St. Catherine of Siena - Parish History

Acknowledgment

Without the help of so many people, this history would not be done. I, first had Mr. Daniel Bradley's history, plus the help of Father Walsh, who gave me access to Church records and other people gave me information on the early part of the history of Saint Catherine of Siena. For the School part, Marge Kinkade and Monica Schipske helped me with the school's history. I person ally remembered parts and Anne Ellena, and Babe Bottaro helped with the rest.

We can only go forward with the help and dedication of people like Dan Charnitsky, the Millers, the Erreras, the Ellenas, the Bottaros and their daugh ters, Yola Gandy, Mae Schoeler, John Walsh, Frank Radio and his sons, and so many more. We appreciate the work of the Grounds, Maintenance, Choir, Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, Altar servers and Ushers who do such a won derful job, we say THANK YOU!

The Publicity Committee, who helped put together this Fifty Year Celebra tion, with the publication of this booklet would like to dedicate this booklet to:

FATHER QUENTIN WALSH

HISTORY OF SAINT CATHERINE OF SIENA

Mr. Daniel Bradley was the oldest living member of our parish when he wrote in beautiful cursive script the first history of our parish. These are his opening lines: "Can you, a parishioner, not feel the courage and faith of those valiant, simple souls who have long since gone to their accounts. Many times flowers bloomed and died and many a man or woman has gone and many a child has been born since the first seed of faith was planted and bloomed into the Parish of Saint Catherine of Siena in Clayton, New Jersey."

Dora Johnson

1920	A few brave souls from Camden, Philadelphia and surrounding communities took up residence in the Borough of Clayton. Those of the Catholic faith had a choice to fulfill their duties by attending Mass at St. Bridget's in Glassboro, either by train from Clayton or other means of transportation; or they could travel to St. Mary's in Malaga; or to St. Mary's in Williamstown. A change of pastor took place in St. Mary's in Williamstown. Father Francis Cosgrove was installed as Pastor of St. Mary's and the Mission Churches of Cedarbrook and Blue Anchor were estab lished. Father Cosgrove obtained the services of the Sisters from the Sacred Heart Parish in Camden to conduct religious classes after Mass on Sundays. Each Sunday, a parishioner would take his family to St. Mary's in Williamstown to Mass, then proceed to Sacred Heart convent at Broadway and Ferry Avenues in Camden to transport two nuns to conduct classes in religion. After classes, the nuns were transported back to Camden. Father Cosgrove obtained the Franciscan Sisters from Graymoor, New York. Sister Helen O'Brien, Sister Walberga and Sister Cyril, were among the nuns that conducted religious classes in the homes of parishioners, in Clayton, who attended St. Mary's in Williamstown.
1943	One cold Sunday morning in October, a few men from Clayton, among them: Mr. James Ianni, Mr. William Caffee and Mr. Daniel Bradley, were talking inside St. Mary's in Williamstown, when someone said, "This is silly, why can't we arrange to have Mass in Clayton?" Mr. Ianni suggested a meeting to be held in his home to discuss the idea. A meeting was held and Mr. Ianni, Mr. Caffee and Mr. Bradley contacted FatherJerome Piontkowski, Pastor of St. Bridget's in Glassboro, to discuss the procedure in establishing a Mission Church in Clayton. Mr. Ianni, offered the use of his home to hold services to establish a Mission in Clayton. For the first time in the history of the Borough of Clayton, Mass was celebrated in the home of Mr. and Mrs. James Ianni, 730 North Delsea Drive on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1943. Celebrant of the Mass was Father Basil, O.F.M. The servers were Thomas Fuhs and Joseph Bradley. Father Basil, after presenting greetings of the Pastor of St. Bridget's on establishing a Mission in Clayton said, "I have celebrated Mass in a number of churches in Europe, in barns that were shelled by enemy fire and on the back of jeeps in the battlefields under fire, but this is the first time I had the privilege of celebrating Mass in a private home for the start of a Mission Church." Attendance at the first Mass in Clayton was forty-seven (47) people. Mass was celebrated for the next four months in the home of the Ianni's.
