The Church of Saint Boniface - 1966 – 1986
In May of 1966 , Francis Cardinal Spellman, the Archbishop of New York, established three new parishes in Rockland County, one of which was to be centered in Monsey. Father Keogh was appointed pastor. News spread quickly and on June 16th, 1966, approximately one hundred families gathered together as the new St. Boniface community. A parish council was formed, with the immediate task of determining a suitable place for religious services. St. Rita's, a small Chapel on Route 306 across from what is now the Wesley Kosher, was available. It was decided to utilize the Chapel with the intention of expanding the facility.
St. Boniface grew and prospered. CCD classes were established first in the church and later in the rectory located across the street. The people came together for the liturgy, the Sacraments, and for growth in the Faith. The parish community was also socially active. Dances, picnics, variety shows, plays, cultural and sports activities were held. The Bon Aires senior citizens group was formed, and so were a CYO and pre-K playgroup.
In 1974, Father Boyd was appointed pastor. The rapid growth of the parish was reflected in the registration of over 600 children in the CCD program under Sr. John Marie. Monsignor Bidgood joined the parish as priest-in-residence. Increasing involvement of the laity became evident with the creation of teams of lectors, and Eucharistic Ministers.
The parish council saw the need to plan for St. Boniface's future growth and in 1979 the council voted to build a church complex on the Archdiocesan owned Willow Tree Road property. Parishioners volunteered their time to labor in varied and detailed projects; weekends and evenings were devoted by many, working together to achieve a single goal – the new church! A spiritual bond and community spirit, present in St. Boniface for many years, matured further along with the growing building structure.
On Christmas eve, 1980, the people of the Parish of St. Boniface braved swirling, drifting snow, and chilling wind to celebrate together the first Masses in the beautiful new church they had built. It now seemed the special bond that is indigenous to St. Boniface was stronger than ever before. A feeling of “this is our church” pervaded throughout the community. In 1981 we welcomed Deacon Anthony Sorgie to our parish and he stayed on as Father Sorgie until 1986 when he took on responsibilities at Dunwoodie. In the same year, 1986, Sr. John Marie, Director of the CCD program for 16 years left to undertake a similar role at St. Margaret's in Pearl River.
Over the years that followed, we welcomed the arrival of our various new pastors and deacons. We had a very dry-witted and charitable Father Keaveney arrive in 1985; a very energetic Father Saccoman in 1997, a very kind and easy-going pastor, Fr. Hugh Grace in 2006. More recently, in 2012, we welcomed the Syro Malabar Community of St. Mary's and our new gifted peacemaker and pastor of both the St. Boniface and St. Mary's Community, Father Thadeus. In each new pastor, God taught brought us a gift.
Over the many years of pastors coming and going, there was a constant presence of Msgr. James Cox who supported our pastors and parishioners with his gentle presence and wise words of counsel. Always present for the high holy days, Msgr. Cox dedicated much of his ministry efforts to the community of St. Boniface and still does to this day.
In essence, St. Boniface really hasn't changed during the past years. The spirit that was kindled in 1966 by Msgr. Keogh, carefully nurtured by Msgr. Boyd, Msgr. Bidgood, Fr. Sorgie, Fr. Keaveney, Sr. Joan, Fr. Saccoman, Fr. Grace, and our present pastor, Fr. Thadeus, along with all the parishioners over the years....continues to burn brightly and we pray that it will do so in the years that lie ahead! We thank you, Lord.