Holy Cross& St.Anthony Churches Host Flea Market for Feast Celebration

Holy Cross Church and St. Anthony Church will celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross with a community Flea Market on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the Holy Cross Church Grounds, located at 16 Church Square in Harrison. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.and is open to the public.

The Flea Market will feature a diverse array of items, including household goods, crafts, handmade products, vintage and antique treasures, clothing, accessories, toys, religious items, and more. Local businesses offering services will also be on-site, creating a diverse shopping experience for residents and visitors alike.

Vendor spaces are available for $25 for the day, with setup beginning at 7 a.m. Tables are limited and will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Those interested in reserving a space are encouraged to act quickly by contacting the parish office at [email protected] or by completing and returning the Vendor Registration Form by Friday, September 8, 2025.

Rev. Eugenio de la Rama, Pastor of Holy Cross Parish, emphasized the community spirit behind the event. All are welcome to participate in this community activity and fundraiser.

The Flea Market is part of the parish’s wider celebration of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, a significant holy day observed on September 14 in the Christian tradition. The feast commemorates the discovery of the True Cross by Saint Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, in the 4th century, and also the dedication of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.

Parish History: Holy Cross & St. Anthony

The roots of Holy Cross Church date back to 1865, when it was founded as St. Pius Parish to serve Harrison’s growing immigrant community. In 1886, it was renamed Holy Cross, and the current Gothic Revival church, designed by architect Jeremiah O’Rourke, was completed in 1890 with the help of parishioners of Irish, German, and Italian descent. Over the years, the church has remained a cornerstone of Catholic life in Harrison.

Neighboring St. Anthony of Padua Church in East Newark was first established in the early 1900s. Its original building on Second Street was destroyed by fire in 1935, but a new Renaissance Revival church was quickly rebuilt and opened in 1936. Today, St. Anthony’s, located at 409 N. 2nd Street, is joined with Holy Cross as part of the unified Holy Cross Parish, serving both Harrison and East Newark with shared ministries and events.

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