1944	In March, the property located at the Southwest corner of Delsea Drive and North Streets was purchased and renovated for the Missich Church of St. Bridget's. The first Mass celebrated in the new renovated Chapel was on June 18. In September, ten (10) children from this Mission to St. Bridget's attended the opening of the new Parish School in Glassboro. These children were transported in private autos of Mr. Peter Graff, and Mrs. Daniel Bradley and Father Jerry Piontkowski. On October, 20th, Father Jerry introduced to the parishioners, Father John Wieckowski as the first Pastor of the newly established Parish of Saint Catherine of Siena. The Mission Church was named Saint Catherine of Siena on October 29. On December 24th, one year from the date of its founding, the Parish of Saint Catherine of Siena was declared out of debt. The first Baptism was held on October 29th for Franklin Gressang. Father Koch conducted the first Mission to be held in this Parish on November 15, 16 and 17. This Mission was well attended. The total attendance for the three nights was 139.
1945	Religious classes were held in the homes of parishioners, like Mrs. Rose Rowson, to prepare the children to receive their First Holy Communion. On Sunday, June 4th, three (3) girls and seven (7) boys received their First Communion. They were: Mildred Baptiste, Mary Bompensa, Barbara Ann Graff, Serge Griffith, Thomas Ianni, Robert Monahan, Francis Monahan, Joseph Mitchell, James Mitchell and Thomas Seppy. Father Piontkowski was the Celebrant. After Mass, a breakfast was served to the Communicants at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Graff on North Broad Street. The breakfast was sponsored by the mothers of the Communicants.
1948	On May 29th, Bishop Bartholomew Eustace, held the first Confirmation ceremony with eighteen (18) boys and twenty-five (25) girls.
1950	In the Fall of that year, Father John Wieckowski was replaced by Father Charles Keiser. The first Board of Trustees was formed. They were: James F. Ianni and Daniel A. Brandley, Sr.
1951	In the Spring, ground was broken for the erection of the present Church on the Northwest corner of Delsea Drive and North Street. The corner stone of the church was dedicated on December 23. Father Charles Keiser held First Holy Communion services and May Processions in the new church.
1958	The original church was renovated and served as the rectory until it too was renovated for a convent for the Sisters of Christ the King of Dansville, Virginia. These Nuns conducted catachetical classes for more than two hundred (200) children of the parish until 1964. The rectory was moved to 516 North Delsea Drive.
1962	Father Keiser was replaced by Father Paul J. Maguire. Father Maguire with dedication and great personal sacrifices, started our first Parish School. The classes from the First Grade to the Third Grade were held in the church basement and in other churches in Clayton. The school was staffed by the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus from South America. The Board of Trustee until 1975 consisted of Mr. George J. Rowson, Sr. and Mr. Daniel A. Bradley, Sr.
1964	Father Maguire picked his own PTA for the school. The President of the first PTA was Marie Godderichi with Monica Schipske and Marge Kincaid plus others. They raised money for the school by holding Bingos and socials at the Sedgewick Restaurant on Delsea Drive. Also, August 10th, 15th and September 1st, and 8th, the first Carnival was held.
1965	Father William J. Fallon, was assigned as Associate in Residence while teaching at Gloucester Catholic High School.
1968	In October, Groundbreaking ceremonies for a new One Hundred and Fifty Thousand ($150,000) parish hall for St. Catherine of Siena School was held on a Sunday afternoon. Attended by: Reverend Paul J. Maguire, pastor of the Church; The Right Reverend Monsignor Jerome T. Piontkowski, pastor of St. Bridget's Church, Glassboro; Bishop James L. Schad, auxiliary bishop of the Camden Diocese; the Reverend William E. Doden, pastor of the Clayton Presbyterian Church and the Reverend Robert Becker, pastor of the Clayton Baptist Church. Walter Bastow, chairman of the building committee said the new building will include five classrooms and a large meeting hall for the various church activities and recreation facilities. The Emcee Construction Company of Cherry Hill, contractors, were represented at the ceremonies by William C. Marks, Jr., secretary-treasurer of the firm, who said construction will begin in early November, weather permitting and the project should be completed by April 1.
1969	St. Catherine of Siena School opened its doors to the students of Clayton and surrounding neighbors in September. The school went from the First (1st) to Eighth (8th) Grades.
