GREETINGS!
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Welcome to Our Lady of Grace parish family and our official Parish website! Whether you are a longtime parishioner, newly registered, or simply exploring our community online, know that you are truly welcomed here.
Consistent with our Mission Statement as a people of faith “ Rooted, Living, Serving in Love, through Christ, by Grace” Our Parish family is more than a place of worship—it is a family of faith where we encounter the living Christ through the Sacraments, the Word of God, and the love we share with one another. We strive to be not only a community deeply rooted in prayer, but also a family of God’s children strengthened by service to one another and to our neighbors, and united in the mission Jesus has entrusted to His Church: to make disciples of all nations. Our Parish family has endless passion to make a difference in our world through Christian witness and welcoming spirit to all God’s beloved Children.
If you are seeking a spiritual home, we invite you to join us in prayer at Mass, in our ministries of service, and in the many opportunities for fellowship that our parish family offers. No matter where you are on your journey of faith, there is a place for you here. Among other things, we are not only Christ centered Church that is rich with Catholic traditions, but also people centered church family.
May Our Lady of Grace Parish family be for you a place of grace, peace, and renewal. On behalf of our parish staff, volunteers, and all our members, I extend to you my heartfelt welcome to Our Lady of Grace Parish!!
In Christ,
Rev. Ferdinand Ezenwachi
Pastor
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My Story
I am Rev. Ferdinand Ezenwachi, Pastor of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Community, and I am truly delighted to welcome you to our Parish website. Our Lady of Grace is a vibrant and faith-filled Parish where the Gospel is lived out through worship, service, and fellowship. My greatest joy as a priest is walking with God’s people celebrating life’s blessings, sharing in its challenges, and together growing in the love and grace of Christ. I was born and raised in Southeastern Nigeria (Igbo Tribe) and had my Seminary formation at Seat of Wisdom Major Seminary Owerri, Nigeria an affiliate Institution of Pontifical Urban University Rome. I am second to the last child in a family of ten Children and was ordained to the Catholic Priesthood on July 13, 2002, in the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki, Nigeria.
Following my ordination, I was appointed Pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Ukawu, Abakaliki Diocese where I served faithfully for five years before leaving for the United States to continue my evangelizing mission and further studies. In the Archdiocese of Baltimore, I have been blessed to serve in several wonderful Parish communities: St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Columbia, MD (2007–2022) – Associate Pastor. St. Margaret Catholic Church, Bel Air, MD (2022–2023) – Associate Pastor. Catholic Community of St. Francis Xavier, Hunt Valley, and Our Lady of Grace Parish, Parkton, MD (2023- 2024) – Administrator. Our Lady of Grace Parish, Parkton, MD – Pastor (2024–present)
I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy and a Master of Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Urban University in Rome. Here in the United States, I earned a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Loyola University Maryland, as well as a Doctor of Psychology from the Graduate Theological Foundation in Indiana.
This blend of Theology, Psychology and my community oriented cultural heritage has deepened my appreciation for the human person—mind, body, and spirit, and continues to guide my Pastoral ministry with compassion and understanding. When I am not celebrating Mass or visiting Parishioners/friends or being involved in other Pastoral engagements, I enjoy reading, quiet prayer, or having fun with my family (sibling families) as we enjoy together delicious Nigerian food. Two Scripture passages that deeply inspire my ministry include: “I will not offer the Lord a sacrifice that costs me nothing.” (2 Samuel 24:24). “How can I repay the Lord for His goodness to me? The cup of salvation I will raise.” (Psalm 116:12–13 )