You will allow me, I am sure, the liberty of linking Northern New Jersey and Western New York. Though so far separated they formed parts of the one diocese, and often the priests that labored here were sent to what was then called "The Far West" to hunt up and save the scattered sheep of the one fold. Bishop Timon, in his history of missions in Western New York, writes: "The Catholics of Auburn, then numbering four or five families, and having several children to be baptized, sent to New York for a Catholic priest. The Rev. Mr. O'Gorman came. This was the first visit that Auburn had ever received from a Catholic clergyman."
The church built in Paterson by Father Bulger, in 1821, is mentioned in the Catholic Directory for 1822, as the only one in New Jersey, with Rev. Mr. Bulger as pastor.
Father Bulger was succeeded by Father Brennan, assisted by Father John Conroy. The latter made the first attempt to build a church in Jersey City. But building on a bed of quicksand the foundations gave way, and the courage of the people was lost for some years. In 1826 Father Brennan died and lies buried near his companions; then came Father Shanahan, the fifth priest ordained by Bishop Connolly. He was followed by Father J. O'Donohue, who afterwards exercised the ministry in Auburn, in Seneca Falls and other places in Cayuga and Seneca counties. It was during his pastorate in 1830 that the church in Macoupin was dedicated by Father Chas. D. French, sent from New York to perform this function. He was assisted by Father O'Donohue. Father French afterwards spent some time in charge of the mission of Greece, a settlement of well-to-do Irish farmers, about six miles west of Rochester.
In 1827, the construction of the Morris Canal brought many Irishmen to Paterson. Religion followed in the track of commerce. The first church no longer afforded room for the largely increased congregation. While realizing the need of additional accommodation the parishioners did not venture to do more than secure the lot on Oliver street, and determine to build a suitable church. In 1832, Father Duffy was sent to Paterson as pastor, and it was under his administration, that in 1833 the first half of the stone church on Oliver street was built. It is the 50th anniversary of this building that we this day commemorate with becoming pomp and solemnity. Its erection marked the third stage in the growth of religion. The missionary days were passing away to be replaced by fixed and well ordered ministrations.