On July 1, 2025, two long-standing South Bend parishes-St. Casimir (founded in 1899) and St. Adalbert (founded in 1910)-formally united to become Saints Casimir and Adalbert Parish. The parishes, located just one mile apart on the city’s west side, have shared a pastor since 2003 and spent over two decades growing together in ministry and community. This consolidation, decreed by Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades and signed on April 7, 2025, was the result of a unified recommendation from the parish and finance councils of both churches. In his decree, Bishop Rhoades noted the goals of the merger:
“To ensure the future sustainability of both parishes, to formalize the unity already realized, and to make administration more manageable.”
The newly formed parish embraces both the Polish roots of its founders and the vibrant Latino community that has grown within both churches since 2003, following the closure of St. Stephen Parish. Today, Saints Casimir and Adalbert Parish is a bilingual, multicultural faith community that continues to welcome immigrants, just as it did more than a century ago. “The two parishes have served the same purpose today as they did when they were founded, to welcome immigrants into the South Bend area.” said Father Ryan Pietrocarlo, C.S.C., pastor of the new parish.
Masses will continue to be celebrated in both church buildings, with no changes to the existing schedule. The assets and debts of the former parishes are now managed jointly to simplify administration.
The newly defined parish boundaries:
Father Pietrocarlo emphasized that while the parish is now officially one, both church communities will continue to honor their distinct histories, cultures, and traditions. “It’s kind of like a small microcosm of the universal Church,” he said. “The Polish and Latino communities support and respect each other deeply. The Polish see their own story in the lives of today’s Latino immigrants—hard work, faith, family, and community. The Latinos, in turn, admire the Polish for their dedication and love for these churches. It’s a beautiful unity.”
As Saints Casimir and Adalbert Parish moves forward, it carries with it more than a century of faith, resilience, and hospitality—now strengthened by a shared vision and a hopeful, unified future.
In the late 1890s, Polish Catholic families living “over the tracks” in South Bend—known locally as “Warsaw”—sought to establish their own parish. Concerned about sending their children across the railroad to attend St. Hedwig School, they united in their efforts to build a neighborhood church. Though St. Hedwig’s pastor opposed the plan, the people appealed to Bishop Joseph Rademacher of Fort Wayne.
Led by community figures such as Casimir Niedbalski, Joseph Kalamaja, John Duszynski, Mr. Bonek, and Mr. Gonsiorowski, they raised funds through gatherings and events—despite Church restrictions on Sunday festivities and alcohol sales. John Duszynski even provided personal loans. When $18,000 was collected in one Sunday, the land was purchased.
After touring the site in a horse-drawn carriage, Bishop Rademacher declared: “This is a beautiful location for a parish—you have my permission.”
St. Casimir Church opened on December 31, 1898. Contributions included:
The early 1900s brought growth but also turmoil. After Rev. Anthony Zubowicz’s tenure, Rev. M.T. Szalewski was appointed pastor—despite strong opposition. Parishioners remembered a 1911 incident when, during a funeral, Szalewski (acting under the Bishop’s order) denied entry to uniformed members of the Kaz Pulaski Falcons and failed to warn the family. This broke trust.
Repeated petitions to the Bishop and Holy Cross leadership to appoint the beloved assistant, Rev. Leon Szybowicz, were rejected. Instead, Rev. Stanislaus Gruza was assigned. The parish committee refused to admit him, insisting on Szybowicz or a secular priest. Tensions escalated when Gruza skipped a parish meeting, and laypeople led Sunday services in the absence of a priest.
On February 14, 1914, known as “Bloody Sunday,” Rev. Gruza arrived with police and sheriff’s deputies to enter the rectory. A violent clash followed—parishioners were shoved, women were injured, and Gruza ultimately withdrew. The incident became a defining moment in the history of Polish Catholics in South Bend.
Legal action followed:
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