History

Vocationist Fathers

"Called to holiness by serving God's people"

tel. 201-944-1154

Parish History

Oblates of Mary Immaculate, O.M.I. (1923-1983)

The old proverb "Large oaks from little acorns grow," may well be applied to the birth and growth of St. Nicholas Church.

Approximately 100 years ago, small Italian and Polish groups settled atop a hill in Palisades Park. Their zeal and determination provided them with a spiritual and physical strength which resulted In the first sign and site of St. Nicholas Church.

On March 12, 1923, the parish was canonically established and became part of the Archdiocese of Newark as, "St. Nicholas Italian Roman Catholic Church."

On May 12, 1927, the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (Italian Province) assumed the duties of the small parish. To give service unreservedly, willingly, and faithfully in true dedication.

In 1929 a new Church was built on the site of the old one for the increasing need of the faithful who moved into the area.

These are the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (O.M.I.) who served our parish from 1927 through 1983:

Fr. F. Anzalone, Pastor;           Fr. J. Ferrecchia, Pastor;          Fr. A. DeLuca,

Fr. U. Carta,        Br. F. Girard,         Fr. M. Gigante,      Fr. A. Ponsiglione,

Fr. M. Papa,        Fr. V. Manente,       Fr. R. Paradis,          Fr. J. Parasiliti,

Fr. A. Mitri,         Fr. A. DiTaddeo,        Fr. J. Miller,        Fr. J. Pucci, Pastor,

Fr. G. Cosentino,             Fr. A. Joppolo, Pastor,             Fr. D. DiTrant,

Fr. P. Pesenti,        Fr. E. Cortinovis,       Fr. P. Abramo,       Fr. P. Archiati.

Filippini Sisters, M.P.F. (1958-1982)

The Filippini Sisters arrived in 1958 and with total commitment and loving care provided education for all students entering St. Nicholas School until 1982. Among them we remember Sr. Barbara Takacs, MPF, principal of St. Nicholas School (1968-1974).

Vocationist Fathers, S.D.V. (since July 1983)

In July 1983, the Vocationist Fathers were assigned by the Archbishop of Newark to continue shepherding St. Nicholas Parish.

Fr. Ernest De Polvere, S.D.V., Pastor, assisted by Fr. Edgar da Cunha, S.D.V., and Fr. Antonio L. da Silva, S.D.V., continued working vigorously and untiringly on all church projects and fund raisers.

On July 20, 1986, Fr. Ernest succumbed at the age of 51, while visiting his family in Italy. A dedicated, devoted, energetic, and generous priest was taken from us. The future and plans were stilled in one instant.

Six months later on February 1, 1987, Fr. Edgar da Cunha, S.D.V. was appointed Pastor of St. Nicholas Church. It was certainly a challenge at the age of 33. The parishioners had confidence, faith, and trust that Fr. Edgar had the qualities of an administrator and spiritual leader. On September 3, 2003 Fr. Edgar has been consecrated bishop and now served the Archdiocese of Newark, NJ as auxiliary bishop for Essex county.

In September 1, 1995 Fr. Antonio L. da Silva, S.D.V. was appointed pastor to continue caring on the mission and ministries of our parish. Under his guidance St. Nicholas has accomplished many projects, among which a new roof for the Church.

On October 15, 2003 Fr. Armando Palmieri, S.D.V., had been appointed Parish Administrator at the age of 30. His main vision for the growth of our community of faith is to meet the different needs of the three language communities and developing a pastoral plan that will help them to feel a better sense of belonging to our Church and to be empowered to grow strong in their faith.

The following Vocationists have also being contributing to the growth of St. Nicholas Church:

Fr. René Lima, Fr. Anthony Ferreira, Br. Harold Hernandez,

Fr. Severino Martini, Fr. Robert Vass, Fr. Anthony Basso,

Fr. Vernon Kohlmann, Fr. Castrese Muoio, Fr. Ezio Antunes.

Dominican Sisters of Hope, O. P. (1985-2003)

Sister John Catherine, of the Dominican Sisters of Hope, arrived in 1985 as principal of St. Nicholas School. In 1991 St. Nicholas School merged with St. Michael's and St. Matthew's parish schools into NOTRE DAME INTER-PAROCHIAL SCHOOL.

Then, Sr. John Catherine was appointed director of the Parish Pre-K, Fr. Justin Learning Center, named after the founder of the Vocationist Fathers. She retired in August 2003.

Vocationist Sisters, S.D.V. (September 2003)

In September 2003 a community of 4 Vocationist Sisters, a religious order founded by Fr. Russolillo, was established at St. Nicholas Convent. Their main work is to staff the Pre-K. Their dedication and competence already gained the affection of many parishioners.

We hope that through them the Lord will continue to touch the lives of many young families of our parish as they dedicate wholeheartedly to the education of our children.

Consecration as Bishop of

Rev. Edgar da Cunha, S.D.V.,

pastor of Saint Nicholas from 1987 to 1994.

Our Parish has been given a great joy when Pope John Paul II elected on June 27, 2003 Fr. Edgar da Cunha, S.D.V., Auxiliary bishop of the Archdioceses of Newark, NJ.

As his religious family, the Vocationist Fathers, rejoices for this great honor, many of us still remember Bishop Edgar as one of us, a happy priest and a loving and caring pastor. In many occasions he has come to celebrate sacraments with us after that he moved to the Vocationist House of formation in Florham Park, NJ.

Bishop Edgar is the first Brazilian born serving as bishop in the United States, and the second worldwide, after the Brazilian Salesian bishop of East Timor.

Bishop da Cunha came to the United States when still a student and completed his studies at Immaculate Conception Seminary, Darlington, NJ, and was ordained as priest in 1982.

As Vocationist, he served as Vocation director, since 1982-88, and as parochial vicar from 1983-86. Then Pastor from 1987-1994.

He served as Novice Master and Superior of the House of Formation in Florham Park, NJ since 1994 to 2000.

In 2000 he was appointed Delegate of the Father General for the Vocationist Communities of the United States, Pastor of Saint Michael RC Church in Newark, and director of one of the most successful PreK-8 Grade School of Newark Archdiocese.

On September 3, 2003 he was consecrated bishop at the Basilica Cathedral of the Sacred Heart by most Rev. John Joseph Myers, Archbishop of Newark, NJ.

A Legacy that continues...

Looking back over the experience of the past years, quickly comes to mind the constructive, meaningful, and enjoyable events and activities which have been planned, organized, and followed through, like the creation of a Dinner-Show, Evangelization with small Christian Communities, the formation of Bible Study Groups, Italian Rosary Group, the Legion of Mary, the institution of a Mass in Portuguese, and First Friday Adoration.

On Nov. 20, 1992, the first group of women from St. Nicholas Parish took their religious vows of Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience, thus establishing the first American Group of the Secular Institute, "The Apostles of Universal Sanctification." (Voc. A.U.S.)

We acknowledge with appreciation the fruitful labors of all those who have served our parish. They are the nourishment needed for the continual growth of the "St. Nicholas Oak Tree."

A look in our Church ... today

Mass Attendance Graphic

the month of March 2004

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