Bible Study for Christmas Week 1

  • 12/26 – Luke 11:1-4 – How can I learn more about prayer and go deeper into its practice? Prayer starter: Lord Jesus, teach us to pray and give us the willingness to learn. Help us to always remain aware of God’s loving presence and be ever prepared to hear his word and respond.
  • 12/27 – Luke 11:1-14 – Am I eager to learn more about prayer, and what will I do to better appropriate Jesus’ teaching on prayer? Prayer starter: Day by day, Lord, you keep giving us what we need and even more, so that we can live as true children of your kingdom. Grant us the joy to see your kingdom, one day at a time.
  • 12/28 – Matthew 1:1-18 – How important for me is the understanding of Jesus’ background and incarnation in history? Prayer starter: Lord Jesus, I believe that you made human history start anew and come to its fullness when you were born of the Virgin Mary.
  • 12/29 – Matthew 1:18-25 – Where did I find comfort and peace whenever disconcerted by God’s plans? Prayer starter: Your ways, O Lord, are unpredictable and they changed Mary’s and Joseph’s lives completely. Teach us to trust in your word as they did so that we may welcome the good news of Christ.
  • 12/30 – Matthew 2:1-12 – How can I acknowledge and be enriched by true faith among other religious denominations? Prayer starter: We praise you, Lord, for the light of salvation shining into the world through Jesus Christ, and lighting up the lives of all those who seek you with sincere hearts.
  • 12/31 – Matthew 2:13-23 – How can I being relief and hope to people who suffer religious persecution? Prayer starter: Christ Jesus, hear the cry of so many innocent victims of hatred and religious intolerance, and make us channels of your gospel of love.
  • 1/1 – Matthew 3:1-12 – Am I willing to listen to the Gospel as good news and as a challenging message? Prayer starter: You have never failed, O Lord, to send your prophets to the world. Help us discover the good news they bear in your name and listen to their call to conversion.

Work in a democratic Church

To sustain our democratic Church, its members are encouraged to be involved, and to exercise their right to a voice and a vote.

Call to Volunteer Ministries

Once again, we turn to the parish family and ask for assistance in the tasks we share as a community:

Altar Servers – This ministry is open to all who have made their First Holy Communion, especially those of this past year’s class. If you would like to share in this ministry, please give your name to Father Stan.

Lectors – This ministry is open to all adult members of our parish, including those who have made their Confirmation. Additionally, if you would like to enter into this ministry, please give your name to Father Stan.

Womens’ Society for the Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament – we are always looking for more of our parish women to join the long-standing organization. We thank the women thus organized for their ministry thus far in the service of our Lord and to this parish. Please consider this invitation.

Saturday Night Bingo Workers – we are entering into a new chapter in our efforts on Saturday evening. We could always use some extra help, even if you can only give a few hours between 5-7 pm. If you can offer these or a few more, please see Father Stan.

Nominations and our Annual Congregational Meeting

Please remember that nomination forms found in the December Newsletter are due next Sunday, January 2, 2011. This will give the Nominations Committee some time to fill any positions which have no names suggested for them. Please interact with this democratic aspect of our parish government.

Our Annual Congregational Meeting will be held following Holy Mass on Sunday, January 30, 2011.

Christmas reflection

Wesołych Świąt, Bożego Narodzenia!
Happiness on the Feast of Christ’s Birth!

As the Church celebrates this Feast and the miracle of the Father’s Great Gift to us, His Son, Jesus Christ, I pray that all of us might share in the manifold blessings of our Almighty God, and come to a full realization of His love for us through this Gift. May the life-giving effects of the Holy Incarnation be upon us all.

As we celebrate this great event in our history, let us renew our efforts to aid one another in their needs and challenges. We have much work to do in allowing our Emmanuel to become fully known on this earth; that true discipleship (bringing others to know the Lord) must be the goal of all our work.

Can you imagine how the Christmas story would have lasted over these 20+ centuries if the shepherds had returned to their flocks, yawning, sleepy, uttering phrases like, “Hey, nice light show,” or “Those angels were really bright!” or “Where did I leave my pillow?” What would have been the lasting glory of a report like that? Where would have been the joy? Where would have been the blessing of everlasting peace?

Because of the Bethlehem miracle, we have the glory; we have the joy; we have the blessing of everlasting peace; but it’s going to be left in a field, if we don’t go out and angelically proclaim!

