Sister Parish Program - Building Bridges of Faith and Support

Calling all pastors!

Looking for a way to bring new energy, deeper connection, and shared mission to parish life? The Sister Parish Program invites parishes across the Archdiocese of Baltimore, city, suburban, and rural, to build meaningful relationships rooted in faith, solidarity, and service.

This isn’t about fixing problems or checking boxes. It’s about creating opportunities for parishes to walk together, learn from one another, and live out the Gospel as one Catholic family.

What is the Sister Parish Program?

The Sister Parish Program creates intentional partnerships between parishes with different realities but the same mission. Often, these relationships connect suburban parishes with city or rural parishes facing distinct pastoral or financial challenges, but the heart of the program is relationship, not rescue.

While financial support may be part of a Sister Parish relationship, the program is about much more than money. It’s about sharing faith, exchanging gifts, collaborating in ministry, and growing together through prayer, service, and mutual support.

How the Program Works

Step 1: Discern and Connect

Interested parishes begin by reaching out to the Archdiocesan Office of Parish Renewal. This starts a conversation about your parish’s interests, capacity, and hopes for a partnership.

Step 2: Build a Shared Vision

Once a potential Sister Parish relationship is identified, both parishes work together to define what the partnership will look like. That might include spiritual support, ministry collaboration, financial assistance, or shared service experiences.

Step 3: Collaborate and Grow

From joint prayer services and shared liturgies to youth service projects and outreach initiatives, Sister Parish relationships grow over time. The Archdiocese provides guidance and ongoing support to help partnerships remain healthy, meaningful, and fruitful.

Why Join the Sister Parish Program?

Participating in the Sister Parish Program is a powerful way to live out stewardship and solidarity.

Parishes involved in the program often find that it:

• Strengthens Catholic unity by connecting communities with different experiences but shared faith

• Enriches parish life through collaboration, new relationships, and fresh perspectives

• Models evangelization in action as parishioners encounter Christ through service, prayer, and accompaniment

• Creates lasting impact through shared resources, volunteer engagement, and mutual encouragement

How Parishes Can Support One Another

Every Sister Parish relationship is unique, but partnerships often include:

• Shared prayer, Masses, or retreats

• Cultural exchange and celebration of parish traditions

• Ministry collaboration such as outreach programs or service projects

• Volunteer opportunities that invite parishioners to serve together

• Skill sharing, mentorship, or administrative support

Ready to Learn More?

We invite you to prayerfully consider whether the Sister Parish Program could be a good fit for your parish. To learn more or begin the conversation, contact the Office of Parish Renewal at https://www.archbalt.org/evangelization/office-of-parish-renewal/

We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Lean more here

Together, we can build bridges of faith, hope, and love that strengthen our parishes and our Church.