St. Catherine of Siena Parish History

In 1956, a group of local Roman Catholic citizens had decided that there was a need for a parish in Mountain Lakes.  Bishop Frank McNulty responded to the committee and sent Father David McCarthy (a former chaplain in the Navy) to establish an exploratory mission.  Father McCarthy explained that the bishop was looking for prompt action, and to prove his point, on July 15, 1956, the first mass was celebrated at the Mountain Lakes Club.  Over 425 people attended, and it was decided that a new, temporary home would need to be located, since the Club could not accommodate the huge crowds every week.

An agreement was reached with the Masonic Temple at Island Beach and the mission rented the building on Sundays and Holy Days.  It was also used for catechetical instruction on Tuesday afternoons, until a church could be built.  A residence was also purchased by parishioner Fred Schwarz, at 18 Vale Drive, and was rented as a daily chapel and rectory.  The following year, 1957, Saint Catherine of Siena was advanced to parish status and Father McCarthy was named the pastor.  Unfortunately, Father McCarthy became ill in 1958 and was replaced by Father Joseph Glynn, a family friend of the McCarthys’ who had grown up with Father David.

Father Glynn was the perfect person to continue the mission for this new parish, and on March 16, 1958, ground was broken for the new church.  The first Mass was celebrated on Christmas Eve, 1958, and the dedication took place on August 22, 1959, with Bishop McNulty officiating.  Father Glynn was the beloved pastor until his death in 1981 - except for a short timespan during 1965 when Father Glynn unselfishly filled the position of Spanish speaking priest at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Paterson.  During this brief time, Reverend Francis P.  McGowan was named pastor.  On November 20, 1982, Reverend David P.  Mahon was welcomed as the fourth pastor.  During his time at Saint Catherine’s an extensive building project was completed, including the construction of a Parish Center dedicated to the memory of Father Glynn, which provided many opportunities to share our faith and educate our children.  In 1990 the church was blessed and rededicated by Bishop Frank Rodimer after it was renovated and updated.  In 1997, after Father Mahon’s sudden death, Reverend Patrick F.  Rice was named our fifth pastor.

Over the years many wonderful pastoral associates have been helping our pastors lead the parishioners.  Today we are blessed to have Reverend Regis Wallace, O.S.B.  in that position.  As we approach the fiftieth anniversary of this parish, we ask our patroness, Saint Catherine of Siena, to protect and guide Father Pat and Father Regis, as she continues her loving and watchful protection for each and every member of our parish family.