STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Featured in this week’s “Staten Island’s Best Dressed” are photos from Sacred Heart Church’s 150th anniversary celebration on Oct. 18, 2025.
The milestone event was commemorated with a special Mass at the West Brighton church, celebrated by His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, along with Rev. Rhey Garcia, the beloved pastor of Sacred Heart.
Rev. Garcia, the first Filipino pastor on Staten Island, was recently appointed by Cardinal Dolan as chaplain of the Filipino Apostolate of the Archdiocese of New York.
More than 500 parishioners attended the ticketed, standing-room-only Mass. The details of the celebration were flawlessly executed by the Executive Committee, co-chaired by retired Judge Helene Sacco and Tom MacDonough.
During the Mass, Rev. Garcia delivered heartfelt remarks reflecting on Sacred Heart’s rich history and the enduring spirit of its parish family.
“One hundred and fifty years — and Sacred Heart is still going strong,” Garcia told the congregation, emphasizing that the celebration was not just about a number, but about “our story” — a story built “brick by brick, prayer by prayer, heart by heart.”
Following the Mass, a grand reception featuring dinner and dancing was held at LiGreci’s Staaten, also in West Brighton.
Cardinal Dolan attended the celebration, to the delight of parishioners, graciously engaging in conversations and posing for countless selfies throughout the evening.
Scene from Sacred Heart Church’s 150th Jubilee on Oct. 18, 2025: Timothy Cardinal Dolan is applauded during the program at the Staaten. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Rev. Garcia expressed gratitude to Cardinal Dolan for his presence and leadership and lightened the moment with humor, noting the church’s newly restored interior and, notably, its brand-new roof, which replaced one that had faithfully protected Sacred Heart for more than a century.
“We’re very thankful for our new roof,” Garcia said. “Because now, when it rains, we actually stay dry. No more ‘holy waterfalls’ during Mass!”
He went on to describe the successful fundraising effort that made the new roof possible, joking that he told parishioners, “If we don’t raise enough for the new roof, you’d better bring umbrellas to Mass next Christmas!”
The campaign met its goal in just three months and doubled that amount within six, and work was completed this summer.
Scene from Sacred Heart Church’s 150th Jubilee on Oct. 18, 2025, led by its pastor, Rev. Rhey Garcia, pictured here, addressing the crowd, as Cardinal Dolan looks on.Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
As part of the celebration, Rev. Garcia recognized Mary Alice Joinson, a parishioner who has been part of Sacred Heart for an extraordinary 92 years, who attended the anniversary Mass.
“Mary Alice, your faith and love for Sacred Heart inspire us all,” he said, as the congregation applauded the longtime parishioner.
Reflecting on the significance of the evening, Garcia said the anniversary Mass and the procession down the aisle, led by Cardinal Dolan, were symbolic of the thousands of processions that have taken place at Sacred Heart over the past 150 years, both joyful and solemn.
“Each step, each prayer, represents countless baptisms, weddings, funerals, and the milestones of life that have unfolded within these walls,” he said. “It is here, in times of triumph and in times of sorrow, that we’ve gathered as a community, united in faith, love, and prayer.”
Rev. Garcia concluded with a hopeful message for the parish’s future. “May the next 150 years be filled with the same faith, joy, and love that brought us here tonight,” he said, adding with a smile, “and may the only thing ever leaking from our roof be blessings.”
Scroll for a glimpse of the fundraiser below. To be considered for future installments of this column, please send photos of high resolution, with a brief description of the event, to gsantos@siadvance.com.
John Connors, the emcee for the evening, addresses the crowd at Sacred Heart Church’s 150th Jubilee reception on Oct. 18, 2025 at the Staaten. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Scene from Sacred Heart Church’s 150th Jubilee on Oct. 18, 2025: Fr. Brian McWeeney is flanked by Don Maj, left, and his brother, Ed Maj. Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Scene from Sacred Heart Church’s 150th Jubilee on Oct. 18, 2025: Rev. Rhey Garcia, left, is pictured with Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Eric Belikin, and Charista Mroczek at a reception followed at the Staaten, West Brighton. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Scene from Sacred Heart Church’s 150th Jubilee on Oct. 18, 2025: Patricia Quinn, left, a former teacher at Sacred Heart School, is pictured with her former student, Katherine Connors.Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Co-chair of the event, Ret. Judge Helene Sacco, addresses the crowd at a reception that followed at the Staaten, West Brighton.(Courtesy mmphotos2)
