Pray that God’s will be done
August, 27, 2025
On Friday August 22, 2025, the cross was removed from Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Earlier in the week, Monday, the cross was observed leaning towards Youngstown Ave. The cross was removed for potential safety reasons. The Archdiocese of Baltimore will most likely hold off on repairing until resolution of the SHM Vatican Appeal .
Pray that God’s will be done
August 7, 2025
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.
On Wednesday, August 13, 2025, there will be private prayer time in Sacred Heart of Mary Church. It will be from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The Blessed Sacrament will be placed in the tabernacle during that time.
It's a sorrowful day when the familiar chime of church bells falls silent. 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 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. Like St. John Paul II, we see the Sacred Heart of Mary as showing the way to God, heaven, and life.
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 NEIGHBORHOOD PARISH to continue serving the spiritual needs of Graceland Park.
And now we wait for the response for the Vatican Appeal sent to Rome on behalf of Sacred Heart of Mary Congregation Community. Let us work and PRAY together, as we await a Vatican Appeal response, with renewed passion and unwavering faith, to restore this sacred space and ensure its continued presence for generations to come.
Through Sacred Heart of Mary the people of Graceland Park have discovered God. What greater honor can be paid a parish than to know it has given its people the greatest gift - the Spirit of God. Sacred Heart of Mary, if reinstated, can continue its mission for future generations of people living in the Graceland Park area.
Pray that God’s will be done
May 15, 2025
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!
Pray that God’s will be done
April 8, 2025
Churches Closed, Appeals Pending - Bishop Lewandowski Earns Promotion.
Pray that God’s will be done
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.
Pray that God’s will be done
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?
Pray that God’s will be done
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.
Pray that God’s will be done
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.”
Pray that God’s will be done
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.
Pray that God’s will be done
February 12, 2025
8 days after EthicsPoint complaint - no response. No response by Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R. or Vatican.
Pray that God’s will be done
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.
Pray that God’s will be done
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).
Pray that God’s will be done
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”.
Pray that God’s will be done
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.”
Pray that God’s will be done
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.
Pray that God’s will be done
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.
Pray that God’s will be done
January 18, 2025
Sacred Heart of Mary’s predicament has captured the attention Life Site News. See link.
Pray that God’s will be done
January 15, 2025
Guidelines for donating to Sacred Heart of Mary Church during the open SHM Vatican Appeal.
Pray that God’s will be done
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.