Holy Name of Jesus National Catholic Church

My Dear Brothers and Sisters,

More than two thousands years ago, in the little town of Bethlehem, the miraculous history of the joining of the God’s and humanity’s paths began. What happened in that time and place, is beautifully described in Franciszek Karpinski’s carol from XVIII century . Karpinski, the “common man’s theologian” wrote:

When God is born, no power prevails,
Our Lord in nakedness enwound.
All fire congeals, all luster pales,
Contained is He that knows no bound.
Despised, in glory comes untold,
A mortal king for aye to reign.
The Word of God in flesh behold,
Now born to share our life mundane.

What have ye Heavens o’er the earth,
That God forsook His sweet delight,
And wished to take a human birth,
To share our every toil and plight?
And He did suffer unconsoled,
And we were guilty of His pain.
The Word of God in flesh behold,
Now born to share our life mundane.

A meager shed for Him they found,
And in a manger there He lay.
What was He, and what was there ’round?
Poor shepherds, cattle, sheep and hay.
The poor had hailed Him, we are told,
Before the rich would entertain.
The Word of God in flesh behold,
Now born to share our life mundane.

’Twas then, they say, appeared the
kings, And jostled through the gathering dense.
For Him they brought their offerings:
The myrrh, and gold, and frankincense.
The frankincense, and myrrh, and gold
With rustic gifts He did retain.
The Word of God in flesh behold,
Now born to share our life mundane.

Raise now Thy hand, oh Child divine,
And bless our homeland from the Height.
By good advice and times benign,
Support her strength with Thine own might:
The hamlets, cities and the world,
Our houses, and our every gain.
The Word of God in flesh behold,
Now born to share our life mundane

God became man. The Infinite limited Himself. The King above all ages took mortal flesh, “The Word of God in flesh behold, Now born to share our life mundane.” God enters directly into human history, into each of our biographies. He did this to free us from the slavery of sin, so that we can be “born of God” again, becoming His adopted children and brothers of His Son.

I wish you all a blessed, good, peaceful, and spiritually fulfilling Christmas filled with joy. May Jesus, who is born in the Eucharist, find a worthy home in our hearts, where He is welcomed with faith and love. May He endow your families and homes generously with grace and peace. May the light of Nativity Star be for us the road sign in our journey to real happiness.

With prayers always, and not just for Christmas,

- Fr. Adam, Danuta, Rafal and Marek.

Drodzy Bracia i Siostry

Ponad dwa tysiące lat temu, w małym miasteczku Betlejem zaczęła się cudowna historia skrzyżowania dróg Boga i człowieka. To co się tam wydarzyło przepięknie i zarazem “prostym teologicznym” językiem ukazuje XVIII-wieczna kolędą Franciszka Karpinskiego:

Bóg się rodzi, moc truchleje,
Pan niebiosów obnażony!
Ogień krzepnie, blask ciemnieje,
Ma granice Nieskończony.
Wzgardzony, okryty chwałą,
Śmiertelny Król nad wiekami!
A Słowo Ciałem się stało
I mieszkało między nami.

Cóż niebo, masz nad ziemiany?
Bóg porzucił szczęście Twoje,
Wszedł między lud ukochany,
Dzieląc z nim trudy i znoje.
Niemało cierpiał, niemało,
Żeśmy byli winni sami,
A Słowo Ciałem się stało
I mieszkało między nami.

W nędznej szopie urodzony,
Żłób Mu za kolebkę dano!
Cóż jest czym był otoczony?
Bydło, pasterze i siano.
Ubodzy, was to spotkało
Witać Go przed bogaczami!
A Słowo Ciałem się stało
I mieszkało między nami.

Potem królowie widziani
Cisną się między prostotą,
Niosąc dary Panu w dani:
Mirrę, kadzidło i złoto.
Bóstwo to razem zmieszało
Z wieśniaczymi ofiarami.
A Słowo Ciałem się stało
I mieszkało między nami.

Podnieś rękę, Boże Dziecię,
Błogosław Ojczyznę miłą!
W dobrych radach, w dobrym bycie
Wspieraj jej siłę swą siłą.
Dom nasz i majętność całą,
I wszystkie wioski z miastami.
A Słowo Ciałem się stało
I mieszkało między nami.

Bóg stał się człowiekiem. Nieskończony ograniczył samego siebie, Król nad wiekami przyjął śmiertelne ciało, “Słowo Ciałem się stało i mieszkało między nami.” Bóg bezpośrednio wkroczył w dzieje ludzkości, w życiorys każdego z nas, aby nas wyzwolić z niewoli grzechu, abyśmy na nowo „z Boga się narodzili”, stali się braćmi Jego Syna i Jego przybranymi dziećmi.

Życzę Wam wszystkim błogosławionych, dobrych, spokojnych i pełnych duchowej radości świąt Bożego Narodzenia. Niechaj rodzący się podczas Eucharystii Jezus znajdzie godne mieszkanie w naszych sercach, gdzie zostanie przyjęty z wiarą i miłością. Niech Wasze rodziny i domy obdarzy hojnie łaską i pokojem. A światło Gwiazdy Betlejemskiej niech będzie znakiem na naszym szlaku do prawdziwego szczęścia.

