About St. Columba Roman Catholic Church · Newark, New Jersey
St. Columba Roman Catholic Church is a historic Irish-founded parish in Newark's Ironbound neighborhood, serving the faithful of the Archdiocese of Newark since 1871. Its present church, erected in 1897 and dedicated on January 17, 1898, is a striking adaptation of the Roman basilica style, framed by a semi-circular portico with six Corinthian columns and ceiling murals depicting St. Columba, the Resurrection, the Ascension, Pentecost, the Assumption, and the Coronation. Today the parish offers daily and weekend Masses in both English and Spanish, reflecting the diverse Catholic community that continues to call it home.
- Established
- 1871
- Patron
- St. Columba of Iona
- Diocese
- Archdiocese of Newark
Why belong here
A landmark parish where generations have gathered beneath hand-painted basilica ceilings, with Masses in English and Spanish and a deep Irish-Catholic heritage in the heart of the Ironbound.
Mass times at St. Columba Roman Catholic Church
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Weekdays: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
History & Heritage
St. Columba's was established in 1871 to serve Newark's Irish Catholic population. The current church, completed in 1897, is listed among the significant historic churches of the Archdiocese of Newark.
- Founded September 8, 1871
- Dedicated spring 1872
- Rebuilt and dedicated January 17, 1898
- Parish school opened 1879
- Old rectory converted to convent
Architecture
The church is an adaptation of the Roman basilica order, featuring a grand semi-circular portico supported by six Corinthian columns and an interior arcade dividing the nave from the sanctuary.
- Roman basilica plan erected 1897
- Six exterior Corinthian columns
- Interior columns mirroring the portico
- Six decorated ceiling panels depicting major mysteries of faith