Written by Jean Chop 
Edited by Tom Gorman

The original founders of our Parish, were people who came to the United States from Slovakia, who settled in the towns of Boonton, Rockaway Township, Rockaway Boro, Bolbyville, Dover, Hibernia, and many other areas of Morris County. The Slovak people were very proud, and they all had a strong faith commitment. Many worshipped at St. Bernard’s Parish, St. Cecilia’s Parish, Sacred Heart Church Dover, St. Mary’s Wharton, and many even travelled on foot over the hills of Hibernia, to SS Cyril & Methodius Church in Boonton.

With their strong faith, many of the Slovak families were determined to have a Parish of their own, where they could celebrate the Liturgy according to their Slovak traditions, as well as to be able to hear Mass, in their own language. Their wishes became reality, when the first Sacred Heart of Jesus Church began construction, on Franklin Road in February 1923. Fr. John Miklus was appointed Pastor, and the Parish community celebrated its first Mass on 23 November 1923, which was also Thanksgiving Day.

During Fr. Mikluk’s assignment, the parish grew and the Parish purchased property on E. Main Street & Keller Ave, formally the Central House hotel which was a historic landmark. Work began to convert the former hotel, into a Church, Rectory and parish center.

During 1927, Fr. Mikluk was re-assigned, and Fr. Andrew J. Romanak was assigned as Pastor to Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish. From 24 March 1927 to November 1945, Fr. Romanak served as our Pastor, and also as Administrator of St. Simon the Apostle. During his term, the parish community grew in many ways, as he established many pastoral organizations and social activities for the parishioners.

After Fr. Romanak’s transfer, Fr. Emil R. Suchon was assigned as our new Pastor, and he came with vision and a strong sense spiritual strength and commitment. During his service as our Pastor, from 1945 until his retirement in December 1985, Fr. Suchon enhanced the life of our Parish greatly. Fr. Suchon received the title of Monsignor in 1958, and he continued leading our Parish and also initiated many great achievements, such as:

• 1950, March 9 : Ground breaking for construction of a new Church

• 1954: Former Church razed and the new Rectory was built

• 1964, Spring: Purchase property and construction began on Sacred Heart School & the renovation of the former Historical residence to be the Convent

• 1965, August: Dedication of School and Convent

• 1965-2016: Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother were assigned to staff the school with Lay teachers as well. Sr. Johnice Thone assigned as Principal followed by Sr. Marie DiLorenzo.  In 2016 Mrs. Ann Mitchell became the Principal of our school, Divine Mercy Academy.

• 1945-1985: Assigned assistant Priests: Fr. George Dudak, Fr. Cletus Donahy & Fr. Donald Fox to assist with Masses and spiritual duties.

From 1986 to present, our Parish continues to accomplish numerous renovations to the interior of our Church, and to our Sanctuary area, as well, to renovations to our Rectory. Our Parish continues to grow in our faith commitment and we are blessed to have had many Pastors, Parochial Vicars and seminarians, assigned to us over the years, who not only led us in our faith, but also they continued to lead us into the future of our Parish community.

Our Parish Faith Community continues to move forward in our Spiritual growth, and to grow further in our commitment to our faith and to our Parish life. We are thankful to God for our Pastor, Fr. Pawel Bala for his love, dedication and for his spiritual leadership.