New Hope - New Vision - New Growth

ACTS POLISH PUBLICATION OF THE BUFFALO-PITTSBURGH DIOCESE NATIONAL CATHOLIC CHURCH FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL 2011 New Hope - New Vision - New Growth This second decade of the Twenty First Century promises a sturdy and sure foundation for the Polish National Catholic Church. We enter in the 114 Anniversary of the organization of the Church and the 104 Anniversary of the Consecration of the First Bishop, Francis Hodur in valid and licit Apostolic Succession. The fact that we have preserved our Holy Orders in an unbroken line with the first Holy Apostles, has ignited the flame of a New Hope and an enlightened vision for the future growth and expansion of the Polish National Catholic Church. Our battle cry for success continues to inspire people in other nations to follow our lead in preserving the concept of National Catholic Churches in which: By Truth, Work and Struggle, We Shall Succeed! I have just returned from a successful missionary visit to both Germany and Italy where there are both former Anglican and Old Catholic Parishes and Communities that are disillusioned over the questionable validity of some doctrines and sacraments that are being practiced in those Churches. They respect the decision that our bishops took in 2003 at the Bishop s Conference in Prague in breaking official ties with European Old Catholic Churches. There are many clergy and lay members who feel the same way and want to be in union with our church. They are asking that we listen to their pleas and offer some type of accommodations that will allow them to be in Communion with the Polish National Catholic Church. The purpose of the Union of Scranton was proposed so that they might find a haven that will continue to maintain the traditional Old Catholic teachings and practices. In Germany, I was invited to visit a former Old Catholic Monastic Abbey that follows the Cistercian Rule and they are looking for union with an on-going traditional Old Catholic Church. The Polish National Catholic Church is the only Old Catholic Body that fits that criteria, so through the influence of Father Roald Flemested of the Nordic Catholic Church, they were directed to contact me. We met with Abbot Klaus Schlapps at St. Severn s Abbey in Kaufberuren, Bavaria. This Abbey also serves about 100 members of a Parish Church St. Lucas in the town of Kaufberuren. There are priests, brothers and nuns who make up this Order and serve five other Old Catholic Congregations in Germany. There are also possibilities of accepting other groups in France, Switzerland and five Parishes in Cameroon, Africa. The talks appear to be very positive for establishing relations that could include them in the Union of Scranton. We traveled nine hours by train from Bavaria through Austria and the Swiss Alps to the famous city of Turin,,the permanent home of the Shroud of Turin. Our missionary endeavor was successful there for now have three Parishes in Italy: St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish in Luca with Fr. Claudio Boca as Pastor; Merciful Jesus Parish in Turin with Fr. Giuseppe Biancotti as its Pastor, and Holy Spirit Parish in Sabaudia with Fr. Luciano Bruno as its Pastor. Another Parish is in the process of being organized near Pizza by Father Gastone Bernacchi, whom I ordained on Saturday, January 15th. Two of these Parishes were formerly Old Catholic Congregations under the Bishop of Switzerland. Inquiries are also coming from other former Anglican and Old Catholic Communities who see in the PNCC the traditional catholic teachings and Apostolic Orders that are vital signs of being a part of the true Church of Jesus Christ. Too often we America National Catholics take our Church for granted and feel that we belong to a small, little known denomination that no one knows or cares about. The Polish National Catholic Church however, is greatly admired by people throughout the world as being a Church of great faith and conviction, and they seek to be one with us because we maintain the traditional signs of a true Church, for we are: One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic in preserving a very orthodox and traditional faith. For these very reasons, we should continue to have Hope and New Vision for the future growth and expansion of the National Catholic Church s expression of the true faith. In 2011, let us take the example of our newest mission fields where people are very open and positive about expressing their joy of being a part of the PNCC and because of their new or refound faith, they are not afraid to talk to others about what the Church means in their lives. We need to stop standing along the side lines and criticizing what is happening and get out into the mainstream of life and tell others about the Church. Our words and actions are positive seeds that will cause the PNCC to grow not only in new mission fields, but also blossom and bear fruit right in our own hometown congregations. All it takes is faith, and God will do the rest. In humble service, Thaddeus S. Peplowski, Bishop Ordinary

