Church of St Joseph the Worker in Bytom-Vitor

The Church of St Joseph the Worker in Bytom-Vitor is a wooden church on a cross plan, consecrated in 2014-2015. It stands at ulica Strzelców Bytomskich 187 in the Stroszek-Dąbrowa Miejska district. It replaced an older church that was damaged by mining subsidence.

Why a new church was built

The old church was damaged by mining, and the resettlement of residents reduced the number of worshippers nearby. In 2008 Bishop Jan Wieczorek commissioned the construction of a new church. Jan Rabiej's design was chosen in a competition in 2009, the land was bought from the city in 2010, the building permit was issued in 2013, and construction began on 31 March 2014. The first Mass was held on 4 June 2015, and since December 2015 the church has been in daily use.

Glued laminated timber construction

The single-storey building has a load-bearing structure of glued laminated timber in the form of three-hinged frames with a span of 12 m. The multi-pitched roof with slopes of 35 and 70 degrees is crowned with a spire with a cross. The church holds about 1,600 worshippers. The structure was made by the Eurolam company, and the interior includes a crucifix, a figure of St Joseph carved by Franz Schinkel, the tabernacle and the organ, all moved from the old church.

Nearby

Close by is the Bread Museum in Radzionków, and about 3 km further on is the Segiet Nature Reserve.

Practical information

• Address: ul. Strzelców Bytomskich 187, Bytom.
• Check the times of Mass and visits to the interior with the parish.