Ss. Peter and Paul Parish Krakow NE

Ss. Peter and Paul Parish in Krakow, Nebraska is a Christian congregation serving the Krakow community and seeking, engaging, and encouraging others through a life-changing Christian journey.

We seek to be a loving, friendly community that worships God, and serves others. We place a high priority on teaching from the Bible and following the example of Jesus.

Our vision is to impact and renew Krakow and beyond with the transforming message of Jesus Christ through words and actions.

Come as you are - we'd love to get to know you.

 

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7 miles South West of Genoa (just the church is there). Priest residence is at St. Lawrence, in Silver Creek  

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The History of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Krakow, Nebraska. Diamond Jubilee Sts. Peter and paul Church, Krakow, August 18, 1968, p. 4-23. CAP at Orchard Lake.

Information about the beginnings of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Krakow is very meager. The little we know derives in large part from the memoirs of those who were associated more or less closely with the parish during its early years. Here are some records from St. Stanislaus Parish, Duncan, Nebraska:

"The first Polish settlers of this district (Duncan) arrived directly from Europe as early as 1869. The first Mass was said in Duncan Church on Christ¬mas of 1882 by Father Anastasius Czech, O.F.M.".

"From this was created a new parish in Krakow, 2 miles south and west of Genoa. About 69 families were cut off from Duncan Parish in 1893".

"July 4, 1893, Father Anastasius Czech, O.F.M. had a meeting at Mr. Yitalis Borowiak farm, 69 family heads being present. The place on Mr. John Szatkowski's (Shotkoski) farm was selected for the church and 2 acres on Simon Czarnik's farm for the cemetery. The name of the new church will be Sts. Peter and Paul— Krakow".

"On June 11,1895, Very Rev. Pather Chocka then Administrator of the Diocese of Omaha (The Bishop being at Rome ad limina) gave me permission to build a Sisters ' house at Krakow and to borrow $1,000 for the erection of same. 'As the parish is not incorporated, you, as Pastor of Krakow, sign the notes', so the Administrator told me. On June 20, 1895, at a meeting, the parish agreed to build the house and consented to the loan".

—Father Anastasius Czech, O.F.M., Pastor

On the 26th. day of September, 1895, a meeting was convened by the Rt. Rev. Richard Scanell at his residence in Omaha for the purpose of incorporating Sts. Peter and Paul Church of Nance County, Nebraska, under the provisions of the laws of the State. The Articles of Incorporation were notorized by James P. English, Notary Public, County of Douglas, State of Nebraska, on the 26th. day of September, 1895.

The Bishop of Omaha was the Right Reverend Richard Scanell; Vicar General was Very Reverend William Chocka; Pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Krakow, was then Marcellinus Kollmeyer, O.F.M. Two lay member Trustees of Sts. Peter and Paul Church were then: Stanislaus Szymowicz and John Podraza.

Pastors who served Sts. Peter and Paul Parish from the foundation of the parish to the present time:

1. Father Anastasius Czech, O.F.M. (Founder in 1893). 2. Father Ladislaus Czech, O.F.M. 3. Father Rembert Stanowski, O.F.M. 4. Father Marcellinus Kollmeyer, O.F.M. (Parish was incorporated on September 26, 1895) 5. Father Wegrzynowski, O.F.M. (First resident pastor—November, 1895 to June, 1897) 6. Father Remigius Berendt, O.F.M. (July, 1897 to Sep., 1897, and Dec., 1897 to Oct., 1898) 7. Father B. Radka (Sep., 1897 to Dec., 1897) 8. Father Augustyn (diocesan priest) (Nov., 1898 to March, 1906) When Father Augustyn left, in March, 1906, again the Franciscan Fathers took over the parish to July, 1907. During this time the following Fathers were at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Krakow: Father Marian Grlahn, Father Theobald Kalamaja, Father Rembert Stanowski, Father Ladislaus Czech, Father Cyrill Mitera, and Father Dionisius Czech. 9. Father Paul Knappek (diocesan priest) (became pastor in July, 1907 and served the parish to Sep., 1907) 10. Father Edward Soliwoski (diocesan priest) (Sep., 1907 to March, 1956) 11. Father Stefan Flisiak (diocesan priest) (April, 1956 to the present time)

1893—1907

In 1893, the congregation at Duncan was divided into three distinct parishes: Duncan, Krakow and Pilzno, all predominantly Polish. As years went by each had its own resident pastor.

Although several of the families who had settled in this vicinity had come from Krakow, Poland, a greater number, according to reports, had come from Tarnow; but, because there already was a place in Nebraska called Tarnov, the new settlers of this territory decided to call the place Krakow (Cracow) after the very large city of Krakow in Poland.

