In the 1940’s
and 1950’s Franklin Park Catholics were served
as a mission church of St. Peter’s Parish, New
Brunswick. In 1951, the land was purchased and construction
begun on the “little church”. St. Augustine
of Canterbury Roman Catholic Church was formally established
September 24. 1958, with Father John J. Reilly installed
as founding pastor by Right Reverend Michael McCorristin,
Vicar General of the Diocese of Trenton. Ground was
broken for a parish school April 1, 1962 and opened
September 15, 1963, served by the Sisters of Saint Francis
of Philadelphia.
By 1963, as our
parish continued to grow, it became necessary to hold
Masses in the school gym. In January 1979, Bishop Ahr
appointed father William R. Capano second pastor. In
1973, planning for a larger church begun; and in July
1986, Bishop Theodore E. McCarrick and Father Capano
Shared the honors at the groundbreaking ceremonies for
the new church. Construction on the new church begun
on may 1, 1987. Bishop Edward T. Hughes dedicated the
new church building September 23, 1989.
In 1988 the Brothers
of the Sacred Heart became the school administrators.
Father Capano was elevated as a Prelate of Holiness
by Pope John Paul II to Monsignor in January 1994. Monsignor
Capano died suddenly August 17, 1995.
Father Robert G.
Lynam was appointed by Bishop Edward T. Hughes as the
third pastor of St. A’s and installed on October
10, 1995. The parish celebrated its 40th Anniversary
in 1998.
St. Augustine’s
has been blessed with many dedicated priests, sisters,
brothers and parishioners over the years. In June 2001,
the Sisters of Filippini were appointed to our parish
to fill positions in both the school and church. Many
active groups currently administer to both the Physical
and spiritual needs of St. A’s parishioners.
Since its
beginnings our parish has grown and evolved into a community
blessed with many cultures. As we move into the future,
we will always have the guidance and the strength of
Our Lord Jesus Christ as our foundation.
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