A First For St. Mary’s: New Adoration Chapel Planned With $750K Fundraising Goal

HOLLYWOOD, Md. — A historic addition to St. Mary’s County’s Catholic community is moving forward, as plans are underway to build the county’s first-ever free-standing Perpetual Adoration Chapel, a project organizers say will serve as a lasting place of prayer, peace and spiritual renewal.

The chapel, which will be constructed on the grounds of St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church in Hollywood, marks what organizers describe as a significant milestone in a region with deep Catholic roots.

“This chapel is historically significant because it will be the first free-standing Perpetual Adoration Chapel ever built in St. Mary’s County,” organizers said in an interview with The BayNet. “It represents both the deep roots of the Catholic faith in Southern Maryland and a lasting investment in its future.”

After months of review, the project received diocesan approval to move forward, reigniting momentum behind the effort.

“The inspiration behind the chapel is the desire to create a dedicated sacred space for perpetual Eucharistic adoration … a place where people can come at any hour to pray, encounter Jesus in the Eucharist, and deepen their faith,” organizers said.

Once complete, the chapel will be open 24 hours a day, offering visitors a quiet space for reflection and prayer at any time.

Organizers have also released a promotional video and are sharing updates through the chapel’s Facebook page, giving the community an inside look at the vision and progress of the project.

“The design is intentionally simple yet beautiful, allowing all attention to remain focused on Jesus truly present in the Blessed Sacrament,” organizers said.

Architecturally, the chapel will reflect the longstanding history of the parish. Designed by noted Catholic church architect Art Lohsen, the structure is intended to appear as though it has stood on the property for generations, blending seamlessly with the existing church.

A defining feature will be 12 restored stained-glass windows depicting the life of Christ, originally sourced from a closed Catholic church in New Jersey.

During an upcoming gala, attendees will be able to bid on 12 individual windows, with winning bidders receiving the right to dedicate the window in honor or memory of a loved one.

“This creates a rare opportunity for families to come together … to leave a lasting legacy of faith,” organizers said.

They added that opportunities like this have not been available in the county for decades.

“For many families, this may be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to leave their family’s name and legacy in such a meaningful and lasting way.”

In addition to the live auction, a separate raffle will give attendees a chance to win a stained-glass window that will be installed on the front of the chapel.

Guests can expect “an elegant night out,” complete with a cocktail hour featuring a live string quartet, dinner, an open bar and a live auction offering a variety of items, including vacations and specialty goods.

The evening will conclude with a performance by “Upon This Rock,” a band made up of priests from the Diocese of Washington, D.C., including some with local ties.

“We wanted the evening to be joyful, memorable and full of life,” organizers said. “This is a fun way to celebrate the construction of the chapel … and showcase the joy and personality of our priests.”

“This is a community-driven effort, and every gift plays a role in bringing this sacred space to life,” they said. “Without the support of donors, this chapel would not be possible.”

For those unable to attend the gala, there are still opportunities to contribute, including online auctions, raffle participation, registry donations and general giving through the project website.

“We hope the chapel will be a place of peace, prayer and renewal for the entire community,” they said. “Whether someone comes with gratitude, sorrow, hope or simply a need for quiet, the chapel will offer a sacred place to step away from the busyness of life.”

They also note the broader significance of the project in today’s world.

“Amid the noise and distractions of modern life, we urgently need sacred spaces like this, places where hearts can be stilled, faith can be renewed, and lives can be transformed.”

More information, including event details and ways to support the project, can be found at www.stmaryschapel.net.

“This chapel is more than a building, it is a source of hope for our community,” organizers said. “The gala is an invitation to be part of something lasting.”

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