Baltimore Mass to celebrate local charities in time of perilous cuts

To show support for the work done by Catholic Charities, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and Catholic Relief Services, the Archdiocese of Baltimore will hold a Mass for the Preservation of Peace and Justice at 7:30 p.m., June 11, at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Homeland.

“Our deep moral responsibility is guided by our Lord’s teachings on dignity, justice, solidarity and stewardship,” Archbishop William E. Lori said in a written statement. “We are called by Jesus Christ to meet the needs of the poor and suffering, and the church’s mandate to care for the ‘least of these’ is clearly defined in the Gospel of Matthew.”

Noting that it was a “tough time for a lot of nonprofits” due to numerous federal funding cuts, Kristen Kinkopf, a volunteer at Cathedral of Mary Our Queen, said the parish community was looking for ways to show support and thought a Mass would be helpful

“Coming together for Mass would be a wonderful way to stand with them and pray for them at a difficult time,” said Kinkopf, whose husband, David, is the incoming executive director of Catholic Charities of Baltimore. “It is a celebration of their work and the people who serve.”

With the support of Archbishop Lori, the cathedral volunteers organized the Mass, sending out invitations throughout the archdiocese and surrounding area. Bishops and representatives from social ministry offices in nearby dioceses are expected to attend, as are various religious orders and members of the Knights of Columbus, according to Yvonne Wenger, director of public relations for the archdiocese. Archbishop Lori will be the celebrant with 10 priests from the archdiocese and elsewhere concelebrating, she said. All are welcome. 

“The mission of the Catholic Church to love our neighbors is carried out at home and abroad by the thousands of employees and volunteers of Catholic Relief Services, Catholic Charities and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul,” Archbishop Lori said. “Together, these organizations put into action what it means to be one human family without regard to national, racial, ethnic, economic or ideological differences.

A reception will be held after the Mass.

The archdiocese has a web page where people can view the Mass remotely and includes information on the three featured organizations: https://www.archbalt.org/mass-for-peace-and-justice/

Email Katie V. Jones at kjones@CatholicReview.org

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