Holy Family Church

About

Roman Catholic Church in the heart of Manayunk. Serving our community for over 130 years!

Monsignor Patrick Sweeney, Pastor

Story

Mass Times:

Monday thru Friday - 8am Weekday Mass
Saturday- 4pm Anticipated Mass
Sunday- 8am and 11am Solemn Mass

Confessions available one hour before Saturday 4pm Mass, and also upon request.

Impressum

A History of our Church

In the summer of 1881 Archbishop Wood of
Philadelphia selected and purchased the ground
which the Church of the Holy Family was to be
built, on Hermitage Street, opposite Wilde Street.
The site had been the residence of the Striffling
family. The area then known as Mount Vernon, was
originally a part of the “Smick Estate”. The first
pastor, Reverend Michael C. McEnroe was
appointed to organize the parish January 20, 1885.
In April of 1885 he erected a frame chapel with
unplastered walls and dedicated the church on the
first Sunday in May. Singers from St. John’s and St.
Mary’s formed a part of the choir at this humble
commencement. In 1893 Father McEnroe enlarged
his residence and had the present church building
built in 1897. The present rectory, for anyone who
will take the trouble to climb its many steps,
commands a most inspiring view of both banks of
the Schuylkill River and the bridges. The site at
“Mount Vernon” was soon to be known as the most
elevated Catholic pastoral residence in the city. He
began classes for Holy Family School in an old
chapel in 1906. Father McEnroe died on May 7,
1910 and was replaced by Reverend Joseph J.
Hannigan. Although his pastorate only lasted six
years, he left a great name in the form of Holy
Family School’s main building, which he had built
in 1911. In February 1916 he purchased one house
to serve as the Sisters’convent and another to be
used for the Catholic Club. Upon his departure from
Holy Family he was replaced by Reverend William
P. Grace.
Father Grace, the new pastor from 1916 to 1935
came to Holy Family with a diocesan reputation for
initiative and executive ability. He helped to clear
the church’s total debt by 1930. He died in the new
rectory on April 15, 1935. Being replaced by
Reverend Joseph E. Marley, as Holy Family’s fourth
Pastor. A man of outstanding spirituality, he also
was known as an excellent administrator. Parish
societies flourished an