1970	As enrollment of the school increased, an addition of three (3) more classrooms, an office and library were added. Father Maguire held the first Summer festival on the church parking lot. The teaching staff consisted of: Principal, Sister Elena; First Grade, Sister Gregory; Second Grade, Mrs. Tighe; Third Grade, Sister Lititia; Fourth Grade, Mrs. Brown; Fifth Grade, Mrs. Carll; Sixth Grade, Mrs. Patterson; Seventh Grade, Miss Ornelas; Eighth Grade, Mr. Gomeringer and the Spanish teacher, Sister Sofia.
1971	Father Paul Maguire, for health reasons, left St. Catherine's and Father Stanley E. Kloskowski became the new pastor. Father "Stan" Kloskowski took over the job started by Father Maguire with the school. He and the parishioners gathered together to support the school. Mrs. Dorothy Bass raised money by having a Christmas Bazaar and candy raising events. She also sold Christmas cards and other gift items. Under Father "Stan's" administration, the PTA held monthly socials. Bingo was held at the social hall. Jennie Eastlick, who was the parish secretary, helped with the Bingo menu, with the help of others like Jennie Ehrler, Lex Bastow, Helen Feather, Patricia Christian and others too numerous to mention. Father "Stan", also instructed the parishioners in the Post Vatican II Mass. He and Father "Bill" instructed those u ho wanted to convert to Catholicism.
1972	The first graduating class from St. Catherine of Siena Grade School numbered twenty-two (22) and they were: Elizabeth Alberti, Robert Butterwick, John DeLuca, Timothy Delaney, Christopher Fahy, Veronica Finn, Annett Frantum, Adreine Gleurum, Margaret Hansen, James lanni, George Kincaid, Eileen Lally, Timothy McGinness, Thomas McCue, Barbara O'Hara, Terrance O'Hara, Jodi Pinto, Teresa Priestly, John Ruppel, Joseph Schipske, Edward Walker, Yvonne Walters and Lucinda White.
1973	Father "Stan" asked Alfred Johnson to be the new president of the PTA. The first thing that Al did was to put the PTA on the Regional Board.
1974	Mr. Matthew J. Haarahan was accepted into the Permanent Diaconate Program which lasted for two (2) years.
1975	The Board of Trustees, until 1983, were Daniel A. Bradley, Sr. and Malverne Considine. Father "Stan" was notified that the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus would be sent back to South America. After searching for new sisters to teach our children, the Sisters of Saint Francis of Assisi of Syracuse, New York, agreed to staff the school. Sister M.Marise was the first principal. The school served not only students from Clayton, but also from Franklinville and Washington Township. Father "Bill" Fallon, suggested a "Build A Brick" campaign to build a new convent for the new nuns. It was a great success.
1976	In September, Father "Stan" received Mr. MatthewJ. Hanrahan as a Permanent Deacon at St. Catherine of Siena.
1977	Additions to the school staff are: Mrs. Waselik, First Grade; Mrs. Yola Gandy, Second Grade; Mrs. Milowszewski, Third Grade; Mrs. McCarty, Fourth Grade; Sister Mathias, Sixth Grade; Miss Milcarek, Seventh Grade; and Sister Marise, Principal and Eighth Grade religious teacher. In March of this year, Father "Stan", as Pastor, welcomed the formation of the Knights of Columbus. Their Chaplain is Father William Fallon. The Charter members are: WJ. McNulty, J.D. Cudd, J.R. Dully, E.F. Dougherty, JJ. Cassidy, J.K. Duffy, A.S. Dufak, M.D. Rucco, J.A. Zebrowski, Sr., J.S. Falisi, W. Harrison, E. Dodd, A. Gomeringer, D. DiPietro, S.M. Nicastro, B. Lutz, RJ. O'Donnell, MJ. Haurahan, J.S. Aspell, H.B. Jarreld, F.A. Cimino, U.V. Milcarek, D.E. Charntsky, RJ. Abate, J.C. Keller, F. Radio, T. Muldon, J.F. Kostelay. St. Catherine of Siena Knights of Columbus Council Number 6890 sponsor many events to help the school and church. They also hold Community Breakfasts, Spelling Bees, Free Throws and lead the community in the "Right to Life" March in January. The Knights also collect food for the needy and hold a "Toosie Roll" sale for St. John of God.
