St. James Church in Totowa Celebrates 100 Years

Parishioners mark a century of faith shaped by war, suburban growth, and demographic change.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 3:57pm

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St. James Church in Totowa, New Jersey is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The parish was founded in 1926 by Franciscan friars and has evolved alongside the growing suburb of Totowa, reflecting changes in the local population over the decades. As the parish marks this milestone, current and former pastors reflect on St. James' history and its continued role in the community.

Why it matters

The centennial of St. James Church highlights the enduring presence of faith communities in suburban areas that have undergone significant demographic shifts over the past century. As Totowa transformed from a rural outpost to a thriving suburb, St. James adapted to serve the changing needs of parishioners, reflecting the broader trends impacting Catholic parishes nationwide.

The details

St. James Church was founded in 1926 after local Catholics began attending Mass at the chapel of a nearby orphanage operated by the Cathedral of St. John in Paterson. As the congregation grew, parishioners petitioned the Franciscan friars to establish a church in Totowa. The Franciscans staffed St. James until 1945, when it transitioned to a diocesan parish. In the post-World War II era, St. James mirrored Totowa's rapid suburban growth, with the parish school opening in the early 1950s. Over the decades, the parish's demographics have shifted, with a decline in the Italian American population and an increase in Hispanic and Eastern European families.

  • St. James Church was founded in 1926.
  • The parish transitioned from a mission church to a full-fledged diocesan parish in 1945.
  • The parish school was likely established in the early 1950s.
  • Father Paul Iovino first arrived at St. James in 1985 and spent 20 years there before retiring.
  • The next centennial celebration is a Breakfast Brunch on April 26, 2026.

The players

Monsignor Raymond Kupke

The Diosese of Paterson historian.

Father Marc Mancini

The current pastor of St. James Church, who has served for six and a half years.

Father Paul Iovino

A former pastor of St. James Church, who first arrived in 1985 and spent 20 years there before retiring, and has recently returned to live at the parish.

Father Francis J. Riley

The first diocesan pastor of St. James Church, who oversaw a period of significant growth and construction in the parish.

St. James Church

A Catholic parish in Totowa, New Jersey that is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“Well, any parish centennial is an opportunity to look back on what's been, and to kind of re-energize for the future. Just about every parish will go through the effort of celebrating a 100th anniversary when it comes up. … They're important moments to give thanks to God, and to plan for the future.”

— Monsignor Raymond Kupke, Diosese of Paterson historian

“It means, for me, that the parishioners of this parish, for 100 years, have prayed, have sacrificed, and have given their best to maintain a Roman Catholic community in the borough of Totowa, New Jersey. So it's a very proud moment for not only the people present, but for those who were before them. So I'm very happy to be the pastor at this moment as they celebrate their centennial, as we celebrate our centennial.”

— Father Marc Mancini, Pastor of St. James Church

“When I came, 65% of the people were Italians. So, of course, almost like 99% were Catholics. And so they're very active in the parish, and I enjoyed being with them. Italians are only [about] 28% now. That makes a difference to the church.”

— Father Paul Iovino, Former pastor of St. James Church

What’s next

Several celebrations are scheduled throughout the centennial year, including a Breakfast Brunch on April 26, a celebratory Holy Mass with Bishop Kevin Sweeney on July 12, and a banquet to be held at The Grand on Nov. 8. Parish leaders also said they are hopeful to provide community service opportunities to Totowa residents needing assistance as part of the centennial outreach.

The takeaway

The centennial of St. James Church in Totowa reflects the enduring role of faith communities in suburban areas that have undergone significant demographic shifts over the past century. As the parish has adapted to serve the changing needs of its parishioners, it continues to be a vital part of the Totowa community, providing a place of worship, education, and community engagement.