St. Michael's Church 125th Anniversary

History - Newark

St. Michael's Church 125th Anniversary
1863-1988

(A History of St. Michael's Church based on original text by Theresa Colacino and edited by Darlene Abeln, Charlotte Pitrella, Theodore Russell, Georgia Sobczak and Kari Zappia. The booklet was published for the September 18, 1988 anniversary observance and was designed by Bill Finewood.)

Preface

The early days of Catholicism in Newark are difficult to piece together because of inadequate records and some conflicting stories. The first settlers in this area started arriving around 1790. Between then and 1852 no records are available. In the mid 1800's, Catholics in the Newark area probably traveled to the already established St. Agnes (now St. Felix) in Clifton Springs, St. Anne in Palmyra, or to St. Michael in Lyons.

In those early years Masses in Newark were also celebrated in the homes of the Catholic families. It is believed that Father John Touhey, first pastor of St. Anne's and Father Michael Gilbride probably traveled from Palmyra to Newark to say Masses.

In 1855 the Roman Catholic community of Newark was established as a Mission Church with about 40 members mainly through the efforts of Rev. James Purcell of Lyons. Services were held in a small structure on East Miller Street.

Except for the Certificate of Incorporation, dated March 25, 1863, in which St. Michael's Church was officially recognized as a parish, early records are not available. According to the Wayne County Historical Society, records of baptisms, deaths, and marriages from October 1867 until 1889 are in the custody of St. Michael's Church in Lyons. From 1889 to the present, records are kept in the Parish Center of St. Michael's, Newark.

History of St. Michael's Church

While still a mission of St.. Michael's Church in Lyons, the Newark parish was legally incorporated. Wayne County Deed Records state: 'Certificate of Incorporation of St. Michael's Society established March 25, 1863 with Rev. Bernard J. McQuaid, Bishop of Rochester, Very Rev. James W. Early, vicar General and Rev. Patrick Lee, now known as St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church Society in the village of Newark, have selected Patrick Hernan and Stephen McGauley as two lay members of said church for the purpose of incorporating said church. The same church shall be incorporated as St. Michael's Church.'

According to Wayne County records, in 1869, Father James Purcell of Lyons purchased from Elias and Eliza Grant a parcel of land for $729.64. It was upon this land that the first little church was erected on Miller's Basin now 303-305 East Miller St. next to the present Emmanuel United Methodist Church.

Under Father Purcell's direction, mission priests who served in Newark were Rev. Francis Clark and Rev. Patrick Lee. By 1876, when Rev. Charles L. Rimmels replaced Father Lee there were about 120 parishioners. Father Rimmels served the Lyons and Newark churches until his transfer to Waterloo in 1878. Rev. John J. Hickey, pastor of Lyons, served the Newark church from 1878 until his transfer to Waterloo in 1888. He continued his administration of the Newark parish from Waterloo until September 30, 1888. The actual services were conducted by Rev. John Gleason.

Rev. Daniel W. Kavanaugh Last Mission Priest

Rev. Daniel W. Kavanaugh, 'Father Dan' as he was called, started serving the Newark church from Lyons in October 1888. He drove a team of white horses to Newark each Sunday after celebrating Mass in Lyons. There was a heavy wooden fence bordering the East Miller Street property upon which the men of the congregation would sit until Father Dan arrived. The priest would wave his hat to the men as a signal to go into the church to pin their families while he donned his vestments.

According to Clara Ann Grieve Potter, Father Kavanaugh would perform baptisms after the masses on Sunday. She also recalled that he would come to Newark on Saturday afternoons to teach all the catechism classes.

With the growth of the Mission, the Bishop realized the need for a resident priest and a larger church building. Father Kavanaugh and his committee's choice for the new church was the present site on South Main Street. On December 30, 1897, this property was purchased from Mr. and Mrs. William Hoffman for $3500. The lot was 95 feet wide and 165 feet long.

According to Gregory Colacino, funds for building a new church were solicited mainly by Thomas O'Hara, a local well-known barber, and Patsy White, a railroad conductor.

The cornerstone of the new church was sealed in 1902. The Bishop was petitioned to permit the sale of the old church on East Miller Street to apply against the mortgage on the new church. The old church on East Miller Street was then converted into a double house which is still standing.

The formal dedication of the new church took place on March 15, 1903. On dedication day, it was decided to ask for a donation of $1.00 to anyone entering the church. The money raised was used to carpet the chapel and the church aisle.

