ABOUT US
Roman Catholic Parish of
St. Theresa of the Child Jesus
Archdiocesan Shrine of St. John Paul II
Linden NJ
USA
OUR PAROCHIAL STAFF
PASTOR
Rev. Ireneusz Pierzchala, S.T.L.
PAROCHIAL VICARS
Rev. Grzegorz Dziedzic
WEEKEND ASSISTANT
Rev. Zachary Swantek, S.T.L.
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DIRECTOR OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Sr. Magdalena Oleszkowicz, LSIC
RCI PROGRAM
Sr. Irena Lisowska, LSIC
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PARISH TRUSTEES
Mr. Karol Kiewlak
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PARISH ACCOUNTANT
Mrs. Aneta Pudełko
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SECRETARY
Mrs. Dorota Mazurkiewicz
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MUSIC DIRECTOR
Mr. Marcin Pekala
MAINTENANCE MANAGER
Mr. Józef Zielonka
OUR HISTORY
Fr. Edward S. Kozłowski was appointed pastor of a new parish, St. Theresa of the Child Jesus to serve the spiritual welfare of the Polish people of Linden. Twenty people celebrated the first Mass in 1925. Organizing several societies, Fr. Kozlowski fanned the flame of faith. Groundbreaking for a new church and school took place in 1926. The Sisters of Nazareth, who at first ran the school, were replaced on 1952 by the Felicians.
Through the early forties, St. Theresa Church experienced additional growth. By 1954 ground was once again broken for a new church, separate from the school. With many renovations and expansion through the years, blessings continued to be showered upon St. Theresa Parish, but on Thanksgiving morning 1970, a fire struck the church, leaving heavy smoke damage and requiring the new organ to be dismantled and cleaned. As the decades rolled on, further renovations and additions were made to accommodate a flourishing membership.
The Little Servant Sisters of the Immaculate Conception joined the Staff who from the beginning ministered to the school and parish. With hope and confidence and reliance on St. Theresa, the parish is looking forward to its centennial.