Remembering Monsignor Mark Giordani

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Msgr. Mark Giordani. Beloved by the people of Paterson, dear friend and supporter of Catholic Charities.

"It is with a heavy heart that I share with you the sad news that our beloved Msgr. Giordani, Padre Mark, went home to God today. After so many years of suffering he is now in peace with the Lord, who was the center and love of his life. Even if you had never gotten to know Padre Mark, you have received the fruits of his labor as he is the one who has formed St. John’s into the loving, faith, and caring family that we are. His courageous fight against his cancer, always trusting in God’s will, will continue to be an example to all of us as to the sacredness and value of all human life. He was our shepherd, our mentor, our priest, and our friend. Rest in peace my brother as you will live on in all of our hearts," said Msgr. Geno Sylva, Rector of St. John the Baptist Cathedral. 

Msgr. Giordani’s entire time as a priest in active ministry was spent in the city of Paterson.

His first assignment was at Our Lady of Lourdes (OLL) and then at St. Gerard Majella Parish before being named rector of the Diocese’s Cathedral.

A motorcycle enthusiast, Msgr. Giordani formed the Christian Riders Motorcycle Club while at OLL and celebrated Mass on Main Street in front of the cathedral every May.

Msgr. Giordani has served as chaplain for the Port Authority, Paterson Police Department, Passaic County Sheriff’s Department, Passaic County Jail and Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office. During the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, he was a prominent figure at Ground Zero during the recovery efforts.

Msgr. Giordani is known for his love of the poor and his tireless work in the City of Paterson. His dedication and love for those served at Catholic Charities is unmatched. He has supported each of the 3 agencies of Catholic Charities throughout the last 6 decades. 

A friend to Catholic Family and Community Services, notably the Fr. English Food Pantry, Msgr. Giordani was always present to lend a hand and spiritual guidance to the food insecure of Paterson. Msgr. Giordani's relationship with the Department for Persons with Disabilities flourished in recent years, as his niece Phyllis, is a proud resident of one of DPD's group homes.  Msgr. Giordani was compassionate towards individuals in recovery, working closely with Straight and Narrow.  In 2018, Monsignor Giordani's loving family led by the Moglia Family Foundation,  presented the largest gift ever given to Catholic Charities to renovate an interior space at 380 Straight Street — renamed The Msgr. Mark Giordani Center — which houses Straight & Narrow’s residential treatment for men and women and its detox hospital unit.

He was honored by Catholic Charities with their Caritas Award for Advocacy in 2014 and recognized last year by the Department for Persons with Disabilities with a Jimmie Murray Lifetime Achievement Award. Monsignor Mark's legacy will continue to live on through the impact he has made.

"The Catholic Charities' family is broken-hearted over the loss of Monsignor Mark Giordani. He was a neighbor, friend, supporter, advocate, spiritual leader, and mentor. He was always there when we needed him. Beloved in the city of Paterson, and by all who knew him, we will forever cherish his memory. We know that he is continuing to look after us from heaven," said Scott Milliken, Catholic Charities, CEO.