2 DIOCESAN NEWSLETTER Holy Mother of the Rosary Cathedral Lancaster, New York The new administration building is essentially complete. The cost of the project will be over $370,000. Some new office equipment (desks, tables, chairs and storage) is required as well as phone lines, computer connections, etc. Landscaping will be done in the spring as the weather permits. The administration building was originally designed in 1993 along with the Cathedral, parish center, and parish school but due to financial reasons was not erected at that time. The parish was finally put into a position to go forward with the project after many years of fundraisers, donations and bequeaths. The project was reactivated two years ago under the guidance of Bishop Peplowski and finalized with the help of many parishioners including Norm Glowka, Gene Kogut, Beverly Deinhart and the late Tom Nowak. The parish intends to build a rectory on site in 2011 for the incoming Bishop. The parish duplex, currently containing the parish office and the Bishop s residence will be sold afterward. In the spirit of sharing and caring 3rd grader Natalie Jennings, daughter of parishioners Ron and Rosie Jennings, wanted to do what she could to help others. In the last four years her grandfather and four family friends had developed some form of cancer. Seeing a television commercial for Locks of Love a non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to disadvantaged children suffering long term medical hair loss, Natalie took action. It took two years for her hair to grow the required ten inches. And on October 16, 2010 her hair was cut and donated to this worthy cause. May we all exhibit the same amount of sharing and caring as shown by Natalie. Natalie Jennings 10/16/10, getting hair cut for worthy cause Towel Bingo 11/7/10, Marcia Zgoda setting up continued on page 3 Parish Administration Building under construction Fall 2010 Cathedral Bell Choir 12/4/10, Memorial Tree Lighting

DIOCESAN NEWSLETTER 3 continued from page 2 Recent fundraisers included a Towel Bingo held on November 7 by the Cathedral Ladies Guild and a Pancake Breakfast held on November 21 by the Young Men s Society of Resurrection. On December 4, 2010, the Cathedral Bell Choir of Holy Mother of the Rosary Cathedral under the direction of Jane Kubacki, Cathedral Bell Choir Director, participated in Hospice s 22nd Annual Light-A-Life Memorial Tree Lighting Ceremony at CTG Corp, an information technology company located in Buffalo, New York. This was the second year that the Cathedral Bell Choir was invited to perform for this moving and peaceful ceremony to honor friends and loved ones who passed away and who had been under the wonderful care of Hospice during their illness. Despite the cold and chilly temperature, the Bell Choir performed Christmas Carols which were appreciated by all in attendance. Even though the choir members were cold, their hearts were warmed as they were honored to be part of this ceremony for this wonderful organization. The Bell Choir looks forward to being invited back next year. On December 12, an Advent/Christmas Evensong Service was held. Featured were the Cathedral Harmonia Choir, the Cathedral Bell Choir, and the Cathedral Contemporary Folk Ensemble. The Cathedral s own Nelson Koeppel was the organist. Thomas Witakowski was a guest bass-baritone. A reception followed the service. On December 19, the annual Parish Christmas Dinner was held. Good food and camaraderie was enjoyed by all in celebration of the Holy Season. continued on page 4 Parish Christmas Dinner 12/19/10, Mens and Children s Choirs Parish Christmas Dinner 12/19/10 Parish Christmas Dinner 12/19/10, Visit to Santa, Cameron Swantek Children s Choir 12/19/10

4 DIOCESAN NEWSLETTER continued from page 3 It s tough to beat the beauty, both in sight and sound, of the Shepherds Mass (Pasterka) that was held at the Cathedral on December 24 at 11pm. The Mass was preceded by a Festival of Carols, a half hour long performance by the Cathedral Harmonia Choir and the Cathedral Bell Choir. It was a truly inspirational performance and Mass in honor of the coming of our Savior. On a sad note, Thomas Nowak passed away on January 14th, two days after his 59th birthday. Tom was a member of the Parish Committee, who, among other activities over the past year, was in charge of the successful Home and Garden Raffle (a one day fundraiser event including prizes, raffles, and a complimentary dinner), was in charge of parking during the Harvest Festival and was a member of the committee overseeing the design and construction of the new administration building. Tom worked for his parish until it was impossible for him to do any more. He is missed by all who knew him. To Tom s wife, Fran, his mother Ceil, his children and his extended family, our deepest condolences. The annual Casino Excursion to Niagara Falls, New York was held on January 22. The 150 parishioners and guests, on three buses, had a good time although no big winners (or losers) were reported. Donald and Karen Barnes are in charge of this popular event for YMS of R. A fundraiser Spaghetti Dinner was held on January 30 by YMS of R. The Home and Garden Raffle to be held on Saturday, March 12 between 5 and 9pm. Tickets are available for $20.00 that includes the main raffle, dinner and refreshments and ten additional raffle items. The raffles included with the ticket purchase are for a patio table and chair set, snowblower, XBox, $500 Lowe s gift card, 26 inch LCD HDTV and other prizes. For ticket information, Call 685-5766. Shepherds Mass 12/24/10 Shepherds Mass 12/24/10 Shepherds Mass 12/24/10 Tom Nowak at previous Home & Garden Raffle

