Our Parish
About St. George
From two Mass Centers to a parish home of our own: the story of St. George Syro-Malabar Catholic Church in Paterson.
St. George Syro-Malabar Catholic Church in Paterson was first known as Garfield Mission. It began on May 1, 2004, when the New Milford and Dumont Mass Centers joined at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in New Jersey. What began as a mission grew into a parish community with a church home of its own.
May 1, 2004
Garfield Mission is formed
The mission was established at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in New Jersey by bringing together the New Milford and Dumont Mass Centers. Rev. Fr. Joy Alappatt was appointed its first Mission Director.
September 2011
A new mission director
After nearly a decade of leadership, Rev. Fr. Joy Alappatt was transferred to Chicago and Rev. Fr. Paul Kottakal was appointed Mission Director.
November 30, 2013
The search for a church home
Rev. Fr. Paul Kottakkal was transferred to Oklahoma City after two years of service, and Rev. Fr. Jacob Christy Parambukattil was appointed Mission Director.
2014
A church of our own
The community purchased its church on October 31. It was consecrated on December 21, elevated to parish status, and named St. George Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Paterson, with Rev. Fr. Jacob Christy as its first vicar.
February 5, 2019
Pastoral leadership continues
After five years of service, Rev. Fr. Jacob Christy was transferred to Coppell, Texas. Rev. Fr. Thomas Mangattu VC was appointed parish vicar.
September 14, 2023
Today
After nearly five years of service, Rev. Fr. Thomas Mangattu was transferred to Raleigh, North Carolina. Rev. Fr. Simmy Thomas Alumchuvattil serves as the current vicar.