Community News
Ground Breaking for the New Parish Hall
Fr. Frank and the St. Stanislaus New Hall Building Committee hosted a Ground Breaking Ceremony and Barbecue on Saturday, September 28, 2024 on the Parish grounds. Over 100 parish members came out for the celebration. The Knights of Columbus worked hard preparing chicken, sausage and ribs, while members of the church brought sides and desserts to share. The St. Stanislaus parishioners have been waiting many years for this hall to be built. Construction will begin in the next month or two. Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate this wonderful milestone in the church's history.
St. Stanislaus Parish Festival 2024
Trip to the San Antonio Missions, September 28th, 2023
Corpus Christi Procession at St Stanislaus
June 11th, 2023
Walking to Bethlehem
At Lakehills, Texas, where St Victor Chapel is located, the members of the different churches in this area, prepared an event called "Walking To Bethlehem". Here are some of the pictures from this event.
2019 PARISH FESTIVAL~MAY 5, 2019
The weather held off for a beautiful sunny day for the St. Stanislaus Parish Festival. Our Parish family and friends enjoyed a hearty brisket dinner, delicious Mexican food, and tasty corn on the cob. The children enjoyed sno cones, a Gaga Pit and various children's games. All were entertained by an enthusiastic DJ, enjoyable live band, and entertaining live auction. Many took advantage of the free Church tours and history lessons. It was wonderful to see all the smiling faces, everyone working together and all having a great time celebrating Our Parish and Cinco de Mayo!!
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION FOR FR. FRANK KURZAJ
13 April 2019 A wonderful Father Frank Birthday Celebration was given to him by his parishioners of St. Stanislaus of Bandera, TX. It was hosted by the Guadalupanos and the Knights, SVDP and other ministries. There was plenty of good food to eat for all. The women cooked Enchiladas, rice, beans and many other dishes. His Special Birthday big cake was made by Sra. Olivia. We are so grateful for our beloved Polish Priest. He loves to sing in Spanish “O Maria Madre Mia, O Consuelo” but most of all loves to sing in his native language of Polish and German. He sings in English “Immaculate Mary” too. We thank you Father Frank for loving our community! Muchas Gracias “Padre Panchito”! May God’s light shine upon your face all your days!
BANDERA REHABILITATION MASS
Fr. Frank Kurzaj celebrates Mass at The Bandera Rehabilitation Center on the First Friday of each month for their residents. On December 7, 2018 Fr. Frank had the pleasure of celebrating a Rite of Welcoming for a resident who is going through the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) and an Anointing of the Sick for another resident. It is our goal to have those who are Home Bound, in the Rehabilitation Center and at Cedar Creek Nursing home to know that they are always a part of our Parish Community.
EUCHARISTIC RETREAT
A Eucharistic Retreat was held on Saturday, December 8, 2018 in St. Joseph Hall. The presenters were The Messengers of His Real Presence. All who participated were invited to attend Mass together for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The retreat was hosted by Deacon Carl Rutkowski.
ALL SOULS DAY - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1ST, 2018
VIGIL MASS AT ST. STANISLAUS OLD CEMETERY
VIGIL MASS AT ST. STANISLAUS OLD CEMETERY
It was a beautiful evening to celebrate the Vigil Mass for All Souls Day at the St. Stanislaus old cemetery. Many parishioners, family and friends came to celebrate this tradition with us. The names of our St. Stanislaus family members who have gone to rest peacefully in the arms of Our Loving Father were read out loud and remembered in silent prayer.
THE BEST OF ST. STANISLAUS
In a letter to Fr. Frank, Tom Smith writes:
I write this letter to commend one of your parishioners and Cemetery Board members, Raymond Batto.
50 years ago, I served in Vietnam as an Infantry Combat Marine. Because of the dedication and devotion of one of Bandera’s finest, Sgt. Charles Kalka, I am alive because of him. 50 years later I was able to bring all my children and grandchildren to St. Stanislaus to meet the man who is responsible for their life. My wife and I came from Sarasota, FL. The kids traveled from Washington D.C., New York City area, and even Sao Paulo, Brazil !!! Raymond was kind enough to meet me (a total stranger) the day before, and show me the exact spot. That prevented us from wandering around searching for his grave site with all the little ones in tow.
Raymond exemplified the best of St. Stanislaus, Bandera, TX and Christianity!
Sgt. Kalka certainly didn’t need anything to reflect more favorably on him than his actions in combat already have, but this experience certainly did so. It so reflected the character of the man and hometown of the Marine I was privileged to serve with, and to whom I owe my life. Semper Fidelis.
