along with as well (1) (2) (3) high (1) (2) (3) time Sacrifice

Transcription

1 March 2019 So I hope you ve had the opportunity to see two items I ve included in the recent bulletins. One is entitled Pre-Lenten Preparations and the other, One of the Four Lenten Disciplines, which deal with Great Lent as well as your discipleship as Polish National Catholics. As you know, all the various activities of Lent that Father and I have prepared for you for this year, form the basis for your celebration of Jesus Resurrection. Which is to say, that your Easter celebration is founded on God s call for your repentance - in anticipation of that celebration. Repentance is basically our realignment with God, or our return to God. I say a return to God because our hearts tend to gravitate to anything but God. In other words, our hearts tend to cling to sin like a magnet clings to steel. That s why returning to God requires a deep and sometimes painful reorientation. But by God s grace, during the coming Great Lent, you and Father and I ll work together on pointing our hearts towards him whom they should cling to: God. I d like to briefly mention some of the means by which we ll work together on our repentance before God during Lent. From the item, One of the Four Lenten Disciplines, I wrote: Remember the four spiritual disciplines of Lent: (1) Prayer, (2) Almsgiving, (3) Bible reading and (4) Abstinence from flesh foods each Wednesday and Friday, along with abstinence from the most serious of your moral failings or weaknesses. I went on to say, As you give up something for seven weeks that you are particularly fond of, abstain as well from those things that distance yourselves from God, [things that you may be equally fond of], such as greed, unkindness, untruth, disregard for others, selfcenteredness. As you abstain from these. take on their opposite virtues instead. What I mean here is that the four Lenten disciplines are the ways you and I will involve ourselves in the goal of reorienting our wills and hearts so that we come closer to God and his ways. So I think a good thing to do is to mark - on your household calendars and in your iphone calendars - the dates and times of all the (1) Lenten devotions and worship services, the (2) special spiritual events and the (3) private confessions. The bulletins conveniently provide all these details for you. Then when you ve completed that - commit yourself to making these entries your high priorities for you and for your children for the coming seven weeks, including the dates and times of the services and Masses of Holy Week beginning with Palm Sunday, Holy Tuesday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. Arrange now to make time for these (1) prayerful opportunities and (2) for bible reading each day and (3) for sharing your resources with those in need. Sacrifice the time for all of this during the coming season because time is the most precious commodity you could ever sacrifice for the purpose of coming closer to God and glorifying his holy Name. Sacrifice your precious time for these things in the same way the saints sacrificed their lives. Do violence to your personal schedules in order to accommodate all these holy efforts spent in reorienting your hearts away from sin towards God and his ways. You know only too well, your time is a priceless commodity, and your sacrifice of it - to God - for these spiritual purposes is seen by God as pleasing and acceptable and holy - because time is the one commodity you can never replace once you ve spent it. Time is more valuable than money. When on (continued on page 2) your deathbed, it ll be more days and hours here on earth rather than more dollars and cents here on earth that you ll desire most! So now you have some knowledge about Lent, and hopefully you have a broader understanding of the purposes of the disciplines we utilize in Lent. It only remains now for you - in your discipleship - to sincerely and en-

2 Page 2 thusiastically participate in these holy practices. I will expect all of you - and especially your children - to be present here at the Cathedral with your children, to participate in your seven-week sacrifice of time time spent in the reorientation of your hearts and lives towards God. We do all this as disciples of our Christ, who was wounded for our sins and who suffered for our sins. We do all of this because we are his disciples. May you all have a fruitful and blessed Great Lent this year. Bishop Bernard Bishop Hodur Anniversary Mass A Mass to commemorate the Anniversary of the death of Prime Bishop Francis Hodur was held at the Cathedral on Saturday. February 16 th at 10:00 a.m. Mass was celebrated by Prime Bishop Anthony Mikovsky who also inspired the participants with his homily. Joining Bishop Bernard Nowicki and Prime Bishop Emeritus John Swantek in the sanctuary were clergy from the Scranton Seniorate including Fr. Senior Zbigniew Dawid, Fr. Senior William Chromey, Fr. Carmen Bollock and Fr. Janusz Lucarz. Also attending were members of the Polish National Union including John Andrzejewski and Joan Scheuneman. Hearts, Flowers, Fun & Food On Saturday, February 10 th, the Youth Center was transformed from a basketball court to a Valentine Wonderland. The YMS of R sponsored their annual Valentine Dance again this year. The ANS Catering provided a delicious buffet of chicken strips in garlic sauce, fresh and smoked kielbasa, gołembki (piggies), meatballs, pierogi, mashed potatoes, pasta in marinara sauce, baked beans, tossed salad and rolls. To top of the buffet was a dessert table full of delectable treats. The dancing began after the buffet with music by the Jeffrey James Band and lasted until midnight. Again the Cathedral UYA acted as servers, checkroom attendants, sold flowers for you valentine, and took commemorative pictures. A fantastic time was had by all. If you missed the great celebration this year, keep valentine weekend open next year and come join us. Valentine Dance Thank You I would like to take this opportunity to especially Thank the dedicated ladies of the ANS Catering, the men of the YMS of R, and the Cathedral UYA for helping make this year s valentine dance a success. Many long hours of preparation took place that week from preparing the delicious homemade food, along with helping set up the hall with the many decorations which allowed us to transform our youth center from a gymnasium to a dinner/ dance atmosphere. Everyone who attended had great comments and look forward to next year s event. Thank you again for your cooperation, dedication, and hard work in making this dance such a great fundraiser towards the youth center operational expenses. Jake Stankowski, Valentine Dance Coordinator

