Search
-
August 11, 2021As we continue on through the summer, we give thanks for the many blessings we have in our lives and we reflect on those who came before us to build our organization into what it is today. We are proud of our rich history and over 80 years of service to our community.
2021 marks several anniversaries for our organization. Catholic Family and Community Services’ Hope House and the Department for Persons with Disabilities’ Murray House both celebrate 50 years of hope, while we celebrate 100 years of the “Jazz Priest,” Fr. Norman O’Connor, who was the past Executive Director of Straight and Narrow.
Hope House was established in 1971 by the Diocese of Paterson as the Morris-Sussex Social Services Center. The purpose was to provide counseling services to individuals and couples.
After 48 years, during the summer of 2019, Hope House moved from Belmont Avenue in Dover, to a new space on Bassett Highway. We currently provide HIV/AIDS Services, Senior Services (Fix It Program), a Homeless Prevention Program and a Food Pantry for Morris County.Murray House
A Pioneer Program for Individuals with DisabilitiesMurray House opened its doors in Paterson, NJ to two individuals who happened to have intellectual and developmental disabilities in 1971. Murray House was founded by Msgr. Jack Wehrlen and is named after Jimmie Murray, a child with developmental disabilities from Paterson who passed away in 1969. Four generations of Murray Family members have stayed involved with DPD to honor Jimmie’s legacy in various capacities. Jimmie’s memory is forever honored through the individuals who live at Murray House and through the good work of the Murray Family.
The Murray House moved to Allwood Place in Clifton in 1992 where it remains today. Each year, the Murray House Dinner Dance is held in honor of Murray House and in 2019, we welcomed 1,000 guests to this fantastic celebration.
Jimmie Murray, the Inspiration for Murray House.
Fr. Norman O’Connor
The Jazz Priest
In 2021 we celebrate 100 years, of Fr. Norman O’Connor, Straight and Narrow’s Jazz Priest.
After his ordination as a Paulist priest in 1948, he spent a decade as Catholic chaplain at Boston University. While there, he was named to the board of the first Newport Jazz Festival, and for many years served as its master of ceremonies.
Fr. O'Connor’s passion for jazz emanated off stage as well, writing a weekly column in the Boston Globe and articles in Down Beat, Metronome and other music magazines. When he was reassigned to New York in the 1960s, as the director of radio and television for that city's Paulist Fathers, he hosted a syndicated radio show and a local TV show, "Dial M for Music" on WCBS in New York City.
From 1980 until his retirement in 2002, Fr. O'Connor served as the Executive Director of Straight and Narrow. Under the leadership of Fr. O'Connor, Straight and Narrow was taken to new heights. At the age of 81, Fr. O’Connor passed away of a heart attack, but his legacy lives on through the important work of Straight and Narrow.
Recently, The Tablet published an article on Father O’Connor’s legacy. To read it click here.
To make a donation in memory of Fr. O’Connor for Straight and Narrow click here .
Fr. Norman O'Connor with Jazz legend Duke Ellington (photo courtesy of the Paulist Fathers)
