File - West Catholic Alumni Association

 FALL EDITION 2014 ­ CELEBRATING FIVE YEARS OF THE GOLDEN BURRS
NEWSLETTER
The Golden Burrs Events Committee members are pleased to bring you this 21st edition of the
Class of 1958's Newsletter as we begin our sixth year of bringing news and interesting events
to you, our classmates and friends. Each section will bring you information that we have gathered about West Catholic and other
newsworthy events that have transpired in the past three months. In this issue, under the "West Catholic Prep Banner" we have the latest Calendar of Events,
the Football Game Schedules and Jim Lynch's continuing reports on the Varsity Football games.
In the "News Features" section you will find an update by Frank Metzler on The Independence Mission
Schools, also, Frank's report on the establishment of a Redemptoris Mater Seminary in Philadelphia, a
report on the election of Brother Robert Schieler as Superior General of the Christian Brothers, Congrats
to St. Francis De Sales on their first place finish in the States "First Math" online competition, Johnny
Staiber's report on Burrs @ the Beach and his report on a visit with Brother Patrick Power, finally the
feature articles about our former parishes continues with the history of The Holy Name of Jesus Parish. Sadly, Bill Kealey passed away in June. He will be sorely missed by his fellow Burrs.
Rich Buzza offers a "FINAL THOUGHT" with a fitting tribute to George Light.
The Winter 2014 edition will feature The Good Shepherd Parish.
PAST AND UPCOMING HAPPENINGS AT WEST PREP
WEST CATHOLIC CALENDAR OF EVENTS Veterans Appreciation Mass ­ November 14, 2014 ­ 8:00 AM
All grads who served are invited
Small reception to follow School tour by students School Hall of Fame Induction and Dinner ­TBA Alumni Communion Breakfast ­ April 19, 2015
Burrs at the Beach ­ Sunday, June 28, 2015
WEST CATHOLIC PREP VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Saturday, August 30 ­ vs. Haverford School ­ Away Wildwood 12:00 PM ­ (report below)
Friday, September 5 ­ vs. North Penn ­ Away North Penn 7:00 PM ­ (report below)
Friday, September 12 ­ vs. St. John, Washington D.C. ­ Home Widener 7:00 PM ­ (report below)
Friday, September 19 ­ vs. Archbishop Wood ­ Home Widener 7:30 PM ­ (report below)
Friday, September 26 ­ vs. * Lansdale Catholic ­ Home Widener 7:30 PM
Saturday, October 4 ­ vs. * Newmann­Goretti ­ Away So. Philly 7:00 PM Saturday, October 11 ­ vs. * Bishop McDevitt ­ Away Cheltenham HS 7:00 PM
Saturday, October 18 ­ vs. *Conwell­Egan ­ Home So. Philly 5:00 PM
Friday, October 24 ­ vs. Archbishop Ryan ­ Home So. Philly 7:30 PM
* Denotes 2A Division Opponents
WEST CATHOLIC PREP VARSITY FOOTBALL REPORTS
submitted by: JIM LYNCH
All reports compiled from Philly.com and WC Website.
August 30 ­ West Catholic Prep 24 ­ Haverford School 19
After a two­year hiatus, West was back in Wildwood against a solid and veteran Haverford School club. At the outset I’m pretty sure West wished they were someplace else, though. On the second play from
scrimmage Fords’ star RB Phil Poquie sped left for a 65­yard touchdown just thirty seconds into the
game.
West added another score in the 3rd period ending with the final of 24 while Haverford added 2 in the
3rdand a field goal for 3 in the 4th ending with the final of 19.
West had a gigantic defensive stand early in the fourth quarter. A Poquie 20­yard run gave the Fords’ a
first­and­goal from the one, West held; the Fords' had to settle for a 24­yard FG by sr. Jack Soslow with
8:03 left. HS would get the ball back twice, but failed to threaten. Go Burrs
September 5 ­ West Catholic Prep 16 ­ North Penn 19
Even though the Burrs under Head Coach Brian Fluck have always taken on all comers it’s rare that
you’ll ever see a large 4A suburban public school take on a team two classes below them. Really it’s three
classes, as West is a 1A school by the numbers, but opts to play at the 2A level. After falling behind 6­0 on
two sr. K Matt Amendola field goals (37 & 21 yards), the Burrs would strike twice in a 4­minute span of
the second quarter. Both scores were followed by conversions and the Burrs held a 16­6 lead. Amendola
would belt another FG (30 yards) before the half to make it 16­9. North Penn’s jr. FB Nick Isabella (6­
73) took a guard­trap through the middle basically untouched. The play covered 59 yards and
Amendola’s point­after tied the score with 1:24 left in the third quarter.
