Two Priests and A Nun Walked Into a Bar …Initially founded by two archdiocesan priests and an Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister, Mother of Mercy House started in a former bar at the corner of “”G”” and Allegheny, in the Kensington section of Philadelphia, at a time when the Archdioceses could no longer reasonably support all of the big buildings and massive properties of the past. Mother of Mercy House desired to discover new ways of being a Catholic presence in the communities impacted by this reality, and Kensington became a clear choice for this new ministry. Our location was and continues to be established in an area that needs the physical presence of Christ within “walking distance.”
Kensington is rich in history and home to many immigrants. This neighborhood also suffers from poverty, violence, addiction, and homelessness. Immediately upon arrival in the community, the team set out to discern the most immediate spiritual and physical needs among their neighbors. Based on what was learned both on the street and statistically (this area is the second food-hungriest congressional district in the United States), the early focus was establishing a food program. In offering food assistance, a critical need was met while our neighbors were engaged in a meaningful way. In 2015, Mother of Mercy House was opened, inspired by Pope Francis’ call to “be a poor Church for the poor.” Our services include a Food Bank which distributes weekly groceries and fresh vegetables, grab-and-go bags for those living outdoors and experiencing substance abuse disorders, hot meals distributed on the first and third Fridays and second Saturday of each month for those outdoors, and mass in both Spanish and English.
In 2015, Mother of Mercy House was opened, inspired by Pope Francis’ call to “be a poor Church for the poor.” Our services include a Food Bank which distributes weekly groceries and fresh vegetables, grab-and-go bags for those living outdoors and experiencing substance abuse disorders, hot meals distributed on the first and third Fridays and second Saturday of each month for those outdoors, and mass in both Spanish and English.
In February 2020, we moved into a large three-story building. This has enabled the addition of volunteer nurses for twice-weekly wound care, a clothing bank, a diaper bank, household supplies, a parenting class, an affiliation with a bed program for adults and children who have never had their own bed, bi-monthly programs with PHL City ID and BenePhilly. We also have a 5-week summer camp for the children that includes cooking, sewing, computers, art, Philadlphia’s Claymobile Program, everyday practical skills, outdoor sports, and breakfast and lunch.
