The competition was held under the patronage of Msgr. Artur Miziński, Secretary General of the Polish Bishops' Conference, and was co-financed by the PZU Prevention Fund (Polish Insurance Institute).

Until 6 October, the documents relating to the activities of the competing parishes were presented, with descriptions and photographs of the activities in the categories: help to others in difficulty, parish groups, sports practice, joint trips, psychological support, health education, charitable help, healthy lifestyle, and health prophylaxis. Each category was evaluated, and a score was assigned for each, with relative ranking.

“After all, the parish is one of the most important spaces in the life of the Church. Pope Francis calls it 'a house of joy, love and closeness',” explained Marcin Przeciszewski, who presided the final round of evaluation at the competition. “Parishes are not only sacramental communities, communities of prayer and formation, but also a very important source for many social activities,” observed the KAI President.

The finals of the “Active Parish” Competition 2021 took place on 23 October at the “Blessed Honorat Koźmiński” Private Primary School in Warsaw. Numerous representatives of the participating parishes presented their communities with stalls for culinary products, chorographical performances, nursery rhymes performances and singing performances. Detailed descriptions of the communities are available at the link: www.ekai.pl/aktywnaparafia 

Nine parish communities from all over the country reached the finals. Their representatives took part in competitions of different sports and party games. The highest number of points and the title of “Active Parish” thus went to the Salesian parish of Skawa, which also received the special prize: sports equipment worth 3,000 złoty (about 650 euros).

The Salesian parish "Mary Help of Christians" of Skawa belongs to the deanery of Rabka, of the archdiocese of Krakow. Its foundation is inseparably linked to the presence of the spiritual Sons of Don Bosco, who arrived there for the first time in 1920 and who opened the religious house in 1924. The decree establishing the "Mary Help of Christians" parish was issued in 1942, and it was immediately entrusted to the Salesians. In 1935 the first stone was consecrated and the first Mass was celebrated there in 1936.

In receiving the prize, Fr Szamara said: “Saint John Bosco educated young people in the spirit of sport. In the courtyard, he whispered good words to his pupils, which had to distract them from evil, and he proposed good ideas to them, and this is what is also done in our parish. Thank God, there are many active people in our parish, from the youngest to the oldest; let's create a familial community. And the spirit of St John Bosco still lives in us.”

For his part, the representative of the parishioners added: “This victory is a reward for all those who are committed to creating communities and dedicate their hearts and their time so that it can live. This award shows that it makes sense to work for others.”

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