Our Humble Beginnings

Saint Cecilia Parish came into being as a mission, 100 years after the first Catholic Church was established in the city of Trenton. Prior to its establishment, the local people attended religious services in New Brunswick. As the number of Catholics grew in the area, the priests from Saint Peter’s came monthly to Princeton to one of the local farmhouses. Eventually, Saint Paul’s Parish in Princeton was established and became the parish for the people of Monmouth Junction. 

In 1880, Saint Joseph’s Parish was established in East Millstone. It was from Saint Joseph’s, some three decades later, that Father P. J. Quinn came to organize the congregation in the triangle of land formed by the villages of Monmouth Junction, Dayton and Deans.

Father Quinn, at the direction of Bishop James A. McFaul of Trenton, was sent to form a mission, due to the increased number of Catholics in this area who were without benefit of a church where they could receive the sacraments on a regular basis. 

Going to Mass in those days was by way of horse and buggy or walking to the home of Serafino Notti on Ridge Road, whose house stood on the site where the present South Brunswick Municipal Building now stands. Father Quinn said the first Mass at the Notti home in December of 1913.




In May of 1914, Michael Cahill offered the use of his barn for Mass. This barn was located in a field in back of what was soon to be Saint Cecilia’s first church. 






                                             Saint Cecilia Church History

                                                                                                                    1913
December 10  
The first Roman Catholic Mass was celebrated by Reverend P.J. Quinn in the home of Serafino Notti in Monmouth Junction. The home stood on the property where the present South Brunswick Municipal Building stands now.

                                                                                                                    1914
March 10 
Certificate of Incorporation of Saint Cecilia’s Church of Monmouth Junction.
     Witnessed by:
Right Reverend James A. McFaul, Bishop of Trenton
Right Reverend John H. Fox, Vicar General
P.J. Quinn, Rector
Michael Cahill, Lay Trustee
John J. Ryan, Lay Trustee

March 19 
Certificate of Incorporation recorded and certified in the Middlesex County Clerks Office, New Brunswick, NJ.

April 2 
Land located on Old Road was purchased from Mr. and Mrs. Michael Cahill for $1.00 and other valuable considerations. May Michael Cahill offered the use of his barn for Mass. This barn stood in a field on what was known as Old Road, which led from Monmouth Junction to Dayton, in the area of our first church.

August 16 
The cornerstone was laid at our first church, Bishop McFaul officiated. The men of the
parish helped with the construction of the church, under the direction of Arthur Tirton,
general contractor. The magnificent stained glass window located in our sanctuary was
moved there from the original church. It was donated by Reverend Quinn and his family.
Altar & Rosary Society was also formed at this time.

November 23 
At a meeting of the Board of Trustees of St. Cecilia’s Church Monmouth Junction, it was resolved and passed that the Right Reverend James A. McFaul, Bishop of the Trenton Diocese and President of the Board of Trustees and Lay Trustees, Michael Cahill and John J. Ryan, sign and execute under the corporate seal, the bond and mortgage to the New Brunswick Savings Institute in the amount of $3400 at five percent per annum for the property located on Old Road, Monmouth Junction.

December 14 
Bishop McFaul officiated at the dedication of the new church, St. Cecilia’s of Monmouth Junction. The first Mass was then celebrated by Reverend Crescentius A. Herr. C,M. Reverend Herr was ordained as a Vincentian the previous spring. The Vincentian Fathers from St. Joseph’s College in Princeton ministered to the people of St. Cecilia’s for many years to come.
                                         

                                                                                      1914-1918
World War I 
Many of the men of St. Cecilia’s were off to war.

                                                                                                1915 
Reverend John A. Sullivan, Pastor of St. Joseph, East Millsone and it's misson, St. Cecilia.
                                                                                                1916
April 
First marriage in St. Cecilia Church, Miss Catherine Ryan became the bride of John A.Brabson of Kingston.

                                                         

                                                                                                1928
April 
Reverend John Larkin, Pastor of St. Joseph, East Millsone and it's misson, St. Cecilia.

                                                                                                1932 

Reverend Patrick J. Larkin, Pastor of St. Joseph, East Millsone and it's misson, St. Cecilia.

                                                                                                1934 

St. Cecilia’s mission was re-assigned to St. James Parish in Jamesburg.

