June 2015 – Volume 93 - Polish National Catholic Church

Transcription

Volume 93
June 2015
Issue #6
Sacred Vocations
Most Rev. Anthony Mikovsky
Prime Bishop
Jesus said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the
laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the
harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” (Luke
10:2)
For many years now, the Polish National Catholic
Church has set aside the month of June to pray for
Sacred Vocations; to pray that the men of the
Church, both young and old, will hear and answer
the call of our Lord to seek the priesthood or
diaconate. The words above, spoken by our Lord
and Savior, Jesus Christ to the seventy disciples
before He sent them out to preach and heal, were true
in His day and are still true two thousand years later.
During this month for Sacred Vocations, we must not
only pray, but stronger action is also necessary.
St. Paul reminds us in the letter to the Romans: “For,
‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be
saved.’ But how are they to call on one in whom
they have not believed? And how are they to believe
in one of whom they have never heard? And how
are they to hear without someone to proclaim Him?
And how are they to proclaim Him unless they are
sent?” (Romans 10:13-15a) The Polish National
Catholic Church todays needs men who answer the
call to Sacred Vocations. It needs men who will be
the ones to show belief in Christ, to preach Christ so
that others may hear, especially in the Word of God,
to proclaim Christ in the midst of a worshiping
community in celebrating the Sacraments.
We oftentimes during this month of June spend a few
minutes in prayer during our Sunday liturgies asking
God to call those who will serve. We pray that those
men of the Church, whom God is calling, will answer
this call. But for the Church today this must be only
the beginning of our prayers. St. Paul tells us in his
final exhortation to the Thessalonians at the conclusion of his first letter: “See that none of you repays
evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the
will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench
the Spirit.” (1 Thess 5:15-19) So much can be taken
here in the Church’s prayer and support for Sacred
Vocations. “Always seek to do good to one another.” For the members of the Church, this must be
especially true in regards to our pastors and
spiritual fathers, our deacons, priests and bishops.
As Prime Bishop, I heard many times how people
tear down the clergy and even the bishops. In these
cases we must ask ourselves, does what I say about a
priest or bishop of the Church negatively impact a
young man who may be considering the priesthood?
This is especially true, if any negative reaction is
based solely on one’s own personal dislike.
(Continued on Page 3.)
Website of the P.N.C.C.:
pncc.org
Official P.N.C.C. Facebook Page: PNCC1
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God’s Field — June 2015
Email Addresses
for the
P.N.C.C. Offices
The email addresses for the staff of
National Church Center and God’s Field are:
God’s Field — Rola Boża
Publication Information
the
Prime Bishop Anthony Mikovsky
[email protected]
Secretary to Prime Bishop — Julie Orzell
[email protected]
P.N.C.C. Treasurer — Joan Scheuneman
[email protected]
God’s Field - Rola Boża Editor — Julie Orzell
[email protected]
Questions or concerns? Call us at 570-346-9131 or
570-346-2125.
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The Official Publication of the Polish National
Catholic Church, GOD’S FIELD - ROLA BOŻA
(ISSN 1046-5030), is published monthly for the U.S.
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Ritual Available to P.N.C.C. Clergy
The Ritual of the Polish National Catholic Church, published by the National Commission on
Liturgy of the P.N.C.C. and approved on the Solemnity of Pentecost, 8 June 2014 for use in the
Polish National Catholic Church by The Most Rev. Anthony A. Mikovsky, Prime Bishop of the
P.N.C.C., has been printed and is available to all clergy of the Polish National Catholic Church.
This book contains The Sacraments, Blessings, Memorial Services, Ceremonies for
Bishops and Holy Orders according to the P.N.C.C. Clergy wishing to purchase a copy of the new
Ritual should send a check or money order for $23.17 USD (U.S) or $28.95 USD (Canada) to:
P.N.C.C. Book Department
Scranton, PA 18505
pncc.org
Volume 93, Issue No. 6
(Sacred Vocations - Continued from Page 1.)
Next the apostle tells us to “pray without ceasing.”
This should be true for our Sacred Vocations prayers
as well. In one way this means that our praying for
Sacred Vocations should not only be limited to the
month of June. It should extend throughout the
whole year. Our Sacred Vocations Commission has
done much to help us in this matter, as they have
written intercessory prayers for each Sunday and
Solemnity for this entire year. I encourage all our
parishes to pray them during Holy Mass, but more
importantly, each of the families of the Church
should continue to pray these prayers at home. We
each must pray these prayers because each one of us
is impacted by the ministry of the clergy among us.
It is through their ministry that we encounter Christ
in the Church, and especially in the Sacraments.
But more importantly we must extend this saying of
St. Paul here as we would in other areas. We know
that “pray without ceasing” does not mean that we
should spend all our time in Church on our knees
with hands folded, but rather that we should
approach each of the actions of our day in a prayerful
and intentional way. This is something that we can
certainly do. And yet we again ask ourselves, are we
doing this in regards to Sacred Vocations? Do we
encourage and pray for Sacred Vocations in our daily
actions? Do we encourage and support those young
men, and older men as well, in seeking to serve
Christ at the altar? Do we honor and support our
clergy, deacons, priests and bishops, as men who
have chosen to serve God’s people with their lives
and all that they are? On a personal level, have
parents ever spoken to their sons about the
priesthood? Have you ever said to someone at
Church that they have what it takes to be a priest
within the P.N.C.C?
Also for the men of the Church themselves, have you
ever spent some time in thought and prayer about
whether God is calling you to serve Him at the altar?
This is something that each Polish National Catholic
male should ask themselves when they are
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considering where God wants them to go at every
level.
On a personal note, when I graduated both high
school and college, these were questions that I
considered, but I did not feel that God was calling me
to the priesthood. At both of these times I was all set
to pursue an academic career in mathematics. But the
priesthood was also something that I did not rule out.
It was only later that the calling came to me and it
was at that point I went to seminary. The important
thing to remember is not to rule anything out,
thinking that we each know better than God.
These are the questions that we should be asking
ourselves during this month of prayer for Sacred
Vocations. Let this month of June be, not only 30
days to focus on Sacred Vocations, but rather the
beginning of a time for change; a change in our
parishes, a change in our families and a change in
ourselves to spend some time focusing on Sacred
Vocations. Let us ask at our next parish annual
meeting and next parish committee meeting, what is
this parish doing for Sacred Vocations? Let us ask as
families of the Church, what are we doing for Sacred
Vocations in the P.N.C.C.? And let us ask ourselves,
what am I doing as an individual to encourage Sacred
Vocations within the Church? It starts by considering
it, praying for it and working for it, and it will be
accomplished by continuing to do this each and every
day.
Let us pray for Sacred Vocations during this month of
June. Let us pray earnestly that the men of the
Church will be open to God’s call and will answer.
But also let this June be the beginning of a change to
honor the clergy, encourage all men to consider
service at the altar of the Lord and show that we, as
Polish National Catholics, need and cherish, support
and encourage, those men who do take up this call to
follow Christ through a ministry at the altar.
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Minutes of the Supreme Council Meeting
National Church Center, Scranton, PA
April 28 and 29, 2015
Call to Order
The Supreme Council met in the Frank Bednash
Library at the National Church Center in Scranton,
PA on April 28 and 29, 2015. The first session was
called to order at 9:12 a.m. by Prime Bishop
Anthony Mikovsky. Bishop John Mack offered the
opening prayer.
In Attendance
Members present were: Most Rev. Anthony A.
Mikovsky, PhD, Rt. Rev. John Mack, Rt. Rev.
Stanley Bilinski, Jr., Rt. Rev. Bernard J. Nowicki,
DD, Rt. Rev. Paul Sobiechowski, Very Rev.
Zbigniew Dawid, Very Rev. John Kraus, Very Rev.
Gregory Mludzik, Very Rev. Robert Nemkovich, Jr.,
Very Rev. John Rencewicz II, Rev. Zbigniew Kozar,
John Andrzejewski III, Beverly Basinski, Ronald
DeLuca, Diane Hollinsworth, Irene Jugan, Ted
Maciurzynski, Shirley Mietlicki-Floyd EdD, Michael
R. Mietlicki, Vanessa Murawski, Kathryn
Nemkovich, David Petrosky, Raymond J. Pieczarka,
Robert Sarnowski MD, Joan Scheuneman, Martin
Wachna, Jr.
Excused: None
Absent:
Jasmine D’Costa, PhD
Guests:
None
Irene Jugan, representing the PNU, and Ted
Maciurzynski, appointed to represent the western
areas of the Diocese of Canada, were administered
the oath of office by Prime Bishop Mikovsky.
Agenda and Previous Meeting Minutes
The minutes of the Annual Meeting of April 29th and
30th, 2014 and the October 3, 2014 Reconstitution
Meeting were approved with minor corrections.
Treasurer’s Report
Joan Scheuneman, the P.N.C.C. Treasurer, provided
a description and/or explanation for each section of
the financial report that included: the balance sheets
as of 2-28-2014 and 2-28-2015 listing both current
and fixed assets along with liabilities and equity, the
investment schedule, fund summaries, and parish
loans. Also presented were the seminary investment
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schedules, donations, expenses and funds summaries
as well as the schedule of parish receipts. It was
noted the National Church Center mortgage is now
below 2 million dollars. During discussion the
following items were noted:
A major bequest from the Estate of Helen Lesniewski
is pending for the Medical Bridge to Poland Fund.
The conversion to natural gas at the Prime Bishop’s
residence has resulted in major savings.
Approximately 95% of our legal expenses
($252,903.27) during the past year were the result of
the Canada lawsuit. Property taxes for the National
Church Center [NCC] have increased to almost
$135K. A portion of this increase in real estate taxes
will be recovered from tenants who have a recovery
provision in their leases. The majority of the NCC is
income producing. The only area of the NCC that is
tax exempt is the chapel. The royalties received from
Cabot Oil have decreased over the past year as prices
of oil and natural gas decreased. It was reported the
Prime Bishop was very open and direct with the
Diocesan Bishops at their recent meeting regarding
parishes who contribute little or nothing to General
Church funds. The responsibility for the solution to
this problem rests with each diocese with the proper
follow up by the Diocesan Bishop’s Office through
the Administrative Seniors to the parishes. New
windows were installed in the seminary building as a
cost savings measure. The Prime Bishop and
Supreme Council expressed their appreciation to
Joan Scheuneman for her work as P.N.C.C.
Treasurer.
Auditors’ Report
The members of the Supreme Council examined the
audit report submitted by Ms. Cindy Whitehead
CPA, Audit Committee Chairperson, describing the
audit process and the results. There was discussion
regarding the benefits of moving the fiscal year to a
calendar year in order to allow more time to create
financial reports for the Supreme Council’s review
and the conducting of the audit.
Budget & Finance Committee Report
A proposed budget was submitted by Martin
Wachna, Jr., Chairman, along with a narrative. Mr.
Wachna reported the commission has begun
examining ways to move away from the current dues
funding model as charged by the recent synod.
