Fellowship, Fed Through Worship

Dear Friends in Christ,

It was a joy for me to attend the parish picnic last Saturday and share a time of fellowship with so many members of our OLPH parish family, as we enjoyed delicious smash burgers and homemade desserts. A special word of thanks to our many volunteers, led by our Pastoral Council Chair, Marilyn Sanchez-Henry. I also want to thank the “Next Generation” kitchen and grill team, led by Colin Schuster. From the set-up to the clean-up, the Christian virtue of hospitality was quite evident, making all who attended feel like honored guests. I firmly believe that the parish is not an outdated vehicle for living the faith, but the essential mode, Apostolic in its origin. Building community takes work, but it is well worth it. Of course, the Holy Spirit is the active agent bringing about authentic oneness, but we must do our part too. Yes, in supporting such events, from serving to attending, but fellowship must be fed by something greater.

True Christian fellowship, which foreshadows the communion we hope to share one day in heaven, must flow from a heart rooted in true worship of our Triune God. This earthly worship reaches its zenith each week as we gather around the altar of the Lord on Sunday. Having offered the holy Sacrifice of the Mass for one full month now as your Pastor and spent time each day in our Good Shepherd Chapel in quiet prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, I have been moved by the spirit of worship I have witnessed. It is precisely this spirit which I hope to build upon in the months ahead. History has proven that there is a direct correlation between the way a parish worships and the way it practices fellowship outside of Mass. Let us entrust our desire to enlarge our capacity for true Christian worship and Christ-centered fellowship to Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth.

In Christ,

Rev. Jesse Bolger

Pastor

Going on in the Community:

FUNDRAISING BANQUET – 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. Questions? Contact our Development Director, Amy Fuchsluger, at amyf@pcnorth.org or 410-377-2872.

CRAB FEAST FOR HAITI – Join the Mortel High Hopes for Haiti Foundation on Oct. 3, 2026, in Baltimore for the 8th Annual Crab Feast for Haiti. Proceeds will help to feed and educate some of the poorest children in Haiti through the Mortel HHH’s schools, the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s mission partner in Haiti. Tickets are $95 per person, and the venue has plenty of parking! Visit www.highhopesforhaiti.org/event/crabs for more information.

YOUNG CATHOLIC PROFESSIONALS – Executive Speaker Series – Join other young professionals for the Executive Speaker Series on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at Church of the Nativity in Timonium. Featured speaker Tom Corcoran, president and CEO of Rebuilt Parish, will reflect on his career, faith, and the call to “Work in Witness for Christ.” Tickets are complimentary.

ANNUAL ST. PADRE PIO MASS AND MEAL – Celebrate the feast of St. Padre Pio with Mass at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, at St. Leo the Great Church, 227 S. Exeter St., Baltimore. The Knights of Columbus St. Vincent Pallotti Council No. 14535 will host a complimentary Italian dinner in the school hall following Mass.

YOUNG ADULT KICKBALL – The 5th Annual Archdiocese’s Young Adult Kickball Tournament will be held at St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore on September 26, 2026. It is for Young Adults ages 18–35. All skill levels are welcome. The tournament will begin with Mass at 8:00 a.m. followed by game play beginning around 9–9:30 a.m. Lunch will be provided. If you’re interested in joining, sign up here! If you have any questions, please email youngadult@theimmaculate.org. Registration will officially close on Saturday, September 19.