Incarnation of the Lord History

Incarnation of the Lord Parish was established on May 30, 1993, Pentecost Sunday, as part of the diocesan reorganization and revitalization. The parish was formed by the merger of Annunciation and Nativity parishes. The name of Incarnation of the Lord was chosen since the Annunciation and the Nativity of our Lord were events linked in our Lord’s Incarnation.

Initially, the parish kept both Annunciation and Nativity church buildings open.  However, the parish population continued to decline and in January 2001, the parishioners voted overwhelmingly to close the Annunciation church building. The last Mass at Annunciation took place on June 10, 2001.

On May 19, 2002, Pentecost Sunday, a small fire broke out in the church that morning causing damage to the altar. Masses were held at the Incarnation Academy while the church could be restored. In the restoration process, part of the closed Annunciation church was incorporated into the design by placing one of its stained glass windows behind the altar. The restoration process also brought the individual communities from the two original churches closer together.  The church was rededicated on Sunday, December 22, 2002 by then Bishop Donald Wuerl.

On May 20, 2018, Pentecost Sunday, Incarnation of the Lord parish celebrated its 25th Anniversary with a Mass and picnic. All of the parishioners looked back at all they have done as a parish community and are looking forward in forming new relationships with the On Mission for the Church Alive! process.

Today, Incarnation of the Lord Church is part of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish. The Parish Center, which houses the administrative offices, is located at 800 Avila Court in Perrysville.