                                                                                                1939
December 1 
25th Anniversary Celebration. Part of the festivities consisted of a Silver Jubilee Minstrel and Dance on Friday evening.

                                                                                     1941-1945
World War II 
Again, many of the men of St. Cecilia’s were off to war. This included all eight men in the Scurato Family.

                                 

                                                                                                1942 
Reverend Frances J. Dwyer, Pastor of St. James, Jamesburg and it's misson, St. Cecilia.

                                                                                                1945 
Reverend James F. Child, Pastor of St. James, Jamesburg and it's misson, St. Cecilia.

                                                                                                1947
March 
Reverend John Grimes, Pastor of St. James, Jamesburg and it's misson, St. Cecilia. (2 mo). Reverend John Durishin, Assistant Curate, served as acting Pastor.

Autumn
Reverend Lawrence Donovan, Pastor of St. James, Jamesburg and it's misson, St. Cecilia.

                                                                                                1949
November 
Reverend James McGrath, Pastor of St. James, Jamesburg and it's misson, St. Cecilia.

                                                                                                1950
March 20 
Monsignor George W. Ahr was installed as Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton

                                                                                                1952 
Father Joseph Hughes, Pastor of St. James, Jamesburg and it's misson, St. Cecilia. (Father’s brother Richard was Governor of New Jersey). During his decade in Jamesburg, he was assisted by Reverends Mario Fralliciardi, Michael Garry, John Meehan, Jerome Leary and John Connelly. Also during this decade, the Holy Name Society (men’s organization) was very active serving the church and community.

                                                                                                1962 
Monsignor John Kelly, Pastor of St. James, Jamesburg and it's misson, St. Cecilia. During Monsignor’s time with us, classes in Confraternity of Christian Doctorine, CCD, were established in St. Cecilia’s, taught by lay people. Prior to that, classes were taught by Sisters or we went to Jamesburg for classes.

                                                                                                1964
Early in year, Founders Communion Breakfast was held at the Cranbury Inn, Cranbury, NJ as part of the 50th Anniversary Celebration.

August 16 
St. Cecilia’s Golden Jubilee Celebration. A 50th Anniversary Mass of Thanksgiving was celebrated by the Most Reverend George W. Ahr, Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton on the grounds of the original South Brunswick High School, Major Road, now Crossroads Middle School South.

                                                       


                                                                                                1965
September 15 
A parcel of land, 16 1/2 acres, at the corner of Georges Road and Kingston Lane was purchased from George and Gertrude Hluchy for $1.00. Looking toward the future and the expected growth of our church family.

                                                                                                1971
Reverend Frances McGuinness, Pastor of St. James, Jamesburg and it's misson, St. Cecilia.

                                                                                                1972
Reverend John L. Gerity, Pastor of St. James, Jamesburg and it's misson, St. Cecilia.

                                                                                                1977
Reverend Louis Stingel, Pastor of St. James, Jamesburg and it's misson, St. Cecilia.

                                                                                                1978
February 22 
Knights of Columbus, Council 7046 formed.

                                                                                                1981
November 19 
Diocese of Metuchen established with Most Reverend Theodore E. McCarrick as its first Bishop.

                                                                                                1982
January 13 
Acquired the property at 1090 Kingston Lane for Rectory and Office.

January 31 
Most Reverend Theodore E. Mc Carrick installed in St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral
in Metuchen.

October 25 
Reverend Patrick M. Durkin appointed Pastor.

November 22 
On the Feast of St. Cecilia, Bishop McCarrick elevated St. Cecilia’s from a mission to an independent parish with its first resident pastor, Reverend Patrick M. Durkin and an Associate Pastor, Reverend Immanuel Vernon. The Bishop also gave St. Cecilia’s charge of its own mission, Queenship of Mary in Plainsboro.

                                                                                                1983
February 7 
Reverend Durkin was involved in a serious automobile accident and hospitalized. He was unable to return to St. Cecilia’s

February 8 
Reverend William Schladebeck assigned Temporary Administrator.

May 20 
Reverend William Schladebeck assigned Administrator.

                                                                                                1984
April 
Dedication of St. Vincent’s Hall.

August 15 
Mass on this day, Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady, in honor of the 70th Anniversary of St. Cecilia Church.

