Christ is Risen, Alleluia - Polish National Catholic · PDF fileChrist is Risen, Alleluia Most Rev. Anthony Mikovsky ... the celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior,

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Volume 94 March 2016 Issue #3

Christ is Risen, Alleluia

Most Rev. Anthony Mikovsky

Prime Bishop

(Continued on Page 3.)

We have now completed the season of Lent and have

come to the point that is the true focus of our faith,

the celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord and

Savior, Jesus Christ, from the dead. The Romans had

thought that they had crushed the hopes of this small

movement within Palestine as they had done with

others. Even the disciples were downtrodden and

fearful thinking that their Master had been killed and

their own lives now in danger. But something

awesome happened on that first Easter morning. The

words of Scripture from St. John’s Gospel tell us of

the event, but even the apostles then didn’t entirely

understand it.

“Early on the first day of the week, while it was still

dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw

that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So

she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other

disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them,

“They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we

do not know where they have laid Him.” Then Peter

and the other disciple set out and went toward the

tomb. The two were running together, but the other

disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He

bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings

lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter

came, following him, and went into the tomb. He

saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth

that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen

wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the

other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went

in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not

understand the scripture, that He must rise from the

dead.” (John 20:1-9)

We see in this Scripture, especially with St. John, the

beloved disciple, a combination of non-

comprehension but also strong belief. This Scripture

reading has always moved me because I feel too that

it is the position in which we often find ourselves.

We do not fully understanding the mysteries of our

Lord, but at the same time we fully believe that Jesus

is the Lord of heaven and earth and the long awaited

Messiah. We have faith and can see and know the

actions of the living Jesus in our lives, but we may

not entirely understand it all.

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ says one thing to us

and says it in no small way. “Jesus is Lord.” He

rose from the dead. He was and is victorious over sin

and death. He now lives a transformed life that will

not end. Throughout the rest of the Church year we

will have the opportunity to work out all that this

means for us as Christians and for the world as

undergoing the new creation, but the day of the

Resurrection calls for us just to take it all in and be a

witness to the joyous celebration. This day, Jesus

has returned to us as Risen Lord and Savior. This

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2 God’s Field — March 2016


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Volume 94, Issue No. 3 3

(Christ is Risen, Alleluia - Continued from Page 1.)

day Jesus is finally to be recognized as Lord of the

world and Messiah of Israel. This day sin and death,

those most fearsome of enemies, is conquered. All

these things happened on that morning. The

disciples then were witnesses and we today are

called to be witnesses of these things just the same.

When we consider the power of the Resurrection, is

it any wonder that after encountering the risen Lord

Jesus, the disciples were no longer afraid but began

to go out into the world and proclaim that good

news? Is it any wonder that those disciples who

once feared for their very lives all went to a martyr’s

death proclaiming that Jesus has conquered death?

If we are to be the same sort of witnesses today, we

too need to worry less about what others might think

and say about us and rather focus on the power of

the Resurrection of Jesus as they did.

Something truly awesome happened on that first

Easter day and it was there Jesus was truly risen.

The disciples witnessed the empty tomb and

encountered Him in a variety of times and places.

As Polish National Catholics we have the

opportunity to encounter Jesus in Word and

Sacrament and in the worshiping community which

is the Body of Christ and each of us His members.

As strongly as the first disciples proclaimed that

Jesus had been risen from the dead, we too can and

must proclaim that “Christ is Risen. He is Risen, In-

deed.”

These words should be always on our lips as faithful

members of the Church. And more importantly they

are to have an effect on our lives. We can’t just

proclaim that Jesus is Lord and Savior and then go

back to living our lives in whatever way we please.

If Jesus is our Lord and has beaten sin and death for

us, then certainly His way of life and living must be

the way that we follow; if not, there is a horrible

inconsistency, or worse yet hypocrisy, to our lives.

The fact that Jesus is alive should have a part in

every decision that we make, every action we take

and every thought we think. If we are followers of

Christ we must take on that attitude of St. Paul who

tells us in Galatians 2:20: “It is no longer I who live,

but it is Christ who lives in me.”

So my brothers and sisters, let the words ring out

strongly from our lips on Easter morning, throughout

the rest of the Easter season and beyond. “Christ is

Risen. He is Risen, Indeed.” But more importantly

let us proclaim that He lives through our actions of

love, mercy and kindness and let others know that our

Christian faith and Christian life is a reflection of the

living Christ.

“Christ is Risen. He is Risen, Indeed”

Easter Greetings from the staff of God’s Field.

Controller: Most Rev. Anthony A. Mikovsky

Editor: Julie Orzell

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“Once Upon a Tree” Rt. Rev. John Mack — Bishop, Buffalo-Pittsburgh Diocese P.N.C.C.

Every once in a while, while looking for inspiration to

pen a few words for an article, I think back to an event

that proved to be a “God moment” in life. I

remember trying to reactivate the “Pittsburgh Bard” to

gather and present a Lenten Cantata in 2004. We

selected Pepper Choplin’s “Once Upon a Tree.”

Skipping production details, the Cantata came off

fairly well with God’s help. What I would like to

share is some of the libretto from the Cantata. It

traces the story of Luke as he writes the Acts of the

Apostles and tells of his commitment to Jesus.

Pepper Choplin begins his forward by saying,

”Nothing we can say about this story of Christ can add

to it or make it more meaningful. All we can do is

simply tell it as clearly as we can and get out of the

way. It stands alone; its power is intrinsic. When

people truly hear and experience the story, they are

inevitably changed.” He continues: “The story takes

us to the depths of human suffering and lifts us to the

ultimate victory over death. If the biblical account of

Jesus’ death and resurrection was simply a work of

literature, its dramatic power could stand beside the

greatest of Shakespearean plays. But to those who

would believe, it transcends literature and defines the

meaning of life itself and leads the way to eternal

life.”

The opening selection says, “Once upon a tree, a good

man died, and though He did no crime, He was

crucified. If the story ended there, I would have no

song to share, but my heart will ever sing the story.

Once upon a tree, so the story goes, and all its mystery

surely no one knows. Could the Father’s will be done

through the suff’ring of His Son? And there comes

the answer, “Once upon a tree.” Some might take

offense in the use of the words, “a good man died”

and “if the story ended there.” For believers, Christ

was more than “a good man” and the “story” is not

just a book at the library, but the Gospel of our

Almighty God!. Yet, not everyone believes that Jesus

WAS/IS the Son of God. (surprisingly, even some

Christians!) Not everyone believes that the Bible is

the revealed Word of God. It is our task to convince

them! We must, however, believe it and live it out in

our lives first and foremost! It is our task to bring the

grace and power and richness and treasure that is

found in believing in God to the world of unbelief!

The character Luke asks rhetorically at the beginning

of the Cantata, “What is worth giving your life to?

Have you ever asked that question? I discovered a

story so compelling, that giving my life to tell it . . .

as the only way I finally found my life. Really I had

no choice. God called me to do this. I’ve spent my life

recording the testimonies of those who were forever

changed by their encounters with Jesus. The work has

already changed me profoundly. We must ask

ourselves this Easter and every day of our lives this

question: Has being a Christian all these years (you

fill in the number of years) changed my life

profoundly? If not, we can’t say that Jesus hasn’t

tried to change us – it’s just that we haven’t been

cooperative. We haven’t taken the initiative. We

haven’t put forth the effort!

Luke ends his dialogue before the final selection “The

Song Lives On, Hallelujah!” with these words that

speak of Christ’s Resurrection: “ I could not sleep in

peace if the story ended at the tomb. I would not give

my life to its telling. But tonight, I rest in the

assurance that tomorrow belongs to the Lord. I

rejoice in the glorious things I have yet to tell: the

miracle of an empty tomb; the wonder of Jesus’

resurrection and His appearance to people on earth.

Then, there are the glorious eyewitness accounts of

Christ ascending into heaven right before their eyes.

Now, I travel with the apostle Paul and see mighty

wonders with my own eyes. There is so much more

to be written as I continue to record the Acts of the

Apostles. Each day is an adventure as we take the

story of Christ to the ends of the earth. I have been

faithful in recording all of these things and now place

them in your hands. What will you do with this

story?” This is truly the crux of the Gospel. What

will I do with “this story?” What will you do with

this story?” Someone once wrote: “Christianity is

only a generation away from extinction.” It sounds

quite foreboding and yet it is a true statement in

reality.

I ask you this Easter – What have you done to further

the living Gospel of Jesus Christ in the world around

you? Have you shared your faith and belief in Jesus

and His Resurrection? If you haven’t done so

recently, there is no better time than NOW to begin.

Make a pledge to Jesus this Eastertide to reverently

LIVE a Resurrected Life on a daily basis. With

God’s help and the power of the Holy Spirit we will

be empowered to make a difference in the world

around us.

Wesołego Alleluja – A Blessed Eastertide to All!

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Christ is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed!

Rt. Rev. Bernard Nowicki

Bishop, Central Diocese P.N.C.C.

When we greet each other at Easter we usually offer

the default common greeting of “Happy Easter” if

we use one at all. As a greeting, I suppose it’s better

to use that one than nothing at all on that glorious

occasion, but doesn’t it just seem a little mundane,

something akin to “Have a nice day,” the way it so

easily trips off our lips? Well thank God for the

Polish and generally Eastern European and Orthodox

Easter greeting that, I’d say, is big enough for and

equal to so wondrous a Solemnity of our Faith as the

resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The Easter greeting I’m referring to is, of course,

“Chrystus zmartwychwstal!” “Christ is risen!” And

the recipient of that greeting responds boldly and

with joy in his heart, “Prawdziwie zmartwychwstal!”

“He is risen, indeed!” As you can see, this Eastern

European greeting is no simple desire that the

recipient of it will go out and have a good time.

Rather, this greeting is nothing less than a

proclamation that draws the greeter and the recipient,

i.e., you and me, into the very center of the mystery

of our faith in Christ risen from the dead for our

salvation. In your greeting to me on Easter Sunday

of “Christ is risen!” and in my response to you of

“He is risen, indeed!” we are, in that moment

together, the Church alive, proclaiming and giving

exultant witness to our common faith in the risen

Lord. The simplistic phrase, “Happy Easter,” falls

significantly short of doing anything like that.

Maybe this Polish Easter greeting isn’t regularly

used among us precisely because it pulls you and me

into the mystery of our faith, giving a very public

witness of our faith, indicating vividly what both of

us truly believe and how people who hear us can

expect it to be reflected in our lives. When you

extend this greeting to me, it expects a response from

me that then ties us together in that faith, and unites

us in the Church and into a specific style of living.

