The parish was initially formed by Irish Catholics who saw the laying of the cornerstone of the first church on July 11, 1893, and named the Parish in honor of its patroness, St. Rose of Lima, the first saint from the Americas to be canonized.
Located on Church Street (not far from where St. Rose is now located)
First pastor: Rev. F.C. Shea
Original church was renovated in 1912.
If you drive past Church Street today, you can see what remains of the old St. Rose Church.
December 9, 1960, Fr. Julius Stefurosky was appointed pastor by Bishop William Connare. Soon after, the Bishop directed Fr. Stefurosky to find a suitable site for the relocation of the parish.
Fr. Stefuroskey was instrumental in making the church we are currently in a reality.
On August 30, 1968, Bishop Connare blessed the cornerstone, consecrated the altar, and celebrated Mass.
Fr. Stefurosky served St. Rose parish for a total of 29 years until his death on October 4, 1989.
Fr. James Tringhese was appointed the 18th pastor of St. Rose on January 26, 1990.
Under Fr. Tringhese, St. Rose Parish hired staff and initiated programs to promote the spiritual and educational growth of the parish.
St. Rose Parish opened its 100th Anniversary Year on Sunday, July 12, 1992, with Mass celebrated by Fr. Tringhese.
Fr. Tringhese served as pastor until June 1995 when Bishop Bosco appointed Rev. William P. Donahue as the 19th pastor.
Fr. Donahue served St. Rose for 19 years. In that time, he oversaw:
- Installation of a new boiler system for the church
- Air conditioning for the parish social hall
- Installation of energy efficient windows and storm doors in the rectory
Bell from the former church was placed prominently in the driveway entrance.
Fr. Donahue retired due to illness on June 4, 2014 and passed away on July 2, 2017.
After Fr. Donahue’s retirement, St. Rose was partnered with St. John the Evangelist Parish due to due shortage of active priests. Rev. Anthony Carbone, J.C.L. was appointed administrator of St. Rose Parish.
First international priest from the Philippines at St. Rose was Rev. Rogelio “Rod” Rodriguez who was assigned as Parochial Vicar in 2014.
Fr. Eric Dinga was pastor from 2019-2021.
Fr. William Berkey was pastor from 2021-2023.
Fr. Rodel Molina was pastor in 2023.
August 31, 2023 Fr. Ronald Maquinana appointed as Pastor of St. Rose Parish. At this time St. Rose became an independent parish once again.
