During the late 19th century St. Stan’s Parish was the center of religious life for the Polish immigrant. As immigration dramatically increased during the 1880’s the Polish community in Buffalo continued to grow. As the neighborhood expanded St. Stan’s Parish grew larger, with many of the faithful making a long and difficult walk to come to church to worship. The journey to St. Stan’s became increasingly more dangerous since the faithful needed to pass the N. Y. Central Rail Terminal and cross the dangerous central train lines. The train tracks took many lives before St. John Kanty was established to serve the needs of the expanding Polish immigrant community. Rev. Jan Pitass decided to divide St. Stan’s and form another faith community. Although he feared it would weaken the ties among immigrants, Fr. Pitass realized the great need for another parish since the membership of St. Stan’s had reached over 20,000.

The Rose window at St John Kanty. Photo taken by Rich Leader.

Rev. Thomas Flaczek served as the first pastor of the new St. John Kanty Parish Community from 1892-1895. During his tenure the parish was composed of over 250 families with over 300 children. On September 4, 1894 the parish school was opened with an enrollment of 325 children and a staff of three Felician sisters and three lay teachers; that is an average of over 50 students per teacher! By 1925 enrollment had reached a peak of 1,574 students.
By 1927 Fr. Garstka, who served as Pastor from 1910-1941, was pressed for the need of a new school auditorium. The school basement could only accommodate 300 people and was already condemned by the Fire Authority as unsafe, since it lacked proper exits and ventilation. After three years of deliberation, Fr. Garstka chose J. Zakrzewski & Son to construct a new Lyceum Building. Eight parcels of land (including homes) were purchased at a cost of $53,000. Bishop William Turner granted a loan of $350,000 for construction.

Groundbreaking for the new Lyceum took place on June 30, 1930. Envisioned as a center for the moral, physical and spiritual development of the community, Bishop William Turner laid the cornerstone of the Lyceum on September 29, 1930. The main hall could hold 2000 people for concerts, movies, dances, plays and meetings. Equipped with the latest sound and lighting equipment, the movie sound projector was on par with downtown theaters. The Lyceum also housed two classrooms for 8th grade, six bowling alleys, club rooms, meeting rooms and a gymnasium. On September 13, 1933 the Lyceum was finished and officially dedicated by Rev. Msgr. Francis Kasprzak. During the depression years the Lyceum served over 1200 students through a Federal Grant for an adult education program. In 1937 Rev. Stanley Kulpinski established the Labor College, and 32 teachers taught courses in the arts, drafting, public speaking, and carpentry. During the 40’s and 50’s the Lyceum was the poplar gathering place for dances featuring the ‘big band’ sounds.

In 1941 an article appeared in The Commonweal (click here to read the full article below) The article presents interesting facts about the East Buffalo-Broadway Fillmore neighborhood and the Parish: “At least 90% of the people were Catholics, but only about a third practiced their religion.”

Read this informative and sometimes entertaining piece to learn what was done to ‘turn things around’! Can history repeat itself? Are there any more Fr Garstka’s out there??!! (Read the article, followed by two photos of Fr “Shorty” Garstka which were reproduced from the SJK Golden Jubilee yearbook from 1942.)

In 1942 the church celebrated its 50th Anniversary. The artwork in the church Sanctuary was repainted for that occasion by local artist Jozef Mazur. Ironically, Mazur was christened at St. Adalbert and early in his career decorated the same church with his paintings.

In 1948 a fire occurred in the sanctuary of the church just one year after the mortgage for the Lyceum had been paid. Repairs were made to the walls of the sanctuary and nave, and the mural in the apse of the church had to be repainted.

On January 12, 1955 a second fire raged through the church. The three alarm fire engulfed the interior of the church, still decorated for the Christmas season. Ten stained glass windows burst from extreme heat pressure, and organ pipes fell to the church floor. The fire also destroyed the wooden main altarpiece, two side altars, murals and statuary. Remarkably, the life size sculpture of The Last Supper, originally set in the main altar, was saved. The sculptor, Frank Pedevilla, lived and worked in the Rochester area. Originally intended for the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Montreal, because of the additional border crossing fees Notre Dame was unable to accept delivery. Seen in a store window by someone from St. John Kanty, a deal was struck for the purchase and delivery to the East side church. This magnificent wooden sculpture now rests in the choir loft for all to see.

Carving of Last Supper, originally located in the Altar but relocated to in front of the choir loft following the fire of ’55. Picture taken by Rich Leader.

