Published Saturday, July 6, 2002
Original church began 100 years ago
Our Lady of Fatima Church, 601 Roemer Blvd., is celebrating two anniversaries this year. The church has its roots in the former St. Elizabeth Church, which was established in 1902, and came about after a unification with St. Anthony de Padua Church in 1952.
The Fatima congregation will mark the centennial anniversary of St. Elizabeth Church this month, then in October will observe the 50th anniversary of the dedication of Our Lady of Fatima Church.
A Centennial Kick-off celebration was held for parishioners to officially start the church's centennial year, and a dinner was held June 23 in Fatima Hall.
An anniversary book is being prepared. If there are any interested former parishioners or out-of-town parishioners who would like to extend congratulatory messages, call Helen Scarmack at (724) 981-3276 for information.
The Rev. Dennis W. O'Hern came in July 1902 to select a site for a Catholic church to be built in what was then South Sharon, which was the site of the fledgling steel industry that attracted many ethnic groups. Five lots were purchased by December 1902 at the corner of Wallis Avenue and Haywood Street, and the church was placed under the patronage of St. Elizabeth, opening on Oct. 2, 1903.
Rev. John H. Craig assumed pastoral duties of St. Elizabeth Church in March 1905. During his tenure, three more lots were purchased, running south on Wallis Avenue. Under his direction, an architect and plans for the church were laid.
Rev. Edward M. Driscoll was assigned to St. Elizabeth from 1907 through 1916. Construction of the church building was under way and the cornerstone was laid in 1908. Formal dedication of the church was held Dec. 5, 1909, officiated by Bishop John E. Fritzmaurice of the Catholic Diocese of Erie.
Rev. Driscoll was replaced in October 1916 by Rev. James F. Dugan, who remained until January 1921.
Rev. Thomas A. Rooney was officially assigned as pastor in May 1921, beginning a long term of service. (Rev. Francis J. Tully had administered St. Elizabeth in the interim two months.) Rev. Rooney served St. Elizabeth for 30 years until his death May 1, 1951.
Meanwhile, Bishop Fritzmaurice had assigned the Rev. Vincent J. Megliore to establish a parish, which would become St. Anthony de Padua Church, in 1904 for the Italian people. The church was to play a significant role in the unification of St. Elizabeth and St. Anthony to form Our Lady of Fatima.
From the time of its founding until 1952, this small church was administered by several priests. Perhaps the best-known were Rev. Joseph Vacanti, who served from July 25, 1924, to Aug. 11, 1939; Rev. Geno J. Monti, assigned Feb. 22, 1946; and Rev. Joseph A. Ciaiola, who was appointed in June 1948 as assistant.
Rev. Monti became pastor of St. Anthony's in April 1946 after the death of Rev. Papandrea. Around this time, Rev. Rooney of St. Elizabeth was in failing health, so Revs. Monti and Ciaiola assisted Rev. Rooney in administering the spiritual needs of St. Elizabeth.
After the death of Rev. Rooney on May 1, 1951, Bishop Gannon appointed Rev. Monti administrator of St. Elizabeth. By papal decree on Feb. 16, 1952, the congregations of St. Anthony and St. Elizabeth were united and formed a new parish dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima.
The church of Our Lady of Fatima was dedicated Oct. 26, 1952, on the Feast of Christ the King by Archbishop John Mark Gannon. During the years of major church renovation and building construction, from 1952 to 1960, Fatima Hall was erected and dedicated in April 1959. Ground was broken Aug. 16, 1959, on the elementary school, convent and chapel. Completion date was September 1960.
From 1960 through 1980, parishioners embarked on many projects. "The Carnevale Continental" was held on the weekend preceding Ash Wednesday. Funds also were realized from the Wedding Crew, Lenten fish fries, dinners, raffles and other projects. In addition to providing funds needed for church and school revenue, the events also were a means for parishioners to come together socially.
Highlights in Fatima church history include Rev. Joseph Staszewaki being assigned as pastor in 1963, the first Parish Council being formed in 1970 in compliance with the directives of Vatican II; Rev. Donald E. Berdis being appointed as pastor in June 1980; and Monsignor Monti dying June 3, 1981.
Since Rev. Berdis' appointment in 1980, many spiritual and material changes have taken place at Our Lady of Fatima. Needed renovation of the church interior, Fatima Hall, school, convent, cemeteries and properties were completed. The convent adjacent to the school was converted into a large meeting room, the Marian Room.
In 1984, three additional lots were purchased for an extension to the parking lot. In 1984 a major addition was made to the east side of the church. This new side entrance enabled the physically handicapped access via an enclosed ramp. A brick canopy was constructed in July 2001 over the front entrance of the church.