Previous 2004 Articles & Press Releases

Restoration Of Statues In Church At The Mother Church Of Polonia

Statues and Icons have long been part of the Roman Catholic and Orthodox tradition. The honor which is paid to the image passes on to that which the image represents and they who reveres the image reveres in it the subject represented. These images or statues can be made of marble, gold, silver, wood or a composition.

These images or statues are hand carved, molded, or cast. The statues can be simple in appearance or very ornate, some even outfitted with ornate dresses i.e. Infant of Prague or certain Spanish Madonna.

At St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Parish a majority of the statues are hand carved marble. The marble statues are located in the high altar and side altars. The other statues are hand carved word or made of plaster. Three statues in the church that are in need of cleaning and restoration. Two of the statues, St. Theresa and St. Anthony are made of plaster. The statue of St. Casimir is carved wood. These statues will be sent out for a full restoration and when complete will be returned to their respective shrine.

"The Believer of today like the one of yesterday, must be helped in his prayer and spiritual life by seeing works that attempt to express the mystery of faith and never hide it. That is why today, as in the past, faith is the necessary inspiration of church art". (Quote from Pope John Paul II)

Hence, Bishop Edward M. Grosz hopes that the restored statues will bring ever closer to God the people who venerate the saints depicted by these statues.

Am-Pol Eagle Citizen of the Year, Civic Leader of Polonia Bishop Edward M. Grosz

Click HERE to view picture gallery.

Pope John Paul II Memorial Mass, April 10th, 2005

Click HERE to view picture gallery.

Christmas Cheer at St. Stanislaus Bishop & Martyr Parish

For many of the older parishioners of St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr, Corpus Christi, St. Adalbert’s, etc. one remembers how the Broadway/Fillmore area looked during the Christmas holidays. You had Kobackers, Neisners, Gutmans, Murphys and who can forget the window display at Sattler’s. There was also the Christmas parade down Broadway awaiting the arrival of Santa at Sattler’s. All the lights and trees were decorated. All that is now only a memory.  For many years Niagara Falls had the Festival of Lights, which now too is only a memory. If you want to see a light display you need to drive to Our Lady of Fatima in Lewiston, or Delaware Park.

It is no secret how seeing the lights of the season makes you get into the Christmas spirit. Bishop Edward M.Grosz, Pastor of St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Parish, invites all to get into the Christmas spirit by visiting our historic Church. The grounds around the church have been landscaped and the church has been illuminated. Now with the Christmas season we have our own little Festival of Lights. The front garden in front of the rectory is ablaze with lights on all the trees and bushes and there also is a life-size nativity scene for all to come and enjoy. The interior of the church has taken on a large scale light display from the 6 foot lit wreath and garland over the choir loft to the garland along the walls and also the 30 foot Christmas trees in the sanctuary of the church and the serene manger scene.

Why not come to St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Parish and see the beautiful grounds in the evening and share in the beauty of which hopefully will be an annual tradition on the East Side. Beauty can still be found on the East Side. The Christmas spirit can be found and enjoyed at St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Parish.

For Photo Gallery of Church Decorations at Christmastime, click HERE.

MSGR. JOHN R. GABALSKI HANDICAP RAMP DEDICATION IS SET

After 131 years, after 20 years of talking, after 1 year of planning and after 7 months of working, the historic Mother Church of Polonia, St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Church is finally handicapped accessible.

The magnificent church with its rising towers was always difficult to get into due to the many steep steps – even after the many modifications. Monsignor Peter J. Adamski modified the Wilson Street entrance by putting in adequate steps that were not as steep. Msgr. Chester A. Meloch replaced the deteriorating front steps yet this did not make the church handicapped accessible. This has now all changed under the guidance of the 6th Pastor, Bishop Edward M. Grosz who has now fulfilled the dream of Monsignor John R. Gabalski by completing the construction of a handicapped ramp that will make for easier access into the church for the elderly and handicapped. With the completion of the ramp and the new handicapped accessible rest room, we at St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Church can say “Witamy” to all.

On Saturday, December 11th at the 4:00 p.m. Mass, Bishop Edward M. Grosz, Pastor will officially dedicate the ramp in Memory of Msgr. John R. Gabalski. We will be joined by family members of Msgr. Gabalski for this special dedication. There will be a reception following the Mass at the Msgr. Peter J. Adamski Social Center for all who attend. Please consider joining us as we make Msgr. John R. Gabalski’s dream come true.

The Dedication & Reception Photo Album can be found HERE.
 