By the 1960’s the Jozef Mazur was again busy, this time as both glass stainer and painter creating four new stained glass windows for the Sanctuary as well as the painting of Christ the King, the angels and the cherubs in the apse. The primary features of the window honored Our Lady of Czestochowa (donated by the artist), Jesus in the garden with the little children (paid for with pennies raised by the school children), Pope Pius X, the first advocate of frequent communion, and the Blessed Mother and Child with St. Dominic de Guzman and St. Catherine of Sienna, a gift of the Father Justin Rosary Hour (see Artistic Highlights of St. John Kanty Church on this site). original school building at Broadway and Brownell and become clearly inadequate. In 1967, as the parish celebrated its 75th anniversary, Msgr. William Wozniak undertook a $300,000 campaign to renovate the Lyceum building into a new school building.

By the 1970’s, as more parishioners lived further and further from the East side community, St. John Kant adapted by offering new ministries far beyond the scope of Catholic schools. Under the direction of Msgr. Robert Golombek new ministries began to develop. In addition to being a school, the Lyceum became the home of a senior citizens community center. The Mother Angela Dining Room was established to feed the poor and hungry of the area. In 1990 St. John Kanty School merged with five other parish schools to become a new regional education complex, Kolbe Catholic Regional School.

As St. John Kanty Parish entered its centennial year in 1992, the pastors of the eight East side parishes established the East Side Regional Planning Commission. Recognizing the need for new forms of ministry for the future of the Catholic church in East Buffalo, the Commission was chaired by Rev. Jerome Kopec, then pastor of St. John Kanty. The centennial year thus marked a time of transition, which saw further ministries develop as a new century and new ministry emerged for the parish. Religious education programs were increasingly directed by lay persons of the parish. Felician sisters who once served exclusively as teachers, now worked as pastoral ministers in the total experience of parish life. With the theological developments of the Second Vatican Council, lay persons served as lectors and Eucharistic ministers. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) was instituted as a new form of evangelizing to reach other members of the community with the word of God.

In 100 years 17,603 children were sanctified through the waters of baptism; 5,727 couples were joined to Christ through holy matrimony; 17,510 souls were commended into the hands of their loving Creator; 34 men were called to priesthood and 40 to religious life.

In 2017 the parish celebrated 125 years as a Christian community founded on the faith of Polish immigrants, welcoming and accepting all as brothers and sisters in Christ, working together to create one family bound by Christ’s love. Click on the following links to relive some anniversary memories: (1) the Anniversary program booklet (2) the Mass program (3) the Anniversary photos as well as (4) the Anniversary video.

As in the past, the parishioners of St. John Kanty Parish Community continue to affirm their love of Christ by accepting the challenge of ‘a new century, hearing and sharing God’s good news!’

Click on this link for additional history, as well as many beautiful photos of our church


By agreement with St John Kanty Church, the Catholic Cemeteries of the Buffalo Diocese manages St. Adalbert’s two cemeteries (1621 Dale Road, Cheektowaga and 6200 Broadway, Lancaster)

In June 2014 the St John Kanty Garden Mauseoleum was dedicated during a Mass offered by Bishop Edward Grosz.

In June 2015 the former rectory of St Adalbert’s at 208 Stanislaus Street was purchased by the Diocese of Buffalo, Department of Pro-Life Activities. Although not yet open, the Mother Teresa Home, a transitional residence for women who are pregnant or have infants, is getting ready to open its doors after completion of renovations. The building will be occupied by Pro-Life Director Cheryl Calire and her husband for a period of 5 years. The goal of the Mother Teresa Home will be to transition the residents back into the world with marketable skills learned at The Response to Love Center, located just across the parking lot.

In 1941 the article below appeared in The Commonweal. Commonweal, founded in 1924, is the oldest independent lay Catholic journal of opinion in the United States. It was credited with helping to prepare American Catholics for Vatican II and its aftermath, and current readers say Commonweal has helped them weather the sexual-abuse scandal in the church and work through questions and frustrations related to the role of women, the relationship between religion and politics, and church teachings on sexuality.

Below is an interesting story about the East Buffalo-Broadway Fillmore neighborhood and the Parish: “At least 90% of the people were Catholics, but only about a third practiced their religion.”

Read this informative and sometimes entertaining piece to learn what was done to ‘turn things around’! Can history repeat itself? Are there any more Fr Garstka’s out there??!! (Read the article, followed by two photos of Fr “Shorty” Garstka which were reproduced from the SJK Golden Jubilee yearbook from 1942.)