Because of the current church financial challenges
only a very small cost of living salary increase was
approved for all church employees. An $8K budget
line item was approved to implement the Lay
Ministry program resulting in an estimated budget
deficit for the coming year of $7.6K.
It was
determined a convocation without a registration fee
cannot be supported by the General Church at this
time given current expenses. It was noted this was a
request from the synod small group sessions. The
$6K requested by the Convocation Hosting
Committee was placed in the budget. A national
raffle to support the cost of the convocation is being
considered. Likewise, adult members of the church
are invited to sponsor youth to attend the
convocation. It is hoped that former convocation
participants who are now adults would consider their
experiences at convocation and offer to sponsor a
participant. Interested members should contact Very
Rev. Robert M. Nemkovich, Jr., (508-672-4854) for
details. The Supreme Council strongly urged the
Prime Bishop to begin submitting all travel expenses
so that these expenses are properly reflected in the
church’s financial records.
The
following
recommended:
dues
apportionment
was
General Fund Dues Allocations:
Diocese
$ 3.00
Youth
$ 2.00
Clergy Hospitalization
$ 40.15
Administration
$ 45.85
Mission
$ 1.00
Clergy Pension
$ 7.00
Seminary
$ 1.00
TOTAL
$100.00
The Prime Bishop expressed his thanks to Martin
Wachna, Jr., Joan Scheuneman and Irene Jugan for
their work on the budget.
Investment Committee
John Andrzejewski III provided a prepared
Investment Committee Report that included balances,
investment results and deposits and withdrawals for
the Mason Estate, the Comingled Fund, the Medical
Bridge to Poland Fund and the National Church
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Center Fund as of December 31, 2014. These funds
along with the Seminary Fund are managed by
Medallion Wealth Management. Medallion manages
these funds based on various investment strategies.
The Prime Bishop expressed his thanks to John
Andrzejewski III for his work on the Investment
Committee.
Clergy Hospitalization
The Supreme Council reviewed a prepared report
submitted by Julie Orzell, Plan Administrator. It
included a balance sheet, income and expenses and
individual reimbursements. The account supports a
local plan in the Scranton area which is directly
invoiced to the plan after which the Administrator
obtains reimbursement from the local parishes. An
AARP plan is supported for retirees and surviving
spouses. With this group the plan pays for the
clergyman and not the spouse and when the
clergyman dies payment is made for the spouse. And
the last group includes parishes that receive the one
third reimbursements for their pastor’s insurance.
Medicare Part B is also reimbursed for the retired
priests.
One of the challenges with the
hospitalization plan is that premiums vary greatly
with no regard to the quality or consistency of the
plans that priests purchase.
Premiums also vary
based on location and medical condition. Dental and
eye insurance premiums are not reimbursed. It is
one of the long range plans of the Clergy Salary and
Benefits Commission to research the viability of
supporting a group plan to ensure consistency of
benefits and premiums. The Prime Bishop and the
Supreme Council thanked Julie Orzell for her work
as Plan Administrator.
Clergy Pension Fund
The commission submitted a prepared report for the
calendar year 2014. The report included fund
income, balances, a schedule of parish and individual
receipts, participant statistics and plan expenses.
Bishop Bilinski, a member of the Pension Fund
Committee, introduced the prepared report. During
discussion the commission was asked to research the
whereabouts of the $1,589 that was collected for the
fund during the synod Mass. It was reported the
pension fund is extremely underfunded. Based on
actuary estimates, to properly fund the pension
program $250K should be donated to the fund
annually.
The fund currently only receives
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(Minutes - Continued from Page 5.)
approximately $25K in donations. In the past when a
clergyman retired an annuity was purchased to
support the individual’s pension. The fund can no
longer support that method and pays retirements
directly from fund balances. The Honor Your Father
fund raising campaign was not as successful as
hoped. A long discussion focused on the current
state of the fund and how to bring this need to the
attention of every member of the Church. An ideal
way for a member of the Church to support the
Pension Fund is by earmarking a portion of their
estate to the fund. Financial support of this pension
fund should be a topic at national, diocesan and
parish meetings. More donations from members of
the Church are critical at this time. The Supreme
Council asked the Pension Fund Committee to create
a marketing campaign and begin using social media
along with the Church website, God’s Field and
parish bulletins to educate members of the Church
regarding the financial need. The Supreme Council
also requested the commission meet with the
actuaries to determine how many years the pension
fund can support clergy pensions under the current
funding scheme. Once this information is available it
will be published through all the Church media
avenues to raise awareness and encourage donations.
The Prime Bishop expressed his thanks to the
members of the Clergy Pension Fund Committee for
their work.
God’s Field
Julie Orzell, Editor of God’s Field, submitted a
prepared report that included information on
subscriptions, publication materials, archival matters,
new equipment purchases, and a perspective on the
future of God’s Field and a financial report. God’s
Field is published monthly and available from the
Church website. A hard copy subscription can also
be purchased for $48 per year. One copy of the
publication is mailed to each parish monthly.
Savonarola Theological Seminary
Father Senior Zbigniew Dawid, Vice Rector of the
Seminary, reported on the seminary and his
membership on the Sacred Vocations Commission.
The Sacred Vocations Commission is now meeting
regularly and producing materials to support
vocations, the most recent was prayer intercessions
for vocations that were sent to all P.N.C.C. priests.
Regarding the current lack of vocations and respect
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for clergy it was noted we are now reaping the
rewards of how poorly clergy were treated in our
church over the past 40 or 50 years. While the work
the Clergy Salary and Benefits Commission is
beginning to remedy this, final resolution will take
time.
Polish National Union
Irene Jugan and John Andrzejewski III submitted a
Polish National Union report that included financial
information, regulatory requirements, positive trends
and upcoming activities. It was noted that the PNU is
showing progress, albeit slow. Regulations remain a
constant challenge. PNU officers recently met with
law makers in Washington to discuss these
regulations and were happy with the reception they
received. During the past year, even with monies
deposited into reserves, the PNU showed a profit of
$66K in operations. Only 54 policies were sold last
year. This is up from the previous year when 42
policies were sold. The current board is proactive
and doing a great job. This past year the PNU
implemented a social membership for $30.
This provides members with the ability to purchase a
$5K insurance policy without a medical exam and
gain access to a Spojnia Credit Union membership
and its benefits. Approximately 58 clergy are
enrolled in the clergy insurance program. It is hard
to understand why all priests are not enrolled in this
insurance program since dioceses are paying the
premiums for this insurance. The first claim was paid
under this program. The PNU is currently in the
middle of its state insurance exam that is conducted
every five years. At this point no major issues have
been raised. The results will be reported at the
upcoming convention in November.
It was
emphasized that the members of the P.N.C.C. need to
better support the PNU since the PNU supports the
P.N.C.C. in every way. Since its inception the PNU
has provided over $9 million dollars in benefit to the
P.N.C.C. Most recently the PNU has provided
critical loans to parishes. Information regarding the
Clergy Annuity Program was mailed to each parish
in December. The Clergy Annuity Program is a
mandated program adopted by the synod. Currently
13 clergy are enrolled. This is not an optional benefit
that the parish may or may not select to provide.
While a $1K annuity is recommended, under this
program an annuity can be opened for as little as
$300.
Spójnia, Inc.
The Prime Bishop reported there has been an
increase in rentals of the Bishop Hodur Retreat
Center. Another positive is the operation of the
farm. The major challenge remains the manor
building. A realty company has been hired to lease
the building. The building has a major roof issue.
This will not be addressed until it is determined if
renting the building is viable. A new roof was
estimated at $250K.
During discussion the
following topics were noted. The sale of the manor is
not under consideration. Over 500 acres of land are
owned in Waymart. The buildings occupy
approximately 50 acres. The Warsaw Village in
Thornhurst, PA was sold. Spójnia, Inc. will realize
money from this sale that will be invested to generate
income. Spójnia, Inc. is currently operating in the
red.
National Church Center
A prepared report submitted by John Andrzejewski
III, Building Manager, was reviewed by members of
the Supreme Council. The report included income,
expense and maintenance projects.
The entire building remains rented except for 968
square feet. One lease is coming up for renewal this
year. Rental income falls short of expenses by
approximately $57K. $40K of this represents the
PNU rent abatement. As part of the annual $40K
PNU abatement, John Andrzejewski III serves as
Building Manager. It was noted the report excludes
the mortgage payment of $194,680 and the
maintenance salary. If these items are considered the
annual shortfall is between $250K and $300K. To
increase rental income a consolidation of PNU/
P.N.C.C. office space would need to be considered as
well as capital investment to finish the basement and
add additional parking. The original roof installed
in 1991 will be recoated this summer at a cost of just
under $100K.
The Prime Bishop thanked John
Andrzejewski III for his work as Business Manager
of the National Church Center.
Canadian Diocese
The Prime Bishop provided the following documents
for the Supreme Council’s review: the Prime
Bishop’s Report as Administrator of the Diocese,
Attorney Tufman’s Statement of Claim issued
August 15, 2014 and the P.N.C.C. Contingency Fee
Retainer Agreement with Attorney Tufman dated
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March 2005. During the summation of his report,
the Prime Bishop reported the 2014 law suit was
concluded in the church’s favor however another
claim has been filed by Attorney Tufman for fees he
claims he is owed. This matter is being handled by
our attorney in Canada. Prime Bishop also indicated
the financial status of the Canadian Diocese is not
clear. He continues to research the financial aspects
of the diocese, searching for missing minutes from
meetings of the Canadian Diocesan Council, filing
the necessary documents for the continuance of the
Canadian Diocese Corporation as well as simplifying
the Bylaws of the Diocese of Canada.
It was
observed that even the members of the Canadian
Diocesan Council are not aware of the financial
status of the Canadian Diocese since many things
transpired without the council’s knowledge and some
members were not invited to council meetings. The
financial accounts of the Canadian Diocese are
currently frozen. It was reported the lawsuit that just
concluded resulted in attorney fees of over $300K,
approximately $250K this past year and $99K from
the previous year. The new claim brought by
Attorney Tufman has already resulted in legal fees of
$14K. The Prime Bishop will consult with our
attorney to determine the feasibility of hiring a
forensic accountant to research the financial status of
the Canadian Diocese.
Issues in Poland
The Prime Bishop reported no new issues to report.
The P.N.C.C. remains in contact with Prime Bishop
Wysoczanski regarding items published by our
church. In turn we are now receiving the Rodzina, a
publication of the PKK. At this point it is important
we keep lines of communication between the
P.N.C.C. and the PKK open. Bishop Wysoczanski
remains the only bishop in Poland. No other bishops
have been elected. During discussion it was noted
two priests who were closely associated with the
former bishop of the Diocese of Canada have been
consecrated bishops by vagabond bishops. We do
have our name and symbol jointly registered with the
PKK in Poland so no other group can officially
register with our name or use our symbols.
(To be continued in July 2015, Volume 93, Issue No. 7.)
