St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church is one of Paterson’s most prominent Catholic parishes. Located at 681 Main Street, at the corner of Main Street and Hospital Plaza, it serves a large bilingual (English and Spanish) congregation and is part of the Diocese of Paterson.
Brief History
The parish was established in 1896 to serve the rapidly growing Catholic population in Paterson’s northeastern neighborhoods, many of whom were Irish and later Italian immigrants. The present church was erected in the early twentieth century and became one of the city’s landmark parish churches. Over the decades, the congregation evolved with Paterson’s changing population and today reflects the city’s diverse Hispanic community while continuing its long Catholic tradition.
Architecture
The church is built in a traditional Romanesque and Renaissance-inspired style with:
- A prominent bell tower overlooking Main Street.
- A broad brick and stone façade.
- Large stained-glass windows.
- A spacious vaulted interior with marble altars and devotional shrines.
- A recently completed Eucharistic chapel dedicated for daily Mass and Adoration, blessed by Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney in 2021.
Today
The parish remains an active center of Catholic life, offering:
- Daily and Sunday Masses in English and Spanish.
- Religious education and sacramental preparation.
- Community outreach ministries.
- Youth and family programs.
- Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and other community services.