REV. JOSEPH E. HOWARTH

Father Howarth was raised in the Kensington section of Philadelphia and belonged to St. Hugh of Cluny Parish, where he attended school. He is a 1967 graduate of Northeast Catholic High. He furthered his education at St. Joseph’s College, graduating 1971 with a B.A. in history and a minor in philosophy. Father Howarth entered the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales in 1973 and was professed in 1974. He taught American History at the Salesianum School in Wilmington, Delaware from 1974 to 1976. He completed his priestly studies at the De Sales Hall School of Theology and was ordained on 14 June 1980 at Our Lady of Ransom Church, Philadelphia.

Upon ordination, Father Howarth was assigned to Northeast Catholic High School faculty. He taught theology to the seniors. In 1995 he was earned a Master’s Degree in library science from Villanova University. He was also the moderator of the football team, wrestling team, and crew. Father was the weekend assistant for ten years at Our Lady of Good Counsel parish in Moorestown, NJ.

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In 1991, he left Northeast Catholic for his first assignment as a diocesan priest at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Andorra. Since that time, his other appointments as parochial vicar have included St. Ephrem Parish, Corpus Christi Parish, St. Timothy Parish, St. Albert the Great, and St. Katherine of Siena Parish. In 2007, he was assigned as pastor to the Resurrection of Lord Parish in the Rhawnhurst section of Philadelphia and remained there for ten years. He was assigned at Pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in June of 2017.

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Father Howarth enjoys gardening, classical music, cooking, walking, and traveling, crossword puzzles, historical books, and an occasional glass of Dewar’s scotch.

REV. CHARLES J. SULLIVAN

Father Sullivan is Pastor Emeritus of St. Bernard Parish in Philadelphia and plays an active role in parish life both sacramentally and socially

REV. ALEXANDER MASLUK

Father Al Masluk retired in July 2020 and now resides at Immaculate Conception Rectory.  He is Pastor Emeritus of St. Martha Parish in Philadelphia.  He now utilizes different ways to preach the Gospel, including daily reflections and virtual courses on his Facebook page, "Father Al's Fragments" and his first published children's book, Izzy the Christmas Owl.  He is happy to reside in a wonderful faith community.   

DEACON ALVIN A. CLAY

Deacon Clay was ordained to the Diaconate on June 9, 2002 by Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua and was assigned to Immaculate Conception. He and his wife Kathy have been parishioners since 1992, when they moved with their seven children from Delaware County to Bryn Athyn.  In addition to his service to our parish, Deacon Clay assists the Archbishop at many liturgical celebrations at the cathedral. He also serves on the Archbishop’s Finance Council and has been a member of a number of other Archdiocesan boards and committees over the years.  He serves the world church through his position as Treasurer and board member of the National Catholic Bioethics Center.Deacon Clay, one of ten children, graduated from Cardinal O’Hara High School and received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Villanova University. He has had a long career in Accounting, Investments and Financial Planning. Over the past 20 years he has served as CEO of two different trust companies and board member of many charitable organizations