Christian witness

Cemetery clean up

Christian witness, Events, Parish Life, St. Valentine /

We welcome everyone to attend on Saturday, November 3rd for the final Fall clean up at our cemetery. On this day we will like repair the garage roof drain, clean up the Mill Road side of the cemetery, winterize the bathrooms, and straighten some gravestones. We know we have lot of work to be done, so we need all hands willing to help. We will start 9 AM, with a noon time lunch break and work to continue as individuals can assist. Remember too that care for the graves of our dearly departed is a work of mercy. Thank you for your continued care and concern for the parish and your willingness to join hands in working for our mutual benefit.

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Wypominki – Remembrance of the Faithful Departed

Christian witness, From the Pastor, Parish Life, PNCC, Prayer /

Dear Parishoners and Friends,

May Jesus Christ Be Praised…both now and forever!
Niech bÄ™dzie pochwalony Jezus Chrystus….na wieki wieków…Amen.

This message comes to you after a very successful Harvest Festival Celebration (Dożynki), which was held Sunday, September 30th at our parish’s Pulaski Park which is found directly adjacent to our parish cemetery grounds. The park and cemetery as well has been brought back into excellent condition thanks to the efforts of the men of the parish. About 65 people attended the event which drew people from as far away as Washington D.C. Holy Mass at the cemetery altar preceded a Polish dinner. A procession with symbolic harvest produce then took place to the picnic area thus officially opening the dinner. A wonderful time was had by all and we look forward to next year’s celebration.

As the days of October pass and the days grow shorter and the colors of autumn take hold, our thoughts turn to the Commemoration of All Souls and to those who have preceded us in holy death. It is these souls whose memory we wish to remember during the month of November according to age old Catholic custom…a custom known as “wypominki.”

If you would like the souls of loved ones to be remembered during the Commemoration of All Souls and for the entire month of November, please send the names of these loved ones along with your offering to the parish. Aside from remembrance at the Holy Masses of November, these special intentions will be remembered at the annual procession and blessing of the cemetery to be held on November 11th at 2 P.M.

Of course the most precious gift to our faith community is you and your attendance at Holy Mass and planned events. But in the event you are unable to attend the Masses and events mentioned above, we ask that you remember the parish in your prayers and also with the financial support in the form of dues and contributions which are so necessary for the maintenance of our parish life.

God’s richest blessings on you all! Bóg zapłać!

Sincerely yours in Chirst,

Fr. Gregory Mikula
Fr. Andrew Bilinski
St. Valentine’s P.N.C.C. Parish Committee

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“My God, I know this place. I am home.” (Reflection for All Souls Day)

Christian witness, From the Pastor, Parish Life, Prayer /

Why do Catholic Christians commemorate the dead during the month of November? The feast of All Souls and the month of November is a source of consolation for each of us. If our hearts are broken and suffering about the loss of loved ones, or if we are dealing with unresolved issues about good-byes that were not said, peace that was not made, gratitude that was not expressed, let us ask the faithful departed to intercede for us and for our own peace. The consoling doctrine of the Communion of Saints allows us to feel ever close to those who have died and gives us much hope in moments of despair and sadness. I share with you two texts that have remained with me throughout my priestly life. In his little book Enounters with Silence, the great Jesuit theologian Fr. Karl Rahner, wrote about those who have died:

That’s why our heart is with them now, our loved ones who have taken leave of us. There is no substitute for them; there are no others who can fill the vacancy when one of those whom we really love suddenly and unexpectedly departs and is with us no longer. In true love no one can replace another, for true love loves the other person in that depth where he is uniquely and irreplaceably himself. And thus, as death has trodden roughly through our lives, every one of the departed has taken a piece of our hearts with them– and often enough– our whole heart. Many people have asked me to tell them about heaven and the afterlife. I sometimes smile at the request because I do not know any more than they do. Yet, when one young man asked if I looked forward to being united with God and all those who have gone before me, I made a connection to something I said earlier in this book.

In his book “The gift of peace: personal reflections,” Joseph Bernardin wrote about those who have died:

The first time I traveled with my mother and sister to my parents’ homeland of Tonadico di Primiero, in northern Italy, I felt as if I had been there before. After years of looking through my mother’s photo albums, I knew the mountains, the land, the houses, the people. As soon as we entered the valley, I said, “My God, I know this place. I am home.” Somehow I think crossing from this life into eternal life will be similar. I will be home.

