Our Parish History
St. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church was founded in 1876 by Bishop John Loughlin of the Diocese of Brooklyn. The first Pastor was Reverend Patrick Sheridan, who shepherded the fledgling parish community in its earliest days.
The first Mass was celebrated in February 1876 in the home of Captain Fallon, located near Steamboat Road and Middle Neck Road. Just a few months later, on May 20, 1876, the first church building was dedicated, establishing a permanent home for Catholic worship in Great Neck.
From those humble beginnings, the parish has grown into a vibrant community serving the faithful of Great Neck and the surrounding area for nearly 150 years.
From its earliest days, St. Aloysius Parish has been a place where faith and community come together in worship and service. What began as a small gathering of believers celebrating Mass in a private home soon grew into a thriving spiritual home for generations of Catholic families. The parish has always sought to nurture a deep love for the Eucharist and devotion to the Holy Mother, while embracing the diverse languages and cultures that enrich the local community. Through the changing seasons of the liturgical year, from Advent to Easter, the faithful have gathered to receive the sacraments, hear the Word of God, and strengthen their relationship with Christ.
The legacy of those early parishioners continues to inspire the present community to live out the Gospel message with hope and charity. Today, St. Aloysius remains dedicated to forming disciples through religious education, sacramental preparation, and ministries that serve both the parish and the wider neighborhood. The same spirit of hospitality that welcomed the first worshippers now extends to all who seek a place of prayer and belonging. As the parish looks toward the future, it remains rooted in the timeless truths of the Catholic faith, trusting in God's providence to guide every act of worship and service.