St.
Philip Neri opens $5 million parish center, gym
By Christie L. Chicoine
CS&T Staff Writer
LAFAYETTE HILL - “It’s nice that now, when we
shoot a basketball, it’s probably not going to hit
the ceiling.”
From the perspective of eighth-grader Tim Koenig, the new
gymnasium is one of the biggest perks of the new $5 million
center at St. Philip Neri Parish.
Auxiliary Bishop Daniel E. Thomas blessed the 8,000-square-foot
building after the 5 p.m. vigil Mass Saturday, May 10 at
St. Philip Neri Church.
Another feature of the facility is a new main entrance to
the school that includes a state-of-the-art security system
and main office. The entrance connects the school and new
gym.
Part of the old gym has been converted into a library. Landscaping,
additional parking and other grounds work are included in
the cost of the project, as is a new playground that will
complete the upgrade.
Members of the Philippians - the parish’s senior citizen
group - are also happy about the new gym, which will be
their meeting place.
In addition to luncheons, the Philippians host various forms
of entertainment: singers, instrumentalists and square-dancers,
just to name a few.
“We can’t wait to get in here,” said Palma
Leomporra, president of the Philippians. “This is
a magnificent thing. This a very close parish, and we all
work very hard to keep it that way. I really am very proud
to be a part of this parish.”
After Bishop Thomas cut the ceremonial ribbon, Msgr. Charles
P. Vance, the pastor, announced that the center was officially
open.
Inside the building, Bishop Thomas first blessed a statue
of the Holy Family, which is displayed in the foyer in memory
of the school’s music instructor, Maureen (McAllister)
Minetti, a 1971 alumna who died Feb. 14.
In remarks at the blessing, Msgr. Vance thanked all who
helped make the new center a reality.
He’s kept in mind throughout the construction project
those the center will most benefit, he said: “These
kids.”
No longer will the Catholic Youth Organization’s games
have to be played offsite, on courts in and around the community,
he said. “This facility is for them and for those
who come after them. I hope they use it and enjoy it for
many, many years to come.”
St. Philip Neri School has 437 students in pre-kindergarten
through eighth grade. The principal is Berenice Annechini.
According to Tim Koenig, the student council president,
the student body is thrilled about the new gym.
When the students were given a sneak peek a month before
the dedication day, “their eyes just got big,”
Tim said.
Since then, the students have played in the gym during gym
class.
Although Tim won’t get to use the gym during school
hours next year - he’ll be a freshman at St. Joseph
Preparatory School - he’s happy for those who will,
particularly his three younger brothers. Dan Koenig will
be a seventh-grader next year, Tom a fifth-grader and Paul
a third-grader.
“It’s just great to have a modern place for
the parish to come together,” Tim said. “It’s
a great place for sports, bingo nights, fall festivals and
all that good stuff.”
For more information or to contribute to the capital campaign
for the new center, contact St. Philip Neri Parish at (610)
828-5717 or send correspondence by standard mail to Father
Charles P. Vance, 437 Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill, PA 19444.
Or visit the Web site www.saintphilipnerichurch.com.
CS&T Staff Writer Christie L. Chicoine may be reached
at (215) 587-2468 or cchicoin@adphila.org.