8
Polish National Catholic Church - Roman Catholic Church 2015 Dialogue Meeting
P.N.C.C. National Church Center, Scranton, PA
On Tuesday and Wednesday May 19 and 20, 2015, members of the P.N.C.C.—R.C. Dialogue Committee met
at the P.N.C.C. National Church Center in Scranton, PA. Members who attended the meeting are, Front Row:
Rev. Ronald Roberson, CSP, Associate Director, Secretariat of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, U.S.
Conference of Catholic Bishops; Most Rev. Anthony A. Mikovsky, Prime Bishop, P.N.C.C.; Most. Rev.
Joseph C. Bambera, R.C. Bishop of Scranton and Rt. Rev. John Mack, Bishop Ordinary of the BuffaloPittsburgh Diocese, P.N.C.C., co-chairs of the dialogue; Most Rev. John F. Swantek, Prime Bishop Emeritus,
P.N.C.C.; Rt. Rev. Paul Sobiechowski, Bishop Ordinary of the Eastern Diocese, P.N.C.C. Back Row: Rev.
Marian Gil, O.M.I., Provincial, Assumption Province, Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate; Very Rev.
Robert M. Nemkovich, Jr., Ecumenical Officer, P.N.C.C.; Rev. Msgr. John Strynkowski, Malverne, N.Y.; Rt.
Rev. Bernard Nowicki, Bishop Ordinary of the Central Diocese, P.N.C.C.; Rev. Msgr. Thomas Green, School
of Canon Law, The Catholic University of America; Rev. Msgr. Vincent J. Grimalia, R.C. Diocese of Scranton
Coordinator for Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations.
Sacred Vocations
June is Sacred Vocations months across our Holy Church. Please pray for Sacred Vocations to the Diaconate
and Priesthood that men may hear that call and service to our Lord in the ordained ministry.
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Action Plan 2015: A Year of Regeneration
As We Prepare for the Celebration of the Solemnity of Brotherly Love
The Greatest Commandments are taken from the story in which Jesus, while teaching, is asked by a Pharisee,
“Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” Jesus answered, “You shall love the Lord your
God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first
commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two
commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” (Matt. 22:34-40)
In 1897 Father Hodur and a group of people organized the first Polish National Catholic Church, Saint
Stanislaus Parish, in Scranton, PA. As the years went by Father Hodur was dismayed by the way others were
mistreating members of our Church. He was saddened by the manner in which some P.N.C.C. Members
responded to this injustice; the members of the Church were not following the Great Commandments. Father
Hodur wanted the faithful to follow Christ and His teachings.
In 1904 the First General Synod of the Polish National Catholic Church was held in Scranton, PA and in 1906
the First General Synod was reconvened to complete it. At these gatherings Bishop Hodur proposed that our
Church establish the Solemnity of Brotherly Love to be commemorated annually on the second Sunday in
September as a reminder to all Polish National Catholics to be kind and loving to each other and to all people.
Everyone at the Synod agreed; thus the Solemnity of Brotherly Love has been celebrated in the Polish
National Catholic Church ever since. It is a day to remind us to “love your neighbor as yourself.”
As we prepare for the Church-wide celebration of the Solemnity of Brotherly Love in September and we, as
parishes, seniorates, or dioceses coordinate a Community Service Project in conjunction with this Solemnity,
let us ask ourselves…..AND WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR?
The Elderly
The Veteran
The Homebound
Those in recovery
The Single Parent
The Homeless
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The Addicted
The Hungry
Those who Grieve
Those in Hospitals and Nursing Homes
10
“ Honor Your Father on Father’s Day” Campaign – 2015 (As of 6-12-2015)
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Alex Soltez, Father – Remembered by Bonnie Zaucha
Thomas Zaucha, Husband – Remembered by Bonnie Zaucha
Michael Hutira, Father – Remembered by Mary Beth Kurpiel
John Skovronsky, Father – Remembered by Margaret Garvin
Rev. Lucian Urbaniak, Pastor – Honored by Margaret Garvin
Rev. Fr. Czesław Kuliczkowski, Retired Pastor– Honored by Margaret Garvin
John M. Mietlicki Sr., Father – Remembered by Shirley A. Mietlicki-Floyd
Michael J. Mietlicki, Father – Remembered by Michael and Mary Gorgol Mietlicki
Dr. John Gorgol, Father – Remembered by Michael and Mary Gorgol Mietlicki
Most Rev. Francis Hodur, our First Prime Bishop – Remembered by Stasia Porosky
Rt. Rev. Joseph Padewski, Martyr of Our Church – Remembered by Stasia Porosky
Michael A. Kuzara, Father – Remembered by Patricia and Jacqueline Kuzara
Josef Szpila – Remembered by Edward and Louise Szpila
Harry Jarmuz – Remembered by Edward and Louise Szpila
In memory of Walter Janusz – Remembered by Wanda Janusz
Walter Sobiechowski, Father – Remembered by Rt. Rev. Paul and Karen Sobiechowski
Stanley Kiska, Father – Honored by Rt. Rev. Paul and Karen Sobiechowski
In memory of Leon S. Gorgol, Father – Remembered by Fr. Sr. Rob, Kathy, Eric, and Cliff
Nemkovich and Adam and Alex McIlwee
In honor of Prime Bishop Emeritus Robert Nemkovich, Father- Honored by Fr. Sr. Rob, Kathy, Eric,
and Cliff Nemkovich and Adam and Alex McIlwee
Rt. Rev. Thaddeus S. Peplowski – Honored by John and Anna Dross
Charles J. Zapotoczny, Father – Remembered by Edmund F. and Joyce Z. Bresh
Edward W. Bresh, Father – Remembered by Edmund F. and Joyce Z. Bresh
Andrew J. Siedlarczyk, Father – Remembered by Andrew M. Siedlarczyk
Maciej Siedlarczyk, Grandfather – Remembered by Andrew M. Siedlarczyk
Alvin Macko, Father – Remembered by Lucinda Macko
Arthur A. Basinski, Father – Remembered by Beverly Basinski
Anthony A. Basinski, Grandfather – Remembered by Beverly Basinski
Stanley Oleszak, Grandfather – Remembered by Beverly Basinski
John Oleszak, Godfather – Remembered by Beverly Basinski
Edward A. Bugno, Father – Remembered by Jan Chernesky
Louis Komski, Jr. – Remembered by The Komski Family
Fr. Sr. Zbigniew Dawid, Pastor – Honored by The Komski Family
Fr. Adam Czarnecki of St. Valentine’s Polish National Catholic Church of Northampton, MA –
Honored by Edward J. Antosz
Andrew Antosz, Father who died on Dec. 28th 1937 – Remembered by Edward J. Antosz
John E. Samokar Sr., Father – Honored by Stephanie Pelletier
Clyde L. Sharik, Sr., Father – Remembered by Debbie, Joe, Joey, Jonathan, and Joel Parknavy
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11
Joseph R. Parknavy, Father – Remembered by Debbie, Joe, Joey, Jonathan, and Joel Parknavy
Joseph J. Parknavy, Father – Remembered by Joey, Jonathan, and Joel Parknavy
Fr. Bruce Sleczkowski, Pastor – Honored by Debbie, Joe, Joey, Jonathan, and Joel Parknavy
Fr. Bruce Sleczkowski, Pastor – Honored by Eleanor Sharik
Walter Tomkowitz, Father – Remembered by Richard Tomkowitz
Fr. Bruce Sleczkowski, Pastor – Honored by Richard Tomkowitz
Edward Zomerfeld, Father – Remembered by Bernice J. Vitacco & Family
Fr. Paul Zomerfeld, Pastor – Honored by Bernice J. Vitacco & Family
Fr. Chris Mendelewski, Pastor – Honored by Mary Smith
William Lobart, Father – Remembered by Dianne Lobart
Present Active Clergy, PNCC – Honored by Linda Wilk
Retired Clergy, PNCC – Honored by Linda Wilk
Deceased Clergy, PNCC – Remembered by Linda Wilk
Leo Gibala, Father – Remembered by Ted and Janis Gibala
Felix Zajdel, Father – Remembered by Ted and Janis Gibala
Very Rev. Anthony R. Wisniewski, Father – Remembered by his children Nina, Richard, Michael, and
Eva
Albert Clark, Father – Remembered by Bob and Laraine Clark
Ernest Bernier, Stepfather – Remembered by Bob and Laraine Clark
John J. Frank – Honored by John and Roberta Frank
Burton Beveridge – Honored by John and Roberta Frank
Daniel Piatek – Remembered by Dorothy Piatek
Jacob Piechowiak – Remembered by Dorothy Piatek
Thomas Rybczynski, Father – Remembered by wife Christine and children Jennifer and Jonathan
In memory of śp Stanley W. Kaczor, Father – Remembered by Rev. and Mrs. Raymond Drada
In memory of śp Raymond R. Drada Sr., Father – Remembered by Rev. and Mrs. Raymond Drada
Rev. Raymond Drada, Father – Honored by Elizabeth Drada
In Memory of Fr. Sr. John Rencewicz I – Remembered by The Rencewicz Family
In Memory of Fr. Sr. Charles Kowalkowski – Remembered by The Rencewicz Family
In Memory of Fr. Sr. Ben Mazewski – Remembered by The Rencewicz Family
In Memory of śp. Stanley M. Bilinski, Sr., Father – Remembered by Bishop Stan
In Memory of śp. Edward Mack, Godfather – Remembered by Bishop Stan
Charles Edward Bilinski, Brother – Honored by Bishop Stan
Robert Matthew Bilinski, Brother – Honored by Bishop Stan
In Memory of the Berger-Teller Family – Remembered by Barbara Berger-Hill
Fr. Krzysztof Mendelewski, Pastor – Honored by John and Helen Rymaszewski
Michael Duda, Father – Remembered by Mrs. Frances Palko
Fr. Bruce Sleczkowski, Pastor – Honored by Mrs. Frances Palko
Fr. Frank Rowinski – Honored by Barbara Radicek
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12
(“Honor Your Father on Father’s Day” Campaign — Continued from Page 11.
