The Storied History of Our Community
Our Lady of Mount Carmel has stood as a beacon of faith in Montclair, rooted in tradition and strengthened by generations of devoted parishioners. Founded in 1907 and renewed as an oratory in 2022, our story reflects resilience, sacrifice, and deep love for the Church. Honoring our rich history inspires us to build a vibrant future grounded in the Eucharist and alive with hope for generations to come.
Originally established in 1907 to serve the needs of newly arrived immigrants from Italy. The first Mass was celebrated on Sunday, September 8, 1907. A wooden structure served for worship until 1937, when the current church and rectory were constructed. The Religious Sisters Filippini arrived in the church in 1939 and were housed in the former rectory until 1961 when a house on 102 Pine Street was purchased for use as a convent. They remained in the church until June 1971.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel and a nearby parish, Immaculate Conception, were merged into one new parish to better utilize resources and named after St. Teresa of Calcutta to coincide with her Canonization on September 4, 2016.
On August 27, 2022, the Archdiocese of Newark announced that Our Lady of Mount Carmel would continue as an oratory that would serve the community of faithful with a newly appointed rector and a full schedule of weekday and weekend Mass celebrations.
Our Rector
Father Giandomenico M. Flora was born in Naples, Italy, and grew up in the small town of Praia a Mare in the province of Cosenza.
He began his formation as a seminarian at the "Redemptoris Mater" (Mother of the Redeemer) seminary in Newark, New Jersey. After nine years in formation, he was ordained a priest in May 2006.
His first assignment as a priest was as the parochial vicar of St. John the Evangelist in Bergenfield, New Jersey. Three years later, he was assigned as rector of St. Raphael Parish-St. Margaret Shrine in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
In December 2015, the Bishop of Bridgeport appointed him as the Spiritual Director of the new Redemptoris Mater Diocesan Missionary Seminary of Bridgeport in Stamford, Connecticut.
In Summer 2022, he received the news that Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, called him back to Newark to assign him as the new rector of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Oratory in Montclair, New Jersey.
F.A.Q. What is an Oratory?
What is happening with Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church?
The Archdiocese of Newark is pleased to announce that Our Lady of Mount Carmel has been established by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, as an oratory and will continue to serve the faithful with a newly appointed priest, who will be the dedicated rector, along with a renewed full schedule of weekday and weekend Mass celebrations.
What is an oratory? Is an oratory the same as a parish?
Not every Catholic church is a parish. It can and often does happen that churches or chapels are located within the boundaries of a parish (see Code of Canon Law 515.1). According to canon law, an oratory is a church, or a physical place of Catholic worship, not established as a parish because of particular circumstances. Small parishes that may be struggling with viability can retain use of the church building through the classification of “oratory.”
The primary reason for establishing the classification of “oratory” is to respect the strong bonds people develop with their faith communities and church buildings. The oratory classification allows the faith community to help discern next steps and the future use of the church in consultation with the rector and the Archdiocese. Determining factors in such discernment include increased Mass attendance, active volunteer participation, active pastoral council membership, increased participation in sacramental life (baptism, first Communion, confirmation, matrimony, and Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults), and fiscal viability.
When will Masses be held?
Masses at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Oratory will be celebrated on weekdays at 8:30 a.m. (except on Tuesdays), Saturdays at 4:30 p.m., and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. (in Spanish). There is also a Neocatechumenal Mass every Saturday 8:00 p.m.
Who may attend/participate in services at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Oratory?
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Oratory has been established to minister to those who were formerly parishioners of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, while warmly welcoming all Catholics who wish to be part of this faith community.
Rooted in a vibrant and diverse community of deeply committed Catholics, the Oratory seeks to foster ongoing conversion, strong family life, faithful catechesis, and a lived experience of the Gospel within the life of the Church. All who desire to grow in faith, worship, and Christian fellowship are invited to join us.
Support Our Mission
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Oratory is sustained by the generosity of our faithful community. Your support allows us to continue community outreach, maintain our historic church, provide sacramental ministry, support religious education. Every gift makes a difference.
