St. Ephrem Parish
5400 Hulmeville Road
Bensalem, PA 19020 How was the parish’s name chosen?
The name was selected for the parish because the founding date of the parish is close to the date of St. Ephrem’s feast day. It was first suggested by John Cardinal Krol. St. Ephrem is a Doctor of the Church. He was a deacon who lived in the fourth century. He was a theologian, musician and poet. He was the first to encourage the involvement of a choir in the liturgy.
Are any special feasts observed?
The parish celebrates the feast day of St. Ephrem by sponsoring a choir concert featuring our traditional choir, children’s choir, folk group and instrumental musicians.
Are any special devotions observed?
The special devotions we conduct at the parish include Forty Hours devotion, Corpus Christi procession, May procession, monthly Eucharistic Sunday, living stations during Holy Week and living Nativity during advent.
What ministries does the parish offer?
We have a parochial school and a Prep school. Over four hundred parishioners are involved in various liturgical ministries. There are three choirs, RCIA, Bereavement Committee and Parish Outreach Committee to the sick, elderly and homebound.
Are there any new ministries projected?
We are beginning an Adult Faith Formation class this year.
Is there anything that people who are not parishioners would be surprised to learn?
The field where Ben Franklin flew his kite and discovered electricity is located within our parish boundaries. Bensalem was Franklin’s summer estate.
Has anyone famous, now or previously, been a member of the parish?
John C. Servis, the trainer of Smarty Jones, winner of this year’s Kentucky Derby and the Preakness, is a parishioner.
What interesting artifacts, architectural features or special works of art are in the church?
Our crucifix in the sanctuary was created by Charles Madden, a world renowned artist who also donated our sculpture of the Holy Spirit. We have stained glass windows depicting the Good Shepherd and the corporal works of mercy.
What else would the pastor like others to know about the parish?
St. Ephrem Parish is a prayerful, family-oriented, faith-filled community.
PARISH FACTS:
Cluster: 28
Founded: June 6, 1966
Pastor: Msgr. Kenneth P. McAteer
Parochial Vicars:
Father Stephen F. Katziner,
Father Timothy F. O’Sullivan
Permanent Deacons:
Rev. Mr. Edward J. Dymek,
Rev. Mr. James P. DeBow
Sunday Ministry:
Father Edward L. Rauch, O.S.F.S.
School: St. Ephrem School
Students: 640
Staff: 5 religious
(Sister, Servants of the I.H.M.), 24 lay
Convent: St. Ephrem Convent,
Sister, Servants of the I.H.M.
Registered Individuals: 9,430
Registered Families: 2,960
Annually, number of
Baptisms: 128
Marriages: 39
Funerals: 63 |