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Saint Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Parish

The brief history of our parish tells the story of a dedicated group, small but committed, to give birth to a new community of faith in our developing area of Southern Chester County.

Tuesday, August 30, 1988 – Archbishop Anthony J. Bevilacqua announces the establishment of Saint Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother parish and appoints Father Richard J. Maisano as founding pastor.

Sunday, September 25, 1988 – Saint Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother parish is officially established and Father Maisano is installed as the founding pastor by the Archbishop’s Vicar for Chester County, Msgr. Thomas P. Craven at 2:00 p.m. Mass. A social and buffet follow prepared by the founding parishioners.

Sunday, February 26, 1989 – The first annual Spaghetti Dinner is held from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. in conjunction with the celebration of our parish patronal saint’s solemn feast day.

Easter Vigil, March 25, 1989 – The first adults to participate and complete the R.C.I.A. are baptized and received into full communion with the Church, confirmed, and received First Eucharist.

Saturday, May 6, 1989 – The first First Eucharist class of eleven children receives the Sacrament.

Monday, May 15, 1989 – Father Maisano begins the first parish visitation to about one half of the registered families.

Saturday-Sunday, August 12-13, 1989 – The new parish modular rectory is blessed and an open house is held for all parishioners. Father Maisano begins to live at the rectory.

September-October, 1989-Parishioners, Kathleen Basciani and Louise Zunino, volunteer to staff parish office part-time.

Wednesday, September 6, 1989 – Over fifty children from Saint Gabriel parish begin a new school year at St. Patrick School, Kennett Square, or Assumption B.V.M. School in West Grove.

Sunday, September 17, 1989 – The parish begins its own C.C.D. Religious Education program for children in public or private non-Catholic schools (grades 1-8) with sixty-six children enrolled.

Saturday, April 28, 1990 – The first Confirmation class of thirteen boys and girls receives the Sacrament from Bishop Martin N. Lohmuller.

Sunday, October 7, 1990 – The Oblates of Saint Francis de Sales begin helping with celebrating Sunday Mass.

Monday, May 6, 1991 - Remodeling of Church (Project 90’s Upgrade) begins with replacing some wood paneling and installation of a security system. Painting, colored glass, new draperies, carpeting, and new chairs to follow.

Tuesday, May 21, 1991-Parish begins to participate in Catholic Life 2000 Archdiocesan Capital Campaign with a seemingly impossible goal of $140,000.00.

Monday, July 6, 1992-Work begins for installation of newly acquired, pre-owned modular building for Religious Education classes.

Sunday, September 20, 1992-Linda Ferraro, newly hired Liturgical Music Co-coordinator begins her work.

Tuesday, May 25, 1993-Innaugural Parish Pastoral Council Meeting held.

Friday, July 16, 1993-A replica of Michelangelo’s Pieta’ arrives from the closed parish Church of Saint Edward, Philadelphia.

Saturday, February 5, 1994-Father Clement Burns, O.P. and Sister Edna Maier, S.N.D.conduct first parish mission. Sister will later serve as a part-time pastoral assistant.

Sunday, June 5, 1994-Father Maisano celebrates silver ordination jubilee.

Wednesday, September 14, 1994-Parish begins self-study.

Friday, November 4, 1994-Parish acquires statue of Saint Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother from closed Church of Saint Anthony, Chester.

Saturday, May 13, 1995-New altar servers installed, including first girl servers.

December 25, 1995-Father Maisano takes sick leave until February 13, 1996. Father Joseph Brandt and Father Francis Depman assist.

Sunday, February 25, 1996-High School Youth Group formed.

Saturday, June 29, 1996-Cardinal Bevilacqua made pastoral visit, met with three homebound parishioners, and celebrated the 5:00 p.m.Vigil Mass, with a social afterward.

Friday, March 7, 1997-Requested permission from Archdiocese to conduct feasibility study for capital building project.

Tuesday, June 3, 1997-More than fifty parishioners attended a “mini-construction school” conducted by Bill Brown, Architect, in preparation for parish capital project.

Tuesday, July 22, 1997-Martin A. De Sapio is selected as architect for our capital project

Tuesday, October 21, 1997-First meeting of Millennium Building Committee with architect held. A walking tour of parish property is conducted, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.