Christ Is Risen! He Is Risen, Indeed!

The challenges of secularism and marginalization

and others that are facing not only our Polish

National Catholic Church today but indeed the entire

Church of Christ everywhere in the world are

challenges that call us Polish National Catholics,

specifically, to consider whether our Catholic faith is

just a generic title that has little influence in our

lives, or whether our Catholic faith is something that

we embrace with a love that influences our whole

lives; a faith that we give witness to in the way we

live and in the ways people experience us.

From this Easter forward, then, as Polish National

Catholics, please witness enthusiastically to your life

and living in the Catholic faith. As Polish National

Catholics, we don’t need simply to hope for a

“Happy Easter,” but rather we have the reality of

Jesus, God’s Christ, risen from the dead, in whom

we place our faith, a faith that moves you to proclaim

to me that “Christ Is Risen!” and that moves me to

gladly and gratefully respond to you, “He Is Risen,

Indeed!”

May you all experience a glorious, blessed and

uplifting celebration of our Lord’s resurrection this

Easter Day!

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An Easter Message for 2016

Rt. Rev. Paul Sobiechowski

Bishop, Buffalo-Eastern Diocese P.N.C.C.

“After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And

behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, approached, rolled back the stone, and sat

upon it. His appearance was like lightning and his clothing was white as snow. The guards were shaken with fear of him and became

like dead men. Then the angel said to the women in reply, “Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is

not here, for he has been raised just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has

been raised from the dead, and he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ Behold, I have told you.”

(Matthew 28: 1-7, NAB)

Matthew’s description of the Resurrection of Our

Lord is interesting in that Matthew presents the event

taking place with “Mary Magdalene and the other

Mary” present. They don’t see Jesus coming forth

from the tomb, but the sequence of events suggests

that they experienced the earthquake either

approaching the tomb or standing before it. The

earthquake is attributed to the presence of an angel of

the Lord coming down from heaven . He then

approaches the throne, rolls back the stone and sits

upon it.

The contrast between the two women and the guards

is striking. The women are apparently in awe of all

that is occurring. The guards, on the other hand,

shake with fear and “become like dead men.” They

faint out of the great fear they experience. It was a

fear so great that they could be seen shaking.

Why didn’t the women react in the same way? I think

this had much to do with the faith they possessed and

the years of teaching they experienced with Jesus.

Thus, while not understanding what had just

happened they did hear the angel’s words and

remembered what Jesus had taught them together

with the apostles and disciples that followed Him.

Though fearful, their reaction to the presence of an

angel was to accept the invitation to enter the tomb.

They saw and believed. Rejoicing, they left the tomb

to share the news of the Resurrection with the

Apostles.

The guards, on the other hand were unbelievers.

They could have even been among those Roman

soldiers who mocked Jesus and may have also been a

part of the crucifixion detail. They had neither the

faith nor the learned experience of the women who

had been disciples of Jesus. When the earth quaked

and the angel appeared their thoughts were not of

life, but death; their own deaths.

Because they fainted, the soldiers missed the

message that the angel shared with the women, “He

is not here, for he has been raised just as he said.”

Whenever the guards came to, it can be assumed that

they also entered the tomb, but they had no idea what

occurred. They lacked both the faith and the

knowledge that would explain what seemed

unexplainable. They left that place, as did the

women, but not to announce the good news. They ran

fearing “judgement.” They faced the wrath of their

superiors, perhaps their own executions, for failing to

keep secure the sealed tomb.

If these were the same guards to whom Matthew

refers, who accept a bribe from the chief priests and

elders, it is easy to see why their silence could be

bought and their participation in a lie secured.

For these of no faith, no explanation existed.

Therefore, to accept a bribe, to spread a lie, also

meant to preserve their lives, and walk away with a

profit for what seemed to be a failure to carry out

orders.

During this Lenten season just passed, every member

of Christ’s Church, indeed every person who walked

Passion’s pathway, ends that journey before the

tomb. Each stands, as did the women and the

soldiers, in that moment just before the earth quakes

and the angel comes down from heaven. Every

person will walk away from the tomb either as the

women or as the soldiers. Members of the Church

have heard Christ’s teachings and have been imbued

with faith at Baptism. Members of the Church have

all the advantages of Mary Magdalene and the other

Mary. But a choice must still be made to believe or

not to believe.

“...He is going before you...You will see Him.

Behold, I have told you.” If we choose to believe

then we must announce the Good News of the

Resurrection. Anything less places us in the soldiers’

camp.

Rejoice, be bold, and share the joy with everyone this

Easter Sunday and everyday. “Jesus Christ is Risen!

He is risen indeed!”

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Easter Message

Rt. Rev. Stanley Bilinski

Bishop, Western Diocese P.N.C.C.

As I will do as I have done for the years of my

ministry, I will use the hours of silence on Good

Friday for reflection and meditation. And, as I have

over the years of my ministry, I will again turn to the

Church Fathers for guidance and fulfillment in the

time of silence. What a wealth of spiritual centering!

I can write no more profound words than I find in the

Fathers, nor can I move far from the humble position

I find myself in reading their words. I will share

some of my “friends’” teachings with you in a form

of Easter greetings. My first friend is Saint

Augustine (5 c.):

Because there are these two periods of time - the one

that now is, beset with the trials and troubles of this

life, and the other yet to come, a life of everlasting

serenity and joy - we are given two liturgical

seasons; one before Easter and the other after. The

season before Easter signifies the troubles in which

we live here and now, while the time after Easter

which we are celebrating at present signifies the

happiness that will be ours in the future. What we

commemorate before Easter is what we experience in

this life; what we celebrate after Easter points to

something we do not yet possess. This is why we

keep the first season with fasting and prayer; but now

the fast is over and we devote the present season to

praise. Such is the meaning of the Alleluia we sing.

Melito of Sardis (2.c) brings together for us the

purpose of Great Lent and the Fifty Days. I hope and

pray that your Lenten sojourn had been a time of

great reflection and preparation. I have always

believed that Lent is particularly the toughest time of

the year for the believer. Although we are always

under attack both on this plane and the spiritual

during all our days, no other time, Lent, is our focus

on the Lord sharper. The saint writes:

Both these periods are represented and demonstrated

for us in Christ our head. The Lord's passion depicts

for us our present life of trial - shows how we must

suffer and be afflicted and finally die. The Lord's

resurrection and glorification show us the life that

will be given to us in the future.

Now therefore, brethren, we urge you to praise God.

That is what we are all telling each other when we (Continued on Page 8.)

say Alleluia. You say to your neighbor, "Praise the

Lord!" and he says the same to you. We are all

urging one another to praise the Lord, and all thereby

doing what each of us urges the other to do. But see

that your praise comes from your whole being; in

other words, see that you praise God not with your

lips and voices alone, but with your minds, your lives

and all your actions.

We should understand, beloved, that the paschal

mystery is at once old and new, transitory and

eternal, corruptible and incorruptible, mortal and

immortal. In terms of the Law it is old; in terms of

the Word it is new. In its figure it is passing, in its

grace it is eternal. It is corruptible in the sacrifice of

the lamb, incorruptible in the eternal life of the Lord.

It is mortal in its burial in the earth, immortal in His

resurrection from the dead.

The Law indeed is old, but the Word is new. The

type is transitory, but grace is eternal. The lamb was

corruptible, but the Lord is incorruptible. He was

slain as a lamb; he rose again as God. He was led like

a sheep to the slaughter, yet he was not a sheep. He

was silent as a lamb, yet he was not a lamb. The type

has passed away; the reality has come. The lamb

gives place to God, the sheep gives place to a man,

and the man is Christ, who fills the whole of

creation. The sacrifice of the lamb, the celebration of

the Passover, and the prescriptions of the Law have

been fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Under the old Law, and

still more under the new dispensation, everything

pointed toward Him.

On Easter Sunday, as we gather for the solemn

liturgy, we are caught up in the majesty of the reality

that we are celebrating. No other event in human

history is as pivotal in the life of all of us as is the

Resurrection. Amidst of all our family celebrations

of the Solemnity, let us listen to Melito’s words as

what Jesus is for us because of His Holy

Resurrection:

Who has anything to say against me? I, he said, am

the Christ; I have destroyed death, triumphed over

the enemy, trampled hell underfoot, bound the strong

one, and taken men up to the heights of heaven: I am

the Christ.

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Come, then, all you nations of men, receive

forgiveness for the sins that defile you. I am your

forgiveness. I am the Passover that brings salvation. I

am the lamb who was immolated for you. I am your

ransom, your life, your resurrection, your light; I am

your salvation and your king. I will bring you to the

heights of heaven. With my own right hand I will

raise you up, and I will show you the eternal Father.

What more glorious words to us as Jesus is for us in

the Resurrection and the Life! In the midst of our

Easter celebration, we should take a moment to

humble ourselves and reflect on who the Jesus of the

Resurrection is for us.

What Easter means for us is the focus on much of

what the Church Fathers wrote to the Church for its

guidance and teaching. We are the recipients of a

great joy! We are the sharers in a glory that is

indescribable!

We, as the Polish National Catholic Church, are in

the midst of the Year of Reverence. It should prove

to be one that should be, as a Church, a year that

brings us to the very point of our Paschal

Celebration. Reverence stems from a humble

recognition of the Resurrection in our life, both as

Church and as individuals. Reverence is standing

beside the rolled away stone; reverence is peering in

the empty tomb; reverence is hearing your name

spoken by the Risen One through the clouded veil of

this world.

Saint John Chrysostom, the golden-mouthed one (5

c.), gives us a wonderful focus to carry us through

our Fifty Days and beyond:

Devout and God-loving people, enjoy this kind and

bright festival. Wise people, come and share joy with

your Lord. … All of you enter into the joy of the

Lord: First and last, receive the reward! Wealthy and

poor, rejoice with one another! Diligent and lazy,

celebrate the festival! Those who have fasted and

those who have not, be glad together. The feast is

abundant, eat your fill! All of you enjoy the wealthy

banquet of the faith and mercy of God. Let no-one go

away hungry or offended. … Christ is risen, and you

are brought down. Christ is risen, and the demons

have fallen. Christ is risen, and the angels rejoice.

Christ is risen, and life triumphs. Christ is risen, and

there are no dead in the grave. Christ has risen from

the dead, become the firstborn of those who sleep

and set into motion the resurrection of all. To Him be

glory now and forever. Amen!

