About Us
St. Maurice Parish was founded in 1949 and our first Mass held in "Memory Lane", the old Forest Hills Roller Rink. For many years, the Parish made its home in a former Coca-Cola building on Ardmore Boulevard. Our Patron Saint
Saint Maurice was a Roman centurion and leader of the army's Theban legion, composed entirely of Christians. Ordered to suppress a revolt in Gaul in 286 AD, the vicotorious legion was told to sacrifice to the pagan gods in thanksgiving, but refused. As a result, every tenth person was killed. Another order to sacrifice and another refusal caused a general massacre of the legion in (what is now) Switzerland.
Maurice is said to have told Emperor Maxilmillian, "Know, O Emperor, that we are your soldiers, but we are servants of the true God. In all things lawful, we will obey, but we would rather die without shame than live in sin." Saint Maurice's Feast Day is September 22.
A Walk through St. Maurice
Among the first things you see upon entering St. Maurice is the large sanctuary wall sculpture. Entitled "Glory of God, the King of the Universe", its distinctive elements include a crown at the top of a profile head, with outstretched hands, representing the Father embracing humanity. Five circular loaves with cross forms and two fish recall Christ's compassion for all who hunger for the "Good News".
Two interlacing rings represent the union of God and His people. the sand finish is a symbol of God's promise to Abraham that his people will multiply as the sands of the shore. Learn More>>
The faceted glass windows leading into the sanctuary symbolize the mysteries of the Rosary of Our Lady (beginning in blue) on the east side and the Stations of the Cross (beginning in red) on the west side. The rear band of windows is from our old church and contains sacramental symbols. The 40-foot steel bell tower is triangular, topped with three crosses of varying heights, and contains the Carillon, which rings out The Angelus and call to worship for Masses.
Vincent A. Nese Family Sports Center
Through the generosity of hundreds of Parish and School families, St. Maurice School opened opened the doors of our new gymnasium in 2003. The 7,500 sq. ft. building features a middle school regulation size basketball court and houses physical education classes and School and Parish athletics.
