Funeral Notice: Robert M. Gennaro

Please pray for the soul of long-time parishioner, Robert M. Gennaro. Bob’s funeral will take place at the Philadelphia Protestant Home, 6500 Tabor Rd., Philadelphia, PA 19111, where he was a resident, on Wednesday, August 3 with a viewing at 10am followed by the Funeral Mass at 11am. Click here for the obituary.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.
May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Our Parish History: The First Convent

This is the seventh article in a series.  Here are the links for the first six parts:

Our Founding: June 12, 1953
The First Parish Meeting
Our First Christmas
The First Rectory, Part I
The First Rectory, Part II
Ground Breaking!

The teachers in the new Saint Joseph Parish had first arrived from Saint Helena Parish on Wednesday, July 7, 1954.  The two teachers were Sisters of Saint Joseph, Sister Gertrude and Sister Marie Joseph, who came to teach catechism in the new parish.  Their first class of catechism was made up of six children.  These two Sisters were the first of a large number who would work with the parish priests to bring alive in the hearts of the children the mystery of Jesus Christ.

First Convent

First Convent – 7628 Waters Road.

Even before the first two Sisters arrived however, Saint Joseph’s Founding Pastor, Rev. Francis J. Hennegan had begun plans for a convent.  In April 1954, Father Hennegan negotiated to buy a new private home at 7628 Waters Road for a convent.  Three sisters were assigned to the convent and they opened the convent on Saturday, August 28, 1954.  A room on the second floor served as a temporary chapel.  The first Mass was celebrated in the improvised chapel on November 1, 1954 and through the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Lynch, a monstrance was presented to the sisters for Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

First SSJ Sisters

The First Sisters of Saint Joseph at our Parish – from left to right: Sister Silvanus, Sister Ann, Sister Miriam Carmel, Sister Hildegarde, Sister Angeline and Sister Helen Edward

With the opening of school in September 1954, two grades were housed in the convent.  During this first school year, the children’s Sunday Masses were celebrated in Saint Helena’s school auditorium.

Excerpts from the Saint Joseph Church, Cheltenham, Silver Jubilee Memorial Book
(written in 1978 by Rev. John B. DeMayo)

Next week: The Church and School

Our Parish History: Ground Breaking!

This is the sixth article in a series.  Here are the links for the first five parts:

Our Founding: June 12, 1953
The First Parish Meeting
Our First Christmas
The First Rectory, Part I
The First Rectory, Part II

Saint Joseph Parish was progressing beautifully and so its Founding Pastor, Rev. Francis J. Hennegan, made plans for the building of the church and school building on the corner of Waters and Boncouer Roads.  Already in August 1953, Father Hennegan had sought permission to purchase a house to be used as a convent and to submit plans for the church and school.  Now on a sunny Sunday, June 20, 1954 at 3pm, the parishioners witnessed the very simple yet profoundly moving ceremony of the breaking of the ground.  The ground was blessed by Father Hennegan and the first spade of dirt was turned by Father Harron, then pastor of Saint Helena Church who was often referred to as the “Godfather” of Saint Joseph Parish.  The second spade was turned by Father Hennegan and the third spade by Mr. James J. Clearkin, Jr.Groundbreaking 1

Continue reading →

International Buffet Thank You

Thank you to everyone who made our 28th Annual International Buffet such a grand success!   We would like to especially thank the following businesses that contributed to the Buffet:

Acme of Jenkintown

Acme of Oxford Ave.

Austrian Village

Hibachi of Jenkintown

Main Line Center for Bartending

Marco Polo

Sally’s Flowers

Save-A-Lot

Shop Rite of Cheltenham

Shop Rite of Oxford Ave.

Star Diner

Villa DiRoma Restaurant

Don’t forget, you can view photos from the International Buffet by clicking here.

Our Parish History: The First Rectory, Part II

This is the fifth article in a series.  Here are the links for the first four parts:

Our Founding: June 12, 1953
The First Parish Meeting
Our First Christmas
The First Rectory, Part I

In a “Day Book” kept by the Founding Pastor of Saint Joseph Church, Rev. Francis J. Hennegan, we read that on Wednesday, March 3, 1954, the first Ash Wednesday in the parish was observed.  The Blessing of the Ashes and Mass took place with 68 parishioners in attendance and two altar boys, Robert and Eugene Corbett of Ninth Street.  Ashes were also distributed at 4pm and the Rosary, short talk and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament was held at 8pm.

Continue reading →

Our Parish History: The First Rectory, Part I

This is the fourth article in a series.  Here are the links for the first three parts:

Our Founding: June 12, 1953
The First Parish Meeting
Our First Christmas

 

 

First Rectory

The First Rectory at 101 Hilldale Rd.

