Parish History | Pastors Through The Years

1951 ~ 2001

St. Catherine of Siena Parish is a vibrant, faith-filled community that brings people of all ages and walks of life together to build up the Kingdom of God through caring for each other and for their neighbors.

We are a stewardship parish: one that strives to put God first, and expresses our gratitude for the many gifts we have received by sharing our time, treasure, and talent. Stewardship happens when the words, "We Believe in God" are put into practice.

The seeds of stewardship were planted over fifty years ago when a need for a local church was perceived by the evolving and growing community of Cedar Grove. Around 1910, the early families in this farming community, among them the Nicholas, Grissings, and Bradshaws, would walk over First Mountain to St. Cassian's Church in Upper Montclair. By 1926, most of the Catholics in Cedar Grove were parishioners at Our Lady of the Lake in Verona, or perhaps attending Mass in Little Falls.

By 1949 there were 250 Catholic families in Cedar Grove, a town growing from a rural community into a suburban one. Placid farms were giving way to housing developments, shopping centers, and churches. Feeling these growing pains, and seeking to have a home of its own, a Catholic Club was formed by Mr. & Mrs. William Bradshaw to work for the formation of a parish church in Cedar Grove.

In 1949, St. Catherine's actually spouted roots as a mission of Our Lady of the Lake, and its pastor, Rev. Mattias J. Boylan. On June 12, 1949, Pentecost Sunday, the Holy Spirit descended on the new mission as the first mass was celebrated by Rev. Francis C. Carey. The birthday of the Catholic Church, coinciding with the establishment of a new mission, was a sign of God's blessing in Cedar. Grove. The early Masses at the mission were celebrated in the Towers on Pompton Avenue, and later, at the Meadowbrook across the highway.

In the Spring of 1950, Mr. Bradshow learned of the availability of the Phillip Grissing farm at Bradford Avenue and Pompton Avenue. On June 1, 1950 Mr. Bradshaw, Mr. Moretti, and members of the Catholic Club petitioned the Most Reverend Archbishop Thomas J. Walsh of the Archdiocese of Newark for a church in Cedar Grove. At his request, the Catholic Club submitted a petition signed by 334 Catholic families, representing 1097 Catholics. Permission was granted for the church and on September 12, 1951, a certificate of incorporation was signed by the Archbishop Walsh, thus officially creating the parish of St. Catherine of Siena.

The dreams and determination of its founding parishioners, and the work, sacrifices, and contributions of its generations of good stewards brought to fruition the present St. Catherine of Siena Parish, a beautiful physical plant of church, school, rectory, and convent, and an enthusiastic ministry which furthers the message of Jesus Christ in all aspects of our lives.

Parish History | Pastors Through The Years