The Catholic Standard and Times

St. Dorothy, Drexel Hill: ‘A great gift’

What char-acteristics and stories about the parish’s namesake, St.
Dorothy, are among the most cherished by the pastor and parishoners:
The right transept stained-glass window depicts the legend of St. Dorothy’s martyrdom.

Why was this name selected for the parish? Who first suggested it?
Legend has it that the name Dorothy was selected by the first pastor to honor his mother.

What feast day does the parish celebrates?
St. Dorothy, which is Feb. 6, with a day of Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction.

What special devotions are observed at the parish?
Daily recitation of the rosary, weekly exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, evening prayer and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, a weekly prayer group meeting, seasonal devotions, Stations of the Cross during the Lenten season, annual Forty Hours.

Of which ministries are you most proud?
I am proud of all the ministries, which are enthusiastically practiced by the good people of St. Dorothy. Our parish has an extraordinary spirit of giving, as evidenced by numerous responses to request for volunteers.

Does the parish have any ethnic celebrations or traditions?
Every year our parish school holds an international day celebrating the many cultures in our world.

What interesting artifacts, architectural features, and special works of art are in the church?
Our stained-glass windows in the body of the church depict the institution of the seven sacraments and their manifestation in the daily life of the people. They are beautifully crafted and let natural light flow in, making St. Dorothy a bright and beautiful worship space.

What amusing incidents are part of the parish’s history?
In one of our stained-glass windows depicting vocations, the face of the then-mother superior of the convent and the founding pastor, Father Duross, are depicted. Many people still tell me about Father Duross, and how he loved directing church traffic. He would stand out in the middle of Township Line in his navy peacoat, making sure the Mass traffic flowed smoothly. Father White, the second pastor, had a cat that accompanied him to daily Mass; the cat would sit in the sanctuary until the celebration was over.

What occasions in the parish have been particularly poignant?
We celebrated our 50th anniversary mass with Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua in 1997. All of the priests and sisters who had ministered here since the foundation of the parish were invited, and many were able to attend. After 50 years of service, the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary had to withdraw from St. Dorothy because of a lack of personnel. Their presence in school was wonderful, and they are missed.

What are among the most commonly asked questions about the parish?
Is that the big “protestant” church on the corner? How long is your center aisle?

The pastor would also like all to know the following about the parish:
I am extremely blessed to have ministered here as a parochial vicar with Msgr. Frederick J. Helduser and, now, as pastor. The spirit of St. Dorothy’s parishioners is one of my greatest joys as pastor. We have a very welcoming community, which is always quick to respond to any need, through active service and financial help. The spirit of Christ is alive and well in the good people of St. Dorothy. The name “Dorothy” means “gift of God,” and I truly believe that this parish community is a great gift to the Church.

St. Dorothy
4910 Township Line Road
Drexel Hill, PA
Cluster: 62

Date founded:
May 6, 1947
Current Pastor:
Father Michael D. Murphy
Parochial Vicar:
Father Thomas Rooney
Priests in Residence:
Father Daniel J. Dougherty
Permanent Deacon:
Rev. Mr. John Davaro
Name of School:
St. Dorothy School
Lay Principal:
Mrs. Louise Sheehan
Faculty:
Lay teachers
Convent Name: St. Dorothy
Number of Registered Parishioners: 8,276
Number of Registered Families: 2,812
Baptisms: 124
Marriages: 49
Funerals: 101