(From St. Stan’s) As we continue in the Diocese of Buffalo, the process of “A Journey in Faith and Grace,” St. Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr Parish has been designated as an independent parish for the period of two years. Following that period, an evaluation will be made of St. Stanislaus and St. John Kanty Parishes with the possibility that both parishes could link or merge to strengthen the presence of the Church in the Broadway-Fillmore Area of the Diocese of Buffalo. An appeal is being made for individuals to register as members of St. Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr Parish. Parish membership requires the minimal payment of annual parish dues, as well as participation in the life of the parish, a sharing of time, talent and treasure for the good of the faith community of St. Stanislaus Parish.
Parishioners are encouraged to reach out to even one individualand approach that individual with the possibility of encouraging that individual to become part of St. Stanislaus Parish. A principle in looking for new members for our parish can simply be: “Each One,Reach One.”
Oftentimes, individuals who have no longer practiced their faith only need someone to approach them and invite them to be part of a faith community, such at St. Stanislaus Parish. The invitation is to be part of a warm and friendly community, which we need to continue to develop at St. Stanislaus Parish.
Unfortunately, there is still a perception in the minds of some that the area surrounding St. Stanislaus Parish is an area of “high crime,” and certainly unsafe. As we well know, that perception at present is unfounded. In the past four years, with the demolition of dilapidated buildings,as well as with the St. Stanislaus Gardens development, the entire neighborhood in the immediate area of St. Stanislaus Church is changing.
November 2007 saw the groundbreaking ceremony at 138 Townsend Street, which is the site of the newly constructed model home, which will be one of many homes in the St. Stanislaus Gardens Development in the streets immediately surrounding St. Stanislaus Parish.
As the faith community of St. Stanislaus celebrates the 135th Anniversary of the founding of the parish, the community does so with a vision of hope in the revitalization not only of the parish, but also of the immediate area surrounding the parish.
As our forebearers came in 1873 to found St. Stanislaus Parish, and certainly sacrificed so much to make possible the beautiful campus we now know as St. Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr Parish Community, so the revitalization of the parish and community will require sacrifice on the part of many. This vision of hope is deeply rooted in our faith in God, who will continue, with His Providence, to provide for all needs of St. Stanislaus Parish family.
A special appeal is being made to all the members of Polonia to “come home” to the Mother Church of Polonia, either by way of participation in the Anniversary events of 2008, or deciding to be part of the St. Stanislaus Development and building homes with the central focus on the neighborhood of St. Stanislaus Church.
Further information relative to the St. Stanislaus Gardens Development may be obtained by contacting the developer, Michael McHugh at 308-7264.
