Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish, Worcester

Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish, established in 1903, is a historic Polish-American Roman Catholic church in Worcester. Founded to serve the growing community of Polish immigrants-primarily from the Podlaskie Voivodeship region, including Lomza-the parish remains a cornerstone of Polish heritage in the city. It is part of the Diocese of Worcester and is one of the largest Polish-American Catholic parishes in New England.

The parish takes its name from the revered Black Madonna of Częstochowa, Poland’s most sacred Marian icon. Plans for the church and land acquisition began well before its official founding, with Fr. John Z. Moneta becoming the first pastor in 1903. The church’s Classical-style building was completed in 1906, where Fr. Moneta led the first Mass. Over the years, the parish expanded, and in 1914, Saint Mary's Parish School was established to provide education rooted in Catholic and Polish traditions.

Today, Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish, also known as Saint Mary's, offers daily and weekend Masses in both English and Polish. The church plays a vital role in preserving Polish culture through religious education, community outreach, and traditional celebrations, such as the Polish Festival, Święconka (Easter food blessing), and Oplatek (Christmas wafer-sharing ceremony).

The church’s stunning stained-glass windows, ornate altar, and religious statues reflect its strong Polish identity. Under the guidance of its seventh and current pastor, Fr. Stachura, the parish continues to serve as a spiritual home for Polish-American families while welcoming worshippers from all backgrounds. Its enduring commitment to faith, culture, and community makes it a cherished institution in Worcester.