Saints Peter and Paul Parish History

Saints Peter and Paul Church was founded on August 22, 1973.  Fr. Timothy Ryan, the founding pastor, began his work from a rectory in the Wedgewood section of the township.  Services were held in the Birches School and the Grenloch Fire Hall.  On November 26, 1974, Saints Peter and Paul was divided into two parishes; whereby, Church of the Holy Family was started.  On that date, Fr. Ryan and his associate, Fr. Jack Bernard, moved to a newly purchased home on Ganttown Road.  On December 4, 1976, our first church across the street from the rectory was dedicated by Bishop Guilfoyle.  That building is now the Parish Center.

In March 1988, Fr. John Clarke became pastor of this still-growing parish; He soon implemented tithing, started the "Cell: system of small prayer groups, and developed a parish "vision" with accompanying goals for improved parish programs to meet the needs of all different segments of the parish community.  He had a new church built, which was dedicated on October 1, 1994.  On July 16, 1995, he was named Prelate of Honor of His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, and given the title of Monsignor.  In October 2009 Msgr. Clarke retired after serving us for over 20 years.  We were very blessed to have him serve our parish community.  He was succeeded by Fr. Ed Lipinski who became our fourth pastor.  His welcoming and friendly attitude have been obvious as he greets us all at the weekend Masses.  Our parish has been graced with wonderful shepherds to guide us in our walk.