DIOCESAN NEWSLETTER 5 Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Lilly, Pennsylvania Happy New Year from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Lilly, Pennsylvania. It s hard to believe that 2011 is here already. On October 16th, we were honored to have Bishop Thaddeus Peplowski celebrate mass with us. Prior to the Mass, James Smith, Vice Chairman presented him with salt and bread to welcome him to our parish. Following the mass, we had a reception for the Bishop. Bishop Peplowski enjoyed conversing with the parishioners. The church provided the main dish while our parishioners brought their special covered dishes which were all delicious. It was a great meal and also a pleasant time to sit and relax. A good time was had by all. On November 12th we had a soup sale. Soups available were chicken noodle, beef vegetable and Fr. Scott s famous chili. Unfortunately, Father Scott was unable to make the chili this time, but we followed his recipe and it turned out fabulously. Special thanks go out to all our parishioners who took an angel from the tree at church. With all the help we were able to help out 28 needy children. Each child received an item of clothing as well as a toy for Christmas. December 4th was our annual Christmas party held after Mass in our social hall for the parishioners and their families, friends and the many local volunteers who have helped us throughout the year with our fundraisers. The meal was a covered dish and was there ever a nice selection to chose from. The children were all awaiting the arrival of Santa. Fr. Scott took the children in the church to tell them the story of St. Nick. The children were all so good. They were very attentive until they heard Santa s bells. They were real anxious to get out to see him and sit on his lap. Santa listened to their requests and hopefully they all got what they wanted. Each child received a goody bag filled with treats and toys. One of the children came back in line a second time because he had forgotten to tell Santa thank you. It was a touching moment. The hall was beautifully decorated, thanks once again to the Guzic and McGuire families.they have been doing this for many years. They celebrate Thanksgiving dinner in the hall and following the meal they all chip in and decorate. This is such a big help! Thank you once again. We had a disaster in the Church just prior to the Christmas party. The power vent on the furnace malfunctioned causing a puff-back of oil over the entire continued on page 6 Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Lilly: Shelley Lill lighting the Advent wreath, assisted by Fr. Scott, Anna, Clare & Thomas Lill & Brett Dively Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Lilly at the Vigil Mass for Christmas. Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Lilly at the Christmas Vigil Mass: Samantha Borlie, Anna Lill, Clare Lill & Douglas Brown praying after baby Jesus was placed in the crib.

6 DIOCESAN NEWSLETTER continued from page 5 interior of the church and even into the attic where a massive amount of supplies are stored. We did a lot of hustling to get the social hall ready for the party, but the entire job is so extensive that professional cleaners had to be contacted to begin the massive job of cleaning the church. Ceiling tiles and insulation are being removed and replaced, walls will be cleaned and then painted, paper goods must be disposed of, etc. We have been given an estimate of 1-3 months for this to be completed. Please keep us in your prayers. Speaking of decorating, we wish to thank the crew who helped decorate the Church. This was a big undertaking with the beautiful decorations and our special nativity set which is always done so thoughtfully! On December 24th, we celebrated the Vigil of Christmas and were thrilled with the attendance. Samatha Borlie carried the baby Jesus to the stable and alongside her was Anna Lill and Fr. Scott. The flowers on the altar and the flowers and trees by the creche were beautiful. There was caroling with both English hymns and Polish Koledy prior to Mass. It was a nice time for everyone to be together. After Mass concluded, each parishioner received a small gift courtesy of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. December 31st we hosted our second New Year s Eve Party at the Cassandra Social Hall. The featured entertainment was a polka band, the Hallmarks. We had a nice attendance. Entrance fee entitled the patrons with a traditional New Year s Eve meal of kielbasa, sauerkraut, hot dogs, mashed potatoes, hobo beans and macaroni salad. Also provided were drinks and party favors. A great time was had by all. Thanks to all who helped with this fundraiser. As the holidays passed quite quickly and the cleaners were coming in to start the clean-up, we had to get the decorations down by January 2nd, so thanks to all of the people who showed up to pack everything away while cleaning in the process. Have a safe and healthy New Year. Best wishes from OLMC Emily Hershel Our Lady of Mount Carmel s Christmas Party, Lilly: Not sure if Revin Goughnour was happy or praying for Mom to come and get him. Our Lady of Mount Carmel s Christmas Party, Lilly: Collin & Samantha Borlie were excited to see Santa (aka Don Graham). All Soul s Day at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Lilly: Fr. Scott Lill blessing the grave of Fr. Ed Mangelsdorf.

