St. John The Evangelist Opens Doors To Renovated Church

On August 20, more than an hour before a solemn dedication Mass was to be celebrated by the Most Rev. William E. Lori, archbishop of Baltimore, St. John the Evangelist parishioners, friends and neighbors started to line up for the first glimpse of their newly renovated church at 689 Ritchie Highway.

Decades in the making, the multi-million-dollar renovation, which was completely funded by generous donors, resulted in a space worthy of worship offered to Christ.

The St. John the Evangelist Catholic community was formed in Severna Park in 1902, and since 1964, members have gathered for worship at the intersection of Ritchie Highway and Cypress Creek Road. When the Rev. Erik Arnold was named pastor in 2019, the building showed many signs of infrastructure age. Monsignor Rick Woy and the Rev. James Proffitt, both pastors of St. John the Evangelist prior to Arnold’s arrival, had studied plans and capital campaigns to raise money to renovate the church.

Arnold received approval from the Archdiocese of Baltimore to begin a capital campaign in late 2023, and by spring 2024 shared draft renovation plans with parishioners for comments. In just a few months, donations and pledges were received to cover the cost of the renovation in full. Work began September 1, 2024; Masses and events were moved to the parish activities center attached to the school at the north end of the campus.

Improvements included the remediation and removal of asbestos ceiling tiles and adding new, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, a new boiler and roof, and new ventilation and insulation. New lighting, audio, visual, fire alarm, and security systems were also rewired and installed.

The new interior design introduced detailed sacred art and decorative elements into the church, bringing a greater focus to the lord and connecting the congregation more deeply to their patron, St. John. Sacred art, drawn from the scriptures recorded by St. John, was added while respecting the original architectural intent, maintaining the church’s prayerful and inviting warmth.

The focal point of the space is a hand-painted dome over the altar, depicting Christ the victorious lamb in St. John’s vision recorded in Revelation 5. Blood issues forth from his heart, a sign of his sacrificial offering and death for humanity. The angel catching the blood in a chalice is a traditional eucharistic symbol often found in sacred art over the centuries.

Every artistic element throughout the renovated church is a reference to St. John the Evangelist and the scripture he recorded. A new Blessed Virgin Mary shrine, a Sacred Heart of Jesus shrine, and a baptismal font were added. Marble hand-cut in Italy was installed in the sanctuary floor. Restrooms were remodeled and a family bathroom was added. Outside, a new patio and statue of Jesus offer a comfortable place for parishioners to gather.

During a 30-minute prelude and two-hour Mass arranged by Worship and Music Director Helen Kirby, more than 45 musicians and vocalists performed a compilation of ancient Catholic chants and modern contemporary choral pieces.

“The church and the Mass are absolutely gorgeous. Mass was beautiful and spiritual,” Barbara Perez, whose husband, Victor, was in the choir, said about the ancient tradition of a church dedication. “I am honored to witness the blessing of the altar, relics and church. Thank you, Father Erik and team, for your commitment and hard work in making this a reality.”

Mary Ellen Bilenki was one of the many worshipers moved during the emotional Mass. “This church is so holy, so beautiful,” she said as tears rolled down her cheeks. “This was an amazing dedication of this renovated church so rich in our church history. The music was so moving, and I am so blessed to have been a part of this tonight.”

In his homily, Lori said what many parishioners were already thinking: To follow a renovation online in pictures pales in comparison to walking into the church for the first time and witnessing a church renewed. “How lovely is your dwelling place, Oh Lord,” he said, quoting Psalm 84. “How lovely, indeed.”

“It is the same church building you have worshiped in for years,” the archbishop continued. “(Under the leadership of your former pastors and) Father Erik Arnold, it now shines forth with renewed glory and renewed splendor.”

While the new St. John the Evangelist facility is truly spectacular, Arnold summed up the ceremony perfectly.

“None of this physical beauty means anything if it doesn’t in some wonderful way lead us to be caught up into the heart of Christ and his great love for us, leading us to give ourselves with him on this altar to the father, having been made new in that great love he has for us,” he said. “All of this will be for naught unless it draws each of us closer and deeper into the heart of Christ. That is my great prayer.”

To learn more about St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, visit www.stjohnsp.org.