Church of St Joseph the Worker in Rybnik

The Church of St Joseph the Worker is a Roman Catholic parish church in the Smolna district of Rybnik, belonging to the Rybnik deanery of the Archdiocese of Katowice. It is run by the Franciscans of the Province of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Katowice.

Built in half a year

Permission to build was obtained on 8 January 1937 after numerous complications. Father Kolumban Sobota signed a contract with the architect Henryk Gambiec, and work began on 1 June 1937 and lasted six months. The church was consecrated on 19 December 1937 by the provincial, Father Michał Porada.

Furnishings

The high altar was made of Carrara marble, and in its central part a large oak cross with figures of Our Lady and St John was hung. The windows contain stained glass with St Joseph, St Anne, St Paschal and Blessed John Duns Scotus. In 1938 three bells were hung, in 1939 an altar with a group of sculptures showing the death of St Joseph was added, and during the German occupation an organ by Riedel and altars of St Anthony and St Francis.

Nearby

In the centre of Rybnik, about 1 km away, stands the Basilica of St Anthony, and next to it the Rybnik Museum.

Practical information

• Location: Smolna district, Rybnik.
• Check service times and access to the interior with the parish before a visit.