Parishes Enter into “Twinning” Partnership with St. Catherine’s in Bethlehem

In response to the Church’s call to global solidarity, St. Mary and  St. Anthony Parishes are entering into a parish twinning partnership with St. Catherine’s Roman Catholic Parish in Bethlehem. 

I’ve had the incredible grace of celebrating Holy Mass at the Altar of the Nativity in the Basilica of the Nativity adjacent to the parish of St. Catherine’s numerous times. I’m excited that we are entering this parish twinning relationship in the place where “the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.”

Together, our parishes aim to deepen understanding of the universal Church and live the Gospel call to be “one body in Christ.” Through shared prayer intentions, student partnerships, choir exchanges, and occasional reflections or homilies from each parish, we hope to grow spiritually alongside our sisters and brothers in the Holy Land—especially during a time of humanitarian crisis in the West Bank.

The partnership includes opportunities for charitable giving, such as an annual Advent project and support for sustainable development. Future hopes include pilgrimages and cultural exchanges.

A representative from St. Catherine’s will visit our parishes at the end of the month, and more information about the twinning relationship will be forthcoming. Fr. Matthew will be serving as chaplain for the project.

Please join us in supporting this effort through prayer, presence, and generosity as we live out the call to be one Church united in love and service.