WESTFIELD-Parishioners of Saint Peter and Saint Casimir Parish will soon mark a milestone – a continuity of faith for 100 years.
In a recent letter to parishioners, Rev. William H. Wallis, pastor, noted that a Memorial Mass for all deceased parishioners will be conducted this weekend in conjunction with the original date of dedication of Saint Peter’s Church by then Springfield Bishop Thomas Beaven on Aug. 27, 1916. Wallis noted that the parish church building was dedicated by the original Slovak members of Saint Peter’s Parish.
Alicia Belanger displays one of the four 12′ x 16″ banners that will be hung near the main altar of Saint Peter & Saint Casimir Church during a Celebration Centennial Mass.
“These original members got together, bought the land, planned the church building, and put their weekly savings together year after year to finance and build this church,” noted Wallis. “They had this vision of building a church of Slovak ethnicity in Westfield where they could carry on the traditions of their Catholic faith as they worshipped in their native land of Slovakia.”
Wallis wrote it is a “very important date” to celebrate the importance of this gathering place for God’s holy people.
“A similar set of circumstances occurred among the Lithuanian people of Westfield when their parish of Saint Casimir was established in 1915 and Saint Casimir’s Church’s cornerstone was laid in 1917,” said Wallis.
On June 8, 2003, Saint Casimir’s began a new chapter in its history as it closed its doors and merged with Saint Peter’s Parish on State Street, becoming Saint Peter and Saint Casimir Parish. At the time, the Diocese of Springfield noted that parishes would be maintained as long as they were “viable.”
“It is expected that there will only be 75 active priests and far fewer religious men and women within a decade,” wrote Bishop Thomas Dupre. “Parishes will be maintained as long as they are viable. It is not just a question of fiscal solvency but a question of pastoral vibrancy.”
While there was sadness among church members of Saint Casimir’s – many understood that with the dwindling numbers of parishioners over time – their fate had been sealed.
Wallis said the public is welcome to attend the Aug. 27 Memorial Mass at 10:30 a.m.
A banner announcing the 100th anniversary of Saint Peter and Saint Casimir Church on State Street graces the entranceway.
“The continuity of the faith from generation to generation will be celebrated,” said Wallis. “Many of their family names will be inscribed on banners near the main altar or written in the book of remembrance.”
Wallis added that if a family name is not represented on a banner to add their name in the book of remembrance.
“We give thanks for our ancestors’ perseverance in, and their example of, deep faith and trust in God,” said Wallis.
The celebration will continue on Sept. 10 with a Centennial Mass at 10:30 a.m., led by Wallis.
Bishop Mitchell T. Rozanski will rededicate the church during the Mass and the Knights of Columbus will serve as Rozanski’s Honor Guard.
The celebration continues after Mass with a dinner and dancing from noon to 5 p.m. at the Shaker Farms Country Club. The buffet menu includes baked chicken, baked fish, cheese pierogis and golumbkis, as well as several side dishes and salads.
“Parishioners will also be making several ethnic desserts including koiache and we will have a celebration cake,” said Alicia Belanger, one of the committee members organizing the centennial events.
Jim Blanch and the Boot Hill Band will provide the entertainment for the afternoon, as well as the St. Cecilia Choir of Saint Peter and Saint Casimir Parish. Highlights of the afternoon affair include a Prayer of Thanksgiving by Wallis and speakers including Sister Elizabeth Oleksak, S.P., who grew up attending Saint Peter’s Church. A raffle drawing and silent auction will round out the afternoon’s festivities, and raffle and auction prizes are still being accepted. Currently, prizes include Polish earthenware, golf outings, and a variety of gift cards from local businesses and restaurants.
Committee members have been working behind the scenes for months to ensure that the original church members have not been forgotten.
“This church is very special to me because all of my ancestors had a part in its history,” said Belanger, who with her husband Gary were busy hanging banners in the church on Tuesday morning. “My grandfather Victor Rura helped plan and build the church with the St. Stephen’s Society.”
Belanger noted that the historical building is “beautiful” with its unique stained glass windows and paintings that are “priceless.”
“We are so blessed to have this church for 100 years,” said Belanger, who recently celebrated 50 years of marriage by renewing wedding vows in the church.
Belanger is serving on a committee of dedicated volunteers including Tom Smith, Paula Bartley, Jim and Marcia Rogers, Yvonne Kriesak, Pat Kern, Deacon Paul Briere, Rosie Bonner, Rosanne Liptak and Sharon Wielgus, all of whom are now putting the finishing touches on the festive events.
Tickets for the dinner are $30 per guest and children age 4 to 10 will be charged $15. Children under four are admitted free. Reservations for the dinner must be made by Aug. 27 to Liptak at (413) 348-4381 or Wielgus at (413) 568-7767.
“The church will continue its centennial celebration throughout the coming months,” said Belanger, adding that a picnic next summer is one of the last events in the planning stages.