1978	On March 30th, Father Patrick S. Chiarilli, became the new Pastor. That Christmas, Father "Pat" gave a Christmas Pageant at the Midnight Mass. At the Five O'Clock Mass for the children, he had a Birthday cake with candles and the children sang Happy Birthday Baby Jesus". The teaching staff at St. Catherine of Siena School were: Principal, Sister Marise, Sister Carla, Sister Doreen, Sister Prudentia, Mrs. Carll, Mr. Gomeringer, Mrs. Waselik, Mrs. Gandy, Mrs. Dickerman, Mrs. Milaszewski and Mrs. Grasso. Mr. Frank Radio, Sr. and his crew of fathers, developed the playground over the next two years. That summer, a new softball diamond complete with back stop had been constructed on the west side of the school building. Those who worked on this project were: Frank Radio, Sr.; George Freshcoln and his son, Don; Joe Barger, James Zebrowski; Herb Gaudette; Dennis Ellena; James Cassidy and Frank Radio, Jr. Father "Pat", planted flowers around the Church and Rectory. He also gave great socials with Maria as the DJ. He was instrumental in fixing up the basement as a social meeting place with kitchen facilities.
1979	The faculty and staff of St. Catherine's were: Mrs. Lorraine Barger, Secretary; Mrs. Helen Feather, Secretary; Mrs. Yola Gandy, Grade Four, Sister Prudential, Grade Six; Miss Patricia Shaw, Grade Three; Mrs. Regina Grasso, Grade Two; Sister M. Doreen, Grade Seven; Mr. Andrew Gomeringer, Grade Eight; Sister M. Carla, School Nurse; Sister Marise, Principal; Father Patrick Chiarilli, Pastor; Mr. Arthur Shipley, Maintenance; Mrs. Jane Boyle, Grade Five and Mrs. Jill Waselak, Grade One. CCD classes were held with dedicated teachers like Mrs. Helen Lutz and Miss Tina Bottaro and others.
1980	On Saturday, March 31, St. Catherine of Siena Parish dedicated their new Convent. The dedication started with a special liturgy service in the church prepared by the parishioners. The service was celebrated by Father Patrick Chiarilli, Pastor, Father William Fallon, Resident; and the former Pastor, Father Stanley Kloskowski. Various religious members of the surrounding parishes, members of the building trade's union were also in attendance. The keys to the convent were officially presented to Sister Marise, Principal, by Mr. Daniel Bradley, Sr. and Mr. Charles DeCiano, President of the School Board. The service concluded with the former Pastor, Father Stanley Kloskowski, stating that if growth is the sign of health, St. Catherine of Siena is alive and well. The congregation followed the Sisters in procession to the convent for a tour. After which all were treated to a gratitute social at the Social Hall. Changes in the school staff were: Principal, Sister Marise; First Grade, Mrs. Ruth Morris; Second Grade, Mrs. Jean Grasso; Third Grade, Miss Pat Shaw; Fourth Grade, Mrs. Yola Gandy; Fifth Grade, Sister Rosemary; Sixth Grade, Mrs. Jane Doyle; Seventh Grade, Sister Paul Michael and Eighth Grade, Sister Prudentia; Secretaries, Mrs. Lorraine Barger and Mrs. Helen Feather; Maintenance, Mr. Arthur Schipley; Music, Mr. Darrow and Miss Arnold.
1981	Father "Pat" started serving coffee and donuts after the 8 AM Mass in the park across from the Church. He also named the park, where the old convent wd to be, St. Francis's Park. There in the summer month, we served coffee and donuts after Mass.
1982	In August, Father Thomas Ploude, replaced Father Patrick Chiarilli. The resident priest, Father William Fallon, was replaced by Father David Minniti, Associate. A RENEW program, which helps to renew our faith, was started by Father Ploude. It was broken down into small groups which met in parishioners homes. The RENEW program was a great success and many people helped and attended.
