St. Hedwig

Welcome from the Pastor

On the parish website, Fr. Eric Delisle welcomes visitors and newcomers: 'If you are new to the area or are looking to become reacquainted with the Catholic faith, we welcome you to our parish.' He notes that St. Hedwig was founded in 1902 for Polish and Lithuanian immigrants and that, while the parish 'still maintains a Polish identity,' people of all cultures and nationalities are welcome. He closes with the traditional Polish greeting 'Bóg Zapłać i Witamy' — 'Thank God, and welcome.'

History of St. Hedwig Parish

St. Hedwig Parish was established in 1902 to serve Polish and Lithuanian immigrants who had come to Manchester for mill work. Roman Catholic Bishop Denis Bradley authorized the formation of the ethnic parish, appointed a Polish-speaking priest (Rev. John B. Puchala), and permitted the purchase of the old First Christian Church, which was renamed St. Hedwig Church. The parish grew rapidly through 1914, though tensions within the community eventually led an associate pastor, Rev. Stephan Plaza, and a group of parishioners to begin what became Holy Cross Church (and later Holy Trinity Cathedral of the Polish National Catholic Church) in 1915. St. Hedwig itself has remained within the Diocese of Manchester for more than a century.

• Founded 1902 by Bishop Denis Bradley
• First pastor: Rev. John B. Puchala
• Original building: former First Christian Church
• Amoskeag Deanery, Diocese of Manchester

Faith Formation

The parish offers Faith Formation sessions in both the Fall and Spring to 'enrich and deepen our faith life and to know more about the goodness of God in our lives.' As a small community, Faith Formation at St. Hedwig is intentionally close-knit and family-friendly.

• Fall Faith Formation sessions
• Spring Faith Formation sessions

Polish Heritage and Traditions

St. Hedwig keeps its Polish heritage visible in parish life year-round. The two most beloved traditions are the Wigilia — the traditional Polish Christmas Eve dinner with handmade pierogis and other Polish dishes — held just before Christmas, and the Polish Fest, celebrated around Pulaski Day with a Polka Mass, Polish food, and polka dancing. The pastor's welcome notes that 'we always have fun' at these celebrations, which are open to all parishioners and friends.

• Wigilia (Polish Christmas Eve dinner) with handmade pierogis
• Polish Fest / Pulaski Day Polka Mass
• Polish food and polka dancing

Parish Staff and Clergy

St. Hedwig Parish is currently served by Rev. Eric Delisle as Pastor. The Diocese of Manchester directory lists him as the parish's clergy, and his welcome message on the parish website identifies him as Pastor of St. Hedwig. The parish office is reachable by phone and email for parish business, sacraments, and bulletin submissions.

• Pastor: Rev. Eric Delisle
• Parish office reachable at (603) 623-4835
• Email: [email protected]

Visit, Contact, and Location

St. Hedwig is located at 147 Walnut Street in Manchester, New Hampshire, at the corner of Beech and Orange Streets (zip 03104). The same address serves as both the church and the mailing address for the parish office. Visitors are encouraged to call ahead for confession appointments outside the regular Saturday slot and to check the parish website for the latest bulletin and Holy Day announcements.

• 147 Walnut Street, Manchester, NH 03104
• Corner of Beech and Orange Streets
• Phone: (603) 623-4835
• Diocese: Roman Catholic Diocese of Manchester (Amoskeag Deanery)