Sunday, May 31, 1998—Parish delegation celebrates Pentecost with Cardinal Bevilacqua at Villanova University as part of the Jubilee, 2000 preparations.

Saturday, October 10, 1998-Parish celebrates 10^th anniversary. Bishop De Simone presides at Mass, and delivers homily. A dinner dance follows at the Italian American Club. Pat Ciarrocchi is guest speaker.

Monday, October 12, 1998-Feasibility Study for Capital Project begins with Kirby-Smith, Inc. representative, Tony Di Caprio.

Monday, August 16, 1999-Father Maisano begins advance gifts portion of Capital Campaign by visiting with parish families.

Sunday, October 3, 1999-Capital Campaign Kick-Off dinner signals beginning of visiting parishioners by parish teams and Kirby-Smith representatives to secure financial faith promises.

Wednesday, June 7, 2000-Parish begins process to hire Religious Education Co-coordinator and Youth Minister. Donna M. DiUbaldo, long-time volunteer C.C.D. teacher and professional educator is eventually hired.

Friday, August 4, 2000-Bids for Capital Project come in much higher than budgeted. Revisions to plan are developed.

Tuesday, October 10, 2000-E. Allen Reeves, Inc., General Contractor is selected for our project.

Friday, December 1, 2000-Approval of Capital Project with increased budget is approved by Archdiocese.

Saturday, February 24, 2001-Ceremonial ground breaking is held before 5:00 p.m. Vigil Eucharist.

Sunday, February 25, 2001-12^th annual spaghetti dinner held.

Thursday, March 29, 2001-Actual construction for new Church is begun. Construction meetings are held every two weeks with architect and contractor and parish representatives.

Saturday, May 5, 2001-First Eucharist celebrated at 12 noon for 41 children.

Saturdays, May 19 & 26, 2001-Seventeen altar servers are invested.

Saturday, June 2, 2001-Bishop Martin Lohmuller celebrates the sacrament of Confirmation for 38 children at a 12 noon Mass, followed by a catered luncheon in the Rectory.

Wednesday, August 22, 2001-A tour of the construction site is held at 7:00 p.m. for all interested parishioners.

Friday, September 14, 2001-In response to September 11^th terrorist attacks, a day of prayer is conducted with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament during the day and Benediction in the evening.

Monday-Tuesday, December 24-25, 2001,Christmas Eve and Day-Masses are celebrated perhaps for the last time in present Church.

Saturday, January 5, 2002-Millennium Building Committee meets to review and give input on finishes, furnishings, appointments, etc.

Wednesday, February 6, 2002-First Reconciliation celebrated for 37 parish children.

Sunday, February 10, 2002-Thirteenth annual spaghetti dinner is held.

Sunday, March 3, 2002-Surpise 60^th birthday dinner for Father Maisano held at local restaurant and informal social after at Church.

Saturday, March 30, 2002-Easter Vigil celebrated, perhaps for the last time in present Church, with four received into full communion with the Church.

Saturday, May 4, 2002-First Communion for 37 parish children celebrated, perhaps for the last time in present Church, at a 12 noon Mass.

Saturday, June 1, 2002-The sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated by Bishop Lohmuller for 42 candidates at a 12 noon Mass, perhaps the last time in our present Church.

Sunday, June 16, 2002-Dedication of proper Church and administrative offices is celebrated with Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua presiding. A buffet social is provided for all attending in the former Church and under an outdoor tent.

Saturday, June 22, 2002-First nuptial Mass in new Church is celebrated.

Monday, July 1, 2002-Orientation for parish liturgical ministers in new Church is held

Tuesday, July 2, 2002-First funeral in new Church for Annette McKeown is celebrated

Monday, July 8, 2002-Tour of new Church for all interested parishioners and guests is conducted.

Saturday, July 13, 2002-First baptism in new Church in new immersion font is celebrated for Matthew Gabriel Keating.

Sunday, August 25, 2002-Annual picnic held with about 100 participants.

Monday, August 26, 2002-Annual parish visitation, fall portion begins.

Monday, September 9, 2002-C.C.D. resumes with use of former Church, now called Saint Gabriel Hall, for some classrooms. Portable partitions utilized, donated by Sacred Heart Parish, Oxford and some fabricated by parish volunteers.

