Sister Parishes - Archdiocese of Baltimore

SISTER PARISH PROGRAM

ONE, HOLY, CATHOLIC, AND APOSTOLIC

The Sister Parish Program of the Archdiocese of Baltimore aims to foster collaboration and solidarity between suburban parishes and city or rural parishes, particularly those in financial need. By sharing resources, fostering relationships, and working together, the program seeks to build a stronger, united Catholic community within the archdiocese.

Goals of the Program:

To promote mutual spiritual enrichment through shared prayer, events, and ministry collaboration.
To provide financial assistance from financially stable parishes to those in greater need through the sharing of appeal rebates.
To foster relationships and a sense of unity among parishes with diverse challenges and opportunities.
To create opportunities for parishioners to witness the mission of the Church in action and to serve beyond their immediate parish community.

WAYS PARISHES CAN BENEFIT EACH OTHER

Spiritual Enrichment

Shared prayer intentions and prayer events (e.g., holy hours or novenas).
Hosting joint Masses or liturgical celebrations.
Facilitating parishioner-led Bible studies across the two communities.

Cultural Exchange

Celebrating each parish’s unique traditions and customs.
Organizing cultural events, festivals, or meals to foster understanding and fellowship.

Ministry Collaboration

Youth ministry groups collaborating on service projects.
Joint efforts in food pantries, clothing drives, or meal programs.
Partnering on sacramental preparation programs or faith formation.

Volunteer Engagement

Encouraging parishioners from both communities to visit and serve each other.

Hosting parish missions to build bridges between communities.

Skills and Expertise Sharing

Financially stable parishes providing mentorship on fundraising, budgeting, and administration.
Offering technological support or training to improve operations at smaller parishes.
Sharing resources such as music ministries, catechists, or liturgical training.

Community Growth

Hosting joint retreats, workshops, or speaker series.
Supporting initiatives to revitalize city or rural parishes, such as beautification projects or building renovations.

Financial Support

Designating the Sister Parish as a recipient of a portion of the parish’s Annual Appeal rebate.
Establishing direct donations to support specific ministries or projects at the Sister Parish (e.g., youth programs, outreach efforts, or facility repairs).
Organizing fundraising events such as galas, silent auctions, or benefit concerts to raise funds for the Sister Parish.
Creating scholarship funds to assist students from the Sister Parish in attending Catholic schools.
Providing grants or financial aid for special needs, such as emergency relief or capital improvements.

Partnerships in Action

Building community is at the core of the sister parish program. By engaging with traditions at the heart of each parish and supporting initiatives of shared values, these partnerships have flourished in every region of the Archdiocese.

St. Veronica and Our Lady of Perpetual Help

St. Veronica and Our Lady of Perpetual Help regularly engage in joint prayer groups and anniversary celebrations. In 2020, OLPH joined St. Veronica in celebrating their 75th anniversary.

St. John the Evangelist and St. Bernardine

Every year, St. Bernardine hosts the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. & Rev. Msgr. Edward Michael Miller Peace Walk. St. John the Evangelist sends a busload of parishioners to join their partner for this prayer service and walk dedicated to peace, justice, and unity.

LIST OF SISTER PARISH RELATIONSHIPS

St. Michael (Poplar Springs) and Divine Mercy (Frostburg)
Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Elicott City) and St. Veronica
St. John the Evangelist (Columbia) and St. Bernardine
St. Louis (Clarksville) and Our Lady of Victory
St. Bernadette and Our Lady of Victory