The parish serving Northwest Philadelphia brought its diverse Catholic congregation together for a special 24 Hours for the Lord devotion March 24-25, featuring eucharistic adoration and confessions. See our photo gallery on the church and its Saturday evening vigil Mass celebrated on March 25. (Photos by Sarah Webb)
Edward Rigler prepares the altar for the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
Liz Fuller and Bud Bretschneider pray together at St. Vincent de Paul Church in the Germantown section of Philadelphia.
Grace Yi listens to the Word of the Lord at St. Vincent de Paul Church on Saturday, March 25.
Lector Jacki Lynch reads during the Saturday evening vigil Mass at St. Vincent de Paul Church.
Cantor Carolyn Szumal fills the church with her voice.
Sheila Sharpe serves as lector at the vigil Mass at St. Vincent de Paul Church marking the end of the parish’s 24 Hours for the Lord devotion.
Jerry Smith prays during Mass.
Maria and Geoffrey Beatty
Parishioners of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Philadelphia’s Germantown section raise their hands and hearts in prayer during the 24 Hours for the Lord devotions last weekend, March 24-25. (Sarah Webb)
Father Joseph Cummins, C.M., celebrates Mass at St. Vincent de Paul Church marking the end of 24 Hours for the Lord.
Father Sylvester Peterka, C.M., parish pastor, reminds the congregation of upcoming events at St. Vincent’s as Lent comes to an end.
Jane Bonner distributes the Blood of Christ.
Vincentian Father Joseph Cummins elevates the Eucharist during Mass at St. Vincent de Paul Church in the Germantown section of Philadelphia.
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I’m looking at the webpage article ‘Across the Aisles St. Vincent de Paul Church’ – wondering where the photos are?
St. Vincent de Paul Church has been home to dissenters from various parts of the archdiocese for many decades. Their cavalier and unorthodox approach to the sacramental and liturgical life of the Church is legendary. ( I see that same spirit is still alive with the children surrounding the altar during the elevation of the Sacred Host when they should be in their pews kneeling and adoring the Blessed Sacrament as called for by the General Instruction of the Roman Missal.)
I am surprised that Catholic Philly would even publish a story about this parish which is more committed to women’s ordination, “inclusive” language, same-sex “marriage,” etc. than to the orthodox faith of the Apostolic Church. Surely the great St. Vincent de Paul would weep at the damage certain innovators of the Congregation of the Mission have done to the parish.
A most appropriate comment, Fred. One may misconstrue it as judgment but really it’s a kind of warning that should be made. There are many liturgical abuses at this parish. When I lived in Germantown I was upset by this in attending St Vincent’s. I was surprised that in the merger process provision was not made to keep a church open additionallynthat could be reinvigorated by an orthodox religious order and become a beacon in a part of the city (and I believe all the parishes in Gtn, Mt Airy and Chestnut Hill have this issue but not on the scale of St V) for reverent Catholic worship and sacred music. If any area of the city warranted a FSSP parish, or one run by an order known for striving for truly Catholic worship in both forms of the Roman Rite, it is Germantown. For someone seeking Catholic worship as the Church intends it there is largely no option that doesn’t present a bent that is worldly and political in ways opposed to the Magisterium.