Wednesday, September 11, 2002-1^st anniversary of terrorist attack marked with special Mass, followed by exposition of the Blessed Sacrament until evening with Evening Prayer and Benediction.

Monday, September 16, 2002-Office Staff moved into office wing of new Church. Used for meetings and counting of weekend collection.

Sunday, September 22, 2002-14^th anniversary of parish with exposition, adoration, Evening Prayer and Benediction, followed by social.

Monday, September 23, 2002-A new full-time parish secretary is hired.

Tuesday, October 1, 2002-R.C.I.A. “Come and See” night held with four prospective new Catholics.

Saturday, November 2, 2002-All Souls’ Day three Masses celebrated. Members of deceased whose funerals were celebrated at parish during past year attended 9:00 a.m. Mass with social afterward.

Saturday-Sunday, November 2-3, 2002-Annual parish renewal of sacrificial giving is presented.

Saturday, November 16, 2002-First Pre-Holiday Bazaar held in former Church building, now Saint Gabriel Hall.

Sunday, November 17, 2002-Children’s Liturgy of the Word during the 9:00 a.m. Mass is conducted in the sacristy, and will continue during this best attended weekend liturgy.

Saturday, November 30, 2002-Advent/Christmas wreath erected in Church at south gable end. Seasonal panel brackets installed on stone wall behind altar.

Friday, December 20, 2002-Stained glass, depicting mostly Old Testament figures, installed in seven Church clerestory windows.

Tuesday-Wednesday, December 24-25, 2002-First Christmas Masses in new Church. Vigil Mass was very crowded. Christmas day’s weather was snowy, slushy, and rainy. Bishop Martin N. Lohmuller celebrated the 11:30 a.m. Christmas day Mass.

Sunday, January 5, 2003-Latino community, Mision Santa Maria, Madre de Dios, celebrated first Sunday Spanish language Eucharist at 6:00 p.m. with Father Francis J. Depman, the mission chaplain as presider. Snowfall kept attendance fairly low. The Mision will celebrate Mass every Sunday at 6:00 P.M.

Sunday, January 19, 2003-Sunday Mass schedule changed slightly, moving the

9:00 a.m. Mass to 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday, January 23, 2003-Pro-life group attended 9:00 a.m. Mass before departure for annual March for Life in Washington, D.C.

Thursday, February 27, 2003-Saint Gabriel Feast Day. The Catholic Standard & Times published an article on our parish building, which had won a local award for construction design.

Sunday, March 2, 2003-14^th Annual Spaghetti Dinner held in Saint Gabriel Hall. Preparations made easier because of move to new Church.

Wednesday, March 12, 2003-First Reconciliation celebrated for the first time in our new Church for 47 children, with usual social following.

Friday-Saturday, March 28-29, 2003-Archdiocesan sponsored Reconciliation weekend celebrated. Msgr. Joseph Cistone assisted in hearing confessions.

Holy Thursday-Easter Sunday, April 17-20, 2003-First Sacred Triduum celebrated in new Church. First adult baptized in immersion font at Easter Vigil. Three others received into full Communion, one Catholic received first Eucharist with Confirmation from Archbishop to follow.

Saturday, May 3, 2003-First Holy Communion celebrated for the first time in new Church at the 5:00 p.m. Mass for 47 children.

Sunday, May 11, 2003-Annual May procession and crowning of the statue of Mary, our Blessed Mother, held for the first time at our new Church after the 9:30 a.m. Mass.

Saturday, May 31, 2003-Sacrament of Confirmation celebrated for the first time in new Church at the 5:00 p.m. Eucharist for 52 candidates. Bishop Martin N. Lohmuller is the confirming bishop.

Sunday, August 24, 2003-Annual parish picnic held.

Sunday, August 31, 2003-Kathy Shore, newly hired Director of Music Ministries, begins her service at Saint Gabriel parish.

Monday, September 8, 2003-C.C.D. Religious Education program begins new academic year.

Thursday, September 25, 2003-15^th anniversary of parish.

Saturday, September 27, 2003-15^th anniversary of parish celebrated at 5:00 p.m. Mass with Monsignor Thomas Craven as main celebrant. After Mass, a buffet dinner was served with DJ music for dancing. A display of parish history memorabilia was set out in the Church narthex.

