Eccleston encouraged religious orders to establish houses in his diocese, particularly those who could provide social services to the growing number of Catholic immigrants in the industrializing cities. The Sisters of the Visitation increased the number of their academies in the city and archdiocese, the Brothers of St. Patrick came to direct a trade school near Baltimore, and the Redemptorists cared particularly for German-speaking immigrants.
Eccleston's efforts led to an increase in religious orders establishing houses in his diocese, particularly those that could provide social services to the growing Catholic immigrant population in rapidly industrializing cities. The Sisters of the Visitation expanded their educational presence, the Brothers of St. Patrick directed a trade school near Baltimore, and the Redemptorists focused on serving German-speaking immigrants.