3 Page 3 Calling All Male Voices Beginning March 13 th, all men who would like to sing in the Good Friday Tenebrae services will gather for rehearsals Wednesday evenings during the Lenten season, following the Stations of the Cross services. Please contact Jack Ostroski or Beth Howden for more details. Join us for Stations of the Cross During the Lenten season, Stations of the Cross are held at St. Stanislaus twice a week. Every Wednesday, starting on March 13 th at 7:00 p.m., services will be held in the Cathedral with various societies and parish ministries reading the meditations each week. Every Friday, starting on March 15 th at noon, services will be held in the lower chapel of the Cathedral. After Stations, parishioners are invited to a light lunch and fellowship in the library. Each week a small group takes turns making a teat for anyone who attends services. In the Lenten season, try to make a point to attend one of the Stations of the Cross each week to renew your faith and commitment to God. Stewardship Pledge If you have not already sent in your Stewardship Pledge for 2019, please send it in as soon as possible. If you have misplaced the letter and form sent to you in January, you may print a form from our Church website: saintstanislauspncc.org, or just stop by the Parish Office on Sunday morning or Monday through Friday during the week. Thank you and God Bless you for your continued support of St. Stanislaus Cathedral. Basketball Season Coming to an End! Friday, March 15 th, will be the last game of the youth basketball season for Come cheer on the players starting at 6:30 p.m. with the youngest players, to 9:00 p.m. with the oldest kids taking on the coaches. Don t miss this last day and bring some Ben-Gay for the coaches. They may need it after playing the High Schoolers!!! It s Time to Make the Bread Easter is fast approaching and the UYA will be making their homemade bread for holiday. There is a choice of raisin or plain at a cost of $10.00 per loaf. Orders can be placed on the sign-up sheet in the church hall or by contacting Mary Stankowski at Deadline for the orders will be March 17 th. Get your order in early since a limited amount of bread is made. We request all orders, especially for plain, should be made as soon as possible. No more orders will be taken when the quota is met. The bread will be available for pick-up on Saturday, March 30 th after 3:00 p.m. in the Youth Center or following the 8:00 and 9:30 a.m. Masses on Sunday, March 31 st in the church hall. Thank you for your continued support of the UYA.

