Holy Name of Jesus National Catholic Church

When the faithful considers his numerous weaknesses and the grievous temptations which assail him, and recalls that Jesus invites and commands him to receive Holy Communion, he is filled with a holy confidence because he knows that he will receive the necessary help from this Celestial Food.

The frequent and daily reception of Holy Communion withdraws one from evil and comforts one in good, lt is food not only for the strong, but also the weak. It is food necessary to recuperate, conserve, increase and fortify the sanctity of our soul.

Knowing the necessity of preparing ourselves well to receive Holy Communion, let us ask Jesus to give us a lively faith, simplicity of heart, peace, zeal, fervor, confidence and especially humility and love of God. If we receive Holy Communion with these dispositions, our mind will be refreshed and illuminated, and our souls will be enriched with many graces and celestial favors.

Every day Jesus descends upon the altar at the words of the priest. All the faithful are, in a certain sense, priest, because they are members of the mystical Body of Christ and they are participators in offering, in union with the priest, with Jesus Christ and the Church,
the Holy Sacrifice of Mass. Let us unite ourselves to this offering and meditate on the necessity to bear our cross as Christ did.

The best preparation for Holy Communion is to elect Jesus as King of our heart. That is, make Him absolute ruler of us and make ourselves obedient to Him in all and never refuse Him anything.

If you find yourself sitting in Church this Easter Sunday a little bit smug; if you have walked into our parish building with your shoulders a bit more square; if you strode to your pew with a strong sense of confidence; if you are sitting here reading this text with an air of “holier than thou” — then you’ve got this Easter thing down fairly well.

It’s not that you are here with a disposition of haughtiness nor a feeling of superiority, but if you do have a self-sense that is really communicating a package of “I’m really something very important this morning” — then you’ve got this Easter thing down fairly well.

You see, it’s the feeling that this morning everything around you is here for you is really pretty much what God would want you to feel this morning — it has all been done for you! But here’s the catch — as you look around at those who are in the pew beside you, behind you, in front of you, and all around — they’re feeling the same thing, or at least they should be.

The grave could not hold Jesus. A 47-gazillion pound boulder blocking the entrance of his tomb was but a piece of fluff that could be rolled away for Jesus to get on with the work of the day. Work?, you ask. Of course! He had to make sure that the two disciples got into a racing match to see who could beat the other to the cemetery; He had to find Mary Magdalene crying in the garden to let her know that she was all right; He had to meet the two disciples on the road to let them know that their despair was misplaced; He had work to do to let these folk know that He did it all for them. And, as you have probably figured out, He is doing the same thing for you this morning — He wants you to know that He did it all for you, and those who are in the pew beside you, behind you, in front of you, and all around.

May your smugness, square shoulders, and wide striding steps lead you to the truth that — Jesus lives! — for you!

Fr. Stan

Each week of Lent this year, we will be asked to bring in a specific item that is needed for those who have not. Although each week is a different item, you may either “catch up” or plan ahead, whichever is better for you. [Note: for those of you who will need to document your donations, simply list what items you have donated and the list will he verified after the Easter season.]

• FIRST WEEK OF LENT, (2/21): Pasta products: any type of pasta can be donated; boxed or bagged.
• SECOND WEEK OF LENT, (2/28): Baby Formula: any type of formula may be offered; ready-made, concentrated, powder, etc. Please be sure is contains iron. Also powdered milk, canned milk, as well.
• THIRD WEEK OF LENT, (3/7): Baby Food: any type of canned or jarred baby food may be donated for any age group. This donation may include all vegetables, fruits, meats, etc.
• FOURTH WEEK OF LENT, (3/14): Canned vegetables: any type of canned vegetables may be offered. Soups may be here included.
• FIFTH WEEK OF LENT, (3/21): Canned fruits: any type of canned fruits may be donated. Fruit sauces are also included here.
• HOLY WEEK, (3/28): Protein Products: peanut butter, nuts, canned meats (tuna, ham, chicken, etc.), dried cheeses.

The distribution of donations will be done on Maundy Thursday.

This type of donation schedule will allow us to meet specific needs of those in our community. Any other times than these above listed may also be brought in.

May God bless this Lenten Season.

This season of intimate reflection and time alone with the Lord comes each year in our faith walk. Within the forty days of this journey, the Church allows for communal prayer time.

The “Stations of the Cross” will be celebrated on Fridays, at 7 pm, to allow those who wish to meditate and reflect upon the sacrifice of our Lord to do so, again with respect to personal schedules.

Please consider adding your devotion to these weekly reflections.

It is the tradition of the Church that Wednesdays and Fridays are days of fasting and abstinence.

May We choose to walk with Jesus these forty days, and may His sacrifice lead us to greater glory with Him.

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

”In the fullness of time, God sent His son“. These words are found in Holy Scripture, announcing the change of earthly rule over to that of the Son of God. We shouldn’t miss this too fine of a point – “fullness of time” – as an indication of God’s plan unfolding for His creation.

Many arguments have arisen over the years – why then? Why in the latter years of a growing Roman Empire? Why at a time when social ills were in no way comparable to those we face today? Why not now?

