St. Dominic Parish, Brick, concluded its 50th anniversary observance Aug. 4 when Msgr. James J. Brady, pastor, celebrated the noon Mass then blessed and dedicated a brand new grotto featuring a sevenfoot- tall statue of the parish patron, St. Dominic, at the entrance of the church.

The statue, which depicts St. Dominic with a halo around his head holding a Bible, was created by sculptor Andrew Praszczyk. Both Andrew and his wife, Bozena, are acclaimed international artists. Both received master’s degrees from the Academy of Fine Arts in Wroclaw, Poland, where they created various pieces in glass, ceramic and on canvas. The Praszczyks work has been sold in Poland and Germany since early 1980s. Among the sites where the Praszczyks works are found include various buildings and institutions throughout the state, including Seton Hall University, South Orange, St. Pius X Church, Forked River, Villa Walsh, Morristown, and St. Augustine of Canterbury Church, Kendall Park. For the community of St. Dominic, the past year has been one to remember as they joined in many events planned to mark their parish’s golden jubilee. Along with a “Family Fun Day” and Tony Kenny Irish Celebration, the community joyfully welcomed Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., who celebrated an anniversary Mass then gathered with the parishioners for a luncheon in April. A 50th anniversary dinner dance was also a festive event that was enjoyed by all. Bishop George W. Ahr established St. Dominic Parish and appointed Father John A. Ozarowski as founding pastor June 6, 1962.

Ground was broken for the new church that would have a seating capacity of 1,000; a 16-classroom school; an all-purpose building to be used as a cafeteria, a gym and a social hall, and a rectory Jan. 12, 1964.

The following year on June 20, 1965, Bishop Ahr presided at the laying of the cornerstone and the blessing of the church, school and gymnasium.

In succeeding years, the parish flourished under the leadership of pastors, Father Edward Bumbera and Father John J. Gibbons. Father Brady was appointed temporary pastor of St. Dominic in January 1988 and was installed as pastor in May 1998. Under Msgr. Brady’s leadership, many changes have occurred, including the renovation of the church and the installation of the large playground in August 2000.

A sports field was created and a food pantry and thrift store to serve those in need in the community was also organized. An outdoor prayer garden was constructed in 2003 and in 2005, plans were approved to make renovations to the parish school which included a two-story multipurpose structure to be used by both parish and school personnel. The new wing was blessed and dedicated by Bishop John M. Smith on April 26, 2009.