‘All are Welcome’

St. Lucy’s Church Celebrates 150 Years of Service to the Diocese

By Eileen Jevis Staff Writer

“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me.” This inscription, written by American poet and essayist Emma Lazarus, welcomes immigrants from across the globe to America. It is the guiding principle that St. Lucy’s Church on the near westside of Syracuse has practiced for 150 years.

For 32 years, Father Jim Mathews has been at the helm – welcoming people of all nationalities, economic backgrounds and faiths. He said it’s the people that make the parish unique. “Our liturgies are outstanding and are spirit-filled,” said Father Jim. “The congregation is empowered to take an active role in the ministry.”

Parishioner Craig Polhamus said that the church’s members come from every walk of life, every economic level, every color, shape, size and gender, and from all parts of Central New York. Polhamus, a congregant for 30 years, manages the technical aspects of providing Mass via Zoom. “People participate in the virtual Mass from many locations including Brooklyn, Washington DC, Florida, Kansas, and even England and Ukraine,” he said.

On Sunday, July 16, Bishop Douglas J. Lucia celebrated Mass at St. Lucy’s, joining the energetic, joyful congregation to commemorate the 150 years the parish has served the community. In referring to the book written for the Centennial, Bishop Lucia said that the parish is an example of what the Lucian people have been and will be – strong in the faith of Jesus

Christ, a source of healing of bodies and hearts, having compassion for the poor, and as a source of light to all.

Parishioner Mary Beth Horsington said it is those characteristics mentioned by the Bishop that drew her to the parish. “I visited the church about ten years ago because even though it was Catholic, I heard it was very openminded and welcoming. One visit changed my life.” Horsington said that at St. Lucy’s, she feels the presence of a loving and accepting God with a focus on community service and outreach to the poor and downtrodden. ”We are truly all God’s children at St. Lucy’s –each of us are valued and celebrated,” she said.

“In my opinion, this church has the highest per capita of movers and shakers in the Syracuse community and we enrich each other as we walk along our individual and shared spiritual paths,” added Polhamus. “We are enriched and empowered by the unique perspectives and engaging reflections of the laity.”

Pastoral Associate Sister Pat Bergan, OSF, said that she and Father Jim learn from the people themselves. “They are our teachers. They are here with us and for us and we are here with them and for them.” Visitors just need to read the banners hanging throughout the building to understand the moral values and philosophy of the parish. “The messages are clear - embrace all who enter here,” said Sister Pat. ‘‘We are called to be peacemakers; The Spirit is Loose and She is Wild; Judge no one.’ These are the trademarks of St. Lucy’s Church,” she said.

Polhamus said the only way to understand the charisma of the parish is to visit. “We are an inner-city parish with great needs, but our spirit is strong, and our future filled with hope,” he said. “We have over 40 active ministries that touch so many folks in meaningful ways, he said.” The food pantry serves 33 streets in the area. The Agape Shop, located in the basement of the former

St. Lucy’s school, offers clothing, shoes, household items and toys at minimal cost. And the annual Christmas giveaway provides approximately 300 families with gifts, clothing for children and adults, toiletry items and other necessities.

“St. Lucy’s is a treasure located in the heart of Syracuse’s poorest neighborhood. It is part of the real world” said Horsington. “It’s not about following strict guidelines. It’s about being there for your fellow humans. I think Jesus is present in every corner and every person there.”