May I, with the entire community of the Western

Diocese, share with our Prime Bishop, the Diocesan

Bishops, clergy and faithful of the Polish National

Catholic Church, and our ecclesial partners the

greetings for a glorious Eastertide!

Mogę z całą wspólnotą Diecezji Zachodniej z

udziałem premiera naszego biskupa biskupów

diecezjalnych, duchowieństwa i wiernych PNKK i

naszych partnerów kościelnych pozdrowienia dla

wspaniałej wielkanocnym!

¿Puedo con toda la comunidad de la cuota Diócesis

Occidental con nuestro primer Obispo, los Obispos

diocesanos, sacerdotes y fieles de la Iglesia Católica

Nacional Polaca, y nuestros socios eclesiales los

saludos para una gloriosa Pascua!

(Easter Message - Western Diocese - Continued from Page 7.)

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Reverence – Lent/Holy Week and Easter

Most Rev. Anthony A. Mikovsky

After a long Lent, times of self-denial and Lenten

practices to discipline ourselves, we now come to the

most solemn and holy time of the year, Holy Week

and the beginning of the Easter season. Things do

change a little when we come to Holy Week.

Throughout most of the Lenten season, as well as the

rest of Ordinary Time, the progression of the

Readings and Masses through the weeks are

governed by the lessons that are to be focused upon.

But Holy Week is set aside as a week where we

closely follow the progression of events within the

life of Jesus as given us in Holy Scripture.

We begin with Palm Sunday and the triumphant

entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem. Within the liturgy

of the Palms, celebrated before Holy Mass, we

participate in this event. We together sing those

words which the residents of Jerusalem and those

that followed Jesus sang that day, “Hosanna to the

Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name

of the Lord! O King of Israel: Hosanna in the

highest!” After palms are blessed and distributed to

the congregation the procession is reenacted. The

clergy, together with the choir and sometimes the

entire congregation, process around the Church

either within the church building itself or outside as a

reminder of this solemn procession of our Lord into

the city of Jerusalem. To finally commemorate the

entrance, the celebrant waits behind the closed doors

of the Church and sings antiphonally with the choir

inside. At the end the celebrant knocks on the doors

and they are flung open and he processes into

Church. The words of the liturgy express what we

are commemorating, “Let us adore the Savior, Who

rode in royal triumph into Jerusalem.”

Following this event, as a reminder that there will be

a quick change in the attitude of the people, the

processional cross is laid on the floor of the nave of

the Church and the celebrant scourges the cross. He

sings this in anticipation of what will occur later in

this same week. As the cross is struck with the

palms, the celebrant sings, “It is written: ‘They shall

strike the Shepherd and the sheep of the flock will be

scattered. But after I am resurrected I will go before

you to Galilee. There you shall see Me,’ says the

Lord.”

Following this scourging, the clergy proceed to the

sanctuary and proceed with the celebration of Holy

Mass. One important part of this Holy Mass is the

reading of the Passion of our Lord, Jesus Christ, as

the Gospel Reading. Once again this is a reminder of

all that will occur during this week to come. This

Gospel, taken from one of the Synoptics (Matthew,

Mark or Luke) narrates the Last Supper, the arrest of

Jesus on the evening of Holy Thursday and all of the

events of Good Friday, from the trial of Jesus

through the Crucifixion to His painful death upon the

Cross.

In this Palm Sunday celebration we participate in this

entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and also ready

ourselves for what is to come. As Christians this

week certainly should be special. This should be a

week where we can put aside extra time to give

praise and thanksgiving to God for all that He has

done for us through the actions of Jesus Christ in

instituting the Holy Eucharist and going to the Cross

for the forgiveness of our sins. It is also a period

when the commemoration of these events should be

found not only in the Church building, but also

within our homes. This begins with the palms that

we receive on Palm Sunday. They serve as a

reminder within our homes of this special day and of

this entire week. Many people fold into crosses or

braid these palms and place them with holy pictures

or on a crucifix within their homes. Palms are a

symbol of triumph and therefore they serve to

remind us that even though Jesus will go to His death

on Good Friday, He will triumph over the grave in


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the Resurrection. With this same symbolism it is

also appropriate to place palms on the graves of our

loved ones and friends. We remind ourselves

thereby that the followers of Jesus will likewise

share in His resurrection on the last day.

This is also a good place to remind all that as palms

are blessed by the Church they are not to be

discarded when they are old and dry and new palms

are received. They, like all blessed items, are to be

respected. Palms can be burned or buried in a

respectful place. Many parishes collect old palms

which are then burned to make the ashes that will be

used on Ash Wednesday the following year.

The next day of celebration within this week is often

held on Holy Tuesday and is known as the Chrism

Mass. This Holy Mass is celebrated at one location

within each diocese and is a special celebration of

the priesthood and the holy oils. This Mass is always

a very meaningful and special celebration for the

priests of the diocese to gather together with their

bishop. It is a reminder that on Holy Thursday when

Jesus instituted the Holy Eucharist He also instituted

the priesthood. He told the apostles gathered to “Do

this in memory of Me.” And the Church still “does

this” each and every time we gather for Holy Mass.

Because of this connection to the Last Supper, this

Holy Mass of the Priesthood and Holy Oils was

celebrated on the morning of Holy Thursday. In all

of the dioceses of the P.N.C.C., though, it has been

moved to Tuesday so that all the priests can

participate and still return to their parishes for the

rest of the services of Holy Week.

It is also during this Holy Mass, with all of the

priests gathered with the bishop, that the Holy Oils

are blessed. The three oils used in the Church are:

the Oil of Catechumens, the Oil of the Sick and the

Sacred Chrism. These oils are used in the

celebration of various sacraments within the Church

and also at a variety of Church celebrations. It is an

important and powerful thing to remember that

whenever these oils are used, such as during the

Holy Anointing of a sick individual or at the baptism

of an infant, that not only the local clergy is involved,

but that these oils were blessed and consecrated by

the bishop together with all of the priests of the

diocese. In this way these oils then contain the

prayers and blessings of the entire Church.

The next day within our celebration is that of Holy

Thursday, the day of the Institution of the Holy

Eucharist. The celebration calls this to mind but

other events that occurred around the time of the Last

Supper are also a part of this celebration. After the

homily, following the pattern of Jesus, a rite known

as the mandatum can take place. During this rite the

celebrant of Mass washes the feet of some members

of the parish. This can be a very powerful moment of

encounter between the celebrant and the members of

his congregation. We are reminded how the Lord did

this same service for His disciples when they were

gathered for the Last Supper and told them to do this

for each other.

During the Canon of the Mass and also during the

reception of Communion at this Mass we are

reminded that it was on this day that Jesus instituted

this action together with His disciples. We take note

of the fact that this event had such strong impact on

the disciples that that continued to do this in the same

way that Jesus had done this with them. We must

also remind ourselves of the great privilege that we

each have to gather in this same way and share holy

communion with our Lord and with each other.

Following the celebration of Mass on this day we

also commemorate the events that took place on that

evening of Holy Thursday. The sacrament is

removed from the main tabernacle of the Church and

in a ciborium it is wrapped in a linen cloth and

processed to an altar of repose, oftentimes a side altar

within the church. In this rite we commemorate the

event of our Lord going to the garden of Gethsemane

and finally being arrested and taken away. Following

this the altar is stripped of all the altar cloths. This is

in preparation for the solemn rites of Good Friday.

(Reverence – Lent/Holy Week and Easter - Continued from Page 9.)

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The barren look of the main altar prepares us for the

raw emotion that will be present on the day of Good

Friday.

A personal reverence practice of many individuals

during this evening is to spend some time in

adoration before the Blessed Sacrament at the altar

of repose. It is once again a reminder of the time in

the garden with Jesus. Jesus had taken the apostles

and especially Peter, James and John with Him to

pray. Jesus said to them, “Pray and watch with Me.”

In remembrance of this we spend time watching in

prayer before the presence of Jesus in the Blessed

Sacrament.

On Good Friday, the Church celebrates a number of

rites to commemorate all of the events of this day.

The Liturgy of Presanctified is the solemn

celebration of the Passion and Death of Jesus. The

service begins with the Liturgy of the Word where

the Passion and Death of Jesus from the Gospel of

St. John is read. During this reading, at the point

where Jesus dies all within the Church stop for a

moment and fall to their knees in remembrance that

it was on this day that these events happened. These

readings are followed by prayers for all people: for

the Church, for all the clergy and laity, for all

Christians, for those who do not believe in Christ, for

those who do not believe in God, for all in public

office and for those in special need. These prayers

remind us that Christ died for all people and He calls

all to believe in Him.

These prayers are followed by the rite of the

Veneration of the Cross. For this a large wooden

cross is unveiled and placed on the floor of the

Church for veneration. The clergy and the laity are

invited to approach the cross and kiss the five

wounds of Christ. We honor these wounds in this

action and every time we sing or say the antiphon of

this Passion time, “Lord, for us Your wounds were

suffered, O Christ Jesus, have mercy on us.” For our

personal reverence, this is an important saying to

have on our lips, especially during this Good Friday.

Next is held the distribution of Communion for this

day. Holy Mass is not celebrated because of the

feelings of sadness and sorrow within the Church, but

even in this sadness and recognition that Jesus

suffered and died for our sins, Jesus still does come

to us and He still feeds and sustains us. It is for this

reason that Holy Communion is still distributed from

the Eucharist that was consecrated on the day before.

Other rites may also be celebrated on this day. At an

appropriate time the symbolic tomb of Jesus may be

opened and prayers offered there. We are reminded

that Joseph of Arimathea asked for the body of Jesus

and he, together with others, buried Him in a new

tomb. Again in this rite we follow the events of

Scripture and join with them in prayer. Other

services which may be celebrated are more in the

aspect of reflection. Stations of the Cross are often

celebrated and this is especially appropriate on this

day as we walk with Jesus as He carries the cross and

goes to His death. Bitter Lamentations are another

appropriate reflection on this day as we pray about

and reflect on all that Jesus has done for us. The

evening service of Tenebrae can also be held on

several of the evenings of Holy Week. This service

is a reflection on the dying of Jesus as psalms are

read or sung and candles are slowly extinguished

representing this dying. There is also the personal

reverence practice at home where the television and

radio are turned off for the day and quiet is kept

throughout the day. It is to be a day of reflection and

prayer, not one for any sort of amusements or other

activities.

