Bible Study for Bright Week
  • 4/24 – Matthew 27:27-44 – Am I giving enough consideration to prayers and symbols reminding me of Jesus’ Passion and death on the Cross? Prayer starter: O God, you couldn’t go any further than the ignominy of the Cross to show us your love. May we worship you with total gratitude and unrestricted love.
  • 4/25 – Matthew 27:45-66 – How does the kind of death Jesus died impact my faith in him as the true Son of God? Prayer starter: Lord Jesus, you remained true and faithful to God until the end. We praise you for gaining for us, at such a high price, access to resurrected life.
  • 4/26 – Matthew 28:1-15 – Who are the living witnesses who best helped me to believe in the resurrection of Jesus? Prayer starter: Lord Jesus, we acclaim you in your victory over death and evil, and we acknowledge you as the Lord of our lives.
  • 4/27 – Matthew 28:16-20 – What am I prepared to do to bear witness to the Jesus I have come to know through the gospel of Matthew? Prayer starter: Jesus Emmanuel, we know and we truly believe that you are with us forever and that you give us the inspiration and the strength to proclaim to the world the good news of your resurrection.
  • 4/28 – Genesis 1:1-31 and Genesis 2:1-3 – Is there any place in my life where I face fear and chaos? Prayer starter: Holy Spirit, you gave form to the world around me. Give form to my life; give me confidence in God’s love.
  • 4/29 – Numbers 11:1-30 – Is it possible to ask someone to share in my responsibilities? Prayer starter: Spirit of God, help me to see that your work can be done even by other hands than mine.
  • 4/30 – Numbers 22:36-41 and Numbers 24:1-20 – Am I conscious of any truths within me which I am afraid or unwilling to express? Prayer starter: Holy Spirit, you instill God’s love and truth in my heart. Allow me to reveal God’s love in what I do, and express God’s truth in what I speak.

The Pastor’s Easter Message

Lent 2011 was different.
The Triduum this year was different.
Even this morning things are different.

There have been years wherein Easter didn’t click; Easter was just a time to pass through, or pass over, as would use the terminology from this time. Tradition plays a deep part in our reckoning of times that we pass over in our lives. Tradition brought me to a point this Lent, this Triduum, which I’ve never been to before.

This morning, we have a choice before us. Jesus didn’t stay in Gethsemane. He walked through, walked to Calvary, and walked out of the tomb. Our choice is where we want to be this morning: staying in Gethsemane, still waiting by the Cross, or walking with Jesus, yea, even skipping with Jesus through the garden on a day of Resurrection.

Personally, without all of you here this morning, my choice would be more difficult; but because we have walked through Gethsemane, I can’t look back; I want to continue to walk with Jesus through Calvary and from the tomb – the tomb of doubt and worry, the tomb of confusion, the tomb of the unknown. Jesus did it all in three days; I’m not sure how long it will be for each of us. But what I do know is that Jesus will be waiting up ahead, speaking our name, calling to us, and waiting to take us forward, wherever that may be. Whatever path you take from the garden this morning, please believe that Jesus is there waiting for you. There’s no need to look back at the garden; what was done there is done – there are exciting and new adventures ahead. There may be other Gethsemanes, but, hey, once you’ve walked through one, it’s hard not to remember the recipe.

My friends, may His Holy Resurrection give us the power to walk on, to persevere, to apply ourselves to the challenges ahead! Praise Jesus! Hallelujah! Christ is Risen!

Fr. Stan

Chrystus Zmartwychwstał! Alleluja!

I tak cały świat staje się
zwierciadłem Jego chwały,
Tak niech nasze serca
odzwierciedlają radość
Jego blogosławieństwa i miłości.

Pełnych spokoju i miłości
Świąt Bożego Zmartwychwstania,
Z radosnym Alleluja
życzą.