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Fr. Michael Selep, Pastor – Honored by Bob and Janice Amend
Very Rev. Edward Ratajack – Honored by Bob and Janice Amend
Fr. Sr. Rob Nemkovich, Father – Honored by Adam & Alex McIlwee, Eric & Cliff Nemkovich
In memory of Frank L. Gniewek, Father – Remembered by Donna R. Kolwicz
In memory of Very Rev. Francis E. Kolwicz, Husband – Remembered by Donna R. Kolwicz
Very Rev. Joseph Soltysiak, Pastor – Honored by Shirley Palczynski
Alphonse Gervais, Father – Remembered by Shirley Palczynski
John Jakobowski, Grandfather – Remembered by Shirley Palczynski
John Palczynski, Husband – Remembered by Shirley Palczynski
In memory of Robert Gramza, Husband – Remembered by Joanne Gramza
In memory of Richard B. Anthony – Remembered by Richard L. Anthony
John S. Janicki, Father – Remembered Bob and Kathy Bienias
Frank C. Bienias, Father – Remembered by Bob and Kathy Bienias
Edmund Kosek, Father – Remembered by Mary and Paul Kosek
Roland A. Schmit, Jr., Father – Remembered by Mary and Paul Kosek
William Nichols, Father – Remembered by Deacon Dave and Roseanne Nichols
Paul Koceski, Father – Remembered by Deacon Dave and Roseanne Nichols
Fr. Bruce Sleczkowski, Pastor – Honored by Ted and Janis Gibala
In memory of John S. Janicki, Husband – Remembered by Gertrude Janicki
Anthony J. Mikovsky, Father – Remembered by Most Rev. Anthony and Carol Mikovsky
Francis Golembeski, Father – Remembered by Most Rev. Anthony and Carol Mikovsky
Bishop Anthony M. Rysz – Remembered by Most Rev. Anthony and Carol Mikovsky
Bishop Franciszek Hodur – Remembered by Most Rev. Anthony and Carol Mikovsky
In memory of Fred Scott, Father – Remembered by Diane S. Scott
In memory of Edward Kempisty, Father – Remembered by Diane S. Scott
Mark E. Scott, Husband – Honored by Diane S. Scott
In memory of Andrew Metzka, Father – Remembered by Carolyn Metzka
In memory of Adolf Metzka, Grandfather – Remembered by Carolyn Metzka
In Memory of Bishop Thaddeus Zielinski – Remembered by Lorraine C. and Darlene Stempniak
On behalf of the Clergy Pension Fund Committee, may I take this opportunity to sincerely thank you for your
concern for the Program, as well as your respect for those you have asked to be remembered or honored. As
written, this list reflects those names that were received in the mail through 12 June. A subsequent listing will
be included in the next issue of the Rola Boża. On my behalf, I will include these remembered in my private
prayer; again, my deep thanks and appreciation.
Rt. Rev. Stanley M. Bilinski
Chair, Clergy Pension Fund Committee
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13
The Mass Before and Now
Most Rev. John F. Swantek, Prime Bishop Emeritus
When we attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days,
we go to a special building dedicated for Christian
worship. The interior is arranged in a specific way
with a number of sacred articles: a main altar with a
beautiful reredos; side altars; statues of our Lord,
Jesus Christ, the Blessed Mother and another saint; a
crucifix and candlesticks placed on the mensa; top
surface of the altar or the gradine [steps] of the altar.
On the side walls are the stations of the cross
depicting the events on that day when Christ died for
our sins. There may be a communion rail at which
the faithful kneel when they receive Holy
Communion, which is placed on the tongue of the
communicant. In other churches there is no
communion rail, and the faithful receive Communion
standing. In the Old Catholic Churches from which
the Polish National Catholic Church received
apostolic succession when Father Francis Hodur was
consecrated a bishop, the Consecrated Host is placed
in the hands of the communicant. Another minister
holding a chalice of Consecratred Wine comes to the
communicant who drinks from the chalice or dips the
Host into the wine and then self administers.
The altar in the Temple in Jerusalem was a place
where animals were sacrificed. The table that was
used for Mass in the time of Justin Martyr was not
described as an altar. Perhaps it was understood to
represent the table on which the Last Supper was
celebrated. Even in the 4th century in the
Constantinian basilicas a wooden table, which I will
refer to as the Eucharistic table, would be placed in
the area where the Mass was to be celebrated. It was
placed so that the faithful could gather around three
sides. The celebrant, facing the worshipers, would
face the east from where the sun rises and the
resurrection took place. At the end of the liturgy, the
Eucharistic table was removed until the next time
that Mass was to be celebrated. There are accounts of
this down to the Middle Ages.
At this time nothing was permitted on the Eucharistic
table except the vessels that would be used during
Mass and the text of the Mass prayers. But change
was coming. The wooden table was soon adorned
with a cloth, a decorative hanging on the front of the
altar, called the antependium. The laws were being
relaxed and along with the vessels for Mass and the
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prayers, there were reliquaries and the Book of
Gospels on the altar. It was not until the 11th century,
however, that the Church permitted the cross,
candles, and relics to be placed on the altar.
Eventually in the 6th century, permanent stone altars
began to replace the Eucharistic wooden table. Many
of them were covered by a canopy supported by
pillars around the altar. During the 8th century the
altar, which had been in the midst of the
congregation, was now placed against the back wall
of the apse. It was often separated from the faithful
by a rood screen, an ornate partition between the
sanctuary and the nave. The altar was placed on an
elevated platform and the celebrant of the liturgy had
to go up the steps to the altar. The back of the altar,
reredos, became an embellished altar piece. Much
attention was now paid to the beautiful structure, and
the mensa, the place on which Mass was celebrated,
was hardly noticed. With the moving of the altar
close to the wall, the celebrant celebrated Mass with
his back to the congregation. With this move, it was
now taught that the celebrant was the one who
offered Mass for the congregation.
The Mass which is celebrated in our parish church
today is a product of over 2000 years of
development. During that period, many of the
prayers and actions of the liturgy were added at
various times in various parts of the Church. There
was no central authority in the Church which
directed how the Mass should be celebrated
throughout the Church. Many of the changes were
made by local bishops or councils.
If a member of the Church today could attend the
Sunday Eucharist, or Mass, described by St. Justin
Martyr in my previous article or a Mass in Hippo at
the time of St. Augustine, he might feel shocked and
lost in that ancient Catholic act of worship. If a
Catholic Christian from the second century was able
to attend Mass as we celebrate it today, she would be
lost during most of the celebration, perhaps saying to
herself, "Is this the Eucharist, the worship of the
Church?" Remember, the Church is a living
organism, and what is living constantly changes.
14
Tackling the Problem of Non-paying and Low-paying Parishes Over the Years
In the previous two articles on Giving in the Church,
it was said that the problem of non-paying and lowpaying Parishes was of long standing. Indeed, it has
defied resolution to this day despite many attempts
over the years. There are few penalties for
noncompliance with and has been little enforcement
of the financial requirements of the P.N.C.C.
Constitution.
An additional problem is that of cash flow, because
numerous parishes pay their obligations in one lump
sum, often at the end of the year. Bills to the Church
are due throughout the year, not just at the end of the
Church’s fiscal year. Here is an example of this cash
flow problem. Treasurer John Ostroski used CDs to
maximize the amount of money available to the
Church. On one occasion, because the income of the
Church wasn’t enough to pay a bill and he didn’t
want to take a penalty on the CD interest, he loaned
the Church $5,000 until the CD matured.
To make this article easier to understand I have
separated it into four sections: (1) Education, (2)
Penalties, (3) Plans for Ensuring Compliance and (4)
Proposals to Change the Method of Church Funding.
Education
Over the years, at numerous Synods, it was thought
that one of the reasons for noncompliance was that
people just did not understand what should be
included in the two funding methods, dues and the
percentage fund, which started at 2 %, went to 4%
and finally to 6%.
Thus began attempts at
communication improvements. The first of these
attempts was proposed at the September 25 and 26,
1923 Supreme Council Meeting, held in Cleveland
OH, where it was decided that the financial report
would be sent to every parish that conformed to the
Laws of the Church.
March 1 and end the last day of February of the next
year. On the authority of this resolution, all offerings
and obligations paid by parishes to the main treasury
of the Church by March 1, 1956, were to be counted
for the year 1955. A reminder was sent to the
parishes, identifying financial obligations according
to the last General Synod.
At the XII General Synod held in 1967 it was
reported that a more detailed report explaining how
the 6% fund monies were to be used would be
published in Rola Boża.
During the XIV General Synod Prime Bishop
Thaddeus Zielinski said, “There is no excuse in my
estimation, about anybody not having knowledge of
what the Synod and Constitution demand of
delegates. I went to the trouble to send personal
letters to every Pastor of the Church explaining the
position of the Synod. Then it was published in Rola
Boża in Polish and in English in several issues. Now,
no priest can say that they were not informed. So you
read Rola Boża, or don’t you read it? It’s our Official
Organ. Does the priest read the letters that the bishop
sends him, or doesn’t he read the letters? If he
doesn’t then I am not responsible for them sending
delegates. However, I think this matter will be
settled. It’s already been taken care of. Let’s be
responsible of our positions at the future Synods not
to make the same mistake, I acknowledge all letters
sent to me.”
At the VII General Synod in 1935, it was
resolved that further details of the $1.50 annual
collections for the Mission, Administration and
Seminary fund, would be established and regularized
by the Diocesan Bishops with Father Senior
Misiaszek, the financial secretary, at the head.
At the XIX General Synod it was reported that the
Budget and Finance Commission prepared five
newsletters summarizing the income and expenses of
the Polish National Catholic Church. These
newsletters were sent to every parish of the Church.
Financial summaries of the Church were presented at
two meetings of the Bishops of the Church. Annual
reports and dues allocation recommendations were
presented at four Supreme Council meetings. Budget
request information was prepared and sent to every
commission and committee chairman in 1992 and
1993. Included with that was a listing of the purposes
and the amount of money spent by that Commission
and an example of how to prepare a budget request.
The Supreme Council resolved, after lengthy debate
at a meeting on Dec. 14, 1954, to inform all the
members of the P.N.C.C., that each fiscal year
enclosing the accounts of the Church would begin on
A member of the Budget and Finance Commission
said at the XX General Synod that, “… after
talking with numerous parish committees and
members from all over the country, is that everyone
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feels that the next person is cheating on their
obligations to the National Church. It's really a
phenomena. I've heard this, it's not us, it's them. What
they are really saying is that the rules are not clearly
defined or clearly delineated.”
Penalties
Two penalties were adopted by Synods. The first, at
the XI General Synod held in 1963, it was
determined that supplements to the salaries of priests
would only be given to parishes that pay the 6% fund.
At the XVIII General Synod a motion was passed to
deny the right to voice and vote by the lay delegates
of parishes that do not fulfil their total
financial obligations as mandated by Synod actions.
This included compliance with the mandated clergy
minimum salary and benefits. Therefore, in order to
legally send delegates to a General or a Diocesan
Synod, all parish financial obligations to both the
General Church and the Diocese had to be satisfied.
Plans for Ensuring Compliance
In 1921 the IV General Synod unanimously
accepted a resolution that all diocesan dues had to be
paid in semiannual or annual installments, and the
manner of collecting the dues from the members of
the Church was left to the discretion of the individual
parishes. At the 1949 VIII General Synod each
diocese was given a free hand with respect to
obtaining funds for the needs of the diocese. Bishop
Jan Misiaszek stressed that the $1.50 resolution must
be conscientiously observed in the entire Church and
the acceptance of the 2% did not weaken or exclude
the resolution.
Bishops were asked to ensure the mandates to the
XV General Synod were not distributed unless the
obligations of the parishes were met. At the
XVI General Synod the Budget Committee
recommended that the bishops instruct, in writing, the
administrative Senior Priests in their respective
dioceses, to verify the exact census of members in
each parish within their respective seniorates in
accordance with Article XIII, Section 4.
Penalties passed by General Synods for a parish’s
noncompliance to financial obligations were as
follows: A parish would be denied a subsidy for its
pastor (XI), denied a voice and vote at Synod (XIV)
and be regulated to a ‘Mission Parish’ status and
come under the direct jurisdiction of the Diocesan
Bishop (XIV).
