Our youth ministry program at OLPH is alive, and our kids are on fire for the Holy Spirit. Over the past year, I’ve had the joy of getting to know so many bright, faith-filled young people who genuinely want to know the Lord more deeply.

This summer, our Youth Ministry hosted a weeklong service camp for middle and high school youth called BOOM – the Baltimore Ongoing Outreach Mission. Each morning began with receiving the Lord in daily Mass, and from there our young people headed out into the community to serve.

On the first day, we stayed close to home, giving back to our own OLPH parish. The kids weeded and tended the garden, cleaned the game equipment we use for Backyard Bashes and other events, and spread fresh mulch across the school playground. The second day took us to First Fruits Farm, where we picked corn and broccoli bound for families facing hunger and food insecurity across Baltimore and the wider Mid-Atlantic. On the third day, we traveled to Little Portions Farm at the Shrine of St. Anthony, another ministry that feeds families in need.

For our final day of service, we split into two groups: one served at the Franciscan Center in downtown Baltimore. At the same time, the other group visited the Little Sisters of the Poor in Catonsville to spend time with elderly residents.

After serving each day, we gathered back together to grow closer through games – including camp’s runaway favorite, COLOR WARS! (You’ll find a few of those moments pictured here.) We closed each day with small-group discussion and quiet time with our Heavenly Father in adoration. And what better way to celebrate the week than a Friday trip to Hershey Park!

It was a spiritual journey for every single child who took part. They came away with new friendships and the lasting experience of stepping into different communities – sometimes serving those in need directly, and other times working behind the scenes in ways that will bless them for months to come.

I’m so grateful I got to share BOOM with our youth this year. OLPH held it a couple of summers ago, and I longed to bring it back so our young people could discover firsthand what it means to both give and receive the Lord’s love. Please keep our ministry in your prayers – and know that we always welcome new middle and high school youth to join us!

To learn more about our youth ministry, visit olphparish.org/faith-formation/youth-ministry, or feel free to email me directly at matt.york@archbalt.org. We’d love to have your family be part of what God is doing here at OLPH!

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY – Regina Caeli Academy invites you to consider a role that blends faith, learning, and community. If you have ever wondered how your gifts may serve the church, this might be your moment. Local centers are hiring now. What we offer: Top-Tier Classical Curriculum, Part-Time Positions, Faithful Catholic Environment, and a Mission that Matters. Come see what positions are open. Visit rcahybrid.org/employment to learn more.

IGNATIUS SPIRITUAL EXERCISES – Loyola University’s Office of Mission Integration is offering the greater Baltimore community the opportunity to pray the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola during the 2026-27 academic year. Over the past nine years, over 300 people have availed themselves of this opportunity. Our approach will be one that Ignatius himself proposed for busy people – a way to make a prayerful and potentially transformative retreat in everyday life. Over the course of nine months of daily prayer with Scripture, journaling, and regular conversation with a guide, one can experience the same graced movements and discoveries that a privileged few get to make in 30 days of secluded silence. Please attend our Zoom Information Session on Tuesday, August 25th at 7:00pm. Contact sue-cesare@dexterco.com or sspahn@loyola.edu for more information.

MARY’S HOME MARYLAND IS LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS – Whether you have skills, knowledge, time or fellowship to share, Mary’s Home needs you! Opportunities in babysitting, financial mentorship, transportation, cleaning, organizing, and more are available. Reach out to Mary’s Home at info@maryshomemaryland.org. Mary’s Home Maryland empowers expectant mothers and their children in crisis by providing a safe home, supportive community, and holistic accompaniment on their journey toward family stability.

FUNDRAISING BANQUET – Invite your friends, family, coworkers, and fellow parishioners, and come learn more about Pregnancy Center North and the women and babies we serve. Our mission is to save lives and help families thrive – and we can’t do it without you! Join us for our Annual Fundraising Banquet “Anointed with Love” on Thursday, September 17th, at 6:30 p.m. at Martin’s Valley Mansion in Cockeysville. We are excited to welcome the Sisters of Life as our speakers and Pro-Life Award recipients. You can sign up to attend at pcnministry.org/fall-fundraising-banquet. RSVPs are due by September 1st. If you have any questions or need help registering, please contact our Development Director, Amy Fuchsluger, at amyf@pcnorth.org or 410-377-2872.

BIRDIES FOR BRAIN TUMOR GOLF TOURNAMENT – Please join us on Saturday, September 12th, at Fairway Hills Golf Club for a fun golf day as we tee up and raise money for the National Brain Tumor Society. The Stavely Family is hosting this event. Please visit the link to sign up. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact Ann at 443-538-6736. events.golfstatus.com/event/2026-birdies-for-brain-tumors.

INDIVIDUAL UNBOUND MINISTRY PRAYER – Would you like to experience greater freedom in your spiritual and emotional life? Unbound prayer ministry uses five scriptural keys to help you overcome the fears, anxieties, and negative thoughts that hinder your relationship with God and with others. On Saturday, September 12th, 2026, trained teams will be available to provide Individual Prayer using the Unbound model in Ellicott City, MD. We ask that you read at least the first seven chapters of the book Unbound by Neal Lozano prior to your appointment (available at www.Amazon.com OR www.heartofthefather.com). To schedule an appointment or for more information, please contact Dan or Peggy Gahagan by Monday, September 7th, 2026, at UnboundMinistryMaryland@gmail.com.