About St. Benedict · Mohnton, Pennsylvania
The Church of Saint Benedict is a Roman Catholic parish in Mohnton, Pennsylvania, within the Diocese of Allentown. Founded by three Benedictine monks who began celebrating Mass in a monastery farm house for about 50 families, the parish has grown to over 900 families while still maintaining a close, country-family atmosphere. The current church and educational wing on Chestnut Hill Road in Plowville was the first church built and dedicated in the Allentown Diocese in the new millennium, formally dedicated by Bishop Cullen on March 5, 2000.
- Patron
- St. Benedict of Nursia
- Rector
- Father Stan Moczydlowski
- Diocese
- Diocese of Allentown
Why belong here
St. Benedict is a vibrant, worshipping and welcoming community where the strength of its people comes from joyful celebration of the Holy Eucharist. With more than 900 families, the parish still prides itself on a close-knit country-family atmosphere, offering ministries, clubs and organizations that help parishioners face life's challenges together. Visitors and newcomers are warmly welcomed — as the pastor's greeting puts it: 'No matter where you come from, what your background is or who you are, you are always welcome here — because you're family.'
Mass times at St. Benedict
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday 4:00–4:45 PM or by appointment
Parish History
St. Benedict Parish traces its roots to three resident Benedictine monks who began celebrating Mass in a monastery farm house for about 50 families. Its first chapel was a remodeled milk house that served the community for twenty years. From 1972 to 1975, while the first church was being built, Catholic Sunday Masses were offered at the neighboring Robeson Lutheran Church, and daily Masses were said in a renovated candy factory provided by the Gates family. The new church and educational wing on Chestnut Hill Road in Plowville was the first church built and dedicated in the Diocese of Allentown in the new millennium; Bishop Cullen formally dedicated the building on Sunday, March 5, 2000. The relationship with Robeson Lutheran (Plow) Church remains warm to this day, marked by a joint Thanksgiving Prayer Service for Christian Unity and Peace.
Parish Mission & Welcome
The parish's stated mission is: 'We the Parish of St. Benedict, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and our patron St. Benedict, are a vibrant, worshipping and welcoming community of God. The strength of our people is obtained through joyful celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Our commitment is to promote the Gospel of the Lord through our prayers, with words, and actions with Jesus as our guiding light.' The pastor's welcome extends personally to all visitors: 'No matter where you come from, what your background is or who you are, you are always welcome here — because you're family.'
Parish Staff
The parish is led by Father Stan Moczydlowski, Pastor, assisted by Deacon Mark Brezina. The wider staff includes parish and program leadership.
- Father Stan Moczydlowski – Pastor
- Deacon Mark Brezina
- Susan Teaford – Parish Secretary
- Linda Brezina – Director of Religious Education
- Mary Adams – Principal, LaSalle Academy
- Rosanne Weidner – Rectory Housekeeping
- Beverly Perella Owens – Director of Music
Parish Leadership & Pastoral Council
The parish is served by a Pastoral Council with both voting and non-voting members, plus several standing committees that support parish life, safety, finances, and stewardship.
- Non-voting members: Fr. Stan Moczydlowski (Pastor), Linda Brezina (CGS/PREP Director), Beverly Perella (Music Director), Ellie Albright (Parish Outreach), Anita Harrison (Secretary), Kelly Reagan (Bookkeeper), Parish Giving
- Voting members: Bridget Walsh, Jack Riehl, John Bergandino, John Barse, Ryan Ney, Jim Pleitner, Matt Reagan, Mary Alice Newhams, Jim Valentino
- Parish Safety Committee (established via the Emergency Operating Plan, April 2, 2021)
- Finance Committee
- Stewardship Committee
- Disability Committee
Liturgical Ministries
A wide range of liturgical ministries invites parishioners to serve at Mass and other celebrations.
- Music Ministry – Parish Choir (adults and students 13+, Wednesdays 7:00–8:00 PM)
- Cantors (Wednesdays 8:30–9:00 PM)
- Children's/Youth Choir (elementary through middle school)
- Eucharistic Ministers
- Lectors
- Altar Servers – Youth (grades 5–12 who have received First Holy Communion)
- Altar Servers – Adult (funerals and special Masses)
- Ushers and Greeters
Faith Formation: PREP & Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
The parish runs a Parish Religious Education Program (PREP) for older students alongside the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) atrium program for younger children.
- PREP for Levels 7 and 8 (2026–2027 year)
- Catechesis of the Good Shepherd – ages 3 through 6th grade
- Director of Religious Education: Linda Brezina
OCIA – Order of Christian Initiation for Adults
The parish welcomes adults interested in joining the Catholic Church or returning to full communion through OCIA, a journey of prayer, study, reflection, and discernment modeled on the early Christian Church's initiation rites.
- For unbaptized persons
- For baptized Christians from other faith traditions
- For baptized Catholics seeking Confirmation
- Contact: Deacon Mark Brezina – [email protected] or 610-856-1006
Sacraments
Information on how the parish celebrates the sacraments is available through the parish office and bulletins.
- Baptism – celebrated on Saturday afternoon; preparation class held the 2nd of the month, 1:00–2:00 PM (after the 11 AM Mass); call the parish office to schedule
- Marriage – arranged at least 6 months before the wedding; a marriage preparation program is offered to every couple
- Reconciliation – Saturday 4:00–4:45 PM or by appointment
Parish Organizations & Outreach
Beyond liturgical service, parishioners can join a number of organizations focused on vocations, stewardship, youth, charity, and parish life.
- Vocations Committee
- Stewardship Committee
- Youth Group – grades 9–12, combined with Berks County parishes (meets at St. Ignatius, St. Catharine's, or Holy Guardian Angels on Sunday evenings)
- Festival Committee – plans the annual Chicken Barbecue/Summer Festival, the parish's largest fundraiser
- Disabled Advocate Committee
- St. Vincent de Paul Conference – home visits and direct delivery of emergency food and supplies
- Respect Life
- Property Committee