FROM OLMC…

Seek the City Announcement: Proposal for Essex Parishes

Many of you have likely been aware of the recent updates and communications about the ongoing parish planning process in Baltimore, Seek the City to Come. This process is now preparing for final decisions by end of May. 

This weekend, along with all the other parishes, we are taking the next step of announcing the current, working proposal for the configuration of new parishes— specifically here in the Essex area. Overall, the proposal involves a transformation of 61 current parishes across Baltimore into 18 newly formed parish churches. Here in our area, the presented proposal indicates a consolidation of Catholic worship and life into one parish community, slated to be situated at Our Lady of Mount Carmel. While we are still in the proposal phase of this process, we can all sense the large-scale shift and change that will be involved, as well as the range of emotions and responses. 

What do we do from here? First, no actual changes are going to be felt now or even in the next few months. It will take time to implement plans for this new reality- including plans regarding facilities, resources, and future needs. 

Second, I ask for your continued prayerful, balanced, and constructive thoughts. To that end, there will be two upcoming public feedback sessions: one at Archbishop Curley H.S. on April 25 from 6:30p-8:30p, and another at Our Lady of Victory on Wilkens Ave on April 30 from 6:30p-8:30p. There will be a forum in Spanish on April 29th at 7pm at Our Lady of Fatima on Pratt Street. Those sessions are open to all to come and hear the proposal, its rationale, and offer feedback. 

Finally, it may be very tempting, I think, to see this new reality in terms of “winners and losers.” This, however, is truly an opportunity for unity, faith, and new growth that comes through our common mission in Christ. 

Might we be patient, be charitable, and be open to the work of Christ even in these times of great transition for us Catholics in the Essex area. 

In God’s Peace,

Fr. John Streifel

Calling All Photographers! 

We have added a new Photo Gallery page to our website and need your help! We’re searching for photos taken by parishioners at church sponsored events – the fall festival, our annual Adopt-a-Family...whenever and however Mt. Carmel parishioners are celebrating each other and our community! Please email any pictures you’d like to have displayed on our website to photos@olmcparishmd.org with your consent to publish those photos publicly. Thank you for your service to our community!

Our Prayer List is Refreshed Monthly.

Please note you must call the Parish Office by the 5th of each month if you wish to keep your loved one on the prayer list.