The congregation of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, in the heart of downtown Hagerstown, is doing something radical.
On May 1, 2026, the parish committed to literally praying for the city and community day and night.
The parish organized 336 people — two per hour — to pray for an hour every week around the clock, for a total of 168 hours per week.
At 7:30 p.m. May 1, the praying began and has not stopped since. Every hour of every day and night, there are at least two people in the church’s urban chapel praying for Hagerstown. We are praying for all people, especially the sick, the forgotten, families and first responders, and for an end to violence, a deep respect for all human life and peace in our streets.
We recognize that there are many incredible services offered in Hagerstown and Washington County. There are many good people who help the homeless and the needy by providing food and shelter, and there are numerous heroes who work to keep us safe.
We just want everyone to know — no matter their background or situation — that we are praying for them. That’s our small contribution to Hagerstown.
At every hour of the day and night, we have at least two people committed to praying on the campus of St. Mary’s. Our light is perpetually on.
We hope you feel those prayers.
Sometimes people wonder, “Does anyone care about me?” We do. We care so much that we are willing to get up in the middle of the night — every night — and come to the chapel to pray for all of you.
We believe that prayer will unite us all. We believe that prayer works. We believe that prayer is powerful, so we committed to praying perpetually. We have no plan to stop — ever. That is our contribution to our wonderful city.
You do not have to be Catholic to commit to praying. If you would like to join us in this venture for peace, you are welcome to do so.
If you feel called to commit to an hour of prayer each week on our campus, please email me at [email protected] to get an access card to our chapel.
Editor’s note: This piece was submitted by Fr. James Boric, pastor of St. Marys Catholic Church in Hagerstown.