Rev. Stanisław i Deborah
Joshua i Hannah

Drodzy Siostry i Bracia,

Zmartwychwstanie Chrystusa Pana to postawa naszej wiary. Po wiekach oczekiwana przychodzi Zbawiciel – Chrystus! GÅ‚osi Swoja naukÄ™ – EwangeliÄ™ ÅšwiÄ™tego, czyni cuda, jaÅ›nieje Å›wiÄ™toÅ›ciÄ…. Åšwiat otwiera pomaÅ‚u oczy, wyciÄ…ga don ramiona, upadajÄ… siÄ™ sÅ‚odka nadzieja. Nagle wszystko siÄ™ zmienia. Chrystus Pan pojamy, umÄ™czony, ginie Å›mierci haniebna, staszna na krzyżu. JakiÅ› cios dla naszej wiary! ZwÄ…tpienie ogarnia serca. Ten Å›laby, zdeptany czÅ‚owiek jest ze Synem Bożym, Bogiem, Zbawicielem? Jest za nauka Jego Boska, cuda prawdziwie? Gdzie moc, potÄ™ga Jego? UmarÅ‚, okryty haÅ„bÄ…. JeÅ›li nie speÅ‚ni obietnicy, nie stanie z grobu, daremne nadzieje Å›wiata “JeÅ›li Chrystus nie powstaÅ‚, próżne przepowiadanie naszym próżna jest wiara nasza!” (1 Kor. 15:14) Pod tym kamieniem grobowym spoczywaÅ‚ los naszej wiary! Nie otworzy siÄ™, tedy wszystko zginęło, zawiodÅ‚o nas. Lecz nie! AnioÅ‚, jak bÅ‚yskawic zstÄ™puje z nieba, odwala kamieÅ„. Chrystus powstaje grobu. PrzybiegajÄ… niewiasty, ApostoÅ‚owie – AnioÅ‚ im gÅ‚osi: “Wstaci z martwych!” WstaÅ‚ z martwych wÅ‚asna mocÄ…, pokonaÅ‚ Å›mierć po wiÄ™c udowodniÅ‚, że jest Bogiem prawdziwym ze dzieÅ‚a zbawienie istotnie speÅ‚nić. Zmartwychwstanie tedy to pieczęć, fundament, podstawÄ…, pokoja trudy, przelewajÄ… krew, życie oddajÄ…. I my dziÅ› tak wierzymy, i my woÅ‚amy z Piotrem Åšw.,: “Pan mój i Bóg mój!” Zadna siÅ‚Ä…, pokusa, nie zachwieje wiary naszej: z radoÅ›ciÄ… i chÅ‚ubÄ… odpowiadamy “Wiem, komu uwierzyÅ‚em” (2 Tym 1:12).

Wszystkiem Wiernym naszego parafii, bÄ™dziemy razem gÅ‚oÅ›no mówić – “WesoÅ‚ego Alleluja!”

Oddany w Bogu,
Ks. Stanisław

Holy Week and Easter in Schenectady, NY

Holy Tuesday

At 10am, the Clergy Conference of the Central Diocese will meet for its spring meeting. Following the close of the meeting, our diocesan ordinary and all the diocesan clergy will celebrate the Holy Mass of Chrism at St. Stainslaus Bishop & Martyr Cathedral in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The holy oils that are used throughout the year in our parish are blessed and consecrated by the bishop during this liturgy.

Holy Wednesday

– Fast and Abstinence

Maundy Thursday

– Fast and Abstinence

At 7 pm, Institution of the Eucharist celebrated with Holy Mass, Communion, and the Procession with the Blessed Sacrament to the Repository, and the stripping of the Main Altar. The Church will remain open following Mass for meditation.

O 19:00 wiecz. Msza święta, Komunia; Procesja z Naj. Sakramentem do bocznego ołtarza Ciemnicy i obnażenie głownego ołtarza. Kościól będzie otwarty aby Iudzie mogli modlić i Adorować.

Traditionally, historically and liturgically, this night begins the Paschal Triduum (three days). It was on this night that our Lord Jesus instituted the Holy Eucharist, which we all share whenever we come to Mass. Following the Mass on this night, the Blessed Sacrament will be taken to a place of Repose until Easter Sunday. The faithful should consider the liturgies of the next two days as a continuation of this night’s, hence, the Triduum.

This is an important liturgy for all of us who revere and worship Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament for it was on this night that Jesus gave us the Sacrament of the Altar, of which some are preparing to receive for the first time. Students should endeavor to attend all of the Holy Week services.

Good Friday

– Fast and Abstinence

Noon – The Parish Church will be opened.
1 pm – Stations of the Cross
2 pm – Bitter Lamentations, parts 1-3
3 pm – Opening of the Grave
4 pm – 7pm – Fish Fry Dinner
7 pm – Mass of the Pre-Sanctified

12:00 po pod., Kościól będzie otwierać.
13:00 po pod., Droga Krzyżowa
14:00 po pod., Gorzkie Żale, czesci 1-3
15:00 po pod., Otwarcie grobu Pańskiego;
16:00 do 19:00 we wiecz., Obiad: Ryba Smażowa;
19:00 we wiecz., Obrządek Piatkowej Mszy i Adorować Krzyża;

STRICT FAST – ONLY ONE FULL MEAL IS EATEN!
TYLKO JEDEN PELNY POSIŁEK MOŻNA SPOŻYĆ!