Sacred Heart R.C. Church celebrated its 150th Jubilee on Oct. 18, 2025, led by its pator, Rev. Rhey Garcia, pictured here with Celeste Catalano, principal of Sacred Heart School. (Courtesy mmphotos2)
Sacred Heart R.C. Church celebrated its 150th Jubilee on Oct. 18, 2025. Pictured are co-chair, Tom McDonough, left, District Attorney Michael mcMahon, and Ken Mitchell.(Courtesy mmphotos2)
Sacred Heart R.C. Church celebrated its 150th Jubilee on Oct. 18, 2025, led by its pastor, Rev. Rhey Garcia. Pictured are Ronnie Walsh Kean, Eileen Walsh Murphy, Kathy Connors and John Connors.(Courtesy mmphotos2)
Scene from Sacred Heart Church’s 150th Jubilee on Oct. 18, 2025, led by its pastor, Rev. Rhey Garcia. Following a Mass, celebrated by Timothy Cardinal Dolan, a reception followed at the Staaten, West Brighton.(Courtesy mmphotos2)
Anne Ferrie, a Sacred Heart parishioner, poses with her painting, which wa auctioned off at Sacred Heart Church’s 150th Jubilee on Oct. 18, 2025, led by its pastor, Rev. Rhey Garcia. Following a Mass, celebrated by Timothy Cardinal Dolan, a reception followed at the Staaten, West Brighton.(Courtesy mmphotos2)
Marybeth Francis, left, is pictured with Fran and David Lehr at Sacred Heart Church’s 150th Jubilee on Oct. 18, 2025, led by its pastor, Rev. Rhey Garcia. Following a Mass, celebrated by Timothy Cardinal Dolan, a reception followed at the Staaten, West Brighton.(Courtesy mmphotos2)
Scene from Sacred Heart Church’s 150th Jubilee on Oct. 18, 2025, led by its pastor, Rev. Rhey Garcia. Following a Mass, celebrated by Timothy Cardinal Dolan, a reception followed at the Staaten, West Brighton.(Courtesy mmphotos2)
Scene from Sacred Heart Church’s 150th Jubilee on Oct. 18, 2025, led by its pastor, Rev. Rhey Garcia. Following a Mass, celebrated by Timothy Cardinal Dolan, a reception followed at the Staaten, West Brighton.(Courtesy mmphotos2)
Scene from Sacred Heart Church’s 150th Jubilee on Oct. 18, 2025: John Connors welcomes the guest as Fr. Louis Jerome, left, former pastor of Sacred Heart, stands by. Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Scene from Sacred Heart Church’s 150th Jubilee on Oct. 18, 2025, led by its pastor, Rev. Rhey Garcia. Following a Mass, celebrated by Timothy Cardinal Dolan, a reception followed at the Staaten, West Brighton.(Courtesy mmphotos2)
Deacon James Cowan, left, Dr. Craig Campbell, and Roger Ahern, a former teacher at Sacred Heart School, are pictured at Sacred Heart R.C. Church’s 150th Jubilee on Oct. 18, 2025, led by its pator, Rev. Rhey Garcia. Following a Mass, celebrated by His Eminenece, Timothy Cardinal Doaln, a reception followed at the Staaten, West Brighton.(Courtesy mmphotos2)
Rev. Frank, left, is pictured with attendees of Sacred Heart Church’s 150th Jubilee on Oct. 18, 2025, led by its pastor, Rev. Rhey Garcia. Following a Mass, celebrated by Timothy Cardinal Dolan, a reception followed at the Staaten, West Brighton.(Courtesy mmphotos2)
Scene from Sacred Heart Church’s 150th Jubilee on Oct. 18, 2025, led by its pastor, Rev. Rhey Garcia, center, and Timothy Cardinal Dolan. (Courtesy mmphotos2)
Timothy Cardinal Dolan, center, is pictured with District Michael McMahon, far left, and guests at the Staaten. (Courtesy mmphotos2)
Tim Koller, center, is pictured with Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Mobilia at a reception at the Staaten, West Brighton.(Courtesy mmphotos2)
Scene from Sacred Heart Church’s 150th Jubilee on Oct. 18, 2025, led by its pastor, Rev. Rhey Garcia: Tatiana Mroczek sings the national anthem. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Scene from Sacred Heart Church’s 150th Jubilee on Oct. 18, 2025: Nancy and Joe Delaney are pictured with District Attorney Michael McMahon.(Courtesy mmphotos2)
John Connors, who emceed the Sacred Heart R.C. Church 150th Jubilee on Oct. 18, 2025, is pictured with Rev. Rhey Garcia. (Courtesy mmphotos2)
Scene from Sacred Heart Church’s 150th Jubilee on Oct. 18, 2025, led by its pastor, Rev. Rhey Garcia, pictured here with Cardinal Dolan, who embraced him during the program. Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Scene from Sacred Heart Church’s 150th Jubilee on Oct. 18, 2025, led by its pastor, Rev. Rhey Garcia, pictured with Timothy Cardinal Dolan, center, and Bishop Peter Byrne. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Scene from Sacred Heart Church’s 150th Jubilee on Oct. 18, 2025, led by its pastor, Rev. Rhey Garcia. Following a Mass, celebrated by Timothy Cardinal Dolan, a reception followed at the Staaten, West Brighton.(Courtesy mmphotos2)
Scene from Sacred Heart Church’s 150th Jubilee on Oct. 18, 2025, led by its pastor, Rev. Rhey Garcia. Following a Mass, celebrated by Timothy Cardinal Dolan, a reception followed at the Staaten, West Brighton.(Courtesy mmphotos2)
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