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Our Parish

Mission Statement

We are the people of Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church: guided by the Spirit, blessed with an abundance of talents that we use in service for God and our diverse parish community, and united together as a Catholic faith family living Christian values. Recognizing and utilizing the talents of our members, we dedicate ourselves to the deepening of our relationship with God by worship (Sacraments) and prayer, education and evangelization, and the support for and spiritual growth of our members.

Core Values

  1. We manifest our love of God by:
    1. Active participation in the sacraments, regular worship, sponsoring retreats and catechesis;
    2. Loving service to God's people through ministries, recruitment, advertisement (communication,) and participation;
    3. Opportunities for variety in celebrating the Liturgy and the Sacraments including ecumenical services and projects.
  2. We care for our community by:
    1. Perpetuation of a sense of community through social events, home visits, and participation in the ministries;
    2. Celebrating and valuing diversity;
    3. Respecting each other through valuing others' time, needs, and hopes.
  3. We evangelize for everyone's on-going conversion by:
    1. Studying and Living the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, and the Spirit of the Scriptures;
    2. Educating our children and adults through Religious Education, Parochial School, Christian Initiation of Adults and Children, Adult Faith Formation, Bible Study, Disciples on Mission, Liturgy Preparing, and Sacramental Preparation Classes.

Parishioner Registration

Thinking of becoming a parishioner at Saint Rose of Lima? If you wish to participate fully in our Parish life, we will welcome you! Please, register in the Rectory Office at 5514 Roselawn Avenue, Monday through Friday between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM by completing a Parish Registration Form found on the Calendars, Documents, & Forms Page; « under "Forms" you will find the "Parish Registration" form. You can also find one on the table in the Church Foyer and return it in the offertory collection.

To volunteer for Parish Ministries« or to discuss how Saint Rose may be present to your faith journey, kindly schedule a meeting with our Pastor.«

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Our Patroness

Saint Rose of Lima holding a cross Our Lord and Savior lifted up his voice and said with incomparable majesty: "Let all men know that grace comes after tribulation. Let them know that without the burden of afflictions it is impossible to reach the height of grace. Let them know that the gifts of grace increase as the struggles increase. Let men take care not to stray and be deceived. This is the only true stairway to paradise, and without the cross they can find no road to climb to heaven.

When I heard these words, a strong force came upon me and seemed to place me in the middle of a street, so that I might say in a loud voice to people of every age, sex and status: "Hear, O people; hear, O nations. I am warning you about the commandment of Christ by using words that came from his own lips: We cannot obtain grace unless we suffer afflictions. We must heap trouble upon trouble to attain a deep appreciation in the divine nature, the glory of the sons of God, and perfect happiness of soul.

If only mortals would learn how great it is to possess divine grace, how beautiful, how noble, how precious. How many riches it hides within itself, how many joys and delights! No one would complain about his cross or about troubles that may happen to him, if he would come to know the scales on which they are weighed when they are distributed to men." From the writings of Saint Rose of Lima. From: Patron Saint Index

Towards the close of the 16th century, the people of Lima, Peru, were a pleasure-loving lot, more concerned about good food and good wines than about the salvation of their souls. The demand was for something out of the ordinary for sanctity that was heroic in proportions and clearly it was part of the wisdom of heaven that Rose de Flores should appear at precisely this moment when her presence and example should produce the most telling effects.

Saint Rose was born in Lima, in 1586, and was one of ten children. From her earliest years, Rose was very distrustful of herself and took small stock in her own human judgments. Thus she came to lean heavily on the advice of her parents and of the confessors who guided her spiritual affairs.

Rose had little time for the ordinary needs of the body and much less for its comforts. It was not that she saw wrong in the good things of earth or in anybody's enjoying them. Actually, to one of her delicate instincts and feelings, the niceties of life had an innate appeal. Yet she resisted their lure and crucified her appetites. Though she was exquisitely beautiful, both in face and in figure, yet she made no capital of her gifts which other young women would have given a fortune to possess.

When she was 20 she resolved to put on the white wool of Saint Dominic and become a member of his Third Order. It was logical that her thoughts should turn to the Dominicans since their church was her favorite haunt from the time she could walk.

