Bestgate Road Property

August 20, 2026

Dear Members of the St. Mary’s Parish & School Community,

I am pleased to announce that St. Mary’s is proceeding with the renovation of the athletic gym at the St. Joseph Center (SJC), thanks to an anonymous benefactor. This facility will include a multisport court, indoor batting cages and updated locker rooms, as well as technological upgrades to the sound system and video display boards.
I am grateful for this generous donation and believe it will create a space that enhances the experience of St. Mary’s School students.

As I have told you, I am committed to taking the time necessary to make a well-planned decision that will help support the cost of maintaining the property and advance our parish mission. In the future, I hope these renovated athletic spaces will generate income and be the setting for summer camps.

In the immediate short term, we are planning to use other building space for parish ministry meetings.

Please be assured that the Steering Committee is actively assessing additional future needs and uses for the Center. Please join me in praying that the Holy Spirit will guide their work.

God bless,
Father Pat
frwoods@stmarysannapolis.org
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
The 716 Steering Committee

Following the purchase of 716 Bestgate Road in July, Father Woods established the 716 Steering Committee to oversee the discernment process, which will provide recommendations to the Pastor on how best to utilize the property, based on the four principles of discernment they were provided. The committee has been meeting since August. The members of the committee are:

· Chief Financial & Operations Officer, Diana Conway

· Finance Council Member, Caroline Ewing

· School Board President, Patrick McCarthy

· School President, Megan Back

· Facilities Committee Chair, Bob Rowan

· Pastoral Council Member, John Vernon