The sacramental and spiritual life of our parish impacted many lives in yesteryear and continued to be a strong and integral part of our faith community during the 1930’s and 1940’s.
And then as Long Island flourished the need for Catholic Parochial Schools came to be. By 1956 the building of the Saint Catherine of Sienna Elementary School that served children from first grade through eighth grade was completed. And with the school a need for a convent to house the consecrated religious women of Saint Dominic, O.P.
With continued growth of Catholicism across Long Island the need to reach out more directly to the peoples of Nassau and Suffolk Countries became a more clear vision. In 1957 our parish became part of the newly established Diocese of Rockville Centre.
In 2004 the school and church were physically connected by a parish “center”. Today from the Saint Catherine of Sienna R.C. Church one is led into the Msgr. Thomas W. Groenewold Memorial Sienna Center, blessed in 2008 by Most Rev. William Murphy, on the 100th Anniversary of the first Mass celebrated in Franklin Square. With the Saint Catherine of Sienna Chapel at its center, the handicap accessible building now connects to the Parish Activity Complex (formerly the parish school) which has had classrooms filled with children attending religious education, an auditorium/gymnasium for shows, plays, sports and the Faith Formation Office, the Parish Office, Welcome Desk and more.
The original rectory still stands as the residence of our parish priests since prior to 1918; and was home for 10 former pastors and over 30+ associate pastors. And now home to our current pastor and priests. As the parish complex expanded so did need for parish priests grow. At one time there was one pastor and a total of four associate priests with a resident priest and/or summer visiting priest for a few years. The rectory was refurbished a few times to make room for a visiting priest that may visit during the summer months. It has change to some degree over the years from having a front porch enclosed to house a small Parish Office and Pastor’s own office. One can also see the spirituality of the grounds surrounding the building which includes the special alcove of the Blessed Mother Mary in front; a replica of Saint Teresa of Calcutta, Our Lady of Guadalupe and more which are all special places for prayer.
Originally a convent for the Sisters of Saint Dominic that taught in our elementary school, the former convent now has a multi-purpose with a separate handicap accessible entrance at the east end of the building to our Parish Social Ministry-Outreach Office. Outreach is equipped with small confidential meeting space, office space and our Outreach Food Pantry. A place that serves hundreds of people, families and individuals, with needs. Another handicap accessible entrance is located at the west end of the building leading one to our Adoration Chapel for perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Based on the seasons, weather and challenges at the time there may be changes in schedules but hundreds continue to visit and pray in silence in the Real Presence of Christ.
