In celebrating the 100th Anniversary Mass of St. Teresa of the Infant Jesus Church on Staten Island, Archbishop Ronald Hicks reminded the faithful that Christ “instituted the Eucharist. He gave us his body, blood, soul, and divinity as the everlasting gift of life to his people and to his Church. The word Eucharist comes from a Greek word; it means to give thanks…Give thanks for whatever good memories you have of St. Teresa’s. Thank God, and share your faith with the younger ones.”

“Every Catholic Mass is beautiful and important, and this one even more so as we celebrate a hundred years of St. Teresa’s parish,” Archbishop Hicks said during opening remarks. “It is my great joy and honor to be with you today in this celebration.” More than 400 people attended the Vigil Mass on Saturday, March 7. The Church of Saint Teresa of the Infant Jesus is located on Victory Boulevard in the Castleton Corners section of Staten Island.

Later during the homily, the archbishop spoke of the significance of staying aware that God is in our midst. “That question, ‘Is God in our midst or not?’ comes from our first reading…And we gather here today as believers, we gather here as disciples, and we say with all of our minds and hearts and souls, ‘Yes, of course, God is in our midst!’”

Salvation through Christ

Archbishop Hicks added, “God so loved the world that he sent us his only son not to condemn the world, but for all those who believe in him might be saved. He gives us salvation through his son, our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ.” The archbishop also spoke about the importance of the day’s gospel reading (from the Book of John) on the Samaritan Woman at the well, her strong faith in the Lord.

In speaking of his busy first 100 days as archbishop, he noted that he asked his aides arranging the 100-day plan, “Do I get to visit Staten Island?” This was greeted with applause.

“And the reason that I asked the question is one: I have never been here; this is my first time, my first visit…And I’m telling you: Staten Island, you have a reputation.” This was greeted with laughter. “And depending on who you ask, everyone has a different opinion about what you will find in Staten Island…When I’ve asked the question, ‘What will you find most?’ what I really do hear is, ‘You’re going to find good people who are the salt of the earth.’ And my friends, you’re living up to your good reputation…I just continue to look forward to getting to know and to pray with all of you, not only today but for years and years and years to come.” And the people applauded.

Closing remarks of joy and gratitude were offered by Archbishop Hicks; Monsignor William Belford, current pastor of St. Teresa; and retired Auxiliary Bishop John O’Hara, a former pastor of the church. The concelebrants also included Auxiliary Bishop Peter Byrne and nearly a dozen priests who had served at the parish.

“We’re celebrating not just one hundred years of memories, but the years that lie ahead,” Bishop O’Hara said, noting Archbishop Hicks “is going to be great…You’re doing a great job.” Nine students, one from each grade K-8 of the adjacent St. Teresa-St. Rita STREAM Academy, attended the special Mass, accompanied by their principal, Nicole Garelick-Fresca.

People in the pews

Mary Ellen Reyes, 56, a parishioner of St. Teresa Church, since childhood, was at the Mass with her mother, Rosalita, a retired physician. “This was just amazing, to be able to be here and listen to the new archbishop speaking to us, especially during the 100th Anniversary Mass for our church; it was awesome,” Reyes told The Good Newsroom before heading to the post-Mass reception.

Another longtime parishioner, Timothy Burke, 63, said, “I really enjoyed it, his homily message – it was great, and the fact that he came to visit us to celebrate the Mass. I’ve been here many years. I look forward to many more years coming here.”

The Church of St. Teresa of the Infant Jesus was established in 1926, with early services held in a house before the construction of the present church, which was built in 1953. The founding pastor was Monsignor Philip Conran, who served for 31 years. Father John Joseph O’Hara, who later became a bishop, served as pastor from 2000 to 2012 (parochial vicar 1992 to 2000). Monsignor William Belford is the current pastor.

In 2001, a new hybrid pipe organ was installed. The parish has continued to upgrade its facilities, including renovations to St. Nicholas Chapel. More than 350 children attend the parish’s Religious Education Program.

St. Teresa School was founded in 1955. In 2020, it merged with St. Rita School to become the St. Teresa-St. Rita STREAM Academy, grades PK, K-8. It currently has more than 340 students.