After Agnes Loughlin’s husband died decades ago, her beloved parish of Notre Dame of Mount Carmel responded by “wrapping its arms” in a warm embrace of concern around her and her five children, then ranging from six months to 13 years old.
“People checked in, brought food, and made sure we were okay. That care — that love — is what made this parish my family. And it’s what inspired me to give back in every way I could,” according to Loughlin. She, her husband, and growing family started attending and getting involved at Notre Dame after moving in 1967 to the Cedar Knolls neighborhood of Hanover Township, where it’s located. “This parish has been at the center of my life — for my family, my faith, and my sense of purpose. I am grateful beyond words.”
Current and former members of Notre Dame — clergy, religious, and laity — gathered on July 12 in the church for a Mass to celebrate the parish’s 100-year legacy of Christ-centered love along with the launch of its centennial observances. Continuing through July 5, 2026, these observances will highlight a Morris County faith community on fire with faith living out the Gospel through dynamic worship, fellowship, evangelization, a sense of welcome, and social outreach, such as to the Loughlin family.
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Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney was the main celebrant and homilist of the Mass. Concelebrating priests included Father Vidal Gonzales Jr., Notre Dame’s pastor; Father Paddy O’Donovan, pastor emeritus; and other priests who served the parish. The worship space was adorned with photo collages and memorabilia. A social in the church’s back parking lot followed the liturgy.
“For 100 years, this parish has been a spiritual home, a place where generations have been baptized, received reconciliation and Communion, were confirmed in the Holy Spirit, married in love, and even laid to rest in hope of resurrection,” Father Gonzales writes in Notre Dame’s recent “Centennial Memory Book: 1925-2025.” “Through joy and sorrow, prosperity and hardship, this church has stood as a beacon of Christ’s enduring presence and witness to God’s unfailing faithfulness. We stand today on holy ground, shaped by faithful men and women who trusted in God’s providence and gave of themselves to build a Church rooted in faith, love, and truth.”
On July 12, Bishop Sweeney also blessed the renovated St. Benedict Chapel, which features a new wooden altar, baptismal font, lectern, presider chair, and kneeler, and a newly commissioned portrait of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the parish’s patroness. Generous parishioners financed the project.
Loughlin was among those who contributed a reflection to the Memory Book, which captures Notre Dame’s bold history by highlighting in words and photos the energy of its Christ-centered community and ministries. The Cedar Knolls Catholic Association built the original Chapel of Notre Dame of Mount Carmel in 1925. The association transferred the chapel’s deed to the Newark Diocese in 1926, the year the Benedictine Fathers of St. Mary’s Abbey in Morristown assumed spiritual care of the parish.
In 1985, a larger church was completed because of the growing population. After 89 years at Notre Dame, the Benedictines transferred administration of the parish to the Paterson Diocese in 2015.
Bishop Sweeney writes in the Memory Book that Notre Dame “reflects the joy of the Gospel and that is indicative of just how deeply you embrace the Lord’s call to holiness.”
The Memorial Book also expresses the vision of the people of Notre Dame for the future, stating, “With the same spirit of love, unity, and devotion that has guided us through this first century, we embrace the next chapter of our parish’s story” — with faith, mission, and hope.
For more information on Notre Dame’s centennial celebrations or purchasing the Memory Book, call the parish at 973-538-1358 or visit https://ndcarmel.com
