Old Saint Mary's Parish, Philadelphia

Old St. Mary’s Parish
248 South 4th St.
Philadelphia, Pa. 19106
Cluster: 20

Does the parish know how its name was chosen?
The parish was named in honor of the Blessed Mother.

Are there any special devotions?
We offer the Stations of the Cross during Lent.

Of which ministries are you most proud?
The care of the homebound with frequent Communion.

Is there anything about the parish that people who are not parishioners would be surprised to learn?
The parish has a rich history. George Washington and John Adams attended Sunday vespers here at the time of the First Continental Congress.
Other members of the Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention attended religious services.
In 1810, St. Mary’s Church became the first cathedral of the Philadelphia diocese.

Were there any interesting incidents in parish history, or noteworthy parishioners?
The first public religious celebration commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence was held in St. Mary’s Church, as was the first celebration of the victory at Yorktown.
As for noted parishioners, they include Commodore John Barry, Michel Bouvier, publisher Matthew Carey and Thomas Fitzsimmons (Pennsylvania delegate to the Constitutional Convention).

PARISH FACTS:

Founded: 1763
Current Pastor:
Msgr. John A. Sharkey
School: Saint Mary’s Interparochial School,
240 students from different parishes.
Faculty: Lay principal and 8 lay teachers
Convent: Home for Women,
operated by Catholic Social Services.
Several religious communities
supply a sister (total 3).
Registered families: 196
Registered people: 294
Annually, number of:
Baptisms: 6
Marriages: 15
Funerals: 4