2004 Articles & Press Releases

Bishop Edward M. Grosz Elected Diocesan Administrator

May 24, 2004: The College of Consultors of the Diocese of Buffalo has elected Bishop Edward M. Grosz, auxiliary bishop of Buffalo, as diocesan administrator. Bishop Grosz, who also serves as pastor of St. Stanislaus Parish in Buffalo, will remain diocesan administrator until the 13th bishop of Buffalo is installed.

The vacancy of the diocesan see was created on Dec. 18, 2003 when the former bishop of Buffalo, Archbishop Henry J. Mansell, was installed as the archbishop of Hartford. Bishop Robert J. Cunningham, who was elected diocesan administrator on Dec. 22, 2003, was installed as the bishop of Ogdensburg on May 18, 2004, thus creating the need for another meeting of the College of Consultors to elect a new diocesan administrator.

Bishop Grosz said, “I express my gratitude to the members of the College of Consultors for their vote of confidence expressed in me as I accept the challenge of serving in the capacity of diocesan administrator. During this time, awaiting for the appointment of our diocesan bishop, I ask for the prayers and support of all in the diocese as we pray to the Holy Spirit to guide us as a family of faith and for the guidance of the Holy Spirit to be with our Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, in the selection of a new bishop.”

The College of Consultors consists of Bishop Grosz, Msgr. Robert C. Wurtz, pastor of Our Lady of Victory Basilica and national shrine in Lackawanna; Father Robert M. Mock; pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Buffalo and chair of the Council of Priests; Father Joseph J. Sicari, president and diocesan director of Catholic Charities; Father Thomas J. Quinlivan, pastor of Queen of Heaven Parish in West Seneca; Father Ronald W. Sams SJ, pastor of St. Michael Parish in Buffalo; and Msgr. Albert W. Clody, pastor of All Saints Parish in Buffalo.

It is not known when Pope John Paul II will name the next Bishop of Buffalo.

RESTORATION OF CHURCH WINDOWS

Stained glass is unique among the arts of the world because of the relationship that exists between glass and light. We see color on a painted surface through the reflection of light; the color we see in a stained-glass window is from the light refracted through it. The colors of the glass are deadened by reflected light, and when darkness falls, a stained-glass window cannot be brought to life.

Essentially a dynamic, daylight art, stained glass is energized through its relationship with light and changes according to the time of day, the seasons and the weather. All affect – sometimes subtly, sometimes dramatically – the image that is perceived, for stained glass is the most ancient and cunning form of kinetic art.

With the change in the weather, season, and time it has taken a toll on the magnificent windows of the Mother Church of Polonia, St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Parish. Because of this, tremendous restoration work has begun to take place on this historic Church.

As can be seen, much of the wood frames outside the Church has rotted, the stained glass on some windows has started to buckle meaning the sections will need to be removed and re-leaded, and some of the seals on the windows have also been broken.

At this point about half of the church’s vent windows have been replaced and we are waiting for the balance of vents to be delivered and installed. Protective shatter proof glass will be installed on the outside of the windows.

We are pleased to address these several problems to preserve the great treasure of our historic church stained glass windows. We are working on preserving this magnificent edifice for future generations of St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Parish and also with the community of Polonia.
 

PARISH ARCHIVES ON DISPLAY AT MOTHER CHURCH OF POLONIA

St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Parish, the Mother Church of Polonia has begun to display many artifacts which are part of the history of this 131 year old parish.

Bishop Edward M. Grosz, the 6th Pastor of St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Parish has designated a large display case in the vestibule of the church for just this display. Items in the archives display include relics, pictures, and sculptures which have been part of the history of St. Stanislaus. Also included in the display is a crystal vase that was presented to the late Pastor, Msgr. John R. Gabalski from the former President of Poland, Lech Walesa and his wife.

The collecting of these artifacts have come from various sources. Some are personal belongings of long time parishioners which they have donated and some of the items have been found in the attic and basement of the church and rectory. The only downfall to this project is that with some pictures or items there is no documentation as to how they came into being part of the history of the parish. There are no dates, or in some cases, pictures with no names.

We at St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Parish are still looking to obtain any historical paraphernalia for our display. If anyone has such mementos and would like them to be part of our display, you can drop them off at the rectory.

This display is not only for our parishioners but also for the whole community of Polonia to view. All are welcome to stop by and view this display in the making.

ST. STANISLAUS SCHOOL - A GREAT TRADITION OF QUALITY CATHOLIC EDUCATION

Summer seems to be flying by and in no time the school bells will be ringing to invite our young children back to their classrooms.

