100 Years

Saint Michael the Archangel Church, Lyndhurst, New Jersey

Next Sunday, September 30, is the day our 100th Anniversary Committee has chosen to celebrate the centennial of St. Michael the Archangel Parish. In our country, 100 years is a milestone to say the least. In Europe, where churches have existed for many centuries, it does not seem as significant. But, we consider the centennial of our parish most noteworthy.

The planning for our church began well over 100 years ago, in 1895. Then, several people formed St. Michael the Archangel Polish Society in order see if a parish for Polish speaking Catholics could be established in what was then called Kingsland New Jersey. There were quite a lot of Polish immigrants here to warrant this. Eventually, there was enough interest and enough money to buy land and to support a church. So, the property on the corner of Ridge Road (Route 17) and Page Avenue was purchased. After much organizing and work, St. Michael the Archangel Parish was incorporated in 1912.  

Why do we celebrate? 

When we celebrate a birthday for someone, we are really saying that we are happy because we have that person with us. We are happy to know him or her. We rejoice marking St. Michael the Archangel Parish centennial because God has been present to us through our church right here in Lyndhurst, N. J. The church building is a convenient place where the Sacraments are administered, the greatest of which is the Holy Eucharist. Think of all the Masses that were offered here and continue to be offered. Think of all the Confessions which, by the way, are heard now seven days a week. Then, there are the Baptisms, Confirmations and marriages. Each of these Sacraments is God giving his divine Life to us. Aside from all of this treasure, we thank God that we had and continue to have the opportunity to gather in our church for prayers and liturgical services like the Rosary, Stations of the Cross, Vespers, Novenas and Adoration with Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament. We are grateful that we have a place to experience God’s over abiding love for each of us.

We not only thank God, but we thank all the parishioners who have gone before us; through their cooperation with God’s grace, they have made it possible for St. Michael’s to be here. Their prayers and support are invaluable. Such is the case today. I thank all of our parishioners now; you, as I always say and believe, are the treasure of St. Michael the Archangel Parish.  

Father Stanley