I don't think it is a stretch at all, I think the writers knew exactly what they were doing when they named that church. Further, all three of them are innocent, but how long will it be until Fr. Gill gets Peggy into bed?

Good question 60'schild! I just don't know who is the innocent except that lovely little boy, Bobby, "you need a new daddy", OMG that is so beautiful! Oooops, I might have to go to confession so I mean to say OM. he,he

I'm with you "out there", 60's child. Holy Innocents appears to be one of those irresistible Dickensian puns which can lend itself to all manner of interpretation.
If Mad Men is, as I like to believe, an allegory about late 20th century American capitalism, then, of course, no one is Wholly Innocent.
The Vietnam war is on the horizon-- aren't several of the SC men of draftable age? Or at least Roger's future son-in-law?
Aren't the Holy Innocents the male children whom Herod had slaughtered while Jesus was spared?

Holy Innocents is an actual parish in Brooklyn. So, if you know the borough, this also gives you an idea of where Peggy lives.

Holy Innocents is at 279 E 17th St., Brooklyn, NY. The pastor from 1951 to 1973 was Fr. Joseph I. Foley They have a web site.

Thanks to my fellow Maddicts! I really thought I was going overboard, it's good to know you don't think so, and are overboard with me!

Yes pianoneurotic, The Holy Innocents were slaughtered by Herod's soldiers.
According to the story, Herod heard about a new King who was born in Bethlehem from the Magi. He asked them to return and tell him exactly where Jesus was so he could go and pay homage to him. They didn't because an angel told them not to. Herod then calculated approx. what age Jesus might be. Based on that he gave the order to kill any male children 2 years of age and under in the area of Bethlehem. Mary, Joseph, and Jesus were able to escape before, once again, because they received a warning from an angel. Actually, I beleive Joseph got the message in a dream.
The feast day is celebrated in late December after Christmas. I hope that helps.
If any other fellow MM Catholics want to add or correct any of the info. please feel free to do so.

Thanks MicheleKay, I wondered if the Parish actually existed. I know Peggy has mentioned being from Bay Ridge before.

Thanks Frighgigh, I must have been typing at the same time your post came up.
Once again, that's one of the things I like so much about Mad Men, the true people, places, history mixed with the fictious storylines.

Nora, I wish "Oh My God" was the worst thing I have said! I would be in Confession for a week confessing language sins!!

I'm down to three more hours before Episode 5. Got to get my martinis and lucky strikes out!

drink & smoke,
Where are you that Episode 5 begins in 3 hours???? If so please let us know how, what, where, every little thing. I simply cannot wait til tomorrow night!

How did I escape the 60's with no alcohol or drug addictions and now I'm addicted to this show??

There are Holy Innocents Churches all over, but I noticed that 3 times they showed the church program with the name prominently featured. So I guess they want us to get it.