We’re celebrating 200 years as a faith community in Long Green Valley!

Saint John the Evangelist in Long Green Valley is the oldest Catholic parish in Baltimore County!

The Colony of Maryland was founded in the 1630s by the Catholic Calvert family, to provide a haven for British Catholics who were persecuted in Britain.  However, British anti-Catholic laws during Colonial times forbade open practice of our religion in Maryland. Jesuit missionaries took advantage of relaxation of these laws in the early 18^th century.  These missionaries bought farms where they could have a house with a chapel room. From these missionary farms, circuit rider priests would visit the scattered Catholic families to serve them. One can imagine that these families would see a priest only several times a year.  From these humble beginnings, Saint John the Evangelist parish in Hydes emerged and is now the oldest parish in Baltimore County.

Starting April 2021, the Parish will start a year-long celebration of its bicentennial, culminating in the actual 200th anniversary in May 2022.  Many festivities are planned to honor the occasion, starting April 18^th 2021, including publishing of a book describing 200 years of the parish in Northern Baltimore County, and a History Display Center available for tours.

Please see the Schedule of Events for more information on the Bicentennial Celebration.

If you’d like to volunteer to help with any of the upcoming Bicentennial events, please call the parish office.

Jamie Costello from WMAR 2 News recently spoke with some parishioners about what St. John means to them. View the story here.
 

St. John the Evangelist Bicentennial Prayer

S – Son of God, we are so grateful for you.  You have sent your Spirit upon this community of St. John the Evangelist to accompany one another in encountering your love and peace for 200 years.
J- Jesus, we turn to you and look for your guidance so that we may work together, as a community, to support the mission of St. John the Evangelist Long Green Valley to “Love God, Love others, proclaim the good news and make disciples,” for at least 200 more.
E – Ever faithful are your works O Lord. We are truly blessed and encouraged to continue to serve you and your people.
Amen!