Father Kavanaugh continued to care for Newark from Lyons until his transfer to St. Bridget's Church in Rochester in 1903.

Rev. James J. Gibbons

In August 1903 when St. Michael's became an independent parish, the Rev. James J. Gibbons was appointed the first resident pastor. Father Gibbons was born in Anderson, Indiana, July 10, 1873, but spent most of his early life in Ithaca, New York. He prepared for the priesthood in St. Andrew's Seminary in Rochester, in St. Joseph's Seminary in Troy, and in St. Bernard's Seminary in Rochester. He was ordained in St Patrick's Cathedral by Rt. Rev. Bishop Bernard J. McQuaid on May 30,1895. His first assignment was St. Mary's Church in Auburn where he was assistant for four years. He became rector of the Catholic Church of Horseheads in 1899. He was transferred to Newark in August, 1903.

Esther DeWeaver, daughter of August and Maria VanDamme DeWeaver, was the first baby baptized by Father Gibbons.

On August 19, 1903, the first rectory was purchased at 11 Madison Street. It was located on the west side of the street at the end of Franklin Street.

In 1907, additional property north of the church on South Main Street was acquired. In 1909, in a report to the bishop, Father Gibbons gave the value of the church property at $25,000 for the church, $2000 for the rectory and $40 for the organ.

The first organ had been purchased from a Jewish Synagogue in 1903. Eva Nolan was the first organist. In 1910, Father Gibbons told the congregation that the organ needed to be overhauled. He decided to hold a concert to raise money for this project. Father Gibbons asked Bert Quance, the owner of a school for young singers, to be in charge of the concert to be held at Christmas. Mr. Quance asked two of his students, Anthony and Rose Colacino to sing the solo parts. The concert was a success and the organ was renovated in 1911.

Many Irish and Italians began arriving in Newark due to the building of the Barge Canal. When they settled in Newark, night schools were established to teach them English. Until they learned English, the Bishop would send six priests to Newark during the Lenten season to hear their confessions so they could make their Easter duty.

Work on enlarging the church began in 1912. Parishioners donated nickels, dimes and quarters to purchase marble from Carrara, Italy for the main altar. An addition was built on to the back of the church which included two side altars and a sacristy where a stained glass window was placed in memory of Father Kavanaugh. Several members of the church donated stained glass windows in memory of their loved ones. Work was completed by October, 1913. Bishop Thomas Hickey came to Newark to bless the altar and the statues.

Father Gibbons had hoped he could complete the parish by building a parochial school but the parish was not large enough and times were hard. However, in September 1921, the property on the southwest corner of Franklin Street was purchased as a possible site for a future school.

Father Gibbons died January 20, 1927 after serving in Newark for 24 years. A statue of St. Theresa was purchased by the parishioners in memory of Father Gibbons.

Rev. John J. Ganey

Rev. John J. Ganey was named by Bishop Hickey as Father Gibbons' successor on Feb. 3, 1927. The son of Mr. and Mrs. David J. Ganey of Auburn, he studied for the priesthood at St. Andrew's and St. Bernard's Seminaries in Rochester. He was ordained on June 6, 1908 and was appointed assistant pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Rochester where he served for seven years. For the next three years he was Chaplain at the State Industrial School for Boys at Industry. In 1918 he was commissioned a Lieutenant in the Army Chaplain Corps. He served a year overseas in the first division. After the war, Father Ganey returned to Industry. He was then appointed as the first pastor of the church in Shortsville where he remained until 1927.

Father Ganey established a Children's Mass shortly after he arrived in Newark. The Mass was held every Sunday at 8:30. Before Mass, the children who lived in the village attended catechism classes in the church hall. After the classes, Father Ganey would lead the children in singing hymns that they would be singing during Mass. The children who lived in the country would attend the Children's Mass and their catechism classes after the Mass. When the number of children increased, it became difficult to teach all the children on Sundays. The Sunday school teachers, therefore, held special classes during school release time.

In 1930, Father Ganey decided that St. Michael's needed a new organ. According to Alice Walsh, who was the organist at the time, the original organ was manually operated. She would ask a parishioner if he would pump the organ for her and he might reply, 'Oh no, not today. I pumped the organ yesterday and I haven't recovered yet.' To pay for a new organ, Father Ganey asked for a five cent contribution from each parishioner each Sunday. The pipe organ was rebuilt, enlarged and electrified. The organ and the pipes occupied so much space in the choir loft that half of the choir had to sit on one side of the organ and the rest of the choir on the other side. Mrs. Walsh had to view the Mass through a mirror hung on the console.

