On Philadelphia Pike in Claymont
Holy Rosary Catholic Church sits at 3200 Philadelphia Pike in Claymont, Delaware, the northernmost community of New Castle County. The parish describes itself as "in the heart of Claymont," and the bilingual congregation has welcomed Catholics to its doors for generations. The parish mission is to "proclaim the Gospel of Christ to our local community in word, deed, and truth," and the motto "Loving Christ, Loving Others" frames the work of every ministry there.
The parish's fuller description explains: "Holy Rosary Parish is a community of persons who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Each of us is called by the Father to proclaim the Good News of Christ, to celebrate His love in prayer and sacraments, and to build the kingdom of justice, truth, love, and peace. Individually, we have been gifted by the Spirit in many varied ways; together, we seek to use these gifts in the service of one another and the world around us. We are united in our mission with the Diocese of Wilmington and the universal Church to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world."
Father John J. Gayton serves as pastor. The staff also includes Deacon Jose Perez and Sister Nellie Marrero, parish manager Bill Moschelle, faith formation director Theresa Rapposelli-Moschelle, music minister Sandie Grieshaber, a secretary, a bookkeeper, and a maintenance lead. Masses are celebrated in English and Spanish, and most parish material is fully translated between the two languages.
Sunday Mass and the Live Stream
The church gathers four times on Sunday and once on Saturday evening for Mass. Saturday Vigil is celebrated at 4:30 p.m. in English. Sunday has three Masses: 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. in English, and 12:30 p.m. in Spanish. The parish notes that all are welcome at each Mass.
The 10:00 a.m. English Sunday Mass and the 12:30 p.m. Spanish Sunday Mass are livestreamed on the parish YouTube channel at @HolyRosaryClaymontDE. Funeral Masses and special celebrations are also streamed when families request them; separate feeds for "Live Funerals" and "Live Special Celebrations" are maintained so that anyone who cannot be present can still take part.
Daily Mass, Confession, and Holy Week
Daily Mass is celebrated Tuesday through Saturday at 8:00 a.m. On Mondays the parish's outreach ministries are at their busiest, with the Food Closet packing and distributing emergency groceries.
The Sacrament of Penance is offered on Saturday from 3:30 to 4:00 p.m. in the Daily Mass Chapel. Confessions may also be arranged by appointment with Father Gayton; those wishing to set up an appointment are asked to call the parish office.
Holy Week Masses are also broadcast. The parish's live stream schedule lists a Holy Thursday Mass in English at 7:00 p.m., a bilingual Good Friday liturgy at 7:00 p.m., and the Easter Vigil at 8:00 p.m.
Sacraments at Holy Rosary
The parish celebrates all seven Catholic sacraments. The page on Baptism includes the blessing prayed over the waters: "Father, look now with love upon your Church, and unseal for her the fountain of baptism. By the power of the Holy Spirit give to this water the grace of your Son, so that in the sacrament of baptism all those whom you have created in your likeness may be cleansed from sin and rise to a new birth of innocence by water and the Holy Spirit." Parents register through a Baptism Registration Form; the baptism preparation process is referenced alongside the regular form.
First Communion is taught as "the source and summit" of Christian life. The parish teaches that "the Risen Jesus is truly and substantially present in the Eucharist. The Eucharist is not a sign or symbol of Jesus; rather we receive Jesus himself in and through the Eucharistic species. The priest, through the power of his ordination and the action of the Holy Spirit, transforms the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Jesus. This is called transubstantiation."
Confirmation prepares the baptized to receive the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit and to "renew our baptismal promises and commit to living a life of maturity in the Christian faith." Teens and adults prepare through the parish's faith formation program.
The Anointing of the Sick is celebrated for parishioners coping with illness or preparing for surgery, as well as for the dying. The parish notes that "the Anointing of the Sick is a liturgical and communal celebration" and that "it is very fitting to celebrate it within the Eucharist." At the anointing, the priest prays that the oil become "a remedy for all who are anointed with it; heal them in body, in soul and in spirit, and deliver them from every affliction."
The Ministry of Holy Communion to the Sick takes Communion to those who are homebound or in area nursing homes; volunteers coordinate visits with the parish office.
Marriage is prepared with the parish over a period of months; couples contact Father Gayton to begin the process. Holy Orders is recognized by listing Deacon Jose Perez alongside Sister Nellie Marrero in the parish's "Religious" section.
Becoming Catholic and Returning Catholics
Those interested in joining the Catholic Church enter Holy Rosary through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, commonly known as RCIA. The parish describes RCIA as "a communal process for formal initiation of new members into the Catholic Church" and "a return to the formation of the earliest members of the Church in the first and second centuries." Sessions follow the school-year calendar; inquiries go to the Faith Formation Director.