St. Stanislaus School opened in April of 1874 and 130 years later it still remains open. From its inception, quality education was always the main goal. The school originated with 102 students taught by Rev. Pitass and two male lay teachers. The Felician Sisters arrived in 1881 and took over the teaching responsibilities. Through the years due to the areas demographics, the enrollment has fluctuated. However, with a devoted lay faculty and a Felician Principal, Sr. Therese Ann Parobek, CSSF at St. Stanislaus School they still seem to hold their own. It remains a financial challenge to continue existence of the school but the doors remain open.

With the wonderful support of the 6th Pastor of St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Church, Bishop Edward M. Grosz, D.D. and through the intercession of Blessed Mary Angela Truszkowska, we hope this guidance will continue to make St. Stanislaus School a beacon in the future of Polonia and keep the flame of the torch of a good faith centered education ever burning.

For information or registration at St. Stanislaus School please contact the school office at 854-1803 or the rectory office at 854-5510.

Once again, quality education has always and will always remain our main goal.

CHURCH OF MOTHER POLONIA TO RESTORE HISTORIC 1893 JOHNSON ORGAN

The historic East Side, St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Church, will begin the total restoration and rebuilding of the 1893 Johnson organ which for the past 110 years has served the Parish and Polonia community for its glorious celebrations of the liturgy. This includes various visits of dignitaries, Presidents of the United States and Poland, and even Cardinal Wojtyla. There have also been the somber moments; the funerals of John and Alexander Pitass, Msgr. Peter J. Adamski, and Msgr. John R. Gabalski. To ensure the organ will continue to serve in the future celebrations at St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Parish and Polonia, the Heritage Pipe Organ Company has been contracted to perform the undertaking of this extensive project.

Based upon discussions with Bishop Edward M. Grosz, Pastor of St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Parish, Mr. Thomas W. Borowski, parish organist, Bill Kurzdorfer, service technician and suggestions from other interested parties, Heritage Pipe Organ proposed tonal additions of 13 ranks that will enhance the organ and its abilities.

The main restoration will be centered on the replacement of the main chests and console. It has been suggested that the Johnson & Son pipe work should be restored to slider chests. They would be very similar to what was used in 1893, except that the pallets will be actuated by electric pull down magnets rather than trackers. The original Johnson pipe work will be retained in the rebuilding of the organ. The new pipe work will be manufactured in Europe.

The restoration process will include complete cleaning and repairing of the Johnson & Son pipe work (including façade), painting of the interior zinc bass pipes to stop the oxidation process, and replacing of all existing slide tuners with stainless steel.

The console itself will be replaced with a new 3 manual English style, draw knob console which will include all the new innovations in organ consoles (i.e. MIDI). The oak organ case will be refinished and the façade pipes gilt. The organ once completed will be showcased with lighting.

The project is to begin in July 2004 with the ordering of the pipe work and manufacturing of the chests. The complete removal of the organ will take place tentatively in the early Spring of 2005, with the complete return of the instrument in the Fall of 2005.

With great expectations, Bishop Edward M. Grosz and the parishioners of St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Parish will await the completion of this project. With the completion of this project, our parish will be available for future recitals, concerts, and possible choirs from other countries. The organ which served the Parish and Polonia will continue to give glory to God in the future. We at St. Stanislaus are hoping that with this restoration of the 1893 organ, we will not only be a spiritual center but also become a cultural center in the heart of Polonia.

The project would not be possible if it wasn’t for the continued support of the parishioners and friends of St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Parish.

ST. STANISLAUS BISHOP AND MARTYR PARISH, MOTHER CHURCH OF POLONIA LEAPS INTO THE 21ST CENTURY WITH A WEBSITE

In the field of technological advancement, St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Parish has long remained in the dark ages not keeping pace with all that was available in the world of communication and computers. It wasn’t until 1996 when we finally purchased a computer for the rectory office and then in 1997 made another jump into the 20th century by purchasing a fax machine. And now in the new millennium with Bishop Edward M. Grosz, the present pastor, St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Parish like Pope John XXIII, “we flung our windows opened” and entered the 21st century by establishing a Web Page.

Parishioner, Martin Biniasz back in March established a website for St. Stanislaus Parish, which is still in cyberspace. But with the great amount of time you need to keep an efficient website going, we have hired a webmaster, KENTROPOLIS, to provide the continued support and updates on a weekly basis.

You can visit our website: ststanislauschurch.com to see the wonderful webpage that has been established. You are able to get general information regarding Mass times, office hours, phone numbers. Also there are pictures of the many different renovations and parish events that are taking place or have taken place at the Mother Church of Polonia. There is a lot to see.

