Polish Roman Catholic Union of America

The Polish Roman Catholic Union of America (PRCUA) is the oldest Polish American organization in the United States. It was founded in 1873 with the primary goal of uniting Polish immigrants and preserving their cultural and religious heritage.

History

The PRCUA was established in Detroit, Michigan, following a call by Reverend Teodor Gieryk to create a national organization for Polish Americans. The founding meeting took place on October 3, 1873, at St. Albertus Parish in Detroit. Among its key founders were Reverend Wincenty Barzyński and Reverend Leopold Moczygemba. The organization initially aimed to build Polish churches and schools, promote adherence to the Roman Catholic faith, provide fraternal assistance, care for widows and orphans, and support Poland's struggle for independence.

Activities and Impact

Over time, the PRCUA has evolved into a fraternal benefit society offering life insurance and annuities to its members. It is involved in various cultural, educational, and charitable activities, including folk dancing, language classes, and youth festivals. The organization supports the Polish Museum of America, which houses extensive archives and a library containing over 90,000 volumes.

Publications

The PRCUA publishes Naród Polski, a monthly newspaper available in both Polish and English. The publication provides news and event coverage relevant to the Polish American community.

Membership and Programs

The PRCUA has approximately 50,000 members across the United States. It offers financial aid through scholarships, educational loans, and residential mortgage loans. Members participate in national sports tournaments and cultural events, including traditional Polish celebrations like Święconka and Opłatek.

Recognition

The PRCUA's headquarters in Chicago is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The organization is licensed to operate in multiple states and continues to support Polish American cultural heritage while fostering goodwill between the U.S. and Poland.