Tuesday, October 7, 2003-Newly appointed Archbishop of Philadelphia, Justin Rigali, formerly Archbishop of St. Louis, MO, is installed at Cathedral-Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia.

Saturday, November 15, 2003-Second annual Pre-Holiday Bazaar held in Saint Gabriel Hall.

Saturday-Sunday, November 22-23, 2003-Relic cloth of Saint Juan Diego’s tilma (cloak) here for veneration at Saint Gabriel Church. Cardinal Justin Rigali celebrated the 6:00 p.m. Mision Mass in Spanish.

Wednesday, November 26, 2003-Protective sealing of Avondale brown stone on Church is begun.

Saturday, November 29, 2003-Advent décor in Church is set up.

Thursday, December 18, 2003-7 more stained glass windows installed in Church clerestory windows.

Wednesday-Thursday, Christmas Eve and Day, December 24-25, 2003-New indoor Nativity figures in place in south gable area of Church. Very good attendance at Masses, especially two on Christmas Eve.

Monday, January 12, 2004-Daily Mass at 9:00 a.m. celebrated in narthex for the first time to conserve heat.

Saturday-Sunday, February 14-15, 2004-Father Scott Steinkirchner preached at all Masses for the Food for the Poor program.

Sunday, February 22, 2004-15^th annual spaghetti dinner held.

Friday, February 27, 2004-Saint Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother feast day was celebrated with usual 9:00 a.m. Eucharist, followed by exposition, adoration, and

7:00 p.m. Evening Prayer and Benediction, followed by a social with refreshments.

Saturday, February 28, 2004-Parish history memorabilia placed in copper dedication box and sealed in date stone on front façade of Church.

Wednesday, March 3, 2004-First Reconciliation celebrated for 44 children.

Saturday-Wednesday, March 20-24, 2004-Father Joseph Breighner gave parish mission. Attendance is good.

Thursday, March 25, 2004-7 additional stained glass images installed in clerestory windows.

Saturday, April 10, 2004-Easter Vigil celebrated with 3 women baptized and fully initiated. An additional 2 were received into full communion with the Church.

An outdoor sign is erected near the roadside entrance.

Saturday, May 1, 2004-First Communion celebrated at 5:00 p.m. Vigil Mass for 44 parish children.

Thursday, May 27, 2004-Cardinal Justin Rigali celebrated the sacrament of Confirmation for Latino candidates.

Saturday, June 5, 2004-Bishop Martin Lohmuller celebrated the sacrament of Confirmation for 43 parish candidates.

Monday, June 14, 2004-Father Maisano begins a course on the sacraments for catechists and others interested, two evenings a week for three weeks.

Sunday, August 29, 2004-Annual parish picnic held.

Monday, September 13, 2004-C.C.D. Religious Education program begins a new year.

Saturday-Sunday, September 25-26, 2004-16^th anniversary of parish celebrated with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament after the 11:30 a.m. Eucharist, adoration, and Evening Prayer and Benediction, followed by a social with refreshments.

Sunday, October 24, 2004-8 new extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion installed.

Monday, November 8, 2004-New parish secretary, Mrs. Silvia Lawrence begins work, replacing resigning former secretary.

Wednesday, November 17, 2004-Parish workshop for lectors held in Church.

Friday-Saturday, December 24-25, 2004-Christmas liturgies are well attended.

Wednesday, January 26, 2005-Reporter from the Daily Local newspaper to do story and take photograph regarding Saint Blase day throat blessing.

Wednesday, February 16, 2005-First Reconciliation celebrated for 48 children.

Sunday, February 27, 2005-Saint Gabriel Feast Day celebration and 15^th annual spaghetti dinner held.

Sunday, March 20, 2005, Passion/Palm Sunday-Monsignor James Mc Donough, Vicar for Chester County, came to celebrate 9:30 a.m. Eucharist.

Saturday-Sunday, March 26-27, 2005, Easter Vigil/Day-Monsignor McDonough concelebrated 7:00 p.m. Vigil and 9:30 a.m. Easter Day Mass. Two adults baptized, confirmed, and received first Eucharist by Father Maisano.

Saturday, April 7, 2005-Holy Father, Pope John Paul II died at 2:37 p.m.DST. May he rest in God’s eternal peace!

