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The Sister Parish Program is an initiative of the Archdiocese of Baltimore that fosters intentional partnerships between suburban, city, and rural parishes.
These relationships are designed to strengthen our shared mission through prayer, collaboration, and mutual support, including the sharing of resources to sustain parish life.
The resources provided here are intended to help you and parish leaders to understand the program and promote participation within your parish community.
Why the Sister Parish Program Matters
The Sister Parish Program is a tangible expression of our call to be one Church. By forming relationships across different parish realities, parishes encounter Christ in one another and strengthen the broader mission of the Church. These partnerships are based on mutual respect, shared faith, and the belief that every parish has gifts to offer. Through prayer, presence, and collaboration, sister parishes grow together in faith and solidarity.
Program at a Glance
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A voluntary partnership between two parishes within the Archdiocese
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Rooted in prayer, relationship, and shared mission
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Designed to support spiritual life, ministry collaboration, and parish sustainability
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Flexible and tailored to the needs and capacity of each parish
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Supported by the Office of Parish Renewal throughout the life of the partnership
Ways Parishes Can Partner
​Prayer and Worship
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Shared prayer intentions
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Joint Masses or liturgical celebrations
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Holy Hours, or retreats
Ministry Collaboration
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Youth ministry service projects
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Faith formation or sacramental preparation collaboration
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Outreach efforts such as food pantries or clothing drives
Volunteer Engagement
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Parishioner visits between parishes
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Shared service days or parish missions
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Skill-based volunteering​
​Cultural Exchange
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Shared meals or parish gatherings
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Celebrations of cultural traditions
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Storytelling and relationship-building events
Financial Support
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Sharing a portion of the Annual Appeal rebate
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Support for specific parish needs or projects
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Fundraising initiatives for ministry or capital needs
Skills and Resource Sharing
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Administrative or financial mentoring
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Technology or communications support
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Sharing liturgical or ministry resources
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How to get started
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Step One: PRAY ​​​
Pray personally or with a small group for openness and guidance.
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Step Two: Gather Interest
Invite two or three parishioners to talk and discern together.
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Step Three: Connect
Contact the Office of Parish Renewal to explore participation, learn more and get started in the Sister Parish Program!
https://www.archbalt.org/evangelization/office-of-parish-renewal
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