Click here for information on how to subscribe to Today's Catholic Immigrants built this church St. Patrick Church, South Bend, celebrates 150th anniversary Mass SOUTH BEND — Immigration and how we let people into this country is a hot topic in today’s political climate, but 150-years-worth of immigrant achievement was celebrated Sunday during the anniversary Mass at St. Patrick’s Church in South Bend. “They built this church,” said Bishop John M. D’Arcy, referring to the Irish and German immigrants who lived in northern Indiana in the 1800s, “so their children — so you and I — would have a place to worship God. We give thanks to them and honor them. We must live up to their generosity and goodness.” Bishop D’Arcy concelebrated Mass with Father Leonard Chrobot, pastor of both St. Patrick and nearby St. Hedwig parishes in South Bend. They were joined by five other priests in celebrating the Eucharist. “St. Patrick’s was officially established as a parish in 1858, with the church completed in 1886,” said Bishop D’Arcy, referring to the many history lessons taught by Father Chrobot at the University of Notre Dame. “Prior to that, Mass was celebrated only once a month in someone’s home. About 30 Irish families in Green Township and six German families who lived along the river made up that early congregation. If no Mass was celebrated, those families fasted and made the nine-mile walk to Notre Dame for Mass.” Bishop D’Arcy spoke of the many sacrifices those early immigrants made in their quest for a better life for themselves and their families. As today’s politicians debate this country’s immigration policy, Bishop D’Arcy remained adamant about the role of the Catholic Church. “The church can no more neglect the poor than neglect the sacraments,” he said, calling those in attendance live their faith fully. “Those who built this church faced huge financial obstacles. You and I face obstacles also. We must respect the rights of other immigrants to follow us to this holy place.” Bishop D’Arcy did not call for breaking any laws, but merely to follow the law of Christ. “We greet with love and respect all those whom the Lord sends us. We must help them find their legal place. We must give them spiritual strength and provide them the word of God through the Eucharist and the sacrament of penance. This is our obligation!” Bishop D’Arcy went on to say how St. Patrick himself was a slave boy, taken from his family, who then returned to evangelize an entire country. Today, the number of churches named for St. Patrick is second only to those named for Our Lady. Father Chrobot thanked the many people who made Sunday’s anniversary celebration possible, noting the evening banquet was completely sold out. The 10:30 a.m. Mass was a reverent and joyful occasion, complete with a special choir put together by members of the parish. “When we began planning, we wanted a choir,” said Father Chrobot. “I thought we would get a group of people together, but I didn’t expect the Mormon Tabernacle Choir!” Rosalie Kovach has been a parishioner at St. Patrick or over 50 years, putting three of her four children through school there before it closed. “All my children were baptized and received first Communion here,” she said. “Two of my daughters were married here, and I have so many fond memories. The school was just wonderful, but you go to a church for your faith and not for anything else. I just love it here!” According to Bishop D’Arcy, he hopes St. Patrick’s will serve the community for years to come, and he exhorted those present to continue to welcome the immigrant as others welcomed us. “Let us provide all these beautiful things for our children and their children. Be missionaries. Let’s all strive to bring Jesus Christ and his word to our children, neighbors and coworkers by our example. This old church must be kept, fostered and strengthened in every way possible!”     Here are some video clips from the Diaconate Ordination Candidate promises Promising obedience Greeting well-wishers Deacon Gabriel Hernandez Deacon Fernando Jimenez Mandujano Deacon Jacob Runyon   Click here for some video from Don Clemmer's recent trip to see the Holy Father in New York. Katherine Gordon Pope at Mass Pope leaves rally Rachel Lill Stadium arrival Thomas Ostrowski Pope takes stage     Click here for: CNS NEWS The pope's latest encyclical "Spe Salvi" on Christian hope PRIEST ASSIGNMENTS JULY 1, 2007 See Bishop D'Arcy's comments on the new order of Mass HERE