West would get the ball three more times from here and twice marched into NP
territory. Heading into the 4th NP had a chance to win it in regulation, but Amendola struck a low liner
off the crossbar from 22 yards with 1:53 left. In OT, NP took the ball first. A procedure call pushed them
back to the fifteen. Next, were runs of seven and minus­two yards. On third down, a fade was batted
away by Jones. Then, for a sixth time in the game Amendola was summoned to the field; this time he did
drilled the 26­yard attempt giving NP the lead. West was unable to get back on the board with the game
final of NP 19 West Catholic 16; and as you can imagine many of the Burrs were distraught afterwards;
but this was good experience that most definitely will prepare them for later in the year when they hope to
vie for not just a league title, but a district title, and a berth in the state playoffs.
Hold your heads high WC you did a great job. Go Burrs
September 12 ­ West Catholic Prep 6 ­ St. John, Washington, D,C, 37
In week two, they lost a heartbreaker to traditional 4A toughie North Penn in overtime. This week a
VERY, VERY good team, St. John’s of D.C., came calling.
The Burrs just couldn’t match the overall size and speed of the Cadets. Next week, the Burrs will take on
Wood, who is arguably the best team in the state regardless of class right now. The hope is that these
tough games will have the Burrs’ ready for a deep November run at the 2A level. We’ll see if that plan
comes to fruition later this year, but for now the Burrs need to be survival mode before their league
schedule starts in two weeks. In this one, the Burrs fell behind quickly, 16­0, at the end of the first
quarter. As play entered the second quarter West finally had reasonable field position at their 35­yard
line, and produced a nice 8­play drive that resulted in their only score of the game. This was also the first
TD that St. John’s defense allowed this season. The West defense fought all night and their best moments
came at the end of the first half and the start of the second half. First, they made a goal line stand from
the one­yard line, as jr. DB Craig Jones brought down sr. WR/DB Ayron Monroe (PSU commit) for a 6­
yard loss on fourth down. 4th­and­7 from the 32­yard line. The Cadets would put the game away
afterwards with a 10­play, 68­yard drive. Sr. RB Omar Garcia (13­103) would do the honors with a hard
13­yard run. With the score 37­6, West did unleash a good drive that started at their 9­yard line. They
held the ball for 17 plays and reached as far as the eleven, but McCollum fade to Bryson on fourth down
misfired.
September 19 ­ West Catholic Prep 12 ­ Archbishop Wood 42
Almost everyone thought going in that visiting Archbishop Wood, based on its large and talented lines,
would likely win in very comfortable fashion; that was what happened, though the end result was reached
in a strange fashion. Several key calls went against the Burrs, infuriating coach Fluck. Overall his squad
gave a respectable performance under the lights at Widener University. Wood scored twice in the first
6:22 and the second TD occurred two plays after a questionable interference call. Though we could have
been bound for a rout, an interception by sr. DB David Swen terminated Wood's next possession at West's
22 and the Burrs embarked on a nice drive that yielded six points. Each team scored in the fourth
quarter.
Our next 4 opponents are Division 2A teams and there is the hope that West will sweep the Division as in
previous years.
NEWS FEATURES
INDEPENDENCE MISSION SCHOOLS
submitted by: FRANK METZLER
Independence Mission Schools network of Catholic Elementary Schools sprang into action
two years ago to save parish schools in low­income­neighborhoods, when the Archdiocese of
Philadelphia announced plans to close them. In its two years of operation Independence
Mission Schools, with Mr. Al Cavalli, President, based its concept on the successful model of
the St. Martin de Porres School in North Philadelphia, located at the former St. Columba
School, 24th Street and Lehigh Avenue. When several area parishes were closed, the students
were moved to St. Columba's School and the school was renamed St. Martin de Porres
School. St. Martin's enrollment has increased, finances have been stabilized, and programs
were added after it became independent from the Archdiocesan School System.
In 2013 Archbishop Charles J. Chaput designated parish schools in low­income area as
"Catholic Mission Schools"that would be operated by an independent network. The
Archbishop said the change would ensure that schools would continue to provide a Catholic
education to children in the city's neediest neighborhoods. Nearly two­thirds of the students
are not catholic. The schools are now run by the independent board and by the network's
small staff, instead of by Pastors of the parishes where the schools are situated. The
Principals report directly to Mr. Cavalli. Each mission school also has its own board involved
in running the school. The network has taken over marketing and recruitment, developed
websites and brochures, and handles finances and purchasing for the schools. Instead of
individual schools' setting their own tuition, the Mission Schools network has adopted a rate
of $4,000.00, but considers the families' ability to pay.