Like her great model, Saint Catherine of Siena, she decided that her vocation lay in the world where she would always be at the beck and call of her family and friends and of the sick and impoverished. The short span of years left to her was now to be spent in showing her neighbors how to imitate Christ. And so, while swearing to be faithful to her vows, she continued to dwell in the society of seculars subject to her parents in temporal matters and to Christ through His Church in matters of eternity.

The Third Order of Saint Dominic is known as the Order of Penance; and with her entrance into its ranks, Rose began to increase her austerities. The use of the scourge and the hairshirt had long been a matter of routine. To these she added a small metal crown whose sharp edged she kept constantly shifting in order to multiply the wounds on her head. Often she went without food for a week at a time, finding complete satisfaction in the Bread of the Eucharist.

Of course, such utter disregard of all considerations of health was bound to have its effects and it is easy to understand how the charity that burned in her heart reached so intense a degree that the body cold not keep pace with its demands. The saint's prayers and penances were redoubled, until only the slenderest thread held her spirit and body together. Death finally struck and Rose went to her eternal reward on the 24th of August, 1616.

It is uncommon for a prophet to be accepted in his own day and country. Yet Rose was acclaimed in her lifetime and cherished with the deepest affection by her friends and the city in which she was born. With all her holiness, she was human; and human she remained until the day of her death. We have recounted her pains and sufferings, but even at their worst, these still did not stop her from serving others with joy. Rose's humanity stretched out in her fondness of nature. One of her deepest delights was the cultivation of flowers which she carried about the city to bedeck the altars and shrines of our Lady.

These and a thousand other details were recalled by the many in Peru when Rose was raised to the altars in 1671. Her feast day was appointed as August 30th and at the same time, she was proclaimed Patroness of the Philippines as well ass of all the Americas, as she is the first canonized saint of the western hemisphere.

Author: Unknown. Taken from the materials/documents in the Parish archives. If you know the author, please contact our Web Designer«

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Parish History

It's been a journey of faith, as we celebrate our 80th year as a parish community. Our Saint Rose of Lima parish family has grown from a few dozen members over three quarters of a century ago, to more than 1000 families today.

Our Journey of Faith began in early 1920's. The Eldorado section of Altoona was growing, and Catholic residents yearned for a neighborhood church of their own. In the first months of 1924, Bishop John McCort purchased a building lot on the corner of 56th Street and Roselawn Avenue. Interested area residents were invited to a planning session at the home of Clarence and Pauline Lockard, who lived at 5506 4th Avenue. They met with Father John McAllister, who was Secretary to the Bishop. All were in agreement to move forward with planning the new parish, to include building a chapel of worship.

The small chapel arrived at Roselawn Avenue in segments, and was erected with volunteer labor. The first Mass for this new parish was offered by Bishop McCort on Sunday, August 17th, 1924. Father McAllister, who had shepherded this project from the planning stages through construction, was fittingly appointed to serve as the first pastor. Perhaps more significantly, Saint Rose of Lima was selected as the patron saint and parish namesake, because she was the first canonized saint in the Americas. The church was located on Roselawn Avenue, therefore the new name seemed a natural choice.

A decade later, the parish family had outgrown the small church, and Father McAllister purchased a convent down the street, that had formerly housed the order of Discalced Carmelite nuns. The convent's chapel was expanded and renovated to serve Saint Rose of Lima's growing congregation.

In 1955, a parish dream inched closer to reality, with the launch of a major fund drive to build a new, much larger church and elementary school to educate the children of Saint Rose. Our current church was dedicated on December 4th, 1958. Saint Rose of Lima Catholic School opened its doors in September of the following year, staffed by the Sisters of Divine Providence.

In the remaining forty years, the parish family has swelled to more than one thousand families, and the school census has reached its full complement. The elementary school serves children through the eighth grade, and has recently added Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten programs. A building program in 1977 added a new rectory to Saint Rose, and additional school facilities to include a library, administrative offices and more classrooms. In 2001 a new wing was added to the school building, adding an additional four classrooms. With this addition, the outdoor devotional setting was moved to the front of the church, and is a place for quiet meditation and prayer.

