thank you for all of your support as we continue to operate our facilities as the benedictine society of baltimore city.

Head start, Premier Basketball League, Saint Philomena Apostolate, Lumina Theater Company, Narcotics Anonymous, other community events, and Benedict’s Pantry will continue as usual. Baltimore’s Best Coddies are here!

Saint Benedict Faith Community:

We're excited to share that our Gift Shop will be open on Saturdays from 10am to 2pm. Please come take advantage of our steep discounts and find the perfect gift.

join us for our annual Spaghetti dinner and bingo Sunday, April 14!

Please call the office to reserve your seat!

march updates..

March is a month of transition, heralding the arrival of spring with its gentle breezes and blooming flowers. It's a time when nature awakens from its winter slumber, filling the air with the promise of new beginnings.  As the sun changes its position in the sky and the days get longer, the Rose Window at Saint Benedict Parish begins to come alive. The twelve glass droplets each contain an emblem representing one of the 12 Apostles.  As we approach Holy Week, we are reminded of the 12 Apostles gathered around Jesus at the Last Supper, leading our thoughts towards Easter's joyful celebration of resurrection and the ultimate victory of life over death. As we draw nearer to this sacred time, I'd love to share what we've been busy with over the past few weeks. 

Saint Benedict Neighborhood Center

In March, our efforts to launch the Saint Benedict Neighborhood Center gained momentum, building upon the legacy of outreach established by Saint Benedict Parish and the Benedictine Society of Baltimore City. We sought the expertise of SCORE, a nonprofit dedicated to advising new businesses and nonprofits, which led us to Mr. Bob Whitcomb. With his 30 years of leadership experience across various nonprofits, Mr. Whitcomb played a pivotal role in addressing our strategic challenges. His guidance has filled us with optimism about the future of the Saint Benedict Neighborhood Center. Committed to openness, we look forward to sharing further developments as our plans take shape.  

Benedict's Pantry - March Distribution

Despite the rainy weather, we served many neighbors at Benedict's Pantry this month. On Saturday, March 23rd, we served 87 families (314 people, 15 large families, & 19 new families). The highlight of the day was a visit from the Easter Bunny, who brought special treats for our youngest neighbors! 

We also bid farewell to Shirley Delker, who has been a vital part of Benedict's Pantry for many years. Shirley and her husband, Bob, are relocating from Baltimore to be closer to their family. The couple has played a crucial role in the success of our coddies fundraiser, helping raise essential funds for BSBC during a challenging transition period for our church and organization. Thank you, Shirley and Bob! We will miss you so much and wish you the best in your next chapter.  

The Archdiocese of Baltimore Moves Closer to End of "Seek the City"

On Friday, March 22nd, we engaged in the final workshop aimed at developing new, downsized models for the Archdiocese's presence in Baltimore City. As previously mentioned in the last FlockNote, we made every effort to ensure Saint Benedict Parish was considered in the potential models for the West Region. However, to our disappointment, our parish was not included in the final two draft models presented at the workshop. Despite the closure of our parish over four months ago, I believed I was mentally prepared for any outcome from Seek the City, yet the absence of our parish in the draft models still felt like a blow. During the workshop, as Bishop Bruce Lewandowski and the Seek the City facilitators prompted reflection on Jesus's parable about new wine and old wineskins, the room was filled with shock and pain, evident from the quiet sobbing of several participants.

In our small group discussions, we delved into the two potential models for the West Region, one involving the closure of Our Lady of Victory and the other with St. Agnes closed, both models also proposing the closure of St. Joseph's Monastery, St. William of York, and Transfiguration. Listening to fellow participants navigate through stages of grief, particularly bargaining, was profoundly saddening. Despite attempting to find a positive aspect in our situation, I couldn't help but feel the weight of sadness as participants from St. William of York and Transfiguration expressed concerns about how the closures would impact their communities, particularly the loss of Catholic Charities' Head Start programs and food pantries. Despite the closure of our parish, I am so thankful that we are still able to continue our outreach mission which may not be an option for our sister parishes. 

I was hesitant to include this news in our FlockNote, but following discussion with a former St. Benedict parishioner, I decided to include it and outline some of the positive aspects that he found in the Archdiocese's plans. Firstly, their initiative to establish reasonable starting points for parishes received acceptance from both clergy and laity, indicating a willingness to move forward. The models also suggest potential improvements in clergy care, with better retirement plans and fewer stretched-thin clergy due to fewer parishes. Additionally, parishioners now have the opportunity to provide feedback and be part of the discernment process, allowing for emotional closure and community building. Post-Seek the City, there is also a potential chance for a new mission field for evangelization in Baltimore. Despite the challenges and a feeling of retreat within the Church, these changes are paving the way for God's grace to guide them through the uncertainties ahead. 

