Parish most in need spotlight
Preserving St. Patrick Church for the Future
CFGP, an independent, nonprofit community foundation committed to growing philanthropy according to the teachings of Jesus Christ, has partnered with St. Patrick Church, Norristown. Through the Parish Support Initiative, CFGP is helping St. Patrick Church, Norristown to raise $1.6 Million to restore the critical infrastructure of the historic church building in Norristown, PA. Please join in “Preserving St. Patrick Church for the Future.”
Investment today will ensure that the church is available for future generations, as a place to encounter God, support other members of the community and be a part of a rich tradition that began when the parish was founded as the Mother Church of Montgomery County in 1835.
A growing, vibrant faith-filled Catholic church with five Masses each weekend, over 300 children in catechism classes, and 200 baptisms this year, St. Patrick church celebrates many traditions including the annual Irish Festival, AOH, LAOH, and Knights of Columbus Masses, processions, and Mass for Our Lady of Guadalupe, Las Posadas at Christmas, soul food dinners and Quinceaneras.
Deeply connected to the community, the parish has high school tutoring, college prep, an English as a Second Language program, health screenings, pre-natal assistance, legal advice, social services, and more for the large local immigrant population.
St. Patrick also is home to one of Montgomery County’s largest food pantries, the 40-year-old Patrician Society. This is the only church in the area that was blessed by a visit from Mother Teresa, whose Missionary Sisters of Charity live in the convent that was home to the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary who taught in the parish school from 1875 until it closed in 1993.
Good work is underway. A Steering Committee and committed volunteers along with the pastor and associate pastor have begun to implement a capital campaign plan. Current parishioners have expressed enthusiastic support. Parish “Alumni” have shared both heartfelt memories of their connection to the church and a willingness to help. In addition to local fundraisers, the plan includes outreach to foundations that share the parish goals and values, to “friends” of the parish around the region, and to local businesses and partners in the Norristown area who care about the community and want to maintain and build its vitality.
In the heart of Norristown, St. Patrick parish is welcoming to the stranger and reaches out to those less fortunate. The parish has celebrated its diversity for many, many years. St. Patrick parish accepts individuals and embraces what makes each person unique, creating a family proud to reflect the Kingdom of God. Please help St. Patrick restore the church building that is home to its history and a beacon of hope for the future in Norristown.