PHILADELPHIA — Archbishop Nelson Pérez will ordain three men, two of whom residr in Delaware County, to the Permanent Diaconate for service in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, following their completion of a six-year formation program at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary.
The Rite of Ordination will take place during 10 a.m. Mass following the Liturgy of the Word on Saturday, May 9 at Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, 18th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia.
Permanent Deacons serve as ordained clergy in the Roman Catholic Church. They may be single or married men. Deacons are dedicated to a threefold ministry of Word, Sacrament, and Charity, forming a “bridge” between the altar and community. They assist bishops and priests, focusing on service by proclaiming the Gospel, administering certain sacraments, and serving the poor and marginalized.
The three men being ordained are:
• Dr. Kevin Kelly, a member of St. Bernadette Parish in Drexel Hill, currently serves as executive director of operations and finance at the National Catholic Bioethics Center. Kelly graduated from Monsignor Bonner High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. He also holds a Master of Arts in classical studies from Villanova University, a Master of Science in educational administration from St. Joseph’s University, and a doctorate in educational leadership from Immaculata University.
John A. Milius (COURTESY OF ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA)
• John Milius, a member of Annunciation B.V.M. Parish in Havertown, is currently a vice president of engineering and a structural engineer and project manager at AECOM. He graduated from Seneca Valley High School in Harmony, Pa., and earned a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Bucknell University. He also holds a Master of Engineering from Cornell University and a Master of Business Administration from Villanova University.
Dr. Shawn P. Terkhorn (COURTESY OF ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA)
• Dr. Shawn Terkhorn, a member of Corpus Christi Parish in Lansdale, earned a Bachelor of Science in biotechnology from the Rochester Institute of Technology. He received a doctorate in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine from Thomas Jefferson University.
Thanks to the generous support of the Catholic Charities Appeal, the Mass will be streamed live via the Archdiocesan Vimeo Channel at https://vimeo.com/event/2470138 and St. Charles Borromeo Seminary’s website at www.scs.edu and on the Facebook pages of Archbishop Nelson Pérez and St. Charles Borromeo Seminary.
Founded in 1832, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary serves the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and numerous arch/dioceses across the country, forming men for the Roman Catholic priesthood and diaconate through rigorous academic, human, spiritual, and pastoral preparation as well as providing numerous educational offerings for leaders of the Church.
Members of the Garden Club of Springfield recently celebrated National Arbor Day by planting a tree with the children at Covenant United Methodist Church nursery school and their parents, and Springfield Parks Superintendent Frank Pappa and staff, in Wagner Wayside Park in Springfield. Participating in the planting are, left to right, front, Nathan Ard, Madeline Bradley, Owen Campbell, Kalina Cavanaugh, Sean Devin, T.J. D’Orozio, Naomi Dortone, Kinsley Duffy, Ava Fite, Tucker Hedrick, Evan Holland, Beckett Kearney, Alessia Madonna, Ryan O’Shea, Madilyn Sheeran, back, Frank Pappa, Jan Coppola, Marla Vanore, Louise Sheehan, Norma Jeffries, Rick Deppem, Mary Miller, Michelle Hiscott and Astrid Clarici. (COURTESY OF LEE MACMASTER)
Covenant UM preschoolers plant trees for Arbor Day
Members of the Garden Club of Springfield recently celebrated National Arbor Day with the children of Michelle Hiscott’s preschool class at the Covenant United Methodist Church Nursery, Springfield Parks Superintendent Frank Pappa and staff, and parents in Wagner Wayside Park in Springfield.
Mary Miller, committee chair of the Garden Club of Springfield, introduced Mrs. Hiscott’s students.
Hiscott asked her students, “Why are we planting a tree today?”
The children excitedly gave various answers such as: “Trees give animals a home,” “Trees clean the air” and “Trees grow food.”
The children also sang a song, “The Trees Are Growing High” and discussed how trees help the environment.
Pappa and staff assisted the children in the planting of an eastern redbud tree. Each child helped to plant the tree by shoveling dirt and giving the tree a heavy watering.
Rick Deppem, assistant manager from the DCNR, Department of Conservation Resources, presented a Tree City USA flag to Springfield Township for 35 years of planting trees on Arbor Day. The flag is an official banner by the Arbor Day Foundation awarded to municipalities that meet high standards in urban communities.
Pappa started planting trees for Arbor Day 35 years ago. The Garden Club of Springfield is a member of District I GCFP and National Garden Clubs.