During Father Ganey's pastorate, the Catholic Young People's League was organized under the supervision of Nan Hallinan. Among the young members were Betty Gerber, Anna Marchiolli, Margaret Hart, Mary Hines, Margaret Colacino, and Margaret Laudise. These six girls cleaned the altar and delivered the church offering envelopes and the Catholic Courier newspaper to the different parts of Newark.

In January 1937, the property at the corner of South Main Street and William Street was purchased for $12,000 as the location for the parochial school. Father Ganey pointed out that this property opposite the church was much more ideally situated for the school than the property on Franklin Street.

During his pastorate at St. Michael's, Father Ganey was chaplain of August Mauer Post of the American Legion, chaplain of the Knights of Columbus, and the chaplain at the Newark State School. He died shortly after his transfer to St. Felix Church in Clifton Springs in 1946.

Rev. Henry H. Doerbecker

Rev. Henry H. Doerbecker assumed the pastorate of St. Michael's Church Nov. 1, 1945. He was a graduate of St Bernard's Seminary of Rochester and was ordained in 1917. He served as acting pastor of St. Patrick's Church in Victor and as assistant at Corpus Christi Church in Rochester. From 1922 to 1929 he was chaplain of St. Mary and St. Patrick's Orphan Homes in Rochester. He was appointed pastor of St Patrick's Church in Aurora in 1929. In 1937 he became pastor of St. Mary's Church in Geneseo.

On Dec. 7, 1949, Bishop James E. Kearney came to St. Michael's to confer the sacrament of Confirmation. In his hominy he stated that 'A growing parish like St Michael's should have its own parochial school. Your parish needs its own school to be a complete parish, to provide for the thorough religious training of the children. I think it is now possible for you to have a parochial school here in Newark.'

The citizens of Newark recognized that a parochial school would assist and complement the public school program. In 1950 the parish and village responded as never before. The fund campaign brought in pledges of more than $130,000. In 1952, the Bishop appealed to Catholics in the entire diocese to assist him in building several new high schools It meant another fund drive in each parish. The Newark people decided to combine it with an additional pledge to complete St. Michael's own local school.

A ground-breaking ceremony on Feb. 25, 1953, marked the start of construction. On Sunday, Sept. 27, 1953, Bishop Kearney sealed the cornerstone into place. The school had nine large well-lit classrooms. There were rooms for the principal and a nurse, as well as basement facilities for group activities. Meanwhile, across the street, the little gray building was doubled in size to become the convent for the Sisters of Mercy. The convent was arranged with a small chapel, a community room, and a place for guests and visitors. On Sept. 2, 1954, the sisters welcomed the first 192 students to school.

In 1955, Rose Bremer Schram thought it would be nice to have a statue of the Virgin Mother on the grounds behind the convent. According to her daughter, Betty Schram Finewood, Mrs. Schram talked to several parishioners and solicited funds for the statue. Edward Doan purchased the statue in Rochester and brought it to Newark. Small trees and rose bushes were planted, and the statue was dedicated by Father Doerbecker.

When Father Doerbecker celebrated the 40th anniversary of his ordination in 1947, the Knights of Columbus Auxiliary wanted to commemorate the evens. He stressed that the only recognition he wanted was a spiritual bouquet. The Auxiliary complied, and donated $400 which was used to build a fence at the rear of the school.

Father Doerbecker resigned June 25, 1957, and became Pastor Emeritus. When his health started failing, he moved from Newark to St. Anne's Home in Rochester where he died June 24, 1974.

Rev. Joseph M. McDonnell

Rev. Joseph M. McDonnell succeeded Father Doerbecker in June, 1957. He was born Jan. 12, 1905 in Bath, N.Y. Educated in the elementary school of Bath, he attended St Andrew's and St. Bernard's Seminary in Rochester. He was ordained on June 7, 1930. His first assignment was as assistant pastor at Holy Rosary Church in Rochester, where he served for eight years. He then served as assistant pastor at St. Mary's Church in Rochester for three years. In 1941 he became chaplain at the State Agricultural and Industrial School at Industry. Father McDonnell's first pastorate was at St. Gabriel's Church in Hammondsport in 1944. This also included the mission church of St. Patrick's in nearby Prattsburg. In 1950, Father McDonnell took over the pastorate of St. Ignatius Church in Hornell, where he observed his Silver Jubilee in 1955.

Father McDonnell, who had met many personalities in the field of sports, inaugurated the first annual Sports Banquet in the Newark parish in January, 1958. Funds realized were used to purchase kitchen equipment for the church hall.

