A Humble Beginning in the Steel City

In 1911 a small group of Polish immigrants arrived in Hammond, Indiana, a city famous for its steel mills. They brought a deep love for their faith and a desire to worship in their own language, to celebrate familiar traditions, and to keep their cultural roots alive. Community leaders recognized this need and founded Saint Casimir Parish, naming it after the patron saint of Lithuania who was also honored by many Poles.

The first church was a modest wooden building on the corner of 43rd Place and Hohman Avenue. Although simple, it became more than a structure. It turned into a sanctuary where families gathered for Mass, shared meals after service, and found comfort during hard times. In those early years, the parish was a lifeline for a community adjusting to a new country while staying connected to the old one.

Finding a New Home on Johnson Avenue

By the mid‑1920s the parish had outgrown its first location. More Polish families moved to Hammond for steady work in the steel plants and for a close‑knit community. In 1927 Saint Casimir relocated to 4340 Johnson Avenue. The new building was larger, sturdier, and designed to hold more parishioners. Its brick façade still stands today, a reminder of the parish’s resilience and commitment to preserving a sense of place for future generations.

The move also marked a turning point. With a larger sanctuary, the parish could host bigger liturgical celebrations, cultural events, and community gatherings. The bell tower that rose above the roof became a familiar sound, calling people to worship and signaling the start of festive celebrations that became a staple of local life.

Who Was Saint Casimir?

Saint Casimir, also known as Casimir Jagiellon, was born in 1458 into the royal families of Poland and Lithuania. He is remembered not only for his noble background but for his humility, generosity, and devotion to the Catholic faith. Legends speak of a young prince who gave his own clothes to the poor, prayed for the sick, and spent hours in quiet contemplation.

Although he never ruled as king—his early death at 25 cut short political ambitions—his reputation as a charitable, gentle man endured. He was declared the patron saint of Lithuania, but his story also resonated with Polish immigrants who saw in him a reflection of their own hopes: kindness, faith, and a desire to serve others. This connection explains why the founders of the Hammond parish chose his name, hoping his example would inspire the community.

Living the Saint’s Legacy Today

Today Saint Casimir Parish continues to embody the values of its patron. Parishioners volunteer with the St. Vincent de Paul Society, a Catholic organization that helps families in financial need. Volunteers distribute food boxes, organize clothing drives, and offer a listening ear—mirroring Saint Casimir’s spirit of generosity.

The parish also partners with Habitat for Humanity, lending manpower and resources to build affordable homes for families in need. Members of all ages work together, hammering nails, painting walls, and sharing stories over coffee breaks on construction sites. These projects reinforce that faith is lived daily, not only spoken on Sundays.

Education and Faith Formation

Education has always been central to the parish’s mission. The church runs a sacramental preparation program for children that guides them through Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation with age‑appropriate lessons, games, and prayer circles. The goal is to teach doctrine and nurture a personal relationship with God that lasts a lifetime.

For adults, the parish offers a range of classes—from Bible study groups that dive deep into Scriptures to practical workshops on financial stewardship, parenting, and computer basics. These programs create a space where members can grow intellectually and spiritually, strengthen bonds, and deepen their faith.

Celebrating Polish Roots

A highlight of Saint Casimir Parish is its dedication to preserving Polish culture. Throughout the year the church hosts traditional celebrations that invite both parish members and the wider community.

During Easter the altar is decorated with hand‑crafted pisanki (Polish Easter eggs) painted with intricate designs passed down through generations. The annual “Polish Festival” features pierogi, kielbasa, and other beloved dishes, while folk dancers in colorful kostiumy perform lively polkas that get everyone clapping.

Christmas is another major event, featuring a midnight Mass followed by a “Święta Kolęda” concert where choirs sing traditional Polish hymns. The scent of gingerbread fills the hall, and children gather around the nativity scene to hear stories about Saint Casimir’s charitable acts. These events link past and present, keeping the Polish language, music, and customs alive in Indiana.

Renovating the Heart of the Parish

Buildings age, and Saint Casimir’s historic church was no exception. Over the last decade the parish completed an ambitious renovation that modernized facilities while honoring the original charm.

The sanctuary received fresh paint, new lighting, and upgraded sound equipment, making the liturgy more accessible for those with hearing difficulties and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere for newcomers. The parish hall was expanded and fitted with a modern kitchen, comfortable seating, and state‑of‑the‑art audiovisual gear. This upgrade allows the hall to host youth retreats, community movie nights, and other events.

The renovation also preserved the historic stained‑glass windows that depict scenes from Saint Casimir’s life and biblical narratives. Restoration work kept the colors vivid, letting sunlight filter through and bathe the nave in a gentle glow—a visual reminder of the divine presence that has guided the parish for over a century.

The revitalized spaces have attracted more families to Mass, study groups, and service projects. The updated facilities also make the church an inviting venue for local events, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of the Hammond community.

Looking Ahead: Faith, Family, and Community

As time passes, Saint Casimir Parish remains a place where faith, family, and community intersect. New families move into the neighborhood, bringing fresh perspectives and a desire to belong. Parish leadership responds with outreach programs that welcome newcomers, offer “First‑Timer” welcome kits, and pair them with “spiritual mentors” who guide them through parish life.

Youth ministry has grown, offering teen retreats, service trips, and leadership workshops designed to empower the next generation. By encouraging young people to take ownership of their faith journey, the parish ensures that Saint Casimir’s spirit will continue to thrive.

The parish’s charitable initiatives also expand to address modern challenges such as food insecurity, mental health awareness, and support for immigrants adjusting to a new country. By staying attuned to the community’s evolving needs, Saint Casimir Parish remains a beacon of hope and a source of practical help in a rapidly changing world.

Join Saint Casimir on Tabella

If curiosity about life at Saint Casimir Parish grows, or if the desire to stay updated on Mass times, cultural events, and service opportunities arises, the parish invites anyone to join the Tabella community. By connecting through Tabella, residents receive friendly reminders about holiday celebrations, volunteer drives, and inspirational stories that show how a dedicated group can make a difference. It is an easy, low‑key way to stay connected, share in the parish’s traditions, and perhaps find a new home where one can belong, give, and grow.

Experience the warmth, laughter, and unwavering spirit that have defined Saint Casimir for more than a hundred years—just one click on Tabella away.