New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1929-03-11
FIRST ANNIVERSARY.
Of POLISH CHURCH
Holy Gross Parish and Pastor
Complimentd on Growth

ii Rev. Fathers Stephen Bartkowski
and Victor Piaskowski. pastor and
curate respectively Of the Holy Cross
church on Pennington avenue. were
the recipients of high praise and
congratulations from the lips Of
hundreds of their parishioners yes
terday. while in the church during
the high mass and the noon-hour
mass, Ri Rev. Vincent Helenowski
OF Montreal paid special tribute to
the two spiritual leaders Of the
youngest parish in this city for their
untiring work.
| Yesterday marked the first ami
versary Of the first services to be
held in the church and the closing
OF the first retreat, which was con-
Quoted by Monsignor Helenowski
/ throughout the entire week and at
tended by thousands.
| Church Now Too Small
A year ago yesterday. thousands
OF members of the newly organized
| Polish parish braved a heavy storm
and flocked to the structure on the
incline of Pennington avenue to
hear and witness the first services in
their own church after but four
months of existence as a parish.
Today. this edifice. which year ago
seemed large enough to minister to
the needs of the parishoners, is
| found to be too small, even though
| 1t can hold 1900 people comfortably.
Besides marking the first milestone
In the opening of the church. yester-
day also marked the first annlver-
sary of the inauguration OF the
noon-hour mass, which has become
popular since its inception.
Monsignor Helenowski, in paying
tribute to the two priests and the
| parishioners, stated that he was as
tonished to see young parish grow
80 fast in such a short space of time,
and was amazed during the entire
week of the retreat to witness such
enthusiasm among the people. He
pleadef for the continuance of the
excellent cooperation between the
parishioners and their leaders. and
| laid especial stress upon the work
being carried on by the two priests
despite lack of facilities. He remind
ed his listeners that the anniversary
marks only the first step up the lad
der to greater achievement. 1t is not
time to stop now, but to carry on
the work SO well begun for the glory
of God and the satisfaction of
progressive community. he said.
5000 Now Attend Services
The youngest parish in this city
has set fast pace in it's activities
among the Polish people during the
short time of its existence. Since the
| opening of the church last March,
the attendance has shown a con-
tinuous increase. until today there
are approximately 5000 people at
tending the services in the church.
Youth. under the able guidance Of
the curate. Father Piaskowski, has
been strongly organized into differ
ent societies and sodalities, the
largest being the Holy Cross
Dramatic circle numbering about
500 young men and women. This
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