Growth and Change

With the Second World War now over, there were others signs of growth. The first baseball team in the parish became a youth activity in 1950. The CYO began activities in 1958. A center of the Nocturnal Adoration Society was formed at St. William’s in 1953. The people of the society came from St. William’s and the surrounding areas. From this one group, five other centers were eventually formed.

In 1958, St. William’s was designated a center for the League of the Sacred. Religious Instruction was carried on by the Ursuline Sisters who commuted from Blue Point only now the sisters were assisted by parishioners. For many years, Mrs. Henry Reisert assisted Fr. Flinn by caring for the needy parishioners. In 1961, the St. Vincent de Paul Society was formed under the direction of Fr. William Fitzpatrick. The society continues its charitable work until this day assisting Sr. Mary Grace who now runs our Parish Outreach Office.

A New Diocese

In 1957 we find a major change. The Diocese of Brooklyn had itself grown considerably and so a new diocese was formed. The priests and people of St. William’s joined with other Catholics to welcome Bishop Walter Kellenberg as the new Diocese of Rockville Centre was established. One of the first priorities of the new diocese was to build high schools. Members of the parish worked hard to collect funds for this program. Goals were set, schools were built, and again St. William’s had done its work well. In fact, there was even once plans for a high school on St. William’s property but as the need lessened, the plans were put aside.

During the 1960’s, Fr. Flinn was raised to the rank of monsignor. Fr. Flinn was informed in December of 1962 and the formal investiture took place on January 27, 1963 at St. Agnes Cathedral. Monsignor Flinn retired in 1971 and was replaced by a young, eager first time pastor named Fr. Thomas G. Leavey.

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