Aging is inevitable. Getting old is a choice.
Tom Smith
Be kinder than you need to be.
From Fr. Frank: I told you that you are the best. Love, Fr. Frank
In a letter to Fr. Frank, Tom Smith writes:
I write this letter to commend one of your parishioners and Cemetery Board members, Raymond Batto.
50 years ago, I served in Vietnam as an Infantry Combat Marine. Because of the dedication and devotion of one of Bandera’s finest, Sgt. Charles Kalka, I am alive because of him. 50 years later I was able to bring all my children and grandchildren to St. Stanislaus to meet the man who is responsible for their life. My wife and I came from Sarasota, FL. The kids traveled from Washington D.C., New York City area, and even Sao Paulo, Brazil !!! Raymond was kind enough to meet me (a total stranger) the day before, and show me the exact spot. That prevented us from wandering around searching for his grave site with all the little ones in tow.
Raymond exemplified the best of St. Stanislaus, Bandera, TX and Christianity!
Sgt. Kalka certainly didn’t need anything to reflect more favorably on him than his actions in combat already have, but this experience certainly did so. It so reflected the character of the man and hometown of the Marine I was privileged to serve with, and to whom I owe my life. Semper Fidelis.
Aging is inevitable. Getting old is a choice.
Tom Smith
Be kinder than you need to be.
From Fr. Frank: I told you that you are the best. Love, Fr. Frank
YOUTH CHRISTMAS CAROLING
December 16, 2017
Youth Ministry spreading Peace, Love and Joy to both the Bandera Nursing Homes
along with the Gloria Muniz and Carolyn from St. Vincent De Paul
Youth Ministry spreading Peace, Love and Joy to both the Bandera Nursing Homes
along with the Gloria Muniz and Carolyn from St. Vincent De Paul
Wonderful Christmas Caroling by SVDP & RE Life Teen family for our elderly in The Bandera Rehab and Cedar Creek Nursing Homes. They all enjoyed us visiting with them. We received their kind warm smiles that filled our hearts!❤️ Raven young assistant was so kind to prepare them for us. I am so grateful for Sanctus Ranch, Dan and Jennifer Sevigny and his family fully supported us. Carolyn provided goodies. Gloria coordinated and fully participated in this event to bring joyful songs to lift their Christmas holiday spirits! 🎄Miguel printed the Music sheets for us. O God is Wonderful and lives among us!
ALTAR SOCIETY POLISH HERITAGE DINNER
Thank you for supporting the 2017 Faith Heritage Polish Dinner
ADORATION CHAPEL
"Prepare ye the way of the Lord"
Beginning in 1855 the historic rock building adjacent to the church on the Saint Stanislaus campus has been used to prepare the way of the Lord.
Initially built as a convent, and later doubling as a school house, the building has a long history with the adoration of God. The remodeling of the building as a perpetual adoration chapel has been a year long journey preparing God's way for all who will adore Him there.
Father John Nolan, reflecting on the opportunity for perpetual adoration in the newly renovated chapel, said, "I am grateful for the gifts of so many coming together to bring us closer to God through Eucharistic adoration. I know in my heart the chapel will be a place where we all will have personal encounters with the Lord.”
Please join the community for the dedication of the chapel on
Sunday, January 22, 2017.
The schedule for Sunday's events will be as follows:
9:30am -11:00am:
Chapel Open For Viewing
11:30am:
Mass and Special Blessing For All Adorers
12:30pm:
Eucharistic Benediction in the Church
Eucharistic Procession to the Adoration Chapel
Adoration Chapel Blessing
Adoration Begins
ALL SOULS DAY - 2016
2016 St. Stanislaus Celebrating All Souls Day Mass held in the old cemetery, on Wednesday, Nov. 2nd.
2016 St. Stanislaus Living Rosary with Youth Ministry and Religious Education Students on Oct. 23rd.
October is the month of The Rosary. Praying the rosary brings us closer to God and our brothers and sisters in our community.
The 2016 St. Stanislaus Blessing of the Animals held on Saturday October 8th.
The 2016 St. Stanislaus Parish Festival was held on Sunday, May 1st.
We had plenty of delicious food, entertaining music, fun games, great auction and raffle items and lots friendly smiles.
We had plenty of delicious food, entertaining music, fun games, great auction and raffle items and lots friendly smiles.
Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller Visits (November 5, 2015)
Archbishop Gustavo came to St. Stanislaus Parish to film his television show "Discovering Our Faith" on CTSA15. Host Fr. Eddie Bernal visited with Archbishop Gustavo, our own Fr. John, our DRE, Joan Schmidt, and special guest Joan Martinez. Discussions included the Jubilee Year of Mercy, Pope Francis' visit to the United States and history and happenings here at St. Stanislaus Parish. Following the filming, Archbishop Gustavo joined the parishioners in St. Joseph Hall for refreshments and fellowship. We are always honored to have the archbishop visit us here in the Texas Hill Country. (Photos courtesy of Sally Rodriguez)
Discovering Our Faith
Please click on the following link to view a video of "Discovering Our Faith", Archbishop Gustavo's television show, recorded here at St. Stanislaus Church on November 5, 2015.
https://vimeo.com/150939502
Archbishop Gustavo came to St. Stanislaus Parish to film his television show "Discovering Our Faith" on CTSA15. Host Fr. Eddie Bernal visited with Archbishop Gustavo, our own Fr. John, our DRE, Joan Schmidt, and special guest Joan Martinez. Discussions included the Jubilee Year of Mercy, Pope Francis' visit to the United States and history and happenings here at St. Stanislaus Parish. Following the filming, Archbishop Gustavo joined the parishioners in St. Joseph Hall for refreshments and fellowship. We are always honored to have the archbishop visit us here in the Texas Hill Country. (Photos courtesy of Sally Rodriguez)
Discovering Our Faith
Please click on the following link to view a video of "Discovering Our Faith", Archbishop Gustavo's television show, recorded here at St. Stanislaus Church on November 5, 2015.
https://vimeo.com/150939502
Pumpkin Carving (October 28, 2015)
The St. Stanislaus and St. Victor Youth Ministry participated in a pumpkin carving contest on Wednesday, October 28th in St. Joseph Hall. The middle school and high school youth were divided into teams. Middle school youth came up with the designs and drew them on the pumpkins for an adult to carve while the high school youth used their steady hands and skills to draw and carve their own pumpkins. Father John graciously accepted the task of judging the completed jack-o-lanterns. All the youth who participated had a wonderful time! (Photos courtesy of Mindy Gotthardt and Gay Campbell)
The St. Stanislaus and St. Victor Youth Ministry participated in a pumpkin carving contest on Wednesday, October 28th in St. Joseph Hall. The middle school and high school youth were divided into teams. Middle school youth came up with the designs and drew them on the pumpkins for an adult to carve while the high school youth used their steady hands and skills to draw and carve their own pumpkins. Father John graciously accepted the task of judging the completed jack-o-lanterns. All the youth who participated had a wonderful time! (Photos courtesy of Mindy Gotthardt and Gay Campbell)
Living Balloon Rosary (October 25, 2015)
The St. Stanislaus Middle School Youth Ministry sponsored a Living Balloon Rosary on the Church lawn. Over 150 children and adults honored Our Blessed Mother with song and prayer. The youth were excited to share this moving event and provide an opportunity of reflection for everyone in attendance. The Rosary ended with the crowning of Mary and the release of the Balloon Rosary. (Photos courtesy of Evonne Hof, Mindy Gottardt, Gay Campbell and Laura Heiderich)
The St. Stanislaus Middle School Youth Ministry sponsored a Living Balloon Rosary on the Church lawn. Over 150 children and adults honored Our Blessed Mother with song and prayer. The youth were excited to share this moving event and provide an opportunity of reflection for everyone in attendance. The Rosary ended with the crowning of Mary and the release of the Balloon Rosary. (Photos courtesy of Evonne Hof, Mindy Gottardt, Gay Campbell and Laura Heiderich)
Adult Faith Formation (September-October 2015)
Our adult Faith Formation hosted the Bishop Robert Barron's "Word On Fire" Eucharist series. The evening class was held on Monday evenings and morning classes were on Wednesday mornings. This is the first of many Adult Faith Formation classes to be held here at St. Stanislaus Church. Each session was divided into small groups for more intimate discussions. Food was provided by the participants. The class discussions and fellowship were enjoyed by all.
Our adult Faith Formation hosted the Bishop Robert Barron's "Word On Fire" Eucharist series. The evening class was held on Monday evenings and morning classes were on Wednesday mornings. This is the first of many Adult Faith Formation classes to be held here at St. Stanislaus Church. Each session was divided into small groups for more intimate discussions. Food was provided by the participants. The class discussions and fellowship were enjoyed by all.
The 2015 St. Stanislaus Parish Festival
was a huge success!!!!!
Thank you to the Festival Organization Team, the Festival Committee members and Chairs and to everyone who came out.
was a huge success!!!!!
Thank you to the Festival Organization Team, the Festival Committee members and Chairs and to everyone who came out.