St. Malachy School, located at 11th and Master Streets in North Philadelphia was designated in July,
2014 as a Catholic Mission School and in September, 2015 it will be relocated in Harrison Elementary
School a few blocks away. The school was purchased from the Public School System and is presently
being renovated. Between the purchase and renovations the total costs will be $4.5 million. Capacity will
increase from 200 to 550 with 24 classrooms, facilities for art, music, a gym, cafeteria and auditorium. July 1, 2014 ­ Mary, Mother of Peace Area Catholic School, located at St. Barnabas Parish,
joined the network and it has returned to its former name of St. Barnabas School. In recent
years the school operated as a regional Catholic school drawing students from what were once
five parochial schools: St. Barnabas, Most Blessed Sacrament, St. Clement, St. Irenaeus and
Good Shepherd. Last year the enrollment slipped to 226 students, challenging the viability of
the school. Through effective marketing, enrollment is already up to 260 and is expected to go
over that number. A second kindergarten is planned.
Except for St. Cyril of Alexandria in East Lansdowne, the other mission schools are in
Philadelphia.
The following fifteen schools are operating as Independence Mission Schools:
1) St. Cyril of Alexandria ­ East Lansdowne.
2) St. Frances Cabrini School ­ 405 N. 65th Street ­ partnered St. Donato, Our Lady of the Blessed
Sacrament, Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Callistus schools.
3) St. Gabriel ­ 2917 Dickerson St.
4) St. Helena/Incarnation ­ 6101 N. 5th Street ­ partnered St. Helena and Incarnation schools.
5) Holy Cross ­ 144 E. Airy Avenue ­ partnered Holy Cross, St. Madeline Sophie and St. Theresa schools.
6) St. Malachy ­ 1419 N. 11th Street.
7) St. Martin de Porres ­ 2300 W. Lehigh Avenue ­ at the Former St. Columba school.
8) St. Martin of Tours ­ Roosevelt Blvd. and Sanger St.
9) Mary, Mother of Peace ­ 6334 Buist Avenue (renamed St. Barnabas on July 1, 2014).
10) Our Mother of Sorrows/St. Ignatius ­ 1008 N. 48th St. 11) St. Raymond of Penafort ­ 7940 William Avenue.
12) The DePaul Catholic School ­ 44 West Logan St. ­ partnered St. Francis Assisi and St.
Vincent De Paul schools. 13) St. Thomas Aquinas ­ 1719 Morris St. 14) St. Veronica ­ 3521 N. 6th St.
15) St. Rose of Lima ­ 1522 N. Wanamaker St.
In their first year as Independence Mission Schools they have a combined enrollment of 4,150
students, up from 3,800, and this year the system is on track to increase to approximately
5,000.
REDEMPTORIS MATER SEMINARY
(MOTHER OF THE REDEEMER)
LOCATED IN PHILADELPHIA
submitted by: FRANK METZLER
The Redemptoris Mater Missionary Seminary forms men to the priesthood, who have discovered their vocation
through the Neocatechumenal Way. The Neocatechumenal Way, or simple"The Way", began in Spain, focusing on
service for the poor. The Way developed into a way of life, a profound and on going formation of Christian living,
based on the Catechumenal, the period of basic instruction in the Christian faith of the Early Church. All the seminarians hail from countries throughout the world, bringing with them significant diversity of cultural
language and they are studying for the priesthood in 100 Redemptoris Mater Seminaries on 6 continents. At a recent
gathering of Missionary Seminarians in Italy, 350 seminarians were assigned to 90 seminaries around the world.
Archbishop Chaput announced last year that a new seminary would open in Philadelphia in 2014. The seminary is
located at St. Barnabas Rectory with Reverend Carlos Benitez, Parochial Administrator of the Parish and Rector of
the Seminary. He is on loan from the Archdiocese of Washington, DC. The Reverend Mariano Dellagiovanna was
recently appointed the Vice Rector.
Archbishop Chaput poses with several of the seminarians coming to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for the Neo­
Catechumenal Way.
Six young men have been assigned to the new seminary and they will, besides living at St.
Barnabas Rectory, receive their academic formation at St. Charles Seminary in Overbrook. The
Redemptoris Mater missionary seminary is not competing with, nor is it replacing St. Charles
Seminary. All seminarians ­ both those who enter St. Charles under the traditional protocols,
and those who are educated by St. Charles through Redemptoris Mater missionary seminary ­
will be under the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Men of "The Way" ordained for Philadelphia will
be fully and permanently Philadelphia priests, with the one footnote that a certain number will
be released, as circumstances allow, for missionary service for a limited time in The Way,
overseas or here in North America.