Childrens Christmas Party District 4 Polish National Union of America Childrens Christmas Party held on January 8, 2011 at the Holy Mother of the Rosary Cathedral s Bishop Thaddeus Peplowski Center, Lancaster, New York. After a lunch of pizza, wings, veggies, cookies, candy and pop, clowns Dilly Dally and Twinkle Toes entertained the children with magic, face painting, animal balloons and fun galore. Santa s arrival stopped the activities while he presented each child with a gift. Special thanks for all who made this event possible. For your insurance needs, give us a try. Ed Dudek, Director, District 4 DIOCESAN NEWSLETTER 7 St. Michael the Archangel Parish Niagara Falls, New York Pictured are Fr. Senior Francis Kadryna, Pastor; Deacon Richard Golaszewski, and Parishioners of St. Michael the Archangel PNCC on the occasion of the 90th Anniversary of the founding of the parish in Niagara Falls, New York.

8 DIOCESAN NEWSLETTER Keeping Warm at St. Barbara Parish in Houtzdale! Submitted by Shelley Lill The Christmas Season was here and then gone before we knew it! Racing into 2011, here are a few pictures to catch you up on what we ve been up to lately! About 30 parishioners and guests enjoyed a free screening of a newer holiday classic Elf. Some of our young people sit in the front row for our first ever family movie night. Parish Committee member Michele Moslak assists with the lighting of the Advent Wreath before Mass on the Second Sunday of Advent. Parish Committee Treasurer Scott Baxter is the popcorn master for family movie nights! Yummy! Just like the theatre... except the price! St. Nicholas, who visited our Sunday S.O.C.L. classes the day before his Feast Day, is pictured here with some of our students: (from left to right) Anna Lill, Wyatt Beirlair, Quinten Moslak, Trace Beirlair, Kobie Beirlair, Cole Kawa, Henry Frankovich and Clare Lill. continued on page 9

DIOCESAN NEWSLETTER 9 continued from page 8 Here are the cast, narrators and choir from our annual Parish Christmas Pageant which was held on Sunday, December 19. Bishop Peplowski Hall was crowded with an audience who enjoyed the play and stayed for a potluck dinner. St. Joseph, his donkey and one of the humble shepherds (also known as Ben Murawski, Kobie Beirlair and Quinten Moslak) onstage and patiently waiting. Hey, Angel Clare! You re supposed to be bringing GLAD tidings! Emily Murawski - simply beautiful as Mary the Mother of Jesus! Choir members (from left to right) Chelsea Reed, Karen Hansel and May Ann Kemler praising the Lord in song, during the Christmas Pageant. Richard Hansel and his little buddy Tommy Lill - all decked out in their santa caps - had a bet as to which one would fall asleep first at the potluck after the Christmas Pageant. The little guy owes Richard two candy canes!

10 DIOCESAN NEWSLETTER Holy Trinity 200 Grace Street McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania Holy Trinity Parish hosted a concert on the second Sunday of Advent performed by the Choral Group, One Voice conducted by David Presseau. The concert recounted the story of Christmas in word and song and helped everyone prepare to celebrate the birth of the Savior. After the concert, the parish provided a meal and the opportunity for all the guests to meet the performers and continue in fellowship. Christmas dinner with visit and gifts from Santa. Our celebration of Christmas was made complete as the parish sponsored a dinner for exceptional people in our community. For the second year the parish collected gifts for about 35 guests who along with their staff were treated to a delicious rigatoni and meatball dinner. Santa and his elf arrived just in time for a wonderful ice cream sundae dessert. The evening ended with a distribution of gifts. Holy Trinity celebrated the fifth anniversary in our new church building with the addition of new choir robes. The choir works hard and has dramatically improved the experience of the Sunday Liturgy by including both adults and children in the worship and praise of God. The new robes were donated in loving memory of Matthew Amend by Janice, Bob and Rob Amend. continued on page 11

DIOCESAN NEWSLETTER 11 continued from page 10 Janice, Paulette, Dorothy, Laura, Kathy, Lauren, Wanda, Kathy and Joyce...the best helpers Santa ever had! Ben and Kate Owen, happy to serve a delicious dinner! Santa made sure everyone went home happy!

