PARISH EVENTS
The parish community enjoyed a liturgy enhanced by the presence of our Archbishop Nelson Perez and the musical skills of our choir as we began a series of celebrations acknowledging the 175th anniversary of the parish. Brunch at the Connelly Center was provided for around 350 people. Included are pictures of the final Celebration at the Inn of Villanova on October 8th. Pictures below
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175th Anniversary Celebration CLICK FOR THE HISTORICAL SLIDE SHOW WHICH INCLUDES HONORING THE PAST, CELEBRATING THE PRESENT, PROPELLING INTO THE FUTURE.
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"HONORING OUR PAST, CELEBRATING OUR PRESENT & PROPELLING INTO THE FUTURE"
Friends and Parishioners,
I joyfully announce that on August 15th St. Thomas of Villanova parish marks its 175th anniversary. On that date in 1848, a baptism was the first official act of the parish which had been established soon after the Augustinians founded Villanova. And so we are planning a number of events highlighting the theme: “Honoring our past, celebrating our present, and propelling into the future.”
Our parish has been steeped in the Augustinian charism of community from its inception, dedicated to stewardship of time and talent. We can look with pride at a community that has engaged in an abundance of activities grounded in Gospel values, putting into practice the mandate of Jesus to love one another as God has loved us. The notion of Christian service has flourished as our parish has made it a priority to be mindful of the needs of others, especially the financially disadvantaged, in acts of volunteerism. One only has to scan the list of activities in our annual Stewardship review or our parish bulletin to see an impressive list of accomplishments in service to our sisters and brothers in need. In addition, there are many undertakings focused on spiritual growth, social development, and adult faith formation for the edification of parishioners.
We look forward to continuing this rich tradition, celebrating the uniqueness of our parish community so
that we may continue to enhance the ways we can be of service to others. Motivated by the parish priorities which emerged from the listening sessions for the Synod, we hope to inspire our younger generation in continuing to promote these values, carrying forward the good work that God has inspired in generations of faithful St. Thomas parishioners.
I joyfully announce that on August 15th St. Thomas of Villanova parish marks its 175th anniversary. On that date in 1848, a baptism was the first official act of the parish which had been established soon after the Augustinians founded Villanova. And so we are planning a number of events highlighting the theme: “Honoring our past, celebrating our present, and propelling into the future.”
Our parish has been steeped in the Augustinian charism of community from its inception, dedicated to stewardship of time and talent. We can look with pride at a community that has engaged in an abundance of activities grounded in Gospel values, putting into practice the mandate of Jesus to love one another as God has loved us. The notion of Christian service has flourished as our parish has made it a priority to be mindful of the needs of others, especially the financially disadvantaged, in acts of volunteerism. One only has to scan the list of activities in our annual Stewardship review or our parish bulletin to see an impressive list of accomplishments in service to our sisters and brothers in need. In addition, there are many undertakings focused on spiritual growth, social development, and adult faith formation for the edification of parishioners.
We look forward to continuing this rich tradition, celebrating the uniqueness of our parish community so
that we may continue to enhance the ways we can be of service to others. Motivated by the parish priorities which emerged from the listening sessions for the Synod, we hope to inspire our younger generation in continuing to promote these values, carrying forward the good work that God has inspired in generations of faithful St. Thomas parishioners.
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A visual presentation by parishioners who have done extensive research on the buildings
both at Villanova and Rosemont and past accomplishments. Sunday August 13 – Mass at 10:30am followed by a celebratory brunch in the Connelly Center at Villanova. Sunday September 17 – celebration of our Stewardship tradition after each Saturday/Sunday Mass in Harten Hall with refreshments. Sunday October 8 – Main celebration event at the Inn at Villanova with food, family activities and opportunities for socializing with fellow parishioners from 3:00pm to 7:00pm. |
Let me once again emphatically acknowledge what a great parish we have, one steeped in a tradition of Stewardship and the Augustinian spirit. Together we will make our contribution to the continuance of these trademark qualities well into the future. Thank you and God bless you.
Fr. Joe
Fr. Joe