We are the Catholic faithful in Frankford who are working to keep the Catholic Church in Frankford. In June, a decision was made by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to close 2 of our Catholic Churches – St. Joachim (opened in 1845) and Mater Dolorosa (opened in 1911).

St. Joachim, in particular, has been blessed to be staffed by the Oblates of St. Frances de Sales for the last 35 years. Our current pastor is Rev. Steven Wetzel. We pay Father’s salary – it is not costing the Archdiocese at all. We are solvent and viable. We have monetary assets in the Archdiocese’s accounts and steady income from rentals of our former school – that Father Steve sought and arranged – and the former convent. This is not costing but contributing to the Archdiocese’s assets. Our building is modern since our Church burnt down in 1979 – another heartache. We are handicapped accessible. Our maintenance costs are reasonable. This is not costing the Archdiocese of Philadelphia at all. We are small – 200 weekly attend Mass – but we are an older population and have many sick and homebound. This is not costing the Archdiocese at all.

Why are we being closed? Where is the outrage at many of our parishes being closed who serve people who are in need of God’s Word and charity?

Please join us to Keep the Faith in Frankford! Here’s a link to an online petition: https://www.change.org/petitions/archbishop-charles-chaput-keep-the-faith-in-frankford-by-keeping-a-catholic-church-open