BROTHER ROBERT SCHIELER, FSC '68 ANNOUNCED AS SUPERIOR GENERAL OF THE CHRISTIAN BROTHERS
downloaded from the West Catholic Prep Website
The Brothers of the Christian Schools, District of Eastern North America, are pleased to inform
you that the delegates of the 45th General Chapter have elected a new Superior General to lead
the worldwide Institute.
Announcing our very own, Brother Robert Schieler, FSC!
Brother Robert '68 is an alum of West Catholic and a member of the Schools Hall of Fame. Brother grew up in Most Blessed Sacrament parish and resided in Southwest Philadelphia.
Most recently serving as the General Councilor for the Lasallian Region of North America
(RELAN), Br. Robert has been a member of the Institute for 46 years, taking the habit on
September 1, 1968, in Ammendale, Maryland.
During his time as a Brother, Robert has served as teacher, vice­principal, Auxiliary Visitor,
Visitor, committee member and board member at a number of schools throughout the Legacy
District of Baltimore and the worldwide Institute. He holds a doctorate of Education from the
University of Pennsylvania. Robert is the third American Brother to be named Superior
General, the first from the District of Eastern North America!
Beginning immediately, Brother Robert will lead the largest order of religious Brothers in the
Church dedicated to education. As Br. Robert's new leadership takes shape, we will keep you
informed by e­mail, social media, and the District website.
Please hold the new Superior General and the rest of the Chapter delegates in your prayers as
they begin and continue to create and plan the ever evolving direction for our Lasallian
educational mission!
"FIRST MATH" AWARDED TO ST. FRANCIS DE SALES PARISH ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
submitted by: FRANK METZLER St. Francis De Sales School finished in first place in the State of Pennsylvania in the "First
Math" online competition. The contest began on August 1, 2013 and finished on April 30,
2014. The school was #1 in Pennsylvania (for the 3rd year in a row) and finished #4 in the
nation. Other schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia competed with over 1,000
participants in Pennsylvania and over 5,000 nationally. Congratulations St. Francis De
Sales. BURRS AT THE BEACH ­ JULY 6, 2014
submitted by: JOHN STAIBER
In contrast with the past few years the weather at B@B was simply beautiful with lots of sun, clear blue
skies and a very pleasant ocean breeze. Because 2014 B@B coincided with the July 4th holiday weekend
there was pretty heavy traffic in all the shore towns but for some odd reason it did not seem too crowded
in the immediate area of Westy's (I had no problem finding a free parking spot just a few blocks away). This year there was an big effort by the WC B@B committee to try some things to boost interest and
attendance among the younger classes from the 80's through the 2000's. There was a lot of promotion on
facebook and other social media and the committee added the band Blackthorn which has a large
following in the region. An anonymous donor from the class of 1964 agreed to pay for
Blackthorn!!!! From my vantage point I would say that there was a noticeable increase in grads from the
younger classes. The approximately overall attendance was around 1000, which is an improvement over
last year. In 2015 the reunion will be held a week earlier in the hopes of further improving attendance. Regardless of the dynamics of WC overall participation, one thing can be said with certainty,
theGolden Burrs of 1958 are always one of the best represented classes, (probably the very
best) with a total of 28 classmates and three wives in attendance.
They were: Frank Adolf, Dick Boyle, Gene Carroll, Larry Doran, Rich Egan, Jim Hill, Bob Houlihan,
Tom Hughes, Ned Jones, Bill Kohlenberg, Bernie Lawless, Vince & Bitsy Leonetti '59, George & Barbara
Light '58, Jim & Fran (PSD '61) Lynch, Bill Marella, Sam McGhie, Tom McClain, Joe Murphy, Pete
O'Hara, Lou Penge, Tom Shinn, Larry Signora, Angelo Sivieri, Bob Sproul, Johnny Staiber, Joe
Storniolo, Jack Woods and Joe Zurad.
Ned Jones (De Sales) and "The Good Shepherd Boys" ­ Bill Marella, Jim Lynch, Larry Signora
and Pete O'Hara
The Houlihan Brothers ­ Bob '58 and Dean '46 "St. Clement Hangout Corner"
Joe Kady '59, Tom Shinn, Bob Houlihan (MBS), Dick Boyle, Joe Storniolo, Gene Carroll Many more pictures from B@B are available on our website at: www.goldenburrs­
1958.com
JOHN STAIBER'S VISIT WITH BROTHER PAT POWER
Shortly after the Summer Newsletter was published Frank Adolf received an email from Brother Kevin
Stanton of West Catholic Prep, requesting a copy of the newsletter article "Full Circle ­ Back to my
Grandparents Ireland", which recounted the Quilter Family Reunion in County Kerry Ireland. Brother
Kevin explained that he is a good friend of a retired Brother who is a Quilter descendant and who would
love to hear about the reunion. He went on to say that his friend, Brother Patrick Power is 101 years of
age and is the oldest Christian Brother in the USA.
