Neighborhood Institute Sponsor Spotlight: Mahan Rykiel and Associates
April 16, 2014AmeriCorps*VISTA Spotlight: Rebecca Seel
April 21, 2014
Patrick Donohue is the leader of City Church Presbyterian, a church planting initiative focused on building community in North Baltimore. A life long Baltimorean with a love of city living, Partick took some time talk with us about what inspires him and the work on City Church.
Tell us about your church, what are some of the best things about your community?
The church was started a year and half ago, so we are still new in the area. The main inspiration for starting the church was a great love for Baltimore and its neighborhoods. We are unique in that although we respect tradition, we also bring a new and fresh perspective to religion.
What do you love about the city and where you are located?
Baltimore is my home. Here at City Church, we love the personality and diversity of Baltimore. There is a fierce tribalism to the different neighborhoods in the city. It is a fantastic place to build a community and be surrounded by the people’s ingenuity.
Why is it important to your congregation to support the work that Greater Homewood is doing?
I was first exposed to GHCC when I wanted to find a place to volunteer. I ended up volunteering at the Barclay Youth Safe Haven which was a great experience. City Church and GHCC share conviction for improving and building vibrant neighborhoods in the Greater Homewood area.
What are some of the interesting programs that City Church has going on?
We have some new volunteer opportunities that are open to everyone in the community. In particular, we have a program for children called “City Kids.” This program features a multitude of different opportunities such as puppet shows and craft. Whatever the event is, it is our desire to make the children feel special and like they have a place in worship. An upcoming event is the City Kids Family Spring Campout. You can learn more here: http://www.citychurchbaltimore.org/.
How can someone get involved with the City Church community?
The best ways to get involved in our community are to either come to worship session on Sunday, volunteer with us, or participate in the Kid’s Events.
Where are you located? Hours of worship?
We meet on the campus of Notre Dame of Maryland in their cathedral. We currently just have a Sunday mass that starts at 8:30am in the morning, but are looking to expand in the future.
CITY KIDS FAMILY SPRING CAMPOUT – Friday, May 16; 6:00 PM to Saturday, May 17; 10:00 AM – Enjoy the spring weather at this Family Overnight Campout at Robert E. Lee Park. We will go on a ranger-led night hike, make s’mores around a campfire, and enjoy pancakes in the morning. This event is for ages 5 and up. Bring your own tent or reserve one through Robert E. Lee Park by calling their office at 410-887-4156. This event is $5 per person and will fill up quickly. Reserve your spot at Robert E. Lee Park by calling 410-887-4156 or emailing releepark-rp@baltimorecountymd.gov
