Parafia p.w. Narodzenia Najświętszej Maryi Panny
ST. MARY’S POLISH PARISH
21 Wesley St., Sydney, NS, B1N 2M5
Tel.: (902) 564-4847
www.stmaryspolishparish.ca
Witamy wszystkich! Welcome to all!
We are pleased to share our faith and rich traditions with the whole community.
Established in 1913. Church rebuilt in 2015-2016. Our second century of faith and service

PROBOSZCZ/PASTOR:  Father Rich Philiposki 902-564-4847 or cell 902-577-6331

MSZY/MASSES: Sunday at 10:00 am, 4:00 pm
Weekday Masses: Days & times vary
First Saturday of the month at 8:30 am
Novena to Our Lady of Częstochowa following the Wednesday evening Mass
Chaplet of Divine Mercy following the Friday evening Masss

SPOWIEDŹ:  Godzina do uzgodnienia z księdzem.
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: Anytime upon request to the priest.

SAKRAMENT CHRZTU ŚWIĘTEGO:  Prosimy o kontakt z księdzem conajmniej na 1 miesiąc przed planowaną datę.
SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM: Please contact the priest at least one month in advance.

SAKRAMENT MAŁZEŃSTWA:   Zapowiedzi powinny być ogłoszone conajmniej na 6 miesięcy przed planowaną datę.
SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY: Intentions must be announced at least six months in advance.

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Trzecia Niedziela Adwentu / Third Sunday of Advent

TODAY’S MASS INTENTION (10:00 am Mass) is for Irene Melnick offered by Stephanie Black & family
TODAY’S MASS INTENTION (4:00 pm Mass) is for all parishioners

Eucharistic Minister for today: Janet Hawthorne
Ushers for collection today: Robert Melski Sr., Tony Gniewek

 

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NASTĘPNY TYDZIEŃ / THE WEEK AHEAD

WEEKDAY MASSES:
Monday, December 18, 8:30am The Mass intention will be for the health of Bronisława offered by Janina Mazun
Tuesday, December 19, 6:30pm The Mass intention will be for Anna and Michael Kieć offered by Jean Annette White
Wednesday, December 20, 6:30pm The Mass intention will be for John Sr. & John J. Paruch offered by Anne Redmond followed by Novena to Our Lady of Częstochowa
Thursday, December 21, 6:30pm The Mass intention will be for Adam & deceased of Kolocz family
Friday, December 22, 6:30pm The Mass intention will be for Ted Baker offered by Jean Annette White followed by Chaplet of Divine Mercy

Sunday, December 24, 10:00 am The Mass intention will be for Michael Ardelli offered by Shirley Ardelli & family
Lectors: Anne Marie Campbell, Tanya Chislett                                           
Eucharistic Minister: Sophie O’Toole
Altar Servers: All present
Ushers: Toni LaRusic, Tony Melski
Greeters: Anna Wesolkowska, Marjorie Ardelli
Altar Society designated volunteers for December 24th- January 7th: Ursula Melski, Peggy Ryba, Janet Hawthorne, Evelyn Wojcik
Care Committee: to visit or send a card, please call Catherine Tucker (902-567-0146) or Vicki Aucoin (562-7142)

Sunday, December 24, 4:00 pm: NO MASS

Sunday, December 24, 10:00pm: Pasterka / Shepherd's Mass
Lectors: Krista Ann Starzomski, Janusz Wawrzyszyn
Eucharistic Minister: Roddie O’Toole
Ushers: Bernie LaRusic, Tony Gniewek
Greeters: Marjorie Ardelli, Vicky Aucoin, Carolyn Kiley

Monday, December 25, 10:00am: Christmas Day Mass
Lectors: Anne Marie Campbell, Edyta Baczyk
Eucharistic Minister: Marilyn Gillis
Ushers: Bernie LaRusic, Larry Gniewek
Greeters: Shirley Ardelli, Carolyn Ardelli-Kiley

Tuesday, December 26, 10:00am: Feast of St. Stephen
Lectors: Robert Lewandowski
Eucharistic Minister:
Ushers:
Greeters:

Sunday, December 31, 10:00am: Feast of the Holy Family
Lectors: Tanya Chislett, Noah Starzomski-Wilson
Eucharistic Minister: Janet Hawthorne
Ushers: Robert Melski Sr., Joe Gillis
Greeters: Vicky Aucoin, Stephanie Black

Monday, January 1, 10:00am Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
Lectors: Teresa Fagan, Bernie Paruch
Eucharistic Minister: Sophie O’Toole
Ushers: Tony Gniewek, Robert Melski Jr.
Greeters:

Collection receipts for Sunday, December 10: $1940.95 (broken down as follows: $1270.00 general collection, $110.00 monthly, $35.00 votive candles, $125.95 loose, $450.00 rebuilding fund). Thank you very much for your generous support of St. Mary's Polish Parish. Dziekujemy bardzo.

