History of Saint Jerome Parish

A Brief History of our Parish
Saint Jerorm Catholic Church
Newport News, Virginia

St. Jerome Parish was founded in June of 1966, with organizational meetings held in the Stoneybrook Country Club, which subsequently was purchased by the Elks Club and is now known as Elks Lodge No. 315. Rev. Frank J. Hendrick celebrated his first Midnight Mass as pastor on December 25, 1966, in the Stoneybrook Country Club. The meeting place was then changed to the auditorium of the R.O. Nelson Elementary School on Moyer Road. Two Sunday masses and the elementary session of CCD were held at the Nelson School. The Council of Men and Women's Club, High School CCD, First Communion teas and other events were held at the Denbigh Courthouse.

On the first anniversary of the parish, Bishop Russell approved plans for the church and parish center on eight acres of land at Denbigh Blvd. & Garrow Road. Ground was broken in the fall of 1967 and the church and parish center were dedicated on September 2, 1968. The parish population grew considerably from its original 135 families.

Father Hendrick served as pastor until June of 1969, when he left to serve as an Army Chaplain in Viet Nam. Rev. Richard Dollard assumed duties as pastor of St. Jerome. Rev. Paul Maier served his diaconate in the parish and returned as associate pastor after his ordination in 1970. Father Paul remained at St. Jerome until July 1971, when he was replaced by Rev. Fred Heckel. In May of 1972, Fr. Dollard received word that his request for missionary duty in Latin America had been granted and Father Fred Heckel became pastor of St. Jerome.

Father Heckel was pastor until 1976. During this period Pastoral Associates included Father Thomas Mara, Father Thomas Miller, and Father Edward Bobinchoc Other parish ministers during this period included deacons, Rev. Mr. Chris Haydinger, and Rev. Mr. Charles Saglio. Ministers of Religious Education during this period were Sister Genevieve, Sister Mary Albert, Sister Shawn Marie, Sister Anne Marie & Sister Claire.

Rev. Merritt Jones succeeded Father Heckel, in 1976 and served as pastor until 1981. During this time Fr. Michael Gombatz and Fr. William Dinga served briefly as Pastoral Associate and Sister Mary Ann served as Minister of Religious Education. John Mumford and Eldon Turner served as Music Ministers during this period.

Father Paul Gaughan became Pastor in 1981 and was joined by Fr. Michael Bader as parochial vicar in 1990. The much beloved Father Bader died suddenly in 1992, and was replaced by a close seminary friend. Father James Ditty. Bishop Sullivan also assigned Rev. Mr. Peter Kwon as our first Permanent Deacon. Mr. Richard Matlock, our Music Director, was employed by Father Gaughan and continues to serve the parish in that capacity. Mrs. Diane Cunningham joined the staff as Minister of Religious Education. Mrs. Mary Wieczorek served as assistant MRE for youth activities for several years.

The parish that began with 135 families in 1966 had grown considerably. A much needed building expansion, including a new church and renovation of the parish center, was completed in 1987, under the direction of Father Gaughan

Rev. Joseph B. Majewski became pastor of St. Jerome. upon the retirement of Father Gaughan in June 1996. Rev. Ven Ilano was assigned as Parochial Vicar in June 1996 replacing Fr. Jim Ditty who also retired. Mrs. Nadine Silcox became Minister of Religious Education,.In1997, Father Ven was reassigned by Bishop Sullivan as pastor of St. Mary the Mother of God parish in Wytheville, Virginia and for several years St. Jerome had only one priest.

Ms Laurie Safford became the parish’s first Youth Minister in 1997. Ms. Margaret Curtis became Youth Minister in 1999 and initiated many new programs for our youth. Rev. Charles Saglio, who had served his diaconate at St. Jerome in 1973, was assigned as Parochial Vicar in June 2000, and St. Jerome was again staffed by two priests as our parish continued to grow with the ever growing Denbigh community. Presently St. Jerome has an enrollment of over 1400 families. With the vision and direction of Father Joe Majewski the opening of the new Faith & Life Center in 2000 added considerably to the capabilities for religious education, youth and adult activities and community outreach. We have come a long way since those early days in 1966. We are indeed a vital part of the Denbigh community.