1983	The Board of Trustees: Mr. Daniel A. Bradley, Sr. and Mr. John Walsh, served until 1987. On January 9, the Squires, a youth group of the Knights of Columbus, started. The Charter Members were: Darryl S. Atkinson, William J. Austin, Thomas J. Bompensa, Mike D. Burke, Dan E. Charnitsky, Jr., Mark Cimino, Robert Collins, Chris M. Dillon, Peter DiPetro, James S. Falisi, Daniel M. Funk, Richard J. Granato, Mark S. Kozachyn, WilliamJ. McNulty, Jr., Steve M. Moore, MichaelJ. Placentra, Mark W. Pluta, Samuel K. Preis, Frank Radio, Jr., David Singzda, Mark A. Waligore and Jame Zebrowski. These young men worked with the youth of the parish with the help of the Knights of Columbus.
1984	The first blessing of the animals following Mass on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, took place on October 4th at St. Francis of Assisi Park. Father Ploude performed the blessing of the furry ones, including a goat, brought by parishioners.
1987	St. Catherine's Legion of Mary held their first meeting on March 3rd in the "Quiet Room" of the Church. It was established with the generous help given to them by members of the Nativity of Franklinville. These kind people were: Dominic DiPetro, Jim Hogan, Betty Sellinger and Mr. and Mrs. Candidi, Eleanor Lang also helped. The original officers were: President, Agnes Lawrence; Vice President, Yola Gandy; Secretary, Alice McConnell and Treasurer, Rose Yacob. The Legion of Mary, now meet in the Chapel on Tuesday evenings from 7 to 8 PM and now have nine active members and the of fleers are: President, Yola Gandy; Vice President, Terry Interlied; Secretary, Edith Abate and Treasurer, Rose Yacob. Their functions are mainly to bring the message of Jesus and Mary, to say the rosary and visit and console shut-ins and people in hospitals and Nursing Homes. They visit the Meadowview Nursing Home twice a month to say the rosary and to console and cheer the patients. They are also available to the Pastor for census taking or other parish endeavors. Father Ploude started Parish Council. Those on it were: Gene Doughterty, Sister Rose Alice, Dolores Atkinson, Daniel Bradley, Sister Eucharista, Christine Fitzpatrick, Alyce Hagelstein, Matthew Haorahan, Pete Higginson, Don Miller, Joan Miller, John Placentra, Mae Schoeler, Jeanne Schoellkopf, Paul Valentine and John Walsh. Parish Council was formed by the Decree of the Second Vatican Council as interpreted by the guidelines of the Diocese of Camden. The Council is an advisory body to the Pastor. Father David Minniti left us for a post in Landisville, New Jersey. The Board of Trustees are John Walsh and Daniel E. Charnitsky. St. Catherine of Siena School, with its small classes, allows for more individualized student attention. The school, beside having an excellent educational program, also had programs enveloping Religious, Cultural, Social and Athletic activities. They have an Altar Server Program and have the opportunity for regular Mass and frequently held Para- Liturigical services in the classrooms along with daily prayer. The children held a Penny Walk in November and with the proceeds they pay for Thanksgiving Dinners for the poor and supply the Parish food closet. The School had an annual Science Fair, Read-A-Thon and individual classroom libraries. Some social activities are the Eighth Grade Dance, Pumpkin Contest and skating parties. Sister also had a "Never Late Cook- out" in dune to encourage the students to strive for punctual attendance. Cultural events included a Spring Musical and Annual Christmas program and a Children's Choir, consisting of children from grades one thru eighth. In the area of athletics they had a Girls softball team and hopefully will form a boy's softball team, boy's and girl's basketball and cheerleading. The children earn money for uniforms and to pay for referees. The school also takes part in a Walk-A-Thon. There was a very active School Board and PTA along with a dedicated group of volunteers who made hot lunches. These women also cooked a special Thanksgiving and Christmas luncheon. Changes in staff at the school were: Principal, Sister Rose Alice; Kindergarten, Mrs. Johnston; First Grade, Mrs. Conley and Mrs. Cerino; Third Grade, Mrs. Comstock; Fourth Grade, Mrs. Carfagno and Mrs. Hannon; Fifth Grade, Mrs. Chuchvara; Sixth Grade, Sister MaryJude; Seventh Grade, Mrs. Rohrbaugh; Eighth Grade, Miss Bidini and Mrs. McCann; Secretary, Mrs. Hampton; School Nurse, Mrs. Lehto and Phys. Education, Mr. Baker.