On the day of Holy Saturday, the attitude of the

Church already begins to change knowing that the

Resurrection is soon to follow. As the candles were

extinguished on Good Friday, on Holy Saturday the

Church blesses the new light and processes it into

Church. On Good Friday all the Holy Water is

removed from the Church and new water is blessed

this day as well. An extensive group of readings,

either the Exhortations of the P.N.C.C. or a series of


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many readings from the lectionary are read

reminding us that in the Resurrection that will be

accomplished the next day, there is a new creation.

We read about the events of the first creation,

knowing that all of this will be renewed because of

the Resurrection of Christ. The last rite of this day is

a reaffirmation of our baptismal vows or, if the

occasion presents itself, a baptism is very appropriate

to be performed this day. This is in remembrance of

the practice of the early Church when baptisms were

performed on Holy Saturday so that the adult

converts could participate fully in Holy Mass for the

first time on Easter Sunday. As an aspect of personal

reverence Holy Saturday is the day to get items ready

and have them blessed for the breaking of the fast on

Easter Sunday. Often many symbolic items are taken

to church for a blessing and eaten on Sunday: bread,

to represent Jesus as the Bread of Life; ham, to

represent that there is a new covenant in the death

and resurrection of Christ; vinegar, as a reminder of

the bitter passion; eggs, as a reminder that Christ

broke out of the tomb on that Easter morning; salt

and a candle, as a reminder of Jesus’ command to be

salt and light. There are often other items dependent

on the culture.

Finally we come to the celebration of Easter Sunday,

the celebration of the Resurrection of Christ. Again

as a part of the rite before Mass, the clergy go to the

tomb which is empty just as it was in Scripture and

from there process Jesus, truly present in the Blessed

Sacrament, throughout the Church while joyous

hymns of Easter are sung. Then follows Holy Mass

celebrated with the fullest joy as we proclaim that

Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior has been raised to

life and has triumphed over death.

In the personal practice of our reverence, during this

season of Easter we can change our greeting to each

other by saying “Christ is risen” with the response,

“He is risen, indeed.” In particular we encourage the

pious practice of saying these words when

encountering the clergy and also when arriving at the

home of a fellow Christian and even at your own

home.

These days of Holy Week and Easter are certainly

special days within the life of our Lord and also

within our own lives. The Church encourages us all

to celebrate them as fully as possible. Join with your

congregation to participate more fully in this vital

part of our Lord’s journey. But even if you can’t be

with your congregation at all times there is certainly

time for each of us to spend some moments in prayer

during these moments, no matter where we are or

what we are doing, to join our prayer life to that of

our Lord and let the reverence and devotion of Holy

Week and Easter be fully a part of our Christian life.

(Reverence – Lent/Holy Week and Easter - Continued from Page 11.)

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Prime Bishop Emeritus Robert Nemkovich

to celebrate 50th Anniversary of Ordination to the Holy Priesthood

On April 10, 2016 Prime Bishop Emeritus Robert

Nemkovich will celebrate Holy Mass and

commemorate his 50th Anniversary to the Holy

Priesthood in the Polish National Catholic Church.

On April 14, 1966 he was ordained in St Stanislaus

Bishop and Martyr Cathedral in Scranton,

Pennsylvania by Prime Bishop Leon Grochowski.

Following his ordination he was assigned as an

assistant priest at St. Stanislaus Cathedral in Scranton

where he served for almost two years.

In 1968 he was transferred to the Eastern Diocese

and was assigned as pastor of Holy Mother of the

Rosary Parish in Chicopee, Massachusetts and

continued to serve there for 11 years. In 1979 he

became the pastor of St. Joseph’s Parish in Westfield,

Massachusetts and in 1980 was elevated to position

of Administrative Senior of the Central Seniorate of

the Eastern Diocese. He continued as pastor in

Westfield until he was consecrated as bishop.

He was consecrated a Bishop on October 18, 1993.

Following his consecration Bishop Robert moved to

Chicago, Illinois where he became pastor of All

Saints Cathedral Parish and Auxiliary Bishop of the

Western Diocese of the Polish National Catholic

Church. In April 1994 he became the 5th Diocesan

Bishop of the Western Diocese.

Bishop Robert served the Western Diocese until he

was elected as the 6th Prime Bishop of the Polish

National Catholic Church during the General Synod

in October 2002. He served as Prime Bishop until

October 2010. After the installation of Prime Bishop

Mikovsky, he retired with his wonderful wife,

Florence, and they moved to Cape Coral Florida,

where they presently reside

For almost two years Prime Bishop Emeritus

Nemkovich traveled to Davie, Florida every other


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week to celebrate Mass and preach at St. Joseph's

Parish. On alternate Sundays he would celebrate

Holy Mass at his residence. Due to knee replacement

surgery and the 135 mile distance to Davie, he no

longer could travel to St. Joseph's, but he continues to

celebrate Holy Mass on Sundays at his residence. A

number of faithful people who settled in Southwest

Florida, as well as some of the “snowbirds,” join him

at Holy Mass on Sundays.

Prime Bishop Emeritus Nemkovich served in various

capacities during his holy priesthood: First Youth

Chaplain of the Eastern Diocese, Chairman of the

Polish National Catholic – Roman Catholic Dialogue,

member of the P.N.C.C.-Anglican Old Catholic

Working Group, member of the National School of

Christian Living Commission, Chaplain for Convo

76 and 84. He served on the Controlling Committee

of the Polish National Union of America and then as

Prime Bishop on the Board of Directors of the PNU

and Chairman of Spójnia, Inc. During his tenure as

Prime Bishop the Declaration of Scranton was

promulgated and groundwork for the Union of

Scranton was solidified.

Prime Bishop Emeritus Robert and Florence

Nemkovich have three children: Very Rev. Robert in

Fall River, MA; Timothy in St. Louis, MO and Kevin

in Grayslake, IL. They are blessed with 7

grandchildren. Submitted by Very Rev. Robert M. Nemkovich, Jr.

(Prime Bishop Emeritus - Continued from Page 13.)

63rd Anniversary of the Death of śp. Most Rev. Franciszek Hodur

Commemorated at Mass at St. Stanislaus Cathedral

Scranton, PA

Rev. Carmen Bolock, Rt. Rev. Bernard Nowicki, Most Rev. Anthony Mikovsky, Rev. Janusz Lucarz, Very Rev. Zbigniew Dawid

and John Andrzejewski place a wreath near the portrait of Bishop Hodur in the Cathedral.

On Tuesday, February 16, 2016, Rt. Rev. Bernard J.

Nowicki, Bishop of the Central Diocese, P.N.C.C.,

and pastor of St. Stanislaus Cathedral, celebrated the

Mass commemorating the 63rd Anniversary of the

Death of Bishop Hodur.

Most Rev. Anthony Mikovsky, Prime Bishop of the

P.N.C.C. delivered the sermon. The Mass was

concelebrated by clergy from Dupont, Duryea and

Scranton and attended by the PNU and National

Church Center staff.

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Dialogue Between the Polish National Catholic Church

and the Roman Catholic Church

Did you know that because of the dialogue with the

Roman Catholic Church, that the apostolic

succession of clergy of the Polish National Catholic

Church has been recognized by the Roman Catholic

Church, and that members of each Church can in

some circumstances receive communion in either

Church?

Two books report on the dialogue discussions

between the Polish National Catholic Church

(P.N.C.C.) and the Roman Catholic Church (RCC).

They are Journeying Together in Christ and

Journeying Together in Christ, The Journey

Continues. The first book covered the 10 meetings of

1984 through 1989 in 96 pages, and was edited by

Rt. Rev Anthony M. Rysz, P.N.C.C. and Most Rev.

Stanislaus J. Brzana, RCC. The second book covered

24 meetings from 1989 through 2002 in 123 pages,

and was edited by Most Rev. Robert M. Nemkovich,

P.N.C.C. and Most Rev. James C. Timlin, RCC. This

book also includes the tenth meeting that was

covered in the first volume. Both books were

published by Our Sunday Visitor. This article will

deal with the first book. A subsequent article will be

about the second book.

The meetings generally alternated between P.N.C.C.

sites and RCC sites and were hosted by that Church.

The first seven meetings were conducted on one day

and the last three were held on two days. The first

meeting was held at Saints Peter and Paul P.N.C.C.,

Passaic, NJ on Oct. 23, 1984. The second was held at

the U. S. Catholic Conference Department of

Communications (RCC), New York, NY on May 7,

1985. The third was held at the Cathedral of Saint

Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr P.N.C.C., Scranton,

PA, on Nov. 5, 1985. The fourth was held at the

Chancery of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (RCC),

Philadelphia PA on May 6, 1986. The fifth was held

at the Cathedral of the Holy Mother of the Rosary

P.N.C.C., Buffalo, NY on Nov. 6, 1986. The sixth

was held at the Chancery of the Central Diocese

P.N.C.C., Scranton, PA, on May 14, 1987. The

seventh was held at All Saints P.N.C.C., Carnegie,

PA on Dec. 12, 1987. The eighth was held at the

Chancery of the Archdiocese of Chicago (RCC), Chi-

cago, IL on May 26-27, 1988. The ninth was held at

the Holy Mother of the Rosary P.N.C.C., Chicopee,

MA on Nov. 29-30, 1988. The tenth was held at the

Washington Retreat House (RCC), Washington, DC,

on June 1-2, 1989.

The 20 participants, their affiliation and meeting

attendance is shown in the table on the opposite page.

Journeying Together in Christ is comprised of four

sections: (1) Foreword, (2) Summary Report of the

Polish National Catholic - Roman Catholic Dialogue

(1984-1989), (3) A Brief History of the Polish

National Catholic Church and its Origins by Joseph

W. Wieczerzak, Ph.D., Chairman, P.N.C.C.

Commission on History and Archives and (4) The

P.N.C.C.: Its Roman Catholic Origins by Reverend

Monsignor John P. Gallagher, Ph.D. Historian,

Diocese of Scranton. It also includes a Forward

which describes the process by which these meetings

had their beginnings, two appendices and an index.

The two appendices list the sessions of the dialogue

and the participants at each, and the documentation.

