Bishop John J. McIntyre, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia will lead a prayer service at the site of the future St. Rocco Church. In addition to the prayer service there will be a "topping off" ceremony of the final steel beam, which will be placed on top of the Bell Tower of the Church. Those in attendance will be encouraged to sign the beam before it is put in place. All are welcome to attend.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011
3:00 p.m.
St. Rocco Church
333 Sunny Dell Rd.
Avondale, Chester County 19311


On Tuesday, October 12, 2010, the Feast of Our Lady of Pilar, Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, announced the establishment of Saint Rocco Parish. Misión Santa Maria, Madre de Dios, which since 1992 has been serving the pastoral needs of the Spanish-speaking people in the area has been elevated to a parish with the creation of Saint Rocco. Saint Rocco parish has been established due to the large number of people of Hispanic heritage and language who have moved into southern Chester County.

St. Rocco Church, once completed, will seat 500 people and will be built in a Mexican style with a plaza in front. St. Rocco Center will serve the Spanish speaking community of Southern Chester County, which is currently served by the Misión Santa Maria, Madre de Dios.

The mission began in July of 1992 and currently serves five parishes with 12,000 registered members, 2,800 families, 1,200 children in the Religious Education Program and six community Masses celebrated each weekend in Spanish. The community is made up of first and second generation Mexican immigrants and a large community of Puerto Rican parishioners. The mission also serves a smaller community of people from Argentina and Columbia.

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Editor's Note: For more information on St. Rocco Parish and Center please call 610-268-3365

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications
215-587-3747