A Brief History
In just a few short years, St. Agnes Parish will joyfully celebrate our 175th Anniversary - a sacred milestone that invites us to honor our rich history and look forward with hearts full of faith and hope.
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The story of St. Agnes began on October 28, 1852, when Archbishop Francis P. Kenrick laid the cornerstone of the original church. At that time, Rev. Edward Caton, then serving as chaplain at what we now know as Mount de Sales Academy, was appointed to minister to the growing Catholic community in Catonsville. While the church was under construction, Mass and the sacraments were celebrated in the academy’s Chapel of St. Francis de Sales, graciously opening a sacred space to nourish the young parish.
The establishment of St. Agnes Parish was made possible through the faith, sacrifice, and generosity of a small but committed group of local Catholics, who gave of their land, funds, and labor. Among them, Mrs. Somerville played a notable role. In recognition of her devotion and leadership in fundraising, she was given the honor of naming the new parish. Inspired by her daughter’s name, she placed the community under the patronage of St. Agnes, the young Roman martyr and model of pure faith.
On July 21, 1853, the original church was completed and formally dedicated.
As the Catholic presence in Catonsville expanded, so did St. Agnes. Our parish became the mother church to several surrounding parishes including St. Mark, St. Joseph Monastery, St. Edward, St. Cecilia, St. William of York, and St. Lawrence.
In response to continued growth, the current St. Agnes Church was built and dedicated on April 8, 1951, by Archbishop Francis Keough, just a few years before our 100th anniversary.
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Over the generations, St. Agnes has been faithfully shepherded by dedicated pastors including Rev. Edward Caton, Rev. John M. Barry, Rev. Ignatius Fealy, Msgr. Maurice W. Roche, Msgr. Francis W. Fortenbaugh, Rev. Victor B. Galeone (later Bishop of St. Augustine, FL), Msgr. Carl Cummings, Rev. Michael DeAscanis, Rev. Michel J. Foppiano, Fr. Isaac Makovo, and now, under the pastoral leadership of Fr. Hamilton Okeke.
Yet the enduring strength of St. Agnes has never rested solely in her clergy. It is found in the faithful, prayerful, and devoted people - past and present - whose lives have made this parish a living witness to the Gospel for over 170 years.
As we journey together toward our 175th Anniversary, may we continue to walk in the footsteps of those who built, sustained, and cherished this parish. And may we move forward in faith, forming a family of disciples, united in the love and mission of Jesus Christ.
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In November 2024 our faith Community celebrated two closing St. William of York Church Commemorative Masses, recognizing the community that touched the lives of so many over its 110-year history.