Saint Benedict Church rises above Wilkens Avenue in Southwest Baltimore, where its 1933 Romanesque building is both a neighborhood landmark and the home of Saint Benedict Neighborhood Center. The former parish is known for graceful arches, sturdy brickwork, balanced symmetry, and a continuing legacy of service rooted in direct assistance, stewardship and hospitality.
A Benedictine Landmark Built in 1933
Completed in 1933, the church was originally staffed by Benedictine monks from Saint Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Its Romanesque design pairs graceful arches with sturdy brickwork and timeless symmetry, giving the building a distinctive presence on the Baltimore skyline. The architecture reflects the Benedictine spirit of stability and hospitality that continues through the center’s work in Mill Hill and Southwest Baltimore.
The center is at 2612 Wilkens Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21223, with offices open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Regular Masses End, Historic Stewardship Continues
Regular parish Masses ended in November 2023. The Archdiocese continues to authorize use of the church for weddings and funerals for Catholics who have a family connection to the former parish. Caring for the 1933 campus remains central to the neighborhood center’s mission. The building is preserved as a place of gathering, faith and neighborhood identity, and as a resource for future generations.
Benedict’s Pantry Serves Families Across Southwest Baltimore
Benedict’s Pantry provides food, clothing, household essentials and school supplies to families in need throughout Southwest Baltimore. Distribution takes place from 10:00 a.m. to noon on the fourth Saturday of each month. The pantry’s direct-assistance work is grounded in a commitment to respond with dignity, compassion and care to everyday community needs.
New or gently used clothing and household goods, along with nonperishable food, can be donated. The center cannot pick up donated items; a drop-off time can be arranged by calling 410-947-4988.
Volunteers welcome guests at the pantry, answer office phones, maintain buildings and grounds, and help with fundraising. The center relies on these varied skills to sustain direct assistance, property care and neighborhood support.
Rooms for Gatherings and Community Partnerships
The center makes its facilities available for affordable hall rentals and partnerships with community organizations and nonprofits. Its main hall accommodates up to 200 people and includes multiple six-foot and eight-foot rectangular tables and padded chairs. The Notre Dame Room is suited to smaller get-togethers, with round tables, seating for 50 and a small kitchenette. The rooms provide places to celebrate, organize, meet and serve.
Mission Rooted in Love and Service
The center’s motto is “Let all that you do be done in love.” It comes from 1 Corinthians 16:14 and reflects a mission that joins direct aid, careful stewardship of the historic campus and practical space for community organizations. The pantry responds to material needs, the hall rentals make facilities available to others, and partnerships create room for cooperation and belonging.
Catholic Radio from Southwest Baltimore
WVTO 92.7 FM extends Saint Benedict’s Catholic connection beyond the building. The low-power station serves neighborhoods around the church with Catholic programming throughout the day, including messages of hope, faith and community. Its free streaming app allows listeners to take the station beyond its local broadcast area. Together, the pantry, community spaces and Catholic radio keep the Saint Benedict name present in Southwest Baltimore.