A History of St. Bridget’s Parish

Were Fr. James Daley, Pastor of St Mary’s, Gloucester, in 1868, to return for a visitation of the little mission he funded in Southern Gloucester County, I’m certain he would be pleased and proud with the progress we’ve made since those horse and buggy days of yesteryear.  From those first twenty families and their leaders in faith, our beloved St Bridget’s has multiplied and divided several times over, a tribute to their noble commitment and deep appreciation of Gospel values.

While today we have a tremendous rapport with the various Churches here in Glassboro, Ecumenism got rolling when a generous Protestant owner of a local Glass Works by the name of Mr. Whitney donated land for the first Catholic Church in our area.  If you take a short walk down to the northwest corner of University Boulevard and Harvard Road you will find the original site.  Since Father Daley and his early congregation were all of Irish extraction, it was only natural that the new mission be named St. Bridget’s, Ireland’s second Patron Saint!  Despite trying economic times following the Civil War, which almost caused its demise, the young mission grew steadily with its succession of Pastors.

In 1882, for greater accessibility, the Church building was moved to Church Street, but only after narrowly avoiding a train collision en route to its new site!  With the merger of two glass companies in Glassboro in 1887 affording more job opportunities, Parish enrollment swelled to two hundred, the same year St. Bridget gained its autonomy and became an official parish.  Fr. Charles F. Kane, newly ordained, became the first permanent pastor and, in no time, ground was purchased for a new rectory for the princely sum of $125.00!

During the latter half of the nineteenth century, with the country in the full throes of the Industrial Revolution, its struggle for equality of wages and the effects of Unionization, St. Bridget’s, nonetheless, grew in leaps and bounds, attracting a variety of immigrants, among them German and Polish, but principally Irish and Italian.  By World War I, with Fr. R. J. O’Farrell as pastor, St. Bridget’s had doubled its congregation to four hundred energetic, faith-filled and determined Catholics, all of whom worked principally as farmers.  A variety of social affairs flourished, enriching the community at that time:  sewing circles, carnivals, dances, etc., with many affairs held in private homes.  Between 1915 and 1943, Fr. Alfred Scully, a great scholar and convert to Catholicism, pastored St. Bridget’s, remembered for his tremendous concern for the poor.  Under his leadership, Our Lady Queen of Peace became first a mission, then a parish in its own right.  Our familiar St. Anthony’s Society was formed in 1919 to provide jobs for the unemployed, money for the poor, and health and death benefits for the many Italian Immigrants flocking to Glassboro.

Towards the end of World War II, Fr. Jerome Pionkowski, Fr. Jerry as he was known, took the helm and within no time organized a Choir and founded a Ladies Sodality and Society.  Due to Fr. Jerry’s inspiration another offshoot was planned in Clayton, known as St. Catherine’s.  Fr. Jerry also ministered to Holy Name of Jesus in Mullica Hill, which eventually gained independence in 1961.  By 1966, Our Lady of Lourdes was established, with the completion of their new Church building in 1987.  We have to thank Fr. Jerry for bringing the first Catholic Grade School to Gloucester County, as well as the dedicated Felician sisters, who faithfully served both our school and parish.  You might be interested in knowing that the first school building was actually the present convent, with the house next door the first convent!  In 1946, Fr. Jerry purchased the former Public High School on High Street (now razed) to better accommodate the eager youth that were attracted to its doors.  Fr. Jerry’s dream was becoming a reality!  The 50’s and 60’s brought the Knights of Columbus, counseling services at Glassboro State College, and Newman Club, as well as our crowning achievement, the brand new Church building on the site of the former jail!  Indeed, God must have a sense of humor!  Has not the church always tried to transform its negative elements by “christening” them? 

Fr. Charles Kuhl succeeded Fr. Jerry in 1969, and set himself to the task of building an entirely new school, replacing the 1912 structure.  Bingo helped to pay off the building and continues to help defray ongoing school expenses.

In the early 70’s, Fr. John Clarke was appointed Pastor and, with Irish wit and enthusiasm, began to implement the reforms of Vatican Council II.  Reconciliation Rooms were installed and a daily Chapel was created.  To his credit, genuine Iron Bells were added to the Church Tower.  Strides were made to pay off the New School debt.

Fr. Francis P. Araneo arrived in 1978 and proved himself quite a competent administrator.  In keeping with the guidelines of Vatican II, Fr. Araneo established Lay Ministries for the Eucharist and Lectors.  A Kindergarten was enthusiastically welcomed in 1980.  Tragically, Fr. Araneo’s Pastorate was shortened by an accident that claimed his life in 1982 as he was returning from a Pro Life Rally.

Following the death of Fr. Araneo, Msgr. James R. Tracy was assigned to St. Bridget’s and remained with us for nine years.  Amiable, energetic and creative, Monsignor introduced many new items for our spiritual nourishment:  Renew, RCIA, a new Parish Center, beautification of the parking lot and installation of stained glass windows for the Church. 

The Felician Sisters were part of St. Bridget’s for more than 60 years, assisting the pastors and involved with St. Bridget’s School.

In 1991, Fr. Robert Smith was appointed  Pastor.  He remained at St. Bridget’s until 2000.

Fr. Wayne “Pat” Lavin was appointed to the parish in 2001 and served as Pastor for three years.

Presently, Fr. Cadmus D. Mazzarella is Pastor of St. Bridget’s.  Fr. Mazz is assisted by Deacon Joseph W. Loungo.  Fr. Mazz had assisted Fr. Tracy for three years as a newly ordained priest.  He returned to St. Bridget’s as temporary administrator in 2004 and was installed as pastor in January 2005.

In 2006, Sr. M. Bernarda Ribeiro, Sr. M. Gemma Procopio, Sr. M. Rita DeFlavia, Sr. Janice Marie Novak and Sr. Stacie Marie Gagnon, Franciscan Sisters, came to St. Bridget’s.   With assisting Fr. Mazz and supervising the school program, they are an integral part of the parish.  Their Franciscan Order purchased a house next to the Convent for their future expansion and growth.

In June 2007, Fr. Ariel Hernandez joined us as Parochial Vicar and facilitator of Spanish Ministry. 

The story of St. Bridget’s continues to be part of the story of Glassboro.  Preserving, maintaining and building upon the firm foundation laid by others is a constant but thrilling challenge.  Parishioners have commented that the parish today is, “friendly, warm and glowing”.  Many consider it the “spiritual anchor of their life of faith”.