Members of the congregation gather by a rainbow sign that says, "You are loved."
Pastor hugs smiling member

Welcome

We welcome you with open minds and hearts. Come in your faith and in your doubt. Come and share in God’s transforming love at work in the world.

Led by both intellect and heart, we strive to embody what we believe: that God’s peace, justice, and radical love are good news for every corner of our lives. We seek to be a place of freedom and liberation, where people of all ages and backgrounds deepen their connection to God and others while making a tangible difference in the Catonsville community and throughout the world.

Not only do we welcome you and your family, but we seek to welcome the full range of experiences, identities, and feelings that you carry. Our life together is often marked by a desire to thoughtfully engage God’s world and our own humanity. We’re compelled by the reality that the Christian life is often full of doubt, fear, loneliness, shortfalls, and uncertainty, in the same way, that it can be full of beauty, belonging, joy, love, and hope.

Whomever you are today, whomever you have been, and whomever you have yet to be: you are welcome at Catonsville Presbyterian Church. You are a beloved child of God.

Two people hugging with paper doves suspended above

Celebrating the lives and ministry of LGBTQIA+ people

We echo the words of our siblings throughout the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), who overwhelmingly voted in 2018 that “LGBTQIA+ people have faithfully, lovingly, and courageously served in every kind of service to which Christian disciples are called—notwithstanding the church’s efforts to exclude them from particular types of service.” We believe that LGBTQIA+ people of faith help move the church of Jesus Christ toward a life together which is more generous, more loving, and increasingly full of God’s light and justice.

We uphold the historic Presbyterian principles of church order and freedom of conscience, which empower people for continued discernment and participation in the life of the church. Alongside those principles, the life of Catonsville Presbyterian Church is clear: those of us who are LGBTQIA+ participate in every corner of our ministry, governance, and life together.

Our commitment to the lives and participation of LGBTQIA+ people in ministry extends beyond welcome statements. We’re a proud partner with Catonsville Family Pride since its inception by hosting neighbors, guests, vendors, and nonprofits at the annual festival. We advocate alongside LGBTQIA+ people across the national church through our close ties and support of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians.

If you’d like to read about the history of LGBTQIA+ rights in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), visit the Presbyterian Mission Agency’s summary on ministry with LGBTQIA+ people.

If you’d like to learn more about our congregation’s history of ministry with LGBTQIA+ people, you’re welcome to reach out to either of our pastors.

Bibles and hymnals resting in pew racks

Supporting Each Other When Disabled

Disabilities have been part of God’s people throughout time and space, and nearly all of us—whether young or old—will be disabled at some point throughout our lives. For some of us, those disabilities will be temporary. For others of us, it will be permanent. Given the remarkable diversity of experiences and relationships to disability, we seek to build a church—structurally and communally—with a similar diversity in accessibility.

Mobility

  • There is a wheelchair- and walker-accessible ramp at the corner entrance of Frederick Road and Beechwood, with reserved parking in the small lot on Frederick Road.
  • There are larger pew spaces near the front of the sanctuary that can easily accommodate walkers and wheelchairs.
  • An accessible, single-stall restroom is available near the sanctuary. When exiting the sanctuary near the piano and pulpit, turn right down the hallway.
  • A few steps lead to the educational wing of the church, but a small lift provides access.

Auditory and Visual Accessibility

  • The sanctuary is fitted with a hearing loop. Headsets are available in the rear of the sanctuary.
  • Those who are joining online can enable automatic captioning on YouTube.
  • The order of worship is published on the News and Announcements page as responsive HTML.
  • The online order of worship can be enlarged with a tablet or other mobile device. Google has a helpful guide for those enlarging text on Google Chrome.

Health Accessibility

  • Though many members do not wear masks, it is not uncommon to see individuals masked. You are invited to contact a pastor with any concerns or issues that may arise.
  • The sanctuary typically has ample room for those who wish to social distance.
  • Hand sanitizer and masks are available in the front and rear of the sanctuary.

Other Accommodations

  • Gluten-free bread is available in a smaller dish during Communion.
  • A transcript of the sermon is typically available the following business day after a service.
  • Service speed can be adjusted to be slower or faster by watching on YouTube after a service concludes.
  • The Fellowship Hall is available during services for those who might need to limit sensory stimuli. The sermon can be heard in the Fellowship Hall.
  • Those who are homebound or who are unable to attend in-person can have some publications sent by mail. This includes sermons, the Messenger, and seasonal publications (like Lenten devotionals).

If there are particular accommodations that might improve accessibility and access to worship, programming, or participation in congregational life, please reach out to a pastor, deacon, or staff member.