Foreword The Foreword, written by the co-chairs, Bishop

Anthony Rysz (P.N.C.C.) and Bishop Stanislaus

Brzana (RCC), described the sequence of events

which led to the dialogue. In late 1980, the seeds of a

dialogue discussion were sown when Pope John Paul

II expressed an interest in inquiring about the

possibility of a dialogue between the P.N.C.C. and

the RCC. A letter from Archbishop Ramon Torella,

vice president of the Secretariat for Promoting

Christian Unity was sent to the General Secretary of

the National Conference of Catholic Bishops

(NCCB). The next letter, Nov. 9, 1981, was from

Bishop Ernest Unterkoefler, then chairman of the

NCCB Committee for Ecumenical and Interreligious

Affairs to then Prime Bishop Francis Rowinski.

Bishop Unterkoefler stated he was writing “in an in-

formal way to ask whether you and your Church may

be exploring ideas about ecumenical conversations

with representative of the Roman Catholic Church at

the local, regional or national level. The P.N.C.C.

has a rich tradition and has our esteem. If you have

any concrete or specific ideas about how to we can

journey together as Churches in the name of Christ, I

shall be most grateful to hear from you.” Fifteen days

later, Prime Bishop Rowinski replied saying “I shall

present your view to my brother bishops at our next

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Dialogue Participants and Sessions Attended

Name Title Church Meeting

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Rt. Rev. Anthony M. Rysz1 Bp. of the Central Diocese P.N.C.C. X X X X X X X X X X

Rt. Rev. Joseph I. Nieminski Bp. of the Canadian Diocese P.N.C.C. X X X X X X X

Most Rev. Francis Rowinski Bp. of the B-P Diocese P.N.C.C. X X X X X

Most Rev. John. F. Swantek Prime Bishop X

Rt. Rev. Joseph Zawistowski Bp. of the Western Diocese P.N.C.C. X

Rt. Rev. Thomas Gnat Bp. of the Eastern Diocese P.N.C.C. X

Very Rev. Stanley Skrzypek P.N.C.C. X X X X X X X X X X

Very Rev. Sigmund Peplowski P.N.C.C. X X

Dr. Joseph W. Wieczerzak Chair, Comm. on History and

Archives

P.N.C.C. X X

Rev. A. Waine Kargul P.N.C.C. X

Most Rev. John F. Whealon2 Archbishop of Hartford, Chair of

the NCCB of Ecumenical and

Interreligious Affairs

RCC X

Most Rev. Stanislaus J. Brzana3 Bp. of Ogdensburg RCC X X X X X X X X X

Most Rev. James C. Timlin Bp. of Scranton RCC X X X X X X X X X

Most Rev. Alfred L. Abramowicz Assistant Bishop of Chicago RCC X X X

Most Rev. Thaddeus J. Jakubowski Assistant Bishop of Chicago RCC X

Most Rev. Joseph F. Maguire Bp. of Springfield, MA RCC X

Rev. John F. Hotchkin Director of Ecumenical and

Interreligious Affairs, NCCB

RCC X X X X X X X X X X

Rev. Charles W. Gusmer RCC X

Rev. Joseph F. Mytych RCC X X X

Rev. Msgr. John P. Gallagher Historian of the Diocese of

Scranton

RCC X X

1. Co-chair 2. First co-chair 3. Second co-chair NCCB = National Conference of Catholic Bishops


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conference in early December and will convey to you

their overall sentiments. In principle the P.N.C.C.

looks favorably on ecumenical contacts with all

Christian denominations insofar as these exchanges

aim at a general improvement in mutual

understanding. Given the circumstances of our

origin, relations with the RCC have not been as

felicitous.” Prime Bishop Rowinski wrote to Bishop

Unterkoefler after the meeting of the P.N.C.C.

Bishops telling him that “the consensus of opinion

was favorable to the idea of talks between

representatives of our respective Churches.”

Arrangements were then made to institute the

dialogue meetings. The process begun in 1981 came

to fruition on October 23, 1984.

Two significant events occurred during these

dialogues. The first, at the invitation of Bishop

Timlin, was attendance of Prime Bishop Rowinski,

Bishop Rysz and Father Skrzypek at the elevations of

Archbishops John O’Conner and Bernard Law and a

meeting with Pope John Paul II in May 1985. At the

meeting with Pope John Paul II they presented his

Holiness with a chalice which had been used by

Bishop Francis Hodur “as a sign of love and symbol

of unity in Christ.”

The second, at the invitation of the General Synod,

was the address by Cardinal John Król to the 1986

General Synod in Manchester, NH.

Summary Report

This summary lists the findings of the dialogue

which took place between 1984 and 1989. These

sessions were focused on the view of the Sacraments

by both Churches. It was concluded that “Both the

P.N.C.C. and the RCC faithfully regard the

sacraments as special gifts of Christ to His Church,

outward signs instituted by Him as means of grace,

wherein He acts in the power of the Spirit to nourish

and strengthen the Church and be present among His

faithful.”

In both Churches, baptism is for adults and infants,

and is administered either by a bishop, priest or

deacon. Both Churches teach that Confirmation is the

completion of Baptism and is conferred at about the

age of 12 to 15.

“The 1889 Declaration of Utrecht, article 6, held

and taught by the bishops of the P.N.C.C. speaks of

the Holy Eucharist as “the true and central point of

Catholic worship” while the Vatican II Constitution

on the Divine Liturgy, no. 10 speaks of the liturgy

culminating in the Eucharist as “the summit toward

which the activity of the Church is directed (and)

also the fount from which all power flows.”

Consequently, both Churches agree in principle on

the centrality of the Holy Eucharist. This section

continues with expanded quotations from article 6 of

the Declaration of Utrecht and article 47 of the II

Vatican Council Constitution on the Divine Liturgy.

Children of both Churches receive their First Holy

Communion at about age seven. In both Churches,

those who receive the Eucharist fast for two hours in

the P.N.C.C. and one hour in the RCC. Both

Churches provide for the reception of the Eucharist

daily. Both also provide three ways to receive the

Eucharist: “1) receiving the Sacred Host and the

Most Precious Blood separately, 2) receiving by

intinction, i. e. the Sacred Host dipped in the Most

Precious Blood, or 3) receiving under one species,

e.g. only the Sacred Host” The P.N.C.C. most often

uses the second form while the RCC uses either the

first or third form. In the P.N.C.C., the minister of

Holy Communion is either a Bishop, Priest or

Deacon. In the RCC the minister may be a Bishop,

Priest or Deacon or by a person commissioned by the

Church to be a Eucharistic Minister.

“Together the RCC and the P.N.C.C. hold that

Penance is the sacrament instituted by Jesus Christ

in which through confession, sorrow and a strong

purpose of amending our lives, sins are forgiven.”

The P.N.C.C. has two forms of confession:

1) private, mandatory for children under the age of

16, and 2) general confession, the form used by

adults. The RCC has three forms of confession:

1) private, the ordinary form used, 2) private, with

multiple confessors and provide absolution

individually [usually done at penitential services,

especially during Advent and Lent.] and 3) general

confession, where there are 6 considerations,

a.) serious necessity circumstances, b.) may not

generally be received twice without an intervening

individual confession, c.) must be followed by an

individual confession “in which each grave sin that

has not previously been confessed is confessed,”

d.) it does not relieve the requirement to confess

individually at least once per year, e.) “This third rite

may not be publically scheduled or announced in

advance,” and f.) “This third rite may not be used as

part of any eucharistic liturgy.” The conclusion was

(Dialogue between P.N.C.C. - R.C. - Continued from Page 17.)

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that the difference between the P.N.C.C. and the

RCC is “of form than of underlying intention or

understanding of the sacrament itself.”

The discussions of the sacrament of anointing of the

sick showed that “in matter of faith” there were no

differences between the P.N.C.C. and the RCC.

“In the P.N.C.C., the priest who officiates at the

wedding is regarded as the minister of the sacrament

of matrimony.” In the RCC Latin rite, “the husband

and wife are regarded as the ministers of the

sacrament of matrimony and the priest is the official

witness of the Church.” The sacrament of marriage is

held inviolate by both Churches. In the P.N.C.C.,

special matrimonial courts established in each

diocese review each case and make their

recommendations to the Diocesan Bishop, which are

then acted upon by him. Guidelines for the

annulment of marriages were established at the 1958

General Synod. In the RCC, the Diocesan Bishop

does not usually become involved with matrimonial

courts. “Declarations of nullity are granted only

when a case is reviewed by two separate courts and

grounds have been established proving the existence

of a prior block which impeded a true marriage.”

There were discussions of mixed marriages, i. e. one

spouse being a P.N.C. and the other being an RC, but

no conclusion. “The P.N.C.C. Bishops pointed out

that this continues to constitute real difficulty for

their people.”

Both Churches maintain the pattern of the ordained

ministry and “regard the apostolic succession of

bishops to be integral to the ordained ministry of the

Church.” It was concluded that the rites used to

ordain bishops, priests and deacons “display an

essential similarity.” The RCC participants agreed

that the bishops of the P.N.C.C. are validly ordained

bishops in apostolic succession. There was some

discussion about the procedures followed by both

Churches in the selection of candidates for the office

and ministry of bishops.

“For its part the RCC does not speak of the Word of

God as a sacrament distinct from and along side the

seven sacraments which it celebrates. It considers the

proclamation of the Word of God to be an integral

part of the celebration of all the seven sacraments.

The Word of God permeates all the sacramental

rites.” The RCC recognizes that there is a difference

in the terminology used between the P.N.C.C. and

the RCC.

The Dialogue also discussed “the doctrine of the

Church concerning God’s universal call to salvation,

and teachings of the Church concerning heaven, hell

and purgatory.” Most Reverend Francis Hodur

summed up the basic teaching of the P.N.C.C. as

follows. “I believe in final Divine justice, in future

life beyond the grave which will be the further

continuation of present life dependent in state and

degree of perfection and happiness on our current

life but before all else on the state of our soul in the

last hour before death. I believe in immortality and

happiness in eternity, in the union with God of all

generations and times because I believe in the Divine

power of love, charity and justice, and I desire

nothing other than that it should happen to me

according to my faith.”

Brief History of the P.N.C.C. and its Origins

This section was written by Joseph W. Wieczerzak,

Ph.D., Chairman, P.N.C.C. Commission on History

and Archives. Its 20 pages summarized the struggles

of ethnic immigrant groups within the RCC for

recognition of their cultural identities and satisfaction

of their religious needs from the 1850s, starting with

the Irish immigrants, then continuing with the

German immigrants and finally to the Polish

immigrants in the 1880s. It covers the various

independent movements. It concludes with a concise

history of the P.N.C.C.