Let this anniversary of the coming of the Messiah fill you with His joy and peace. And throughout the New Year, I pray God keep you healthy, and may He be ever-present in your lives. May we see our communal work be for the Glory of the Lord. And, as we are united in prayer this Holy Season, may we, our families, and our friends be blessed, strengthened, loved, and united in the King of kings and Lord of lords, Jesus Christ.

Share that Good News and see Peace on Earth once again!

Father Stan

Christmas thanks

Sincere thanks and deep appreciation are extended to the parish family concerning the collection of items during the Advent season. The economic recession had not diminished your giving:

  • Seventy-two (72!!!) (2.5x the amount of last year) bags of food were donated and collected. These were taken to the Schenectady Inner-City Ministry.
  • Twenty pairs of mittens, gloves, and hats (mostly child size) were collected. These were taken to the Northeast Parent and Child Association.
  • Two (2!!!) blankets and two toys were collected. These were also taken to the Northeast Parent and Child Association.

There are many needy families in our area that are being blessed this holyday season. And think of those who are enjoying the shoeboxes you prepared For “Operation Christmas Child.”

May God bless you for your kind concern and gracious generosity!!!

With sincere and heartfelt recognition of offerings and God-given talent. . .

  • to all those who had stayed to prepare the parish church for the Nativity holydays and to those preparing the hall for the “coÅ› do chleba” and to Marilyn for providing the food with David and Rose Petrosky (Deborah’s parents) for providing the kielbasa for the after mass repast;
  • to our choir director/organist, Liz, for her work in preparing for the Nativity liturgies; for all the voices aiding our prayers to praise God’s gift, Jesus;
  • to the acolytes for their service in God’s House;
  • to Deb Bilinski, Kim DonVito and our SOCL students providing the Christmas keepsake we have traditionally come to treasure;
  • to all who have gathered to worship and praise the Father for sending to us His most precious Gift, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Boże Narodzenie

Ileż to wspomień łączy się że świętami Bożego Narodzenia. Wracamy myślą do dawnych lat, do czasów naszych młodych latach. Zatarły się okresy smutne i przygnębiający, pozostało jedynie wyrażenia radości powszechnej, jaka się zawszy łączy z tymi pięknymi świętami, przypominającymi nam, że narodził się Chrystus Pan. Który po to przyszedł na świat, aby zbawić ludzkość, aby skierować ja na drogę wiodąca do Królestwo Bożego na poszczególnymi Iudzmi i narodami, opartego na wzajemnym poszanowaniu i na wzajemnej miłości.

Celu tego dotychczas jeszcze nie osiągnięto i nie wkrótce będzie zresliżowany. A jednak patrząc wstecz na ubiegłe wieki, widzimy, że ludzkość kroczy, chociaż powoli, po wskazanej drodzy, wspina się na coraz wysze regiony ducha, buduje, cegiełka po cegiełce, lepsza przyszłość dla siebie i dla następnych pokoleń.

Zasiane ziarno nadzieji przed dwoma prawie tysiącami lat, nie zmarniało, Iecz rozrasta się stała w potężne drzewo wiary, które daje pewność, że idąc za wskazówkami Tego. Który się w Betlejem narodził a potem umarł na nas krzyżu, nie zbłądzimy, Iecz do celu ostatecznego ludzkości dojdziemy.

Dlatego tak radośnie obchodzimy Święta Bożego Narodzenia, ponieważ one przypominają nam to największe, a zarazem zbawienie dla nas wydarzenie, które dało światu całemu światło nadzięki, które zapowiadało że położy kres naszym cierpieniom, naszym obawom i naszym trosko.

W dzisiejszych czasach, wiara ta jest niezbędnie konieczna. Musimy więc mieć nadzieje na lepsze przyszłość i musimy dążyć do tego, aby nowszechna miłość zapanowała na świecie, aby ten Prawdziwy Pokój Chrystusowy mogł być prawdziwa częścią naszego osobistego życia.

ldżmy za Jezusem, a napewno nie zbłądzimy! Błogosławionych Świąt Bożego Narodzenia.

+Ks. Stanisław

The Christmas Season at Holy Name – Schenectady

Vigil of the Nativity and the Solemnity of the Nativity of our Lord

Midnight Holy Mass/Pasterka (Mass of the Shepherds) will be celebrated on Friday/Saturday, December 24/25, beginning at midnight with the procession to the manager and the reading of the Christmas proclamation.

