541 Washington Avenue • Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033

PHONE: (908) 272-4444 -:- FAX: (908) 272-4424

MASS SCHEDULE:

Saturday Vigil 5:30 pm | Sunday 9:00 am - 10:30 am - 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Daily Services: 7:00 am - 9:00 am | Saturday 9:00 am ONLY | Monday 6:30 pm

Italian Memorial Mass, First Friday - 6:30 pm

Divine Mercy First Sunday of the Month after 12:00 pm Mass

Holy Days of Obligation Schedules will Appear Separate

The Church of Saint Theresa

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Have you ever wondered how Saint Theresa's parish was established?  Or why Saint Theresa would become our patron saint.  As we encroach upon our 75th anniversary, knowing the roots of our church can be very inspiring and help us to be truly grateful for what we accomplished as a parish.   

Post World War I, the community of Kenilworth grew, and part of that growth included Catholic families.  As the population of Catholics grew, so did the need for worship.  The neighboring towns included “Church of Assumption” in Roselle Park and “Saint Micheals Church” in Cranford.  However, there was no public transportation, and the desire to worship at Mass became a burden to many living in Kenilworth.  In 1919, a small group of Catholics in the community appealed to Bishop O'Connor for his assistance in providing Mass and religious instruction in Kenilworth borough.  Afterward, a census was taken, it was deemed that there were not enough Catholics in the community to establish a parish.  The Spirit of the faithful in the Kenilworth community persevered, and in 1920, Reverend Salvatore J. LoVecchio (Pastor at Church of Assumption) was assigned spiritual director of Kenilworth.  Under his guidance, the name Saint Theresa, the little flower, was suggested (because she was his favorite Saint) and the Catholic Organization of Saint Theresa as established.   

On October 4th, 1936, the first Mass in the borough of Kenilworth was celebrated at the Kenilworth Fire Headquarters.  The growth of Catholicism in our community was rising, and soon, a larger space was needed.  On June 13th, 1939, the Masses were moved to Harding School.  With the continued growth of Catholic families, we soon outgrew Harding School.  In April 1942, the Columbus Club Hall on Washington Ave between 21st and 20th was purchased, and the men in the parish got together to renovate the building into a chapel.  (The building is now Opacity Funeral Home.) This is where Mass was held until the fire in October 1959.  The men of the parish quickly came together again to rebuild the chapel.  While the chapel was being renovated, the Fire House again offered its hospitality in providing a building to celebrate Mass until the renovations were completed.  In late 1964, the plans for Saint Theresa church were completed.  The blessing of the ground and the first spade of dirt moved to construct the one-million-dollar church happened on February 28, 1965.

If you would like to learn more about the deep-rooted history, and future vision for Saint Theresa's Church, be sure to get your FREE copy of the Parish 75th Anniversary Book scheduled to be published on April 1, 2024.  Every parishioner is invited to participate between now and February 1, 2004, in sharing their moments as a parishioner of Saint Theresa’s church by submitting photos, letters, documents, or anything you feel you would like to share with the parish and community.  Families will be invited to a photo shoot at the church and can memorialize their family photos in the Parish book for a small tax-deductible donation.  (Keep an eye on the bulletin for dates and times of the photo shoots.)  Businesses can advertise in the Parish book with a tax-deductible donation.  The Parish 75th anniversary book will undoubtedly be seen by thousands throughout Kenilworth and neighboring towns.  More information on advertising in the Parish 75th Anniversary book will be available soon.

Submission of documents and photos or questions about the 75th anniversary can be sent via email to boblaurie57@yahoo.com.

Bob Laurie

Chairman