(Recorded 09/15/2024)

Father Richard Danyluk was in residence since July 1, 1986 and became an associate pastor when Father Casey left.

Fr. Rich Danyluk served as pastor from 1997 to 1999, with Fr. Tom Mullen as assistant pastor. Fr. Rich began his term as pastor by quoting Pope John XXIII, “I have not come to guard a museum but to cultivate a garden of flowers.” This indeed he did, setting out to provide leadership that was dynamic, ever looking to possibilities and directions on which others might be hesitant to embark. After consulting with Cardinal Mahony and his finance people, he was given the green light to purchase a house for the priests’ residence, affording them a chance and privacy to dwell apart from their daily place of work. This move made the old rectory available as a Pastoral Center. Fr. Rich joined with the school principal Mrs. Kuzmickas in setting up a school board, ushering in a new era of shared responsibility in the running of the school. During his first year as pastor, Fr. Rich spear-headed the celebration for the fortieth anniversary of the founding of Holy Name of Mary Parish, back in 1957 by Fr. Tom Lyons, SS.CC. Realizing the need for a larger church and facilities to accommodate the growing needs of the community, Fr. Rich initiated the Parish Dream Process from which emerged the Building Committee and in turn the Capital Fund Raising Campaign, and rallied the community with the words, Realizing Our Dream, Accepting the Challenge.

Fr. John was recuperating from a heart surgery, and Fr. Rich was asked to take his place. Fr. Rich Danyluk has been the Pastor at Holy Name of Mary since 2009.