4 Page 4 Here Comes the Easter Bunny! The YMS of R will be sponsoring Breakfast with the Easter Bunny on Sunday, April 7 th. The breakfast buffet takes place in the Youth Center after the 9:30 a.m. Mass. Tickets are $8.00 for adults and $3.00 for children. Please make your reservations in the Parish Hall after Mass or call Frank Gerardi at There is a limited number of tickers for sale at the door, so reserve yours by Thursday, April 4 th. Come enjoy a great breakfast and have your picture taken with the Bunny! SHHHHHH It's a Secret!! Our ANS Sister, Chris Ross will be making some of her delicious soups 5 out of 7 Wednesdays during this Lenten Season. Unfortunately there will be no preorders and will be available only on Wednesdays after Lenten Devotions. The cost is $10.00 per quart. Proceeds will benefit the Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament Society! Thank You & Enjoy! Easter Flower Donations Please help adorn our Altars for Easter by donating $20.00 in honor or memory of a loved one. Checks may be made out to ANS Flower Fund. Checks can be mailed or left in the Parish Office by 4/6/19. Any questions contact Connie Tellep at or jtellerp@nep.net. Annual ANS Meeting Sunday, February 17 th, was an important day for the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Society at the Cathedral. The election of officers as well as the monthly meeting was held with numerous members in attendance. Returning officers are: President, Kathleen Michalina; Vice President, Dr. Barbara Nowicki; Secretary, Christine Ross; Flower Fund coordinator, Connie Tellep; Reader, June Sarnowski; Financial Secretary, Debbie Godek and Assistant Financial Secretary, Dorothy Andrzejewski; Auditors, Debbie Godek and Carol Mikovsky. We welcome newly elected Treasurer, Susan Techmanski. Topics of discussion were participation in the Stations of the Cross for the Lenten Services and Events; donation of lilies to adorn our awesome altars in honor or memory of a loved one for Easter, along with attendance and participation throughout Holy Week, preparation and decorating the altars for the Resurrection of our Dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for Easter Sunday morning. Other topics were briefly discussed, such as the making of our delicious homemade pierogi as our contribution for our prosperous Flea Market in August. We are looking forward to our monthly meetings at the YMS of R Park with a Pot Luck theme, our Harvest Dinner in the fall and many other events and Holy Days of Obligation throughout the year of Establishing a new theme, We ARE the NEW Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament Society, we are extending an invitation to all women of the Cathedral who would like to become Earth Angels. We welcome new ideas and offer our support and compassion to all society members, our cathedral family and especially our clergy! With much appreciation, respect and sincerest thanks to our past and present members for your dedication and devotion in all areas of the society and your care and willingness to keep the home of our Lord shining brightly as that 1 st star in Bethlehem, I pray to the Holy Spirit to Bless, Guide and Keep you Safe today, tomorrow and always. Amen! Kathleen A. Michalina, President

5 Page 5 19TH Annual Mission and Evangelism Workshop This year s theme is Identity: Who We Are in Christ and will be hosted by the Holy Trinity Parish, Plantsville, CT Friday, March 29 - Sunday, March 31, Over the past nineteen years the National Commission on Mission and Evangelism has presented to the faithful and clergy of the Church an opportunity to explore one of many faith-driven aspects of the Church on a National level, as well as experiencing the Church on a local Parish level. Our goal for each Mission Workshop has been that the Faithful come away with a burning desire to bring faithdriven work of the Workshop back to their parishes and be a light to that local Community of Faith, the Parish, and the communities in which they live. This year s Mission Workshop will be held at Holy Trinity Parish in Plantsville, Connecticut. Our accommodation is at Comfort Suites located at 64 Knotter Dr., Southington, CT The guaranteed room rate of $ plus tax. Please use the code: Polish National Catholic Church when making your reservation. The deadline cut - off date for obtaining this guaranteed room rate is Friday, March 8, When you fill out you registration form, send it along with a check for the Workshop Registration Fee of $75.00 per person. Please make the check payable to: Holy Trinity Parish. The deadline for registering is March 15, For registrations post-marked after March 15, 2019, the registration fee is $ We pray that you will consider joining us for the Nineteenth National Mission & Evangelism Workshop of the P.N.C.C., and we look forward to your attendance. If you have any questions, please contact: Very Rev. Jaroslaw Nowak, Commission Chairman Parish Phone: (313) nowak@netscape.com. Bishop Hodur Retreat & Recreation Center Improvements 90 For 90 Campaign Greetings to all on behalf of the entire United Y.M.S. of R. Board. Over the past two winters, the United Y.M.S of R. has led a PNCC-wide clothing drive that was designed to benefit each parish s local communities. This was continuing our decade-long church -wide practice of doing a service project or an event during our winter recess from monthly meetings and activities. Our service projects were to encourage fellowship in the local parish and the community. This year, the United YMS of R s service project is to take care of one of our own. In 1929, Bishop Hodur had a vision for Spojnia Farm to take care of the elderly with the home for the aged, utilize the farm to provide work for adults, and educate the youth at retreats. On July 4, 2019, Spojnia Farm properties will be celebrating its 90 th anniversary. To continue the tradition the United Y is focusing its efforts to give the Bishop Hodur Retreat and Recreation Center the upgrades it needs for the youth of our church and the young at heart. We are asking parishes to donate to our 90 for 90 campaign in celebration of the 90 th anniversary of Spojnia Farm. Thousands of people have stayed at Spojnia Farm or the Bishop Hodur Retreat Center in the last 90 years. Immediate needs of the camp include pool renovations, heating & air conditioning improvements, new energy efficient lighting, audio visual needs for seminars & retreats, and there is much more. Parishes can donate by means of a monetary contribution or holding a fundraiser and sending some of the proceeds. The drive began October 1, 2018 as it was presented at the 25 th General Synod and will conclude July 4, 2019, with a dedication at Spojnia Farm on the annual Independence Day Celebration and picnic. For any further information, please contact the YMS of R diocesan representatives or president Nick Kazinetz at (570) or Nkaz20@aol.com. You can mail a check to: 90 for 90 Campaign 207 Grassy Island Ave. Jessup, Pa Or donate via PayPal at: Sincerely in Jesus Christ our Lord, The United Y.M.S. of R. Board