Autumn 
A committee was established for the task of building a new church.

October 1 
Reverend William Schladebeck appointed Pastor.

October 26 
Dinner Dance in honor of the 70th Anniversary.

November 26 
Reverend William Schladebeck installed as Pastor.

                                                                                                1985 
A parishioner, Richard K. Kaiser, painted a beautiful watercolor of St. Cecilia’s Church, which was used as a Christmas card and copies were used for many other occasions.

March 15 
Religious Education fund raiser - fashion show “Come Rain, Come Shine” 

May 19 
The closing Mass for the CCD program for the year was followed by a balloon launch.

June 2 
St. Cecilia’s Parish dedicated the land that would be the site of their future home on the corner of Georges Road and Kingston Lane.

June 5 
Reverend Thomas Ganley assigned as Associate Pastor.

June 9 
Queenship of Mary dedicated the land that would be the site of their future home.

Summer 
Bible School Program for 4 to 6-year-olds.

October 8 
Evening Prayer Service - Most Reverend Theodore E. McCarrick, Bishop of Metuchen, presided. This was followed by the signing of the contract with Clifford Durell and Son, Inc. St. Cecilia’s deeded 8.5 acres to Durell on which to build townhouses and at the same time they were to build the church on the remaining acreage.

                                                                                                1986
February 28 
Religious Education fund raiser - fashion show “That’s Entertainment.”

Summer 
A Parish Handbook was published.

December 16 
Most Reverend Edward T. Hughes appointed second Bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen. 

                                                                                                1987
February 5 
Most Reverend Edward T. Hughes installed as Bishop of Metuchen.

March 31 
St. Cecilia’s entered into a contract to sell the property and our first church to a developer for $200,000.

June 7 
Mass at 11 A.M. at the corner of Georges Road and Kingston Lane followed by the groundbreaking for our new church on the site, and opening of the cornerstone from our first church. Most Reverend Edward T. Hughes, Bishop of Metuchen, officiated at the groundbreaking, with Rev. Charles T. O’Connor assisting as his Master of Ceremonies. (Reverend O’Connor was Secretary to Bishop Hughes at the time; he would later return as Pastor in 2013.)































June 
Reverend Eugene O’Sullivan assigned as Associate Pastor.

                                                                                                1988
July 21 
Reverend Peter Romeo assigned as Temporary Administrator.

                                                                                                1989
March 
St. Cecilia’s parishioners go to Washington, D.C. to participate in the Right to Life March.

November 22 
Prayer Service on the Feast of St. Cecilia to celebrate our 75th Anniversary.

December 
Mass in celebration of our 75th Anniversary.
                                                                                                1990
January 9 
Reverend Thomas A. Piechocinski, Ed. D., appointed Pastor, (until his death, March 25, 1997.)

June 21 
Reverend Dennis Weezorak assigned as Parochial Vicar, (until November 10, 1993.) 

December 24 
Reverend Piechocinski celebrated the first Mass on Christmas Eve in the “new” St.Cecilia Church, only 11 months after hard labor had begun.

                            


                                                                                                1991
April 28 
St. Cecilia Church dedicated by Most Reverend Edward T. Hughes, Bishop of Metuchen.

                                                                                                1994
June 14 
Reverend Ronald Jandernoa assigned Parochial Vicar, (until October 19, 1995.) 

November 22 
80th Anniversary Mass celebrated by Reverends Piechocinski and Jandernoa.

                                                                                                1995
October 5 
Reverend Ronald Jandernoa coordinated a group of ten parishioners to attend the Mass
celebrated by Pope John Paul II at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ.
                                                                                                 
October 30 
Reverend Patrick Maccarone assigned Parochial Vicar, (until June 10, 1996.)

                                                                                                                                                                        1996
January 30 
Reverend Piechocinski’s initial term expired; reappointed to a second 6-year term by Bishop Hughes.

June 10 
Reverend Thomas Odorizzi assigned Parochial Vicar, (until June 8, 1998.)

                                                                                                1997
April 1 
Mass of Christian Burial celebrated for Reverend Thomas A. Piechocinski, Pastor.

June 10 
Reverend Joseph L. Desmond appointed Pastor, (until June 11, 2002.) 
Many changes made to the interior of the church during this time, especially to the sanctuary. Father removed the modern tabernacle and brought back the tabernacle from our old church. A children’s Liturgy of the Word introduced to the Sunday Liturgy.

