Welcome to St. James Church!

St. James

Welcome to St. James Roman Catholic Church in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania.   Please take the time to check out our various ministries St. James has to offer.   
We hope you will visit us!

Rev. Andrew O. Labatorio, Parochial Administrator

Visit Us:
8320 Brookside Road
Elkins Park, PA 19027 

Rectory Phone: 215-635-6210
Rectory Fax: 215-635-3346
Rectory Email: [email protected]

Weekend Mass Schedule:
Saturday 5:00 p.m., 
Sunday 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m.
12:30 p.m. - Filipino Mass

Daily Mass:
Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m

Holy Day Masses
8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Sacrament of Reconciliation:
 Saturdays 4:00 - 4:45 p.m.

First Friday Devotions:
6:00 p.m. Exposition and Adoration
Sacred Heart Divine Mercy Chaplet Rosary
Sacrament of Reconciliation
7:00 p.m. Mass

The Unity Prayer

My adorable Jesus,
May our feet journey together.
May our hands gather in unity.
May our hearts beat in unison.
May our souls be in harmony.
May our thoughts be as one.
May our ears listen to the silence together.
May our glances profoundly penetrate each other.
May our lips pray together to gain mercy from the Eternal Father.


The Reverend Edward A. Windhaus

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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of the Rev. Edward A. Windhaus. Father Windhaus served as Pastor of Saint James Parish from 2010 until he was named Pastor Emertius upon his retirement in 2019.
 
Funeral arrangements are as follows:

Monday, September 16, 2024
8:30 a.m.: Reception of the Body
9:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.: Viewing
11:00 a.m.: Funeral Mass
 
The Most Reverend Edward Deliman will be the celebrant.
 
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
 
 

Rev. Edward A. Windhaus Obituary

Rev. Edward Anthony Windhaus, age 79, Pastor Emeritus of St. James Parish in Elkins Park, PA passed away on September 9th, 2024 at St. Joseph Manor in Meadowbrook, PA.

Born October 29th, 1944 in Philadelphia, PA, he was the son of the late Edward Joseph Windhaus and the late Catherine Gertrude Windhaus (nee Brecker).

Beloved brother of Linda Geiger, wife of the late Gerald Geiger; Teresa Dunn, wife of Michael F. Dunn, Esq., and Robert Windhaus, husband of Maria (nee D’Ambrosio).

He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

After graduating from Cardinal Dougherty High School in 1962, he then enrolled at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary and was ordained in May,1972. He later earned a second Master’s Degree in Liturgy from the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC.

Fr. Windhaus served as a Parochial Vicar or Pastor for many parishes within the archdiocese of Philadelphia, including:

  • St Henry’s in Philadelphia
  • St. Mathew's in Conshohocken
  • St. Pius X in Broomall
  • St. Maria Goretti in Hatfield
  • St. Titus in East Norriton
  • St. James in Elkins Park until his retirement in 2019.

Fr. Windhaus was also Chaplain at various Newman Catholic Centers including Bucks County and Montgomery County Community Colleges, and Bryn Mawr, Haverford, and Swarthmore colleges.

The Reception of the Body will be held on Monday September 16th, 2024 at 8:30 AM at St. James Church, 8320 Brookside Rd., Elkins Park, PA 19027 followed by a Viewing from 9:00 am to 11:00 AM. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow the Mass at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Philadelphia, PA.

In lieu of mass cards or flowers, donations can be made to Catholic Relief Services, PO Box 5200, Harlan, IA 51593-0700.


Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez Appoints Fr. Andrew Labatorio as Parochial Administrator of St. James

Fr Andrew

After three new priests were ordained on May 18, 2024 at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez released the latest round of clergy assignments for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.   With Bishop Efren Esmilla having taken on the City of Philadelphia has his Episcopal Region in his role as Auxiliary Bishop, St. James was in need of new pastoral leadership.   Archbishop Pérez appointed Rev. Andrew Labatorio as parochial administrator of St. James the Great Parish in Elkins Park.

Fr. Andrew joined the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in 2019 after a 17-year mission in Haiti.  Fr. Andrew was first assigned in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia as Parochial Vicar of St. Elizabeth Parish in Upper Uwchlan, before being assigned Parochial Administrator of Our Lady of Hope in Philadelphia in 2020.  Fr. Andrew will be continuing as Parochial Administrator of Our Lady of Hope while serving St. James.

Meanwhile, Bishop Efren will remain at St. James, not as clergy assigned to the parish, but in residence.

Fr. Andrew's tenure at St. James begins on June 17.   Welcome, Fr. Andrew! 


2024 Holy Week and Easter Schedule

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2024 Holy Week Schedule

Sunday, March 24
Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion
Masses: 5:00 pm (Vigil March 23); 8:30 am; 10:30 am, 12:30 pm
Palm will be distributed at all the Masses

Monday – Wednesday, March 25-27
Morning Prayer: 7:30 am Mass: 8:00 am
Adoration 8:30am-4:30pm

Wednesday, March 27
Confessions 6:00 – 7:00 pm

Holy Thursday, March 28
10:00 am – Holy Chrism Mass
Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul
5:30 pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper
6:30 pm – 10:30 pm -Eucharistic Adoration

Good Friday, March 29
12:00 noon – Stations of the Cross (Tagalog)
3:00 pm - Pabasa
6:30pm - Interment Ritual (Ang Paglilibing)
7:00 pm – Celebration of the Lord’s Passion,
Veneration of the Cross and Communion

Holy Saturday, March 30
6:00 pm Easter Vigil Mass

Easter Sunday, March 31
5:30 am – SALUBONG (social hall)
(Meeting of the Risen Christ and the Sorrowful Mother)
Masses: 6:00 am; 8:30 am; 10:30 am