ACTS 5776 Broadway Lancaster, NY 14086-2359 Non Profit Organ. U.S. Postage P A I D PERMIT No. 148 BUFFALO, NY 12 DIOCESAN NEWSLETTER - PITTSBURGH BUFFALO Truth Work 1928 DIOCESE OF THE P.N.C.C. Struggle BUFFALO - PITTSBURGH DIOCESE POLISH NATIONAL CATHOLIC CHURCH RIGHT REV. THADDEUS S. PEPLOWSKI 5776 Broadway, Lancaster, New York 14086-2359 ACTS IS A PUBLICATION OF THE BUFFALO - PITTSBURGH DIOCESE INFORMATION FOR ACTS MAY - JUNE - JULY 2011 PLEASE RETURN TO THE EDITOR NO LATER THAN APRIL 10, 2011 Return Address: Editor of ACTS c/o Diocesan Chancery 5776 Broadway Lancaster, NY 14086-2359 Ph. (716) 685-5767 Fax: (716) 685-5768 1) Articles relating to current events 2) Articles regarding events in your parish 3) Editorial Articles 4) Calendar of Events 5) Deanery Activities and Meetings 6) Societies of the Church Information ie. Y.M.S. of R., S.A.M.B.S. (A.N.S.), U.Y.A. (Youth Club), Senior Citizens, etc. Coming Events in the Diocese Confirmation will be held at Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Saturday, February 19, Dallas, Texas, and on Sunday, February 20, at St. Martin & Rose Parish, San Antonio, Texas. A visitation of Annunciation Parish in San Antonio, Texas on Saturday evening, February 19. Annual Lenten Retreat will be held at Holy Mother of the Rosary Cathedral, Lancaster, NY on Saturday, March 5. Great Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, March 9. Consult your Parish Bulletin for the dates and times of Lenten Devotions. Institution of the Polish National Catholic Church is observed nationally on Sunday, March 13. Diocesan Priests Conference will be held on Tuesday, April 19 at 1 pm, Parish of Our Lady Church, Brant, NY. Blessing of Oils will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 19 at 7 pm in the Parish of Our Lady Church, Brant, NY. Coming Events cont d National Convention of the SAMBS will be held April 29, 30 and 31 at Holy Trinity Parish, New Castle, PA. The 66th Annual YMSR/PNCC Bowling Tournament will be held in McKeesport, PA, May 20 & 21. From the Office of the Bishop The Merciful Jesus Parish (formerly Old Catholic) in Turin, Italy, was received into the Buffalo Pittsburgh Diocese on Thursday, January 13th. It s Pastor, Father Guiseppe Biancotti was incardinated into the PNCC on the same day. His Old Catholic Orders are valid. The Holy Spirit Parish (formerly Old Catholic) in Sabaudia, Italy, was received in the Buffalo Pittsburgh Diocese on Saturday, January 15th. It s Pastor, Father Luciano Bruno, was incardinated in the PNCC on the same day. His Roman Catholic Orders are valid. Deacon Gastone Bernacchi was ordained to the Priesthood on Saturday, January 15th in Holy Spirit Church, Sabaudia, Italy. Father Bernacchi is in the process of organizing a new PNCC Parish in the vicinity of Pizza, Italy. Bishop John Mack, former Pastor of Holy Trinity Parish, has been appointed by the Prime Bishop to become Pastor of St. Stanislaus Cathedral in Scranton, PA, as well as Bishop Ordinary of the Central Diocese of the PNCC effective February 1, 2011. Father Phillip Lavery, Pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Canonsburg, PA, has also been appointed Administrator of Holy Trinity Parish, Washington, PA, effective February 1, 2011. The Sacrament of Confirmation was administered by Bishop Peplowski to 6 confirmands in St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish, Lucca, Italy, on Sunday, January 16th. PARISH COMMITTEES APPROVED FOR 2011 Holy Family Parish, North Java, NY Holy Cross Parish, Warren, OH Holy Family Parish, McKeesport, PA Parish of Our Lady, Brant, NY St. Casimir Parish, Rochester, NY Transfiguration Parish, Mount Pleasant, PA St. Barbara Parish, Houtzdale, PA Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Lilly, PA Holy Cross Parish, Johnstown, PA St. Joseph Mission Parish, Belle Vernon, PA Holy Trinity Parish, McKees Rocks, PA Holy Trinity Parish, Woodlawn, NY St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Niagara Falls, NY Annunciation of Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, San Antonio, TX St. Martin and St. Rose Parish, San Antonio, TX Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Dallas, TX St. Stanislao Kostka Parish, Lucca, Italy Merciful Jesus Parish, Turin, Italy Holy Spirit Parish, Sabaudia, Italy Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Canonsburg, PA Holy Trinity Parish, Washington, PA