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Welcome!
For the latest news, click here.
For pew memorials, click here.
This Week's Spotlight 
October 5 is the feast day of St. Faustina Kowalska, the Apostle of Divine Mercy. In the 1930s, this Polish nun received revelations of the unfathomable mercy Our Lord offers to all who repent of their sins and reform their lives. The message of Divine Mercy took the world by storm and soon became one of the most popular Catholic devotions in history. St. Faustina left this world in 1938 at the age of 33, and her mortal remains now rest under the altar in the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy in Kraków, Poland.
St. Stan's is privileged to host a first-class relic of St. Faustina, enshrined beneath the church's historic painting of the Divine Mercy image.
Join the effort to save and preserve St. Stanislaus Kostka Church
in Adams, MA✠ An interior graced with splendid wall and ceiling paintings, vivid stained-glass windows, century-old wood carvings, and sacred sculptures ✠ An enduring icon of the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Polish Catholic immigrant population ✠ Intimately connected with the Divine Mercy revelations:- An early recipient and disseminator of the message of Divine Mercy
- Home of the first publicly displayed image of Divine Mercy in the Western Hemisphere
- Custodian of a first-class relic of St. Faustina, Apostle of Divine Mercy
- Key contributor to the founding of the National Shrine of Divine Mercy and the Marian Fathers Novitiate (Eden Hill in Stockbridge, MA)
- Native church of Revs. Seraphim Michalenko and Walter Pełczyński, M.I.C., promoters of Divine Mercy
Nestled in the scenic Berkshire Hills of Adams, MA, the church of St. Stanislaus Kostka has served the Catholic community of Adams and neighboring towns for over 100 years.
Dubbed "The Gem of the Berkshires," its stunning interior artistry features resplendent wall and ceiling paintings, extensive statuary, and magnificent stained-glass windows, rivaling those of many major basilicas around the world. Century-old hand-carved wooden altars, confessionals, and Stations of the Cross, imported from renowned workshops in today's Austria and Italy, bear witness to the profound faith of the congregation.
But like any historic building, St. Stan's needs periodic maintenance to keep everything in good repair. Long years of Berkshire wind, rain, and snow have loosened roof slates, snapped snow guards, clogged gutters, and deteriorated steeple ornaments. Most recently, water leakage has led to mold growth in the church basement (Kolbe Hall).
Professional assessments have determined that the church is structurally sound and safe to use for services, but it does require urgent repairs now and other eventual restorations and improvements.
A church as uniquely beautiful and historically significant as St. Stan's cannot be allowed to deteriorate. Our Preservation Committee has developed a four-phase plan totaling approximately $5.1 million to address the repairs and restoration. The Diocese of Springfield has approved fundraising for Phase I (costing $1.3 million) of the preservation plan, stipulating that the funds must be raised within one year of the campaign launch date.
As significant as the projected costs are, the Committee believes that with the grace of God, we can achieve that goal. Your assistance can help save and preserve St. Stan's to inspire the glory of God in future generations.
The target goal of $1.3 million for Phase I must be met by November 13, 2024 (the Feast of St. Stanislaus Kostka).
Join us today in preserving this magnificent church.
Thank you so much for your kind support, and may God richly reward your generosity!
Let us know if you cannot donate now but would like to be on our email list.
Funds raised and pledged as of October 2, 2024:
$559,195 (43% of goal) (details)All work involved in the preservation effort has been performed by SSK Preservation Committee members on a volunteer basis:- planning the campaign
- assessing the necessary church repairs
- designing brochures
- creating solicitation letters
- building the website
- establishing social media presence
- managing public relations
- developing the email and payment processing systems
- compiling the donor database
- managing donations and correspondence
- and more
Expenses have been limited to costs for structural and mold studies, printed materials, postage and mailing, a construction project manager, and Fr. Paul's welcoming video. We are deeply grateful to the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception, Adams Specialty & Printing Company, and Giuseppe Mignano, who have provided printed materials and videography work gratis or at reduced cost.
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From Our Pastor
A Message from Fr. Paul Norman
Pastor of St. John Paul II Parish in Adams, MA
Welcome to St. Stanislaus Kostka Church!
Located in the heart of Adams, Massachusetts, a once thriving mill town, our church is nestled amidst the beauty of the Berkshires and their deep historical roots. Since its dedication in 1905, many people, beginning with our Polish Catholic population, have flocked to St. Stanislaus as it reflects the beautiful artistry expressed through its Polish heritage.