Since no church had been erected until 1894, Sunday Mass was celebrated in the home of Martin Borowiak, who resided northeast of the present church where the Robert Cuba family now lives.

Here, too, in 1893, in the home of Martin Borowiak, the Sacrament of Baptism was administered, by Father Anastasius Czech, to four infants: Steve Czuba, John Czarnik (Tarnick), Anastasius Borowiak and Benedict Szatkowski. Records of these baptisms are filed at St. Stanislaus Parish in Duncan.

The first wedding of the parish, that of Mike Sock and Eva Szymowicz, took place in another private home, that of Witalis Borowiak, southwest of the Martin Borowiak home but on the same northside of the road. Father Anastasius Czech, the Founder of the Parish, administered the Sacrament of Matrimony.

The site of the newly founded parish was on the northeast corner of the John Szatkowski (Shotkoski) property. Here, in 1894, the first church was erected just east of where the present school stands. One of the first additions to the church was a new reed organ.

According to reports, about a year later, an addi¬tion was made to the rear of the church building which served as living quarters for the first resident pastor, Father Wegrzynowski, from November, 1895 until June, 1897."

Just south of the first church a convent for Sisters was erected in 1895; but since there were no Sisters, as yet, the building was used as a boarding house for the lay teacher and the children who attended the school.

In 1898, the Franciscan priests relinquished the parish to the diocese. Father Augustyn became the first (diocesan) pastor.

In 1901, the construction of a new church was begun. The site for this new building was to the south of the first church. This new church was dedicated in 1902.

Frank Zaucha, who accepted the teaching position of the new school, apparently, also took over the cooking and housekeeping for the pastor. He retained this position for about three years.

Following him, during the pastorate of Father Augustyn, was another lay teacher, Frances Trybanska. She taught at Krakow for about two years.

After this three Franciscan Sisters from Lafayette, Indiana, taught school, here. The number of years they were here is not certain.

In 1908, when these retired, Father Soliwoski, the new pastor, was faced with the task of procuring other Sisters to teach in the Sts. Peter and Paul School. He turned to the Sisters of the Resurrection in Chicago. The Superior who accepted and signed the contract, sent three Sisters who were to teach and take over the duties of sacristan and organist. The first Sisters were Sister Theodore Kierpowska, the first Superior and organist, Sister Michaline Graczyk, and Sister Petra.

One very notable event took place here at Krakow shortly after the Sisters' arrival. Their Mother Foundress, Mother Celine Borzecka, whose process for beatification is in progress, visited the Sisters. Since the Mother Foundress was a very talented musician, she assumed the role of organist during Masses for the two weeks she spent here.

1907—1956

From the beginning of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish the various pastors served the parish for comparatively short terms. In 1907, a young energetic priest, Father Edward Soliwoski, was appointed pastor. Joe Shotkoski and others moved him by team and wagon from Elba.

Since there was still no rectory it was Father Soliwoski's responsibility to build one. In the meantime, he lived in the sacristy as did his predecessors.

Work on this new rectory progressed satisfactorily, and in 1909 it was completed, but, perhaps, not totally furnished since delivery to the homes took much longer than today.

Travel was difficult, and roads were many times impassable. Father Ed made his trips to town by horse and buggy. Since the neighboring parish of Silver Creek was only a mission church, Father Ed was appointed to serve this parish as well as his own. He made the trip to Silver Creek, every Sunday, from 1907 to 1918.

Refrigerators were not known at this time, but still food had to be kept from spoiling. One solution to this problem was the digging and building of an ice-house. This was presumably built on the grounds in 1912 or 1913. In fact, two ice-houses were built—one for the Sisters and one for the pastor. In winter, the ice was hauled from the river in large slabs by the men of the parish, placed into the dugouts, and covered thickly between layers with straw to prevent thawing. This ice was used year-round, in the ice boxes.

About the year 1920, a certain Mr. Wojtaszek had purchased a small tract of land from Simon Czarnik, to the east of the present parish property. On it he built a large barn with stalls for horses driven to church by the people. He rented out this barn to those who had come to church by horse and buggy. However, this business did not thrive for long; it didn't seem to be profitable enough. As a consequence, he dismantled the barn and resold the property to its original owner.

The year 1922 saw the erection of another needed edifice, that of the present school, boarding house, Sisters' living quarters, and chapel. The first church, which to this time served as a school, was torn down.

Heating the church by means of a coal stove in the church proper n o longer seemed feasible.

Therefore, in 1923, new plans were being made to bring the heating system under the church. The digging of a church basement and laying of the cement floor was done by men of the parish. The installation of a coal fur¬nace for heating the church was completed.

