A few years ago, a much loved pastor at a church I was attending was transferred to a new parish. The news was upsetting and I couldn’t believe he was leaving. On the day of his last Mass, I had the opportunity to say good-bye and speak to the priest for a bit. Near the end of our conversation he gave me some words of wisdom that have stuck with me through the years. It went something like this. That this church and parish wasn’t about him. He pointed at me and said that this parish is about you and the people who are part of it. We were the ones who made make it work. His words sunk in immediately because you know what, he was right.
I know there a lot of people who are upset with the changes at Saint Stan’s and with Father Ted Bocianowski leaving. But when Father Ted is gone, Saint Stan’s remains and is still going to need the people who love and support to continue to do so. Anything less is unacceptable. In the end, the church is about all of us. We can all help ensure that Saint Stan’s remains a strong vibrant parish for Polonia and Buffalo’s east side.
And those words are certainly true. For me, the sour taste is not only from the issue that Father Ted is leaving, but rather, the timing of it all. Was it really necessary to deliver the news on Palm Sunday and to make it effective on Divine Mercy Sunday? I am sure that it all could have waited for a week or two to be announced.
And staffing it with Paulines, instead of a diocesan priest is something else that leaves a lot of questions. The Paulines have had some issues in the past, and issues with those pastors that were large in my eyes. These issues were public information and nothing secretive.
The figures that they list in their weekly bulletins as far as attendance numbers and collection numbers do not impress me at all! In fact, on one Saturday 5pm Mass they report 3 people in attendance!
I am not sure why they are rewarding the Paulines with such a beautiful church as well as other buildings that emcompass the parish. There are parishes right now WITHOUT a pastor at all and they could have been assigned to one of those churches, in fact, even one, right down Broadway.
And let us not forget, THE CEMETERY! Being told now that nothing will change. I will believe that as long as it is true. Hopefully the Diocese is not pulling the wool over every one’s eyes! Everyone knows what happened with St. Adalbert Cemetery.
As for Father Ted. The only real replacement for him will do the things that he did. Visit the sick. Annoint the dying. Be available any time any day. I personally know very few priests that will even consider doing that. In fact, some I know personally, end their jobs at 5pm and if you are not dying or sick during their own personal work time, forget calling them after that! And on a day off, don’t even think about it! And let us not forget his truly welcoming and friendly spirit. All were welcomed at St. Stans.
My wish is for Father Ted’s success in St. Padre Pio parish and continued success of St. Stanislaus parish.
We know your heartache.. Remember Fr. Ted came from St.Adalberts, we have lost alot too… God bless you Fr.Ted, you will be missed…
Father Ted will be sorely missed by anyone who knew him not only as their priest/pastor but as a personal family friend. I have great admiration for him and who knows…I may decide to drive to St Padre Pio just to show support for this wonderful man…Chris – you are right – the church is not just about the priest who is there – however – having a priest that makes you want to attend the church and its functions speaks for itself – I have never felt a connection to SJK like I felt to St Adalbert’s Basilica with both Fr Joe Bialek and then Fr Ted…these two remarkable priests helped to make the parish FAMILY a PARISH FAMILY. The Diocese is no fool either – they are not going to relinquish the cemetery as they are too greedy for the money …. and they care not for the timing of announcements either – This Diocese has me seriously considering whether I want to continue to say that I am a Catholic – the non-denominational churches are beginning to look a lot more enticing …..
This is the most intelligent thing I’ve heard about the St. Stans change. I am going to miss father but I am going to still support the church. People would be dumb not to.
I will miss Father Ted very much but St. Stans will continue if all of its parishioners like myself work together to keep it alive and strong. I am the fourth generation of my family to be a member of St. stans and I am very proud of it. Also, all Polonia and its leaders need to worship more often at St. Stans and support it. Do not just show up for special masses or Swienconka or for tours, come more often and worship and support. If not then the bishop will close our beloved Mother Church of Polonia.