1988	Father Thomas E. Ploude left and was replaced by Father Quentin Walsh as Pastor. Father Walsh reorganized the Parish Council to focus on a Vision for the future. The vision is "The rebirth of the person and the parish in the Holy Spirit". The Mission: "To share oneself and one's faith with others". The members on Parish Council were: Matthew Hanrahan, Alice McConnell, Dan Charnitsky, Don Miller, Judy Carpenter, Christine Fitzpatrick, Dolores Atkinson, Mary Costa, Frank DeMarco, Anne Ellena, Robert Errera, Carole Errera, Dora Johnson, Donna McGee, Joan Miller, Cecelia Reynolds, Robert Rumpf, Mae Schoeler, Paul Valentine, John Walsh and Michael Walsh. Assisting Father Walsh with parish administration was FatherJohn E. Bruni, Associate in Residence, a member of the faculty at Gloucester Catholic High School; Matthew J. Haurahan, Permanent Deacon; and Franciscan Sister Rose Alice, Principal of Saint Catherine's School. The school has grades from Kindergarten to Eighth Grades, with a staff comprised of Sister Margaret Christi and eight lay teachers. The President of the PTA was Julie Ann Steffen.
1989	In this year, the Franciscan Order advised that our sisters would be withdrawn at the end of the school year. There was one new teacher: Mrs. Cerino, First Grade. St. Catherine of Siena dedicated their new library, located in the basement of the church, to Arthur G. Shipley. Mr. Shipley was the custodian for St. Catherine's for twenty years and passed away in November of 1988. The Cross in the Sanctuary of St. Catherine's was written up in various newspapers because of its uniqueness. It was not purchased, but was handcrafted by the late Arthur G. Shipley. It is made of fine medium shade oak, donated by Dennis Ellena. There is a great need for a variety of human services. In an attempt to meet some of these needs, St. Catherine of Siena's Parish invited the churches of the Borough of Clayton to form an Ecumenical Committee. This committee was represented at St. Catherine's by Don Miller. Also, during the year, St. Catherine of Siena held an Open House for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.I.C.A.). R.I.C.A. is for adults inquiring into the Catholic Church and replaces the one on one meetings with a priest. It is also for Catholics who wish to update themselves on the changes since Vatican 11. The facilitator is Chris Fitzpatrick. Father Quentin Walsh accomplished many things at St. Catherine's. We have an excellent library housing over two thousand books including a set of Catholic Encyclopedia, Bible Commentary, Lives of Saints, etc. We have instituted a Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fatima, which is available to all parishioners, especially the shut ins, to have in their home for a week and parishioners visit the statue and pray together with the host that week. There is Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Novena on the feast day of St. Catherine of Siena. Also, on Candlemas Day, there is the Blessing of Throats and a Pro-Life Prayer Service and Benedication every Monday night in October with a special Candlelight Procession honoring twenty-five million victims of abortion. For Thanksgiving, we join with the other churches in town for a joint Ecumenical Service. We also give out food baskets and have a food closet to help those in need. We have an active Social Action Committee working on issues such as abortion, rights of the elderly and social justice. Recently, we held a Cover Dish Social to welcome all new parishioners. In August, we hold our Annual Summer Festival, with a large selection of food and plenty of games and fun for all. In the past, Father Walsh, held a Seminar on Satanism. A Lenten Meal of homemade soup and bread was held every Friday during Lent in the church meeting room following Stations of the Cross. There have been Weddings, Baptisms and a group of Extraordinary Ministers to help bring the Eucharist to the people of St. Catherine's. We have a Vacation Bible School for one week each Summer.
1990	The Order of St. Francis of Assisi from Syracuse, New York withdrew their sisters on June 24. The sisters here at the time were: Sister Eucharista, Sister Rose Alice and Sister Margaret Christi. Father Walsh moved into the convent and the rectory was sold. The office moved into the church basement library until the office in the rectory was completed. The secretaries at that time and still are: Chris Fitzpatrick and Anne Eilena. St. Catherine of Siena School welcomed Miss Janice Bruni as its new Principal at its May 8th PTA meeting. Miss Bruni was introduced to the community by the Pastor, Father Quentin Walsh. In her speech, Miss Bruni stressed that spiritual values must pervade the entire educational program in a Catholic School.