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An attempt to add an enforcement provision to the
duties of the Budget and Finance Commission of
Article XXI, Section 19 failed to obtain the required
2/3 of the votes at the XIX General Synod.
A copy of the 12-step plan containing a formal
process and procedure to deal with non-paying, latepaying and low-paying parishes throughout the
Church, provided to the Supreme Council in 1995,
1996 and 1997, was attached to the Budget and
Finance Commission Report to the XX General
Synod.
The Budget and Finance Commission reported at the
XXII General Synod that the Supreme Council instructed its members to assist the Diocesan Bishops,
when
requested,
to
investigate
those
parishes that did not or underpaid their financial
obligations.
The Bishop of the Central Diocese said at the XXII
General Synod, “This past year, all of the senior
priests were asked to go into every single
parish and find out why the parishes aren't fulfilling
what they're supposed to do financially for the
Diocese and for the Church. If they can't afford it,
then either the Diocese and General Church need to
help those parishes, and if they don't want to do it,
then they need to close those parishes.”
Motions were made for Constitutional changes to
penalize noncompliant parishes; one motion
suggested suspending all financial aid and
reimbursements to a parish by the Diocese and
General Church until that parish's financial
obligations were up to date; another motion
suggested expulsion and liquidation of a parish that
was non-compliant for a period of three consecutive
years. Neither motion was supported by the
Constitutional Committee because they deemed the
period of time to determine non-compliance to be too
short, the Diocesan Bishop already had the right to
go into the parish at any time or appoint a Senior
Priest to do so to check the financial records, and
such an amendments would be redundant because
there was already a procedure in place in the
Constitution. Also, the Supreme Council directed lay
members of the Council in each diocese to visit
parishes that were noncompliant, and senior priests
were already empowered under Article XIII to
enforce financial obligations. Both motions failed to
obtain the necessary 2/3 vote of the Synod.
16
(Tackling the Problem - Continued from Page 15.)
At the XIV General Synod Prime Bishop Anthony
Mikovsky
stated
that
the
Church
was
seriously looking into the problem of non-paying
parishes. These parishes fell into three categories: (1)
Those that don’t know, (2) Those that can, but
choose not to, and (3) Those that can’t. He stated that
the Church needed to find a way to help those
parishes that fell in Category 3. For those parishes in
Category 2, Diocesan Bishops could take over those
parishes. Closing small parishes would not solve the
problem. The Synod formally charged the Budget &
Finance Commission to investigate alternative
funding.
Proposals to Change The Method of Church
Funding
A parish’s noncompliance with its financial
obligations as defined by the P. N. C. C. Constitution
indicates that it does not accept the required
obligation of dues and 6% tax that is required by the
Church.
During the XXII General Synod it was stated that it
was an appropriate time for the Church to find a consensus among the parishes as to what would be an
appropriate way to find support from parishes so that
the Church could continue to function.
At the XX General Synod the Budget and
Finance Commission made a motion (which passed)
that a P.N.C.C. Operating Fund Synodal Commission
be established. The purpose of this commission
would be to identify a method of raising money
needed to operate the Church, which would be fair to
all, accepted by and actually honored by membership
of the Church, and which would provide sufficient
money on a regular basis to operate the Church
throughout any calendar year. Prior to the Synod, two
articles about the Synodal commission were printed
in God's Field.
At the XXI General Synod a report was given to the
Synod by the sub-committee that was appointed by
Prime Bishop Swantek out of the Budget and Finance
Commission. This sub-committee presented a new
support structure for the Church at four Diocesan
Synods: Buffalo-Pittsburgh, Central, Eastern, and
Western, as well as the General Synod. This proposal
was not accepted by the P.N.C.C. General Synod.
At the XXII General Synod it was suggested that a
special committee be established that would develop
a plan to go to each and every parish in the Church
personally, to find out what parishioners’ thoughts
were on an equitable way to get financial support
from the parishes and the Church, in order to
ultimately go to a Synod and hear from all of the
committees and commissions of the Church that, indeed, we were able to fulfill the goals because we had
the appropriate tools to do so.
At the XIV General Synod, a motion was made and
passed to have the Budget and Finance Commission
investigate alternative funding.
In addition, a motion was made and passed at the
XXII General Synod that “Any resolution passed by
the General Synod or the Supreme Council requiring
a new activity without identifying the source of
funding shall not be implemented until the source of
funding is identified."
Joseph Francis Seliga
Chairman, P.N.C.C. Commission on History and Archives
The PNU and the Gifts of Summer
Summer is a time for many celebrations – like weddings, graduations, and First Holy Communion. What a
great time to share the many benefits of the PNU with your family and friends. Endowments, insurance
policies and annuities are just some of the many gift ideas the PNU can offer to help you provide for those you
care about. Contact the PNU Home Office at 1-800-724-6352 for more information on the gifts of summer.
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17
United Y.M.S. of R. Welcomes New Branch
On Saturday, April 25, two members of the National
Board of the United Y.M.S. of R. traveled from the
Cleveland, OH area to bring the Y.M.S. of R. Gospel
to the men of Transfiguration of our Lord Parish in
Mount Pleasant, PA.
After a period of consultation and working in and out
of
schedules,
Parish
Administrator
for
Transfiguration Parish, Rev. Bruce Sleczkowski,
agreed on April 25 with Rev. Jason Soltysiak and
David Micka, members of the United Y.M.S. of R.’s
task force.
Like any event, the afternoon began properly - with
prayer. Fr. Bruce allowed Fr. Jason not only the altar
in concelebrating the Mass, but also the time to
preach the Word of God, where Fr. Jason brought up
just how “different” that Glorified Body of Christ
was in those 40 days after Easter.
After Mass, all the men of the parish were invited
into the Parish Hall, where delicious donuts and
coffee greeted the men from Cleveland and helped to
expand their already generous waists. Mr. Micka
began the meeting by giving a history lesson of the
Y.M.S. of R. (Year 101!) and what it does on a
national level. Fr. Jason took the reigns for a bit and
spoke of the spiritual aspect of the group, speaking of
the roles various local branches take at their parish
and beyond. Mr. Micka finished with the spirit of
brotherhood that comes with sharing a bond in the
church setting.
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Finally came the question-and-answer session, which
was probably the most enjoyable for all attendees.
The women at the Transfiguration Parish have a
close-knit women’s group with many connections to
other local ANS branches, and the men want that
type of connection! An open-table conversation
about how to build towards that, focusing on the
identity that a Y.M.S. of R. branch provides, ensued.
The group of men made it known that they did
indeed wish to start a branch and were thankful for
the additional spoken and printed information from
the “Visitors from the West.” At a recent United
Y.M.S. of R. board meeting, the group was accepted
and assigned a local branch number.
Many thanks to the members of Transfiguration of
our Lord parish for offering such a warm welcome
to a couple of “outsiders.” Your hospitality and
genuine friendliness was on display.
We welcome the men from Mount Pleasant and
Transfiguration of our Lord Parish, our newest
Branch of brothers, Branch #87. We very much look
forward to inviting you to our Convention in
Massachusetts this October. “But thanks be to God!
He gives us the victory through our Lord, Jesus
Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57)
Submitted by Fr. Jason Soltysiak, Director, YMS of R
David Micka, 1st Vice President, National YMS of R
(Related article on Page 26.)
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United Young Men’s Society of Resurrection
1006 Pittston Ave.
Scranton, Pa 18501
June 2015
Y.M.S. of R. Brothers and Friends in Christ,
It is with great pleasure that I am informing you of the First Annual United Young Men’s Society of Resurrection
Golf Tournament. The Executive and Board of Directors have decided to host an annual Golf Tournament to
supplement the loss of the Annual Track and Field Meet. The first annual Golf Tournament will be held at Skyland
Golf Course in Hinckley, Ohio on Saturday August 22, 2015. The course is located in Parma, Ohio near St. Mary’s
Polish National Catholic Church.
As a United Y.M.S. of R. we are hoping that each individual branch can sponsor at least one foursome to play in
the tournament. The branch can get creative on how they would like to support the golf tournament. The branch can
be a “Green Sponsor” for $500.00 and pay for four golfers in the tournament, four banquet tickets and
acknowledgement on our sponsor board and on a prominent sign on a Green. There are also other sponsorship
opportunities.
A foursome also does not have to be four Y.M.S. of R. brothers either. It can be a combination of Y.M.S. of R.
brothers and non Y.M.S. of R. members and even non P.N.C.C. members (they would be considered “open”). It is
all up to how each branch wants to go about participation. In the event you can’t send a foursome or a combined
foursome we would hope you would consider a “Fairway” sponsor to be acknowledged on our sponsor board and at
the 100 yard marker on a fairway with a prominent sign.
The Golf Tournament proceeds will go to continue the Kurs encampment and be the foundation to start the United
Y.M.S. of R. Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Thank you for your continued support,
Nick C. Kazinetz
United Y.M.S. of R. President
Registration forms, sponsor forms, information on hotel accommodations and directions can be found at
pncc.org listed under the 1st Annual United Y.M.S. of R. National Golf Tournament Event page.
Attention Kurs Alumni, Past Kurs Counselors and Campers!
The United Young Men’s Society of Resurrection would like to invite past clergy, campers, and
counselors to the annual 4th of July Celebration and the 25th Anniversary of the Bishop Hodur Retreat and
Recreation Center. At this year’s Independence Day celebration we will be honoring all of our past Kurs
chaplains and counselors with a presentation of acknowledgement at the 4th of July Mass Celebration
beginning at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel at Spójnia Manor.
Any past Kurs Counselor should contact Nick Kazinetz at [email protected] or Stacey Crispino-Shrive at
[email protected] (or via their personal Facebook pages) or through the United Y.M.S. of R. Facebook page
by June 30, 2015.
Thank you for your continued support. A 25TH Anniversary Celebration comes only once! Hope to see you
there!
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20
National United Choirs 24th Music Workshop Faculty
The National United Choirs 32nd General
Convention and 24th Music Workshop is quickly
approaching. This year the events will be hosted by
the Scranton Circle Choir at Holy Mother of Sorrows
Parish in Dupont, PA. The convention starts on
Wednesday, July 22, followed by the workshop on
Thursday, July 23, and concludes with a concert on
Friday evening, July 24.
Registration forms have been mailed to every parish;
they also appeared in the May God’s Field and are
contained in the most recent NUC Newsletter. All
forms, with the exception of the mandate, may be
reproduced. This is a wonderful opportunity for the
members of the music ministry of our Church to
come together to share their love of music and the
P.N.C.C. There is something for everyone - from the
novice choir member to the experienced organist, and
everyone in between.
Please join us as we expand our music education, lift
our voices in praise to God, and enjoy the fellowship
of other members of the music ministry of our
Church at the National United Choirs 32nd General
Convention and 24th Music Workshop. The
scheduled sessions and facilitators are as follows.
a member of the Baldwin Wallace College Men’s
Chorus, and a member of the NUC Board as well as
serving on the P.N.C.C. Music Commission.