From the sacred art depicted on the ceiling of the church to the beautiful architecture of the high altar and the wall paintings behind it, St. Stanislaus Kostka Church tells the wonderful story of our salvation history and lends itself to sacred worship and prayerfulness.
Our church proudly serves as the home of the first Divine Mercy Image displayed in the Western Hemisphere. As the childhood home of Rev. Walter Pelczynski, M.I.C, and Rev. Seraphim Michalenko, M.I.C, our church's connection with the Marians of the Immaculate Conception has a lengthy history and continues to be a work in progress.
Despite the inspiring history and lasting beauty of our church, years of continued use and the natural weathering of the elements have left it in ill repair. Water leakage has led to mold growth in the basement hall, and the deterioration of roofing slates and century-old steeple trim must be addressed.
To restore and sustain our church, we need generous benefactors from all walks of life, from any ethnic heritage, to give from the treasure of their hearts. More and more in this changing world, young families are returning to tradition, beauty and the fullness of God’s truth. Help us to build and sustain the tradition and beauty of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church as we proclaim through word and deed the manifest glory of God.
Join our effort today and donate to save and preserve this tabernacle of God's presence among us!
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SSK Preservation Committee
The SSK Preservation Committee, formed in February of 2022, comprises several teams working together towards the long-term restoration and upkeep of the church. All Committee members are committed to donating their time and talents at no cost to the preservation effort.
EXECUTIVE TEAM - ✠ Norman, Rev. Fr. Paul
- Pastor
- ✠ Francesconi, Michelle Ex Officio
- Parish Business Manager
- ✠ Loughman, Jim
- SSK Preservation Legal Advisor
- SJPII Parish Council President
FUNDRAISING TEAM- ✠ Armata, Barbara
- Printing & Content Coordinator
- ✠ Armata, Joe
- Website & Content Coordinator
- ✠ Bourdon, Fran
- SSK Fundraising Committee Chair
- ✠ Brassard, Robbie
- Public Relations
- ✠ Capruzzi, Christie
- Recognition & Memorials
- ✠ Collins, Lisa
- Recording Secretary
- ✠ Fairweather, Judith
- Social Media Coordinator
- ✠ Gwozdz, Nancy
- Collections & Data Team
- ✠ Maselli, Beverly
- Grants & Major Donors
- ✠ Michalenko, Eugene
- Historian & Printing Coordinator
- ✠ Roy, Judith
- SSK School Representative
- ✠ Socha, Pat
- Volunteer Coordinator
- ✠ Von Schlegell, Abbie
- Grants/Major Donors
- ✠ Wooley, Deb
- SJPII Finance Committee Co-Chair
FACILITIES & CONSTRUCTION TEAM- ✠ Bellows, Gary
- SSK Property Committee
- ✠ Burdick, Ron
- SJPII Buildings & Grounds Committee
- ✠ Clairmont, Larry
- SJPII Buildings & Grounds Committee Chair
- ✠ Mendel, Al
- SJPII Buildings & Grounds Committee
- ✠ Pietras, Fred
- SJPII Buildings & Grounds Committee
- ✠ Wisniowski, Richard
- SJPII Buildings & Grounds Committee
- ✠ Gwozdz, Nancy
- Collections & Data Entry Team
- ✠ Ouellette, David
- SJPII Buildings & Grounds Committee
- ✠ Spofford, Carol
- Counting & Data Entry Team
- ✠ Wisniowski, Barbara
- Counting & Data Entry Team
- ✠ Wooley, Deb
- SSK Finance Committee Chair
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Fundraising Report
October 2, 2024 - Fundraising UpdateFunds raised:
$117,959 prior fundraising for "Steeple Project" (2019-2020)
+$440,264 current campaign
$558,223 Total actual funds raised to date
+$ 972 pledged through 11/12/2024
$559,195 Total actual and pledged funds raised through 11/13/2024
Expenses:
$50,836 prior Kuhn Riddle comprehensive engineering report (2020)
+$ 5,821 current campaign (printing, mailing, postage, video/web fees, other)
$56,657 Total expenses to dateRepairs:
$3,900 United Rooter (inspecting/clearing downspouts)
$3,900 Total repairs to dateNet on hand:
$558,223 total actual funds raised (not including pledged to come)
-$ 56,657 expenses to date
-$ 3,900 repairs to date
$497,666 Total funds on hand
Thank you to all our generous donors!
