Pastoral Council
Hello everyone! I currently work as a mental health therapist serving the homeless of the city. I have worked in the helping profession for about 20 years and I continue to grow in gratitude for the privilege of people sharing some of the most precious parts of themselves with me. Before moving to Baltimore in 2012, I lived in Pennsylvania and New Mexico. I was born and raised Catholic but did not fall in love with Catholicism until about 2009 when I realized the ways of the world brought fleeting pleasure and lots of pain as opposed to the lasting joy and peace which we all seek. The more I allow God to lead my life instead of trying to control Him, the more of His love that I experience. By God’s grace, mass is genuinely the favorite part of my day and the saints are my best friends. I became a parishioner at the Basilica in 2015 and enjoy not just the physical beauty of our church but the warmth of the parishioners and our amazing liturgy. There is no doubt that the Basilica is alive with ways to grow in holiness, many of which that have changed my life such as Discovering Christ, the Rosary Congress, amazing speakers, nights of adoration and each of you who inspire me to holiness. I love our Basilica family and look forward to meeting each of you. Please come and introduce yourself to me.
Hello! We have been parishioners at the Basilica since 2017, after moving to Baltimore from Los Angeles and Boston. James is a hospitalist physician at Howard County General Hospital and is passionate about serving his patients through compassionate clinical care. Stephanie is a former teacher and education non-profit director, who is passionate about serving communities in need through health education and youth mentorship. We were married at the Basilica in August 2018, and attribute the development of our faith to the powerful, healing intercession of the Blessed Mother and a transformative experience participating in Discovering Christ at the Basilica. We are looking forward to deepening our love for Christ, serving the Basilica and meeting new parishioners! We are especially excited to meet new couples, and have a special prayer intention for all those discerning or preparing for marriage.
Hi, I am a postdoctoral research fellow at Johns Hopkins University. I moved to Baltimore from New Zealand in 2019 and discovered the Basilica in my first week. I am excited to be on the parish council. I love Jesus and I want everyone to love Him and know how AMAZING He is. I have a PhD in physiology and my work and studies have helped increase my love and awe of God. The cellular mechanisms at work in the human body from conception to adulthood function in a wonderfully synergistic manner that defends, protects, maintains and encourages life. It has been a marvel to attempt to comprehend it, and it has drawn me close to The One through whom all things were made. I love His Bride, The Church, and want everyone to love her too. She is Our Mother and as pilgrims in the Basilica of the Assumption (the country’s first Cathedral), I believe we hold a very special place in His Heart for the country. My prayer for everyone (especially on birthdays), is to grow in understanding of the depth of the love that Our God has for each of us individually, and to use that lens to see others. Come, say hi, introduce yourself and let me see you and chat with me about the many ways He is blessing you.
We have been parishioners at the Basilica since 2017, after belonging to a parish in Harford County for 27 years. We have three children and two grandchildren. Lynn is an Occupational Therapist providing home healthcare to patients in Harford and Cecil counties. Ed works in the business office of the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. Past parish volunteer activities have included youth, liturgical and music ministries and Lynn is also a small group leader for Walking with Purpose. We are both members of the Regnum Christi Movement. We are honored to serve on the Pastoral Council supporting the rector and witnessing the impact that the Basilica will have in transforming
After a long search for a spiritually sustaining parish home, my husband, Paul and I found the Basilica and became parishioners 6 years ago. As do many, we drive into the city from a distance, hailing from Ellicott City. We have 9 children and 12 young grandchildren, so this stage of life is quite busy. We will celebrate our 40th anniversary this January! I returned to graduate school as our younger children were completing high school and am currently a clinical psychologist in private practice. I greatly appreciate the opportunity to serve on the parish council and am grateful for the deep spirituality and beautiful liturgies at the Basilica of the Assumption.
Finance Committee
Chair: Robert Walter
Members: Lee Donelson, Hannah Popp, Deacon Bob Shephard, Fr. Brendan Fitzgerald