Church ‘beacon’ of Bergen County illuminated for first time in years
Steeple re-dedication part of parish’s centennial celebration
The 165-foot steeple standing high atop Queen of Peace Church in North Arlington was lit up for the first time in years during a Nov. 26 re-dedication ceremony, the latest event in the parish’s year-long centennial anniversary celebration.
The steeple’s new lights came as part of a major refurbishment of the tower, which also involved structural repointing and the installation of stained-glass windows. The illumination was particularly significant because it marked a return to the days when the steeple served as an unofficial “beacon” of Bergen County. Father Anthony Di Stefano, Queen of Peace’s pastor, said airplane passengers used to marvel over the glowing tower while flying across the night sky, so returning the steeple to its former glory was a meaningful way to celebrate the parish’s centennial.
Prior to the tower re-dedication, Queen of Peace Church kicked off its anniversary celebration with a June 17 gala concert featuring songs in English and Spanish to reflect the congregation’s diversity. At its Centennial Mass on Sept. 25, Father Di Stefano was officially installed as the parish’s new pastor. And as the year goes on, Queen of Peace will continue implementing its parish re-engagement plan in conjunction with its centennial celebration. So far this plan has resulted in the creation of a youth ministry, the launch of a children’s choir, and the revitalization of the parish’s religious education program to allow for more family involvement.
“Our parishioners are really happy that we’re doing so much to celebrate the anniversary,” said Father Di Stefano, who is only the eighth pastor in Queen of Peace’s 100 year-history. “A lot of people have been saying ‘Queen of Peace is back!’ because we’re becoming as active as the parish was years ago. That is why it was important to honor the centennial — it reminds us of what church is about and empowers us to move forward and carry out Jesus’ mission.”
For more information on Queen of Peace Church’s centennial anniversary celebration, visit www.qpcna.org/centennial-celebration/.
Featured image: Queen of Peace Church’s newly refurbished steeple lit up the night sky during a rededication ceremony on Nov. 26, 2022, the latest event in the North Arlington parish’s yearlong centennial anniversary celebration. (Photo courtesy of Queen of Peace Church)
