Community

St. Vincent’s is a community of deep and abiding friendships. By seeing Christ in each other when we gather, we hope to be better able to carry Christ into the world when we part. In our mission, we have committed to challenge and support each other in our celebrations and in our spiritual growth.

Our Father

The Education and Enrichment Committee provides opportunities for parishioners to learn about their faith and to develop a greater understanding of what it means to be Catholic. Various theological points of view are presented in guest lectures and book discussion groups. St Vincent’s has sponsored nationally recognized scholars in these lecture series. The committee also nurtures spiritual growth through an Annual May Parish Retreat, a weekend held in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, full of fellowship, activities, and thoughtful discussion. Programs for Children include a separate, developmentally-appropriate Liturgy of the Word for Children (pre-K to Middle School) after the Opening Prayer at the Sunday 9:30 Mass (children return after the homily), the monthly Faith, Fun, and Fellowship (our version of CCD), and Vacation Bible School held in mid-summer. We have separate Sacramental preparation programs for First Eucharist and for First Penance. Young people are supported in their discernment for Sacramental Preparation for Confirmation. Every year, the parish celebrates Senior Day for our high school graduates on the feast of Pentecost, when they are anointed by the pastor and in turn, come forward to anoint the congregation.

Community is strengthened and celebrated through regular Sunday morning Coffee Klatch after the 9:30 Mass and monthly Game Nights. Special events, too, are common for a community who likes to celebrate. From Lessons and Carols in Advent to the Jewish Seder on Holy Thursday, we build community and weave the bonds of friendship. St. Vincent sponsors frequent sales of honey harvested by our bee-keeper parishioner from hives on our property and an Arts and Crafts sale in December to fund our social action programs.

We support those among us with special health challenges through our Pastoral Care Ministry which visits the sick and home-bound with the Eucharist.

We have a Woman in Ministry Group who believe that, through Baptism, women as well as men may be called to diverse and various ministries in the church. Books, film, art, poetry, and music are explored to deepen the experience God in scripture, prayer and spirituality. Our Married Couples Group has been convening married couples with a deep commitment to the vitality of their marriage for year-long programs whose purpose is communication skill-building and the exploration of marriage spirituality. Community is deeply meaningful to us.

St. Vincent’s is truly a place ‘where everybody knows your name… and is awfully glad you came’!