Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, D.D., Archbishop of Philadelphia, will visit Saint Mary Interparochial School in the Society Hill section of Philadelphia and celebrate Mass with the school community.
Reverend Francis Hannafey, SJ, Pastor of Old Saint Joseph Parish, and Reverend Paul Galetto, OSA, Pastor of Saint Paul Parish and Parochial Administrator of Saint Augustine Parish, will concelebrate. Old Saint Joseph, Saint Paul, and Saint Augustine are just three parishes of the 26 parishes represented among Saint Mary students.
Thursday, October 30, 2025
9:15 A.M. Black Sweater Presentation
9:30 A.M. Mass
Old Saint Joseph Church
321 Willings Alley
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Prior to Mass, members of the fifth grade class will receive their Class of 2029 black sweaters, which marks their transition from the lower school to the upper school at Saint Mary. This is an annual tradition at Saint Mary, as these black sweaters signify the important role that upper school students have as role models to younger students, ambassadors of the school, and achievers of an advanced level of academic study.
Saint Mary Interparochial students will serve as readers, altar servers, and presenters of the offertory gifts. In addition, Saint Mary’s students will provide music during Mass alongside Eric German, Business Manager of Old Saint Joseph, and Marianne Lipson, Cantor.
Following Mass, the Archbishop will have the opportunity to meet and speak with students in the new Campus Ministry Club and tour Saint Mary Interparochial School.
About Saint Mary Interparochial School
Saint Mary Interparochial School was founded in 1782. Saint Mary is a fiscally independent Catholic elementary school in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and provides an outstanding faith-based Catholic education. The school is located in the heart of Philadelphia’s historic district and serves children from kindergarten through eighth grade from neighborhoods throughout the city. Saint Mary Interparochial School challenges its diverse student body to grow morally, academically, and socially into passionate, confident, and Christ-centered leaders. Saint Mary Interparochial School was named a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence in 2016 and 2023.
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Editor’s Note:
For additional information about Saint Mary Interparochial School, please visit saintmarys.us/. For information about Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, please visit aopcatholicschools.org/.
Contact:Meredith Wilson
Media and Events Specialist
215-587-3747