For Immediate Release:
June 4, 2025
Contact: Christian Kendzierski
Tel. 410-547-5378
christian.kendzierski@archbalt.org
Catholic Community to gather in solidarity with humanitarian workers
Mass for the Preservation of Peace and Justice to be held June 11
(Baltimore, MD) – In recognition of the extensive humanitarian impact of Catholic Relief Services, Catholic Charities and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a Mass for the Preservation of Peace and Justice is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. June 11 at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Baltimore.
The Mass is planned as recent actions by the U.S. government have brought increasing awareness of the Catholic Church’s urgent humanitarian work that alleviates suffering and contributes to peace and stability. A brief reception will follow.
“The mission of the Catholic Church to love our neighbors is carried out at home and abroad by the thousands of employees and volunteers of Catholic Relief Services, Catholic Charities and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul,” Archbishop William E. Lori said. “Together, these organizations put into action what it means to be one human family without regard to national, racial, ethnic, economic or ideological differences.
“We are extremely grateful to the Archdiocese for their ongoing support of our mission,” said Sean Callahan, president and CEO of Catholic Relief Services. “For 35 years, CRS has been proud to call Baltimore home, and the faithful across this city and state have wholeheartedly supported us. We thank Archbishop Lori and everyone at the Archdiocese for their solidarity as we continue to help our vulnerable sisters and brothers around the world.”
“The words from the first book of John, ‘Let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth,’ are a reminder of the profound responsibility we share as Christians to live out our faith by answering Christ’s call to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, give shelter to the homeless, and welcome the stranger,” said John Schiavone, president and CEO of St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore. “We must be bearers of hope to the countless many who wonder if hope exists, and advocates for justice with a firm conviction that we can overcome obstacles, heal divisions and build a more just and compassionate world.”
“We derive great encouragement from those who share and support our commitment to answering the call to love our neighbors, especially when times are challenging as they are now. And so, we are profoundly grateful for this special Mass, for the love and thoughtfulness of Archbishop Lori, and for the opportunity to fellowship with our brothers and sisters in the humanitarian community,” said William J. McCarthy Jr., executive director of Catholic Charities.