Since people came to church on Sunday by means of horse and buggy some protection for the horses had to be made. Therefore, in 1925, a huge barn was built to the southwest of the present school. One section of the barn was used for a chicken coop for the Sisters' chickens. These helped to supply the boarders with fresh eggs and chicken meat. However, since the boarding school was discontinued in 1956, it was no longer necessary to raise chickens. The generous people of the parish supply the Sisters with fresh eggs and chickens (dressed). Nor was the barn needed any longer. It was, therefore, torn down about 1956.

Until about the year 1926, the church contained a very small choir loft and only one steeple. But in the year 1927 a new addition to the church was made. The church was extended to the north, a large choir loft and vestibule were constructed, and two steeples replaced the single one. Two entrances were built—one from the east (road side) and the other from the north.

By the year 1947 very little progress had been made around the church property. Father Soliwoski was now up in age and no longer possessed the same energy he had in his early years. Many years had elapsed since the parish buildings had last been painted. Parishioners saw the decline and decided to do something about it. So a group of men organized and formed a School Board in order to be qualified to collect funds and make improvements on the parish property. This School Board became a reality in 1948. The first members were: Charles Gonsior, Sr., director; Louis Sutko, moderator; and Charles Tarnick, treasurer. In 1951, this group changed to the Building Committee and took in two new members, Benedict Sock and Joseph Koziol.

The first school fund drive, in 1948, brought in $7,078.54. This sufficed not only to repaint all the parish buildings, but also to purchase a stoker to replace the old furnaces. The second drive, in 1950, brought in $6,588.00.

For about 40 years no major improvement had been made in the rectory. Therefore, the board members with the help of other parishioners, proceeded to make needed changes. New rugs were put on the floors, etc.

The third drive, in 1951, netted about $7,000.00. With this the interior of the church received a new look, the sanctuary rug was replaced. The wooden floor which had been tread upon for so many years was now covered with asphalt tile. This made the upkeep of the church so much easier and gave the church a more pleasing appearance. The renovating was done both by hired help and volunteer workers. Painters were hired to paint the altars since this type of work required special skill.

The same year saw a new Wurlitzer electric organ purchased for the church.

The parishioners took pride not only in the buildings but also in their parish cemetery which is located about one-fourth mile south of the church. In 1954, in order to facilitate memorial services and to give the cemetery a better appearance, an altar with the statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was procured. Adam Vetick, James Stanczyk and Louis Sutko added their contributions to that of the St. Anne's Society, with Mrs. Josephine Pencak as president, to purchase the altar and statue. Ben Sock, K. C. Czarnick and Charles Gonsior, Sr., erected it. A sidewalk was also installed and trees were planted by parishioners.

Until 1948, a Delco system was used to generate electricity for the parish buildings. But since Cornhusker Public Power District was extending electricity to farm areas, the parishioners took advantage of this opportunity and had the lines drawn to all the parish buildings.

Living conditions of the Sisters working in the parish were unbelievable. During the winter months, since they had no heat in their sleeping quarters in the convent, the Sisters moved into the school building. They slept in closets and other spare rooms which could not properly be called sleeping rooms. When the School Board members inspected the living quarters they immediately undertook the job as their obligation to improve these conditions. Private bedrooms were sectioned off for the Sisters in the boarders' dormitories.

In 1956, the parishioners suggested installing a telephone at both the rectory and the Sisters' home. Father Soliwoski declined because he felt he would not make sufficient use of a phone.

A telephone was installed in the Sisters' home. This was accepted with great rejoicing, because previous to this, if any calls had to be made the Sisters had to walk to the Charles Tarnick home to make the calls. Incoming calls, too, had to be taken care of at this same home.

About 1950, through the efforts of the then existing Young Girls Sodality, the beautiful statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary was purchased and donated to the chapel.

The Stations of the Cross and Mission Crucifix, in church, were donated by Mrs. Charlie Syslo in memory of her husband.

The hanging lights in the church are a gift from Mrs. Mary Stopak in memory of her son, Mike. Many other religious items were donated to the church in previous years, but there is no record of the date of their purchase.

1956—1968

On April 5, 1956, Father Stefan Flisiak succeeded Father Edward Soliwoski as pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish. A great task awaited this new pastor and it did not take long for him to accept this responsibility wholeheartedly. Almost immediately he proceeded to make improvements where these were necessary. With the co-operation of the majority of the parishioners, Father Stefan was able to begin his project.

In 1957, new gas conversion units were installed in all three furnaces in the church, school and rectory. This type of heating system was highly recommended since it was clean heat and safe to use.

