Social Media (Facebook, Twitter and others) has been used to create Flash Mobs for impromptu dance and other performances, Cash Mobs to help a small business get lots of customers and other "Mobs" to get a larger than usual group of people together for a common purpose.
In an attempt to increase awareness of, and attendance at, grand old parish churches a new series of mobs formed. A group of Catholic church enthusiasts wanted more people to experience, and re-experience, the beauty of Catholic community and parish life. They appropriated the idea of a "flash mob", and created the Catholic Mass Mob. The first was the Buffalo Mass Mob. After the Associated Press wrote about the Second Buffalo Mass Mob, the idea spread to Rochester, Cleveland, New Orleans, Columbus, Wilmington, Covington, New York City, and Philadelphia. 
St Casimir Church Altar
Parishioner leaders from St Casimir Catholic Church in Cleveland have been active since the Church was originally closed down several years ago. Stanislav Zadnik, Joseph Feckanin, John Niadzialek, Wojtek Flezar and others organized weekly prayer vigils at the Church until it was reopened on July 15, 2012. Zadnik heard of the Mass Mob in Buffalo and spread the word to the others and, after discussing with pastor Rev. Eric Orzech, spread the news of a Catholic Mass Mob at St. Casimir Church at East 82nd and Sowinski.
Typically the 11:30 AM Sunday Mass at St Casimir would attract about 100 people but over 700 attended Mass on March 23, 2014 for the first Mass Mob in Cleveland.Zadnik said that the Cleveland Mass Mob wishes "to attract people to come for a Mass, a celebration of Liturgy and Eucharist, in a parish community of an historical, and beautiful church".
 Mass Mob crowd at St. Casimir
At 11AM, the parking lot of the Church was already full and 2 Sheriff cars helped steer people to alternative parking. Joe Feckanin introduced us to a Vietnam Veteran, in his uniform, who told how he had been away from the Church for over 25 years but had been inspired by the 4 years of activity at St Casimir and the movement to bring the people together to celebrate the Eucharist.The regular Polish speaking parishioners were still there but an influx of another 650 or so visitors from all over the area packed the beautiful Church.  Mass Mob crowd at St. Casimir
At the beginning of his sermon, Fr. Orzech spoke about the Mass Mob that was guided by the Holy Spirit. Rev. Eric Orzech
If you have a few minutes, watch the rest of Fr. Orzech' sermon from the 3rd Sunday of Lent that tells the story of Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at the well. His advice is inspiring
Fr. Orzech announced that the 2nd Cleveland Mass Mob will be held Sunday April 27 (Divine Mercy Sunday - 1 week after Easter) at St. Barbara's Church on Denison Ave. right off the I-176 Jennings Freeway at 11:00 AM.
St Casimir Church was founded by Polish Catholics and Fr, Orzech told of some of their traditions. One Lenten tradition is called Gorzkie zale, a Catholic devotion containing many hymns that developed out of Poland in the 18th century. The devotion is primarily a sung reflection and meditation on the Passion of Christ and the sorrows of His Blessed Mother.
In the true spirit of community, attendees were invited to share soup and pierogis in the social hall after the service. St Casimir volunteer Rich at the Parish Social Hall
Be sure to sign up for the free Catholic eNews to be kept informed of the Mass Mobs and visit the Mass Mob Facebook page See photos and videos from beautiful and historic St Casimir Church
Enjoy these other images from the Mass Mob at St. Casimir Church.
Fr. Orzech processes into the Church
We Trust in Jesus - Choir sign
John Niedzialek reading the Epistle
Wojtek Flezar reading the Epistle
Bringing up the Gifts
Rev. Eric Orzech
Gary Kotlarsic family
Ken Lanci and Joe Meissner
All ages were represented
It was a truly inspiring event and we look forward to the 2nd Mass Mob in April.
Top of Page
Back to Cleveland Catholics
Back to Cleveland Polish
| 