The second day of the Triduum, the day our Lord died, begins with the time our Lord was nailed to the cross, re-tells the story, and ends with the symbolic opening of the tomb. The “pre-sanctified” liturgy is so described for no consecrations of bread and wine can take place on this day. A host consecrated the night before is used at this liturgy. The third will be placed in the Monstrance and carried in procession Easter Sunday morning. The evening service will be recited, and contains an ancient Lenten devotion, once more re-telling the events of the day.

Holy Saturday

– Fast and Abstinence

4 pm, Liturgy of Holy Saturday. Blessing of New Fire, also Paschal Candle and Baptismal Water. Easter foods will be blessed concluding the liturgy; and in homes by appointment.

16:00 po pod, Liturgia Wielkiej Soboty; poświecenie ognia, świecy Paschalnej, wody chrzcielnej z świeconej. Święcenie pokarmów Wielkanocnych będzie w kościele; aby ksiądz przybył do domu, to prosze zatelefonować do domu księdza.

The third and last day of the Paschal Triduum contains many historic blessings. The Church, at one time during each year, blesses all of the items she uses during the year; hence, the fire, baptismal water, holy water, and the Paschal Candle are all prepared during this liturgy. The traditional blessing of Easter food will be offered to any and all who desire. The traditional foods for the Eastern Europeans are meats, eggs, bread, and any other foods that will be eaten on the day of Resurrection. However, whatever foods any of our families will be sharing on Easter day can also be blessed for our use in this special ceremony. Please try to keep the tradition handed to us, or begin an old new family tradition in your homes this Eastertide. You may bring your basket to church on Holy Saturday or please call Father Stan to make a visit to your home for this blessing. The Parish Church will be dressed for the Easter holyday following the close of this liturgy.

Resurrection Sunday/Niedziela Wielkanoc

8 am – Resurrection Procession and Resurrection Mass of Easter Day.
08:00 w rano, uroczysta Suma Wielkanocna.

10:30 am – Solemn Mass of Easter Day
10:30 w rano – Msza Niedziela Wielkanocna

(Following each liturgy, there shall be a festive repast. Please plan to join the celebration!!!)

Two Mass times are offered this Easter. The 8am will have the Resurrection Procession and Mass of Resurrection celebrated. The 10:30am Mass will be a solemn celebration for Easter Sunday. Please make sure you attend and celebrate the Lord’s victory together with your family.

Bible Study for Holy Week
  • 4/17 – Matthew 24:1-25 – Where do I stand with regard to the end-time: fear or hope? Prayer starter: Lord Jesus, you know about rumors of war growing louder in the world. Give us the strength and endurance to testify even louder to the hope we put in the good news of your second coming.
  • 4/18 – Matthew 24:26-51 – Am I anxious or indifferent, or trusting and hopeful toward the future? Prayer starter: Lord, may we keep your exhortations to vigilance not to idleness, to trust not to fear, to joyful hope not to alarming speculations.
  • 4/19 – Matthew 25:1-30 – Am I willing to act for the sake of the Kingdom or am I trying to play safe and keep the treasure buried? Prayer starter: Lord Jesus, keep us awake for the Kingdom and eager to make it bear fruit within and around us.
  • 4/20 – Matthew 25:31-46 – How can the sick, the poor, the stranger, the prisoner testify to Christ in my favor at this point in my life? Prayer starter: Lord Jesus, do not allow us to let you go unattended whenever you come to us under the guise “of the least” of your brothers and sisters.
  • 4/21 – Matthew 26:1-29 – How can the Passion narrative help me cope with suffering and make me a better disciple of Christ? Prayer starter: Lord Jesus, forgive us our weaknesses, our betrayals, and our denials and give us the courage to follow you all through your paschal mystery.
  • 4/22 – Matthew 26:30-75 – When things get tough, do I pray to be spared from suffering or for courage to cope? Prayer starter: Lord Jesus, you have not cheated with human suffering and you have taken upon you our inner struggles. Help us to say Amen to God’s will, however demanding.
  • 4/23 – Matthew 27:1-26 – When facing blatant injustice do I dare stand up and speak out for justice? Prayer starter: Through your unjust condemnation, Lord Jesus, you brought salvation to the world and you redeemed the tragic failures of our human injustices.

