History of Saint Theresa
CHAPEL DEDICATED NOVEMBER 1, 1942

NEW BUILDINGS DEDICATED

Construction of the new buildings proceeded with few delays. The dream envisioned for so long a time was realized on October 25, 1954, when the Most Reverend Archbishop Thomas A. Boland officiated at the blessing dedication, and laying of the cornerstone for the new buildings,

Immediately following the dedication ceremonies, Archbishop Boland administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to a class of 250 children and adults---the first class of the parish to be confirmed.

DOMINICAN NUNS ASSIGNED

The education of our children was undertaken by the Dominican Order, and in September 1954 the first nuns took residence in the newly completed convent.

Four nuns were assigned from the Mother House in Caldwell, and Sister M. Lucy, OP. was appointed principal of the school. Over the years new nuns were added to the staff and lay teachers were included from the start.

According to Church rule, Sister Lucy having completed six years as principal of the school, was reassigned in 1969, and Sister M. Leo took on the responsibilities of the school as our new principal. In June 1966 Sister Leo having completed her six year assignment, was replaced by Sister Elizabeth Marie, our present school principal.

Love of God and dedication to the spiritual guidance and education of children is the inspiration of every nun. Only God Himself can evaluate properly the influence these Sisters have had in fashioning the lives of St, Theresa's parishioners. The faithful of the parish have always had, and will continue to have, great love and esteem for these holy women.

With the growth of the parish, many organizations were established among the youth and adults alike, and the priests of the parish, Father McVeigh and Father Hudack were rapidly becoming overburdened.

In July 1957 the Rev. Nicholas Carlino was assigned to the parish to assist with the increasing activities and responsibilities.

FIRE GUTS CHAPEL

On October 29, 1959 at 1.25 PM. fire broke out in the chapel, which rendered the building temporarily useless for Mass. Although the church-auditorium was utilized for Sunday Mass since its completion, the chapel was used for daily Mass, Confessions, and for 2 additional Sunday Masses each week.

To accommodate parishioners at the other necessary Sunday Masses, Father McVeigh was offered the use of the Kenilworth Fire House, where 2 Masses were celebrated each Sunday until the necessary repairs could be made to the chapel.

Once again the men of the parish responded to the needs of their parish, and volunteered their time and abilities to repair the damaged building.

In June 1960, Father Carlino was transferred from St. Theresa's, and the Rev. Salvatore P. Citarella was assigned to replace him. Father Citarella was previously assigned at Our Lady of Mt. Camel, Jersey City.

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