St. James the Greater Church in Montague, nestled in a quiet and scenic corner of northwest Sussex County, has been receiving more attention than usual during the Jubilee Year of Hope 2025.
The Paterson Diocese’s northernmost parish, St. James, has been welcoming a steady stream of Catholic pilgrims from nearby towns, such as Sparta and Branchville, and across the border in Milford, Penn., and Port Jervis, N.Y. This small, country-style 125-seat cinder-block church has been designated as one of five holy sites in the diocese for Catholics to visit in this Jubilee year, which the Universal Church is celebrating.
Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney invites the faithful to walk, pray, and share fellowship with him and other believers during a one-day pilgrimage to St. James on Friday, July 25, the Feast of St. James. The church is located at 75 River Rd. (CR 521) in Montague.
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The pilgrimage will begin at 9 a.m. in St. James’ parking lot with a procession with the rosary and a meditation on Jubilee moments in the life of Jesus. Light refreshments will follow Mass of the Year of Hope at 10 a.m. in the church, celebrated by Bishop Sweeney. The event will be the fourth of five pilgrimages to the diocesan holy sites.
“We are happy to be named a diocesan Jubilee site. We have an old-fashioned church that’s cozy and comfortable,” said Father Wayne Varga, pastor of St. James Parish and St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Sandyston. He noted that St. James is situated a few miles from the border between Pennsylvania and New York. “We have been welcoming lots of new people to St. James, who are happy to be here. It’s peaceful up here with the farms, trees, and beautiful scenery. Here, people are friendly, and it’s a different — and simpler—pace of life.”
Previous one-day pilgrimages with Bishop Sweeney were held at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson, the Shrine of St. Joseph in the Stirling neighborhood of Long Hill Township, and St. Luke Parish in the Long Valley neighborhood of Washington Township. All of these holy sites are available throughout the Jubilee year for visits by the faithful, who can attend their services during the week.
Pilgrims can also receive a plenary indulgence for themselves or their loved ones — a special blessing the Church grants for this holy year.
Many Jubilee pilgrims have been attending Mass on the second Fridays of the month at 3 p.m., followed by Eucharistic adoration and opportunities for confession until 4:30 p.m. Refreshments are served afterwards.
Priests are invited to lead their own parishioners on a Jubilee pilgrimage to St. James. Guest priests to the parish are welcome to preach during their visits. Visitors are offered a “Pilgrim Package,” which includes items such as cookies and water to enjoy during the drive home. St. James and St. Thomas have been involved with the Jubilee.
“We want people to get to know us up here at St. James and become familiar with our area. Maybe it won’t be their last visit,” Father Varga said.
Because each of the three holy sites will provide food for their pilgrimages, please register.