The P.N.C.C. : Its Roman Catholic Origins

This section was written by Reverend Monsignor

John P. Gallagher, Ph.D. Historian, Diocese of

Scranton. Its 17 pages include a description of the

growth, development and management of the RCC in

the USA from 1783 through the period of the

founding of the P.N.C.C. It includes the tribulations

the RCC experienced with the immigrants from

Ireland, Germany and finally with Eastern and

Southern Europeans. It concludes with the

independent movements of Bishops Kozłowski and

Kaminski and the organization of the P.N.C.C. by

Father Francis Hodur .

I hope that this short summary will lead you to

purchase your own copy of this historical book. It

will improve your understanding of how this

dialogue began, what their findings were and give

you a historical perspective of the times which led to

the establishment of the P.N.C.C. Journeying

Together in Christ is available for purchase from the

Central Diocese for $4.00. Joseph F. Seliga, Chairman,

P.N.C.C. Commission on History and Archives

http://pncc.org/


http://www.centraldiocesepncc.org/store/#!/Journeying-Together-in-Christ-The-Report-of-the-PNCC-RC-Dialogue/p/243747/category=127062



Let us all celebrate the triumph of

our Lord, Jesus Christ, over the grave!

The Supreme Council of the Polish National Catholic Church

Robert Maseychik Insurance

Happy Easter!

Christ is With Us!

Michael R. & Mary Gorgol Mietlicki

Alleluia!

Christ is Risen!

Wishing all a joyous Easter season!

Clergy Circle of the Western Diocese

Bishop Stanley Bilinski, Priests and Deacons

Love Him, Love them, Love others, Love yourself.

Share the Love this Easter.

Bishop Paul Sobiechowski, Eastern Diocese P.N.C.C.

Eastern Diocese United Women’s Societies

Rt. Rev. Paul Sobiechowski, Diocesan Bishop

Very Rev Joseph Soltysiak, Chaplain

United Young Men’s Society of Resurrection

Wesołego Alleluja!

Alleluia! Christ is Risen

All Saints Parish

Sterling Heights, MI

Glory to the Risen Lord!

Blessed Trinity Parish, Fall River, MA

Very Rev. Robert M. Nemkovich, Jr., Pastor

Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!

Church of Resurrection, Brooklyn, NY

Fr. Jozef Kolek & Parish Committee

Easter Greetings. Wesołego Alleluja!

Divine Providence Parish, Norwich, CT

Rev. Christopher Rogalski

Alleluia! Christ is Risen!

Guardian Angel Parish

Rev. Andrew Machowski, Pastor

May God bless you during the Easter season and always.

Holy Cross Parish, Central Falls, RI

Very Rev. Robert M. Nemkovich, Jr., Pastor

Alleluia Christ is Risen!

Holy Cross Parish, Hamtramck, MI

Very Rev. Jaroslaw A. Nowak


Holy Cross Parish, Syracuse, NY, USA

Very Rev. Marian Pociecha

Wesołego Alleluja!

Holy Cross Church, Woodland Park, NJ

Rev. Joseph R. Cyman

Christ is Risen! Indeed is Risen!

Holy Family Parish

1921 Eden Park Boulevard, McKeesport, PA

Christ is Risen, Alleluia!

Holy Mother of Sorrows P.N.C.C., Dupont, PA

Very Rev. Zbigniew Dawid

Wesołego Alleluja! - - - Christ is Risen!

Holy Mother of the Rosary Cathedral

Lancaster, NY

Rt. Rev. John E. Mack, Pastor

Happy Easter!

May this Easter fill you with joy and happiness!

Holy Saviour Parish, Union City, CT

Holy Trinity Cathedral, 166 Pearl St., Manchester, NH

Pastor: Bp. Paul Sobiechowski; Committee: Raymond Pieczarka,

Stefan Swiadas, Jo-Ann O’Connell, Nancy Reilly, Frances Dobosz

Holy Trinity P.N.C.C., Plantsville, CT

Very Rev. Joseph Krusienski, Pastor

Wesołego Alleluja!

Holy Trinity Parish, Throop, PA

Very Rev. Father Chromey & Committee


Holy Trinity Parish, Washington, PA

Father Mark Swoger

Blessed Easter to All!

Holy Trinity Parish, Webster, MA

Committee and Parishioners

Alleluia, the Lord has Risen!

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, Lilly, PA

Rev. Scott Lill, Pastor


Our Savior Chapel, Tripp Park, PA

The Right Rev. Bernard J. Nowicki, Pastor

Alleluia—Christ is Risen!

Our Savior Mission Church

Hobart, IN

Happy Easter!

Our Savior Parish

610 N. Beech Daly, Dearborn Heights, MI

Pastor—Rev. John Cramer

Our Savior Parish, Lawrenceville, NJ

On behalf of our entire parish

Christ is Risen, He is Risen, indeed!

Annual Easter Greetings

http://pncc.org/




Our Saviour’s Parish—Woonsocket, RI

Rev. Henryk Wos, Pastor

Wesołego Alleluja!

He has Risen!

Resurrection Parish

Temperance, MI

May Christ’s message of eternal life fill you with love!

Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish

Canonsburg, PA

St. Adalbert’s P.N.C.C., Dickson City, PA

Very Rev. William Chromey, Pastor

Happy and Blessed Easter!

Christ is Risen, Alleluia!

St. Barbara Parish

Houtzdale, PA

St. Casimir’s P.N.C.C., Lowell, MA

Rev. Andrzej Tenus, Pastor

Members of the Parish Committee

St. Francis P.N.C. Church—East Meadow, NY

Rev. Andrzej Koterba


St. John the Baptist P.N.C.C.

Rev. Boguslaw Janiec


St. John’s Parish of the P.N.C.C.—Toronto

Mrs. Agustine Domagala

Wesołych Swiąt Wielkanocnych!

St. Joseph’s Mission Parish, Fairhope, PA

Father Felix Pyzowski—Parish Members

Rejoice! Our Lord is Risen!

St. Joseph’s of Stratford

Rev. Michal Gitner, Pastor

He is Risen, Alleluia!

Wishing all a joyous Easter!

St. Mary Parish—South Bend, IN

www.stmarypncc.org

St. Mary’s P.N.C.C.—Parma, OH

Fr. Jason H. Soltysiak, Pastor

We live and die ~ Christ died and lived!

The Cathedral Parish of

St. Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr

Christ is Risen! Risen Indeed!

St. Stephen the Martyr Parish, Reading, PA

Very Rev. Edward D. Ratajack, Pastor


Annual Easter Greetings (cont’d.)

St. Valentine’s Parish, Northampton, MA

Rev. Adam Czarnecki, Pastor

Życzenia Radosnych Swiąt Wielkanocnych!

Saints Peter & Paul P.N.C.C., New London, CT

Rev. Dr. Zbigniew Stanley Kaszubski, Pastor

Dorothy Drucker, Chair

Saints Peter & Paul Parish, Passaic, NJ

Very Rev. Stanley Skrzypek

Happy Easter! Wesołych Swiąt!

The Most Holy Name of Jesus Slovak National Catholic Cathedral

Rev. Marian Tarnowski


The P.N.C.C. of Holy Trinity & St. Joseph, Linden, NJ

Rev. Jan Kosc—Pastor

Wesołego Alleluja!

Transfiguration of Our Lord Parish

Mt. Pleasant, PA—Daniel Levendusky—Chair

Christ is indeed Risen! Happy Easter—Happy Spring.

Transfiguration of Our Lord Parish, Wallington, NJ

Very Rev. Gregory Mludzik, Pastor

Wesołego Alleluja! Christ is Risen!

District 2 & 9 Polish National Union of America

Edmund J. Kotula, Director

Wesołego Alleluja!

Polish National Union District 5

Ted Gibala, District Director

Wesołego Alleluja!

Polish National Union District Six

Christine Wachna, District Director, Officers and Members

Happy Easter!

District #7

Stephanie Marsh—Director

Polish National Union of America

District 8—Plymouth, PA Seniorate

Wesołego Alleluja!

Wesołego Alleluja!

to all members of the P.N.C.C

John P. Kowalczyk, Sec of Br 115 since 1976

Polish National Union

Branch 132, McKeesport, PA

Alleluia, Christ is Risen!

http://pncc.org/




“Our Covenant: Walking with Jesus”

Sixteenth National Mission Workshop


SS. Peter & Paul Parish

South Milwaukee, WI

Friday, April 22 - Sunday, April 24, 2016

Greetings from the Mission and Evangelism Commission of the Polish National Catholic Church.

Beginning on Friday, April 22, 2016 the P.N.C.C. will present the Sixteenth National Mission Workshop - Our

Covenant: Walking with Jesus. The Workshop will be held in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin at SS. Peter &

Paul Parish.

Over the past 16 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

the faith-driven 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.

Each parish was sent a detailed mailing containing a workshop pamphlet, a workshop registration form and a

hotel registration form. This information can also be found on our P.N.C.C. Web site at

pncc.org/?event=national-mission-evangelism-workshop.

Registration for this workshop is $75.00 per person and the deadline is April 15, 2016. Registrations post-

marked after this date is $95.00 per person. Hotel accommodations are extra. (Details are provided in the

forms.)

We pray that you will consider joining us for the Sixteenth National Mission Workshop of the P.N.C.C., and

we look forward to your attendance.

If you have any questions, please contact one of the individuals listed below.

The Rev. Raymond Drada, Workshop & Commission Chairman

Phone: (586) 978-1125

Email: [email protected]

Rev. Bogumil Czaja, Host Pastor

Parish Phone: (414) 764-4860


Liz Kaniewski (Parish Contact)

Phone: (414) 529-1388


http://pncc.org/


http://www.pncc.org/?event=national-mission-evangelism-workshop

mailto:[email protected]





Further information and registration forms can be found on the P.N.C.C. Web site at www.pncc.org/?event=convo-2016

http://pncc.org/


http://www.pncc.org/?event=convo-2016



From the National Youth Chaplain

Rt. Rev. Stanley Bilinski

As we are working through our spring semester of

SOCL and Youth Ministry, I would like to offer

some insight as to how your group is currently

structured or perhaps a backdrop on how it may be

strengthened. The following are some Key Principles

for a Successful Youth Ministry [sources available

upon request].

Each youth minister's approach (remember this could

be either your parish pastor, deacon, or, if the Lord

additionally blesses, a lay person) will differ

according to the place of ministry, needs of the

community and personal development. Keep in mind

that a little youth ministry is better than none at all.

