Final Mass Celebrated at St. Hedwig Church [PHOTOS]

6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near.
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. - 2 Timothy

Naugatuck, CT - The stained glass doors of St. Hedwig’s Roman Catholic Church were closed for the final time on Thursday evening. More than one hundred parishioners and former parishioners gathered for the last time for the celebration of the final Mass in the church that has been in existence for 112 years.

St. Hedwig Adminstrator Rev. Sebastian Kos dressed in red vestments to celebrate the Mass in both Polish and English in honor of the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. Deacon Thomas Clifford and Deacon Bob assisted the priest for the final Mass. Fr. Kos takes charge as Pastor of St. Francis on Friday, June 30 and Deacon Tom will also be a deacon assigned to St. Francis.

The bells of the church began to ring ten minutes before the scheduled start time of 6:00pm. Steven P. Zembruski was the organist and cantors Eileen and Maria sang hymns in both English and Polish. Pam Monahan was the reader and cameraman Anthony Purcaro was in the front of the church in order to film a video of the entire ceremony.

Fr. Sebastian began by urging the congregation to hold a spirit of gratitude for all the years that parishioners have had at St. Hedwig’s as they become members of a new parish. After the gospel was read in both English and Polish, Deacon Tom gave a homily in English. He acknowledged the difficulty and pain in accepting things that we do not understand. He reminded everyone to remember that we are the heirs to the saints, like St. Hedwig and St. Francis, as well as the saints that were once seated in these very pews in a church that was built by immigrants. Many of these immigrants came in poverty and did not speak the language, but nevertheless they built this church. The deacon also reminded the congregation that our faith is not confined to a space and when God closes a door, he opens windows. He ended by acknowledging that tears were natural but urged the congregation to have tears of joy for the memories of this church and hope in their hearts for the future. Fr. Sebastian then gave a homily in Polish.

There was a Polish hymn for the Offertory and while communicants lined up for the final time in this space, the verses of “Lord You Have Come to the Seashore,” translated from the Spanish hymn “Pescador de Hombres,” alternated in English and Polish. At the end of the Mass, Fr. Sebastian expressed his gratitude to everyone who took part in the final Celebration of the Eucharist and remembered those who had been a part of the church in the past. He added that it was his honor and joy to serve this parish and that he is now feeling happy to stay in the borough; he will continue to live in the St. Mary Church rectory.

Parishioner Tricia Carlson shared this photo of a pin from the 25th Silver Anniversary of St. Hedwig Church. The red ribbon says Pamiatka - loosely translated, it means Remembrance or Souvenir. The other faded white ribbon says "Union City, Connecticut." It's from 1931.

Also attendance for the last Mass were former mayor Joan B. Taf and her family; her granddaughter Haley Russell was altar server. Mr. Zembruski’s parents also attended, as well as large number of church members who attended the weekly Masses in Polish.

Photos by Nancy Sasso Janis