COMMUNITIES WITHIN THE LARGER COMMUNITY
The Church is called "Catholic" because early Christianity had spread everywhere. "Catholic"
means Universal. There is not a part of the world that does not have the Catholic Church.
The customs and devotions of each Culture enrich the Church, and the Church enriches the
Culture. In the United States, we were a "Nation of Immigrants" one hundred years ago when
most of our grandparents came to this country. The Nation and the Church are still and always
will be places of many cultures. Within our Parish Community, we have two Communities that
are part of us and enrich our Parish Faith Community. They and their children will blend into
the "American Way;" they will become like us and we will become like them. Together we will
all become like Christ.
Filipino Community
This Community within our larger Parish Community is made up of people who speak the many Filipino languages. They gather together monthly to support each other. Though they celebrate with the larger community at the English Sunday Mass, they participate in the traditional Simbang Gabi, Christmas Celebrations, and a weekly Devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help in the Filipino Language. Many in this community serve in the ministries of the larger parish, but they also need help specific to their celebrations.
Polish Community
This Community, within our larger Parish Community, is made up of people who speak the Polish Language. They celebrate at two weekly Sunday Masses, Holy Days and other celebration Masses in the Polish Language. They are part of our larger community but keep the traditions of the language they grew up in. They have devotions throughout the year in the Polish Language, and Social Activities such as Dances and After Mass Gatherings. This Polish Community is served by Father Edward Staniukiewicz, OFM Conv. who is a member of the Conventual Franciscans. There is also Religious Education in the Polish Language (Polish School) on Sunday morning from 9:00 AM to 12:40 PM. Because this community celebrates the Mass, the Sacrament, and Devotions in the Polish Language at a different time than the larger community, they need many of the same ministries listed in the ministry section for their Community. Speak with Father about the opportunities for serving.
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