The Holy Mass for Christmas Day will be celebrated on Saturday, December 25th at 10am.

Solemnity of the Humble Shepherds

Holy Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, December 26th at 9:30am. The blessing of wine in honor of St. John the Evangelist will take place following Holy Mass. Blessed wine will be distributed and shared.

Solemnity of the Circumcision of our Lord

Holy Mass will be celebrated Saturday, January 1st at 10am.

Solemnity of the Holy Name of Jesus

Holy Mass will be celebrated Sunday, January 2nd at 9:30am. This Solemnity marks the Feast Day of our Parish.

Solemnity of the Lord’s Epiphany

Pastoral Epiphany visitations begin.
Holy Mass will be celebrated Thursday, January 6th at 6:30pm.

Solemnity of the Baptism of the Lord

Holy Mass will be celebrated Sunday, January 9th at 9:30am.

Solemnity of the Presentation of the Lord

Candlemas Day, End of the Christmas Season.

A wonderful Sunday (in church)

What a glorious Sunday morning (in church) last week:

In church) because like some of you, Father Stan experienced the icy roads. Turning onto Pearl Street, the car did not comply, missing a stop sign, a fire hydrant, and a light pole, all by mere inches. God did not want him to miss the blessings the morning had to offer.

First, was the humbling experience of leading the congregation in penitential devotions, seeking God’s absolution for sins. Coupled with the many of our family that had come forward to receive the holy anointing was additionally humbling but yet faith-filled. Emotions began to build.

Next, we were all joyfully entertained by such energy and presence bringing the Christmas story into much focus and wonderful song and statement. All new songs were taught and learned and presented with such energy, but that was said already. The talent of our veterans, Megan, Loryn, Adam, Victoria, Claudia, Hannah, and rookie, Jayson, brought such beauty and energy (yes, it is said again) to the presentation. Many thanks and much appreciation go out to Deborah Bilinski for producing the presentation, and to Liz Battaglia, for leading the learning of the songs.

And the blessings kept on coming: Up to last Friday, there were three dishes listed on the chart leading to a possibly sparse “wigilia” / vigil dinner. But true to the Lord’s blessings of the day, two tables were filled with offerings to offer us sustenance and tradition. Such a variety and range of flavors we have come to anticipate, and, once gain, we were not disappointed.

And despite the icy roads, many of you had come to share in these blessings, and to you, a heartfelt thank you and Bóg Zapłac is offered.

Bible Study for Advent Week 4

  • 12/19 – 1 Peter 1:3-9 – What do I consider the major tests for our Christian communities today? Prayer starter: Lord God, you are the one who tests and the one who gives strength. Whenever we face trials, let our hearts be strengthened by the living hope of your son’s resurrection.
  • 12/20 – 1 Peter 2:21-25 – In which situations and areas in my faith life am I called to endurance and growth? Prayer starter: Christ Jesus, by laying down your life out of love, you set an example for us. Kindle our hearts and our souls so that we may follow in your steps, whatever the cost.
  • 12/21 – Luke 2:1-20 – How can I be a fervent witness of peace today and contribute to the true spirit of Christmas? Prayer starter: Lord Jesus, let the light of your birth in Bethlehem recreate in each one of us the sense of haste, amazement and wonder felt by the shepherds and by your Mother.
  • 12/22- Revelation 4:1-11 and Revelation 5:1-14 – Do I still consider Scripture a sealed book, or does my faith in the Risen Christ give me greater incentive to search them? Prayer starter: Lord Jesus, you have the words of eternal life. I believe that you are worthy to open up the seals of Scripture and that your victory over death makes all things new.
  • 12/23 – Revelation 15:1-8 – As a follower of Christ, do I firmly believe in the victory over evil or am I giving in to gloomy future prospects? Prayer starter: Lord, do not allow for us to ever loose the sense of amazement and wonder for the saving deeds you have accomplished through the resurrection of your own son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
  • 12/24 – Revelation 19:1-8 – Do I really believe in Christ’s victory over evil and does it show in the way I worship him? Prayer starter: We thank you, Lord, for inviting us to the wedding feast of the Lamb, and we pray that none of the guests will be kept from joining all those who rejoice and exult with you in heaven.
  • 12/25 – Revelation 22:16-21 – When I read Revelation, am I inclines to ”add to” or to “take away from” the words of the prophecy? Why so? Prayer starter: Let this prayer, Lord Jesus, resound loudly and never stop in our Church: “Come.” May we remain awake and await your coming with unrestrained trust and joy.

