Resurrection Catholic Parish (Wilmington)

Resurrection Parish is a Catholic church in the Pike Creek Valley in Wilmington, Delaware, and is commonly referred to as "Resurrection."

History

The Parish of the Resurrection was established in 1969 by Bishop Mardaga (1968–1984). Rev. Francis J. Herron was the founding pastor.^[1]

The new parish was established in the area between St. John the Beloved Parish and St. John the Baptist/Holy Angels.^[2] At that time, geographic boundaries dictated who belonged to a particular parish, so parishioners in these two parishes were permitted to choose between staying in their present parish or joining the new Parish of the Resurrection.

Many people chose to join the new parish because of Father Herron’s vision (based on documents of the Second Vatican Council) that challenged parents to take responsibility for the religious education of their children as their “primary inalienable duty and right.”

There was no parish school initially and the community embraced the model of a “Pilgrim People” on their journey to salvation. For the first two years, liturgies were held in the auditorium of a local school, Shue School, which was affectionately dubbed “St. Shue”. For the next 10 years, liturgies were held at St. Mark’s High School auditorium. An important feature of St. Mark’s was its large atrium where members of the parish would set up a donut counter each Sunday. This feature enabled the parishioners to visit with one another after services and to welcome new members to the community.

In 1984 the growth of the parish and the increasing need for a permanent worship space, as well as space for staff offices and meeting rooms, led to the building of a multi-purpose center. The parish center was expanded in 1996 in order to meet the needs of growing membership and also to include a small chapel for daily worship.

The Preamble of the Parish constitution states that “the people of Resurrection parish have a commitment to the concept of community.” This commitment informs and influence the liturgies, religious education programs, outreach, and concern for the larger community though social justice work.

The Parish celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2009.

Donut Ministry

One way Father Herron developed the community, communication, and spirit within the parish was to offer donuts after Mass. This was quite effective - people stayed and mingled instead of heading straight home after the service. The Donut Counter continues to this day and is considered to be one of the parish and family life ministries. Many people stay after Mass, often long enough to meet others coming in to the following Mass. As often as is practical, the Donut Counter is served by Pastoral Council members as a way to meet and communicate with other parishioners.

Liturgy

The liturgy focuses on the parish's commitment to community and includes music, a children's liturgy, dance, and mime.

Children and Parents

The parish has a number of programs specifically designed for families. The Christian Formation Program (CFP) provides religious learning from mid-nursery to 10th grade, as well as adult and parent programs. Volunteers supervise infants to three-year-olds in the Cherub Nursery. There is also a youth ministry program and programs for adults and children who have not been baptised. A weekly study group allows church mothers to study books together, pray, and build community.

Parish Family Life

In addition to children-specific programs, the parish also has a number of programs for the whole family. Activities include community weekends, church athletic teams, coffee and donuts, social events, and group prayer. The parish also hosts a singles group and a group for parishioners aged 55 and older.

Pastoral Council

This council acts in concert with the pastor to lead and guide the people by making decisions with him for the common good. It also acts as a representative of the people, bringing their thoughts and concerns to the pastor.

The Council consists of the Pastor, five elected Ministry Representatives, eight elected Stewards, two elected Trustees, two Pastoral Appointees, the Executive Officer of Finance Council (non-voting member), the Deacon (non-voting member), and the Youth Ministry Representative.

Coordinates: 39°43′16″N 75°41′42″W / 39.720985°N 75.694985°W / 39.720985; -75.694985

References

1. ↑ "Resurrection Catholic Parish". globio. Retrieved 3 June 2013. 
2. ↑ "Resurrection Parish". resurrectionde. Retrieved 3 June 2013. 

Diocese of Wilmington
Bishops	Thomas Albert Andrew Becker Alfred Allen Paul Curtis John James Joseph Monaghan Edmond John Fitzmaurice Michael William Hyle Thomas Mardaga Robert Edward Mulvee Michael Angelo Saltarelli William Francis Malooly
Coadjutor bishop	Hubert James Cartwright
Churches	Cathedral Cathedral of St. Peter Parishes St. Joseph's Church, Greenville, DE St. John the Baptist Church, Newark, DE St. Joseph's Church, Middletown, DE St. Peter's Church, Queenstown, MD St. Francis Xavier Church, Warwick, MD Resurrection Church, Wilmington, DE St. Anthony's Church, Wilmington, DE St. Catherine of Siena Church, Wilmington, DE St. Hedwig's Church, Wilmington, DE St. Joseph's Church, Wilmington, DE St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church, Wilmington, DE St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, Wilmington, DE
Education	High Schools Archmere Academy, Claymont, DE Padua Academy, Wilmington, DE Saints Peter and Paul High School, Easton, MD St. Elizabeth High School, Wilmington, DE St. Mark's High School, Wilmington, DE St. Thomas More Preparatory, Magnolia, DE Salesianum School, Wilmington, DE Ursuline Academy, Wilmington, DE Primary Schools Mount Aviat Academy, Childs, MD St. Edmond's Academy, Wilmington, DE Former College St. Mary's College
Priests	John Barres Benjamin Joseph Keiley
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