Rev. Donald Sterling, D. Min.

After graduating from Archbishop Curley H.S. in 1966, Donald Sterling entered Resurrection College in Kitchener, Ontario to begin formal preparation for priesthood.  In 1968, he returned to Baltimore to earn his B.S. and Master’s in theology from St. Mary’s Seminary. He became the first Black priest to be ordained for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, on May 11, 1974.  

Assigned to St. Cecilia Parish and School, he served early on as co-administrator, eventually becoming Pastor and Administrator in 1980.  As of 1975, St. Cecilia School – staffed with teachers from the Oblate Sisters of Providence — had become part of an educational cluster that included students from four parishes: All Saints, St. Ambrose, St. Cecilia and Our Lady of Lourdes.  Sterling’s passion for soul stirring liturgy and history along with cultural awareness, parish stewardship and building renovation as well as advancing lay ecclesial leadership became hallmarks of his ministry until 1992. For many subsequent years, Sterling has served as pastor of New All Saints Parish in Liberty Heights, MD – a merger of Our Lady of Lourdes and All Saints Churches.

With his many years of priestly service in Black Catholic communities, Sterling has been a stabilizing presence within the Archdiocese Baltimore and for NBCCC.  His quiet, yet smooth approach invokes confidence. His wisdom and critical perspective on a vast array of issues have been invaluable to many. Not surprisingly, this past president of the NBCCC Board of Directors is a nationally sought out speaker, preacher, and leader, particularly on matters related to race and social injustice.