Vanessa Murawski will be conducting a workshop
session on expression when performing. She will
concentrate on how the directions in music tell a
performer how the audience should perceive the
musical message. Vanessa is currently a music
educator in State College, PA. She attended Messiah
College where she received her Bachelor of Science
degree in Music Education, as well as her Masters of
Music degree in Wind Band Conducting. Along with
teaching in the public school system, Vanessa is very
active in the music community, working with local
drama groups as the vocal director and pianist, and
performing with and directing community bands and
choirs. She is most dedicated to serving her parish in
the choir as a singer and substitute organist/pianist.
Dr. Neil Stahurski, Chairman of the P.N.C.C. Music
Commission, will lead a session titled “Reviewing
the Revised Handbook for Music Ministers in the
P.N.C.C.” Neil holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in
Organ Performance and the Performer’s Certificate
from the Eastman School of Music, Rochester, NY.
He also holds a Master’s Degree in Sacred Music
from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA. Dr. Stahurski has served as a clinician at other past NUC
Workshops, as well as serving as accompanist and
director.
Regina Zembrzuski Pollack is presenting a session
related to why we do what we do as a choir and how
it relates to His message. Regina is a lifelong
member of the P.N.C.C. and has been active in every
aspect of Church life in the Blessed Virgin Mary of
Czestochowa Parish, now in Latham, NY. At age 12,
Regina began playing for the memorial Masses that
were held each Saturday and soon began substituting
for and assisting the organist. A recipient of the
NUC Music Scholarships in the mid 1960s, Regina
studied piano and organ throughout high school and
college. She took over the position of organist and
choir director in the early 1970s and continues in this
capacity. Regina considers her work with the Choir
Lutnia of her parish as one of her greatest blessings
and privileges, as the choir has developed its talents
and deepened its faith over the years.
Dr. Jim Ploskonka will present a session reviewing
the revised handbook for Music Ministers in the
P.N.C.C. The session will be devoted to the choir and
the relationship between the music ministers, pastor
and parish committee. Jim is a graduate of Mansfield
University and he received his Master’s Degree from
the Boston Conservatory. Jim went on to continue
his education and received his PhD from the
University of Kentucky. Although Jim’s entire
career has been dedicated to education, he has
continued his love of music, not only as a performer,
but as a composer. Additionally, Dr. Ploskonka has
served as a board member of the Westshore Chorale,
Dr. Barbara Nowicki will be presenting a session on
improving your vocal skills and bringing your best to
the ministry of singing in the church choir. This
session will focus on the ministry and mechanics of
singing in the church choir and the importance of
striving for excellence in the service of God through
song. Barbara earned a Doctorate of Education in
College Teaching of Music, with a specialty in voice,
at Columbia University Teachers College. She also
holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Voice from
Carnegie-Mellon University and a Bachelor of
Science degree in Music Education from Wilkes
University. She has taught music at the
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college level, in public schools, and in her own vocal
studio. Barbara is currently a Lecturer in Voice at
Marywood University and serves as principal cantor
at St. Stanislaus Cathedral in Scranton. Dr. Nowicki
grew up as a member of Holy Mother of Sorrows
parish in Dupont, PA, where she served as organist
and choir director.
Wendy Blotzer graduated from Duquesne University
with a BS in Music Education in 1976, with a minor
in Sacred Music. In addition to teaching in public and
private schools for 38 years, she has also been
Director of Music at St. Mark's Roman Catholic
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Church, director of the Annunciation Chime Choir,
and organist at Holy Family P.N.C.C. The state of PA
awarded her The Keystone Award for excellence in
integrating computer technology in education. She
was a guest conductor for the Diocese of Pittsburgh
Elementary Honors Band.
Please join us at the Music Workshop. It is an
awesome time of learning, singing, sharing, faith and
fellowship.
We look forward to seeing you in
Dupont!
Submitted by Susan Baldan and Janet Kelly
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25th Anniversary
of the
Bishop Hodur Retreat and Recreation Center
During this summer of 2015, the Spójnia, Inc. Board, together with the entire Polish National Catholic Church
and the Polish National Union of America, is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Bishop Hodur Retreat and
Recreation Center.
Although the building is now 25 years old, this place, the site of Spójnia Farm, has been a part of the lives of
the youth of the Church for many years. Since its earliest days, the youth of the P.N.C.C. traveled to Spójnia
Farm to spend some time in rest and relaxation, as well as to share the fellowship of other Polish National
Catholics and continue to learn from the clergy of our Church. In later years the annual Kurs Encampment,
which was originally held at St. Stanislaus Y.M.S. of R. Park in the Minooka section of Scranton, moved to the
facilities at Spójnia Farm.
In the 1980s it became obvious that a new facility for the youth was needed. The Polish National School
Society undertook the plans to build the “Bishop Hodur Retreat and Recreation Center.” In 1990, the building
was finally completed through the work of the Spójnia, Inc. Board of Directors. Since that time, the youth of
the Polish National Catholic Church, those involved in the annual Kurs Encampment, as well as many others,
have made so many wonderful memories of time spent together in prayer, in fellowship and in fun.
In looking back upon these memories, whether at the Bishop Hodur Retreat and Recreation Center or even at
the old “Schronisko” or Barracks, now is the time for you to help us make sure that these memories can still be
made for the generations of Polish National Catholic youth to come.
As you can imagine, after 25 years, work needs to be done so that the Bishop Hodur Retreat and
Recreation Center can remain a beautiful place for the youth of the Church to gather, to pray and make
memories. There are also plans to help make the site even more beautiful and inviting to the members of the
Church and especially the youth.
We encourage everyone, but especially those who have great memories of the Bishop Hodur Retreat and Recreation Center and Spójnia Farm, to please consider supporting this campaign by donating at least $25.00 for
the 25th anniversary of the Bishop Hodur Retreat and Recreation Center. Acknowledgements will also be
made at the following higher levels. Each has been given a name of one of the aspects of the youth camping
experience at the Retreat Center.
$2,500.00 and up – Benefactor (Bp. Hodur’s Inner Circle)
$1,000.00 to $2,499.99 – Sponsor (Prankster)
$500.00 to $999.99 – Partner (Pool Time)
$100.00 to $499.99 – Patron (Kitchen Patrol)
$50.00 to $99.99 – Friend (Picnic in the Orchard)
Please help in ensuring that the memories of the Bishop Hodur Retreat and Recreation Center will be available
for many more youth, for many more years to come.
Thank you and God bless you for your support of the Polish National Catholic Church and the Bishop Hodur
Retreat and Recreation Center.
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24
2015 Christian Unity Gathering Brings Inspiration, Focus, Spectacle
The National
Council of Churches held its second annual Christian Unity Gathering, May 7-9, in Washington,
DC with over 200 Christian leaders, scholars, activists, and ecumenists present from across the United States
to focus on the NCC’s priority of interfaith peacemaking.
The NCC pursues two main areas in its ecumenical work: to build interfaith relations with an emphasis on
peacemaking, and to end mass incarceration.
Leymah Gbowee, the Liberian Nobel Peace Prize winner, keynoted the Gathering and shared the powerful
story of a mass movement of Christian and Muslims known as Women of Liberia Mass Action for Peace that
helped end the Liberian civil war that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people.
Ms. Gbowee stood at the Gathering as a remarkably clear voice for women across the globe. “Do one good
thing every day that everyone else is scared to do,” Gbowee proclaimed. “It is time for the Church to be
crazy… like Jesus was in the Temple.”
On the evening of May 7, more than 2500 people gathered at the Washington National Cathedral for a moving
worship service sponsored by the NCC commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. His
Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians and His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos
of the Great House of Cilicia spoke. The homily was delivered by Rev. Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit, general secretary
of the World Council of Churches.
Also in attendance were US Vice President Joe Biden; His Excellency Serzh Sargsyan, President of the
Republic of Armenia; and His Holiness Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, Supreme
Head of the Syriac Orthodox Church.
Central to the Gathering was the work of the Council’s four Convening Tables. Ample time was allotted to
these tables to plan and further their work in pursuit of Christian unity, advocacy for justice, interfaith relations
and collaboration, and Christian education and ecumenical formation.
Rev. Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit addressed the Gathering during several key moments in the
Gathering. Participating in a panel on peacemaking with Naeem Baig, President of the Islamic Circle of North
America and part of the NCC’s long-standing Muslim-Christian dialogue, and Rabbi Gerry Serotta, Executive
Director of the Interfaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington, Tveit spoke about the common theological
convictions in Islam, Judaism, and Christianity that together form an interfaith imperative to work for peace
and justice. He also stressed the necessity of Christian unity on behalf of all humanity, because it is only in
unity that the Christian churches can ultimately proclaim the fullness of the Gospel. “Let us talk of a Christian
unity that serves a wider unity of all people, all creation, unity for the sake of the world,” he proclaimed.
++++++++++++++
Since its founding in 1950, the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA has been the leading force for shared ecumenical witness
among Christians in the United States. The NCC's 37 member communions -- from a wide spectrum of Protestant, Anglican, Orthodox, Evangelical, historic African American and Living Peace churches -- include 45 million persons in more than 100,000 local congregations in communities
across the nation.
NCC News contact: Steven D. Martin: 202-544-2350 ext 231 (o), 202-412-4323 (c) [email protected]
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Paryski and the P.N.C.C.
By Theodore L. Zawistowski
With her latest book, The Polish Hearst: AmerykaEcho and the Public Role of the Immigrant Press,
Anna D. Jaroszynska-Kirchmann, makes clear the
significant role of publisher Antoni A. Paryski and
his Ameryka-Echo newspaper in giving the Polish
community in America an independent and unifying
voice. He became the largest publisher of Polishlanguage books in the USA and his Ameryka-Echo
became the largest independent newspaper. The
Polish National Catholic Church was a beneficiary of
his non-partisan international outreach.
Every immigrant group that has come to America has
produced its own books, plays, music, magazines,
newspapers and other imprints. However, when one
speaks of American literature, these non-English
language
publications
too
often
go
unmentioned.
Nevertheless, they helped the
immigrants to settle in this country, share their
experiences, give them a source of understanding and
support, and help educate them.
They are a
significant part of the American story. Many of such
imprints can be found today in the archives of the
Immigration History Research Center at the
University of Minnesota.
Polonia has produced dozens of publications over the
years. Prominent among them were the organs of the
Polish fraternal benefit organizations, such as our
own Straż. Many were also church-related, like
God’s
Field-Rola
Boża.
Some
were
hybrids. Paryski’s niche was the independent press.
In his open forums, many voices could be freely
heard. Paryski’s forte was in creating pages in which
correspondents of all persuasions and views could
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express themselves, not so much to the editors but to
each other.
Dialogues could be carried on,
discussions and alternative views. Because of this
freedom, Paryski and his publications were
considered
controversial,
argumentative,
criticizing. Indeed, individuals expressed themselves
and reported on events and incidents in their own
lives and communities. Religious issues remained
popular for decades. While the editors imposed a
certain amount of decorum, ugly realities nevertheless were exposed. Readers and writers became
devoted to Ameryka-Echo and its open columns.