The Archdiocese emphasized that the two potential West Region models (you can see them below) are "drafts not decisions". The timeline to finalization is as follows:

• 9 April:  Priests-only meeting to discuss draft models

• Early April:  Draft models sent to Archbishop Lori

• Mid-April:  Archdiocesan consulting bodies review draft models

• 25 and 30 April: Public open sessions (possibly at Curley and Mt. St. Joe's schools)

• Archbishop discerns until Mid-May

• Mid-June: Final models and guidance
  

Click here to read more about the workshop. I've included both data packets from the March 8th and March 22nd workshops under the proposed West Region model below.

Seek the City.DraftModels.March22.pdf

DataToolkit.WestRegion-March8.pdf

Spaghetti Dinner & Bingo Tickets Going Fast! Only a few tickets left!

We're down to a few tickets left for our Annual Spaghetti Dinner and Bingo Fundraiser. Join the St. Benedict Choir on Sunday, April 14th, for an afternoon filled with delectable homemade spaghetti and meatballs, and delightful bingo fun. Tickets ($20 per person). Please call our office (410-947-4988) if you'd like tickets or wish to donate items for tombola prizes. The proceeds of the fundraiser will be used to support BSBC's outreach programs, including Benedict's Pantry.

"Baltimore's Best" Coddies

Just a couple more opportunities to get your coddie fix. Coddies are $20 per box and includes 15 coddies. Crackers are available upon request. Place your orders by calling our office at 410-947-4988 Monday through Thursday between 10am and 2pm. Coddies can be picked up from our office on Fridays before 2pm. We will be taking a break from coddies in a few short weeks, so don't miss out.

Thank You!

We are profoundly grateful for your unwavering support during this challenging transition. Your generosity plays a crucial role in enabling us to expand our outreach programs. Thank you for being an essential part of our journey and helping us make a meaningful difference. 

That God May Be Glorified,

Charlene Sola

Office Manager

Benedictine Society of Baltimore City

Click Here to Donate

 February updates…

Following an extended period without snow, our neighborhood was treated to the magic of two consecutive snowfalls, transforming it into a winter wonderland. However, just a week later, we found ourselves amidst near-record high temperatures. Despite this meteorological rollercoaster, our steadfast focus remains on our mission: enhancing the lives of the residents of Southwest Baltimore. As we navigate through this intriguing blend of seasons, here's a January update on the exciting initiatives and activities underway at BSBC.

Benedict's Pantry - January Distribution

Thank you to all who helped to make January distribution a success! On Saturday, January 27th, we served 115 families (359 people, 8 large families, & 20 new families).

Saturday was our first day of "Healthy Snack" sampling.  We will be offering this for six months.  The Maryland Food Bank (MFB) is providing the food at no cost to us. We conducted surveys to record how our neighbors enjoyed the new Healthy Snack sample and will be providing that feedback to MFB.

Needs Assessment and Making Plans for the Future Expansion

There is a core team working to establish St. Benedict Neighborhood Center to continue to provide outreach services to the community following the (hopefully temporary) closure of St. Benedict Parish. We are working on the transition and facing the obstacles of aging infrastructure (i.e. boilers, piping, restroom facilities) and reduced monetary contributions. Currently, we are home to Catholic Charities Head Start, Premier Basketball Leage, St. Philomena Apostolate & Thespians, Lumina Theatre Company, and Narcotics Anonymous; however, our goal is to expand further and engage our neighbors in new ways. 

This past Saturday, we introduced a Needs Assessment Survey to our neighbors at Benedict's Pantry to collect as much data as we can about the needs of the neighborhood. We also met with our Pantry volunteers to begin to brainstorm new ways to help the community. We are still analyzing the data we collected on Saturday, but some of the ideas that have been presented by our volunteers are:

• Establishing a computer lab (Regular internet access is a challenge for the residents in our neighborhood. A computer lab would allow them to enhance their digital literacy, explore educational resources, and search for job opportunities.)

• English as a second language classes

• Adult literacy and GED prep classes

• Using our grounds to grow vegetables to support Benedict's Pantry

• Partnering with other organizations to host a community Health Fair; and

• Neighborhood Clean-ups

If you have any ideas or would like to be involved in this expansion, please reply to this Flocknote or call 410-947-4988. If you'd like to make a monetary donation to support our expansion, use the "Click Here to Donate" button below. Checks made payable to "Benedictine Society of Baltimore City" can be mailed to BSBC (2612 Wilkens Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21223). All donations are tax-deductible.

