Holy Family Parish, Portage

Holy Family Parish is the Roman Catholic parish of Portage, PA.  It is made up of the former Saint Joseph, The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Sacred Heart of Jesus, and Saint John the Baptist parishes.  The Saint Joseph church building was renovated, and the parish was renamed Holy Family.  The re-dedication of the church and re-consecration of the altar was celebrated on June 19, 2016.  The Pastor at the time, along with a committee of parishioners comprised of the merging parishes did their best to incorporate sacred items from all parishes into the Holy Family site.  Included were the Baptismal Font, Stations of the Cross, statues, the pipe organ and the marble Altar of Sacrifice.

Last year's #iGiveCatholic drive was a tremendous success and I am very grateful to the parish family and our "friends" who made donations.  Our own Sacred Heart Ushers Club boosted our total with matching funds of $10,000.00 last year.  The $22,955.00 donated last year fully covered the replacement of the sections of concrete walkways and steps that were damaged and the cost of new handrails.  The funds received last year and not spent are available in our Parish Improvements account as we move forward.

The parish continues to both maintain our facilities and to make improvements.  Decisions of what to do are guided by priority of our mission to form Disciples who will share the Gospel, improved accessibility to our buildings and responding to safety issues.  This year has several important projects in the works.  I am determined to get Youth Ministry going in our parish.  Simply stated, Youth Ministry is about helping our youth experience the joy of seeing their faith put into action.  Funds will be needed to sponsor activities that will help to build this essential ministry if our parish is to have a vibrant future.

On the practical physical plant side of things, I am investigating what it would take to get new flooring in the Church.  When the merger took place, replacement or resurfacing of the close to 60-year-old tiles was discussed, but for a variety of reasons was not accomplished.  If feasible, it might now be the time to do this long-deferred project.  We are also considering the replacement of a few exterior doors of our former school building.  We have had some problems with the boiler in the former school building, so we need to respond if further repairs or even replacement is required.

The parish serves 618 families and educates 100 students in the religious education program.  There are 9 students in a nearby Catholic school.  Father Tom Stabile, TOR, is the pastor; on loan to us from the Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Franciscan Friars, Loretto, PA.  The parish financial report is available on the parish website www.holyfamilyportage.org.  You may also find us on Facebook and YouTube by searching Holy Family Parish, Portage PA.

Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Holy Family Parish Community is called to serve God and one another in love.  We are challenged to hear and live the Gospel message of Jesus Christ.  We invite and welcome all people to join us in this journey of faith.

Fr. Tom Stabile, T.O.R.