6 Page 6 During the 24th General Synod of the Polish National Catholic Church, which was held in Erie, Pennsylvania 4 years ago, the delegates and guests had an opportunity to share their thoughts, and dreams for the PNCC, and to find concrete ways to bring them to reality. All in attendance, including the clergy, were on a real high upon returning from the Synod. In the words of Prime Bishop Mikovsky it was one of the most positive and powerful meetings of the Church in many years and it was in no small way due to the input of the synod delegates who took their roles seriously and completed the work which was placed before them. Last year, at the 25 th General Synod, the work continued and delegates met again to review the success of the first four years and chart a course for the next four years for The Future Direction of the Polish National Catholic Church. The Year of Discipleship Our purpose is to strengthen all members in their following of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Getting back to basics. Discipleship is who we are all this flows from being a disciple of Jesus. March The month of Repentance and Overcoming Temptation - Church members should develop a better understanding of what it really means to repent and have a practical strategy to engage this and overcome temptations when they come. April The month of being Called to Serve (The Mandatum) - Church members should be inspired to choose one way to personally serve another person/other people within their everyday lives that month--at home, at work, in school, etc. Possible Action Items for March/April: Two Days of Spiritual Retreat - Lent and one other (Advent) To complement our Scranton Seniorate Advent Spiritual Retreat in December, the Lenten Spiritual Retreat this season for our Seniorate is scheduled for Saturday, March 23 rd from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm at St Adalbert s, Dickson City. Our spiritual exercises that day will include prayer, Scripture readings and reflections, a brief service of penance, Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament and fellowship. Adult Continuing Education via a New Forum - Wine and Cheese Club or Soup, Sandwich and Sermon. In the spring have a series reviewing our Catechism - the teachings of our Church, and then in the Fall a series on reviewing the Gospels specifically the teachings of Jesus. This can be done via the Soup, Sandwich and Sermon Concept, Wine and Cheese Gatherings concept (based on the Pub Theology: Beer, Conversation and God), using a Book Club format or even via online. Cathedral Parish members can now avail themselves of the education sessions within the Adult Forum of our revitalized School of Christian Living. More parishioners are always welcome to add to the approximately 20 participants who share their questions, life experiences and faith journey with each other and the bishops who facilitate the sessions each week. Another new effort which transformed itself into community outreach was our involvement in the Wreaths Across America program. Plans are in the works to expand that effort across our adjacent cemeteries, perhaps with the involvement of veterans next year. Can you think of any new and different work our Parish can do this coming year? Breakfast / Dinner in honor of our first responders / veter ans? Would you consider being part of a small group that could generate ideas for us in the spirit of Future Directions? Could you pass on your ideas to a Parish Committee member for consideration and possible devel opment? We could benefit from your involvement in this with us.