Given this extraordinary piece of news I, along with my wife Jeri, were able to arrange a visit with
Brother Pat at his residence at LaSalle Hall in Lincroft, NJ where we could give a more detailed and more
personal account of the family reunion. What a great time we had that day. Not only is Brother Pat quite a scholar of Irish history and folklore
but he is as good natured a person as anyone could be. He had us laughing all day.
Here is a photo of our visit with Brother Pat:
John Staiber and "Quilter Cousin" ­ Brother Pat Power
REMEMBRANCES OF "THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS PARISH"
submitted by: FRANK ADOLF
Fishtown is a Philadelphia neighborhood located immediately northeast of Center City, its
borders are somewhat disputed today due to many factors, but are roughly defined by the
triangle created by the Delaware River, Frankford Avenue, and York Street.
The area was originally inhabited by members of the Turtle Clan of the Lenni­Lenape Indian tribe (who
the Europeans named the Delaware Indian Tribe). Penn Treaty Park is within the borders of Fishtown. This is where William Penn reportedly made his treaty with the local Native Americans. The name "Fishtown" is derived from the area's former role as the center of the shad fishing
industry on the Delaware River. The name comes from the fact that a number of 18th and early
19th centuries German families bought up the fishing rights on both sides of the Delaware
River from Trenton Falls down to Cape May, NJ. In the 1830's, refrigeration was for the rich, so
the ships that brought their catch into the docks along the Delaware River would take their
bounty to the smoke houses along the Avenue, and the fish would be pickled, salted or
smoked for preserving. Because of the odor's from this area, the name Fishtown was born and
remains the name to this day, although the odors have long since gone.
The first European settlers were a group of six Swedish farming families, later replaced by
British landed gentry, then British shipbuilders and German fishermen. Within a few
generations there was another influx of German immigrants, then still later in the late 19th
century Polish and Irish Catholic immigrants. The following historical information, and pictures were found on Holy Name's Website. For
much more visit the site at: http://www.holyname­fishtown.org/parish_history.html
On December 3, 1904 Archbishop Patrick Ryan selected Rev. Francis J. McArdle to form a new
parish in Fishtown at E. Berks and Gaul Street, to be known as Holy Name of Jesus. The first chapel was established in a rented store at 1832 Frankford Ave. The ground floor
accommodated 250 adults for Mass. The second floor had room for over 50 children to attend
Sunday School. The parishioners were mostly of Irish and German ancestry. February 1, 1905 ­ The lease was signed and the rental was $50.00 per month with the first
month free.
February 5, 1905 ­ The first Mass was celebrated in Holy Name Parish.
February 12, 1905 ­ Catechism classes began when 225 children were enrolled and 45 teachers
were recruited under the supervision of Mr. McDonald, the church sexton. March 1905 ­ The Chapel was formally dedicated by Auxiliary Bishop Edmund Prendergast with
Father McArdle celebrating the Mass assisted by the Pastors of Visitation BVM and St. Michael
Parishes. April 18, 1905 ­ A loan from the Archdiocese in the amount of $26,800.00 to purchase property
was received.
April 20, 1905 ­ Father McArdle began acquiring land where the present Church and School are
located.
April 1906 ­ Ground was broken for a new combination Church/School building.
July 1, 1906 ­ Archbishop Ryan blessed the cornerstone for the first permanent building of the
parish.
December 16, 1906 ­ Auxiliary Bishop Prendergast dedicated the newly completed combination
Church / School building. The first floor was used as the Chapel and the second and third floors were used as a
school. This would remain the worship site for the next 15 years. September 1907 ­ Holy Name of Jesus School opened with an enrollment of 302 students.
July 31, 1912 ­ Father Francis McArdle, founding Pastor of Holy Name of Jesus Parish, passed
away. Burial: Holy Cross Cemetery, Yeadon, PA. Section 32, Range 11.
Inscription: Reverend Francis J. McArdle
Founder of Holy Name Parish, Phila. ­ Erected by his Congregation
December 1, 1912 ­ The "Order of Preachers", Dominican Friars, assumed the Pastorship of
Holy Name of Jesus Parish. Reverend Joseph Molloy, O.P. was named the first Dominican
Pastor of Holy Name Parish. Father Molloy was followed by Reverend J. A. Heenan, O.P., in October 1913 ­ and Reverend
Gregory Scholtz on October 15, 1917.
Fall of 1921 ­ Ground was broken for a new Church.