Parishioners marked the beginning of the church's 91st year on January 27, 1960. At this time, between 1800 - 2000 people attended masses each Sunday. They raised $175,000 for the construction of four new classrooms and an all-purpose auditorium and gymnasium. There were now 480 pupils enrolled at St. Michael School.

On April 7, 1960, in compliance with the Papal decree, the sanctuary rail was removed, and the priest began celebrating the Mass facing the congregation. The new lectern and sanctuary furniture were built by Charles Caboor. Dr. V. James Palmeri carved the figure of Christ on the cross that is used to lead the ceremonial procession. He also made the 42' candle sticks for the main altar.

William DeJohn, Sr. asked Father McDonnell why there was no bell in the tower. He was told that there were no funds available . Mr. DeJohn then decided to purchase a bell and all the mechanisms needed to make it ring. A cast bronze bell was installed in August, 1962.

In 1967 the property at 104 Franklin Street was taken over as a temporary rectory. The old rectory on South Main Street was torn down.

To mark 100 years since the building of the first church, a Centennial Mass was celebrated on Sunday, April 27, 1969. Bishop Fulton J. Sheen gave the homily. Concelebrants were Rev. Joseph McDonnell and several former assistant pastors. Also present was Rev. Lawrence M. Murphy, a Newark native who had been ordained May 17, 1958. The Rev. Michael C. Hogan was Master of Ceremonies. James SanAngelo was the rector, and Clifford C. Mooney was the song leader.

Father McDonnell retired in June 1975, and became Pastor Emeritus. A party honoring Father McDonnell for his 18 years of service as pastor was held June 22, 1975. The format of the evening was a 'Roasting of Father McDonnell,' with Dr. Edward Diamond serving as Roastmaster.

On June 8, 1980, Father McDonnell celebrated the Golden Jubilee of his ordination. The Most Reverend Mathew H. Clark, Bishop of Rochester, celebrated the Mass and gave the homily. Two of Father McDonnell's nephews, Edward and Francis W. McDonnell were the rectors and Rev. Mr. John Colacino served as deacon . In 1982 Father McDonnell marked his 25th year at St. Michael's. A Mass of thanksgiving was held on Sunday, June 13th. Father John O'Connor, former assistant, gave the sermon. Father McDonnell remarked, 'This is home. I would feel like a stranger elsewhere!.'

Rev. Eugene Sweeney and Rev. Peter Deckman

Father Sweeney and Father Deckman, co-pastors, came to St. Michael's in June, 1975. Father Sweeney attended Immaculate Conception School in Rochester, St. Andrew's and St. Bernard's Seminary, and was ordained in 1960. He served as chaplain at DeSales High School in Geneva, and on the Cathedral Staff. He had served at St. Mary of the Lake in Watkins Glen, St. Bernard's in Odessa, and Our Lady of Good Counsel in Rochester. Before coming to Newark, he had been associate pastor of St. Patrick's in Corning. Father Deckman, a graduate of Good Counsel School, Aquinas, and St. Bernard's Seminary, was one of the original missionaries to LePaz, Bolivia in 1966. Before that, He was a curate at St. Thomas More in Brighton, and had spent most of his priesthood in Rochester apostolates to Spanish speaking people.

During their pastorate, renovation of the church basement took place. The project was chaired by Tom Shear, who noted that 'Volunteer members of the parish spent their Wednesday evenings for several weeks working on the basement.' Michael Cinquegrana supervised the work in the kitchen.

In 1976, water damage to the church organ made it inoperable. Father Sweeney and Father Deckman spearheaded a drive to raise $5,000 to repair the organ. It was then moved to the left of the choir loft, making it possible for the organist to view the Mass without the aid of a mirror.

After the expiration of their contracts in June, 1980, Father Deckman was assigned to Bolivia, South America, as a missionary priest, and Father Sweeney was transferred to Cohocton. A reception was held July 13th to honor the former pastors. The gathering also welcomed the new pastor, Rev. Edward Steinkirchner, and his assistant, Rev. Michael Sullivan.

