The parish is located at the corner of Dunham and Webster streets in South Bend and has been staffed since its founding by the Congregation of Holy Cross.

The greatest single figure in the religious history of the Polish settlement in South Bend is undoubtedly Rev.

For 35 years he dominated the religious, social and cultural life of the Polish group, taking a hand in the organization of each new parish, founding schools and libraries, organizing missions outside the city, acting as a mediator in labor disputes involving Polish workers, and promoting the general welfare of the Poles in South Bend.

Czyzewski announced at St. Hedwig Church that the Polish people, living on the south side of the Grand Truck Railroad tracks, should properly meet and deliberate to choose a place for a church in their neighborhood.

At a meeting on February 10 of that year, Frank Gonsiorowski was elected President of this committee and Joseph Kalamaja its Secretary.

On March 2, 1896, Bishop Joseph Rademacher viewed the proposed site from his horse-drawn carriage and said: "This is a beautiful location for a parish, you have my permission."

Construction of the combined school and church was begun in April 1898 with the laying of the cornerstone.

The Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth agreed to staff the school.

Czyzewski, the Pastor of St. Hedwig and leading Polish priest in South Bend and in the Corgregation of Holy Cross, died.

Zubowicz was moved to St. Hedwig Parish, South Bend, Indiana, to replace him.

A group of parishioners broke with St. Adalbert, formed a committee at the end of June 1913 and purchased land for a new Polish National Catholic Church.

Andrew Morrissey, C.S.C., the Provincial of the Congregation of Holy Cross, because he had encouraged parishioners to push for his appointment as Pastor.

These tense circumstances of the dispute between the parishioners and church authority led to an event on Feb. 15, 1914 at the parish that was later named "Krwawa Niedziela" or "Bloody Sunday."

A crowd of more than 1,000 people repulsed a squad of 23 police when they attempted to install Rev.

Numerous people were injured in the melee which included the ripping up of the fence and saplings, ransacking of the rectory, and even hurling of statues.

Gruza was allowed to take possession of the parish but many parishioners vowed not to cooperate with him.

Although Bishop Alerding remained above the dispute until just prior to the riot, afterwards he was blamed by the parishioners for not making his intentions known and not meeting with them.

This lot which was the site of much of the violence in 1914, now held the parish's greatest pride and joy.

At least 20 clubs and societies were dedicated to church service, spirituality, youths and teenagers, athletics, drama and literature and civic improvement.

The year included, eucharistic processions, parade floats, festivals, a school reunion, and other parties.

The year long festivities opened and closed with the annual 40-hour eucharistic devotion held near St. Casimir's feast day on March 4.

With the arcades running along both sides of the nave and the large arch framing the main altar, the church is reminiscent of St. Paul's Within the Walls in Rome.

On the Eve of the Feast of St. Nicholas, the parish celebrates with pierogi, noodles, roast beef, herring, paczkis, and breads.

Then, St. Nicholas pays a visit to the children, bringing fruit, candy, and prayer cards.

St. Casimir annually celebrates Forty Hours' Devotion for the feast of its patron saint on March 4. .