The most popular was the section titled “Kacik dla
Wszystkich” (A Corner for Everybody).
Prof.
Jaroszynska-Kirchmann has reproduced in English
translation selected samples of the thousands of
letters published there in her book Letters from
Readers in the Polish American Press, 1902-1969: A
Corner for Everybody.
There one can read the
thoughts, experiences and feelings of numerous
individuals as they strived to establish a new life in
America and to wrestle with issues brought with
them from “the old country” and those they found
here in the new. The PNC Church is mentioned
often. In The Polish Hearst, she places all this in
context and explains its significance.
“Ania” is Distinguished Professor of History at
Eastern Connecticut State University and former
president of the Polish American Historical
Association.
The Polish Hearst: Ameryka-Echo and the Public
Role of the Immigrant Press, (University of Illinois
Press: Urbana, Chicago and Springfield, 2015).
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Buffalo-Pittsburgh Diocese
Pisanki Easter Egg Decorating
Transfiguration of Our Lord Mission Parish, Mt Pleasant, PA
The Women’s Society of the Adoration of the Most
Blessed Sacrament of Transfiguration of Our Lord
Mission Parish hosted a Pisanki Easter Egg
Decorating on Sunday, March 22.
others it was an opportunity to build on the
experience of last year’s class.
Submitted by Rev. Bruce Sleczkowski
Fr. Bruce Sleczkowski offered grace and then
everyone enjoyed a delicious lunch prepared by the
ladies. After lunch everyone decorated eggs under
the guidance of Bozena Kijowski. Everyone had a
great time and enjoyed wonderful fellowship. And,
yes, a few eggs were broken, but there were plenty
more to start over!
Many thanks to the ladies from the Holy Family
Society who came to teach and guide the novices.
For some it was a totally new experience and for
Transfiguration of our Lord Parish Men Meet to Form New Y.M.S. of R. Branch
Mt. Pleasant, PA
The men of the Transfiguration of our Lord Parish
expressed interest in organizing a Y.M.S. of R.
Branch in their parish. With the success of the
Women’s Society of the Adoration of the Most
Blessed Sacrament in the parish, the men felt it was
time that they also organize a society to continue the
mission of the parish.
On Saturday, April 25th, Fr. Bruce Sleczkowski
invited Mr. David Micka, Vice President of the
Y.M.S. of R. National Board, and Rev. Jason
Soltysiak, National Y.M.S. of R. Chaplain and pastor
of St. Mary’s Parish, Parma, OH, to provide to the
men a presentation about the benefits of the
society.
David Micka and Fr. Jason speaking to a group of men about the benefits of the Y.M.S. of R.
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First Holy Communion at Holy Family Parish
McKeesport, PA.
On Sunday, May 3rd in Holy Family Parish, Brylie
Helen Jobes received the Holy Eucharist for the first
time during the 9:00 A.M. Mass. Pictured with
Brylie are her parents, Amanda & Joseph Jobes;
brother Mason; Mrs. Alexa Foster, SOCL instructor;
Fr. Bruce Sleczkowski, pastor and parish acolytes.
Independence Day Celebration
4th of July Mass and Picnic
and the
th
25 Anniversary Celebration
of the
Bishop Hodur Retreat and Recreation Center
Mass in the Chapel at Spójnia Manor — 11:00 a.m.
Presentation of Acknowledgement to Kurs Alumni Chaplains and Counselors
Great Picnic Food and Activities following Mass
Polish Favorites — Potato Pancakes, Golabki, Kielbasi, Pierogi, Haluski
American Food — Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, French Fries
Entertainment
Raffles and Kids Games, Bounce House, Obstacle Course, Cotton Candy
Fellowship
Rededication of the Bishop Hodur Retreat and Recreation Center — 3:00 p.m.
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Central Diocese
Three Receive First Holy Communion
Linden, NJ
th
On Sunday, May 17 , three children received their
First Holy Communion in the presence of their
families and fellow parishioners.
The class was
instructed by Pricilla and Jonah Velasco under the
direction of Gloria Pierce, the Parish SOCL Director.
Father Kosc, Pastor, preached the Word of God and
addressed each communicant on the importance of
the Eucharist in our lives. Those receiving First Holy
Communion were: Mackenzie and Abigail Buratti,
daughters of Chris and Amy Buratti and Olivia
Steele, daughter of Charles and Alyssa Steele.
Submitted by Michael R. Mietlicki
Father Jan Kosc, Pastor with the communicants and acolytes, front row from left: Abigail Buratti, Olivia Steele and
Mackenzie Buratti; second row from left: Steven Podczerwinski, Janzen Velasco, Father Kosc, Ryan Steele and Stanley Kanu
Members of the parish and visitors gather outside the church following the First Holy Communion Liturgy
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Holy Mother of Sorrows Happenings
Dupont, PA
Spring Project
First Holy Communion
Parish YMS of R Branch #2 of Holy Mother of
Sorrows in Dupont PA volunteered to clean up our
parish cemetery for Memorial day on the 16th of
May, 2015. The work included cutting the tree
branches and shrubs, weed whacking, raking, etc.
The following members participated: Nick Kazinetz,
Jack Wall Jr., Paul Kazinetz Jr., Andrew Shumlas,
Anthony Shumlas, Al Micka, Paul Kaspriskie Jr.,
Arnold Borc, David Fritz Jr., Paul Kazinetz III.
Very Rev. Zbigniew Dawid administered First Holy
Communion to Mia Piccolino and Abigail Manning
on May 24, 2015. Fr. Sr.. Dawid prepared the girls
over the past several months to receive the Holy
Sacrament.
Al Micka and Arnold Borc
Abigail Manning, Fr. Sr. Zbigniew Dawid and Mia Piccolino
Memorial Day Mass
Holy Mass was celebrated by Very Rev. Zbigniew
Dawid at the Holy Mother of Sorrows Parish
cemetery on Memorial Day at 9:00 a.m. Prior to
Mass, veterans paid a special tribute to all fallen
soldiers with a gun salute and the laying of a wreath
at the foot of the cemetery altar.
Andrew Shumlas & Paul Kazinetz, Jr.
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(Holy Mother of Sorrows Happenings - Continued from Page 29.)
Memorial Day Parade and Prayer Service
The annual Memorial Day Parade and Prayer Service
were held in Dupont, PA on May 25, 2015.
Holy Mother of Sorrows Parish was represented by
Very Rev. Zbigniew Dawid, who had invocation and
benediction during the Prayer Service, and the Parish
Y.M.S. of R., who had a car in the parade.
Veterans preparing to salute the fallen soldiers
Arnold Borc - Y.M.S. of R. member
and Holy Mother of Sorrows parishioner
Very Rev. Dawid offering Mass for fallen soldiers
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Very Rev. Zbigniew Dawid (Holy Mother of Sorrows, Dupont)
and Rev. Joseph Verespy (Sacred Heart Of Jesus, RC)
2015 Graduates Honored
On Sunday, June 7, Holy Mother of Sorrows Parish
honored the parish’s 2015 high school and college
graduates.
Elizabeth Joan Cappelloni is a 2015 graduate of
Pittston Area High School. Elizabeth was ranked #1
in her graduating class and was enrolled in both
honors and AP classes throughout her high school
years. She is a member of the National Honor Society
as well as Who's Who Among American High School
Students. Elizabeth has been involved with Relay For
Life, having been a chairman for Pittston Area the
last two years. She was a member of the Key Club,
Art Club, Zero Conflict Club and was class vice
president in her junior and senior years. Elizabeth was
a varsity letter winner in volleyball and softball,
having served as team captain for the last two
seasons. Elizabeth will enter Temple University this
fall to study Biology.
Joshua Carey graduated magna cum laude from
Marywood University with a B.S. in Mathematics.
Joshua was active in the honors program, math club,
wind ensemble, campus choir, music ministry and
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other campus ministry groups. Besides graduating
with honors, Josh also received a citation in honors
for his senior honors thesis on differential geometry
and was awarded the mathematics medal. This fall he
will be attending SUNY Binghamton University to
work toward earning a PhD in mathematics.
Amy Ruda graduated from Pennsylvania State
University with a B.S. in neuropsychology. She plans
to do research administering neuropsych testing at
Geisinger in Danville before furthering her education
in clinical neuropsychology in graduate school.
Madeleine Ambruso graduated from Wyoming Area
Secondary Center where she was editor of her
school's yearbook, The Warrior, and a copy editor of
her
school's
newspaper,
The
Warrior
Wire. Madeleine was a captain of the Lady Warriors
Tennis team which advanced to Team Districts for
the 2014 season. For two years in a row, Madeleine
competed in the History Bowl regional competition
and qualified for competition at the national level in
both the team and individual divisions. This fall she
plans to attend Pennsylvania State University’s
Wilkes-Barre campus to study electrical engineering.
Hanna Lynn Brzoza (granddaughter of David &
Madeline Fritz) graduated from the Hun School of
Princeton, NJ. During her time there she traveled to
the Republic of Liberia in West Africa to teach
English as a second language to underprivileged
children. While attending the Hun School Hanna also
participated as sports manager for soccer, football
and lacrosse, and she received varsity letters in soccer
and lacrosse. Hanna plans to study sports
management at Arcadia University in the fall and she
will spend her first semester studying in England.
Submitted by Very Rev. Zbigniew Dawid
Amy Ruda, Fr. Sr. Zbigniew Dawid, Joshua Carey,
Elizabeth Cappelloni
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St. Stanislaus Cathedral Presents Certificates
Scranton, PA
On Mother’s Day St. Stanislaus Cathedral’s Society for the Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament honored
three 25-year members. Pictured below in the first row are the honorees Dorothy Andrzejewski, Maria
Wenzel and Susan Techmanski. In the second row are presenters St. Stanislaus Cathedral SAMBS president
Kathy Michalina, Pastor and Bishop of the Central Diocese, Rt. Rev. Bernard Nowicki and Prime Bishop of
the P.N.C.C., Most Rev. Anthony Mikovsky.
Congratulations & blessings to these three ladies for their devotion to the SAMBS and to the Church.
On May 17, 2015 the Cathedral congregation joined together to congratulate this year’s SOCL classes on
accomplishing another year of hard work. The children were presented certificates of achievement and the
teachers were thanked for their continued dedication and hard work.
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First Holy Communion at Holy Cross Parish
Woodland Park, NJ
On Sunday, May 17 2015, Holy Cross Parish
parishioners and guests witnessed the joyful
celebration of First Holy Communion.
Congratulations to the following children who
received the Holy Eucharist for the first time:
Roselyne Esther Caceres, Christopher Michael
Galindo, Marcella Angelina Galindo, Daniel Joseph
Galindo, Alesayra Lopez, Maritza Isabel Ortega,
Destiny Nicole Ortega and Jean Rubio.
We congratulate their families and friends, and we
thank all family members who brought the children
for Communion classes. Special thank you to Ms.
