Treasure in Earthen Vessels Capital Campaign

Investing in Our Worship, Our Buildings, and Our Community

Through the “Treasure in Earthen Vessels” campaign, the Catholic Community of South Baltimore is investing in several important projects that will strengthen our parish for years to come. These improvements focus on preserving our historic churches, improving the experience of worship, and creating spaces that support the ministries and life of our parish community.

The projects outlined below address pressing needs at both Holy Cross Church and Our Lady of Good Counsel while also improving spaces used for ministry, hospitality, and parish life.

Our Lady of Good Counsel Church – Air Conditioning System Replacement

The air conditioning system at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church dates back to the 1950s and has reached the end of its useful life. Repairs have become increasingly costly, and the system is now considered beyond repair. As a result, the church currently lacks cooling during the summer months.

This project will include the complete replacement of the existing air conditioning system with modern equipment designed to efficiently serve the worship space.

The work will include:
• Replacement of interior air-conditioning equipment
• Installation of new exterior condenser units
• Integration of modern controls and energy-efficient systems

Once completed, this project will restore proper cooling to the church, making Mass and parish gatherings more comfortable during the warmer months while ensuring reliable operation for years to come.

Holy Cross Church – Audio System Replacement

The sound system at Holy Cross Church no longer provides the clear and balanced sound necessary for worship. Much of the equipment dates back to the 1960s and has deteriorated over time.

Today, parishioners often struggle to clearly hear the readings, music, and homily due to outdated speakers, aging microphones, and uneven sound distribution.

This project will modernize the entire sound system through:
• Installation of new high-quality speakers
• Updated microphones and digital audio equipment
• Modern amplifiers and sound processing technology
• Replacement of exposed and aging wiring
• Balanced sound distribution throughout the worship space

These improvements will ensure that everyone gathered for Mass can clearly hear the Word of God and participate fully in the liturgy.

Holy Cross Church – Stained Glass Restoration

The stained glass windows at Holy Cross Church are among the most beautiful and historic features of the building. Over time, the windows have accumulated decades of dust, deterioration, and structural wear.

Some windows have already been restored and demonstrate the remarkable beauty that proper restoration can reveal. Several others still require careful attention.

This project will include:
• Professional cleaning of stained glass panels
• Repair of damaged glass pieces
• Reinforcement of the lead framework that supports the glass
• Re-soldering joints and stabilizing structural sections
• Repair or replacement of deteriorated glazing cement
• Replacement of broken or missing glass pieces where necessary

In addition, the exterior protective coverings for the windows will be replaced. New clear protective panels will allow the stained glass to be seen clearly from both inside and outside the church while also protecting the windows from weather and helping maintain the building’s waterproofing.

Importantly, this work is essential to the overall waterproofing of the building. Proper restoration and sealing of the stained glass windows will help prevent water intrusion and protect the surrounding structure. By securing the building envelope, this project will also allow the parish to move forward with future improvements that depend on a dry and stable interior environment.

Retreat House – Basement Renovation

The basement of the retreat house is currently unusable due to past water damage and unfinished repairs. Although the leaks that caused the damage have been corrected, the space has remained unfinished and cannot be used for parish activities.

The renovation will include:
• Installation of new flooring
• New ceiling systems
• Repair and finishing of walls previously opened for leak repairs
• Improvements to lighting and overall usability of the space

This renovation will transform the area into functional meeting spaces that can support parish life and ministry.

Rectory – Third Floor Renovation

Several years ago, a ceiling collapse on the third floor of the rectory left the space unusable. While the leaks that caused the damage have since been repaired, the area still requires a full renovation.

This project will restore the space and allow it to once again serve the pastoral needs of the parish.

The work will include:
• Removal of remaining damaged plaster
• Installation of new insulation
• Construction of new interior walls
• Electrical upgrades and new lighting
• Full restoration of the living space

Once completed, the renovated third floor will provide a living suite for an associate pastor or visiting priests, strengthening the pastoral ministry and hospitality of the parish.