Posted May 10, 2016

The parish welcomed Archbishop Charles Chaput, priest sons of the parish, former priests serving St. John’s and the former St. Mary of the Assumption and St. Josaphat Parishes, plus hundreds of parishioners and guests for a festive milestone anniversary Mass and block party on a sunny Sunday morning, April 24.

  • Archbishop Charles Chaput accepts a gift from a family of St. John the Baptist Parish at the close of the Mass April 24. (Roseanne Westerfer)

  • Knights of Columbus add a colorful and dignified presence to the congregation. (Roseanne Westerfer)

  • Morning sunshine illuminates a brilliant stained glass window in St. John the Baptist Church. (Roseanne Westerfer)

  • Msgr. Kevin Lawrence, pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish in Philadelphia’s Manayunk section, speaks to the congregation. (Roseanne Westerfer)

  • The parish choir, joined by a small orchestra, leads the congregation in song from the church’s choir loft. (Roseanne Westerfer)

  • The sanctuary of St. John’s has welcomed the faithful for prayer since the parish’s founding in 1831 along the Schuylkill River. (Roseanne Westerfer)

  • A string band leads the parish’s anniversary celebration outside of church after Mass. (Roseanne Westerfer)

  • Parishioners and friends can’t help but dance their Mummer’s strut. (Roseanne Westerfer)

  • Longtime parishioners from near and far plus guests visiting for the day enjoy the clear weather and a chance to catch up and share stories of St. John’s during the block party in a park adjacent to the church. (Roseanne Westerfer)

  • The imposing facade and bell tower of St. John the Baptist Church has recently seen completion of a major restoration. (Roseanne Westerfer)