 

 

 

Anxious to be even closer to his people and to provide them with a more convenient location so that daily Mass could be offered in the new Saint Joseph Parish, Founding Pastor, Rev. Francis J. Hennegan, received permission on June 15, 1953 from Archbishop O’Hara to purchase a house to be used as a rectory.   The Oak Lane Manor Realty Company was building a series of houses on Hilldale Road.  In June 1953, Father Hennegan signed an agreement of sale to purchase a house that would be constructed on Lot #578.  The house and ground would cost $25,000.  In January 1954, the new rectory was ready for occupancy at 101 Hilldale Road.

Continue reading →

July 16: Pro-Life Witness, Summit & Sidewalk Counseling Training

We hope many of you can attend and will register for the upcoming Sidewalk Counseling Training at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center on July 16th.  The basics of sidewalk counseling will be covered along with strategies for engaging in conversations and there will be time for questions and answers.  The day will begin at 7:30 am with a prayer vigil at Planned Parenthood in Philadelphia at 12th & Locust Streets.  Mass will be offered at 9 am at the Cathedral Chapel.  Special thanks to the NFP Alliance and the Office for Life and Family for bringing us together for this training.

Please consider attending the 7:30 am Prayer Vigil or 9 am Mass even if you are not able to attend the training session.  For additional information, please contact our Parish Pro-Life Coordinator, Mary Schott, by clicking here.

Jubilee Year of Mercy – The Spiritual Works of Mercy

Year-of-Mercy-English-CLEARJesus said “Blessed are the merciful, for mercy shall be theirs” (Mt 5:7), which makes the practice of the spiritual works of mercy a win-win for everyone!

When we instruct the ignorant and counsel the doubtful, we’re forced to brush up on our own faith in order to properly inform others. How many misunderstandings about Church teaching could be prevented if we understood not just what She teaches, but why!

Admonishing sinners isn’t about judging someone’s heart; it’s about those everyday moral decisions about right and wrong that we make whenever we decide not to steal, gossip, lie, etc. When we admonish sinners with love, we reaffirm our own convictions and make this world more civil and loving.

To bear wrongs patiently not only impresses those who offend us, it makes us stronger in body, mind and spirit. Paybacks might feel good, but they also introduce discord and division into our world. When we bear wrongs patiently, we become channels of peace.

Scripture and science agree that forgiving offenses willingly, letting go of grudges and bitterness, makes people happier, healthier, and better able to meet the challenges of everyday life.

Comforting the afflicted brings the merciful touch of God to those most in need. Our own faith is reinforced when we see how God’s presence can strengthen a soul in the midst of suffering.

Praying for the living and the dead unites us to the full Body of Christ – both in heaven and on earth – and invites the power of God into the lives of our living and deceased loved ones.  When we give God’s mercy to others, it becomes a blessing to us all!

-Susan Brinkmann, O.C.D.S., Catholic Life Institutes, Bedminster, PA

_________________________________________________

 Quote from Catholic Tradition:

“I can’t stop praying for poor sinners who are on the road to hell. If they come to die in that state, they will be lost for all eternity. What a pity! We have to pray for sinners!  Praying for sinners is the most beautiful and useful of prayers because the just are on the way to heaven, the souls of purgatory are sure to enter there, but the poor sinners will be lost forever. All devotions are good but there is no better one than such prayer for sinners.“ –St. John Vianney

“Jesus came for two reasons: he came to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.” –Dorothy Day

To continue reflecting on this theme, consider one of these resources!

  • Recommended Book for the Month: Introduction to the Devout Life, Francis de Sales
  • Lighthouse Catholic Media CD: Seven Deadly Sins – Seven Lively Virtues by Bishop Robert Barron

July 4: Independence Day

Liberty BellHappy Independence Day!  Mass will be celebrated today at Saint Joseph Church at 9:30am.

We pray, Thee O Almighty and Eternal God! Who through Jesus Christ hast revealed Thy glory to all nations, to preserve the works of Thy mercy, that Thy Church, being spread through the whole world, may continue with unchanging faith in the confession of Thy Name.

We pray Thee, who alone art good and holy, to endow with heavenly knowledge, sincere zeal, and sanctity of life, our chief bishop, Pope Francis, the Vicar of Our Lord Jesus Christ, in the government of his Church; our own bishop, Charles, all other bishops, prelates, and pastors of the Church; and especially those who are appointed to exercise amongst us the functions of the holy ministry, and conduct Thy people into the ways of salvation.

We pray Thee O God of might, wisdom, and justice! Through whom authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted, and judgment decreed, assist with Thy Holy Spirit of counsel and fortitude the President of these United States, that his administration may be conducted in righteousness, and be eminently useful to Thy people over whom he presides; by encouraging due respect for virtue and religion; by a faithful execution of the laws in justice and mercy; and by restraining vice and immorality. Let the light of Thy divine wisdom direct the deliberations of Congress, and shine forth in all the proceedings and laws framed for our rule and government, so that they may tend to the preservation of peace, the promotion of national happiness, the increase of industry, sobriety, and useful knowledge; and may perpetuate to us the blessing of equal liberty.

