When Fr. Mike Pfleger was assigned to St. Sabina’s Catholic Church in Chicago in 1975, it was a dying parish in an impoverished, marginalized South Side neighborhood. Though built to seat 1,000 people, it was lucky to see 60 for Mass on any given Sunday. Like many US urban neighborhoods, the South Side was experiencing “white flight” to the suburbs, and the new African-American residents generally were not Catholic. But Father Mike – at that time young, idealistic and inspired by the Civil Rights Movement – set out to transform this church and build a community. Forty years later, St. Sabina’s is a thriving church that has drawn national acclaim. The congregation is 90% African-American, and Fr. Pfleger is one of the strongest fixtures in the African-American community.
Mass at St. Sabina’s is an incredible experience. Inspired from his youth by African-American culture and religion, Fr. Mike has embraced the faith traditions of the people in his community (while still remaining very much a Catholic priest). Powerful gospel music, amazing liturgical dancing, and an inspiring hour-long sermon made this Mass one of the most inspiring, powerful, and indeed holy experiences I’d had in a long time.
Looking at this amazing church, I immediately think of our historically Polish churches on the East Side of Buffalo, most of which are under threat due to declining membership. How can we build these communities back up? One strategy is clearly by urging all of Western New York’s Polonia to return to their roots and attend these churches. However, this is not enough. These faith communities must also respond to the needs of the people living in the neighborhood here and now. While Fr. Mike – with his boundless energy and charismatic preaching – may be a rarity, I believe that all of our beloved East Side churches have the potential to become truly diverse, inclusive and transformative for the East Side community – without relinquishing the Polish heritage on which they were founded.
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