STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — More than 500 people flocked to Sacred Heart R.C. Church on Saturday to celebrate a solemn reopening of the church and ringing of the church bell following the parish’s “Brick-by-Brick” restoration.
Cardinal Timothy Dolan, archbishop of New York, served as the honored guest.
“Did you see the welcome that I had outside the school? All the kids and the signs, the bagpipes, the Knights of Columbus and the police? This was tremendous. I love coming to Staten Island. I don’t even gripe about paying the toll,” Dolan said, drawing laughter from the audience.
“This church is so crowded tonight, I think we might have congestion pricing. But we priests are always thrilled when it’s standing room only. That’s because it’s much easier for the people standing to get to their wallets and into their purses,” he added, evoking more laughter.
Dolan thanked the congregation for their loyalty to the church and for keeping Sacred Heart Church going for so long, and said he is proud to be their archbishop.
As Sacred Heart Church approached the 150th anniversary of its first Mass — which was celebrated by the Rev. William Poole on July 25, 1875 — the Rev. Rhey Garcia led an earnest initiative to secure the parish’s future with the launch of the Brick-by-Brick Capital Campaign.
The initiative served as a call to action for the community to raise crucial funds for several vital projects, including the much-needed repair of the church roof.
Father Garcia said, “I’m very excited. This is God’s outpouring grace, and this is what a living church is all about — people helping each other to make sure the community is alive. This is a people of faith, and it’s great to be here with all our parishioners.
“The church is alive, especially Sacred Heart. It’s thriving. It might be old, but it remains young at heart,” he added.
Father Garcia thanked Borough President Vito Fossella, his wife, Mary Pat, and District Attorney Michael E. McMahon for attending.
Fossella said, “Mary Pat and I were thrilled to join the vibrant community of Sacred Heart Church in Staten Island for its 150th anniversary Mass, a joyous celebration of faith and history.”
“The church, a cornerstone of Catholic tradition and local sports culture, welcomed Cardinal Dolan, whose spirited leadership elevated the occasion. The milestone event highlighted Sacred Heart’s enduring legacy, uniting parishioners in gratitude and pride for their shared heritage,” added Fossella.
District Attorney Michael E. McMahon, a longtime supporter of Sacred Heart Church, said, “For a century and a half, Sacred Heart Church has provided tens of thousands of Staten Islanders spiritual counsel, communion and community.
“A cornerstone of Staten Island’s West Brighton neighborhood for generations, Sacred Heart Church is so much more than four walls and a roof — this parish has survived wars, natural disasters, and myriad moments of political, social and cultural upheaval throughout its storied history, all while remaining a beacon of peace and prayer in the lives of countless Staten Islanders.”
“On this, the 150th anniversary of Sacred Heart, we thank the people and pastors of our parish, past and present, who are woven into the fabric and rich heritage of our faith community,” said Tim Koller, a parishioner from West Brighton.
“Today’s Mass, with His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan as the principal celebrant, marks the culmination of over a year’s efforts by pastor Father Rhey Garcia and countless volunteers,” said Deacon Jim Cowan. “The generosity of so many benefactors enabled us to replace the slate roofs, repaint the interior of the church, and refurbish the pews so that our spiritual home truly reflects the vibrancy and stability of our parish community.
“Many of our parishioners have told me that they see and feel a resurgence of the spirit of Sacred Heart parish that was so vibrant years ago. That can be attributed to our pastor, Father Rhey, who is truly a happy priest, and it shows every day,” Cowan added.
Following the Mass, a 150th anniversary grand gala with dinner and dancing took place in LiGreci’s Staaten, West Brighton.
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