Certain principles, however, remain constant. In fact,

the violation of any of these principles will hurt the

ministry to students.

Principle #1: CONTACT

Youth ministry begins when a Christian adult finds a

comfortable method of entering into a student's

world. For the collared minister, this happens in a

catechetical situation or even in parochial

involvement. For the lay minister, certainly a parish

lends itself to the sharing of mutual contact and the

sharing of a common experience. To be open to the

student's presence, emotions and needs are truly the

ways to contact.

Principle # 2: MATURITY

Youth ministry happens as long as a Christian adult

is able to use his/her contact with a student to draw

that student into a maturing relationship with Jesus

Christ. As parents are always wary of letting go of

their offspring, there are times in youth ministry

where the minister must see that the student's

maturity goes beyond the goal s/he has set. The

student should be allowed to move on to greater

levels of Christian maturity.

Principle #3: END OF MINISTRY

Youth ministry ceases to happen when the adult-

student relationship is broken or no longer moves the

student toward spiritual maturity. In the worst case

scenario, the trust of this relationship, when broken,

halts the program. Or, in addition to the Principle

above, when the minister prohibits the student from

greater levels of maturity, ministry to that student is

no longer of value.

Principle #4: FAMILY

The influence of the student’s family upon his/her

value system will exceed the influence of youth

workers on most occasions. Whether or not the

"generation gap" still exists, students, in Christian

environments, will still turn to family contacts more

readily and numerously than to the youth minister. In

certain critical situations, however, the youth

minister stands as a "sounding board" for airing of

choices and/or subsequent action taking.

Principle #5: SIZE

Youth groups tend to reach a "critical mass" when

the average attendance ranges between 20 and 40

students. Keep in mind that contact is important in

the youth ministry interchange. If the group tends to

be large, then this contact diminishes, and the

security diminishes in kind. If the group has grown

large, (Praise the Lord!) then a consideration should

perhaps be made to make two groups: possibly a

junior high and a senior high group. Twenty students

is a workable group while keeping contact and

identity at a high level.

Principle #6: SHARED LEADERSHIP

Long term growth of a youth ministry is directly

dependent upon the ability of the youth worker to

release ministry responsibilities to mature and

qualified lay leaders. This is very important for

parish pastors as well as lay leaders. I've spoken with

youth ministers of other jurisdictions who have had

to apply, lobby, and, literally, fight for the position of

leading their parish youth. We priests should be able

to seek out lay people who would be helpful in this

important task and, in parish committees, not be

fearful of outlaying some dollars for this program.

For those blessed few lay leaders in our parishes, you

too should be looking for qualified help. Define

“qualified”? - Those who love the Lord and are

willing to share that experience with youth. This is

not to say that no research needs to be done on the

part of the minister to be "the best they can be," but

dedication leads a long way to effective youth

ministry.

Principle #7: SOCIALLY COMFORTABLE

A junior/high school student will not be theologically

mature until s/he is sociologically comfortable.

http://pncc.org/




Suffice it to say that God's word does not classify

nerd, rad, awesome, bogus, or geeks when describing

His creations (am I dating myself?); the youth group

experience should allow all to be comfortable

socially with each other.

Principle #8: MINISTRY

The most effective youth ministries are those which

rapidly move students into ministry postures.

Ministry is service. The sooner students see their

worth in the ministry of the parish, the stronger they

will become involved, and even look to broaden their

activity. "The youth are the future of the Church"

means that they have no ministry now. Do not avoid

this most valuable resource in your parish. Ministry

affects every experience of the student.

Principle #9: OWNERSHIP

Student ownership of youth ministry guided by

respected Christian adults is essential for that

ministry to remain healthy. If the students are

involved in the planning, implementation, and

evaluation of the youth group, from a hoagie sale to

caroling for shut-ins to parochial involvement, the

group's self-worth escalates exponentially. In other

words, you won't be able to think up enough tasks for

them to do.

Principle #10: VISION

A youth ministry will reflect the vision of its adult

leader(s). In short, a youth ministry with goals, and

its eyes on the Christ, will allow its students full

maturity, and allow them as well to continue the

vision of the entire parish

Principle #11: GROUP FUNCTIONS

In youth ministry the group performs three functions:

Identification, contribution and consolation. The

group allows the students to define themselves in

context of the group; allows the free and unbridled

exchange of ideas, emotions, and talents; allows the

security to the students to come to the group for help,

input, unabashed acceptance and Christian love.

Principle #12: AUTHORITY

Youth ministry prospers where the Bible is taken

seriously and is used as a basis for faith and life.

'Nuff said!

I trust and pray that the principles will be

helpful as you continually evaluate the ministry for

youth in your parish. Many of the principles are put

powerfully into work in many of your groups, thank

God! Perhaps a few of the principles will help to

define more clearly the work you have before you. In

sum, your work in bringing the Lord Christ into the

lives of your youth will cause Him to rejoice in you!

In closing, until next time, I'd like to leave you with a

few Scriptural aids that will carry you powerfully to

your youth:

SCRIPTURAL QUALITIES OF YOUTH WORK-

ERS:

2 Corinthians 2:15 & 3:2;

Philippians 2:15;

Matthew 4:19 & 5:13,14;

Ephesians 5:2.

OUR MOTIVATION FOR REACHING YOUNG

PEOPLE:

Romans 10:1;

1 Corinthians 9:16;

Luke 19:41.

RELATIONAL YOUTH MINISTRY:

Philippians 2:20;

1 Thessalonians 2:8;

1 Corinthians 9:22.

GIVE THEM ENCOURAGEMENT:

Philippians 4:13;

2 Kings 6:8.

BE ENTHUSIASTIC:

Acts 4:20

SHOW UNCONDITIONAL LOVE:

Philippians 2:5,

1 John 4:9.

SOCL

Youth

Ministry

http://pncc.org/




Central Diocese

Holy Mother of Sorrows Welcomes New Member

Dupont, PA

We welcome our new member, Karissa Josephine

Kazinetz, daughter of Paul & Heather Kazinetz, who

was baptized on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at Holy

Mother of Sorrows Church, Dupont by Very Rev.

Zbigniew Dawid. Karissa's godparents are: Fr. Jason

& Natalie Soltysiak. Submitted by Very Rev. Zbigniew Dawid

Natalie Soltysiak, Heather Kazinetz, Paul Kazinetz, Rev. Jason Soltysiak and Karissa Josephine Kazinetz

To order a 2016 Liturgical Reference Calendar (Ordo), please fill out the order form, below, and make check or money order

payable to The Polish National Catholic Church – LRC and send to:

The Polish National Catholic Church – L R C

Attn: Secretary to Prime Bishop

2016 ORDO Quantity Cost/Ordo Total

2016 Liturgical Calendar (Ordo) - $15.25 U.S.; $18.60 Canada

TOTAL

ENCLOSED

Shipping Name and Address:

Thank you for your order.

Polish National Catholic Church - LRC


Scranton, PA 18505

http://pncc.org/




Holy Mother of Sorrows Parish Hosts Sermon, Soup & Sandwich

Dupont, PA

A Sermon – Soup – Sandwich Event was held at

Holy Mother of Sorrows Parish on February 20,

2016. John (Jack) Kuligowski gave the presentation

“Who was Kosciuszko?" Jack is an active member of

the Polish American Citizens Club, Dupont and

chairman of their Scholarship committee. He attends

Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Dupont, where he is a

member of the choir and serves as an Extraordinary

Minister. Jack also is a member of the Friends of

Poland of Lackawanna County. His hobbies include

traveling, outdoor walks, local brewery history and

Polish history, along with walking with the Friends

of Poland in the annual St Patrick’s Day Parade in

Scranton.

In August 2015, he and his wife visited Poland. At

that time he visited the 2 major battlefields of the

Kosciuszko Insurrection of 1794 – Raclawice and

Maciejowice. Submitted by Very Rev. Zbigniew Dawid

John (Jack) Kuligowski

Everyone in attendance enjoyed discussing the presentation and sharing some soup and sandwiches.

Portrait by Karl Gottlieb Schweikart. Kościuszko is shown

wearing the Eagle of the Society of the Cincinnati, awarded to

him by Gen. Washington.

http://pncc.org/


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Society_of_the_Cincinnati



Northeast Seniorate Lenten Retreat

Holy Trinity Cathedral Parish, Manchester, NH

Following the directives from our past 2014 Holy

Synod and our P.N.C.C. Future Direction Action

Plan for 2016, 30 faithful and clergy of the Northeast

Seniorate gathered at Holy Trinity Cathedral parish

on Saturday, February 27, 2016 for a Lenten Retreat.

The retreat began with the Holy Mass celebrated by

Fr. Sr. Rob Nemkovich. The Mass of the day was

celebrated and Fr. Henryk Wos preached an excellent

sermon on the parable of the Prodigal Son. In his

exegesis of the parable, Fr. Henryk spoke about the

two sons and the father. He reminded us about the

unconditional love and mercy God the Father has and

that we need to grant forgiveness and repent of our

sinful ways.

Following Mass, Karen Sobiechowski presented a

moving session on prayer and our Lenten Journey.

She shared with us her prayer journey and brought

some beautiful prayers to share with us that we

offered. One powerful one was The Mercy Prayer:

For those who sin and those who suffer, For those

who suffer because of sin, For those who sin to

alleviate their suffering, Lord have mercy on us. –

Robert Gelinas. Following the session the group

spent time in quiet prayer, reflection and meditation.

Fr. Andrzej Tenus led the group in a meditation on

the Stations of the Cross. Some of the folks walked

the way of the cross, while others prayed from

various locations in the church. Several different

readers offered meditations for each of the stations.

Silent prayer and meditation followed.

Midday Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours was led

by Bishop Paul Sobiechowski. After offering this

prayer of the Church the folks enjoyed soup and

sandwiches.

The afternoon portion of the retreat began with a

guided Lenten Meditation from Fr. Sr. Rob

Nemkovich. He began with the song “Ashes to

Glory” and then shared with the participants

meditations for our Lenten journey: 40 Days of

Opportunity; Trust in God’s Mercy; Love One

Another; Staying the Course; Striving to Forgive. He

ended his presentation with “Lenten Song” by John

Michael Poirier. Please give this a view on YouTube

at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AflpKCF3BnM.

The retreat then focused on Lenten Songs and

Reflections lead by Karen Sobiechowski. The

following hymns were enjoyed with questions for

Eastern Diocese

http://pncc.org/


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AflpKCF3BnM



reflection: “How Deep The Father’s Love”: Consider

what Jesus was willing to suffer so that you could be

forgiven – God the Father sees you as “His treasure.”

