We will continue to provide our parishioners with the most recent information. To observe the most recent developments in the canonical merger, please see the links provided below.
Contact Us [email protected]
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a canonical merger?
The Canon Law of the Catholic Church allows multiple parishes to be combined into a new parish. In the case of our pastorate, this means that Prince of Peace parish and St. Francis de Sales parish will no longer be two separate parishes but one new parish using the name of St. Francis de Sales parish. The primary home of the parish will be the St. Francis de Sales campus.
What if I cannot make the dates of the informational prayer sessions?
Please refer to the Canonical Merger page on our website for specific information. There will be five listening sessions for parishioners over several weeks at both Prince of Peace and St. Francis de Sales to give parishioners an opportunity to participate and ask questions about the merger. Please contact the Canonical Merger Transition Team via email with any questions you may have about the merger at [email protected]
What will happen to the Prince of Peace Church and campus?
After July 1, 2025, the Prince of Peace Church will only be used for Baptisms, Weddings, and/or Funerals. No other activities will take place on the Prince of Peace campus.
When will the final Mass of Remembrance and Thanksgiving be celebrated at Prince of Peace church?
The Pastoral Council in conjunction with the Parish Transition Team will advise the Pastor as to what day will be most meaningful for the Pastorate community to celebrate the Mass of Remembrance and Thanksgiving. This Mass at Prince of Peace will take place on or before June 29, 2025. Parishioners can email the Parish Transition Team with their ideas on how to best celebrate this wonderful history of faith of Prince of Peace Church and parish.
Will there be a new name for our parish?
The name of the newly merged parish will continue to be St. Francis de Sales because of its historical value to our community. Any change in the name of the parish would have to be approved by the Parish Pastoral Council as well as the Archbishop of Baltimore. The names of churches cannot be changed without the permission of the Holy See.
Will St. Francis de Sales be financially responsible for the current deficit at Prince of Peace?
No.
Will St. Francis de Sales be financially responsible for operating expenses after the Mass of Thanksgiving and Remembrance at Prince of Peace?
Yes. If/When Prince of Peace no longer has liquid financial resources to cover the expenses of Prince of Peace, then St. Francis de Sales will be responsible for certain required expenses, i.e. insurance, and utilities.
What will happen to the monetary donations to the Prince of Peace Capital Campaign?
The monetary donations will continue to be kept in a separate account for the Capital Campaign. They will be used only in case of emergency. We will not collect more donations for the Capital Campaign starting the month of January 2025.
What will happen to the sacred images and articles at my parish when it closes?
These items belong to the parish and will remain in place until the bankruptcy is finalized. At that time the tabernacle, altar, images, stations, etc will be taken to St. Francis de Sales. All donations were gifts to the parish. Fr. John will work with the Archdiocese of Baltimore to prepare a plan for the possible distribution of other religious articles to the parishes in the Archdiocese of Baltimore or other Catholic churches. Nothing will be sold or distributed without careful consideration of its value to the newly formed parish. Nothing will be distributed or sold without the proper permission of the Archbishop or his delegate.
My family is preparing for a baptism, wedding, or funeral that is scheduled at Prince of Peace Church. What happens after the final scheduled Mass is held?
Prince of Peace church will continue to celebrate Baptisms and Funerals. However. Weddings can be celebrated depending on the availability of the building.
What will happen to my historical records (i.e. Sacramental Records) when my parish merges?
Sacramental records from Prince of Peace parish have been housed at the St. Francis de Sales campus since 2023 when the Parish Offices were combined into one.
What happens to that money if I contribute to the collection plate between now and then?
The collection for Prince of Peace will continue to support Prince of Peace expenses
until June 2025.