News

West side churches’ merger

November 30, 2009

‘Blended family’ celebrates

Congregants from former Saint Hedwig’s, Saint Mary’s welcomed during the Mass at Saint Ignatius.

CAMILLE FIOTI Times Leader Correspondent

KINGSTON – “This is the first Sunday we are together as a blended family,” the Rev. John Lapera said as he welcomed families from the former Saint Hedwig’s and Saint Mary of the Annunciation churches during the 10:30 Mass at Saint Ignatius. The three West Side churches merged as part of the Scranton Diocese consolidation plan.

During the Mass, an account of the rich history of each parish was given, followed by the presentation of the sacramental record books. Polish immigrants formed Saint Hedwig’s in 1901. On Nov. 25, 2007 the parish closed and merged with St. Ignatius church a few blocks away.

Construction of Saint Mary of the Annunciation Church, which was founded by Lithuanian immigrants, began in 1902. Last Sunday that parish held its final Mass as tearful parishioners said goodbye to their beloved church.

The original place of worship for Saint Ignatius Church was a wooden building, erected on Pringle Street, behind the present church in 1885. The Spanish-style rectory was built in 1916. In the late 1930s and early 1940s, the Saint Ann’s Chapel was built on the corner of Hoyt Street and Loveland Avenue.

Roman Catholics are given the gift of ritual, Lapera said. “It’s in our blood. In the ritual of looking back at hundreds of years of history – that’s what we celebrate today.”

He told the hundreds who packed the pews to look forward with joy to the future. “The gifts are endless from three rich traditions.”

Lapera told the congregation that although the transition might not be easy, he reminded them of the sacrifices made by the early settlers in the area. “We are an immigrant church,” he said. “You can imagine the fears of your ancestors, but it didn’t stop them from making the journey – because God walked with him – he walks with all of us.”

After the ceremony, everyone crowded on the church porch for a balloon release to mark the occasion.

“I’m sad to see it go,” said Richard Schall of Larksville, referring to his former church, Saint Mary’s. “But we understand the prevailing conditions, and we’ll have to accept it and move on.”

Schall said he met his wife, Elizabeth, at Saint Mary’s when they both served in the church choir. “We’ve been given a warm welcome here,” Elizabeth said. In addition to celebrating the culmination of the three parishes, Sunday was also the couple’s 13th wedding anniversary.

Ralph Brunza grew up in the Saint Mary’s parish. He recalled his childhood when he served as an altar boy. As an adult, he performed in the church choir, like his friends the Schalls. He pointed out that his grandfather was one of the miners who helped dig out the foundation for Saint Mary’s.

Brunza said he understands the need to close the parish because of a drop in membership, adding, “It’s like the Peter, Paul and Mary song – ‘The times, they are a changin.’ ”

block=infobox

To see additional photos, visit www.times

leader.com

Tweet	Follow @TLnews