Kevin J. Parks

Kevin J. Parks joined the Catholic Review in 2016 as its visual journalist following a lengthy career at Mercy Medical Center, where he shot photography and video for internal communications, marketing and media relations for local and national media.

Kevin has been honored by the Maryland Delaware D.C. (MDDC) Press Association, The Catholic Press Association and the Associated Church Press for his work. One of his career highlights is documenting a medical mission in Peru, which received two national awards.

A Baltimore native, Kevin is graduate of Archbishop Curley High School and the University of Baltimore. He is a parishioner of St. Francis de Sales, Abingdon.

After 75-year delay, WWII veteran receives Bronze Star

April 23, 2021
By Kevin J. Parks
Catholic Review Filed Under: #IamCatholic, Catholic Charities, Feature, Local News, News

Seventy-five years after Melvin Jonczak Sr. put his life in peril in World War II, he finally received recognition for that service.

St. Ignatius, Hickory, answers call as COVID vaccination clinic

April 8, 2021
By Kevin J. Parks
Catholic Review Filed Under: #IamCatholic, Coronavirus, Feature, Local News, News

Lynda Boegner, acting director of clinical services for the Harford County Health Department, a nurse practitioner and a St. Ignatius parishioner for more than 20 years, said officials expected to administer 780 Moderna vaccinations, many of which were second doses.

St. Frances Academy rolls at Spalding as BCL basketball returns

February 18, 2021
By Kevin J. Parks
Catholic Review Filed Under: Coronavirus, Feature, Local News, News, Sports

A historic Baltimore Catholic League season belatedly began Feb. 17 with St. Frances Academy opening its quest for a fourth straight championship with a 96-78 victory at Archbishop Spalding High School.

Numbers, but not spirit, muted at Maryland March for Life

February 5, 2021
By Kevin J. Parks
Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Local News, Maryland General Assembly, News, Respect Life

The annual Maryland March for Life was held Feb. 4, with a socially-distanced gathering of several hundred on and around State Circle designed to get the attention of the General Assembly, but minus the traditional Mass at St. Mary’s Church and youth rally, because of COVID-19.

PROGRESS REPORT: Mother Mary Lange Catholic School continues to take shape

February 3, 2021
By Kevin J. Parks
Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Schools, Uncategorized

The coronavirus pandemic has not deterred the construction of Mother Mary Lange Catholic School, the first new Catholic school to be built in Baltimore City in almost 60 years.

2020: A year out of focus

January 7, 2021
By Kevin J. Parks
Catholic Review Filed Under: Commentary, Coronavirus

As we say a farewell and good riddance to 2020, I selected some images that made me smile or gave me energy these past months. Hopefully, they will do the same for you.

Holy Family Parish brings Christmas cheer to Baltimore’s northwest suburbs

December 21, 2020
By Kevin J. Parks
Catholic Review Filed Under: Christmas, Feature, Local News, News

In a normal Christmas, the charity drive helps about 60 families. With COVID-19 increasing the number of households in need, this year it helped nearly 80, and directed a query from Rockville to local resources in Montgomery County.

IHM pastor takes to roof of parish school in fundraiser for Blessed Mother statue

November 21, 2020
By Kevin J. Parks
Catholic Review Filed Under: #IamCatholic, Feature, Local News, News, Schools

Students and parents of Immaculate Heart of Mary School were greeted during their Nov. 20 dismissal to a different kind of rooftop visitor than the one usually talked about this time of year.

Dogs, cats, turtles and a horse that had a career at Medieval Times turn out for pet blessings

October 4, 2020
By Kevin J. Parks
Catholic Review Filed Under: #IamCatholic, Feature, Local News, News, Video

“Waffles,” “Pickles,” “Spastic Fantastic,” “Tiger Bruce Willis” and “Ramsey” were just a few of the named four-legged celebrities making appearances at the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi blessing of pets Oct. 1 through 4 at parishes around the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

Pandemic turns REAL for Libertytown youth volunteers

August 6, 2020
By Kevin J. Parks
Catholic Review Filed Under: #IamCatholic, Coronavirus, Feature, Local News, News, Uncategorized, Video, Western Vicariate, Youth Ministry

During the week-long outreach, 33 volunteers worked at five job sites including a home in New Windsor.

Catholic schools closed through April 24 due to COVID-19

March 25, 2020
By Kevin J. Parks
Filed Under: Coronavirus, Feature, Local News, News, Schools

James Sellinger, chancellor of education for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, announced March 25 that Catholic schools will be closed through April 24, extending a closure period that began March 16 in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Westminster priests camp out on school roof for a good cause

January 28, 2020
By Kevin J. Parks
Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Schools

Fathers Mark Bialek and Andrew DeFusco climbed a ladder to the top of St. John School in Westminster as the school day began Jan. 28.
Despite the chilly weather and first- and second-graders occasionally pelting them with marshmallows, they said wouldn’t come down until they reached their goal of raising $8,000 for the school.