St. Rita Catholic Church

About Us

A Roman Catholic Community of Worship and Education

St. Rita’s Parish was established in 1921 and began in a storefront at 295 Bradley Avenue. In 1922 our first Church was built and our school was begun. We were a small and predominantly Italian parish in our early years.
From 1937 to 1948 we didn’t even have a resident priest, but were staffed by the generosity of the priests of the Society of St. Paul on Staten Island.
In 1950, Msgr. Paul Andrews arrived as administrator and quickly became pastor. His total dedication to Christ was translated into a fatherly love that built up the parishioners and thus built up the parish. He remained until 1985 when Fr. John Reardon, our pastor emeritus, carried on the work that Msgr. Andrews had so faithfully begun.
Today, we are a vibrant and diverse parish serving over 1,000 families whose heritages are Italian, Indian, Filipino, Irish, African, Sri Lankan, and Vietnamese among many others.
One witness to the spirit of community and generosity of St. Rita’s parishioners is our parish soccer and softball field, which was built and continues to be maintained entirely by parish volunteers for the benefit of our parish’s children. By the grace of God, there are many other ways that Christian friendship and community flourish throughout our parish, our school, our religious education program, our various parish groups, and our sports and scouting programs.

Denomination
Catholic
Size
250-500
Language
English


What Members Say

Add your voice
  • Thomas Watt
    I fondly remember Father Andrew's taking us in his wood sided station wagon.
  • Joe Burch
    I fondly remember Saint Rita's when I attended first and second grade there in 1951 - 1952. We had both first and second grades in the same classroom, and our teacher was Sr. Gertrude with whom I once again spoke in the late 80's, I believe. I received both my first Holy Communion and Confirmation there and remember Monsignor (then Father) Andrews. My wife and I attended Mass there about 20 years ago, and we went into the old church because the new one - as well as the old schoolhouse - were now long gone. Oddly enough, there are apparently some statues from the old church that I remembered, like the angels one passes when entering, and I remember them to this day (I'm 76). I would love to see any old photos of the church / school if anyone has copies. Best regards to a vibrant faith community - Joe Burch - [email protected] - 610-779-4363.
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