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Nasza Przeszłość

Vol. 108 (2007): Our Past

Articles

The involvement of the faithful in the life of the Polish parish in London, Ontario (Canada)

  • Jan Walkusz
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52204/np.2007.108.59-147  [Google Scholar]
Published: 2007-12-30

Abstract

Apart from a few isolated cases in the second half of the nineteenth century, from the beginning of the twentieth century and for almost half a century, the Poles who settled in London strove to establish their own parish with a Polish priest. Thanks to the harmonious cooperation of the local Polish priests and the extraordinary kindness of the then Bishop of London - John C. Cody - it was finally established in 1953. The Polish population of London and the surrounding area thus undertook the construction of the church dedicated to Our Lady of Częstochowa and began building the presbytery and other church facilities to serve the Polish community. This process of participation and involvement at various levels in the construction of parish structures and in the shaping of their religious, social and spiritual character has produced significant trends in its fifty-year history. significant trends in its organisation and formation. Roughly speaking, these trends can be divided into two categories: functional groups and formation groups, which, by bringing together smaller associations and groups organised according to the regulations in force, have left their mark on the life of the parish, influenced its overall activities and made its presence felt in Canada's diverse society. The first category of activities includes the parish council, the liturgical ministry (choirs, lectors, commentators on liturgical texts, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, collectors, organists, choir, schola) and other religious organisations (Catholic Women's Association, Society of the Holy Name of Jesus). The second category is made up of the Living Rosary, apostolic groups for youth and children (Legion of Mary, Catholic Youth Circle, Eucharistic Crusade, Little Rosary Circle), Family Oasis, Prayer Group, Renewal in the Holy Spirit, Bible Circle, Catholic Youth Group, Eucharistic Crusade, Divine Mercy Groups and Radio Maryja families. This particularly active presence of the faithful in the life of Our Lady of Częstochowa Parish in London can be seen as a kind of pars pro toto of Polish society in North America.

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