July 8 
Most Reverend Vincent DePaul Breen appointed third Bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen.

September 8 
Most Reverend Vincent DePaul Breen installed as Bishop of Metuchen in St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral.

                                                                                                1998
June 9 
Reverend James McLaughlin assigned Parochial Vicar, (until June 7, 1999.)

                                                                                                1999
January 12 
First Senior Citizen Social Club in the parish, Prime Time Seniors, established.

                                                                                                2001
September 11 
Terrorist attacks on our nation

                                                                                                2002
January 4 
Newark Auxiliary Bishop Paul G. Bootkoski appointed the fourth Bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen.

March 19 
Most Reverend Paul G. Bootkoski installed as Bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen.

June 11 
Reverend Sylvester Cronin appointed Pastor, (until March 31, 2008.)

July 29 
Reverend Cronin installed as Pastor with Mass and Dinner.

September 11 
“A Day to Pray, Remember and Share” held at St. Cecilia Church to reflect on the events
of a year prior.

December 25 
Christmas Midnight Mass, (Deacon Michael Murtha first time serving with us as Deacon.)

                                                                                                2003
February 1 
Scout Sunday Mass celebrated, recognizing Cub Scout Packs 107 & 108.

September 1 
The first Director of High School Youth Ministry, Mr. David Costanzo, hired.

September 20 
Diocese of Metuchen “Pilgrimage of Thanksgiving” to the Basilica Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Reverend Cronin and Deacon Michael Murtha participate in the celebration Mass.

September 28 
Bishop Bootkoski’s first visit to St. Cecilia Church at a Mass geared to students in grades 7-12.

                                                                                                2004 
The Vatican issues new guidelines for the celebration of Mass.

January 31 
St. Cecilia Church notified that Religious Sisters would be working in our parish in the
Religious Education and Social Justice/Homebound ministries.

February 10 
St. Cecilia Church the first in the area to fingerprint employees and volunteers in the effort to assure a safe environment for children and vulnerable adults.

March 
Healthy Bones Program begun for seniors.

May 
St. Cecilia Church undertook a major repair project - installation of a new roof.

July 1 
Two Sisters of Jesus Our Hope joined the parish, Sr. Clare Yosco, Director of Religious
Education, and Sr. Barbara Haworth, Pastoral Assistant to the parish.

July 16-18 
57 members of St. Cecilia Life Teen group travel to Massachusetts for Steubenville East
weekend retreat.

August 1 
St. Vincent de Paul Society established. A commissioning ceremony is held for
its founding leadership: Jack and Nancy Presti, Greg and Yanet Noble, Mike and Allison
Dramis, Linda Forbes and Sr. Barbara Haworth, SJH. The society is dedicated to the
memory of Most Reverend Vincent DePaul Breen, Third Bishop of Metuchen. September 8, 1997 - September 11 (12), 2001.

                                                                                                2005
April 
St. Cecilia Church undertook another major project - installation of a new air conditioning system.

August 9-22 
23 students and 10 chaperones attend World Youth Day in Cologne, Germany and participate in a pilgrimage throughout Europe

                                                                                                2006
January 26 
A delegation of St. Cecilia parishioners attends the Respect Life March in Washington, D.C.

March 26 
Presentation of Diocesan Medal “Regina Nostra” to St. Cecilia parishioner, Doris Petrone.

August 4 
Bishop Paul G. Bootkoski celebrated a Holy Hour for Vocations at St. Cecilia Church.

September 16 
25th Anniversary of the Diocese of Metuchen Jubilee Pilgrimage to the Basilica Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C. Bishop Bootkoski, Principal Celebrant.

November 20 
25th Anniversary of the Diocese of Metuchen

November 20 
The news of the missing trowel that was used to lay the cornerstone in our original
church in 1914 hits the newspaper. (The trowel was eventually returned anonymously.)
Inscribed on the trowel are these words: This trowel was used for the laying of the cornerstone of St. Cecilia's Church, Monmouth Junction, NJ Aug. 16 - 1914 by Mg. Fox V.G. 
Rev. PJ Quinn, Rector   M. Cahill, JJ Ryan, Trustees  W.F. Enderbock, Arc't Arthur Turton, Con't



                                                                                                2007
February 10 
Solemn Eucharist and Rite of Consecration into the Order of Virgins of Helen A. Qua
at St. Cecilia Church.