Lilly Costello, an eighth grade student at Our Lady of Angels Regional Catholic School in Morton, won first place in the Essay Contest at Amvets Post 118 in Morton and third place in the Amvets state contest. (COURTESY OF JOANNE COCHRAN)
OLA student places third in state Amvets essay contest
Lilly Costello, an eighth grade student at Our Lady of Angels Regional Catholic School in Morton, participated in the local Amvets Essay contest hosted by the Harold P. Saks Amvets Post 118 in Morton. The topic of this year’s essay contest, open to grades 6-12, was “What does it mean to be an American?”
Lily came in first place at the local level contest, which allowed her to move on to the state competition where she placed third in the state. Lily is the daughter of Carrie Smeltzer and Kevin Costello of Ridley Township.
Members of the Norwood Parks and Recreation Board and Committee are, left to right, front, Brian VanWyk, borough council liaison; Alyssa Maskart, treasurer; Diana Anders and Brian Anders, co-secretaries; back, Mary Ann Corbett; Jen Johnston; Cathie Pfaff, chair; Hal Pfaff; and Joyce MacIntosh. Others are Paul Iverson, Kristen Kilman and Julie Royer. (COURTESY OF CATHIE PFAFF)
Norwood Parks and Rec plan beer fest in the park
Norwood Parks and Recreation Board invites the community to kick off their summer with a Beer Fest Saturday, June 6 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Norwood Park, also called Amosland Park, 200 E. Amosland Road in the borough. Cost is $40.
Tickets can be purchased by Venmo @norwoodrecreation, or by mailing a check payable to “Norwood Parks and Recreation Board” to Norwood Borough Hall, 10 W. Cleveland Ave., Norwood, PA 19074.
Those interested can also stop by borough hall to purchase tickets in cash or check during normal business hours. Ticket buyers should include the names and contact information of all participants, as wristbands must be claimed at the registration/will-call table at the event.
Although walk-ups will be welcome on the day of the event, participants are urged to purchase tickets ahead of time to ease bottlenecks at registration, and insure an ample amount of amenities at the event.
The $40 entrance fee includes entry to the festival, a commemorative Norwood Beer Fest pilsner glass, unlimited pours from over 12 local breweries, plus seltzers, cocktails and other drink options, complimentary bottled water, access to food trucks for separate purchase, music by local band The Faraway Guys, tabletop games, socializing and corn hole.
Proceeds will be directed toward upgrades to the Norwood parks, and advancement of future events for the community, such as Concerts in the Park series and the Bowling Bash.
For more information, email parksandrecnorwood@gmail.com or follow Parks and Rec on social media platforms.
Seats available for next week’s America250 tour of Philadelphia
St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Springfield will host two America250 sightseeing tours of America’s Birthplace, Philadelphia, on open air trolleys, with an interesting and knowledgeable tour guide.
These sightseeing tours are available on Monday, May 11 and Wednesday, May 13. Participants are encouraged to wear red, white and blue for the patriotic semiquincentennial tour.
The trolley tour will visit 26 sites in Philadelphia, including Betsy Ross House, National Constitution Center, Vietnam and Korea War Memorials, Chinatown, Cathedral Basilica, Love Park, Franklin Institute, Rocky steps and statue, The Bellevue, Penns Landing and many more.
Passengers will disembark for 30 minutes to have a bathroom break and view the Liberty Bell. The patriotic tour will end up at the Reading Terminal Market, where there will be two leisurely hours for lunch and shopping.
The trolleys will pick up at 8:45 a.m. and return at approximately 3 p.m. to St. Kevin’s Parish parking lot, 200 W. Sproul Road, Springfield.
For prices and reserving a seat for one of these exclusive tours, call Maria Santone, trip coordinator, at 610-745-0820. People do not have to belong to St. Francis of Assisi Parish to take advantage of this America250-themed sightseeing by trolley opportunity.
DCCC History professor Jeffrey LaMonica will be part of a panel discussion following a special screening of highlights from the new PBS documentary, “The American Revolution,” on Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. in Chester Springs. (COURTESY OF DCCC)
DCCC History faculty join Penn professor for ‘American Revolution’ panel
Delaware County Community College History professors Jeffrey LaMonica and Kevin Cahill will be part of a panel discussion following a special screening of highlights from the new PBS documentary, “The American Revolution” on Monday, May 11 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Henrietta Hankin Library, 215 Windgate Drive, Chester Springs.
