St. Peter Celestine Parish was established on June 10, 1961. Mass was first celebrated in the new parish in the auditorium of Cherry Hill High School West and in Kingston Elementary School. Father (later Monsignor) George E. Sharkey was appointed first pastor and oversaw construction of the extensive facilities of the parish. A parish school opened in September 1962 with a six classroom area used as a church. The new church with an attached rectory and convent, facing Kings Highway, was erected in 1967.