PNCC

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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New Parish Committee Elections

From the Pastor, Parish Life, PNCC /

On March 20th, this year we elect the New Parish Committee for 2011 following 9:30 Mass.

I hope that you are aware that your attendance on this meeting will testify to your maturity and responsibility. If you as the members of the PNCC, and as the parishioners of the Saint Valentine Church, you will live and work according to teachings of Jesus, and will propagate the democratic principles of Christ. You may then be assured of His presence, help and cooperation. If we gather for common prayer, tasks or efforts; if we will work and struggle for His Holy Cause; Jesus, our Master, Jesus our Leader and Jesus our Savior, will sustain us. For our work is His work; our toil, His toil. Jesus is with us. He wants to help us. We must work together the young parishioners and aged parishioners, Parish Committee members and the rest of parishioners. Because the Church is a Body of Christ, in the church is Jesus Christ, the Church is His, and He is ours. Let us pray together, let us work together. Come, and testify that You are responsible for St. Valentine’s Church.

As a Pastor of Parish I want you to know, that Parish is a Community of people who believe in One God in The Holy Trinity and worship God together as a Assembly minimum once a week on Sunday. This is the reason of existence of Parish.

In St. Valentine’s Parish are three categories of people:

  1. parishioners who use Church as a holy ground for prayer and worship; listening the Words of God and receive Holy Sacraments; and also they take care of material matters of parish, paying dues, offerings and support parish organizing and participating in many fundraiser events.
  2. parishioners who are shut-ins, or aged, and who support Parish according to their means and abilities. Also parishioners who only pay dues and offerings, but they never or very rarely attend church; probably keeping their membership for funerals or other events of life (weddings, Baptisms, First Holy Communions, etc.)
  3. people who don’t pay dues, who are like sympathizers of parish, and make offering in support.

According to the Constitution of Polish National Catholic Church, every year is called Parish Meeting to elect a Parish Committee. The Parish Committee together with Pastor has to manage and develop Parish, taking care of parish finance and properties.

Who is able to be elected as a parish committee member? Only parishioner who belong to the first category: true parishioner/members who use Church as a holy ground for prayer and worship; listening the Words of God and receive Holy Sacraments; and also they take care of materials matters of parish, paying dues, offerings and support parish organizing and participating in many fundraiser events.

The lot of St. Valentine’s Church, depends on you, your presence at the Parish Annual Meeting will be expected and is very necessary.

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Åš+P Rev. E. Owen Groman

From the Pastor, PNCC, Prayer /

Rev. Owen Groman passed away January 14th, 2011; Funeral Mass in his memory: January 29th (Saturday) at 11 a.m. at St. Valentine’s Church, following interment at St. Valentine’s Cemetery in Andalusia, 875 Mill Road, Bansalem, Pa.

Fr. Groman was very well known among Polonia, especially as musican director of the “Janosik” dance group. May Your servant and priest Owen rest in peace O Lord!

From The Burlington County Times:

The Rev. E. Owen Groman, of Wilmington, N.C., formerly of Riverton, died Friday, Jan. 14, 2011.

A graduate of Palmyra High School, Rutgers University, the Savonarola Theological Seminary in Scranton, Pa., and the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Mass., the Rev. Groman served as pastor of several parishes and missions throughout the eastern United States for more than 30 years, in both the Polish National Catholic Church and the Episcopal Church.

He was preceded in death by his father, Edward. He is survived by his wife, Joanne, of Wilmington, N.C.; daughter, Marcyanna of Frostburg, Md.; mother, Wanda Groman of Riverton; father-in-law, Joe Samarra of North Carolina; sister, Victoria Kristian of Pennsauken; brother, Mark Groman of Delran, several cousins, nieces and nephews; and many close friends and professional associates who valued his capacity for compassion and understanding.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Valentine Polish National Catholic Church, 2330 Margaret St., Philadelphia, where the funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be in St. Valentine Cemetery, Andalusia.

Arrangements by the Slabinski Funeral Home, Philadelphia

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Advent and Christmas Schedule, Events, and Reminders

Parish Life, PNCC, Prayer /

Wigilijny Opłatek – Christmas Wafers: are available in Church (table at vestibule), in Rectory, or Church Hall as well as by mail. Donation: $3.

Polish Christmas Open House: Saturday, December 11th from 11am till 2:30 pm at the Polish Cultural Center, 308 Walnut St. Philadelphia -– Great fun for children. Everyone is welcomed to enjoy this wonderful event. For more information call or see Father.

Decorating of the Parish: The church is going to be decorated after the 9:30am Holy Mass on Sunday, December 19th. Please, support & help us in these events.

Candle Light Service & Sacrament of Penance, Vigilia Dinner with “Opłatek:” Sunday, December 19th. Service at 4pm followed by dinner at about 5:30pm. Santa is coming to our children and youth.

Solemnity of Nativity of our Lord – Christmas and Christmas Season Holy Masses:

  • “Pasterka” Shepherd Mass will be celebrated the 24th/25th of December at Midnight.
  • Holy Mass on Christmas Day will be celebrated in the morning 9:30am.
  • Feast of St. Stephen, Protomartyr will be observed on Sunday, December 26th with Holy Mass at 8am (Polish) and 9:30am (English)
  • Solemnity of the Circumcision of our Lord will be celebrated on Saturday, January 1st, 2011 at 9:30am.

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100th Anniversary Celebration Invitation

Parish Life, PNCC, St. Valentine /

The Rev. Father Krzysztof M. Mendelewski, Pastor
and the Parish Committee of
St. Valentine’s Parish
cordially invite you to the
One Hundredth Anniversary Celebration Mass
in St. Valentine’s Church
2330 Margaret Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Sunday, September Twenty Sixth
two thousand and ten
at three o’clock in the afternoon
and to the
One Hundredth Anniversary Banquet
at Regency Caterers
2378 Orthodox Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
at four : thirty o’clock in the afternoon

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“Kurs” July 3rd to 11th, 2009 at Spojnia Farm

PNCC /

This year “KURS” is from July 03rd to July 11th and includes exiting activities such as dances, lectures on current events, sports, and games to advance children`s knowledge of their church. The fee, which includes a T-shirt is only $180 for PNCC members (250 not member).

Please register any child between the ages of 8 and 18 before the deadline of June13th. You will find applications in the church office.

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Welcome to Spojnia Farm

PNCC /

WELCOME TO SPOJNIA FARM

ACOLYTE RETREAT – Bishop Anthony Mikovsky and the clergy of the Central Diocese at their meeting on October 23, 2008, decided to organize Acolyte Retreat for the Central Diocese of the PNCC in summer of the year 2009. The retreat will be held from Tuesday, June 23 (noon), through Friday June 26 (noon) 2009at the Bishop Hodur Retreat and Recreation Center, Spojnia Farm, Waymart, PA. The participants will have a great opportunity to pray together in order to know better our Lord Jesus Christ and to spend a wonderful time with “old” and “new” friends. The deadline for registration is June 12, 2009. Cost of retreat: $60. Registration Forms and Information Sheet are at the parish office.

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