April 8, 2025

Churches Closed, Appeals Pending - Bishop Lewandowski Earns Promotion.

March 15, 2025

In an article dated March 15, 2025, The Catholic Review reports that the Archdiocese of Baltimore is bracing for potential threats, cites aggrieved parishioners post mergers.

March 7, 2025

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. Delay was sought on the basis that Sacred Heart of Mary Church is closed by Archdiocesan Decree effective December 1, 2024 and as such, has remained devoid of activity so far in 2025. The Blessed Sacrament has been removed and there have been no Masses or Adoration (although one has just been scheduled for March 12, 2025, 11am-2pm). Boy Scout meetings, soccer leagues, quinceaneras and all other programs have been discontinued. It was Petitioner’s opinion that collecting the proceeds of a will at such time that the Archdiocese will not even grant a suspension of Decree pending appeal was inappropriate and not in keeping with the decedent’s intent. Archdiocesan Legal Counsel (ALC), of Gallagher, Evelius & Jones argued to the contrary, asserting that civilly, Sacred Heart of Mary still exists as an individually incorporated entity, namely “Sacred Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Congregation, Inc.” which is entitled to collect from the estate. The contention that parishes are “individually incorporated entities” is one that the Archdiocese relies heavily upon to protect assets from creditors such as in its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing—i.e., limiting settlements to sexual abuse claimants. However, each “individual” “Congregation, Inc.” Is headed by Archbishop Lori as President. Also on each “Board” is the Vicar General, the Pastor (bound by the AoB) and two lay corporators, approved and also bound by AoB. There is no ownership by nor meaningful representation of the “congregation” despite the corporate name registered thus with the Secretary of State of Maryland.

In addition to asserting legal standing (which parishioners cannot), ALC’s attorney further stated, on the record, that Sacred Heart of Mary remains “in use” as, after all, the appellant has been “in communication with Father Kevin” for over a month regarding “right of entry” requests initiated by the Appellant.

ALC went on to claim that Sacred Heart of Mary continues to incur expenses such as for the cemetery and for the recent boiler repair costing $5,000.00 and so could make good use of the donation. But cemetery expense does not meet the requirement noted in the will, i.e., “for use of the church at that location.” Secondly, Sacred Heart of Mary has paid (and likely continues to pay) for boiler insurance. OLH has been apprised of this policy, claims to which can be made through the Archdiocese.

On the question of why ALC, here to collect from an estate, has not addressed an irregular debt entry placed upon SHM’s books, ALC stated there was an explanation for the debt but since it forms one of the bases of the Vatican appeal, the explanation would be offered at the time of adjudication. So, she will represent SHM (or its corporate equivalent) to collect funds but declines to address an erroneous debt entry. Follow the money. The debt is payable to AoB. If the explanation were plausible and offered to the Appellant, perhaps this issue could be resolved now. Why are we waiting for the Vatican?

March 8, 2025

In response to the appellant's request for the faithful to have the "RIGHT OF ENTRY" under canon law 1214 , on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, there will be private prayer time in Sacred Heart of Mary Church. It will be from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The Blessed Sacrament will be placed in the tabernacle during that time.

February 20, 2025

Received response to EthicsPoint Inquiry regarding $364K special assessment (alleged unpaid Americorps Rent) applied to SHM’s books. Its verbiage is virtually the same as what was received on February 14 from the Apostolic Nuncio. Archdiocese of Baltimore’s (AoB’s) response via EthicsPoint:

“Answer questions about your report.

2/20/2025 8:55 AM

Thank you for your inquiry. Please be aware that since you have already appealed the merger of Sacred Heart of Mary Parish to the Dicastery for Clergy in Rome, we will respect that process so any questions of this nature will be addressed as part of that process rather than within the parameters of ETHICSPOINT.”

Neither AoB nor the Nuncio see fit to address financial irregularities that are likely ongoing practices here at the Archdiocesan level. Their attitude is “Let the Vatican handle it, regardless of the time it takes.”