Fr. Paul and the SSK Preservation Committee would like to express our sincere appreciation for all the support received for the SSK Preservation Project. With your prayers and continued support, we strive to meet the $1.3 million goal by the November 13th, 2024 deadline set by the Diocese.
We would also like to express our appreciation and condolences to the family and friends of several parishioners who have recently passed away and whose families chose to support this project in memory of their loved one. These generous gifts will help us restore and preserve this church and spiritual community as they fondly remembered it.
Wishing you many blessings,
Rev. Fr. Paul Norman, Pastor
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In the News
Sunday, October 13, 2024 - Adams RambleFest and Church Tour 
Stop by the SSK Preservation Committee's information table at the Adams RambleFest, to be held at the Adams Visitor Center from noon to 5 pm on October 13, 2024. At 3 pm, join Adams town historian Eugene Michalenko for a guided tour of St. Stan's - meet in the Church vestibule at the Hoosac Street entrance. September, 2024 - Status Update Letter #3 
Our third Status Update letter, documenting news and activities from May to September 2024.Tuesday, September 17, 2024 - Chicken Parmesan Dinner 
(Ticket sales for this dinner are now closed - no ticket sales at door.) Join us at the Bounti-Fare Restaurant in Adams MA for a Chicken Parmesan dinner to benefit the SSK Preservation Fund on Tuesday September 17, 2024, from 4:30pm to 7:00pm, eat-in or take-out. The meal includes chicken Parmesan with penne pasta, marina sauce, garlic bread, and a garden salad, with coffee and water in the dining room. The event will also feature raffle baskets and a bake sale to top off your dinner with delicious desserts. (Note: The dinner was a great success, serving 347 meals and raising $6,300 for the preservation fund. Click here for a photo album of the dinner.)Saturday, September 7, 2024 - Polish Heritage Train Ride 
Learn about the Polish heritage of St. Stan's early congregation while enjoying a trip on the Berkshire Scenic Railway! Adams town historian Eugene Michalenko will be your conductor on this special one-hour excursion as he discusses the arrival of the Polish immigrants in Adams, the founding of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, and the Adams Polish community's subsequent history down to the present day. The train leaves the Adams station near the Visitor Center at 1:30 pm.
Eugene will also offer a tour of St. Stan's Church after the train ride at 3:00 pm.
Saturday, August 17, 2024 - Cheshire Cruz Nite 
The SSK Preservation Committee hosted an information table at the Cheshire Fire Department's Cheshire Cruz Nite on Saturday, August 17, 2024. Visitors admiring the antique and vintage automobiles filling the field stopped by our display table to learn about our efforts to preserve the church. Advance Auto Parts of North Adams very generously donated a bucket of auto supplies for a raffle at our table - congratulations to Frank Lipinski, the raffle winner! Wednesday, July 24, 2024 - Naród Polski (Polish Nation) Article 
The PRCUA (Polish Roman Catholic Union of America) publishes a monthly newspaper Naród Polski (Polish Nation), which features topics of interest to Polish Americans. The July issue includes a full-page article on page 20 highlighting St. Stan's and the preservation effort. Click the picture on the left to read it online. Sunday, July 14, 2024 - Adams Street Fair and Church Tour 
Stop by our information table at the Adams Street Fair, to be held at the Adams Visitor Center from noon to 6 pm. The Church will be open during the festival if you'd like to drop in for a look on your own. At 3 pm, join Adams town historian Eugene Michalenko for a guided tour - meet in the Church vestibule at the Hoosac Street entrance. Saturday, June 22, 2024 - Memorials & Honors, Including Pew Dedications 
You may have seen teasers in the bulletin regarding an upcoming option to memorialize family or friends in St. Stan's Church. The SSK Preservation Committee is now pleased to announce the opportunity to dedicate a pew in memory or honor of a loved one. Other memorial options are also available for larger donations. Click here for more information.Saturday, June 22, 2024 - Restoration of SSK Fence Begins 
SSK Preservation Committee volunteers have begun the task of restoring the ornamental iron fence guarding the Church. The work begins with the tedious job of scraping off the rusted metal and the old peeling paint. This process will take the most time, and for some weeks you may see committee members busy at work when you drive by some morning. Once the fence is cleaned, it will be painted with industrial-grade paint specially formulated for such ironwork to withstand decades of weathering. Our sincere thanks to Matt Witek Jr. for his expert advice and his generous donation of the paint!