May 7, 1922 ­ Under Father Gregory Scholtz's administration, the cornerstone of a new Cruciform
Gothic Church and Rectory was blessed by Cardinal Dougherty. 1922 ­ Cardinal Dougherty blessing the Church Cornerstone Holy Name Of Jesus exterior
May 27, 1923 ­ The finished Church and Rectory were dedicated by Cardinal Dougherty.
Holy Name Of Jesus Interior 1924 ­ Holy Name Altar Boys
January 1927 ­ Reverend Thomas B. Schwertner, O.P. was named Pastor of Holy Name Parish.
January 1930 ­ Holy Name Parish celebrated its first quarter century in existence, and a new
Pastor, Reverend Michael T. McNicholas, O.P. was appointed.
From January 1934 to January 1939 three priests served as pastor of Holy Name ­ Father
Michael T. McNicholas, O.P., Father Joseph R. Clarke, O.P. and Father Joseph C. Nowlen, O.P. March 27, 1939 ­ Holy Name Rectory became Holy Name Priory, and Father Nowlen was named
its first Prior.
June 19, 1941 ­ Reverend Randolph B. Johannsen, O.P. was named Prior and Pastor of Holy
Name Parish following the death of Father Nowlen at the age of forty­five.
July 8,1947 ­ Reverend Richard M. McDermott was named Prior and Pastor of Holy Name
Parish. During Father McDermott time as Pastor the parish census reported that there were
6,000 members of the parish or over 1,600 families. Average Sunday Mass attendance was
3,500, with an average of 60 marriages and 200 baptisms each year. Thanks to the overcrowding of North Catholic in the 1950's the Class of 1958 and
other classes at West Catholic were enhanced by the presence of Holy Name
students who traveled via the El to school. "Loyal sons who love to spread her fame".
1955 ­ Holy Name Parish celebrates its 50th Anniversary.
1956 ­ Reverend John J. Costello was named Prior and Pastor of Holy Name Parish.
September 1964 ­ Reverend Arthur L. McEneaney, O.P. named Prior and Pastor of Holy Name
Parish following the death of Father Costello and was replaced in October 1966 by Father
Raymond M. McCabe. Father McCabe had been assigned to Holy Name since his ordination,
but he would only serve one term as Prior / Pastor. In all, he served Holy Name Parish for
twenty­one years.
December 1969 ­ Reverend Edward L. Martin, O.P. was named Prior and Pastor of Holy Name
Parish. Father Martin was thirty­six years old and a stranger to Fishtown when he came to
Holy Name. From 1971 to 1973 ­ Father Martin, renovated the Parish School, and completed a
major renovation in the Church. On November 18th, 1973 the Pastor and parishioner gathered to celebrate and dedicate their
"new" church.
January 1976 to 1982 ­ Reverend Daniel J. Kennedy, O.P. was Prior and Pastor of Holy Name
Parish.
1982 ­ Reverend Joseph A. Scordo, O.P. was named Prior and Pastor of Holy Name Parish. During Father Scordo's time as pastor, the Parish Renewal process, Poor Man's Suppers and
the Living Stations began. 1988 ­ Father Ignatius Cataudo, O.P. was named Prior and Pastor of Holy Name Parish.
1994 ­ Father Stephen F. Carmody, O.P. was named Pastor of Holy Name Parish. Father
Carmody was to be the last Dominican Pastor of Holy Name Parish. Father will always be
remembered for his great good humor and way with people, and for his outfits at the outdoor
Oktoberfest.
June 1998 ­ The Dominican Fathers left Holy Name, and the Reverend Gregory J. Parlante, an
archdiocesan priest, was named Pastor of Holy Name Parish. Under Father Parlante's
leadership, renovations to the Church began in 1999.
Easter 2002 September 11th, 2002 ­ The outdoor Shrine of Our Lady of Knock was dedicated. The shrine was built where an old doorway to the School once was on Gaul Street. Msgr. John
Conway, Father Greg Parlante (Pastor), Father John Dolan and Father Bill McCandless,
participated in the dedication. The Shrine was designed, funded and built by members of The
Ancient Order of Hibernians ­ Division 51.
Summer 2003 ­ Holy Name Church was fully air­conditioned.
