St. Isaac Jogues Parish
50 West Walker Road
Wayne, Pa. 19087 Does the Parish know how its name was chosen?
Our founding pastor, Father Thomas J. B. Lawlor, had a great interest in St. Isaac Jogues, and since there were no parishes in the archdiocese dedicated to the North American Martyrs, Cardinal Krol gave his blessing.
Are there any special devotions observed?
Perpetual adoration, morning prayer before 8 a.m. Mass, rosary after the 8 a.m. and 12:05 p.m. Masses, Miraculous Medal Novena Mass at 7:30 p.m. Monday evenings, May procession, Corpus Christi, Night of Reparation, Stations of the Cross during Lent, holy hours on Thursday nights.
Are there any special feasts observed?
Aside from the major feasts that all churches observe, we try to have our 40 Hours Celebration on or about the feast of St. Isaac Jogues, Oct. 19.
Of which ministries are you most proud?
Since the highlight of any parish is what happens during the Celebration of the Eucharist, I am most proud when I see the devotion and dedication of all those who bring it about: musicians, cantors, choir, lectors, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, altar servers, ushers and greeters.
Are there any projected new ministries?
We’re planning on establishing a parish council of the Knights of Columbus plus expanding our preschool, our religious education programs for all ages and our youth ministry as well.
Is there anything about the parish that people who are not parishioners would be surprised to learn?
We have a very good turnout for daily Masses, since we are rather close to various corporate centers. Also, our adoration chapel, the adjoining parish library and our illuminated prayer garden are open and available 24 hours a day.
Does the parish have any ethnic celebrations, traditions or outreach?
Most of our outreach has been to our sister parish, St. Malachy, to the St. Vincent dePaul Society and to the village from where Father Paschal hails, for which we raised $125,000 to build a church and another $5,000 to get Nigerian women started in petty trading businesses.
Were there any interesting incidents in parish history or noteworthy parishioners?
In 1777, almost 200 years before the parish was founded, George Washington encamped his troops about a half mile from here at what is now Valley Forge National Park.
I think it’s interesting to note that for three summers (1962-64) while I worked at a gas station on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, I drove by this barren field twice a day, five days a week. One day it would become the parish I would pastor.
While there may have been some noteworthy parishioners over the
34-year history of our parish, I am sure that everyone who was, is or will be a parishioner here at St. Isaac’s is more than noteworthy in God’s eyes. Our people are great. I wouldn’t trade this parish for any other.
What else would the pastor like others to know about the parish?
We have a very special parish hall and kitchen that serves in helping bring the parish together and also has become a popular spot for events within the community and beyond.
PARISH FACTS:
Cluster: 53
Founded: June 3, 1970
Current Pastor:
Msgr. Joseph C. Cunningham
Parochial Vicar: Father Paschal Onunwa
Permanent Deacon: Rev. Mr. George McAndrews
School: St. Isaac Jogues Preschool
5 lay teachers (one of whom is director) and 5 aides.
Number of Registered Individuals: 2,981
Number of Registered Families: 1,130
Annual Number of:
Baptisms: 32
Marriages: 11
Funerals: 24 |