Intriguing, no? If one would speculate on time itself, what would be a good time for God to appear on earth in human form? Would there be a better time in the future? If one could anticipate a better world, wouldn’t one be able to have a bit more faith in humanity? Wouldn’t there be time to correct some mistakes in preparation for a better time to come?

Do you see the beauty of the plan God devised and carried out in the manger in Bethlehem some two thousand+ years ago? You see, we have the possibility of a better future; we have the opportunity of correcting mistakes in anticipation of a better world. That’s why the plan of God sent His Son to us at a time that would make our day today more hopeful, more blessed, more with the chance to live a life worthy of the Gift.

God knew what He was doing in this plan. Time was of the essence. One could argue that the miracle of Bethlehem set the world on a path that would lead to the more perfect world God had in mind on the day(s) of creation. However, just as strong an argument could be made that all was just setting the stage for the world today!

Presumptuous? Perhaps, but what can one do with the reality of the presence of God on this world, in the form of a human baby, Who for us, in this present day, is the only source of true happiness, blessing, love and grace?

As we are united in prayer this Holy Season, may our families, our friends, celebrate our Messiah; His love shall remain forever. Believe that, and that will bring true “peace on earth“!

–Fr. Stan

Boże Narodzenie przynosi nam wiele wrażeń Niektórzy odczuwał w sercu niewytłumaczalne ciepło, nawet ci, którzy są sterani codziennym życiem. Dla innych jest brzmieniem kolęd, jest czasem spędzonym wśród rodziny i przyjaciół przy choince ze światłami i ozdobami. Inaczej przezywają to dzieci, które z szeroko otwartymi oczyma wyglądają przyłcia św. Mikołają. Dla nas pochodzenie polskiego to wigilia z opłatkiem i pasterka.

Tak, Boże Narodzenie oznacza to wszystko, albo i więcej. Wrażenia, które odczuwamy mogą nawet się różnią ze względu na nasze pochodzenie, ale są, Jeśli sięgniemy w przeszłość, wszystkie zawierają się w prawdzie ogłoszonej światu w dniu narodzenia Pana i Zbawiciela naszego Jezusa Chrystusa: “a na ziemi pokój ludziom dobrej woli.”

Boże Narodzenie jest także czasem dziękczynienia za to, za żyjemy w tym kraju. To może dla nas nie ma tak wielkiego znaczenia poniewał przyzwyczailiśmy się do tego. To jest dar na który nie zasługujemy. Chcąc bardziej zrozumieł ten dar, zechciejmy się zatrzymał, aby sobie uświadomił, że nawet w tym dniu Bożego Narodzenia, są tacy na świecie, którzy dąża do zniszczenia ostatnich śładów: “Ludzi dobrej woli.”

W czasie narodzenia się Zbawcy w Betlejem, jednym z najbardziej potężnych władców rzymskich był cezarz August. Ewangelia przytacza, za “wyszło rozporządzenie. Cesarza Augusta, żeby przeprowadził spis ludności w całym pastwie.” Zgodnie z tym, Maryja i Józef zmuszeni byli odbył tą uciśliwa podróż do Betlejem, gdzie narodzi się Księże Pokoju przetrwała blisko dwa tysiące lat.

Kiedy klękamy przy stajence betlejemskiej, kiedy klęcząc przystole paskim pryzmujemy chleb anielski, niech nowo-narodzony Chrystus Zbawiciel zamieszka w sercach i duszach naszych. My wtedy staniemy się wierni jego wezwaniu miłości Boga i bliżnego.

Niech Dziecię Boże was i wasze rodziny błogosławi. Błogosławionych świąt Bożego Narodzenia.

+Ks. Stanisław

Dearly Beloved In Christ,

How fortunate we are if we can as little children approach the Christmas holydays, only with this difference: Children look to Christmas as a time for receiving presents. We in turn should be mindful of the great gift almighty God has given us – His son, our Lord and Savior.

In this spirit may this holy season bring us abounding joy. May it make us grateful for the blessings of life and Christ’s sharing our hardships and tears. O how hard it would be without Him.

Let us join in worship and prayer in making this a glorious and blessed Christmas. Thank you, dear Friends, for sharing with us this happiness! May the Holy Infant richly bless you!

Yours in Christ,
The Administrator and Parish Committee

Wielce Umiłowane w Chrystusie,

Jacy szczęśliwi jesteśmy jeśli możemy jak dzieci zbliżyć się do świat Bożego Narodzenia, tylko z tą różnicą – dzieci cieszą się za świat, bo to czas kiedy otrzymają prezenty. Zaś my powinniśmy być świadomi tego Daru, co Bóg Wszechmogący nam dał – Syna Swego, Pana i Zbawiciela.

W tym duchu niech ten sezon przyniesie nam niesłychana radość. Niech uczyni nas wdzięcznymi za błogosławieństwa w życiu i ze Jezus dzieli się z nami w naszych trudnościach i łzach. O jak trudno byłoby bez Niego.