An interesting parallel story in present day is the pruning back of the shrub growing at the corner of the church to open up the walkway between the parking lot and the Broadway entrances to SJK. This shrub also obstructed our cornerstone. The pruning ended up to be quite severe, but this Spring, with the coming of warm weather, the shrub started to sprout and is now on its way to becoming beautiful again. “WE SEE NEW GROWTH FROM OLD ROOTS” – CAN WE SEE THIS IN OUR PARISH COMMUNITY???



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Greater East Buffalo Family Bulletin for June 8 2025: Seventh Sunday of Easter

Follow the Greater East Buffalo Family of Churches at the link below, as well as (if you are a subscriber) on Facebook: Saint John Kanty. Please continue to support our family of churches: St Stanislaus, St John Gualbert, Corpus Christi and St Katharine Drexel. 

Our former Sunday Mass has moved to St Stan’s at 10:15. When you attend you will see familiar faces: our altar servers, lectors, ministers and organist will all be there, along with some familiar religious objects, as described in this week’s bulletin!

And this Sunday: Fr Bob Stolinski will be our celebrant!! Plan on staying after Mass for a light reception in honor of Fr Bob’s 55th anniversary as a priest.

https://www.eastbuffalocatholic.org/

This Sunday is St John Gualbert’s Chicken Dinner & Basket Raffle: Read the bulletin for further information!

The video of the Last Mass (approximately 1-1/2 hours) can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shZ-Eny2rU4&t=158s

It is also available on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SaintJohnKanty/videos/3711087722522775

 Even if you attended the Last Mass you should have a look…it is a beautiful remembrance of the history and people of Saint John Kanty Church! 

If you are a Facebook subscriber be sure to look at the many photos taken at our Last Mass: www.facebook.com/SaintJohnKanty ;

A big ‘thank you’ to the website staff: Christopher Byrd and Judy Felski, who have maintained this website, originally starting as a blog in 2011! 

June 5, 2025

Bulletin for May 18: Our Last Mass

Saturday Vigil Mass at 5:30 p.m. 
Sunday Mass at 10:15 a.m.
See additional information from Fr Cole, as well as information on family events and fundraising efforts, by clicking on this link:

https://www.eastbuffalocatholic.org/bulletins ;  

Please note that there will be no office hours at SJK after Wednesday, May 14.

However, you will still be able to reach the church office at the same phone number.


OUR LAST MASS AS SAINT JOHN KANTY CHURCH IS THIS SUNDAY, MAY 18

 PLEASE JOIN US AT 10 A.M….

for a short concert of Polish hymns, followed by Mass at 10:15 a.m.
Many people will be attending Mass. Additional parking is available on the side streets, so allow time to park and still arrive for the concert!
A video of SJK’s Last Mass will be available sometime in the near future. You will be notified when it is posted online.


Mass Intentions
Intentions may be for the living, deceased (noted by a Cross in the bulletin), or a special intention. The suggested donation is $15 for a Mass. 
Contact the rectory (716/893-0412) weekday mornings between 8:00-10:30 to schedule your intentions…


THANK YOU for your continued support to our parish…we truly appreciate it!
The offertory for May 18 will be donated to Saint Luke’s Mission of Mercy.
 
Pick up your copy of The Am Pol Eagle for $1.00 as you enter or leave church from the parking lot door!


WE ARE FAMILY!

May 16, 2025

Are You Attending Mass on May 18?

OUR LAST MASS AS SAINT JOHN KANTY CHURCH IS THIS SUNDAY, MAY 18
 PLEASE JOIN US AT 10 A.M….
for a short concert of Polish hymns, followed by Mass at 10:15 a.m.
Many people will be attending Mass. Additional parking is available on the side streets, so allow time to park and still arrive for the concert!
A video of the Last Mass will be available sometime in the near future; you will be notified when it is posted online…

May 14, 2025

Bulletin for May 11: Fourth Sunday of Easter

We have been grateful for your past support and hope that you will continue to support us with your presence as we journey the road to our final Mass on May 18. 
Saturday Vigil Mass at 5:30 p.m. 
Sunday Mass at 10:15 a.m.
Weekdays at 8:30 a.m.: Tuesday, Thursday 
The Rosary is recited after weekday Mass
On the first Friday of the month: Mass is offered at 8:30 followed by the Rosary
and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 
Holy Days and Holidays as announced


See additional information from Fr Cole, as well as information on family events and fundraising efforts, by clicking on this link: https://www.eastbuffalocatholic.org/bulletins ;  

Please note that there will be no office hours at SJK after Wednesday, May 14.

