wiggins; Jeff Ludwig; Michael Scott; Herb Bullock

Middle Row: George Malone; Michael Steele, candidate; Msgr. Wilfred “Bill” Parent; Alvin Biagas; Althea Bullock; James “Jim” Johnson, candidate;

Front Row:  Michael Schreyer; Susan Malone; Salle Ludwig; Andrea Steele; Robin Butler; Lourdes Scott, Gloria Purvis; Patricia McPherson, Carla Johnson

 

On Divine Mercy Sunday Knights, Dames two candidates for the Class of 2016 and five prospective members gathered for the Southern Maryland Region quarterly Mass at historic St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Waldorf, Maryland with Msgr. Bill Parent.

 

St. Peter’s in Waldorf was founded in 1700 and was historically a place of worship for African-American and Native American Catholics. During the Mass, seven children were baptized and welcomed warmly into the community. Monsignor and the community also welcomed our Members as St. Peter’s will become the primary place of worship for the Southern Maryland Region.

 

After the Mass Members gathered for a reception in the historic former rectory, which was once home to our Conventual Chaplain ad honorum Bishop William Curlin when he served as Auxiliary Bishop of Washington, D.C.

 

After refreshments, Msgr. Parent welcomed gave us a brief history of the parish and rectory and their role in bringing the Catholic faith to America. Maryland is home to the first Catholic Church in the British Colonies, and Baltimore is home to the first diocese in the U.S.

 

After comments and introductions by Regional Hospitaller John Butler, Jeff Ludwig shared a brief history of the Order, followed by a small meal with regional specialties, including like Chesapeake Bay crab and Southern Maryland ham biscuits.