In the future we hope to have music on our webpage and maybe even a “Bishop’s Corner”. We hope you will visit our website and contact us with any inquiries that you may have. Hope to hear from you soon!  Don’t forget: ststanislauschurch.com

MOTHER CHURCH OF POLONIA WELCOMES BISHOP EDWARD U. KMIEC AND PRIESTS FOR POLISH AFFAIRS

On Sunday, November 16th, we at St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Parish will welcome Bishop Edward U. Kmiec to our parish along with the Priests for Polish Affairs. A Mass will be celebrated at 3:00 p.m., with Bishop Edward U. Kmiec as the Main Celebrant to remember the deceased Polish Clergy and Religious of the Diocese of Buffalo. The Mass will also make reference to the 150th Anniversary of Polish Parochial Ministry of the Roman Catholic Church in the United States, which began December 14, 1854, with the founding of PANNA MARIA, which is depicted in one of the murals of St. Stanislaus Church.

An opportunity for all the parishioners and Polonia to meet Bishop Edward U. Kmiec will take place in the school auditorium from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be available for all.

BEAUTIFICATION OF PARISH GROUNDS
AT ST. STANISLAUS BISHOP & MARTYR PARISH

The large trees that for so many years kept silent vigil around the Mother Church of Polonia, St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr and the rectory did more than offer sanctuary to the area wild life. They created a peaceful surrounding to the parish grounds. However, the root system of these noble trees did considerable damage to the drain systems of the church and rectory which in turn caused the rain water to back up into the basements of both the church and rectory. This damage left us no alternative but to remove the trees which caused these problems.

With much of the work on the church windows and frames nearing completion, plus the preparation of the new lighting and correction of the drainage problems caused by the vast root system of the trees around the church and rectory, we are moving on to creating a proper landscaping to enhance our magnificent church and stately rectory. Not only will the complex get a landscaping facelift but the Sacred Heart fountain will also be restored.

This landscaping upgrade and the new lighting around the church will not only provide a new sanctuary for the area wild life but also make St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Parish a secure environment for those who attend our historic church.

PHOTOS

ST. STANISLAUS CHOIR PREPARES FOR VISIT
OF BISHOP EDWARD KMIEC

St. Stanislaus Choir comprises a group of men and women some of whom can claim membership in the choir for more than 50 years. These dedicated people are called upon to give of their time and talent to enhance the many liturgical celebrations.

Even though the membership in the choir has dwindled and it has been somewhat of a rough year because of many events, their enthusiasm continues. And this is shown by their attendance at many of the liturgies ranging from Gorzkie Zale, Stations of the Cross, Holy Week liturgies to the glorious liturgies of Christmas and Easter.

Once again on November 21, 2004 at the Welcoming Mass for Bishop Edward Kmiec at 3:00 p.m., our parish choir under the guidance of Bishop Edward M. Grosz, Pastor of St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Parish, and under the direction of Thomas W. Borowski, St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Parish, will resound with jubilant sounds. All of Polonia is invited to participate in yet another milestone in St. Stanislaus historic history.

Please be reminded there is only reserved seating for clergy and liturgical ministers. There is ample parking and security.

If anyone is interested in becoming a member of the parish choir you may do so by contacting the rectory office or seeing Thomas Borowski at any weekend Mass.

A TIME TO REMEMBER MSGR. JOHN R. GABALSKI

It is true what they say – the older you get the more swiftly times goes by.
With the many projects going on at St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Parish including the progress of the Msgr. John R. Gabalski Handicapped Ramp, it has come to mind that on October 9th, one year has already gone by since St. Stanislaus and Polonia, lost their beloved 5th Pastor – Msgr. John R. Gabalski.

We stop and reflect on the past year remembering that day like it was yesterday, yet it seems like an eternity. The suddenness of his death shocked not only the parish but the community. He was remembered as a “giant of a priest”, “a people’s priest”, and a pillar of the Polish-American Catholic community in the United States. A quarter of his 81 years were spent here at St. Stanislaus. He baptized, married, and buried many parishioners, and even non-parishioners. His love and devotion to St. Stanislaus Parish was never-ending, until October 9, 2003.

So much has taken place in one year. The announcement on October 21st, that Bishop Edward M. Grosz had been assigned as the 6th Pastor of St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Parish not only elated the parishioners and friends of St. Stanislaus, but also overjoyed the immediate family of Msgr. Gabalski. They expressed to Bishop Grosz the fondness, admiration, and respect that Monsignor had for him.

Msgr. Gabalski’s love and devotion to St. Stanislaus is now mirrored by his successor as Pastor, Bishop Edward M. Grosz, with his willingness to take on the monumental challenges of the many restorations and renovations of this great historic “Mother Church of Polonia”.

