St. Valentine's PNCC

On May 3rd Poland, and members of Polonia worldwide celebrate Polish Constitution Day. This day is also a day of celebration for all who believe in the principals of democracy, a pluralistic society, and the heritage and life of our democratic Church.

The annual commemoration of Polish Constitution Day commemorates the spiritual and moral renovation of the Polish nation, after a period of stagnation caused by foreign influences under the Saxon kings. This day has become a proud and integral part of the civic and patriotic activities for Poles and those of Polish descent in many cities throughout the world.

To the Poles and their descendants May 3rd is a national holiday for it bestows upon the Pole a priceless heritage of humanitarianism, tolerance and a democratic precept conceived at a time when most of Europe lived under the existence of unconditional power and tyranny exemplified by Prussia and Russia.

Poland’s parliamentary system actually began at the turn of the 15th century, but a series of defensive wars, internal stresses, outside influences, widespread permissiveness and excessive concern for the rights of dissent brought Poland to the brink of disaster and anarchy in the 18th Century. Urgently needed reforms became imperative.

The May 3rd, 1791 Constitution was the first liberal constitution in Europe and second in the world, after the Constitution of the United States.

Following the American pattern it established three independent branches of government – executive, legislative and judiciary. Throughout the constitution runs philosophy of humanitarianism and tolerance, such as perfect and entire liberty to all people, rule by majority, secret ballot at all elections, religious freedom and liberty.

The constitution curtailed the executive power of the King and State Council. It forbade them to contract public debts, to declare war, to conclude definitely any treaty, or any diplomatic act. It only allowed the Executive Branch to carry on negotiations with foreign courts, always with reference to the Diet (Parliament).

In terms of democratic precepts, the May 3rd Constitution is a landmark event in the history of Central and Eastern Europe.

The Polish Constitution was deemed too dangerous by the tyranny of absolutism still rampant in Europe. Thus Russia, Prussia and Austria decided to wipe out “the Polish cancer of freedom” from the face of the earth. In 1795 partitioned Poland ceased to exist as a state and in terms of national life, she lost the entire 19th Century, being reborn in 1918 at the conclusion of World War I.

You can read more at Wikipedia or the Polish American Cultural Center.

Thank you to all for very a blessed and joyous Easter day. Our church looked beautiful, fragrant with the smell of spring for the celebration of our Lord’s resurrection. Thank you to all that helped to make this day so special and memorable. A special thank you to Father Bilinski and Father Jasiurkowski for celebrating the Solemnity of the Resurrection with us.

Dear parishioners and friends,

Our next Parish Committee meeting will be held in the church hall on Sunday, April 7th. The meeting will start at 9:30 AM. The proposed agenda is below. If someone would like to add items to the agenda please let us know.

Agenda:

1. Chairman calls meeting to order
2. Pastor leads opening prayer
3. Recording Secretary reads minutes
4. Treasure’s financial report
5. Additions to agenda
6. New Business:
1. Steeple – execution on existing contract
2. Schedule of events for 2013
3. Schedule of fundraisers for 2013
4. Advertising and promoting our events
5. Schedule of church upkeep and maintenance
6. Estimate for chimes repair
7. Schedule of church hall upper floor cleanout
8. Schedule of Rectory house upkeep
9. Schedule of cemetery upkeep and improvements
10. Estimate for church window repairs
11. Plant new trees at cemetery
12. Preparation of Pulaski Park for the Bensalem Memorial Day Parade, May 27, 2013
7. Closing Prayer

On Sunday, March 31st, we will celebrate Easter Sunday Holy Mass at 9 AM celebrated by Fr. Andrew Bilinski & Fr. Stanley Jasiurkowski. Please to come with your family and celebrate this holiest of days.

