In 1979, the idea of a new faith community in the southeastern part of Parsippany first surfaced. It wasn’t until March 1981, however, that a formal request was presented to Bishop Rodimer during his visit to Saint Peter the Apostle Church. At the request of the Bishop, Father Vincent Malloy, pastor of St. Peter’s, directed Father Robert Hoffman to hold neighborhood meetings to explore the need for a new parish. Various families expressed the desire for a smaller community with the opportunity for individuals to experience a more personal involvement in the life of the Church.
The first Mass of the new faith community, as the members referred to themselves, was held at the United Methodist Church on Sunday, August 30, 1981. Father Bob, the community’s early leader, celebrated this noonday Mass with approximately thirty people in attendance. It was at that first Mass that the tradition of holding hands during the praying of the Our Father was established. The community grew so rapidly that in October of that year, a Saturday evening Mass was added.
Rooted in the Father
Nourished by the Son and
Growing in the Spirit
1981
March – Formal request to Bishop Frank Rodimer to create a parish in southeast Parsippany-
Troy Hills.
August – About 50 families attend the first Mass at United Methodist Church on South
Beverwyck Road. The Rev. Robert Hoffman presided.
1982
June – The Rev. Martin McDonnell is assigned to the new mission of St. Peter the Apostle
Church.
September – Community meetings are held for input on a parish Mission Statement.
November – The Mission Statement is validated and accepted by the community; Deacon
Edward Sheridan Jr. is assigned to the community.
1983
July – Parish status is conferred and the community is dedicated to St. Ann, the mother of Mary.
October – Fr. Martin is installed as first pastor. Vincent Blazovic and Marge Giaquinta are
appointed the first trustees.
1984
May – A campaign is begun for the construction of a church; the initial goal, $600,000
June – Parish registration stands at 180 families.
1985
May – Groundbreakng for the church at 781 Smith Road, the former Paradise (Little League)
Field.
July – Sister of the Church Frances Sanzo hired as pastoral associate.
August – Deacon Sheridan dies.
1986
May – Deacon William Nicolaro ordained and assigned to St. Ann.
July – The new church is dedicated.
1987
January – Rectory is built, completing the $1.2 million parish complex.
June – The Rev. John Hart, a member of the diocesan tribunal, in residence.
1989
June – Deacon Nicolaro responds to a call from a parish in Florida; Deacon Donald O’Leary is
ordained and assigned to St. Ann.
1990
September – Fr. Hart is appointed Bishop Rodimer’s secretary.
1991
May – The Rev. Patrick O’Donovan, campus minister at Drew and Fairleigh Dickinson
universities, in residence.
1993
June – 25th anniversary of Fr. Martin’s ordination is celebrated
October – Parish celebrates its 10th Anniversary with a Mass and dinner dance.
1995
May – Deacon Al Frank ordained and assigned to St. Ann.
June – Parish registration exceeds 500 families
October – Expansion campaign begun with $700,000 goal.
December – Pledges top $870,000
1996
June – Groundbreaking for addition of 12,000 square feet encompassing a parish hall, daily mass
chapel, narthex, offices, meeting rooms and classrooms.
1997
November – Addition is dedicated.
1998
October – Fr. Martin receives papal honor and title of Monsignor.
2000
First Vacation Bible School
2001
First Men’s Cornerstone
2003
20th Anniversary celebration
St. Ann welcomes Migrant Ministry
Sister Francine Kavanaugh named director of religious education
2004
Sister Francis celebrates 50 years of consecrated life
First Ladies Cornerstone
20th golf outing
2005
Bishop Arthur Serratelli makes first parish visit after succeeding Bishop Rodimer
2006
Parishioners join Operation Helping Hands in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina
Sister Francine departs for new ministry
2007
Carillon dedicated to the memory of Bob Felton
2008
St. Ann included among the sending parishes of All Saints Academy, after the diocese
consolidates St. Christopher and St. Peter the Apostle schools at St. Peter.
2009
March - Fr. Martin accepts a transfer to St. Anthony in Hawthorne. Msgr. Brendan Madden
serves as interim pastor.
May – Deacon Leonard Deo ordained and assigned to St. Ann
July – Fr. Timothy Dowling appointed second pastor of St. Ann.
2013
Parsishoners contributed $32,000 toward purchase of a $27,000 pickup and snowplow
2014
An $85,000 bequest by the late Barbara Papparozzi helps pay for new roofs on the church and the rectory.
New thermostats, air conditioning unit, sound system and handrail purchased with parish rebate
from diocesan Partners in Faith campaign.
Children’s Church marks 10th anniversary
2015
Deacon Al honored at Communion Breakfast on the 20th anniversary of his ordination and for earning his Doctor of Ministry degree
Father Tim announces his sabbatical
2016
Father Tim named pastor of Good Shepherd in Andover
Father David Pickens named third pastor of Saint Ann
30th anniversary of church's dedication celebrated at Communion Breakfast
2018
celebration of 50th anniversary of priestly ordination of Msgr. Martin McDonnell
$50,000 roof repairs over offices, classrooms
new lighting and new sound system for sanctuary
2019
Seminarian Nico Quintos ordained transitional deacon
celebration of 10th anniversary of ordinations of Fr. David and Deacon Len
15th anniversary of Children's Church
Fr. Edgar Rivera named fourth pastor of St. Ann
$10,000 roof repairs over kitchen (two sections remain)
Launch of "Building Our Future" $150,000 campaign.
2021
Fr. Joe Garbarino named fifth pastor of St. Ann Church.