Did you know that Saint Joseph Polish Catholic Church in Denver was built by Polish immigrants? These immigrants came from the industrial town of Globeville. Globeville was mainly populated by people of European descent. Saint Joseph Polish Catholic Church stands as a testament to their faith.
The year was 1902. The original Saint Joseph Polish Catholic Church was smaller. It measured only 33 by 60 feet. The construction cost a mere $2,000. Imagine building a church for that price today.
Father Theodore Jarzyński became the first pastor. He arrived on July 14, 1902. The parishioners called him Father Jarr. He taught Sunday School. Father Jarr was known for his strict discipline. Errant students received a tap on the nose. He used his long pencil.
Father Theodore started a special tradition. It was an outdoor procession on Corpus Christi. People walked under a canopy to four altars. They sang Polish songs and carried portraits. Parishioners also carried banners. Children threw flower petals along the way. Father Jarr also helped start the Polish Literary Club. He also established a temporary Polish School. It was an old frame depot from the railroads. Father Jarr passed away on June 14, 1922.
Father John Guziński succeeded him. During his time the church expanded. A new school building was completed next door. Nuns helped run this tuition-free elementary school. It educated youth from the parish. It also served surrounding neighborhoods.
In 1944, Father Edward Frączkowski joined the parish. He assisted during Father Guziński’s long hospital stay. Father Guziński returned to health in 1948. Father Frączkowski sought work elsewhere. He went to Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs. Then he moved to Saint Mary’s Church in Rifle. The small church could not afford two priests. In 1965, Father Guziński built a convent. It was for the Sisters of Saint Joseph. Father John passed away on April 4, 1969.
Father Edward Frączkowski became the next pastor. People knew him as Father Fraz. He focused on improving church buildings. The Sisters left due to lack of funds. The school building was leased to Denver Public Schools. Father Frączkowski passed away on November 19, 1973.
Father John Mucha became the fourth pastor. He visited Denver in 1970. He spent most of his time in Chicago. He traveled throughout the USA. Parishioners knew him before he became pastor. Polish traditions grew after Father John arrived in 1973. Masses were in English too. The parish remained very Polish. The school returned to the parish. The convent became a retirement home. The school now hosts Polish language classes. It also hosts Sunday School. Parties are often held there. Baptism and wedding receptions occur there too. Parishioners and other Polish organizations meet there. Father Mucha retired in 2010.
After Father Mucha’s retirement the Society of Christ Fathers was contacted. They helped find the next pastor. This religious order is from Poland. They administer to Polish emigrants. Father Marek Cieśla became the next pastor. He came from Atlanta. Father Marek improved the church buildings. He also improved the rectory. With his support, a Knights of Columbus council was created. Pastor Marek started new customs. These included youth trips to the mountains and bike pilgrimages. He also started senior meetings. The parish obtained relics of Saint Faustina and John Paul II through his efforts.
In 1983, Saint Joseph Polish Catholic Church joined the National Register of Historic Places. Klemens Mituniewicz painted the church interior in the late 1980s. He added symbolic scenes and Colorado peaks. A second sign was placed above the entrance. It made the church visible from I-70. Saint Joseph Polish Catholic Church remains a vibrant center for the Polish community. It welcomes all who seek faith and tradition.