FRACKVILLE, Pa. — Since she was five years old, Ann Marie Halaburda Wycheck has walked through the church of St. John the Baptist Polish National Catholic Church's doors for weekly service.
"I would go with my dad and my mom, and they would have a Memorial Day service up at the cemetery, and that's where I would attend," said Ann Marie Halaburda Wychek, St. John Parish chairperson.
After watching her dad serve the church for decades, she's carrying his torch, helping lead mass that's celebrating the 100th anniversary of Frackville's St. John Parish.
"This congregation is small. And we kind of stick together, and everybody has the same outlook. They want to keep the doors open to this parish," said Ann Marie.
A congregation Father Robert Plichta calls his family after leaving his home in Poland to keep this church alive. "Their grandfathers, great grandfathers I may say, they built this church. They looked for the community inside this church," he said.
Having packed pews on Sunday is something Father Plichta views as a luxury.
"We try to keep our church going. To keep doors open in our church, however, it is very difficult. So many people have moved away, the children of the elders have moved away, but they still continue in ways to support this parish," said Father Plichta.
A church community that's committed to keeping a century-long legacy alive, not only in Frackville but for families like Ann Marie's. "I don't think any of the churches should close but this one because it's so deep-rooted in my family, my heart and soul is here," she said.
Hoping the tradition of going to mass at St. John the Baptist will continue for another 100 years.
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