Father Vincent D’Agostino, pastor of Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Park Ridge, sheds light on how the church serves as a vibrant center for community and faith. Established in 1903 as St. Mary’s Church, the parish moved to its current location in the early 1960s, with the new church building completed in 1962 and the name changed to Our Lady of Mercy. "The growth of the congregation led to the need for a larger church," D’Agostino explained. "We first built the school, Our Lady Mercy Academy, and then the church."
D’Agostino, who has been with the parish for four years, brings a unique perspective to his role. Hailing from Belleville, he followed an unconventional path to the priesthood. After earning his degree from Rutgers University and New York Law School and working as a lawyer for two decades, he entered the seminary at age 44 and was ordained in 2016 at the age of 50. "I felt a calling to the priesthood from a young age, though it took me a while to act on it," D’Agostino shared. "Now, I’m honored to serve this dynamic community."
Our Lady of Mercy is more than a place of worship; it’s a hub for community engagement. "Our goal is to make everyone feel welcomed and supported," D’Agostino said. The parish runs various outreach programs, including the Good Samaritan Ministry for transportation and basic daily needs, the Serenity Fund for urgent financial support, and the Hearts and Crafts Ministry, which provides prayer blankets for those undergoing chemotherapy and other struggles.
The church also emphasizes youth and family involvement, offering a youth group, young adult gatherings, and events for families. "From movie nights to bowling events, our activities are designed to bring people together and strengthen our community," D’Agostino explained.
With initiatives extending to visiting nursing homes and welcoming individuals of all walks of life, D’Agostino underscores the church’s commitment to inclusivity. "In a world that can feel divided, our church aims to be a sanctuary where everyone feels valued and connected," he said.
For more information about events and programs at Our Lady of Mercy, visit their website at www.urolm.org.
Contact:
Fr. Vincent D’Agostino , Pastor
Our Lady of Mercy Parish
Park Ridge, NJ
www.urolm.org
"Our goal is to make everyone feel welcomed and supported." - Father Vincent D’Agostino