MASS CARDS / VIGIL INTENTIONS: To reserve Mass Intentions / Vigil Intentions, please call Father Rich (902-564-4847 or cell 902-577-6331) or Carolyn Ardelli-Kiley (902-539-1725).

IN MEMORIAM DONATION: In Memoriam donations will be acknowledged in the bulletin. Building Fund contributions will go toward the new church. To contribute to the Rebuilding Fund, if you do not have an envelope, you can write on your regular envelope or cheque “Designated to the Rebuilding of St. Mary’s Polish Church.”

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OGŁOSZENIA / ANNOUNCEMENTS

FATHER RICH REPORTS:
Niech Bedzie Pochwalony Jezus Chrystus! Praise be Jesus Christ!
Dear Parishioners and Friends:
This Sunday is” Gaudete” Sunday or rejoice as we have passed the half way point of the Advent season in joyful anticipation of the birth of the Saviour. The rose candle is lighted, and lighter colour vestments may be worn to symbolize the joy with the coming of Christ. I hope that many of you may have taken the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Church yesterday. This week I will offer the opportunity for confessions in the special room we have prepared off the left side of the sanctuary after evening Masses. Please note that the 2018 parish envelope boxes have been prepared and are at the back of the church. This Sunday as announced Andrzej Rafalski from Halifax will have kielbasa and other meats for the Christmas holidays on sale in Sala 1050 from 11:00am to about 1:30pm. May all have a blessed week!

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IN MEMORY OF (IMO) CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE REBUILDING FUND:
IMO Father Leo O'Connell from Bernice Ratushny
IMO Lewis Pocius from Jerry Pocius
Int. of Michael Ratushny from Marianne Gillis

POLISH FOOD SALE: Today after the 10:00am Mass, Polish meats & deli items will be for sale in Sala 1050. Mr. Andrzej Rafalskl from Halifax will be here until about 1:30. Everyone is welcome.

THANK YOU to everyone who made last Sunday’s lunch and visit by Święty Mikołaj so special. Thank you for the donations to Loaves and Fishes.

CONGRATULATIONS to our choir for the beautiful performance last Sunday at the “Hanging of the Greens” at United Heritage Church.

"VOTING" FOR OUR PARISH CHRISTMAS TREE: Please check out our tree and others at the Old Sydney Society (former Bank of Montreal building) on Charlotte St. and cast a vote by dropping a loonie. Thanks for the help and lending the ornaments!

2018 ENVELOPES: These are located at the back of the church. If you do not have parish envelopes and would like a box, please speak with Fr. Rich or any member of the Finance Committee. Many thanks for your support!

OPŁATEK: The traditional Polish Christmas wafer is available after Mass in Sala 1050 (on a table at the back of the hall). We also have Polish Christmas cards.

CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE:
Sunday, December 24: Mass at 10:00am for fourth Sunday of Advent (no 4:00pm Mass)
Christmas Eve: Mass at 10:00pm Pasterka (Shepherd's Mass) with Polish carols starting 30 minutes before
Christmas Day: Monday, December 25th Mass at 10:00am preceded by kolędy (no 4:00pm Mass)
Tuesday, December 26th Feast of St. Stephen: Mass at 10:00am
Sunday, December 31st Feast of the Holy Family: Mass at 10:00am and New Year's Eve Mass at 4:00pm
Monday, January 1st Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God: Mass at 10:00am & 4:00pm

SUCCESSFUL GRANT APPLICATION - KITCHEN: We received official word late Friday that a major capital grant application we submitted has been approved ($25,000) toward work on the church’s community kitchen to benefit seniors’ activities, service/outreach to seniors in the community, and inter-generational cultural sharing and knowledge exchange. Some paperwork still to follow, but this will allow us to have the kitchen completely ready, hopefully by the end of the winter. Many, many thanks for your contributions, perseverance and hard work! Just a friendly reminder that we have set a Dec. 31 donation deadline for the forthcoming Rebuilding Donor Recognition Wall. Please share the word and many thanks.

HOMEMADE QUILT: Donated by Patsy Kiley as a fundraiser for the parish. Draw after the 10:00am Mass on December 24th. Tickets are $2 each or three for $5. The quilt and tickets are in Sala 1050. Dziękujemy, Patsy!

