St. William Catholic Church, 6200 Rising Sun Ave., will soon begin celebrating its 100th anniversary.
On Jan. 14-16, individuals and families are welcome to have their pictures taken for a commemorative centennial book. To schedule an appointment, go to booknow-lifetouch.appointment-plus.com/yxsgc6yq/
The opening Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, Jan. 20. Former pastor Nelson J. Perez, now bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland, will return to celebrate the Mass, which will take place at 11:30 a.m. in the upper church. A Luncheon Affair with an International Flair will follow in the parish hall, with guests encouraged to bring their favorite dish.
On May 5, there will be an afternoon of food, music, dancing, pictures and art to celebrate the parish from 1920-70, when there was an influx of German and Irish immigrants. The event runs from 1:30 to 4 p.m.
On Sunday, June 2, there will be a parish picnic from noon to 4 p.m.
On July 4, St. William representatives will be the grand marshals at the Lawncrest 4th of July Celebration parade.
On Sunday, Oct. 6, all former school alumni and former and current parishioners are invited to a gala at Philadelphia Ballroom, 2014 Hornig Road. Time is 2 to 7 p.m. Cost is $50. The gala is open to people of all ages. Monsignor James Mortimer, the popular former pastor who organized the 75th anniversary celebration, will attend the gala.
On Nov. 17, there will be a celebration of 1970 to the present, when people from South and Central America, Haiti and Pakistan joined the parish.
On Jan. 19, 2020, Archbishop Charles Chaput will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the parish at an 11:30 a.m. Mass. Refreshments will be served afterward in the parish hall.
To volunteer or for information, call the rectory at 215-745-1389, email the Rev. Al Concha at pastor@churchofstwilliam.com or visit churchofstwilliam.com ••