The Saint Rose of Lima campus has grown with the acquisition of a private home on Roselawn Avenue, to become Saint Martin's House, the new parish center for meetings and adult education activities. Other properties purchased adjacent to the church ground has created space for a new basketball court, playground, and more parking. Additionally, in 2003 The Maria Parish Center was erected on the corner of 56th and Roselawn Avenue. This new building serves both the parish and the school as a reception hall and gymnasium.

Taken from: St. Rose of Lima 75th Anniversary The Journey of Faith Continues

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Maria Parish Center

The Maria Center was built to enhance the spiritual, educational, cultural, and recreational needs of the parishioners and students of Saint Rose of Lima Parish and School.

To view the policy on using this facility, see the Usage Policy - Maria Parish Center found on the Calendar, Documents, & Forms Page,« found under "Documents" you will find the Usage Policy - Maria Parish Center.

For additional information please contact our Facility Manager.«

Adult Enrichment

Adult Enrichment ... From time to time the Parish will host various Faith Enrichment Programs. As they are planned, notices will be placed in the Weekly Sunday Bulletin« and on possibly on the Calendars, Documents, & Forms Page.«

Religious Education

The Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion are a two-year formal preparation that begins when your child is enrolled in Religious Education, either while attending Saint Rose of Lima School or Saint Rose of Lima Sunday School. Confirmation preparation begins in grade nine. Sunday Religious Education Classes are scheduled to begin September 13, 2009 after the 8:15AM Mass. Registration forms are on the table in the Church foyer or on the Calendars, Documents, & Forms Page.« Under "Forms" you will find "Religious Ed Registration." They may be returned in the collection basket on Sunday along with the registration fee. Make checks payable to Saint Rose of Lima Church. The fee is $10.00 per student or $20.00 per family for two or more students. All public school students grades K through 11 are expected to attend Sunday Religious Education Classes.

If you need any forms, such as Protecting God's Children or Service Hours, you can get them on the Calendars, Documents, & Forms Page« under "Forms."

Parish Council

We, the parish family of Saint Rose of Lima are a diverse Catholic community established in 1924 in the Eldorado section of Altoona. Blessed with the gifts of faith, hope, and love, we are called to share the life of Christ and continue His ministry as we reach out to our community and the world. We strive to be true to Gospel values and faithful to the inspiration of our Patroness. As concerned individuals and caring families united in this household of God, we are compelled to use our gifts and talents; to foster growth, a sense of belonging and collaborative spirit as we seek to bring about the Kingdom of God.

Meets the second Tuesday of the month, 7:00 PM in the Computer Classroom.

Committees: Liturgy, Education, Finance, Maintenance, Family Life/Activities, and Social Justice.

If you have any suggestions, comments, and/or questions, please contact our Parish Council President.«

Finance Council

This committee has the responsibility to oversee that the parish operates within the financial resources available and plan for the funding of additional facilities and programming to meet the needs of the parish community.

If you have any suggestions, comments, and/or questions, please contact our Finance Council President.«

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Liturgy Council

The Liturgy Council is a leadership group that is comprised of Liturgical Staff. All ministries are represented such as Music, Art & Entertainment, Floral Art, Children, Adult Faith Formation, Cantor, Usher/Greeter, Lector, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, and Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and Children.

If you have any suggestions, comments, and/or questions, please contact our Liturgy Council President.«

Catechesis Council / Liturgical Ministries

The Catechesis Council of Saint Rose of Lima Parish is primarily consultative to the Pastor in Catechesis and informative support group of the Catechetical Leader. The Council is responsible to develop spiritual, moral, and educational skills and associated communication to various Councils and ministries in the parish. Council will also record and evaluate the effectiveness of parish Catechesis and direct this information to the Pastor, Catechetical Leader, Parish Council, and other Councils as needed. Council consists of representatives from each of the Catechetical settings and three at-large representatives from the parish. The Pastor, Parochial Vicar, Principal, and Catechetical Leader serve ex-officio.

If you have any suggestions, comments, and/or questions, please contact our Director of Liturgical Ministries.«

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Parishioner Stewardship

Stewardship .. Time, Talent, and Treasure. Stewardship, the three ways in which we as Christians, members of our Faith Community can help support and sustain our Church, is life giving. One is not more important than the other; and each, time, talent, and treasure, given with and to the Spirit, strengthens our faith as an individual and as a community.