Autumn 
Statue of Saint Cecilia, solid wood, hand carved, hand painted, from Italy, donated by
Marguerite Chomko Powers.

                                                 

                                                                                                2008
April 1 
Reverend Daniel Sloan appointed Pastor, (until June 11, 2013.)
While Pastor of St. Cecilia Church, Reverend Sloan either started and/or completed many projects, including the Ministries of Evangelization, LIFT, Couples for Christ, Prayer Group
and Bible Study. His attention to the care of our church included replacing the boiler,
painting the hall, repairing the roof, sidewalks and 15+ stained glass windows. He celebrated Healing Masses, weekly Adoration and bi-monthly visits to two nursing homes.

                                                                                                2012
Early in the year The Pennies for the Parking Lot campaign was begun to help save for the repair of the parking lot.

June 10 
Reverend Steve Ryan, who was with us for Mass as a “Weekend Assistant” on many occasions, is re-assigned and relocates to Florida.

June 12 
Reverend Monsignor Pafnouti Wassef assigned to residence at St. Cecilia Rectory and Chaplain to Princeton Plainsboro Hospital

October 6&7 
First “Coffee Time” held after Masses. 

                                                                                                2013
April 19-21 
Knights of Columbus Council 7046 conducted a Citizens with Needs Drive. They raised over $3,800 to benefit Citizens for Independent Living (South Brunswick based), New Jersey Special Olympics and Holy Cross Center of Learning.

May 19 
Youth from our parish attended the 18th Annual Catholic Youth Rally, held at Six Flags
Great Adventure. The theme for the event was “Many Parts, One Body”

July 13 
Knights of Columbus member, Vincent Tavormina, installed as state advocate for the
New Jersey Knights of Columbus. 

June 12 
Reverend Daniel Sloan (in residence until July 18, 2013).

July 19 
Reverend Charles T. O’Connor appointed Pastor.

September 29
First Annual Free Parish Picnic, for all who wish to participate, hosted by the Knights of Columbus and held on parish grounds; almost 400 people attended.

November 10 
First Annual Veterans Day Mass held honoring those who have bravely served and sacrificed for our nation. The Mass was followed by a breakfast, hosted by the Knights of Columbus.

November 22 
Feast of St. Cecilia, a short prayer service held and followed by a concert provided by talent from our parish community.

December 25
Midnight Mass resumed after having been discontinued for many years.

                 

                                                                                                2014
February 23 
100th Anniversary Parish Photo Directory printed.

April 16
First Seder Supper held in the church hall. Over 150 people participated. It was decided to make this an annual event.





November 9 
Veterans Day Mass celebrated again this year to honor those who served our country, followed by a breakfast, hosted by the Knights of Columbus.

                                                                              

November 21 
For the second year in a row, in honor of the Feast of St. Cecilia, a prayer service held, followed by a concert featuring parish talent.

                                                                                                2015
Early in the year, a Centennial Celebration planning committee formed and met regularly.

November 8 
Again this year, a Mass to honor our Veterans was celebrated, followed by a breakfast
in the church hall, hosted by the Knights of Columbus.

November 20 
Once again to honor our patron saint, for the Feast of St. Cecilia and in celebration of our 100th Anniversary, a prayer service and concert featuring talent from our parish was held.

November 22 
Centennial Celebration Mass was celebrated at 11 A.M., well attended by past and current parishioners. This included descendants of those people who built St. Cecilia from the ground up to parishioners who work today to continue the traditions passed down to us. The Mass was followed by a luncheon held across the street at Pierre’s Restaurant, attended by almost 400 people. The committee responsible for planning this celebration was able to raise sufficient funds through ads and donations to offer this luncheon at no cost, but did ask for a charitable donation of $5 per ticket which went directly to the South Brunswick Food Pantry. To commemorate this occasion, a star shaped Christmas ornament with a picture of the church and anniversary dates was distributed to those who participated. Also to commemorate this occasion, a statue of St. Cecilia will be commissioned and placed at a location just outside the church, at a later date. This is possibly partially from excess funds raised by the Anniversary Committee through the ad journal.



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