Anchored in Hope & Prayer

A community update on our journey

A Personal Note

Dear Friends and Members of SHMCC,

We are approaching two years since we filed a Vatican Appeal to reopen Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church, and if you're feeling impatient, you aren't the only one. Dealing with the Archdiocese of Baltimore and the Catholic Church hierarchy is exhausting. It often feels like they're relying on a familiar waiting game—dragging things out, hoping we'll get worn down and quietly give.

We can see the toll it’s taking around us. People aren't checking our online updates as often, fewer folks are reaching out, and our monthly prayer get-togethers have seen their numbers slightly dwindle. Feeling discouraged when things take this long is only human.

"Whatever decision comes down from our Vatican Appeal, we will accept God's holy will. Our Catholic faith is tested, but it will endure—anchored in our belief in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. At the end of the day, God is in absolute control, not human hands."

"I am only one person! Why should I do anything? What good would it do?"

— Saint John Leonardi

Saint John Leonardi once faced a world that told him his voice was too small with doubts like that. He didn't just throw his hands up and walk away; he kept pushing forward with bold, tireless action because he believed God works through people who refuse to quit.

"Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country."

— President John F. Kennedy

Even JFK once reminded folks that meaningful change doesn't just happen on its own—it takes all of us chipping in. Applied to our spiritual home and our wider community of believers from closed parishes across the Archdiocese, we must ask: What can we do for Sacred Heart of Mary?

We can't just sit on the sidelines waiting for a letter from Rome while our community spirit starts to fade. Prayer is powerful, but it’s also something active—it's what keeps us going and pulls us closer together.

Sacred Heart of Mary Congregation Community Vigil Prayer
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Our Personal Commitment

Let's Lift Each Other Up

By stepping forward together through personal prayer and active presence, we can reopen our church, restore the Blessed Sacraments to our neighborhood, and evangelize the Graceland Park community in Dundalk. Pick whichever options feel right for you:

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Thank you! Every bit of prayer and support keeps our community strong.
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What's Next

Simple Ways to Help Out

1. Check the Calendar

Head over to shmcc.org to see when our next prayer gathering and community update are scheduled.

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2. Pass the Word Along

Share this page with fellow SHMCC members, parishioners of closed parishes, or friends who might need a little encouragement right now.

“I plead with you—never give up on hope, never doubt, never tire, never become discouraged.”

— Saint John Paul II
Sacred Heart of Mary Congregation Community (SHMCC)
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