We hope that all will take a few moments to remember Msgr. John R. Gabalski on this, his first anniversary of his eternal “retirement” (a word never in his vocabulary, if you recall).

We pray that the legacies left by the Pitass’, Msgr. Adamski, and Msgr. Gabalski known as “Stanislawowo” under Bishop Edward M. Grosz, its 6th Pastor will continue.

NEW MEETING ROOMS AT THE
MSGR. PITASS CENTER

The Rt. Rev. Msgr. Alexander Pitass Memorial Center, which it is now known as, was originally built in September, 1917 by Msgr. Alexander Pitass primarily to house the many Felician Sisters who taught at St. Stanislaus School.

When Bishop Colton High School was built, another convent was built to house the Sisters who taught at the High School. The new convent was attached to the old one so that the chapel could be used by both the Sisters who taught at the High School and the Sisters who taught at St. Stanislaus School. When Bishop Colton closed in 1971, the Sisters who taught at St. Stanislaus School were moved into the now empty Bishop Colton convent. The old convent would house a few retired Sisters. Eventually, the old convent, with the exception of the chapel, was not in use. When Msgr. John R. Gabalski became Pastor, he began a project in which sections of the old convent were converted to parish meeting rooms. On July 29, 1979, the old convent was rededicated and renamed the “Rt. Rev. Alexander Pitass Memorial Center”.

Since the late 1970’s the many societies and organizations of St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Parish have used the Pitass Center for their meetings and gatherings. The parish choir occupies one of the large 2nd floor rooms for their rehearsals.

And today, Bishop Edward M. Grosz, D.D., 6th Pastor of St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Parish has observed that the Pitass Center is in need of extensive repairs and basic updates. Under his guidance, the Pitass Center will see new renovations of the kitchen area including new appliances and cabinets, new lighting, and a new bathroom making the Pitass Center more accommodating to the many societies and organizations who utilize the facility.

Any organizations or societies wishing to utilize the facility for their meetings or gatherings are welcome to do so. The doors of the Msgr. Pitass Center will be opened to all in the near future once renovations are complete. You are more than welcome to contact the rectory office to check on availability. We invite all of Polonia and our parish societies and organizations to utilize our facilities and keep the “parish life” going at St. Stanislaus Bishop & Martyr Parish.

ST. STANISLAUS BISHOP AND MARTYR PARISH REMEMBERS DECEASED LOVED ONES WITH ALL SOULS DAY MASS AND DEVOTION

All Souls’ Day observed by the Catholic Church has always been a day to remember our faithful departed. In Poland it is a day when all of the faithful go to the cemetery where special services are held. Candles are placed at graves, the priest goes to the four corners of the cemetery, where he recites prayers for the dead and blesses the area.

This year, once again, St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Parish will observe All Souls’ Day, on Sunday, November 7th with a Mass at 3:00 p.m. at the Resurrection Mausoleum of St. Stanislaus Cemetery. Bishop Edward M. Grosz will be the Main Celebrant at Mass where he will bless the four corners of the Mausoleum and celebrate the traditional Dzien Zaduszny Service. During the service there will be the reading of the names of deceased loved ones, whose names were submitted for the Wypominki.

All of the parishioners, friends, and neighbors of St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Parish are cordially invited to share in this spiritual remembrance of our deceased relatives and friends.

THE LIGHTS WILL SOON SHINE AT THE MOTHER CHURCH OF POLONIA

In 1908, the Mother Church of Polonia, the steeples and bells were installed at St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Parish, Buffalo, New York.

The stately tall towers of St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Roman Catholic Church visible from many areas of the city, the thruway, and even on a clear day from a high vantage point in the Southtowns, have long been a symbol of Polonia’s presence on the Eastside. These towers along with the many other steeples of other churches and the Central Terminal became symbolic of the area representing the people and their neighborhood.

With nightfall, the towers vanish into the darkness of the evening becoming eerie shaped, lit dimly by the moon. This will soon change.

The towers of St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr have stood vigil to many events that have taken place through the years. And the years have not always been kind to the towers i.e. fires, lighting, etc. yet they keep their silent vigil for all to see during the passing of the daylight hours.

Bishop Edward M. Grosz, the 6th Pastor of St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Parish upon his arrival 1 year ago expressed his desire that the clocks and the towers should be illuminated nightly so that all may see the majestic towers and know that St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Parish is still a viable and strong presence on the East Side of Buffalo. With the illumination of the towers and cupola of the dome we are giving HOPE to all who live near in the area of the church and are making the Mother Church of Polonia a BEACON for the East Side guiding all of Polonia safely back to its roots.