Stratford, Connecticut, Church Celebrates 110th Anniversary with Rededication and Interfaith Collaboration

St. Joseph’s of Stratford National Catholic Church recently celebrated its 110th anniversary with a Mass and program that brought together more than 100 parishioners and guests. The event marked a significant milestone in the church’s long and storied history, highlighting both its enduring legacy and recent revitalization efforts.

The anniversary was celebrated with a special Mass held on April 29, during which the church’s interior was unveiled after a complete remodel. Fr. Michal Gitner, the church’s pastor, emphasized the dual significance of the occasion. The rededication of the refurbished church was not only a celebration of its physical transformation but also a reaffirmation of the faith community’s commitment to Jesus and the Gospel values.

The Mass was presided over by The Most Rev. Anthony Mikovsky, the Prime Bishop of the Polish National Catholic Church, with assistance from The Right Rev. Paul Sobiechowski, bishop of the Eastern Diocese. Several other clergy members also participated in the service.

The event featured a diverse array of attendees, including representatives from other local congregations. Rev. Meg Williams of the Congregational Church in Stratford played the organ for the Mass, while Pastor Woodrow and co-Pastor Deborah Vereen of the Mercy Tabernacle Church in Stratford were also in attendance. The Mercy Tabernacle Church has shared the St. Joseph’s complex since 2013, fostering a unique and meaningful relationship between the predominantly white Catholic parish and the heavily African-American Pentecostal congregation.

The Mercy Tabernacle’s choir performed a selection of spiritual music before the Mass, creating a powerful atmosphere of unity and shared worship. This collaboration exemplifies the potential for diverse Christian communities to come together in mutual respect and spiritual harmony.

Following the Mass, attendees gathered in the church hall for a banquet and program that highlighted the church’s evolution over the decades. The parish, once predominantly composed of Polish immigrants, has transformed into a multi-ethnic denomination, reflecting the broader changes in the community it serves. The event underscored the enduring commitment of generations to the parish and its mission.

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