Monday, June 17, 2024 - Downspouts Maintenance 
Despite the punishing heat this Monday morning, United Rooter Services, represented by supervisor Bob Sawtelle and employees Chris Gaudet and Jacob Wendling, started the arduous task of freeing up the downspouts at St. Stan's Church. They found the first two drains completely blocked, which accounts for some of the water infiltration into the building. We thank all our generous donors for their contributions that make it possible to start the preservation process!Thursday, May 9, 2024 - Times Union Article 
Albany's daily newspaper the Times Union published an article discussing the SSK preservation effort and the history of St. Stan's and the surrounding Polish neighborhood in Adams. May, 2024 - Status Update Letter #2 
Our second Status Update letter, documenting news and activities from February to April 2024.Sunday, April 21, 2024 - Progress Sign Planted 
A large sign advertising our fundraising effort and visible to traffic passing both ways on Park Street has been planted on the lawn of our parish church, Notre Dame des Sept Douleurs. Designed by parishioner Joe Nowak, the sign indicates the percentage of target funds raised and will be updated regularly as we approach our $1.3 million goal. Thanks, Joe, for your help in publicizing our effort to preserve St. Stan's! Sunday, April 7, 2024 - Feast of Divine Mercy, Conclusion of Holy Week and Easter Week 
Join us at St. Stan's on April 7 for the conclusion of Easter Week with the observance of Divine Mercy Sunday. The chaplet will be sung at 3:00 pm, followed by recitation of the rosary. There will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and time for adoration, and Fr. Paul will hear confessions.
We are mindful Our Lord's words to St. Faustina regarding confession on Mercy Sunday: “The soul that will go to confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. On that day, all the Divine floodgates through which graces flow are opened. Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though his sins be as scarlet." (Diary, 699)Friday, April 05, 2024 - Biaƚy Orzeƚ (White Eagle) Article 
The Polish Language newspaper Biaƚy Orzeƚ (White Eagle) translated the Polish American Journal article of March 19 (see below) into Polish and published it in its April 5 edition for Massachusetts/Rhode Island. Wednesday, March 27, 2024 - Restoring the Front Steps 
Thanks to D&D Concrete Concepts of Cheshire and Troy's Tree Services of Adams, the Hoosac Street steps leading to the main entrance to St. Stan's were cleared of their snow banks and power-washed during Holy Week, removing decades of soot buildup and mold growth. Easter morning saw our front steps looking better than they have in years. Click here to see before and after photos of the steps. A big thank-you to both companies for helping to beautify our historic church!
Sunday, March 24, 2024 - Thunderfest and Church Tour 
Stop by our information table at Thunderfest, the town's annual celebration of the Thunderbolt ski race, on Sunday, March 24 from noon to 5:00 pm. At 2:00 pm, join Adams town historian Eugene Michalenko for a guided tour of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church. Meet in the plaza in front of the Church at 25 Hoosac Street.
Tuesday, March 19, 2024 - Polish American Journal Article 
Founded in 1911, the Polish American Journal is a bi-monthly periodical providing news on Polish activities in the United States, Poland, and other countries. The April-May issue of 2024 includes an article on St. Stan's history and the current preservation effort. Monday, March 18, 2024 - Spring Cleaning 
Over a dozen volunteers, including Fr. Paul, turned out on Monday, March 18, to give St. Stanislaus Kostka Church a thorough spring cleaning. The industrious crew brushed accumulated dust from window sills, wainscoting, confessionals, and statues; wiped and polished pews and pillars till they shone; scrubbed the tile floors beneath the pews; and vacuumed the aisle and sanctuary carpeting. The vestibule and sacristies were not overlooked, and under Fr. Paul's guidance, the altars with their statues and fixtures received special attention. Altar cloths were found to need some extra care, and were temporarily removed for gentle washing and spot treatment.
Warm thank-yous to our energetic brigade! Our church interior is now refreshed and renewed, ready to enter into the solemn observances of Holy Week and the celebration of the glorious Easter season.