February 14, 2025

Secretariat for the Apostolic Nuncio responds to request for investigation into Archdiocese of Baltimore’s (AoB’s) questionable financial practices by declining to do so. The email states “the Dicastery for the Clergy [Vatican], to whom you presented hierarchical recourse, will examine your arguments and eventually render a decision”. So in other words, AoB’s ongoing financial practices can be ignored as we all await Rome’s decision on the appeal.

February 12, 2025

8 days after EthicsPoint complaint - no response. No response by Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R. or Vatican.

February 11, 2025

Inquiry filed with the Apostolic Nuncio, His Eminence Christophe Cardinal Pierre ( Cardinal-Deacon) to investigate questionable financial entries upon which Decree of closure was based. Included in the report to the Nuncio is IVE’s role in destabilizing Sacred Heart of Mary (SHM) and questions as to why they were assigned there.

February 10, 2025

The appellant filed an objection to the motion to dismiss the petition challenging distribution of the will to a closed church (SHM).

February 7, 2025

Meghan K. Casey, Esq., ostensibly representing Sacred Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Congregation, Inc., of Gallagher Evelius & Jones, LLP filed a Motion to Dismiss the appellant’s petition to delay the Distribution of Will to Sacred Heart of Mary (SHM) until disposition of the Vatican Appeal is resolved.

The Archdiocese of Baltimore seeks to collect proceeds of a will which specifically lists SHM as the beneficiary citing that SHM exists as a “corporate entity”.

February 4, 2025

Father Kevin Mueller responded to the appellant’s Jan. 4 letter inquiring as to “right of entry,” potential sale of SHM property and handling of collections/financial reports. Bishop Lewandowski had addressed these issues at Fr. Mueller’s request in mid-January. Father Mueller explains that he, understandably, lacks experience in “dealing with closed churches.” He echoes His Excellency’s decision on the “right of entry” request thusly, i.e., that he “could allow a monthly time for prayer on a weekday as Sacred Heart of Mary.”

February 3, 2025

An EthicsPoint complaint was made regarding a $364k “special assessment” charge against the Sacred Heart of Mary (SHM) balance sheet by the Archdiocese of Baltimore (AoB). This system promises a response between 3 to 5 days.

January 24, 2025

News received on Vatican’s Takeover of IVE. See story .

January 21, 2025

Letter sent to Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R. requesting removal of the special assessment (debt) and rescission of the Sacred Heart of Mary Decree.

January 18, 2025

Sacred Heart of Mary’s predicament has captured the attention Life Site News. See link.

January 15, 2025

Guidelines for donating to Sacred Heart of Mary Church during the open SHM Vatican Appeal.

January 13, 2025

An email was received by Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R. (not Father Kevin Mueller) regarding the following issues:

1.       Access to the Blessed Sacrament at Sacred Heart of Mary Church has been delegated to Father Kevin Mueller, pastor of Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church.

2.      Assurances were provided that can be interpreted to mean that no SHM property will be be sold pending adjudication of the Vatican Appeal

3.       Sacred Heart of Mary parish expenses will only be shared with authorized personnel not members of the appeal committee.

January 8, 2025

The appellant reached out to Father Kevin Mueller, Pastor of Our Lady of Hope via email, Regular US Mail and Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested to address certain issues pertaining to Sacred Heart of Mary during the appeal process:

1.       Return of the Blessed Sacrament to Sacred Heart of Mary Church and matters relating to “right of entry” as provided for in Archbishop Lori’s Decree

2.       Assurance that no property be sold pending adjudication of the Vatican Appeal

3.       Continued oversight of finances by SHM’s volunteer acting Business Manager

January 7, 2025

No response from the Vatican Appeal or the Archdiocese. Efforts are underway to restore the Blessed Sacrament to Sacred Heart of Mary church tabernacle and open church several hours each day for prayer and meditation.

December 21, 2024

Thirty days have passed since filing the appeal.  No response from the Vatican or the Archdiocese.