Welcome to the Catholic Community of St. John Neumann (CCSJN). From our founding by Archbishop Theodore McCarrick in October 1982 and our first Mass on Pentecost weekend May 21-22, 1983 we were the suitcase parish, traveling to celebrate our Masses for many years at the Lower Valley Presbyterian Church and the United Methodist Church in Califon. Our rootedness in the hospitality of the Christian Communities of Califon has given us an ecumenical perspective. The parish was one of the first established in the newly formed Diocese of Metuchen. The Rev. J. William Mickiewicz was appointed our first pastor and remained our vibrant leader until his retirement in 2012.

The parish grew out of the dreams of a handful of local families into an active Christian Community.   During its formative years, the parish, nestled in the northwestern countryside of Hunterdon County bristled with enthusiasm, and drew upon the support of the entire local Christian Community.   Under the leadership of Fr. Bill, the Community grew rapidly, and attracted members far beyond its traditional Parish boundaries. Families interested in St. John’s spiritual experience and its heavy emphasis on Social Ministry were drawn to the Community. The parish developed a long term building plan and successfully completed our spiritual home, the Church Center in 1991. 

By the end of its first 20 years, the parish was maturing. Membership stabilized at approximately 300 families. With the completion of the Parish Office Building and The Neumann Residence, which includes a Chapel and the Pastor's residence, the physical facilities were substantially in place by the spring of 2003. 

In 2001 our parish became a Stewardship Parish, with parishioners using their time, talent and treasure for the benefit of the church and others.  Our parish has been blessed by many wonderful, selfless parishioners.  Our parishioners take ownership of the facility, caring for and improving our parish resources.  Our stewardship model works through every ministry and committee here at St John's with an openness to encourage community and incorporate new ideas from everyone.  Ideas and support, and practicing God's love in sharing with others come together in new endeavors. Project Earth began due to our focus on Social Ministry and to help feed those in our community, and now each year our Project Earth Garden grows hundreds of pounds of food which are given to Elijah's Promise Soup Kitchen in New Brunswick.

In an effort to celebrate and join in the spiritual nature by which we are surrounded, an outdoor labyrinth was nestled in the corner of our property in celebration for our first 25 years.  The labyrinth is available to all to help us deepen our faith and enable us to be spiritual centered.

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