Michal Siewniak: Polish English Mass 'a model for integration'

There is a lot of talk these days about ways in which some communities do and don’t integrate.

There is a lot of talk about how to define a successful integration.

I have heard or been part of many conversations about what ‘real integration’ is.

Michal Siewniak (Image: Courtesy of Michal Siewniak)

Are there any examples which clearly demonstrate that community integration works? There are plenty!

For me, one of the best ones is our annual Polish English Mass at Our Lady’s Queen of Apostles Church in Welwyn Garden City, which is always greatly encouraged by our Parish Priest, Canon Father Norbert Fernandes.

The whole evening (Mass and the part afterwards) is prepared by members of the Polish community and it is open to EVERYONE.

It is also worth adding that there are other Masses: Filipino in June and African in July. All simply amazing! Colours, dresses, music make our Parish Church stunning and beautiful!

Father Norbert Fernandes, has always been very keen to build one ‘church family’.

Our faith, church and the social get together is always a wonderful ‘cultural experiment’ which allows us to ‘test whether ‘unity in diversity’ works.

Our Polish English Saturday Mass, songs and readings in both languages and children’s participation creates a very special environment in which we all feel deep connection with God and with each other!

The social part is even better! The ‘coming together’ for ALL – church and non-church goers, in the hall provides a superb opportunity for people to talk, dance, eat (A LOT!) and drink (A LOT!) in a very relaxing, friendly and fun atmosphere.

So many languages spoken, laughter, games for kids and families, ‘informal networking’ makes the whole night such a joyful experience! You truly feel part of one big family.

You truly feel that our ‘Polishness’ enriches our church congregations and makes it stronger! It also shows that despite our various cultural differences, we can and we are a huge gift to one another.

Our ‘Holy Journey’ is so exciting when we walk together in our uniqueness. Our annual Mass is also such a fantastic 'wall and barrier breaker'.

Our Polish English Mass has many other advantages. It is a great ‘empowering experience’ which helps us to work as a team, recognize our skills and talents which then benefit the wider community.

Our collaboration enhances partnership working and makes our own community stronger.

There is a lot to do. The process of ‘cultural integration’ has a clear beginning however it never ends. We can’t become complacent but we must continue to build a sense of community and belonging wherever we are. Is it simple and straightforward?

No, it is never easy. This wonderful journey is bumpy at times however this ‘laboratory of unity in diversity’ must carry on.

So, let’s try and continue celebrating our cultural backgrounds, let’s cherish our own traditions and customs.

Let’s continue learning from each other in order to build better and more coherent communities in which we live in!

Let’s simply live the words of Jo Cox, former Labour MP, who said: “We are far more united and have far more in common with each other than things that divide us."