 
OUR LAST MASS AS SAINT JOHN KANTY CHURCH IS ON SUNDAY MAY 18
 PLEASE JOIN US AT 10 A.M….
for a short concert of Polish hymns, followed by Mass at 10:15 a.m. If you would like to attend the luncheon following Mass phone the parish office

between 8:30-11 (716/893-0412). DEADLINE IS MONDAY MAY 12.

Deadline to purchase tickets is May 12: $20 each and includes pork chops, beef roll ups with stuffing, lazy pierogi, sweet & sour cabbage, mashed potatoes & gravy, chef salad, rolls & butter, dessert & coffee. Cash bar. 


Mass Intentions
There are Mass dates available through May 18, 2025. Intentions may be for the living, deceased (noted by a Cross in the bulletin), or a special intention. The suggested donation is $15 for a Mass. 

Contact the rectory (716/893-0412) weekday mornings between 8:00-10:30 to schedule your intentions…or go to this link: www.saintjohnkanty.com/mass-intentions/


THANK YOU for your continued support to our parish…we truly appreciate it!
Pick up your copy of The Am Pol Eagle for $1.00 as you enter or leave church from the parking lot door!

 
WE ARE FAMILY!

 

Bulletin for May 3: Third Sunday of Easter

We have been grateful for your past support and hope that you will continue to support us with your presence as we journey the road to our final Mass on May 18. 

Saturday Vigil Mass at 5:30 p.m. 
Sunday Mass at 10:15 a.m.
Weekdays at 8:30 a.m.: Tuesday, Thursday 
The Rosary is recited after weekday Mass
On the first Friday of the month: Mass is offered at 8:30 followed by the Rosary
and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 
Holy Days and Holidays as announced


See additional information from Fr Cole, as well as information on family events and fundraising efforts, by clicking on this link: https://www.eastbuffalocatholic.org/bulletins ;  

Please note that there will be no office hours at SJK on Wednesdays due to a weekly staff meeting held at Saint Stan’s.


Another baptism will be celebrated this week at Sunday Mass!
Several generations of the Jaworski family have been baptized at Saint John Kanty over the years…congratulations to all!
Saint John Kanty Scout Troop 107 to Celebrate 100th Anniversary with Mass on May 4, 2025
At Sunday’s 10:15 Mass we honor the leaders and scouts of Saint John Kanty Troop 107 as they celebrate 100 years in scouting!
Light refreshments will follow Mass in the church rectory. All past members of the troop are invited to attend the celebration. A dinner is planned for September to further celebrate the many achievements of Troop 107 members. Follow the Troop Facebook page for further information: https://www.facebook.com/Troop107/.

Our Last Mass as Saint John Kanty Parish takes place on May 18 at 10 a.m.
Join us at 10 a.m. for a short concert of Polish hymns, followed by Mass at 10:15 a.m. If you would like to attend the luncheon following Mass go to http://www.saintjohnkanty.com to get your tickets, or phone the parish office mornings between 8:30-11 (716/893-0412).

Deadline to purchase tickets is May 10: $20 each and includes pork chops, beef roll ups with stuffing, lazy pierogi, sweet & sour cabbage, mashed potatoes & gravy, chef salad, rolls & butter, dessert & coffee. Cash bar. 

Mass Intentions

Please consider having a Mass said for your loved one! Remember those who have passed away, for special occasions (birthdays/anniversaries), and for those who are ill. 

There are Mass dates available through May 18, 2025. Intentions may be for the living, deceased (noted by a Cross in the bulletin), or a special intention. The suggested donation is $15 for a Mass. 

Contact the rectory (716/893-0412) weekday mornings between 8:00-10:30 to schedule your intentions…or go to this link: www.saintjohnkanty.com/mass-intentions/


THANK YOU for your continued support to our parish…we truly appreciate it!


“If you would like to offer a one-time or recurring gift to help sustain our ministries, go to the “donate” tab on this website or scan the QR code below with your smartphone. With a reasonable level of regular support, we can keep our parish active and strengthen it for the future. ” – Fr Cole Webster

Pick up your copy of The Am Pol Eagle for $1.00 as you enter or leave church from the parking lot door!


WE ARE FAMILY!