Przyłączmy się w nabożeństwie i modłach, aby to było wspaniale i błogosławione święto. Wyrażamy dzięki drodzy
Przyjaciele, za życzliwość okazany. Oby Ta Święta Dziecina pobłogosławiła wam obficie!

W Chrystusie oddani,
Ks. Adm. i Komitet Parafialny

In the ministry of parenting and being children in a family, there are ways of working in family traditions or just a way to “lighten up” the family experience. Remember, being a family in the coming millennium takes some work; consider the following:

1. Rent a funny movie and watch it together.
2. Put a funny message on your telephone answering machine.
3. Play a game of “Pictionary” with your family.
4. If you have a home video camera, make a family “music video” to send to relatives. Make outrageous costumes, use household times as musical instruments, and lip sync a rock and roll record. Let the kids be the lead singer(s).
5. Make ice cream sundaes for desert, but secretly make them with a scoop of mashed potatoes instead of ice cream.
6. Hide love notes in your teenager’s underwear drawer.
7. Write a note to your child/parent on his/her bed with jellybeans.
8. Organize your family’s personal quest for the “world’s greatest pizza” by visiting every pizza place over the next two or three months.
9. Come up with your own family holiday to celebrate once a year, like “National (your family name) Day”. Make it a day in the middle of the week (like the third Wednesday of October each year when everyone can cut school and do something fun together as a family.
10. The best activity to do as an entire family: celebrate Holy Mass together each Sunday. It is one of the “glues” that keeps the Christian family strong not only in your home but in our culture.

May God bless your family activities together!!!

The month of September has many meanings to many different people. First, and probably foremost, parents look forward to the beginning of the new school year. Farmers know that September means the beginning of the fall harvest of God’s gifts to us. Polish National Catholics know that September has been set aside by the Church to honor its fraternal organization, the Polish National Union of America, “Spójnia”.

Many people ask, why does the Church celebrate a fraternal organization in a special way? The answer to this question is an easy one: because the Polish National Union of America had done and given more to the Church than any other organization to date. The Polish National Union was born and grew from the heart of the Polish National Catholic Church. These two great institutions share the same membership, the same concerns for the people. The same man, the late Prime Bishop Francis Hodur, organized both. Both organizations stand for the same principle, that all men and women should and do have the right to choose their destinies, no mater what their ethnic backgrounds. In other words, it would be every hard to separate in the inter-mingled struggles and accomplishments of the two.

Over the past 100 years, the support of Spójnia for the Polish National Catholic Church has been constantly shown through financial aid to parishes in the form of mortgages, educational materials and financial stipends; and recreational aid to all by support give to many varied and widely held events. Our parish has benefited greatly over the years through these various programs: our college students have received stipends, and, in past years, the van traveling to the “Zlot” was funded through the PNU.

Be it in times of hardship or time of good fortune, Spójnia has always been there. Offering a helping hand or a shoulder to rest upon. Giving words of encouragement or inspiration. No matter what the situation, what area of the country or the world, Spójnia would always try to help. Many times the help was meager. Many times it would just be words of encouragement, but at least people know that someone cared. People know that we are “joining hands to touch lives” because we we’re all sisters and brothers working together for the happiness and betterment of all.

By being members of the PNCC and Spójnia, we have joined hands in a partnership that has grown over the past 100 years. A partnership that today can boast over 110 parishes in the United States and Canada partnered with a fraternal with over $45M in assets, not including its new world headquarters, where it also provides space for our National Church Center.

This is a partnership where people care about each other, where love and brotherhood are the two main ingredients. A partnership where each other’s rights and ideas have meaning. A partnership where the partners, the PNCC and the PNU of America, will always be there when needed.

As we celebrate this day, let us be thankful for those who determined this organization to be necessary and that it continue to be a source of fraternalism. May we all be members. Young and old alike can all benefit from the Spójnia.

When the faithful considers his numerous weaknesses and the grievous temptations, which assail him, and recalls that Jesus invites and commands him to receive Holy Communion, he is filled with a holy confidence because he knows that he will receive the necessary help from this Celestial Food.

The frequent and daily reception of Holy Communion withdraws one from evil and comforts one in good. It is food not only for the strong, but also the weak. It is food necessary to recuperate, conserve, increase and fortify the sanctity of our soul.

Knowing the necessity of preparing ourselves well to receive Holy Communion, let us ask Jesus to give us a lively faith, simplicity of heart, peace, zeal, fervor, confidence and especially humility and love of God. If we receive Holy Communion with these dispositions, our mind will be refreshed and illuminated, and our souls will be enriched with many graces and celestial favors.

Every day Jesus descends upon the altar at the words of the priest. All the faithful are, in a certain sense, priest, because they are members of the mystical Body of Christ and they are participators in offering, in union with the priest, with Jesus Christ and the Church, the Holy Sacrifice of Mass. Let us unite ourselves to this offering and meditate on the necessity to bear our cross as Christ did.

The best preparation for Holy Communion is to elect Jesus as King of our heart. That is, make Him absolute ruler of us and make ourselves obedient to Him in all and never refuse Him anything. — Thomas à Kempis