September 21, 2003 ­ Father Parlante was elevated to Monsignor. He was the first Pastor of
Holy Name to be named a Monsignor. April 4th, 2004, Palm Sunday ­ The Living Stations celebrated their 20th Anniversary. The
Stations were dedicated to Jim Winn and Jeannie Kilpatrick, two original members who went
home to God in 2004. Pat Leach produced and co­wrote the Stations with Mary Winn, who also
served as Music Director. Tom Schwegel played the role of Jesus. Sunday, June 27, 2004 ­ Monsignor Parlante celebrated his last Mass at Holy Name as Pastor. His was transferred as Pastor to St. Cornelius Church in Chadds Ford, Pa. In his six years as Pastor Monsignor Parlante did much to restore Holy Name; both physically,
through the refurbishment of the Church and School, and, spiritually, through his liturgy and
character. Managing Editor's Note: It is a small world, Tom Schwegel, who played the role of Jesus, is a
former Controller of First Pennsylvania Bank. Tom and I met as teenagers when we started at
FPB after graduating high school. Also, my wife and I met Msgr. Parlante on a Hawaiian Cruise
in 2012, when he volunteered to offer the Sacrifice of the Mass on two successive Sundays. Thursday, July 1, 2004 ­ Father Francis Groarke became Holy Name Parish's new Pastor. Christmas 2004
Sunday, February 27, 2005 ­ His Eminence Justin Cardinal Rigali celebrated Mass closing Holy
Name's Centennial Celebration.
Co­celebrants were Father Francis Groarke, Monsignor Gregory Parlante, Father Al Bradley
C.SS.R, Father John Dolan OSFS, Father William McCandless OSFS, Father Joseph Brandt and
Father Francis Gwiazda.
March 27, 2006 ­ Cardinal Rigali announced that after 100 years of serving the families of
Fishtown, Holy Name of Jesus School would be closing at the end of the school year. The parish children will attend St. Laurentius School. October 27, 2008 ­ Because of the closing of the Parish School, the Shrine of Our Lady of
Knock was removed from its original location and rebuilt outside the Rectory during the winter
of 2009. Sunday, January 17, 2010 ­ The Shrine of Our Lady of Knock was formally rededicated.
June 2, 2013 ­ Holy Name of Jesus and St. Laurentius were merged at Holy Name and St.
Laurentius became a worship site administered by the pastor of Holy Name. The children of
Holy Name continue to attend school at St. Laurentius.
March 28, 2014 ­ It was announced that the Saint Laurentius Church worship site will be
immediately closed until further notice due to structural deficiencies resulting from the
extreme winter weather. July 1, 2014 ­ Reverend John J. Sibel was named pastor of Holy Name of Jesus.
MASS SCHEDULES:
Saturday Evening Vigil Mass: 4:30 PM Sunday Masses: 11:30 AM Holy Day Masses: 11:30 AM Daily Masses: 7:00 AM ­ Monday through Friday Saturday: 8:00 AM ­ Communion Service
Confessions: Saturday: 3:30 PM to 4:15 PM
MAIL FROM CLASSMATES AND FRIENDS
Charlie W. Johnson: Frank, your were truly missed, delighted to hear you are feeling better. The Events
Committee did the usual great job, it was a fun time for all. It was good to see George's contact, at the
hotel, a West girl, back in action. Again, thanks to the group, Charlie J ­ PS Being 73 at this juncture I
will not be in your much older 75 group (next year)!
Anthony Evangelista: I hope you are feeling better. The lunch went well and we all had a good time. You
were conspicuous by your absence. Anthony E
Joe Gavaghan: Hey Frank, the pic looks like the Hawaiian Cottage which I never had the pleasure of
being inside. Thank you & your staff for another fine Newsletter. Cheers, Joe
Response: Joe: You are correct, it is the Hawaiian Cottage. You win the prize, a free drink on me at
the next Class Luncheon or Burrs @ Beach, if you are going to be there. Frank
Joe Murphy: Frank: Great job as usual. Always glad to read about classmates. Hope to see you at B@B Joe Tom Wallace (aka German John): Frank, Another great newsletter­­I kid not. IF EVERY CLASS
FROM WEST HAD HAD A THREE­DAY REUNION, LIKE YOU GUYS SO MASTERLY HAD,
WEST'S ALUMNI ATTENDANCE AND INVOLVEMENT WOULD BE 100% HIGHER, well, maybe
just 50%, but I guarantee you it would be more. Credit goes to you and fellow classmates who worked
very hard to get as many guys back as possible, and you succeeded. Moreover, your success continues and
you can see the improvements at West, the faculty's involvement, the enthusiasm of the students and their
academic successes. West is very fortunate to have Brother Richard Kestler and a hard working
faculty. I always count myself lucky to attend West's reunions. Charles Porrini '49: Frank, I love reading the Golden Burrs Newsletter. You do a great job and the
amount of time you devote to this Newsletter must be unbelievable. I enjoy reading at the end your letters
to the editor. Bill Marella: Great job on the newsletter.
Ed Tobin: Thank You!! All very interesting stuff. Very sadden on the passing of John Gallagher.