Bible Study for 1st Week of Passiontide
  • 4/10 – Matthew 21:33-48 – Do I think of salvation more as of a private matter or as a broader responsibility toward God’s vineyard? Prayer starter: Lord, help us to be true and reliable tenants of your vineyard so that we produce the fruits of the kingdom.
  • 4/11 – Matthew 22:1-14 – Have I ever been careless in my response to God or failed to accomplish the deeds that go along with God’s calling? Prayer starter: Gracious Lord, you prepare a banquet for all nations and you wish every one of us to be part of it. We pray for countless people to gather around you at your kingdom’s table.
  • 4/12 – Matthew 22:15-22 – How do my attitudes toward religion and state interconnect? Prayer starter: Lord Jesus, you were never intimidated by political authorities and you stood up as a free man. Teach us to be free and to always trust in God the heavenly Father.
  • 4/13 – Matthew 22:23-33 – How does my faith in the “God of Jesus” strengthen my belief in an afterlife? Prayer starter: Lord, you raised Jesus from the dead and you are forever the God of the living. Blessed are you forever.
  • 4/14 – Matthew 22:34-46 – Is love the real motivation in my relationship to God and to neighbor? Prayer starter: Lord, do not allow us to ever come before you without our hearts being filled with love and to never reach out to our brothers and sisters without loving them as you do.
  • 4/15 – Matthew 23:1-36 – How can these harsh words of Jesus challenge me to conversion? Prayer starter: Lord Jesus, your word is a two-edged sword. Give us the joy and the courage always to hear it and keep it, whether for good news or for calling to conversion.
  • 4/16 – Matthew 23:37-39 – Do I feel for the fate of Jerusalem and do I pray for peace for all its inhabitants? Prayer starter: Lord Jesus, we pray for the peace of Jerusalem, for the peace between Palestinians and Israelis and among Jews, Christians, and Muslims.

Basket Social Thanksgiving

Many thanks and deep appreciation are extended to all who made last week’s “Basket Social” the great effort, great fellowship time, and great success it truly was!

We first must thank all those who began this effort even a year ago with the planning and deciding about the logistics. As the year progressed, anticipation grew in hope that this year’s effort would surpass that in 2010.

When the fist notice went out of the date, baskets started arriving. You just can’t say enough words describing the creativity, thought, and concern that went into each and every basket. Ninety-seven baskets, more than any other year, started appearing in the parish hall.

Programs got planned and typed and inventory was checked for an adequate supply. Requests went out to provide desserts for the menu that would grace the afternoon.

And let’s talk about the menu – usually about half the calls received in the parish office ask the same question, “Will there be Polish food?” The answer is resoundingly given in the affirmative; and the next words spoken are, “I can’t wait”.

Thanks much to Marianne for the countless hours of preparing the various foods that would be made available. It was great to see, if not baskets, then caches of Polish foods being taken from the hall. Thanks are also extended to the kitchen crew who fastidiously served our patrons.

Also, two lucky winners for the comfortable afghans knitted by Elizabeth Weglinski will stay warm through this chilly spring.

Thanks to Donna, the ticket sellers, the ticket pullers and the runners for keeping the afternoon moving along briskly; almost too briskly, for it’s over quite too fast. This year’s effort again raised the bar.

We also humbly acknowledge the large(st) crowd to come and share our fellowship. They are truly a blessing to our Parish and our community. May our Lord bless all of you for your time and generosity.

God gave us a great weather day and a great day of blessing. May you all take humble pride in what you have accomplished. God bless you all.

Bible Study for the Fourth Week of Lent
  • 4/3 – Matthew 18:1-35 – Do I owe forgiveness to someone around me? Prayer starter: Gracious and merciful God, I thank you for the many times you have forgiven me. Deliver me from any wish for vindication and given me a forgiving heart.
  • 4/4 – Matthew 19:1-15 – Do I think of marriage first in terms of lawfulness or in terms of human love being sacred? Prayer starter: Lord God, you have blessed human love and made it a sacrament of your love for humankind. Help us to live up to such a great ideal.
  • 4/5 – Matthew 19:16-30 – Which earthly possessions still keep me from following Jesus and how could I better use them for the poor? Prayer starter: Good Lord, it is not up to us to decide what is good and what is not. Teach us to trust in your goodness and not in our possessions, and help us to share them so as to come closer to you.
  • 4/6 – Matthew 20:1-16 – Can l truly appreciate God’s generosity not only for me but also for others? Prayer starter: God of justice and kindness, let me respond to your call not for the sake of some reward but out of gratitude for being found worthy of working in your vineyard.
  • 4/7 – Matthew 20:17-34 – How can I convert any thirst of mine for power in the community to a true and unselfish spirit of service? Prayer starter: Why is it, Lord, that we are so anxious about our status among the community and in the kingdom? Change our minds and hearts so that we take pride in being servants to one another.
  • 4/8 – Matthew 21:1-22 – Does my everyday living confirm the acclamations of Christ I make in worship? Prayer starter: It’s easy, Lord, to go with the crowd and to acclaim you as “the one who comes in the name of the Lord.” Give us the strength to still acclaim you when the same crowd calls for your crucifixion.
  • 4/9 – Matthew 21:23-32 – Do I walk the way I talk? Prayer starter: Lord Jesus, you speak the words of eternal life. Do not allow these words to remain idle in my life and help me to do the Father’s will by putting them into practice.