‘Cathedral of the Bronx’ serves boro
Name of congregation: Church of St. Nicholas of Tolentine Religious affiliation: Archdiocese of New York Spiritual leader: The Rev. Joseph Girone Address and neighborhood: 2345 University Ave., University Heights/Fordham, the Bronx Years in present location: 106 Size and character of congregation: About 1,600 people; the community is diversified. Scheduled services: Masses: Saturday 7 p.m. (Spanish); Sunday: 8 a.m. (English), 9:30 a.m. (Spanish); 11:15 a.m. (English); 12:45 p.m. (bilingual); 4 p.m. (Vietnamese). Confessions are every Saturday at 4 p.m. What makes the congregation special: “From participating in the Augustinian charism of “being of one mind and one heart intent upon God,” the Rev. Girone said. Largest service and turnout: “Good Friday Procession through the neighborhood,” Girone said. Most-prized possession: “The church itself, because it is known as the “Cathedral of the Bronx,” he said. Biggest wish-list item: “Resources to support a youth/evangelization minister,” he said. Biggest issue: “So many of our immigrant people have to work so hard and long for low wages that their schedules do not permit them the time to be with their families, not to mention the ability to come to Sunday Mass,” he said. Most-memorable service: “The June Sunday in 2010 when we were able to return to the church for Sunday worship after an arson that destroyed the vestibule March 5, 2010, and September 2011 when construction was finally finished it was rededicated by Bishop Dennis Sullivan, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of New York,” he said. Funniest/strangest moment during a service: “During an adult baptism at the Easter Vigil when the candidate is immersed in the waters three times by the priest, this candidate was so anxious, as soon as the priest put his hand on his head to be baptized, he started dunking himself in the water,” he said. “I was the priest.” Best singer: “Though many, we sing with one voice,” he said. Most-dedicated volunteer: “We try to avoid the word volunteer because one does not volunteer in God’s name and then decide to move on. One is called to serve and there’s no turning back,” he said. Other services and programs offered: There are many. Upcoming events: Pastoral visit from Timothy Cardinal Dolan on Nov. 18.
Contact: (718) 295-6800
Website: tolentinebronx.org
Maxine Simpson