St. Joseph Parish marked “A Century of Serving Jesus” with a 100th anniversary Mass celebrated at the church by Archbishop Charles Chaput, parish pastor Father Thomas Sodano and other priest concelebrants on Saturday, Feb. 6. A gala dinner for parishioners and guests followed at Springfield Country Club. The church is located at Bartram and Woodlawn Avenues in the Borough of Collingdale, Delaware County. Read about the history and current life of the parish here. (Photos by Sarah Webb)
Pastor Father Thomas Sodano distributes Holy Communion.
Msgr. Donald Leighton
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Thomas Ohrt leads the entrances procession for the 100th anniversary mass of Saint Joseph Church in Collingdale.
Father Dennis Weber, S.d.C. (left), and Father John Hand, priest sons of the parish, walk in procession at the start of Mass.
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Msgr. Charles McGroarty (left), a son of the parish and a resident, and Father Thomas Sodano, pastor, listen to the Scriptures proclaimed at Mass.
Deacon Patrick Kelly
Parishioners present the offertory gifts to Archbishop Chaput.
From left: Deacon Patrick Kelly, Father Patrick Brady (weekend assistant at St. Joseph’s), Archbishop Charles Chaput, Father Thomas Sodano (pastor) and Msgr. Charles McGroarty (in residence)
The parish choir leads the congregation in song.
Archbishop Chaput blesses the people by sprinkling holy water.
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I was a parishioner of St. Joseph Parish for 50 years and all 6 of my sons graduated from there…I am so sad to hear that the parish will be closed in July 2017…I know that memories will go on and on… Sue Paolucci
Everyone looks very happy. If the people of the parish were sad a few years ago when the AD closed their school and many young families fled the boro wait until July 2017 when the AD closes the Parish. A fact that is know “DOWNTOWN”
Monsignor McGroarty keep us in your prayers and we will do the same for you.
It was great having you here at St. Matthew.
Monsignor Charles McGroarty…..looking good and relaxed. No pressure no stress.