Furniture and other appliances in the rectory were showing signs of age and frequent use, so they were replaced in May by newer ones.

In February of 1958, since plans were being made to transfer the Sisters' living quarters completely to one school, the building which had served as a summer house for the Sisters due to the fact that there was no heating system, was dismantled and sold.

Since the school basement was going to be used for public affairs, in order to give it a better appearance, a new cement floor was laid in 1958. The former cob storage room was transformed into a modern kitchen.

During the summer the school building was remodeled. Since school children no longer boarded, the large dormitories were made over completely into living quarters for the Sisters. The most cherished improvements were the six private rooms with a sink in each room. The two bathrooms were remodeled with new plumbing, tile walls, etc.

The chapel and convent floors were covered with linoleum, and a Sacristy was sectioned off. On the first floor lavatories for the school children were installed; a school office was built; and the Sisters' kitchen and dining room were remodeled.

In early fall, a new sidewalk was laid between the school and the church. On November 12, 1958, a clothes dryer was purchased for the Sisters.

In April, 1959, new pews and a Communion railwere purchased for the church. The pews from the church were transferred to the chapel. Those formerly used in the chapel are being used on the parish grounds during major parish affairs. Since the tragic school fire in Chicago, all schools throughout the country were required by law to install fire alarm systems. The system was installed at Sts. Peter and Paul School in August of 1959.

A school without playground equipment is not very appealing to children who must use up their energy. Therefore, in September of 1958, Father Flisiak, being aware of this, purchased a complete set of outdoor equipment. Who could be happier than the children when it was installed ?

A new dining room suite was purchased for the rectory in 1959. In the same year, the altars, statues and woodwork in church were painted.

The winter months brought cold winds which penetrated through the single windows in the school building. To help keep the building warm new combination storm windows were installed in 1959. The following year the same type of windows were put in on the second floor of the old rectory and also on the church. The work was done by John Liss of Duncan.

The interior of the buildings was well taken care of to this time, but now the exterior was in need of a new look. So, the painting of all the buildings was undertaken in 1960. In 1962, to safeguard the non-fireproof buildings from lightning threats, lightning rods were installed on all the buildings.

What is more beautiful than the peal of church bells? Although there were hand rung bells in the church steeple, the parishioners decided, in 1963, to install automatic electric bells toward which many contributed generously.

To ease the burden of the parents in transporting their children to and from school, the parish, on April 20, 1963, purchased two school buses. One with a capacity of 48 and 1he other with a capacity of 12. The parents of the children using the buses share in the upkeep of these vehicles. Our bus drivers, Peter Urkoski and Edward Urkoski, have faithfully held their positions since the buses were purchased.

Since the classrooms were being remodeled, new shelving built, walls painted, etc., the desks, too, were calling for a replacement. Many of the desks which were attached to long boards were in a pitiful condition. Through the contributions of the Holy Name Society, the Rosary and Altar Society, and the St. Cecilia Choir, new children's and teachers' desks were purchased in 1964. Wooden tabernacles in the church and in the chapel were replaced by fireproof tabernacles in 1964. In 1966, with the requirement for the teaching of physical education in all schools, special outdoor equipment was added to that purchased in 1958 and set up on the school grounds.

This same year, a new and larger well was dug near the northeast side of the church. This was necessary since plans were being made for the construction of new additions to the present structures on the parish property. This well would supply water for all the buildings except the church which does not have any water. Trenching and plumbing were all done at the same time.

Because of the approaching Diamond Jubilee of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, the parishioners decided to build some outstanding structures as a token of gratitude for the 75 years of the existence of the parish. A parish meeting was held to discuss this matter. Letters were sent to each family in the parish asking for their suggestions. The recommendation of the majority indicated that a separate social hall and a rectory were most needed.

In spite of the difficulties encountered, Father Flisiak was not to be deterred in his resolve to build. He knew that through the generosity of the people lie could someday obtain adequate means to cover the cost of these two buildings. He sought the Bishop's permission, and when this was granted he proceeded with the project.

May 1967 to October 1967 saw the erection of the new rectory and parish social hall. The old rectory had served its purpose for 58 years. The hall in the school basement was much too small for greater gatherings. Now the large hall can comfortably accommodate a greater number of people. Since lightning rods were being installed on the new rectory, more were added to the church.

On September 21,1967, a new Baldwin electric organ costing $1,179.00 was donated to the parish chapel by Mrs. Zygmund Shotkoski, Peter Borowiak and Frank Borowiak in memory of their deceased brother, Walter Borowiak.

From: https://www.liturgicalcenter.org