Oby i nas poprowadziła Tamta Gwiazda.
Bo tylko ona niesie w sobie Światło.
Bo tylko ona przynosi Nadzieję.
Bo tylko ona zapowiada Miłość.
Ona przypomina, że Bóg znowu chce być Emmanuelem – Bogiem z nami!
Oby nie zabrakło dla Niego miejsca.
Bo tylko dzięki Niemu nasze życie może stać się piękne,
a nasz świat bardziej ludzki.
Tylko tam, gdzie rodzi się Bóg,
tylko tam rodzi się człowiek:
ten inny, bardziej ludzki, wrażliwy, niosący w sobie Obraz i Podobieństwo.
O to prośmy przy betlejemskim żłóbku!
(ks. Wacław Buryła)

Z modlitewną pamięcią – nie tylko w święta Bożego Narodzenia

- ks. Adam wraz z żoną Danuta oraz synami Rafałem i Markiem

Bang, bang, bang… Is that Santa on the roof, or St. Paul?

St. Paul is writing to one of the Churches he founded. He’s rattling off a whole bunch of instructions in short order at the very end of his letter:

Keep awake and be sober. Encourage one another. Build one another up. Respect those who labor among you. Be at peace among yourselves. Admonish idlers, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. Do not repay evil for evil. Always seek to do good to one another and to all. Rejoice always. Pray constantly. Give thanks in all circumstances. Do not quench the Spirit. Test everything. Hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.

Paul is literally banging out instructions. If he had a typewriter, we could hear him pounding the message home.

During this time of preparation we need to hear Paul’s message and to share it.

These instructions are not just wise sayings, good things to live by, or smart. They are urgent and necessary for us in our relationships with each other, our Church, and the world. They are the foundation for our journey to heaven.

Jesus’ coming changed life from a series of misfortunes and mishaps that ended in the emptiness of death to a path of holiness, righteousness, and faith that ends in eternal joy.

As we hear the doorbells ring and the guests knock, let us remember Paul banging away at these instructions. Paul ends by blessing us for following these instructions:

May the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus’ coming is near. Let us renew ourselves so that we may be part of the joy that is forever.

May our Lord bless you and yours,

Deacon Jim

I would like to thank all those who have worked long hours in providing for the dinner served after Holy Mass on Sunday morning. I would also like to thank all of our past and current parishioners and guests for attending worship and staying for the dinner.

Our work together oven these past fourteen years has produced much fruit and brought manifold blessings upon us as we reached out our hand into our community in so many ways.

Our work for our Holy Polish National Catholic Church does not end with today, however. Although we may be working in different parts of the Lord’s vineyard, we, nonetheless continue to be needed by our Lord to spread His message of love and forgiveness. Please continue to pray for my family as I will continue to pray for you and yours.

– Father Stan

You have treated Your servant well, according to Your word, O Lord. — Psalm 119:65

The day of Pentecost is the Church’s festival of the Holy Spirit. It is the third principal festival of the church year, the day on which we remember how the Holy Spirit came powerfully to a gathering of Jesus’ followers in Jerusalem.

In Polish, this Feastday is called “Święto Zielonych Świątki” or, literally, the “Holiday of Green.” Green, in the Church, is the color of hope. We’d like to “green up” the Church in a feeling of hope. If you have any green plants that you would like to decorate the church, window sills, sanctuary area; please bring them – thereby we shall emphasize the season of hope; for us, and for the Church to which Jesus promised the Holy Spirit.

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

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 be verified after the Easter season.)

• FIRST WEEK OF LENT, (3/13): Pasta products: any type of pasta can be donated; boxed or bagged.
• SECOND WEEK OF LENT, (3/20): Baby Formula: any type of formula may be offered; ready-mix, concentrated, powder, etc. Please be sure it contains iron. Also powdered milk, canned milk, as well.
• THIRD WEEK OF LENT, (3/27): 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, (4/3): Canned vegetables: any type of canned vegetables may be offered. Soups may be here included.
• FIFTH WEEK OF LENT, (4/10): Canned fruits: any type of canned fruits may be donated. Fruit sauces are also included here.
• HOLY WEEK, (4/17): 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 items than these above listed may also be brought in.

May God bless this Lenten Season.

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

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.

As we look forward to the beginning of a new liturgical year, we look at the season of Advent as a time of preparation and expectation.

There are those around in our community, however, that have little to prepare for or expect.

As we approach this new liturgical year and this penitential season, let us re-new our efforts to provide for those in need: We shall begin our food drive collection, our mitten tree collections, blankets, and various other ways to lend a hand.

Please look with anticipation to this new liturgical year with the hope and peace of Christ, and see how much you can give of yourself this upcoming preparatory season. Thank you.

On Sunday, November 28th, the First Sunday in Advent, we will be holding the blessing of Opłatki (Christmas Wafers), our Advent Wreath, and our Jesse Tree prior to Holy Mass.

A word about the special mass scheduled for this Friday evening -

In years past, we had placed our parish concerns before the Lord within the prayers of Holy Mass. Since each Sunday Mass is specifically celebrated for the congregation, this intention is more focused.

We are facing once again some uncertainty is our near future: financially, organizationally, and ministerially. In years past, we have presented these concerns before the Lord, especially those of our financial needs, and He has been faithful. The despair and uncertainty were erased and we were able to carry on in His overwhelming grace.

Facing these uncertain times for our parish, as well as many other concerns as a nation and world, it is time, once again, to kneel before the Lord as a parish family to make these petitions. As The Lord has been faithful in those other times we have placed our concerns before Him, there is no reason to expect Him not to heed our pleas, and He will show us what lies ahead. If there are changes to be made, we must be courageous enough to accept them and apply them.

In whatever resolution to our payers that will come from our communal time together, we must truly believe that it is His Will for us.

Let us gather this coming Friday evening, November 12th and place ourselves within the presence and mercy of our gracious Lord. Holy Mass is scheduled for 6:30 pm.