1991	Father Walsh became sick and the Diocese sent Father Edward A. Igle, Resident. Father "Ed" Igle was noted for his homilies. He always started by telling a story about his family and leading to the Gospel via his family experiences.
1992	The newest additions to the school staff were: Gym Teacher, Mr. Frank Rapisarda; School Nurse, Mrs. Checkley; Music, Mrs. Sytora; Custodian, Mr. Moyer; Seventh Grade, Miss Doughtery; Sixth Grade, Mr. DeCarlo; Fifth Grade, Mrs. Cerino; Fourth Grade, Miss Kerstan; First Grade, Mrs. Magee; Kindergarten, Mrs. Novelli, and Second Grade, Mrs. Rafferty. Since Father Walsh's illness, a full time priest was needed. Father Ed had a regular job in the Diocese and left at the end of the year. He was replaced by Father E. Follett, Associate Pastor.
1993	Father Walsh was in the hospital and Father John took over his responsibilities. He brought many people back to St. Catherine of Siena. While Father Walsh was in the hospital, Father "John" would visit him and took many parishioners with him. As time went on, Father Walsh was unable to make important decisions. Parish Council was blocked from continuing with parish matters. The Diocese decided to make Father John, Administrator for the parish. This year, we celebrated Fifty Years as a parish. Father Walsh went over with Dora Johnson all the plans to celebrate the year. When Father Walsh became unable to advise Dora, Father John helped her for the first part of the celebration. On January 10th St. Catherine's parish opened it's 50th Anniversary celebration at the 10:30 AM Mass. The Knights of Columbus, council #6890, hosted a Breakfast after mass. Those parishioners who were in the parish for 50 or more years are: Rhey Belzer, Florence Steigerwalt, Carmella Hyde, Tom Fuhs, Betty Zinni, Helen Sandelier, Florence Checchia, Clare Bass, Rose Bracarello and Josephine Petrosky. On April 30th St. Catherine's parish celebrated it's 50th Anniversary with a dinner/dance at Knights of Columbus Manor, Black Horse Pike, Williamstown. A video of the history of St. Catherine's Parish, provided by Tom Fuhs, was shown that night. On May 22nd, Father Quentin Walsh died. This left Father John to carry on the parish, which he did in an extraordinary way. August 25th, brought us Father James F. Barry, from St. Pius X, in Cherry Hill. This is the first time he is a Pastor. We are happy to have him and wish him all the best. The new teachers at the school are: Mrs. Del Rossi, Grade One; Mr. Ebinger, Grade Six, and Ms. Audrey Hurff, Phys. Ed. We are planning a Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve to celebrate the Anniversay of the first Mass said in Clayton, Dec. 24, 1943. The Mass intention will be for all the deceased and living members of St. Catherine of Siena Parish. The current CCD staff is: Paul Valentine and Cecilia Reynolds, Coordinator; Kathleen Hilton, Mary Quinn, Lisa Waligore, Chris Reynolds, Alyce Hagelstein, Melanie Valentine, Valerie Corradetti, Monica Schipske, Michelle Moore, Paul Valentine, Barbara Rescinito, Cecelia Reynolds. Other names we were able to obtain of those people who helped with CCD in the past: Terri DiGiuseppe, Denise Walsh, Pat DeMuro, Rose Licciardello, Patricia Petsch, Steve Nicolosi, Karen Corning, Tracy Bottaro, Tina Bottaro, Betty Kohl, Eleanor Glerum, St. Paul Michael, Cathy Schwartz, Karen Kozachyn, Chris Fitzpatrick, Patty Chew, Mary Pasquale, Kathy Lewis, Harry Applegate, William Austin, Lillian Sprinkle, Paula Bender, Linda Dippner, Joan Dillon, Mark Cimino, Rose Herman, Joan Nicolosi, Karen Subers, Carol Sullivan, Melissa Valentine, Michael Rucci, JoAnn Rucci, Susan Griffith.