Magyar News, 1993. szeptember-1994. augusztus (4. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1994-06-01 / 10. szám
FAITHFUL SERVICE IN OUR COMMUNITY At Holy Trinity Father Orosz used his administrative ability to meet all needs of the parish family. The old church, rectory, and social hall were sold to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgeport. The first new building to be built under the pastorate of Father Orosz was the rectory, which was completed in October, 1958. Once again the pastor and the parishioners realized the importance of building a new social center and property was purchased approximately one-half block away from the church. On October 17, 1959, a new modem Holy Trinity Parish Center was completed at a cost of $150,000. This new facility became the center of social activities accommodating our own parish events, and it is also widely used by outside groups. With the completion of the rectory and the parish center, the church members could indeed reflect on their past history and see here the illustration of the parable of the mustard see. The 1960s were rich, full years for Holy Trinity under the pastorate of Father Orosz. Youth and adult organizations sponsored many exciting events. Remembering a program first performed in 1933, the parish recreated an Hungarian village wedding. Celebrations such as this preserved the traditional singing, dancing, and colorful customs of Hungary. One of the most exciting church groups in the 1960s was the Folk Dance Group. In 1965 they performed throughout the Bridgeport area. The group was frequently requested to do their stunning interpretation of the Hungarian court dance called the “Diszpalotas,” an 18th-century dance. In October of 1978, after serving Holy Trinity Parish for twenty-two years of his life, Father László Orosz was called to assume the position of pastor of St. Nicholas Church in Trenton. Those who knew Father Orosz recognized and appreciated the contribution he made to the continued growth of Holy Trinity. Those who have come after him, see and benefit form the many developments and activities which he instituted. We all leave our mark on those with whom we live and work, and Holy Trinity has been enriched by the labors of Father Orosz. Father Marcel Szabó was assigned to succeed Father Orosz as pastor of Holy Trinity on October 18,1978. On Sunday, November 4, 1979 Holy Trinity Church celebrated the 85th Anniversary. The Pontifical Liturgy was celebrated by the MostRev. Michael J. Dudick, bishop of Passaic and by the Most Rev. Thomas Dolinay, auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Passaic. A jubilee book was published in 1980. The energetic new pastor, Fr. Szabó remodeled the inside of the present church. The whole church inside was painted, inconostas (Képállvány) was installed with beautiful icons on it, new chandeliers & new carpet was installed in 1986. The social hall got a new roof, the bowling alley was removed from the lower level in order to have sufficient place for religious education. At the lower level two rooms were created, one for library and meeting room, the other room is the Parish Heritage Museum at the present time. During Fr. Szabo’s pastorate, in 1979 the famous Holy Trinity Bazaar was instituted. The social hall parking lot was paved and fenced in 1988. On February 5, 1989 Fr. Marcel Szabó was transferred to St. Michael’s Cathedral, Passaic, NJ and Fr. Dr. Andor Rakaczki was appointed as pastor. The following are traditional events on the social calendar of Holy Trinity: Pork Supper (Disznótoros Vacsora), Lenten Dinners, Mother’s & Father’s Day Breakfasts, Card Parties, Grape Festival (Szüreti Bál), St. Nicholas Dinner, New Year’s Eve Gala Ball. Holy Trinity statistics (1894-1994): Baptisms - 1,846; Marriages - 745; Deaths - 886. As our parish family celebrates its 100th year of existence, it does so, humbly in service of God, and proudly in the tradition of its noble Hungarian ancestors who founded Holy Trinity Church. Holy Trinity is a viable parish and looks forward to continued growth. The religious devotions and accomplished good works will continue. The parishioners in whose faces the image of God is reflected, know it is the history of their yesterdays and will bring it to the future of their tomorrows. Page 3 I Groundbreaking and cornerstone celebra tion of the new church
