About St. Brendan Church

Located on the north-east corner of Clifton, St. Brendan Church was established in 1945 to serve the Lakeview sections of Clifton and Paterson. We are part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Paterson. Our membership has grown steadily over the years and today includes people who travel from many surrounding communities to worship and serve with this faith community.

Please take a moment to visit all of the links to discover the many ministries and other groups that make up our parish family, our community and out reach services, our educational and of course our spiritual offerings. Please know that you are welcome to visit or call us. If you would like to register for the parish, please visit here.

Our style of worship and theology is contemporary with respect to our colorful Roman liturgical and musical tradition. Our community is inclusive.

Our patron saint, Brendan, was an Irish monk, born around 460 in Tralee, County Kerry. According to medieval legend, Brendan embarked on a seven-year voyage through the Atlantic in search of the Garden of Eden. Filled with amazing adventures, Brendan and his band of monks eventually discovered a brightly-lit land with a great river flowing through it. After wandering the land for 40 days in an unsuccessful search for the farthest shore, they filled their ships with precious gems and returned home. Brendan died soon afterward, but his fabulous island became a standard feature on maps for the next millenia.

Brendan founded a monastery in Galway called Cluain Fearta [Clonfert] and his name is associated with Brandon Head in southwest Ireland. Brendan died between 577 and 583. He is the patron saint of boatsmen, mariners, sailors, travelers, watermen, and whales.

Our parish crest bears the cross and boat, symbol of our patron saint, along with the words Cantate Domino [Sing to the Lord] of Psalm 96.