| The initial ceremony was held on May 12, 1955. The Sisters of Mercy came to the parish each Saturday morning from Our Lady of Mercy Academy in Syosset to instruct the older children in preparation for Confirmation. As a result of their labors, this holy Sacrament was administered for the first time by the Most Reverend John J. Boardman on May 12, 1955. The Building Fund Campaign began on April 16, 1954; it asked families to pledge a fair share of funds required to build a permanent church. The spiritual growth in seven months had reached a point where six Masses were offered in the church with the assistance of visiting priests, and two Masses were held in the rectory basement. Even so, many parishioners were unable to gain entrance to the church and had to stand outside under a canopy to hear Mass. May 11, 1957 was a memorable day in our history when the cornerstone ceremony for our new church took place. The Most Rev. Walter P. Kellenberg, Bishop of the new Rockville Centre Diocese, performed the official dedication on October 12, 1957, celebrating a truly major accomplishment in the short span of four years, -- symbolizing the sacrifices, labors, and the unselfish spirit of the people of Our Lady of Mercy. This spirit continues to this day.& Not content with having classrooms for religious education for the children in the basement of the church, the people clamored for a Catholic school of their own. When the church was paid off, a "burning of the mortgage" dance was held in November 1958. On April 25, 1960, Bishop Kellenberg formally opened our Building Fund Campaign for the construction of our school and convent, and blessed the volunteer campaign workers individually. Construction began in October 1960, and on January 14, 1962 all parishioners were invited to the Open House to see the beautiful convent built through their generosity. Our Lady of Mercy School opened on January 30, 1962. |