How do you respond?; “Just As I Am”: Picture Jesus

welcoming you, just as you are, with His arms open

wide. What do you need from Him right now? He

is able to heal, mend, restore, forgive…; “Remember

Me”: You have a spiritual legacy to leave to future

generations. How will you share your experience of

Jesus with them? What is your reaction when Jesus

calls us “Child of wonder, Child of God?” I

remember you…remember me. Appreciation is

again given to Karen Sobiechowski for preparing this

portion and sharing these moving hymns.

After some time in silent reflection, Fr. Sr. Rob

Nemkovich and Ray Pieczarka led the group in a

congregational reading of the Passion of our Lord

and Savior, Jesus Christ, from Luke’s Gospel.

Various participants read portions of the passion such

as Pilate, Peter, the Centurion and others. Silent

prayer and meditation followed.

This Lenten Retreat concluded with a Lenten

Penitential Service celebrated by Bishop Paul

Sobiechowski – In God’s Merciful Love - a time

where the participants received the Sacrament of

Penance. Bishop Paul offered a beautiful sermon in

which he spoke about being good stewards of the

gifts God has given to us and that we are to use them

for the benefit of the Church and helping those in

need in our materialistic society. The retreat

concluded with Bishop Paul giving his Benediction

and thanking everyone for making the time and effort

to spend a day in prayer and meditation sharing in the

saving events of our Lord’s journey that leads to

Resurrection.

Thanks are extended to Holy Trinity Cathedral Parish

for hosting this retreat, to all the clergy of the

seniorate as they led portions of the retreat and to all

who shared in this uplifting, inspiring journey with

Christ. Prepared by Fr. Sr. Rob Nemkovich

http://pncc.org/




Valentine’s Tea

Holy Cross Parish, Enfield, CT

Holy Cross Parish, Enfield, CT hosted a Ladies’

Valentine’s Tea on Saturday, February 13, 2016. A

variety of hot teas, fancy tea sandwiches and pretty

desserts were served while soft music was playing in

the background. The lovely table linens, individual

floral patterned china, tea cups and saucers with

fresh flower centerpieces made for beautifully

decorated tables! This was our second Ladies’ tea;

our first was last November…each one becoming

more popular! Some of our returning attendees drive

over 50 miles one way to join us! We had many

return from our November tea and a few new faces

as well. Our next one may be in early May…stay

tuned for upcoming event dates!

Submitted by Nancy Lee

Joan Turbridy of Trumbull, CT, Cheryl Sayles of Milford, CT,

Eileen Kirby of Fairfield, CT

Renee White of Farmington, CT, Julie Fredrickson of

Manchester, CT, Darlene Anderson of Farmington, CT

http://pncc.org/




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Western Diocese

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The New Year Brings “Firsts” to St. Mary’s Parish South Bend, IN

The year 2016 has brought several “firsts” to our parish. On January 24, the Annual Parish Meeting was held.

Elections for the Parish Committee presented the parish with all female officers and our second female

Chair. The Oath of Office was administered by Reverend Charles Zawistowski on February 7 prior to Mass.

Congratulations were extended to all newly elected members of the Board.

Chairperson Kathy Martinczak

Vice Chairperson Fran Lemanski

Recording Secretary Pat Lynch

Financial Secretary Kim Bjorkland

Treasurer Carol Kolecki

Assistant Financial Officer Susan Zawistowski

The next “first” was on Sunday, February 14, when the Frederic Chopin Choir presented bookmarks to all

parishioners immediately following Mass. The bookmarks read “Give me your heart.” (Proverbs 23:26). The

hymn “Give Me Your Heart” was also sung during the Mass. All parish members were delighted with the gift.

Another “first” began prior to Lent when Reverend Charles and Susan Zawistowski provided a poster bearing

the shape of a cross to parishioners. By releasing the cross from the poster, it can be folded into a cube. The

sides of the cube contain several scripture verses and prayers for the Lenten season. By turning the cube to the

inside and folding it again, additional scripture verses and prayers are displayed for the Easter season. By

rolling the paper cube on a table every day, a different scripture verse and prayer can be read. This can be fun

for both children and adults.

The next “first” began on February 17 when parish members joined together in a “potluck” meal prior to the

Wednesday evening Lenten service. The variety of delicious food items, coupled with fellowship during the

meal, and conclusion of the evening with the Lenten service provided a wonderful experience for all. The idea

of a potluck was proposed by the Ladies Adoration Society, and parish members were asked to list their

potluck item on a sign-up sheet so items would not be duplicated. The potlucks will continue prior to our

Wednesday evening Lenten services (weather permitting).

The parish members and societies are actively pursuing other activities and ways to serve God for the

upcoming Spring season under the guidance of Reverend Charles Zawistowski.

Submitted by Fran Lemanski

Pat Lynch, Kathy Martinczak, Kim Bjorkland, Carol Kolecki, Fran Lemanski, Susan Zawistowski

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Stations of The Cross Blessed on Ash Wednesday

St. Mary’s Parish, Parma, OH

On a snowy and blustery Ash Wednesday, February

10, the new Stations of the Cross were formally

blessed at a solemn service. Father Jason, assisted by

Father Greg Gronn and Chuck Repede, performed

the unique service to begin our 2016 Lenten Journey.

The service opened with the Blessing of Ashes

followed by blessing of portions of the Stations,

individually and as a whole.

While Father Jason read the prayers of blessing,

Father Greg went around and first blessed each

image on the Stations. After this, the prayer for the

blessing of the fourteen crosses was read, and Father

Greg again went around to each Station, blessing

each with Holy Water.

Father Jason then followed with a short homily,

explaining why the Stations not only needed to be

blessed, but each portion individually and then as a

whole. He also spoke of the symbolism of offering

Wystawienie/Benediction of the Most Blessed

Sacrament to conclude the service – how it is us as

2016 Christians proclaiming Christ’s death and

Resurrection.

Afterward, the clergy and assistant went around and

offered an intention at each Station. The Lord’s

Prayer, Hail Mary, and Glory Be were recited at each

Station, and they were blessed with incense and Holy

Water.

Many thanks to all who braved the terrible weather

to officially welcome these Stations into our life of

worship at St. Mary’s.

From St. Mary’s of Parma, OH Monthly Newsletter

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śp. Rev. Roman E. Misiewicz 1938 - 2016

The Rev. Roman E. Misiewicz, 77, of Columbia

passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, Feb. 28,

2016. A Holy Mass and celebration of life is planned

for June 2016 in Cleveland, OH.

Rev. Misiewicz was born March 16, 1938, in

Drohobych, Poland, to Marcin and Helena (nee

Terlecki) Misiewicz. During the Second World War,

the city was bombarded and the family was moved to

Chorzow, where he finished his schooling.

He attended theological seminary at Jagellonian

University in Krakow. On June 21, 1961, he was

ordained to the priesthood and was a pastor in

Lubliniec, Poland, where he met his future wife,

Jolanta Machnik. Rev. Misiewicz then attained his

Masters in Theology from the Pontifical Academy of

Theology, Krakow.

He came to the United States in 1970, where he was

accepted into the Polish National Catholic Church by

Rt. Rev. Francis Rowinski. Bishop Rowinski

assigned him to his first U.S. parish, St. Mary’s

P.N.C.C. in Lublin, WI., in August 1970. Rev.

Misiewicz wed Jolanta in Chicago in 1971.

In 1973 he was assigned to Holy Trinity P.N.C.C. in

Cleveland, OH, where he served the parish until

2003. In that same year he was transferred to St.

Mary’s P.N.C.C. in Parma, OH where he remained

until 2011 when he celebrated his Golden Jubilee

serving in God’s vineyard. He retired in 2011 to be

close to his grandchildren.

Besides serving the Lord, Rev. Misiewicz was

passionate about flying, obtaining his first-class

pilot’s license, including the Golden Wings. He flew

as an instrument-rated pilot. Later in his life, he was

interested in ham radio operations. At his U.S.

naturalization ceremony in 1976, Rev. Misiewicz was

asked to deliver the opening prayer to the U.S.

Congress in Washington, D.C. Additionally, he was a

college instructor for many years, teaching computer

programming at ICM School of Business and Dyke

College. He served as a translator for the Berlitz

School of Language, serving Poles in Cleveland.

Rev. Misiewicz is survived by his wife, Jolanta.

Other survivors include two daughters, Marianne and

Chris Viers of Columbia and Michele Barry of

Cleveland; a brother, Stan and Barbara Misiewicz of

Salt Lake City, UT; nephews Tomas Misiewicz of

Salt Lake City and Michael Misiewicz of

Washington, D.C.; grandchildren, Violet Viers and

Hugh Viers; and step grandchildren, Jacob and

Amanda Viers, Emily Viers and Jonathan Davis.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please

consider a donation to St. Mary’s P.N.C.C., 5375

Broadview Road, Parma, OH, 44134.

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71st Annual P.N.C.C./Y.M.S. of R. Bowling Tournament

The P.N.C.C./Y.M.S. of R. 71st Annual Bowling Tournament is co-hosted by Our Savior Parish, Dearborn

Heights, MI and Holy Cross Parish, Hamtramck, MI from Friday, June 3, 2016 to Sunday, June 5, 2016. The

tournament is being played at the Cherry Hill Lanes in Dearborn Heights, MI. The Awards Banquet and

Dance on June 4th is being held at American Legion Stitt Post 232, also in Dearborn Heights. Registration for

the tournament and banquet closes on April 30, 2016.

Hotel accommodations can be made at the Dearborn Country Inn & Suites. Please make reservations by April

15, 2016 to ensure group rates.

Complete information regarding this year’s tournament, along with all necessary registration forms, has been

sent to all P.N.C.C. parishes. All information and forms also can be found on the P.N.C.C. Web site at

pncc.org/?event=p-n-c-c-y-m-s-of-r-71st-annual-bowling-tournament

The purpose of this tournament is to share in Christian fellowship. We cannot think of any better way to

promote such fellowship than to share the Eucharist with our fellow Polish National Catholic Church members

from across the country. We know many of you will be traveling long distances to get home, but hope you will

take the time to be with us. We pray for your safe journey.

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Documents

Christ is Risen, Alleluia - Polish National Catholic · PDF fileChrist is Risen, Alleluia Most Rev. Anthony Mikovsky ... the celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior,