This website (shmcc.org) is not affiliated with the Archdiocese of Baltimore. The website was created by, and exclusively intended for, parishioners of Sacred Heart of Mary in Dundalk for the purpose of continuing to avail them of the sacraments and to keep them apprised of developments while their Vatican Appeal is processed. This is information, not available elsewhere, that parishioners are entitled to pursuant to canonical law regarding the right to appeal decrees and their U.S. First Amendment Right granting free speech.

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	The Sacred Heart of Mary Vatican Appeal is currently being processed by the Dicastery in Rome. A decision to suspend or not suspend the SHM decree issued by Archbishop Lori should be imminent. May God’s will be done. Please PRAY PRAY PRAY for a positive outcome! Photo Gallery

On August 18, 2025 The Sacred Heart of Mary Cross Atop the Steeple Tilted

The significance of a leaning cross atop a steeple of a Catholic Church can be interpreted in various ways, often reflecting both spiritual and cultural meanings. Here are some insights:

• Spiritual Reminder: Many view the cross as a profound spiritual symbol, representing the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. A leaning cross might serve as a reminder of the struggles and imperfections in life, symbolizing the need for faith and resilience.

• Good Luck Charm: In some cultures, crosses are seen as good luck charms. A leaning cross could be interpreted as a sign of protection or a call to prayer for the community.

• Historical Context: The cross has been a symbol of Christianity for thousands of years, and its position atop a steeple signifies the church's role as a beacon of faith. A leaning cross might also reflect the passage of time and the need for maintenance, reminding the community of their responsibility to care of their sacred spaces.

• Cultural Interpretations: Different communities may have unique interpretations of a leaning cross, influenced by local traditions and beliefs.

While a leaning cross may not have a universally accepted meaning, it often evokes reflection on faith, community, and the importance of maintaining the church's physical and spiritual integrity.

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It's a sorrowful day when the familiar chime of church bells falls silent, especially when the parishioners of Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church located in Dundalk, Maryland have been praying that their church gets reinstated into a standalone local neighborhood serving Graceland.

The closing of a neighborhood Catholic Church is a wound felt deep within the heart of the community.

These bells, the very heartbeat of our faith, remind us of Jesus's constant presence within the tabernacle,

a beacon calling us to center our lives on Him. We hope and pray that the sounds of Sacred Heart of Mary do not turn into Sound of Silence.

We are blessed to have the opportunity to give thanks for the blessings in our lives and to reflect on the challenges we face, knowing that Jesus walks beside us. The local community of Sacred Heart of Mary is a family of brothers and sisters, where we share our love, talents, and treasures, strengthening our spiritual bonds. We humbly ask Pope Leo and Archbishop Lori to open the now closed door. Sacred Heart of Mary parishioners, both the seasoned and the newly welcomed, hold a deep reverence for the celebration of the Holy Sacraments. This shared faith has always been the foundation for joyful community events and vibrant ministries. The dedicated pastoral care at SHM has consistently served the Graceland Park community with compassion and timely outreach. We stand united in our belief: **Sacred Heart of Mary must remain a standalone parish** to continue serving the spiritual needs of Graceland Park. Let us work together, with renewed passion and unwavering faith, to restore this sacred space and ensure its continued presence for generations to come.

Sacred Heart of Mary Sound Of Silence

While the Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church, located in Dundalk MD, bells still ring - will the “Sound of Silence” ring out?

A Vatican Appeal was filed in November 2024 on behalf of Sacred Heart of Mary parishioners. Four months later, due to a technicality, the Vatican Appeal was resubmitted in April 2025. We are expecting a response in August 2025 (based on a 4 month response from the initial filing) to either suspend the Archbishop Lori decree or reinstate Sacred Heart of Mary Church immediately.

It’s crucial, at this point in time, that we come together in prayer! That being said, Sacred Heart of Mary will be open for private prayer on August 13th, from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM. This is our opportunity, through prayer, to keep the church bells of Sacred Heart of Mary ringing and prevent the devastating "Sound of Silence." If you can not be present during this time, please take a moment of silence to pause and pray during this time.

PLEASE CONTACT YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY MEMBERS TO PARTICIPATE AND BE PRESENT.

As we await the decision, the power of prayer is our only hope! Please consider stopping by and praying with friends and family.

Please pray for the parishioners of St. Rita Catholic Church, parish of the former Pastorate of Sacred Heart of Mary and St. Rita. We pray that the church is fixed by the Archdiocese of Baltimore in a timely period so that parishioners can once again worship in this beautiful Dundalk Catholic church.

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O Mary, Conceived without Sin, Pray for Us Who Have Recourse to Thee

Could these lilies be a sign of things to come for Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church? Only God knows. Only humans can hope and pray. It is never a good thing when a Catholic church closes. Souls and neighborhoods are affected. During the Middle Ages, the faithful saw reminders of Mary, the Mother of God, in the flowers and herbs growing around them. Violets were symbols of her humility, lilies her purity and roses her glory. They called her “Flower of Flowers,” and named plants after her. Marigolds were Mary’s Gold, clematis was the Virgin’s Bower and lavender was Our Lady’s Drying Plant. Please continue to pray and hope that SHM is reinstated.

Sacred Heart of Mary Congregation Community Audio Files

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SUN: Is the Baltimore archdiocese defying a Vatican court order? Experts say yes.

May 15,2025

Churches Closed, Appeals Pending - Bishop Lewandowski Earns Promotion

April 8, 2025

Reforming the Clerical Culture

Is the Archdiocese of Baltimore hierarchy guilty of clericalism?

March 28, 2025

Archdiocese of Baltimore Braces for Potential Threats, Cites Aggrieved Parishioners Post Mergers

March 15, 2025

Archdiocese Keeps Church Closed, Collects On Will Anyway

Appellant’s petition to delay the distribution of the remainder of Mr. John Zaczynski’s estate, $249,132 until adjudication of the Vatican appeal was overruled in a hearing held in Orphans’ Court …

March 7, 2025

News Received on Vatican’s Takeover of IVE

January 24, 2024

Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Reasons for Church Closures Remain Questionable

Retrospectively, AoB’s “Seek the City to Come” church consolidation initiative reveals itself ever more as a propaganda campaign geared to deflect blame for church closures and promote the benefits of mergers rather than a period of collaborative “discernment.” In reality the blame lies with the Archdiocese and the outcomes were already predetermined….

December 22, 2024