December 17, 2024

At a pre-planned evening Boy Scout meeting at Sacred Heart of Mary School Hall, an archdiocesan representative appeared about thirty minutes into the themed gathering-- a Nativity construction project accompanied by Bible readings.  He arrived suddenly, demanding that the leader and her troupe vacate the premises.  When asked for an explanation of his presence, this representative indicated that he had been contacted by a Knight of Columbus member who lives on Duluth Avenue.  This Knight, likely an SHM parishioner, has apparently accepted to task of informing on any parishioners “trespassing” upon their own property.  Both a Quit Claim Deed and the Maryland Department of Assessment and Taxation, identify the “Congregation of Sacred Heart of Mary” as owners of the property.  Maryland law recognizes the parishioners, not the Archdiocese, as owners. The Archdiocese is not listed as owning any property on Youngstown or Duluth Avenues.  https://sdat.dat.maryland.gov/RealProperty/Pages/default.aspx

To her credit, the troupe leader conducted the meeting in its entirety.