May I suggest that each of you do the following during these days of November:

Spend some time reflecting on those who have been close to you, who have died, and are now with the Lord. Slowly read this scripture passage — Wisdom 3:1-3: “But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them. In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died, and their departure was thought to be a disaster, and their going from us to be their destruction; but they are at peace.” Remember one person close to you who has died. Bring this person’s image into your mind’s eye. As you remember his or her life, imagine the Lord Jesus escorting the person into heaven at the time of death. Finally, imagine this loved one waiting for you. Know that when your time of passing comes, the Lord and your loved ones who have gone before you will escort you into the kingdom of heaven. End your short remembering with this prayer: Lord, you are the resurrection and the life. You promised that whoever believes in you will never die. Lord, through the power of your rising, help me believe in my own resurrection. Amen.

May we spend our earthly pilgrimage filling our minds with the thoughts of heaven, so that when we finally cross over into eternal life, the images we see may not be foreign or strange. Let us pray that we, too, may be able to say: “My God, I know this place. I am home.”

Anyone wishing to submit the names of departed family or friends “WYPOMINKI” to be read and prayed for at our All Saints and All Souls Day Services are asked to return the envelope with the names which has been sent to your homes or give a list of those you would like remembered in prayer to Father Krzysztof.

Schedule for the Holy Days:

Sunday – October 30, 2011

8:00 a.m. – Polish language Holy Mass/Msza ÅšwiÄ™ta & prayers for our deceased, “Wypominki”
9:30 a.m. – High Holy Mass & prayers for our deceased, “Wypominki”
2:00 p.m. – Prayers for our dearly deceased will be held at Parish Cemetery in Andalusia, PA.

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Philadelphia Little Easter Bread Of Love – Filadelfijski Wielkanocny Chlebek MiÅ‚oÅ›ci

Christian witness, Parish Life /

Our Little Easter Bread of Love will be distributed on Holy Saturday & Easter Sunday. We will demonstrate the act of solidarity towards thousands of little children in Poland, in America, and in the world who are severely undernourished. Let us join to help them. Let them feel they are not abandoned in their struggle to survive. Come and take a piece of bread, dropping of a small offering in a special box to provide for them.

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Pisanki-Coloring & Displaying of Easter Eggs

Christian witness, PNCC /

The pisanki derive from an ancient tradition when eggs, the symbol of life, were endowed with magical properties and were thought to ensure both a plentiful harvest and good health. The name Pisanki comes from the Polish word “pisać”, which means to write.

The practice of coloring Easter eggs is very much alive in Poland today as well as enjoyed by Polish people all over the world. There are several techniques for making pisanki including the use of wax flowing from a pipe or funnel, producing richly ornamented designs or the etching of designs onto a previously colored egg. The geometric and floral patterns or the animal and human images produced reveal a high level of craftsmanship and artistry.

These eggs are exchanged among friends and relatives with good wishes. Many American Poles design eggs with the names of their friends written on them. They exchange these decorated eggs with each other during their Easter visitations along with their good wishes.

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Blessed Easter Food, the Święconka

Christian witness, From the Pastor, PNCC /

The blessing of the Easter food, or the “ÅšwiÄ™conka” is a tradition dear to the heart of every Pole. Being deeply religious, he is grateful to God for all His gifts of both nature and grace, and, as a token of this gratitude, has the food of his table sanctified with the hope that spring, the season of the Resurrection, will also be blessed by God’s goodness and mercy.

The usual fare on the Easter table includes ham and kielbasa, cakes of all kinds – particularly babka; eggs – some shelled or some decorated. There is usually a Paschal Lamb or “Baranek” made of butter, some cheese, horseradish, salt, vinegar and oil.

The food is brought to the church and blessed by the parish priest on Holy Saturday. The food can also be blessed in the home. After the blessing, the food is usually set aside until Easter morning when the head of the house shares the blessed egg, symbol of life, with family and friends. Having exchanged wishes, all continue to enjoy a hearty meal.

This centuries old custom is indeed richly symbolic and beautiful. It is one in which the whole family can participate and help prepare. May this tradition endure for many generations to come.

All of you can enjoy this beautiful Polish custom by participating at the blessing of the Easter food “Swieconka” at the Polish church nearest you. This is an excellent way to teach the younger members of your family about this treasured Polish tradition.

