Father John P. Washington was born in Newark, New Jersey on July 18th, 1908. As a child, Father Washington spent his extra time taking up a newspaper route to help his family financially. He enjoyed singing in the church choir and by high school had his mind set on the priesthood. Father Washington chose to attend Seton Hall high school to begin his pursuit of his calling. In 1931, John graduated from Seton Hall University with an A.B. degree. He then entered the Immaculate Conception Seminary in Darlington, New Jersey, and was ordained as a priest on June 15th, 1935. In 1938, he was assigned to St. Stephen's Church in Arlington (now known as Kearny). After the events of Pearl Harbor, Father Washington received his appointment as a chaplain for the US Army. He boarded the U.S.A.T. Dorchester at Boston Harbor in January 1943. On February 3rd, a German U-223 submarine found the Dorchester at see and launched a fan of three torpedoes. As the Dorchester quickly sunk into the Atlantic Sea, Father Washington and the other chaplains gave up their life jackets without hesitation. These men remained behind, praying for the safety of all the men. 

Here at St. Stephen's, we remember the tremendous bravery and love Father Washington and the Four Chaplains demonstrated at our annual Father Washington Mass. Each year, in early February, we celebrate Sunday Mass in dedication to the efforts of these men. We honor these men with the help of our Knights of Columbus, Scouts, adult choir, relatives of Father Washington, and the faithful community.

To view our most recently livestreamed Father Washington Mass, please visit our Facebook page.