We pray for his excellency, the governor of this state, for the members of the assembly, for all judges, magistrates, and other officers who are appointed to guard our political welfare, that they may be enabled, by Thy powerful protection, to discharge the duties of their respective stations with honesty and ability.

We recommend likewise, to Thy unbounded mercy, all our brethren and fellow citizens throughout the United States, that they may be blessed in the knowledge and sanctified in the observance of Thy most holy law; that they may be preserved in union, and in that peace which the world cannot give; and after enjoying the blessings of this life, be admitted to those which are eternal.

Finally, we pray to Thee, O Lord of mercy, to remember the souls of Thy servants departed who are gone before us with the sign of faith and repose in the sleep of peace; the souls of our parents, relatives, and friends; of those who, when living, were members of this congregation, and particularly of such as are lately deceased; of all benefactors who, by their donations or legacies to this Church, witnessed their zeal for the decency of divine worship and proved their claim to our grateful and charitable remembrance. To these, O Lord, and to all that rest in Christ, grant, we beseech Thee, a place of refreshment, light, and everlasting peace, through the same Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Archbishop John Carroll’s Prayer for Government, November 10, 1791

Our Parish History: Our First Christmas

This is the third article in a series. Here are the links for the first two parts:

Our Founding: June 12, 1953
The First Parish Meeting

Every family looks forward to Christmas.  It is a time of getting together, exchanging gifts and an outpouring of love and good cheer.  Saint Joseph Parish is part of the family of God and the Church, so it was natural that the family of Saint Joseph’s would look eagerly toward their first Christmas together in 1953.

One looking back with the perspective of years, can only imagine what must have been the thoughts and feelings of those first parishioners as they gathered for their first Christmas Mass together.  How like the Holy Family were these parishioners!  They had no church building they could call their own, they possessed no altar but they had the most precious thing they could offer – themselves.  As they gathered at Saint Helena’s Hall, the parishioners witnessed the coming again of their Lord in the Eucharist.  It was a proud pastor, Rev. Francis J. Hennegan, and parishioners who listened to the Christmas carols played on the organ donated to the parish by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Brookover who, although not members of Saint Joseph Parish, endeared themselves to all by their generosity.  Mrs. Brookover accompanied Mr. and Mrs. Edward Irvine of Melrose Avenue in leading the parishioners in singing Christmas carols.

Excerpts from the Saint Joseph Church, Cheltenham, Silver Jubilee Memorial Book
(written in 1978 by Rev. John B. DeMayo)

Next week: The First Rectory

God Bless You, Vera & John!

John and Vera

John, Father Harrison and Vera

Our Parish Secretary, Miss Vera Halper, and our Parish Maintenance Man, Mr. John Lauer, are retiring on June 30, 2016.

We thank them for their many decades of faithful service to our parish and we pray that God will bless Vera and John and their families with good health and lots of relaxation during their well-earned retirement years.

God Bless You Vera and John

Our Parish History: The First Parish Meeting

This is the second article in a series.  Click here for the first part.

The wise steward and pastor of the new Saint Joseph Parish, Rev. Francis J. Hennegan, set out immediately to become well acquainted with his people and the various situations of a parish.  To accomplish this, Father Hennegan called for a meeting of the parishioners at the Melrose Country Club for the evening of July 13, 1953.  The facilities of the country club had been procured through the generosity and efforts of several parishioners and friends.

This first meeting was an important meeting because here would be established the spirit and enthusiasm as well as the direction the new parish would take.  Parishes are built on prayer, sacrifice and goodwill.  Therefore, is was necessary that the 153 dedicated people who attended this first meeting knew full-well the great labor they were undertaking in building up the Body of Christ.  The first item on the agenda was a parish census.  Who were the parishioners of Saint Joseph and how many souls were within the parish boundaries?  It was essential for the progress of the parish to answer these two questions.

Continue reading →

Happy Father’s Day!

Fathers DayWe wish all the dads in our Saint Joseph Parish family a very happy Father’s Day.

If you forgot to make plans to celebrate with your dad, it is not too late – our International Buffet takes place today at Presentation B.V.M. Hall from 3pm to 6pm.

God our Father, in your wisdom and love you made all things. Bless these men, that they may be strengthened as Christian fathers. Let the example of their faith and love shine forth. Grant that we, their sons and daughters, may honor them always with a spirit of profound respect.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

 

Book of Blessings
Prepared by International Commission on English in the Liturgy
A Joint Commission of Catholic Bishops’ Conferences,
The Liturgical Press, Collegeville, Minnesota, 1989