LEMONT – Ss. Cyril and Methodius Parish in Lemont welcomed the Rev. Waldemar "Valdi" Stawiarski as its new pastor on July 1.
Former pastor the Rev. Larry Lisowski, who had been with the parish for 12 years, started a new appointment July 1 as the pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish and St. Joseph Parish in Chicago.
Stawiarski, 36, came from St. Helen Parish in Chicago, where he was pastor for five years. He was born and raised in Poland and moved to the U.S. when he was 22.
Stawiarski said some of his goals as pastor are to finish the renovations on the church and build a bridge between the Polish and English speaking portions of the parish.
Stawiarski said one thing that has stood out for him during his short time as pastor is the enthusiasm of the parishioners.
"I haven't seen such a vibrant and full church," he said. "It's a great joy to be a pastor for this historical and lively community."
Parishoners and members of the community will get the chance to meet Stawiarski in a social setting during the parish's block party from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, July 19.