7 Page 7 A Message from the Education & Youth Commission Now is the time for all students who are pursuing an undergraduate degree or a postsecondary certificate to start the application process for the PNU stipend (December 1st April 15th). The criteria for the stipend application, is as follows: a student currently enrolled in a college or university, part-time or full-time-(academic year 2018/2019). a member of the PNU having a life insurance policy current paying, single premium, or fully paid-up and in good standing for at least 5 years. One application can be filled out in its entirety and returned no later than April 15th, 2019 to: PNU c/o Education & Youth Commission- Attn: Mary Ann Stankowski, 1006 Pittston Avenue, Scranton, Pa This application and information sheet can be found through the PNU website ( as a downloadable form for the Education & Youth Commission, or in your parish halls. This is a great opportunity for our families and students to research and review the benefits of being a member within the PNU and see what this commission represents so they can become the future leaders within our church community! Any questions or concerns, please direct to Mary Ann Stankowski, EYC@pnu.org Life Line Screening, a leading provider of community-based preventive health screenings, will offer their affordable, non-invasive and painless health screenings at St Stanislaus Polish National Catholic Youth Center on March 26th. Five screenings will be offered that scan for potential health problems related to: blocked arteries which is a leading cause of stroke; abdominal aortic aneurysms which can lead to a ruptured aorta; hardening of the arteries in the legs which is a strong predictor of heart disease; atrial fibrillation or irregular heart beat which is closely tied to stroke risk; and a bone density screening, for men and women, used to assess the risk of osteoporosis. Register for a Wellness Package which includes 4 vascular tests and osteoporosis screening from $149 ($139 with our member discount). All five screenings take minutes to complete. In order to register for this event and to receive a $10 discount off any package priced above $129, please call or visit communitycircle or text the word circle to Lent is Here! Get your Ash in Church April 16 th Chrism Mass 4:00 p.m. April 18 th Mass of the Institution of the Eucha rist 7:00 p.m. During Lent every: Wednesday 7:00 pm Stations of the Cross with Benediction, Cathedral. Friday 12 noon Stations of the Cross, chapel, lower Cathedral Saturday 9:15 10:00 am Private Confes sions, adults & especially children, chapel, lower Cathedral March 23 rd 10:30 am to 1:00 pm Scranton Seniorate Lenten Retreat, Saint Adalbert s Church, Dickson City April 19 th 12 noon to 3:00p.m.Holy Hour Stations of the Cross Mass of the Pre-Sanctified Opening of the Tomb 7:00 p.m. Tenebrae April 20 th Blessing of Easter Food in the Cathedral 9:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. Blessing of Food at the Tripp Park Chapel 3:00 p.m. 4:00 Vigil of the Risen One April 14 th Palm Sunday Masses at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Living Stations

8 Page 8 Mark Your Calendars! Here are some of the upcoming events, so mark your calendars to keep them in mind. March 2 nd - One Hot Meal 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Youth Center Come enjoy a meal or be a volunteer. March 6 th Ash Wednesday Distribution of Ashes at Noon and 7:00 p.m. Masses March 23 rd 10:30 am to 1:00 pm Scranton Seniorate Lenten Retreat, Saint Adalbert s Church, Dickson City March 29 th through March 31 st Mission & Evangelism Workshop in Plantsville, CT April 6 th - One Hot Meal 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Youth Center Come enjoy a meal or be a volunteer. April 7 th - Breakfast with the Easter Bunny after the 9:30 a.m. Mass. April 13 th UYA Bread Making for Easter April 14 th Palm Sunday Masses at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Living Stations April 16 th Diocesan Clergy Conference in the Youth Center Chrism Mass 4:00 p.m. April 18 th Mass of the Institution of the Eucharist 7:00 p.m. Holy Mass 10:30 a.m. Holy Mass at Tripp Park Chapel 11:15 A.M. April 25 th thru April 27 th International Bishop Conference in the Youth Center May 4 th One Hot Meal 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Youth Center Come enjoy a meal or be a volunteer. May 16 th through 18 th United YMS of R Spiritual Retreat in Waymart May 17 th UYA Lock-In at the Youth Center May 19 th Closing of the SOCL during 9:30 Mass May 25 th 1 st Chicken Barbeque on the corner of Pittston Ave. and Elm St. Noon until sold out. May 27 th Memorial Day Service at the Cemetery 10:00 a.m. rain or shine! June 1 st - One Hot Meal 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Youth Center Come enjoy a meal or be a volunteer. June 7 th through 9 th YMS of R Bowling Tournament in Stratford, Ct April 19 th 12 noon to 3:00p.m.Holy Hour 7:00 p.m. Tenebrae April 20 th Blessing of Easter Food in the Cathedral and at the Tripp Park 4:00 Vigil of the Risen One April 21 st Easter Sunday Resurrection Mass 8:00 a.m. March Birthdays Mar 1 Robert Serovinski Mar 3 Michael Swannick Mar 4 Kyle Lennert; Mar 5 Brandon Reed Mar 9 Jordan Patrick Mar 13 Angela Ostrowski Mar 14 - Jean Cwynar Mar 18 - Jean Pucher Mar 19 - Gretchen Middleton Mar 20 - Katie Tempaugh Susan Nitch Mar 21 - John Kotula Mar 23 - Deanna McConnell Mar 27 Dorothy Partyka Mar 28 Jean Gontarski Mar 31 Jerome Hughes