Rev. Edward Steinkirchner

Rev. Edward Steinkirchner was educated at St. Augustine's and Aquinas Institute in Rochester. He attended St. Andrew's and St. Bernard's, where he received his Master of Divinity degree. He was ordained on June 11, 1949. He assisted at Holy Trinity in Webster from 1949-1951, St. Boniface from 1951-1957, St. Michael's of Rochester from 1957-1959, and Holy Apostle Church from 1959-1967. From 1953-1959 he was Director of Sodalities for the Rochester Diocese. In 1967, he was diocesan campaign director for the repeal of the Blaine Amendment (Aid to Catholic Schools). In 1967, he became pastor of Holy Ghost parish in Rochester. In 1971, he became director of the intern program of the Rochester Diocese. This program trains newly ordained deacons and priests for pastoral work. He held this position for 13 years. In this field, he also directed the Supervisors And Leaders Training (SALT) program to prepare pastors as supervisors with the interns assigned to their parishes. In 1975 he attended the Renewal Institute for Priests at the North American College in Rome, Italy.

In 1981, Father Steinkirchner, while pastor at St. Michael's, had a census taken of the entire parish. In 1982, he spearheaded a renovation fund drive that netted over $350,000. These funds were used to point the church exterior, repair the church roof and gutters, repair the church parking lot, and replace the roof on the original wing of the school. In an effort to conserve energy and cut costs, as well as enhance the daily celebration of the Eucharist, the addition of a chapel was proposed. Father Steinkirchner invited Carl Zollo, a Rochester artist, to draw plans and design furnishings for the chapel. Zollo crafted the sanctuary lamp and holy water font in steel, and reworked statues of Our Lady and St. Joseph which were formerly in the convent chapel. The altar, lectern, and tabernacle were made of oak by James Klahn, according to Zollo's design. The benches were built by Anthony DeMarco. Dr. V. James Palmeri made the small candle sticks used on the altar.

On June 10, 1984, the parish observed Father Steinkirchner's 35th anniversary of his ordination with a Mass and reception.

In January, 1988 Father Steinkirchner announced the continuation of the renovation plans for the 85 year old church. The $210,000 program brought the church up to date with fire and safety codes, and placed St. Michael's in compliance with the liturgical guidelines of Vatican II. The north entrance was remodeled to provide easy access for the handicapped to the church, chapel, hall and rest rooms. An automatic lift was installed to raise a handicapped person to the main floor level of the church nave. Stairways were redesigned and widened. Rest rooms were relocated, and the chapel was enlarged. In the sanctuary, a large section of the original marble altar became the main altar. Other sections of the original altar were used to construct an ambo (pulpit) and reservation throne for the tabernacle. The present floor level of the main sanctuary was brought forward several feet to accommodate the renewed altar. The floor level on either side was lowered to permit chairs in this area to face the altar. The Nave of the church was repainted to accentuate its Gothic arches. New pews were installed and relocated to provide wider aisles and permit closer seating near the altar as requested in liturgical guidelines. Reconciliation rooms were relocated in the western end of the nave.

The organ and the loft were renovated. The wall dividing the choir loft was removed to show the organ pipes and window. The organ was re-voiced and updated.

Modern lighting controls and public address systems were updated. New carpeting completed the work. Father Steinkirchner stated, 'It is very fitting that the church and most of the parish plant were placed in such an excellent state of repair in 1988, which marked the 125th anniversary of the parish.'

Assistant Pastors

There were no regular assistant pastors during the pastorate of Father Gibbons and Father Ganey. Weekend assistants were: Rev. Joseph Curtin, Rev. George Dowd, Rev. Henry Hanley, Rev. Thomas Toole and Rev. John O'Donnelly.

Rev. Alexander J. Stec became the first full-time assistant in June 1933 and remained in Newark for six months.

Other assistants were: Rev. Peter Jankowski 1933-1935 Rev. James C. Lane 1935-1940 Rev. Thomas M. Reddington 1941-1943 Rev. Gerard J. Gefell 1943-1948 Rev. Henry Atwell 1946 1951 Rev. John Connelly 1948-1954 Rev. Emmett Halloran 1951-1956 Rev. Joseph Gaynor July 1956 October 1956 Rev. James Cosgrove 1956-1960 Rev. James Russell 1960-1965 Rev. Gary Lalonde 1965-1968 Rev. John O'Connor 1965-1970 Rev. Robert Magin June 1970 Jan. 1971 Rev. Robert Hammond 1971-1974 Rev. Eugene Emo 1974-1975 During the pastorate of Father Sweeney and Father Deckman, there were no assistant priests.

