Besides celebrating the sacraments, Father Richard T. Lawrence believes his biggest responsibility as pastor of St. Vincent de Paul in Baltimore is acting as what he calls a “talent scout.”
The impressively bearded priest constantly invites parishioners to become involved in the 600-family faith community’s many liturgical and social outreach ministries. He’s particularly on the lookout for those who might take leadership roles.
The parish staff boasts nearly 20 members who have a master’s degree in theology – many of which were sponsored by the parish.
“People are very dedicated to their parish,” said Father Lawrence, noting that St. Vincent de Paul Parish has been around for nearly 170 years. “We have a good sense of mission and a high number of volunteers.”
Social justice is one of the priorities at a parish located a few blocks south of several corrections facilities. Parishioners work with Our Lady of the Fields in Millersville to prepare and serve hot food to 200 homeless people in the church undercroft every Friday.
In recent years, the parish has scuffled with city leaders over a park next to the church where the homeless often congregate with the parish’s blessing. The two sides eventually agreed to close the park two hours a day, allowing the homeless to sleep there but preventing them from building a “tent city.”
Many parishioners are passionate in their opposition to the death penalty. They are involved in the archdiocesan Beyond the Boundaries program that encourages greater cooperation between the city and surrounding counties, especially regarding inclusive housing. The parish also offers financial support to Ss. James and John School in Baltimore and maintains active sister parish relationships with San Juan de Limay in Nicaragua and Blessed George Matulaitis in Lithuania.
“As a parish, we have a desire to make life easier and just for all – particularly for the downtrodden,” said Barbara Hodnett, parish administrator.
Copyright © 2010 Catholic Review Media
