Saint Monica (Diocese of Harrisburg)
| Saint Monica | |
| City: | |
| Website: | https://stmonicasunbury.org/ |
| Email: |
stmonicaparishsunbury@hbgdiocese.org |
Saint Monica is in Pennsylvania (United States) and is part of the Diocese of Harrisburg.
It is dedicated to Saint Monica.
Location
It is located at 109 Market St, Sunbury, PA 17801.
| Saint Monica |
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
[[Category:Diocese of Harrisburg]]
History
Saint Monica Parish in Sunbury, Pennsylvania, was established in 1869, serving the Catholic community in Northumberland County. The parish has its roots in the consolidation of several ethnic parishes in Sunbury, reflecting the diverse immigrant groups that settled in the area, particularly during the industrial heyday when coal mining and related industries attracted workers of various backgrounds.
Originally, there were separate churches for different ethnic groups, but by 2003, under the leadership of Bishop Nicholas C. Dattilo, these churches, including Saint Michael, Saint Thomas More, and Saint Joseph, were merged to form Saint Monica Parish. This unification aimed to strengthen the Catholic presence in Sunbury by pooling resources and fostering a more unified community.[1]
The church building on Market Street has been a center for Catholic worship, community gatherings, and spiritual activities. Over the years, Saint Monica has seen various renovations and expansions to meet the needs of its congregation. The parish is named after Saint Monica, the mother of Saint Augustine, symbolizing perseverance in faith and the power of prayer, which resonates with its mission to serve and unite.[2]
Saint Monica does not operate its own school but engages in religious education through its programs, focusing on the spiritual development of both children and adults. The parish is known for its community involvement, hosting events like fish fries, the annual festival, and other activities that bring together parishioners and the broader community.[3]
The parish has also faced challenges, including the closure of Saint Monica School in 2012 due to financial constraints, which was a significant change in the parish's educational offerings. However, Saint Monica continues to provide a vibrant parish life, with numerous ministries, including social outreach, liturgical services, and support for the less fortunate.[4]
In 2024, the parish saw a change in pastoral leadership when The Reverend Jerome A. Kleponis was appointed as the new pastor, bringing new energy and direction to the parish.[5]
Related parishes
- Saint Joseph, Milton, PA
- Divine Redeemer, Mount Carmel, PA
References
- ↑ "Saint Monica - Sunbury". https://www.hbgdiocese.org/parishes/saint-monica-sunbury/.
- ↑ "About Us - Saint Monica Catholic Church". https://stmonicasunbury.org/about-us.
- ↑ "Ministries - Saint Monica Catholic Church". https://stmonicasunbury.org/ministries.
- ↑ "St. Monica School to Close". https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/northumberland-county/saint-monica-school-to-close/521-2b550ecb-d44f-4b95-a3a2-4451341b1440.
- ↑ "Three Valley parishes getting new pastors". https://www.dailyitem.com/news/three-valley-parishes-getting-new-pastors/article_4d17966a-1e0c-5809-bc7b-8a6c4d6186a6.html.