“This church has been a beacon of hope in this neighborhood for 120 years,” Bishop Edward Malesic told St. Barbara parishioners.
The bishop joined Father Jozef Bozek, parish administrator, Father Joseph Hilinksi, pastor emeritus, and several other concelebrants including Father Don Oleksiak, diocesan vicar general and moderator of the curia, as he celebrated a Mass marking the parish anniversary on Dec. 6, 2025. St. Barbara, located on Denison Avenue in Cleveland’s Brooklyn Center neighborhood, has served the Polish community since its establishment in 1905.
(See photo gallery above.)
As the Mass began, parishioners – some in traditional Polish garb – presented the bishop with gifts including bread and flowers.
He acknowledged some of the important events in parish history including laying the cornerstone for the first church in 1906, a fire that destroyed the first church in 1915, construction of the new church in 1916, construction of the original rectory in 1919, building the school in 1924, dedication of the current church building in 1952 and demolition of the school in 1979.
St. Barbara was one of the parishes closed during the diocesan reconfiguration in 2010. Parishioners appealed to Rome and the parish reopened with a Mass on July 22, 2012.
“Despite the devastating fire, World War II, highway construction that cut through the neighborhood and other challenges, this parish has persevered,” Bishop Malesic said. “This celebration should fill you with pride.”
He noted that the early parishioners wanted a place where they could worship God, retain their customs, educate their children and gather together as a community. They did this and passed it on through generations of parishioners. He reminded the faithful that it’s up to them to continue that tradition and to share this gift with others. “Do not keep this a secret,” he said.
In his homily, the bishop said we can’t rely on the faith of our parents and ancestors. “We need our own faith; we need to be changed … Not all will enter the kingdom of heaven, only those who are changed enough. We must allow ourselves to be transformed, to go deeper in our faith … Open yourselves to Jesus, who tells us to follow him.”
Bishop Malesic referred to his pastoral letter, reminding congregants to pray, to spend time with Jesus who wants to befriend us, spread his message and be of service.
“Never allow our beautiful Catholic faith to become old and stale … Serve the Lord with gladness … and stay close to Mary,” he added.
After Mass, the bishop, concelebrants, parishioners and other guests moved downstairs to the church hall for a homecooked Polish meal and entertainment.