The highlights from the film by Ken Burns, Sarah Botsteins and David Schmidt will offer a sweeping overview of the series,illuminating the central themes of the American Revolution and inspiring reflection on the ideas, struggles, and ideals that continue to define the American story.
Joining LaMonica and Cahill on the panel is Rogers Smith, Christopher H. Browne Distinguished Emeritus Professor of Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania, where he taught from 2001 to 2022.
LaMonica has published work on topics that include the U.S Army in World War I, Cold War Diplomacy, and Italian Military History. His interests in the American Revolution include Pennsylvania Militia in the 1777 Philadelphia Campaign and Privateers of the Cape May Navy.
Delaware County Community College faculty member Kevin Cahill will be part of a panel discussion following a special screening of highlights from the new PBS documentary, “The American Revolution” on Monday. (COURTESY OF DCCC)
Cahill holds a Ph.D. in history from West Virginia University and has been a professor of American history at DCCC since 2000.
Smith is the author or co-author of many articles and nine books, including “Civic Ideals: Conflicting Visions of Citizenship in U.S. History” (1997), a finalist for the 1998 Pulitzer Prize in History.
Light refreshments will follow the panel. The event is free and registration is required. To register, visit https://ccls.libcal.com/event/13235010 or call 610-344-4196.
Philadelphia Mandolin and Guitar Ensemble to hold concert in Havertown
The Philadelphia Mandolin and Guitar Ensemble will present a concert at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 14 at St. James United Church of Christ, 135 Myrtle Ave., Havertown.
Audiences can look forward to an engaging and eclectic musical program featuring classical selections, folk tunes, polkas, waltzes, contemporary melodies, and more. The ensemble highlights the unique and vibrant sound of mandolins and guitars.
The concert is free, with a suggested donation of $10 to support the ensemble’s work. For additional information, contact Joseph Todaro at mandolute@gmail.com.
FMFCU Foundation establishes Magnavita Financial Empowerment Grant
FMFCU Foundation, based in Chadds Ford, announced the creation of the Michael B. Magnavita Financial Empowerment Grant, a new annual $5,000 competitive grant designed to strengthen financial capability and economic stability across the communities the Foundation serves.
Established in honor of Michael Magnavita and his recent retirement following dedicated service to Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union and FMFCU Foundation, the grant supports local nonprofit organizations and schools that deliver financial literacy, coaching, budgeting, savings, and other financial empowerment initiatives. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and schools serving communities within FMFCU Foundation’s service footprint.
“Strong communities begin when people have the tools to manage their money with confidence,” said Drew Stanley, President and CEO of FMFCU. “This grant honors Mike’s legacy by supporting nonprofits and schools that help strengthen the communities we serve.”
Local nonprofit partners and educators consistently identify financial literacy and financial stability as pressing needs, yet many lack dedicated resources to expand or enhance their programs. The Michael B. Magnavita Financial Empowerment Grant is intentionally flexible, allowing applicants to design programming that best meets the needs of their participants.
Through this initiative, FMFCU Foundation anticipates increased access to high‑quality financial education, improved financial confidence and decision‑making skills, and stronger financial resilience among individuals and families.
Applications are now being accepted. Eligible nonprofit organizations and schools can learn more and apply by visiting http://fmfcufoundation.org/awards.
The Riddle Village Non-Traveling Theater Troupe recently presented “Arches, Balance and Light.” Performers include, left to right, front row, Warren Iredell, Ellie McCreavy, Pat Wallace, Barbara Stripling, Rosemary Morse, Frank Siddons, Mimi Haggerty, Maureen Robinson, Millie Seeds, Rosemarie Morochko, back row, George Bourrie, Ellen Wineman, Dorothy Becker, Barbara Demos, Marilyn Neville, Charles Babcock, Roger Demos, Greta Wolfe and Bruce Wyman. (COURTESY OF RIDDLE VILLAGE)
Riddle Village theater group presented ‘Arches, Balance and Light’
The Riddle Village Non-Traveling Theater Troupe took the stage recently to wow residents, family and friends with the production, “Arches, Balance and Light,” by Mary Spleeter. The show focuses on the fascinating life of the famous architect, Julia Morgan.
Guests had the opportunity to attend a special dinner theater performance or a matinee performance on the following day. Riddle Village is at 1048 W. Baltimore Pike, Middletown Township, next to Riddle Hospital.
Readers can send community news and photos to Peg DeGrassa at pdegrassa@21st-centurymedia.com.