The Roman Catholic Church of St. Adalbert boasts a vibrant and diverse community, encompassing all age groups from preschoolers to senior citizens. The church also operates a Catholic academy, offering comprehensive education. Learn more about this sacred site, serving the oldest Polish parish in Queens, on i-queens.
Established for Polish Immigrants
Built in 1892, the church was originally founded to serve Polish immigrants settling in the Elmhurst and Maspeth neighborhoods. In its early days, priests were required to speak Polish, and eventually, only priests of Polish descent were allowed to serve. In 1906, the Roman Catholic parish was entrusted to the Order of Friars Minor Conventual (Franciscans). Today, the clergy includes individuals of various nationalities, though Polish-speaking priests remain part of the tradition.
Who Is the Patron Saint?
The church’s patron, St. Adalbert of Prague, also known as Saint Wojciech, was the first Czech bishop in the region and the first bishop canonized by the Pope, rather than by local church bishops. Born into a noble family in Bohemia in the mid-900s, legend says young Wojciech suffered from a strange illness in childhood. His parents prayed for his recovery, promising he would become a priest. After recovering, Wojciech dedicated himself to serving God.
Wojciech studied under Archbishop Adalbert of Magdeburg, a Benedictine missionary who later became a saint. The archbishop gave him his own name during confirmation (his birth name was Wojciech). At age 25, Wojciech returned to Bohemia, where he was ordained a priest in 981.
Determined to live a pious life, Wojciech, now St. Adalbert, adopted ascetic practices, distributed his wealth to the poor, and stood firmly against injustices such as polygamy and the sale of Christians into slavery. He also sought independence for the Church from princely authority, often clashing with local rulers. Throughout his life, St. Adalbert worked to improve societal norms and combat pagan practices, leaving a legacy of resilience and faith.
St. Adalbert Catholic Academy
Established in 1892, Saint Adalbert Catholic Academy provides education for students aged 5–14 (grades K–8). The curriculum includes core subjects alongside specialties such as music, art, and foreign languages. The school fosters a safe and inclusive environment, encouraging holistic development. Teachers monitor students’ emotional and physical well-being while promoting diversity, as children from various cultural and national backgrounds attend.
The academy emphasizes interactive learning, technological integration, and outdoor activities. Extracurricular programs include the free SONYC initiative, which offers music, robotics, debates, team sports, and forensic science. Parents actively participate in the educational process through family portals like FACTS and other communication systems.
Focused on spiritual, emotional, social, and academic growth, Saint Adalbert Catholic Academy nurtures moral leaders guided by Christ’s teachings. The school’s graduates excel in standardized tests, earn numerous scholarships, and receive positive feedback from high schools. With critical thinking and problem-solving skills, they embody the joy and success of a strong partnership among students, parents, and educators.