Click Here to Donate

Office Volunteers

Office volunteers answer our phones at BSBC Monday through Friday from 10am-2pm.  Answering our phones is critical as we often receive questions about our programs and connect callers to surrounding parishes after our parish closure. If you are interested in serving as a substitute office volunteer in the event one of our core office volunteers needs a break, please call our office or reply to this Flocknote. 

February is Shoe Donation Month at BSBC

One of the immediate needs we identified through preliminary analysis of our Needs Assessment Survey is that many of our neighbors need shoes. Although we provide gently used winter clothing, our shoe supply is limited. Next month, we're asking for donations of gently used (or new) casual/walking shoes we can provide to our neighbors at our next Benedict's Pantry distribution on Saturday, February 24th. Stop by our office during business hours (Mon - Friday, 10am - 2pm) to drop off your shoe donations. 

St. Benedict Choir Brings Back Spaghetti Dinner & Bingo!

We're thrilled to announce the return of our beloved Annual Spaghetti Dinner and Bingo Fundraiser. Join the St. Benedict Choir on Sunday, April 14th, for an afternoon filled with delectable homemade spaghetti and meatballs, and delightful bingo fun. Tickets ($20 per person) will go on sale February 14th (Ash Wednesday). Please call our office (410-947-4988) if you'd like tickets or wish to donate items for tombola prizes. The proceeds of the fundraiser will be used to support BSBC's outreach programs, including Benedict's Pantry.

Successful Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service 

Our MLK Day of Service on January 15th was a resounding success as nearly two dozen helpers came together in the spirit of unity and volunteerism to tackle some of our tougher cleaning projects. We were able to clean areas of our facilities that have needed some extra attention for quite some time. We were also able to make space in one of our former classrooms in anticipation for the upcoming move of our Gift Shop. In the coming weeks, we will be moving from a cramped trailer to a more spacious area to showcase our unique inventory. As a reminder, our Gift Shop is open each Saturday from 10am to 2pm and proceeds are used to keep the lights and heat on at BSBC. Special thanks to Rosendo LaBoy, and his friends at Pipilinka in Ellicott City, for organizing a lunch for our volunteers!

"Baltimore's Best" Coddies

Need your coddie fix? Coddies are $20 per box and includes 15 coddies. Crackers are available upon request. Place your orders by calling our office at 410-947-4988 Monday through Thursday between 10am and 2pm. Coddies can be picked up from our office on Fridays before 2pm. What a great way to fulfil your Lenten obligation to abstain from meat on Fridays. 

Thank you for your support during this difficult transition for us. Your support allows us to fulfill our commitment to continuing our outreach programs.  

That God May Be Glorified,

Charlene Sola

Office Manager

Benedictine Society of Baltimore City

Benedict's Pantry 

January 29, 2023

January Pantry - we had:

115 families

359 people

8 large families

20 new families

Saturday was our first day of Healthy Snack sampling.  We will be offering this for six months.  MD Food Bank is providing the food at no cost to us.  We have to provide feedback on the product. 

Volunteers - thank you for your help.

February - Shoe month

Ask your friends and family for gently used (casual/walking) shoes to be donated.  You can bring them with you the day of the pantry -Feb 24th.

  There will be a spaghetti dinner and bingo on Sunday April 14th from 1-5.  Please spread the word to your friends.

Monetary donations - you can mail your check to Benedictine Society of Baltimore City, 2612 Wilkens Ave, Balto. MD 21223.  You can specify if you want to donate to BSBC or the pantry.

Benedict’s Pantry provides food, clothing, and other resources to individuals in need within the southwest Baltimore area. We look toward the hospitality of our patron saint, Saint Benedict, to guide our interactions with clients placing an emphasis on the dignity of all individuals while striving to promote their independence. No one who knocks at our door is turned away. Our goal is to welcome all needy strangers with the love and respect we would show to our dearest friends and family. The outcome we seek is a vibrant, resilient community that values each member of the community and works together towards making our little corner of Baltimore a safer, healthier place in which to thrive. We are the “oasis on Wilkens Avenue” – a beacon of hope and refuge from the harsh realities Baltimore residents face.  Click here to donate online or mail checks payable to "Benedictine Society of Baltimore City" to 2612 Wilkens Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21223. Thank you for considering making a donation. Your contribution will provide for the 140+ families we serve each month.

Click Here to Donate

Religious Education

Nearby parishes welcome you and your families to come join them! They are also ready to support you and your families with Faith Formation and Sacramental preparation.  The attachment provides details about their Sunday school programs, including schedules and whom to contact.

Sacramental Records

The sacramental records of people baptized at St Benedict can be obtained by contacting the parish staff of Our Lady of Victory 410-242-0131 or cpalmer@olvictory.org