Palm Sunday, March 24th

9 AM – Procession With Palms & Holy Mass

Maundy Thursday, March 28th

3 PM – Holy Mass Of The Lord’s Supper & Transfer Of The Blessed Sacrament

Good Friday, March 29th

7 PM – Liturgy Of The Passion & Death Of Our Lord

Holy Saturday, March 30th

Noon – Holy Saturday Liturgies and Blessing of Easter Food

Easter Sunday, March 31st

9 AM – Resurrection Procession & Holy Mass

Dear Parishioners, Friends of St. Valentine’s Parish,

After consultation with Fr. Mikula and our auditors, our annual Parish Meeting will be held on Sunday, March 3rd following 10:45 AM Holy Mass.

In order to vote, an individual must be at least 18 years old and must be an official member of St. Valentine’s Parish, paid up and current with dues. Each member attending the meeting should check their name off the parish list before entering the hall.

All Parishioners are expected to attend, and friends of the Parish as well as non-members are welcome.

Annual Meeting Schedule

I.) Opening Prayer
II.) Reading of the Minutes from the Last Meeting
III.) Reports
    A.) Pastor’s Report
    B.) Chairman’s Report
    C.) Financial Report
    D.) Auditors Report
IV.) Dismissal of the Current Parish Committee
V.) Nominations of Officers and Election
VI.) Old Business
    A.) Pavilion Progress
VII.) New Business
VIII.) Closing Prayer

Commissioning of the new Parish Committee takes place on a designated Sunday at Holy Mass following acceptance of the Committee by the Bishop.

There will be a Parish Committee Meeting on Sunday, December 9th in Parish Hall at 9:30 AM. Please attend, as there are important issues to be discussed. All are welcome.

The Hurricane Sandy storm and its aftermath has undoubtedly caused flooding and property damage to some in our church community. Should you or anyone you know be in need of assistance in presenting an insurance claim we recommend contacting Daniel Boruta, Licensed Public Adjuster at Alliance Adjustment Group at 267-795-8022/8023. Mr. Boruta serves Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Alliance Adjustment Group assisted our parish with a storm damage claim last year and did a fantastic job. I spoke to Mr. Boruta and he is willing to offer a discount to all our parishioners and their families. Also remember that membership in the Polish National Union – Spójnia is a great way to mutually support each other and assure economic security in times of trouble.

The next Parish Community Meeting will be held on Sunday, November 4th in Church hall from 11.45AM to 1.00 PM. We welcome everyone to attend and participate in the democratic process that exists in our Holy Polish National Catholic Church. The agenda is available here [pdf].

Dear Parishoners and Friends,

May Jesus Christ Be Praised…both now and forever!
Niech będzie pochwalony Jezus Chrystus….na wieki wieków…Amen.

This message comes to you after a very successful Harvest Festival Celebration (Dożynki), which was held Sunday, September 30th at our parish’s Pulaski Park which is found directly adjacent to our parish cemetery grounds. The park and cemetery as well has been brought back into excellent condition thanks to the efforts of the men of the parish. About 65 people attended the event which drew people from as far away as Washington D.C. Holy Mass at the cemetery altar preceded a Polish dinner. A procession with symbolic harvest produce then took place to the picnic area thus officially opening the dinner. A wonderful time was had by all and we look forward to next year’s celebration.

As the days of October pass and the days grow shorter and the colors of autumn take hold, our thoughts turn to the Commemoration of All Souls and to those who have preceded us in holy death. It is these souls whose memory we wish to remember during the month of November according to age old Catholic custom…a custom known as “wypominki.”

If you would like the souls of loved ones to be remembered during the Commemoration of All Souls and for the entire month of November, please send the names of these loved ones along with your offering to the parish. Aside from remembrance at the Holy Masses of November, these special intentions will be remembered at the annual procession and blessing of the cemetery to be held on November 11th at 2 P.M.

Of course the most precious gift to our faith community is you and your attendance at Holy Mass and planned events. But in the event you are unable to attend the Masses and events mentioned above, we ask that you remember the parish in your prayers and also with the financial support in the form of dues and contributions which are so necessary for the maintenance of our parish life.

God’s richest blessings on you all! Bóg zapłać!

Sincerely yours in Chirst,

Fr. Gregory Mikula
Fr. Andrew Bilinski
St. Valentine’s P.N.C.C. Parish Committee