For Livestreaming
www.facebook.com/stjameselkinspark
or Saint James The Great PA on YouTube


Join Us! Mass of Thanksgiving and Banquet to Honor the Episcopal Ordination of Rev. Efren Esmilla

StJMarh 10

MASS:
Date: Sunday, March 10, 2024
Time: 1:00pm
Location: St. James Church
8306 Brookside Road
Elkins Park, PA 19027

RECEPTION:
Date: Sunday, March 10, 2024
Time: 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Brookside Manor
50 Bustleton Pike
Feasterville-Trevose, PA 19053

Appetizers, dinner buffet, cash bar, dessert and dancing
Admission $50.00 per person

Please make checks payable to "St. James Church"

Mail to: St. James Rectory, 8320 Brookside Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027 or
place payments in collection basket during Mass.
Credit/debit card please call St. James Rectory 215-635-6210

RSVP by February 23, 2024

Contact St. James Rectory via email [email protected] or call 215-635-6210


You're Invited to the Episcopal Ordination of Efren Veridiano Esmilla

New Bishops

All parishioners of Saint James the Great Parish are cordially invited to attend the Ordination of their Pastor, Bishop-Elect Efren Esmilla, along with Bishop-Elect Christopher Cooke and Bishop-Elect Keith Chylinski.

Date: Thursday, March 7, 2024
Time: 2:00pm
Location: Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul

1723 Race Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

The Ordination will be livestreamed on the Parish Facebook Page.  Bus reservations have closed.

*Please note, seating at the event for the general public is limited and not guaranteed.


Ash Wednesday Mass Schedule

AshWednesday

Ash Wednesday is Wednesday, February 14, 2024

Masses will be celebrated and ashes distributed:

8:30 a.m.
7:00 p.m.

Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel

Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return


2023 Advent and Christmas Season Schedules

Manger

Christmas 2023 - New Year's 2024

Simbang Gabi Masses:
Saturday, December 16, 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 17, 1:00 p.m.
Monday, December 18 - Friday, December 22, 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 23, 5:00 p.m.

Sacrament of Reconciliation:
Saturdays December 16, 23, 30 - 3:30 - 4:50 p.m.

Christmas Eve Masses:
Sunday, December 24, 2023

Children and Family Mass with Choir:  4:00 p.m.
7:30 p.m.

Christmas Day Masses:
Monday, December 25, 2023

8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Feast of the Holy Family of Nazareth
Sunday, December 31, 2023
8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
Sunday, December 31, 2023
5:00 p.m.
Monday, January 1, 2024

8:00 a.m. Holy Hour
9:00 a.m. Mass


Rev. Efren Esmilla is Named Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia

Fr Efren

From the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops:

WASHINGTON - Pope Francis has appointed Rev. Keith J. Chylinski, Rev. Christopher R. Cooke, and Rev. Efren V. Esmilla, as auxiliary bishops of Philadelphia. Bishop-elect Chylinski is a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and currently rector of Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. Bishop-elect Cooke is a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and currently dean of men for the theology seminary at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. Bishop-elect Esmilla is a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, currently serving pastor of Saint James the Great parish in Elkins Park, and Saint Martin of Tours in Philadelphia. The appointments were publicized in Washington, D.C. on December 8, 2023, by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.

Bishop-elect Efren V. Esmilla

Father Esmilla was born June 18, 1962, in Nagcarlan, Laguna in the Philippines. He has a bachelor’s degree from San Beda College in San Miguel, Manila, Philippines (1984) and a master of divinity from Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary (1992). Father Esmilla was ordained to the priesthood on May 15, 1993.

Bishop-elect Esmilla’s assignments after ordination include: parochial vicar at Saint John Chrysostom parish in Wallingford (1993-2001), Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary parish in Philadelphia (2001-2003), Saint Martha parish in Philadelphia (2005-2006); pastor of Our Lady of Hope parish in Philadelphia (2006-2020); assistant director for pastoral formation (2003-2004) and director of the spirituality year (2004-2005) at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary. Other diocesan assignments include serving as chaplain for the Filipino diocesan apostolate (2005 to present); spiritual director of the Legion of Mary (2001 to present); and membership in the archdiocesan continuing formation committee for priests (2001-2004, and 2005-2008), council of priests (2005-2008, and 2017-2020), college of consultors (2006-2011), priest personnel board (2017-2022), and president of the presbyteral council (2021). Since 2021, he has served as pastor of Saint Martin of Tours parish in Philadelphia, while also serving since 2020 as pastor of Saint James parish in Elkins Park. Bishop-elect Esmilla speaks English, Spanish, Tagalog/Filipino, Latin, and Portuguese.

 

Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez announced the following upon the announcement: 

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
 
I’m overjoyed to share on this Solemenity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary that Pope Francis has named Reverend Keith J. Chylinksi, Reverend Christopher R. Cooke, and Reverend Efren V. Esmilla as Auxiliary Bishops to serve the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and her people!

I invite you to join us here on my facebook page and via https://vimeo.com/event/2470138 for a news conference this morning, at 10:45 a.m. (EST).
I also invite you to join me and the Auxiliary Bishops-elect in-person or virtually for at 12:05 p.m. (EST) for Mass for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia . The Mass will be livestreamed here on my Facebook page and via https://vimeo.com/event/2470138.

I ask that the bishops, priests, deacons, consecrated religious, and lay faithful of the Church of Philadelphia join me in extending hearty congratulations and prayerful best wishes to our new Auxiliary Bishops as they prepare to serve in this role! May God bless them abundantly as successors to the Apostles!
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!
 
Bishop-Elect Efren Esmilla will be ordained on Thursday, March 7th, 2024, at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter of Paul in Philadelphia.
 
The Saint James the Great parish family congratulates Bishop-Elect Efren Esmilla!