Assistant in internship

Rev. Michael J. Sullivan 1980-1983

Deacon Intern

Rev. Mr. Anthony Mugavero 1980-1981 Rev. Mr. Robert P. Ring 1981-1982 Rev. Mr. Patrick L. Connor 1982-1983 Rev. Mr. Frank E. DiSano 1983-1984

Associate Pastors

Rev. Frank Falletta 1983-1984 Rev. Richard J. Beligotti 1984 - 1987 (Sabbatical Jan. until June 1987) Rev. David Hogan Jan 15, 1987 - March 15,1987 Rev. Thomas Corbett March 1987 - June 1987 Rev. Timothy F. Horan June 1987 -

Deacons

Stephen Carroll, Religious Education Coordinator 1983-1985 Gregory Kiley, Religious Education Coordinator 1985 Conrado Mercado, Spanish Community 1986-1988

Mexican Missionary Nun

Sister Maria Cobbos 1972-1978

Religious Vocations from St. Michael's Church

The first man from St. Michael's Church to become a priest was Thomas Roche. Father Roche, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Roche, was born in Rochester and moved to Newark with his parents. He was ordained July 2, 1917. He spent most of his career as a priest giving missions in the Italian language. During World War I, he served as an Army Chaplain in France. Father Roche, CSSR, Redemptionist Missionary for 36 years, died July 7, 1947, in Pittsburgh, PA, while serving at St. Philomena's Church.

John Stephen Randall, the son of Ray and Rose McGauley, was born in Newark and moved to Rochester at an early age. He was ordained to the priesthood June 6, 1931, at St. Patrick's Church in Rochester. He celebrated his first Mass in St. Monica's Church in Rochester June 7, 1931. Father Randall celebrated a Solemn High Mass in St. Michael's Church in Newark Sunday, June 24, 1931.

Lawrence V. Murphy, son of Mr. and Mrs. Vincent C. Murphy, was born in Newark and became the first native Newarkite to become a priest. He was ordained by Rev. James E. Kearney, Bishop of Rochester Catholic Diocese on May 31, 1958, at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Rochester. He celebrated his first Solemn Mass at St. Michael's Church in Newark June 1, 1958.

Bernard Thomas Celso, son of Bernard and Catherine Celso. was ordained into the priesthood March 6, 1979, at St Thomas the Apostle Church in Rochester. The Most Rev. Joseph L. Hogan, Bishop of Rochester Catholic Diocese, officiated at the ordination ceremony. Father Celso offered his first Mass of Thanksgiving March 11,1979, at 2 o'clock at St. Michael's Church in Newark.

John A. Colacino, son of Joseph A. and Netta Colacino, was the first Newark native to be ordained in St. Michael's Church. He was ordained December 13, 1980, by the Most Rev. Matthew H. Clark, D.D., Bishop of Rochester. On December 14, 1980, Father Colacino celebrated his first Mass at St. Michael's Church. He is a member of the Precious Blood Fathers.

Virginia Bostwick, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Bostwick, received the habit of Sisters of St. Joseph at a ceremony conducted by Bishop O'Hern on September 12, 1931. She then took the name of Sister Teresa Agnes. She is now retired and is a resident at St. Joseph's Convent Infirmary.

Margaret Cass, daughter of Thomas and Jean Cass, entered the Carmel of the Most Holy Trinity in Arlington, Texas, on September 8, 1988, as a candidate for becoming a Carmelite Sister.

Secretaries of the Parish

Father Gibbons and Father Ganey did their own clerical work. A housekeeper would answer the telephone when the priests were out on a call.

Mrs. Harvey (Mary) Wiebold was hired as the first bookkeeper and secretary in October 1946. She had to remain at the rectory late at night to answer the phone if the priest was out on a call.

In 1960 Bertha Vanderbrook DeWeaver became the second secretary of the parish. According to Mrs. DeWeaver, as a secretary she did 'everything but the bookkeeping.' She kept records of all the weddings, births, and deaths in the parish. She kept an account of school tuitions and all church collections. One of her biggest jobs was writing the weekly church bulletin. She served for sixteen years retiring in July 1976.

Petrina Prinzi Housecamp succeeded Mrs. DeWeaver and recalled that when she walked into the office on her first day, 'Everything was in tip-top shape.' Pat has been a member of St. Michael's since childhood.

In 1977, Ada DeSanctis Lasken was doing volunteer work at St. Michael's School when Father Sweeney asked her to pin Mrs. Housecamp in the rectory office. She says, 'Many changes have been made in the office. We have gone from hand cranked mimeograph to computerized machines. The work is very diverse and never ending, but at the same time rewarding and challenging.'