The parish maintains a dedicated page for Returning Catholics. "The first thing you need to know," the parish writes, "is that you are always welcome back. The Church misses you and hopes that you will choose to come home as an active member." Links to the Catholics Come Home apostolate are provided as further reading.
Those who simply want to register as new parishioners may do so through the Parish Registration form. There is no charge for registration; the form is linked directly from the parish navigation.
Religious Education from Childhood Through Adulthood
Faith Formation is the parish's umbrella for religious education. Theresa Rapposelli-Moschelle directs the program; the Religious Education link lives under the Faith Formation menu. Children preparing for First Communion and Confirmation enroll through the parish office, with classes running through the school year.
Adult faith formation continues year-round. The parish curates a page of Adult Faith Formation resources, including Spanish-language material on the Synod on Synodality. Synod was opened for the Diocese of Wilmington by Bishop Koenig at an Opening Mass. Holy Rosary's reflection describes the Synod as "a local or provincial assembly of bishops and other church officials who meet to resolve questions," and explains sinodalidad as "fundamentally about walking together... listening to each other in order to listen to what God is saying to all of us."
The parish maintains a Young Adults ministry linked through the Diocese of Wilmington and points Catholic young professionals to the Young Catholic Professionals network, which the parish notes does not yet have a Delaware chapter.
Parish Outreach: The Food Closet
The longest-running work of the parish is its Food Closet, a food pantry that distributes emergency and supplemental groceries to neighbors in need. The pantry is open two mornings each week: Monday and Thursday, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Volunteers stock shelves, package food for distribution, and assist clients during those hours. New volunteers are always welcome; the parish asks interested helpers to telephone or email the Parish Office.
The Lazarus Ministry prepares for and serves at parish funerals. "Volunteers serve as Lectors, Ministers of Holy Communion, Acolytes, and Greeters at parish funerals," coordinated by Bernadette and Wayne Aston. The ministry works closely with the parish staff to schedule funeral liturgies.
The Parish Prayer Chain is a phone-based network of parishioners who pray for specific intentions. "If you have an intention that you wish remembered," the parish writes, "please call Arbie Ward." The prayer chain has been a long-standing way to bring needs into the prayer life of the parish.
Ministers of Holy Communion to the Sick carry the Eucharist to those who cannot easily come to church, including residents of area nursing homes.
The Emmanuel Dining Room
On the third day of every month, Holy Rosary volunteers purchase, deliver, and prepare the noon meal at the Emmanuel Dining Room on Walnut Street in Wilmington. Mary Lang coordinates the parish effort. The Emmanuel Dining Room is a free community meal program in downtown Wilmington, and Holy Rosary's team has partnered with it as one of several regular monthly cook-and-serve groups.
The Divine Mercy Devotion
On the first Tuesday of every month, the church gathers for a Divine Mercy Prayer Service with Eucharistic Exposition and Synodal Prayer. The service takes place in the church sanctuary, with meditative music beginning at 6:45 p.m. All are welcome; attendees are invited to "bring your personal intention request to Holy Rosary Church's Divine Mercy Prayer Service with Eucharistic Exposition and Synodal Prayer." Ann Dougherty coordinates the devotion.
The parish teaches the history of the original Divine Mercy Image, which was commissioned through Saint Faustina Kowalska and painted by Eugene Kazimirowski in Vilnius in 1934. Saint Faustina's words are quoted at length: "In the evening, when I was in my cell, I saw the Lord Jesus clothed in a white garment. One hand [was] raised in the gesture of blessing, the other was touching the garment at the breast. From beneath the garment, slightly drawn aside at the breast, there were emanating two large rays, one red, the other pale... Paint an image according to the pattern you see, with the signature: Jesus, I trust in You." The parish walks through the symbolism of the image element by element, from the dark background signifying "the world in darkness without Jesus" to the left foot stepping forward, which "indicates that the Lord is not waiting for us to come to Him; he makes the first move."
Children are taught the Divine Mercy Chaplet through a short video, and recorded reflections by Father Michael Gaitley walk through the historical development of the message in the twentieth century and what Divine Mercy means today. The parish notes that in the mid-1990s it was observed that the face of Jesus in the Vilnius Image matches the face on the Shroud of Turin with mysterious accuracy.
Parish Life, Knights of Columbus, and Bingo
Beyond Mass and the sacraments, Holy Rosary sponsors a year-round calendar of community events. The parish hosts Knights of Columbus Council 3182, an organization of Catholic men that supports parish life through service projects, fundraisers, and fellowship. The council's link is provided directly from the parish navigation.
Bingo has long been a community gathering and fundraiser for the parish; the parish maintains a separate page for the game and its prizes.
