We Remember…We Celebrate…We Believe

The History of St. Rose of Lima Parish

Where were you 50 years ago?

In the early 1950’s, thousands of people were moving to the newly constructed homes in Massapequa and Massapequa Park. The growth of residents in the greater Massapequa area captured the attention of Bishop Thomas Molloy of the Brooklyn Diocese and he decided to create a new parish.

In 1952, Rev. John Fagan was appointed to be the pastor of a new parish in Massapequa. He named the new parish St. Rose, in honor of his mother.   However, a serious illness prevented him from undertaking the pastoral assignment. As a result, Rt. Rev. Msgr. Edmund Fitzgerald of Corpus Christi parish in Mineola undertook the work of locating and purchasing 4.5 acres on Merrick Road in Massapequa and so the history of St. Rose begins.        

In November 1952, Fr. Francis Burns was appointed pastor, beginning his ministry in what had been a large white summer mansion built in the 1860’s, which was to serve as the rectory and church for several years.

On November 16, 1952 more than 1400 parishioners attended Mass. It was estimated that the parish encompassed 1900 families and the original schedule of 2 masses on Sunday increased to four. Within weeks, a choir was formed as an organ was donated from neighboring parish, St. William the Abbot in Seaford. Plans were also developed to begin a parish school and convent. Laymen and women enthusiastically supported the creation of the Rosary and Altar Society as well as the Holy Name Society.

In 1955 the first census revealed that there were 2500 families in the parish. With the death of Fr. Burns in December, 1958, Fr. Joseph Colligan served as temporary parish administrator until the appointment of Fr. Hugh Graham as pastor in March, 1959.

During Fr. Graham’s pastorate, ground was broken for a 24 classroom school and a convent capable of housing 20 Sisters. Completed in 1960, the school was opened for grades 1-6, later expanding through the eighth grade in 1963. The school was staffed by The Amityville Dominican Sisters and Sr. Francis Marie served as principal.

In 1963 construction began to build a new church. It was blessed in March 1965, by Bishop Walter Kellenberg, the first Bishop of the Diocese of Rockville Centre. Although Fr. Graham retired in 1975, he remained in residence until his death in November 1981. During his tenure numerous ministries and programs were created as laypeople began to take a greater role in the parish as a result of the directive of Vatican II. Also during this time, several men from St. Rose entered programs leading to the Permanent Diaconate.

Fr. Ronald Barry became the pastor of St. Rose in 1975. During Fr. Barry’s pastorate, even more ministries and programs were created for both the young and the old, and the Summer Family Festival also began. Fr. Barry improved the Religious Education Program, inaugurated the Peace and Justice program and brought in Sister Loyola Curtin to oversee the Parish Outreach program. Fr. Barry encouraged several men to enter the Permanent Diaconate program and eventually saw five deacons serving at St. Rose. Fr. Barry was also instrumental in the development of the Interfaith Clergy Council of the Greater Massapequas.

Upon Fr. Barry’s retirement in 1995, Monsignor Daniel Hurley became the pastor of St. Rose.

Fr. Dan is deeply committed to religious education for the youth of the parish and has been a zealous advocate of stewardship, as he enlisted the support of Sister Louise Cullen, R.M. to promote the growth of this program. Fr. Dan has also created many new spiritually meaningful retreats and ministries. He believes that parish work is a team effort and is dedicated to serving

the community.

Under Fr. Dan’s guidance, the 2002 pastoral team includes:

-           Fr. Lawrence Sheehan, who has served the parish for more than 25 years

-           Fr. Kenneth Zach

-           Fr. Kevin Smith

-           Deacon Thomas Forbes

-           Deacon Francis Flood

-           Deacon Francis McGuinness

-           Deacon Dennis O’Connor

-           Sister Loyola Curtin, parish minister

-           Sister Louise Cullen, stewardship & ministry coordinator

-           Sr. Kathleen Gallina, principal of St Rose of Lima School

-           Sr. Barabara St. Peter, religious education minister

-           Kathleen Anderson, religious education

-           Peggy Bischof, religious education

-           Kim Murray, youth minister

-           Nancy Bartlett, business manager

-           Linda Nalick, pastoral manager 

St. Rose of Lima has been blessed with the love, support and contributions of more than 6,000 families. We celebrate our anniversary with joy in our hearts and profound gratitude to Almighty God. We are one spiritual family, bound together in friendship and unity.