Parish holds ‘phenomenal celebration’ to commemorate 150 years in Westfield
As the sun shined down on a beautiful June 5 afternoon, more than 200 parishioners gathered in Westfield to celebrate 150 years of the Church of the Holy Trinity.
The festivities — which coincided with Pentecost Sunday — began with an anniversary Mass presided over by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., archbishop of Newark, who spoke about the power of forgiveness. Also during the Mass, the parish presented the world premiere of a hymn composed by parishioner Kristin Hauge, with lyrics from Adult Faith Formation Coordinator Kathy Skrupskis. Afterward, the faithful made their way outside for a BBQ picnic, where they mingled with Cardinal Tobin and enjoyed each other’s company.
“It was a phenomenal celebration of God’s people,” said Father Anthony Randazzo, pastor of the Church of the Holy Trinity. “Today we’re standing on the shoulders of the women, men, and families who worked and sacrificed to build a community of faith that has lasted for 150 years. So, it was a day of thanksgiving and praise for them. And it was a day to praise God for all He has done for us and all the wonderful good His people can do over generations.”
This anniversary Mass and picnic are not the only ways Holy Trinity is honoring its 150th anniversary. The parish launched a Distinguished Scholar Series that has seen notable guests like Rabbi Abraham Skorka — a confidante of Pope Francis — and Sister Terry Rickard, former president of RENEW International, visit Holy Trinity to deliver lectures and participate in its ministries over an extended period. Additionally, the parish is compiling an online history that details Holy Trinity’s past through video interviews and a pictorial timeline. One more event to close out the anniversary celebration is expected to take place in the fall.
To learn more about the Church of the Holy Trinity’s history, which actually began with Masses in a railroad station before the original church’s construction in 1872, visit the anniversary section of the parish’s website here.
Cardinal Tobin delivers his homily. (Photo by Marie Campanile/Church of the Holy Trinity) 
Cardinal Tobin greets the young gift bearers. (Photo by Marie Campanile/Church of the Holy Trinity) 
Cardinal Tobin meets with parishioners following Mass. (Photo by Marie Campanile/Church of the Holy Trinity) 
More than 200 parishioners celebrated 150 years of the Church of the Holy Trinity. (Photo by Robert Kaplan/Church of the Holy Trinity) 
Members of the Church of the Holy Trinity community share a laugh. (Photo by Robert Kaplan/Church of the Holy Trinity)
Featured image: Father Anthony Randazzo (far left) enjoys lunch with the Church of the Holy Trinity community at its 150th anniversary picnic. (Photo by Robert Kaplan/Church of the Holy Trinity)