Bible Study for Advent Week 3

  • 12/12 – Acts 3:1-26 and Acts 4:1-22 – Does the way I speak about the Gospel tend to be more politically correct than bold and without compromising? Prayer starter: Many are the threats against your Church, Lord Jesus Christ. Give us the courage and boldness of the early communities so that we may never dilute the Gospel of truth.
  • 12/13 – Acts 7 – How far am I prepared to go to abide by Jesus’ commandment to love and forgive my enemies? Prayer starter: Lord Jesus, you warned your disciples about future persecutions. Give us the courage to stand for your Gospel and the peace and serenity to forgive who threaten us and persecute us.
  • 12/14 – Romans 16 – Do I still have a sense of amazement for the Gospel of Christ and how does my prayer reflect it? Prayer starter: Blessed are you, Lord, for being a god who keeps disclosing his own Self through creation and history and for having manifested the fullness of your glory in your own Son, Jesus Christ.
  • 12/15 – 2 Corinthians 1:3-11 – In times of affliction, can others count on my prayers just as I count on theirs? Prayer starter: God of all consolation, we don’t ask you to spare us from affliction, but to comfort us and to give us courage and peace through your Son Jesus Christ.
  • 12/16 – Ephesians 1:3-14 – What are the main spiritual blessings for which I can bless the God of our Lord Jesus Christ? Prayer starter: Your gifts, O Lord, are countless and your love is infinite. Help me love my life in gratitude for every blessing you have given me in Christ Jesus.
  • 12/17 – Philippians 2:1-11 – What image of God am I projecting in my behavior: a triumphant or a humble and servant God? Prayer starter: Teach us, O Lord, the true greatness of humility as the rightful path to genuine humanity and to genuine and full imitation of Christ.
  • 12/18 – Colossians 1:12-20 – How could my faith in Christ change the way I look at creation? Prayer starter: Blessed are you, Lord, who created all things good and wholesome through your word and who recreated them in overabundant grace through the resurrection of Christ.

Bible Study for Advent Week 2

  • 12/5 – Luke 1:67-79 – How can the contemplation of the past nourish my hope for the future? Prayer starter: Blessed are you, Lord, for the mighty salvation and for the mighty savior you have raised for all humankind in Jesus your Son and our Lord.
  • 12/6 – Luke 2:22-39 – Through the course of years, shall I say that my sense of amazement for God’s salvation has grown or decreased? Why? Prayer starter: Lord, teach me to be at peace with life and to see the world with your own eyes and in the light of the salvation you have prepared for all peoples though your Son, Jesus.
  • 12/7 – Luke 23:39-43 – Am I Willing to give everyone a second chance or am I tempted to judge according to appearances? Prayer starter: Lord Jesus, you wanted us to be merciful like your Father is, and just as you were merciful like Him. Teach us to overcome hatred and violence through love and forgiveness.
  • 12/8 – Luke 23:44-47 – Do I fear the moment of death or do I see it in which I will see face to face a loving God? Prayer starter: Lord Jesus, you died as you lived in total communion with your Father and in trusting abandonment into his hands. Help us to live and die as you did.
  • 12/9 – John 12:20-36 – What is my reaction toward death, mine and that of my loved ones: fear or trust? Prayer starter: Lord Jesus, you are the Good Shepherd who lays down his life “on his own accord.” We thank you for redeeming human violence and for embracing God’s will out of love for us.
  • 12/10 – John 17:1-28 – Do I feel the divisions between Christians? What steps am I prepared to make towards reconciliation. Prayer starter: Lord Jesus, show us the way to unity and help us to better appreciate our differences, so as to be one just like you and the Father.
  • 12/11 – Acts 1:12-26 – What are my privileged references for spiritual discernment (reading of Scripture, prayer, consultation, etc)? Prayer starter: Grant us, O Lord, the gift of wisdom so that our choices be in agreement with yours and that we may live in harmony to carry on with the mission you have entrusted to your Church.