Monday, March 4, 2024 - Roundup Campaign Results 
Robert Pytko, store manager of the Adams Hometown Market, met with members of the SSK Preservation Committee and presented them with a check for funds raised during the January Roundup Campaign (see below). The donations realized by this two-week drive amounted to $1,326.58. Pictured left are Kathy Luczynski, Robert Pytko, Rev. Paul Norman, and Beverly Maselli. Our most sincere thanks go out to all who so kindly participated in this community effort!Friday, March 1, 2024 - ABC News 10 Interview 
Carina Dominguez of ABC News 10 in Albany NY interviews Fr. Paul and town historian Eugene Michalenko on St. Stanislaus Kostka Church and the preservation effort. Please note: the interview misunderstood the status of St. Stan's. The Church is not facing closure, and the Diocese of Springfield is supportive of our preservation effort to keep the Church active and in good repair.
Thursday, February 22, 2024 - Drew Mariani Interview 
Listen as Drew Mariani of Relevant Radio interviews Fr. Paul and members of the SSK Preservation Committee on his national radio show.
Tuesday, February 6, 2024 - Marian Helpers Magazine Article 
The Spring issue of the Marian Helpers magazine includes an article on Susan B. Anthony by Chris Sparks, discussing her pro-life and anti-slavery advocacy. He refers to her Adams roots and reported on his visit to her birthplace museum in Adams. He then writes about the early links between St. Stanislaus Kostka Church and the emergence of the National Shrine of Divine Mercy, and mentions our current fundraising campaign and website. Many thanks to the Marian Helpers for supporting our cause!
Saturday-Sunday, January 20-21, 2024 - Updates at Weekend Masses 
The SSK Preservation Committee prepared an update on the progress of the fundraising project. The update was presented by Committee Chair Kathy Luczynski to the congregation at the two weekend Masses of January 20-21 at St. John Paul II Parish.
Sunday, January 7, 2024 - Roundup Campaign 
Adams Hometown Market at 1 Myrtle Street in Adams has kindly offered to make the SSK Preservation Fund the designated charity for their Roundup program. From Sunday, January 7 to Saturday, January 20, shoppers will be offered the option to round up their totals at checkout to the next dollar, with the roundup donated to the SSK fund. Many thanks to Adams Hometown Market for this demonstration of community support for St. Stan's Church!
January, 2024 - Status Update Letter #1 
Our first Status Update letter, documenting news and activities from November 2023 to January 2024.Wednesday, December 20, 2023 - School Christmas Pageant 
Come and lend your support to the students of St. Stanislaus Kostka School as they present their annual Christmas Pageant at St. Stan's Church. The performance is free and starts at 1:30pm on Wednesday, December 20, 2023. This is a wonderful opportunity to usher in the birth of Jesus and Christmas.
November 24, 2023 - Banner Placement 
A large full-color banner has been attached to the fencing in front of St. Stan's Church announcing the preservation effort to passers-by. See it at the Hoosac Street church entrance!
November 23, 2023 - Morning Drive Interview 
Bill Sturgeon of WTBR's Morning Drive (Pittsfield Community Radio) conducts an extensive intervew with our pastor Fr. Paul Norman about St. Stan's history and the newly-launched capital campaign. Watch it at PittsfieldTV.net (due to technical difficulties, Fr. Paul is audio only).
November 18, 2023 - Church Tour 
The St. Stanislaus Kostka Preservation Committee will hold a guided tour of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church at 25 Hoosac Street at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 18. Eugene Michalenko, president of the Adams Historical Society and town historian, will present the church’s architectural, historical and religious significance. The tour is being held in conjunction with St. Stanislaus Kostka School's annual Christmas bazaar, open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the School on 108 Summer Street.
November 15, 2023 - Berkshire Eagle Article 
Sten Spinella of the Berkshire Eagle published an article announcing the launch of the effort to save and preserve St. Stanislaus Kostka Church.
November 13, 2023 - Launch Date 
Launch date! Today is the feast day of our church's patron St. Stanislaus Kostka, and the official start of the capital campaign to preserve St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Adams, MA.
Keep up to date with the progress of the campaign on this website, and on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/sskpreservation.
October 8, 2023 - Church Tour 
The St. Stanislaus Kostka Preservation Committee will hold a guided tour of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church at 25 Hoosac Street at 3:00 p.m.on Sunday, October 8. Eugene Michalenko, president of the Adams Historical Society and town historian, will present the church’s architectural, historical and religious significance. The tour is being held in conjunction with Ramblefest, a festival of music, food, and fun prior to the annual Mt. Greylock Ramble hike on Monday.
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