CAMDEN – The community of Saint Bartholomew Church, Sacred Heart Parish, came together to celebrate their annual Homecoming Sunday Mass and luncheon Sept. 28.
This tradition, cherished for decades, brings together current parishioners, families who have moved away and members of the wider Black Catholic community to honor their shared faith and history.
Retired Deacon Bill Johnson received a warm welcome from parishioners before preaching the day’s homily.
“When we live a life of strong principles, we grow closer to God,” he said, his words drawing nods and applause from those filling the pews. He encouraged all to deepen their faith and asked, “How can we all be more spiritual?”
Celebrated by Father Vincent Guest, parish pastor, the Mass was marked by joyful music, spirited responses and an atmosphere of gratitude. The liturgy was not just a celebration of the present community but also a remembrance of the generations who built and sustained Saint Bartholomew Church through the decades. Those whose relatives had made significant contributions to the life of the church were presented with commemorative certificates. The gesture reflected the heart of Homecoming Sunday – gratitude for the past and hope for the future, those who attended said.
“This is truly a special community and a special day,” Father Guest said, smiling as parishioners applauded.
Afterward, parishioners and guests made their way to the church hall for the luncheon. Tables filled quickly as friends and family shared stories, laughter and memories of past Homecomings. Some had traveled from outside Camden, eager to reconnect with the parish where they or their parents were baptized, married or educated.
“I was raised here, and my two kids were baptized here,” parishioner Irene Simmons said. Reflecting on the day’s events, she added, “Today was very nice, very nice to see many members who were here.”
Several guests shared similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of preserving the church’s legacy for future generations. For many, the church – affectionately known as “St. Bart’s” – is not just a place of worship, but a cornerstone of cultural and spiritual identity.
The church has been a spiritual home since its establishment in the 1940s as a personal parish for the African American community. In its early years, the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament – a religious order founded by Saint Katharine Drexel – served the parish, offering education and evangelization. Today, the church is listed on the New Jersey Register of Historic Places, and continues to be a gathering place where faith and heritage meet.
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