Mary Vitaletti for helping Fr. Joseph Cyman with
preparing the children for this special occasion.
Sacrament of Baptism at Holy Cross Parish
Woodland Park, NJ
Maritza Isabel Ortega and Destiny Nicole Ortega
received the Sacrament of Baptism on Thursday,
May 14, 2015. Congratulations to the girls, their
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parents Lemuel Ortega and Kirby Natasha Harris and
godparents Victor Manuel Ortega and Luz
Rodriguez .
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Eastern Diocese
23rd Annual Historic Preservation Awards
Manchester, NH
On May 14, 2015 the Manchester Historic Association presented to Holy Trinity Cathedral one of seven
honors. The specific recognition was the “Restoration of a City Landmark Award.” Accepting for the parish
was Mr. Raymond Pieczarka, chair of the parish (center) and Rt. Rev. Paul Sobiechowski, Pastor. Eighteen
parishioners were present to witness the honor.
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35
Holy Cross Parish Girl Scout Project
Enfield, CT
Earlier this spring, Holy Cross Parish was contacted
by the Cadette Girl Scout Troop 10355’s Leader,
Marlene Hoginski. Marlene mentioned that her troop
of cadettes, made up of John F. Kennedy 7th grade
students, needed to work on a Silver Award
community project. She asked if the troop could help
out at Holy Cross Parish, refurbishing the cemetery
chapel and the grounds around it.
The Girl Scout Silver Award, which is the highest
award Girl Scout cadettes can earn, provides the
opportunity to show that they are leaders who are
organized,
determined,
and
dedicated
to
improving their community.
The troop wanted to give the chapel a much-needed
makeover, so of course we agreed. What better way
to help the girls earn their award while providing
some great service to the parish and community?
pncc.org
For several weeks, the troop worked very hard
weeding, raking, scraping old paint, painting,
planting and tending other areas of the cemetery.
They also provided some artificial plants for the
chapel.
The results are stunning and the parish thanked them
for their service! Karen Peirce of Holy Cross Parish
has been asked to be present at their awards
ceremony night in order to help present them with
their Silver Award.
A heartfelt congratulations and thanks goes out to
Troop Leader Marlene Hoginski and her 7th grade
team of cadettes. As pictured from left to right:
Desiree Napper, Olivia Trosen, Sharon Bourk, Meg
Boucher, and Caitlin Gannon.
Submitted by Nancy Lee, Holy Cross Secretary
36
St. Joseph’s Parish Happenings
Westfield, MA
Hello from St. Joseph's Church in Westfield, MA.
After a very cold winter, we have welcomed spring
with open arms. Over the last few months there have
been some exciting activities at our parish. On March
15th, Bishop Paul Sobiechowski, along with Father
Sr. Joseph Soltysiak, confirmed David Sittard. David
has been attending St. Joseph's since he was a small
boy and it has been a joy to see him grow over the
years into a young man. Congratulations, David!
Every Friday evening following Stations of the
Cross, the parish committee served Lenten dinners.
These dinners were held as part of the fund raising
effort of the parish; more importantly, they were a
wonderful way to bring together the members of the
parish, their friends and families after services.
The ladies of the ANS Society did a wonderful job
preparing for this event. Our Easter Sunday Mass
was, as always, uplifting.
The ANS Society hosted Adopt a Sister Sunday followed by a fellowship breakfast.
In May, three scholarships were presented to two of
our youth parishioners: The SOCL/Placzek award
and the Kordeczka Memorial award were presented
to Ms. Lauren Sittard, who is graduating from high
school this year and will be entering the pharmacy
program at URI. The Linda Lee Zawrotny Memorial
award was presented to Mr. Michael Sittard, who is
currently enrolled at UMASS Amherst, studying
chemical engineering. Congratulations to both
recipients!
Following Palm Sunday Mass, the SOCL held the
annual Easter Egg hunt, including a special visit from
the Easter Bunny. The Meal in the Upper Room was
another special event held at St. Joseph's this year.
UPCOMING EVENTS: First Communion on June
7th during the 10:00 a.m. Mass, Family Breakfast
June 21st following 8:00 a.m. Mass.
Very Rev. Joseph Soltysiak, David Sittard, Rt. Rev. Paul
Sobiechowski and Rev. Robert Koerber
Scholarship coordinator Jan Trudell, Very Rev. Joseph
Soltysiak, Lauren Sittard, Michael Sittard
pncc.org
Submitted by Kelly Burek
37
Spring at St. Valentine’s Parish
Northampton, MA
Spring Concert
Polish Dinner
On Sunday, April 12, 2015, St. Valentine’s Parish
hosted its third annual Spring Concert featuring the
very talented soprano, Terri LaFleur, mezzo-soprano
Lisa Woods, and pianist Jerry Noble. Terri is a
soloist in numerous venues within the Pioneer
Valley and has appeared in many principal roles in
musical theater and plays. Lisa is a soloist in opera,
oratorio and recital with hundreds of performances to
her credit; she has performed with the Wilbraham
United Players. Jerry is a great pianist who serves as
the staff accompanist at Smith College. He writes
music and has been commissioned by the Springfield
Symphony Orchestra, the Holyoke Civic Symphony
and choral societies of Smith, Amherst and Mt.
Holyoke Colleges.
On Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 5:00 p.m.,
St. Valentine’s Parish held its 8th Annual Polish
Dinner in the Parish Hall.
There were many guests from around the Pioneer
Valley. The program featured both sacred selections
in honor of the Easter season along with some of the
most beautiful duets from the wonderful world of
opera. The first half of the concert included: Panis
Angelicus, The Old Rugged Cross and The Gospel of
Grace. The second half included Opera favorites:
Habanera (Carmen), Via Resti Servita (The Marriage
of Figaro), Evening Prayer (Hansel and Gretel) and
many more.
It was an afternoon of musical perfection! Terri, Lisa
and Jerry perform regularly in our church --- their
next performance will be at the Christmas Concert on
November 29, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. Mark your
calendars!
The menu consisted of traditional Polish fare
(golabki, cabbage and cheese pierogi, cabbage with
spareribs, kielbasa, ham, home fries, horseradish, rye
bread, pickles, chrusciki, cake and beverage). The
buffet-style dinner was served to well over 100
people.
The Polish Dinner event showcases our Polish
heritage through Polka music and our sumptuous
Polish food prepared by our parishioners. Many
great prizes, donated by parishioners, friends and
local businesses, were raffled off. Most importantly,
our Parish Hall was filled with our parishioners,
parishioners from some of our sister parishes,
members of the local community and many members
of the Polish Heritage Committee of Northampton
who enjoyed a wonderful evening of conversation,
laughter and friendship.
Thank you to all who worked so very hard to make
this
event
successful,
to
those
who
provided raffle prizes, and to our guests for
supporting the Polish Dinner. Dziękujemy!
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38
(Spring at St. Valentine’s Parish - Continued from Page 37.)
Memorial Day Service
On Monday, May 25, 2015 at 10:00 a.m., a Memorial
Day Service was held at the Holy Trinity Cemetery
of St. Valentine’s Parish in Hatfield, MA. Parish
pastor, Rev. Adam Czarnecki, celebrated Holy Mass
for all of the soldiers who gave their lives for our
freedom, those who are serving in the military, their
families and all the departed souls of our Parish who
worked so very hard for St. Valentine’s Parish. May
they all rest in peace.
17 Polish Language Class Students Graduate
After successful participation in the Polish language
course of study, 17 students were awarded diplomas
on Tuesday, May 26, 2015 in our parish.
These conscientious students attended class, taught
by Father Adam, every Tuesday evening from 6:30
p.m. to 8:00 p.m. since September, 2014. Students
learned grammar, sentence construction, enhanced
their Polish vocabulary, learned to speak in Polish
and sing Polish hymns for every major occasion on
the Church calendar, as well as some folk songs.
Students also learned many things about the
Solemnities of the Polish National Catholic Church
and much historical information about Poland. In
addition, students participated in Lenten Services
(Gorzkie Zale) and May Devotions.
It was not all work – there was some fun! A
Christmas celebration, Zapusty celebration and our
end of the year graduation celebration were a few of
those fun times.
Graduates included: Mary Daniels, Robert Gibowicz,
Tessie Gibowicz, Linda Golash, Michael Lambert,
Barbara MacEwan, Alberta Martin, Francis Martin,
Amelia Matuszko, Krysia Newman, Paula
Pavelczyk, Bertha Pawlikowski, Dorothy Smarz,
George Smarz, Laurie Smarz, Barbara Wilda and
Fred Zimnoch.
Classes for the next academic year will begin
September 15, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. in the St.
Valentine’s Parish Hall. Anyone wishing to learn the
Polish language, please join our class in the fall. It is
a great place to be on Tuesday evenings.
Submitted by Krysia Newman
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39
Western Diocese
Dear Clergy and Faithful of the Western Diocese,
As an outreach program and service project of the Western Diocese United Youth Association (WDUYA) and
Youth Gathering 2015 Committee we are seeking your financial support for an organization called Gospel For
Asia (GFA). As part of GFA’s ministry they provide fishing nets to assist the villages and individuals provide
for their people and families. As we read on the GFA website (gfa.org/donation/items/fishing-net/), “Millions
of Asians rely on fishing to feed their families. In coastal areas, they can cast their nets upon the
waters every day and sell the fish to the local markets. Those in more interior villages fish on a seasonal basis
to supplement their incomes. And the fisherman get a much larger profit since they don't have to rent or buy
their own nets, leaving more money for essential household needs. One hundred percent of your donation
will go to provide on the mission field. Nothing is taken out for administrative expenses.”
The $25.00 cost of a net will help support this vital ministry in Asia. The WDUYA and the Youth Gathering
2015 Committee are requesting that each Parish sponsor at least one net. This can be achieved through fund
raising activities such as a dinner or car wash to simply seeking donations at your coffee and cake fellowships
after Mass. Perhaps one or more “special collections” could be taken after Mass and as always the respective
individuals, societies and parishes are able to make a donation. Please total your collections and donations and
write a check payable to: Western Diocese PNCC. In the memo please write Nets for Asia. You are asked to
bring the check to the 2015 Youth Gathering or send it to the Chancery Office no later than August 3, 2015.
If you have any questions about this outreach program and service project do not hesitate to contact me at the
above address, phone or e-mail.
May God bless us for all we do to help those in need not only in our local communities but throughout the
world.
In His Service,
Rev. John P. Kowalczyk, Jr.
Western Diocese Youth Chaplain
pncc.org
40
P.N.C.C. CELEBRATION
SOLEMNITY OF BROTHERLY LOVE
SAVE THE DATE!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW FOR
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 9, 2015 AT 7:00 P.M.
Prime Bishop Anthony Mikovsky will host a webinar on Wed., Sept. 9, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. addressing the
P.N.C.C. Solemnity of Brotherly Love, which will be celebrated in P.N.C.C. parishes the following Sunday,
Sept. 13th, 2015. More details on how to register for the webinar will be forthcoming.
pncc.org

June 2015 – Volume 93 - Polish National Catholic Church

Transcription

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