Tuesday, April 19, 2005-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger elected pope, taking name of Benedict XVI. Long live the pope!

Saturday, April 30, 2005-First Eucharist celebrated for 50 children at 5:00 p.m. Vigil Mass.

Thursday, May 5, 2005, Ascension Thursday-The sacrament of Confirmation is conferred on 44 candidates. Bishop Robert Maginnis is the confirming bishop.

Friday, May 13, 2005-Confirmation for Latino candidates conferred by Bishop Joseph McFadden.

Saturday, May 21, 2005-Sister Edna Maier, SND, celebrated her golden jubilee with a concelebrated Mass in Church, followed by a dinner reception at a local restaurant.

Sunday, May 22, 2005-Women’s tea and spiritual gathering at Saint Gabriel Hall held.

Tuesday, June 28, 2005-Father Maisano offers course on sacred liturgy to catechists and others who are interested. Course runs for three weeks, two evenings per week.

Friday, July 1, 2005-Contracted with Peragallo Pipe Organ Company to refurbish and install pipe organ from closed Church in Philadelphia (Saint Anthony).

Sunday, September 4, 2005-Annual picnic held.

Monday, September 12, 2005-C.C.D. Religious Education Program begins a new year.

Sunday, September 18, 2005-Parish busload transported to Archdiocesan sponsored Prayer on the Parkway to celebrate Year of the Eucharist.

Friday, October 14, 2005-Hosted Saint Patrick School Monte Carlo night.

Sunday, October 30, 2005-Parish choir and other parishioners went to WPVI, Channel 6, to videotape TV Mass.

Monday, October 31, 2005-All Saints Vigil Mass celebrated at 4:30 p.m. on Halloween, especially for children in costume. C.C.D. classes not scheduled.

Saturday, November 12, 2005-4^th annual Pre-Holiday Bazaar held.

Saturday-Thursday, November 26-December 1, 2005-Parish Mission conducted by Father Jude Winkler, O.F.M. Conv. went very well.

Wednesday, December 21, 2005-Annual late Advent Penance Service celebrated.

Saturday-Sunday, December 24-25, 2005, Christmas Eve and Day-Attendance at Masses was good, especially two vigil Masses at 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Newly constructed Nativity stable erected for the first time in south gable corner of Church.

Monday, January 23, 2006-Pro-life group of parishioners set out for Washington, D.C. March for Life. Exposition, adoration, and Benediction at Church.

Sunday, February 26, 2006-16^th annual spaghetti dinner held.

Monday, February 27, 2006-Saint Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother feast day celebrated with usual 9:00 a.m. Eucharist, followed by Exposition, Adoration, and Benediction twice for both C.C.D. sessions.

Wednesday, March 8, 2006-Lenten Scripture study on Saint Mark’s Gospel begins and continues during the Wednesday mornings of Lent. First Reconciliation celebrated in the evening for 46 children.

Tuesday, March 14, 2006-Peragallo Pipe Organ Company crew begins to install pipe organ.

Saturday, March 18, 2006-3 marriage convalidations celebrated.

Saturday-Sunday, April 1-2, 2006-Newly installed pipe organ blessed at all weekend Masses.

Good Friday, April 14, 2006-Bishop Robert Maginnis celebrated the liturgy at 3:00 p.m.

Saturday, April 15, 2006-Easter Vigil celebrated with three received into full communion with Church. Two other baptized Catholics were also confirmed with others with special permission from Archbishop.

Wednesday, May 3, 2006-The annual spring portion of the parish visitation begins. Father Maisano begins to present tokens of appreciation to all who participated in Capital Campaign.

Saturday, May 6, 2006-First Eucharist celebrated for 47 children at 5:00 p.m. Vigil Mass.

Saturday, May 13, 2006-Annual May Procession held at conclusion of 5:00 p.m. Vigil Mass. First Communicants lead procession.

Wednesday, May 24, 2006-The sacrament of Confirmation is conferred on 51 candidates by Bishop Joseph Cistone.

More updates to follow!

As we approach the eighteenth anniversary of our foundation as a parish, we hope, with God's grace, to continue to praise and worship God, to proclaim His message to young and old, to build a close-knit Catholic parish community, to serve each other in charity, and to reach out to serve the larger community.

As of August, 2006

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