The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has announced that Saint Martin de Porres Interparochial School in Germantown will change its name in September 2009 and be known as DePaul Catholic School. The new name was chosen to reflect the school's devotion to the philosophies of Saint Vincent de Paul and his patronage for service.

As one of two schools named Saint Martin de Porres within the Archdiocese, the Germantown school was often confused with the Saint Martin de Porres Parish School located just minutes away at 2300 Lehigh Avenue, Philadelphia. After a request to Bishop Joseph P. McFadden, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, the school was granted permission to change its name.

"Our new name honors the humble beginning of our school and allows us to truly celebrate the great school that we have become under the guiding legacy of Saint Vincent de Paul," explained Sister Cheryl Ann Hillig, Principal. "And while our name is new, our mission continues -- to provide local children with an excellent education that develops them academically, socially and spiritually."

The former Saint Martin de Porres Interparochial School was established, generously supported and staffed by the Vincentians, a Roman Catholic apostolic community of priests and brothers founded by Saint Vincent de Paul to evangelize the poor. The school currently has a large service-learning component in its academic curriculum and will continue to support this model and related community service projects to honor Saint Vincent de Paul.

For more information about the school, please visit www.smdeporres.org or call 215-842-1266.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747