Brother Kevin Stanton: Dear Frank, Thanks for the summer edition. Great reading, but very sorry to
hear about the passing of John Gallagher, and Don Christy, who lived down the street from me.
Frank Cubbage: Philadelphia folks have problems with Pigeons, look what we have to deal with. I put
the string to discourage little birds from sitting and sh­­­­­ on the railing but this guy just ignored the
string. Frank Cubbage's pet bird submitted by: FRANK ADOLF
Climbing the Goal Post after a "PEP RALLY" ­ West Campus 1957 ­ photo by Frank Adolf
"Loved the Taste"
Aluminum Drink Tumblers
DO YOU HAVE ANY COMMENTS OR REMEMBRANCES OF THE 40'S AND 50'S, ESPECIALLY
YOUR PARISHES AND NEIGHBORHOODS? SEND THEM TO US FOR PUBLICATION IN A
FUTURE NEWSLETTER.
PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS
WE REMEMBER and ask for your prayers for those who are ill, especially Dave Crines who is
recovering from a stroke, and Brother Kevin Strong and Tom Wallace aka "German John", both of
whom are dealing with significant health problems. Please pray for all of our classmates who have gone to their eternal reward, especially William J. Kealey.
William J. Kealey ­ June 19, 2104
May Bill rest in peace.
The complete listing of our honored deceased and their high school graduation pictures can be found on
the Golden Burrs Website at: www.goldenburrs­1958.com Thanks to John Staiber, many of the pictures
are accompanied by complete obituaries.
God Bless WEST CATHOLIC! Live Jesus in our Hearts. Forever.
FINAL THOUGHT
submitted by: RICH BUZZA
On June 26, 2014 an era at West Catholic Prep came to an end. "What era, you say?" Well, a loyal son
who was always there for West and who always took every opportunity to spread her fame, a man who
truly loved West Catholic. This man had a 60 year love affair with his beloved West Catholic, starting in
1954 as a Freshman and continued to 2014 as Staff/Faculty, truly a genuinely nice man, who, as we all
know always let you know exactly what was on his mind. By now, you might have guessed to whom I am
referring, our own George Light. George retired from West Catholic Prep with some of the most loving
tributes from his family and friends. I have attached some of the well wishes, the most touching, coming
from his daughter Melissa Light Dougherty. Good luck, George in your new adventure of retirement,
you can sleep in tomorrow.
Melissa Light Dougherty: Have to head to 45th & Chestnut for Throwback Thursday this week. George Light started running for West Catholic in the 50s and in a lot of ways the "loyal son" has never
stopped running for the Burrs as he tirelessly looked for ways to "spread her fame." He kept the faith
and held out hope for a miracle during the time of possible closure and he then went on to shout the
good news of the school's eventual rebirth to anyone who would listen. Because of budget cuts, he
walked out of the doors yesterday for the last time as a "formal" employee. The job title might be gone
from the wall but his love for West endures with George Light.
Nick Voight: I learned so much from George Light. Your Dad is a GREAT man. I can never say enough good
things about him. When trying to figure something out at work, I still try to always think of what would George
do, because he did have a lot of answers.
Liana J. Taylor: Great guy! Always running for West.
Eileen Light­Friel: Aww my brother Georgie.
Frank Bennett: There have been some great alums from west catholic but no one gave more back
then big George.
Trudy McLaughlin Ezzo: What a tribute to your Dad! Mary Cubit Quilter: West has lost one of its best and proudest supporters! Better he should
spend his time now in SIC!
Janet Ball Lyons: Beautifully written Missy! Good luck George ­ enjoy SIC!
Dan Remy: George was a "Light" of the Class of 1958. A great runner and a loyal son of West
Catholic. George, I have remembered you all of my life as well as many of my classmates. "Keep Running" George, the Marathon of Life has miles to go for you. See you at our 60th
reunion. Paul Di Maria: GL was the biggest Burr of all time...
Jerry LeVasseur: Wow West Catholic was his life. God Bless you George. Ann
Eidenberg: George made us all proud with all his hard work for West!
Rich Buzza Jr.: Good luck, George. You made the Class of 1958 proud.
KEEP THE SPIRIT ALIVE!
THIS E­MAIL IS BEING SENT TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE WEST CATHOLIC BOYS' CLASS OF
1958 AND FRIENDS OF THE CLASS. IF YOU NO LONGER WISH TO RECEIVE OUR
COMMUNICATIONS OR IF YOU ARE RECEIVING UNSOLICITED E­MAILS FROM ANYONE
PERTAINING TO THE CLASS OF 1958, PLEASE NOTIFY FRANK ADOLF
AT: [email protected]