St. Bartholomew the Apostle Church Celebrates 75 years
Submitted by: St. Bartholomew’s 75th Anniversary Committee
After many years of not having a place of worship within their own town, Roman Catholic Scotch Plains and Fanwood residents turned to the Archdiocese of Newark hoping for a parish to be established within their hometowns. On July 10, 1946, intense efforts began to establish a Roman Catholic parish in Scotch Plains beginning with a “Letter of Appeal” to the Most Reverend Thomas Joseph Walsh, the Archbishop of the Newark Diocese at that time. Nearly two years later, on June 4, 1948, Archbishop Walsh granted their request and issued a “Letter of Establishment”. On June 16, 1948, Reverend John S. Nelligan was appointed as the church’s first pastor. About 5 months later, on November 21, the “groundbreaking ceremony” took place, and the rest is history. Local Roman Catholics have had a hometown place of worship for 75 years.
Current pastor, Reverend John J. Paladino was appointed pastor on May 1, 2005. Through his vision and dedication for the past 18 years, St. Bartholomew the Apostle parish continues to expand and spread the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Since 1948, St. Bartholomew’s parish has celebrated many religious holidays, sacraments, and events with their parishioners. Religious ceremonies performed to date include11,389 Baptisms, 10,694 First Holy Communions, 10,091 Confirmations, 2,876 weddings and 3,858 funerals and countless masses and other services and sacraments.
The celebrations for this diamond jubilee of the inception of St. Bartholomew Church and 75 years of service to the Scotch Plains-Fanwood community have begun. The festivities kicked off Friday, March 3rd with their “First Friday” Mass. The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Elias Lorenzo, OSB of the Archdiocese of Newark along with Fr. Matthew Gonzalez and Deacon Bob Gurske both of St. Bartholomew’s Church. Scotch Plains Mayor Josh Losardo and Township Manager Al Mirabella were in attendance and presented the parish with a proclamation for this milestone. After Mass, over 110 guests attended The Prime Timers luncheon which was organized by parishioner and 75thanniversary committee member Gail Iozzi.
The festivities continued on Sunday, March 5th, with the Knights and Dames prayer service concelebrated by Bishop Lorenzo, Fr. John Paladino, Fr. Matthew Gonzalez and Deacon Bob Gurske. The following parishioners were recognized for their contributions to the St. Bartholomew parish community through the gift of their time, talent, and treasure:
Jack Cirrito, Darlene Coronato, Kelly & Christine Dencker, The Fenandoe Family, John Paul & Brooke Hamel, Deacon Donald Hessemer, Shirley lovino, Michael & Sharon LaForge, Martha Marino, Andrew MacDonald, Michael & Otilia Michalisin, The Nitro Family, Rev. David Santos,Daniela Sellinger, Kelly Watson
Other celebrations during the diamond jubilee year will include a Golf Outing on May 8, Parish Picnic on June 11, the Faith Based Speaker Series (various dates) and the 75thAnniversary Gala Celebration on November 17. The final celebration will be the 75th Anniversary Mass at the church on November 19, 2023 and will be celebrated by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, CSsR of the Archdiocese of Newark.
For more information regarding the parish and these 75thAnniversary events, visit St. Bartholomew the Apostle Church’s website at stbartholomewchurch.org. All are welcome!
