Saint Anthony Church in Oceanside has really been three different parishes in its 79 year history—first a shrine parish, then a diocesan parish, and finally a Jesuit-directed parish, each one building on the strengths of the past.

In 1927, when Bishop Molloy sent Father Robert Barrett, an Irish born priest, to Oceanside, there were only a few Catholics in this community. The first Mass was said in the Salamander firehouse with about fourteen people in the congregation. After some difficulties, a parcel of land on the corner of Windsor Parkway and Fulton Avenue (the area now used as a parking lot and basketball court) was obtained and the construction of the church was begun. Father Barrett was a wealthy man (he often said that his family owned Guinness’ Brewery, although that may have been in jest) and he used his personal fortune to build and enhance his beloved church and grounds.

The church opened in 1929 and it was so unusual and beautiful, with flowers and singing canaries, that it immediately attracted many visitors. Built partially underground, it included life-size scenes of saints and a crucifixion scene in the rear. Imitation rock formations were added to the interior, giving the appearance of a cave or grotto. Beautiful gardens surrounded the building and a small chapel, originally dedicated to St. Francis but later renamed in honor of Mother Cabrini, was added. 

As more and more visitors were attracted to the church, the land across Anchor Avenue was purchased. The rectory was built, and the Miraculous Medal Chapel and Sacred Heart Chapel were erected with beautiful walkways and extensive gardens for meditation. 
For the next 25 years pilgrims and tourists flocked to the shrine by car and bus, coming from as far as Connecticut and Pennsylvania. Visitors attended Mass and spent time strolling through the grounds, finding peace and tranquility.

But times were changing. The parish population grew with families moving into the area from Brooklyn and Queens. Fewer people came on pilgrimage for refreshment and renewal. When the underground church was destroyed by fire in 1960, the era of the shrine came to a close. A new pastor was assigned and the change from a shrine to an active family parish was complete.

A beautiful school building and convent were constructed in 1961. The Dominican Sisters of Blauvelt joined the parish to administer and teach at the school. The new parish school prospered and an extensive religious education program was established for children not enrolled at the school. Sports and social programs were provided not only for the youth of the parish but also for young people of the entire area.
During these years, many parish organizations were formed and programs established, including the annual Feast of St. Anthony. In the years following Vatican II, there was large increase of lay participation in the life of the parish, with a Parish Council, School Board, Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Choir and Liturgy Committee. A series of adult education courses were designed to help people understand and adjust to the changes brought about by Vatican II.
However, within a few years, school enrollment began to decline. The Dominican Sisters could no longer staff the school and the financial burden became too great for the parish to bear. After many meetings and much discussion, the decision was made by the Diocese to close the school in June 1972.

The closing of the school and the needs of the growing parish led to a change in parish administration. In December 1978, Father Joseph Austin, S.J., the new pastor, arrived with two other members of the Society of Jesus. The parish entered a new era as a Jesuit Apostolate. 

A Youth Ministry was formed to provide expanded social and spiritual activities for the young people, and a Parish Outreach program, in conjunction with the St. Vincent de Paul Society, was initiated to assist the needy in the parish. The once empty school building became a vibrant Parish Center with space for offices and many spiritual and educational parish activities, including Pre-School, Senior Center (administered by Catholic Charities), and a revitalized Faith Formation for over 1600 youngsters. The convent was converted to Tabor Retreat House. Ignatian Spirituality, involving Living With Christ, New Wineskins, The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, Ignatian Lay Volunteer Corps and small prayer support groups, continue to flourish.



Our parish has grown from the fourteen faithful who attended that first firehouse Mass to a community of more than 4,800 registered families. In the early days, people flocked to St. Anthony’s Church to enjoy the beauty of the shrine and its surroundings. Today, people come here for the beauty of the spirituality, the liturgy and the community. We have been truly blessed!