Sister Mary Agnes Trabold

Sister Mary Agnes joined St. Michael's Church in August 1981 as the first Pastoral Assistant in parish history. She explains her job as one of assistance to the pastor in areas such as, home and hospital visitation, assisting in follow-up of sacramental programs, involvement in parish outreach to the dying, the infirm and those who are hurting. She also takes part in the RCIA program. Sister Mary Agnes was born in Rochester and graduated from Nazareth College with a master's degree in education. She was an elementary school teacher for 38 years and became a school principal. She is in the Order of Sisters of St. Joseph.

Charlotte Pitrella

At the Masses on Sunday, April 29, 1980, it was announced that Miss Charlotte Pitrella would succeed Sister Joyce McGinn as principal of St Michael's School. She became the first lay principal in the history of the school.

She taught fourth grade for two years. She then joined Sister Joyce to form a two-person department teaching language arts to seventh and eighth graders. In 1967, Sister Joyce was appointed principal. Miss Pitrella was appointed vice-principal in 1968. Concurrent with her own teaching duties, she pursued the completion of her own education, receiving her B.A. in English at Nazareth College in 1969. She continued her studies at Nazareth and in 1976 earned an M.S. in education and later completed requirements for an advanced degree in administration.

Raymond Hannan

Mr. Raymond Hannan was appointed Parish Business Manager by Father Steinkirchner. His duties as administrator coordinator are to help with the Bishop's Thanksgiving Appeal, to purchase equipment and supplies, and also alleviate the work load of the, pastor. He was also involved in the 1988 renovation of the church.

Deacon Gregory Kiley Religious Education Coordinator

The position of religious education coordinator is a relatively new one in the church. With many schools closing and a decrease in the number of Catholic children attending parochial schools, religious education programs, also known as C.C.D. programs, have grown in size and assumed much of the responsibility of educating children in the faith. A religious education coordinator also has responsibility for adult education.

Clubs and Organizations

Daughters of Isabella was organized around 1923 and the members were very active in church affairs until it was disbanded around 1935.

Women's Civic Club was organized in 1930. The members held many dinners and other fund-raising projects for the benefit of St Michael's Parish.

St. Michael's Sodality was organized to bring together the young ladies and gentlemen of the parish in a program of spiritual and material activities.

Knights of Columbus is a Fraternal Order of Practical Catholic men. Each local council operates independently but under firm rules and policies established by the Supreme Council.

Fourth Degree is a separate organization from the Knights of Columbus. The members in full regalia, act as escorts and honor guards for the clergy and at celebrations and also at funeral Masses for a deceased member of the Fourth Degree.

Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary is an organization to create a close bond among Catholic women and to encourage the practice of Catholic activities.

St. Michael's Mother's Club was organized November 1958 with 13 members. The club meets once a month and the purpose of the club is to finance projects for the school, church and for the poor of the parish. Whenever a need arises, the members try to do what they can to alleviate the problem. Members are: Pat Dhondt, Betty Finewood, Rita Hannan, Josie Hausman, Jane Huebeler, Katie Huebeler and Kay VanCamp. Betty Finewood was named president.

St. Michael's Prayer Group was started in 1976 by Seminarian Frank DiSanto. Since its inception, a team of parishioners have visited the Newark Manor Nursing Home each week to pray Psalms and to sing. Visits are made by alternating groups, usually in groups of two, so last about an hour and are held on Wednesdays at 2 p.m.

St. Michael's Parish Council helps further the spiritual growth of the parish through individual and collective involvement in all aspects of parish life. The council promotes parish efforts that will enhance the general welfare of the people of the parish, the community and the diocese.

Social Action Committee began the monthly food collection for needy families in Newark.

Family Life Committee was formed to build a Christian community within St. Michael's parish.

Parish Life Committee was formed to bring people together, to build community and to encourage parishioners to get to know one another.

Stewardship Program was started to establish a nucleus of teenagers and adults for scripture study, shared prayer, visiting the sick and lonely, and to build closer community among the parishioners.

Eucharistic Ministers are aides to the pastor in the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass, in the hospital, and in the homes of the shut-ins and the elderly.

Legion of Mary was formed for the personal sanctification of its members and to assist the pastor by performing the duties assigned by him.

Rosary Altar Society was formed to unite the women of the parish in religious, educational and social activities. They assist the pastor in spiritual and material undertaking for the welfare of the parish and serve as a medium in which the women may speak and act as a unit on all matters of public interest. They share in the rights and privileges of the Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary.

Sacred Heart Mission Society supports Our Lady of Victory Missionary Catechists who serve the Migratory worker's families in the Southwest and Indiana.