SYLWESTRA / NEW YEAR'S EVE: at the Polish Village Hall. $15 per person. DJ. Robin Krszwda. Tickets: 371-5088; nicole_w_baker@hotmail.com

SURPLUS PEWS: (currently in storage) To make some room in storage, the Rada has decided to offer several pews to parishioners for $50 (to rebuilding). Please speak with John Morykot by next Sunday (902-564-9652). Three have been given to the Polish Village, and those in the Sala are remaining.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT: This afternoon at 3:00pm St. Philip's African Orthodox Church. "Jesus is the Reason for the Season". Rev. Mother Phyllis Marsh asked to extend a personal invitation to our parishioners. You are most welcome. It will feature the Inspirational Singers, a dramatic skit, and more. See you there!

ST. NICHOLAS CONCERT: Today at 2:00pm in the Ukrainian Parish Hall. Everyone is welcome.

IN MEMORIAM / BUILDING FUND ENVELOPES / REBUILDING FUND ENVELOPES are at the back of the church. Many thanks for your support.

TO CONTRIBUTE ON-LINE TO OUR REBUILDING, PLEASE GO TO OUR PARISH WEB HOME PAGE (www.stmaryspolishparish.ca) and please click the link to our Canada Helps donation page. It’s a secure system and you’ll receive your charitable tax receipt promptly. Thanks for your support! Please spread the word.

REBUILDING FUND CONTRIBUTIONS: Building Fund contributions will go toward the new church. To contribute to the rebuilding if you do not have an envelope, you can also write on your regular envelope or cheque “Designated to the Rebuilding of St. Mary’s Polish Church.”.Donations can also be made by regular mail: St. Mary's Polish Parish 21 Wesley St. , Sydney, N.S. B1N 2M5. Thank you so much for your support.

THE RENOVATED AND REFURBISHED POLISH VILLAGE HALL is a comfortable, well appointed, modernized venue for events large and small. Please consider renting the hall for your events.The beautifully renovated downstairs is now available again for rentals for holiday parties or other occasions Please call 564-8494; bernielarusic_392@hotmail.com

PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR ON-LINE “VIRTUAL TOUR” AND AN 8.5 MINUTE PARISH WELCOME VIDEO ON OUR WEBSITE:  www.stmaryspolishparish.ca

Życzenia na miłego nowego tygodnia / Wishing you a blessed week! Bóg zapłać!

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TODAY’S HYMNS: 10:00 am Mass
Entrance: Spuśćcie Nam na Ziemskie Niwy (Bless O Lord)                   
Psalm:
Offertory: Głos wdzięczny (From Heaven a Voice)
Communion: O Niewysłowione Szczęście (Great Happiness)
Post-Communion: Kochajmy Pana (Love the Lord)
Recessional: Oto Pan Bóg przyjdzie (Thus the Lord Will Come)

TODAY’S HYMNS: 4:00 pm Mass (See Pages in St. Joseph Sunday Missal)
Entrance: O Come, Divine Messiah (#4 p609)
Recessional: O Come, Emmanuel (#1 p608)

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A BRIEF LOOK AT SOME POLISH WIGILIA (CHRISTMAS EVE) TRADITIONS: Many families of St. Mary’s Polish Parish follow Wigilia traditions, which are rich with symbolism. The following is a brief overview. More on our customs for the Christmas season and other times of year can be found in our parish’s 2013 book, Przez Pokolenia: Prayers and Customs of St. Mary’s Polish Church and in the St. Mary’s Polish Parish Centenary Cookbook. 
PIERWSZA GWIAZDKA – THE FIRST STAR: Families wait for the first star before commencing their meal. It symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem. The Christmas tree lights should only be turned on at this time.
OPŁATEK:  Before the meal begins and after the prayer, everyone takes a piece of Opłatek and goes around the table sharing it with the others who are present and exchanging blessings and best wishes. 
SIANKO – CHRISTMAS HAY: A piece of hay is placed under the white tablecloth or sometimes in a glass bowl at the centre of the table. Sianko represents the crib where Jesus was born.
THE MEATLESS SUPPER: Wigilia marks the end of Advent and so, except for fish (especially carp or herring), there is no meat at this candle-lit meal. Typical dishes (it is common to have 12 or 13 dishes) include soups (often red beet with uszka, fermented rye, fish, dried mushrooms), sauerkraut with beans, pierogi, sometimes noodles with poppy seeds and honey, sweet strudel, and a compote made with dried fruit. 
THE EXTRA PLATE: It is the custom to set an extra plate at the table. The place is symbolically for Jesus but also for a stranger who may be in need of a meal or assistance. There is a Polish saying that “When a guest is at the house, God is at the house.”
KOLĘDY: After dinner, it is customary for the family and guests to gather to sing Christmas carols. In some homes, St. Nicholas visits in person at this time.
PASTERKA (MIDNIGHT MASS): The whole family attends the Midnight Mass (which we will hold at 10:00pm this year).