The Traditional “Easter Basket”

MasÅ‚o (Butter) – This dairy product is often shaped into a lamb (Baranek Wielkanocny) or a cross. This reminds us of the good will of Christ that we should have towards all things.

Babka (Easter Bread) – A round or long loaf topped with a cross or a fish, symbolic of Jesus, who is the Bread of Life.

Chrzan (Horseradish) – Symbolic of the Passion of Christ still in our minds.

Jajka (Eggs) and Pisanki (decorated with symbols of Easter, of life, of prosperity) – Indicates new life and Christ’s Resurrection from the tomb.

KieÅ‚basa (Sausage) – A sausage product, symbolic of God’s favor and generosity.

Szynka (Ham) – Symbolic of great joy and abundance. Some prefer lamb or veal. The lamb also reminds Christians that the Risen Christ is the “Lamb of God.”

SÅ‚onina (Smoked Bacon) – A symbol of the overabundance of God’s mercy and generosity.

Sol (Salt) – A necessary element in our physical life. Symbolic of prosperity and justice and to remind us that people are the flavor of the earth.

Ser (Cheese) – Symbolic of the moderation Christians should have at all times.

Candle – Represents Christ as the Light of the World.

Colorful Ribbons and Sprigs of Greenery – are attached to the basket as signs of joy and new life in the season of spring and in celebration of the Resurrection.

Linen Cover – drawn over the top of the basket which is ready for the priest’s visit to the home or the trip to church where it is joined with the baskets of others to await the blessing. The food is then set aside and enjoyed on Easter Sunday.

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Jesus is the reason for this Season

Christian witness, From the Pastor /

An Advent and Christmas message from Fr. Krzysztof:



Dear parishioners and sympathizers of St. Valentine’s Church!

We are one body, one body in Christ, and we do not stand alone. With us is Jesus Christ who was, who is and who will come again. For the four full weeks of Advent we are waiting for the arrival of the holy season – Christmas. What is the reason of this Holiday Season? The reason of the Christmas season is Jesus, the true Son of God!

At this time the commercial world hypes Christmas for weeks, seeing only for business and good deal with customers. How should we as Christians should look at Christmas Season?

We should remember that Christmas is the special day of Birth of Jesus, who as a Son of God became Man giving us salvation. Our attitude to Christmas has to be different than the commercial world offers us.

If we are believers in Christ we can’t avoid Church, neglect prayer and good deeds for our neighbors, especially at this Season that God is giving us His only Son for our Salvation. Our first task as followers of Christ is to love God and our neighbors, to be witness of Love of God in this World. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

Who is Christian who doesn’t celebrate the Day of Birth of Jesus in Church?

It is simple, if you have your birthday you want to have your family, relatives, friends, neighbors with you on this special day, isn’t it? How you should feel on the day of your birthday alone or without your loved ones? They could say: sorry, we can’t come to you to celebrate your birthday we will do this being at stores, at our homes, at diner, restaurant, cinema…..

Why do many Christians celebrate the Day of Birth of Jesus outside the Church?

Because some of them have buried the true sense of Christmas. It is easer for them to focus on the commercial things such as Santa, Christmas gifts, Christmas dinner, Christmas shopping, Christmas Tree, etc. But we know the Church is the Holy Ground, where Jesus is present, where Jesus is born, where Jesus is waiting for us to give us true values of Life: HOPE, PEACE, JOY & LOVE!

These values when properly observed lead to a greater spiritual celebration on Christmas Day. You will not want to miss one Sunday Holy Mass and celebration!

I offer the following four suggestions for all of us:

  • First, commit to be present in worship during this season (make Holy Mass a priority for you and your family).
  • Second, spend some time each day reading Bible and devotion; you can also make your Advent wreath and lit the candles.
  • Third, be thoughtful and deliberate in your prayer (ask God to enlighten your heart and mind to hear from God and give thanks for all God’s blessings).
  • Fourth, plan each day of this Season to do something kind to help someone less fortunate than yourself (you will discover the great joy that comes from giving in the name of the Christ and it can be a lot of fun too).

I am praying for God to do a special work among us this Holiday Season. It is a time to celebrate, have fun and share together, but it is also a sacred time – a time to prepare, to make our lives ready to receive all that Jesus has for us.

Christmas Joy and Peace to all!
MERRY CHRISTMAS! WESOŁYCH ŚWIĄT!

Father Krzysztof M. Mendelewski

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