Our Story
Eight Catholics and a fire hall.
In 1870, about eight Catholics lived near the center of Wyckoff. Today this parish is more than 3,500 families. Next year it turns 125.
- 1899Mass in the Fire Hall. The railroad had brought the first Catholics; now they needed a place to pray.
- 1902On November 28, Saint Elizabeth’s is incorporated, with Father Paul T. Carew.
- 1903First Mass in a church of their own at Everett and Clinton, on July 12.
- 1909The church is closed for debt and scheduled to be sold. On April 4, Father Francis Koch, O.F.M., announces that the Church Extension Society has canceled the $1,175. Parishioners repay $200 so other needy parishes can be helped. Franciscans serve here for the next 74 years, until 1983.
- 1954A new church and school are dedicated on October 31. The old bell is preserved.
- 1992The present church is dedicated on September 18.
- 2017Father Stephen Fichter arrives on July 1 as the 21st pastor.
- 2018Cardinal Tobin blesses a seven-foot, 3,000-pound white marble statue of Saint Elizabeth at the entrance on November 17.
- 2020Mass goes out by live stream, and on September 27 the chapel is dedicated: stained glass from the original church, the 1954 tabernacle, an altar from the 1992 font, and an 18-foot Risen Christ window designed by Father Stephen with Lamb Studios.
- 2027125 years.
Sources: The Church of Saint Elizabeth 1902–2002; Catholic Advocate, 2004; Wyckoff Historical Society; Jersey Catholic, October 2020.
- 1899
Elizabeth of Hungary
Princess. Widow. Nurse. She lived from 1207 to 1231. In the flood, famine and plague of 1226 she opened a hospital of 28 beds below the castle. From 1228 she served the sick of Marburg with her own hands. She died at 24 and was canonized in 1235. Her feast is November 17.
Pray with her
Loving God, you gave Saint Elizabeth of Hungary the grace to recognize and honor Christ in the poor. Through her prayers, help us to serve people in need and all who suffer with steady and generous love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Our mission
Nourished by the Eucharist, we embrace Christ’s call to a life of service and tenderness. As a welcoming and compassionate Roman Catholic community, we strive to reflect Jesus’ mercy and loving kindness. Guided by the Gospel, we foster a spirit of faith and generosity that nurtures spiritual growth, unity, and a commitment to serving others, especially those on the peripheries of society, in imitation of our patron, Saint Elizabeth of Hungary.
Saint Elizabeth School
A National Blue Ribbon School on our campus.
Principal Nicole Mineo
201-891-1481
nmineo@sainte-school.org