Our Mission The parishes of St. Mark and St. Rose of Lima were linked together in the Fall of 2010, in accordance with the Journey in Faith & Grace. The parishes operate independently. although with a great deal (and increasing instances) of collaboration.

While some day the parish councils may come together to write a joint Mission Statement, it may be difficult to improve on the one that we can find in Matthew:

Going therefore, teach ye all nations: baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. And behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world. Mt. 28: 19-20.

Our History:

On November 23, 1925, a declaration was signed by Bishop William Turner establishing St. Rose of Lima Church, and Fr. George Crimmen was appointed its first Pastor. Following the declaration, construction of the rectory and the combination building of church, school and auditorium commenced. St. Rose of Lima School opened on September 13, 1926 with 161 students in grades 1-seven. Three Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart and one lay teacher comprised the staff. The Grey Nuns, who arrived in the United States in 1921, had a presence at St. Rose from 1928-1998. In 1928 the first class graduated with 15 boys and 17 girls receiving diplomas.

Following the opening of the school, construction of the rectory was completed on November 3, 1926. The second floor of the combination building was dedicated as the church on November 21, 1926. The parish and surrounding neighborhood expanded rapidly during the subsequent years, and summer picnics, night football games, annual outdoor masses, lawn fetes, block club parties and dinners were popular parish events.