History

In the summer of 1959, the Most Reverend George W. Ahr, S.T.D., Bishop of Trenton, established the parish of St. John Vianney from it's parent parish St. Cecelia's in Iselin with Reverend Walter A. Radziwon, as Pastor. Charles Terzella and John Belz were named as trustees. Father Radziwon purchased a home at 47 Glendale Road, Colonia as the Rectory.

On June 21, 1959, the first Sunday Mass was celebrated at School # 20, Hoffman Boulevard and a short time later at Colonia Junior High School and School # 22, Lynn Oakes. The first ministries formed were the Ushers Association, Choir, the St. Vincent de Paul, Holy Name and Altar Rosary Societies. About 1200 grammar and high school students began receiving religious instructions in four public schools, with a teaching staff of 30. Nearly, 500 children attended St. Cecelia's Grammar School.

In 1960, a five acre tract was purchased on Inman Avenue, which once was a part of the original MacKenzie-Stillman farm around the turn of the century. The estate of Dr. Fredericks at 125 Dover Road was purchased for a Convent which was occupied by the Bernardine Sisters in the summer of 1962.

A successful building fund drive took place during the years 1960 to 1962 leading to the ground breaking ceremonies on May 28, 1961 and the dedication of the Church, School and Rectory on August 19, 1962. A week long celebration took place beginning with a Mass of Thanksgiving presided by Most Reverend George W. Ahr.

In July 1965, Bishop Ahr divided St. John Vianney Parish. All of the parishioners from Wood Avenue in Edison up to Tingley Lane, between New Dover Road and the Union County line became part of the new St. Helena Parish.

Eight acres of property adjacent to the original five acres were purchased from Mr.Ritchie on December 30, 1966 by our pastor, Father Radziwon for future use and as an investment.

In June 1969, Father Radziwon was transferred and Rev. Donald M. Endebrock, S.T.D. was assigned as pastor of the parish who was replaced in December by Rev. Joseph Shenrock. In September 1970, Reverend John P. Byrnes who served in the United States Navy as chaplain was installed as pastor. In January 1972, Reverend Edward D. Strano was installed as pastor having served the parish as an associate in 1961. With his great incentive, drive and inspiration he began immediately to develop and expand the religious education program with a coordinator. Father Strano then planned the Pope John XXI II Recreation Center. The far end of the property was cleared and landscaped which became The Vianney Woods. The old Ritchie building was renovated and was used primarily by the Boy Scouts, Explorers and Cub Scouts. The Shalom House was also completed for use by the youth, basketball courts have been erected and a soccer field. A convent built on the parish property was completed in December 1972.

Fr. Francis Sergel became the next pastor of our parish. During his years of service to our parish he was appointed Monsignor, built a parish center (which was renamed in his honor after his death) and purchased another building nearby which at one time served as a much needed Pre-School. In August 1995, after the death of Msgr. Sergel in July, Fr. Edward O'Neill, previously an associate at St. John's, became our pastor. The latest addition to our parish, a new PreSchool building opened in 2002. In 2004, our pastor was bestowed the honor of Msgr. Edward O'Neill.