June 15, 1959 – 50th Jubilee Celebration Year

Our parish began on June 15th, 1959 when Bishop McNulty assigned Rev. Joseph J. Meyer “to explore the possibility of establishing a new parish in the area of Towaco, New Jersey.” On July 5th, 1959 two Masses were celebrated at the Towaco Women’s Club on borrowed folding chairs. At prayer that day, Fr. Meyer and a little less than 200 people began our story.

Cathedral In The Orchard

Within a few months, an old apple barn was chosen (on Old Lane) to be the gathering place for Eucharist, Liturgy and Sacraments. Church appointments were begged, borrowed and collected to create “A Little Cathedral In The Orchard.” The Barn, not unlike a stable so long ago became a place where God dwelled and shared his bountiful grace with his people.

 

Timeline

July 1959 First Baptism.

May 14, 1960 Fr. Meyer writes in the bulletin, “Stop coming late and stop leaving early.” (As Scripture says –‘There is nothing new under the sun.’)

July 1, 1960 Establishment of the Canonical parish to be known as the parish of St. Pius X Montville, New Jersey.

November 1960 Three Sunday morning Masses.

February 6, 1961 Blizzard—two attend Mass, Fr. Meyer and Marty Schmidt. He walked to the Barn/Church through the snowdrifts.

1960 500 familes registered.

April 26, 1961 “Day of Decision.” Parishioners were told to make a sacrificial gift toward the building of a new Church—$183,395 was collected.

April 1961 $33,000 purchased 10.73 acres.

May 1961 Parishioners cleared the land.

April 14, 1962 Groundbreaking and blessing by Bishop James McNulty. Church building and one half school building commences.

September 2, 1963 Dedication of Church by Bishop James Navagh.

1967 Second half of school completed.

1968 Convent building (later to become Ministry House) completed.

1979 Msgr. Meyer embraces a working retirement, due to health issues.

1979 Fr. Joseph L. Ferrito (Msgr. 1984) is named second Pastor.

1985 Parish celebrates 25th Anniversary, 1500 families.

1993 Msgr. Meyer Parish Center and Gym built.

1996 Msgr. Ferrito retires after 40 years of faithful service in the Lord.

June 1996 Fr. Joseph J. Garbarino is named third Pastor.

1998 Parish Ministry House—new land purchased, new parking lot constructed, convent converted into Ministry House (all offices, staff, meeting rooms, Youth Ministry).

21st Century Stewardship – Sharing of Time, Talent and Treasure embraced by the parish.

February 24, 2001 Msgr. J. Meyer received the rite of Christian Burial and is interred on the hillside overlooking the property in front of the Ministry House.

September 2001 Building Church: People & Place— A period of spiritual renewal, parishwide meetings, education and fundraising begins for a new and larger Church, Narthex/Gathering Space, renovation of the school building.

Summer 2006 School renovated and updated.

2008 Narthex constructed, Church refurbished. New Church construction—future date.

2009 Jubilee Year – Parish celebrates 50th Anniversary. 2,500 Families.

October 18 & 19, 2009 “Shofar” or “Ram’s Horn” sounded before each Celebration of the Eucharist to start a Year of Jubilee.

We Remember, We Celebrate, We Believe.