Pelham Manor, New York Historical Summary

In 1970 Father Mark Connolly began “The Sunday Mass” for television while residing at Cardinal Spellman Retreat House in Riverdale, New York. He was joined by Father Leo J. Gorman in 1976. As “The Sunday Mass” apostolate grew and expanded, living arrangements at Riverdale became inadequate.

With the blessing of the community and the approval of the provincial, a Pelham Manor residence was purchased from the J. William Campo family on October 25, 1978. Later in the year, Fathers Kevin Casey and Xavier Hayes joined Fathers Connolly and Gorman to make a community of four.

The main activity of the community continues to be the production of “The Sunday Mass.” The Passionists at Pelham Manor, in association with Clemons Productions, produced “That’s the Spirit.”

Over the years a number of Passionists have been assigned: Fathers Clement Buckley, Patrick McDonough, Robert Kubisiak, Richard Molka, and Jerome Vereb.

Community members serve the local parish of St. Catherine, provide Sunday assistance at three parishes, and celebrate Mass twice a week at an Ursuline convent and twice a month at the New Rochelle Nursing Home. Two of the present members are involved in the literacy program at the local library, and one member is totally involved in the preaching apostolate. While the mailing address of this residence is Pelham Manor, the residence is actually located in New Rochelle, New York.