St. Mary’s Church (Benedictine Monks of Newark Abbey)

About this parish

St. Mary’s Church in Newark, New Jersey, is a vibrant parish rooted in resilience and tradition, serving a diverse community of African American, West African, and Caribbean Catholics. Founded in 1842 by Rev. Nicholas Balleis, OSB, to serve German-speaking immigrants, the parish endured destruction and rebuilding, eventually becoming entrusted to the Benedictine Monks of Newark Abbey in 1857. Today, it thrives through ministries, education, and outreach, including St. Benedict’s Preparatory School’s Elementary Division and the Pierre Toussaint Food Pantry. The parish is led by Father Patrick Winbush, O.S.B., the current Rector, and continues to embody a spirit of hospitality, service, and spiritual growth.

Saint Mary’s Parish began in 1842, founded by Rev. Nicholas Balleis, OSB to serve German-speaking immigrants worshiping at Saint John’s on Mulberry Street. From these humble beginnings grew a resilient community grounded in faith and hospitality. After the original church was destroyed during the 1856 Know-Nothing attack, parishioners rebuilt and dedicated a new church on December 20, 1857. That same year, Bishop James Roosevelt Bayley entrusted the parish to the Benedictines of Saint Vincent Archabbey—a partnership that continues to guide our spiritual mission. By 1987, Saint Mary’s celebrated its historic milestones and the enduring presence of the Benedictine community. Today, the parish is a vibrant family made up of African American, West African, and Caribbean communities, united through worship and service.

Founded

1842

Patron

St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception

Pastor

Father Patrick Winbush, O.S.B.

St. Mary’s Church (Benedictine Monks of Newark Abbey) is a Catholic parish in Newark, New Jersey, part of the Newark.