Other parish life offerings include the parish bazaar, social justice ministries (such as serving the poor, visiting the homebound, and volunteering with St. Vincent de Paul), youth ministry, men's and women's groups, and annual parish events. The parish encourages parishioners to "prayerfully consider these opportunities for getting involved in ministry." Ideas for new ministries are welcome; those interested are asked to contact the parish office.
Renting the Pastoral Center and Church Hall
Two facilities are available for parishioners' events: the Pastoral Center and the Church Hall. Both rent at $100 per hour, with a $25 per hour fee for on-site Holy Rosary support (a minimum $150) and a $105 fee for the insurance rider that the parish is required to carry. The insurance rider is non-refundable, and the balance of payment is due 48 hours before the event.
Both halls are reserved for parishioners registered with the parish office for at least six months. Maximum occupancy in the Hall is 150 people; renters are restricted to the Hall, the hallways leading to the Hall, and the bathrooms. Pastoral Center events are limited to the first floor, with a 50-person indoor maximum (or up to 150 when the Center is used with an outdoor component, such as a tented wedding reception in the front yard). Outside-only events on the grounds may host up to 300 people, provided portable toilets are contracted. Museum pieces in the Pastoral Parlors, including the Victrola and piano, are not to be moved or touched; no food is allowed in the Parlor.
Setup time for the Pastoral Center is allowed up to four hours before the event; setup for the Church Hall is allowed up to five hours. All supplies and equipment must be removed at the conclusion of the event, and the facility cleared within one hour of event end. Cleanup expectations are spelled out in the renter's rules and coordinated with the on-site Holy Rosary staff member; trash bags are placed in the parish truck for removal.
Events where alcohol is sold (including indirectly, as part of a dinner ticket) require a Gathering License from the Delaware Office of Alcoholic Beverage Control, applied for at least 28 days in advance; the parish will assist with the application. A $100 insurance rider through the parish's insurance company is also required, paid 10 days before the event and non-refundable.
An Event Point of Contact must be present for the entire event and is responsible for the conduct of guests and any damages. The pastor and staff reserve the right to set environmental controls for the building during events; renters are asked not to adjust thermostats. Smoking is prohibited inside both facilities; designated outdoor smoking areas are available.
The Liturgical Year
Holy Rosary follows the universal liturgical calendar of the Roman Catholic Church. Advent begins the year with four Sundays of preparation leading up to Christmas. Christmas is a season that opens Christmas Eve and concludes with the Baptism of the Lord in January. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and calls Catholics to repentance and renewal; the Triduum follows (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday), with the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night when new members of the faith receive the Sacraments of Initiation. Eastertide, which celebrates the Resurrection and Ascension, ends at Pentecost. Ordinary Time explores Christ's mission through the Gospels and concludes with the Solemnity of Christ the King. Solemnities, Feasts, and Memorials of particular saints and events fall throughout the year.
What Catholics Believe, in Holy Rosary's Words
The parish teaches the basic doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church. Catholics recite the Nicene Creed each Sunday at Mass, proclaiming belief in one God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church; in one baptism for the forgiveness of sins; and in the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.
The Catholic Church, the parish teaches, "was founded by the person and mission of Jesus Christ. The word 'Catholic' means universal. Today's Church is truly universal - it is the largest in the world with more than 1 billion members around the globe." The Pope, as Bishop of Rome and successor of Peter, is the chief pastor and shepherd of the whole Church; the bishops are successors of the apostles.
The seven sacraments - Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony - "are instituted by and through the life of Jesus Christ." The Mass is "source and summit"; the Paschal Mystery - the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ - is "the central mystery of every liturgical celebration." Catholics are called to live a countercultural life of service, to care for the poor, to stand for the dignity of the human person, and to pray together, especially at Sunday Mass.
The parish teaches the four marks of the Church (one, holy, catholic, apostolic), the corporal and spiritual works of mercy, the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the theological and cardinal virtues, the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, the Stations of the Cross, the Seven Last Words of Christ, and the fruits of the Holy Spirit. The Precepts of the Church include attending Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation, confessing serious sins at least once a year, receiving Holy Communion frequently, fasting and abstaining on appointed days, contributing to the support of the Church, observing the Church's laws on marriage, and joining the missionary spirit of the Church.
Practical Information and Giving
Parishioners may register online through the parish registration form. Baptism registration is handled through a separate form. The parish accepts online giving through its WeShare portal, publishes a weekly bulletin, and links to the Diocese of Wilmington for diocesan news. The parish YouTube channel at @HolyRosaryClaymontDE carries the live stream and recorded Masses.
The parish office is at 3200 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, DE 19703, and may be reached at (302) 798-2904 or office@hrparish.com. The Spanish-language ministry is coordinated by Deacon Jose Perez and Sister Nellie Marrero.