The Choir was first formed in 1911 and was composed of the singers who took part in the Christmas Concert of 1910. Thus began a tradition of good music that has continued to the present. Choir directors have been Bert Quance, Bertha O'Hara Burger and Anthony Colacino. The present director is Marie DeTorio.

St. Michael's Folk Group originated in 1968 when Sherry Mooney DeRuyter, Marion Hardy and Kathy Hannon were asked to play guitars for certain liturgies.

In 1972, Sisters of St Joseph, Susan Tiebolt, Sheila Stevenson, Helen Lynch, Mary Barker and Sister Joel began to play regularly at Mass. Sister Marie Margaret, Sherry Mooney DeRuyter, Dick and Elaine Housecamp, Bill Shay and some of Sister Marie's music students played at the 5:15 Saturday liturgy. The group continued through 1981, adding Mary Talbo and Sister Mary Marvin to the group.

In 1981, Sister Marie Margaret asked Will Trout to assume leadership of the Folk Group as she was also leading the choir and found it to be too much.

The Folk Group moved to playing at the 10:30 a.m. Sunday liturgy in 1982 and plays two Sundays a month and also assists at special liturgies during the year.

From 1982 to the present, the Folk Group has included Will and Linda Trout, Gerry Crider, Bill and Sherry DeRuyter, Mary Smith, Cindy Kukuvka, Jane Carroll and Irene Schusler.

St. Michael's Church Bazaar

The members of the Sacred Heart Mission Society held the first Bazaar in 1945 for the benefit of St. Michael's Church. It was such a success that the members continued to hold the bazaar for the next 20 years. Each year the bazaar became more popular and more demanding, so the members decided that it should become a parish event. The bazaar, since the parish took it over, is held every other year. The school gym is transformed with pine boughs and evergreens into a Christmas setting with a variety of shops. Hand-made gifts are sold to eager Christmas shoppers.

Rummage Sale

The Knights of Columbus Auxiliary initiated the Rummage Sale in the Fall of 1952. In September of 1961, Father Joseph McDonnell suggested making the Rummage Sale a parish project. The sale is held twice a year in the spring and in the fall. Lillian Schaffer has been in charge of the Rummage Sale since 1970. Mrs. Schaffer remarked that parishioners spend many hours and donate many items to make the sale the success it has become.

St. Michael's Summer Festival

In 1984, a group of parishioners with the encouragement of Father Steinkirchner inaugurated the Summer Festival in mid-June. Each year it has grown and now has become the event each year involving the greatest number of St. Michael's parishioners - good family fun for folks of all ages, a very necessary and important happening in the life of the parish.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults by Betty Howlett

The process known as RCIA was reinstated from Vatican II. It began at St. Michael's Church in 1981 with a small core team and deacon under the supervision of the pastor. RCIA has made great strides in the past few years with many people involved. The core consists of 13 lay people, the pastor and his staff. The process has four periods.

Pre-catechumanate: a time for initial hearing of the Good News; a time of inviting and welcoming those who are inquiring about entering the Catholic Christian community; a time for Evangelization.

Catechumanate: a time of deepening of faith, introduction to the Christian life of the community through catechesis, prayer, celebration, and reflection; a time of conversion.

Purification and Enlightenment: a time of reflection, a Lenten period of intensive preparation for reception of the Sacrament of Initiation.

Mystagogia: a time of post-baptismal catechesis; a time for more involvement in the Christian community of faith; a time for plunging more deeply into the mystery of Jesus. |

Anyone who is interested in RCIA may contact the Parish Center for further information.

125th Anniversary Observance 1863-1988

September 18, 1988 Noon Mass, Bishop Matthew Clark blesses renovated church and dedicates the altars and preaches as part of anniversary observance. Reception in church hall for Bishop Clark by the Rosary/Altar Society and Sacred Heart Mission Society. Dinner and Dance at Club 86, Geneva with Father Joseph McDonnell as featured speaker.

September 20, 1988 11:00 a.m. Mass and picnic for all school children, St. Michael and public schools, as their part in the parish anniversary.

November 1, 1988 12:10 Mass with senior citizens followed by luncheon and entertainment in the church hall.

November 12, 1988 5:15 Mass and supper for the teens marking of the anniversary

December 11, 1988 3:00 p.m. Organ Blessing and Recital with C.J. Sambach.

January 31, 1989 5:15 Mass followed by supper and talk by Prof. Will Fyles on History of Religion in Finger Lakes area.

Spring 1989 International Festival and Celebration.

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