There are many ministries at Saint Rose of Lima in which you can reach out and make a difference. Please, consider offering your Time, your Talent, and/or your Treasure« to our faith community. Under Forms, you will find the Parish Time, Talent, Treasure Form.

The Stewardship Council's main focus is to advise, inform, and motivate fellow parishioners to participate, practice, and serve in the various functions and ministries of parish life. Ministry participation is voluntary and consists of time, talent, and/or treasure, all according to each individual's abilities, needs, and expectations. The result of active stewardship will lead to full celebration and evangelization in our everyday living, as members of the Body of Christ. Council members serve under the spiritual and temporal direction and guidance of the Pastor. Council membership requires only that one desires to serve and become more fully involved in stewardship as a way of life. We currently have nine members including the Pastor and are open to receiving anyone who might wish to be involved. A few of the activities we focus on are: Spiritual Renewal, Ministry Fairs, Time and Talent - Commitment Sunday, the Annual Catholic Appeal, Census/Registration, Endowment Fund, and Offertory Money Counters.

Stewardship .. Time, Talent, and Treasure

The weekend of October 23-24, 2004 the Stewardship Council of Saint Rose of Lima presented a Ministry Fair with thirty-three Ministries, representing nearly 100 Parish Ministries, and their respective representatives were our most gracious hosts. Our theme, "Discover and Celebrate Christ Through Service." The Ministry Fair was very well received by our parish family and we sincerely thank those who have elected to serve Christ by serving the needs of another! Our parish Ministries are always open to new life, new membership and we welcome your participation! Visit the Photos Page« to see how well the weekend went!

The weekend of February 5, 2005 the Stewardship Council of Saint Rose began a Parish-wide Census and was completed in July of 2005. The first weekend of the Census was done in-pew, in place of the homily, with the balance being done through a mailing. It had been nearly ten years since the last Census was taken. The Census focused on updating Parishioner information, as well as a time and talent section.

Fall of 2005 the Stewardship Council held their first Fall Increased Giving Campaign. Parishioners were asked to increase their weekly offering by a small percentage of their current offering.

November 12 - 15, 2006, the Stewardship Council of Saint Rose of Lima presented a four-day Parish Mission with the theme: "Awakening Our Faith in Challenging Times." The Mission was brought to us by the Franciscan Ministry of the Word Friars' and presented a wide-range of topics, lifting the spirits of those who attended.

November 2007 through May of 2008 the Stewardship Council presented "Moments in Ministry," a program where individual Parish Ministries present their good-works for a few minutes after Mass, seeking those whom might be in need of their service and/or those who might be interested in serving an active role in their Ministry.

Fall of 2008 provided for our increased giving campaign. Parishioners were asked to increase their offering by: increasing their weekly donation by a small percentage; by placing an offering in the second collection once per month; and/or by participating in the Scrip Gift Card Program« and donating the rebates earned to Saint Rose of Lima Parish.

November 1 through November 4, 2009 the Stewardship Council, working along with 60 plus volunteers, headed by parishioners Tony Labriola and Pat Labriola, presented a Parish-wide Renewal. The focus for the four nights were: Joy, Forgiveness, Hope, and Healing. The 75 minute service began at 7:00 PM each evening and was followed by light refreshments. Children activities were held in the Maria Parish Center each evening during the Renewal.

For more information on how you can incorporate Stewardship into your life, thereby giving yourself and our Faith Community, life, please contact our Stewardship Council Chair-couple.«

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Parish News

There is a Bulletin/Web Advertisements« for you to use, if you'd like, to submit articles to the Parish Bulletin or Web Site. Under "Forms," you will find "Bulletin/Web Advertisements."

Sunday Bulletin

Please, submit articles in writing to the Rectory Office by Tuesday, 9:30 AM, for publication in the coming Sunday's Bulletin. For additional information, please contact our Parish Secretary.«

Web Site

Please, submit articles in writing to the Rectory Office for publication in the Saint Rose of Lima Parish Web Site.

For additional information, please contact our Web Designer.«

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