A Letter From Fr. Edward Hallinan

Dear Friend,

Saint Martin de Porres Parish is an outpost of the Catholic Church in the heart of North Philadelphia, a Catholic community of truly good Christ-like people. Their lives are deeply affected by the many social ills that surround them: poverty; racism; rampant gun violence; unemployment; underemployment; poor educational opportunities; addictions of various kinds.

Here at Saint Martin de Porres, our mission is to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We do that to the very best of our ability. We celebrate the liturgy in a way that reflects the best of the character of the people; we visit the sick and bring the consolation of the Sacraments; we offer counsel to those who are distressed. To buttress those efforts, we operate a parish grade school, where most of the children are not Catholic. However, in a neighborhood where poverty abounds, one of the greatest contributions we can make to our neighbors is a high-quality education.

We work to develop sound leadership among the parishioners, and listen to their concerns to start programs that meet the needs of parishioners and neighbors.

Our social ministry finds food, clothing, shelter and other kinds of referrals for those in the neighborhood experiencing dire need.

All these labors are an effort to carry on the work and mission of Jesus Christ. But in order to continue, we need your help. We are mighty, we are devoted, we are committed, but we are not wealthy! We look to others, our brothers and sisters, to stand by our side in the ministry here, with their financial support.

Any help you can lend to us will be appreciated, not merely as a personal favor, but as helping to build up the Body of Christ!

I thank you in advance. I also assure you of our prayers each Sunday for our benefactors. Please remember us at prayer as well.

Sincerely,



Father Edward J. Hallinan
Pastor